BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Messi leads Argentina INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-9, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 QNB achieves 6% REGION 10 BUSINESS 1-8, 13-16 to Russia growth in 9-month 22,872.89 8,333.84 51.32 ARAB WORLD 10 CLASSIFIED 9-13 +42.21 +80.50 +0.40 INTERNATIONAL 12-21 SPORTS 1-8 profi t to QR10.3bn 2018 +0.18% +0.98% +0.79% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10604 October 12, 2017 Muharram 22, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir receives credentials Cabinet nod for Our Say industrial zones he Cabinet has approved a draft The draft law defi nes industrial the authorities concerned in the State. law that lays down regulations zones as “areas designated for indus- The land in industrial zones is con- Tfor the establishment and op- trial purposes in accordance with the sidered the State’s property and is to eration of industrial zones in the provisions of this law, including land, be exploited as specifi ed by the said country. installations and facilities erected law. All natural resources that appear By Faisal Abdulhameed The matter has been referred to the thereon”, according to QNA. or lie within the territories of the in- al-Mudahka Advisory Council for recommenda- Under the law, the establishment of dustrial zones shall be properties of Editor-in-Chief tions, the offi cial Qatar News Agency industrial zones shall be decided by a the State, and that the tenant will be said (QNA). decision of the Cabinet on the recom- adequately compensated for the loss His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani receiving the credentials The decision was taken at the Cabi- mendation of HE the Minister of Ener- of full or partial use of such land, the of Vatican ambassador to Qatar Francisco Montecillo Padilla at the Emiri Diwan All should join govt’s net’s weekly meeting yesterday. gy and Industry in co-ordination with report states. To Page 24 yesterday. Page 2 eff orts to ensure workers’ welfare Sheikha Jawaher patronises QU female students’ graduation ceremony As an emerging country with an ambitious, crystal-clear and development roadmap, Qatar has invested a lot in the building and transformation of the country into a modern state. The roadmap, dubbed Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030), entails heavy investment in various sectors and infrastructure. Major projects were announced of which some have already been completed, with yet more in the pipeline. Workers from around the world who contribute to the realisation of these projects send an estimated $12bn annually to their home countries. Qatar is fully aware that without its expat manpower almost nothing is achievable, and that is why the state has been steadily investing in human development for a long time now. In fact, one of the main four pillars of QNV2030 is investment in human development. To Page 24 Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, wife of His Highness the Emir, patronised Qatar University’s (QU) Graduation Ceremony of the 40th batch (2017) of female students at Qatar National [email protected] Convention Centre yesterday. Page 24 Race for Unesco’s Sheikha Moza opens ‘A Journey top post tightens to the Heart of Life’ exhibition Race for the post of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has tightened following the announcement of the results of the third round of elections held yesterday evening. The third round gave 18 votes to both Qatar’s candidate for Unesco’s top post HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and French rival Audrey Azoulay, intensifying the competition before the fourth round today. The Egyptian candidate Moushira Khattab received 13 votes, while Chinese candidate Tang Qian got five and the Lebanese candidate Vera El Khoury got four votes in the third round. One of the candidates must receive an absolute majority (30 votes), Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Msheireb Properties, otherwise a fifth and final round will off icially inaugurated a new permanent exhibition titled “A Journey to the Heart of be held for the two candidates who Life,” located at Bin Jelmood House at Msheireb Museums. PICTURE: A R al-Baker/ have led the fourth round. – QNA HHOPL Page 6 Gulf crisis may be solved by December: Kuwait minister FIFA World Cup 2022 is not up for discussion, says Qatar

Agencies HE Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif al- is not up for discussion or negotiation.” Doha/Kuwait City Thani has affi rmed that Qatar’s hosting Sheikh Saif asserted that Qatar would of the FIFA World Cup was not up for host the fi rst World Cup in the Middle discussion or negotiation. East and its positive benefi ts and im- uwait’s Deputy Foreign Minis- In a press statement Sheikh Saif said pact would extend beyond Qatar and ter Khaled al-Jarallah has voiced that UAE’s demand that Qatar give up throughout the Middle East. Koptimism regarding the eff orts of the World Cup 2022 shows “their illegal UAE Minister of State for Foreign Af- the Kuwaiti emir to solve the Gulf crisis, blockade is founded on petty jealousy, fairs, Anwar Gargash, had said on Tues- saying he believed the dispute would be not real concerns”. day that Qatar should not host the 2022 settled before the GCC leaders’ summit “Their weak attempts to tie the host- World Cup unless it changes its policies. in December. ing of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to their Dubai’s senior security offi cial, Dhahi Speaking to the offi cial Kuwaiti news illegal blockade show their despera- Khalfan, had suggested on Twitter that agency KUNA, al-Jarallah said Kuwait, tion to justify their inhumane action,” Qatar should give up the tournament to the host, has not yet sent invitations Sheikh Saif noted, adding there has end the crisis. He later said he was ex- to GCC leaders for the summit, adding never been a legitimate reason for the pressing his personal view. that it is customary to send invitations illegal blockade of Qatar, and “this is QNA adds from Cairo: Arab League but it is “too early to discuss these invi- further proof of that”. He said this de- Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit tations and send them”. mand “is a clear attempt to undermine said Qatar is a member of the Arab Meanwhile, Director of the Qatar our independence”. League and it has all responsibilities, Government Communications Offi ce “The World Cup, like our sovereignty, duties and rights of a member. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 12, 2017 QATAR

Cambodian and Czech envoys present credentials

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received at Emiri Diwan yesterday morning the credentials of Cambodian ambassador Tan Bunpa and Czech ambassador Martin Dvorak, below. The ambassadors conveyed to His Highness the Emir greetings of their countries’ leaders and wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Qatari people. For his part, His Highness the Emir welcomed the new ambassadors and wished them success in their duties and the relations between Qatar and their countries further development and growth.

Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 12, 2017 QATAR Ambassador lauds Qatar’s resilience amid Gulf crisis By Peter Alagos Business Reporter “We are impressed by the Silver, Medasys, and Visiomed maceutical delegation to Qatar including sports, agriculture and play a signifi cant role in vision that Qatar is devel- Group are among the leading is in the context of the devel- food production. state-run initiatives towards oping through this crisis companies in France seeking opment of economic relations “I recently held meetings with self-suffi ciency in food and he French embassy in and for accelerating the de- Qatari partners in the health- between Qatar and France as key stakeholders to tell them pharmaceuticals. Doha is inviting France’s velopment of the country,” care sector. The companies also we are impressed with the re- that in electricity, water, oil and “I am sure that we can play Tbusiness sector to seek in- Chevallier told Gulf Times met with representatives from silience of the Qatari economy gas, and many other fi elds, we a role in supporting Qatar in vestment opportunities in Qatar, yesterday on the sidelines of Hamad Medical Corporation, Al during the Gulf crisis,” the have companies that are really meeting its objectives to make which, according to ambassador a meeting between French Sulaiti Law Firm, AdvanzCare, ambassador said. interested to contribute to accel- the country a self-suffi cient na- Eric Chevallier, is witnessing healthcare and pharmaceu- Sanofi , Sidra, and other ma- Aside from the healthcare and eration of the economy of Qatar,” tion. We have already started and “accelerated” economic devel- tical companies and their jor players in the healthcare pharmaceutical sector, Cheval- he added. the visit of these French com- opment despite the ongoing Gulf Qatari counterparts. industry. lier said France is also commit- Chevallier also said he is panies is already an example,” French ambassador Eric Chevallier. crisis. Chevallier said Biogaran, Logo “The visit of the French phar- ted to developing other sectors, confi dent that France will Chevallier added. PICTURE: Jayan Orma French fi rms eye health sector

By Peter Alagos Chevallier said: “France is known development of the French economy. Business Reporter for its world-class healthcare system, Qatar’s imports of medical and and is playing a leading role as a pio- pharmaceutical products reached neer in the medical fi eld. The French $763mn in 2016. France is the fi fth delegation of French compa- healthcare delegation refl ects our healthcare supplier to Qatar, Business nies specialising in the health- keen desire to contribute to the de- France said. Acare and pharmaceutical sector velopment of the healthcare system in Biogaran is France’s top brand of ge- has arrived to explore business oppor- Qatar.” neric medicines, while Logo Silver “is tunities with Qatari partners. The French companies have been se- the only manufacturer” of ‘Made in French ambassador Eric Chevallier lected to meet the needs of Qatar, un- France’ innovative electric power wheel- told a press conference yesterday that derlined in the National Health Strat- chair and mobility solution globally.” Biogaran, Logo Silver, Medasys, and egy (NHS) 2017-2022, in order to off er ‘Topchair’ and ‘Outchair’ are two of Visiomed Group are among the lead- citizens and residents a comprehensive Logo Silver’s latest innovations that are ing companies in France seeking Qa- world-class healthcare system, ac- showcased for the fi rst time in Qatar. tari partners in the healthcare sector cessible to the whole population, with Medasys is the French leading soft- covering pharmaceutical products, a focus on preventive healthcare, ac- ware developer for integrated medical medical electronic devices, e-Health cording to Business France. guidance, while Visiomed Group is the system, and innovative mobility solu- Business France is the national French leader in advanced generation tion for disabled people. agency supporting the international of electronic medical devices.

Vodafone holds workshop on online safety odafone has organised a “Con- TECH online safety programme, which Vodafone Qatar’s external aff airs director nected Families” workshop at aims to empower parents and support Mohamed al-Yami said in a statement. VQatar Foundation (QF) Recrea- them in equipping their children with the Qatar Academy Doha Primary tion Centre to help parents gain con- right tools to navigate the digital world. School principal Paul Nery believes fi dence in allowing their children to The Connected Families workshops that Internet security and safety are access the Internet safely. use interactive activity stations to ex- extremely important issues for today’s Parents of children from three plore important topics like cyberbul- parents to understand. schools that operate under the um- lying, online gaming and diff erent ap- Awsaj Academy director Dr Donald brella of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-Uni- proaches to digital parenting. Francis said: “We are excited that par- versity Education – Qatar Academy “Across the Vodafone Group, we have ents have this educational opportunity Doha, Qatar Academy Sidra and Awsaj a wealth of experience in developing in- regarding electronic learning and safe- Academy, attended the workshop. dustry-leading initiatives to help parents ty so we can all support our students on This comes as part of Vodafone’s Aman- and children navigate the online world,” how to safely navigate the Internet.” Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 5 QATAR Lekhwiya signs deal with Chinese company

The Chinese company will manufacture smart jacket of workers and other devices that have been developed in order to achieve the rules of intellectual property rights by Lekhwiya

he Internal Secu- rity Force (Lekhwiya) Tsigned a co-opera- tion agreement with Chi- nese company, Nuctech, in preparation for a sub- sequent agreement the two parties will sign under which the Chinese com- pany will take the patent for HE Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi looks on as Major Ali Hassan al-Rashed and Wang Weidong a number of devices inno- sign an agreement in Doha yesterday. vated by Lekhwiya, includ- ing devices for the safety of Besides devices for the Major al-Rashed briefed worker’s condition, and there- construction workers. protection of construction the participants that the jack- fore move toward him as it also The agreement was signed workers, the agreement in- et is part of Qatar’s strategy to contains a tracking system in the presence of HE the Min- cludes intelligent eye sen- ensure maximum protection so that the worker’s location ister of Administrative Devel- sor, automatic explosive and safety for expatriate la- can be easily identifi ed. opment, Labour and Social and drug detection device, bour working on its territory The smart jacket includes Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali Nuctech cross-sectional in diff erent projects. voice dialling, operates via al-Nuaimi, who along with a scanning device and the The smart jacket features solar power and does not delegation from the Interna- intelligent security fence. a helmet cooling system, need to be recharged from tional Labour Organisation Under the agreement, the and contains a chip that any power source. (ILO) listened to a detailed Chinese company will man- gives signals indicating the Lekhwiya has successfully explanation of innovative de- ufacture the smart jacket of condition of the worker if developed and innovated a vices for protecting workers. workers and other devices exposed to any risk such as range of security devices The agreement was signed that have been developed in excessive stress or increased through high-tech technolo- by Lekhwiya’s commander order to achieve the rules of heart rate or abnormal gies that contribute to the of the security technologies intellectual property rights breathing. performance of security and brigade, Major Ali Hassan al- and all related steps and The sensors in the smart excellence in work, depending Rashed, and Nuctech vice- procedures during the stag- jacket give a warning to the on the latest technological president Wang Weidong. es of work and development. control room that shows the developments. (QNA)

Strong winds and poor visibility expected in many parts Strong winds are expected (northwesterly) may go up Slightly dusty conditions are recorded in Doha and other in most parts of the country to 25 knots in some places also likely off shore. places. today along with poor inshore and 35 knots off shore, A maximum temperature The Met department also visibility due to dust in with the sea level rising to of 39C is expected today tweeted yesterday that the some places, the Qatar Met 12ft. Visibility, meanwhile, may in Mesaieed and Wakrah, speed of northerly winds department has said. drop to 2km or less at times. followed by 38C in Doha. The was expected to increase Off shore areas, too, are likely Today’s detailed forecast minimum, on the other hand, during the weekend, to see strong winds and high for inshore areas also says will be 25C in Mesaieed and especially off shore, and mild seas today, according to the it will be hot during the day, Wakrah, and 32C in Doha. temperature is likely at night weather report. and slight to blowing dust Yesterday, a maximum – dropping to early-mid-20C The wind speed is expected in some places. temperature of 41C was levels in some areas. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 12, 2017 QATAR

Farewell ceremony for outgoing envoys Director-General meets Somali ambassador

HE Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry, Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi, yesterday held a farewell ceremony for the ambassador of Georgia, Ekaterine Meiering-Mikadze, and the ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Hoang, on the occasion of the end of their tenure in the country. A number of heads of diplomatic missions and HE the Director-General of Public Security, Staff Major General Saad bin Jassim al-Khulaifi, yesterday met bureaus accredited to the country as well as Foreign Ministry department directors attended the event that took place at ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia Omar Sheikh Ali Idris. The meeting reviewed a number of issues of the Diplomatic Institute. concern for the two fraternal countries. Sheikha Moza opens new exhibition er Highness Sheikha Moza bint ance and prehistoric human migrations. the scientifi c underpinnings of our com- people and how the mapping of human nology at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, way for implementing genome guided Nasser, chairperson of Msheireb It aims to further guests’ understanding mon humanity by advances in genetic development can help its citizens today, noted: “‘A Journey to the Heart of Life’ is (precision) medicine in Qatar.” HProperties, has offi cially inaugu- of the advances in modern medicine and research, and how this knowledge is being and in the future.” original and unique, not just for Qatar but Major advances in the fi elds of genet- rated a new permanent exhibition titled genomics, and its capacity to help with used to make us healthier as a society. Dr Asma al-Thani, chair of the Nation- around the world as it combines seam- ics and genomics have not only corrobo- ‘A Journey to the Heart of Life’, located in early detection of disease, as well as crea- Abdulla Hassan al-Mehshadi, CEO of al Genome Committee, vice-chairperson lessly both culture and science.” rated what we can observe from history Bin Jelmood House at Msheireb Muse- tion of personalised medicine, according Msheireb Properties, said: “Through this of the Qatar Biobank for Medical Research Dr Rashid al-Ali, deputy chief research — the diversity of Qatar’s origins — but ums. to a press statement. Visitors use interac- exhibit, we support innovations in edu- Board of Trustees and dean of the Col- offi cer and Division Chief – Biomedi- also opened a path to a hopeful future in In line with Her Highness’s vision, tive and audiovisual displays to under- cation and showcase Qatar’s leading po- lege of Health Sciences at Qatar Univer- cal Informatics at Sidra Medical and Re- prevention and cure of many genetic dis- the exhibition is a collaboration between stand how leveraging genetics, genomic, sition in scientifi c research to benefi t hu- sity, said: “This exhibition was created to search Center, said: “The exhibition is as eases. ‘A Journey to the Heart of Life’ is Msheireb Museums and biomedical re- and observations from the past, can un- manity. We would like to extend our great showcase the cultural and social diver- unique as DNA itself and it gives me great presented by Msheireb Museums in Bin search institutions, including Qatar Ge- cover Qatar’s rich cultural and historic thanks to all those involved in creating sity of Qatar and how this aff ects genetic pride Qatar is leading the way with such Jelmood House in the heritage quarter nome Programme, Qatar Biobank, Sidra heritage. this fascinating exhibition, particularly traits. This exhibition launch is part of initiatives.” Dr Ena Wang, research chief, of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The ex- Medical Research Center and Weill Cor- The exhibition looks at the process of Her Highness for her continuous support a common vision shared with Msheireb Division of Translational Medicine at hibit will open its doors from Monday to nell Medicine-Qatar. understanding genetics and genomics, and wise vision.” Properties to create a better future for our Sidra Medical and Research Center, add- Thursday, from 9am to 5pm, on Friday The exhibition focuses on DNA and and how that is refl ected in the history Hafi z Ali, Msheireb Museums director, country.” ed: “This exhibition is Her Highness’s vi- from 3pm to 9pm, and on Saturday from includes six sections that give visitors an of humanity. It tells a story of migration said: “This opening is intended to help Dr Lotfi Chouchane, professor of ge- sion and is designed to provide knowledge 9am to 9pm. For more information, one opportunity to explore genetic inherit- and integration across the earth, revealing our nation understand the origins of our netic medicine, microbiology and immu- that leads to scientifi c interest, paving the can visit www.msheireb.com Ashghal declares completion of projects in Al Sailiya area

shghal held a com- munity meeting in AAl Sailiya Sport Club yesterday to announce the completion of the works of all main roads and other in- frastructural development of the area. The meeting was at- tended, among others, by Al Rayyan Municipality direc- tor Rashed al-Nuaimi, and member of the 13th Con- stituency of the Central Mu- nicipal Council Mohamed bin Hamad al-Marri. Besides a number of the residents of the area, Ash- ghal’s Road Projects Depart- ment manager and senior engineer Saoud al-Tamimi and some other section Asghal Road Projects Department Manager Saoud al-Tamimi at the meeting. heads were also present. While answering the queries level of service provided vanced infrastructure in the including a central road me- of the participants, al-Tami- and improve traffi c safety area that would ultimately dian, street lighting and up- mi explained the benefi ts of in the area. Al-Tamimi said help manage collecting sur- graded road junctions. the new projects and also the entire project is divided face and ground water. The While welcoming the de- briefed the residents of the into two packages, of which project also has discharge cision to hold meeting with new projects to be taken up the fi rst covers areas north facilities and foul sewer sys- the residents of the area, in the area. of Salwa Road on the road tem for connection to the fu- CMC member Mohamed bin The senior offi cial said leading to the Barwa Com- ture trunk sewage networks, Hamad al-Marri said such the new projects serve ap- plex in Al Sailiya. The second which will be conducted as meetings provided the area’s proximately 820 residential package consists of localities part of a project that links residents with chances to units in addition to schools, north of those places in the Salwa road to Al Sailiya main explain their needs and re- mosques and commercial Package 1. This area where road. quirements. “It also provides outlets planned for con- large-scale construction is The construction of the municipal authorities an op- struction within their ju- going on is earmarked for trunk sewage networks will portunity to fi nd some ways risdiction. The area has ap- the residential development commence shortly and it to solve issues faced by the proximately 22km of roads. in the area. Some residential will provide the necessary residents”, he said. The project also provides buildings and other infra- networks along the Al Attiya The other supplementary street lighting, pavements, structure facilities are now Housing Road. The Al At- works are scheduled to be car parking, pedestrian under construction there. tiya Housing Road will also completed in the fi rst quar- walkways, cycle ways, and Al-Tamimi said the be upgraded to provide im- ter of 2018, it was informed road signage to enhance the project has facilitated ad- proved road infrastructure, at the meeting.

Prestigious Canadian universities tour Qatar from October 16-18

Students in Qatar will have the on October 16 from 4pm to 8pm at opportunity to explore about education CNA-Q in Duhail. in Canada during a visit by some of the Canadian universities will seek to most prestigious Canadian universities connect with students from Qatar’s from October 16 to 18. The tour, leading educational institutions such organised by the Canadian embassy as Qatar University and the Qatar in Doha with the support of Qatar’s Community College, in addition to other Ministry of Education and Higher schools in Doha. Education and in partnership with the The embassy has also organised similar College of the North Atlantic – Qatar visits in the previous years aimed at (CNA-Q), aims to give students the promoting Canadian universities in chance to discover these universities, the country. “This is not the first time which operate in diff erent provinces in ambassador Adrian Norfolk (pictured) the tour has taken place – we have had Canada. told Gulf Times’. a few in recent years,” the embassy “I am delighted that such a prestigious According to the embassy, senior pointed out. group of Canadian universities is off icials and representatives from “This tour is part of strengthening visiting Doha to promote student these universities will welcome parents Canada-Qatar co-operation in the field exchanges. Such people-to-people and students’ queries regarding the of education,” the embassy said, as it interactions are the firm foundation admission process, programmes of expressed optimism that the number of strong and positive relations study and university life, among others, of Qataris studying in Canada will between our two countries,” Canadian at the opening of the event, scheduled continue to increase. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 7 QATAR Qatar Museums’ Honorary QPO to perform ‘To Doha With Love’ Ambassador programme to connect long-term residents

atar Museums (QM) guests and accompanying them it with the world through this tures and two full-day VIP tours has unveiled plans for a on tours of cultural sites, as well unique Honorary Cultural Am- to QM museums, exhibitions, Qcommunity ambassador as off ering their own views and bassador programme, which will heritage sites and other sites of The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) will open its sixth season of free concerts at the programme designed to engage interpretations of Qatar to allow help show the many sides of our interest. Museum of Islamic Art today at 6pm with ‘To Doha With Love’. The music was composed by long-term Qatar residents to the guests to fully experience country to the world,” al-Tami- Criteria for qualifi cation in- MAias Alyamani for the 2011 Pan Arab Games and other Qatar-based events. become Honorary Cultural Am- and enjoy Qatar’s cultural and mi added. clude more than fi ve years resi- bassadors (HCA). historical highlights. Following an application and dency in Qatar; profi ciency in In recognition of the vibrant “Qatar is well known for its review process, HCAs will take English (Arabic is a preference); and diverse community that hospitality and we pride our- part in a comprehensive training fl uent in at least one more lan- makes up Qatar, QM is looking selves on being open and wel- during which they will attend a guage; interested in and knowl- for individuals who have em- coming of all visitors. We have series of lectures on art, herit- edgeable about art, heritage, braced all that Qatar has to of- such a diverse community, age, culture and history of Qatar. culture, and history of Qatar; ‘Greater co-ordination’ among fer and are looking to share their speaking more than 80 languag- This will be led by knowledge- availability and commitment passion with others. es and hailing from every part of able fi eld experts and comple- to accompany VIP guests upon The programme will gather a the world,” QM’s strategy and mented by tours to some of Qa- request; availability and com- group of individuals who have quality assurance director So- tar’s most unique destinations. mitment to attend the Honorary Qatar banks after blockade demonstrated keen interest in maya al-Tamimi said in a state- In order to complete the pro- Cultural Ambassador training Qatar’s cultural off ering. ment. gramme and earn the HCA des- programme; preferably a bach- atar’s banking sector HCAs will have the honour of “We are thankful and proud of ignation, participants will need elor degree holder; and outgoing went through a period meeting with distinguished VIP that diversity and want to share to take part in two afternoon lec- and sociable. Qof reorganisation af- ter the illegal blockade of the country, which resulted in greater co-ordination among local banks, senior banker Nisar Ahmed Rana told Qa- tar Urdu Radio’s live show Haqeeqat yesterday. “Among the blockading countries only Saudi Arabia and the UAE had substantial deposits here. They thought if they withdrew their deposits from banks, Qatar’s economy will collapse but they failed in their goals,” Rana remarked. “Qatar has strong reserves Senior banker Nisar Ahmed Rana was a guest on Qatar Urdu worth more than $350bn, it has Radio’s live show Haqeeqat yesterday. the highest per capita income in the world and most banks here also helped. It was munity in Qatar, is a joint ven- have high grade ranking as per clear from the fi rst day of ture of Gulf Times and Qatar international standards, which the crisis that the government Media Corporation Urdu Radio. refl ects their ability to manage wanted to deal it as an oppor- It is broadcast from Sunday to a fi nancial crisis. It is not easy tunity and move towards self- Thursday on FM107. The show to bring down a system that has reliance as a matter of policy is hosted by Saif-ur-Rehman. such strong foundations. rather than dealing with it as a Log on to Qatar Urdu Radio “The co-ordination between crisis,” he added. on Facebook and ‘@QatarUr- local banks also strengthened Haqeeqat, which aims to en- duRadio’ on Twitter for feed- after the crisis. Qatar Central gage and interact with the large back and comments about the HCAs are expected to meet with distinguished VIP guests and accompany them on tours of cultural sites. Bank policies to regulate banks South Asian expatriate com- show. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, October 12, 2017 QATAR

Don’t mix education and politics: Qatar

QNA He stressed that sustainable New York development can not be achieved without the establishment of peaceful, non-marginalised so- atar has stressed the im- cieties, as affi rmed by the 16th portance of distancing goal of sustainable development. Qeducation from political Accordingly, Qatar has played diff erences and ensuring that a leading role in establishing students continue their studies the Global Alliance to report away from any considerations progress in promoting societies that may aff ect their career and that enjoy peace and justice for ensure their rights based on in- all, al-Marri added. ternational conventions, espe- He said that “Qatar National cially human rights. Vision 2030 has identifi ed key This came in a statement economic, social, human and delivered by Mohamed Ali al- environmental goals, and has Marri, a member of Qatar’s del- placed development at the centre egation participating in the 72nd of its priorities with integrating Session of the United Nations Sustainable Development Plan General Assembly. 2030 into National Development Sonja Park, Abdullah al-Kubaisi and Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani attend the press conference yesterday. He stressed the need to adhere Strategy 2017-2022 “. to the 2030 Sustainable Devel- Qatar’s human rights-based opment Plan as an integrated vi- development approach, and the sion, calling on the international right of all individuals to partici- community to seize this oppor- pate and contribute to economic, tunity to further implement the social and cultural development objectives of this ambitious plan and to enjoy its benefi ts on the and address obstacles to devel- basis of equality and non-dis- opment, taking into account the crimination, was one way of ad- National music contest priorities, needs and specifi cities vancing the goals of sustainable of developing and least devel- development, he added. oped countries in particular. Al-Marri noted that the out- Al-Marri said Qatar pays spe- standing performance of Qatar in cial attention to improving the the fi eld of human development level of education, providing has enabled it to be ranked the everyone with access to a proper fi rst in the Arab world, and 33rd to be held next week education and gaining experi- globally in the fi eld of human de- ence, “based on our belief in the velopment, which confi rms the By Joseph Varghese said its co-founder Sonja Park. Arabic composition, the QNMC team player,” said Park. a part of the discovery of the next importance of investing in hu- high level of the country’s plans Staff Reporter The announcement made at will throw open the stage for Al-Kubaisi said: “We aim to generation of unique musicians. man resources.” in the fi eld of human develop- a press conference was also at- both performing musicians and encourage creativity and com- The future of music in Qatar is He reviewed Qatar’s success- ment. tended by Abdullah al-Kubaisi, young composers. There will petition among the youth to truly exciting,” he added. ful experience in this fi eld. He said the 2030 Sustainable he fi rst-ever Qatar Na- head of Arabic and Islamic Aff airs, also be a Special Needs category discover the best musical talents The event is conducted in col- Qatar has been able to provide Development Plan is the result of tional Music Competition NatCom and Sheikh Hamad bin for diff erently abled children. that can represent Qatar on the laboration with Katara and Qatar quality education to millions of the eff orts of member states. T(QNMC), under the pa- Abdullah al-Thani, chief operat- “Ever since we arrived in global stage.” Philharmonic Orchestra. In each children and young people in It is recognised that strength- tronage of Qatar National Com- ing offi cer of Vodafone Qatar, the Doha, nine years ago, estab- Sheikh Hamad noted that Vo- category, there are gold, silver, and the world, particularly in con- ening these eff orts and mov- mission for Education, Culture main sponsor of the event. lishing this competition has dafone around the world has a bronze medals. There will also be fl ict and natural disaster areas, ing forward with the goals and and Science (NatCom), will take The competition is open to been one of our foremost goals. rich history of supporting music Vodafone Grand Prize for the stan- through the programmes and objectives of this plan imposes place from October 15 to 19 at anyone below the age of 18. The This is the very first time that competitions. “The competition dout performance in the entire projects of various Qatari edu- a responsibility on countries to Katara Drama Theatre. event is divided into three cat- such an event is taking place will undoubtedly grow to become competition and a special ‘Qatar’s cational institutions, Education promote education and ensure “Over 700 young participants egories according to the partici- in Qatar; an entire week where one of the most important global Best Award’ for best performance Above All “aimed at protecting universal and equal access to including several Qataris, will take pants’ age – 11 and under, 14 and children from around the music competitions attracting by a Qatari artist. Every participant and promoting the right to edu- education. part in the competition in the mu- under, and 18 and under. globe, including young Qataris, impressive talent locally and from will receive a certifi cate of merit cation in confl ict-aff ected areas, Good and equitable education sical spectacle organised by Mov- Featuring Arabic and Western will gather under one roof to around the world. We are ex- for their performance. The event is “Educate A Child (EAC)” ini- for all was an important enabling ing Young Artists (MYA), the Qa- music categories and divided make music, play all kinds of tremely excited for its upcoming also supported by a number of dip- tiative and the World Innovation element for sustainable develop- tar-based non-profi t foundation,’ into singing, instrumental, and instruments, and learn to be a launch and look forward to being lomatic missions. Summit for Education (WISE). ment, al-Marri underlined. Qatar ‘committed to protecting rights of women’

QNA women in all walks of life. that achieving this goal, which is cation”, al-Emadi said. feeding hours, and the policy of New York This is reflected in the Con- integrated with other sustainable The state puts education and encouraging the sharing of fam- stitution, which provides for development goals, requires col- especially the education of girls ily responsibilities between par- equality of rights and public du- lective efforts and constructive among the priorities of its policy ents and mothers, adding that atar has affirmed its ties, equality of all before the law partnerships among all actors and development assistance at the state has spared no effort to commitment to the im- without discrimination. to ensure the implementation of home and abroad, she added. motivate women and encourage Qplementation of its obli- “The State of Qatar is keen to all international obligations and She said that Qatar is one of the them to enter the world of busi- gations to international and re- integrate women’s issues, partic- treaties related to the achieve- first countries in the Gulf region ness and investment in the pri- gional conventions and charters ularly those related to enhancing ment of the fifth objective, she to grant women the right to vote vate sector. that enshrine the human rights their participation in economic said. and to stand for office. She stressed that the efforts to of women, especially the United and political decision-making, She emphasised that Qatari Qatari women are currently eliminate violence against wom- Nations Convention on the Elim- providing decent work and pro- women have made great strides qualified to hold senior positions en are among the most impor- ination of All Forms of Discrimi- moting social protection in all in their participation in various in the state as ministers, judges, tant efforts that contribute to the nation against Women. national strategies and plans, areas of life thanks to the strong ambassadors and university pres- achieving development and pro- This came in a statement de- including Qatar National Vision political will of wise leadership idents, public prosecutors, police moting peace and social security. livered by Sarah Mohamed Kamal 2030, and Family Strategy,” she to empower women and enhance and security force. In this regard, she said, Qatar al-Emadi, a member of Qatar’s added. their participation in the human Al-Emadi said the reports in- has established mechanisms for delegation participating in the She noted that the link be- development process. dicate that the percentage of fe- empowerment and protection 72nd Session of the United Na- tween women’s empowerment, Qatar is one of the first coun- male participation in the labour such as the National Social Ac- tions General Assembly. gender equality and development tries to encourage the education force during the previous years tion Foundation, which includes Al-Emadi said the issue of is a reality that the international of girls in the Gulf region in 1938 had touched 35.1%, thanks to the Centre for Social Protection the advancement of women is community has recognised and with the first school for girls at amendments to the Qatari Labour and Rehabilitation, to protect and a priority in the policy of Qa- addressed through the fifth goal the home of Amna al-Jaidah who Law, the provision of maternity reintegrate women victims of vi- tar, based on the pivotal role of of sustainable development, and was called the “pyramid of edu- leave and the granting of breast- olence into society. Nojoom, PSG Outlet off er football superstar shirt

oredoo is partner- the store and will be an ex- informed via social media. ing with the Paris clusive reward through No- The Paris Saint-Germain OSaint-Germain joom redemptions. Only 80 Outlet in Qatar joined Nojoom Outlet in Qatar to off er ex- football shirts are available. as a redeem partner in 2017. clusive memorabilia for No- To reward football sup- Football fans across Qatar can joom members. porters in Qatar, as well redeem their Nojoom points To celebrate Paris Saint- as encourage more of the for a host of Paris Saint-Ger- Germain’s recent signing of country’s diverse commu- main merchandise. Neymar Jr, Nojoom and the nity to get involved in the Redemption vouch- Paris Saint-Germain Outlet sport, Nojoom will also be ers start at 2,000 Nojoom in Qatar will be running a running a special contest on points for a QR50 voucher. promotion where members Instagram. Every Ooredoo customer can redeem their Nojoom Entrants have to post a with a Qatar ID can enrol points for an exclusive Par- video on Instagram showing into Nojoom, and redemp- is-Saint German football their football skills with the tions can be made follow- shirt, with ‘Neymar’ writ- #NojoomPSG to be entered ing Nojoom’s redemption ten in Arabic. into a contest to win one of channels by logging into This limited version of ten of the exclusive football their account at www.oore- the football shirt will not shirts. Contest ends on Oc- doo.qa/nojoom or by down- be available for purchase at tober 22 and winners will be loading the Ooredoo App.

Mercedes models recalled

The Ministry of Economy and the starter was blocked due to ensure that the necessary Commerce (MEC), in collabo- to previous damage. The repairs are carried out. The ration with Nasser Bin Khaled MEC said the recall campaign MEC has urged all custom- Automobiles, has announced comes within the framework ers to report any violations the recall of Mercedes Benz of its ongoing eff orts to pro- to its Consumer Protection A-Class and CLA-Class models tect consumers and ensure and Anti-Commercial Fraud of 2016-2017 and C-Class, that car dealers follow up on Department through the fol- E-Class and GLC-Class models vehicles’ defects and repair lowing channels: Call centre: of 2015-2016. The reason for them. The MEC said that it will 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. the recall is that the starting co-ordinate with the dealer to qa, Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, limiter could be overloaded follow up on the maintenance Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC during the staring procedure and repair works and will mobile app for Android and under certain conditions if communicate with customers IOS: MEC_Qatar Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 9 QATAR

Commercial Bank reveals monthly winners of 365 cash prizes

ommercial Bank has an- cial Bank savers have multiple of QR10,000 each month. nounced the fi rst month- opportunities to win a cash The more customers save, the Cly winners of its new prize throughout the year. greater their chance to win ‘Save & Win Campaign’, which Commercial Bank EGM Con- one of 365 cash prizes, as each rewards savers with 365 cash sumer Banking Amit Sah said: QR1,000 qualifies for an entry prizes throughout the year, in- “You could be next with Com- coupon into an electronic draw. cluding a QR1mn grand prize mercial Bank’s ‘Save & Win If the minimum average bal- draw. Campaign’ that rewards our ance of QR10,000 is main- Commercial Bank invited the Current or Savings Account tained for 12 consecutive 29 winners for September to its holders with a total of 365 cash months, the customer qualifies City Center branch for a spe- prizes spread monthly over the for the grand prize draw of a life cial prize giving ceremony. Se- year to give our customers a changing QR1mn. lected by electronic draw, five great chance of winning. This All winners will be notified customers won QR10,000, 10 includes an opportunity to win by phone and e-mail, and cus- customers won QR5,000, and a QR1mn grand prize.” tomers are not restricted to the 14 customers won QR2,500. To qualify for the ‘Save & number of prizes they can win. With winners announced Win Campaign’, Commer- For further information every month, plus a quarterly cial Bank customers need to about the ‘Save & Win Cam- prize draw with two QR30,000 have an active Current or Sav- paign’, visit any branch or and another two QR50,000 ings Account (or both) with http://www.cbq.qa/cbsavean- prizes up for grabs, Commer- a minimum average balance dwin. Commercial Bank has invited the 29 winners for September to its City Center branch for a special prize giving ceremony. Airline upgrades Qatar Airways gives Qatari to A330 service musician global audience for Seychelles

pecially composed music global stage for this wonder- Records, Qatar’s first recording atar Airways will up- noted. Qatar’s national carrier by renowned Qatari musi- ful musician to an amazingly company. Her first critically- grade its service on the launched service to the Sey- Scian and songwriter Dana diverse worldwide audience, of acclaimed album, ‘Paint’, was QSeychelles route to an chelles in December 2016, Alfardan now welcomes passen- every age and nationality.” released in 2013. She believes A330 aircraft starting October and has since contributed to gers on board every Qatar Air- Dana Alfardan said, “It’s a culture and heritage cannot 29 to meet rising passenger the development of tourism ways fl ight around the world, the tremendous honour to be able be separated from the artistic demand, it was announced. and the growth of local busi- airline has announced. to reach such an incredible au- process. She also hopes that The award-winning airline ness in the Seychelles. The musical work, titled ‘Sky’, dience and to be able to repre- by becoming more involved is also preparing to celebrate was created to inspire passen- sent my country and showcase with musicians from around its one-year anniversary of The award-winning gers and help them relax as they modern, contemporary Qatari the world, it will help establish fl ying to the Seychelles later airline prepares to mark board the airline’s fl eet of air- music through Qatar Airways. a large-scale music festival in this year. its fi rst anniversary of craft and set the mood and at- I hope my music helps bring Qatar and lead to the growth of In a statement, Qatar Air- fl ying to the Seychelles mosphere for the rest of their people together through their a serious music industry in the ways noted that the 260-seat- journey, Qatar Airways said in a shared experience of taking a country. er A330 aircraft will increase The Airbus A330 aircraft, press statement. journey together.” Last month, she held the the airline’s current daily ca- which features 24 seats in The new composition follows As well as composing the first full international concert pacity by 130% on this route, Business Class and 236 seats the Qatari musician and vocalist’s Dana Alfardan music for Qatar Airways’ latest programme of her latest album, connecting Seychelles-based in Economy Class, enables earlier work, ‘Art of Flight’, which TV commercial, Dana Alfardan ‘Sandstorm’, which was per- passengers to more than 150 passengers to enjoy the air- accompanied the national car- a more “personalised and mean- ating a tranquil and inviting at- also composed ‘The Beginning’, formed by the esteemed Lon- destinations globally. line’s superior entertainment rier’s latest television commercial ingful experience”, the state- mosphere to welcome our pas- the official theme song for don Metropolitan Orchestra in “By providing more capac- system, Oryx One, offering featuring the innovative Qsuite. ment noted. sengers on board our aircraft to Hamad International Airport. a sell-out show at the iconic ity on board the A330, we will countless entertainment op- Dana Alfardan’s work blends Qatar Airways senior vice- experience our award-winning Her latest album, ‘Sandstorm’, Theatre Royal Haymarket in be able to off er even more pas- tions. rich strings, choral vocals and president (Marketing and five-star service. is also featured on all Qatar London’s West End. Her con- sengers from around the globe Business Class passen- solos with traditional Middle Corporate Communications) “As a Qatari, she is perfectly Airways flights and can be lis- temporary classical repertoire the opportunity to experience gers can also relax in flatbed Eastern rhythms. Her music, Salam al-Shawa said, “Ms in tune with our culture and tened through the airline’s in- received critical acclaim from the idyllic white sand beaches seats, offering an unsur- ‘Sky’, is now played on every Alfardan’s inspirational and traditions, so we were delighted flight entertainment system, members of the public, arts of the Seychelles,” Qatar Air- passed standard of comfort aircraft as customers board and uplifting music is the perfect to be able to show our support Oryx One. Dana Alfardan is press and the UK music indus- ways Group chief executive on board. disembark, to make their fl ight partner for Qatar Airways, cre- for local talent and provide a the founder and CEO of DNA try. Akbar al-Baker said. Qatar Airways operates “This enhancement to our to 20 destinations in Africa, off ering demonstrates our including Addis Ababa, Al- commitment to the local mar- giers, Cape Town, Casablan- ket and to the many passen- ca, Durban, Johannesburg, Three strike gold in Malabar gers each month who choose Khartoum, Lagos, Marra- Gold & Diamonds’ draw Qatar Al Youm social media to fl y to this popular destina- kech, Nairobi and Zanzibar, accounts attract more followers tion with Qatar Airways,” he among others.

he recently launched ics and factual information. Qatar Al Youm (Qa- The administrators of these Ttar Today) Twitter and accounts stressed they are Instagram accounts have at- keen to post breaking news tracted increasing numbers to raise public awareness. In of followers and likes due to addition, news are posted in its distinguished content of interesting videos or in a form instant local news and com- of commentaries accompa- ments on key events. nied with related videos. The accounts, which posts “Our goal is to post local and share local news in Ara- news that raise public aware- bic, attracted more public at- ness about the current situa- tention after the blockade, as tion based on reliable sourc- Ministry of Economy and Commerce’s Field Control its pages have received more es,” pointed out one of the Department off icial Mohsen Alyafei announced the first three than 130,000 followers from main founders of the pages. raff le draw winners of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ ongoing Twitter and Instagram users. He added that all the eff orts campaign ‘Win up to 100 kilos of Gold’ in the presence of the The stories and news video of the founders are part of their jewellers’ regional head Santhosh TV, branch manager Abdulla clips have been liked by thou- way of expressing their love for Shaff i and other off icials. The winners, Vijaya G, Jigme Gurung sands of users. Qatar Al Youm their country Qatar and to tell and Rahana Jasim will receive the prize of 250gm gold each. shares and posts news to raise blockade and the relevant is- people about the facts and the people’s awareness about the sues, supported by infograph- events taking place. Seychelles off ers idyllic white sand beaches. Hyundai plans ‘rear occupant alert’ to ensure children’s safety Doha Festival City gets ready for yundai has announced an ultrasonic sensor to detect dle East, Mike Song, said: “As ‘Outdoor Leisure Trail’ launch plans to introduce a the movements of children. Hyundai uses connected tech- Hnew Rear Occupant If it detects movement after nology to make cars better and Alert system to future models, the driver leaves the car, it will safer, Rear Occupant Alert is a oha Festival City (DHFC) will open its using motion sensors and con- sound the horn, fl ash the lights very simple but eff ective idea 4.5km Outdoor Leisure Trail on Octo- nected technology, to prevent and can send a Blue Link alert that will certainly save chil- Dber 21, providing families and fi tness children from being forgotten to the driver’s smartphone via dren’s lives.” lovers a one-of-its-kind track for walking, in hot cars. Hyundai’s Blue Link connected Even when the outside tem- running, and biking activities. Skyline Automotive is the car system. perature is in the low-20Cs, With temperatures starting to drop gradu- offi cial distribution partner of A message on the instrument measurements show that the ally, Qatar residents and visitors will enjoy Hyundai Motor Company for panel will also remind drivers interior of a car parked in direct these outdoor off erings at DHFC. Qatar. to check the rear seats before sunlight can quickly approach The track, which surrounds the mall, in- The system, which Hyundai getting out, a press statement 50C. cludes a running and walking path, as well will begin introducing on new explained. Experts say it only takes a as an adjacent cycling lane with technical cars for the 2019 model year, Hyundai’s head of Opera- matter of minutes before the trail features specifi cally designed for moun- monitors the rear seats using tions for Africa and the Mid- heat can overwhelm a child’s tain bikes. On the opening day, from 8am to ability to regulate his or her in- noon, visitors can bike, walk and run around ternal temperature. Their core the track and enjoy the event village with ex- temperature can increase three treme bike shows, fun family activities and DHFC’s Outdoor Leisure Trail off ers walking, running, and a biking track for families. to fi ve times faster than that of festival style entertainment for free. an adult. All participants will be receiving a race their personal supervision.Throughout the number of bikes, helmets, elbow and knee pads “The Rear Occupant Alert is pack upon registration, according to DHFC. morning, there will be sessions for all abili- are available to rent. Please note, helmets are just another example of how we Extreme sports experts, Xtork, will be ties. Participants can either compete with mandatory for all cyclists,” DHFC noted. do things better at Hyundai,” hosting a BMX area where spectators can their friends or meander around the track at “For the little ones who are still learning, said Mike O’Brien, vice-pres- watch professional riders perform jaw-drop- their own pace. there will be children’s area for bike tutori- ident, Product, Corporate and ping stunts. Organisers have also scheduled 4.5 and 9km als from the professionals. With or without Digital Planning, Hyundai Mo- There are three shows lined up, each 15 running sessions, 4.5, 9, and 13.5 km cycling stabilisers, starting anew or improving their tor America. “This system is minutes long. The professional BMX riders sessions, as well as a 4.5km walking session. balance – we’ve got you covered,” DHFC not- a fi rst step in preventing trag- will also be giving audiences a special chance “We recommend bringing your own equip- ed, adding that pre-registration can be made The functioning of the system. edies.” to try out the BMX bike and stunts under ment to enjoy the fun, however, a limited online. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, October 12, 2017 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Iraq court orders Triple suicide attack near arrest of Kurd Damascus police HQ vote organisers

AFP AFP ing that it was a purely “po- Damascus Baghdad litical decision”. Even if it does prove symbolic, the move still represents the latest step in a hree suicide bombers n Iraqi court yesterday broader onslaught designed to blew themselves up near ordered the arrest of tighten the legal and fi nancial Tthe main police head- Asenior Kurdish offi cials screws on Arbil. quarters building in Syria’s capi- responsible for organising an The National Security tal Damascus yesterday, killing independence referendum, in Council on Monday said “a list at least two people, the interior the latest salvo by the central of names” of Kurdish offi cials ministry said. authorities over the disputed who helped organised the ref- The attack is the second time vote. erendum had been compiled in a month that suicide attackers The decision ratchets up and “judicial measures have have targeted the capital, which pressure on Iraqi Kurdistan been taken against them”. has often been insulated from just over two weeks after vot- Iraq has also launched a the worst of the violence in the ers in the autonomous region probe into Kurdistan’s lucra- war-torn country. overwhelmingly backed inde- tive oil revenues and pledged Two of the suicide bombers pendence in the non-binding to expose “corrupt” offi cials in detonated their explosives in ballot slammed as illegal by the region who might have il- front of the police HQ on Kha- Baghdad. legally monopolised the mar- led Bin al-Walid street in central Acting on a request from ket. Damascus, the interior ministry the National Security Council Baghdad — which has al- said in a statement carried by headed by Iraq’s prime min- ready demanded to take over state media. ister, a court in east Baghdad Kurdistan’s airports and bor- “The terrorist suicide at- issued warrants against the ders — is looking to reclaim tackers tried to storm the po- chairman of the vote’s organ- control over mobile phone lice command headquarters... ising commission Hendren companies in the region, in- The guards opened fi re on them, Saleh and two other mem- cluding two of the largest pro- forcing them to blow themselves bers, Supreme Judicial Coun- viders in Iraq. up before they entered the build- cil spokesman Abdel Sattar The authorities also an- ing and achieved their goals,” it Bayraqdar said. nounced Tuesday that they added. It ruled that the three “or- are looking to reopen a key oil Police surrounded a third at- ganised the referendum in pipeline to Turkey that would tacker behind the building who contravention of a ruling by rival a competing Kurdish ex- also blew himself up, the state- Syrian Army soldiers stand near the police headquarters in central Damascus, yesterday. the Iraqi supreme court,” port route. ment said. The interior ministry which had found the vote un- The Iraqi pipeline was cut said two people had been killed with guns, grenades and explo- ence in a handful of positions, constitutional and ordered it off after the Islamic State and six wounded in the attack, sives had targeted the station. including the Jobar neighbour- called off . group seized swathes of the among them two children. The Islamic State group hood. The supreme court rul- country in 2014, halting a Damascus police chief Mo- claimed responsibility for the They also hold territory in ing came one week before the flow of oil to Turkey of up to hamed Khairu Ismail told re- attack in a statement released the Eastern Ghouta region September 25 referendum, 400,000 barrels a day. porters at the scene of the at- via the Telegram messaging app. outside the capital, and have but the organisers went ahead The angry dispute over the tack that one of the dead was More than 330,000 people regularly launched rockets into with it regardless. referendum — also rejected a policeman who tried to stop have been killed in Syria since the city. A deal worked out be- In retaliation the central au- by the United States — is the the bombers. “One of our forc- the country’s conflict began in tween regime allies Russia and thorities have already severed latest twist in the decades- es grabbed one of the suicide March 2011, with anti-govern- Iran with rebel backer Turkey ties between the region and long movement by Iraq’s bombers and prevented him ment protests. earlier this year has imple- the outside world by cutting Kurds to break away from from entering the building, so Damascus has been shaken mented so-called “de-escala- international air links, while Baghdad. he blew himself up, killing the by several bomb attacks, de- tion zones” in several parts of neighbouring Turkey and Iran Iraq is pushing Turkey and sergeant,” Ismail said. spite being largely spared from the country, including Eastern have threatened to close their Iran — which both opposed It was the second time this the worst of the violence in the Ghouta, bringing a measure of borders to oil exports. the ballot — to close their month that suicide attack- six-year war. relative calm. The court’s arrest order is border posts with Kurdistan ers have targeted police in the In this month’s incident at But the fight against IS is likely to prove toothless as and stop all trade with the re- capital, after at least 17 people Midan, one attacker was able Syrians gather near the site of an attack near the main police continuing, with government Baghdad’s security forces do gion. Washington warned the were killed in an October 2 at- to reach the first floor of the headquarters in Damascus. troops and the US-backed Syr- not operate inside Kurdistan, referendum could “increase tack on a police station in the police station before blowing ian Democratic Forces, a coali- but it could stop the offi cials instability” in the region and southern district of Midan. himself up. a seven-year-old girl entered Rebel groups have been grad- tion of Kurdish and Arab fight- leaving the region. have an impact on the battle That attack was claimed by The Midan police station the building wearing an ex- ually expelled from territory ers, leading separate offensives Vote commission chief against IS, in which Kurd- the Islamic State group, which itself had previously been tar- plosive belt that was remotely in the capital they once held, against the militants in the Saleh shrugged off the ruling ish fighters have been a key said three of its fighters armed geted in December 2016, when detonated. though they maintain a pres- north and east Syria. as of “no importance”, insist- force.

CRIME Syrian opposition Tensions rise as Yemen Egyptian food producers cry foul filmmaker ‘stabbed’ A Syrian filmmaker close to the party members held opposition who made a film about after govt orders use of price tags a notorious regime prison has been stabbed by an unknown Reuters raided the home of its number assailant in Istanbul, supporters Aden two man in Aden, Mohamed Reuters market. This is not an Egyp- ports and diff erent locations as try adviser Ziad Bahaa-Eldin. and Syrian groups said yesterday. Abdel-Malek, and arrested Cairo tian invention. All countries well as extra costs for labelling “What kind of message are you Mohamed Bayazid was stabbed him, along with a member of try to regulate their markets as challenges manufacturers sending to investors?” on Tuesday while on his way to a ecurity forces in the the party’s local Shura Council to protect (citizens) from the would now have to deal with in Part of the problem is that meeting, according to an account southern Yemeni city of as well as a local militia com- new Egyptian decree greed of some traders,” said their business. the central bank has hiked of- posted on the filmmaker’s off icial SAden arrested 10 mem- mander. Security forces also meant to combat in- supply ministry spokesman “We’re now working on a fi cial interest rates by seven Facebook page by a friend who bers of an Islamist partner in closed down the party’s office Afl ation by forcing food Mamdouh Ramadan. “It’s not proposal to the ministry to percentage points to defend witnessed the attack. His wife the internationally-recognised in the Al-Qaloua district of producers to put price tags on compulsory pricing.” ensure the decision doesn’t the Egyptian pound after let- Samah Safi Bayazid, who is also a government, the Islah party said Aden, Islah said in a statement. their products or face jail time But manufacturers and econ- have a negative impact on the ting it fl oat freely last Novem- filmmaker, confirmed the attack, yesterday. A security source in Aden risks increasing pressure on an omists dismissed the measure as investment environment, ex- ber in order to secure a $12bn describing it on her Facebook Aden is dominated by local confirmed four people were ar- industry already squeezed by ineff ective or simply a misguid- ports and production and that International Monetary Fund page as an “assassination at- forces backed by the United rested and said the move was austerity measures, food man- ed attempt by the government it doesn’t violate pre-set regu- loan aimed at helping get the tempt”. He was taken to hospital Arab Emirates, a key member of related to the assassination of ufacturers said. to show it was doing something lations by mother companies,” economy back on track. but his condition was not imme- the Saudi-led coalition that in- an imam in Aden on Tuesday by Annual infl ation is currently to combat infl ation when it was said Ashraf El Gazayerli, the The currency has lost half its diately clear. Ahmad Ramadan, an tervened in Yemen’s civil war in a bomb planted in his car. running above 30%, putting really stripping the market of chairman of the Chamber of value since then, which along off icial with the Syrian opposition 2015 to restore President Abd- It was unclear if the arrested a tight squeeze on people’s needed competitiveness and Food Industry (CFI).Egypt’s with the government cutting in Istanbul, said Bayazid had Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power Islah members had been for- spending power, but the gov- fl exibility. Chamber of Commerce and its fuel and energy subsidies produced a film about torture in but is hostile toward Islamists. mally charged. ernment has relatively few “This contradicts the mode the Federation of Egyptian has led to a huge runup in do- a notorious Syrian prison. He also The arrests could raise ten- “(Islah) directs a call to pub- options for cracking down on of operations of many factories Chambers of Commerce are mestic consumer prices. described the attack as an “assas- sion within the coalition fight- lic opinion, the government consumer prices. and results in complications in also working on the proposal, Egypt has been trying to sination attempt”. Syrian opposition ing the Houthi movement and and the coalition demanding The new price tag decree, the production process,” said Gazayerli said, adding that he encourage investment and activists and journalists based in forces loyal to ex-president they shoulder their responsi- published in the offi cial gazette Hani Berzi, the chairman of expected a meeting with the promote growth to revive the Turkey have repeatedly complained Ali Abdullah Saleh who seized bility to swiftly release brother on Tuesday, stipulates that Edita Food Industries, one of supply ministry next week. economy, which has strug- of threats to their security. A veteran much of northern Yemen, in- Abdel-Malek and his col- violations could result in jail the country’s largest food pro- “You cannot place compul- gled since a 2011 uprising and Syrian opposition activist and her cluding the capital Sanaa, and leagues and to stop these arbi- sentences of up to fi ve years, ducers. sory pricing anyway and think subsequent unrest that drove journalist daughter were found drove Hadi into exile. trary measures,” Islah’s state- fi nes and confi scations. Berzi listed producing in you can implement it,” said tourists and foreign investors stabbed to death at their apartment Islah said security forces ment said. “We don’t want to scare the bulk, diff erent pricing for ex- economist and former minis- out of the country. in Istanbul in September. Iran says US opposing ‘whole world’ on N-deal

AFP is respected by the nations of the “Whenever we have commit- Revolutionary Guards, by their Tehran world and global public opin- ted ourselves, we have stood by planning, and support for the ion,” he added. our commitments to the end. nations of Iraq, Syria and Leba- Trump is due to deliver a This is an honour for us.” non have humiliated Daesh,” ranian President Hassan speech as early as today outlin- Rouhani also took aim at re- Rouhani said. Rouhani lashed out at US ing a tougher line on Iran, and is ports that the US may declare Threats from Washington Icounterpart Donald Trump, expected to say he will no longer Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards have also brought a show of saying he was opposing “the certify the 2015 nuclear deal as a terrorist organisation. unity from Iran’s often fractious whole world” by trying to aban- required every three months. “This will be a mistake. The institutions. don a landmark nuclear agree- The US Congress would Revolutionary Guards are not “We are one society. We are ment. then have 60 days to decide on just a military unit, the Revolu- all Iran. There are no diff erences “If the US wants to take a whether to reimpose sanctions, tionary Guards are in the hearts among our factions in confront- hostile position regarding an eff ectively pulling out of the nu- of the people,” he said. ing our enemies’ conspiracies,” international agreement which clear agreement. He said Trump was “clearly Rouhani said. is approved by the UN Security Other parties to the deal — upset” over the Guards’ military “The current US president has Council... Britain, France, Germany, China, successes against the Islamic created a situation where Iran is they will oppose not just Iran Russia and the European Union State group in Syria and Iraq. more integrated than ever, more but the whole world,” Rouhani — have all voiced staunch sup- “OK, if you want to keep Dae- unanimous, more united.” said at a cabinet meeting shown port for it, saying Iran has stuck sh (the Islamic State group) in Earlier in the day, Foreign on state television. to its commitments to curb its this region for 20 years and use Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif “It will be absolutely clear nuclear programme. it as a tool, then OK, it is your gave a closed door briefi ng to which is the lawless government. The nuclear deal “is a test for right to be angry with the Revo- parliament on possible respons- A handout picture provided by the off ice of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani shows him attending a It will be clear which country all governments,” Rouhani said. lutionary Guards. Because the es to Trump’s speech. cabinet meeting in Tehran. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 11 AFRICA Poll crisis: 18 hurt in Kenya protests

AFP Nairobi

ight people were injured in protests in Kenya yester- Eday, a day after opposition leader Raila Odinga announced Opposition supporters hold up bricks as they block streets and burn tyres during a protest in Kisumu, Kenya, he would quit the presidential yesterday. race, in a move that plunged the country into uncharted wa- ters. Election offi cials have been locked in crisis meetings since the decision, as debate raged over what Odinga’s move could mean for a dramatic election saga that saw President Uhuru Kenyatta’s August 8 victory annulled by the Supreme Court. Kenyatta insists an October 26 do-over must go ahead. But longtime rival Odinga says his withdrawal legally forces elec- tion offi cials to begin the entire process from scratch – a move that leaves more time for his reform demands to be met. To maintain pressure, his opposi- tion National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition called support- ers to the street, saying protests would take place every day from next week. In Odinga’s western strong- A supporter of the opposition-led National Super Alliance (NASA) gestures in Nairobi yesterday. hold of Kisumu, thousands of protesters took to the street, commission (IEBC) said were Protest violence immediately The amendments, which now An opposition supporter holds a placard during their protest against Independent Electoral and Boundaries blocking roads, setting heaps of impossible to deliver in the con- after the August election left 37 go to the Senate, will also allow Commission (IEBC) off icials over claims of bungling the August presidential vote, which was nullified by the tyres alight and engaging in run- stitutionally mandated period. people dead, mostly at the hands manual vote counting to super- Supreme Court, in Kisumu, Kenya, yesterday. ning battles with police. A health “All indications are that the of police, according to a Kenyan sede electronically transmit- worker at a local hospital, speak- election scheduled for 26 Octo- rights group. ted results and make tally forms ing on condition of anonymity, ber will be worse than the pre- Since then a series of demon- count even if there is “a devia- said eight people had been ad- vious one,” he said, announcing strations have seen police teargas tion from the requirements of mitted “with gunshot wounds”. his withdrawal Tuesday. Odinga protesters, who in some cases the form”. Among the irregulari- In Nairobi police briefly teargassed is betting on a ruling by the Su- have grown violent, with no ties noted by the Supreme Court protesters who threw stones at pass- preme Court after 2013 elec- deaths recorded. was the number of vote tallying ing cars. However, the crowd later tions – in which he failed to have However the country still has sheets that were unsigned, not dispersed peacefully after speeches the result overturned – which grim memories of the perils of stamped, or did not contain wa- from opposition leaders, helped sought to clarify what happens if post-election violence, with a termarks or serial numbers – de- along by the first heavy rainfall of the an election is invalidated. disputed 2007 poll sparking po- spite the fact that one company season. Kenya’s Supreme Court last That judgement stated that litically-motivated tribal clashes was hired to print them out. month annulled the August election if a candidate dies or withdraws that left some 1,100 dead. In another plot twist, Kenya’s citing widespread irregularities in the from the fresh election, the IEBC Yesterday, Kenya’s national High Court yesterday ruled that counting process and mismanage- must begin presidential nomina- assembly – dominated by the a third presidential candidate ment by election officials, and called tions from scratch. ruling Jubilee party – approved Ekuru Aukot of the Thirdway Al- for a re-run within 60 days. Odinga’s decision is likely to a series of electoral law changes liance, who scored less than 1% The decision was hailed across set the stage for more court bat- that Odinga has argued will make of the vote in the annulled elec- the globe and held up as an op- tles, while deepening a political the “irregularities” cited by the tion, should be allowed on the portunity to deepen Kenyan crisis that has also led to an eco- Supreme Court, legal. Among ballot. However, the Supreme democracy, however the proc- nomic slowdown. these is a law stating that if one Court has previously ruled that ess quickly turned sour, with “One thing is for sure, the candidate withdraws the re- only the petitioner and respond- increasingly ugly rhetoric in- country is entering uncharted maining candidate is declared ent in the case challenging the cluding attacks by Kenyatta on waters and walking the path to elected. However, it is unclear if election outcome should stand the judiciary. Odinga demanded the unknown,” the Daily Nation this would apply to the current in a re-run, and this decision is deep reforms that the election said in an editorial. election. likely to stand. Opposition supporters block streets during a protest in Kisumu, Kenya.

Insurrection trial starts Madagascans battle to evade growing plague outbreak against Rwanda oppn AFP Rakotoarivony is one of many anarivo – but discharged himself quickly to anyone who gets within kill fl eas, public gatherings are Antananarivo on the Indian Ocean island nation before completing his treatment. two metres (six foot) of him.” banned, and schools and univer- who are increasingly fearful of the “Following our eff orts to raise President Hery Rajaonar- sities have been shut. fi gure Rwigara unusually virulent outbreak that awareness about the plague, a imampianina on Tuesday de- “Local health inspectors are he little footbridge near has so far killed 54 people nation- group brought in a 24-year-old scribed tackling the plague in working to identify people infect- Justin Rakatoarivony’s wide and infected 276 in the capi- man who was spitting blood,” military terms. “We are at war... ed with the plague and to inform DPA Paul Kagame in Rwanda’s Au- Thome is submerged in a tal and its outskirts. said Rabenjaminahobianintra and today I think we have the people about the importance of Kigali gust presidential vote, but was murky green liquid the texture of Everyone who crosses the bridge Harimanana, head doctor at the weapons and munitions to fi ght hygiene and cleanliness,” said disqualifi ed on grounds that she sewage. But he has no choice but puts on a brave face despite the Isotry Central health clinic. this epidemic,” he said in his fi rst Randrianarison. “All of the local lacked enough supporting signa- to cross it every day on his way to fl ow of brackish water and domes- “Tests (for plague) came back public comments on the crisis as communities in Antananarivo trial against prominent tures and had forged some. work in Antananarivo, the capital tic rubbish beneath. “The plague positive, so after being given initial he visited aff ected areas. have been taking part in a city- opposition fi gure Diane The 35-year-old insists the of Madagascar. The fi lthy condi- can kill in 12 hours,” Edmond Ra- treatment he was sent to the Am- The current crisis was sparked wide clean-up drive.” ARwigara, who has been charges against her are politi- tions in his area, the southern kotondrasoa, 46, a used-phone bohimiandra Anti-plague Clinic. on August 28 after a single fatality This week, the health ministry charged with insurrection and cally motivated because she has Ampefi loha district, make him salesman, told AFP. Scrap-metal “But he escaped from the cen- in the central town of Ankazobe. trained 384 local health inspec- forgery, was set to begin in the spoken critically of Kagame’s worry that he will be the next merchants do business beside the tre and was seen once again trad- The victim, a passenger in a pub- tors to deal with plague in Antan- east African nation of Rwanda human rights record. victim of the plague outbreak accumulated detritus near the ca- ing in the market.” lic taxi, passed away as the vehicle anarivo. yesterday. Rwigara, who faces up Rwanda — which suff ered a sweeping the country. nal without a thought for the un- Authorities sought to reason travelled across the country. They Among them was Norosoa Ra- to 15 years in jail, arrived yester- genocide in 1994 where ethnic His fear is far from unfound- hygienic surroundings. with him, but he fl ed again. infected two other passengers who harimalala, who works in Ivandry day morning together with her Hutu extremists slaughtered ed: the disease has already killed Madagascar’s outbreak in- He was declared a wanted man died at the beginning of September district in the capital’s north. mother and sister at a court in some 800,000 people in just 100 25 people in Antananarivo since cludes bubonic plague, in which but is still at large. in Tamatave, a town on the island’s Unlike some of those who live the capital, Kigali. days — has won praise for its ad- August, according to the health the germ Yersinia pestis is spread “He was scared because he was east coast that had gone for 100 and walk alongside the fi lthy An- The three women have been vances during the past 20 years, ministry. by infected rats via fl eabites, and a repeat off ender who had been years without a single recorded in- driantany canal, the people of in detention since September 23. but critics say Kagame is a dicta- “The plague is a disease that pneumonic plague, a particularly released from prison,” said Har- stance of the plague. Ivandry have been panicked by Rwigara’s mother and sister have tor who does not tolerate dissent. comes from the fi lth, because the dangerous form which spreads imanana. Now some 500 cases of plague the plague outbreak, according to also been charged with insur- Rwigara is the daughter of the late fi lth attracts rats, and rats carry from person to person via air- “We alerted the police so they have been identifi ed nationwide, Norosoa. rection as well as “discrimina- Assinapol Rwigara, a businessman fl eas which transmit the plague borne droplets. can return him to hospital if they prompting authorities to take They no longer shake hands tion and sectarianism.” Rwigara who fell out with Kagame before his to humans,” said Rakotoarivony, One of the traders there has al- fi nd him.” drastic measures. to greet one another, and avoid tried to run against President death in a car accident in 2015. 45. “I fear getting the plague here, ready been diagnosed as a carrier Hanitra Randrianarison, a Passengers at Antananarivo’s standing close to each other. but I don’t have any choice, I have of pneumonic plague. senior medical offi cial in Antan- transport hubs are subject to “It takes a plague for people in to cross this bridge every day, so I The individual was hospital- anarivo, said “this fugitive patient medical inspections, infected our area to appreciate cleanliness do it at speed.” ised in a specialist clinic in Antan- risks spreading the disease very areas have been fumigated to and hygiene,” said Raharimalala.

No Congo election until mid-2019: commission

Reuters for November 2016 – before Enrolment began in parts of which must take matters into its voters and mobilising hun- Diane Shima Rwigara is escorted by police off icers in Kigali, Rwanda. Kinhasa the end of this year. Kasai, a region ravaged by in- own hands.” dreds of millions of dollars in Dozens of people were killed surrection, in mid-Septem- The opposition suspects Ka- financing. n election to replace last year in protests against Ka- ber and will take about three bila is trying to cling to power His spokesman has repeat- Rebel militia kills 8 civilians in Congo Congolese President bila’s refusal to step down at the months, the commission says. by postponing elections un- edly said that the electoral AJoseph Kabila cannot end of his term. Parts of Demo- That means the vote could not til he can fi nd a way to remove commission operates inde- At least eight villagers have been killed and homes torched in an attack take place before April 2019, cratic Republic of Congo are in be organised until April 2019 at term limits that prevent him pendently and that Kabila has by a Rwandan Hutu-rebel group in North Kivu province in eastern Congo, the electoral commission said, the hands of insurgents who say the earliest. CENI is expected from standing for re-election, no control over the timing of a rights organisation told DPA yesterday. The attack, believed to have a delay that the opposition said they will not stop fi ghting while to announce election dates this as presidents in neighbouring elections. The head of the UN been carried out by members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation would cause an impatient pop- he remains in power. The elec- month. Rwanda and Congo Republic peacekeeping mission in Con- of Rwanda (FDLR), took place Tuesday night, Laurent Kamundu, from ulation to “take matters into its toral commission, CENI, said in “What the CENI has an- have done. go, Maman Sidikou, said CENI local rights group Societe Civile Forces Vives, told DPA. “There were eight own hands”. The schedule out- a statement following a meeting nounced is not an electoral cal- Kabila, who took power af- was badly underfunded. Inter- civilians killed by the FDLR and seven others injured. We also learnt the lined by the electoral commis- with civil society representa- endar but an election-killing ter his father Laurent Kabila national donors have contrib- assailants set several houses on fire and stole one hundred cows,” he said. sion would torpedo an agree- tives on Tuesday that it would agenda,” opposition leader was assassinated in 2001, de- uted only 6% of the $123mn Kamunda added that among those killed was the local police chief. The ment between Kabila’s camp need at least 504 days to organ- Claudel Lubaya told Reuters. nies that, and says the elec- that the United Nations had Congolese army confirmed the attack took place and was carried out by and his opponents to hold the ise the poll once voter registra- “Everything now rests on the tion delays are due to diffi- been expecting, he told the UN the FDLR but declined to give a precise death toll. election – originally scheduled tion is completed. shoulders of the population, culties enrolling millions of Security Council. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, October 12, 2017 AMERICAS

LAW AND ORDER MOTORING DECISION TREND FALLOUT Vegas shooting timeline California to permit Crackdown on visa Most Americans favour Navy commanders sacked raises questions human-free driverless cars abuse to intensify higher taxes for rich: poll over warship collision

The Las Vegas police faced new questions California yesterday unveiled regulations that The US justice and state departments have As President Donald Trump promotes a tax The US navy sacked two top commanders from over their response to last week’s deadly mass would allow autonomous vehicles to operate agreed to share information in order to better plan critics say would raise the federal deficit by a warship that was involved in a collision with a shooting, after releasing a revised chronology in on state roads in test projects without a human probe companies that abuse visa programmes slashing corporate rates and eliminating some tanker off Singapore, citing a “loss of confidence” which the gunman shot a security off icer before, operator. A revised regulation which could take used to hire foreign workers, the latest eff ort taxes paid by the rich, some three quarters of in the off icers. On August 21, the destroyer USS not after, opening fire from his high-rise hotel eff ect in 2018 would eliminate a provision in an by the Trump administration to crack down on Americans believe the wealthiest should pay John S McCain smashed into a tanker as the window. The updated timeline for the bloodiest earlier draft that required “physical control by immigration abuses. The information-sharing more, Reuters/Ipsos polling shows. Trump has warship headed to Singapore, tearing a huge case of gun violence in recent US history a natural person sitting in the vehicle’s driver’s agreement was announced yesterday by the said his tax plan would be a “miracle for the hole in the hull. The collision killed 10 sailors raised new uncertainty over why Stephen seat” in any autonomous car. The language was justice department. Attorney general Jeff middle class” and spur economic growth by and injured five others. That incident came after Paddock ceased firing on concertgoers once he replaced with a requirement for “supervising Sessions has made immigration issues one of creating a better tax climate for businesses. another destroyer, the USS Fitzgerald, collided began, and whether hotel security and police the autonomous technology’s performance his priorities since taking over at the head of Independent analysts have said Trump’s with a Philippine-flagged cargo ship off Japan in co-ordinated as well as first believed. Aden of the dynamic driving task.” The department the department in February. The types of visa blueprint would provide uneven tax relief. A June, leaving seven sailors dead. Commanding Ocampo-Gomez, spokesman of the Las Vegas of motor vehicles said the change was made under scrutiny include the H-1B, a programme Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from September off icer Alfredo J Sanchez and executive off icer Metropolitan Police Department, declined to to remove a requirement which “could be routinely used by technology firms to bring 29 to October 5 found that 53 % of adults Jessie L Sanchez of the USS John S McCain comment on the revised chronology, saying the unnecessarily limiting on the development of skilled foreign workers such as engineers to “strongly agree” that the wealthiest Americans “were relieved of their duties” yesterday, the US agency would discuss the implications later. the technology.” the US. should pay higher tax rates. Seventh Fleet said.

Wildfi res Trump toll rises to 21 as threatens hundreds media over missing Reuters Sonoma, Calif.

irefi ghters fear resurgent ‘fake news’ winds and dry conditions Fwould spread the wildfi res that have killed at least 21 people, Reuters Broadcasters, defended the me- destroyed 3,500 homes and busi- Washington dia’s free speech rights. nesses and blanketed Northern “It is contrary to this funda- California’s famed wine country mental right for any government in smoke. resident Donald Trump yes- offi cial to threaten the revocation Nearly 170,000 acres have terday suggested challeng- of an FCC licence simply because been scorched by 22 large fi res Ping licences for NBC and of a disagreement with the report- in what state fi re offi cials say is other broadcast news networks, a ing of a journalist,” he said in a US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire one of the deadliest wildfi re out- salvo that followed reports his own statement. Trudeau on the South Lawn before the leaders’ meeting on the Nafta trade agreement at the White House in Washington, US, yesterday. breaks in California history. secretary of state had called him a Numerous Democrats criticised More than 550 people were “moron” after a discussion of the Trump and urged Pai to denounce Eminem sears ‘racist’ still missing in Sonoma County US nuclear arsenal. Trump’s comments. Trump at award show yesterday morning, said Jennifer “With all of the Fake News com- Senator Ed Markey wrote to Pai Laroque, a spokeswoman for the ing out of NBC and the Networks, yesterday asking him to “with- Eminem savaged Donald Trump county’s emergency operations at what point is it appropriate to stand any urges from President as a racist and warned fans not to Nielsen ‘to be secretary centres. challenge their Licence? Bad for Trump to harm the news me- support the US president as the It was unclear how many were country!” Trump, a Republican, dia and infringe upon the First rap superstar appeared at the BET fi re victims or had not checked in wrote in a post on Twitter. Amendment,” a reference to the Hip Hop Awards. Eminem, the after evacuating their homes. Trump and his supporters US Constitution’s free speech and top-selling rapper of all time, made Offi cials encouraged evacuees have repeatedly used the term press freedom guarantee. a rare and unexpected appearance of homeland security’ to let their family members know “fake news” to cast doubt on Democratic US Representa- in a recorded video aired during they were all right. critical media reports about his tive Frank Pallone said Trump hip-hop’s premier awards show. Santa Rosa, located in Sonoma administration, often without “seemed to threaten broadcasters’ With a hoodie over his head and Reuters The offi cial announcement of considered well-versed in some County, was particularly hard hit providing any evidence to sup- licences only because he disagreed visceral anger in his voice, Eminem Washington her nomination could come any of the more technical missions by the so-called Tubbs fi re. port their case that the reports with their reporting. rapped freestyle from inside a time, the offi cial said, speaking at the department, such as shar- In some neighbourhoods, were untrue. This threat alone could intimi- parking ramp as an entourage on condition of anonymity. ing cyber threat information block after block was ravaged, Trump kept up his criticism of date the press and lead to skewed stood guard behind him. resident Donald Trump The nomination requires sen- with the private sector. leaving nothing but charred de- the media in an appearance with and unfair reporting.” Eminem in his profanity-laden was expected to nominate ate confi rmation. The department was created bris, broken walls, chimneys and Canadian Prime Minister Justin FCC commissioner Jessica salvo decried Trump as both PKirstjen Nielsen, who as Nielsen’s departure from after the September 11, 2001, at- the steel frames of burned-out Trudeau yesterday, saying: “It Rosenworcel responded to Trump incompetent and prejudiced, rap- the top aide to his White House the White House would mark tacks on the US exposed cracks cars. is frankly disgusting the press is by tweeting a link to an FCC fact ping: “Racism’s the only thing he’s chief of staff has sought to instil the latest upheaval in Trump’s in the country’s homeland secu- “It’s like driving through a able to write whatever it wants to sheet. “Not how it works,” she said fantastic for.” order in Trump’s team, to lead White House team. rity apparatus. war zone,” J J Murphy, 22, one write.” on Twitter. “We better give Obama props / the US department of homeland She was responsible for car- The appointment comes at a of thousands of evacuees, said Any move to challenge media According to a fact sheet on the ‘Cause what we got in off ice now’s security, a White House offi cial rying out some of Kelly’s orders busy time for the department, of the area around his home in companies’ licences, however, FCC website, when reviewing li- a kamikaze / That’ll probably cause said yesterday. on who gets access to the presi- with one of its agencies, the the Sonoma Valley community would likely face signifi cant hur- cences the agency must determine a nuclear holocaust,” Eminem said If confi rmed by the senate, dent. Federal Emergency Manage- of Glen Ellen. Murphy, fi ve rela- dles. if a renewal is in the public inter- in a likely reference to Trump’s Twit- Nielsen would take the reins at As a result, she has irritated ment Agency, overseeing disas- tives, a bird, a dog and two cats The Federal Communications est. ter war of words with North Korean a sprawling department with some White House offi cials who ter relief in hurricane-hit Puerto piled into their camper van to fl ee Commission, an independent The FCC said in the fact sheet strongman Kim Jong-un. more than 240,000 employees now have limited contact with Rico, Texas and Florida as well on Monday, he said. federal agency, does not licence it expects “station licencees to Eminem, who is by far the most that is responsible for US Trump. as wildfi re-ravaged areas of “It’s crazy how in just a few broadcast networks, but issues be aware of the important prob- successful white rapper, ends the border and airport security, Kelly has sought to bring California. hours a place I’ve recognised all them to individual broadcast sta- lems and issues facing their local video by demanding that his fans immigration policy, disaster re- more order to the chaotic West The department also is re- my life I can’t recognize,” he said tions that are renewed on a stag- communities and to foster public forswear Trump. sponse, refugee admissions and Wing since replacing Priebus. sponsible for US border security. at a roadside food stop in the gered basis for eight-year periods. understanding by presenting pro- “Any fan of mine who’s a supporter other matters. Trump has welcomed the The department is a major town of Sonoma. Comcast Corporation, which gramming that relates to those lo- of his — I’m drawing a line in the Nielsen, 45, is a cybersecu- changes to some extent, al- player in implementing Trump’s owns NBC Universal, also owns 11 cal issues.” sand / You’re either for or against,” rity expert with a considerable though he has privately confi ded aggressive stance toward de- broadcast stations, including out- The agency does not issue simi- he said. resume in homeland security to friends that the limitations on porting illegal immigrants, as lets in New York, Washington, Los lar licences for cable networks like Eminem pledged solidarity with that includes work at the de- access to the Oval Offi ce some- well as vetting the lower number Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, CNN and MSNBC, or regulate in- former San Francisco 49ers quar- partment’s transportation se- times go too far. of refugees Trump has decided Dallas and Chicago. ternet news or other websites. terback Colin Kaepernick, whose curity administration and on Putting Nielsen into the to allow into the US. Dove ad A Comcast spokeswoman re- The FCC has said the First protests against racism during the Republican former president homeland security post will al- “It seems like a low-drama ferred questions to NBC, which Amendment “expressly prohibits US national anthem have triggered George W Bush’s White House low Trump and Kelly to keep a pick. It’s a little concerning that did not respond yesterday. the commission from censoring an intensifying row as Trump homeland security council. close eye on the department, she seems to have little back- not racist, ABC, owned by Walt Disney Co, broadcast matter” and that its role demands that athletes stand for Nielsen was retired Marine but getting her out of the White ground in immigration security declined to comment. “in overseeing programme con- the flag. Corps General John Kelly’s chief House could permit some relax- and policy, but those individual Shares in media companies fell tent is very limited.” Trump “gets an enormous reaction of staff when he was secretary ing of Kelly’s strictness. agencies are in good hands al- says model after Trump’s tweet, potentially In the early 1970s, then-pres- when he attacks the NFL/So we of homeland security during Cybersecurity is one of the ready, and there is a strong core refl ecting concerns the war of ident Richard Nixon and his top focus on that instead of talking the opening months of Trump’s primary issues under the home- of career managers,” said Jes- words could escalate. aides discussed using the FCC’s Puerto Rico or gun control for Ne- presidency. land security department’s sica Vaughan, director of policy AFP A spokesman for FCC chairman licence renewal process as a way vada,” Eminem rapped, referring to Kelly brought her to the sprawling portfolio. studies at the Center for Immi- London Ajit Pai did not immediately com- of punishing the Washington Post the devastation of Hurricane Maria White House as his deputy when Nielsen previously worked gration Studies, which favours ment. for its coverage of the Watergate and the massacre at a concert in Trump named him chief of staff at a cyber thinktank at George more limits on immigration. Gordon Smith, the chief execu- burglary that ultimately brought Las Vegas. in July to replace Reince Priebus Washington University, blocks Politico fi rst reported the ap- he black model who ap- tive of the National Association of down his presidency. after only six months on the job. from the White House, and is pointment. peared in a Dove advert Twhich triggered accusa- tions of racism yesterday insisted she was not a victim and that the commercial had been misinter- preted. However, Lola Ogunyemi said List of Weinstein accusers grows viewers were “justifi ed in their initial outrage” over the body wash advert she starred in, which AFP began to “brag” about how he “relieved” to have shared her children with Weinstein. she said had made her “the un- Washington “made the careers” of actresses story, and urged other women and After the New York Times witting poster child for racist ad- he claimed to have slept with, be- girls to speak out if they have ex- broke the story last week, Wein- vertising”. fore inviting her to his room. perienced abuse. stein initially told US media that The three-second video clip, odel and actress Cara Delevingne said she initially “In every industry and espe- Chapman was standing by him. which appeared on Facebook in Delevingne yesterday declined, but ended up going after cially in Hollywood, men abuse Weinstein told the New York Post the US, showed Ogunyemi re- Maccused disgraced Hol- his assistant insisted her car had their power using fear and get that Chapman was helping him moving her top, revealing a white lywood mogul Harvey Weinstein not yet arrived. away with it,” she said, adding an- become “a better human” and to woman underneath. This woman of propositioning her and at- “At that moment I felt very yone who defends abusers is “part “apologise to people for my bad then took off her t-shirt as well, tempting to kiss her after a meet- powerless,” she recalled. of the problem.” behaviour, to say I’m sorry, and to revealing an Asian woman. ing about an upcoming fi lm. Delevingne alleged Weinstein Meanwhile Weinstein’s wife absolutely mean it.” The Dove personal care brand, In a statement released via her tried to assault her but she man- Georgina Chapman said she was In the Times report, eight owned by Dutch food and con- publicist, the 25-year-old al- aged to get out of the room. leaving the disgraced producer. women accused the Hollywood sumer products giant Unilever, leged she had initially received Delevingne said she still got a Chapman, a fashion designer mogul of sexual harassment, apologised after a deluge of so- an “uncomfortable call” from the part in the fi lm — but “felt aw- for high-end brand Marchesa, de- saying he had asked for massages cial media users deemed the ad- producer, during which he ques- ful” as she “always thought that scribed herself as “heartbroken,” during business meetings in ho- vert racist. tioned her about her sexuality. he gave it to me because of what in a statement she made to People tel rooms — at which he some- Ogunyemi said the full “A year or two later,” she added, happened.” Magazine. times allegedly opened the door 30-second television commer- she was invited to a meeting in the “I was so hesitant about speak- “My heart breaks for all the naked and made other unwanted cial, featuring seven models an- lobby of a hotel with Weinstein ing out...I didn’t want to hurt women who have suff ered tre- advances. swering the question “If your and another director. his family. I felt guilty as if I did mendous pain because of these Actresses Angelina Jolie, skin were a wash label, what The Paper Towns and Suicide something wrong,” she added. unforgivable actions. I have cho- Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd would it say?”, “does a much bet- Squad star claimed that, as soon Writing on her Instagram page, sen to leave my husband,” said have all given accounts of Wein- ter job of making the campaign’s as they were alone, Weinstein Delevingne explained she feels Chapman, who has two young stein’s inappropriate behaviour. message loud and clear”. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 13 AISA/AUSTRALASIA

Army in ‘systematic’ bid to drive Rohingya from Myanmar: UN

AFP “Brutal attacks against Ro- neighbouring Bangladesh since gust 25, possibly in early August, ing the attacks, megaphones and knowledge”, the report said. arrived in Bangladesh between Geneva hingya in northern Rakhine state attacks by militants on Myan- contradicting claims by Myan- were used to announce: ‘You do “Eff orts were taken to eff ectively September 14 and 24. have been well-organised, co- mar’s security forces in Rakhine mar that the crackdown was a re- not belong here – go to Bangla- erase signs of memorable land- The UN team said it spoke to ordinated and systematic, with on August 25, which sparked a sponse to militant strikes. desh. If you do not leave, we will marks in the geography of the hundreds of people in 65 inter- yanmar’s “systematic” the intent of not only driving the major military backlash. More The investigation broadly out- torch your houses and kill you’,” Rohingya landscape and memo- views, some with individuals and crackdown on the Ro- population out of Myanmar but than half a million people have lines an army-led campaign to the UN said. ry in such a way that a return to some with groups as large as 40. Mhingya has been designed preventing them from returning fl ed in the latest exodus, accord- erase the Rohingya’s connection Teachers as well as cultural, their lands would yield nothing UN human rights chief Zeid to permanently eliminate the mi- to their homes,” a UN investiga- ing to the UN. The UN probe to their homeland in the majority religious and community leaders but a desolate and unrecognis- Ra’ad al-Hussein, has previ- nority Muslim community from tion found. found that the latest wave of mil- Buddhist nation, where they have have also been targeted in the lat- able terrain,” it added. ously described the crackdown their home in Rakhine state, the The probe is based on inter- itary “clearance operations” in suff ered persecution for decades. est crackdown “in an eff ort to di- The fi ndings were based on as “a textbook example of ethnic United Nations said yesterday. views with people who fl ed to Rakhine in fact began before Au- “In some cases, before and dur- minish Rohingya history, culture interviews with Rohingya who cleansing.” Trial sees video Replenishment-at-sea of Kim Jong-nam on stretcher

AFP attached to his face and sur- Shah Alam, Malaysia rounded by paramedics. The paramedics are seen treating him in a corridor before ootage of the North Ko- he is wheeled into an elevator. rean leader’s half-brother Earlier, the court saw CCTV Fbeing wheeled out of a footage of Kim arriving at the Malaysian airport on a stretcher departure hall of Kuala Lumpur after being poisoned was shown International Airport’s budget at the trial of his alleged killers terminal and heading towards yesterday. Video from airport a check-in counter. Another security cameras also showed video showed Aisyah, 25, run- Kim Jong-nam having diffi culty ning out of the departure hall walking after the attack, and and later leaving a toilet. footage of two women who al- Huong, 29, was shown in legedly murdered him fl eeing footage entering a toilet. the scene. The pair are later shown in Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong the taxi pick-up area of the air- and Indonesian Siti Aisyah port and Aisyah is seen getting are accused of murdering Kim Kim Jong-nam into a taxi. Police offi cer Wan on February 13 by rubbing the Azirul Nizam Che Wan Aziz nerve agent VX on his face in a half-brother of Kim Jong-Un shown footage of Kim being testifi ed Tuesday that Huong Cold War-style hit that stunned at the airport near the capital accompanied by airport staff had attacked Kim in a “quite the world. Police told the court Kuala Lumpur. to an on-site medical clinic aggressive” fashion and had he had been carrying the equiv- The defendants say they after the attack. carried out an apparent prac- alent of about $100,000 at the were duped into believing they At fi rst he looked fi ne and tice run at the airport two days time. were taking part in a prank for was walking normally but later earlier. The women, who were ar- a reality TV show, and their footage showed him taking Wan Azirul also said yester- rested a few days afterwards lawyers blame North Korean small steps and staggering. day that money equivalent to and face death by hanging if agents for the assassination. He was then shown lying on about $100,000 was found in convicted, have pleaded not Yesterday, the Shah Alam High a wheeled stretcher, with some Kim’s bag. He said it was being guilty to killing the estranged Court outside the capital was sort of breathing equipment kept by the Malaysian police.

US military chopper bursts into flames in Japan: minister

An American military helicopter helicopter landed, a fire started. comment. In December, five other countries involving the burst into flames after landing We have received information crewmembers aboard a US hybrid aircraft. in an empty field in Okinawa that all crew members were safe,” Marine MV-22 Osprey were In August, US Marines were yesterday, the Japanese defence Onodera told reporters. injured after what the Pentagon forced to mount a major search minister said, with no injuries Japanese authorities asked described as a “mishap” resulting and rescue mission after an MV- reported. The US military told the US military to provide a full in the plane landing in shallow 22 Osprey crashed of the east Japanese authorities that their report and take steps to prevent water off Okinawa. coast of Australia. CH-53 transport helicopter a similar accident. “Accidents At that time, Prime Minister They rescued 23 out of the “landed” before the fire erupted by the US Marine Corps are Shinzo Abe said it was “very 26 personnel and eventually in the early evening just outside continuing. We want to com- regrettable” that a “serious called off the hunt for the three a training ground on the island, municate to the US side that accident” had occurred and remaining crew. More than said Itsunori Onodera. we demand safe operations,” stressed that the plane’s safety half the approximately 47,000 National broadcaster NHK Onodera said. record was a “pre-requisite” American troops in Japan under showed dramatic footage of According to eyewitnesses cited to the aircraft’s deployment a decades-long security alliance Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force ship JS Shimakaze steams behind the Navy’s forward-deployed firefighters battling orange flames by NHK, the accident occurred in Japan. The deployment of are stationed on Okinawa, the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, during a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command’s after dark and plumes of black shortly after 5:30pm. Off icials Ospreys in Japan has prompted site of a major World War II battle fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson in waters around Okinawa southwest of the Korean smoke billowing into the sky. from the US Marines based in protests by Okinawa residents that was followed by a 27-year US peninsula, yesterday. “When the US Marine Corp CH-53 Okinawa could not immediately after a series of accidents in occupation of the island. Refugees on Manus Japan’s Koike: a political paradox Island can move to Nauru, says Australia shakes things up ahead of election

DPA Tuesday night advising refugees Reuters is the driving force – and public often sings the praises of di- Sydney of the transfer option. “Sending Tokyo face – of her upstart party. versity. refugees from Manus prison camp In many ways, Koike is a par- Like Abe, she advocates open- to Nauru is unacceptable. adox, interviews with people ing Japan to more highly skilled auru has agreed to tem- How can the government want apan’s Yuriko Koike says who know her and a review of foreign workers. Also like Abe, porarily take refugees to send people from hell to an- she went into politics to be her career show. She’s a global she has visited Yasukuni Shrine Nfrom Australian-run other hell after 4yrs?” Behrouz Ja player, not a bystander. thinker with a nationalist tinge; for war dead, seen in China and off shore immigration camps on Boochani, a refugee on Manus Now Tokyo’s fi rst female gov- an entrepreneurial outsider who South Korea as a symbol of Ja- Papua New Guinea’s Manus Is- Island, wrote on Twitter. Ac- ernor is shaking things up as her climbed the ladder with help pan’s past militarism, but told land who are currently awaiting cording to the Melbourne-based new “Party of Hope” challenges from old-boy mentors, and a Reuters she would not do so if resettlement, a government offi - Human Rights Law Centre, there Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s risk taker who has baulked at she became premier. cial said yesterday. “The govern- are more than 2000 people, in- ruling bloc in an October 22 poll, perhaps her biggest gamble by Koike also espouses some ment of Nauru has agreed to re- cluding 169 children, languish- called by the Japanese leader to declining to run in the national causes dear to Japan’s rightwing, ceive PNG-determined refugees ing since 2014 in the Manus and seek a fresh mandate after nearly election now. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, head of Japan’s Party of Hope, speaks including revising the post-war, in Nauru to await third country Nauru camps, where the liv- fi ve years in offi ce. Koike has made no secret of during an interview in Tokyo, Japan. pacifi st constitution. resettlement,” a spokeswoman ing conditions have been con- When the Berlin Wall divid- her ambition to be Japan’s fi rst In the past, she has even sug- for the Australian Immigration demned by the United Nations ing East and West Germany was woman prime minister – her ground that sets her apart from populism – a skill she is using gested Japan should consider Department said a statement. and human rights groups. breached in 1989, Koike was pet female terrier is nicknamed many Japanese politicians, in- as she tries to differentiate her acquiring nuclear weapons, “Relocation is voluntary; no one Some 52 refugees left for the a 37-year-old TV announcer. “So-chan” – a diminutive for cluding Abe, who are scions of conservative party from Abe’s breaking a taboo in the only will be forced to move to Nauru.” United States on a resettlement Three years later, she ran for “sori” or “premier” in Japanese. blue-blood political dynasties. equally conservative LDP with country to suff er a nuclear at- She said the government was deal last month. parliament. “The world was She has already cracked a few Her origins may account for a promises to “break the fetters” tack. She also opposes local vot- working with the Nauru and Pa- The opposition Labor Party’s changing immensely, so I went glass ceilings. style that admirers say has more of vested interest politics. She ing rights for foreign residents, pua New Guinea to “implement immigration spokesman, Shay- from news presenter to news- She became the country’s in common with venture capi- calls her party’s economic pol- many of whom are of Korean appropriate arrangements for ne Neumann, said transferring maker. I decided Japanese poli- fi rst female defence minister in talists than staid lawmakers. icies “Yurinomics” in contrast descent. people” currently at the Manus refugees from Manus Island to tics was moving too slowly and 2007, although stepped down “She’s not afraid to take initia- to Abe’s “Abenomics, and its “There is a dark side that regional processing centre. The Nauru was a “glaring admission rather than be an outside critic, I after 55 days after a tussle with a tives, which in most of Japan is platform includes “12 Zeroes” doesn’t jibe with a more open- Manus detention centre is slated of failure” by the government. should become ... a player on the top bureaucrat. She was also the deeply frowned upon,” said a it wants to achieve, including minded, dare we say, liberal for closure at the end of this month “Transferring up to 700 refu- inside,” Koike told Reuters in an fi rst woman to run for the rul- person who has known her for “zero hayfever”, and “zero eu- view,” said her long-time ac- after being ruled illegal by Papua gees from one centre to another interview. ing Liberal Democratic Party’s 25 years and advises on fi nancial thanasia of unwanted pets”. A quaintance. New Guinea’s Supreme Court. is not a long-term solution – Koike, who defi ed Abe’s party top leadership post in 2008, but reforms. “In Japan, it’s subtlety graduate of Cairo University Koike migrated through sev- Asylum-seekers on Manus report- these people urgently need viable last year to run for governor, came in a distant third. within riddles, but she’s blunt.” in 1976 who speaks Arabic and eral parties before joining the ed that a note had appeared at the third country resettlement op- isn’t seeking a seat in parlia- Koike comes from a business Koike has a talent for politi- English, Koike in some ways LDP in 2002, only to abandon it immigration detention centre on tions,” Neumann said yesterday. ment’s lower house herself, but family in western Japan, a back- cal marketing – critics call it has a global perspective and after becoming governor. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, October 12, 2017 BRITAIN

PEOPLE LEGAL DECISION DATA CRIME Trump ‘to make working Gender-neutral passports Sir John Soane’s Museum Over 410,000 Romanians £50,000 reward off ered for visit to UK early next year’ bid reaches High Court to be open on Sundays and Bulgarians living in UK leads to suspected killer

Donald Trump is set to visit Britain early next A campaigner seeking gender-neutral passports One of London’s smallest museums has changed The large flow of migration into the UK from The mother of a man stabbed to death in a year — but for a stripped-down trip that will not yesterday won the right to mount a challenge its opening hours to meet soaring demand. Sir Romania and Bulgaria was revealed yesterday London bar yesterday issued a heart-rending include staying with the Queen. Diplomats are against the government in the High Court. Christie John Soane’s Museum, which only has room for as off icial figures showed that 413,000 people appeal to find his suspected killer as a £50,000 discussing plans for a “working visit” by the Elan-Cane believes Britain’s passport application 85 people at a time, is now open on Sundays from the two EU countries are now living in reward was off ered to catch Britain’s most US president. Instead of a red carpet event to process is inappropriate. At a hearing in London, after attracting a record 121,504 visitors in Britain. The Off ice for National Statistics said wanted fugitive. Josh Hanson, 21, was knifed showcase the special relationship, it is likely to high court judge Andrew Gilbart granted the the last year. The building, once the home of that Romanians accounted for four-fifths of the in the neck at the RE bar in Eastcote in a form part of a tour of several countries by Trump. campaigner permission to bring a judicial review. A acclaimed 19th-century architect Sir John Soane, total, which has risen sharply since 2014 when “motiveless” attack in October 2015. The chief The downgrading of Trump’s first trip as president date for the challenge hearing has yet to be fixed. “I is crammed with his collection of more than they were given unrestricted rights to work suspect, Shane O’Brien, 28, now heads the to the UK follows the huge controversy when am really elated but it is just one stage. There’s still 40,000 antiquities, sculptures and paintings and here. Most of the arrivals were in work, with a National Crime Agency’s “most wanted” list. Theresa May tried to steal a march on other world lots of work to do,” Elan-Cane said. The campaigner is known for its regular late-night candlelit tours. quarter employed in either construction and Detectives yesterday released an image showing leaders by off ering a state visit as a guest of the claimed the government was discriminating It has seen visitor numbers rise by more than distribution or hotels and restaurants. The two O’Brien with a distinctive new back tattoo of an Queen. A source close to Sadiq Khan said the against its citizens in recognising gender-neutral 10% over the past five years. It is now open from nations also provide 11% of the entire workforce owl holding a skull. Scotland Yard also revealed London mayor, who led criticism of the state visit passports held by citizens of other countries but Wednesday to Sunday, after previously being of EU nationals in Britain. By contrast, only 6,200 he was flown out of the country on a private jet invitation, would not object to a working visit. not off ering them to UK nationals. open from Tuesday to Saturday. Britons live in Romania and Bulgaria. soon after the killing.

Corbyn Support for Bombardier workers demands Hammond benefi ts rethink stresses ‘need Guardian News and Media London

eremy Corbyn has called on Theresa May to rethink the Jtroubled universal credit ben- for speed’ on efi ts system and abolish the charge for its helpline, which costs frus- trated claimants up to 55p a minute to call from a mobile phone. The pair clashed on the issue of welfare in May’s fi rst prime minis- ter’s questions since her disastrous Brexit talks conference speech, which led to an attempted coup against her leader- Reuters has set out plans to seek a transi- British lawmakers to walk away ship by the former party chairman London tion period after March 2019 with from the talks and start preparing Grant Shapps. a set time limit. During that pe- for a clean break with the bloc. With her position still under riod, Britain wants to operate un- Hammond is considered one threat, the SNP also mocked May inance Minister Philip der the same rules as it currently of the most pro-EU members of for failing to say whether she would Hammond yesterday said does to provide certainty for Prime Minister Theresa May’s vote for Brexit in another refer- Fthe value of a transitional businesses while allowing new Cabinet, and pro-Brexit law- endum, and she was challenged Brexit deal would decline rapidly arrangements to be put in place. makers and campaigners have by some of her own backbenchers if talks to agree it drag into next Business leaders have repeat- accused him of trying to water over whether she was suffi ciently year, but said it was too soon to edly called for clarity on the down or even halt Britain’s exit. preparing for leaving the EU with spend money on contingency trading conditions they will face He said the government was no deal. Corbyn chose to direct his plans. during the transition period and planning for all possibilities, in- questions to May largely on the Negotiations on the terms of beyond. cluding Britain’s leaving with subject of diffi culties with univer- Britain’s exit from the European Some — including banks in no agreement on the terms of its sal credit, a new system that rolls Union have made slow progress London’s fi nancial sector — are departure or how the two would six benefi ts into a single monthly before a March 2019 deadline. making arrangements to move build a new relationship. payment. The Labour leader point- Talks on a transition period overseas to ensure continued ac- He said £250mn was being ed out that some claimants have have not even begun. cess to the EU market. spent on planning for all sce- had to wait more than six weeks for And while Hammond thinks Hammond said lack of direc- narios. their fi rst payments. it’s too early to begin enacting tion to talks was hurting business But he rejected the idea that He called for the prime minister contingency plans for a failure investment and consumer confi - Britain should begin putting “no to “show some humanity” by mak- to reach an agreement, EU dip- dence, and one of his top advisors deal” contingency arrangements ing the helpline that assists claim- lomats and offi cials are putting said international banks would in place, including a suggestion ants who have problems with uni- renewed focus on preparing for a make decisions to move in the from a member of his own party versal credit free. legal limbo after March 2019. fi rst three months of 2018. that the government should start May said “changes have been Their eff orts have intensifi ed Britain had hoped EU leaders spending money to beef up bor- made, and performance has in- as Brexit negotiations stall on is- would agree to start talking about der and customs capabilities. creased” following concerns that sues like the bill Britain must pay the future at a summit next week. “Some are urging me to spend people were having to borrow and to leave and the future of North- But European Council presi- money simply to send a message fall into rent arrears because of de- ern Ireland’s land border with the dent Donald Tusk poured cold to the EU that we mean business. lays with payments. EU. water on that idea on Tuesday, I think the EU knows that we “For example, at the beginning If progress does not pick up, saying he hoped it could happen mean business,” Hammond said. of this year only 55% of people were Hammond said, a transition in December. “I don’t believe we should be in getting their fi rst payment on time, agreement will rapidly dimin- Hammond called on the EU to the business of making potential- (now) that is over 80%,” she said. ish in value. “It is self-evident to change their approach, warning ly nugatory expenditure until the “Of course there is more for us to me...that a transitional arrange- of the possibility of a bad-tem- very last moment when we need do and that’s why the department ment is a wasting asset. It has a pered breakdown in talks which to do so.” for work and pensions continues value today. It will still have a very would see EU countries acting However, Hammond warned to monitor this and continue to en- high value at Christmas, early in against their own interest. that he would have to start sure the performance increases.” the new year,” Hammond said. “We have made the running in spending in 2018 if there was no Heidi Allen, a Conservative MP, “But as we move through 2018 this and we really need our Euro- clear prospect of a transitional added to concerns, saying there its value to everybody will dimin- pean Union partners to engage... deal. were many on the government’s ish signifi cantly. And I think our we are not asking them to sign up. “There will be some areas benches who believed changes European partners need to think We are not asking them to write where we need to start spending were needed. May defended the very carefully about the need for blank cheques. We are simply money in the new year if we can’t principle of universal credit and speed in order to protect the po- asking them to start talking to tell ourselves that we are mov- argued it was incentivising people Members of the Unite trade union protest outside the Houses of Parliament in support of tential value to all of us of having us,” he said. ing steadily and pretty assuredly to work more, but agreed to have a Bombardier workers in London yesterday. an interim period.” The limited progress in Brus- towards a transition agreement,” meeting with Allen. Prime Minister Theresa May sels has drawn calls from some he said. Ofgem caps energy Repair time 700,000 Brits’ details hacked in cyberattack prices for 1mn homes Guardian News and Media “We have been pressing Equifax London to confi rm the scale and any im- pact on UK citizens and, from the Guardian News and Media in winter 2018-19. managing director of home prod- outset, we advised the fi rm to alert London Dermot Nolan, the chief execu- ucts and services. quifax has admitted that al- and support victims.” tive of the energy regulator, said: Gillian Guy, the chief executive most 700,000 UK consum- Equifax – based in Atlanta, “Ofgem shares the government’s of Citizens Advice, said the move Eers have had their personal Georgia – discovered the hack in he electricity and gas bills of concern that the energy market is by Ofgem was “a warning to ener- details accessed following a cyber- July but only informed consumers 1mn more households will not working for all consumers and gy fi rms that they can no longer get attack, a fi gure far higher than pre- last month, leading the informa- Tbe capped this winter after is determined to reduce the detri- away with ripping off their poorest viously thought. tion commissioner to order the the energy regulator, Ofgem, ex- ment suff ered by those overpaying customers”. As well as aff ecting more Brit- company to inform British resi- tended a price cap for vulnerable for their energy, particularly those The government is today due to ons, the hack also resulted in sig- dents “at the earliest opportunity” customers. The move is an interim who are vulnerable.” publish a draft energy bill for the nifi cantly more damaging data if their personal information had step towards Theresa May’s prom- Greg Clark, the business sec- cap on standard variable tariff s, being leaked on those who were been put at risk. ise to put a ceiling on bills using retary, welcomed the regulator’s which is unlikely to take eff ect un- aff ected. The information lost by The move came after Equifax standard variable tariff s, the poor- move but said stronger action was til next winter at the earliest. No- the US credit monitoring fi rm in- said a hack had exposed the social value rates that about two-thirds needed. “I don’t think it goes far lan said that Ofgem “stands ready” cluded partial credit card details, security numbers and other data of consumers are on. enough and fast enough. I think it’s to put in place a broader price cap phone numbers and driving li- of about 143mn Americans. Ofgem said the extra 1mn important that consumers who are once royal assent has been given to cence numbers. Lenders rely on the information households would save £120 on overpaying should be given some any bill passed by parliament. The information commis- collected by credit bureaux such average on their annual dual fuel relief from that,” he said. “We are in a position to go for- sioner’s offi ce said that it was still as Equifax to help them decide bill once the so-called safeguard “That’s why I will proceed and ward fairly quickly after royal as- investigating the company, which whether to approve fi nancing for tariff took eff ect by February. bring forward legislation later this sent is given. My guess is that all had initially claimed just 400,000 homes, cars and credit cards. “This will provide some short- week that will compel them to do going well, it could be fi ve months British residents had been af- Equifax said a fi le containing term relief for vulnerable custom- that.” Consumer groups said the (after royal assent). Possibly it fected. 15.2mn UK records, dated between ers ahead of government plans for measure was a step in the right di- could be more, possibly it could be “We continue to investigate 2011 and 2016, was hacked and an energy price cap being realised,” rection before a wider price cap is less.” what happened at Equifax and included data from “actual” con- it said. introduced by the government. John Penrose, the Conservative how UK citizen’s information sumers, as well as test and dupli- The cap will protect households “The implementation of a mar- MP who led calls in his party for a came to be compromised,” an ICO cate data. that are in receipt of the warm ket-wide price cap is clearly going cap before the Tory party confer- spokesperson confi rmed. “It is a The company said its investiga- home discount, an existing pay- to take some time, so it’s right that ence, said the government should Scaff olders work on the Big Ben clock tower which complex and fast-moving case tion found that it would need to ment for people on certain ben- the regulator is looking to more look at introducing the wider cap is undergoing maintenance in Westminster, London, and we are working closely with contact 693,665 British consum- efi ts. Ofgem said the cap would be quickly protect the most vulner- in time for this winter, rather than yesterday. other UK regulators and our coun- ers by post to tell them how to pro- extended to a further 2mn people able,” said Alex Neill, the Which? next winter. terparts in Canada and the US. tect against any potential risk. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 15 EUROPE

OPINION VERDICT WILDLIFE OFFBEAT CRISIS Moscow ‘may demand’ French police attackers get Half-starved lion cub Italian granted sick Polluted chicken muck piles US cut diplomatic staff jail for burning squad car found abandoned in flat pay to care for ill dog up in The Netherlands

Russia does not rule out ordering the US to cut its A Paris judge yesterday handed down jail terms of A half-starved lion cub was found in an empty An Italian woman has won her battle to be granted Tonnes of chicken muck contaminated with a diplomatic staff in Russia to 300 people or fewer, up to seven years to protesters who attacked and apartment in a gritty Paris suburb after being sick pay for days she took off to look after her banned insecticide are piling up in hundreds RIA news agency quoted a foreign ministry off icial torched a police car with two off icers inside in what abandoned by a man who hired the creature to poorly dog, in a first for the pet-loving country. The of Dutch poultry farms hit by the tainted- as saying. In July, Moscow told the US to slash the he described as an “urban guerrilla scene”. Swiss show off , investigators said yesterday. Police began woman, a Rome academic, won her case with the egg scandal, off icials said yesterday. “Poultry number of its staff working in Russia by around national Joachim Landwehr, who is on the run and hunting for the cub after noticing selfies on social help of lawyers from the Italian Anti-Vivisection farmers, who are already on the edge of a 60%, to 455, in a further sign of souring relations. was tried in absentia, was sentenced to seven years media of the 24-year-old man posing with his tawny League (LAV), one of the biggest animal rights financial abyss, don’t have any way of getting The figure of 455 also included Russian nationals for throwing a smoke bomb into the car during the pet. On Tuesday, they caught up with the man at his groups in Europe, the organisation said yesterday. rid of the contaminated manure,” said Hennie working at the UN in New York, Georgy Borisenko, attack in May 2016. Six others were also convicted home east of Paris, but discovered he had left the A judge accepted the lawyers’ case that her de Haan, president of the Dutch Poultry Farmers head of the foreign ministry’s North America for their part in the attack, which took place after lion at another address. On arriving at an apartment university should count her two days off under association (NVP). More than two months after department, said. “The fact that we took into a police demonstration against the violence in the northeastern Noisy-le-Sec suburb, the fire an allowance for absences related to “serious or the tainted-egg crisis erupted and Dutch off icials account the people working for Russia’s mission at directed at off icers during anti-government service found the abandoned cub “wasting away”. family personal reasons”. Their argument was closed down poultry farms where the banned the UN, this was good will,” Borisenko said. “If they protests. Dozens of police were on hand yesterday After being captured with a lasso, the startled lion underpinned by a provision in Italy’s penal code substance fipronil was found in their eggs, haven’t appreciated this, we have the full right to as around 40 protesters gathered outside the was placed in the care of an animal rights group. that provides for people who abandon an animal to farmers are still waiting to get rid of the chicken reduce the number of US diplomats,” he said. courthouse to learn the verdicts. The man was taken into custody. “grave suff ering” to be jailed for a year. muck.

‘No proof’ Kaspersky Spain gives software used for Catalan leader hacking

Reuters Berlin 8 days to drop ermany’s BSI federal cy- ber agency said yester- Gday it had no evidence to back media reports that Rus- sian hackers used Kaspersky Lab antivirus software to spy on US independence authorities. “There are no plans to warn against the use of Kasper- Reuters 155 would be triggered. “Neither Puigdemont nor sky products since the BSI has Madrid/Barcelona It is not yet clear if the Cata- anyone else can claim, without no evidence for misconduct by lan government will answer the returning to legality and democ- the company or weaknesses in its requirement but it now faces a racy, to impose mediation... Dia- software,” BSI said in an e-mailed panish Prime Minister Mari- conundrum, analysts say. logue between democrats takes response to questions about the ano Rajoy yesterday gave the If Puigdemont says he did pro- place within the law,” Deputy latest media reports. SCatalan government eight claim independence, the central Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de “The BSI has no indications days to drop an independence bid, government will step in. Santamaria said. at this time that the process oc- failing which he would suspend If he says he did not declare it, Invoking Article 155 to ease curred as described in the media.” the Catalonia’s political autonomy then far-left party CUP would Spain’s worst political crisis in Germany’s BSI, which also uses and rule the region directly. probably withdraw its support four decades would make pros- Kaspersky products for technical His move could deepen the for his minority government. pects of a negotiated solution analyses, said it was in touch with confrontation between Madrid “Rajoy has two objectives: if even more remote. A spokesman US offi cials and other security and the northeastern region but Puigdemont remains ambiguous, for the Catalan government in agencies about the issue so it could also signals a way out of Spain’s the pro-independence move- Barcelona said earlier yesterday take action and issue a warning on biggest political crisis since a ment will get more fragmented; that if Madrid went down this short notice if required. failed military coup in 1981. if Puigdemont insists on defend- road, it would press ahead with It said German government Rajoy would probably call a ing independence then Rajoy will steps towards statehood. agencies could use software pro- snap regional election after ac- be able to apply Article 155,” said “We have given up absolutely tection for clients and servers tivating Article 155 of the con- Antonio Barroso, deputy director nothing...We have taken a time that is off ered by CANCOM on- stitution that would allow him of the London-based research out...which doesn’t mean a step line GmbH, which works together to sack the Catalan regional gov- fi rm Teneo Intelligence. backwards, or a renunciation or with Trend Micro. The New York ernment. “Either way, Rajoy’s aim would anything like that,” Catalan gov- Times reported that Israeli intel- Catalan leader Carles Puig- be to fi rst restore the rule of law ernment spokesman Jordi Turull ligence offi cials spying on Russian demont issued a symbolic dec- in Catalonia and this could at told Catalunya Radio. government hackers found they laration of independence from some point lead to early elections Spanish Socialist opposi- were using Kaspersky software Spain on Tuesday night but then in the region.” tion leader Pedro Sanchez said as a sort of Google search to fi nd immediately suspended it and The stakes are high — losing he would back Rajoy if he had sensitive data stored by US gov- called for negotiations with the Catalonia, which has its own lan- to activate Article 155 and that ernment agencies and others. Madrid government. guage and culture, would deprive he agreed with the premier to It said the Russian operation “The Cabinet has yesterday Spain of a fi fth of its economic launch constitutional reform also stole classifi ed documents agreed to formally request the output and more than a quarter within six months to address from a US National Security Catalan government to confi rm of exports. how Catalonia could fi t better in Agency employee who had im- whether it has declared the inde- Puigdemont had been widely Spain. properly stored them on his home pendence of Catalonia, regard- expected to unilaterally declare It was not clear how the Cata- computer, which had Kaspersky less of the deliberate confusion Catalonia’s independence on lan government would respond antivirus software installed on it. created over its implementation,” Tuesday after the Catalan gov- to that off er. Last month, the US National Rajoy said in a televised address ernment said 90% of Catalans Puigdemont’s speech also dis- Intelligence Council completed after a Cabinet meeting called had voted for a breakaway in an appointed supporters of inde- a classifi ed report that it shared to consider the government’s re- October 1 referendum. pendence, thousands of whom with Nato allies concluding that sponse. Central authorities in Madrid watched proceedings on giant Russia’s FSB intelligence service He later told Spain’s par- had declared the referendum il- screens outside parliament be- had “probable access” to Kasper- liament the Catalan govern- legal and most opponents of in- fore sadly leaving for home. sky customer databases and ment had until October 16 at dependence boycotted it, reduc- At European Union headquar- source code, the Post reported. 0800GMT to answer. ing turnout to around 43%. ters in Brussels, there was re- That access, it concluded, could If Puigdemont was to confi rm Madrid responded angrily to lief that Spain, the euro zone’s help enable cyberattacks against he did declare independence, he Puigdemont’s speech to Cata- fourth-largest economy, now US government, commercial and would be given an additional three lonia’s parliament, saying his had at least bought some time to industrial control networks, the A man wears a backpack with the colours of the Catalan separatist flag as he walks in El Born district in days to rectify it, until October 19 government could not act on the deal with a crisis that was still far Washington Post reported. Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. at 0800GMT. Failing this, Article results of the referendum. from over.

Puppy love Italy moves closer to new Portuguese ex-PM electoral law for 2018 vote indicted in graft probe Reuters have been accused of other crimes Lisbon in separate investigations. AFP But Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza anti-democratic, unconstitu- Socrates, a Socialist prime Rome Italia and the far right, anti- tional reform. minister from 2005 to 2011, is immigrant Northern League Giuseppe Pinna, 37, said he ormer Portuguese prime charged with three counts of both joined the government in had travelled from the Italian minister Jose Socrates passive corruption while hold- taly took a major step towards backing the new system, which island of Sardinia to protest Fwas indicted on graft ing political offi ce, 16 counts of approving a new electoral is a hybrid of first-past-the- “a law designed purely to stop and money laundering charges money-laundering, nine counts Isystem yesterday, sparking post and proportional election a party supported by a large yesterday in a vast corruption of forging documents and three protests and a countdown to schemes. number of Italians from gov- investigation that he has dis- counts of tax fraud, committed knife-edge elections to be held in Under the draft law, 225 dep- erning”. missed as politically-motivat- between 2006 and 2015. the fi rst part of 2018. uties in the Chamber would Latest polls put M5S neck and ed. A trial date has not yet been set. A majority of lawmakers in the be elected directly from seats neck with Gentiloni’s Demo- Socrates has repeatedly denied Prosecutors said Socrates gave Chamber of Deputies backed the in which they gained the most cratic Party (PD) with the back- wrongdoing and his lawyer Joao illicit commercial benefi ts to a ruling centre-left coalition in a votes and a further 386 would ing of around 27% of voters. Araujo said he would fi ght the construction company, LENA, in vote of confi dence designed to come from party lists based on Forza Italia and the Northern charges contained in the more return for payments received via curtail further discussion on a their percentage of the vote. League are both forecast to cap- than 4,000-page indictment. middlemen, who were also indict- draft electoral law that has been The system is seen as fa- ture around 14% of the popular “The 4,000 pages are part of ed, via a Swiss bank account. subject to parliamentary tracta- vouring established parties vote. a spectacle, they only serve to A former top-level manager at tions for nearly three years. with deep local roots and well- M5S has so far refused to make believe that there is some- state-owned bank Caixa Geral de The strong-arm tactics em- known candidates, to the detri- contemplate forging alliances thing, when there is nothing,” Depositos has also been charged ployed by Prime Minister Paolo ment of recently-founded M5S. to form a government, while Araujo told reporters. with facilitating payments. Gentiloni sparked howls of out- The confidence vote proce- the PD governs with the help of The indictment, issued after a Ricardo Salgado, former CEO rage from the biggest opposition dure is expected to see the elec- allies from a centrist faction of four-year inquiry, accuses Soc- of Banco Espirito Santo (BES) and force, the populist 5 Star Move- toral law adopted by the Cham- former Christian Democrats. rates of playing a pivotal role and head of the Espirito Santo bank- ment (M5S), which could be dis- ber tomorrow morning at the The election has to take place receiving millions of euros in a ing family, is charged with paying advantaged under the proposed latest. by May 2018. scheme involving the disgraced Socrates to sway Portugal Telecom new system. It then requires approval by As things stand, the PD will former heads of the Espirito to follow a strategy defi ned by Sal- One of their senior fi gures, the Senate. enter the fray with former pre- Santo banking empire and Por- gado. Alessandro Di Battista, called Several thousands M5S ac- mier Matteo Renzi, 42, as their Russian President Vladimir Putin, a dog lover, yesterday tugal Telecom. Salgado is also accused of pay- the law “a subversive act” and tivists protested outside par- candidate for prime minister received a top breed puppy as a belated birthday gift Both entities have since ceased ing Portugal Telecom’s former claimed that “only (former Ital- liament yesterday, chanting while M5S are expected to name from Turkmenistan’s president who is keen to recover to exist, infl icting billions of euros CEO Zeinal Bava and chairman ian dictator Benito) Mussolini did “Out”, “Shame” and “Honesty” 31-year-old leader Luigi Di lost Russian markets for Turkmen gas. in losses on taxpayers and share- Henrique Granadeiro — both of things like this.” against what they claimed is an Maio as their figurehead. holders, and their former top brass whom were also indicted. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, October 12, 2017 INDIA

JUDICIARY DECISION E-PAYMENT EVENT EDUCATION SC to decide on CBI’s Petrol station dealers Over 5mn people Kerala cultural festival Mumbai school to be notice against Karti withdraw strike call download ‘Tez’ app to be held in Delhi renamed after Kalam

The Supreme Court yesterday said it would decide Petrol station dealers yesterday called off their Google’s digital payment app Tez that was launched Kerala is organising a three-day Cultural A prominent school in the eastern suburbs of whether documents submitted by the Central Bureau planned strike tomorrow, according to industry body in India on September 18 has been downloaded Heritage Festival in New Delhi from October Mumbai will be renamed after late president of Investigation could be relied upon in deciding the United Petroleum Front. UPF represents over 54,000 5mn times on Play Store. Within 24 hours of 14 in collaboration with the Aam Aadmi Party A P J Abdul Kalam on the occasion of his 87th validity of the lookout circular issued against Karti dealers from the Federation of All-India Petroleum Tez being launched, Google saw nearly 180mn government in Delhi. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi birth anniversary on October 15, an off icial said Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Traders, the All-India Petroleum Dealers Association gross merchandise volume (GMV) done with Vijayan and his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal yesterday. The school in Ghatkopar suburb run Chidambaram. The court said it would also decide and the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers. The over 400,000 active users. Built on the Indian will jointly inaugurate the festival in Connaught by the North Mumbai Welfare Society (NMWS) whether the documents that the CBI says were only dealers called for the protest against the marketing government-supported Unified Payments Interface Place Central Park by lighting the inaugural lamp. recently merged with the South Indian Education for the court to see, could be given to Karti. He is guidelines amended by oil marketing companies (UPI), Tez allows users, free of charge, to make small The festival being held by governments ruled by Society (SIES) and will now be known as “SIES Dr facing a CBI probe for his alleged role in facilitating (OMCs), which introduce stringent penal action or big payments straight from their bank accounts. parties opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial High School”, said the 2007 Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for off ences involving short delivery of products, According to the National Payment Corporation comes at a time when the BJP has launched a big SIES president V Shankar. Maharashtra Chief clearance for INX Media Ltd when his father was the operating automated retail units on manual mode of India (NPCI), the number of transactions on UPI campaign in Kerala against the ruling Communist Minister Devendra Fadnavis will do the honours finance minister. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and improper maintenance of toilets. They are also has crossed 30mn in September. The number of Party of India (Marxist) accusing it of killing BJP- at the renaming ceremony and unveil a life-size Justice A M Khanwilkar and Justice D Y Chandrachud demanding inclusion of petroleum products under transactions on UPI platform increased to 30.7mn in RSS workers in the state. A variety of programmes statue of Kalam in the school. Among the oldest fixed November 1 for hearing the matter. Karti’s the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and September against 16.6mn in August – an increase on language, culture, tradition, art, literature educational institutions in Mumbai, the SIES has lawyer Kapil Sibal told the court that the documents other long pending issues. The dealers’ withdrawal of 85.32%. Tez app works in partnership with Axis and events highlighting the ethos and historical several schools and colleges with a students’ given to the court were part of the case diary and comes after the government took a tough stand on Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India timeline of Kerala will be staged for three days and strength of around 25,000. The newly-merged could not be relied upon as evidence in deciding the Tuesday, saying it is not going to back down on the to facilitate the processing of payments across over nights at four diff erent venues in Delhi, according NMWS in Ghatkopar has been in the education validity of the lookout notice. new marketing discipline guidelines. 50 UPI-enabled banks. to Kerala government off icials. sector for 55 years.

Godhra train Festive bells burning not ‘terrorism’, Kerala orders says court IANS probe against Ahmedabad

he Gujarat High Court has ruled that the burning of a Ttrain at Godhra station in Gujarat in 2002 which killed 59 passengers was neither “terror- Chandy, aides ism” nor an “act of waging war” against the state. The court on Monday com- muted the death sentence of 11 convicts in the burning of the Sabarmati Express coach but up- held the decision that there was a in solar scam conspiracy angle. The train burn- ing ignited bloody riots in Gujarat By Ashraf Padanna think he can silence the opposi- day, based on the recommenda- that claimed over 1,000 lives. Thiruvanathapuram tion by putting top leaders in the tions of the Solar Scam Commis- The court recalled in its judg- dock.” sion report submitted by retired ment that the Law Commission Chandy said his conscience was judge G Sivarajan in September. wanted the death penalty abol- he Kerala government yes- clear and he would fi ght it “legally “The 1,723-page report in four ished for crimes not related to acts terday decided to regis- and politically”. He reminded his volumes was handed over to the of terror or war against the state. Tter criminal cases against detractors that no independent Advocate General and Director “Death penalties eliminate a former chief minister Oommen witness had testifi ed against him. General of prosecution for their person to a point of no return. Chandy, his senior ministers and “They were pulling all stops to legal opinion,” Vijayan said. While considering the question several Congress Party lawmak- fi nd fault with us, and they con- “We decided to accept their of sentence to death, a duty is ers in what is what is known as the stituted a cabinet sub-committee recommendation and have de- cast upon the court to deliberate solar scam. to examine 700 decisions of my cided to initiate criminal and vigi- on various facets of the sentence They face charges of taking government. But nothing hap- lance cases as it has come to light and to immunise itself to avoid bribes and sexual favours from a pened. This would also boomer- this was a fraudulent business and branding imposition of death woman accused of cheating sev- ang on them.” ... bribes were given. sentence as ‘judge centric’ or eral people of close to Rs70mn Vijayan said all those allegedly “Another case based on the let- ‘blood thirsty’,” the court said. by promising to off er solar panels linked to the scam would be tried ter by Saritha that she was sexual- The court noted that though and business partnerships. under the anti-corruption law. ly exploited will also be registered the accused set fi re to the coach to Addressing a press conference, The mastermind of the multi- as receiving money and sexual fa- cause death and maximum dam- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan million solar energy investment vours are equally culpable.” age, they had no intention to en- said he was ordering a high-level fraud that rocked the Chandy The case broke out in June 2013 hance the number of casualties. police probe based on an unpub- government in 2013 was Saritha during Chandy’s rule (2011-16) “More than 100 people could lished report of a judicial com- Nair and her live-in partner Biju after reports surfaced that three escape... Besides, qualitative mission Chandy himself had set Radhakrishnan. Nair had alleged staff ers in the Chief Minister’s analysis of the entire evidence up. she was sexually exploited by sev- Offi ce had contacts with a couple though suffi cient enough to sus- Vijayan also shifted out police eral political leaders. who cheated many investors of tain conviction does not justify offi cers who investigated the case The Vijayan government also money after promising to supply awarding the sentence of death under the previous government, decided to launch a sexual har- solar panels to them. and, therefore, we are of the including Director General of Po- assment case based on her letter The commission was appoint- opinion that the death penalty is lice (Crime Branch) A Hemachan- against all those named by her. ed by the Chandy government in not warranted.” dran. Apart from Chandy, the police October 2013 under pressure from Judges A S Dave and G R Ud- The opposition led by the Con- would probe former ministers Ar- the then Left opposition. hwani ordered a compensation of gress cried foul saying the ruling yadan Mohamed, Adoor Prakash, While Nair is out on bail, Rad- Rs1mn each to the families of the Communist Party of India (Marx- A P Anil Kumar and Thiruvan- hakrishnan is still in custody after deceased. ist) was trying to infl uence voters choor Radhakrishnan. it came to light that he had mur- They censured the Gujarat po- in Vengara where an assembly by- The others named in the case dered his fi rst wife. lice for not pursuing proper inves- election was held yesterday. are legislator Hibi Eden, former Former chief minister V S tigation, the Gujarat government “This is a cheap move that MLAs Benny Behanan and Tham- Achuthanandan, who as the then led by Prime Minister Naren- fourth-rate politicians make on panoor Ravi, Lok Sabha members leader of opposition at the time dra Modi for not maintaining law a day when the election is being Jose K Mani and K C Venugopal, had mounted attacks on Chandy, and order and the railways for not held was on,” said senior Congress former federal minister Palani- yesterday asked all those indicted, ensuring the safety of the passen- leader A K Antony, a former chief manickam and party offi ce bearer including Chandy, to quit public gers coming from Uttar Pradesh. minister of the state and India’s N Subramanian. life for “outraging the modesty of The court heard petitions ex-defence minister. All those named in the case be- women, corruption and abuse of challenging the SIT court’s judg- “Vijayan made this announce- long to the Congress, except Jose power”. ment of March 2011 that acquit- ment to infl uence the election K Mani of the Kerala Congress Nair said she was “very happy” ted 63 of the 94 and convicted in fl agrant violation of the elec- (Mani). with the new developments. “I 31 people, of whom 20 handed A vendor displays decorative bells at a roadside stall ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights, in tion code. He should have shown The probe decision was an- feel genuinely happy... All that I life imprisonment and 11 capital Amritsar. Diwali this year falls on October 19. some decency to publish the nounced by Vijayan after the wanted to happen has happened. punishment. commission’s fi ndings. Don’t weekly cabinet meeting yester- The truth will triumph.”

Govt lost high moral ground Killer roads Mukul Roy resigns as over Jay Shah case: Sinha MP, slams Trinamool IANS M Venkaiah Naidu, who is also the IANS the concerned person also raises case fi led against the website The New Delhi chairman of the upper house. Patna some issues and that was also to Wire which reported the story, Claiming that the Trinamool my mind avoidable. Sinha said: “Media is a very im- was formed to fi ght against the “Looking at all these, therefore, portant integral part of democ- uspended Trinamool Con- policies of Congress and had issident Bharatiya Janata perhaps the high moral ground racy and that is why it is regarded gress leader Mukul Roy been their biggest political rivals Party leader Yashwant Sin- that we had occupied all these as the fourth pillar. To try and Syesterday resigned his Ra- for a long time, Roy said the two Dha yesterday slammed the months and years somehow ap- suppress the voice of media ei- jya Sabha seat and cited “lack of parties should merge if Trina- government for defending party pears to have been lost,” said the ther directly or through any other principle” as his compulsion to mool leadership now considers chief Amit Shah’s son over cor- former fi nance minister. means including for instance this leave the party of which he was a Congress to be imperative for the ruption allegations and said it had Jay Shah’s company has re- defamation case of Rs100 crore founding member. country’s progress. thus lost its high moral ground. portedly recorded a turnover of was also avoidable.” He also said that he has not de- “From 2012 to 2014, Trina- “I don’t want to comment on Rs800mn in 2015 after showing just Sinha created a furore after at- cided on his future plans yet. mool Congress was the main op- the merit of the case as it is a mat- Rs50,000 the previous year. Asked tacking the government’s man- “A party should have certain position of the Indian National ter of investigation but I would whether the issue had dented the agement of economy. Modi clari- principles. Sometimes Trinamool Congress in national politics and like to say the manner in which a image of the BJP and Prime Minis- fi ed later that the economy was on Congress is with the BJP, some- inside and outside the fl oor of central minister jumped into the ter Narendra Modi, Sinha said: sound track. times they are with the Congress. parliament. During that time, it fray... He is a central minister, “I am not going to those details. Meanwhile, hearing in the They sometime term the BJP as strongly opposed Congress on is- not a chartered accountant of Jay An episode takes place. Your reac- defamation case fi led by Jay Shah communal, sometime say they sues of 2G spectrum, coal and the Shah,” Sinha told NDTV. tion to that determines whether against the Wire was yesterday are not communal,” Roy told re- Commonwealth Games scam. Sinha also criticised the gov- you are still occupying a high postponed to October 16 after porters in New Delhi. “But again after 2014, Trina- ernment for allowing Additional moral ground or you have quit that he and his lawyer didn’t turn up “We were very much a part of the mool feels that without Congress, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to high moral ground. From the way at the Ahmedabad Metropolitan NDA government once and joined the country cannot run. We have take on the case of Jay Shah, the we have responded – the party Magistrate’s court. Vehicles pass through potholed road in Bengaluru hands with the BJP. Now the party formed a political party to fi ght son of the BJP chief. and the government, it appears the An associate of Jay’s lawyer S V yesterday. The Karnataka government has drawn flak thinks that the country cannot go against the Congress. If we feel “These were avoidable and high moral ground has been lost.” Raju appeared before Justice S K for the condition of the roads in the city. A woman was ahead without the Congress. that without Congress the coun- should not have happened. The He said the matter must be in- Gadhavi and pleaded that his sen- crushed to death two days ago by a truck in Bengaluru “These things compelled me to try cannot go ahead, let us move very special circumstances in vestigated. “We have lots of agen- ior was unable to attend the court after she fell off her scooter while trying to avoid a leave the party with a heavy heart,” for the merger of the parties. Why which the additional solicitor cies which can do it.” due to a case in the Gujarat High pothole. Roy said shortly after submitting the diff erent parties would be general has been cleared to defend Asked about the defamation Court. his resignation to Vice President kept?” he asked. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 17

INDIA

Veteran actor Anupam Kher appointed new FTII chairman

IANS Kirron Kher, will succeed the pects of fi lmmaking in India, career with Saaransh in 1984, Singhs, The Mistress of Spices, Filmmaker Pritish Nandy called tor. He is quite experienced and New Delhi controversial Gajendra Chau- one of the largest producers of also has his own acting institute Lust, Caution and the Academy it an “excellent change” at FTII. runs his own (acting) institute han, whose appointment in 2014 movies. Actor Prepares. Award winning Silver Linings “Finally, the government is lis- in Mumbai. So, I think he will had triggered widespread stu- “My husband is a very fi ne Apart from featuring in Hindi Playbook. tening to us.” be able to handle it quite nicely. nupam Kher, who has act- dent protests. actor. He has been in the fi lm fi lms like Karma, Daddy, Lamhe, He was honoured with Padma Actor Kabir Bedi said Kher I wish all the best to Anupamji ed in over 500 fi lms and is “I feel deeply humbled and industry for so many years. He Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jay- Shri in 2004 and the Padma “would do wonders” in his new and hope he will complete all the Aa vocal supporter of Prime honoured to be apportioned as is very capable of (being FTII enge, Kuch Kuch Hota Bhushan in 2016 for his con- role, and director Kunal Kohli work which I left due to the end Minister Narendra Modi, was the chairman of iconic FTII. head),” she said. Hai, Maine Gandhi Ko tribution to the fi eld of arts. said “no one could be more ap- of my chairmanship.” yesterday named chairman of the I will perform my duties to “He has been teaching acting Nahin Mara, A Wednes- His appointment was propriate to set it back on track”. Chauhan completed his ten- prestigious Film and Television the best of my abilities,” Kher for so long. He is the only person day and Baby, the Na- welcomed by the fi lm frater- Chauhan, however, said FTII ure in March. His appointment Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. tweeted. who earlier headed CBFC (Cen- tional Award-winner has nity with open arms. needs a good administrator, not had triggered student protests at The fi lm industry hailed the His wife told Times now tral Board of Film Certifi cation), dabbled in international Filmmaker Madhur just a good actor. the institute. Kher had then said move. Kher said he will give his channel that Kher was the right then the National School of Dra- projects like Bend Bhandarkar tweeted: Conveying his good wishes to the FTII needed a person with best to the role. choice to head the FTII, which ma and now has been appointed It Like Beckham, “Heartiest con- Kher, Chauhan said: “In FTII, much more qualifi cations than Kher, 62, husband of actress- provides training in acting, di- chairman of FTII.” Bride and Prej- gratulations to it’s more important to be a good Chauhan had as a producer, di- and-Bharatiya Janata Party MP rection and other technical as- Kher, who began his acting udice, Speedy Anupam Kher.” administrator than a good ac- rector or actor.

Anti-terror ride Muslims fl ee Rajasthan village after murder of folk singer

Agencies modation) in Jaisalmer and we Jaipur all are so afraid that we do not want to go back,” Bariyam Khan, brother of Ahmad Khan, said. t least 200 Muslims have “We are ready to live under fl ed their village in Rajas- open skies and under no cir- Athan after a Hindu priest cumstances want to go back to and his friends were alleged to our village. We want the govern- have killed a Muslim folk singer ment to give us full protection, late last month, police said yes- provide us facilities so that we terday. can live here in Jaisalmer. They Trouble erupted in Dantal vil- should arrest all responsible for lage near the India-Pakistan the murder,” Khan said. border on September 27, when a The murder has invited severe Hindu priest accused folk singer criticism from civil society. Ahmad Khan of making mistakes “What is the administration while reciting hymns. doing? A whole community of Khan, 45, was a member of the 200 people had to move out of Langa Manganiyar community the village to exile,” People’s Commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG) ride on their motorcycles during an awareness rally to fight against terror in Allahabad yesterday. that has been singing religious Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) songs and spiritual verses at fes- said in a statement. tivals for generations. Kavita Srivastava, Rajas- The priest suggested changes than president of PUCL said: to the hymn, leading to an argu- “The kind of lawlessness in the ment. state, such brutal aggression by Police said the priest, Ramesh dominant castes; lynching of an Suthar, and his friends then untouchable by the dominant broke Khan’s musical instru- castes and other castes actively ments and killed him. supporting the killers as he is an Railway probe blames “The news of the murder trig- ojha (faith healer) is deplorable.” gered unrest between Hindus “They keep quiet on the mur- and Muslims who have been liv- der, then follow it up with threats, ing together for generations,” that we will kill a few more, es- said Gaurav Yadav, a senior po- pecially when the Mangani- lice offi cer investigating the case. yars challenged it has to be con- He did not say how Khan was demned in no uncertain terms.” rain for deadly stampede killed, but said Suthar had been Srivastava said: “They are an arrested. already impoverished commu- Agencies Western Railway’s (WR) own of- of the station. There was also The railways has announced a Travelling on it is not without The priest’s accomplices had nity. Despite being the nation’s Mumbai fi cials concluded yesterday that a misunderstanding that cre- high-level committee to inquire its dangers, however. fl ed, Yadav said. heritage for their incredible mu- the disaster had been caused by ated panic and the stampede into the 18-month delay in is- An average of almost 10 peo- Two of Suthar’s family mem- sic, they are not given support hundreds of people rushing to occurred,” Ravinder Bhakar, a suing Notice Inviting Tender ple die on the suburban railway bers said he was in shock and re- and often end up as labourers in ailway offi cials yesterday the bridge’s staircase to shelter spokesman for the railway, said. for the Elphinstone Road foot- every day, either from falling off fused to talk about the case. the city.” blamed bad weather for from heavy monsoon rains. The probe committee rec- bridge, and recommend meas- crowded trains or while crossing Government authorities had She said the government of Rcausing a deadly stampede They also said a “misunder- ommended certain short- and ures to ensure that such delays the tracks. sent paramilitary forces to the Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at a Mumbai station last month, standing” based on the similar- long-term measures for Mum- are minimised in the future. Offi cial fi gures show that area but the Muslims, fearing “is not interested in them. Man- despite commuter warnings ity between the local words for bai suburban stations, including The committee will be headed some 3,400 people died in 2016. clashes, refused to return home. ganiyar votes don’t matter but before the tragedy of a disaster “bridge” and “fl ower” had led installation of additional CCTVs by former chief vigilance com- Commuters say investment “For one small mistake the Hin- Rajput, Charan, Meghwal and waiting to happen. commuters to believe the bridge at stations and in trains, removal missioner Pratyush Sinha and in the railway’s crumbling infra- dus killed my brother,” said Rakha Suthar votes matter so she is not Twenty-three people were was collapsing. of all encroachments on bridges comprise Vinayak Chatterjee, structure has not kept up with Khan, the dead singer’s cousin. even saying anything.” killed in the crush on a narrow It is thought that someone in and around railway stations’ vi- chairman of CII Economic Af- the city’s burgeoning population. “We can’t live in the same vil- The attack is the latest in a overcrowded footbridge at El- the crowd shouted “a fl ower has cinity, among others. fairs Council, and Subodh Jain, According to media reports lage ever again.” series of incidents targeting the phinstone Road station in the fallen” but people misunder- The report also recommended who is a former member of the there had been around 100 Rakha Khan said they had Muslim community in states centre of India’s commercial stood it as “the bridge is falling”. utilising ticket booking offi ce Railway Board as members, be- tweets by commuters over the sought refuge in a school and ruled by Prime Minister Narendra capital during morning rush “Phool”, meaning fl ower, and space to upgrade foot bridges, sides Railway Board director of last few years warning about that the state government offi ce Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. hour on September 29. “pool”, meaning bridge, sound equipping station authorities with safety Pankaj Kumar as mem- the dangers posed by the narrow and other local authorities were Since BJP came to power in Experts pointed the fi nger of similar in Hindi and Marathi. wireless sets, in case of forecasts ber-secretary. bridge at Elphinstone Road. providing them with food. 2014, hardline Hindu groups and blame at the railway network’s The inquiry insisted that the of heavy rain by the India Mete- Some 7.5mn passengers com- Following the disaster s Rail- “As of now around 20 of our cow protection vigilantes have creaking infrastructure, which WR, which is responsible for the orological Department or Brihan- mute in nearly 2,500 trains daily ways Minister Piyush Goyal families consisting of around carried out numerous attacks on has long struggled to cope with line, was not at fault. mumbai Municipal Corporation, on Mumbai’s creaking colonial- told station managers “to spend 150-160 persons are living in a Muslims accused of eating beef millions of daily passengers. “Heavy rains meant people and suitable announcements to era rail network, a lifeline for the whatever is necessary” to ensure ‘rain basera’ (make-shift accom- or killing cows. But an investigation by the were not willing to move out avoid chaos among commuters. city’s 20mn residents. passenger safety. Sex with ‘underage’ wife Rahul’s elevation is rape, says top court likely after Diwali IANS the polls and then it would be New Delhi notifi ed by the CEA. Reuters poses” after hearing a petition by Though illegal, child marriage The sources said that the New Delhi Independent Thought, a non- is deeply rooted in India. meeting of the CWC, the par- profi t group that sought to crimi- Factors such as poverty, weak ongress vice presi- ty’s highest-decision making nalise sex with underaged wives. law enforcement, patriarchal so- dent Rahul Gandhi body, could take place on Oc- he Supreme Court yes- “Sex by a married man with cial norms and concerns about C is likely to be elected tober 15. terday ruled that a man is their minor wife below 18 years family honour are often blamed. as the party chief after Di- Most states where the organ- Tcommitting rape if he has is rape,” the court said in its judg- Marriages in India are consid- wali, with the nearly six- isational elections were held sex with his wife who is aged be- ment, which was welcomed by ered to involve a child if the wom- month-long electoral proc- have completed the process of tween 15 and 18, a landmark de- women’s rights campaigners. an is below 18 or the man younger ess nearing completion and electing members of Pradesh cision that will aff ect millions of “I am very happy with the Su- than 21. the schedule of the party Congress Committees (PCCs), child brides. preme Court judgment,” Vikram Men both above and below the president’s election to be which form the electoral col- The legal age of consent is 18 Srivastava, a lawyer for Inde- legal age may marry child brides. announced soon. lege for the election. They have years. pendent Thought, told Reuters. India’s 2011 census showed According to Congress also passed unanimous reso- The law regards even consen- “The judgment gives a boost child marriage had declined mar- sources, members of the lutions that Rahul should take sual sex with a woman under 16 to the national campaign of ‘Beti ginally from a decade earlier but party’s Central Election over as the president of the as rape, but an exception had bachao and beti padhao,’” he add- more than 5mn girls were still Authority (CEA), which is All India Congress Committee been made for sex between a ed, meaning ‘Save the girl child married before the legal age of 18. overseeing the election, are (AICC). man and his wife who is between and educate the girl child’. More than a quarter of Indian expected to meet Congress Party sources said the states 15 and 18. Additional Solicitor General P S women between 20 and 24 said president Sonia Gandhi in which have elected members to Marital rape is not a crime in Narasimha, who represented the they were married before 18, and a day or so to apprise her of the PCC and passed the resolu- India, where the government has government, declined to com- a fi fth of men between 25 and 29 the completion of various tion for appointment of Rahul said criminalising marital rape ment. said they married below the legal phases of the poll. as party chief include Bihar, could destabalise marriages and Yesterday’s verdict would not age, the National Commission for The sources said the Con- Jharkhand, West Bengal, Har- make men vulnerable to harass- be applied retrospectively, how- the Protection of Child Rights and gress president would then yana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Ma- ment by their wives. ever, said the court, which based the charity Young Lives said in a call a meeting of the Congress harashtra, Kerala, Telangana, The Supreme Court ruled the its conclusions on India’s Child recent report analysing the cen- Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi attends a function at Kabir Working Committee (CWC) to Andhra Pradesh, Assam and age of consent was 18 for “all pur- Marriage Prohibition Act. sus data. Temple in Dahod, Gujarat yesterday. approve a tentative schedule of Madhya Pradesh. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, October 12, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

Irish postage stamp tribute to Che Guevara stokes criticism

Reuters The traditionally Catholic T-shirts and posters around the olutionary.” It said demand for the executioner of hundreds of sup- postal service to ask for the stamp cal shop window when it displayed Dublin country, which has never had a world was produced by an Irish stamp has rivalled that of its two posed ‘class enemies’.” to be scrapped. the image when he fi rst produced it left-wing government, only estab- artist, Jim Fitzpatrick. previously most popular releases, “It is my belief that he is most Fitzpatrick, whose 1968 print half a century ago. lished diplomatic relations with On this basis Ireland’s postal commemorating the sinking of the defi nitely not a suitable candidate based on a picture taken by Cuban “It’s not totally unexpected. he unlikely choice of Argen- Cuba in 1999, 40 years after Gue- service this week issued the new Titanic and Ireland’s 1916 Rising for such an honour,” said Neale photographer Alberto Korda was It was a revolution and you have tinian communist guerrilla vara helped lead the Cuban revolu- stamp featuring Fitzpatrick’s im- against British rule. Richmond, a member of Irish gov- adopted by left-wing students on two parties of opposites and we Tleader Ernesto “Che” Gue- tion with Fidel Castro. age of Guevara to mark the 50th But it was quickly reminded that erning party Fine Gael in a letter to T-shirts and posters, turning it had the same after the Civil War vara, hero of the Cuban revolu- However Guevara’s father, Er- anniversary of his death. Guevara remains for many sym- Ireland’s communications minis- into a global sign of rebellion, said in this country,” Fitzpatrick told tion, as the face of the new 1-euro nesto Guevara Lynch, was a civil The postal service described bol of the violent abuses of Cuba’s ter. he was not surprised by the re- Reuters at his Dublin home, where postage stamp in Ireland is stoking engineer of Irish descent — and Guevara, killed by CIA-backed Bo- communist government, with one Cuban-American radio host sponse. the front room doubles as a studio controversy on both sides of the the iconic red and black print of livian soldiers in Bolivia in 1967, as Irish senator describing Guevara as Ninoska Perez Castellon joined the Irish anti-communists threat- with old drawings and sketches Atlantic. the long-haired Che known from “the quintessential left-wing rev- “a barbaric interrogator, jailer and fray urging listeners to write to the ened to throw a brick through a lo- scattered about the desk. Economy at a near standstill as businesses wait for power

Tribune News Service “I’ve got a generator, and San Juan they’ve got a generator,” said Antonio Lopez Martinez, owner of the Personal Defence gun conomic activity has shop, signalling to another store skidded to a near halt in across the street. “But all the Esignificant parts of Puer- others don’t.” Using generators to Rico, leaving the hurricane- adds considerably to operating smashed island on a knife’s expenses, he said. edge between slow recovery “You’re using 12 to 15 gallons and partial collapse. Thou- of diesel a day. If you’re working sands of small businesses are six days a week, you’re talking teetering toward insolvency, about 90 gallons a week at $4 a unable to operate. gallon,” Lopez Martinez said. Heading into the fourth week Some business owners said since Hurricane Maria slammed commercial generators are not into the island, barely one out built to endure the months of of six clients of the island-wide power outages that Puerto Rico electric utility has power. is likely to sustain. The rest remain in darkness. “I’ve bought two generators The hum of generators has be- and the two generators have come the new soundtrack of is- both broken down. I have to Residents aff ected by Hurricane Maria wait in line for fuel donated by the Fuel Relief Fund in the municipality of Orocovis, outside San Juan, Puerto Rico. land life. The large pharmaceu- buy a third one,” said Julio Soto tical manufacturing plants that Quijano, a jeweller. “They aren’t comprise the backbone of the meant to be used this hard.” island’s export economy report It’s not just the lack of power. major losses, but are slowly re- Without running water, few turning to operations, powered businesses could allow employ- by diesel. ees on their premises because Many mom-and-pop shops, bathrooms and toilets do not law fi rms, family-run farms, real function. US offi cials admit to food estate offi ces, some hotels, large Workers fret on social media shopping malls and advertising whether they even have jobs an- businesses, have suff ered badly. ymore. Employees at Saks Fifth “For advertising, it’s all Avenue, one of two anchors at dead,” said Jaime Diaz Caban, a the posh Mall of San Juan, say 41-year-old graphic designer. they’ve been off ered jobs off the “Most agencies that weren’t island. A spokeswoman, Meg- shortage in Puerto Rico destroyed by the hurricane it- han Biango, said the retailer has self have seen their billings go to not yet been able “to fully assess Guardian News and Media dwarfs the more widely publicised its operations at risk of closure. land. They don’t even have a map istration has limited insight into zero.” Governor Ricardo Rossello the impact the hurricane has had San Juan challenges of restoring power World Central Kitchen, founded they can share about who needs whether food is getting distributed wrote a letter to four key lead- on our store.” The entire mall re- and communications. More than by chef Jose Andres, cooks and food. Fema is over-paying and it is and how many hungry Americans ers on Capitol Hill last weekend mains shut down. a third of Puerto Ricans are still distributes 90,000 meals a day under-delivering.” are struggling to fi nd food. pleading for rapid disbursement A major 543-room resort, the S Federal offi cials pri- struggling to live without drinking through a network of local chefs According to Donald Trump, Trump is receiving little appre- of $4.6bn to “meet the immedi- Melia Coco Beach, also told em- vately admit there is a water. and kitchens. his own response to the disaster ciation from the American people ate emergency needs of Puerto ployees in an October 4 letter Umassive shortage of meals However, Fema provides no de- Its Fema contract, to provide in Puerto Rico has been excep- for his response to the Puerto Rico Rico” beyond relief provided that it was closing permanently. in Puerto Rico three weeks after tails on food deliveries, keeping its just 20,000 meals a day, ended tional. disaster. According to a recent poll through the Federal Emergency The tourism and hotel sector, Hurricane Maria devastated the public statements to the most gen- on Tuesday. Fema insists it is “Nobody could have done what for the Associated Press, just 32% Management Agency. which provides around 80,000 island. eral terms. On its website, Fema bound by federal rules that mean I’ve done for Puerto Rico with of Americans approve of Trump’s “In addition to the physical jobs and represents up to 9% of Offi cials at the Federal Emer- says it has provided “millions of it will take several weeks for a new so little appreciation. So much performance after Hurricane Mar- destruction, Puerto Rico’s econ- the island’s economy, has endured gency Management Agency meals and millions of litres of wa- contract to emerge to feed more work!” he tweeted on Sunday. ia devastated Puerto Rico. omy has ground to a near stand- a mixed fate. Some hotels, pow- (Fema) say that the government ter”. Americans. The tweet was posted along with That poll was conducted before still,” Rossello wrote. “Very few ered by generators, have been at and its partners are only providing In fact many of those meals are “There is no urgency in the gov- a White House video of helicop- Trump visited the island last week, businesses are operating.” capacity dealing with 12,000 US 200,000 meals a day to meet the military ready-to-eat meals that ernment response to this humani- ters and trucks in Puerto Rico, and when he tossed paper towels into All the stores on a once-busy soldiers and the infl ux of federal needs of more than 2mn people. civilians fi nd hard to digest if con- tarian crisis,” Andres said. “They a title card saying, “What the fake a crowd in San Juan. The mayor commercial street in the city of workers arriving in Puerto Rico. That is a daily shortfall of between sumed for more than a few days. have all the offi cials and armed news media will not show you in of San Juan called the sight of him Caguas were shuttered earlier Others remain shut to deal with 1.8mn and 5.8mn meals. Now the biggest provider of guards at headquarters, but they Puerto Rico.” throwing rolls of paper “terrible this week – except for two. damage and lack of water. The scale of the food crisis cooked meals says Fema is putting have no information about the is- However, the Trump admin- and abominable”. Bolivians protest Morales 13 prisoners dead in bid to extend term limits Mexican prison riot AFP far the toll is 13 dead,” said Fasci. Monterrey, Mexico Another 26 people were in- Reuters “This is a political dictator- to rule on the request by Morales’ jured. Tensions also rose out- La Paz ship...we’re not Venezuelan, we’re party or extend the deadline for side the jail, near Monterrey, as Bolivian,” Remigio Figueredo, a doing so. exican security forces prisoners’ friends and relatives peasant leader said in La Paz’ San Protests were also held in the used lethal force to clashed with police. housands of Bolivians Francisco square, where thou- Bolivia’s biggest city, Santa Cruz, Mput down a prison Many anxiously awaited marched through streets sands gathered. and in regional capitals across riot in clashes that left at least news, banging on the side of Tacross the Andean country The Morales government dis- the country. 13 inmates dead, authorities vans which left the site carrying to protest a new bid by leftist Pres- missed the protests as political Earlier Morales delivered 57 said. Unrest at the prison in Ca- the injured. ident Evo Morales to clear the way rallies disguised as a grassroots homes to poor families in the de- dereyta in northeastern Nuevo Cadereyta is on the outskirts for him to run for a fourth term in movement and said the right- partment of Pando as part of the Leon state broke out in the of Monterrey, the third largest 2019. wing opposition wants to ensure government’’s programme to re- morning and was put down. city in Mexico. Mexican jails are Morales had accepted defeat in Morales cannot run in the 2019 duce the housing defi cit in Bolivia. But it fl ared again later as in- often rocked by riots, killings early 2016 when 51% of Bolivian race. At the ceremony, Morales rati- mates started fi res that sent up and escapes, especially those voters rejected his proposal to re- “Any constitutional reform fi ed that these houses are destined huge columns of black smoke controlled by drug gangs. form the constitution to end exist- needed can be implemented to the poorest people in the coun- visible from far away. Most are overcrowded. ing term limits in a referendum. when the will of the people is at try, and also announced the ap- One prisoner died in that fi re. In 2016, a vicious fi ght be- But last month, Morales’ Move- stake,” Justice Minister Hector proval of new social works for that Prisoners then took three tween rival gangs left 49 dead ment to Socialism (MAS) party Arce said on TV channel Cadena Amazonian territory. guards hostage, and when talks in the Topo Chico jail, also in asked the country’s highest court A. “We have released ourselves with them went nowhere, se- Nuevo Leon. to rescind legal limits barring Historically unstable Bolivia economically because we have re- curity forces were sent in, said At least nine people were elected authorities from seeking has enjoyed relative prosper- covered our resources. Before oil Aldo Fasci, a spokesman for the killed in a prison fi ght in the re-election indefi nitely, arguing ity and calm under Morales, the and gas were in foreign hands, now Nuevo Leon government, told state of Tamaulipas on the US that these violate human rights. country’s fi rst indigenous presi- they are Bolivians,” the president reporters. Police stormed the border with Texas and at least Carrying signs that read “Bo- dent who came to power in 2006 said. prison and inmates threw stones 28 inmates were killed in July in livia said ‘no’!” and waving the and whose approval ratings now Morales recalled that the na- and struck them with iron bars, a battle in a prison in the Pacifi c red, yellow and green Bolivian hover at around 50%. tionalisation of hydrocarbons and Fasci added. resort of Acapulco. fl ag, protesters said Morales wants Morales has said he would the recovery of strategic compa- Use of non-lethal force Back in June a deadly gunfi ght to tighten his grip on power in happily give up offi ce but that his nies contribute to the develop- proved insuffi cient as some 250 erupted inside another Mexican the vein of Venezuelan President supporters are pushing for him to ment of Bolivia and allow the in- inmates battled the security prison with state police shoot- Nicolas Maduro, a leftist ally con- stay. vestment of resources to improve Relatives of inmates react as they arrive to the Cadereyta state forces. In the evening, “lethal ing inmates, leaving seven peo- sidered a dictator by the opposi- The Plurinational Constitu- the quality of life of the most vul- prison after a riot broke out at the prison, in Cadereyta Jimenez, on force was used to prevent the ple dead and injuring at least 13 tion. tional Court has until December nerable sectors. the outskirts of Monterrey, Mexico. killing of the three guards and so others. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 19 PAKISTAN

Child, Govt chalks out plan to deal man get Indian medical with possible US sanctions visa Internews fence ties with other countries, Pakistan plans to Pakistan’s civil and military and US offi cials, including Pre- with Trump’s lieutenants. The Karachi including Russia and China. further expand its leadership has been constantly mier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s Trump administration would be The government is also stud- diplomatic, economic monitoring the statements of meeting with US Vice President asked 1) to establish relations on IANS ying a proposal to set up a work- and defence ties American offi cials since the an- Mike Pence and Foreign Minis- the basis of sovereign equality; New Delhi mid persisting strain in ing group to strengthen bilateral with other countries, nouncement of the new Afghan ter Khawaja Asif’s recent inter- 2) to stop blame-game against relationship with the ties with likeminded countries. including Russia and strategy by President Donald actions in Washington. Pakistan; 3) to call off attempts AUnited States, the gov- “A formal announcement to China Trump. US Secretary of State Rex to make CPEC controversial; 4) ndia has issued medical visa ernment of Pakistan has cob- this eff ect would be made after “They have decided that Pa- Tillerson and Defence Secretary to review its decision of giving for a one-year-old Pakistani bled together a contingency consulting these countries,” one China-Pakistan Economic kistan would not buckle under Jim Mattis would be travelling India a greater role in Afghani- Iseeking open heart surgery and plan to deal with any decision offi cial said. “The government Corridor (CPEC). any ‘do more’ demand from the to Islamabad later this month. stan; and 5) to rethink its entire a man seeking a liver transplant. by the Trump administration would off er them incentives Pakistan has also fi nalised United States,” a third offi cial The agenda of their visit has Afghan strategy. “We have approved the visa re- to slap Islamabad with eco- to invest in diff erent sectors of a fi ve-point agenda for future said. been designed to drill home According to sources, if the quest for liver transplant surgery nomic sanctions, Daily Express Pakistan’s economy,” he added. negotiations with the United According to sources, Paki- Trump’s message that Paki- Trump administration refuses of your uncle Azhar Hussain in has learnt from government Another offi cial said the gov- States. stan is waiting to see the Trump stani’s alleged support for mili- to budge, then the National Se- India,” External Aff airs Minister offi cials. ernment would also approach “The National Security Com- administration’s response to tant groups has to end, say the curity Committee would chart Sushma Swaraj tweeted yesterday According to the plan, Pa- likeminded countries with the mittee would chart out course its concerns vis-à-vis new Af- offi cials briefed on the visits. out a new course for future in response to a request from a kistan will further expand its help of China with the off er for future ties with the United ghan strategy following a fl urry The government has fi nalised relationship with the United Pakistani national Abbas who de- diplomatic, economic and de- to join the multibillion-dollar States,” added the offi cial. of meetings between Pakistani a fi ve-point agenda for talks States. scribes himself as a social activist and a liberal on his Twitter handle. Swaraj had earlier on Tuesday night announced medical visa for a one-year-old Pakistani girl. “We are giving visa for the A-level students ineligible for open heart surgery of your one- year-old daughter Shireen Shiraz in India,” she tweeted in response to a request from the child’s admissions to MBBS and BDS mother Hira Shiraz. So far this month, India has is- sued fi ve medical visas for Paki- Internews PMDC meeting presided over the off icial said, quoting the across the country. Many of stanis seeking urgent treatment. Lahore by federal minister Saira Afzal regulations. them appeared for MBBS/BDS India had last month also issued Tarrar declared that Pakistani He said earlier the students programmes. a medical visa to a Pakistani child A-level students planning a A-level students would not be with A-level qualifications Out of the 41,677 students seeking open heart surgery in India. career in medicine suff ered able to get admissions against were getting admission to who had applied for On Independence Day, the a major blow to their future foreign seats to any private private medical and dental admission to private medical external aff airs ministry had an- as the new regulations medical college. institutions in Pakistan and dental institutions in 2013- nounced that India would pro- of Pakistan Medical and “No candidate shall be eligible under the 2013 PMDC 14, 7.2% or 2,981 fell under vide medical visas to all bona fi de Dental Council (PMDC) have for foreign quota seats in regulations according to the non-FSc qualification Pakistani patients. declared them ineligible for public and private medical which “Pakistani national category. As ties between the two coun- admissions to MBBS/BDS and dental institutions under student who has passed an In 2014-15, this ratio dropped tries soured over various issues, programmes at public and sub-regulations (1) and (2) examination equivalent to to 6.7%, he said, adding the ministry had announced in private medical and dental unless he holds a permanent intermediate level of Pakistan that in 2016 the new PMDC May that only a letter of recom- Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi orders a comprehensive review of colleges of the country on foreign nationality or dual from a foreign university or regulations inflicted a major mendation by then Pakistan for- the quota regime. foreign quota. nationality or overseas examining body or foreign dent to the futures of A-level eign aff airs adviser Sartaj Aziz The issue surfaced in a Pakistani students and who education system with three students by imposing a would enable a Pakistani nation- recent meeting of the PMDC have physically studied and subjects out of which biology complete ban on their al to get a medical visa for India. wherein it was informed that passed secondary certificate and chemistry are essential applications. However, on July 18, a patient its regulations introduced in (SSC) and HSSC passing subjects shall be eligible to He said the entry test for from Pakistan-administered Kash- Cabinet decides October 2016 had now been 12th grade examination or appear in the entry test for admissions to MBBS/BDS mir, seeking treatment in New Del- notified, declaring A-level equivalent from outside admission to MBBS/BDS.” programmes would be hi for liver tumour, got a visa. students ineligible to join the Pakistan during his stay The off icial said thousands conducted this month and the Swaraj then said that he need- medical profession. abroad and having a of students passed A-level situation had landed A-level ed no recommendation from the to revise quota An off icial privy to the certificate from the institution exams every year from students and their parents in Pakistani government for a med- development said that the last attended to this eff ect,” English medium schools utter frustration. ical visa because the territory “is system an integral part of India”.

Internews and the underdeveloped areas Islamabad of the country. Abbasi and his cabinet col- leagues agreed that the ne- Poll panel rejects registration of MML s the quota system de- glected areas could not be vised over 40 years ago upgraded by allocating a job Reuters ing of the registration that the arrest, heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawa The candidate, Yaqoob constructive role for the militant- Ato allocate jobs among quota alone as development Islamabad new party has links with militant (JuD) charity, which Washington Sheikh, won several thousand linked groups, although he did all the provinces expired in of such areas through invest- groups and as such “We can’t says is a front for LeT. votes, though offi cials from not comment on the military’s 2013, the federal cabinet of ment was necessary. enlist you.” Pakistan’s reluctance to press MML and JuD ran his cam- role in any such strategy. Pakistan yesterday brought The meeting was informed akistan’s electoral com- The ECP spokesman said charges against him has been paign. Saeed’s portraits adorned “It is in my knowledge that the controversial issue to the that the provinces were sup- mission yesterday barred the commission cited an inte- a sore point in relations with posters promoting Sheikh. the government has started limelight when it decided to posed to improve all services Pfrom contesting elec- rior ministry recommendation Washington and India over the The move to bar the party ap- some discussion over it, that is, revise the quota regime across healthcare, education, la- tions a new political party that that the MML was “affi liated” past decade. pears at odds with what political how do we mainstream them,” the country. bour, tourism, human rights is backed by an Islamist with a with Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT), Saifullah Khalid, the head of and former military sources told Ghafoor said. In 1973, a quota system was devolved to them follow- $10mn US bounty on his head, a a militant group blamed for MML, said his party would chal- Reuters was a plan by the mili- Neighbours India and Afghan- devised to ensure that under- ing the 18th amendment to government offi cial said. the 2008 Mumbai attacks that lenge the decision. “An attempt tary’s Inter-Services Intelligence istan accuse Pakistan’s military developed provinces were not the Constitution, but they Haroon Khan, a spokesman for killed 166 people, and that such is being made to keep patriotic (ISI) spy agency to integrate of backing and using militant left out of federal jobs. But did nothing to improve such the commission, said a four-man groups could breed violence and forces away from politics,” he militant-linked organisations groups such as LeT as proxies, a the system has not been in facilities. panel rejected the registration of extremism in politics. said. by bringing them into politics as charge the army denies. force for the past four years A brief statement issued Milli Muslim League (MML) as The United States has desig- The party is likely to continue part of a de-radicalisation drive. The MML is actively run- and successive governments by the Prime Minister Offi ce an offi cial political party. nated LeT founder Hafi z Saeed operating unoffi cially, as it did Pakistani army spokesman ning a campaign for its can- have made unsuccessful ef- said: “A detailed presentation Khan said Muhammad Raza a terrorist and off ers a $10m re- last month when one of its lead- Major-General Asif Ghafoor also didate contesting another by- forts to extend it through a was made on the existing pro- Khan, chief of the Election Com- ward for information leading to ers contested a by-election in said last week the integration of election on October 26., to be constitutional amendment. vincial quota regime which is mission of Pakistan (ECP), told his conviction. the eastern city of Lahore as an militants into the country’s poli- held in the northwestern city However, instead of ap- being followed during recruit- MML’s lawyer at the fi nal hear- Saeed, currently under house independent candidate. tics would be based on seeking a of Peshawar. proving an extension in the ment process for the posts quota regime, the cabinet of Central Superior Services meeting chaired by Prime [CSS] and other vacancies at Minister Shahid Abbasi de- the federal level. It was de- cided to “revise” the system cided that the matter should Turning on charm ! because those in attendance be discussed in detail on the Surge in power tariff on cards felt that underdeveloped and fl oor of the parliament as well backward areas, including as at the forum of Council of Baluchistan and the Feder- Common Interests.” Internews distribution companies. Rs115.179bn also include Rs- ally Administered Tribal Areas It said the PM directed the Islamabad The proceedings were held in 40bn as Net Hydel Profi t. Ne- (Fata), could not be brought on establishment division to un- the presence of the top offi cials pra has already increased the a par with the developed ones dertake a comprehensive re- of CPPA, Discos, Power Divi- end consumers tariff by Re0.48 by only granting jobs. view of the quota regime “fo- nother major blow to elec- sion and Nepra’s offi cials and per unit earlier September 20 “The meeting decided to cusing on the impact of the tricity consumers is on the Aptma representative. by passing the impact of inef- revise the quota regime, which policy so far and also to pro- Acards as the regulator is all During the hearing, Nepra’s fi ciencies of Rs34bn (Rs10bn in is [currently] only aimed at pose suitable amendments to set to pass the capacity charges tariff department had calcu- the head of line losses and Rs- provision of jobs on the basis make the policy more eff ective amounting to Rs115.179bn on lated the capacity charges of 24bn on accounts of write off s). of provincial quotas, as well and result-oriented”. to end consumers in the days to Rs115.179bn for the year 2017- This means that the total as upgrading basic facilities Interestingly, the quota come by increasing the power 18 based on the data provided tariff would surge by Rs1.98 like healthcare, education, system has been ineff ec- tariff by Rs1.50 per unit. by the power sector entities. per unit. Aptma’s representa- infrastructure and shelter in tive for the last four years. In The power regulator held here Almost all the representatives tive Shahid Sattar, however, neglected and remote areas,” 2013, the federal cabinet led yesterday suo moto proceed- of CPPA, Discos, and Power Di- pointed out that the cost of ex- a cabinet member said on the by then prime minister Na- ings regarding periodical ad- vision agreed to the calculations cessive electricity generation condition of anonymity. waz Sharif decided to extend justments on account of power and its impact of Rs1.50 per unit on account of the gap between The cabinet member said the system for the CSS posts purchase prices and prior year in the tariff . So the regulator is determined losses and actual the prime minister was of the for 20 more years – till 2033 – adjustments pertaining to the set to increase the tariff of Rs1.50 losses is also being passed on A man hangs jewellery he found from his hat as he collects recyclables view that underdeveloped but the decision could not be fi nancial year in the consumer- per unit within days. to the consumers, which is not at the landfill in Islamabad yesterday. areas had been neglected for implemented. end tariff of all electricity power The capacity charges of justifi ed. over 40 years, but one had to The then cabinet had ap- take an initiative and make proved an amendment to a eff orts to bring them on a par provision of Article 27(1) of with the developed areas of the Constitution, which sug- Serial ‘knifeman’ unleashes fear attacking 10 women in two weeks the country. gested that “in the interest of A Karachi man has attacked and Dawn quoted an unnamed off icer walking alone.” traumatised.” In 2007, Punjab minister Zille The meeting agreed that national integrity and harmo- injured more than 10 women in as saying. One of the latest victims was a Pakistan has had its share of Huma was killed because her the issue of quota system ny, adequate representation in two weeks with a knife in Karachi The knife attacks have created housewife and a mother of three serial attackers. The infamous killer was not happy with her should be taken to the Coun- the service of Pakistan for per- – and remains on the run. unease and anger among Karachi who told police that a lean man Hathora group and Chhalawa clothing. cil of Common Interests (CCI) sons belonging to any class or Police off icers and hospitals residents. wearing a red and black helmet gang terrorised Karachiites in the In 2012, a rickshaw driver in where all four provinces have area is only possible when the say almost all women suff ered “Working women acknowledged and off -white salwar kameez on a ’80s and ’90s, smashing the skulls Karachi used to pick up women equal representation and a de- period is further extended”. injuries on their right side and feeling overwhelmed and scared, motorbike came behind her and of their victims. passengers, disembody them bate should also be held on the The provision provides for were attacked from behind. many opting for rickshaws and attacked her. He sped away. In the late ’90s, there were reports and throw away their body issue in parliament. merit and regional quota for “He is attacking women, young cab services and not walking to “I was wearing a big, thick shawl of men with blade slashing the parts. In 2016, news reports Minister for Privatisation fulfi lment of direct recruit- and old alike. He hasn’t shown bus stops,” the daily said. “Female that night and it saved me from arms of women wearing short- surfaced that a man was Daniyal Aziz gave a detailed ment to posts in the federal any preference for women students of Karachi University severe injuries,” she said, adding, sleeved shirts outside a major stabbing women in Rawalpindi, briefi ng on the quota system government. dressed in particular attire,” the and Habib University are avoiding “My nine-year-old daughter is so Karachi shopping mall. the Dawn said. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, October 12, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Duterte sidelines Legislators impeach police again in drugs crackdown

Reuters the police force at all times to election body chief Manila “maintain police visibility, as a deterrent to illegal activities”, DPA 24-member Senate for the tri- The impeachment complaint while restricting operations to Manila al. Earlier in the day, Bautista against Bautista was based on hilippine President Rod- the drug agency. told Comelec employees he allegations by his estranged rigo Duterte has ordered Its aim was “to bring order submitted his resignation let- wife that he had secret bank ac- Ppolice to halt activities to the operation or campaign hilippine legislators yes- ter to President Rodrigo Du- counts and other assets worth in his deadly war on drugs and against illegal drugs, thus pin- terday impeached the terte yesterday. nearly 1bn pesos ($20mn). leave all operations to the drug pointing precise accountabil- Phead of the country’s “This was not an easy deci- Bautista’s wife alleged she dis- enforcement agency, amid un- ity”, the document said. elections commission on alle- sion,” he told employees of the covered documents referring precedented scrutiny of police More than 3,900 Filipinos gations he had amassed nearly commission. “But my family, to bank accounts and proper- conduct. have been killed in what the $20mn in unexplained wealth. especially my children, need ties that were under Bautista’s Duterte’s offi ce yesterday police called self-defence after The House of Representa- me now more than ever.” name but not included in his made public a memorandum armed suspects resisted arrest. tives voted 137-75 in a plenary “It is with deep sadness that assets statement submitted to telling police, the military and Critics dispute that and say session to reject the recom- I am informing you about my government. other state bodies to leave to executions are taking place, mendation of its justice com- decision to resign as the chair- Bautista has denied the alle- the Philippine Drug Enforce- with zero accountability, alle- mittee to junk the impeach- man of the Comelec by the end gations and said the documents ment Agency (PDEA) “as sole gations the police reject. ment complaint against Juan of the year,” he added. “After shown by his wife were altered agency” the conduct of all Police and drug enforce- Andres Bautista, chairman of much prayer and discernment, as part of a plan for her to ex- campaigns and operations. ment agency spokesman said the Commission on Elections I believe that it is the right time tort money from him. It was unclear why Duterte the two agencies would follow (Comelec). The vote was made to step down.” A vote of two-thirds of the had ordered the change in the the president’s decision, but hours after Bautista announced Bautista: impeached Bautista was appointed by Senate is needed to convict role of the police, who have did not elaborate. he was stepping down from his former president Benigno Bautista. been responsible for the vast Duterte’s move follows the post by December 31. dation because “the charges the justice committee to pre- Aquino as chairman of the A convicted official is re- majority of arrests and kill- August killing of a teenager by House Speaker Pantaleon Al- against the Comelec chair were pare the articles of impeach- Comelec in May 2015, one year moved from office and disqual- ings in the 15-month-old cam- police that sparked rare public varez said he voted against the very serious.” ment against Bautista, which before the 2016 presidential ified from holding any other paign. outrage after a security camera justice committee recommen- The House plenary directed will be transmitted to the elections that Duterte won. position in government. Neither the presidential showed the victim in custody, spokesman nor the communi- contrary to a police report that cations secretary immediately he was a drug dealer who tried responded to Reuters’ requests to shoot them. for comment. It also follows a protest The order could blunt the in- against Duterte last month by Marginal tensity of the crackdown, since thousands of people in Manila, the drug enforcement agency and a series of opinion polls has only a fraction of the man- highlighting doubts among hike in power of the 190,000-strong many Filipinos about offi cial police. police accounts, and whether But it was not the fi rst time those killed were all drug deal- power the mercurial leader has de- ers. creed that the agency lead the A poll released on Sunday drugs war. showed a sharp decline in pub- rates Duterte suspended police lic opinion about Duterte’s anti-drugs operations in late performance and personality, January, to cleanse a force he though sentiment about him By Jordeene Sheex Lagare called “corrupt to the core”, remained positive overall. Manila Times but lifted that ban fi ve weeks Rights lawyers yesterday later, saying drugs were fl ood- approached the Supreme ing back to the streets and Court to try and stop the war he Manila Electric Co the gains of the war were be- on drugs, saying it was illegal (Meralco) has announced ing lost. The memorandum, and allowed the police to cir- Ta rate increase of P0.0345 signed on Tuesday, ordered cumvent legal procedure. per kilowatt hour (kWh), which will be refl ected in the billing this October. Meralco, in a statement, said the rate adjustment was caused by a P0.1777 per kWh hike in the Russian ‘Kalashnikov’ generation charge. This means that typical households that consume 200 guns to aid army kWh would see a P6.91 in- crease in their October bill; for those who consume 300 kWh, Lawyers Jose Manuel Diokno and Felix Marinas from the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), show documents during a news conference AFP among the weakest in the re- P10.35; 400 kWh, P13.80; and in Metro Manila, yesterday. Manila gion. “As part of what I got 500 kWh, P17.25. from Russia when we were The overall generation there for almost 24 hours, we charge climbed to P4.7155 per resident Rodrigo Duterte will have the Kalashnikovs,” kWh in October from P4.5378 said yesterday Russia Duterte told a gathering of sol- per kWh in September af- Pwas giving 5,000 Ka- diers and police near Manila. ter the listed company ended Lawyers ask Supreme Court lashnikov assault rifl es to the The Russian embassy de- last month the P6.9bn refund Philippines in what is believed clined to comment on Du- of over-recovery on pass- to be the fi rst ever shipment terte’s announcement. through charges. of Russian weapons to the US Duterte did not say which Charges from the Whole- ally. types of rifl es from the Rus- sale Electricity Spot Market to halt ‘illegal’ war on drugs Duterte, who briefl y visited sian manufacturer are being (WESM), however, dropped Moscow in May as part of a shipped to Manila. by P0.4382 per kWh, as the pivot away from Washington, “As far as I can remember, four “yellow alerts” raised by Reuters vention in thousands of cases Carlos said police “welcome FLAG has also represented said the arms would soon ar- the Russians have never sup- the National Grid Corp of the Manila where Filipinos were killed by the fi ling of the petition before two men who testifi ed before rive by ship. The United States plied us with any form of ma- Philippines (NGCP) in Luzon police. the Supreme Court”. He did not the Senate that they were part has traditionally been the main terial in the past,” defence de- lowered the electricity demand “The present war on drugs elaborate. of an alleged “death squad” supplier of arms to the former partment spokesman Arsenio during the September supply group of Philippine being waged by the government Though Filipinos are largely that killed drug dealers and American colony. Andolong said. Duterte, who period. The power grid operator lawyers yesterday fi led is not going to stop illegal drugs, supportive of Duterte’s iron- criminals at Duterte’s behest But the Philippine armed took offi ce last year, has shak- NGCP issued the second high- Aan injunction with the crime and corruption,” Jose fi sted approach, recent opinion when he was Davao City mayor, forces, who have been battling en the Philippines’ 70-year- est alert level in the country’s Supreme Court to try to stop Manuel Diokno, chairman of polls indicate public doubts long before his presidency. both communist insurgents old alliance with the US as he largest island region on Sep- President Rodrigo Duterte’s the Free Legal Assistance Group that his drugs war is above Duterte dismisses the allega- in rural areas and extremists moves to strengthen ties with tember 9, September 16, Sep- bloody war on drugs, calling it (FLAG), told a news conference. board and eff ective as the gov- tion as nonsense. in the troubled south, remain China and Russia. tember 22 and September 28. as an illegal campaign that lets “(It) will only result in the ernment says. The latest petition seeks to The generation charge also police kill and circumvent legal killing of more and more people Analysts say unease about compel the PNP and the inte- includes recuperation by the procedures. especially the poor.” the campaign has contributed rior ministry to halt the cam- Power Sector Assets and Li- The government’s directive The petition comes as public to Duterte’s ratings decline. paign and wants killings to abilities Management Corp for the fi erce 15-month-old scrutiny intensifi es on Duterte’s PNP data shows 3,900 people be examined by the National (PSALM) of certain incremen- crackdown permits police to signature campaign, which he have been killed in operations Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Four dead after drunken tal costs incurred by the Na- “negate” and “neutralise” tar- insists will not stop, regardless in which police say armed sus- which would take charge of tional Power Corp. (Napocor). gets, eff ectively granting them of the bloodshed. pects violently resisted arrest. evidence, including guns that In its June 20 resolution, the a license to kill suspected users He says he is prepared to go Duterte’s opponents and police say were used by victims. brawl in Negros town Energy Regulatory Commis- and dealers, without gathering to jail to protect Filipinos from activists dispute that and say It said house-to-house visits sion approved the collection of evidence or building a case, the crimes fuelled by addiction. executions and cover-ups are by anti-drugs police followed about P21.5bn from customers lawyers said. Duterte rejects criticism that commonplace, which police unverifi ed tip-off s from un- By Eugene Y Adiong him to fall to the ground. The of affected distribution utili- A practice of compiling lists his notoriously bellicose pub- deny. known informants and were not Manila Times/Bacolod City suspect then confronted and ties over 60 months. of “drug personalities” and lic remarks have been inter- The petition by FLAG, which based on evidence. stabbed Esperijon hitting his Such decision would trans- encouraging citizens to anony- preted by some police as veiled is comprised of around 200 It argues police had no intent right arm. The two were im- late to an additional 1.2 centa- mously provide names was tan- instructions to kill drug users, pro-bono human rights law- to persuade suspects to surren- ealousy proved fatal to four mediately brought to the neigh- vos per kWh in the generation tamount to drawing up a hit list, with impunity. yers, was fi led on behalf of three der and would kill anyone who people, including a fi ve- bouring Isabela District Hospi- charge, which would then be the petition said. Philippine National Police people whose relatives were refused to co-operate or denied Jyear-old boy, and wounded tal but Kerwin was pronounced remitted to PSALM. It called for judicial inter- (PNP) spokesman Dionardo killed by police. involvement. two other family members in dead-on-arrival while Esperijon Moises Padilla town of Negros was transferred to Bacolod City Occidental. for further medical treatment. Initial investigation by Moi- A hot pursuit operation was ses Padilla police showed that immediately launched against jealousy over a woman led to the the fl eeing Labiga. confrontation between relatives Yesterday morning, or about Mayor orders closure of radio, TV stations James Labiga, 27 and Kerwin 10 hours after, Kerwin’s uncle Royo, 22. The altercation started Ernesto Royo and his brother on Tuesday night and lasted un- Fritz, 30, armed with a knife and By Al Jacinto rary closure order on Monday ments from various government us,” he said, adding that they have and protests from followers of til yesterday morning. gun, spotted Labiga at the house Manila Times/Zamboanga City afternoon for allegedly failing agencies, although they have rejected the closure order. “We E-Media.Salazar reminded busi- According to the police re- of his friend, Michael Mirano. to comply with some legal re- copies of other legal documents, will abide by it if the NTC tells us nessmen to comply with require- port, Kerwin and Esperijon They assaulted Labiga who quirements and documents for including business permits, nec- to stop broadcasting,” Bayoging ments for operating a business in Royo, 20 were having a drinking fought back and used the son ayor Maria Isabel Sala- it to operate. E-Media Produc- essary for them to operate. said. Zamboanga City. spree at the residence of Este- of Mirano, fi ve-year-old John zar has closed a radio tions is the content provider for Rey Bayoging, CEO and presi- The Kapisanan ng mga Brod- Citing, Section 6.2 of the De- ban Empanto when Labiga and Michael, as human shield. Mand television station WestWind broadcasting net- dent of E-Media Productions, said kaster ng Pilipinas, an association partment of the Interior and Lo- his nephew Debrick, both re- Ernesto sustained multiple in Zamboanga City and ordered work based in Zamboanga Sibu- only the National Telecommuni- of radio and television broadcast- cal Government-Department of portedly under the infl uence of stabbed wounds in the body, an audit of all local radio and tel- gay. cations Commission (NTC), not ers, appealed to Salazar, but failed Trade and Industry Joint Memo- liquor, passed by and provoked while Labiga sustained stab and evision outfi ts here. Rey Bayoging, CEO and presi- the local government, has author- to convince her to give E-Media an randum Circular 01, Series 2016, trouble by smashing the bam- gunshot wounds that resulted in E-Media Productions, which dent of E-Media Productions, ity over them. extension. Managers and repre- she said all business permit ap- boo fence. their deaths. A stray bullet killed has been operating radio and said all they were asking was “What we are asking for is just sentatives of local media organi- plicants are mandated to comply Labiga then entered Empan- John Michael. Fritz Royo, who television stations for four years for Salazar to give them a little a little time to get the other docu- sations also pleaded with Salazar. with national laws and regulatory to’s residence and stabbed Ker- was wounded, was brought to now, was served with a tempo- more time to get the require- ments Salazar is demanding from The closure drew sympathy requirements. win on the right armpit causing Bacolod City for treatment. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

War crimes tribunal Govt hospital struggles to gets new chairman

By Mizan Rahman cope with refugee infl ux Dhaka Reuters patients, but we only have 35 “Even though many are their country from Myanmar on “Those with burns and gunshot and plastic bag. She is trying to Cox’s Bazar beds,” Liza Nazia, a doctor at sick, they wash their Monday, in a sudden surge, the wounds are hurting the most.” stop the dark fl uid oozing from ustice Shahinur Islam, a the hospital, said. “Many of the own laundry in plastic United Nations refugee agency Many patients, like Dilda and her wounds from dripping on to member of Bangladesh’s injured’s family members stay buckets and prepare said. Noor, spent days hiding in the the mattress. JInternational Crimes Tri- bout twice as many pa- here as well, so it’s hard to come food on the dirty fl oor At the hospital, 10-year-old Rakhine jungle before making Next to her, on a metal bed- bunal (ICT), has been made its tients as beds are crowd- by the total number of people.” next to their beds” Noor, who has recovered from their escape to Bangladesh. stead, sits Jomi Ahmed with his chairman. Aed into a bloodstained, Flooded by sunlight, the Ro- a head wound, described what “Their wounds got infected, nine-year-old daughter Kaida, Following the directives of dirty hospital ward with old hingya wing appears spacious large open machete wound on happened to her family. but they survived in diffi cult asleep with her leg in a cast. President Abdul Hamid, the law sheets and mattresses strewn from afar, but conditions are the back of her head, she speaks “Soldiers attacked us and conditions. We have fractures, Despite his daughter’s inju- ministry issued a notifi cation in on the fl oor. dire. Narrow metal beds are of her unbearable pain, both burned down our houses. Two burned body parts, machete and ries, infl icted by a soldier, he this regard yesterday. The designated ‘Rohingya lined up against the tiled walls, “inside and out”. men with face masks ran to- gunshot wounds and we try to says, Ahmed considers himself Besides, Justice Amir Hossain wing’ at Sadar Hospital in Bang- stained by trails of dried blood. “I have lost my two sons and wards us and started cutting treat them as best as possible, lucky. None of his family mem- of the High Court and Dhaka ladesh’s Cox’s Bazar is home to Those who don’t have a bed my husband and I can’t bear the our heads with big knives. I ran without having to amputate a bers were killed and his wife district judge Abu Ahmed Jama- hundreds of wounded and sick sleep on sheets or cushions on pain,” she cried, dabbing her away. Dead people were on the limb,” said Nazia, the doctor. and two other daughters are dar have been appointed as ICT refugees from across the border the fl oor. Even though many wound with a dry cloth. ground everywhere,” she said, Halima Katu, who thinks she just two hours away in a refu- members, said Zahirul Haq, sec- in Myanmar – recovering from are sick, they wash their own Some 520,000 Rohingya have seemingly eager to tell her story. is about 70, is the Rohingya gee camp. retary at the law ministry. machete and gunshot wounds, laundry in plastic buckets and fl ed Myanmar since August 25 “My mother told me to pre- wing’s oldest patient. She’s “The Bangladeshi gov- The trial proceedings at the burns and other injuries. prepare food on the dirty fl oor after insurgent attacks on secu- tend that we were dead too, so unsure of her date of birth, but ernment pays for all of our tribunal remained suspended af- The government hospital, next to their beds. The smell of rity forces triggered a ferocious we hid for a long time between remembers the events of a few hospital stays,” Ahmed said. ter the demise of chairman Jus- with 250 beds, is the biggest in cooked rice and lentils mixes military crackdown. the people who had died,” she weeks ago vividly. “I know that my family will tice Anwarul Haque on July 13. the district, but has been strug- with the sweet stench of open The United Nations has de- said. “All I want now is to forget “Soldiers burned the bot- never go back to Myanmar, Other member of the tribu- gling to cope since more than fl esh in the stuff y air. nounced the off ensive as ethnic and to go to school.” tom of my feet. They tortured but still, I am fortunate. I look nal Justice Suhrawardi was sent half a million Rohingya Muslim Thirty-year-old Dilda Begum cleansing aimed at driving out While some patients sit qui- me,” she said. “I was carried by around this room; everyone back to the High Court division refugees, many injured, crossed was the Rohingya ward’s fi rst Rohingya – a charge the Myan- etly, their relatives by their side a stranger most of the way to is suff ering and has lost rela- after the reconstitution of the the border to escape violence patient and arrived just over a mar government denies. to soothe them, others lie alone, Bangladesh.” tives. I still have mine. The ICT with its chairman and two in western Myanmar’s Rakhine month ago. She sits scream- Bangladesh border guards moaning in pain. “I know all Sitting on a mattress on the last weeks were the most dif- members. state. ing and crying on her bed, her reported more than 11,000 Ro- of my patients and I hear them ground, Katu holds her burnt fi cult of my life, but my family The ICT was constituted on “This wing alone has 62 daughter Noor by her side. A hingya refugees crossing into suff er,” said senior nurse Sakiba. foot, wrapped in a dirty cloth gives me strength.” March 25, 2010. Some 33 cas- es are now under trial at the tribunal. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yester- day said it did not support gen- eral strike called by its one of the School a rare sanctuary key alliance partners, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, protesting the arrest of its top leaders, including its chief Maqbul Ahmad. BNP senior leader Ruhul Ka- for Rohingya children bir Rizvi said yesterday that the party has not taken any decision to support the strike. AFP The few schools that have town of Cox’s Bazar recount Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ledhapara, Bangladesh sprung up off er a brief respite. scenes of massacres, torture and has called a countrywide dawn- At the entrance to the packed rape. to-dusk shutdown for today to Leda camp a handful of learn- “Their villages were theatres register its protest against the ollow-eyed and detached, ing centres have been set up of war, with the noise and the arrest and remand of its top 11-year-old Rohingya opposite a brick factory with a bullets everywhere,” says Sha- leaders. Hrefugee Sayed Nul betrays smoke-blackened chimney. mail Das, 22, another teacher at On Monday night, police ar- little emotion as he recounts why Inside one of the classes the hastily set up school. rested top Jamaat leaders, in- his family fl ed Myanmar: “The about 30 children sang, the tor- Alam, Das and the other cluding its chief Maqbul Ahmad, Rakhine Buddhists burned my rential rain beating down on the teachers deliberately do not from the city’s Uttara area while house. Killed people with bullets. canvas roof almost drowning discuss the Rakhine horrors they were allegedly holding a And raped the women.” out their little voices. in class. clandestine meeting. For the aid workers in Bang- But memories of the Rakhine “If we talk about the atroci- ladesh dealing with the current violence are never far away. ties with them, it could dam- exodus of Rohingya escaping “These are children, they age their minds at fi rst. But in sectarian violence of Myanmar’s do not understand what has time it could help ease their Rohingya refugee children studying in a school in a refugee camp in Leda in Teknaf. Rakhine state, it is a familiar and happened,” Rohingya teacher pain,” said Morsida Akter, a upsetting sight as they try to put Shamsul Alam said. “We are Bangladeshi teacher. The only permitted subjects ything that could facilitate their But Myanmar, which has More than young lives back together. trying to make them forget what There are currently 200 are English, the Burmese lan- integration. always refused to give them Of the 520,000 Rohingya who happened so they are not dis- learning centres in the camps guage, maths and health advice Their freedom of movement citizenship, has made vague have arrived in recent weeks, turbed,” he added pointing to a teaching 17,000 Rohingya. such as washing hands. is strictly limited and marriages promises. 200,000 290,000 are children, many bucketful of toys. But those schools are just a The Bengali language used between Rohingya and local Few of the Rohingya expect haunted by the horrors they UN workers say many of drop in the ocean compared to every where in Bangladesh is Bangladeshis are banned. to return to their villages in Ra- have witnessed, now crammed the young exiles never went to what is required - the UN chil- deliberately off limits. “They don’t need Bengali. khine. Chinese into teeming refugee camps school in their country of birth. dren’s agency, Unicef, says it Before the current exodus, English is an international lan- Some of the earlier infl ux of with minimal facilities to deal The Myanmar authorities say needs to build 1,300 schools. Bangladesh already hosted some guage,” said local education de- Rohingya have already spent with traumas embedded deep the military has only targeted The curriculum is also stark- 400,000 Rohingya refugees from partment offi cial, Mohammed more than 20 years in the tourists inside so many youngsters. Rohingya militants in their ly diff erent from Bangladeshi previous upsurges in Rakhine’s Zakara. “Anyway they are going Bangladesh camps. Aid groups are hurrying to set crackdown in Rakhine since schools in the region, a refl ec- long history of sectarian violence back to Myanmar.” And that means children like up schools and safe zones for August 25. tion of how the Rohingya are far The Dhaka government has Bangladesh has repeatedly Sayed Nul may have to live with visit Lanka children in the grim camps as But many of the kids in camps from welcome even in the com- let the new Rohingya refugees said that the Rohingya must re- their Rakhine traumas in squalid part of the answer. around the Bangladesh border parative safety of Bangladesh. in, but it does not want to do an- turn to Myanmar. camps for decades to come. IANS Colombo

Climate expert honoured ore than 200,000 Chi- nese tourists had ar- Nepal ‘government Mrived in Sri Lanka till September this year with over 18,000 arriving last month alone, statistics released by the Sri Lanka tourism ministry making attempt to showed yesterday. More than 1.5mn tourists have arrived in the country so far this year with the govern- ment recently announcing they postpone Nov polls’ were expecting to achieve a 2.5mn arrival target by the end of 2017. Agencies inist (CPN-UML) and the dent Bidhya Devi Bhandari India was the leading mar- Kathmandu Maoist Centre made the an- and discussed about the ket with the largest number of nouncement to go for the government motives. tourist arrivals in September, polls together and get uni- The government is intend- followed by China and Britain. he Nepal government, fi ed, after the conclusion ing to postpone the elections However with September fall- led by Prime Minister of election to choose the by some months pushing it to ing under the off -peak season, TSher Bahadur Deuba, provincial council and the June or July as the geographi- total arrivals fell 2.3% to 145,077 is making a bid to postpone house of representatives in cal diffi culties in the Hima- compared to the same month last the elections for which it two phases. With the Mao- layan regions prevail, the year, data from the tourism offi ce has been lobbying and mak- ist Centre willing to align source added. showed. ing internal preparations, a with the (CPN-UML), Prime The Election Commission, Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister French ambassador to Sri Lanka, Jean-Marin Schuh pins a medal on Sri Lanka climate expert, professor media report said quoting Minister Deuba is intending on the other side, has been John Amaratunga recently an- Mohan Munasinghe, during a ceremony in Colombo. Munasinghe was conferred a Legion of Honour for sources. to reshuffl e the cabinet. warning the government to nounced that arrivals were ex- his eff orts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development, especially in preparation With the preparations go- But one of the ministers not take any steps that hin- pected to increase, including for the 2015 Paris climate conference known as COP21. ing on in full swing for the of the Deuba cabinet denies ders the commencement of from China, during the month- elections slated for November any chance of changes in the elections. long Colombo International 26 and December 7, the gov- the polls date, as well as the In a release, about the Shopping Festival which began ernment is trying to postpone government. start of election training in on October 1. it by pushing back the missing “The incumbent govern- Dhulikhel, a hill station near He said the festival will pro- Lanka to regulate toddy to plug tax gaps constitutional deadline. ment has announced the Kathmandu, chief election vide world-class and inter- “The government is mak- date, realising the prepara- commissioner Ayodhi Prasad nationally renowned original Sri Lanka is to start regulating had declined because there was 50,000 toddy tappers, who ing a bid to postpone the tions for the election and Yadav said, “I request the brands at competitive prices. toddy in an eff ort to increase no mechanism for monitoring climb coconut trees at dawn to election, with two commu- has not thought over it. The government of Nepal to not The event will be held under its tax revenues, a government production. collect the milky white sap from nist parties making its way talks over the polls post- make any unpleasant decision the theme “One Island, One spokesman said yesterday. He said the government would coconut flowers. for unifi cation and contest- ponement and reshuffl ing of during the last hours of elec- Big Mall.” Toddy, made from the introduce new laws and start That has fallen to an ing the election in co-opera- the cabinet are not true and tion also not to let any obnox- Sri Lanka recently said it aims fermented sap of the coconut monitoring the quantity of estimated 7,000 and tion. The prime minister has we are not informed regard- ious events or incidents take to double the number of tourists flower, is not subject to taxes. toddy harvested in Sri Lanka. practitioners say the craft is a fear of losing the seats for ing it,” Minister of Labour place.” to 5mn per year by 2020 as part Government spokesman “Under the new laws, there will dying as young Sri Lankans which he is making attempts and Employment Farmullah The upcoming two-tier of a new tourist strategy to boost Gayantha Karunathilaka said be a regulatory mechanism are put off by the low wages to postpone the elections,” Mansoor said. elections are expected to revenue to the South Asian island an easing of regulations on to monitor toddy production and high risk. sources in the government Regarding the move, Fi- bring stability to the national country. the industry six years ago and collect taxes accordingly,” Toddy tappers often fall, informed. nance Minister Gyanendra politics, but the current lob- According to the Central Bank, had led to an increase in Karunathilaka said. particularly during monsoon The Communist Party of Bahadur Karki under Deuba’s bying by the government now Sri Lanka has earned over $2bn production, but tax revenues Sri Lanka once had around rains or in windy weather. Nepal-Unifi ed Marxist Len- leadership has met Presi- has threatened it. from tourism so far this year. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, October 12, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko The Aff ordable Care

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), Act’s second act 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Fax 44350474 The ACA has reduced private insurance plays a critical role, mandate for the healthy, or to slash $1bn earmarked in the ACA for the disparities in access, and most care, regardless of the source of outreach and advertising to help Center for Medicare and Medicaid insurance, is left to the private sector. individuals enrol in the health insurance Innovation to encourage state-level encouraged innovations in And the ACA is an example of for which they are eligible. Yet such experimentation. healthcare delivery essential federalism at work – a national stealth attacks are already happening. Recently, Hawaii became the fi rst commitment to health insurance for all Nor can those who want to subvert state to receive an ACA “state innovation to stemming growth in Americans, alongside considerable state- the ACA be allowed to make tax credits waiver,” introduced in 2017. Eleven other GULF TIMES costs, and, most important, level fl exibility regarding the policies less generous, eliminate essential states are developing waiver proposals. needed to realise this commitment. health benefi ts (for needs as diverse This provision provides broad fl exibility provided insurance coverage Under the ACA, the federal government as pregnancy and opioid addiction), to states to redesign their health and improved care for tens of uses a combination of regulations, or defund subsidies that help people insurance and delivery systems, so millions of Americans subsidies, and mandates to approach meet out-of-pocket expenses. The loss long as innovations do not leave more Messi and what else? universal coverage. But signifi cant of such subsidies threatens insurance people uninsured, make coverage less discretion is aff orded to states in the companies’ bottom lines, and is a major aff ordable or comprehensive, or increase By Laura Tyson and Lenny Mendonca organisation and regulation of insurance reason why many are dropping out of the federal defi cit. A state could use its Berkeley markets and in the delivery and coverage the market for individual insurance. ACA funding to provide coverage under Relieved Argentina of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Third, Congress must re-focus on a state-run programme, and some Insurance Programme (CHIP). bipartisan eff orts to address recognised states are considering a single-payer ongressional Republicans Indeed, following a 2012 Supreme problems in the ACA. approach. tackle reconstruction have twice failed to Court decision, many states decided There is broad agreement on a range Many states – whether Republican, marshal enough votes to not to participate in the Medicaid of improvements that health experts like Arkansas and Tennessee, or Crealise their seven-year expansion that was an essential ACA have been advocating for some time, Democratic, like California and Lionel Messi threw his shirt at Argentinian fans: promise to “repeal and replace” the tool for increasing health insurance but that have been ignored in the Massachusetts – are already showing the suff ering was over and it was time to celebrate the 2010 Aff ordable Care Act (ACA, or coverage. Thirty-two states including “repeal and replace” circus. One of the signs of success in producing better Albiceleste’s last-gasp qualifi cation for the 2018 World “Obamacare”). Reeling from their the District of Columbia chose to main economic advisers on ACA, Zeke health outcomes at lower cost. With defeat, it appears that they have participate, providing health insurance Emanuel, says three key changes are little action likely to occur at the federal Cup in Russia, but also in full knowledge that many abandoned the eff ort. through Medicaid to an additional crucial, “Enforce the mandate; guarantee level, states must accelerate these things will need to change before June. But the fi ght to undermine aff ordable ten million individuals, or about 56% the subsidies to the insurance companies early experiments and use their market “After this the national team will grow, it will access to healthcare is far from over. of those newly insured since 2013. for cost-sharing, the deductibles and power as insurance purchasers for change,” Argentina captain Messi promised after As the co-authors of the most recent ACA’s coverage gains were large among co-pays for families making less than Medicaid clients and state employees failed repeal eff ort put it, “when it low-income people living in states that $50,000; and make sure the insurance to push for reference pricing, quality Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Ecuador. “It is liberating to comes to Obamacare, the worst is yet expanded Medicaid. companies have risk corridors, so if improvements, and cost transparency. be in, and this group will draw many positive things to come.” Though coverage rates have increased they get too many sick patients, they’re They can also accelerate the move from all this.” Americans must not let that happen. in all states since ACA’s passage, they protected against that.” toward lower-cost care-delivery Messi, who scored a hat-trick against Ecuador, and A growing number of governors, have improved most in states that chose Finally, the ACA’s defenders should systems, like medical homes, and away his team overcame their own ghosts, woke up from mayors, and citizens recognise that to expand Medicaid. A recent survey of focus on productivity-enhancing from fee-for-service pricing to simpler Obamacare has been a success. The rigorous studies concludes that states innovation. As we wrote in 2014, bundled pricing for many procedures. their nightmare and averted an elimination that would ACA has reduced disparities in access, expanding Medicaid under the ACA “innovation is probably the least Even ACA proponents know that without a doubt have been a national disaster for encouraged innovations in healthcare have realised budget savings, revenue discussed aspect of healthcare reform. Obamacare needs improvement. football-crazy Argentina. delivery essential to stemming growth gains, and faster economic growth. No Yet it is crucial to ‘bending’ the Solutions are available, and they The win unleashed partying and sighs of relief in the in costs, and, most important, provided studies have found negative eff ects from sector’s cost curve, because it enables are to be found not in disingenuous insurance coverage and improved care Medicaid expansion on employment or the delivery of quality healthcare in grandstanding about socialism, but in Argentina dressing room at Atahualpa stadium in Quito. for tens of millions of Americans. on the provision of private insurance by cost-eff ective ways. Obamacare has innovations that leverage the federalist There were songs, some with rude references to Four steps are crucial to ensure that employers. provided powerful new incentives for fl exibility that is a defi ning feature of reporters who had questioned the players, and Messi the ACA continues to work – and works The second step needed to defend such innovation.” US democracy. – Project Syndicate ended his self-imposed media ban and addressed better. the ACA is to ensure that those running Many states are leading the way First, proponents need to go on the it (especially in Washington, DC) are by experimenting with new models z Laura Tyson, a former chair of the Argentinian reporters for the fi rst time in almost a year. off ensive. Among the most disingenuous doing their job to make it work, not that focus on delivering better US President’s Council of Economic The Barcelona striker, awarded the Ballon d’Or in arguments made by the Republican dismantling it in secret. The ACA rests patient outcomes at lower cost. Six Advisers, is a professor at the Haas 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015, rescued a World Cup senators who sponsored the latest repeal on a three-legged stool: regulations, states have received “demonstration School of Business at the University berth, but coach Jorge Sampaoli knows it will take more eff ort was that their bill off ered a choice mandates, and subsidies. Eff orts are waivers” in their Medicaid expansion of California, Berkeley, and a senior than one player, however good, to go far in Russia. between socialism and federalism. The underway to weaken all three. programmes in a wide variety of areas, adviser at the Rock Creek Group. Lenny ACA is neither socialised insurance nor President Donald Trump’s including premiums, cost-sharing Mendonca, Senior Fellow at the Presidio Argentina had only scored 16 goals in 17 qualifi ers socialised medicine: along with the administration must not be allowed to arrangements, and delivery systems. Institute, is Senior Partner Emeritus at until Tuesday, and Messi admitted that “loads of public insurers Medicare and Medicaid, cripple enforcement of the insurance Over half the states are leveraging the McKinsey & Company. things” crossed his mind when Ecuador pulled ahead less than one minute into the game. Argentina His Argentina and salvaged a Barca teammate Javier Mascherano admitted World Cup berth that elimination “would in their last have ended the story” for many players, qualifi er game presumably with several of them stepping down from the team. However, Messi revived Argentina and allowed them to dream of a new World Cup, to heal the the painful frustrations of the fi nal they lost to Germany in Brazil 2014 and those they lost to Chile in the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Copa America. “What we went through is unfair because, based on merit, we deserved to win all three fi nals,” Messi said in Quito. The forward, regarded by many as the best player in history, desperately wants a title with Argentina. “Messi does not owe Argentina a World Cup, football owes Messi a World Cup. He is the best player in history,” Sampaoli said. Finally rid of the urgencies he faced when he took the job with just four qualifi ers to go, Sampaoli will be Men work at a garment factory in Ludhiana. making changes. “There will be many corrections in planning and in the national team. I need to work hard on what is coming,” he admitted. Traders choking on Modi’s economic medicine Renewal will be based on a combination of veteran players and new faces of Argentinian football, a process AFP more than a dozen state and national period of deep uncertainty. It’s like is creeping in as buyers insist that Ludhiana levies with four diff erent rates of playing cricket on a bad pitch. You can’t companies bill their products at a lower Sampaoli has already launched through trial and error between 5% and 28%. plan it.” tax rate. in tough circumstances, with a World Cup berth on the Economists had long argued such India’s economic growth slowed to Thapar has laid off 75 of its 100 line. ax overhauls and black market steps were vital if the country of 1.3bn a three-year low of 5.7% in the fi rst workers with rows of sewing machines “I hope we can analyse the past three years and rebuild clampdowns have been people is to continue creating jobs for its quarter. now silent. touted as radical medicine to ever-growing population. The Asian Development Bank has A handful of men were at work, Argentinian football,” Mascherano said in no uncertain modernise India’s economy, But small traders – who account for a lowered its 2017 growth forecast to 7% sewing red and blue sweatshirts for Zara terms. T but for small traders like Swarn Singh third of the $2tn economy – have been from 7.4% in July. Man. “As national team players we have gone through Darera, “Modinomics” has been a bitter hit particularly hard. In an admission that its policies might “Our system of work is more than 100 many situations. I don’t want to present myself as a pill to swallow. In Darera’s shop, a box of axles worth be hurting India’s infl uential traders, years old,” said managing director Vinod victim, but we need to analyse that and think about At his factory in the northern Punjab Rs500,000 ($7,500) spent weeks on the government on Friday announced a Thapar. “At least come here and try and city of Ludhiana, Sikh businessman the shop fl oor when the buyer initially series of changes to the tax law designed understand how our business works it, not for this generation but for the one coming after Darera is keeping staff on for 12-hour balked because the sales tax for the to ease the burden on small and medium before declaring us all thieves trying us. We will leave at some point,” the 33-year-old shifts but only has enough work coming equipment leapt from 2% to 12% when businesses. to evade taxes,” was his message to the stressed. in to justify a third of that time. the July reforms came in. But in Ludhiana — home to thousands government. He blames one man for his “What are these crazy people doing?” of small factories making cycles and Pappu Kumar, a Thapar employee, predicament: Prime Minister Narendra Darera said of the government’s tax parts, shawls, textiles and sewing has seen his monthly salary halved to Modi. reforms. machines — companies say they are Rs7,000. He has halted English classes “The government fi nished us,” he said The rupee note withdrawal had hurting. for his six-year-old daughter and cut To Advertise angrily. “These people sitting in their already wiped out most of his cash “We’re feeling very insecure,” Arun back on expensive foods like paneer air-conditioned offi ces have no idea reserves, he said, adding that he was Aggarwal, a leader of Ludhiana’s cheese. [email protected] what’s happening on the ground.” keeping staff on because he didn’t want knitwear association, said. “It’s about “Everything is dependent on my Display Over the past year Modi has rolled out to lose skilled workers. the business environment. You’re salary,” Kumar said. “So if that is half, Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 controversial, but many argue much- The government says the initial pain threatening traders, calling them we have to cut back on everything else needed, fl agship reforms – often dubbed of its economic reforms will bear fruit thieves, there’s a constant threat to survive.” Classified “Modinomics” – designed to streamline down the line. of prosecution for any perceived Independent embroidery worker Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 Asia’s third-largest economy and root But analysts warn it could take digression,” he added. Mohamed Arshi said he had to send his out corruption. months for the benefi ts to show, a The nearby Thapar Hosiery Mills family back to their village in Bihar state Subscription In November his government potential headache for Modi, who faces is battling with the introduction of in August. After the July tax reforms, [email protected] cancelled more than 80% of the rupee a national election in less than two years taxes — 5% or 12% — on textiles for the embroidery was taxed at 18%, pricing banknotes in circulation in a bid to and key state elections sooner. fi rst time and well as new compliance him out of several contracts. clampdown on the black market. “The economy is not doing well at burdens. The new measures announced Friday 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Eight months later it followed up with all,” Credit Suisse managing director There have been lower sales and reduced that rate to 5% but Arshi said it a massive sales tax overhaul – replacing Neelkanth Mishra said. “We are in a higher job losses while manipulation was too little too late for this year. Gulf Times Thursday, October 12, 2017 23 COMMENT Another Nobel surprise for economics

By Robert J Shiller New Haven

he winner of this year’s Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, Richard TThaler of the University of Chicago, is a controversial choice. Thaler is known for his lifelong pursuit of behavioural economics (and its subfi eld, behavioural fi nance), which is the study of economics (and fi nance) from a psychological perspective. For some in the profession, the idea that psychological research should even be part of economics has generated hostility for years. Not from me. I fi nd it wonderful that the Nobel Foundation chose Thaler. The economics Nobel has already been awarded to a number of people who can be classifi ed as behavioural economists, including George Akerlof, Robert Fogel, Daniel Kahneman, Elinor Ostrom, and me. With the addition of Thaler, we now account for about Richard Thaler George Akerlof Elinor Ostrom Daniel Kahneman Robert Fogel 6% of all Nobel economics prizes ever awarded. campus together, discovering along psychology, but he insisted that stories from the observation that there are no ten-dollar bill that they might fi nd on more pervasively, it determines But many in economics and the way that we had similar ideas and about such mistakes are “almost totally ten-dollar bills lying around on public a sidewalk. There is no self-control whether we achieve fulfilment and fi nance still believe that the best way research goals. For 25 years, starting irrelevant” to fi nance. The concluding sidewalks. However psychologically issue there. But they will have trouble satisfaction in life. to describe human behaviour is to in 1991, he and I co-organised a sentence of his review is widely quoted bent some people are, one can bet that resisting the impulse to spend it. As a Thaler has shown in his research eschew psychology and instead model series of academic conferences on by his admirers: “That we abstract they will pick up the money as soon as result, most people save too little for how to focus economic inquiry more human behaviour as mathematical behavioural economics, under the from all these stories in building our they spot it. their retirement years. decisively on real and important optimisation by separate and auspices of the US National Bureau of models is not because the stories are Both Miller and Ross made wonderful Economists need to know about problems. His research program relentlessly selfi sh individuals, subject Economic Research. uninteresting but because they may be contributions to fi nancial theory. But such mistakes that people repeatedly has been both compassionate and to budget constraints. Of course, not Over all those years, however, there too interesting and thereby distract us their results are not the only descriptions make. During a long subsequent grounded, and he has established a all economists, or even a majority, are has been antagonism – and even what from the pervasive market forces that of economic and fi nancial forces that career, involving work with UCLA’s research trajectory for young scholars wedded to this view, as evidenced by appeared to be real animus – toward should be our principal concern.” should interest us, and Thaler has been Shlomo Benartzi and others, Thaler and social engineers that marks the the fact that both Thaler and I have our research agenda. Thaler once Stephen A Ross of MIT, another a major contributor to a behavioural has proposed mechanisms that will, beginning of a real and enduring been elected president, in successive told me that Merton Miller, who won fi nance theorist who was a likely research programme that has as he and Harvard Law School’s Cass scientifi c revolution. I couldn’t be years, of the American Economic the economics Nobel in 1990 (he future Nobel laureate until he died demonstrated this. Sunstein put it in their book Nudge, more pleased for him – or for the Association, the main professional died in 2000), would not even make unexpectedly in March, argued For example, in 1981, Thaler and change the “choice architecture” of profession. – Project Syndicate body for economists in the United eye contact when passing him in the along similar lines. In his 2005 Santa Clara University’s Hersh these decisions. The same people, with States. But many of our colleagues hallway at the University of Chicago. book Neoclassical Finance, he, too, Shefrin advanced an “economic the same self-control problems, could z Robert J Shiller, a 2013 Nobel unquestionably are. Miller explained his reasoning (if not eschewed psychology, preferring theory of self-control” that describes be enabled to make better decisions. laureate in economics and Professor I first met Thaler in 1982, when he his behaviour) in a widely cited 1986 to build a “methodology of fi nance economic phenomena in terms of Improving people’s saving of Economics at Yale University, is was a professor at Cornell University. article called “Behavioural Rationality as the implication of the absence of people’s inability to control their behaviour is not a small or co-author, with George Akerlof, of I was visiting Cornell briefly, and in Finance.” Miller conceded that arbitrage.” In other words, we can learn impulses. Sure, people have no trouble insignificant matter. To some extent, Phishing for Phools: The Economics of he and I took a long walk across the sometimes people are victims of a lot about people’s behaviour just motivating themselves to pick up a it is a matter of life or death, and, Manipulation and Deception. Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY Smoking out Big Tobacco High: 38 C Low : 32 C Inshore: Strong wind over most areas By Kelle Louaillier in offi cial policy. Indeed, they must than $2bn from the tobacco industry. increasing awareness of the use of such and expected poor visibility at places. Boston erect an unbreachable fi rewall between The European Union has terminated tactics not just by Big Tobacco, but also policymaking and the industry at the its controversial agreement with by other similarly powerful industries. national and international levels. PMI on tackling illicit trade. And the At the most recent meeting of the FRIDAY ecently, the tobacco industry’s This idea is embedded in Article 5.3 of Philippines has barred public offi cials United Nations Framework Convention High: 37 C lack of respect for people’s lives, the FCTC. The need for that provision from interacting with the tobacco on Climate Change, for example, the Low: 28 C international law, and national was made apparent by internal industry unless absolutely necessary. fossil-fuel industry’s interference in the Cloudy Rsovereignty has been placed tobacco-industry documents released With such measures, governments talks was a central issue. under a spotlight. Investigations carried through the Tobacco Master Settlement are prioritising people’s health over the Now, calls to prevent powerful out by the likes of the World Health Agreement, reached between the industry’s profi ts. After all, without industries such as Big Oil, Big Pharma, SATURDAY Organisation (WHO) and the Guardian four largest US tobacco corporations Big Tobacco at the table, they are more and Big Food from undermining, High: 37 C newspaper have provided damning and the attorneys general of 46 US likely to succeed in implementing diluting, or delaying sound policies that Low: 27 C evidence of what we in the public health states in 1998. Those documents measures for reducing smoking rates, advance the public interest are growing Sunny community have known for decades: revealed, for example, that Philip whether tried-and-true policies like louder. The recent SFO investigation Big Tobacco, in its relentless pursuit Morris Companies (then the parent of prohibiting cigarette marketing, or and media exposés should reinforce this of profi t, is subverting, blocking, and PMI) viewed the WHO as a threat and newer measures, such as eliminating shift, serving as a powerful incentive Fishermen’s forecast for governments to implement stronger weakening public health protections in sought “countermeasures” to “contain/ branding from cigarette packages. OFFSHORE DOHA any way it can. neutralise/re-orient” it. Taken together, these actions are saving confl ict-of-interest measures – on Wind: NW 18-28/35 KT As the investigations showed, Recent investigations show that PMI millions of lives. tobacco and other issues – at the Waves: 7-9/12 Feet corporations like Philip Morris targeted global tobacco treaty meetings, More countries must urgently international and national levels. INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW 10-20/25 KT International (PMI) and British wooing delegates, and stacking implement similar policies. And to do Today, there are powerful Waves: 2-4/5 Feet American Tobacco have often used delegations with industry-friendly so, they must ensure that they employ corporations – from the tobacco and covert tactics, outright bullying, and trade ministers. BAT, for its part, has processes and policies that are in line pharmaceutical industries to those Around the region illicit activities to block progress on taken aim at national lawmakers, with Article 5.3, thereby preventing engaged in water privatisation and Weather Weather the WHO’s Framework Convention on reportedly bribing offi cials in parts of the industry from subverting their climate change – bent on reaping profi t today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Tobacco Control (FCTC), established East Africa to block or subvert public initiatives to reduce smoking rates and at the expense of people’s lives and the Abu Dhabi Sunny 36/29 Sunny 35/28 in 2003. Now, the United Kingdom’s policy and force its way into the market, improve public health. environment. They have little regard Baghdad Sunny 33/18 Sunny 34/19 Dubai Serious Fraud Offi ce (SFO) has in order to get a new generation in But Big Tobacco is not the only for democratic processes, and, as we Sunny 37/27 Sunny 36/26 Kuwait City Sunny 37/23 Sunny 37/23 confi rmed that it is investigating British Africa addicted to its product. industry attempting to undermine now know, they will stop at nothing Manama Cloudy 35/29 Cloudy 35/29 American Tobacco for a conspiracy of All of this has resulted in delayed the public good for the sake of its own to undermine any process that could Muscat Sunny 36/27 Sunny 36/27 bribery in Central and East Africa. progress in implementing lifesaving interests. That is why international interfere with business as usual. The Riyadh Sunny 36/21 Sunny 37/22 That is a start. But, given the public-health protections around the legal frameworks like the FCTC must only way to prevent them from doing so Tehran Sunny 26/15 Sunny 25/13 fundamental confl ict between the world – though it hasn’t stopped them. be developed for other industries that is to kick them out of the room. We have tobacco industry’s interests and Dozens of governments have already are using Big Tobacco’s playbook to the tools to do it. We just need to use public-health objectives, health begun to implement measures in line weaken public-health legislation and them. – Project Syndicate practitioners and governments with the global tobacco convention’s environmental regulations that aff ect around the world must do more to confl ict-of-interest provisions. For their own lines. z Kelle Louaillier is President of prevent Big Tobacco from interfering example, Norway has divested more The good news is that there is Corporate Accountability International.

Live issues Finding Nemo may become even harder: study

AFP This happens in response to envi- or more intense, warming period, and Paris ronmental stress, such as ocean warm- whether aff ected fi sh would deal better Around the world ing or pollution. or worse with a new bleaching episode. Weather Weather “Among the clownfi sh living in the Exceptional ocean warming events today Max/min tomorrow Max/min he clownfi sh, the colourful bleached anemones, the scientists are predicted to become more frequent Athens Sunny 26/13 Sunny 27/14 swimmer propelled to fame observed a drastic fall (-73 %) in the as the average global temperature rises. Beirut Sunny 25/22 Sunny 26/22 S T Storms T Storms 31/26 by the 2003 fi lm Finding number of viable eggs,” said a state- Nearly 200 nations agreed under the Bangkok 32/26 Berlin M Cloudy 17/08 P Cloudy 16/12 Nemo, is under threat from ment from France’s CNRS research 2015 Paris Agreement to limit warming Cairo Sunny 29/19 M Sunny 29/19 T Cloudy Sunny 27/13 warming ocean waters wreaking havoc institute. to 2C (3.6F) over industrial levels. Cape Town 17/12 with sea anemones — the structures “These fi sh were laying eggs less A level of about 1C has already been Colombo T Storms 29/26 Rain 28/26 which serve as its home, a study has frequently and they were also laying reached and scientists fear the ceiling Dhaka P Cloudy 33/26 S T Storms 32/26 Hong Kong P Cloudy 34/26 P Cloudy 32/26 found. research team monitored 13 pairs of fewer and less-viable eggs.” will be shattered, with potentially dis- Istanbul Sunny 21/11 Sunny 21/14 Closely related to corals, sea anemo- orange-fi n anemonefi sh living among No changes were observed among astrous consequences for the Earth’s Jakarta S T Storms 33/24 P Cloudy 34/26 nes are invertebrate marine creatures the coral reefs of Moorea Island in the fi sh with unbleached abodes. climate. Karachi Sunny 39/25 Sunny 36/25 that live in symbiosis with algae, which South Pacifi c. Blood samples showed a sharp In June last year, a study said many London P Cloudy 17/12 P Cloudy 19/14 Manila T Storms T Storms 30/27 increase in levels of the stress hormone of the real-life Nemos swimming in 31/27 provide them with food, oxygen and They were monitored before, dur- Moscow Rain 09/06 Rain 11/06 colour. ing and after the El Nino weather cortisol in the aff ected fi sh, and a “sig- children’s fi sh tanks around the world New Delhi Sunny 36/22 Sunny 36/22 Clownfi sh, also known as anem- event that in 2016 caused major nifi cant drop” in sex hormones that were caught using cyanide — another New York Cloudy 19/13 Cloudy 19/17 onefi sh, in turn use the structures as coral bleaching as the Pacifi c Ocean determine fertility, the team reported. threat to the species. Paris S Showers 19/12 P Cloudy 22/10 shelter to lay their eggs and raise their warmed. The health of the anemones and the Finding Nemo, the movie about the Sao Paulo M Sunny 34/19 P Cloudy 34/21 Seoul Cloudy 14/05 M Sunny 20/09 young — keeping the anemones clean Half of the anemones in the study fi sh improved three to four months quest of a young fi sh separated from its Singapore S T Storms 29/26 P Cloudy 31/27 in return. “bleached”, expelling the algae that live after the end of the warming event. family, resulted in more than a million Sydney P Cloudy 26/13 Sunny 23/17 For the study, published in the on them and turning bone white, the Further research is needed, the team clownfi sh being harvested from tropi- Tokyo Clear 28/19 Cloudy 18/16 journal Nature Communications, a team found. said, to examine the eff ects of a longer, cal reefs as pets. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, October 12, 2017 QATAR

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, wife of His Highness the Emir, graced Qatar University’s Class of 2017 graduation ceremony of female students yesterday. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani honours a graduate. Qatar University celebrates graduation of Class of 2017

atar University (QU) marked the graduation Qof the female students of Class of 2017 yesterday in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, wife of His Highness the Emir, with 2,411 students receiving their degree certifi cates from QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham. This is the 40th and largest batch of stu- dents to graduate from QU. Of the total were 245 top achieving students of GPA 3.50 and above, with highest scorers international aff airs student Arwa Fathelbab Mohamed Mohamed Khedr (College of Arts and Sci- QU president Hassan al-Derham ences) and secondary education speaking at the event. The deans of various colleges at the graduation ceremony. Some of the students celebrating the graduation. student Mahboobeh Mohammed Reda Majeedzadeh (College of “This signifi cant event is a tes- fore, in line with the goals of leading international accrediting ing on its vision to be regionally entrepreneurship,” he added. Hajri of College of Arts and Sci- Education) achieving GPA 4.0. tament to the active role of wom- Qatar National Vision 2030 and bodies. recognised for distinctive excel- Dr al-Derham thanked parents ences gave heartfelt congratula- Also attending the ceremony en in Qatari society. We are proud the national aspirations towards “We are keen that continued lence in education and research, and faculty members for their tions to her colleagues saying, were members of QU leadership, of Qatar University’s long jour- a knowledge-based economy. success comes from our ongo- an institution of choice for stu- support throughout the students’ “Today, we are preparing to start deans, parents, faculty, staff , ney of success since its establish- “Qatar University off ers 79 spe- ing eff orts to provide the best for dents, scholars and researchers, academic journey. “Your con- a new phase in our lives towards alumni, and well-wishers. ment 40 years ago. Qatari women cialisations at the undergradu- our students and community, es- and a catalyst for the sustainable tribution to their success is in- building the country’s future. I Dr al-Derham said, “Today, we have eff ectively contributed as ate and graduate level, especially pecially in the light of local and socio-economic development of valuable,” he said, adding, “Dear thank Qatar University for pro- are not only pleased to celebrate the students, faculty members, re- designed to meet the needs of the international challenges. Over Qatar,” he highlighted. students, as you prepare to enter viding us with an optimal learn- graduation of Qatar University’s searchers, deans, or department labour market,” he maintained. the past years, the education sys- “In order to achieve this vi- a new and exciting phase in your ing environment that ensured 40th batch of students, as we are heads to the growth of the Uni- He went on to discuss the organi- tem in Qatar witnessed numer- sion, the university will focus lives, I encourage you to continue our success. I also extend our also celebrating the proud stand versity,” he continued. sation’s achievements during the ous changes. In this context, it is on advancing education, re- to seek new horizons, develop gratitude to our parents and fac- of the Qatari citizens and their Dr al-Derham noted that Qa- year which included accredita- important that Qatar University search and student success with your talents, and strive for excel- ulty for their invaluable support wise leadership against the unjust tar University’s vision became tion achievement for its colleges keeps abreast of the ever-chang- the aim to improve knowledge lence in your undertakings.” and for guiding us in our endeav- blockade imposed on Qatar.” more comprehensive than be- and programmes from numerous ing development while deliver- and promote innovation and Valedictorian Mariam Ali al- ours.”

All should join govt’s eff orts to ensure workers’ welfare ‘Spain, Qatar have deep-rooted ties’ By Joey Aguilar still going on, the envoy said. previous years at Katara–the Cultural From Page 1 of foreign workers in the country. Staff Reporter “We have to find ways in which the Village. The system of sponsorship (Ka- implementation of the investments de- The embassy also partnered with During the period spanning fala) was repealed and replaced cision can be taken in a swift way,” he various Qatari educational institutions from the discovery of oil to the with a contract-based system ilateral relations between Qatar explained. such as Hamad Bin Khalifa University announcement of QNV2030, governed by law. Many other and Spain have remained strong The two countries also enjoy strong and Qatar University to teach the Span- Qatar has gone through major provisions were also included in in various fields of co-operation, co-operation in the field of sports, ish language to students with the help phases of rapid development in other state laws to guarantee the B many fi elds and areas, ranging safety and welfare of expats. Spanish ambassador Ignacio Escobar particularly in the lead-up to the 2022 of “highly experienced and motivated from health, economy, educa- To be fair, the State has been has said. “Both countries have enjoyed FIFA World Cup, according to Escobar. staff”. tion, commerce, laws, etc. As a doing everything possible and deep-rooted ties through the years,” the He said many Spanish coaches, tech- “The first way to understanding an- result, scores of foreign compa- paying all required attention to envoy told Gulf Times yesterday. nicians, experts, psychologists and a other country is by language. Once you nies, corporations, contractors those expats who are working He was speaking on the eve of the wide array of professionals, who have know how to speak the language you and other entrepreneurs came hard for the sake of my country. Spanish National Day celebration in Qa- vast experience in sports, are working can understand many more things,” the to seize whatever investment Hence, the shortfalls may be at- tar, set to take place with a reception at with Aspire Zone Foundation and As- envoy pointed out. “It is important to opportunity they could fi nd. tributed to a few unscrupulous The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, today. petar. bring your culture to different parts of Hundreds of thousands of for- employers, who need to review Escobar noted that both King Felipe “We are participating in the design the world where Spain is present, and eign workers were brought in and their practices to fall in line with VI and His Highness the Emir Sheikh of stadia and that is something which Qatar is no exception.” trained in the country. the country’s policies. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani have excel- is ongoing, and we’ll continue for sure In trade, he said the volume is around Accordingly, new laws and The government has been and lent background and training besides because we have a lot to offer and are €1bn annually but decreased to €800mn regulations were issued to ensure will keep monitoring the con- being both young and working actively more than happy to offer it to Qatar,” in 2016 due to lower oil prices. Spanish safe working and living condi- dition of expatriates in Qatar for their countries and citizens. the envoy added. “All are very excited exports to Qatar consist of construc- tions in Qatar. Those new laws and issue regulations to further for the 2022 World Cup, which will tion materials, textiles, marble, furni- and regulations were precisely guarantee the welfare of its man- With a few exceptions, he added Spanish ambassador Ignacio Escobar. guided and directed towards safe- power; it will be desirable for the that Spain and Qatar are also in line in take place for the first time in an Arab ture, fruits and vegetables, electronic guarding the human rights of the employers to familiarise them- dealing with international and region- change, among others. Negotiations country.” equipment, automobiles, transporta- indispensable foreign workers. selves with the salient features al challenges such as fighting terror- regarding the €40bn joint investment In the field of culture, he said Spain tion equipment and machinery, among Qatar has never denied the fact of QNV2030 and invest as much ism, particularly Daesh, and climate fund between the two countries are successfully held traditional events in others. that its expat manpower is an in- as possible in human develop- tegral part of the social fabric. In ment. This will help in improved fact, I remember seeing during productivity and elimination of my school years expats working any rights violation. on infrastructure projects in the The accomplishment of country. Roads, schools, houses, QNV2030 involves hard work hospitals, and more were all built and dedication; we should all by those expats whom we con- help and invest more in human Cabinet nod for industrial zones sider as one of our main sources resources development eff orts required towards realisation of led by our government to do From Page 1 inet meeting at the Emiri Diwan The meeting, meanwhile, also ation activities between the gov- for the Qatar Financial Markets the QNV2030. everything possible to further Hence, a lot of attention has protect and guarantee the wel- yesterday, HE the Deputy Prime agreed on joining the Interna- ernments of Qatar and Malaysia. Authority to apply provisions of been directed towards these fare of the country’s workforce, Also, no industrial establish- Minister and Minister of State for tional Convention for the Control Besides, the Cabinet approved the commercial companies law workers and their rights protec- especially the expats. Well, when ment is to be founded in the in- Cabinet Aff airs Ahmed bin Ab- and Management of Ships’ Ballast a draft MoU for co-operation and the control of listed compa- tion. For years now, the govern- some employers falter that may dustrial zones without authorisa- dullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud said Water and Sediments for 2004. between the Legal and Judicial nies on Qatar Exchange, as well ment has been issuing laws to lead to rights violations, which in tion from the relevant authorities the Cabinet also gave its nod to a Further, QNA reported that Studies Centre at the Ministry as a letter of the chairman of the prevent their exploitation and turn would aff ect the reputation in the State and after approval draft decree on allocating land to the Cabinet approved a draft air of Justice, Qatar, and Singapore Board of Directors of Qatar Finan- unjust treatment. of the country; again this may be from the Ministry of Energy and the Qatar General Electricity and services agreement between the Academy of Law, Singapore. cial Centre Regulatory Authority Law No 21 of 2015 regulating one of the prices to be paid for Industry. Water Corporation (Kahramaa) governments of Qatar and Indo- After that, the meeting re- on the annual report and audited the entry, exit and residency of rapid development. After HE the Prime Minister for the establishment of an elec- nesia. Additionally, it gave its nod viewed a letter of HE the Minister accounts of the authority for expatriates was introduced to Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin tricity and water production to a draft memorandum of under- of Economy and Commerce on 2016. The Cabinet then took the guarantee the smooth movement [email protected] Khalifa al-Thani chaired the Cab- plant. standing (MoU) on legal co-oper- the legal mechanism necessary appropriate decisions thereon.