www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 11 February 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8164 17 Jumada II - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 12

Qatar to lead AFC Champions growth in global League: Al Duhail, gas export Al Sadd eye capacity winning starts

Hundreds of exciting sporting activities lined up across the country THE PENINSULA/QNA – DOHA exercise, which reflects both the forward-thinking leadership of Qatar will celebrate the National Qatar’s sports leaders, and the Sport Day (NSD) with hundreds fact that sport is an important of exciting activities being pillar of the Qatar National Vision organised across the country for 2030.” He added. the ninth year in a row today. The event will feature a diverse Qatar, the first country in the range of sports catering to all ages, world to have allocated a dedi- including athletics, basketball, vol- cated day to keep its citizens leyball, gymnastics, table tennis, occupied in sport and physical The National Sport Day boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, activities, will today see thou- karate and judo. Throughout the will feature a diverse Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President & CEO of Qatar Petroleum, H E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi sands of people taking part in day there will also be live sports (centre), with the Secretary-General of the GECF, Yury Sentyurin (left), and other officials during the various events. range of sports catering workshops featuring gymnastics launch of the GECF’s Global Gas Outlook 2050 at Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel yesterday. The celebration of the coun- to all ages, including and martial arts, as well as on-stage PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA try’s sports day comes in imple- entertainment from football free- mentation of Amiri Resolution athletics, basketball, stylers and sport jugglers. No. 80 of 2011, which stipulates volleyball, gymnastics, Meanwhile, Aspire Zone that on Tuesday of the second table tennis, boxing, Foundation (AZF) and its Qatar going ahead with implementation week of February of each year member organisations, Aspire will be the NSD, in which all res- wrestling, taekwondo, Academy, Aspetar, and Aspire of mega LNG projects: Minister Al Kaabi idents are encouraged to partic- karate and judo. Logistics will also host NSD activ- ipate in sporting activities and ities which will include more MOHAMMAD SHOEB available industry technologies is being launched today.” enjoy sport in all its forms. than 20 unique events for all THE PENINSULA and CO2 sequestration.” His Excellency praised the All public and private organ- activities we have planned with members of the community to This came as H E Al Kaabi launch of the Global Gas isations in the country are all set the valuable help of national sport enjoy. Moreover, AZF will host H E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, was addressing an event held Outlook 2050, which sheds to celebrate this unique initiative federations and stakeholders, will more than 18 entities partici- Minister of State for Energy by the Doha-based Gas light on the expected road with a rich lineup of events and give our community the oppor- pating in NSD celebrations. As Affairs and President and CEO Exporting Countries Forum ahead during the next three activities aimed at promoting tunity to try new sports and enjoy with previous years, 2020’s plans of Qatar Petroleum, said (GECF) on the occasion of decades and offers an health and fitness through sport. engaging workshops. prove that Aspire Zone Foun- yesterday that the State of Qatar unveiling the GECF’s ‘Global important view of the chal- The Qatar Olympic Com- "There will be an opportunity dation does offer something for is moving forward with imple- Gas Outlook 2050’. lenges and opportunities we mittee (QOC) will celebrate this to meet with some of Team everyone, no matter their age or menting its mega projects that H E Al Kaabi also said that can expect along the way. year’s NSD in cooperation with Qatar’s star athletes. It is our level of fitness. will see its LNG production rise Qatar was looking forward to “There is no doubt that living Msheireb Properties. hope that these world-class ath- AZF’s three-member organ- from 77 to 126 million tonnes host the 6th GECF summit of in today’s world, one can easily The QOC, along with various letes will encourage young izations join forces to provide per annum (mtpa) by 2027. heads of states in Doha in 2021. feel the economic and geopo- national sports federations will people to be physically active, a sporty day full of innovative “This will not just enhance The Minister of State for litical pressures that are mark the day by offering and perhaps even inspire the activities such as foot-vol- our ability and flexibility to Energy Affairs said: “While impacting free trade, economic members of the local community future generation of Qatari leyball, ‘Run&Bike’ and meet additional global demand, fossil fuels will continue to competitiveness, industrial a wide-ranging programme of athletes,” obstacle-course race. but will also help the shift to less dominate the global energy activity, energy demand and sports activities and demonstra- “Qatar recognises the impor- Katara Cultural Village is also carbon intensive energy in mix, natural gas will be the only price levels affecting most, if not tions at Team Qatar Sports tance of sports, and it is a key set to host thousands of visitors many parts of the world,” H E form of hydrocarbons to all nations around the world.” Village in Barahat Msheireb. goal of ours to encourage people today with 54 public and private Al Kaabi said. increase its share during the Concerns over a slowdown Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, to stay fit and active, not only on entities, including 17 sports fed- He added: “In parallel, the next 30 years. Today, the share in world economic growth and Secretary-General of the QOC, National Sports Day, but all year erations, 15 ministries and gov- State of Qatar remains focused of natural gas in the global a looming global recession are said: “This year is an Olympic long. Qatar is one of the first ernment departments, 15 health on achieving the highest envi- energy mix stands at about 22 also challenges that have a sig- year, which makes National Sport countries in the world to have a institutions, and food companies, ronmental standards in its LNG percent. By 2050, this is nificant impact on the prospects Day 2020 an even more signif- paid national holiday which is partnering together to celebrate industry to significantly reduce expected to rise to 27 percent, of energy demand and con- icant day! The events and dedicated solely to sports and the NSD. `P2 emissions by applying the best according to the outlook, which sumption, he added. `P2 Al Thawadi highlights Qatar’s Shura Council worker welfare reforms approves draft law on medical SIDI MOHAMED for specific nationalities.” THE PENINSULA Al Thawadi further said: “We treatment abroad also need to identify the mis- Secretary-General of the takes we have made in the past QNA — DOHA Supreme Committee for and look at how we avoid them Delivery & Legacy (SC) Hassan in the future. At the SC, we look The Shura Council held Al Thawadi has said that the crit- at ourselves as an experiment to yesterday its regular weekly icism on worker welfare in see what works and then extend meeting under the chair- Qatar has died down. it nationwide. If you implement manship of the Speaker of the Speaking at a session under something without first testing Council, H E Ahmed bin Education City Speakers Series it, the consequences can be sig- Abdullah bin Zaid Al held at Qatar National Library yes- nificant and can even harm Mahmoud. terday, he said that many reforms those it is supposed to benefit.” The Council discussed the had been undertaken as a moral Regarding misconceptions of Services and Public Utilities obligation of Qatar, as workers some people against Qatar, he said Committee’s report on a draft conditions have been improved that everyone who visited Qatar law organising medical and the sponsorship system has from athletes, sports teams and treatment abroad, which aims been completely abolished, and visitors goes with a good to facilitate procedures for these reforms will continue. impression about Qatar, and they treating Qatari patients abroad “Qatar was the first country also admired the Qatari culture, so and providing them with the to set a minimum wage for we see them taking memorial best services. The Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi (right), workers in the region, while many photos in Souq Waqif and many Under the law's provisions, during the Education City Speaker Series held at Qatar National Library yesterday. countries set a minimum wage others places, and their impression the state will treat citizens abroad PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA according to special agreements in general is a good. `P3 and bear treatment and other costs. The Council approved the draft law and decided to refer its recommendations thereon to the Importance of balancing development and environment stressed government. At the end of the session, QNA — DOHA first environmental forum held various environmental issues, and society who are specialised in the other authorities concerned. H E the Speaker briefed the by the Ministry yesterday H E the that a number of other authorities field of the environment. In the wild environment and Council on His Excellency's Minister of Municipality and Minister said that preserving the have competencies and tasks Responding to questions by support for livestock field, the participation in the 30th Environment, H E Eng Abdullah environment is through enacting related to preserving the envi- the participants, His Excellency Ministry officials affirmed that Extraordinary Conference of bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al legislations, laws, initiatives, and ronment, stressing the importance affirmed that the Ministry is mobile veterinary clinics and Arab Inter-Parliamentary Subaie said that the environment community projects, and of achieving a balance between currently examining the proce- private markets for farms are Union (IPU) on Saturday, held is a priority to which Qatar and ensuring cooperation of com- the requirements of the devel- dures that guarantee the pro- made available in cooperation under the slogan “Supporting the Ministry attach great impor- munity members, especially that opment process in the State and vision of various types of with Qatar Development Bank, the Palestinian Brothers in tance in the field of land and protecting and preserving the addressing environmental chal- support to the fishermen, pointing out that there is a com- Their Just Cause (the Issue of marine environment, adding environment is a shared respon- lenges and finding radical solu- adding that the Ministry has mittee formed in the Ministry to Arabs and Muslims)”. that this importance emanates sibility of all individuals and tions to them. recently developed a mech- evaluate the process of preventing H E also briefed the from Qatar National Vision institutions. He said that one of the goals of anism for monitoring the grazing and its implications, and Council on his meetings with 2030, which made the envi- He pointed out that the Min- holding this forum was to act as a marine environment by ships to study the period for grazing and a number of heads of Arab ronment one of its key pillars. istry has an organisational, super- link with the concerned author- to detect fishing violations and the possibility of allocating certain parliaments on the sidelines In his opening remarks at the visory and executive role in ities and the various members of others, in coordination with places for that. `P3 of the conference. 02 HOME TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020

Qatar going ahead with Shura Council Speaker meets Azerbaijan official OFFICIAL NEWS implementation of mega Amir sends condolences to LNG projects: Al Kaabi King of Thailand FROM PAGE 1 growth rate) over the period. DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin “And of course, addressing And the gas production in GECF Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H environmental concerns countries, including Qatar, will Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani remains a key focus area for the grow by almost 50 percent by sent yesterday cables of condolences energy industry, as global 2050 to over 2.5 trillion cubic to H M King Maha Vajiralongkorn of efforts continue to combat metres (tcm), underlining the the Kingdom of Thailand on the vic- climate change and to reduce continued importance of the tims of the attack in a shopping centre CO2 and other emissions.” group. in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima in In this context, he said, H E Minister Al Kaabi, and Eastern Thailand, wishing the injured many countries around the H E Dr Yury Sentyurin, Sec- a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister world have set environmental retary-General of the GECF and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Kha- objectives that would help highlighted important findings lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, reduce emissions, and limit the of the report in their respective also sent a cable of condolences to The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, with the increase of global temperatures speeches. Later, they also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to below 2 Degrees Celsius. unveiled the hard copy of the Thailand, H E Prayut Chan-o-cha, on H E Fuad Muradov, and the accompanying delegation in Doha, yesterday. “At the same time, these ‘Global Gas Outlook 2050’ the victims of the attack in a shopping countries are also working very report during the event which centre in the city of Nakhon Ratch- hard to enhance their compet- was attended by dignitaries and QNA — DOHA Azerbaijan, H E Fuad Muradov, interest were also reviewed. asima in Eastern Thailand, wishing itiveness by transitioning into industry experts and represent- and the accompanying dele- The meeting was attended the injured a speedy recovery. QNA various sources of energy that atives from GECF member The Speaker of the Shura gation. by H E the Chairman of the would help achieve such envi- countries. Council, H E Ahmed bin They reviewed parlia- Qatar-Asian Friendship Group, ronmental objectives without Dr Yury Sentyurin, Sec- Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, mentary relations between the Rashid bin Hamad Al Maadadi, Labour Minister hindering their economic retary-General of the GECF, met yesterday with the State of Qatar and the Republic and H E the Ambassador of the growth. highlighted the importance of Chairman of the State of Azerbaijan and ways of sup- Republic of Azerbaijan to the meets official “This transition is fueled by natural gas and its great Committee on Affairs with porting and developing them. State of Qatar, Rashad the need to drive greater socio- potential as energy source for Diaspora of the Republic of A number of topics of common Ismayilov. from Azerbaijan economic development, help sustainable development due QNA — DOHA The Minister of Administrative MoPH implements strategic initiatives Development, Labour and Social Affairs, H E Yousef bin Mohammed Al Othman to promote community health Fakhro, met yesterday with the Chairman of the State THE PENINSULA — DOHA program for health-promoting charge, along contributing to Committee on Work with schools. prepare the Qatar 2021 report Diaspora of Azerbaijan, H E The Ministry of Public Health The plan also contributed on the physical activity of Fuad Muradov, who is (MoPH) implemented many to the imposition of a selective children and young adults. currently visiting the country, important strategic initiatives tax on soft drinks and energy The Ministry of Public in the presence of Ambassador with many of its partners to drinks, training and strength- Health and its partners are of the Republic of Azerbaijan contribute to promoting the ening the capabilities of health working to implement the to the State of Qatar Rashad health of the Qatari community, care providers on the nutrition National Health Strategy 2018- Ismayilov. supporting the population’s guidelines for the State of Qatar 2022, which set several goals The meeting discussed healthy lifestyles, and encour- to standardize nutritional mes- to be reached by 2022, in the aspects of mutual cooperation, aging them to do regular sages for all members of the framework of promoting especially issues related to the The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, and President & CEO of physical exercise, according to Qatari community, and con- physical activity and healthy Azerbaijani community, and Qatar Petroleum, H E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, during the launch the levels recommended by the tinuing to implement the school lifestyles. means of promoting and of GECF's Global Gas Outlook 2050 at Sheraton Grand Doha hotel, World Health Organization. canteen guide to ensure the The goals of the National developing them. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA yesterday. Qatar National Nutrition availability of healthy food and Health Strategy include and Physical Activity Action drinks for school students. increasing years of life by one Culture Minister people improve their incomes, to the efficiency, availability, Plan comes among the most The implementation of the year for the population aged 65 and support the performance and eco-friendly nature of the prominent initiatives imple- guidelines for foods and bev- years and over, in addition to visits Sports of business and industries. And resource. mented by the Ministry of erages in health facilities and reducing the tobacco con- while seeking cleaner and more The GECF Global Gas Health in this regard, as the workplaces is also being fol- sumption rate by 5%, and Clubs' players economic and sustainable Outlook is a unique worldwide plan achieved several successes lowed up to ensure the availa- achieving 100% of health pro- alternatives, it is obvious that energy outlook focusing solely during the year 2019 through bility of healthy options, and the motion and disease prevention exhibition natural gas has a key role to on natural gas, which aims to the implementation of its goals implementation of the World initiatives included in the play. It is versatile, flexible, be a global reference for and recommendations, among Health Program on new growth National Development Plan of QNA — DOHA economic and clean.” insights into gas markets. The the most notable are the ‘Fat, plans for schoolchildren from Implementation For the health “More and more countries publication represents an Sugar and Salt reduction Initi- 5 to 19 years old to monitor care sector, and 55% of gov- The Minister of Culture and are moving away from burning impartial view on gas market ative in Qatar” to cut such obesity rates, overweight and ernment and semi-government Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem coal, and are building infra- evolution by highlighting the content in food and beverages underweight. organizations benefit from Al Ali, visited yesterday the structure for cleaner alterna- most likely developments in the by engaging the public and Within the framework of occupational health and second day of Qatar Sports tives including natural gas,” he medium- and long-term. private sectors and preparing the recommendations and wellness programs. Club’s veteran players exhi- said. In order to have a broader a road map for the next three projects of the National Plan for The State of Qatar, through bition, organised by the “I am often asked about mapping of the uncertainties years, continuing the imple- Nutrition and Physical Activity adopting a ‘health in all policies’ Veteran Players Committee in renewables and whether we shaping the development of gas mentation of the Health in the in 2020 a healthy cookbook approach, will be able to adopt Katara Cultural Village. see them as a threat to gas. The markets multiple scenarios are Workplace program and containing more than 70 at least one community as a H E the Minister toured the answer is no. We believe that needed. To this end, the Forum involving new entities in the recipes for popular and other health city by the World Health exhibition and the pavilions natural gas and renewable are addresses future uncertainties program, and continuing to foods on the healthy way will Organization. dedicated to highlight the complementary. As the cleanest and their possible impact with implement the national be prepared and printed free of achievements of Qatar Sports of fossil fuels, Natural gas alternative scenarios through Club over 60 years. The comes handy when the sun is its annual publication of the organising committee also not shining or the wind is not Global Gas Outlook. Exciting sporting Message to UN official dedicated pavilions for the blowing. Energy from natural In addition to these envi- most distinguished players of gas can be dispatched quickly ronmentally sound features of activities lined up Qatar Sports Club to highlight in a cost-effective manner. I natural gas industry ecosystem, their accomplishments. FROM PAGE 1 firmly believe that the combi- Dr Yury informed that the The exhibition also nation of natural gas and Forum strives to prove itself as Qatar Shell and Qatar includes murals representing renewables offers a reliable, an environmental learning and Football Association (QFA) are the history of the club, and flexible and cost-effective knowledge sharing hub, in par- also teaming up to organise a display screens featuring pathway to a lower-emissions ticular by implementing the number of family-oriented meetings, memories and energy system.” state-of-art practices. For activities at Katara Cultural achievements. H E the Minister According to the key instance, it comes as a positive Village as part of the award- of Culture and Sports praised findings of the 4th edition of the development, that the current winning Koora Time pro- the exhibition, stressing its outlook report, the global edition of the organization’s gramme. Events will run from importance in reviving such a natural gas demand is expected landmark forecast was pro- 7 am to 5 pm today, offering cultural and sports heritage. to increase by about 52 percent duced at the highest environ- families the opportunity to The Qatar Club exhibition from 3,924 billion cubic metres mental standards – using participate in a variety of sees remarkable turnout (bcm) in 2018 to 5,966 bcm by recycled paper and vegetable football and fitness activities throughout the day, including 2050, with 1.3 percent CAAGR inks – for the first time in the in a fun and non-competitive distinguished presence of stars (compounded average annual GECF history. environment. of the clubs, officials and dig- nitaries, who are keen on learning about the club’s Palestinian PM achievements and veteran players. meets Qatari QRCS signs envoy to Ethiopia The Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Austria, H E Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri, with the Director-General of the United agreement on sidelines of Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, H E Ghada Wali, in Vienna. with QSC

African Summit QNA — VIENNA attaches to the United Nations QNA — DOHA QNA — ADDIS ABABA Office on Crime and Drugs due Qatar Red Crescent Society The Deputy Prime Minister and to its distinguished role in com- (QRCS) and Qatar Scientific Club The Palestinian Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E bating crime and drugs, and the (QSC) signed yesterday a coop- H E Mohammad Shtayyeh, met Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- State of Qatar’s keenness to eration agreement to implement with the State of Qatar’s Ambas- rahman Al Thani, sent a written provide all forms of support Imdad programme sponsored sador to Ethiopia, H E Hamad bin message to the Director- necessary for the new Director- by the Sports and Social Activ- Mohammed Al Dosari, on the General of the United Nations General to help her in carrying ities Support Fund of Qatar sidelines of the 33rd Ordinary Office on Drugs and Crime out her duties. Central Bank. The agreement African Union Summit in Addis (UNODC) in Vienna, H E Ghada The Director-General of the was signed by the Secretary- Ababa. Wali. United Nations Office in Vienna General of QRCS, Ali bin Hassan The meeting reviewed the The message was delivered commended the cooperation Al Hammadi, and the Executive bilateral cooperation and issues by the Ambassador of the State between the State of Qatar and Director of QSC, Hareb of mutual concern. of Qatar to Austria and its Per- the United Nations, especially Mohammed Al Jabri. Al The Summit kicked off on manent Representative to the the continuous support from Hammadi welcomed the Sunday at the AU headquarters, United Nations and interna- the State of Qatar for the pro- agreement and considered under the theme "Silencing the tional organisations in Vienna, grammes and projects of the Imdad programme as one of the Guns: Creating Conducive Con- H E Sultan bin Salmeen Al Man- United Nations Office in the most important social ditions for Africa's Devel- souri, during his meeting with field of crime prevention and programmes of QRCS, as it aims opment". During the summit, the Director-General in Vienna. criminal justice, and its support to train and empower young South Africa will assume the The Permanent Represent- for the goals and principles people, one of the most chairmanship of the African ative of Qatar emphasised the upon which the United Nations important segments of the Union from Egypt for one year. importance that the State was founded. Qatari society. TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 03 Al Thawadi highlights Qatar’s worker welfare reforms FROM PAGE 1 you have in place fit with the and ethos within our commu- For the importance of nation’s overall development nities and within ourselves - using technology in the World plans. That’s what we did. Qataris, expats, visitors, Cup projects, he said: “Data From day one, we recognized everyone.” protection is vital for us. As we we were lucky to have a “The idea is to demon- engage with technology com- 12-year gap from when we strate civic engagement and panies, we are also working won right to host the World enable people to contribute to with experts to look at how we Cup.” their communities through can ensure we safeguard the “That allowed us to plan, volunteering. It instils a sense privacy of individuals and but also to sit down and of camaraderie and responsi- ensure we don’t just step into develop our legacy plans. The bility and community. A the world of technology to legacy started from day one. national volunteer strategy create a successful model for Many nations only start aims to bring together different the World Cup, and then find looking at legacy after the stakeholders to develop an ini- The Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, at the it has serious repercussions tournament, but we planned tiative that will be one of the first Environmental Forum held by the Ministry, yesterday. beyond.” for it. We worked hard to com- legacies that lasts beyond the Al Thawadi further said municate and engage with World Cup,” he added. that organising the World Cup stakeholders from beginning Earlier, commenting on the in Middle East is important to understand what our session, Khalifa Essa Al Importance of balancing development stating, “Unfortunately, our nation’s goals and vision were, Kubaisi, Media Relations and region suffers from over- and what was required, and Press Office Manager, Qatar expenditure in the sporting how we could fit into that,” he Foundation, said: “Our Edu- and environment stressed sphere. All countries within the added. cation City Speaker Series FROM PAGE 1 region, even those with limited Every tournament has to hosts experts and thought- forum, which dealt with ways marine and land domains, resources, pay unbelievable have a unique element to bring leaders from Qatar and beyond He said that the Ministry to preserve the environment fishing laws and legislations, amounts of money into sport, it close to people’s hearts. In to give their insights and share provides support to animal and ensure its sustainability, protection of rare wild animals whether it’s infrastructure, on our case, innovation as at the their experiences on a wide farms, with a view to using included notes, proposals and and natural wildlife from over- players, on hosting teams. But core of what we do. We want spectrum of topics.” them properly in the animal discussions by the participants grazing, as well as addressing the payback from the sporting to provide the most advanced, “It provides the community production in cooperation with on the most important environ- inspection and environmental industry into the economy, for engaging experience for all of Qatar with an opportunity the relevant authorities. The mental challenges, including violations in various forms. job creation or contributing to fans who visit Qatar, and to both hear from, and engage GDP, is minimal.” research and development is with, these speakers in the “At this World Cup, we’re essential to this. spirit of open dialogue and the Qatar, Azerbaijan discuss boosting ties trying to create opportunities On the topic of sustaina- exchange of perspectives. In for the people of the region bility, he stated: We have com- this way, the Education City and elevate the recognition of mitted to this being the first Speaker Series reflects how QF the sporting industry and how carbon-neutral tournament. is committed to providing plat- it can contribute to industry That’s a huge commitment we forms for discourse, inter- creation, job creation, and have taken on our shoulders action, and the sharing of innovation,” he added. and we’re looking at it across knowledge, and we are Speaking about importance the whole Qatari ecosystem. delighted to have today wel- of hosting the World Cup, Al “Many projects have taken comed His Excellency Hassan Thawadi said: “Football is a into account the issue of sus- Al Thawadi as our latest lighthouse and a beacon. tainability such as the metro speaker.” People can gravitate towards and its importance in people’s For his part, Eng. Meshal Al it, and it can impact people’s health, and special materials Shamari, Director of Qatar lives. This is a once-in-a- were used in building some Green Building Council: said lifetime opportunity, not just roads and the amount of water “With less than three years till a football tournament for 28 and energy used was reduced,” kick-off of the carbon-neutral teams. It’s a chance for the he said. FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar’s world to come and see who we About the volunteering sustainability journey feels are and build bridges between strategy, Al Thawadi said: “In faster, more challenging, and nations and people, and to 2-3 months, a national volun- more exhilarating constantly. break down stereotypes.” teering strategy will be But our decisions for sustain- He also said that major launched that addresses the ability today must be made The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, met yesterday with the sporting events place a lot of issue of developing volun- with the intention that they Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H E Fuad requirements on a host nation. teering capacity for the World will carry us not just to 2022, Muradov, who is currently visiting the country. The bilateral relations of cooperation between the “And from our experience, it’s Cup. But it’s also about or even 2030, but to genera- two countries were reviewed, as well as topics of common interest. very important that the plans instilling the volunteer essence tions ahead.” QBRI encourages residents to stay active to improve health THE PENINSULA — DOHA Neurological Disorders taking on a new exercise routine Dr. Yongsoo Park, a scientist Research Center - and all three to plan how to best manage at the Neurological Disorders National Sport Day was first encourage staying active and their blood glucose and insulin Research Center, said: “Neuro- held in Qatar in 2012 and it eating well to reduce the risk of injections accordingly.” logical disorders result from provides an excellent oppor- disease. “For Type 2 diabetes, which problems of the central and tunity to unite the country’s The Cancer Research Center is often associated with being peripheral nervous system but residents to take part in fun focuses on understanding the overweight and obese, exercise physical exercises and activities sporting activities. cellular and molecular basis of is a good way to control and can make our nervous system But there is another cancer initiation and pro- improve body weight, the active and healthy, and essential aspect to National gression with a focus on breast body’s responsiveness to insulin therefore reduce the risk of Sport Day. It is the timely cancer, which is the most and blood glucose control. Par- neurological disorders.” chance to promote healthy common type of the disease ticularly, in recently-diagnosed “Physical exercise leads to living and raise awareness of among females globally. Type 2 diabetes, exercise may and increases neurogenesis why an active and sensible life- Dr. Eyad Elkord, a Principal help along with a decreased (creating new neurons), neuro- style is important in keeping Investigator at the Cancer calorie intake to reverse the plasticity (improving neural diseases at bay. Research Center, said: “Main- development of diabetes.” networks) and synaptic trans- Qatar Biomedical Research taining a healthy lifestyle lowers “In overweight and obese mission (enhancing neurotrans- Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad the risk of cancer onset and dif- people, doing more exercise and mitter release and improving Bin Khalifa University, was ferent studies showed that sig- eating in moderation to lose brain function) so the neuro- Dr. Eyad Elkord, Dr. Paul Thornalley and Dr. Yongsoo Park launched in the same year as nificant numbers of cancer weight will help prevent devel- logical benefits of exercise is the first National Sport Day. The deaths are due to lifestyle- oping Type 2 diabetes. It is rec- significant. For elderly people, similarity does not end there as related risk factors. Exercise a balanced and nutrient-rich social, molecular and genetic ommended to do about two- yoga, walking, running and QBRI also actively encourages controls tumor growth by mobi- diet, are highly recommended causes of the disease. and-a-half hours’ exercise per swimming are highly recom- a healthy lifestyle. It does so to lising immune cells within the for healthy individuals as well Dr. Paul Thornalley, week,” said Dr. Thornalley. mended, but a healthy diet, improve and transform body and releasing some factors as cancer patients undergoing Director of the Diabetes The Neurological Disorders good sleep and staying socially healthcare through innovation from muscles with anti-tumor treatment.” Research Center, said: “Exercise Research Center focuses on engaged with friends and family in prevention, diagnosis and properties.” The Diabetes Research is good for the health of dia- investigating neural conditions is also beneficial.” treatment of diseases affecting “Moreover, regular exercise Center serves as a catalyst to betics, whether they have Type of increasing prevalence in “We should be doing every- the Qatari population and the and healthy eating habits promote innovative research on 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It helps to Qatar and the region. These ail- thing we can to lead a healthy region. maintain stability within the both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes improve your health and also ments are wide-ranging and lifestyle. That means eating QBRI has three centers of body, known as hemostasis, and and related metabolic disorders. decrease the risk of complica- include autism spectrum dis- well, exercising, avoiding excellence - the Cancer could help to prevent cancer Its primary goal is to gain fun- tions of diabetes. Patients with order, intellectual disability, harmful things, getting enough Research Center, Diabetes initiation. Aerobic and cardio- damental knowledge and Type 1 diabetes should check epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease sleep and avoiding stress,” said Research Center and vascular exercises, coupled with enhance the understanding of with their physician before and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Park. Katara opens doors to enthusiasts for National Sport Day celebrations

THE PENINSULA — DOHA sporting activities, whether the morning and evening, and they are common visitors, ath- activities for persons with The Cultural Village Foun- letes, children, women or special needs provided by the dation (Katara) is ready to persons with special needs. Qatar Down Syndrome Asso- receive thousands of visitors Hosting the event is Katara’s ciation, along with marine today to take part in the diverse contribution to spread sports shows and competitions held line-up of activities in cele- awareness and promote on Katara Beach, and dragon bration of the ninth edition of healthy lifestyles. shows with the participation of the National Sport Day. Thousands of citizens and Chinese team. The event will see the par- residents are expected to par- Many governmental entities ticipation of 54 public and ticipate in the important annual will take part in today’s event private entities including 17 event to enjoy different types by presenting different sport sports federations, 15 ministries of physical activities in a activities for the public, such and government departments, healthy and entertaining as the Ministry of Economy and 15 health institutions and food atmosphere. Commerce, the Ministry of companies, according to the This edition of the Sports Municipality and Environment, organisers. Day is also distinguished by the Ministry of Transport and A file picture of the boxing match during the previous edition of Katara’s National Sport Day celebrations. This year’s celebration many new activities organised Communications, Qatar focuses more on community for the first time, such as the General Electricity and Water Corporation. In addition 15 services including health con- participation of restaurants and participation to allow people air show presented by the Corporation (Kahramaa), and health centres are taking part sultations and medical exam- coffee shops which will provide of all age groups to take part in Qatar Air Sports Committee in the Hamad Medical in the event providing free inations. The event will also see healthy food and drinks. 04 HOME TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 Ministry of Education trains graduates in teaching skills

Tamheen is an initiative by enhance and develop an effective the Ministry of Education workforce with a high level of qualifi- cation and training in the educating and Higher Education to field. train Qatar University She believed that the trainees will carry out a leading role at schools, graduates and attract them urging them to be armed with scien- to teaching profession. tific expertise which will enable them to succeed in the second phase of field training. QNA — DOHA Meanwhile, CEO of Mada Center Maha Al Mansouri reviewed the objec- The Ministry of Education and Higher tives of Tamheen program which aims Education celebrated yesterday the to spread awareness of the importance conclusion of the first phase of of education and digital knowledge, as Tamheen programme, which aims at well as keeping pace with the indus- qualifying non-pedagogical Qatari trial revolution’s requirements which graduates to work in the teaching includes each of the student and the profession. A total of 23 female trainees teacher, in addition to the educational attended the training. environment, and the strategies and Undersecretary of the Ministry of methods of teaching. Education and Higher Education, H E She stressed the importance of Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, con- focusing on the student as the primary gratulated all those responsible for the focus for the educational process, and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, interacts with program on the achievement they developing the student’s skills to keep trainee graduates at the conclusion ceremony of the first phase of the 'Tamheen' programme. have made in attracting the first group up with the technological qualifications of female trainees, and their success and skills that the students of the 21st in the first phase of the programme (TEDC), is working hard to provide and Educational Development Center, Teach for Qatar organization — in century are distinguished with. to move afterwards to the field support for the trainees through pro- Hessa Al Ali, praised the accomplish- addition to those responsible for the Tamheen is a pioneering initiative training. viding the suitable competencies to ments achieved in the first phase of programme’s planning and quality launched by the Ministry of Education Dr. Al Nuaimi underlined that the give them the theoretical and prac- the programme, and the Ministry’s assurance, training, and and Higher Education, aiming at qual- Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- tical training, as well as practicing the support in this regard, as well as the supervising. ifying Qatar University graduates and cation, represented by the Training educational process at schools. cooperation of the partners — Mada She added that the Ministry of Edu- attracting them to the teaching and Educational Development Center For her side, Director of Training Assistive Technology Center and the cation and Higher Education aims to profession. Doha Institute AMAN launches video contest for children holds Sport QNA — DOHA Participants will be largest number of videos informed if their video was expressing the topic and pro- Day activities The Protection and Social approved or rejected by March viding the opportunity for the Rehabilitation Center (AMAN), 20. The winners will be largest possible number of THE PENINSULA — DOHA part of Qatar Social Work Foun- announced in the second week participants. dation, launched a video of April. Director of Awareness Man- The Doha Institute for Graduate competition entitled 'My Day The awards adminis- agement at AMAN, Abdul Aziz Studies hosted an exciting cele- Without Video Games', in tration has allocated valuable Al Ishaq, and a specialised com- bration of National Sport Day conjunction with the cele- prizes to the winners, where mittee will judge the enteries on Sunday, featuring a variety bration of the Gulf Children’s the winners from first to tenth according to an evaluation form of athletic and dynamic activ- Day and in cooperation with the place will receive a certificate and specific criteria developed ities. Doha Film Institute; the of appreciation and QR5,000, by the AMAN, in agreement The activities emphasised Shafallah Center for Persons while eleventh to twentieth with the awards the importance of sport and a with Disability; and the Media places will receive a certif- administration. Cyclists take part in a race organised by the Doha Institute. healthy lifestyle. Center for Youth at the Ministry icate of appreciation and Head of Technical Pro- The event featured different of Culture and Sports. QR3,000; twenty-first to duction Department at AMAN, fun-filled activities, including energetic sports activities. said, “The National Sport Day AMAN has started receiving thirty will receive a certificate Maha Al Mannai, explained that the annual Doha Institute mar- The celebration witnessed is an event in which we high- entries for the competition and of appreciation and QR2,000; a safe childhood is a major goal athon, tug of war, cycling, the participation of a large light many sports and health will continue receiving them while thirty-first to forty will that AMAN is keen to adopt, squash and a football match number of Doha Institute activities. The organisation of until March 12. be awarded a certificate of which is in line with the inter- between the Doha Institute and employees, including faculty such an event at the Doha The competition targets appreciation and QR1,000. national agreements ratified by the College of North Atlantic, in members and administrators Institute for Graduate Studies participants aged 7-15, with This competition aims to the State of Qatar, the most addition to an introductory in addition to students, who has become an annual tradition videos less than a minute using encourage participants to important of which is the Con- meeting about the boxing pre- engaged in multiple sports in line with Qatar National either a camera, mobile phone achieve balance between vention on the Rights of the sented by Qatar’s first profes- activities. Vision 2030 on creating an or iPad. The guardian's consent physical movement, mental Child. sional boxer, Sheikh Fahd bin On the occasion, the event’s interactive, active and healthy is also required. activities and daily duties away Executive Director of the Khalid Al Thani, and other coordinator, Khadija Buhlaiqa, lifestyle.” The rights of the videos will from video games, as well as to Media Center for Youth at the belong to Aman, which is develop their life skills in a cre- Ministry of Culture and Sports, entitled to use or publish any ative and influential way. Dr Hamad Al Fayyad, said the video it deems appropriate with It also seeks to launch competition spreads knowledge the name of the winning par- freedom of artistic and creative and awareness in a creative ticipant credited and expression for the contestants, style by inspiring talents and mentioned. with the aim of collecting the creative individuals. QICCA registered 26 arbitration cases in 2019

QNA — DOHA make more efforts to keep practical problems and ensure abreast of developments in the that the requirements of the Qatar International Center for field of arbitration and its adversaries are met. Conciliation and Arbitration rules and procedures, noting He added during his (QICCA) of Qatar Chamber that in the year 2019 the opening speech that the arbi- confirmed its keenness to center registered 26 arbi- tration litigation is a set of tration cases, issued seven interlocking procedures that judgments, and two concili- take place during a period of ation and mediation verdicts. time, and aims to investigate The State of Qatar has the case and form an opinion become a regional arbitration on it in order to issue an arbi- center after a remarkable tration ruling on its subject, development in the preva- noting that arbitration liti- lence of arbitration, said gation is a procedural way to QICCA board member for activate the arbitration International Relations, agreement, which is charac- Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali Al terised by privacy and speed Thani, noting that the issuance in separation, confidentiality of the arbitration law in civil of procedures and mutual and commercial matters has trust between the parties on fostered the culture of arbi- the one hand and the arbi- tration in the business com- tration body on the other munity and made arbitration hand. an effective legal instrument. For his part, the interna- This came during press tional arbitrator accredited statements on the sidelines of to the courts of the Sultanate a seminar held by the Qatar of Oman, Dr. Abdul Hanan Al International Center for Con- Issa, praised the Qatari expe- ciliation and Arbitration yes- rience in arbitration, indi- terday on the practical cating that there is an interest problems facing the conduct from the Omani side in iden- of the arbitration case, which tifying aspects of institutional discussed the procedural arbitration through the Qatar aspects of arbitration in com- International Center for Con- mercial disputes, the formal ciliation and Arbitration, rules applicable and the study where work is currently of practical problems that face being done on the procedures the progress of the arbitration for the Oman Center for Con- case. ciliation and Arbitration, Executive Director of the which was established in AMAN Center, Dr. Mansour Al 2019. Saadi, said that contemporary Al Issa gave a presentation legal systems have established on the most important points a legal regulation of com- related to the progress of the mercial arbitration upon arbitration lawsuit, the which there is an agreement, problems related to subcon- and that defines commercial tracting contracts, the proce- disputes brought before it, dures followed in free arbi- simplifies how to choose the tration, the end of procedures procedural rules on which it for non-payment of arbi- is based, and the substantive tration fees, and the problem rules to which disputes are of appointing an expert in the subject in order to avoid dispute, among others. TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 05 Dean of HBKU’s College of Public Policy wins international position

THE PENINSULA — DOHA of the IPPA, an organisation much-demanded Master of widely regarded as the main Public Policy program. The Dean of the College of international association of The college’s mandate is to Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad public policy scholars and expand HBKU’s research Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), researchers. capacity while engaging in Dr. Leslie A Pal, recently As an institutional member meaningful national and inter- attended a meeting of the Exec- of the IPPA, the CPP will par- national discourse. utive Committee (EC) of the ticipate in an International CPP appoints and retains International Public Policy Workshop in Quito, Ecuador, faculty of the highest caliber, Association (IPPA) hosted by KU this July, and the main interna- and its students are selected on Leuven University, Belgium. tional conference in Barcelona, the basis of academic excel- During the meeting, Dr. Pal Spain, next year. CPP is HBKU’s lence. For more information, was elected as Vice-President newest college, offering a visit cpp.hbku.edu.qa.

The Child Life team celebrating National Sport Day at Sidra Medicine's paediatric ward. Sidra Medicine marks Qatar National Sport Day with young inpatients

THE PENINSULA — DOHA its young inpatients in the activities to keep the children paediatric wards. entertained and making them Sidra Medicine celebrated The Child Life team organised an important part of Qatar’s Qatar National Sport Day with a variety of indoor games and sports day celebrations. Participants during the meeting hosted by KU Leuven University in Belgium. Nehmeh organises Mega Industrial Expo 2020 Diverse activities at Mall of Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA to mark Sport Day celebrations Qatar-based Industrial Solutions THE PENINSULA — DOHA energetic live performances on the Oasis leader ‘Nehmeh’ has organised the Stage featuring professional football free- annual Mega Industrial Expo 2020 In celebration of the National Sport Day stylers, gymnasts, thrilling bike acts and showcasing a range of the world’s and to promote the social and personal much more. leading brands in construction solu- benefits of sports and recreation, Mall of “Mall of Qatar has always been com- tions. Qatar is hosting a variety of fun and mitted to encourage sports activities and The two-day event was held on fitness activities throughout the month a healthy lifestyle, that’s why we have February 4 and 5 at a five-star hotel of February. taken the Sport Day celebrations to in Doha where Nehmeh showcased Whether you’re a beginner or fitness another level for 2020. As the Nation’s power tools, ventilation systems, enthusiast, Mall of Qatar will have some- Mall, we understand the importance of light construction tools and thing fun and challenging, for everyone. benefits of being healthy and active and machinery with a focus on concrete Join in with sports activities including have organized over 20 days of sports machinery along with demonstra- basketball, football, golf, athletics, with events and activities for all ages. Our tions to let guests have a first-hand professional instructors on hand to offer employees are also taking part in the cel- product experience of the machines Visitors during the annual Mega Industrial Expo 2020. advice and encouragement. Plus, there’s ebrations as we have organized our very and its applications. plenty of prizes to be won with daily chal- own Olympic games called the Mall- An important part of the event event succeeded in attracting vis- This concept event has been lenges at each activity. ympics. Happy National Sports Day was the launch of the Qatar’s first itors including retail partners, sup- developed keeping in mind the When you have challenged yourself Qatar!” said Khaled Sam Hosn, CEO, Mall locally manufactured ‘Roof Top pliers, end-users and others related requirements of our customers and I enough, enjoy highly of Qatar. Package Unit’ by Nehmeh Air Condi- to the construction industry. am glad to say that the event has been tioners and introduction of Belgium Visitors also included managers well received by the guests over the based ‘Beton Trowel’ brand renowned from Qatar looking for solutions to years,” said Emil A. Nehme, Chief for Concrete & Compaction improve their efficiency and produc- Executive Officer at Nehmeh. Equipment. The event also featured tivity on sites. Brands participating at “With the support of our partners, key note address by experts from the expo were Makita, Nehmeh Air Con- we have the ability to cover major Beton Trowel, Nehmeh Air Condi- ditioners, Stampa, SDMO, Beton Trowel, construction solutions as required tioners and Makita over the two days. Sofy, Portacool, Koshin, Awelco, Dr. here in Qatar. Witnessing the popu- ‘Nehmeh App’ the region’s first Schulze among many more. Demon- larity of such an event, we are inclined industrial solutions mobile app was strations were held on specially pre- to hold more such regular events as highlighted to guests at the expo. pared areas showcasing tools, part of our calendar of activities,” he Nehmeh, one of the leading indus- equipment and machinery. Expert pro- added. trial solutions providers in the GCC, fessionals from Singapore, Germany ‘The Nehmeh Corporate Cata- represents world class brands which and Belgium presented to the audience logue 2020’ was launched during the are leaders in their respective cat- new introductions and technologies event. Awards bestowed to various egories. For over 65 years, tens of along with an informative Q & A session. partners as tribute to their efforts and thousands of people depend on “Nehmeh range of Industrial Solu- achievements. In addition, four lucky reliable industrial performance tions cover major solutions required visitors also walked away with reward solutions by Nehmeh. This mega for the Qatari construction market. trips, gold coins and stay vouchers.

Philippine REIT opportunities to Mall of Qatar marks Sport Day celebrations with diverse activities and thrilling shows. benefit Qatari and OFW investors THE PENINSULA — DOHA larity in recent years. AFREEQ Chairman Joseph The Association of Filipino Realtors Timothy Rivera (pictured) is opti- & Entrepreneur Executives in Qatar mistic that Philippine REITs would (AFREEQ), a salient business society attract the savvy Qatari investor of Filipino property professionals and market given their strategic Arab SMEs in Doha, has expressed enthu- business mentality notwithstanding siasm that Philippine Real Estate the conservatism of Islamic Investment Trust (REIT) would now investment practices in place. Qataris open doors to more foreign direct will now have the opportunity to a opportunities would soon be available investments from Qatari businessmen range of Philippine asset-backed to investors both OFWs and other and other successful Qatar-based securities in addition to traditional nationalities here in Qatar. holding companies engaged in the direct real estate investment options Rivera, who is also an Investment global property industry. within generous foreign ownership Promotions Partner of the Philippine With the new Rules and Regula- limitations imposed under Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in tions (IRR) in place, the prospect of law. With the REIT framework, the the Middle East has shared that the investing in Philippine REITS has just income potential for each investment prospects of having REIT companies become more attractive as investors is spread across several units and investing as an Ecozone Developer or would now enjoy the convenience of would certainly reduce the risk of Ecozone Facilities Company entitled fractional investing across various income losses due to unforeseen to fiscal incentives for eligible projects income generating real estate prop- market performances of individual are now being studied by the policy erties through a diversified portfolio real estate properties. and planning department of PEZA. He under a globally competitive legal However, Rivera likewise under- believes that recent proposals for the framework similar to successful scored that the opportunities with crowd-funding of economic zones REITS in Asia particularly those in Philippine REITs would also benefit would attract more investments Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong and small and medium investors such as through the REIT framework. Japan, not to mention the benefits of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Under the current IRR, the con- the recent amendments in terms of and Filipino expats living in Qatar as ventional 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) taxation and other perks. they may now invest in the Philippine previously imposed on the transfer of After more than 11 years since the property market with the same diver- properties to a REIT in exchange for Philippines enacted the REIT law sified portfolio across several assets its shares and added income as well through Republic Act 9856, its corre- made available to big ticket investors as document stamp taxes has been sponding IRR has finally been released without the need of purchasing one removed, subject to terms. Present last January 20 by the Philippine’s whole individual property. rules also require reinvestment to Securities and Exchange Commission He welcomed the recent prime Philippine properties and 90% (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal announcement of leading Philippine of distributable income needs to be Revenue (BIR) with the approval of the developer Ayala Land who recently released as dividends to all share- country’s Department of Finance (DoF). filed its application for a REIT offering holders with reasonable withholding REITs are known to be property- to the SEC with other prime devel- taxes and even less depending on the based stock products with legal mech- opers in the Philippines expected to status of the investor. Public partici- anisms that allow investors to earn follow suit in the coming months. pation within the Philippine REIT from various income-generating real With most Philippine property devel- framework has also been lowered to estate as assets. This financial vehicle opers having representative offices 33% giving developers more appetite has been in practise in many coun- in Doha, Rivera is happy on the pros- in controlling their respective assets tries and has managed to gain popu- pects that REIT investment under the REIT scheme. 06 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 5 Turkish soldiers martyred in northwest Syria attack REUTERS & ANATOLIA — ANKARA The attack, on a newly established Turkish Syrian government forces killed military base in Taftanaz in Idlib province, five Turkish soldiers in happened a week after eight Turkish northwest Syria yesterday, Turkey’s defence ministry said, military personnel were martyred by after Turkey deployed thou- Syrian army bombardment. sands of troops there to stem a Syrian government offensive which has displaced half a A Turkey-backed Syrian Russia and the Syrian gov- million people. rebel commander said the ernment say they are fighting The attack, on a newly insurgents had also launched a terrorists in Idlib, which is established Turkish military military operation near the largely controlled by jihadist base in Taftanaz in Idlib town of Saraqeb, south of fighters. province, happened a week Taftanaz, with Turkish artillery Turkey, which hosts 3.6 after eight Turkish military per- support. million Syrian refugees, says sonnel were killed by Syrian Turkey has sent large rein- the offensive has set off a fresh army bombardment. forcements to Idlib, where it humanitarian crisis. It says it Palestinians gather for a demonstration in support of prisoners in Israeli jails, in front of the International The two incidents marked already mans a dozen military cannot absorb any more ref- Committee of the Red Cross building in Gaza City, Gaza, yesterday. some of the most serious direct observation posts under a deal ugees and has demanded confrontations between Turkish with Russia and Iran aimed at Damascus pull back in Idlib by and Syrian troops in the nearly reducing the fighting around the end of the month or face nine-year-long conflict in Syria, Idlib, the last major enclave of Turkish action. Israeli oppn co-leader: Netanyahu where Ankara backs rebels who opposition to Assad. Meanwhile,the death toll once hoped to topple President Several of the posts are now from Sunday’s Russian air- Bashar Al Assad. surrounded by Syrian gov- strikes in Syria’s northwestern makes Trump plan a ‘stunt’ Turkey said it retaliated for ernment forces, but Turkey has Idlib province has risen to 26, the latest strike. poured 5,000 troops and according to the White Helmets AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM “Nobody expects Israel or over all of its West Bank settle- “Targets identified in the convoys of military vehicles civil defense agency. the Palestinians to take the plan ments along with the strategic region were immediately tar- across the border, carrying The Syrian opposition air- A leading Israeli opposition face value the way it is and just Jordan Valley. geted intensively...and the nec- tanks, armoured personnel car- craft observatory said the areas figure said yesterday that make sure it happens. Eve- The Palestinians have essary response was given. The riers and radar equipment to near Idlib’s city center and vil- embattled Prime Minister rybody understands this is a angrily rejected the US plan targets were destroyed and the bolster its presence. lages were targeted. Benjamin Netanyahu has framework, a very detailed since it would provide the Pal- blood of our martyrs was not “What is striking about the Earlier, it was reported that turned a US initiative for ending one,” he told an audience of estinians with limited left on the ground,” the defence Turkish reinforcements... are 17 people had been killed when conflict with the Palestinians foreign correspondents in Jeru- autonomy in several chunks of ministry said. their size and the nature of the Russian warplanes struck into a campaign “stunt” by salem, before zoning in on territory with a capital on the Turkish officials have told weapons, all within a week, opposition-held areas in Idlib’s pushing for the immediate Netanyahu. outskirts of Jerusalem, and only a visiting Russian delegation This is unprecedented,” said Sheikh Ali, Atarib, Kafr Nouran annexation of West Bank settle- Lapid went on to condemn if they meet stringent that attacks on Turkish obser- Turkey-based Syrian military villages on Sunday. ments. what he said was the prime conditions. vation posts in northwestern defector general Ahmad Yesterday, the White Co-leader of the Blue and minister’s planned “unilateral Netanyahu has sought to Syria must be stopped imme- Rahhal. Helmets said the airstrikes also White party Yair Lapid insisted steps” to annex parts of the sell the plan, and his close rela- diately and that such assaults As the conflict escalated in killed nine civilians in Ibbin he was against unilateral steps occupied West Bank. tionship to Trump, as a tes- will not remain unanswered, Idlib, Turkish and Russian offi- village. Turkey is continuing to endangering what he described “This is something that tament to his master states- the Turkish presidency said. cials met in Ankara for talks. send reinforcements to the de- as President Donald Trump’s came out from the prime min- manship ahead of the country’s In a statement following The two countries back escalation zone, with a Turkish promising Mideast plan. He ister’s office right after the plan third elections in less than a talks between Turkish presi- opposing sides in Syria, where convoy — including scores of expressed hope that the Pales- was presented. Probably, it year. He’s also seeking to gal- dential adviser Ibrahim Kalin Moscow’s military intervention tanks — deployed at different tinians would come around to seems, for campaign reasons. vanize his hard-line base by and the Russian delegation, the in 2015 helped swing the war points in Idlib. negotiating based upon the US And this is something you don’t annexing territory ahead of the presidency said the Russians decisively in Assad’s favour. The Bashar Al Assad regime blueprint. do. This is too serious to become election. The proposed move were told that attacks on A Turkish diplomatic source and its allies have continued Lapid is slated to become a stunt in the campaign,” he could establish facts on the Turkish forces were unac- said the delegations held two intensified air and land attacks Israel’s next foreign minister if added. ground that would be difficult ceptable and that Moscow must hours of discussions, their on civilian settlements in the his party prevails in the March The Trump plan is widely to reverse, and make the fulfil its duties as mandated by second meeting in three days, zone.into a de-escalation zone 2 election and fellow party viewed as being favourable to prospect of a contiguous Pal- a 2018 de-escalation deal without giving details on the in which acts of aggression are leader Benny Gantz wins the Israel since it would allow it to estinian state all but between Ankara and Moscow outcome of Monday’s session. expressly prohibited. premiership. eventually extend sovereignty impossible. Nearly 700,000 displaced in Syria as bombardment spikes AFP — ABIN SEMAAN, SYRIA Observatory for Human Rights. At the site of the raids, a A Russia-backed regime rescue worker carried out the offensive has displaced close to body of a little girl in a thick 700,000 people in northwest woollen blanket, while one of Syria since December, the her relatives pleaded for the United Nations said yesterday, body. as bombardment by Damascus Volunteers shivering in and Moscow killed 29 civilians near-freezing temperatures in 24 hours. hacked away at mounds of Syrian government forces rubble, rescuing a dust-covered Israeli court backed by Moscow have man and a little child who had pressed a blistering assault been trapped beneath. jails Raed Salah against the last major rebel The latest air strikes bastion in Syria’s northwest for follow a night of heavy bom- for 28 months more than two months. bardment by Russia and the The violence in the prov- regime that had already killed inces of Idlib and Aleppo has at least 20 civilians in the AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM displaced 689,000 people, said neighbouring provinces of David Swanson, spokesman for Idlib and Aleppo, according to An Israeli court yesterday the United Nation’s humani- the Observatory. sentenced Palestinian tarian coordination office, Around half of Idlib resistance icon Sheikh Raed OCHA. province, along with slivers of Salah (pictured), to 28 months “The number of people neighbouring Aleppo and in prison. Salah has already being displaced in this crisis is Latakia provinces, is dominated served 11 months in prison. now spiralling out of control,” A rocket is remotely-fired from a truck-mounted launcher at a Syrian rebel fighters’ position in the by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir Dozens of Palestinians he said. The exodus is one of the countryside of Idlib towards regime forces positions in the Aleppo province, yesterday. Al Sham alliance and their rebel organised a stand in solidarity largest of the nine-year civil allies. Some three million with Salah before the Israeli war and risks creating one of by the regime and Russia which nine civilians killed early yes- Russian-backed regime forces people, half of them already court in northern city of Haifa the worst humanitarian catas- left 29 civilians dead in less than terday in raids on the village of have been waging a fierce displaced at least once by vio- issued the sentence. trophes of the conflict. It comes 24 hours. Abin Semaan, in Aleppo offensive to retake a key lence elsewhere in Syria, live in In an exclusive interview, amid heightened bombardment Six children were among province where highway, said the Syrian the area. Khaled Zabarqa, Salah’s lawyer, said that Israel’s endless bids to silence Sheikh Raed Salah were meant to US killing of Soleimani Protester killed in southern Iraq pave the way for announcing the controversial peace plan AP — BAGHDAD frequent flashpoint of protest October in Baghdad and in the Middle East. He added weakens IS fight: Iran violence. southern Iraq to decry rampant that “the charges against Iraqi security forces shot and At least eight protesters government corruption, poor Sheikh Salah were related to AP — VIENNA killed at least one protester in the were killed in the southern city services and unemployment, Friday preaching and articles country’s south yesterday, official of Najaf last Wednesday, when have rejected Allawi’s can- he wrote in July 2017, in soli- The head of Iran’s nuclear programme said yesterday the US said as the five-month anti- followers of Al Sadr stormed the didacy. At least 500 have died darity with Palestinians pro- killing of a high-ranking Iranian general has weakened the fight government protest movement protest site and fired live under fire from security forces testing in front of the gates of against the Islamic State extremist group in the region. enters a critical stage. bullets. in the movement, now in it’s the Al Aqsa Mosque.” Ali Akbar Salehi told a meeting of the International Atomic Security forces fired live Al Sadr initially threw his fifth month. He pointed out that the Energy Agency in Vienna that last month’s drone strike that killed rounds to disperse crowds at weight behind the anti-gov- On Sunday, Baghdad Uni- Sheikh’s response to these Gen. Qassem Soleimani showed “the US administration has not the rally site near the al-Ain ernment uprising but recently versity students held national charges was that “what came yet come to its senses in recognizing the realities on the ground.” University in the southern city re-positioned himself toward flags during a protest in front in the speeches is based on Washington targeted Soleimani, who headed Iran’s expedi- of Nasiriyah, killing a demon- the political establishment after of the Ministry of Higher Edu- Islamic law and the Israeli law tionary Quds Force, saying that he was planning attacks on Amer- strator, two medical officials political elites selected cation and Scientific Research should not prosecute him for icans. In his role, Soleimani was also critical to efforts to mobilise said, speaking on condition of Mohammed Allawi as prime in the Iraqi capital. his faith and beliefs.” militias in Iraq to fight the Islamic State group, and Salehi called anonymity in line with minister-designate, a candidate Meanwhile, the US Central For his part, Muhammad him “the most instrumental element in combating ISIS.” regulations. he endorsed. Command denied reports about Baraka, the head of the Higher Tehran retaliated for the killing of Soleimani by launching a The latest death comes as Since then, al-Sadr has the withdrawal of US troops Follow-up Committee for Arab barrage of missiles on on two Iraqi military bases hosting American the anti-government protests, issued a dizzying array of con- from 15 bases in Iraq. “Reports Citizens in Israel, termed the troops. There were no fatalities. Salehi reiterated, however, that which engulfed Baghdad and tradictory calls to followers, that the U.S. has pulled out of verdict “unfair.” In a statement, Iran was prepared to do more. Iraq’s south in October, are at asking them to return to the 15 bases in Iraq are not correct,” Baraka said that the “ruling was “Be it known as my country strongly retaliated once, it will a key point as activists are streets, days after withdrawing Centcom media relations officer prepared in advance, and was never hesitate to strike back when necessary,” he said. trying to maintain a critical support from the protests. His Major Beth Riordan said in a based on racist foundations and The US last month added new sanctions on Salehi’s Atomic number of people on the street conflicting calls have exacer- statement. Abu Dhabi-based incitement against Arabs.” Energy Organization of Iran and on Salehi himself, freezing any and tensions continue to bated existing tensions between Sky News Arabia earlier He pointed out that the assets the director had within US jurisdiction. escalate between the demon- anti-government demon- reported that the US is pulling target of the ruling was not In Vienna, US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette focused his strators and the followers of a strators and the cleric’s out from 15 bases in Iraq and only Salah, but also the overall remarks on Iran’s nuclear program, saying Tehran was still not leading radical Iraqi Shiite followers. that France, Germany and Aus- work and political discourse providing the IAEA with answers about the discovery of uranium cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Anti-government protesters tralia had submitted a similar of the Arab masses inside particles in a warehouse near the Iranian capital. Nasiriyah has emerged as a who took to the streets last request. Israel. TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 AFRICA 07 War dominates AU summit as leaders vow Libya support

The other is South Sudan, a second round of negotiations “If these protagonists Saturday, and the rivals sat South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who where a civil war that began in for February 18. believe that the AU can provide down in the same room Sunday took over as AU chair, has said Libya is one of 2013 has left hundreds of thou- Chergui said the AU could the solution, they will turn to it, alongside Ugandan President two conflicts he wants to focus on during his sands dead — but talks on the support peace if a cessation of and it will not be up to the UN Yoweri Museveni and Sudanese sidelines of the AU summit hostilities agreement is finally to decide that.” Prime Minister Abdallah tenure. The other is South Sudan, where a civil ended in deadlock. signed, declaring the AU wanted But the AU must overcome Hamdok. war that began in 2013 has left hundreds of The AU leadership has com- to be part of an observer internal division to adopt a Hamdok is the current chair plained about being overlooked mission to ensure any deal is common position on Libya, he of the eight-member East thousands dead — but talks on the sidelines of in Libya-related peacemaking respected. said. “The AU bandwidth on African bloc IGAD, which has the AU summit ended in deadlock. efforts, which have been led “This is an African problem, Libya cannot in any way be taken the lead in South Sudan primarily by the UN and heavily and we have a certain sense that compared to the UN’s peace negotiations. involved European nations. maybe others do not have,” involvement, just in simple But the flurry of activity on AFP — ADDIS ABABA UN Secretary-General Chergui said. Despite AU terms of knowledge and the sidelines of the AU summit needs us now,” Chergui said. Antonio Guterres on Saturday optimism, analysts are presence on the ground,” said did not result in a breakthrough African Union leaders vowed “It’s time to bring this situ- said he understood the AU’s sceptical. Claudia Gazzini, from the Inter- in the dispute over the number yesterday to push peace efforts ation to an end... the two organ- “frustration” at having “been Observers pointed out that national Crisis Group (ICG) of regional states in South in Libya, a sign of the bloc’s isations should work hand in put aside” when it comes to the AU will need to overcome think-tank. Sudan — a contentious issue as desire to play a bigger role in hand for that goal,” he added. Libya. financial constraints and Meanwhile, on South Sudan, the borders will set out divisions resolving the continent’s Libya has been torn by The North African state political divisions if it wants to leaders tried to bring longtime of power and control in the conflicts. fighting between rival factions remains in chaos, mostly split achieve its goal of “Silencing the rivals to reach a deal. young country. As the 55-member group since a 2011 Nato-backed between strongman Khalifa Guns” — the theme of summit President Salva Kiir and IGAD said that despite the wrapped up a two-day summit, uprising killed dictator Haftar, who controls eastern talks. rebel leader Riek Machar face lack of progress to date there Smail Chergui, the AU’s Peace Muammar Gaddafi. Libya, and the UN-recognised “The AU will occupy the a deadline of February 22 to could be no more delays in and Security Council chief, South African President government in Tripoli. place that the protagonists of form a unity government — a forming a power-sharing gov- offered assistance to revive Cyril Ramaphosa, who took Talks between Libya’s the conflict are willing to give milestone that was delayed ernment. “Further extension is Libya’s faltering UN-led peace over as AU chair, has said Libya warring factions ended on Sat- it,” said Mohamed Diatta, a twice last year. neither desirable nor feasible process. is one of two conflicts he wants urday with no deal on a researcher for the Institute for Ramaphosa met separately at this stage of the peace “It’s (the) UN itself which to focus on during his tenure. ceasefire. The UN has proposed Security Studies. with Kiir and Machar on process,” the statement said.

Over 450 civilians Algeria prosecution killed in central seeks 20-year sentence Mali last year for Bouteflika’s brother AP — DAKAR Militants and ethnic-based AFP — ALGIERS team presenting their argu- militias killed more than 450 ments, according to defence civilians in central Mali last Algeria’s state prosecutor is attorney Farouk Kessentini. year, making it the deadliest seeking a 20-year jail term for Kessentini is representing year in the region since the the brother of former president General Mohamed Lamine country’s crisis began in 2012, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, lawyers Mediene, known as “Toufik”, Human Rights Watch said in a said Monday, as he seeks to who for 25 years headed the new report yesterday. appeal a 15-year sentence. powerful Department of Intel- Militants have even begun The once mighty Said ligence and Security, and was pulling men off public Bouteflika, 62, was long seen sentenced in September transport based on their eth- as the real power behind the alongside the former presi- nicity and killing them, the presidency after his brother dent’s brother. group said, underscoring how suffered a debilitating stroke in Also in court were Medi- extremists have inflamed ten- 2013. He had served as a key ene’s former right-hand man, sions between communities presidential aide but was General Athmane “Bachir” that long lived in relative detained in May last year, a Tartag, and Louisa Hanoune, peace. month after Bouteflika quit who had served as secretary Of the 456 civilian deaths office weeks into mass protests general of the left-wing documented by Human Rights against his bid for a fifth pres- Workers’ Party. Watch, 116 were directly Cars burnt down by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during idential term. The four defendants are blamed on the Islamist an attack on Monday. In September Said Boute- accused of having met in March extremists. The remaining 340 flika, along with several other 2019 in a bid to derail plans by killings were acts of communal senior regime officials, were the army high command to violence carried out by ethnic- Militants kill at least 30, abduct sentenced by a military tribunal force the departure of president based militias, and the report to 15 years in jail for “con- Bouteflika. said the true toll is unknown. spiring” against the state and Said Bouteflika allegedly “Armed groups are killing, dozens in northeast Nigeria undermining the army’s wanted the intelligence bosses maiming, and terrorising com- authority. to dismiss the army chief of munities throughout central A court in Blida, south of staff at the time, General Ahmed Mali with no apparent fear of AFP — AUNO, NIGERIA an area where fighters from the Maiduguri to Damaturu, a Algiers, began hearing an Gaid Salah. being held to account,” said Islamic State West Africa major regional city in neigh- appeal against the sentence on Defence lawyers hope the Corinne Dufka, West Africa Militants killed at least 30 Province (ISWAP) have been bouring Yobe state. Sunday behind closed doors four will be released after Alge- director at Human Rights people and abducted women active, mounting roadblocks to The highway has been and amid heavy security. ria’s balance of power shifted Watch. “The human toll in and children in a raid in target security forces and increasingly targeted by ISWAP The deliberations con- following the December 23 shattered lives is mounting as northeast Nigeria’s restive civilians. There was no imme- militants in recent months. tinued on Monday, also behind death of Gaid Salah at the age the deadly cycles of violence Borno state, a regional diate claim of responsibility for Militants disguised as sol- closed doors, with the defence of 79. and revenge continue.” government spokesman said. the attack. diers have set up roadblocks to The attack on Sunday Witnesses said militants set abduct and kill passing trav- evening targeted the village of alight 30 vehicles in the raid, ellers and have above all tar- Auno on a key highway linking including trucks that had geted members of the security to regional capital Maiduguri. stopped overnight on their way forces. The UN has complained UN warns of major shock as The militants stormed in on to Maiduguri. of an upsurge of violent attacks trucks mounted with heavy “Many of the drivers and in recent weeks across the con- weapons, killing, burning and their assistants who were flict zone. Africa locust outbreak spreads looting before kidnapping sleeping in the vehicles were The increase comes after women and children, state gov- burnt alive,” said Babakura the Nigerian army last year AP — JOHANNESBURG spraying, while two planes for to bring more of the same. ernment spokesman Ahmad Kolo, a member of a state- launched a new strategy that aerial spraying will arrive as UN officials warn that Abdurrahman Bundi said. backed anti-jihadist militia. saw it withdraw troops from Uganda scrambled to respond soon as possible, a statement immediate action is needed They targeted travellers The militants combed remote bases into larger so- to the arrival of the biggest said. Aerial spraying is con- before more rainfall in the who had stopped for the night through the village, looting and called “super camps”. locust outbreak that parts of sidered the only effective weeks ahead brings fresh veg- and torched vehicles. burning shops and property The military says the tactic East Africa have seen in control. etation to feed new genera- A journalists saw the before withdrawing, he said. has helped to stem jihadist decades, while the United The swarms of billions of tions of locusts. If left smouldering wreckage of Kolo said the militants took attacks but local residents and Nations warned that “we locusts have been destroying unchecked, their numbers trucks, buses and cars lining the away three buses carrying aid workers say it appears to simply cannot afford another crops in Kenya, which hasn’t could grow up to 500 times road at the scene of the attack. women and children to Maid- have bolstered the jihadists by major shock” to an already seen such an outbreak in 70 before drier weather arrives. The militants “killed not less uguri which had parked in the leaving vast swathes of territory vulnerable region. years, as well as Somalia and “There is the risk of a catas- than 30 people who are mostly village for the night. unprotected. An emergency government Ethiopia, which haven’t seen trophe,” UN humanitarian chief motorists and destroyed 18 “We still don’t know how Last month four Nigerian meeting hours after the locusts this in a quarter-century. The Mark Lowcock told a briefing vehicles,” Bundi said in a many women and children they soldiers were killed and seven were spotted inside Uganda on insects have exploited favo- in New York, warning that a statement after visiting the took away but the number is injured when the militants Sunday decided to deploy mil- rable wet conditions after unu- region where 12 million people scene. The assault, some 25km huge,” he said. Auno lies on the attacked troops positioned in itary forces to help with sually heavy rains, and experts already face severe food inse- west of Maiduguri, occurred in 120km highway linking Auno. ground-based pesticide say climate change is expected curity can’t afford another jolt. Salva Kiir wins dubious ‘spoiler of peace’ award

AP — KAMPALA Atrocities Watch Africa, is citing these awards the individuals, request of Kiir’s administration Kiir and others for their roles in businesses and other institu- as rebels threatened to enter the South Sudan President Salva the conflict that also has dis- tions that are derailing the capital, Juba. Kiir yesterday was named the placed at least 2 million people. peace process in South Sudan The civil war erupted in top “spoiler of peace” in a new Many fled to Uganda. will not continue as usual now South Sudan in late 2013, when award that seeks to shame him The “spoiler of peace” that we know them.” a rift between Kiir and his and others into taking serious award citation accuses Kiir of Other winners of the awards deputy, Machar, escalated into steps to end bloody conflict in being unwilling to compromise announced in the Kenyan fighting often along ethnic lines. the world’s youngest country. on major issues needed to form capital, Nairobi, included the Both men have been accused of Kiir and rival leader Riek the coalition government. It also Ugandan government, South violating multiple ceasefires. Machar are under growing asserts that under his command Sudan’s military, an oil con- The regional bloc medi- pressure to form a coalition and control, government- sortium and other political and ating South Sudan’s peace government this month, the sig- backed fighters killed thousands military figures in South Sudan. process, IGAD, said in a com- nificant next step in a fragile of people and committed atroc- The Ugandan government, munique over the weekend peace deal signed in 2018 to end ities such as looting and razing which has backed Kiir in his that further extension of the a five-year civil war that killed villages. efforts to prevent rebels from deadline to form a coalition nearly 400,000 people. Ateny Wek Ateny, a taking power, is accused of government “is neither South Sudan President Salva Kiir attends the closing session of The deadline has been spokesman for South Sudan’s facilitating arms transfers to desirable nor feasible.” It said the 33rd African Union Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa, extended twice and the inter- presidency, described the South Sudan in contravention Kiir asked for time to consult Ethiopia, yesterday. national community is signaling award as “nonsense.” of a European Union arms and report back on Saturday. impatience. The upcoming Dismas Nkunda, a Ugandan embargo. Uganda, which denies A key issue that remains is deadline is February 22. activist who established the any wrongdoing, insists it sent the number of states South calling it an internal matter for only from the South Sudanese Now a Uganda-based group, awards, said he hopes that “with troops and equipment at the Sudan should have, with IGAD which a “solution should come people.” 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A file picture of presiding judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, (fourth right), reading a ruling at the International Court in The Hague. EDITORIAL Rohingya justice: Why the ICJ’s Celebrating Sport Day QATAR is celebrating the 9th edition of National Sport public rebuke of Myanmar matters Day today. The National Sport Day is a pioneering ini- tiative adopted by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who issued the Amiri Decree No. 80 for the I was one of these “lucky” There is no question that the year 2011, which stated that the second Tuesday of people. I fled Rakhine state in the wheels of international justice February every year shall be a sport day which 1990s when I was denied access have started turning. Last encourages everyone to participate in sporting to a university education simply November, the International activities. because I was Rohingya. I have Criminal Court (ICC) announced The National Sport Day (NSD) has been celebrated since watched from afar how the it was launching an investigation across Qatar since 2012, and is an extremely popular Myanmar authorities have into crimes against humanity day which aims to bring people together in celebration TUN KHIN carried out their genocidal cam- committed by the Myanmar of sport, while encouraging people of all ages to stay AL JAZEERA paign against my people with security forces against the fit and active. Qatar is the first country in the world to impunity. Rohingya. In the same month, devote a day to sports, where citizens and residents This is why the ruling means my own organisation, Burmese learn about various sports and activities and their many On January 23, the International so much to us. I was in the court Rohingya Organisation UK, benefits. Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague at The Hague when the verdict launched a “universal juris- The Committee of the National Sport Day has com- imposed emergency “provisional was delivered. I had to try really diction” case against Myanmar in pleted all the preparations for the launch of Sport Day measures” on Myanmar regarding hard not to cry. As I witnessed an Argentina. This is based on the activities in all regions of the country. On this day, min- its actions against and treatment official body openly condemn principle that some crimes are so istries and other government and public bodies and of the Rohingya minority - my Myanmar for what it did to us, I horrific that they concern institutions organise sport events for their employees people. To the average person this thought of my friends, family and humanity as a whole, and can be and their families to raise awareness of the importance may sound like incomprehensible acquaintances who suffered so tried anywhere regardless of of sport and its role in the lives of individuals and legalese. But for many Rohingya, much. I thought of the scores of where they were committed. societies. who had long been waiting for the people who shared with me the The pressure appears to be The primary goal of NSD is to promote sports and international community to take pain of losing loved ones to the getting to the Myanmar lead- to educate citizens and residents on ways to reduce meaningful action to end their violence of the state. That verdict ership. On January 20, Myanmar health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle. Mul- suffering, this was some of the convinced me that my decades of published its own investigation tiple free sporting events will be held throughout Qatar, best news they had ever received. campaigning for the Rohingya into the events that transpired in including cycling, swimming, football, basketball, tennis, With this decision, the United finally achieved something. the Rakhine state in the past few taekwondo, beach volleyball, water sports competi- Nations’ “World Court” effec- The case against Myanmar at years, for the first time admitting tions and indoor activities in clubs and sports federa- tively instructed the government the ICJ was brought by The that “war crimes and serious tions. The day is also an opportunity to bring commu- of Aung San Suu Kyi to respect Gambia, a self-described “small human rights violations” had nities closer together through sport, based on the the requirements of the 1948 country with a big voice on taken place. This report, sporting principles of team building, inclusion and unity, genocide convention and bring human rights”. The actual case however, was a blatant PR participation, fitness and health. Over the an end to its military’s attacks on will take years to conclude, but exercise to deflect attention from Sports is one of the most important pillars of Qatar course of a few the Rohingya. This decision the imposition of provisional the ICJ ruling, and it failed to National Vision 2030. Sports allow people to develop marked the first time that a measures is a significant victory address many of the most serious their personalities, raise morale and increase positive weeks, soldiers credible international body said along the way. violations. It is abundantly clear aspects and traits such as leadership, self-respect, dis- rampaged “enough” to the government that The ICJ’s orders are binding that Myanmar cannot be trusted cipline, and punctuality. Qatar believes that sports for so many decades has abused on Myanmar and create legal to investigate itself, and the diplomacy complements the role of official diplomacy through the and oppressed us. obligations that must be enforced. international community must in building bridges of communication, in addition to region, killing My people’s plight captured The provisional measures deliver justice. deepening social and cultural ties between people. global headlines in August 2017, imposed by the court require the In 2017, as the deadly The National Sport Day is the culmination of great thousands, when the Tatmadaw (the government to prevent genocidal crackdown by Tatmadaw sent efforts that has placed Qatar on the global sport map committing Myanmar military) launched a acts, ensure security forces do not hundreds of thousands fleeing with its world-class sports facilities and preparing the vicious “clearance operation” in commit genocide, preserve evi- across the border, I spent a community for the success of major events in the run mass rapes, the Rakhine State, which was dence of genocidal acts and month in Bangladesh. During up to hosting the 2022 World Cup. burning villages home to more than a million report back on its compliance. It that time, I listened to the stories The Sport Day is also a step on the path to achieving to the ground, Rohingya. Over the course of a remains to be seen whether of countless refugees and wit- Qatar’s National Vision, building a conscious and qual- few weeks, soldiers rampaged Myanmar will listen to the court nessed their pain. They told me ified society, with a genuine passion and a healthy body and driving through the region, killing thou- and take genuine action. The how they dodged bullets as they to build the country and achieve its renaissance and more than sands, committing mass rapes, official reaction has so far been fled towards the border. They development in various fields. burning villages to the ground, muted, apart from a press release told me how they helplessly 700,000 people and driving more than 700,000 by the Foreign Ministry claiming watched their family members to flee into people to flee into neighbouring that the court’s verdict presented being killed and their villages Bangladesh. a “distorted picture of the torched to the ground. But they neighbouring As shocking as the violence situation”. never talked about revenge. They D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Bangladesh. was, it was only the tip of the Unfortunately, it is highly never expressed any desire to iceberg. For decades, the likely that the Myanmar gov- avenge what our home country EMAIL: [email protected] Myanmar authorities have con- ernment will simply continue to did to them. They told me that all fined the Rohingya to a virtual do what it has long been doing to they want is justice. They told me EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 open-air prison in the Rakhine avoid taking responsibility for its that they want justice for them- FAX: +974 4455 7758 state. It denied us citizenship crimes - delays, denials, empty selves, for the loved ones they since 1982, effectively rendering promises and endless pleas for lost and the Rohingya com- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 us stateless. Our freedom of “more time”. Aung San Suu Kyi munity as a whole. movement even within Myanmar has herself been leading the gov- As the court’s decision to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 is extremely limited. We are ernment’s PR efforts. It is both rebuke Myanmar for its expected to acquire official per- sad and ironic that someone who treatment of the Rohingya was LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 mission, and often pay bribes, to so many Rohingya supported for read at The Hague, I was thinking leave our home villages. many years has now become of those refugees. I was thinking BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Healthcare and education are both an apologist and enabler of how this decision is going to off-limits to most Rohingya. This the Tatmadaw’s genocide. bring them one step closer to SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 is all part of a deliberate effort by But there is still some space achieving justice. Myanmar not only to dehu- for optimism. Ultimately, we the Rohingya ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 manise us, but also to make our Myanmar will now be want to return to our homeland email: [email protected] lives so miserable that we have required to provide regular and live in peace with other no option but to leave. reports to the ICJ on what it has communities that also call PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Of course, even leaving the done to improve the situation. A Myanmar home, without having email: [email protected] country is not easy for people failure to comply could lead to to fear for our lives. Last month, who have next to nothing. Other the matter escalating to the UN the ICJ offered us a glimmer of ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 than people who have been Security Council. While China hope that this could one day FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] pushed in to Bangladesh as result has so far shielded Myanmar become a reality - now we need of the violence, and forced to from the action at the UNSC, the the world’s help to secure the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 survive in refugee camps, only a ICJ’s ruling will undoubtedly future of our people. email: [email protected] few managed to leave the encourage the global community Tun Khin is President of Rakhine state and build a life for to do more to protect the Burmese Rohingya Organisation SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 themselves abroad. Rohingya. UK. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar In Libya, we want an immediate cessation of hostilities and external interference. The /Peninsula_Qatar arms embargo must be respected.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Smail Chergui, AU's Peace and Security Council Chief +974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 ASIA 09 Azerbaijan ruling party wins parliamentary polls AFP — BAKU Aliyev, 58, hoped promised a democratic election, but opposition parties Azerbaijan President Ilham to boost the have accused the government Aliyev’s ruling party yesterday government’s of limiting their ability to cam- celebrated a huge win in snap paign and several parties boy- parliamentary polls but inter- image by holding cotted the vote. national observers and the early elections and On Sunday night, Vice opposition denounced Prime Minister and Yeni sweeping violations. replacing discredited Azerbaijan executive secretary Aliyev, 58, hoped to boost old elites with younger Ali Ahmedov congratulated his the government’s image by technocrats. party on “yet another great holding early elections and victory” after exit polls put it replacing discredited old elites on a course to win a majority. with younger technocrats. joint report, international “We are grateful to those His ruling party won a observers denounced who have voted in support of majority in Sunday’s election numerous voting irregularities, our president’s policies,” but the opposition claimed it saying restrictive legislation Ahmedov told journalists. was “totally falsified” and and the political environment Elections had originally several parties boycotted the prevented a level playing field. been scheduled for November vote altogether. “Significant procedural vio- this year but in December The sole opposition poli- lations during counting and the Aliyev called early polls after tician who made it to the new tabulation raised concerns a surprise dissolution of the legislature was Erkin Gadirly whether the results were legislature that is dominated of Republican Alternative Party established honestly,” said by his party. (ReAl). All other parties repre- observers from the Organi- The move followed the Members of a local electoral commission count ballots at a polling station after a snap parliamentary sented in the parliament, the sation for Security and Coop- replacement of the prime min- election in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday. Milli Majlis, are seen as eration in Europe and the ister and a number of veteran pro-Aliyev. Council of Europe. officials within the presidential The Musavat opposition They criticised numerous administration and the ahead of the vote. Prominent opposition Aliyev has ruled the ex- party demanded that the result instances of ballot stuffing and government. With most powers concen- leader Isa Gambar decried dra- Soviet state with an iron fist be annulled and fresh polls multiple voting, pressure on Analyst Anar Mammadli trated in the presidency, par- conian restrictions on freedom since he was first elected in held. voters, candidates, and said public anger over eco- liament has a limited role in the of assembly, saying “people are 2003, after the death of his Counting showed the Yeni observers as well as the nomic problems has been Caspian nation’s political being arrested and tortured” father, Azerbaijan’s Soviet-era (New) Azerbaijan party with 72 absence of campaign coverage growing in the South Caucasus system. for participating in peaceful Communist leader and former seats in the 125-member par- in mainstream media. country of nine million people. Electoral commissions are protests. KGB general Heydar Aliyev. liament, according to early More than 5.3 million “Aliyev chose to hold elec- controlled by Aliyev’s party and None of the elections held Under the Aliyev dynasty, results of the first-past-the- people were eligible to vote, tions eight months ahead of all of the oil-rich country’s tel- in Azerbaijan since Aliyev came Baku has faced strong interna- post ballot, the central election and turnout stood at 47.8 schedule as he fears that evision stations refused to to power in 2003 have been tional criticism for persecuting commission said. percent, election officials said. protest sentiment would grow allocate airtime to the recognised as free and fair by political opponents and suffo- But in a strongly worded The ruling party had further by November,” he said opposition. international observers. cating independent media. Taiwan scrambles jets again Malaysia yet to to intercept Chinese aircraft decide on new

REUTERS — TAIPEI back to base via the Miyako search for Strait, located between Japan’s Taiwan’s air force scrambled for islands of Miyako and Okinawa, missing plane a second day in a row yesterday to the northeast of Taiwan. to intercept Chinese jets that According to Taiwan’s REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR approached the island claimed official Central News Agency, the by Beijing as its own, as tensions F-16s scrambled on Sunday Malaysia yesterday said it has between the two took on a carried live missiles. yet to decide on launching a potentially dangerous military There was no immediate new search for Malaysia dimension. comment from China yester- Airlines flight MH370, which Taiwan’s Defence Ministry day’s incident. This is only the went missing with 239 people said Chinese jets, accompanying second time since 2016 that on board nearly six years ago, H-6 bombers, briefly crossed an Taiwan has said that Chinese jets following a report that a new unofficial mid-line in the Taiwan had crossed the strait’s median effort to find the plane could Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attends the get-together of the beneficiaries of Joy Homes Strait that separates the two, line. Their military aircraft tend be mounted. project, an initiative by the Joyalukkas Foundation, yesterday. prompting its air force to rush to to keep to their own sides. Malaysia’s ministry of intercept and give verbal China’s Taiwan Affairs transport said it has not warnings to leave. Office, though, urged Taiwan’s received any new credible evi- Joy Homes project reinforces The Chinese aircraft then ruling Democratic Progressive dence to initiate a new search. withdrew to the western side of Party “not to play with fire”. The “However, the ministry will the line, the ministry added, DPP have been “adopting a review any new evidence that Rebuild Kerala initiatives: Vijayan without identifying the jets. stance that increases cross-strait it officially receives,” the min- The H-6s were on a training confrontation, intensifying new istry said in a brief statement. THE PENINSULA — THIRUVALLA Rs150m. The Joyalukkas Group the needy. About 100 families, mission in the Pacific having moves for Taiwan-U.S. collusion, On Sunday, Australia’s , has extended highly com- who are beneficiaries of the passed through the Bashi using the opportunity to seek News Corp reported that a new The role undertaken by the mendable voluntary services project, from Pathanamthitta, Channel that separates Taiwan independence and openly car- search could be mounted pos- Joyalukkas Foundation in the during the floods, the CM Kottayam, Alleppey, Quilon and from the Philippines, the min- rying out dangerous provoca- sibly this year, based on new rehabilitation of flood victims added. Idukki, participated in the istry added and shared a picture tions”, it added. evidence that it said showed of Kerala is nothing less than The state is witnessing the get-together. of a Taiwan F-16 accompanying China’s Eastern Theatre the plane could have ended up great, said Kerala Chief Minister astounding progress of Rebuild The function was presided one of the H-6 bombers. Command described Sunday’s in an area adjacent to the pre- Pinarayi Vijayan in his inau- Kerala initiatives, employing by Cherian Polachirakkal, China has been flying what fly-by of military’s combat ready vious search area in the Indian gural speech during the second advanced and contemporary Municipal Chariman, Thiru- it calls “island encirclement” patrol as a “completely legit- Ocean. News Corp reported get-together of the Joy Homes technologies and methods, he valla. Joy Alukkas, CMD of Joy- drills on-off since 2016 when imate and necessary action that US exploration firm Ocean beneficiaries held at Dr Alex- said. alukkas Group, Jolly Joy Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen aimed at the current situation in Infinity was in discussions with ander Marthoma Auditorium at A number of dignitaries Alukkas and Elsa Joy Alukkas, first took office. Beijing believes the Taiwan Strait and safe- the Malaysian government to 11.30am yesterday. attended the function where both Directors of Joyalukkas Tsai, who won re-election last guarding national sovereignty”. mount a new search on a no In his speech, the CM also MA Arif, MP, gave away the Group also participated in the month, wishes to push the The latest fly-bys came as Tai- find no fee basis. expressed the gratitude of mementos to the elated home function, among others. island’s formal independence. wan’s vice-president elect, Ocean Infinity did not Kerala Government towards owners and Mathew T Thomas, Currently, about 160 fam- Tsai says Taiwan is an inde- William Lai, was returning from immediately respond to a Joyalukkas Foundation. MLA, launched the Joyalukkas ilies have moved into their new pendent country called the a visit to Washington, where he request for comment. The foundation has built Foundation Handbook. homes and the rest of the Republic of China, its official attended the high-profile Flight MH370 became one and handed over 250 houses As part of another noble ini- houses will be handed over name. On Sunday too, Chinese National Prayer Breakfast, at of the world’s greatest aviation for the families who lost their tiative by Joyalukkas Foun- soon, said Joy Alukkas, CMD of jets, including J-11 fighters, flew which US President Donald mysteries when it vanished on dwelling places during the dev- dation, NK Premachandran, Joyalukkas Group during the into the Bashi Channel then out Trump spoke. China denounced its way from Kuala Lumpur to astating floods at a cost of MP, distributed Dialysis kits to event. into the Pacific before heading Lai’s trip. Beijing on March 8, 2014. Grief swells as Thais mourn 29 killed in mass shooting

AFP — NAKHON RATCHASIMA grandfather, Udom Prapotsang, disabled location services on said outside of the morgue their phone fearing the social Grieving relatives of 29 people waiting to claim his body. media-obsessed gunman might murdered by a rogue soldier in “His four-year-old son be able to find them. Thailand held tearful Buddhist keeps asking why he can’t call Her group escaped several prayer ceremonies yesterday, his dad.” hours later, flanked by police in as fresh details emerged of After seizing the weapons, a sprint for the mall entrance shoppers cowering in terror the shooter drove to a Buddhist “which felt like forever.” while the gunman stalked the temple, where blood splatters But others were not so mall. and bullet holes attested to the fortunate. Holding portraits of their horrors that unfolded. Flowers and messages of relatives and dabbing away Narissara Chotklang, a condolences including one tears, families of the victims 52-year-old Pharmacist, was saying “RIP Korat, we will not arrived yesterday morning at a among nine people to die there. forget” piled up outside the city morgue in Nakhon Ratch- Her funeral rites began late bullet-riddled mall. asima, better known as Korat, yesterday a few kilometres A Buddhist monk in orange in the morning to carry home away, where hundreds of robes led a prayer ceremony on coffins bearing their dead. mourners lined up to pour a grass verge outside the mall The gunman — Sergeant- water over a jasmine garland for Peeraphat Palasan, shot Major Jakrapanth Thomma — placed delicately over her out- dead as the gunman sprayed was shot dead by a commando stretched hand. bullets into traffic, killing the unit Sunday morning, ending a The attacker then moved to 25-year-old engineer. rampage that left 29 dead and the town centre mall, where a His father, Witoon, was scores more wounded. terrifying siege unfolded late among a dozen mourners The killer started his killing Saturday. crying, kneeling, hands clasped spree on Saturday afternoon Armed with automatic People pray for victims who died in a mass shooting at Terminal 21 shopping mall in Nakhon -- some holding incense sticks with weapons stolen from a weapons, the gunman held out Ratchasima, Thailand, yesterday. -- in prayer. barracks’ arsenal, where he overnight as hundreds of “My son had just finished gunned down Mehta Lertsiri, 22, shoppers sought refuge in when they could. tried to control her breathing as “He was carrying a gun, work and came here to go who was guarding the depot. toilets, storerooms and under Pressed to the ground in an she watched the masked soldier looking left and right con- shopping,” Witoon said. “I don’t know what to do tables — staying silent or office inside a Japanese home stop just yards away on the stantly,” Partiya said. “I never thought I would next,” Mehta’s grief-stricken making a break for the exits goods shop, Partiya Aree, 29, shop’s own CCTV. Alongside 21 others, they lose him so soon.” 10 ASIA TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 Xi appears in public; coronavirus deaths increase to 908

REUTERS — BEIJING WHO chief Tedros outbreak has now surpassed Adhanom Ghebreyesus that of another coronavirus, People across China trickled Severe Acute Respiratory Syn- back to work yesterday after an said: “The detection drome (SARS), which brought a extended Lunar New Year of a small number of global epidemic in 2002/2003. holiday as the government cases may indicate The epidemic has caused eased restrictions imposed to huge disruptions in China with counter the coronavirus, but the more widespread usually teeming cities becoming World Health Organisation said transmission in other virtual ghost towns after Com- the number of cases outside countries; in short, we munist Party rulers ordered China could be just “the tip of lockdowns, cancelled flights the iceberg”. may only be seeing the and closed factories and The death toll from the epi- tip of the iceberg.” schools. Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the novel coronavirus prevention and control work at Anhuali demic rose to 908, all but two Ten extra days had been Community in Beijing, yesterday. in mainland China, yesterday and one death. But WHO chief added to the Lunar New Year as 97 more fatalities were Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, holidays that had been due to company he worked for had million people that is the In Britain, the government recorded — the largest number speaking in Geneva, said there finish at the end of January. But barred people from taking hardest hit by the outbreak, said yesterday the number of in a single day since the out- had been “concerning even yesterday, many work- public transport. remains in virtual lockdown, confirmed coronavirus cases break was detected in the instances” of transmission from places remained closed and “I usually take subways but with its train stations and air- there had doubled to eight and Chinese city of Wuhan in people who had not been to many people worked from this morning it cost me 200 ports shut and its roads sealed. it declared the virus a serious December. China. home. yuan one way by cab,” he said. The coronavirus is also a and imminent threat, giving it Across mainland China, “The detection of a small Few commuters seen during One Beijing government huge test for President Xi additional powers to isolate 3,062 new infections were con- number of cases may indicate the morning rush-hour on one official, Zhang Gewho, said it Jinping, who has largely kept those suspected of being firmed on Sunday, bringing the more widespread transmission of Beijing’s busiest subway lines. would be be harder to curb the out of the spotlight, leaving infected. total number to 40,171, in other countries; in short, we All were wearing masks. spread of the virus as people Premier Li Keqiang to take the Much remains to be deter- according to the National may only be seeing the tip of the Jin Yang, who works in a returned to work and efforts to public lead in government mined about the virus, which Health Commission (NHC). iceberg,” he said. department of China’s State combat it had entered a critical efforts to control the has been linked to a market Wu Fan, vice-dean of The virus has spread to at Administration of Foreign period. outbreak. selling animals in Wuhan, the Shanghai Fudan University least 27 countries and terri- Exchange, rode a bicycle to “Beijing will see an influx of Yesterday, Xi appeared capital of Hubei province, Medical school, said there was tories, according to a Reuters work instead of public people returning to the city. The among the public for the first including how easily it spreads hope the spread might soon count based on official reports, transport. Staff were told to capacity of communities and time since the outbreak mush- and how deadly it is. reach a turning point. infecting more than 330 people. wear masks, avoid face-to-face flow of people will greatly roomed, and was shown by Chinese researchers found “The situation is stabilising,” The two deaths outside meetings and the canteen was increase and the difficulty of state television inspecting the that its incubation period could she told a briefing when asked mainland China were in Hong closed. virus prevention and control work of community leaders in be up to 24 days. about the spread in Shanghai, Kong and the Philippines. Another employee sur- will further rise,” he said. Beijing, and wearing a mask as It had been thought to be up which has had nearly 300 cases The death toll from the named Chen said the insurance Hubei, the province of 60 he had his temperature taken. to 14 days. 65 more cases confirmed Bangladeshi in Pakistani student in Wuhan misses Singapore infected on cruise ship in Japan father’s funeral, anxiety grows with coronavirus REUTERS — TOKYO cabins. REUTERS — ISLAMABAD desperation grows, having devastating #coronavirus ANATOLIA — DHAKA “However, we have been missed his father’s funeral, but potential global pandemic,” State Passenger tests aboard the also advised since we are in the From his dormitory in the received conflicting information Health minister Zafar Mirza said A Bangladeshi worker in Diamond Princess cruise ship in early quarantine period of 14 locked-down Chinese city of from Pakistani officials. on Twitter on Sunday. Singapore has been infected Japan confirmed at least 65 more days, it was not unexpected.” Wuhan, PhD student Hassan “They need me at this time, Hassan contacted his uni- with the novel coronavirus, the cases of coronavirus yesterday, The captain’s remarks spoke to his father in Pakistan my mother needs me,” said the versity, who supported him island nation’s Ministry of as some passengers took to formed part of an audio for the last time on Thursday, as PhD computer architecture leaving, and Pakistan’s embassy Health (MOH) said yesterday. social media to warn against recording posted on Twitter by the 80-year-old begged him to student, who asked to be iden- in Beijing. He said he was later “Case 42 is a 39-year-old depression over their Yardley Wong, a passenger doc- come home. The next day, tified only by one name in order told by Chinese authorities in male Bangladeshi national confinement. umenting the experience on the Hassan’s father died of a heart to protect his family’s privacy. Hubei that he could be evacuated who is a Singapore Work Pass The figure takes the tally on ship, using the hashtag #anxiety. ailment. His increasing anxiety is if Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing holder and has no recent travel board to 135, showing a rapid rise Japan’s health ministry con- Hassan is one of more than shared by other Pakistani stu- contacted them, but that had not history to China,” the MOH in the outbreak on the ship firmed the 65 new cases in a 1,000 Pakistani students in dents in Hubei, some of whom occurred. said in a press release. docked in the port of Yokohama. statement. China’s Hubei province, thought are increasingly critical of their A Pakistani Ministry of The total number of Among the new 65 cases are 45 The Diamond Princess was to be the epicentre of the coro- government’s response to the Foreign Affairs spokeswoman people infected so far in Sin- Japanese and 11 Americans, placed in quarantine for two navirus, who have been told by situation. did not respond to Reuters’ gapore is 43. Japan’s health ministry said. weeks upon arriving in their government that it has had “My very dear students in request for comment. Dr Ayesha Akther, assistant “This is not news that anyone Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on to rule out their return home for China...we r intensely discussing Hassan said he was then told director of Bangladesh’s Direc- of us wanted to receive,” the February 3, after a man who dis- the moment. the situation @ highest level & by a Pakistani official on yes- torate General of Health captain told passengers in a embarked in Hong Kong was Hassan has since stepped up will make the best decision in terday that they were planning Services, said that this is the first broadcast over speakers in their diagnosed with the virus. his efforts to travel home as his view of all factors with ref to to evacuate all students. case of a coronavirus infection for any Bangladeshi national. “But we have come to know it from the website of Pakistan govt to open 50,000 new shops for subsidised items Singapore’s Health Ministry and some news outlets. We INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD open market. This plan of the government departments had The prime minister also economic team and taking deci- will check it through our own government will provide jobs to also begun doing an in-depth wrote, “At the same time all the sions, however, tangible results channels,” Akther said. The government of Pakistan has 50,000 families. probe into the flour and sugar relevant govt agencies have are yet to be seen. He also has made a plan to provide jobs and Prime Minister Imran Khan price hike. begun doing an in-depth probe recently directed the provinces daily-use items to people on has also directed to continue the In tweets, he acknowledged into the flour and sugar price to take every possible step to Philippine govt subsidised rates under which Rs7bn relief package to Utility the difficulties the ordinary hikes. The nation should rest check profiteering and hoarding 50,000 new retail shops will be Stores till the end of Ramazan. people, including the salaried assured that all those responsible of goods. urges court to opened. The prime minister was informed class, were confronting and had will be held accountable and Meanwhile, Minister for Geo News reported while that the Utility Stores need up to decided to announce a number penalised.” Planning, Development and shut down leading quoting sources that Rs25 bn Rs10bn funds after which he of measures for giving relief to While chairing a meeting of Special Initiatives Asad Umar said have been allocated for the pro- directed the concerned ministries them come what may. his economic team a day earlier, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf TV network gramme in the first phase. The to make arrangements for pro- “I understand the difficulties the prime minister asserted that (PTI) government was taking all AP — MANILA citizens will get loans up to viding resources. ordinary people incl salaried a government having no com- possible measures to provide Rs500,000 for opening retail Meanwhile, Prime Minister class are confronting and have passion had no right to stay relief to poor people facing price The Philippine government’s shops and 1,500 such shops will Imran Khan said his government decided, come what may, my . He hinted at going to any hike issues now a days. chief lawyer asked the Supreme be opened immediately. will announce various measures govt will be announcing various extent to provide relief to the Talking to local media, the Court yesterday to shut down The sources said the Utility to reduce the prices of basic food measures that will be taken to masses in terms of prices of minister said the government the country’s largest TV Stores Corporation (USC) will items for the common man in reduce prices of basic food items essential commodities, including was well aware of the genuine network by revoking its oper- supply 60 percent items to retails today's meeting. for the common man in cabinet flour, rice, pulses, ghee and sugar. problems of masses and there ating franchises because of shops, while the shops owners The prime minister also today,” he wrote on his Twitter The prime minister has been was no doubt that inflation has alleged constitutional viola- will arrange rest of items from explained that the concerned account. regularly holding meetings of his increased enormously. tions, in a move critics called an attempt to muzzle the media. President Rodrigo Duterte Rains to end Australian has repeatedly attacked ABS-CBN Corp., along with at least two other news agencies, for making critical reports bushfires within days about him, including his crackdown on illegal drugs that AFP — SYDNEY February 1990. Several major bushfires has left thousands of mostly have been extinguished by the deluge, poor drug suspects dead. Australia’s months-long bushfires crisis including a “mega-blaze” that burned Solicitor-General Jose will likely be over within days, officials through 500,000 hectares north of Sydney Calida said he filed the petition said yesterday as heavy rainfall extin- and a similar-sized fire to the city’s south, against the TV network and its guished several massive blazes and was bringing relief to residents and subsidiary, ABS-CBN Conver- forecast to douse dozens more as down- firefighters. gence Inc, for abusing its fran- pours swept south. New South Wales Rural Fire Service chises and violating a constitu- Days of torrential rains have caused spokesman James Morris said about 30 tional prohibition on foreign flash flooding in New South Wales and fires were still burning yesterday, but it investment in Philippine media. Queensland, dampening once-raging fires was expected they would soon be extin- ABS-CBN denied the that volunteers had battled in vain for guished as the rain moves south in the allegations. months. coming days. Calida accused ABS-CBN of Sydney experienced its wettest period “By the end of the week it’s likely they “broadcasting for a fee, which in 20 years amid several days of heavy will be out,” he said. is beyond the scope of its leg- rainfall that led to chaotic scenes across Drought-stricken areas across the islative franchise.” the city. The Bureau of Meteorology said country’s east also received welcome ABS-CBN said Calida’s alle- 391.6mm of rain fell in Sydney over the downpours but more sustained and wide- gations were baseless and that past four days — the highest total in such spread rainfall will be needed to offset a it has complied with Philippine a period since 414.2mm were recorded in years-long dry spell. Pedestrians brave strong wind and rain in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. laws and had secured permits. TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 EUROPE 11

Man convicted Merkel’s party in of plot to attack London tourist sites crisis as heir AP — LONDON

A former Uber driver was apparent quits convicted yesterday of plotting a vehicle and weapons attack on London tourist sites, just AP — BERLIN Annegret Kramp- over a year after he was Karrenbauer ruled cleared of attacking police German Chancellor Angela with a sword outside Buck- Merkel’s heir apparent unex- out any cooperation ingham Palace. pectedly threw in the towel with the Left party Jurors at London’s yesterday, plunging her Woolwich Crown Court found conservative party into an even of former Thuringia Mohiussunnath Chowdhury deeper crisis as it struggles to governor Bodo guilty of preparing terrorist agree on its future political acts and other terrorism direction after losing votes to Ramelow. charges. the far right. Prosecutors said 28-year- Annegret Kramp-Karren- old Chowdhury planned a van, bauer told leading members of politics around cooperating gun or knife attack on targets the Christian Democratic Union, with extremist parties. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (centre), leader of Germany’s CDU party leaves a press conference including Madame Tussauds (CDU), that she won’t be seeking “The AfD stands against following a meeting with her party’s leadership, in Berlin, yesterday. wax museum, London’s pride the chancellorship in next year’s everything we as the CDU rep- parade and an open-top sight- general election, upending Mer- resent,” Kramp-Karrenbauer and increase the chances of an Minister Jens Spahn and Frie- Soeder, the leader of the seeing bus. kel’s plans to hand her the reins told reporters yesterday in early national election. drich Merz, who were beaten Christian Social Unio n, the Prosecutor Duncan after more than 15 years in Berlin. “Any convergence with “If it’s up to me, it won’t to the leadership by Kramp- Bavarian-only sister party to Atkinson said during the trial power. AfD weakens the CDU.” have any effect on the stability Karrenbauer in 2018. Armin Merkel’s CDU, is also the focus that Chowdhury desired to The announcement follows She likewise ruled out any of the grand coalition,” Kramp- Laschet, the governor of North of some speculation. “unleash death and suffering” days of in-fighting within the cooperation with the Left party Karrenbauer said after Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s Merkel’s spokesman Steffen on non-Muslims after party over its handling last of former Thuringia governor announcing her planned most populous state, is also Seibert told reporters in Berlin absorbing sermons from week of the election of a gov- Bodo Ramelow, who headed the withdrawal. being mentioned as a possible that she stood by her decision extremist preachers including ernor in the state of Thuringia. former East German state from But leading figures in Mer- contender. not to run for a fifth term in al-Qaida’s Anwar Al-Awlaki. Regional party lawmakers 2014 until last week. She will kel’s party expressed concerns While Spahn and Laschet 2021, despite the latest He confided his plans to there voted with the far-right remain as Germany’s defence about fallout from the are considered centrists, Merz development. undercover police officers Alternative for Germany party, minister. announcement. has tried to appeal to the con- The Alternative for posing as fellow extremists. He or AfD, to oust the left-wing Merkel has said she will not Peter Altmaier, Germany’s servative wing of the party that Germany welcomed Kramp- was arrested in July. incumbent, defying appeals run for a fifth term in Germany’s economy minister and a close has flirted with the far-right Karrenbauer’s resignation, as from Kramp-Karrenbauer and next general election, which is Merkel ally, said the Christian Alternative for Germany. A did Germany’s former domestic further undermining her now scheduled for fall 2021. But Democrats were in “an unu- lawyer once tipped to lead the intelligence head, Hans-Georg Fathers in Denmark leadership. any shift to the right in Merkel’s sually serious situation.” party in the early 2000s, Merz Maassen, a vocal figure on the The vote in Thuringia broke party could trigger a breakup Among the names currently was sidelined by Merkel before right of Merkel’s party since his get eight weeks what is widely regarded as a of her federal coalition with the being bandied around as future she became chancellor in 2005. ouster as Germany’s spy chief taboo in post-war German center-left Social Democrats CDU party leaders are Health Bavarian governor Markus in 2018. paid parental leave

BLOOMBERG — COPENHAGEN ‘Russia ready to exchange ambassadors with Ukraine’ New fathers are entitled to at least eight weeks paid leave ANATOLIA — MOSCOW travels, now for railway account American figures, out- which provoke a great concern. under a new labour agreement transport and simply for com- number our armed forces by But we will react in a way that reached in Denmark. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei munications,” he said. more than twice,” the minister does not create unnecessary The deal, concluded over Lavrov (pictured) said Turning to Russia-Nato said. risks,” Lavrov said. the weekend by the Confed- yesterday that his country was relations, Lavrov said Moscow “Where they found a com- While Nato continues eration of Danish Industry and ready to exchange ambassadors was concerned about the parable opponent, I don’t know. moving eastward, he added, the Central Organization of with Ukraine. planned military drill, Defender For sure, Russia is not the dom- Washington plans to deploy Industrial Employees, extends “The Ukrainian side recalled Europe 2020, the largest inant military force in Europe. intermediate-range nuclear the amount of paid leave to the ambassador, threatened to deployment of US-based forces It is Nato.” missiles in the Asia-Pacific which new parents are entitled break off diplomatic relations. to Europe for an exercise in Lavrov slammed the initi- region, including Japan and from 13 weeks to 16 weeks, Now, someone mentioned the more than 25 years. ative of “Military Schengen” South Korea. according to a statement. Five possibility of (Ukranian Pres- Lavrov doubted the Nato in the context of Nato’s mil- “The geographical distances weeks are allocated to mothers ident Volodymyr) Zelenskiy’s claim that the drill was not itary cooperation with the are such that if American inter- and eight to fathers, with house- decision to return the ambas- against Russia. European Union, which mediate-range and shorter- holds deciding how to split the sadors. We will be fine with it,” “In terms of military implies the modernisation of range missiles are placed at remaining three weeks. the minister told Russian daily expenditure, equipment — all transport arteries up to the these points, a significant part “We, the two sides of Rossiyskya Gazeta in an current conditions are strongly tanks, combat aircraft, attack eastern border of the alliance of Russia’s territory will be industry, are staying up to date interview. interconnected in the economy, helicopters, IFVs (infantry such that any major military under attack, and in the case of and taking part in ensuring a Despite tensions, he said, transport, humanitarian affairs, fighting vehicles), armoured equipment can pass freely to Japan and Korea, our entire ter- more equal distribution of the the two countries were strongly family ties. And, of course, it is vehicles, warships, submarines the east. ritory up to the Ural moun- leave,” Lars Sandahl Sorensen, tied together. unreasonable to constantly — only the European members “Naturally, we will react. We tains,” the Russian minister the confederation’s director “Our countries, even in the erect some barriers, now for air of Nato, without taking into cannot ignore the processes, added. general, said in the statement. Spanish govt to Greece speeds up creation of ban glorification of Franco's regime migrant centre to ease tension REUTERS — ATHENS controlled, closed facilities,” REUTERS — MADRID government spokesman Stelios Greece plans to accelerate the Petsas said in a statement. The Spanish government plans creation of detention centres Hundreds of thousands of to make it illegal to glorify the on its outlying islands in the people crossed into Europe via regime of former dictator Aegean Sea after a backlash Greece in 2015 and 2016 before General Francisco Franco as against overcrowded camps by a deal brokered by the part of a reform of the coun- some migrants and nearby resi- European Union limited the try’s criminal code, the dents. flow. There has been a resur- Socialist Party said yesterday. Authorities said they would gence in arrivals since around Franco, who ruled Spain proceed with the purchase of September 2019. from 1939 until his death in land on the islands of Lesbos, Last year, more than 1975, ordered the execution or Chios and Samos, and press 74,000 refugees and migrants imprisonment of tens of thou- ahead with plans to create arrived in Greece, according to sands of his enemies, while as holding facilities on state- the United Nations refugees many as 500,000 people died owned land on Kos and Leros. agency UNHCR. Most of them in the preceding civil war. His Thousands of migrants are arrived on Lesbos, Chios and nationalist legacy still divides waiting on the islands for their Samos after crossing and about Spain and looms large over its asylum applications to be proc- 40,000 are now in effect political system. essed, most of them in over- trapped on the islands. Rescuers working on the A2 motorway after a truck was tipped over in the early morning from strong “In a democracy you don’t crowded camps known as Aid groups have described winds brought by storm Ciara, in Marly, northern France, yesterday. pay tribute to dictators or reception centres. living conditions in some of the tyrants,” parliamentary spokes- Migrants on Lesbos pro- island camps as appalling. woman Adriana Lastra said. She tested last week against poor “We need 20,000 people to did not spell out what would Toll rises as storm moves eastward across Europe living conditions and residents be transferred from the islands constitute “glorification”. AP — BERLIN drowned after the boat he and to 20,000 homes. However, for of the island took to the streets to the mainland in the next The government also aims another person were sailing in parts of northern England and demanding the reception facil- weeks and months to come,” to exhume the bodies of A strong winter storm that has on the southern lake of Fegen Scotland, the respite is set to be ities close. Philippe Leclerc, UNCHR’s head Franco’s victims buried in battered Europe with hurricane- capsized. The victim was brief, with forecasts of blizzards “The government has in Greece, told journalists after mass graves and remove any force winds and heavy rains and washed ashore and later died. and snow. decided to close today’s a meeting with Greek Migration Francoist symbols still on killed at least five people moved The other person is still missing, “While Storm Ciara is anarchic facilities and create Minister Notis Mitarachi. display in public places, Lastra eastward yesterday, causing according to the Aftonbladet clearing away, that doesn’t said. In recent years, many severe travel disruptions across daily. mean we’re entering a quieter street names commemorating the continent. Two men, one in the north period of weather,” said Alex Franco and his allies have After striking Britain and of Slovenia and another in Burkill, a meteorologist at Brit- been changed and public Ireland on Sunday, the storm southern England, also died ain’s Met Office. “It’s going to statues removed. moved on, leaving a trail of after their cars were hit by stay very unsettled.” In October, Socialist Prime damage including power cuts falling trees. The storm has now largely Minister Pedro Sanchez’s care- for tens of thousands of homes Five people were injured in passed through France, though taker government removed across Europe. the Czech Republic in incidents meteorologists warned that the the former dictator’s remains A mother and her daughter related to the storm, authorities Mediterranean island of Corsica from an imposing state mau- died in Poland after the storm said, including a woman who could see winds as high as 200 soleum where he was buried ripped off the roof of a ski rental was hospitalised after she was kph. Waves lashed the northern in 1975 and transferred them equipment building in the hit by a tree. The number of coast, and high winds blew a to a small private cemetery, mountain resort of Bukowina Czech households without elec- truck onto its side on the A2 provoking mixed reactions Tatrzanska, near the border tricity reached 290,000, highway that links Belgium from across the political with Slovakia, and sent it hur- according to power company with France. Up to 130,000 spectrum. tling onto people standing near CEZ. homes were without electricity The far-right Vox party a ski lift, police said. Three Britain, which bore the Monday morning, stretching dismissed the proposed legal other people were injured in the brunt of the storm on Sunday, from Brittany, in western A view of temporary camp for refugees and migrants next to the reform as a pretext for shutting incident too. was assessing the damage and France, through Normandy and Moria camp during heavy rainfall on the island of Lesbos, in Greece. down free speech. In Sweden, one man working to get power restored the northern regions. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 Boris Johnson warned of court battle over Scottish independence vote

AFP — LONDON Boris Johnson should were in favour of the Scottish be put on notice that Parliament legislating to hold A Scottish lawmaker who won a referendum if the UK gov- a landmark legal case against we have options and ernment continued to block the UK government’s we are not afraid demands for a vote. suspension of parliament has Scotland’s First Minister and warned Prime Minister Boris to push forward,” SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has Johnson he faces legal action if Joanna Cherry wrote refused to sanction any he blocks a new vote on “wildcat” unauthorised Scottish independence. on Twitter. referendum. The Scottish National Party But she has also said she (SNP) wants a second refer- Cherry, the SNP’s interior would not rule out seeking legal endum to be held now that affairs spokeswoman at the UK clarification of the Scottish gov- Britain has left the European parliament, was among a group ernment’s power to hold a con- Union, as a majority north of of lawyers who successfully sultative referendum. the border with England challenged Johnson’s sus- She restated that position Venice carnival wanted to stay in the bloc. pension of the UK parliament at an event at the European A gondolier floats as The ‘Pantegana’ (Big Rat) sails on the Grand Canal with other decorated boats Johnson has refused to last year. Policy Centre in Brussels for the traditional regatta which officially opens the Carnival in Venice, yesterday. The Venice carnival transfer powers from London The suspension was widely yesterday. takes place until February 25, 2020. to the devolved government in interpreted as a bid by Johnson “But if you ask me whether Edinburgh under the Scotland to limit the scope for MPs to I think we should expend our Act for a new vote to be held. have a say on his Brexit energy on a legal process with But SNP lawmaker Joanna strategy. an uncertain outcome or on Cherry suggested the Scottish Some 55 percent of Scots building the political case for EU's fast response to Albania quake raises support Parliament should support a voted to remain part of the independence and an inde- AP — TIRANA response to Albania’s earth- Brussels led the interna- non-binding consultative ref- United Kingdom in 2014, seem- pendence referendum, I choose quake has had its impact on the tional efforts of around 780 res- erendum, then let judges decide ingly taking the issue off the the latter. That is my judgment,” A fast response by the European people’s support to join (the cuers rushing to the country to if it had the power to do so table in what was described as she added. Union to the earthquake in bloc),” said Luigi Soreca, the help prevent more deaths, most under the legislation. a “once-in-a-generation” Britain departed the EU on Albania that killed 51 people has EU’s delegation ambassador to of them coming from EU “Boris Johnson should be decision. January 31 but is continuing to increased the bloc’s popularity Tirana. member states. put on notice that we have But nationalists argue Brexit follow EU regulations at least among the tiny Western Balkan The 6.3-magnitude earth- Albania and North Mace- options and we are not afraid represents a material change until the end of the year. During country’s population, according quake on November 26 also left donia are expecting that the EU to push forward,” Cherry wrote in Scotland’s constitutional the transition period, the British to an EU official. 17,000 others homeless and will likely decide this spring in on Twitter. arrangements with the UK gov- government and EU leaders will A survey published yes- caused $1.1bn in damages. favor of launching full mem- “The balance of legal ernment in London. try to negotiate a free trade deal terday on the Albanian public The first decision that was bership negotiations following opinion is that we might well Some 62 percent of people and agreements covering other perception of the EU showed made by the new European the adoption of a new method- win any court challenge & I north of the border voted to areas. Britain wants the trade that support for Albania’s mem- Commission team that took its ology, which apparently has don’t believe that losing would remain in the EU in 2016. agreement to cover goods and bership in the bloc grew from post in early December was a pleased France, the main set us back any further than A recent Panelbase poll services and exclude almost all 93% in 2018 to 97% last year. $14m grant to assist Albania’s opponent of taking that step last where we are just now.” indicated 56 percent of Scots tariffs. “Apparently the EU’s fast quake efforts. October. Ukraine presses French academic jailed in Iran ‘weakened’ by hunger strike Iran over downed AFP — PARIS support group seeking her The hearings were overseen expert on Shia Islam, and East five years. release said in a statement. by the hardline judge Africa expert Marchal, a French According to rights groups jet's black boxes A French-Iranian academic “Despite calls by us and Abolqasem Salavati, who has citizen, are both researchers outside Iran, at least 11 foreign jailed in Iran in a case that has pressure from the prison and presided over several contro- with Sciences Po University in or dual nationals are currently BLOOMBERG — KIEV raised tensions between Paris judicial authorities, she has still versial cases in recent years. Paris. being held in Iranian prisons and Tehran is very weakened not stopped her hunger strike.” They are both charged with Iran is holding numerous following arrest by the Revolu- Ukraine is pressing Iran to by a hunger strike that she Fellow researcher Roland “colluding to commit acts Western citizens in prison, tionary Guards or intelligence send the so-called black box began in late December and Marchal, who was detained at against national security”. Initial adding to tensions between ministry. recorders from the Boeing Co. refuses to halt, a support group the same time as Adelkhah, is espionage charges against Tehran and the West following Also jailed and serving a plane that crashed after taking said yesterday. “distraught” and dealing with Adelkhah have been dropped. the unilateral rejection by the 10-year sentence is Iranian off from Tehran last month, Fariba Adelkhah, who was health problems that are being “They consider they are US of the 2015 deal on the American businessman Siamak Ukrainian Foreign Minister detained in June, has been on worsened by his incarceration, now facing a long judicial pro- Iranian nuclear programme. Namazi, who has been held Vadym Prystaiko said. hunger strike since December the group said. cedure without end,” the Australian Kylie Moore- since 2015. His elderly father “The black box and coop- 24 in Evin prison in Tehran as Both were summoned for support group said, adding that Gilbert of the University of Mel- Mohammad Bagher Namazi, eration with Tehran was the she awaits her trial. separate hearings on February it appeared a trial should begin bourne is serving a 10-year sen- who was arrested after visiting very difficult issue from the “She is very weakened and 5 at the Revolutionary Court before Iran’s New Year holidays tence on espionage charges and his son, is on a restricted beginning and we will try to is finding it hard to keep her that is handling the case without start on March 20. British-Iranian Nazanin medical leave and cannot leave keep the message” focused on balance,” the Paris-based their lawyers present. Dual national Adelkhah, an Zaghari-Ratcliffe was jailed for Iran. recovering the data, Prystaiko told the Foreign Press Associ- ation in Rome yesterday. Iran is under international EU diplomat under fire again pressure to provide more information on the circum- for ‘Greta syndrome’ remark stances that led to the shooting down of Ukrainian Interna- REUTERS — BRUSSELS tional Flight 752. The flight- data and cockpit voice The European Commission had to apologise again for a comment recorders may provide clues by foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who had questioned young to what happened when the people’s commitment to the fight against climate change, referring 3-year-old Boeing 737-800 to it as “Greta syndrome”. abruptly plunged to the ground Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, Borrell said he had doubts two minutes after takeoff from about young people’s genuine engagement to tackling climate Tehran, killing all 176 aboard. change, and questioned whether they were ready to change their It occurred days after the lifestyles to help compensate miners and others who will be most killing by the US of Iran’s top affected by measures to cut carbon emissions. general, Qassem Soleimani. “It is fine to demonstrate for climate change as long as you Iran has “no plans for now” are not asked to contribute to pay for it,” Borrell said, calling this to send the black box from the attitude “Greta syndrome” in reference to 17-year-old Swedish plane to Ukraine or any other climate activist Greta Thunberg. country, the state-run Islamic Under pressure, Borrell, a Spanish socialist, later apologised. Republic News Agency “I want to apologise to anyone that may have felt offended by my reported on January 19. inappropriate reference to the important youth movement fighting Prystaiko said that now #climatechange,” he tweeted on Saturday. “we have to plan in the longer But facing more criticism on social media and from jour- run how to get the black boxes A worker in protective clothing cleaning the floor of the pharmacy following reports a member of staff nalists, a commission spokeswoman was forced on Monday to and how to get the investi- was infected with the 2019-nCoV strain of the novel coronavirus, in Brighton, southern England, yesterday. repeat Borrell’s apologies, describing his remarks as gation going; we are coordi- “inappropriate”. nating with five nations.” “We hope with that tweet ... the situation is clarified,” spokes- The issue is not “because UK coronavirus cases double to eight, woman Dana Spinant told a news conference, adding that all some soldier was trigger- commissioners supported young activists engaged to reducing happy and over reacted, we the impact of climate change. want to know the chain of government declares ‘imminent threat’ Yesterday, the BBC said that it will make a new documentary command, who gave the order, series with Thunberg, charting her life and exploring the science to be brought to justice,” Prys- REUTERS — LONDON The new cases in England The BBC reported a doctors’ behind climate change. taiko said. were all known contacts of a practice in the southern English Britain said yesterday that the previously confirmed British city of Brighton had been tem- number of confirmed corona- patient in France, and were porarily closed after a staff virus cases had doubled to eight identified by public health offi- member tested positive for Seven found guilty of plotting attacks in Russia as the government declared the cials working to trace possible coronavirus. virus a serious and imminent cases. Health minister Matt AP — MOSCOW would appeal the verdict. that they illegally bought threat, giving it additional “We now know the new Hancock declared the virus “a Some of the defendants ini- weapons and explosives and powers to isolate those cases announced today are all serious and imminent threat to A Russian military court tially pleaded guilty to some conducted training drills as part suspected of being infected. closely linked to one another,” public health” to give doctors convicted seven members of a charges but later said they had of a plot to overthrow the Alarm over the coronavirus Public Health England Medical more powers to isolate people. left-wing youth group of given false confessions under government. that emerged in Wuhan, China, Director Yvonne Doyle said in “We are taking a belt and terrorism charges yesterday torture by electric shock. Human rights activists and in December is driven by its a statement. “Two of these new braces approach to all nec- and sentenced them to prison Russian investigators had Russian opposition members rapid spread and the fact that cases are healthcare workers.” essary precautions to ensure terms ranging from six to 18 initially accused the group have accused the Federal infectious disease experts “As soon as they were iden- public safety,” he said. “Clinical years, in a case that human members of preparing to carry Security Service (FSB), the main cannot yet know how deadly tified, we advised them to self- advice has not changed about rights groups called fabricated. out attacks during Russia’s KGB successor agency, of fab- or contagious it is. isolate in order to keep patient the risk to the public, which A three-judge panel of the March 2018 presidential ricating the case. It has killed more than 900 contact to a minimum. We are remains moderate.” court in Penza in western election and when Russia Alexei Navalny, Russia’s people, most of them in China, now working urgently to Arrowe Park Hospital, near Russia found the members of hosted the World Cup soccer leading opposition figure, and has spread to at least 27 identify all patients and other Liverpool, in northern England, the group Set (Network) guilty championship later that year, denounced the court’s verdict countries and territories. The healthcare workers who may and Kents Hill Park, in Milton of membership in a terrorist but they failed to document as “horrible” and said “the tes- two deaths outside mainland have come into close contact, Keynes, some 50 miles north of organisation and the illegal those early claims during the timony about a fictitious ter- China were in Hong Kong and and at this stage we believe this London, have been designated trafficking of weapons. trial. rorist organisation has been the Philippines. to be a relatively small number.” as isolation facilities. Defence lawyers said they The prosecution charged extracted under torture.” TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAS 13 Sanders, Buttigieg lead in New Hampshire ahead of primary

Buttigieg and Sanders face nine rivals in New areas, she said, making an Hampshire nominating contest today, including appeal for the large number of undecided and independent US Senator Amy Klobuchar who has pulled into voters in the state and noting third place in two polls. that Trump won narrow vic- tories in several key states in 2016. REUTERS Senate, has long led in opinion A Boston Globe’s poll, con- NASHUA/MANCHESTER, US polls for the New Hampshire ducted with Suffolk University contest. and WBZ-TV, showed Sanders Democratic presidential But Buttigieg, a 38-year-old with 27%, Buttigieg with 19% contenders Pete Buttigieg and moderate and military veteran and Klobuchar with 14% among Bernie Sanders began the last who served two terms as mayor 500 likely voters polled over the full day of campaigning in New of South Bend, Indiana, has weekend. The survey had a Hampshire yesterday hoping to gained ground since the Iowa margin of error of plus or minus build on their momentum after contest. 4 percentage points. topping the field in the Iowa Deeply trailing in New A separate poll by WHDH/ caucuses last week. Hampshire polls, former Vice Emerson College also showed Buttigieg and Sanders face President Joe Biden kicked off Klobuchar pulling into third. nine rivals in today’s New a rainy cold day by visiting with The Sanders campaign Hampshire nominating contest, unionized school bus drivers at expects to draw a large crowd including US Senator Amy a depot in Nashua. One driver in Durham yesterday evening Klobuchar who has boosted her asked for a picture, saying “My when progressive star US Rep- support and pulled into third grandmother is never going to resentative Alexandria Ocasio- place in two polls. believe me.” Democratic presidential candidate and US Senator Elizabeth Warren takes the stage at a campaign Cortez and rock band The The man they are all seeking Biden then had the driver town hall in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the US, on Sunday. Strokes join him for a rally. to take on in the November call her grandmother, and he Senator Elizabeth Warren election, Republican President spoke to her. The candidate the tenacity and the empathy Sanders and Buttigieg following whether Sanders — a self- sought to excite voters on Donald Trump, will try to reminisced about driving school that we need in the White the party’s debate in the New described democratic socialist Sunday with her detailed “a command the national spotlight buses to earn extra money while House.” A similar wave of late England state on Friday. — can attract the centrist voters plan for that” playbook. with a campaign rally of his a law student at Syracuse Uni- endorsements before Iowa’s “After that debate, some- Democrats need to beat Trump, “This is not the moment for own scheduled for Monday versity in the late 1960s. vote didn’t save Biden from a thing switched,” Klobuchar told and questioned whether Butt- small ideas, this is not the night in Manchester, the state’s He also won a late third-place finish. MSNBC in an interview yes- igieg has enough experience as moment to nibble around the largest city. endorsement from New Hamp- A pair of polls released late terday. “It just allowed the a former mayor to counter the edges of big problems, this is the Sanders, 78, an impassioned shire state Senate President on Sunday and early yesterday people of New Hampshire to see President. moment to meet big problems progressive who represents Donna Soucy, who said on showed Klobuchar of Minnesota me in a different way.” “I’ve won statewide,” head on with bigger solutions,” neighboring Vermont in the US Twitter, “Joe has the experience, pulling into third place behind Klobuchar has questioned including rural and suburban she told a crowd on Sunday. Buttigieg wins delayed Iowa US indicts 4 PLA members count for Equifax breach AFP — WASHINGTON AFP — WASHINGTON of nearly half of all Americans, as well as the hard work and US Democratic presidential The US Justice Department has intellectual property of an candidate Pete Buttigieg announced indictments of four American company, by a unit narrowly won the chaotic members of China’s People’s of the Chinese military,” Barr Iowa caucuses, collecting 14 Liberation Army for alleged said. delegates, ahead of Bernie involvement in the massive The hack stunned US offi- Sanders with 12, according to 2017 hack of the database of cials, and came in the wake of the state party on Sunday. giant US credit rating agency a similar intrusion on the US The delayed results were Equifax. government’s civil service marred by multiple technical The hackers are accused of database at the Office of Per- issues, and the outcome has stealing the sensitive personal sonnel Management (OPM), been subject to complaints and information on some 145 also blamed on the Chinese. demands for a “recanvassing” million Americans, in one of the US officials believe the check of the vote. world’s largest ever data Chinese military has under- Buttigieg, the former breaches, said Attorney General taken the hacks to amass a mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Bill Barr. huge amount of data on Amer- and Sanders, the leftist senator “This was a deliberate and icans for strictly intelligence from Vermont, were separated sweeping intrusion into the purposes. by a razor-thin margin in the private information of the After the OPM hack there caucuses held on Monday. American people,” he said. were deep worries that Beijing US President Donald Trump's campaign flags are seen for sale in Manchester, New Hampshire, where “You can expect us to be The Justice Department could use it to identify US spies the President was scheduled to hold an election campaign rally yesterday. asking the Iowa Democratic indictment charged four working under the cover of party for a recanvass of the members of the Chinese army’s non-intelligence jobs. discrepancies that we have Trump lashes out at Jones, predicts GOP Senate victory 54th Research Institute — Wu FBI Deputy Director David identified and found for them,” Zhiyong, Wang Qian, Xu Ke and Bowdich said there was no evi- Sanders campaign manager AP — WASHINGTON will be winning the Great State obstruction of Congress. “Sen- Liu Lei — with multiple counts dence yet of the Equifax data Faiz Shakir told CNN on of Alabama Senate Seat back,” ators are elected to make tough of hacking, computer fraud, having been used, for example Sunday. US President Donald Trump is Trump wrote. choices,” he said in the economic espionage and wire to hijack a person’s bank “It’s been handled incom- predicting a GOP Senate victory Lizzie Grams, a spokes- statement. fraud. account or credit card. petently from our per- in Alabama following Democrat woman for Jones’ campaign, Jones faces reelection this Officials said it took well But he added: “If you get the spective.” The national Dem- Doug Jones’ vote at the said the senator declined to fall in a heavily Republican over a year to track them personal identifying infor- ocratic party chairman has impeachment trial. comment. state that Trump carried by 28 through the 34 servers in 20 mation of people, you can do a ordered a review of the results Trump in a Tweet on In a statement after his vote, percentage points in 2016. In countries they allegedly used lot with that.” The indictment following the technological Sunday lashed out at Jones as Jones said he “reluctantly con- an upset, Jones narrowly won to hide their tracks. described a determined but problems and as doubts were a “lightweight” and called his cluded” that the evidence was a special election for a vacant “This was an organized and patient effort to get into the raised about the accuracy of vote to convict “partisan.” “So sufficient to convict Trump of seat in 2017 against Republican remarkably brazen criminal computer systems of Atlanta- the process. good to see that Republicans both abuse of power and nominee Roy Moore. heist of sensitive information based Equifax. More than 100 US troops US to prioritize diagnosed with brain injuries refugee cases delayed by from Iran attack: Officials Trump travel ban REUTERS — WASHINGTON longer to report them. No US troops were killed or faced AP — SEATTLE The US military is preparing to immediate bodily injury when report a more than 50 percent Iran fired missiles at the Ain Al President Donald Trump’s jump in the number of cases of Asad base in Iraq in retaliation administration has agreed to traumatic brain injury for the US killing of Revolu- speed up the cases of some stemming from Iran’s missile tionary Guard General Qassem former interpreters for the US attack on a base in Iraq last Soleimani in a drone strike at military in Iraq and hundreds month, US officials said Baghdad airport on January 3. of other refugees whose efforts yesterday. Pentagon officials have to move to the United States The officials, who spoke on repeatedly said there has been have been in limbo since he condition of anonymity ahead no effort to minimize or delay announced his travel bans of an announcement, said there information on concussive three years ago. were over 100 cases of TBI, up injuries. But the disclosures fol- The news was contained from the 64 previously lowing Tehran’s attack has in a settlement filed in federal reported last month. renewed questions over the US court in Seattle yesterday. It The Pentagon declined to military’s policy regarding how concerned more than 300 ref- comment, but in the past had it internally reports suspected ugees who were on the verge said to expect an increase in brain injuries. Winter attraction of being permitted to come to numbers in the weeks after the Since 2000, about 408,000 America in 2017 when their Tourists make their way through the frozen landscape at Ice Castles in North Woodstock, New Hampshire. attack because symptoms can service members have been applications were halted as The castles are created and maintained by ice artisans who start construction in September. The ice take time to manifest and diagnosed with traumatic brain part of Trump’s efforts to is lit at night by internal lights that put in a dazzling display of color and motion. troops can sometimes take injury. restrict travel from several mostly Muslim nations. Some of those affected are close relatives of refugees who NY sues Trump administration over exclusion from traveller programs are already in the US, while others are from 11 countries, REUTERS — NEW YORK punishment. The administration State officials said the ban coercion. It marked the latest joining or renewing their par- including Egypt, Iran and adopted the policy last week in would undermine public safety front in political fighting ticipation in so-called Trusted Somalia, that Trump singled New York state sued President response to New York’s passage and cause economic harm by between Democratic-controlled Traveler programs. These out, citing security reasons. Donald Trump’s administration last year of a so-called Green slowing travel. New York and Trump, a Repub- include Global Entry as well as “The government tried to yesterday to void a policy Light law allowing illegal immi- The lawsuit, filed in Man- lican born and raised in the three other programs that allow keep refugee families apart barring hundreds of thousands grants to apply for driver’s hattan federal court, said the state. faster travel between the United under the pretense of national of New Yorkers from enrolling licenses and limiting federal administration’s action violated A US Justice Department States, Canada and Mexico. security,” said Lisa Nowlin, an in federal programs that help immigration authorities from the US Constitution’s guar- spokesman declined to The state called the ban a attorney with the American travelers speed through airport accessing records from the antees of equal protection and comment. The Department of “punitive measure intended to Civil Liberties Union of Wash- security lines and borders, state’s Department of Motor equal sovereignty among states Homeland Security policy coerce New York into changing ington, which sued along with describing the ban as political Vehicles. and its prohibition on federal banned New Yorkers from its policies.” several other organizations. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 El Salvador President briefly occupies Congress REUTERS — SAN SALVADOR President Nayib Bukele says Congress is dragging its feet over approval of a $109m President Nayib Bukele and a group of soldiers armed with multi-lateral loan he has sought to equip police automatic weapons briefly and soldiers to fight crime. occupied El Salvador’s Congress on Sunday, stepping up a pressure campaign to force a possible sign of sought to equip police and sol- lawmakers to back a crime- de-escalation. diers to fight crime. fighting plan. Critics warned of a looming His cabinet called Sunday’s Watched by soldiers in full constitutional crisis, however. special session after Bukele said battle uniform, Bukele, 38, sat Human Rights Watch, a U.S.- on Friday that Salvadorans had in the seat reserved for the pres- based group, called the event a legal right to insurrection in ident of Congress and cupped “an exhibition of brute force” such situations, calling for pro- his hands together to pray, he and said the Organization of tests and briefly removing law- said, for patience with law- American States should urgently makers’ security protection Armed soldiers stand inside the Legislative Assembly during a protest outside the Legislative Assembly makers, few of whom turned up meet to discuss the situation. details. to make pressure on deputies to approve a loan to invest in security, in San Salvador, on Sunday. at the special session. Bukele won office last year The President’s move to “If those shameless people after a savvy social media cam- pressure lawmakers was don’t approve the plan of terri- paign feeding off popular dis- backed by defense minister On Sunday, hundreds of country, and the lawmakers do territory in the Central torial control, we’ll summon content with two parties that René Merino Monroy and police Salvadorans responded to not want to recognize that,” said American country. you here again (next) Sunday,” had ruled the Central American director Mauricio Arriaza Bukele’s call to demonstrate, Adelma Campos, a 43-year-old In a statement, the United he told supporters in a fiery country since the end of a civil Chicas. waving banners and blowing housewife. “They do not want Nations High Commissioner for speech outside, as he left the war. However, El Salvadoran whistles outside Congress, as to work for the people who gave Human Rights called on Sunday building. Channeling that same frus- think-tank FUSADES said there soldiers and police officers them their votes.” Although the for “dialogue and full respect for Lawmakers were due to tration with traditional parties, were no grounds for the exec- stood by to protect them, a murder rate in El Salvador has democratic institutions to guar- meet yesterday to discuss the he attacked Congress for foot- utive branch to call such a witness said. declined steeply since Bukele antee the rule of law, including President’s proposals, Congress dragging over approval of a session, since Congress was “We are here because of the took office, authorities continue the independence of the president Mario Ponce said, in $109m multi-lateral loan he has functioning normally. insecurity we have in our to battle gangs that control vast branches of public power.” Bolivia’s Morales travels to Bribery trial begins against Ecuador’s Cuba for medical treatment former president AFP — BUENOS AIRES Argentina. Rafael Correa “As a refugee he isn’t barred Former Bolivia leader Evo from going to Cuba. He has AP — QUITO, ECUADOR Morales traveled to Cuba from rights and can exercise them,” Buenos Aires yesterday for said Fernandez. Former Ecuadorean President medical treatment, Argentina’s Morales is standing as a Rafael Correa and 20 other President Alberto Fernandez Senate candidate in Bolivia’s high-ranking politicians and said. “I believe he needs May 3 general election but faces business leaders went on trial treatment and had to travel. He arrest if he returns. yesterday, with prosecutors spoke to me a few days ago,” The interim government of accusing them of orchestrating Fernandez told Radio Conti- President Jeanine Anez accuses a multimillion-dollar bribery nental yesterday. him of sedition and terrorism operation. Morales has been living in over an audio recording in Chief Prosecutor Diana exile in Argentina after which he allegedly urges sup- Salazar opened the proceeding resigning as Bolivia’s president porters to lay siege to major at the National Court of Justice, in November and fleeing fol- cities including La Paz. describing a scheme in which lowing three weeks of protests Since resigning under Correa’s PAIS Alliance political against his controversial re- pressure from the Bolivian mil- party took cash in exchange election in a poll the Organi- itary, Morales has spent his for lucrative public works zation of American States said time among left-wing allies in contracts. Heavy rains and floods in Brazil was rigged. He first sought Mexico, Cuba and Argentina. “A criminal structure com- asylum in Mexico and then He is barred from standing prised of various public offi- A man walks over a partially flooded expressway after heavy rains in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. settled a month later in for president in May’s election. cials with strategic roles was created,” she said. “Those roles facilitated accepting money Brazil: Evacuees from businessmen or their Brazil's national security force to fight deforestation representatives in exchange from China begin for infrastructure works.” REUTERS — BRASILIA second-largest rainforest state enforcement agents said last and scientists say its pro- The case could have wide quarantine and sits along the so-called arc week that usually deforestation tection is vital to curbing implications for Correa, who Brazil yesterday authorized its of deforestation that encircles falls to a minimum during the climate change. held the presidency between AP — BRASILIA national public security force the Amazon and is rapidly pen- current rainy season, from The surge in deforestation 2007 to 2017 and won the to support efforts to fight defor- etrating deeper into the forest. roughly October to April, but and fires in the Amazon last loyalty of millions of poor Dozens of Brazilians repat- estation in the Amazon, amid The announcement comes this year they are seeing illegal year provoked international Ecuadoreans with generous riated from Wuhan, China, worries that 2020 could see as scientists, environmental loggers and land speculators condemnation of the right-wing health and social programs. He epicenter of a new virus, another surge in destruction of enforcement agents and official continuing to act unusually government of President Jair is currently in self-imposed landed on Sunday at an airbase the world’s largest rainforest. statistics point toward another aggressive. Bolsonaro who has called for exile in Belgium and rejects the in the Brazilian state of Goias, Justice Minister Sergio Moro potential spike in deforestation Ibama is severely under- protected areas of the Amazon charges against him. where they will spend the next approved the security force, this year, after soaring to an staffed and underfunded, with to be developed. “This is all a big farce,” he 18 days in quarantine. composed of police with special 11-year high in 2019. agents saying this means they Environmentalists say that said in a video posted last The operation, dubbed military-style training, to Deforestation in Brazil’s cannot contain deforestation in Bolsonaro’s pro-development month on Twitter. The former Return to Beloved Homeland support operations carried out Amazon doubled in January such a vast area as the Amazon. rhetoric is encouraging illegal president still harbors political Brazil, has brought back 34 by environmental agency compared with the same month Agents also complained of clearances of land. aspirations, though he cannot Brazilians and their foreign Ibama in Para state through the a year ago, data from space a lack of police support last Bolsonaro says he is being run again for president, and his parents to an airbase some end of the year, according to the research agency INPE showed year. unfairly demonized and that role in any future election 150km from the capital city of official government gazette. on Friday. The Amazon absorbs vast Brazil remains a model for could be hindered by the Brasilia. Para is Brazil’s Ibama environmental amounts of carbon dioxide conservation. outcome of the trial. The Brazilian students and families could be seen leaving the aircraft wearing masks that covered their mouths and Desperate Mexico region uses guns, children to fend off cartels noses, some waving small Bra- zilian flags at TV cameras. REUTERS indigenous community near the they accuse of being the eyes They were then trans- RINCON DE CHAUTLA, MEXICO city of Chilapa privately and ears of the Los Ardillos. ferred to buses that took them concede young kids would not Parents say their children to transit hotels, equipped with When the 56-year-old mother- be used to fight cartel gunmen, are forced to stop formal edu- Internet, phones and leisure in-law of David Sanchez Luna they say their gambit to get the cation once they reach about 12 areas. was tortured and killed after help of far-away officials in years of age, as the middle The 11 crew members and venturing out of her small Mexico City is borne of schools are in territory con- seven health professionals dis- Mexican community encircled desperation. trolled by the cartel. patched in each of the two air- by drug cartels, he let his seven- Ten musicians from the area Abuner Martinez, 16, craft will also be subject to and ten-year-old daughters were ambushed and killed last stopped attending school a year observation for an undeter- receive military-style weapons month by suspected Los Ardillos ago after his father was kid- mined time period. training. cartel members after stepping napped outside CRAC-PF ter- Before landing in Goias at Unable to send their out of the territory guarded by ritory, tortured, and then about 6am local time, the air- children to school and too afraid their self-defense militia, beheaded. craft stopped in Warsaw, to step out of their enclave of 16 known as CRAC-PF. Their “I got scared at that Poland, where six Polish res- mountain villages in the vio- bodies were burnt, officials said. moment. I didn’t want to go to idents repatriated along with lence-plagued southwestern The attack followed a spate school,” said Martinez, who now the Brazilians were transferred Guerrero state, residents say of murders in recent year, wields a shotgun as he guards to local authorities. they have been left with little including a beheading, that a checkpoint. Brazilian newspaper Folha choice. rattled the 6,500 residents The Los Ardillos want to de S. Paulo reported on Feb- “They do this to prepare whose lush land sits amid fertile extort the farmers and force ruary 7 that Brazil had themselves to defend the family, poppy-growing farmland that them to grow opium for the received similar requests from their siblings and defend the feed Guerrero’s heroin trade cartel, said Sanchez Luna’s South American countries, village,” said Sanchez Luna, a and supply routes to the United brother, Bernardino, who including Bolivia, Costa Rica, corn farmer in a rugged region States. founded the CRAC-PF. Children walk in a single file, holding toy and real guns, as they Argentina, and Colombia. which five years ago formed a The grisly murders and “We find ourselves under demonstrate newly learnt skills from military-style weapons training, The daily said that Brazil’s self-defense “community siege-like conditions facing res- siege,” he said. in Ayahualtempa, Mexico, on February 3, 2020. decision to only take on Polish police” militia to protect itself. idents go to the heart of cartel CRAC-PF repelled a major individuals had irritated some The move by the villagers power and state failure in attack by Los Ardillos in January diplomats, who believed the to offer arms training to school- modern Mexico, where state government, unsuccess- to grab attention. Lopez Obra- 2019, but residents live in fear move to be “ideological”. age children shocked the nation runaway violence tears at soci- fully, so they’re trying to dor’s government has struggled of the siren, a community alarm Brazil’s ministry of foreign and made global headlines last ety’s fabric. escalate the language to try to to get a grip on gangs and vio- system, going off again. affairs denied the allegations month after local media “This is a public cry for help negotiate and get help.” lence, with a record 34,582 Farmers tend their corn and said it had been “impos- broadcast images of children as by a community that’s been cor- President Manuel Andres murders last year. fields with shotguns slung on sible to attend demands to young as 6-years-old toting nered,” said Falko Ernst, an Lopez Obrador said those who Residents remain deeply their backs, while armed transport more than 80 pas- guns and showing off military International Crisis Group (ICG) arm children “should be suspicious of regional author- CRAC-PF militiamen keep sengers from different manoeuvres. analyst. “They’ve been trying to ashamed of themselves” and ities and the smattering of local guard and patrol their territory nationalities.” While elders in the mainly get assistance by federal and denounced the use of children policemen in their villages, who round the clock. TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 15 QU pharmacy students explore Qatar’s pharmaceutical industry through Qatar Pharma

Qatar University’s College of Pharmacy students pose for a group photo during their visit to Qatar Pharma.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The visit to Qatar Pharma was organised which integrate theory with practice, are productive. Through As part of its aim to integrate within the scope of the Pharmaceutics the visit, students had the oppor- science and practice, Qatar course, which is a science-led subject for tunity to view the application of University’s (QU) College of the application of scientific knowledge to parts of the Pharmaceutics II cur- Pharmacy (CPH) organised a visit riculum in an industrial setting. for its pharmacy students to visit design medicines that improve the quality They observed the implemen- Qatar Pharma, the first pharma- of people’s lives. tation of sterile compounding ceutical manufacturer in Qatar. and manufacturing standards The visit also comes as part of that support the best care of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties Qatar Pharma is the leading the college is to integrate patients. We hope for many more between industry and academia. sterile dosage forms manufac- knowledge with practical expe- educational trips to Qatar The visit to Qatar Pharma turer in Qatar committed to pro- riences to enhance students’ Pharma in the future.” was organised within the scope viding local and international development and career path. Second-year Pharmacy of the Pharmaceutics course, markets with safe and effective The role of pharmacists in Qatar, student Laila Shafei said: “Qatar which is a science-led subject for small and large volume the Middle East and the world Pharma has shown us the the application of scientific parenteral solutions, eye drops, has grown from simply dis- journey of each drug from being knowledge to design medicines and haemodialysis solutions. pensing medications to becoming a chemical substance to a proper that improve the quality of peo- They also manufacture topical valued providers of health care medicine on the shelf in the ple’s lives. dosage forms like creams, services.” market, and what happens These visits allow students to lotions, and solutions and their He added: “Exploring Qatar’s behind the scenes for all these learn how the industry applies future mission involves science- pharmaceutical industry through medications to be valid for science to create a wide range of based development of affordable, Qatar Pharma is a means to allow patients’ use.” essential medicines. It also highly effective, safe and high- the integration of knowledge and Another student, Halima strengthens their capability to quality solid dosage forms. practice thus engaging students Saadia said: “During the visit to meet the challenges and During the visit, Dr. Halim and making their experiences Qatar Pharma, we realised how demands of practising in the Jaffer, General Manager at Qatar more comprehensible and critical the role of a pharmacist community, hospital and indus- Pharma and his team showed the knowledge related. This lies is in drug production. We also got trial settings. students the cleanroom facilities under the main objective of the more information and insight on Dr. Ahmed Al Sulaiti, and explained the terminal ster- MoU between Qatar University marketing and various job Chairman of Qatar Pharma, ilisation and aseptic processing and Qatar Pharma in developing opportunities.” warmly welcomed the student in sterile products manufac- and carrying out collaborative Pharmacy student Nebras delegation supervised by Prof turing. The students were then activities.” Galal said: “The Qatar Pharma Katerina Gorachinova, Professor shown the quality control labo- Commenting on the fruitful visit allowed us to observe the of Pharmaceutical Sciences at ratory, to view the finished visit, Prof Katerina Gorachinova application of pharmaceutics CPH, and encouraged them to product quality control tests. said: “In our contemporary concepts from our lectures in pursue careers in this highly pro- CPH Dean Dr. Mohammad society, the role of the phar- real-time systems and gave us ductive and innovative sector of Diab commented on the visit macist is evolving very fast. Only additional insights into IV med- the economy. saying: “One of the main goals of innovative teaching methods, ication safety.”

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Anveshanam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 6:45pm Anveshanam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm The Room (2D/Drama) 5:00pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 4:30pm, Malang (2D/Hindi) 7:00pm Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 7:15 & 9:30pm Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 7:00 & 11:30pm Latte And The Magic Waterstone (2D/Animation) Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 9:30pm 2:00 & 5:30pm Vaanam Kottatum (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Terra Willy: Unknown Planet (2D/Animation) 3:45pm Latte And The Magic Waterstone (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 5:15pm Vaanam Kottatum (2D/Tamil) 9:15pm Terra Willy: Unknown Planet (2D/Animation) 3:30pm Jaanu (2D/Telugu) 11:30pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm The Room (2D/Drama) 7:00pm Frozen II (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm Malang (2D/Hindi) 9:00pm Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 8:45 & 11:30pm FLIK Mirqab Mall LANDMARK Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 11:20am, 1:45, 2:55, 4:10, 6:35, 7:10, 8:35, 9:00 & 11:30pm Anveshanam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 6:15pm The Room (2D/Drama) 5:00pm; Birds Of Prey (2D/ Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 10:30am, 11:10am, 11:40am, 12:40, 1:20, Action) 7:15 & 9:30pm; Malang (2D/Hindi) 9;00 & 1:50, 2:50, 3:35, 4:00, 5:00, 6:10, 7:10, 7:35, 8:20, 9:20, 9:45, 10:30, 11:30pm; Latte And The Magic Waterstone (2D/Ani- 11:30pm, 12:00 midnight mation) 2:00 & 3:45pm; Frozen II (2D/Comedy) Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 11:10am, 2:30, 1:40, 3:05 & 5:30pm 5:30pm; Vaanam Kottatum (2D/Tamil) 7:15pm Latte And The Magic Waterstone (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 1:10 & Jaanu (2D/Telugu) 11:30pm 2:30pm Terra Willy: Unknown Planet (2D/Animation) 2:00pm Malang (2D/Hindi) 7:20, 9:35 & 0:20am Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 3:45pm; Varane Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 10:30am Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 8:45 & 11:30pm Terra Willy: Unknown Planet (2D/Animation) 10:50am, 11:50am, 3:40 & 5:20pm AL KHOR The Room (2D/Drama) 11:00pm Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 11:30am, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, Thief Of Baghdad (2D/Arabic) 4:20, 5:50, 7:55, 10:00pm & 0:05am 9:30 & 12:00 midnight The Gentlemen 12:40, 5:05 & 6:20pm Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 11:45am, 2:45 Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 10:10pm & 8:30pm; Jaanu (2D/Telugu) 11:00am Anveshanam (2D/Malayalam) 5:45 & 11:30pm Malang (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & 8:00pm ASIAN TOWN Vaanam Kottatum (2D/Tamil) 5:00pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 3:15pm ROXY Shylock (2D/Malayalam) 8;30pm Anveshanam (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8;00, 10;30pm & Anveshanam (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 1:50, 4:45 & 1:30am 9:10pm; Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 11:00am, 1:00, 5:40, 6:00 & 10:30pm; Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45, 11:00am, 1:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 5:50, 6:00, 8:10 & 11:30pm & 2:15am 8:20pm; Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 10:30, 11:00, 12:30, 1:10, Malang (2D/Hindi) 1:00, 6:00 & 11:00pm 2:20, 3:20 & 5:30pm; Jaanu (2D/Telugu) 6:10, 10;30 & Jaanu (2D/Telugu) 12:30pm 11:45pm; Latte And The Magic Waterstone (2D/Ani- Vaanam Kottatum (2D/Tamil) 6:00pm mation) 12:30, 4:20, 4:30, 6:20 & 6:30pm Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 10:10pm Malang (2D/Hindi) 8:10, 8;20 & 11:00pm Vaanam Kottatum (2D/Tamil) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 7:40, 8:20,8:30 10:00, 10:40, 11:20 & 11:30pm

VAANAM KOTTATTUM

Vaanam Kottattum ( transl. Let it rain) is a 2020 Indian Tamil language film co-written and directed by Dhana Sekaran of Padaiveeran fame. The film stars Vikram Prabhu, Aishwarya Rajesh and Madonna Sebastian in the lead roles. 16 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR04.54 am SUNRISE 06.12 am o o Relatively cold daytime and scattered clouds with a chance of light rain at first and slight dust to blowing dust at times, cold by night. ZUHR 11.48 am ASR 03.01 pm 13 C 21 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 06:05 – 17:21 LOW TIDE 00:16 – 13:43 MAGHRIB 05.27 pm ISHA 06.57 pm W ALRUWAIS: 14o↗18o W ALKHOR: 13o↗18o W DUKHAN: 12o↗18o W WAKRAH: 12o↗23o W MESAIEED 12o↗23o W ABUSAMRA 17o↗19o

Obamas’ first Parasite makes Oscars history film wins best documentary with stunning best picture win Oscar AFP — HOLLYWOOD, US

The Barack and Michelle Obama-produced film “American Factory” snagged an Oscar for best docu- mentary — a win for Netflix, which backed the story of a manufacturing plant in the US Midwest reopened by a Chinese billionaire. The film charts a Rust Belt community’s journey from optimism at the giant plant’s reopening, which brought back vital jobs, towards creeping anger and disillusionment, as the Chinese management imposed strict, exhausting demands on workers —and sacked those who did not comply. “Our film is from Ohio and China,” director Julia Reichert said. “But it really could be from anywhere that people put on a uniform, punch a clock, trying to make South Korean director Bong Joon-ho with the award for Best International FROM LEFT: Best Actor winner Joaquin Phoenix, Best Actress Renee Zellweger and Best Supporting their families have a better Feature Film “Parasite” during the 92nd Oscars at the Dolby Theatre Actor Brad Pitt pose with their Oscars in the photo room during the 92nd Academy Awards in life.” “Working people have in Hollywood, California, yesterday. Hollywood, California, yesterday. it harder and harder these days, and we believe that AFP — HOLLYWOOD, UNITED STATES “It feels like a very opportune moment is an extension of the cele- “Yesterday” to accompany the “in things will get better when moment in history is happening right bration of her legacy,” she said in memoriam” montage for those Hol- workers of the world unite,” South Korean black comedy “Parasite” now,” producer Kwak Sin-ae told an accepting her second Oscar. lywood lost this year, which opened with she said in accepting her made movie history at the Oscars audience of Tinseltown A-listers, who Pitt, who claimed his first acting Bryant and closed with Douglas. statuette. yesterday, becoming the first non-English- cheered the film’s wins throughout the Academy Award for his supporting turn Music was a prominent theme Co-directed by Reichert language film to win the best picture award night at the Dolby Theatre. in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a throughout the night, which began with and Steven Bognar, the film — Hollywood’s biggest prize of all. Bong predicted that “naturally we Time... in Hollywood,” was one of several a medley addressing a swirling row over is an all-access look at how A genre-defying thriller about a poor will come to a day” when “a foreign lan- winners to strike a political note. the lack of minorities and female both American and Chinese family infiltrating a wealthy household, guage film winning this won’t be much “They told me I only have 45 seconds directors on the star-studded nominee workers, from blue-collar to “Parasite” won four awards, stunning of an issue.” up here, which is 45 seconds more than list. management, had their lives the pundits who believed the Academy The pre-Oscars favourite “1917,” Sam the Senate gave John Bolton this week,” “We celebrate all the women who transformed by powerful would never crown a subtitled Asian Mendes’s innovative and personal World he said, referring to President Donald directed phenomenal films and I’m so global economic forces. movie. War I movie about two soldiers crossing Trump’s recent impeachment trial. proud to stand here as a black, queer The story was moving “It’s such a great honour. I feel like no-man’s-land, had to settle for best cin- “American Factory” — the first film artist,” singer Janelle Monae said. enough to catch notice from I’ll wake up to find it’s all a dream. It all ematography, visual effects and sound from Barack and Michelle Obama’s pro- Elton John won for best original song none other than the Obamas. feels very surreal,” a jubilant Bong mixing prizes. duction house, about a Rust Belt factory from “Rocketman,” a film about his life. The former first couple Joon-ho, who also won best director The movie — filmed to appear like reopened by a Chinese billionaire — won Rapper Eminem, who won an Oscar acquired “American Factory” honours, told journalists backstage, one continuous shot — had swept up tro- best documentary. in 2003, made a surprise appearance on early last year at the Sun- calling the night “crazy.” phies at several other galas in the build- Best adapted screenplay went to stage to perform his winning song “Lose dance Film Festival, where it “Parasite” also won the Oscar for best up to Sunday. Nazi satire “Jojo Rabbit,” about a young Yourself” -- which was heavily bleeped had won the directing award. international feature, and became the Joaquin Phoenix won his first Oscar boy corrupted by fascism. out by censors. It was released on Netflix first Asian film to scoop best original for his turn in supervillain origin story Taika Waititi, who is of Maori origin, Icelandic composer Hildur Gudna- in August 2019 as the first screenplay. “Joker,” the film that started the night said he hoped the win would inspire “all dottir won best original score for her offering from the former first “I thought I was done for the day and with the most nominations. the indigenous kids in the world who haunting music for “Joker.” couple’s Higher Ground Pro- ready to relax,” Bong had said earlier In an emotionally charged speech, want to do art and dance and write “To the girls, to the women, to the ductions company. after his best director win, promising to the actor railed against injustice and “an stories.” mothers, to the daughters, who hear the The film’s co-producer “drink until next morning.” egocentric worldview” that leads to envi- Laura Dern won best supporting music bubbling within, please speak up,” and the factory’s chairman Bong also paid tribute on stage to ronmental destruction, before paying actress for her turn as a feisty divorce she said. “We need to hear your voices.” were unable to leave China his childhood hero and fellow nominee tribute to his actor brother River, who lawyer in “Marriage Story.” No female directors were nominated for the ceremony, due to Martin Scorsese, drawing a standing died of a drug overdose in 1993. The event’s luxury and glamour con- this year — a theme referred to by White House restrictions on ovation for the veteran director of “The Renee Zellweger sealed a remarkable trasted with the grief in Los Angeles over several celebrities. travel over the coronavirus Irishman”—which went home comeback by winning best actress for the recent deaths of Golden Age film Natalie Portman, a best actress Oscar panic. “That inconvenience empty-handed. “Judy,” dedicating the award to the Hol- legend Kirk Douglas and Oscar-winning winner in 2011 for “Black Swan,” literally pales when compared to But a bigger shock was in store as lywood screen legend she portrayed. basketball star Kobe Bryant. wore her feelings — she had their names people losing their lives, suf- the movie beat frontrunner “1917” to win “Judy Garland did not receive this Record Grammy-winning singer stitched into the Dior cape she wore to fering because of this virus,” best picture, the night’s final prize. honor in her time. I am certain that this Billie Eilish sang a moving version of the gala. co-director Bognar said backstage. The Obamas con- gratulated Reichert and Bognar for their win Sunday, with the former president calling the film “a complex, moving story about the very human consequences of wrenching economic change.” “Glad to see two talented and downright good people take home the Oscar for Higher Ground’s first release,” he tweeted. The former first lady said she was “glad to see their heart and honesty rec- ognized—because the best Laura Dern displays her Oscar for best actress in Taika Waititi holds his Oscar for Best Adapted FROM LEFT: US producers Mark Nielsen, Josh Cooley and Jonas stories are rarely tidy or a supporting role. Screenplay for “Jojo Rabbit”. Rivera, winners of the Best Animated Feature Film “Toy Story 4”. perfect.” Snow problem for Japan’s ice sculpture festival AFP — SAPPORO, JAPAN ranging from anime characters resorts surveyed had been to famous racehorses. unable to operate. Every year, tens of thousands “We had to bring in snow There has been a knock-on of tourists flock to the snow from places we had never effect on one of the snow festi- festival in the northern Japanese reached out to before” such as val’s main attractions—a city of Sapporo, attracted by Niseko, a town about 60km 100-metre-long, 10-metre-high some 200 large, but intricate ice away from Sapporo famous for slide — that had to be reduced sculptures. But this year, there’s its skiing, he said. in size. a problem: no snow. Adding to the problem was Snowfall in Sapporo has With high temperatures that the need for pristine snow, been less than half the annual festival-goers put down to climate perfect for sculpting. “The snow average, according to the Japan change, organisers were forced to needs to be free of dirt, oth- Meterological Agency’s local truck in powder from distant towns erwise the sculptures can break observatory. High temperatures for their signature sculptures in an up,” he said. “We barely melted the snow in mid- unheard-of ice crisis. managed to scrape together December and the mercury is “This lack of snow is enough snow.” expected to stay above average. unprecedented,” said Yumato Record low snowfall in This posed a major chal- People visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival in Sapporo, Japan. Sato, an official in charge of Japan this year has also forced lenge for the 125 local Self- organising the snow festival, many ski resorts to shut their Defense Forces troops who be as high as 15 metres, “Due to record warm contained more water which which normally uses 30,000 pistes. According to Weath- painstakingly construct the according to commanding weather this year, we didn’t made the statues melt easily,” tonnes of the stuff for sculptures ernews, one quarter of the 400 sculptures each year that can officer Colonel Minoru Suzuki. have much snow and the snow Suzuki said.