BUSINESSB | 01 SPORT | 11

Turkey one of Qatar hit the ‘safest countries’ training pitch in terms of ahead of Asian investment Cup opener

Monday 7 January 2019 | 1 Jumada I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7764 | 2 Riyals

Qatar plans to set up three global financial centers

SATISH KANADY “We have a vision an alternative to the longer- THE PENINSULA to cover the entire established and larger Dubai globe’s Islamic International Financial Centre. Al Jaida said the UAE had Qatar is working on an ambi- financial transactions undermined the business model tious initiative with Malaysia between three of Dubai as a regional hub and Turkey to serve the $2 financial centers: during the blockade by forcing trillion global Islamic finance international companies oper- market by establishing hubs in Doha, Istanbul and ating in the region to set up an the three countries using Malaysia,” said Yousef alternative base to serve Qatar. common platforms and tech- Mohamed Al Jaida, As a result, the number of nology. CEO of the Qatar foreign companies operating in “We have a vision to cover the the Qatar Financial Center had entire globe’s Islamic financial Financial Centre (QFC) grown by 100 percent since the Linking cultures and nations through arts transactions between three Authority. blockade and Qatar now had the financial centers: Doha, Istanbul opportunity to challenge Dubai A troupe from the Czech Republic presenting a folk music show during the Cultural Diversity festival and Malaysia,” said Yousef as a hub in the Gulf region. held at the Katara Amphitheatre. The festival included 18 participating countries and was aimed at Mohamed Al Jaida, CEO of the similar visions, we share similar Qatar has attracted foreign linking cultures and nations together. Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) progressive outlooks... so there’s businesses by offering guar- Authority in a group interview on a lot to be achieved between antees that Doha will be a the sidelines of the recently-con- these three countries.” He did not cheaper base to operate from cluded annual Doha Forum. give time scales for the project. than Dubai, in return for a com- “This requires international The London Stock Exchange mitment to a minimum 10-year platforms and technology which is currently a global venue for presence. Guidelines issued for Sports Day activities we believe Qatar Financial the issuance of sukuk, while The Qatar Financial Centre Centre has”, Nikkei Asian Hong Kong and Luxembourg offers 100 percent foreign own- QNA must focus on physical, and also called for avoiding con- Review quoted Al Jaida as saying have also made inroads but ership, a legal and judicial DOHA awareness activities, avoid per- structing temporary artificial in its report. Qatar believes the market framework based on English formances and focus on sports tents or buildings for the The story, tweeted by should be led by Muslim coun- law, 100 percent repatriation of The Ministry of Culture and awareness activities that instil Sports Day, taking into account Qatar’s Ministry of Finance yes- tries, Al Jaida said. profits and other regulatory Sports has urged all entities exercising as a daily healthy the requirements of security and terday said, under the proposed According to Nikkei Asian advantages to attract businesses. participating in the Qatar Sports behaviour. safety during the organisation plan, Qatar would serve the Review, Malaysia is already one It compares itself to Hong Kong Day to commit to the standards It also said the events must of the events, this includes greater Middle East, Turkey of the world’s biggest issuers of in offering companies an access and regulations issued by the promote awareness among par- exploiting sports facilities, parks would cover Islamic finance sukuk, or shariah-compliant point to a wider market under Amiri Decision No. 80 of 2011, ticipants about the importance and public places. needs in Europe and Malaysia bonds, with 34 percent of the internationally friendly terms. for the plans being made for the of sport and its role in the lives The entities must commit would sell to Asia. global market last year. The Islamic banks in Qatar today event, to ensure achieving the of individuals and communities to offering healthy food, avoid “That’s a big vision, we’re Malaysian central bank signed account for over 25 percent of total desired goals especially those and that the proposed sporting fast food and refrain for distrib- working on it and this is a new a memorandum of under- financing in Qatar. As per data related to raising awareness on events are suited to the ages and uting free gifts and food to the project,” Al Jaida said. Relations standing with the regulatory available on public domain, the the importance of playing sports health conditions of the partic- public. between Qatar, Turkey and authorities of Qatar in 2007 to growth rate of Islamic banks in for all ages during the Sports ipants, in terms of activities and The statement recom- Malaysia had “intensified promote mutual cooperation. A Qatar in the first half of 2016 was Day which will take place on duration, in order to avoid mended moving away from recently and become a lot confident Qatar is pushing its 7.2 percent, outperforming their February 12. physical stress and injury. organising performances than closer,” he added. “We share financial centre aggressively as conventional counterparts. The Ministry said the events In its statement, the Ministry organising sports events. `P2

Al Dosari Zoo plans expansion before 2022 Cup New veterinary centre to

SACHIN KUMAR centre, VIP area, an education among residents and the per person. Those who do not THE PENINSULA centre, labour camps and other expansion will address the need own a vehicle can come through come up in Abu Nakhla facilities,” Mohamed Mater of creating more space for Karwa bus. Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve Aldosari, Owner and Director of growing number of visitors. There is also a plan to SANAULLAH ATAULLAH laboration with Arab Organi- is planning to expand to welcome Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve “The average number of vis- expand parking space for THE PENINSULA sation for Agricultural Devel- more visitors expected from the told The Peninsula. itors coming to Al Dosari Zoo vehicles. “We have four parking opment (AOAD). upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup. “The number of visitors and Game Reserve is 170,000 and all these remain full. We The Ministry of Municipality “The workshop aims at The Game Reserve and Zoo, coming to the park will increase per year while, on Friday, we plan to make a new parking and Environment (MME) repre- educating those working in the which is one of the oldest such that is why we are planning to receive 2,000 to 3,000 visitors,” space and a road on the backside sented by Animal Resources field of veterinary medicine at facilities in the country, is expand the park,” he added. said Aldosari. of the park,” he added. Department is preparing to the Ministry about international planning to add a new building The expansion plans also “Apart from residents, we He is planning to approach open a new veterinary centre scientific ways to detect the that will house a new exhibition setting up an education centre, keep on receiving many VIPs the government to get the addi- in Abu Nakhla under a project infectious diseases and epi- centre, VIP area and other facil- veterinary clinic for animals, a and high ranking official from tional land to expand the park. to provide quality healthcare demic to protect the livestock ities to attract more visitors. gym among other facilities. all over the world,” he added. “The zoo and game reserve services to the livestock farms in a bid to ensure food security “We plan to expand Al The designs and other infor- The zoo and game reserve is in operation since last 30 locally called ‘Al Azab’. in the country,” said Saleh Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve mation related to the building is has an animal safari park, a zoo, years. We have organic vege- The new project is part of a Jarullah Al Marri while for the World Cup. We are expected to be announced with an amusement park, exhibition table areas and nursery. We give massive plan of the Ministry to addressing a press planning to have a new building in two months. centre heritage and maritime saplings to students which they ensure self-sufficiency of the conference. which will have an area of The three-decade old Al museums, theatre area and a can plant in schools. We have country in production of meat He said the workshop will around 10,000sqm. The building Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve small market. veterinary doctors to look after and milk which assumed great also help to form a Rapid will have a new exhibition is hugely popular in Qatar There is an entry fee of QR10 animals in the zoo,” he said. importance after blockade. Response Team (RRT) with “Plans are afoot to open multiple specialisations and to another new veterinary centre implement the field work. “A in Abu Nakhla followed by two total of 20 trainees are partic- recently opened centres in Al ipating the workshop from four MoI's electronic link to ward off cyber attacks Wakra and Al Jamiliyah,” said sections of the Animal Saleh Jarullah Al Marri, Head of Resources Department of the Livestock Health Section at the Ministry,” said Al Marri. THE PENINSULA to double the number of linked entities,” he 2022 FIFA World Cup puts more responsi- Animal Resources Department He said that Qatar is safe DOHA said while addressing an awareness lecture bility on the country requiring promotion of of Ministry of Municipality and from any epidemic. “The vet- organised by the Ministry of Interior. cyber security to which the State is already Environment. erinary quarantine is playing The Cyber Security Center at the Ministry of The lecture was held under the title paying attention. Speaking to The Peninsula key role in protecting the Interior (MoI) established electronic link with ‘lessons learnt from the latest threats and The lecture focused on a number of on the sidelines of a workshop spread of any type of epidemic 20 institutions aimed at protecting them cyber attacks on state organs’ in the presence safety procedures and the importance of entitled ‘Have a check on out- or trans-boarder disease in the against cyber attacks in 2018. of the Director-General of the Public keeping technical evidence when exposed break of infectious diseases’ country,” said Al Marri adding Major Othman Salem Al Hamoud, Security, Staff Major General Saad bin Jassim to threat. which began yesterday at the that State is providing nec- Assistant Director of the Cyber Security Al Khulaifi. Al Khulaifi pointed out that the State of headquarters of the Agricultural essary immunisation to the Center at the Ministry of Interior has said “Qatar has achieved great successes in Qatar is working in this regard to establish and Fisheries Sector. livestock. He said that Livestock that 20 entities are currently linked with the the field of cyber security and authorities networks and umbrellas for the whole of the The five-day workshop is Health Section will provide Ministry’s centre. “It is meant to examine concerned are working continuously to country taking into account the importance being organised by the MME poultry farms with immuni- their transactions and address hacking prevent threats,” Al Khulaifi said. of major events, which must be secured and represented by Animal sation against ‘Newcastle’ attempts against them. The work is underway He also said that Qatar’s hosting for the protected.`P2 Resources Department in col- disease next week. 02 HOME MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 49 new e-Services by Ministry of Commerce and Industry

THE PENINSULA pace with modern technology, of the Ministry, including: com- DOHA and which save time and effort. mercial registration renewal The Ministry’s new website service, licensing, modification Minister of Commerce and is characterised by attractive and revocation (discounts, liq- Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al colours and clear images. Easier uidation or offers); licensing to Kuwari inaugurated the new to use, the new website enables manage and operate new bak- website of the Ministry of quick access to services provided eries; registration of commercial Commerce and Industry by the Ministry with fast agents; reports of meetings of yesterday offering 49 new browsing, in line with the general assemblies and boards e-Services. The total number of modern designs used by inter- of directors; patent application; e-Services provided by the national websites. registration of trade or indus- Ministry to the public has now The changes to the website trial marks, and other reached 133. are in line with the Ministry’s e-Services. The launch of the new vision of shifting towards digi- The new website allows vis- website reflects the Ministry’s talised systems to interact more itors to view the latest news of strategic objectives and keenness with members of public and the Ministry through an inte- to achieve more effective com- support them in completing their grated media centre, and the munication with investors, con- various transactions. most important initiatives and sumers, and members of the The new version of the projects of the Ministry, as well Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari inaugurating the new website of the public through the provision of website features 133 e-Services as product recalls and trade and Ministry yesterday offering 49 new e-Services. additional e-Services that keep covering all the different sectors industrial statistics. Diabetes clinic at WWRC caring over 1,500 pregnant women monthly

Offering a multi- The WWRC’s Center, located operational. disciplinary approach on Level 1 of its Outpatient “We are glad to have moved to patient care, the Department, is dedicated solely to this new space at the WWRC, National Diabetes to caring for pregnant women at which is almost double the size risk of, or living with, diabetes. of our old clinic. We now have Centers provide Over 20 staff comprised of endo- the capacity to attend to more patients with crinologists, podiatrists, dieti- patients as our number of clinics improved access to tians, education specialists, phy- has increased. Our physicians specialised treatment, sicians, nurses, pharmacists and now conduct 10 clinics weekly, technicians, all work together to while our educators and dieti- delivering a range improve diabetes management tians hold 20 clinics each per of services from and prevention in pregnant week,” said Dr Bashir. initial screening women. “Since we relocated to There are three main types the Women’s Wellness and of diabetes, type 1, type 2, and through to treatment, Research Center, we have seen gestational diabetes. Gestational health education, an increase in the number of diabetes is first seen in a and the provision women requesting our services. pregnant woman who did not of medication and On average, each year we receive have diabetes before she was up to 18,000 pregnant women pregnant. If not controlled, the equipment. who have been diagnosed with condition can place a woman The team of experts at WWRC’s diabetes clinic pose for a group picture. a thyroid condition, endocrine and her baby at risk of serious disorder, and/or diabetes, prior health complications. THE PENINSULA Endocrine Consultant at HMC, The National Diabetes Center Offering a multi-disciplinary to, or during, pregnancy,” said Dr Bashir said that for most DOHA said over 18,000 women who at Hamad General Hospital was approach to patient care, the Dr Bashir. women with gestational dia- have been diagnosed with a opened in 2013 and receives National Diabetes Centers Dr Bashir notes that the clinic betes, the condition goes away The expanded diabetes clinic at thyroid condition, endocrine dis- about 2,000 adult and 700 pae- provide patients with improved has seen a significant increase in soon after delivery. He said Hamad Medical Corporation’s order, or diabetes prior to, or diatric patients each month. The access to specialised treatment, the number of patients received when it does not go away, the (HMC) Women’s Wellness and during, their pregnancy are National Diabetes Center at Al delivering a range of services each month since it first opened condition is reclassified as type Research Center (WWRC) cares treated at the clinic each year. Wakra Hospital opened a year from initial screening through to in 2014. Initially located at 2 diabetes and the affected for between 1,500 and 1,700 He added that the clinic now later, in 2014, and receives treatment, health education, and Women’s Hospital, the clinic woman is advised to commence pregnant women each month. serves as the third National Dia- approximately 400 patient visits the provision of medication and cared for around 600 patients diabetes treatment Dr Mohamed Bashir, betes Center at HMC. each month. equipment. each month when first immediately.

MoI electronic link to ward off cyber attacks FROM PAGE 1 “The Ministry of the Interior is working to engage various official bodies to ensure their protection from cyber attacks. All institutions must cooperate with the Ministry to thwart cyber threats either from countries or individuals,” he added. Major Othman Salem Al Hamoud, Assistant Director of the Center said that the State of Qatar is one of the most recog- Saleh Jarullah Al Marri (left), Head of Livestock Health Section nized countries in terms of cyber at the Animal Resources Department of Ministry of Municipality security. and Environment, addressing a press conference. “For this purpose, the Cyber Security Center has launched many initiatives and under- New veterinary centre to taking many projects and activ- ities to strengthen cyber security in the State in general not only come up in Abu Nakhla The Director-General of the Public Security, Staff Major General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, addressing limited to the Ministry of the FROM PAGE 1 the lecture, yesterday. community and economy of Interior,” Major Othman Salem “The Section has also many countries. Al Hamoud said. planned to provide a number of “About 58 percent diseases Major Othman Salem Al many other services provided by examination and identification expose systems to potential new vaccinations to poultry and affect human being and about Hamoud added that there are the Center, including the of security gaps that might threats. livestock farms soon for quality 73 percent of new types of epi- production,” said Al Marri. demics affect both human and He said that the infectious livestock like Ebola, SARS, bird- diseases increased worldwide flue, swine-flue and Corona,” which affected the health of the said Al Marri. QPAY relaunches services to facilitate growth of SMEs

THE PENINSULA grow with lowest investments in On the launch, QPAY Inter- towards achieving a safe, secure DOHA leading technology. national CEO and Founder Nebil and cashless economy.” Guidelines issued for Sports Day activities QPAY’s award-winning Ben Aissa, said: “Our major aim He added, “Placing greater Further strengthening its portfolio fintech solutions, which include has always been to support the thrust on our valued customers’ FROM PAGE 1 Day. The filled forms should be and sustaining its leadership the company’s first-of-its kind growth of SMEs and towards this requirements, we have also The statement stressed that sent to nsdmcs.gov.qa. position in the fintech market, Payroll App, are now being used end, we have ambitious decided to decrease the price of all entities should provide the In order to continue to QPAY International, Qatar’s by more than 12,000 small busi- investment plans in place backed our products & services so that we Sports Day committee with its achieve goals of Sports Day, the largest financial technology nesses in Qatar, serving in excess by strong products & services can reach out to a larger number programs and plans related to Ministry called for avoiding long company and a member of of 200,000 employees. Living up suite. We are confident that this of SMEs and help them take the activities planned for the hours of exercise on Sports Day, NEXXO Network, has re-launched to its promise of supporting Qatar updated proposition will equip advantage of our updated Sports Day and the estimated which may cause physical stress its advanced products and National Vision 2030 goal for a new age SMEs in realizing their offerings and lead a fintech number of participants by and muscle injuries in some par- services solutions. diversified national economy, and dreams and lead the tech-sup- economy in Qatar. We believe that January. 20. ticipants. The Ministry also Starting January 1, 2019, QPAY mega infrastructure projects such ported economy. Keeping up with financial technology is the future This is required so the com- called on refraining to hold is set to decrease the price of its as the FIFA World Cup 2022, the innovative spirits and a vision of any economy and Qatar pos- mittee may review it and activities in one place to avoid Fintech products and services QPAY has been increasingly to offer a digitally secure envi- sesses the necessary skillsets to approve it, all to be done by an traffic congestion and disrupt in offerings to reach out to as many looking at newer avenues to ronment for companies to operate drive the fintech growth application created for Sports the vicinity for most of the time. SMEs as possible in helping them expand and prosper. in, we are determined to work globally.” MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 HOME 03 Attorney-General meets US Attorneys Qatar Airways announces global sales promotion THE PENINSULA book during the promotion promotion, passengers can DOHA period can enjoy up to 35 easily choose their next percent off on flights and will adventure and are truly spoilt Qatar Airways announced also receive double Qmiles and for choice with Qatar Airways’ yesterday its latest global sales Qpoints in premium and 50 ever-expanding global network promotion designed to inspire percent Qmiles and Qpoints in of more than 160 destinations. passengers to explore new and Economy. “We are also committed to exciting destinations in 2019. Qatar Airways Chief Com- bringing people from around the Qatar Airways’ passengers can mercial Officer, Ehab Amin, said: world to Doha, not only to expe- enjoy exclusive discounts during “We are delighted to invite all rience our five-star gateway this special promotion, where our passengers to start planning Hamad International Airport every journey to a destination their next trip with this exciting during transit, but also to make becomes an unforgettable global promotion offering Qatar a holiday destination of chapter, an experience that will extensive discounts across all choice for our passengers.” create exciting stories to tell. cabin classes on all flights. No To take advantage of this The promotion is valid on all matter where passengers choose offer, passengers can visit Attorney-General H E Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri met yesterday with a number of US Attorneys, currently Qatar Airways flights booked to travel, when they experience qatarairways.com/adventure or visiting Doha. During the meeting, they exchanged views on a number of legal issues of mutual from January 7 to 16, 2019 for a new destination first-hand, any Qatar Airways sales office, concern, as well as means to strengthen future cooperation between the two countries. travel between January 7 and they become the author of their or contact their nearest travel May 25, 2019. Passengers who own unique story. With this new agent. Faster services for suspected cancer cases at NCCCR NAMA to hold Entrepreneurship

FAZEENA SALEEM element which improve both nurses, patient pathway coor- common and rare gynaeco- Business Conference and Products DOHA the quality of care and the dinators, psychologists and logical cancers provided at patient experience,” she added. social worker will be assigned NCCCR are based on interna- QNA at NAMA, Saud Issa Al An optimal gynaecological Patients suspected to have to each patient. tionally accepted and advanced DOHA Mohannadi said that Entrepre- cancer care pathway has a malignancy by doctors at “A group of people from dif- methods,” said Dr El Malik. neurship Business Conference enhanced patient experience health centres or private hos- ferent areas of health care meet The National Cancer Social Development Center and Products 2019 will be and quality of service at the pitals will be immediately together every week, to discuss Framework 2017–2022 stipu- (NAMA) will organise the 4th opened by the Ministry of Com- National Centre for Cancer Care referred to gynaecologic about care and treatment of lates a number of recommen- edition of the Entrepreneurship merce and Industry, noting that and Research (NCCCR). oncology team in the NCCR. The individual patients,” said Dr El dations for improving the Business Conference and this year’s edition aims at cre- The pathway is designed to first appointment will be within Malik. cancer journey for patients and Products 2019 at Doha Exhi- ating a natural marketing envi- promote a full understanding 48 hours, all investigations and According to the World these recommendations bition and Convention Center ronment for small and micro of the patient journey in order final diagnosis will be com- Health Organization’s Interna- translate to direct improve- from January 21 to 25. enterprises in the State of Qatar to foster quality cancer care pleted within two weeks and the tional Agency for Research on ments in patient care at NCCCR. The exhibition targets small by enabling them to carry out from the point of diagnosis, said treatment plan will start. Cancer, gynaecologic cancers According to Dr El Malik, all and micro-productive enter- their normal business activities Dr Hind El Malik, Consultant “By having this well struc- account for 19 percent of the 5.1 women are at risk of gynaeco- prises to enable them to access and display and sell their Medical Oncologist at NCCCR. tured tumour board and very million estimated new cancer logical cancers. the local market and conduct products. “Suspected cancer cases, organised pathway for the cases diagnosed each year. “A woman’s risk increases their business in a normal com- He added that the exhi- especially gynaecological patients, all investigations and Gynaecological cancer is any if there is a family history of petitive environment in order bition also aims to build the cancers are seen sooner, diag- diagnosis are done within short cancer that starts in a woman’s cancer, if she is obese, if she has to enhance their presence and knowledge and material nosis is more accurate and time,” said Dr El Malik. reproductive organs. reached menopausal age or has impact on the national capacity of entrepreneurs from faster, care pathways are “The journey from suspicion In Qatar, the most prevalent the human papilloma virus economy, emphasise the role small and micro entrepreneurs smoother and support for to treatment is well constructed type of gynaecological cancer (HPV). However, women can of partners and sponsors in through providing technical, patients along their treatment and organized to support the is endometrial cancer among lower their risk if they know the supporting such projects and financial, promotional and pathway is more compre- patient,” she added. Qatari and non Qatari women. signs and symptoms and get strengthen the entrepreneurial incubation services in order to hensive,” she told The A team including specialised “Around 40 to 50 new cases tested or vaccinated early. environment in Qatar. enable them to execute and Peninsula. gynaecologist, surgeons, of gynaecological cancer are When gynaecological cancers In a press conference held manage their projects better “Clinical pathways for medical oncologists, patholo- diagnosed every year. are found early, treatment can yesterday on the occasion, and in a way that ensures patients are a critical structural gists, radiologists, specialised Treatment guidelines for be very effective,” she said. Director of Entrepreneurship growth and gives continuity. 04 HOME MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 Dreama organises workshop on dealing with orphan children

THE PENINSULA that would achieve high com- DOHA munication skills with the Dreama’s children and foster The Orphan Care Center families. ‘Dreama’ has organised a The workshop The workshop was training workshop for the aimed at promoting organised at Qatar National specialists and social service the efficiency of Convention Centre (QNCC) and care providers. The course the staff and social from December 24 to 26, 2018. was delivered by psychiatrist The workshop addressed the and sociologist consultant Dr. service providers methods of dealing with the Nada Al Taibah. who are involved orphan child and foster fam- The workshop aimed at in dealing with the ilies from a number of pivots promoting the efficiency of including the most important orphans and the Participants of the workshop organised by Dreama on dealing with orphan children. the staff and social service factors which should be con- providers who are involved foster families, in sidered when being in touch in dealing with the orphans order to support with the children. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser orphan children in particular to conform their social status, and the foster families, in and develop the The workshop was also Al Misnad, Executive Director and undertaking the social by adopting a scientific method order to support and develop about assisting the spe- of the Orphan Care Center, work in general.” that helps them to psychologi- the methods to address the methods to address cialists to provide the best said: “The importance of Mariam Al Misnad also cally adapt themselves to the needs of the orphans and the needs of the social services, how to be these workshops for the noted that she is hopeful that new status in early age, promote their awareness and orphans. sympathetic and share the Center’s staff, including social this workshop would achieve maintain appropriate psycho- knowledge with regard to feelings of the beneficial workers and fosters within its purpose in promoting the logical and social atmosphere how to deal with the children, the importance of the training framework, is to efficiency of the service and for Dreama children in a orphans. and social support and shed listening very well to child, deepen their expertise and care providers in the Center. manner that would not make It also aimed to develop light on the most important in addition to providing a set promote their skills and “The move aims at them feel different from or specialised technologies to factors needed for building pos- of practical applications to enable them to provide the addressing the needs of the inferior to others,” said Al secure necessary psychological itive and cooperative teamwork the trainees. best practices in serving our orphan child and qualify them Misnad. Qatari girl shows students how to choose courses QBG launches food security

SAFA RAMADAN AL SAWWAF THE PENINSULA competition for local schools

A young Qatari girl has THE PENINSULA QBG is providing additional launched an initiative to help DOHA support by advising schools on the students in very early methods of agricultural production stages in choosing appro- The Quranic Botanic Garden (QBG), a that are more suited to Qatar’s climate, priate courses and jobs in a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has and the use of modern technologies, unique way. launched an agricultural competition such as the latest models of irrigation, The initiative, ‘Future for the schools in Qatar participating in cultivating produce. Compass’ aims at helping in its wider food security program The top three schools will be school students in choosing inaugurated in October 2017. announced on February 26, as part of an appropriate specialised The competition, which, so far, QBG’s Qatar Environment Day cele- course at schools and the uni- includes 13 schools, will see students brations. A jury of experts will inspect versity so they could get jobs cultivate fresh produce using the skills the farms established by the students in the fields of their interests and knowledge acquired through to evaluate the systems used, and the for better performance and QBG’s food security program. Students quality of fresh produce cultivated, and productivity. The initiative is will also be encouraged to think of will select the winners based on spe- a brainchild of Eman Al innovative solutions to better manage cific criteria developed by the Ministry Obaide, a 15-year student of the land they are farming. of Municipality and Environment and Mesaieed Government Sec- Fatima Saleh Al Khulaifi, Project QBG. Eman Al Obaide, the Founder and CEO of ‘Future Compass’ initiative explaining to a group ondary School for Girls. Manager, QBG, said, “Through this Raising awareness of the impor- of students on how to choose a right course and job under the initiative. The idea came to Al program, we are trying to engage with tance of food security is one of QBG’s Obaide during a practical the youth, and raise awareness of the key objectives, and its ambitious training course organised by initiative, ‘Future Compass’ of the initiative, ‘Future challenges are financial importance of food security. Equipping program aims to achieve this through Al Jazeera Media Institute. was launched in 2018 to solve Compass’ is comprising with support and difficulty in com- these young men and women with the the provision of hands-on workshops “The course helped me in a these problems. “The initi- 10 members including stu- munication with authorities tools and knowledge to grow their own and training sessions for school big way to discover my ative targeted the students of dents of schools and univer- concerned because it is not agricultural produce will allow stu- children delivered throughout the interests in university courses secondary schools aged from sities and job holders as vol- easy to convince them that dents to gain real-life, hands-on expe- school year. There are currently 90 and job and specialisations 15 to 18 to solve the problem unteers to contribute in the such young students can do rience, and learn how to overcome students enrolled in QBG’s program. required by Qatari job of choosing wrong courses implementation of Qatar this great job. challenges.” market,” Eman Al Obaide, the and jobs in the beginning,” National Vision 2030. “The initiative made Founder and CEO of Future said Al Obaide adding that the Speaking about the chal- remarkable achievement as Compass. students with the help of field lenges to the initiative, Al it is currently cooperating She said that many stu- training will be able to choose Obaide said that the biggest with 25 institutions working dents (boys and girls) faced the professions in which they in different specialised fields problems due to choosing are interested. The initiative in which about 200 students inappropriate specialised She said that that students made remarkable who joined the initiative courses in the university will be taken on field training started working from causing waste of money and during their vacations to the achievement as it is December 23, 2018,” said Al time. “It is noticed that such government institutions and currently cooperating Obaide. students after a while private firms like Qatar Tel- with 25 institutions She said that so far the dropped their courses and evision, Qatar Radio and working in different initiative did not get any took admission in another Primary Health Care Corpo- source of finance, running on course,” said Al Obaide. She ration (PHCC). specialised fields personal support and urged said that similar thing also “The initiative aims at in which about government institutions and happened in case of choosing helping them to choose the 200 students who private firms to extend their jobs out of the interests courses and jobs in which joined the initiative helping hands to ‘Future because such employees will they are interested so they Compass’ which was estab- be weak in productivity and could make innovation and started working from lished to serve the Qatari QBG is providing additional support by advising schools on methods of performance. achievements,” said Al December 23, 2018. community and national agricultural production. Al Obaide said that the Obaide. She said that the team economy.

QSRSN concludes its Spring festival activities

QNA educational workshops in origami, The program included training paper art, ceramics, painting, and and educational workshops in Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs coloring. Participants received prac- origami, paper art, ceramics, (QSRSN) has concluded a two weeks educational tical training in these arts under the painting, and coloring. program of the spring festival activities to supervision of artists and experts in develop the skills of people with disabilities the educational center of the society Participants received practical which was for the members of QSRSN and their and specialists in origami art. training in these arts under parents. Executive Director of QSRSN, Amir the supervision of artists and The program included training and Al Mulla explained that the festival aimed at developing the technical skills experts in the educational of the participants, developing the abil- center of the society and ities of the participants with disabil- specialists in origami art. ities and modifying their behavior, as well as spending their spare time with useful activities. At the end of the program, partic- He added that the program targeted ipants organised cultural events and a the members of the society of people series of artistic and heritage works. It with simple mental disabilities, autism is noteworthy that the art of origami and down syndrome, pointing out that appeared in Japan in the 17th century, the program continued as an annual and it was widespread in the 19th program within the various rehabili- century. It is about turning paper into tation programs provided by QSRSN beautiful art images by folding it in dif- to develop their abilities and skills, ferent ways and geometric shapes, and especially as these programs enhance used in decoration, gifts, toys and their ability to rely on themselves. recycling. MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 HOME 05 Ashghal opens a new tunnel at Gharrafat Al Rayyan Interchange

THE PENINSULA recently opened a 3 kilometre DOHA stretch of the main carriageway providing four lanes in each The Public Works Authority direction along Al Luqta Street ‘Ashghal’ has opened a 1km-long spanning from west of Tilted uni-directional tunnel with one Intersection until after Gharrfat lane at Gharrafat Al Rayyan Al Rayyan Interchange after Interchange along Al Luqta completing the last layer of Street. asphalt. The new tunnel which forms In addition to the main car- part of Ashghal’s Khalifa Avenue riageway, approximately 3 kil- project delivers direct free-flow ometres of parallel service connectivity from Gharrafat Al roads with two lanes in each Rayyan to Doha. direction, were delivered pro- The project engineer, Abdulla viding efficient connectivity to Qasim advised that the tunnel key stakeholders such as the will accommodate up to 2000 prestigious Qatar Foundation, vehicles per hour and anticipates Sidra Medical and Research that it will alleviate traffic con- Centre and Qatar National Con- A view of the newly opened tunnel. gestion at Gharrafat Al Rayyan vention Centre. Interchange, for road users To date, Ashghal has com- a three-lane way besides seven important sections of Khalifa hour and provides free-flow of two bridges, two underpasses, traveling from Gharrafat Al pleted 75% of construction works major free-flowing interchanges, Avenue Project, where it opened traffic movements and is a key three ramps (right turn exits) and Rayyan to Doha. According to on Dukhan Highway East project service roads, and auxiliary lanes a 3 kilometre road as well as sig- access to Dukhan Road, Al Luqta two loops to provide connectivity him, road users can also expect which is scheduled to be com- along sections of the road and nificant sections of the three- Street and Al Rayyan Road, as in all directions. Upon com- to benefit from travel time pleted in Q3 2020. cycle, pedestrian and camel lane level Bani Hajer interchange. well as for the populated areas pletion, the interchange will reduction of up to 30% on their Upon completion, the project which will be on the South side The complex interchange around it such as Bani Hajer, Al boast a unique 300-meter camel commute from Gharrafat Al will deliver approximately 11.6 of Al luqta Street. which replaced the previous Rayyan, Gharrafat Al Rayyan and bridge, the first of its kind in Rayyan to Doha. km of dual carriageway with four During 2018, the Public roundabout accommodates Al Gharrafa. Qatar, along with cycle and The Public Works Authority lanes in each direction replacing Works Authority opened approximately 1,500 vehicles per The interchange is comprised pedestrian lanes.

Insights on historical items on Qatar QRCS establishes residential village in Sri Lanka

Digital Library to be given at QNL lecture THE PENINSULA tank. Done in cooperation with weekly follow-up visits were DOHA Serendib Foundation for Relief made by QRCS personnel and the THE PENINSULA and Development, the project partners. The houses, the mosque, DOHA Qatar Red Crescent Society provides a convenient envi- and the school were fully fur- (QRCS) has completed a project ronment for the populations that nished, and the health unit has all An in-depth discussion on the to establish a residential village were displaced due to armed con- the needed medical equipment. historical items, which are for 800 internally displaced flict. Now, they can return to their After the end of operation, the freely available on Qatar people (IDPs) in Sri Lanka. home villages, after years of health facility will be handed over Digital Library, will take place At a total cost of $486,619 displacement to the government, to ensure its at Qatar National Library on (nearly QR1.8), donated by a In February 2018, a dele- sustainability. January 8. Qatari benevolent person who gation from QRCS held the Sri Lanka suffered an armed Entitled, ‘A Digital Journey requested anonymity, the new groundbreaking ceremony for the conflict that displaced thousands to the Past: Inside the Qatar village is located in Riditenna, project. It was attended by the of people to neighboring prov- Digital Library,’ the talk will be Valaichchenai Province, eastern Minister of Rehabilitation and inces, where they lived in make- jointly conducted by Dr James Sri Lanka. Resettlement, Mayor of Batticaloa, shift shelters. As the conflict came Onley, Director of Historical It comprises 56 housing units head of municipality, local com- to an end, they started returning Research and Partnerships at of 2-bedrooms, hall and kitchen munity leaders, and the project’s home, just to find totally destroyed Qatar National Library, and each with a 250-liter water tank. manager. houses and public utilities. An Richard Davies, Head of the Also, there is a mosque, a public Under a public tender, the integrated repatriation scheme British Library — Qatar Foun- school, a health unit, and two winning construction company was adopted by the government dation Partnership at the started to use the Digital for both research and shops. An artesian water well was was awarded the contract. To to reconstruct the damaged areas, British Library. Academics, Library to produce exciting enjoyment. This lecture will dug and equipped with a solar- ensure more transparency, onsite rehabilitate infrastructure, and researchers, students and the new research about Qatar give a behind-the-scenes powered pump and a 10,000-liter supervisors were appointed, and support livelihoods. wider community will hear and the wider region, insight into the work of our about the future of the Digital examples of which will be partnership and the impact Library and the third phase of shared during the lecture,” that the Qatar Digital Library the partnership, which will see said Dr Onley. has had,” said Richard Davies. the digitization of a further “Working in partnership The Digital Library is the 900,000 pages of historical with Qatar Foundation and outcome of a partnership records. Qatar National Library for the between Qatar Foundation, “As the world’s largest last seven years, the British Qatar National Library and the open access digital repository Library has been thrilled with British Library, which cur- for Middle Eastern history, the the success of Qatar Digital rently offers access to over 1.5 Qatar Digital Library records Library. million pages of history are routinely cited in historical We are delighted to be relating to the Gulf and the studies of the Gulf region and able to make the British wider region. It has been have become an important Library’s unique collections visited by more than 1.2 source of information for relating to Gulf history and million users and has gen- scholars around the world. Arabic science freely available erated more than 10 million Researchers have already for anyone in the world to use page views.

Ministry of Awqaf honours participants of Spring course

A participant of Spring course programme is being honoured at a ceremony.

THE PENINSULA in international forums. DOHA Meanwhile, general supervisor of the course, Ajiyan Jaber Al Ahbabi stressed the keenness of The Calls and Religious Guidance Department at the Department to provide the suitable envi- the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has ronment for the participants by selecting place honoured the students who participated to a Holy and the proficient teachers. “We provide nec- Quran learning programme. A six-day programme essary support to the participants in a bid to entitled ‘5th Spring course’ was concluded prepare competent students who could partic- yesterday, said the Ministry in a statement. ipate to the international competitions from Director of Calls and Religious Guidance Qatar,” said Al Ahbabi. Department, Malullah Jaber stressed that the He lauded the students for being disciplined Department spares no effort in pursuing the during the course. “The students were very enthu- outstanding and distinguished students and siastic and participated in various associated developing plans to participate in the major activities which held parallel to the course,” said competitions and represent the State of Qatar Al Ahbabi. 06 MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019

Quake hits US postpones western Iran, about 31 injured

REUTERS Middle East DUBAI An earthquake hit an area in western Iran near the Iraqi peace plan border on Sunday, injuring about 31 people, most of them lightly, the state news agency ANATOLIA & AFP The Palestinian Irna reported. TEL AVIV Authority has The US Geological Survey rejected any US (USGS) initially put the mag- US Ambassador to Israel David nitude of the quake at 5.9 but Friedman said yesterday that mediation in revised this later to 5.5. his administration’s plan for peace talks since Iran’s emergency services peace in the Middle East would Trump unilaterally spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi Irna be delayed. recognised Jerusalem told that 29 of the injured In statements he gave had been released after during a visit by US President as the capital of treatment following the Donald Trump’s national Israel in late 2017, Iraq marks Army Day earthquake in Gilan Gharb in security adviser, John Bolton, triggering world Kermanshah province. to Israel, Friedman said the President Barham Salih attends a ceremony marking Iraqi Army Day in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. In November, a 6.3 rollout of the so-called “deal of outcry. magnitude earthquake the century” will be delayed by shook western Iran, injuring several months. more than 700 people, with The “deal of the century” allowed Qatar to provide mil- most suffering minor refers to a backchannel US lions of dollars in aid for fuel wounds. Mideast peace plan, details of and salaries in the blockaded Iran sits astride major which have yet to be made enclave. Trump adviser sets out fault lines and is prone to public. Tamer Zandberg, chair- “Earlier today, an explosive frequent tremors. In 2003, woman of Israeli Meretz device attached to multiple bal- a 6.6 magnitude quake in movement, decried the US loons was launched on a model conditions for Syria pull-out southeastern Kerman delay of the plan. airplane from the Gaza Strip province killed 31,000 “It is not clear to me in into Israeli territory,” an Israeli people and flattened the his- what century Trump intends army statement said. AFP travelling with him on a trip to “over a period of time”. toric city of Bam. to publish the ‘deal of the “In response, (Israeli) JERUSALEM Israel that the United States “There are objectives that century,’” she said. “It is sad attack helicopters targeted two wanted a guarantee from we want to accomplish that con- Saudi woman held at that Trump’s way of helping Hamas military posts in the US President Donald Trump’s Turkey that Kurds in Syria dition the withdrawal,” said Bangkok airport fears Prime Minister Benjamin Gaza Strip.” national security adviser said would be protected, the US news Bolton, who travels to Turkey Netanyahu in the elections is A Hamas security source yesterday that conditions such outlet said. Trump’s after Israel, according to NBC. death if sent home to postpone the publication of said one strike occurred east of as guarantees on the safety of announcement on December 19 “Timetables or the timing the plan instead of urging it Khan Yunis in the southern Kurdish allies must be met that the US would immediately of the withdrawal occurs as a AFP forward.” Gaza Strip and hit an obser- before American troops are withdraw its troops from Syria result of the fulfilment of the BANGKOK Israeli Justice Minister vation point for Hamas’s armed withdrawn from Syria, NBC led to concerns among allies, conditions and the estab- Ayelet Shaked had earlier wing, while the second was east News said. and he has since spoken of lishment of the circumstances A Saudi woman held at described Washington’s “deal of Gaza City. John Bolton told journalists “slowly” sending troops home that we want to see. And once Bangkok airport said she of the century” as a “waste of The security source said no that’s done, then you talk about would be killed if she was time”. injuries had been reported. a timetable.” repatriated by Thai immi- The Palestinian Authority Israel and Palestinian mil- Claims that Turkey targets Kurds Meanwhile, Syria’s opposition gration officials, who has rejected any US mediation itants in Gaza, run by Islamist chief yesterday urged Arab confirmed the 18-year-old was in peace talks since Trump uni- movement Hamas, have fought are irrational: Spokesman leaders not to rebuild relations denied entry to the country laterally recognised Jerusalem three wars since 2008. with President Bashar Al Assad’s yesterday. The incident comes as the capital of Israel in late Since March, protests and ANATOLIA/ANKARA government, voicing frustration against the backdrop of intense 2017, triggering world outcry. clashes have occurred along the amid apparent efforts to bring scrutiny of Saudi Arabia over Jerusalem remains at the Gaza border fence. Responding to US National Security Adviser John Bolton’s the Damascus regime back into its investigation and handling heart of the decades-long Protesters have been calling remarks, Turkish presidential spokesman said claims that Turkey the Arab fold. of the shocking murder of Middle East conflict, with Pal- for Palestinian refugees to be targets Kurds are “irrational,” as the country is fighting Daesh After years of frosty ties, the journalist Jamal Khashoggi last estinians hoping that East Jeru- allowed to return to their and PKK/PYD/YPG terrorists. United Arab Emirates last month year, which has renewed crit- salem — occupied by Israel former homes now inside In a statement, Ibrahim Kalin said: “The issue is PKK/PYD/ reopened its embassy in the icism of the kingdom’s rights since 1967 — might one day Israel. YPG are making efforts to establish an order by oppressing Kurds, Syrian capital, and fellow Gulf record. serve as the capital of a Pales- At least 240 Palestinians who don’t obey them, and their terrorist activities against our state Bahrain has followed suit. Rahaf Mohammed M tinian state. have been killed since the dem- country.” “There is no doubt that a terror group cannot be an “We are surprised that our Alqunun said she was Meanwhile, Israel’s army onstrations began, most of them ally of the US,” Kalin said. Earlier yesterday, Bolton said the US brothers are reaching out and stopped when she arrived in said it struck two Hamas posts by Israeli fire during border will not withdraw troops from northeastern Syria until Turkish building relations with this Suvarnabhumi airport and in the Gaza Strip yesterday clashes but also by air and tank government guarantees fight against Daesh and that it won’t regime,” opposition leader Nasr her travel document was for- after balloons carried an strikes. attack “Kurdish fighters,” referring to YPG/PKK terrorist group. Al Hariri told reporters in cibly taken from her, a claim explosive device over the Two Israeli soldiers have Kalin highlighted that Turkey’s aim in fight against terrorism Riyadh, where he lives in exile. backed by Human Rights border fence, but no injuries been killed over the same is to provide national security, and ensure regional peace and “We hope that our brothers, Watch. “They took my were reported. period, one by a Palestinian stability. He noted that Turkey is the only Nato member which the leaders of Arab nations, will passport,” she said, adding The Gaza border has been sniper and another during an is countering the terror group PKK and its Syrian branches of not abandon the Syrian people,” that her male guardian had relatively calm in recent weeks aborted special forces oper- PYD and YPG, as well as other terrorists of Daesh and FETO. he added, urging them to recon- reported her for travelling after a deal in which Israel ation inside Gaza. sider their decisions. “without his permission”. Palestinian Authority pulls employees from Egypt-Gaza crossing Next round of Yemen talks

REUTERS Western-backed Palestinian allow Hamas to run the passage. operations and detaining some GAZA President Mahmoud Abbas, and Cairo has not so far commented of its workers. “After Hamas’s could be in Amman: Rebels the Islamist group Hamas, which on the situation. PA employees insistence on bolstering The Palestinian Authority said took control of Gaza more than were deployed to Gaza’s border division... and the questioning, AFP see Yemeni government offi- yesterday it had ordered its a decade ago in a civil war. crossings with Israel and Egypt detention and suppression of our SANA’A cials in Saudi capital Riyadh employees to pull out from the Re-opening the Rafeh in 2017 under Egyptian medi- employees, we have become after meeting the rebels, hopes Gaza-Egypt border crossing, crossing, which according to ation in what was seen as the convinced it is useless to A second round of negotiations to bring the warring sides effectively closing the main exit human rights groups is the sole first concrete step towards maintain our presence there,” it between Yemen’s government together later this month to point from the impoverished exit point from Gaza for an esti- ending the dispute. said. and Houthi rebels could be follow up on progress made at Gaza Strip. The dispute over the mated 95 percent of its 2 million The PA said yesterday’s The decision takes effect hosted “soon” in Jordanian December’s talks. border stems from a rift between population, will require Egypt to decision to pull out from the today, though the crossing was capital Amman, a rebel leader The UN envoy held talks the PA, based in the occupied agree on a new operator. crossing was a response to already scheduled to be closed said yesterday after meeting the Sunday with Houthi chief West Bank and headed by It is unclear whether it will Hamas undermining its until tomorrow due to a holiday. UN envoy. Abdelmalik Al Houthi, Talks on Yemen’s failed spokesman Mohammed Abdel- economy “could take place salam said in a statement soon in Amman or by video carried by rebel Al Masira TV. Burkina Faso conference, which I discussed He said that the two addressed president visits with the UN envoy”, “preparations for the upcoming Mohammed Ali Al Houthi, head round of talks”. scene of clashes of the rebel Higher Revolu- Rebel-held Hodeida was AFP tionary Committee, said in for months the main front line OUAGADOUGOU Sana’a. One month after hard- in the Yemen war after gov- won peace talks on the Yemen ernment forces supported by The president of Burkina Faso conflict, the United Nations Saudi Arabia and its allies visited the scene of ethnic faces an uphill battle as it launched an offensive to clashes in which 47 people pushes to ensure the warring capture it in June. But a pre- were killed earlier this week. parties make good on a shaky carious calm has held in the city President Roch Marc truce deal. since a ceasefire agreement Christian Kabore went to the UN envoy Martin Griffiths, came into force on December village of Yirgou in central- who brokered the break- 18. Under the deal, both the northern Burkina Faso where through last month in Sweden, Iran-backed rebels and pro- on Tuesday and Wednesday returned to Yemen Saturday government forces should 47 people were killed after a with a plan to expedite withdraw from the area. suspected jihadist attack trig- measures agreed between the UN spokesman Farhan Haq gered the unrest, according government and Huthi rebels. on Thursday confirmed the ces- to the government. “Nothing, Key among them is the sation of hostilities continued absolutely nothing can justify Enjoying the snow redeployment of rival forces to hold in Hodeida, despite this murderous violence,” he from Hodeida, the Red Sea port mutual accusations of viola- said, calling the impact of the Children slide down a snow-covered slope after a snowfall in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. city crucial for aid and food tions by the rebels and Saudi- fighting “devastating”. imports. Griffiths, scheduled to backed government. MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 ASIA 07 NDA may fall 15 seats short of majority, says survey

IANS According to the survey, conducted between Within the NDA, BJP may win Biju Janata Dal 13, BJP 8; Madhya Andaman & Nicobar: BJP 1; NEW DELHI December 15 and 25 at the fag end of last year 223 seats, Shiv Sena 8, JD(U) 11, Pradesh: BJP 18, Congress 11; Dadra, Nagar Haveli: BJP1; Akali Dal 5, LJP 3, PMK 1, NDPP Chhattisgarh: BJP 5, Congress 6; Daman & Diu: BJP 1; Lak- The BJP-led National Democratic in all 543 parliamentary constituencies, the NDA 1, AINRC 1, NPP 1, SDF 1, Apna Punjab: Congress 7, Akali Dal 5, shadweep: Congress 1; Alliance at the Centre may fall may get 257 seats and the Congress-led UPA Dal 1, and MNF 1. AAP 1; Haryana: BJP 8, Congress Puducherry: INRC 1. nearly 15 seats short of the magic (minus SP and BSP) may get 146 seats, far off The survey said that Con- 2; Bihar: BJP 13, RJD 10, JD(U) 11, According to the release, mark of 272 in the 543-seat Lok the magic mark. The survey was done after the gress may win 85 seats (almost Congress 2, LJP 3, RLSP 1; research and survey agency CNX Sabha, if elections are held now, double that it won in 2014), DMK Jharkhand: BJP 7, JMM 4, Con- gave 54,300 respondents struc- says the India TV-CNX opinion results of assembly polls in five states including 21, Lalu Prasad’s RJD 10, NCP 9, gress 2, JVM(P) 1; Gujarat: BJP 24, tured questionnaire across 543 poll. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh JMM 4, JD(S) 4, RLD 2, RLSP 1, Congress 2; Himachal Pradesh: parliamentary constituencies, According to the survey, con- RSP 1, IUML 2, TDP 4, JK National BJP 4; Maharashtra: BJP 22, Shiv covering 1,086 assembly constit- ducted between December 15 Conference 2, and Kerala Con- Sena 8, Congress 9, NCP 9; Goa: uencies, with an average of 100 and 25 at the fag end of last year Congress, Telangana Rashtra Dal, DMK, TDP, Sharad Pawar’s gress (M) 1. BJP 1, Congress 1; Tamil Nadu: respondents in each Lok Sabha in all 543 parliamentary constit- Samithi, Biju Janata Dal, YSR NCP, Devegowda’s JD(S), Ajit Among ‘others’, Mamata DMK 21, AIADMK 10, AMMK 4, constituency. Those interviewed uencies, the NDA may get 257 Congress Party, Left Front, PDP Singh’s RLD, National Con- Banerjee-led Trinamool Con- Congress 3, PMK 1;A Andhra included 27,832 males and seats and the Congress-led UPA of Mehbooba Mufti, AIUDF of ference, RSP, JMM, IUML, Kerala gress could get 26 seats, Sama- Pradesh: YSR Congress 19, TDP 26,408 females in the age group (minus SP and BSP) may get 146 Badruddin Ajmal, AIMIM of Congress (Mani) and RLSP. jwadi Party 20, Mayawati’s BSP 4, Congress 2; Telangana: Tel- 18 to 60 years. seats, far off the magic mark. Asaduddin Owaisi, INLD, Aam The earlier nationwide 15, YSR Congress 19, Telangana angana Rashtra Samithi 16, The survey, the release said, The survey was done after Aadmi Party, JVM(P), AMMK of survey conducted by India Rashtra Samithi 16, Biju Janata AIMIM 1; Karnataka: BJP 15, Con- covered both residential and the results of assembly polls in Tamil Nadu and independent TV-CNX in November, before the Dal 13, AIADMK 10, AMMK 4, Left gress 9, JD(S) 4; Kerala: Congress business areas, remote and key five states including Rajasthan, MPs. assembly polls, had given NDA Front 8, Aam Aadmi Party 2, 8, Left Front 5, IUML 2, BJP 1, localities, including upper middle Madhya Pradesh and Chhat- NDA includes the ruling BJP, a clear majority with 281 seats, AIUDF 2, PDP 1, JVM (P) 1 and KC(M) 1, RSP 1, Independent 2; class colonies. It said that the tisgarh where Congress has Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, JD(U), Mizo UPA 124, and ‘Others’ 138. Since AIMIM 1. Jammu & Kashmir: BJP 2, NC 2, sample respondents came from formed governments. National Front, Apna Dal, Sikkim then there has been a reduction State wise break up of seat Congress 1, PDP 1; Assam: BJP 12, all walks of life, including cob- The survey said on Saturday Democratic Front, LJP of Ram- of 24 seats in NDA and an prediction is: Uttar Pradesh: BJP AIUDF 2; Arunachal Pradesh: BJP blers, tailors, barbers, daily wage that key to government for- vilas Paswan, NPP of Meghalaya, addition of 22 seats in UPA, says 40, BSP 15, SP 20, Congress 2, 2; Mizoram: MNF 1; Manipur: BJP labourers, small shopkeepers, mation could lie in the hands of INRC of Puducherry, PMK and the survey. RLD 2, Apna Dal 1; Uttarakhand: 2; Meghalaya: Congress 1, NPP 1; mechanics, medical practi- ‘others’ who may get 140 seats NDPP of Nagaland. The survey says that NDA BJP 4, Congress 1; Rajasthan: BJP Tripura: BJP 1, CPI(M) 1; tioners, auto-taxi drivers and in a House of 543. An India TV release said that could get 37.15 per cent votes, 15, Congress 10; West Bengal: Nagaland: NDPP 1, NPF 1; Sikkim: real estate dealers. ‘Others’ include Samajwadi UPA includes the main oppo- UPA 29.92 per cent and `others’ Trinamool Congress 26, BJP 10, SDF 1; Delhi: BJP 5, AAP 1, Con- The next Lok Sabha elections Party, BSP, AIADMK, Trinamool sition Congress, Rashtriya Janata 32.93 per cent. Congress 2, Left Front 4; Odisha: gress 1; Chandigarh: BJP 1; would be held in April-May. Chandrababu daydreaming of becoming PM: Modi

IANS with anti-Congress National Front, also in Andhra Pradesh,” he said. VIJAYAWADA/NEWDELHI but today his son-in-law bowed A BJP leader had said that his head before Congress to save Naidu on Friday vented his Prime Minister Narendra Modi his power. NTR was a true icon of anger on a group of party yesterday said that Andhra Telugu pride. NTR never forgot workers after they blocked the Pradesh Chief Minister N Chan- Congress for hurting Telugu pride CM’s convoy to protest his com- drababu Naidu is daydreaming and for betrayal of Telugu ments against Modi. of becoming Prime Minister and interests. Today those in power in Naidu had reportedly said, alleged that he backstabbed TDP Andhra Pradesh are so desperate “You will get beaten up. Don’t founder and his father-in-law to cling to their power that they invite unnecessary trouble. You N T Rama Rao twice. betrayed Telugu interests and will be finished. Do you support For the second time in less stabbed NTR in the back for the injustice meted out to Andhra than a week, Modi launched a second a time.” Modi called the Pradesh? People will teach you a direct attack on Telugu Desam opposition’s alliance a crowd of lesson.” “The threat is an outcome Party (TDP) President. “family-ruled parties”, saying of nervousness and insecurity. During a video-conference those unable to win over the This means despite a huge gov- with workers of Bharatiya Janata people are resorting to violence. ernment machinery, those in Party from five Lok Sabha con- “Those failed to win the power are afraid. The threat stituencies, he said Naidu back- hearts of the people or being means the BJP workers are suc- stabbed NTR for a second time by rejected by them, are resorting ceeding,” he said. joining hands with the Congress. to violence. Yesterday, a bomb Modi warned opposition He said Naidu was daydreaming was found outside the home of parties to never underestimate the of becoming PM though he had our Kerala MP V Muraleedharan. power of BJP workers, saying once High-flying patterns failed as the chief minister. A conspiracy was hatched to kill the party workers decide some- “It was NTR who led ‘Con- him. Every day our workers are thing, “no force can stop the party People fly a kite as they participate in the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, yesterday. gress-mukt’ Bharat movement being targeted in Kerala and from getting success.”

Shimla, Manali Irani slams Rahul for spreading ‘more lies’ get snow; IANS relations with controversial defence consultant more in store NEW DELHI Sanjay Bhandari who is now hiding in London. Citing some media reports, the Minister said: IANS Amid rancorous politics on Rafale fighter jet “The ED presented before the court and sought SHIMLA issue, Union Minister Smriti Irani took a dig at a non-bailable warrant against Manoj Arora. It Rahul Gandhi accusing him of telling “more lies” is highlighted how digital evidence was procured After much delay, the on the matter after he called Defence Minister during an Income Tax department raid on the Himachal Pradesh capital Nirmala Sitharama a “liar”, and alleged that premises of Sanjay Bhandari, a well-known arms yesterday experienced Gandhi’s brother-in-law Robert Vadra had a dealer, who also happens to be a close friend of snowfall, leading to a surge plush 1.9 million pound house in London, which Robert Vadra.” “The digital evidence procured of tourists out to enjoy the is under the scanner of Enforcement Directorate. during the raid reveals that Robert Vadra ben- snow-covered landscape. At a press briefing, Irani said even after eficially controls a house — 12, Bryanston Square, Another picturesque the Defence Minister placed all the facts in Par- London in UK, valued at GBP1.9m. In the digital tourist resort Manali had snow liament, it took Rahul Gandhi “48 hours to evidence, which found communication between on the second day. There are wake up, only to spread more lies”. Vadra and others, has shown that the London chances of more rain and snow Raising issue of Gandhi’s brother-in-law house procured by Vadra underwent renovation in the state till Wednesday, Robert Vadra, Irani said the Congress’ ‘rashtriya to the tune of 66,000 GBP”. weather officials said. damaad (national son-in-law)’ made headlines “Media reports again highlight how Vadra “Shimla and its nearby on Saturday when the Enforcement Directorate, indicated that the said amount can be areas have been experiencing while seeking non-bailable warrants for Vadra’s addressed, paid by his assistant Manoj Arora. snowfall and this was the sea- personal assistant Manoj Arora, informed a Delhi Even after three summons issued by ED, Arora son’s high snowfall in Shimla court that the plush house in London which is refused to join the investigation. The ED has town,” an official of the Mete- under the scanner belongs to Vadra. requested the court to issue a non-bailable orological Department said. Irani also mentioned the Enforcement warrant in the fear that Vadra’s personal Manali and the hills over- Directorate allegation that Vadra has close assistant will flee justice,” Irani said. looking it experienced mod- erate snow. “There are chances of more snow in the state till January 11,” he added. Places near to Shimla such BJP accuses govt of detaining devotees as Kufri and Narkanda have also been experiencing IANS Speaking on the violence that close to 3,170 citizens are snowfall, turning the tourist NEW DELHI followed by detentions and in custody and 1,286 cases destinations more picturesque. arrests of the devotees who have been registered. Be it a Even Dalhousie in Chamba dis- Union Textile Minister Smriti are protesting against the citizen or an MP, none is safe trict and McLeodganj, the Irani yesterday launched a entry of female devotees of in Kerala. abode of Tibetan spiritual scathing attack on Kerala menstruating age, Irani said “The former BJP Pres- leader the Dalai Lama in government accusing it of the social, political and law ident in Kerala and MP from Kangra district, had snowfall. detaining Sabarimala temple and order situation in the Rajya Sabha Muraleedharan As news of the snowfall devotees for raising voice state has deteriorated. ji’s ancestral home was spread, tourists flocked to against it, and condemned the “Currently, Kerala’s attacked by a countrymade Shimla, known for the bomb attack on the ancestral anarchy is such that over bomb on Friday night. On imperial grandeur of its home of former BJP state 37,000 citizens stand accused behalf of the BJP, we buildings that were once President and Rajya Sabha MP of going up against the gov- condemn this dastardly institutions of power. V Muraleedharan. ernment of Kerala. It is noted attack,” Irani said. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 Trump could unravel gains won in ESTABLISHED IN 1996 fight against Islamic State militants

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

[email protected] JOHN R ALLEN THE WASHINGTON POST ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] our years ago, just before Pres- ident Barack Obama appointed me his special DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR envoy to the coalition fighting Fthe Islamic State militants, I laid out a MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] set of ideas for how to defeat and ulti- mately destroy the terrorist group. Because Islamic State fighters was a regional and global problem, posing an imminent threat to the United States, it was clear that its defeat would require an international EDITORIAL coalition. I recommended that this coalition, once formed, be tasked with halting the group’s forward momentum, Qatar’s digital transformation empowering indigenous forces to be the final and lasting agents of the atar saw significant steps on the road to digital Islamic State’s defeat, and coordi- transformation last year as Ooredoo made con- nating much-needed stabilization Qsiderable contributions to the development of ICT efforts once the fighting had subsided. in Qatar. I believed then, and remained con- Ooredoo achieved several milestones in 2018 and vinced after taking on the role of perhaps the biggest achievement was the launch, in May, special envoy, that only through a of the world’s first commercial 5G network. comprehensive and multilateral This significant step towards the life-changing tech- approach could the Islamic State be nology being made widely available was swiftly followed truly eliminated from the world stage. by the rapid rollout of network tower installation, network Ultimately, the broad strategy exe- testing in the Qatari desert and the arrival of the world’s cuted by the Obama administration and thousands of foreign fighters to its time. The Christmas Eve blast in Kabul, first home broadband devices for testing, which showed largely continued by the Trump admin- ranks, the group evolved into a three- which killed 43 people, was the work the phenomenal speeds available. istration was a success - the Islamic headed monster - with a core territory of Islamic State forces entrenched in Further testing of the breath-taking potential of 5G State was halted in its tracks and was spanning Iraq and Syria; with control Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is a came at an event dedicated to the technology at The Pearl, slowly but surely rolled back in Iraq of discrete external territories in Asia telling example of their capabilities. Doha, where Ooredoo Qatar displayed several Smart Cities and Syria. Yet, President Donald and Africa; and with a permanent and Finally, the caliphate is alive and solutions and applications that will be available in Qatar. Trump’s highly sophisticated presence online. well across the Internet, spewing its Innovative, life-changing technologies including a driv- recent Today, the core Islamic State has toxic message and recruiting youth erless aerial taxi, connected yacht, 5G services in moving decision to lost most of its contiguous territory and globally. Its cyberdomain affords the vehicles and an 8K virtual reality experience were all dem- announce the nearly all of its subjugated population Islamic State a truly frightening and onstrated, allowing a glimpse into the technology of the defeat of the in Syria and Iraq. Islamic State fighters enduring presence beyond the reach future. Islamic State in Syria still number in the thousands, of traditional forces, giving it the Moving into mobile com- Islamic State and pull US though their unit integrity has been capacity to inflict mayhem long after it munications, Ooredoo Qatar fighters in Syria forces from vastly diminished by coalition fire- has been neutralized on the ground. was the first operator in the still number in the region power and by the Syrian Democratic International efforts to mitigate the country – and one of only a the thousands, demands that Forces on the ground. In fact, were it Islamic State’s online influence have few regionally – to launch we confront not for the 60,000 coalition-trained been a major and ongoing challenge, Significant eSIM, offering customers a though their unit the question: indigenous forces operating in with encrypted messaging apps progress was seamless mobile telecoms integrity has been After more northeast Syria, roughly one-third of making traditional analysis, counter- made in home experience. eSIM technology vastly diminished than three that country would still be under the intelligence and countermessaging connectivity allows mobile phones to work by coalition years of the caliphate’s control. In Iraq, the Islamic efforts exceptionally difficult. The without a traditional SIM card, coalition State is essentially defeated, but, as in Islamic State’s cyberpresence remains as more than enabling the user to switch firepowerand campaign Syria, hundreds of its fighters have a potent tool for generating support 400,000 homes between several lines easily by the Syrian against the melted into a Sunni landscape still nearly anywhere in the world and were connected to without having to physically Democratic group, what is wracked with political chaos. seemingly at random. Indeed, the its fibre network, a remove and reinsert a SIM. the condition In outposts in Africa, Central Asia ongoing threat of directed or inspired Significant progress was Forces on the of the Islamic and Southeast Asia, however, the “lone wolf” attacks is directly linked to milestone achieved made in home connectivity as ground. State today? caliphate is anything but defeated, and the group’s online campaign. in November more than 400,000 homes The is, in fact, barely degraded. US and To be clear: The Islamic State is not 2018 that were connected to its fibre answer requires a bit of context. After coalition special operators and intelli- defeated. It remains a local, regional network, a milestone achieved splitting with the al-Nusra Front in the gence assets are helping to battle these and global threat, and notions to the strengthened the in November 2018 that chaotic Syrian battlespace of 2014 and groups, but this is a long-term fight contrary are misinformed. Though company’s position strengthened the company’s styling itself as a caliphate, the Islamic relying largely on local actors. Each of coalition efforts have successfully as a leading position as a leading telecom- State quickly grew into a well-coordi- the Islamic State’s more than three degraded the Islamic State’s core terri- telecommunications munications company and nated, internationally focused group. dozen outposts has the capacity for tories, the departure of US forces reinforced Qatar’s vision of Fueled in part by a striking adeptness local violence and could evolve into leaves the door wide open for the company. becoming one of the world’s at digital propaganda that attracted platforms for larger attacks at any group’s resurgence. best-connected countries. Ooredoo’s fibre network offers customers a leading expe- rience with advanced features including high-speed internet access of up to 10Gbps – the world’s highest speed and only available in 10 countries worldwide, according to an Arthur Saudi Arabia’s great run seems headed for trouble D. Little report – as well as high-definition audio services and quality 4K entertainment with Ooredoo tv, recognised the country’s demo- government jobs distribute industry. According to the as the most popular entertainment service in Qatar. graphics are headed in a oil money to the population Organization of Petroleum The Arthur D. Little report also noted 99 percent of direction that is sometimes and keep social tensions Exporting Countries, the homes in Qatar are now covered by fibre-optic networks, associated with social from rising. A bigger popu- kingdom relies on oil for a double increase against that of 2012 and comparable unrest. As recently as lation means more mouths about 50 percent of its only to Singapore, Latvia and Lithuania. Around 88 percent 2000, Saudi Arabian fam- to feed. And youth unem- economy and 70 percent of of Qatari homes are now connected, the highest in the world NOAH SMITH ilies were very large, with ployment in the country its export earnings; other alongside Singapore. Year 2018 saw the company con- BLOOMBERG an average of more than six typically hovers between estimates put the latter tinue its support for many health initiatives and projects children per woman. But 25 and 30 percent, while number even higher. including the Fahad Bin Jassem Kidney Centre, the Ooredoo n the surface, fertility has dropped pre- overall unemployment hit Petroleum is used for lots Cancer Awareness Centre and many others – with Ooredoo Saudi Arabia and cipitously, and is now record highs in early 2018. more than powering autos always on the forefront of promoting a healthy lifestyle, its ruling family below the replacement A big cohort of idle and trucks, of course -- physical activity and social responsibility. -- an absolute level of 2.1 children per young adults with high plastics, fertilizer, ship and Omonarchy flush with oil woman: unemployment and rela- jet fuel, and a host of wealth -- look secure in This means that there tively light child-care chemicals -- but if electric their power. Despite oil are a large number of Saudi duties could be a volatile vehicles start eating into QUOTE OF THE DAY price fluctuations, income Arabians now coming of mix. Political scientists the market share of the per person has been more age who will have rela- have long noted the corre- internal-combustion We have to build the or less constant for many tively few children of their lation between youth engine, oil prices could be wall. It’s about safety, years now: own to take care of. In bulges and civil strife. headed south for good. it’s about security for In purchasing power countries with economies This volatile situation The country has long our country. We have parity terms, Saudi Arabia based on manufacturing, could be made even more vowed to diversify its is a rich country -- only this would produce a precarious by three addi- economy away from oil, but no choice. I may declare slightly behind the U.S. in demographic dividend, tional factors: declining oil its ambitious reform plans a national emergency living standards. Mean- causing growth to accel- revenues, climate change often seem to degenerate dependent on what’s while, the country’s lead- erate due to an abundance and social liberalization. into yet more lavish gov- going to happen over ership is feeling confident of young workers. As batteries and ernment spending. Mean- the next few days. and powerful enough to But in Saudi Arabia’s charging technologies while, even if a price crash prosecute a war in Yemen resource-dependent improve, electric cars are caused by electric cars and kill dissident economy, it may simply put quickly going mainstream: never materializes, the Donald Trump journalists. a strain on government That’s great for the country’s oil reserves are US President But beneath the placid finances. Saudi Arabia has world and for the future of not infinite, and the country surface, there could be traditionally been a rentier the climate, but not so great may already be struggling trouble brewing. First of all, economy, where for Saudi Arabia’s main to raise production. MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 OPINION 09 Why Africa loves China t the September 2018 Forum of trade routes leading to and from than in other sectors, the fact that the There are some obvious on China-Africa Cooperation China with the ultimate goal of extractive industry amounts only to reasons that make China a pre- (FOCAC) in Beijing, African advancing Chinese global one-third of the total Chinese ferred partner for Africa. For Union Chairperson and dominance.” investment in Africa is barely Africans, China has four major RwandanA President Paul Kagame Just like the US, other western gov- mentioned. attractions: Unconditional soft lauded the Chinese aid and ernments, such as the UK and France, The other two-thirds of China’s loans and access to capital; quick investment strategy in Africa as a also see China’s engagement in Africa investment in Africa is in infra- delivery of services and cheap source of “deep transformation”. as a cause for concern. For them, China structure, construction, electricity goods; funding of peacekeeping; MEHARI TADDELE MARU Kagame argued that the cooperation is a spoiler of peace in oil-rich countries production, manufacturing and and an alternative development AL JAZEERA between China and Africa is based on such as South Sudan and Sudan, and a finance. In fact, compared with the US model. mutual respect and is for the benefit supporter of despots in African coun- and other developed countries, First, China’s unconditional of both partners. This sentiment is tries, such as Gabon. Moreover, they China’s share in extractive invest- cooperation has allowed African perhaps shared by most African heads perceive China as a resource and ments in Africa, in the form of mining, governments to enjoy access to of states and governments if their energy-hungry giant, an exploiter of for example, is lower. finance, expertise and development attendance of the summit is anything corrupt and incompetent governments, The Sino-phobic narrative cham- aid. In 2016, the trade between to go by. a trade opportunist, and a massive pol- pioned by the West portrays African China and Africa reached $128bn, a However, despite the African luter of the African environment. nations as passive collaborators, as drastic surge from $1bn in 1980. leadership’s embrace of China as a The second and opposing per- mere victims of a second “coloni- At FOCAC in Beijing this year, valued partner, the view that Beijing is ception of the partnership between sation” wave. However, this is not the China offered $60bn for devel- a “predatory” actor in Africa, Beijing and Africa is a pro-China one. case. Africans are well aware of the opment financing until 2021. While attempting to recolonise the continent This view is adopted mostly in Africa. shortcomings of Chinese assistance the financial crises in the US and is also ubiquitous in foreign policy According to the proponents of and business in Africa - from an EU limited their investments in circles, media narratives and this narrative, China is a saviour - a imbalance in trade to hefty debt, from Africa, China committed to academia. trustworthy ally of Africa. They view poor quality goods to corrupt prac- investing more in the continent. The China-Africa relationship is China, a country that does not have a tices. Africans also know that many Chinese soft loans have enabled currently being interpreted through history of colonial aspirations in Chinese investors lack considerations many African governments to The media also wrongly two diametrically opposed Africa, as a partner which could of sustainability and that some avoid pressure from global gov- portrays China as a paerceptions. provide much-needed funding business dealings are in some ernance institutions such as IMF The first of the two is a Sino-phobic without any strings attached. They instances incompatible with the and World Bank to meet Western predatory actor in Africa. one, mostly adopted in the West. For also believe Beijing understands and national interests of African countries. norms of accountability and condi- For instance, while it instance, in a recent policy briefing at respects Africa’s priorities. Furthermore, Africans recognise that tionality related to political and is widely reported that the Heritage Foundation, US National Moreover, China has a reputation Chinese businesses rarely fight economic reforms, such as the China invests more in Security Adviser John Bolton criticised among African countries for being an corrupt practices and seek to avoid infamous structural adjustment China’s actions in Africa and claimed actor that respects other cultures and accountability. that does not always serve the the extractive industry the continent has fallen victim to Bei- states. This view is widely held by Africans expect China to take interest of Africans. than in other sectors, the jing’s new colonialism. “China uses many African heads of state. some responsibility for some of these Second, China has aided fact that the extractive bribes, opaque agreements, and the Much of the academic literature shortcomings, but also acknowledge African governments to meet their industry amounts only strategic use of debt to hold states in on the China-Africa partnership that the weaknesses of African regu- people’s rapidly growing demands Africa captive to Beijing’s wishes and unjustifiably perpetuates the Sino- latory and enforcement mechanisms, for services and infrastructure to one-third of the total demands,” Bolton said. phobic narrative. The media also as well as self-serving governments, more quickly. Many people in Chinese investment “Such predatory actions are sub- wrongly portrays China as a pred- are the main culprits. They know that Africa are now used to quick in Africa is barely components of broader Chinese stra- atory actor in Africa. For instance, Chinese companies, like many others, delivery of services - such as trans- mentioned. tegic initiatives, including ‘One Belt, while it is widely reported that China exploit the weaknesses of African portation, education, health and One Road’ - a plan to develop a series invests more in the extractive industry states for their advantage. They telecommunication - by Chinese believe it is their own governments, companies. This has created, and and not China, that need to make sure will continue to create, more Africa is not exploited. appetite for Chinese business in As a result, Africans see the Africa. Western criticisms of the China-Africa cooperation with serious reservations. At the FOCAC meeting in September, South African President Cyril Ram- aphosa summarised the African position by saying that Africa “refutes the view that a new colonialism is taking hold in Africa as our detractors D-RING ROAD would have us believe.” POST BOX: 3488 Why Africa loves China DOHA - QATAR The debt trap is not an inevitable [email protected] outcome of loans: As President Kagame said, the outcome “depends on us Africans”. The key factor that EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE determines the success of Chinese TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 loans to Africa is whether or not FAX: +974 4455 7758 African governments use such loans for productive capital investment. For MANAGING EDITOR TEL: these investments to succeed, African 4462 7505 governments need to be accountable to the people of Africa. This is not the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: responsibility of China or any other 4455 7769 non-African country, for that matter; rather it is Africans who are respon- LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: A file photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping and African leaders during the FOCAC Summit in Beijing. sible to ensure accountability. 4455 7743 BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535 AFP overthrow of Islamist president every time the debate turns to the end SPORT NEWS SECTION Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following of (Sisi’s) second term, the question is: TEL: 4455 7745 upporters of Egyptian Pres- mass protests against his rule, won his who is the alternative? That causes ident Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are first term as president the following panic,” he said. ONLINE SECTION calling for constitutional year. Mustafa Kamal al-Sayed, a TEL: 4462 7501 changes that would allow him His government has been widely political science professor at Cairo [email protected] Sto stay in power once his second term criticised by rights groups over the University, said Rizk “did not express a personal point of view, but revealed ends in 2022. repression of dissidents. PUBLIC RELATIONS trends within government Backers of the former military As well as a crackdown on TEL: 4455 7613 dissent, Sisi has overseen a military institutions”. [email protected] campaign against Islamic State group- He said Sisi “does not want to step linked militants in the Sinai Peninsula. down from power while he is alive... ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Egypt is slowly recovering from a he fears that he could be held to TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 account if he leaves his post”. Egypt mulls changing deep economic crisis that has seen the FAX: 4455 7870 value of its currency plummet and H.A. Hellyer, a senior fellow at the [email protected] state subsidies slashed. Atlantic Council and the Royal United constitution to keep ‘Who is the alternative?’ Services Institute in London, said that CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT In November 2017, even before “every indication from the last few TEL: 4455 7857 he was re-elected, Sisi told American years indicates that amending the [email protected] Sisi in power news network CNBC he would not constitution is of foremost seek a third term in office. importance”. SUBSCRIPTION & But after his victory in the March “Otherwise we would not have DISTRIBUTION chief, re-elected in March with over 2018 polls, the question has gradually seen all these trial balloons in the TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 97 percent of the vote, want par- returned to public debate. media, and we would have seen indi- FAX: 44557819 liament to discuss repealing an article Mohammad Fuad, and MP with cations of successors that are being [email protected] limiting presidents to two consecutive the Wafd party close to the gov- groomed,” he said. four-year terms. ernment, said that “the whole of Egypt On social media, opposition In an editorial published on was talking about (Rizk’s) article last figures deplored talk of allowing Sisi Sisi, who led the Sunday, the pro-government state- night”. to stand for a third term. All thoughts and views army’s overthrow of “There are constitutions and laws run daily newspaper Al-Akhbar “This issue has been under dis- expressed in these columns Islamist president voiced hope that 2019 would see “the cussion everywhere in Egypt, not just in authoritarian regimes and constitu- are those of the writers, Mohamed Morsi start of a belated political reform” to in parliament, for some time,” he said, tions and laws in democratic secure Sisi’s future in power. adding that a potential parliamentary regimes,” wrote Mohamed ElBaradei, not of the newspaper. in 2013, “does not The column by the newspaper’s debate on the issue had not been ini- a respected former UN nuclear want to step down director Yasser Rizk said this would tiated by the government. watchdog chief and Egyptian poli- All correspondence “preserve all the people’s gains in In the current context of Egyptian tician on Twitter. from power while regarding Views and he is alive... he fears terms of security, stability and eco- politics, there was little surprise that “The former are a tool for nomic recovery” since Sisi came to the debate was taking place, Fuad entrenching authoritarian rule based Opinion pages should be that he could be power five years ago, said. on repression and fear, while the send to editor-in-chief held to account if he He said the change could be “People have been expecting a second are a tool for establishing good office or mailed to the leaves his post”. approved by late summer 2019. constitutional amendment on governance based on freedom and Sisi, who led the army’s extending presidential terms, because justice.” [email protected] 10 ASIA MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019

Bangladesh PM Flash flood leaves names 47-member new cabinet at least 30 Afghan IANS DHAKA villagers dead A 47-member new cabinet of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was AP The victims were announced yesterday, Xinhua KABUL villagers who were reported. Cabinet Secretary mining for gold Mohammad Shafiul Alam told At least 30 Afghan villagers illegally. Rescue a press conference that the searching for gold in a riverbed cabinet included 25 ministers, perished yesterday in a flash teams have been including Prime Minister flood in northeastern Bada- dispatched to Hasina, 19 ministers of state khshan province, provincial the area to help and three deputy ministers. officials said. According to the cabinet Along with those killed, in recovering the secretary, Hasina has dozens were also injured as a bodies. inducted 31 new faces into her landslide and flash flood new cabinet. Members of the engulfed the river in the next cabinet, including the morning in Kohistan district, an condition. According to Rohani, prime minister, are slated to area about 110km, from there were about 50 people ille- take the oath at 3:30pm local Fayzabad, the capital of gally looking for gold at the Warming up time today at the President’s Badakhshan. time of the landslide. Afghan vegetable vendors warm up around a fire at a roadside in Kabul, yesterday. Office. The announcement Nek Mohammad Nazari, the Fawzia Kofi, a lawmaker was made days after the 288 spokesman for the provincial form Badakhshan, gave a newly elected members of governor, said the villagers had higher death toll for the tragedy, Bangladesh’s parliament from dug deep in the river, which had saying that 40 villagers were Hasina’s ruling coalition were in the past been mined for gold, killed. sworn in amid an opposition when they were caught in the Afghanistan is a moun- boycott on Thursday. flash flood. The casualty tainous, land-locked nation that Taliban seek venue change numbers could rise, he said. has huge, largely untouched Roadside bombs The victims were villagers reserves of copper, iron ore, who were mining for gold ille- chromite, mercury, zinc, gems, injure 8 in Balu- gally, according to the official. including rubies and emeralds, for peace talks with US “Rescue teams have been dis- as well as gold and silver. chistan patched to the area to help in Mines are scattered across REUTERS the Western-backed Afghan a new meeting venue. The recovering the bodies,” Nazari different provinces of the PESHAWAR government having a seat at United States embassy in AP said. country, but still the gov- the table. Afghanistan did not immediately QUETTA Sanaullah Rohani, ernment has not been able to The Taliban will not attend “We were supposed to meet respond to a request for spokesman for the police chief achieve investments in this planned peace talks with the US officials in Riyadh next week comment. Pakistani officials said two in Badakhshan, said seven of important sector or establish a United States in Saudi Arabia and continue our peace process Another senior Taliban roadside bombs blasts have the injured were in critical thriving extraction industry. this month, and want to shift the that remained incomplete in leader said the group had wounded eight people in the venue, Taliban officials said Abu Dhabi last month,” a senior explained to Saudi Arabia that country’s southwestern Balu- yesterday, seeking to fend off Taliban member based in it was not possible for the chistan province. Riyadh’s push to include the Afghanistan said on condition Taliban to meet the Afghan gov- Officer Shams Uddin of Afghan government in talks. of anonymity. ernment at this stage. the Levies Force said Sunday UAE-Pakistan talks on oil The upcoming negotiations, “The problem is that leaders “Everyone is aware of the that the convoy of the force’s the fourth in a series aimed at of Saudi Arabia and the United fact that the Afghan government senior officer Abdul Malik refinery at final stage ending the 17-year war in Arab Emirates (UAE) wanted us wanted the US and its allies not was targeted in Pishin district AP Afghanistan, are scheduled to definitely meet the Afghan to leave Afghanistan and we with a roadside bomb planted ISLAMABAD between the leaders of the government delegation, which have paid a heavy price to expel in a motorcycle. He said the Taliban and US special envoy we cannot afford to do now, and all foreign forces from our attack left Malik, his two sub- A Pakistani minister says his government’s talks with the United Zalmay Khalilzad to discuss we have cancelled the meeting country,” he said. “Why should ordinates and three civilians Arab Emirates on setting up an oil refinery in Pakistan “reached the withdrawal of foreign in Saudi Arabia,” he said. we talk to the Afghan gov- wounded. their final stage” during the visit of the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. forces and a possible ceasefire The Taliban want to change ernment?” The Taliban regards In the second attack, a Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also says Sheikh in 2019. the venue for the talks to the United States as its main Frontier Corps paramilitary Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit will further strengthen Leaders of the hardline another Gulf country, he said. adversary in the Afghan war and soldier and a civilian were ties between the two countries. The prince and Prime Minister militant group have rejected Taliban spokesman Zabi- views direct talks with Wash- wounded in Panjgur district Imran Khan held a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation- the Kabul government’s offer hullah Mujahid confirmed the ington as a legitimate effort to when a remote-controlled level talks. The crown prince had been expected to announce a for direct talks, despite group has decided to cancel the seek the withdrawal of foreign bomb exploded as a paramil- financial assistance package but left Islamabad in the afternoon growing international pressure meeting in Saudi Arabia, but did troops before engaging with the itary vehicle was driving by. without any announcements. in favour of not provide information about Afghan government. Police officer Khurshid Dashti said the security vehicle was badly damaged. No one claimed responsibility for either attack. Baluchistan has Pakistan Railways to launch been a scene of low level insurgency by Baluch sepa- 20 new trains this year ratists who have claimed such attacks in the past. INTERNEWS ISLAMABAD Mobile app to

Minister for Pakistan Railways Sheikh Rasheed has announced update fruit and that Pakistan Railways will introduce 20 new trains in the year 2019 across the country for facilitating the masses as it has intro- vegetable prices duced in just first three months of the incumbent government. Talking to media he said Railways ministry has planned to INTERNEWS install an effective fuel and power tracking system to stop its theft RAWALPINDI adding he said it is vital for running a smooth system of the railways. Replying to a question he said, “Railways has planned some Government of Pakistan will targets including to earn 10bn in this year and following some launch a mobile app to keep strategies for achieving these goals in the specific time”. people updated with the offi- While responding about International Monetary Fund (IMF) he cially announced prices of said,” government does not want to avail IMF option but due to the fruits and vegetables in ailing national economy government is striving for adopting this option Rawalpindi. The government Goodwill visit on soft conditions”. Regarding the Chairman of Public Account Com- will set up a modern mittee (PAC) he said,” if someone found guilty over any case then wholesale fruit and vegetable Russian missile cruiser Varyag arrives at the South Harbor in Metro Manila, Philippines, yesterday. morally and according to law he cannot hold an authority or run a market outside the urban Three Russian warships docked here for a 5-day goodwill visit aiming to bolster maritime coordination. national office till getting the clearance from the Supreme Court (SC) area to facilitate traders and adding Shehbaz Sharif should be removed from the chairmanship”. wholesalers, Deputy Commis- sioner Dr Umar Jahangir said chairing a meeting of Market Committee representatives. For the first time in city, Drought endangers rare species in Southwest Pakistan a government run vegetable and fruit market will become functional to control the ANATOLIA Last December, the country’s of Sindh Ibex, also known as trying our best to protect them announcing a special financial prices of green grocery items, KARACHI meteorological department spec- Turkman goat or Bezor, Balo- from different hazards but our package to address the crisis. he said. The new market will ified the nine districts -- mainly chistan Urial and Chinkara resources are meager. We appeal The ongoing dry conditions also have online presence A simmering drought in parts of remote Chaghi district, and the Gazelle or Chinkara deer is esti- to the government for a financial have primarily affected the grass allowing people to know southwest Pakistan has endan- coastal belt of Lasbella, Awaran, mated to be around 3,000. package to protect this asset,” he and plant eating animals subse- prices of groceries, milk, and gered the survival of various rare and Gwadar — are facing mod- Apart from the wild goats, maintained. quently affecting the carnivores, yogurt on single click. species, which are leaving their erate to severe drought due to Latif said, other rare species of Established in 1988, Hingol said Muhammad Moazzam The provincial government natural habitat in search for food major rainfall deficit. mountainous deer, cheetah, fox, Park sprawls over 640 square Khan, a technical advisor to has removed Market Com- and water. The lingering dry spell, hedgehog, porcupine, wolf and miles and covers three districts World Wide Fund for Nature’s mittee Chairman Raja Jahandar The eastern parts of min- according to Raja Asif Latif, a rabbit are also leaving their — Lasbella, Awaran, and Karachi chapter. “The severe dry and Vice Chairman Maqbool eral-rich Balochistan province — conservator at Hingol National natural habitats due to escalating Gwadar. It is considered the spell has brought the entire eco- Khan appointed during the the country’s largest province in park, the country’s largest water and food shortage risking largest wildlife park in South logical circle under pressure in Pakistan Muslim League- terms of land — have been facing wildlife park, has forced several their survival. Asia. In November, Balochistan’s the three districts (Awaran, Las- Nawaz (PML-N) government. a drought-like situation due to a endangered species, especially “The level of the threat is provincial assembly unani- bella, and Gwadar) but the Ibex, Moreover, traders’ leader long dry spell. The below to Sindh Ibex (wild goat), Balo- alarming. These rare animals are mously adopted a resolution Urial and Chinkara are the worst Qaiser Kiyani has been tipped normal rainfall in last 4 years in 9 chistan Urial (wild sheep), and the country’s asset. But insuffi- demanding the federal gov- affectees because they depend off as the new market com- districts of the province, has also Chinkara (deer) to come down cient rains in last four years have ernment to declare the drought- on grass and plants, which have mittee chairman and an official forced thousands of people to from mountains to look for food jeopardized their survival,” Latif stricken areas of the province vanished due to no rains in last notification will be issued next migrate to other areas, locals said. and water. The total population told a press conference. “We are calamity affected apart from four years”, Khan said. month, the meeting was told. MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 ASIA 11 Australia PM Malaysia’s king abdicates in historic first AFP between rulers of the nine KUALA LUMPUR Malaysian states headed by cen- turies-old Islamic royalty. slams ‘ugly Malaysia’s king has abdicated, The rotating monarchy royal officials said yesterday, in system has been in place since a historic first for the country independence from Britain in that ended weeks of speculation 1957, and Sultan Muhammad V racial protests’ about his future after he took is the first monarch to have medical leave. renounced the throne. Sultan Muhammad V’s (pic- Sultan Muhammad V studied tured) decision marks the first at St Cross College at Oxford and AFP Immigration remains time a king has abdicated in the the Oxford Centre for Islamic SYDNEY a hot-button issue Muslim-majority country since Studies, according to official it gained independence from media. Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Australia amid Britain in 1957. He is known for a relaxed yesterday slammed “ugly racial concern about jobs It came after the king took public persona, taking part in protests” in Australia’s second- and overcrowding in leave at the start of November walkathons to promote health, largest city, after some far-right major cities. for two months, during which and has been photographed demonstrators were seen making time unconfirmed reports cir- Household, Wan Ahmad Dahlan While their role is cere- wearing a baseball cap Nazi salutes. culated that he had married a Abdul Aziz. monial, Malaysia’s Islamic backwards. An anti-immigration rally at Russian former beauty queen. It gave no reason for the royalty command great respect, Portraits of the king and St Kilda Beach in Melbourne conducts anti-immigration dem- A statement from the 49-year-old’s move. especially from Muslim Malays, queen adorn government drew hundreds of demonstrators onstrations in Melbourne from national palace confirmed the But there had been a and criticising them is strictly buildings throughout the and counter-protesters on Sat- time to time. resignation of the relatively question mark over the reign of forbidden. country. The king is also the urday, but a large Victoria Police They said Saturday’s protest youthful monarch, known for his the king, who ascended to the Speculation intensified about symbolic head of Islam in the presence was broadly successful was against alleged African gang fondness for four-wheel driving throne in December 2016, since the king’s future this week when nation, as well as the nominal in keeping the two groups apart. violence and youth crime in the and other extreme sports. he took a leave of absence for the country’s Islamic royals chief of the military. “I thank Vic police for their city. The location of their protest, “His majesty tells the people medical treatment in November. reportedly held a special Malaysia’s sultans trace a efforts dealing with the ugly the inner city suburb of St Kilda, of Malaysia to continue to be Royal officials in Malaysia meeting. lineage back to Malay sultanates racial protests we saw in St Kilda and nearby Caulfield, have united to maintain unity, tol- have so far not commented on Malaysia is a constitutional of the 15th century. The king is yesterday. Intolerance does not sizeable Jewish populations. erance, and work together,” said the rumoured marriage, or given monarchy, with a unique referred to as Yang di-Pertuan make Australia stronger,” Mor- Far-right independent the statement, signed by the any details about his health arrangement where the throne Agong, or “He Who Is Made rison tweeted. senator Fraser Anning — who Comptroller of the Royal condition. changes hands every five years Lord”. “Australia is the most suc- demanded “a final solution” to cessful migrant country in the immigration in his maiden world... Let’s keep it that way, it speech to the Senate last year — makes Australia stronger.” attended the St Kilda rally and Philippine court Victoria Police Superin- said it was the “start of something tendent Tony Silva said on Sat- bigger”. orders arrest urday there was three arrests but Morrison, whose conserv- no officers or member of the ative Liberal-National coalition of Japanese public were known to have been is struggling to hang on to power hurt. Immigration remains a hot- in a minority government, last mogul Okada button issue in Australia amid year pledged to slash Australia’s concern about jobs and over- permanent migration intake to REUTERS crowding in major cities. address congestion in the big MANILA Nearly half of Australia’s cities. But critics of the gov- 25-million population was either ernment said it was pandering A Philippine court has born overseas or has at least one to the views of the coalition’s ordered the arrest of Japanese parent born abroad. right-wingers and other far-right pachinko billionaire Kazuo The rally was organised by politicians ahead of national Okada, about a month after founders of the United Patriots elections that have to be called the country’s Department of Front, which by mid-May. Justice recommended the filing of charges against him over three counts of fraud. The DOJ has found cause Heavy snow cancels over 100 flights in to indict Okada for three counts of swindling after he Hokkaido airport in northern Japan acquired “through mistake or fraud” $3.15 million in salary and consultancy fees during QNA TOKYO bound for Tokyo, Osaka and his tenure as chief executive Fukuoka were fully booked. But Annual ice festival in Harbin of Manila casino operator Heavy snow has forced cancel- the runway was intermittently Tiger Resort. lation of flights at Hokkaido closed while workers cleared it Okada had filed a motion Gentoo penguins are seen during a promotional event during an annual ice festival in the northern airport in northern Japan. of snow after 20cm fell for 6 for reconsideration at the city of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China, yesterday. Temperatures can plunge as low as 35 degrees Airline companies said that hours. Local authorities said that DOJ, dismissing the accusa- almost all flights from New 105 flights to and from the airport Celsius below zero in the city. Highlights include sled rides on the Songhua river, mass weddings, tions against him as baseless. Chitose Airport near Sapporo were cancelled on Saturday. and towering sculptures of ice and snow carved by thousands of artists and workers. Judge Rolando How of the Paranaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 257 ordered the National Bureau of Investi- gation and the Philippine National Police to present Death toll from Philippine storm climbs to 126 Okada to court. The warrant of arrest was issued on Friday and made public yesterday. AFP eastern Philippine islands on storm was not strong enough to agency spokesman Edgar added. More than 152,000 The bail was fixed at MANILA December 29 and caused be rated as a typhoon under the Posadas said, using the local people were displaced by the 348,000 Philippine pesos massive flooding and landslides. government’s storm alert system, name for the storm which had storm and 75 were injured, ($6,627) for all three charges. The death toll from a storm that More than 100 people died in the according to civil defence offi- weakened into a low pressure according to the national disaster Tiger Resort previously devastated the Philippines mountainous Bicol region cials. Officials also said that area. agency. said the payments were facil- shortly after Christmas rose to southeast of Manila, regional dis- many residents were reluctant “Our search and retrieval President Rodrigo Duterte itated by its former president 126, authorities said yesterday, aster officials said. to leave their homes during the operations are ongoing but the visited the storm-hit areas on and were not authorised by its adding landslides caused by While the Bicol region is Christmas holidays. “In two days sticky mud and the unstable soil Friday and urged officials to board. Reody Anthony Balisi, torrential rain were the top often hit by deadly typhoons, alone, Usman poured more than are a challenge.” The death toll build evacuation centres instead Okada’s legal counsel in the cause. many people failed to take nec- a month’s worth of rainfall in the was likely to climb further with of using schools as shelters for Philippines, did not reply to The storm hit central and essary precautions because the Bicol region,” national disaster 26 people still missing, Posadas the displaced. requests for a comment. Thai activists protest as election faces delay

REUTERS clash with rituals related to King chanting “No delay!” in unison. BANGKOK Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coro- Thailand’s Election Com- nation from May 4-6. mission has not officially Dozens of Thai activists yesterday That prompted the first announced the postponement protested against a possible delay protest since the authorities lifted but said it has acknowledged the of a national election set for next a ban on political activities and government’s suggestion that the month, the first such gathering a gathering of more than five vote be pushed back. since the military government people in December. The military government also lifted a ban on political activity “We want the government to failed to issue an official decree imposed after a 2014 coup. hold an election as soon as pos- committing to holding a general The government has sible, so that democracy can election by Friday, meaning it is promised and postponed the move forward in our country,” less likely to be held on February election several times since it said Anon Nampa, a human 24 under the current timeline laid came to power, with the latest rights lawyer and activist who out. The election is meant to date set for February 24. organised the protest at the restore democracy after a 2014 However, the vote faces yet Victory Monument area in military coup ousted an elected another postponement after central Bangkok. prime minister, though changes Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Protestors carried signs which to the constitution in the interim Dozens of Thai activists display placards during a demonstration in Bangkok, yesterday, to protest Krea-ngam suggested on Friday read “We Want Election” and ensure the military will retain a against the delay of the country’s general election. that post-election events might “Election only on Feb 24, 2019”, great deal of control. 12 EUROPE MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 Protesters break into French govt ministry

AFP President Emmanuel area around Boulevard St PARIS Macron did not Germain, where they set light to specifically refer a car and several motorbikes and “Yellow vest” protesters returned to the incident, set up burning barricades, in force to the streets of France prompting police to fire tear gas this weekend, clashing with but tweeted his to try and disperse them. police in several cities and condemnation of the Police said 35 people were smashing their way into a “extreme violence” arrested. government ministry in Paris against “the Republic, Demonstrators took to the with the help of a forklift truck. streets of several other cities The interior ministry put the its guardians, its across France, with up to 2,000 number of protesters who took representatives and people in Rouen northwest of to the streets on Saturday at its symbols” Paris, where some set up burning 50,000, compared with 32,000 barricades. One protester was Residents checking the burnt-out vehicles near Champs-Elysees avenue after clashes between ‘yellow on December 29 when the injured and at least two others vest’ protesters and riot police during an anti-government demonstration, in Paris, yesterday. BELOW: movement appeared to be weak- up two cars, broke some were arrested, police said. People stand by the damages outside the French government’s Spokesperson Ministry after protesters ening after holding a series of windows then escaped, he Some 4,600 protesters hit forced the gate of the building courtyard with a forklift. weekly Saturday protests since added, saying police were trying the streets of the southwestern mid-November. to identify them from security city of Bordeaux, with some idays in the mountains. Government spokesman footage. hurling stones at police who The yellow vest Benjamin Griveaux, who was President Emmanuel Macron answered with tear gas and movement began in rural evacuated from his ministry in did not specifically refer to the water cannon. France over plans to increase central Paris when a handful of incident, but tweeted his con- Five police were hurt and 11 fuel taxes. protesters in high-visibility vests demnation of the “extreme vio- people arrested, local authorities But it later ballooned into smashed down the large wooden lence” against “the Republic, its said, adding that several cars a wider revolt against door to the ministry compound, guardians, its representatives were torched and shop windows Macron’s pro-market policies denounced the break-in as an and its symbols”. broken. and governing style, with “unacceptable attack on the Griveaux had on Friday crit- Further south in Toulouse, 22 282,000 people joining the Republic”. icised the yellow vest movement, people were detained following first Saturday rally on “Some yellow vest protesters describing those still involved as clashes that erupted after 2,000 November 17. and other people dressed in “agitators” who were seeking “to people turned out to Macron initially refused to black ... got hold of a construction overthrow the government”. demonstrate. make any concessions, but in vehicle which was in the street Police said some 3,500 dem- And in the central-eastern mid-December, after weeks of nearby and smashed open the onstrators turned up on the city of Lyon, several thousands violence, he scrapped the entrance gate to the ministry,” Champs-Elysees on Saturday took to the streets, blocking planned fuel tax hike and he said. morning. access to the A7 motorway and promised extra cash for They briefly entered the Some then made their way causing traffic jams for those minimum wage earners as well courtyard where they smashed south of the river to the wealthy returning from Christmas hol- as tax cuts for pensioners. Kosovo issue Italian coalition chiefs spar over stranded migrants ‘may not be’ AP the aid vessels and their children. nations that have ignored Italy’s ROME Since the coalition gov- insistence that the burden of resolved in Pope urges EU leaders ernment came to power in mid- caring for rescued asylum- The leaders of the populist 2018, Interior Minister Matteo seekers be shared. 2019: Serbia parties that formed Italy’s to help migrants at sea Salvini, who heads the right- “We’re not going backward government sparred over more wing, anti-migrant League party, on migration policy, which has ANATOLIA migrants who are stranded on REUTERS has made it strict policy that no allowed us to reduce disem- BELGRADE private rescue vessels in the VATICAN CITY private aid group receive author- barking considerably,” Di Maio Mediterranean Sea, exposing the ization to transfer rescued said. Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica widening cracks in their coali- Pope Francis urged European leaders yesterday to stop bickering migrants to land in Italian ports. But Salvini contradicted his Dacic said yesterday he tion’s position on immigration. over the fate of 49 migrants stuck aboard two humanitarian rescue Both he and Di Maio have governing partner, telling jour- doubted that the Kosovo issue German humanitarian ships on the Mediterranean and let them land at a safe port of call. likened private aid vessels to nalists Italy intended to stick with will be resolved in 2019. groups Sea-Watch and Sea Eye “I make a heartfelt appeal to European leaders to show con- “taxi services” for Libya-based its private rescue vessel ban and Dacic held a news con- are seeking a port where two crete solidarity for these people,” Francis said, raising his voice. human traffickers. Amid crit- wouldn’t be taking the 10 mothers ference at the Foreign Min- ships can disembark passengers They were only “seeking a safe port where they can disembark”, icism of the Italian government’s and their children. “We opened istry, where he evaluated who were picked up from unsea- he said. new hard-line stand, they also our hearts and our wallets. Now, goals and expectations of worthy smugglers’ boats, 32 of Speaking at a political meeting shortly before the pope made have reminded other European it’s someone else’s turn.” Serbia in 2019. them on December 22 and 17 his appeal, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat defended his Union nation’s that Italy has As for any possible softening Recalling that the more in recent days. country’s refusal to take the vessels, saying it had no legal respon- taken in hundreds of thousands of Italy’s immigration policy, mandate of the EU High Rep- Malta allowed the aid boats sibility for the rescue. of rescued migrants as asylum- Salvini also tweeted “I’m not resentative for Foreign Rela- to shelter from bad weather near “We need to find a balance between the human aspect and seekers in recent years. changing my mind.” tions and Security Policy Fed- its coast and to take on fresh national security. This is an issue that might set a precedent and Di Maio stressed that Italy Both politicians slammed erica Mogherini will end in crew, food and water. But the tiny we should be vigilant about it,” he said. was offering to accept the limited Malta for refusing to let the 49 2019, Dacic said, “My hope is island nation has refused to let number of women and children disembark, but the EU nation that the Serbia-Kosovo dia- any of those migrants step onto from the rescue ships to keep retorted that it had rescued and logue process continues in a Maltese land, saying the rescues Italian Deputy Premier Luigi had to allow the 49 people off families together. Such as permitted onto on its shores strong manner.” took place outside the country’s Di Maio, who heads the 5-Star the ships. De Maio said Italy was gesture, he said, would also give some 250 migrants between Dacic said they were open search-and-rescue area. Movement, insisted that Malta willing to take the 10 mothers on “a good moral slap” to EU Christmas and New Year’s. to any proposal that would make a compromise between the two sides, adding that if the US was involved in the process, Serbia would demand Outrage after airline Russia be also included. Kosovo declared inde- diverts Thessaloniki flight pendence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade insists the AP we would be landing at Timi- country remains part of THESSALONIKI soara instead of Thessaloniki,” Serbia. Papadopoulos said. For about 200 passengers, the A total of 89 refused to take flight from London to Thessal- up the offer of buses, despite Couple dead oniki in northern Greece took what they said was pressure almost 24 hours. from airport authorities, who in Germany Foggy conditions in Thes- kept them in the baggage area saloniki airport led Ryanair to overnight. train accident divert the flight from London Papadopoulos, who had Stansted Airport to the city of traveled to London for the hol- AP Timisoara in western Romania, idays, said that the passengers BERLIN late Friday. were finally offered a hotel stay Many passengers, already at 8am on Saturday but they German police said a grumbling that the diversion was refused, saying they would stay A snowplough drives after heavy snowfall in Warngau near Munich, yesterday. 71-year-old man and his not made to an airport closer to put until a plane arrived to take 67-year-old wife were killed their destination were outraged them to Greece. by a train late Saturday after when the company offered buses Informed of the passengers’ trying to take a shortcut Avalanche alert in Germany; one dead to take them the 770 km distance plight, the Greek government across the tracks. in freezing weather. arranged with Greek carrier Police in the south- AP border, German police said. 14,000 households were tem- Ryanair has scheduled Aegean Airlines to send a plane western city of Reutlingen BERLIN Authorities have closed porarily left without electricity flights to Timisoara, as well as to Timisoara. Transport Min- said yesterday that the couple some roads and train lines due in northern Austria because of Athens, Greece, and some pas- ister Christos Spirtzis weighed had disembarked from a Authorities warned yesterday of to avalanche risks, while air- damages to power lines. sengers felt that the decision to in against what he said were regional train at a suburban a high risk of avalanches on the ports in the region have seen Austrian public broadcaster divert to the Romanian city was “low cost, low social responsi- stop and wanted to get to northern side of the Alps, after delays as they struggled to clear ORF reported that some 600 made on the basis of mini- bility” airlines. their home nearby. heavy snowfall in recent days the large amount of fresh snow residents and tourists were still mizing costs. The 89 passengers arrived in The pair illegally crossed created dangerous conditions in and de-ice planes. stuck in the Austrian village of “They could have landed us Thessaloniki around 5pm on Sat- the tracks behind their train parts of southern Germany, Hundreds of passengers Soelktal following a road at a Greek airport,” flight pas- urday. The flight normally would and they were fatally struck Austria and Switzerland. were stuck for hours on a train closure. senger Sakis Papadopoulos, 36, have taken around 3.5 hours. by a special service going the A 20-year-old skier died in yesterday after a snow-laden It said an Austrian army hel- said. “Our flight was already Ryanair issued an apology other way. Nobody else was an avalanche Saturday on tree crashed onto the tracks icopter managed to drop some delayed and then, around 10:30 for the diversion, saying that it injured. Mount Teisen, near the Austrian near Kitzbuehel, Austria. Some supplies there yesterday. pm (Friday), they informed us was “beyond our control. MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 EUROPE 13 ‘UK in uncharted territory if Brexit deal rejected’ REUTERS LONDON British MPs eye govt shutdown

Prime Minister Theresa May said to avoid ‘no-deal’ Brexit: Report yesterday that Britain would be in uncharted territory if her BLOOMBERG Brexit deal is rejected by LONDON parliament later this month, despite little sign that she has Parliament will vote on two amendments to the finance bill won over sceptical lawmakers. tomorrow that would lead to a government shutdown unless Britain is due to leave the EU Theresa May wins approval for a Brexit deal, the Sunday Times on March 29 but May’s inability reports. so far to get her deal for a The group of senior MPs leading the effort includes members managed exit through par- from all parties and is led by former Labour cabinet minister Yvette liament has alarmed business Cooper, according to the Times. leaders and investors who fear The amendments would block some of the Treasury’s powers, the country is heading for a dam- including raising any income or corporation taxes, unless the Par- aging no-deal Brexit. liament approves a deal or votes specifically to leave the EU without May said the vote in par- a deal. liament would be around January 15, as expected, contrary to reports she could delay it. showed more Britons want to holiday could persuade him to May has already delayed the remain a member of the EU than change his mind and back the vote once, in December, when it leave, and voters want to make deal. became clear she would lose the final decision themselves. With the parliamentary debate unless extra reassurances from May’s party itself is divided on her deal due to begin on the EU were agreed. over its support for her deal, with January 9, May said there was still Describing what would many fearing that an insurance work to do to get reassurances happen if she was defeated, May policy designed to avoid the re- over the backstop from the EU. Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May appears on BBC TV’s The Andrew Marr Show for an interview, told the BBC: “We’re going to be emergence of a hard border She also promised par- in London, yesterday. in uncharted territory. I don’t between Ireland and Northern liament would have a greater say think anybody can say exactly Ireland could leave Britain in the rest of the Brexit process She did not answer whether objections to holding a fresh referendum. what will happen in terms of the subject to EU rules indefinitely. and warned that rejecting her she would, if defeated, make a public vote on the deal. “Practically, actually you reaction we’ll see in One of those leading that deal could prevent Britain’s exit. second attempt to get the deal She said that a second ref- couldn’t get a referendum in time parliament.” opposition, lawmaker Jacob “Don’t let the search for the passed by parliament. erendum would be divisive and before the 29th of March — you’d Amid the uncertainty over Rees-Mogg, said in a newspaper perfect become the enemy of the May also did not directly disrespectful to those who be talking about extending Britain’s next steps — which article that it was “wishful good, because the danger there respond, when asked, if she was voted to leave in the initial vote, Article 50,” she said, referring to range from leaving without a thinking” that time away from is actually we end up with no leading the country toward a and also highlighted the lack of the two-year exit notice Britain deal to not leaving at all — a poll parliament over the Christmas Brexit at all,” May said. no-deal Brexit, but repeated her time available to hold a new sent to the EU in March 2017.

Flights cancelled as Berlin airports Germany seeks US assistance over data breach brace for strike BLOOMBERG the data, Bild said, citing uniden- on Saturday saying it was “artist” and “satire & irony.” with the governing CDU and SPD AFP BERLIN tified security officials. approached by one lawmaker in Interior Minister Horst See- parties in 2017. BERLIN German authorities argued Germany’s lower house, or Bun- hofer, who said he’d heard A year earlier, scammers set German authorities sought help that US citizens were among destag, at the beginning of nothing of the leaks before up a fake server in Latvia to flood Hundreds of German from the US National Security thousands of people exposed by December and began Friday morning, will hold talks German lawmakers with passengers are facing travel Agency after discovering that the data dump. investigating. with the heads of the BSI and phishing emails. upheaval today with security hackers had released private As investigators seek to find “Only after the hacked infor- Germany’s Federal Crime office In 2015, attackers breached staff at Berlin’s two airports set data linked to Chancellor Angela out how data including email mation emerged on Thursday on Monday and make a report the network of the Bundestag to walk out in a pay dispute. Merkel and hundreds of other addresses, mobile phone could the BSI determine that the on the leaks by midweek, Sued- parliament and stole 16 gigabytes The action, called by the German politicians, Bild news- numbers and private chat pro- cases were linked,” the agency deutsche Zeitung reported. of data. powerful Verdi union at the paper reported. tocols were exposed, politicians said. “The public will learn every- Security firm Trend Micro German capital’s Tegel and Responding to the biggest took aim at Germany’s Federal The data were leaked over thing that I know,” Seehofer said Inc has linked the Bundestag Schoenefeld airports, is due data dump of its kind in the Office for Information Security, the past weeks via a Twitter in an interview. attack and others to Pawn Storm, to start at 05:00am (0400 country, German investigators known as BSI, for failing to account called “G0d” that iden- The country has seen a range a group with ties to Russia — GMT) and end at 8:45am. wanted the US intelligence respond after receiving initial tifies itself as based in Hamburg of intrusions in recent years. whose government has Some 80 flights are agency to lean on Twitter Inc to indications in December. and describes itself using the Hackers tried to infiltrate com- repeatedly denied it’s hacking expected to be affected, shut down profiles with links to The BSI issued a statement words “security researching,” puters of think tanks associated foreign powers. according to DPA news agency, mostly at the city’s main Tegel airport. German flagship carrier Lufthansa said it was can- Two UK soldiers injured celling four flights on its Berlin- Frankfurt route and four more in Syria missile attack between Berlin and Munich. The roughly 850 pas- AP Trump announced in late sengers booked on those BEIRUT December his intention to pull flights could use their tickets out some 2,000 US troops in to travel by train instead, A missile attack by the IS Syria, declaring that IS has been Lufthansa added. militant group in eastern Syria defeated. “We regret that our pas- killed at least one Kurdish The abrupt decision sur- sengers have to start the new fighter and wounded two prised US allies and angered his year with disruptions,” British soldiers embedded with own national security advisers Lufthansa board member them, according to reports who disagree with the claim of Detlef Kayser told DPA. yesterday, amid fierce fighting IS’s defeat. US Defense Sec- The strike comes after in the strategic area near the retary Jim Mattis resigned Verdi, which represents some Iraqi border. shortly afterward. 23,000 airport security The Rudaw news agency The Britain-based Syrian workers nationwide, said talks said the two British soldiers Observatory for Human Rights, with BDLS employers’ associ- were in stable condition. a group that monitors the Syrian ation were deadlocked. British special forces are civil war, said in a report that The union wants to see known to be on the ground in the IS attack occurred the pre- wages raised to $23 per hour northern Syria, although the vious day in the village of Shaafa for workers carrying out pas- British government does not in eastern Deir el-Zour province senger, freight, personnel and ‘Museum of Failure’ expo provide details about their amid fierce clashes between the goods checks at German air- presence. There was no imme- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic A visitor looking at a display about unsuccessful technological products, including the Twitter Peek, ports. Rates vary across the diate confirmation or comment Forces and IS militants. a hand-held device that only support Twitter, at the ‘Museum of Failure’ exhibition at the Dunkers country but staff working in from the United Kingdom. It said a Kurdish fighter was passenger security at Tegel Kulturhus in Helsingborg, Sweden. The ‘Museum’ is the work of psychologist Dr Samuel West, a 44-year- The injuries would be the killed and three were wounded, and Schoenefeld currently old Californian who used to carry out research on how to make big companies more innovative. first known casualties sustained including the two British sol- earn an hourly rate of 17.12 by Western anti-IS coalition diers who were airlifted by the euros. forces since President Donald coalition for treatment.

Poland closes 13 escape room sites for safety flaws

AP an intellectual challenge, the games who were friends from school, died Prime Minister Mateusz Moraw- WARSAW are highly popular among teenagers of carbon monoxide inhalation. iecki, along with Suski and in Poland. Prosecutors said a leaky gas Szymczyk, spoke after holding a Polish officials have shut down 13 Fire chief Leszek Suski said the container inside a heater is the most meeting in which they discussed escape room entertainment sites for escape room at a private house in likely cause of the blaze. with other officials ways of safety flaws and the prime minister the city of Koszalin, where the Police chief Jaroslaw Szymczyk improving safety at entertainment asked people yesterday to report 15-year-old girls died Friday locked said other people had previously venues. Morawiecki called the girls’ such lapses to firefighters and police inside a room celebrating a posted critical remarks online about deaths an “immense tragedy.” after five teenage girls were killed birthday, had no emergency evac- the safety of that escape room site, Since Friday, more than 200 in a fire. uation route. They were the first but local officials weren’t notified. of Poland’s 1,100 escape rooms Players in escape room games known deaths in an escape room, The 28-year-old who designed have been checked, revealing a are locked inside a room or building a form of entertainment that has and runs the site has been detained number of safety flaws that and must solve puzzles and find been growing in Poland over the and will be questioned, Szymczyk needed to be immediately fixed. Police officers standing outside the escape room, in clues that lead them to the key that past five years. said. His injured employee is also Authorities ordered the closure of Koszalin, Poland, on Friday. will unlock the door. Regarded as Autopsies showed that the girls, going to be questioned. 13 of them. 14 AMERICAS MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 Trump expects little hope on shutdown talks

AP Trump suggested that would consider declaring a WASHINGTON he, Pelosi and Senate national emergency in an effort Minority Leader Chuck to circumvent Congress and President Donald Trump held out Schumer could find spend money as he saw fit. Such little hope yesterday that another a move would seem certain to round of talks between top aides compromise “in 20 draw legal challenges. and congressional staff would minutes, if they want House Armed Services Com- produce meaningful progress to. If they don’t want mittee Chairman Adam Smith toward ending the partial to, it’s going to go on said that the executive power has government shutdown, seeming been used to build military facil- to undercut his team by saying for a long time.” ities in Iraq and Afghanistan, but he needed to deal directly with would likely be “wide open” to Democratic leaders. a court challenge for a border “Ultimately, it’s going to be take up bills the Democratic-led wall. Intelligence Committee solved by the principals,” Trump House will start sending over to Chairman Adam Schiff called the US President Donald Trump addressing the media as he departs for Camp David from the White told reporters at the White House re-open the government. idea a “nonstarter.” House, in Washington, DC, yesterday. before leaving for staff meetings “Let’s get those reopened “Look, if Harry Truman at Camp David as the shutdown while the negotiations continue,” couldn’t nationalize the steel heads of American steel com- shutdown all at once, not provide that. headed into its third week. A Collins said. industry during wartime, this panies in hopes of coming up piecemeal. Mulvaney said Trump was second round of discussions Collins who has long argued president doesn’t have the power with a new design for the barrier Acting chief of staff Mick willing to forgo a concrete wall between administration officials against shutdowns and tried to to declare an emergency and he contends must be built along Mulvaney said that he believes for steel or other materials. and Capitol Hill aides was broker resolutions to past stale- build a multibillion-dollar wall the southern border. Democrats “think they’re “If he has to give up a con- scheduled for today. mates is one of several senators on the border,” the California Trump had previously winning the PR battle and they’re crete wall, replace it with a steel “I don’t expect to have any- voicing discomfort with the pro- Democrat. promised a concrete wall, but willing to drag this out because fence in order to do that so that thing happen at that meeting,” longed closure. Trump also asserted that he now says it could be made of they think it hurts the president.” Democrats can say, ‘See? He’s said Trump about the talks led But Trump showed no signs could relate to the plight of the steel slats. His administration has Democrats familiar with the not building a wall anymore,’ by Vice-President Mike Pence on of budging in his demand for hundreds of thousands of federal already spent millions con- meeting said the White House that should help us move in the the impasse over money for a $5.6bn for the wall, which Dem- workers who aren’t receiving structing wall prototypes near position was “untenable.” right direction,” US-Mexico border wall. “But I ocrats have refused to grant. paychecks, though he acknowl- the border in San Diego. A White House official said The president has suggested think we’re going to have some Trump suggested yesterday edged they will have to “make Democrats said the White the meeting included a briefing his definition of the wall is very serious talks come Monday, that he, Pelosi and Senate adjustments” to deal with the House did not budge on the pres- on border security by Homeland flexible, referring to slats and Tuesday, Wednesday.” Minority Leader Chuck Schumer shutdown shortfall. A day earlier, ident’s demand for the wall Security Secretary Kirstjen other “border things.” Democrats Pressure was mounting on could find compromise “in 20 the president had tweeted that money. The White House said Nielsen. Democrats sought have made clear they see a wall Capitol Hill for a resolution to the minutes, if they want to. If they he didn’t care that “most of the money was not discussed in written details from the as immoral and ineffective and standoff. Senator Susan Collins, don’t want to, it’s going to go on workers not getting paid are depth, but the administration Department of Homeland prefer other types of border R-Maine, said Senate Majority for a long time.” Democrats.” was clear about the need for a Security on their budget needs; security funded at already agreed Leader Mitch McConnell should Trump reaffirmed that he He said he planned to call the wall and the goal of resolving the the White House said it would upon levels.

Motorists trapped Trump confirms death of USS Cole attack plotter amid mudslides

AFP in Yemen. explosives blew up as it rounded is being held in the US detention attack on the destroyer. in California WASHINGTON “Our GREAT MILITARY has the bow of the guided-missile camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Badawi was also charged delivered justice for the heroes destroyer, which had just pulled Badawi was indicted by a with attempting with co-con- AGENCIES President Donald Trump lost and wounded in the cow- into Aden for a refuelling stop. federal grand jury in 2003 and spirators to attack a US Navy LOS ANGELES confirmed that the US military ardly attack on the USS Cole,” Seventeen American sailors charged with 50 counts of vessel in January 2000, and was has killed one of the architects Trump tweeted. “We have just were killed as well as the two various terrorism offenses, on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. A winter storm unleashed of the year 2000 bombing of the killed the leader of that attack, perpetrators of the attack that including murder of US nationals According to the agency, he mudslides in Southern Cali- USS Cole that left 17 American Jamal Al Badawi.” was claimed by Al Qaeda, in an and murder of US military was captured by Yemeni author- fornia wildfire burn areas and servicemen dead. “We will never stop in our early success for the terror group personnel. ities but escaped from prison in trapped motorists on a major The military said on Friday fight against Radical and its founder Osama bin There was a $5m reward for April 2003. highway, and the northern that Al Qaeda operative Jamal Al Terrorism!” Laden. information leading to his arrest. He was recaptured in March part of the state is bracing for Badawi was believed to have On October 12, 2000, a The chief suspect in the He was said to have supplied 2004, but again escaped in Feb- more wet weather. been killed in a precision strike rubber boat loaded with attack, Abd Al Rahim Al Nashiri, boats and explosives for the ruary 2006. Yesterday’s deluge loosened hillsides in Malibu where a major fire burned last year, clogging the Pacific Coast Highway with mud and Man faces murder charge debris. Rapper Soulja Boy was over death of Texas girl among motorists whose cars were trapped by mudslides. AP said Black admitted to investi- The scenic route remains HOUSTON gators that he was driving a closed yesterday evening as vehicle in which a passenger crew members tow away Prosecutors said that the opened fire on the car Jazmine trapped cars and clear lanes. shooting death of a 7-year-old was in. No injuries are reported after black girl as she rode in her The vehicle he said he was the heavy rains. family’s vehicle stemmed from driving was a dark-colored Kia Rainfall caused flight a case of mistaken identity. SUV. delays on Saturday at San Prosecutors charged a Prosecutors did not imme- Francisco International 20-year-old black man, Eric diately explain the discrep- Airport. Black Jr, in the December 30 ancies between the earlier Forecasters said another death of Jazmine Barnes. description of the suspect and strong system will bring rain Family and community the vehicle. and snow to Northern Cali- activists had previously said They said a confidential fornia beginning this that they believed the death source told the Harris County morning. was racially motivated, and Sheriff’s Office the suspects had Motorists are urged to use investigators had been “shot the car by mistake.” caution on mountain roads, searching for a white man Black has been charged where up to 1.2 meters of with blue eyes who was with capital murder. It was not snow could fall in the Sierra Juan Guaido, new President of the National Assembly and lawmaker of the Venezuelan opposition driving a red pickup. immediately known whether Nevada. Scattered showers party Popular Will (Partido Voluntad Popular), after his swearing-in ceremony, in Caracas. But during a court hearing the suspected shooter has been are expected across greater Venezuela’s National Assembly rejects early yesterday, prosecutors arrested. Los Angeles. legitimacy of Maduro’s second term Former defence chief Harold Brown dead AFP “As of January 10, he will be remain in office and urged him CARACAS usurping the presidency and to turn over power to the AP precision-guided cruise missiles, rescue attempt my greatest consequently this National National Assembly. WASHINGTON stealth aircraft, advanced sat- regret and most painful lesson Venezuela’s opposition- Assembly is the only legitimate The Maduro government ellite surveillance and improved learned,” Brown wrote in his controlled National Assembly representative of the people.” accused the so-called Lima Harold Brown, who as defence communications and intelli- book “Star Spangled Security.” declared Nicolas Maduro’s pres- Maduro, who has presided Group of “encouraging a coup secretary in the Carter admin- gence systems. He successfully Brown faced numerous idency illegitimate, calling on over a virtual collapse of the d’etat” on instructions from istration championed cutting- campaigned to increase the obstacles when he took the job as the military to support efforts to economy in the once-rich OPEC Washington. Mexico, which is a edge fighting technology during Pentagon budget during his Pentagon chief, including “restore democracy.” member state, is set to be sworn member of the group, withheld a tenure that included the failed term, despite skepticism inside pressure to reduce the defense The United States, which has in on Thursday for a second six- its support for the statement. rescue of hostages in Iran, has the White House and from Dem- budget both from within the sanctioned Venezuelan officials year term after elections widely Guaido, in a speech attended died at age 91. ocrats in Congress. administration and from influ- and entities, hailed the legis- condemned by the international by lawmakers and members of Brown died on Friday, said That turbulent period ential congressional Democrats. lature as “the only legitimate community. the diplomatic corps, declared the Rand Corp, the California- included the Soviet Union’s “When I became secretary of and last remaining democrati- The ballot, on May 20, was that the military’s chain of based think-tank which Brown invasion of Afghanistan and the defense in 1977, the military cally elected institution” in the boycotted by most of the command had been “broken or served as a trustee for more than Iranian hostage crisis. An effort services, most of all the army, country. opposition. usurped,” but called on the 35 years. His sister, Leila Brennet, in April 1980 to rescue the hos- were disrupted badly by the “We reaffirm the illegit- On Friday, foreign ministers armed forces to support efforts said he died at his home in tages failed when one of the hel- Vietnam War. There was general imacy of Nicolas Maduro,” the from 12 Latin American coun- “to restore democracy.” Rancho Santa Fe, California. icopters on the mission struck a agreement that the Soviet Union assembly’s new president Juan tries and Canada announced in He committed to “generate Brown was a nuclear phys- tanker aircraft in eastern Iran outclassed the West in conven- Guaido said after being sworn Lima that their governments conditions for a government of icist who led the Pentagon to and crashed, killing eight US tional military capability, espe- in at the start of a new legislative would not recognize Maduro as transition and to call free modernize its defence systems servicemen. cially in ground forces in session. president if he attempts to elections.” with weapons that included “I considered the failed Europe,” he wrote later. MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019 HOME 15 In bilateral relations, both sides are looking At the moment, both countries’ aviation forward to boost the trade and investment authorities are working on common ties, which also include important sectors of goals and options to establish direct air economy like tourism and travel. KAZAKHSTAN connection in the near future. Kazakhstan recognises Qatar as an important partner in Gulf region

AMNA PERVAIZ RAO The Ambassador said and violinist Marat Bisengaliev.” THE PENINSULA that the cooperation In July a big delegation of on the level of the Qatari financial and banking Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the ministries and agencies sphere representatives partici- State of Qatar Askar Shokybayev pated in the event of the Astana said that Kazakhstan recognises is also well prospering, Financial Week and of the grand Qatar as its important partner in among them one of opening of the newly established the Gulf region in all spheres. the priorities is the Astana International Financial “Recently both countries have investment. Qatar has Centre. “On September 1, 2018 in realised a number of main bilateral Astana, we opened the Sheikh events in politics, trade, economic already done investment Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and investment cooperation, projects in Kazakhstan. School, which was built within the which are the pillars of the diplo- framework of His Highness’s matically relations,” he said. directives to support education The Ambassador said that the visits of distinguished investors, and educational institutions in dif- cooperation on the level of the group of businesspeople. Very ferent regions of the world.” Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, with ministries and agencies is also well recently, in November 2018 a del- The Ambassador expressed his Askar Shokybayev, Kazakhstan Ambassador to Qatar; Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Chief of prospering, among them one of egation of Kazakh businessmen gratitude to Amir H H Sheikh Protocol Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr Ibrahim Al the priorities is the investment. under the leadership of the Kazakh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Nuaimi and other officials at Kazakhstan Independence Day celebrations in InterContinental Doha. “Qatar has already done Invest National Company government of Qatar and all Qatari PICS: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA investment projects in Chairman Saparbek Tuyakbayev brothers and sisters for increased Kazakhstan.” visited Doha.” attention to Kazakhstan and per- He was addressing a reception He added: “In bilateral rela- manent assistance on held to celebrate Independence tions, both sides are looking development. Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan forward to boost the trade and “In this regard, special on December 7. investment ties, which also include mention should emphasise the Kazakhstan’s Ambassador important sectors of economy like constant unconditional support of Askar Shokybayev hosted a tourism and travel.” the leadership of Qatar for all reception at InterContinental The Ambassador said that both without exception the interna- Doha on December 7 to mark the sides are considering establishing tional initiatives of Kazakhstan, 27th anniversary of the inde- direct flights between two coun- including, in the past years, pendence of Kazakhstan. The tries. “At the moment, both coun- actually in 2017 an important place reception was attended by Min- tries’ aviation authorities are was occupied by the support of ister of Municipality and Envi- working on common goals and Qatar for the candidacy of our ronment H E Abdullah bin options to establish such direct air country as non-permanent Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, connection in near future.” member in the UN Security Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief He said that that with passing Council in 2017-2018.” of Protocol Ibrahim Yousif years, both countries have imple- Moreover, he said, Doha fully Abdullah Fakhro and other mented a number of important participated in the international dignitaries. bilateral events. “It has become a specialised exhibition EXPO-2017 “In order to turn up the good tradition to present here in in Astana, as well as in the First bilateral trade and investment Doha the rich culture of Kaza- OIC summit on science and tech- relations, we organised the visit of khstan. On March 11 last year, it nology held in September 2018 in the some business delegations to was demonstrated by one of our Astana. Kazakhstan Independence Day celebrations at InterContinental Doha. Kazakhstan, among them also the world famous Kazakh musician

Kazakh State String Quartet wows Katara audience Leading Kazakh

RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA business group set to Kazakh State String Quartet’s recent concert celebrating Kaza- enter Qatari market khstan’s 27th Independence Day was yet another triumphant occasion showcasing the wealth AMNA PERVAIZ RAO of musical talent of the Central THE PENINSULA Asian country to the audience of Qatar. It was not the first time that Praising Qatar’s cultural an ensemble from Kazakhstan diversity and economic devel- had graced the opulent Katara opment, Baltabek Mukashev Opera House stage. (pictured), Chairman Eurasia Speaking before the concert, Group of Companies, said that Kazakhstan Ambassador Askar his company wanted to start Askar Shokybayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the State of Qatar, addressing the gathering. Shokybayev recalled that the joint ventures with Qatari Kazakhstan Embassy in part- companies. nership with the Cultural Village 25th anniversary of the estab- playing techniques, beauty of the range of the quartet’s reper- “Eurasia Group of Com- Foundation – Katara already lishment of diplomatic relations sound, subtle sense of style and toire spanning classical music panies was established in staged a number of concerts fea- between Qatar and Kazakhstan. ensemble culture.” from around the world and mas- 1991. With over 6000 staff turing Kazakhs ensembles. For this, Ambassador Shoky- He said that the quartet had terpieces of Kazakhstani and 25-year experience, we In December 2016, the bayev expressed his gratitude to already won many prestigious composers. have presence in central Asia, 20-member Kazakhstani Katara its invaluable support in international competitions and Cellist Yernar Myntaev and Iran, Italy, Holland and many orchestra Camerata of Kaza- the development of cultural coop- festivals in various countries and violinists Aidar Toktaliyev, Alexey other countries. Soon we will have presence in Qatar,” he said. khstan performed on the same eration between the two performed in different cities in Lebedev and Bekzat Sailaubaiuly He said that he was highly impressed by Qatar, its people. “Qatar stage on the occasion of the 25th countries. their home country as well as regaled the audience with their is not only rich in financial and economic terms but culturally rich anniversary of Kazakhstan Inde- Introducing the ensemble, the abroad — in the best concert halls flawless performance of compo- and developed,” he added. He praised Qatar’s business climate further pendence. Just in March this year, ambassador said: “The State of France, England, Austria, Spain, sitions by renowned European saying that Qatar had educated people. He hoped that soon direct Katara hosted the international Quartet is considered one of the Italy and Turkey, among other composers Joseph Haydn and flights between Qatar and Kazakhstan would be started that would Almaty symphony orchestra by best chamber ensembles of Kaza- countries. The well-attended Maurice Ravel. help establishing new trade and business contacts between two international musician Marat khstan. It is distinguished by its concert provided the classical The multi-awarded quartet countries.“One thing which like in Qatar is the fact that here people Bisengaliyev, this time to mark the high performing skills, virtuoso music lovers in Doha an idea of currently composed of fourth gen- have not become relax due to their opulence rather they have main- eration musicians also played a tained their attention to work.” famous composition by the first Mukashev said that during his visit to Qatar to attend Kazakhstan’s Kazakh female composer Gaziza Independence Day, he had also visited Museum of Islamic Art to his Zhubanova. Written in three great amusement. “It is the best museum in the world which has movements, Zhubanova’s “String preserved precious heritage of Islamic world. It is great initiative of quartet no 1” was met with a Qatar to keep traditions and heritage alive.” warm applause from the audience He said that his company’ Eurasia Agro Holding was in the process comprising Kazakhstanis and of doing business with Qatar. “Qatari businesses have tremendous other nationalities. opportunity to invest in agricultural sector of Kazakhstan as the But the final performance was country has vast fertile fields (around 200 million hectors) and plenty the most applauded as famous of water.” He said that Eurasia Group of Companies would likely set Kazakh musician Assylbek Yen- up its office in Doha in 2019. He said that joint cooperation ventures sepov joined the group playing the of Qatari and Kazakh businessmen would prove tremendously suc- Dombra — a native lute which is cessful in various sectors particularly in agricultural sector. He said the most popular musical that embassy of Kazakhstan in Doha was also playing an important instrument in Kazakhstan. and laudable role to bring businessmen from both countries closer Together, the quintet played to each other opening new vistas of joint ventures for the greater famous compositions Yerke good of both nations. Sylkym and Aday to the delight of Mukashev noted that good political relations between leadership the Kazakh crowd. of both countries were also paving way for trade, investment and The concert was attended by economic cooperation between Qatar and Kazakhstan. Saif Al Dosary, Human Resources Mukashev said that though the population of Kazakh citizens in Manager at Katara and several Qatar was not big but they were living very vibrant and active life. Artistes performing at the concert. diplomats and dignitaries. 16 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 05. 00 AM Cultural Diversity SHOROOK 06. 21 AM Festival brings in

ZUHR 11. 40 AM MAGHRIB 05. 01 PM Czech Republic ASR 02. 39 PM ISHA 06. 31 PM and Iran to Katara WEATHER TODAY DOHA THE PENINSULA

Visitors at the Cultural Village Foundation— Katara witnessed a marvelous folk show from Czech Republic on Friday and Saturday within the Cultural Diversity festival held in Katara at the Amphitheatre. The festival that includes 18 partici- pating countries aims to link cultures and nations together and strength- ening bonds between them through intercul- tural dialogues and exposure. The Czech band Danag performed a folk- loric show including some traditional music and dance from the Czech o o Republic which impressed 17 C 27 C the audience. Minimum Maximum Meanwhile, the Iranian folkloric band (Ile Misty to foggy at places at first becomes Ehsas) from Kohgelouyeh mild daytime with some clouds, relatively and Bourahmad provinces cold by night. in Iran will perform a tra-

HIGH TIDE 05:37 – 16:32 LOW TIDE 13:33 –23:42 ditional dance and music Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department show before the audience at the Katara Amphi- theatre next weekend on January 11 and 12.

Back to school

Over 140,000 students resumed classes yesterday under a world class education system of the country. Qatar ranked fifth in the world in offering quality education. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has completed first phase of the development of curricula and implemented 26 projects to develop the education system. The Ministry prepared a project for implementing the international STEM system in all government schools. The picture shows children arriving to school during the first day of the school year at Key Of Education International School in Abu Hamour area yesterday.

PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA

Aquaman swims to third straight victory, nears $1bn globally After lettuce, astronauts could

REUTERS Room,” a psychological thriller grow beans in space in 2021 LOS ANGELES about a group of strangers who Leave it to Jason Momoa and his get trapped in a deadly (you IANS directly to the planet with a beans in space to observe the perfectly tousled man bun to guessed it) escape room. The LONDON target landing date of 2030. effect of no gravity on plants’ dominate box office charts for PG-13 horror film secured In the study, published in the ability to transport water and the third straight weekend. second place with $18m when After cultivating lettuce in space journal Life, the researchers absorb nutrients. Simulating the “Aquaman” easily retained its it debuted in 2,700 locations. three years ago, crew members performed three experiments -- absence of gravity cannot be No. 1 spot, pulling in a solid That’s a strong start considering US actor Jason Momoa attends aboard the International Space the first two experiments deter- done on Earth. $30m for a domestic haul of the film only cost $9m to the world premiere of “Aquaman” Station could be growing beans mined the effect of restricted The beans would be placed $259m. produce. at the TCL Chinese theatre in in 2021, new research suggests. rooting- and nutrient solution in a centrifuge to sprout and The DC superhero adventure “Escape Room” was neck in Hollywood. “Aquaman” left The beans could be planted volumes, and based on this a grow in the space station. The directed by James Wan has now neck with Disney’s “Mary other movies in its wake in in high-tech planters developed third experiment was performed centrifuge would be rotated to crossed $940 million worldwide, Poppins Returns” for the No. 2 North American box offices this at the Norwegian University of to assess plant responses to create different amounts of making it Warner Bros. biggest slot, though Sunday estimates weekend, taking in an estimated Science and Technology (NTNU). various nitrate nutrient solution gravity. comic-book title since “The show the latter coming in third $30.7m. The planters can regulate all concentrations. “The art of getting some- Dark Knight Rises” amassed with $15.8m during its third the water, nutrients, gas and air “We found that plants can, thing to grow in space can be over $1 billion globally in 2012. weekend of release. “Mary over the three-day frame, so we the plants need. in a way, ‘smell’ the amount of transferred to our planet,” Wolff If “Aquaman” continues at this Poppins Returns,” a sequel to the won’t be able to officially tell NTNU said it was collabo- nutrients available to them. said. “This is how we create a pace, Arthur Curry could give 1964 classic, has earned $138m at until final numbers come in rating with Italian and French When the nitrogen concen- setup that produces both the Batman a run for his money. the domestic box office. The today. researchers in their quest to cul- tration is very low, the plant will microgravity conditions in the “Aquaman” generated another movie starring Emily Blunt and Hailee Steinfeld stars in tivate plant-based food for long absorb more water and thus space station and the 1-g $56.2m in foreign markets this Lin-Manuel Miranda has been a “Bumblebee,” the “Trans- space journeys. more nitrogen until it reaches (gravity) force that exists on weekend, bringing its interna- slow burn in theaters, which is to formers” origin story that has The food grown in space an optimal level,” said Silje Earth.” tional total to $681m. The be expected for a movie-musical. made $97m since debuting just could be crucial to sustain the Wolff, a plant physiologist at the That will allow her to Atlantean blockbuster has It has collected $119m interna- before Christmas. Meanwhile, crew in future deep space Centre for Interdisciplinary compare how the different grav- already nabbed the distinction tionally and over $250m globally, the domestic haul of “Spider- missions. Research in Space (CIRiS), which itational levels affect the plants as DC’s highest-grossing title though it will need to keep Verse,” an animated flick from The longest stays at the is part of NTNU Social Research. in space. overseas, surpassing the record chugging a long at multiplexes to Sony’s arsenal of Marvel char- International Space Station have “The plant has a mechanism “The dream of every previously set by “The Dark justify its $130m price tag. acters, currently sits at a robust been six months, while people that turns on when the nitrogen astronaut is to be able to eat Knight Rises” with $636m. Elsewhere in moviegoing, $133.8m. travelling to Mars will need to level is adequate. Then it adjusts fresh food - like strawberries, With no major studio it was holdovers galore. Para- With the Golden Globes on be prepared to stay in space for both nitrogen and water cherry tomatoes or anything releases, “Aquaman” didn’t have mount’s “Bumblebee” and Sunday, Annapurna’s “Vice” at least a year. absorption down,” Wolff added. that’s really flavorful. Someday much competition to maintain Sony’s “Spider-Man: Into the could get a box office boost if The European Space Agency The researchers said that that will certainly be possible. its reign in North America. The Spider-Verse” are in a close race Adam McKay’s scathing Dick plans to build a lunar base in everything that can be tested on We envision a greenhouse with only newcomer was Sony and for fourth and fifth place. Both Cheney biopic is able to walk 2030 as a stopover on the way Earth has now been carried out. several varieties of vegetables,” Columbia Pictures’ “Escape titles pulled in roughly $13m away with some trophies. to Mars. Nasa plans to fly The next step is to grow Wolff said.