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Al Kaabi wants gas 24th Arabian Gulf exporting countries Cup: Qatar to go to expand all out for win trade routes against UAE

Sunday 1 December 2019 | 4 Rabia II 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8092 | 2 Riyals

NHRC to host MoPH strategy to 248,123 74 121% International Number of passengers Number of cruise ships Growth in number of Conference on eliminate viral expected in 2019-20 that will dock at Doha cruise passengers to cruise season Port in 2019-20 season Qatar in 2018-19 season Social Media hepatitis by 2030 QNA/DOHA The most important interventions planned in 100% OVER 140,000 With the participation of 300 the Strategic Framework 2018-2022 are to Growth in number Passengers arrived in governmental and non-govern- maintain high levels of coverage of disease mental organisations, the National of cruise ships in Qatar aboard 44 ships Human Rights Committee has awareness and early screening services. 2018-19 season in 2018-19 season completed all arrangements to organise the Doha International THE PENINSULA The most important interven- Conference on “Social Media: DOHA tions planned in the Strategic Challenges and Ways of Framework are to maintain high Supporting Freedoms and The Ministry of Public Health levels of coverage of disease Protecting Activists”, which will be (MoPH) officially launched awareness and early screening held on February 16 and 17. 2018-22 Strategic Framework services and to increase the number The Conference is organised for Combating Viral Hepatitis in of beneficiaries of care and in partnership with the Office of Qatar. treatment services easily and at low the United Nations High Commis- The strategic framework cost especially among the most vul- Two MSC ships to make 24 visits this season sioner for Human Rights, the aims to eliminate viral hepatitis nerable groups of the disease. THE PENINSULA Communications, H E Jassim bin place between Qatari Officials European Parliament, the Global in Qatar by 2030 by completely It also aims at maintaining DOHA Saif Al Sulaiti; Akbar Al Baker, and the ship’s captain Giuseppe Alliance of National Human Rights eliminating new infections high levels of coverage with the Secretary General of QNTC and Maresca, upholding a maritime Institutions and the International among the community while viral hepatitis vaccine of A and Two ships from MSC Cruises — Group Chief Executive of Qatar tradition that celebrates maiden Federation of Journalists.`P2 reducing the spread of chronic B among children and the most MSC Bellissima and MSC Lirica Airways; Captain Abdullah Al voyages to a new port. infections and reducing mortality vulnerable groups such as — will make a total of 24 visits Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar; Eng. H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti FUEL PRICES THIS MONTH rate caused by viral hepatitis. medical services providers. to Qatar during the 2019-20 Badr Al Meer, Chief Operating praised the long-standing fruitful QR1.90 The framework reflects a full Key interventions in the cruise season. On Thursday, MSC Officer, Hamad International partnership with the Mediter- Price of super grade petrol for a litre commitment to the implemen- strategic framework also include Bellissima arrived at Doha Port, Airport; Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC ranean Shipping Company (MSC), tation of high-quality disease the continuation of laboratory bringing over 5,000 visitors on Executive Chairman; Carlotta during the 2022 FIFA World Cup QR1.75 Price of premium grade petrol control interventions at the testing services for all blood its maiden call to the destination. Colli, Deputy Head of Mission at (MSC) will provide two cruise ships national level, said the Ministry donors with strict application of To welcome the ship at Doha the Italian Embassy in Qatar, that will be used to provide an QR1.85 in a statement issued infection control procedures and Port, officials including Minister among others, were present. A excellent accommodation expe- Price of diesel for a litre yesterday. safe use of injections. `P3 of Transport and crest exchange ceremony took rience for fans and visitors. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019

Two MSC ships to make 24 visits in this season OFFICIAL NEWS Qatar condemns FROM PAGE 1 explosions in Iraq “Doha Port is playing a key role in reinforcing Qatar’s DOHA: Qatar has expressed position as an attractive tourist its strong denunciation and destination through securing condemnation of the series and receiving international of explosions that targeted cruise ships, as well as pro- the centre of Iraq’s Kirkuk city viding all the facilities nec- and the attack on a security essary for the growth of a sector checkpoint in Dialy, which left that is considered a key con- a number of people includ- tributor to the economic ing a security officer dead diversity pursued by Qatar in addition to others being National Vision 2030,” said H injured. The Ministry of For- E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti. eign Affairs renewed Qatar’s H E emphasised the firm position in reject- important role played by the ing violence and terrorism National Tourism Council, regardless of its motives. The Qatar Ports Company and the statement also expressed relevant authorities to make the Qatar’s condolences to the tourism season 2019-2020 a families of the victims, the success, which will achieve a government and people of significant growth in the Iraq , wishing the injured a number of tourists coming to speedy recovery. QNA Doha port. The Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti; Secretary-General of QNTC and Group Chief Executive of MSC Cruises has played a Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker; CEO of Mwani Qatar, Captain Abdullah Al Khanji; Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, significant role in Qatar’s cruise Qatar’s reception tourism since December 2016 Eng. Badr Al Meer; MSC Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago; Deputy Head of Mission at the Italian Embassy in Qatar, CarlottaColli; when MSC Fantasia made its ship’s captain, Giuseppe Maresca, and other officials during the crest exchanging ceremony in Doha, yesterday. of Gulf Cup maiden voyage to Qatar. It was participants lauded the first mega ship to dock at aboard MSC Cruises’ ships, Group enjoys with Qatar and MSC Cruises has played a significant role in the Doha Port, followed by 27 Qatar’s bespoke and authentic its people. Qatar’s cruise tourism since December 2016 QNA/DOHA more calls by ships belonging tourism offerings, and state-of- “MSC Bellissima is the to MSC Cruises during the the-art sports venues and largest and most modern cruise when MSC Fantasia made its maiden voyage to The Speaker of the Kuwaiti 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 transport systems, fans are in ship deployed in the region. Qatar. It was the first mega ship to dock at the National Assembly, Marzouq Al seasons. for a truly unforgettable World And, together with MSC Doha Port, followed by 27 more calls by ships Ghanim, praised the way Qatar More recently, Qatar part- Cup.” The 2019/20 cruise Seaview – which from next belonging to MSC Cruises during the 2016/17, welcomed the participants in nered with MSC Cruises to season had kicked off last season will be calling weekly, the Arabian Gulf Cup of Nations. charter two of its ships during month with the launch of Doha she is a testimony of our com- 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. He expressed his thanks and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Port’s new temporary terminal, mitment to develop further the appreciation to Qatar for the providing visiting fans with and is set to be the biggest yet potential of Doha as a – MSC Bellissima, launched in sulphur oxide emissions; reception. accommodation in 4,000 for Qatar, bringing a total of homeport. We are also partic- March this year, has the advanced waste management Al Ghanem said that the real cabins on the ships. 248,123 passengers aboard 74 ipating in travel agent road- capacity of up to 5,686 guests. and wastewater treatment win was the GCC gathering, as Akbar Al Baker, said, “Our ships, showing a growth of 121 shows across Italy with Qatar MSC Bellissima features some systems; ballast water the result of the matches is just partnership with MSC Cruises percent and 66 percent respec- Airways to attract more tourists of the latest and most advanced treatment system; latest-tech- honest competition between goes beyond adding Qatar to tively, over the previous season. to Qatar,” he said. environmental technologies at nology systems for the pre- brothers. He stressed that the cruise itineraries, to supporting Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Featuring 19 decks, 12 inter- sea to minimise and continu- vention of oil discharges from competition succeeded before the development of Doha Port Cruises, said: “We are pleased national dining venues, an ously reduce her environmental machinery spaces and various the kick off when all teams and ultimately offering unique to be here today to celebrate 80-metre-long LED dome and impact including : a cutting- state-of-the-art energy-effi- participated. accommodation options to the MSC Bellissima’s maiden call to 2,217 cabins and suites edge hybrid Exhaust Gas ciency improvements – from The Speaker said that visiting fans in 2022. Together Doha, another milestone of the equipped with the world’s first Cleaning System (EGCS) that heat recovery systems to LED Qatar’s organisation of the with the high-end experience broader partnership that our digital cruise assistant ‘Zoe’ removes up to 97 per cent of lighting. World Cup 2022 as a source of pride for all Arabs, given it will be the first time an Arab country hosts such an event. He added NHRC to host International Conference on Social Media that they consider themselves partners in the World Cup and FROM PAGE 1 conference aims to discuss the Dr. Al Marri said that the conference aims to pretexts, he said. He said that expressed hope that things The Chairman of the National opportunities created by social discuss the opportunities created by social the conference is exploring the move smoothly on that front. Human Rights Committee media to promote human rights, media to promote human rights, and explore possibility of harnessing social He also said that Qatar have (NHRC), Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al and explore the repeated forms the repeated forms of interference in the use of media to be an important tool to succeeded in organising a Marri, noted that the conference of interference in the use of these enhance the civil space or to number of major events. will witness the participation of means, adding in this context these means. spread hatred online, which may Al Ghanim noted that 300 governmental and non-gov- that the discussions will identify lead to acts of violence in normal Kuwait’s match tomorrow with ernmental organisations. good practices and lessons to to the other easily, where the realizing a range of human rights life, so it has included many Oman will have a strong Journalists’ unions, major benefit from social media in the scope of opportunities for the and promoting economic and social media platforms in its attendance, and said he expects companies and social networks, realising human rights, explore exercise of fundamental rights social development. terms and conditions a special the match to be a good one, including Google, Facebook and the impact of online speech and freedoms of expression and “New technologies and inter- ban on “hate speech”. especially that Kuwait managed Twitter as well as international restrictions set by national laws assembly Association and par- dependence have helped the Dr. Al Marri revealed some to get an important win in the celebrities and human rights and policies on journalists, ticipation in public life is growth of civil society networks, of the expected outcomes of the match against Saudi Arabia defenders, media practitioners, human rights defenders, and unparalleled. including cross-border growth. conference, including the devel- given the difficulty of the match. international experts and repre- political activists. Dr. Al Marri noted that the However, the emergence of opment of mutual understanding He highlighted however sentatives of the technology He also pointed out that protection of human rights now these new opportunities has among different stakeholders on that qualification from Group community, relevant special rap- social media platforms have and in the future is increasingly been followed by emerging the opportunities, risks and good B is not guaranteed yet, as the porteurs, chairpersons of United changed the prevailing concepts dependent on the ability to threats to civic space. At the practices to work to expand the match against Oman is also a Nations treaty bodies, judges, in the cultural, political and clarify how human rights prin- same time, digital technologies civil space in and through social difficult one. He also wished lawyers and representatives of media communication in the ciples are applied to social have also created new excuses media, and develop ways to Iraq luck as hosts of the next victims of social media activists world, and digital devices have media, and to take advantage of for governments to stifle social address the challenges and edition of the competition, will also participate. become mobile newsrooms, and those platforms, which have media activity and restrict civil threats faced by activists on wishing the country stability, Dr. Al Marri said that the that there is no obscure access become an indispensable tool for space, often based on security social media platforms. security and safety. Picturesque Panama City featured in Katara exhibition

RAYNALD C RIVERA exhibition abroad and he is keen THE PENINSULA As Panama City celebrates its to come back to Doha for another show next year. Picturesque ruins, scenic land- quincentennial Lauding the artist, the envoy scapes, historical colonial founding anniversary, said, “As an ambassador and as buildings, and modern the exhibition aims at an architect, I want to highlight skyscrapers of Panama City as showcasing the city to the value and commitment of captured on lens by photog- Agustin Goncalves as a profes- rapher Agustin Goncalves adorn the world. sional photographer who shares the walls of Katara Cultural his talent to the delight of all of Village Building 19 Gallery 1. us, elevating the art of photog- Presented by the Embassy of the city remains as the main cul- raphy to the maximum Panama in Qatar and Katara, the tural and economic center of the expression of beauty, special exhibition “Panama and the country playing an important moments and emotions of our Time: 500 Years Joining Worlds” role in the world trade as a culture.” is a celebration of 500th foun- logistic hub,” said Mousa “Nowadays worldwide we dation anniversary of Panama Abdelhae Asvat Kasu, Ambas- are experiencing the digital era, City, an international crossroads sador of Panama to Qatar. in which we spend more time in famous for the Panama Canal Speaking at the opening of social media platforms of all which has been a global gateway the exhibition on Friday, the kinds, facilitating the communi- and turning point in the devel- ambassador highlighted “the cations instantly all over the The Ambassador of Panama to Qatar, Mousa Abdelhae Kasvat Kasu (second right); with Dr. Khalid opment of world trade. similarities between Panama and world. In this sense, photography bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (centre), General Manager of Katara Cultural Village; and other guests touring “In 1519 when Panama City Qatar, from a sustained eco- is a language that everybody in was founded by Pedrarias Davila, nomic growth as well as the role ‘Panama and the Time’, a photo exhibition by Agustin Goncalves (second left), at Katara on Friday. this world can understand, no PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA the city became a stopover point of being bridges of geographical matter the differences, as images as one of the most important connection in our respective may be processed in our brains trade routes in the American regions.” “I was born in Buenos Aires Goncalves told The Peninsula. of Panamanian women in elab- faster than words, which is an continent, leading to the fairs of Born in Argentina, Goncalves and I lived in Panama for 20 As Panama City celebrates its orate traditional Pollera cos- emerging global culture that Nombre de Dios and Portobelo has always been passionate years and I love it. This exhibition quincentennial founding anni- tumes, Goncalves perfectly cap- reflects the diversity in our in the Atlantic, through which about art and photography from is a collection of 25 photos I have versary, the exhibition aims at tures images which have been development as humans,” said passed most of the gold and a young age and fell in love with captured during my stay in showcasing the city to the world, deeply ingrained in his heart and the ambassador. silver that Spain took from the Panama City when he moved Panama, which is a mix of he said. From stunning land- soul and visual memory. The exhibition is open to the Americas. Today, 500 years later there 20 years ago. culture and some landscapes,” scapes and cityscapes to portraits This is Goncalves’ second public until Wednesday. SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 03

Qatari innovator wins silver prize at Qatar attends conference in prestigious international fair in Seoul India on higher PRAMOD PRABHAKARAN 720 international inventions magnifier on a drone. THE PENINSULA ONLINE presented at the fair. “Every “Magnifier Hexacopter uses education time I receive an achievement, sunlight focus point to burn A path-breaking innovation I feel like I want to do more for specific locations which consist QNA/DOHA from Qatar has won second Qatar.” Al Jefairi told The of automatic flight drone height prize at the prestigious Seoul Peninsula after winning the detection, AI sunlight detector, Qatar has participated in the International Innovation Fair prize. automated continuous burning 15th International Higher 2019 (SIIF 2019) held in the As the largest annual root, magnifier with a rotation Education Conference, held in South Korean capital, Seoul, invention fair in Asia, SIIF 2019 technique, laser point object the Indian capital New Delhi from November 27 to 30. is organised to market and detector for safety burning, and from November 27 to 29, with Qatari entrepreneur and promote inventions. At SIIF Shutter safety element,” a the participation of more than inventor Mohammed Hassan 2019 inventors and researchers statement from Al Jefairi said. 64 countries, and more than a Al Jefairi won the second prize showcase new ideas and Al Jefairi had last year won thousand participants, for his innovation Magnifier products to manufacturers, the World Summit Award in the including ministers, undersec- Hexacopter (Burning Drone), investors, distributors, Inclusion & Empowerment cat- retaries, heads of universities The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. which can be used to write or licensing firms and the general egory for Deaf Pedia, a non-governmental organisa- Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, and the Undersecretary of the draw images on sand by public. Kuwaiti engineer Sara platform that supports deaf by tions, as well as a large group Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Foreign and Security Policy, Carrie burning the sand with focused Aboerjaib won the gold medal offering sign language open- of officials in the field of higher Jurgen, signing the MoU in Helsinki. sunlight. It could also be used for the device ‘Near-infrared source platform to share and education, scientific research by the civil defence to burn a Optical imaging’. improve sign language. and technology. specific tree in the wood to stop Al Jefairi’s invention is He is also the author of over Qatar’s delegation to the Qatar, Finland hold round fire using wind blow off the designed to focus sunlight on 68 books on leadership and conference was headed by the CO2. burning a specific location by technology which are now Ministry of Education under- of political consultations He was chosen for the focusing the sunlight on a spe- available to download for free secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Al second place from cific point by using a 1-metre in multiple languages. Nuaimi. The aim of the con- QNA Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al ference was to enhance the HELSINKI Hammadi, while the Finnish quality of higher education and side was headed by the Under- scientific research and study the The State of Qatar and the secretary of the Ministry of best ways to prepare and equip Republic of Finland have signed Foreign Affairs for Foreign and the competencies and educa- a memorandum of under- Security Policy, Carrie Jurgen. tional services, as well as standing (MoU) to establish The two sides reviewed benefit from expertise in areas political consultations between bilateral relations between the of common interest to the par- the Ministries of Foreign Affairs two countries as well as issues ticipating countries. The Qatari of the two countries. of mutual interest. delegation discussed ways of The first round of political Meanwhile, H E the Sec- joint cooperation in the field of consultations between the Min- retary General met with Johanna higher education. istries of Foreign Affairs of the Sumuvuori, State Secretary to State of Qatar and the Republic the Minister of Foreign Affairs MoPH strategy of Finland was held yesterday of the Republic of Finland, in the in the Finnish capital of Helsinki. Finnish capital Helsinki. They to eliminate The Qatari side was chaired by reviewed bilateral cooperation the Secretary-General of the relations, as well as issues of Qatari entrepreneur and inventor Mohammed Hassan Al Jefairi receiving the prize at the prestigious viral hepatitis Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E common interest. Seoul International Innovation Fair 2019 in Seoul. FROM PAGE 1 Dr. Saad Al Kaabi, Chairman of the National Working Group on Viral Hepatitis and Head of Gastroenterology and Hepa- tology at Hamad Medical Cor- poration, explained that the strategic framework is based on the Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Health Strategy and the Qatar Public Health Strategy. He said that the strategic framework includes five stra- tegic directions covering activ- ities that enhance coordination efforts between different sectors; providing a high level of quality epidemiological information about the disease; providing all preventive and therapeutic viral hepatitis The staff of HMC and the Center for Patient Experience and Staff Engagement during the celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the healthcare provider’s Stars of services; and achieving com- Excellence employee recognition awards. prehensive coverage of these services while providing the necessary resources. HMC celebrates 10th anniversary of ‘Stars of Dr. Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, Director of Protection of Health and Communicable Diseases at MoPH, highlighted the impor- Excellence’ employee recognition programme tance of the strategic framework to combat viral THE PENINSULA the Stars of Excellence pro- “During the past ten years, Director’s Award, the Star of success story started in 2010 and hepatitis, which was completed DOHA gramme acknowledges teams HMC’s services have been Excellence Award, the Rising Star continues as we celebrate the last year and contributes to the across HMC who have improved assessed and successfully Award, and two Awards of Merit. Stars of Excellence 10th anni- strengthening of Qatar’s efforts In the presence of hundreds of the quality of health services, and accredited more than 40 times This year’s winning project versary. This programme puts to eliminate viral hepatitis by staff from across Hamad Medical ultimately patient care. by leading accreditation bodies of the Managing Director’s high-quality care and patient 2030. Corporation (HMC), the Center “Since Stars of Excellence from around the world. Today Award was ‘Embedded Sustain- satisfaction at the top of our pri- He added that Qatar is for Patient Experience and Staff began in 2010, HMC has trans- we recognize the commitment ability in Value Improvement orities and enables us to develop taking a strategic approach to Engagement (CPESE) recently formed dramatically. We have and expertise of our dedicated Work’, which also received a Star a valuable program that allows control and eliminate viral hep- held the healthcare provider’s significantly increased capacity staff that has driven improve- of Excellence Award. us to recognize the determi- atitis through the joint efforts tenth annual Stars of Excellence across our network through the ments and transformation across The project is included under nation and hard work of our of the Ministry, HMC, PHCC, employee recognition awards opening of eight new hospitals our system. The teams that are the Health category in the dedicated employees.” QRCS, private sector and many ceremony. and numerous specialist facil- recognised today for their out- Quality and Patient Safety sub- “Today, the Stars of Excel- local and international partners. The awards programme was ities. This additional capacity has standing work embody HMC category. It focuses on value lence programme is embedded The patients are treated established in 2010 to enabled us to meet the increased values and our cultures of com- improvement through the use of in HMC’s culture. It places great there with the latest and most acknowledge employees’ com- demand for our services. Despite mitment to excellence,” added improvement science. emphasis on teamwork, recog- effective drugs for the mitment to delivering high- treating greater numbers of Dr. Al Kuwari. Nasser Al Naimi, Deputy nising that while we have truly treatment of viral hepatitis C, quality healthcare services and patients each year, we have A total of 29 awards within Chief of Quality, Center for talented and motivated indi- known as “direct-acting anti- to recognise the outstanding worked hard to advance the three main categories – Health, Patient Experience and Staff viduals working across HMC, it viral drugs”, which are provided achievements of staff. H E Dr. quality of care we deliver in all Education, and Research – were Engagement and Director, is when we work together as a free of charge to all citizens and Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, areas of our service,” said Dr Al given to the winning project Hamad Healthcare Quality team that we deliver the very residents through the Minister of Public Health, said Kuwari. teams, including the Managing Institute (HHQI), said, “Our best results,” added Al Naimi. Department of Gastroenter- ology and Hepatology at Hamad Medical Corporation in coop- eration with the Qatar Red Admission to MoTC’s IT Digital Leadership Training Program open Crescent, private sector and many other partners in the THE PENINSULA designed to develop new digital (QDGTP), which includes a needs to be nominated by their are addressed at four in-person country. DOHA skills for mid-tenured IT man- number of specialized training organization’s management workshops revolving around The prevalence of type C The Ministry of Transport and agers at government entities in programs for Qatari IT workers team. Additionally, the applicant digital leadership. viral hepatitis is 0.8% among Communications (MoTC) Qatar while applying learnings and specialists such as CTO must enjoy a professional level Selected participants will be the entire population and this announced yesterday that appli- within practical business con- Training Program and the IT command in English with over awarded to program completion percentage is only 0.25% cation for admission to the ‘IT texts. It thus contributes to qual- Talent Program. These two pro- six years of experience in IT certification dependent on their among Qatari nationals. Digital Leadership Training ifying a new generation of IT grams have to date succeeded in domain or relevant work, but the attendance of the workshops According to the World Program’ is now open until this leadership in Qatar in line with attracting a significant number candidate must have spent the along with the mandatory cap- Health Organization (WHO), December 22. the overarching strategic objec- of Qatari professionals from last two years being in a mana- stone project. They will be Qatar is a country with a low The ‘IT Digital Leadership tives of the Qatar National Vision multiple government entities. gerial IT role commanding own announced over January 2020. burden of viral hepatitis B, with Training Program’ is a six-month 2030. The new program is available team. Government entities are invited a prevalence of less than 2 new training program developed The new training program for Qatari IT professionals. Selected participants will go to nominate their candidates till percent. International scientific for the first time in Qatar to fulfil functions under the umbrella of Program is limited to one- two through an extensive leadership this December 22 via email reports have shown that Qatar the needs of the middle-man- the boarder Qatar Digital Gov- participants from the same assessment to identify individual [email protected] or by is on track to eliminate viral agement IT executives. It is ernment Training Program organisation. Each candidate development needs. These needs calling 40452357 or 40452334. hepatitis C by 2030. 04 HOME SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 Amiri Guard School concludes first part of training season

QNA DOHA

The Amiri Guard School has celebrated the closing of the first part of the training season for 2019/2020, where it grad- uated a number of basic and advanced courses, at the camp of “Hosniya”, under the patronage and presence of the Commander of the Amiri Guard, Major General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani. The closing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Amiri Guard, the Inspector General, the Assistant Commander of the Amiri Guard, a number of officers of depart- ments and groups, officers of the armed forces and Internal Security Force “Lekhwiya”. At the beginning of the ceremony, Colonel Ali ARahma Al-Muraikhi, Acting Commander of the Amiri Guard School, confirmed that the conclusion of the first A graduate receives an award from the Commander of the Amiri Guard, Major General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani (right), at the conclusion of the first part of the part came to culminate the strenuous Amiri Guard School training season for 2019/2020. RIGHT: Trainees displaying their skills during the ceremony. efforts made during the past period of the training season. He noted that the school of the Amiri ership of the Amiri Guard. self-defense through the application of scenarios for intrusions in the counter- application of a number of hypotheses Guard always seeks to develop and The trainees presented a number of a variety of combat movements that terrorism cycle through tactical descent for rapid intervention, and protection modernise the training system in order field activities that reflected the com- trained them, in addition to jumping from the top of the buildings, airdrop of personalities. to reach the highest level of efficiency petence and combat readiness enjoyed over the firewall with skill and from the helicopter, in addition to In conclusion, the Commander of and readiness of the staff of the courses, by the Amiri guards. ingenuity. shooting skills by hitting fixed and the Amiri Guard honoured the in line with the directives of the lead- It included a series of methods of The activities also included realistic moving targets accurately, and the graduates. Ooredoo celebrates winners of first Al Mostaqbal intrapreneurship programme

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Ooredoo announced yesterday it held an awards ceremony to celebrate the winning teams of its Winners of Ooredoo’s Al Mostaqbal Intrapreneurship programme during the awards ceremony. first intrapreneurship programme, Al Mostaqbal. The ceremony was held on Tuesday at Ooredoo’s Headquarters, in the presence of several senior many teams that were formed to work on those Speaking of the programme, Yousuf Abdulla representatives from Ooredoo, Qatar Development ideas, five teams pitched their ideas to a Final Al Kubaisi – Chief Operating Officer at Ooredoo Bank and Qatar Business Incubation Center. Demo Day Committee, which selected two of these – said: “We were absolutely delighted with the The Al Mostaqbal Intrapreneurship programme ideas to move forward to the Activation stage. response to the first edition of our Al Mostaqbal encouraged Ooredoo employees to think outside The winning teams will be working on two programme. We know some of the most prom- the box and go the extra mile to benefit the solutions; Qatar Services Public Cloud and Pre- inent innovations of today – the Like button on company and its customers, in order to foster an cision Ponics for Smart Agriculture. Both teams Facebook, Gmail, the MacBook – came about atmosphere of creativity and innovation in which demonstrated their solutions at the awards as the result of intrapreneurship programmes, employees feel motivated to explore their ideas ceremony. and we also know we have a phenomenal pool and turn them into reality. The two winning teams will now be diverted of talent within our staff, so it made perfect sense Designed in collaboration with Qatar from their official Ooredoo posts to concentrate for us to establish our own intrapreneurship Business Incubation Center (QBIC), the pro- on developing their ideas while still being paid, programme. We’ve seen some incredible ideas gramme invited any and all staff to submit ideas and will also be supported with dedicated office and some incredible innovation, and we look that would solve problems for either Ooredoo space and equipment, seed funding of QR200,000 forward to seeing the chosen ideas being or its customers. per team based on agreed milestones, and access developed by the winning teams in the next few From the many ideas that were submitted, and to mentoring and coaching. months.” QC launches winter campaign for 500,000 people

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Charity (QC) has launched the 2019-20 winter campaign entitled ‘Warmth and Peace’ from Syrian and Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan to help refugees, the displaced, and the needy in 17 countries, at a total cost of nearly QR75m. The winter campaign, which kicked off under the slogan ‘Give Warmth’ is expected to provide 500,000 people with food, shelter and heating materials. The campaign was launched in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to Jordan, and Ayman Al Mufleh, Secretary- General of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO). A delegation from Qatar Charity, Refugee families receive aid from Qatar Charity in Jordan. many social activists, and numerous social media influencers have partici- pated in sending six trucks loaded with integral part of Qatar’s policy. The Zaha Cultural Center. winter supplies to be distributed to assistance provided by Qatar is a moral The winter campaign “Warmth and Syrian refugees and low-income Jor- and humanitarian duty to help others, Peace” targets refugees, displaced and danian families in the Amman gover- the ambassador said. needy people in 17 countries including norate, and Palestinian refugees in He also extended thanks to the Jor- Syria, Turkey, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Talbieh camp in Madaba governorate in danian government and the JHCO for Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, southern Jordan, benefiting 1600 people. providing all the facilities to launch the Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herze- The campaign aims to meet the nec- winter campaign of Qatar Charity, govina, and Ethiopia. The campaign essary winter needs of more than emphasising the strong relations focuses on the affected in countries like 500,000 people in the areas of food, between Qatar and Jordan and the Syria and Palestine, which are going shelter, and heating by providing food development of cooperation in all fields. through exceptional circumstances. It baskets, winter clothes, blankets, “As part of its humanitarian and also concentrates on the underprivileged heaters, heating fuel, tents, caravans, fraternal duty, Qatar Charity has been in countries where temperatures fall tent and house maintenance, mattresses, launching winter campaigns from the below zero degrees Celsius. pillows, hygiene items, and bags for field to provide winter supplies to As part of the ‘Warmth and Peace’ orphans containing winter clothes, those in need and help the most vul- campaign, UNHCR, in cooperation with blankets, and food baskets. nerable people before the bitter cold Qatar Charity, will distribute assistance Addressing the launch ceremony, comes,” said Khalid Al-Yafei, director worth QR11m to refugees in Iraq, Yemen, the Ambassador of Qatar to Jordan, of Financial Sustainability Projects and Jordan under the ‘For Humanity’ Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani said Office at Qatar Charity while speaking initiative. Also, winter bags will be dis- that Humanitarian action was an at the inaugural ceremony held at the tributed in nine countries. SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 05 Al-Ahli Hospital embarks on major expansion program

FAZEENA SALEEM The expansion works different specialties; we cover all THE PENINSULA are expected to the areas except nuclear med- continue until late icine. We are expanding the Al-Ahli Hospital which cele- 2022 and will double Al-Ahli Hospital and hope to brated its 15th anniversary complete it by late 2022 or early recently, has embarked on a the bed capacity 2023,” he added. major expansion program aimed to cater increased The expansion plan of at enhancing the patient expe- demand for services. Al-Ahli Hospital includes con- rience and improving access to structing new buildings, intro- specialised medical care for the ducing new services and Qatar’s rapidly growing popu- recognition of long serving staff recruiting new staff. lation. at Al-Ahli Hospital. Dr. Abdulazeem Abdul The expansion works, which Al-Ahli Hospital has 250 Wahab, Medical Director at commenced recently, are inpatient beds and caters for Al-Ahli Hospital, said: “We expected to continue until late around 2,000 guests daily started with few clinics and a 2022 and will double the bed including at clinics, emergency small emergency and now we capacity to cater increased and outpatient department. are a fully-fledged hospital with demand for services. Speaking to media, Jamal a ICU and covering all specialties. Khalid Al Emadi (centre), Chief Executive Officer of Al-Ahli Hospital; Jamal Saleh Hammad (right), “During the past 15 years, Saleh Hammad, Deputy CEO of In the next few years, we aim to Deputy CEO of Al-Ahli Hospital, and Dr. Abdulazeem Abdul Wahab, Medical Director of Al-Ahli Hospital, Al-Ahli Hospital has become Al-Ahli Hospital, said that the double the staff and building during the cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Al-Ahli Hospital, on Thursday. well-known for its high quality development of the hospital in capacity. We have allocated a big PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA of services and patient care. the past 15 years is “breath budget for the expansion of Being the largest private hospital taking”. Al-Ahli Hospital in the next two theatres, at present we have four facility by citizens during the ulation in the area. in the country, we have seen “I have been here for 21 to three years. The expansion will theatres. We will also increase implementation of the national The hospital also opened immense development and years, 15 years since receiving include a new pediatric and adult number of recovery rooms,” he health scheme (Seha) when it ‘Hemya,’ a first of its kind diet introduced new services in the the first guest who was a child. emergency department, car park, added. was introduced. centre. Al-Ahli Hospital has recent years,” said Khalid Al Achievements we have reached physiotherapy and orthopedic, Few recent achievements of Al-Ahli Hospital has intro- obtained an accreditation certif- Emadi, CEO of Al-Ahli Hospital, from day one are really dental and head neck unit and a Al-Ahli Hospital include that it duced an integrated electronic icate from the Qatari Council for while speaking at a special event remarkable. Now we have 1,400 plastic surgery unity.” has been Accredited by the Aus- system for patient information, Healthcare Practitioners as a organised to mark the 15th anni- staff, among them 300 are “From February, we will tralian Council on Healthcare it has opened a dedicated heart provider of medical education versary of the hospital. doctors and most are Western change the interior of all inpa- Standards International until centre and opened branch in Al and continuous professional The occasion saw a cake qualified consultants. We have tient rooms. By next year we will May 2022, the hospital has been Wakrah, with the expectation to development activities for dif- cutting ceremony and 600 nurses, over 64 clinics in build eight new upgraded the best preferred healthcare serve around half a million pop- ferent healthcare practitioners. National creative achievements to be celebrated at QNL this month THE PENINSULA festival, JLF Doha, with a diverse Ahmed Al Maadeed on one of the oldest examples of cal- is a wonderful channel to express “Librarians in Qatar: His- DOHA line up of events featuring prom- December 6, is an exciting ligraphic writing that has been one’s heritage and culture and torical Effect on Information inent international writers and opportunity to meet the Qatari found in Qatar. the pride it instills, and Qatar Literacy” on December 26 is a Qatar National Library (QNL) will thinkers. artist behind the iconic “My Dream in Qatar” on National Day is a great time for special event where our nation’s celebrate national pride and The month’s busy pro- painting “Tamim the Glorious.” December 17 will celebrate Qatar us to celebrate the nation’s rich librarians can reflect on their heritage this month, a chance to gramme of events kicks off on He will talk about his creative National Day by giving young history. This December, through intellectual heritage and the discover books, art and other December 5, when the Library journey. members ages 12 to 18 the an exceptional program and an role of libraries on the devel- creative achievements that are hosts the launch of Qatari writer The lecture “Scripts from chance to inscribe their dreams international literature festival, opment of information literacy a source of individual and Jassim Al Mohannadi’s first Qatar’s History” on December for their future in Qatar on the Library presents countless in Qatar. collective pride for the country. comic book, Primeval. Al 15 will highlight personal letters helium balloons that will be opportunities for everyone to be Several other themes are also Qatar’s writers and artists Mohannadi will discuss his expe- and signatures from famous released together outside the inspired by the achievements of explored throughout the month. will be able to share those rience writing the comic book, Qatari historical figures, which Library. our Qatari writers and artists, as To find out more about the achievements on the global stage including the process of drafting reflect the country’s social and Abeer Al Kuwari, Director of well as those from other coun- Library’s events in December, when the Library hosts the coun- the plot. economic life. The lecture will Research and Learning Services tries who will join us throughout interested visitors may visit try’s first international literature “Qatar in My Eyes,” with also discuss Mus’haf Al Zubara, at the Library, said: “Creativity the month.” www.qnl.qa/en/events. 06 HOME SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 DIFI to host symposium on Arab HBKU professor appointed to Family Forum on Marriage Gates Foundation advisory panel

THE PENINSULA/DOHA Experts from across region that aims to map and THE PENINSULA by participating in the ARC’s the MENA region analyze the content, topics, and DOHA recent meeting at the Global Doha International Family are set to attend the approaches used to provide policy Healthcare Supply Chain Con- Institute is hosting a forum on a forum, which will also recommendations. A professor at Hamad Bin ference in Johannesburg. culturally significant conversation A highlight of the forum will be Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Dr Kerbache contributes to in the Arab world – marriage. see the participation of a keynote speech by Dr. Haifa Abu College of Science and Engi- the academic and research The symposium, titled The Arab youth and couples, to Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary- neering (CSE) has been efforts — including research on Family Forum on Marriage, is discuss best practices General and Head of the Social appointed to one of the Bill and healthcare supply chains — of taking place at Qatar National for marital education Affairs Sector, the Arab League. Melinda Gates Foundation’s CSE’s Engineering Management Convention Center from December Representatives from universities most prominent advisory panels. and Decision Sciences Division. 2-3, and will focus on reports by programs in Qatar. in Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, and Between 2020 and 2023, Dr CSE is currently home to 13 aca- Doha International Family Institute the UK will also speak at the forum. Laoucine Kerbache will serve as demic programs, each serving (DIFI) that discuss marital comprehensive report on the state DIFI is a global policy and an Advisory Board Member for pertinent global challenges in education, the state of marriage, of marriage in the Arab world, advocacy institute that has special the Africa Resource Centre (ARC) sustainability, computing, Dr Laoucine Kerbache types of marriages, current and focusing on 22 countries,” said Dr consultative status with the United Research Advisory Panel, where logistics, health management, future trends in marriage, and rela- Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, Exec- Nations Economic and Social he will steer the Foundation’s cybersecurity, data science, and tionship education programs in the utive Director of DIFI. “The report Council. It works to advance healthcare systems supply chain supply chain research in Africa more. An established logistics Arab world. addresses various deficits in our knowledge on Arab families research in Africa and further and promote linkages between supply chain expert, Dr. Ker- Experts from across the MENA knowledge on marriage trends, the through research and promote afield. He joins a distinguished like-minded institutions in the bache previously served as Dean region are set to attend the forum, factors that shape marriage, and evidence-based polices at a panel of global supply chain spe- northern and southern hemi- of HEC Paris in Qatar, where he which will also see the partici- the obstacles and challenges to national, regional, and interna- cialists, with his selection based sphere. He will also contribute contributed to the development pation of youth and couples, to marriage across the Arab world.” tional level and hopes to make on a distinguished academic to growth of supply chain talent of degrees and custom executive discuss best practices for marital DIFI is also undertaking a sys- great strides in the often over- career, leadership experience across the continent and help education management pro- education programs in Qatar. tematic review of marital edu- looked topic of marriage through and expertise in supply chains. ensure the ARC has a positive grams for companies and insti- “DIFI has produced a cation programs across the Arab this forum. Through this appointment, impact on Africa’s public sector. tutions operating in Qatar and Dr Kerbache will advance Dr Kerbache started his tenure the MENA region.

Multi-specialty medical convoy deployed by QRCS THE PENINSULA/DOHA examinations and medications the provided surgical equipment. will also be provided free of At the developmental level, Qatar Red Crescent Society charge for our brothers and the project supports the Nyala (QRCS) has deployed a multi- sisters in Sudan,” he added. Specialist Hospital with the specialty medical convoy to As shown by the action plan, medical equipment and aids Nyala, South Darfur State, Sudan. the overall objective is to make needed to work effectively and At a total cost of $80,102 (around medical assistance available to upgrade their surgical services. QR292,372), the medical dele- the suffering patients and injuries Also, the local medical staff is gation comprises consultants in in Darfur Region. To that end, the updated with the latest surgical different specialisations from health conditions of poor local techniques. A preliminary survey Hamad Medical Corporation communities are surveyed, data was conducted to select the ben- (HMC), to be assisted by the local is collected to specify the required eficiaries, which were double- medical staff of The Nyala help, and surgeries are performed checked by a doctor from Doha. Specialist Hospital. to address the health issues of the Agreements were signed by In a statement, Dr. Abdullah patients, while preserving their QRCS’s representation office in Rashid Al Nuaimi, senior urologist dignity and protection. Sudan with the Sudanese Red Saudia Group ‘Shop & Win’ Car Promotion winners at HMC, board member of QRCS, In addition to 100 patients to Crescent Society (SRCS), the State and head of delegation, said they be operated on, there will be 500 Directorate of Health, and other The winners of keys for Toyota RAV4 Cars, conducted as part of Saudia Group’s ‘Shop & Win’ Car Promotions’ targeted 100 operations in indirect beneficiaries from the local partners to prepare for the first draw held Saudia Department Store at Plaza Mall in Mesaimeer, during the hand over ceremony with general surgery, urology, vascular families of the patients, as well project, secure the official per- Saudia Group General Manager, Purchase Manager, and Marketing Manager. surgery, orthopedics, and pedi- as the whole population of Nyala, missions, and make the necessary atric surgery. “Medical who would benefit later on from procurement. QAC introduces the all-new Mitsubishi ASX 2020 model

THE PENINSULA Manager, Qatar Automobiles power output, fuel efficiency, tuned to deliver effortless accel- DOHA Company said: “The new ASX and environmental performance. eration from any speed. clearly meets the demands of The Maximum Torque of the The Active Stability Control Qatar Automobiles Company, the people looking for powerful and engine is 197Nm / 4,200rpm gen- system uses onboard sensors to authorized general distributor of well-equipped vehicle. The addi- erating a maximum Output of analyze the vehicle’s motion and Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, intro- tions on the exterior design and 110kW. identify lateral wheel slippage. duced the new 2020 ASX model technology features put the car The MacPherson strut front By governing engine output and to its customers in Qatar, at the top in its category. The new and multi-link rear suspensions applying braking power to the following its global launch at ASX has enhanced safety features make driving on rough roads appropriate wheels, ASC helps Tokyo Motor show last month. that ensures the high levels of smooth and comfortable, while to maintain stability and control. Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al protection and comfort for both the shock absorbers and stabi- In addition, a gear shift indicator Thani, Operations director – the driver and passengers alike”. lizers are precision-tuned for in the multi-information display Automotive, at Nasser Bin Khaled The new 2020 ASX model responsive handling and sporty, recommends the best shift timing Group said: “With the promising has gone through some signif- comfortable performance. for current driving conditions. 2020 coming closer, Qatar Auto- icant styling changes. With a new On the road, drivers can The new Mitsubishi ASX is The 2.0-litre engine gives all the power needed for all trips. MIVEC mobiles Company is ready to look, new technology and a new choose between 3 driving modes equipped with plenty of features technology allows the engine to combine maximum power output, supply its customers with its new more powerful engine, it now to best match your preferred that enhance the safety measures fuel efficiency and environmental performance. and modern vehicles. Our mid adopts Mitsu’s latest Dynamic driving style and road conditions and ensure the maximum pro- and long-term plans respond to Shield front design language with for fuel-efficient driving and out- tection of the driver and pas- the rapid changing market and LED headlights and taillights. made at the front bumper to deletes a lot of chrome work and standing 4WD performance. The sengers. These features include new automotive trends to Mitsubishi also designed a fresh complete the look. Out back, LED sharpens its visage. engine is teamed with the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) / Lane enhance our position as one of rear skid plate finished in silver taillights work with conventional The 2.0-liter engine gives all INVECS-III (Intelligent & Inno- Change Assist (LCA) which uses the best-selling dealers of Mit- to make the ASX seem a bit more turn indicators in the recon- the power needed for all trips. vative Vehicle Electronic Control radar sensors in the rear bumper subishi in the region.” rugged. figured tail lamps, while a new MIVEC technology allows the System) CVT (Continuously Var- to detect vehicles in rear blind Hesham Al Sahn, General A similar change has been rear fascia and bumper design engine to combine maximum iable Transmission), ideally spots, on the right and left sides. Win up to 200 Makita Pink creates awareness on breast cancer THE PENINSULA Cancer and alcohol, DOHA smoking and obesity gold bars, only play little or no part to Every year in October, the colour increase the chances pink is prominently showcased by of developing breast at Joyalukkas thousands of organizations every- cancer. Our goal was THE PENINSULA where. October has been desig- to engage our DOHA nated as the Pink Month in a global audience and to effort to raise awareness on Breast inculcate on Breast Christmas and New Year is just around the Cancer. Cancer Awareness and corner and Joyalukkas is delighting its customers The Makita Pink is one such how education on this with its Shop More, Win More Offer. The unique campaign by Qatar based disease could help promotion is valid for close to two months, giving Industrial Solutions leader save lives,” said Noel shoppers more time and options to pick the very Nehmeh dedicated towards raising Rodrigues, Deputy best jewellery to gift themselves or their loved Under Shop More, Win More Offer, shoppers awareness for Breast Cancer and Marketing Manager at ones and stand a chance to win up to 200 gold who buy Gold Jewellery worth QR500 will be make a difference towards the Nehmeh. bars. entitled to one raffle coupon. Similarly, cus- disease. With over thousand Launching the promotion, Joy Alukkas, tomers who buy Diamond Jewellery worth The goal of this year’s cam- entries across all of Chairman & Managing Director, Joyalukkas QR500 will get two raffle coupons. Patrons can paign was to promote important Nehmeh’s social media Group said: “Another eventful year draws to an win up to 200 Gold Bars from the grand raffle facts of Breast Cancer which are platforms, this year’s end, and we would like to thank our customers draw. During the offer period, customers can generally unheeded. For the prize was awarded to Mohammed Sherif, Marketing Manager at Nehmeh for support and patronage. They have indulged sell or exchange their old gold purchased from Makita Pink campaign this year, Eulalee Argonza. The HQ, presenting the award. in our designs and collections all of 2019 am any jeweller, for best rates or brand new designs. participants stood a chance to win prize was presented sure their trust In us will continue. It’s our Customers can also earn JGR points with a unique Makita ‘Pink; Vacuum by Mohammed Sherif, Marketing Cordless Drill Driver for raising patrons’ loyalty that has kept us moving forward every purchase, which can be redeemed for gifts, Cleaner by simply registering Manager at Nehmeh HQ. awareness. The Makita Pink Breast beyond expectations. The Shop More, Win More exclusive deals and experiences. The offer is valid online and showing support on the In 2015, Nehmeh along with Cancer Awareness drive has been offer is our thanksgiving promotion to our from November 28, 2019 to January 25, 2020 contest and social media pages. its partner Makita - a leader in an annual CSR activity as a part of patrons, to reward them with the golden gift of across all Joyalukkas showrooms in all Gulf “There’s a common miscon- power tools worldwide - intro- Nehmeh’s award winning sustain- happiness.” countries and the US. ception that men don’t get Breast duced a Makita Pink 10.8V Li-ion ability initiatives. SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 07 Sharaka Education to bring more world-class education brands to Qatar THE PENINSULA Education and the entire Sharaka DOHA Holdings Group,” said Sheikh Abdullah. Sharaka Holdings, the Qatari The move is in line with the conglomerate that operates 31 Sharaka Holdings’ focused successful companies across eight alignment with Qatar’s 2030 industry sectors, has established Vision development plan which a dedicated sector – Sharaka aims to deliver a world-class edu- Education - to help build Qatar’s cation system that equips citizens human capital and world-class to achieve their aspirations and to educational standing. meet society’s needs. Sharaka Education is estab- Sheikh Abdulla said the lishing strategic partnerships with success of KidZania, IQRA English renowned international educa- School and Sherborne has estab- New Lulu Hypermarket in Al Meshaf tional brands across a broad lished Sharaka’s strong education Sherborne Qatar students. A view of newly-opened Lulu Hypermarket in Al Meshaf on Thursday. spectrum from education to credentials on which it plans to edutainment. further build sector-specific “We have formed Sharaka Senior school that has a student experiential learning and role play investments. Education to enhance the high population of over 1,200 across opportunities enabling children Sherborne Qatar is a founding quality, holistic educational prep and secondary schools with to learn through play. member of the Ministry of Edu- Crackdown on illegal options available to the youth of over 39 percent of the students “KidZania’s role playing activ- cation Outstanding Schools Initi- our country. In doing so we see being Qatari. ities have been created by world ative. Its ethos, brand and educa- street vendors in ourselves nurturing a generation “With the introduction of class educators after studying tional standards are overseen by of highly educated, competitive, these highly successful projects we school curriculums in detail. In and aligned to the parent Sher- Mekaines, Al Sheehaniya responsible, well-groomed and are making sure that what is fact, educators believe that a day borne School in the UK. internationally savvy young taught in schools doesn’t just in KidZania is the same as a day “It is our intention to seek out THE PENINSULA area was cleared of all residues people,” said Sheikh Abdulla bin remain in classrooms. We are spent in schools,” Sheikh Abdulla the world’s leading education DOHA left by street vendors, Ministry Ahmed Al Thani, Chairman, developing facilities which are fit who also chairs Tasali added. He partners to ensure Qatar’s citizens of Municipality and Envi- Sharaka Holdings. for 21st century education and said that It has a unique business and its residents receive the most Al Sheehaniya Municipality ronment said in a statement. The Sharaka Education will preparing our young people for model where industry interacts relevant education for today’s carried out an inspection campaign is part of the efforts oversee Sharaka’s existing edu- an ever changing and dynamic with students at a very young age, world. This will be delivered in campaign on illegal street of Al Sheehaniya Municipality cational investments which world,” said Sheikh Abdulla. nurturing them and helping them unrivalled facilities as our contri- vendors in Mekaines on Friday. in cooperation with the author- include the award-winning Kid- He said that KidZania Doha is understand the importance and bution to fostering a diversified, The action was taken in coordi- ities concerned in the country Zania brand’s entry into Qatar, the owned by Qatar Entertainment relevance of various professions. knowledge-based economy,” nation with the Ministry of to reduce the violations of street IQRA English School, which now (Tasali) WLL, which is a joint “Equally important is the fact that added Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Commerce and Industry, vendors in order to preserve caters to over 1,000 students in venture between Sharaka KidZania teaches children to give Ahmed Al Thani, Vice Chairman General Cleanliness Department, public health and prevent dis- ever-expanding facilities, and Holdings and the Aspire Zone back to society – a value which and Board Member of Sharaka Police of Mekaines and Fazaa. tortion of the public Sherborne Qatar, Preparatory and Foundation. It focuses on resonates strongly with Sharaka Holdings. During the campaign, the landscape. HEC Paris in Qatar conducts second edition of Entrepreneurship Day THE PENINSULA Abdallah Abdel Daem, Director Romaihi, Head of Strategic Ini- DOHA of Degree Programs, HEC Paris tiatives and Business Collabora- in Qatar. “Carrying on from tions, Qatar Business Incubation HEC Paris in Qatar held its where we left off last year, HEC Center; Reem Al Mansoori, second edition of Entrepre- Paris in Qatar has once again Assistant Undersecretary of neurship Day for all participants expressed its contribution by Digital Society Development at of the HEC Paris International training and educating the local the Ministry of Transport and Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of professionals in bringing new Communications, Digital Incu- 2020 at Tornado Tower, ideas and approaches and bation Center of MOTC; Hayfa recently. helping Qatar to achieve the Al-Abdulla, Innovation Centre The event provided the National Vision 2030. I am sure Director, Qatar Science and perfect platform for industry that this day is going to become Technology Park; Jahongir experts to share their expertise a permanent fixture in the years Burhonov, Vice President of with the participants and discuss to come and lead to some signif- Business Development, Qatar the initiatives they have in place icant developments in the Financial Center; and two rep- to support local entrepreneurs. future.” resentatives from Qatar Devel- “It gives me immense Imminent personalities from opment Bank - Khalid Abdulla Shine Gold & Diamonds announces winner of raffle draw pleasure to welcome all the par- reputable organizations were Al Mana, Executive Director of ticipants and distinguished invited for the event. The Business Finance and Hamad The winner, Randall Ivan Carino, a Philippine National (coupon number 22333), is seen with the Executive speakers from key organizations speakers, who provided the par- Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of Shine Gold & Diamond, Abdul Hameed, and other officials of Shine during the first lucky draw to the Entrepreneurship Day for ticipants with valuable insights, Director of Export Development of the ‘Winter Shopping @ Shine’ promotion held at Lulu Hypermarket, Gharrafa, on Thursday. the second year in a row,” said included Aysha Khalifa Al & Promotion. MG Motor launches its first electric vehicle MG ZS EV for the Middle East

THE PENINSULA DOHA

MG Motor has revealed its first-ever 100 percent electric vehicle for the Middle East market – the brand- new MG ZS EV . The stylish, compact SUV is based on the popular Middle East seller, the MG ZS, and is the first all-electric car from the British- born brand. MG is prepared to embrace the new energy vehicle world, and has already showcased this through the overwhelming response and the successful introduction of the MG ZS EV in Europe and the UK, the brand is launching its first-ever 100 MG ZS EV launch at the 5th International Conference on Future Mobility. percent electric vehicle in the region. The new MG ZS EV is equipped continues to undergo a rigorous sustainable in the world, we can with a single electric motor that development program to ensure its contribute to that vision of the drives the front wheels and delivers innovative vehicles are reliable and future with our first-ever 100 148bhp and 350Nm of torque – equipped to take on the sometimes percent electric vehicle.” accelerating the compact SUV from extreme weather conditions in the “The MG ZS EV is based on our 0 – 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. region. compact SUV model which has The new EV can travel on a single This summer the MG ZS EV was proved to be very popular in the battery charge of NEDC for 335 KM tested in the UAE during the hottest region; especially in KSA where it and is equipped with fast charging months of the year and concluded was our second best-seller last which allows up to 80 per cent of the program successfully, demon- year. After extensive hot weather the battery to be re-charged in just strating that the company is ready testing, and a robust development 40 minutes. to deliver electric vehicles in the program I am very pleased to say Based on the popular 1.5L petrol Middle East. we have an appealing, stylish and version of the MG ZS SUV, the Tom Lee, Managing Director for innovative electric vehicle for the compact SUV has proved to be the MG Motor Middle East, said: “MG region.” perfect option for buyers looking Motor Middle East is benefitting MG Motor has been expanding for a stylish, well-equipped, reliable hugely from the brand’s global com- across the Middle East and now has car with an affordable price tag. mitment to remain at the forefront a network of dedicated retail As part of MG’s ambitious plans of new energy development. Now, partners across the Gulf region, to become market leaders in New as the region’s major cities focus on boasting 22 modern showrooms and Energy Vehicles, the brand becoming the smartest and most 23 service centres. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019

Trump’s talk of Afghanistan ceasefire appears

ESTABLISHED IN 1996 to surprise Taliban, Afghan government

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI KAREN DEYOUNG, SUSANNAH GEORGE [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR resident Donald Trump’s con- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED fident assertion that the [email protected] Taliban is ready and even Peager for a cease-fire demanded by the United States in DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Afghanistan’s 18-year-old war may be MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI more wishful thinking than reality. [email protected] Declaring that the US-Taliban talks he abruptly canceled in September are back in motion, Trump said during a Thanksgiving Day visit to troops in US President Donald Trump speaks to the troops during a surprise visit at Bagram Afghanistan that the Taliban “wants to Air Field in Afghanistan on November 28, 2019. make a deal. And we’re meeting with them, and we’re saying it has to be a condition of anonymity. “If an Afghanistan and regional govern- EDITORIAL cease-fire.” agreement can be reached, the two ments, and in recent days began “They didn’t want to do a cease- sides could potentially expand the informal conversations with the fire, but now they do want to do a talks and pave the way for signing a Taliban. cease-fire,” Trump said of the mili- peace agreement.” Although the election took place in Expansion for growth tants. “It will probably work out that After nearly a year of US-Taliban late September, no winner has been way. . . . We’ve made tremendous negotiations, held in the Qatari capital declared amid charges of widespread he decision by Qatar Petroleum (QP) to signifi- progress,” he added. of Doha and led on the US side by irregularities at the ballot box. Earlier cantly raise Liquefied Natural Gas ‘LNG’ pro- But on Friday neither the Taliban special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, they this month, Ghani agreed to release Tduction is an important step in boosting coun- nor the government of Afghan Pres- reached a four-part agreement that three Taliban prisoners in exchange try’s economy. QP announced last week that it would ident Ashraf Ghani indicated that a included a partial withdrawal of US for two hostages - an American and an raise Qatar’s LNG production capacity to 126 million cease-fire was near, or even being dis- troops, a Taliban pledge to sever rela- Australian, both professors at the Uni- tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2027, which is an increase cussed in resumed US negotiations. tions with al-Qaida and to ensure that versity of Kabul - held by the Taliban of 64 percent from the current 77 mtpa. At the time the US-Taliban talks none of the territory it controls - now for the past three years. Qatar, with a huge reserve of over 1,760 trillion ended, the two sides were preparing to more than 50% of Afghanistan - would At the same time, the United States cubic feet of natural gas (including the new reserves sign a draft agreement that called for a be used for terrorism activities has moved forward with planning the announced last week) is reinforcing its position as the reduction in violence. But it specifi- directed at the United States or its same withdrawal - a reduction to leading supplier of clean energy in the world. cally declared that any discussion of a allies. 8,600 troops from about 13,000 QP has announced to build four new LNG trains to cease-fire was to be left to follow-on The Taliban also committed to deployed there now - that was envi- boost the production, and construction for these new negotiations between the militants beginning direct talks with the Afghan sioned as part of the original deal. trains will start from next year, and two these trains and the government in Kabul. government, with a cease-fire at the “We’re bringing it down very sub- will be staggered at the end. This will lead to massive In a statement, the Taliban said top of the agenda. stantially,” Trump said Thursday of the construction works for over the next 7-8 years in the that remains their understanding. “We But after secretly planning a US force. “And we’re going to stay until oil, gas, and petrochemicals sector, which will give a are ready to meeting with Taliban negotiators at such time as we have a deal or we major boost to the economy. talk, but we Camp David to seal the deal, Trump have total victory.” QP had said earlier it was lifting its LNG production have the suddenly canceled the agreement and After the talks ended, despite a to around 110 mtpa by 2024, and that it would build same stance negotiations altogether, saying that “as slight reduction in violence with the four new production facilities, known as LNG trains. to resume the far as I’m concerned, they’re dead.” Taliban, the militants have remained “With the additional talks from Trump said at the time he had ascendant. But Trump said that over number of trains for the The United where it was called off the talks after the Taliban the last few months “we’ve hit them so expansion of LNG, we are States has moved suspended,” took responsibility for an attack that hard, they’ve never been hit this hard. going to produce additional forward with Taliban killed 12 people, including a US service In the history of the war, they have amounts of LPG (liquefied planning the spokesman member. “What kind of people would never been hit this hard.” That, he indi- The expansion petroleum gas), con- Zabihullah kill so many in order to seemingly cated, is why “they want to make a of Qatar’s LNG densate, ethane and same withdrawal Mujahid told strengthen their bargaining position?” deal.” facilities is the helium. So in addition to — a reduction The Wash- Trump said in a tweet. But analysts said that the main world’s largest. LNG facilities, we will be to 8,600 troops ington Post. The announcement threw into Taliban goal remains the withdrawal required to build additional from about Ghani doubt Trump’s hopes of drawing down of all foreign forces in Afghanistan, Qatar has been facilities for storing and spokesman the number of troops in Afghanistan, a and they have little impetus now to playing crucial handling LPG. There is a 13,000 deployed Sediq Seddiqi pledge made during his 2016 cam- stop fighting. role in ensuring possibility that we may also there now - that said that paign. Despite his claim that he was “To date, they’ve very strongly energy security expand our helium plants. was envisioned Trump’s brief responding to a US service member’s resisted” a cease-fire, “and it’s their And then for the use of visit there death, the move also reflected divi- best leverage,” said one person in global energy additional amount of as part of the was sions inside the administration familiar with the negotiations. “They sector. ethane, we will also original deal. “important,” between Khalilzad’s boss, Secretary of have no reason to trade that chit in enhance our petrochemical but that “we State Mike Pompeo, and then-national now, especially at a time where US sector,” H E Saad Sherida will have to see” if there has been any security adviser John Bolton, who leverage is a wasting asset, and they Al Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the change in the status of peace talks. opposed the negotiations. believe they’re winning on the battle- President and CEO of QP told reporters last week. “It is too early to comment on any The Taliban said they would be field. And Trump has committed to a The LNG production capacity boost will also raise changes or any perceived changes,” willing to continue talking, even as drawdown of forces regardless, so Qatar’s overall hydrocarbon production to about 6.7mn Seddiqi said. Afghanistan headed toward heavily why would the Taliban offer up a barrels oil equivalent per day. Even the administration voiced a contested presidential elections that cease-fire now?” As the largest LNG producer Qatar is also expanding lower expectation than Trump. “As the Ghani hoped would strengthen his In his remarks to the troops capacity in many parts of the world. This includes president said, we are restarting talks hand in direct government talks with Thursday, Trump appeared to conflate adding 16 mtpa from Golden Pass LNG export project with the Taliban. The focus will be on the militants. the Islamic State and al-Qaida, both of in the United States with its long-term strategic partner reducing violence,” said a senior Barred from formally restarting which have a presence in Afghanistan, ExxonMobil. administration official, who like others the discussion, Khalilzad has con- although they compete for followers New studies have revealed that the North Field’s discussed the closed-door talks on the ducted low-profile consultations with and do not cooperate with each other. productive layers extend well into Qatari land in Ras Laffan, paving the way for a new LNG production project in the north of Qatar. The expansion of Qatar’s LNG facilities is the world’s Falklands ewe-turn: From sheep farming to tourism largest, according to experts. Qatar has been playing crucial role in ensuring energy security in global energy BARNABY CHESTERMAN the islands’ signature species, “There’s a learner on the old and go out every day and sector. The expansion plans of QP will further AFP the king penguin. end, he’ll shear 160. The two gather sheep,” said Joanne strengthen Qatar’s leading role in the world energy Driving tourists around boys in the middle, they’ll Baigorri, a credit officer at the market. ate in life, Tony one of the Falklands’ main shear 400 today; it depends islands’ only bank. Heathman has sought attractions is Heathman’s on your ability,” Goose Green “But you have some of us out pastures new: the main job these days. farm manager Keith Alazia, who like to be in town with 70-year-old former “It’s very lucrative. Some 47, said. His five employees our comfort and heating and L will work for around eight internet and things like that.” sheep shearer now spends people just rely on it for extra his days driving tourists cash,” he says. “It’s a day out and a half days straight, Life on the Falklands can around the Falklands Islands. to meet people and exchange shearing 13,500 sheep be slow, to the extent that the If that sounds like an odd views on various subjects, between them -- around recent opening of a movie career switch, his story is talk about life on the Falk- 1,500 a day. theater in the capital Stanley QUOTE OF THE DAY typical on the remote British lands and worldwide — I Then they’ll move on to caused a stir. archipelago, where tourism is enjoy it.” Sheep farming another farm. They can earn There are no nightclubs While there is an an increasingly popular side nevertheless remains a tradi- almost one pound sterling per and the internet is expensive hustle for workers in the tional way of life for some sheep. “People have sheared and can be frustratingly slow. opportunity of fair grueling livestock industry. islanders — enduring despite 25,000 in the Falklands in a Restaurants open for share [of hydrocarbon Heathman works for his a rapidly modernizing five month season, so that’s business at around 6:00 pm reserves], threat and 38-year-old daughter Nyree’s society and an exodus of the best part of £25,000 in and often stop taking orders Estancia Tours in the South workers to the archipelago’s that time,” said Alazia. But on by 8:30 pm. blackmailing policies Atlantic territory, having long one town, Stanley. a remote island chain with But that small town vibe are followed. But ago handed over his farm to There are 92 farms and harsh weather where locals has its plus side too: this is a no country is above his other daughter. some 500,000 sheep on the say you can experience all place where people don’t international laws. “A lot of people will save Falklands. Goose Green farm four seasons within an hour, lock their homes or cars. up their leave and take days on East Falkland island such strenuous work is not “I love living here. I have off to just drive down here employs five sheep shearers for everyone. Neither is three children, this is such a Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a day when the big ships and as many “rouseys” -- the sheep farming. safe place to raise your Turkish President come in,” Heathman said on women who shake out the “You have the real children,” said Baigorri, 27, as a gusty trip to Volunteer freshly shorn wool. It is Falkland Islanders who still she shopped in Stanley’s Point, a peninsula famous for grueling work. live on farms and are 90 years supermarket. SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Erdogan calls for dialogue, equal Iran disputes ‘exaggerated’ share in Eastern Mediterranean protest death ANATOLIA “Our two high-tech drilling vessels, Fatih and toll figures ANKARA Yavuz, and two seismic research ships operate in the region. We will not withdraw these ships, AFP Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip TEHRAN Erdogan yesterday said the and they will continue to operate there,” said country’s policy regarding the Turkish President. hydrocarbon reserves in the Iran yesterday disputed death Eastern Mediterranean region for the sake of controlling energy “We will not withdraw these tolls issued abroad for was based on equal share among sources in the past two centuries, ships, and they will continue to bloodshed that erupted during regional countries whereas leading to global and regional operate there,” he added. protests in the country over fuel “some” sought to raise tension. instabilities and disruption of the The Turkish navy has pro- prices, after a rights group said “While there is an oppor- peaceful environment across the tected these operational ships over 160 demonstrators were tunity of fair share [of hydro- globe. and their crew members, killed. carbon reserves], threat and Stressing that Ankara admin- Erdogan said, adding he believed The demonstrations flared blackmailing policies are fol- istration would not turn a blind his country’s efforts would soon in mid-November, after the lowed. But no country is above eye to a fait accompli, Erdogan bear fruit. price of petrol in the country international laws,” Erdogan said his country would not bow On Thursday, the Turkish went up overnight by as much said, speaking at the opening down to any threats. administration and UN-recog- as 200 percent. Officials in Iran ceremony for the Trans-Ana- “It is not possible to carry out nised government of Libya inked have yet to say how many tolian Natural Gas Pipeline’s projects in the region by a memorandum of under- people died in the ensuing vio- (TANAP) Europe link in Turkey’s excluding a country with long standing regarding the delimi- lence that saw banks, petrol Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivering a speech during northwestern Edirne province. maritime boundaries in the tation of maritime boundaries pumps and police stations set the opening ceremony of the TANAP-Europe connection in Ipsala Turkey would never allow Eastern Mediterranean,” between both countries. “Now, on fire. London-based human anyone to violate the rights of Erdogan said, referring to they have begun to threaten district of Edirne, Turkey, yesterday. rights group Amnesty Interna- Turkey and the Turkish Republic Turkey. Libya,” Erdogan said. tional said in a tweet on Friday of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), he “Our two high-tech drilling Noting that Turkey’s drilling called on the other countries to instrument,” he said, urging that the crackdown claimed the added. vessels, Fatih and Yavuz, and two activities in the region would have cooperation and dialogue. regional countries to follow lives of 161 demonstrators. The Turkish leader said the seismic research ships operate lead to peace and prosperity, not “Let us turn energy into a coop- diplomacy over destructive But Iran’s deputy interior humankind fought bloody wars in the region. blood and conflict, Erdogan eration ground, not a conflict policies. minister, Jamal Orf, disputed such figures. “Statistics by international organisations on those killed in Iraqi PM formally submits resignation amid more violence the recent incidents are not credible,” he was quoted as AP Iraqi parliament is saying by state news agency BAGHDAD expected to vote on IRNA. Orf accused the sources or accept outright the that reported the figures of Three anti-government premier’s resignation “exaggerating” them. The pros- protesters were shot dead and ecution service, he added, was at least 58 wounded in Baghdad in a parliamentary set to announce the figures and southern Iraq yesterday, session today. based on those it receives from security and medical officials the coroner’s office. said, as Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi formally submitted saying that following parlia- his resignation to parliament. ment’s recognition of his Israeli planes Lawmakers are expected to stepping down, the Cabinet either vote or accept outright would be demoted to caretaker Abdul-Mahdi’s resignation letter status, unable to pass new laws attack post in in a parliamentary session today and make key decisions. (Sunday), two members of par- He listed his government’s Gaza Strip liament said. accomplishments, saying it had QNA / GAZA The prime minister come to power during difficult announced on Thursday he times. “Not many people were Israeli warplanes attacked a would hand parliament his res- optimistic that this government post in the north of Gaza Strip ignation on Friday amid would move forward,” he said. yesterday morning causing mounting pressure from mass He said the government had damage but no human casu- anti-government protests, a day managed to push through alties. after more than 40 demon- important job-creating projects The warplanes fired three strators were killed by security and improve electricity missiles at the post causing fire forces in Baghdad and southern generation. and damage to the post and A demonstrator carries the Iraqi flag during the anti-government protests, in Baghdad, yesterday. Iraq. The announcement also “But unfortunately, these nearby property, Palestinian came after Iraq’s top Shia cleric events took place,” he said, news agency (WAFA) reported. withdrew his support for the referring to the mass protest for an end to the post-2003 mosque, security and hospital — Ahrar, Sinak and Jumhuriya This is the second attack on government in a weekly sermon. movement that engulfed Iraq on political system. officials said. — in a stand-off with security the besieged Gaza Strip fol- The formal resignation came October 1. “We need to be fair to Security forces have used In Baghdad, at least 11 pro- forces. All three lead to the lowing the bombing late Friday after an emergency Cabinet our people and listen to them.” live fire, tear gas and sound testers were wounded near the heavily fortified Green Zone, the of another post east of Gaza session earlier in which ministers At least 400 people have bombs to disperse crowds strategic Ahrar Bridge when seat of Iraq’s government. City. approved the document and the died since the leaderless uprising leading to heavy casualties. security forces fired live ammu- In the southern city of Israel claims the attacks resignation of key staffers, shook Iraq with thousands of Three protesters were killed nition and tear gas to prevent Nasiriyah, security forces used came after a projectile was fired including Abdul-Mahdi’s chief of Iraqis taking to the streets in and 24 wounded in Najaf in demonstrators from removing live fire and tear gas to repel pro- yesterday from Gaza into staff. Baghdad and the southern Iraq southern Iraq yesterday as barricades. testers on two main bridges, the southern Israel, which fell in In a pre-recorded speech, decrying corruption, poor security forces used live rounds The protesters are occupying Zaitoun and the Nasr, which lead open space and did not cause Abdul-Mahdi addressed Iraqis, services, lack of jobs and calling to disperse them from a key part of three strategic bridges to the city centre. any damage or injuries. Libyan navy Crowd in DRC lynches two suspected Hundreds march in Sudan rescues over militants as UN envoy visits seeking justice for martyrs 200 migrants AFP AFP many whistling, clapping and BENI, DR CONGO KHARTOUM ululating, belted out revolu- AFP tionary slogans. TAJURA, LIBYA A crowd in eastern DR Congo Hundreds of protesters marched “We want justice for yesterday lynched two people yesterday through downtown martyrs. We are afraid that the Libya’s navy said yesterday it they suspected of being Khartoum to demand justice for criminals might not be judged,” had rescued 205 migrants in an members of a militia blamed for those killed in demonstrations said protester Nizar bin Sufian. operation off the coast of the killing of more than 100 against Sudan’s now ousted He said protesters welcomed Tripoli. civilians over the past month. autocrat Omar al-Bashir. Thursday’s decision by the new The rescue took place on The killings came on the More than 250 people were authorities to dismantle Bashir’s Friday, with 158 men, 33 same day that the United Nations killed and hundreds injured in regime and former ruling party. women and 14 children taken peacekeeping chief visited the months-long protests that “But we have not seen any from three inflatable boats off eastern DR Congo where erupted in December 2018, moves by the government to find the coast of Zawiyah, 45km anti-UN protests have erupted according to umbrella protest those missing or to begin trials west of the capital, a navy since the militia attacks. movement Forces of Freedom of those responsible for the statement said. Munitions were found in the and Change. killing of protesters,” bin Sufian After receiving calls for bags of the two people, a man Bashir, who ruled Sudan said. help, coast guards had found and a woman dressed in civilian with an iron fist for 30 years, Bashir and several senior the boats between 45 and 50 clothes, in the town of Beni. was deposed by the army in a members of his regime are in Members of LUCHA (“Lutte pour le changement”, Struggle for nautical miles (83-93km) off- The crowd of several dozen palace coup on April 11 after the prison, while the veteran leader change) protest in front of the UN peacekeeping mission’s building shore, it said. people accused them of being demonstrations triggered by an himself is on trial for alleged The migrants, who came members of the Allied Demo- in DR Congo, in Goma, yesterday. acute economic crisis. graft. from African nations including cratic Forces, a shadowy armed A crowd of men and women Since August, Sudan has Mali, Ivory Coast and Guinea, group with links to Ugandan Beni police chief Jean-Felix mistake about who the enemies marched from a central been ruled by a joint civilian- were returned to port in east Islamists, the journalist said. Kazingufu said that his team was are,” Lacroix said during his brief Khartoum square to Prime Min- military sovereign council Tripoli. Rescued migrants “They didn’t have ID and trying to identify the bodies, “and stay in the city before leaving for ister Abdalla Hamdok’s offices, headed by General Abdel Fattah returned to Libya are often when we checked their bags we to find out how and by whom the neighbouring Ituri province. demanding authorities deliver al-Burhan. detained in overcrowded found ammunition, military garb they were killed”. “The enemies are those who justice for those killed and also A transitional cabinet led by detention centres, where a lack and cartridge clips,” said Fabrice The visit to Beni of UN attack and kill the population. It find out about protesters who Hamdok has been tasked with of regulation. Muhindo, who works at the Under-Secretary General for is also they who attack those went missing. the day-to-day running of the Their situation deteriorated carpark where the lynchings Peace Operations Jean-Pierre who help the inhabitants of this “Blood for blood!” chanted country. after fighting broke out south of took place. Lacroix came several days after region fight against Ebola,” he protesters gathered in front of The sovereign council is Tripoli in April, with forces loyal “They are ADF members a mob stormed a UN base in the said. Hamdok’s offices in the capital, tasked with overseeing an to Khalifa Haftar attempting to who were on their way to an town in protest over a perceived At least seven people have an AFP correspondent reported. overall transition to civilian rule seize the capital from Libya’s operation against the population. failure of peacekeepers to stop been killed in clashes during the Dozens of policemen stood as demanded by the protest unity government. We neutralised them,” he said. militia violence. “Make no anti-UN protests this week. guard as protesters, movement. 10 HOME SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 ASIA 11 India, Japan pledge to push Indo-Pacific peace IANS NEW DELHI The talks saw the two sides speeding up negotiations for the Acquisition and Cross- Ahead of Japanese Prime Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The ACSA is Minister Shinzo Abe’s India visit, expected to be signed during Abe’s visit to India and Japan yesterday held India next month. The talks also come as Japan their inaugural 2+2 defence and foreign minister-level dialogue is reported to have decided not to ratify the with focus on cooperation in China-backed RCEP regional trade pact without building a free and open Indo- India being on board. Pacific in view of China’s growing footprint. Ahead of the talks, Japanese October 2018. The two sides facilities in the Andaman and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu already have dialogue formats Nicobar Islands and India could Motegi and Defence Minister such as the Annual Defence have access to Japan’s naval Taro Kono met Prime Minister Ministerial Dialogue, Defence facility in Djibouti. Narendra Modi yesterday. They Policy Dialogue and the The talks also come as Japan also held talks with their Indian National Security Advisers’ is reported to have decided not counterparts, External Affairs Dialogue. to ratify the China-backed RCEP Minister S Jaishankar and The talks yesterday saw the regional trade pact without Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. two sides speeding up negotia- India being on board. “The 2+2 The dialogue is a major step tions for the Acquisition and meeting provided an oppor- India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (second right) shaking hands with his Japanese in taking forward the close Cross-Servicing Agreement, or tunity for the two sides to counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi (second left) as Japan’s Defence Minister Taro Kono (left) and his Indian bilateral ties. ACSA, which would allow them review the status of and Japan is only the second to share defence capabilities exchange further views on counterpart Rajnath Singh look on before the start of India-Japan bilateral talks in New Delhi, yesterday. country after the US with which and supplies, including fuel and strengthening defence and India has such a dialogue ammunition. The ACSA is security cooperation between format. The idea of holding such expected to be signed during India and Japan so as to provide The two sides also exchanged ‘Act East Policy’ and Japan’s prosperity and progress to a dialogue was initiated during Abe’s visit to India next month. greater depth to the India-Japan views on the situation in the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific realize a better future for the the summit meeting between The agreement would help Special Strategic and Global Indo-Pacific region and their Vision’ for achieving their people of the two countries and Modi and Abe in Tokyo in Japan gain access to Indian Partnership,” a statement said. respective efforts under India’s shared objective of peace, the region, it said.

First night trial of N-capable India, Bhutan to implement 21 new projects Agni-III missile IANS Bhutanese delegation was led by Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Crore for transitional Trade as the SDPs/HICDPs, an MEA NEW DELHI Kinga Singye, Foreign Secretary Tshering in December 2018 and Support Facility during Bhutan’s statement said. conducted of Bhutan. Ruchira Kamboj, in May 2019. 12th Five Year Plan (2018 - 2023). The Bhutanese Foreign Sec- India and close neighbour Indian Ambassador in Thimphu The Foreign Minister of Under the 12th 5-Year Plan, 51 retary commended India’s role IANS Bhutan held their second Annual also attended the talks. Bhutan, Tandi Dorji had visited large and intermediate projects in socio-economic transfor- BHUBANESWAR Development Cooperation Both sides recalled the suc- India from November 17-23 and and 359 Small Development mation of Bhutan and also high- dialogue here during which the cessful and productive visit of held talks with the External Projects (SDPs)/High Impact lighted the impact of HICDPs at India conducted the first night two sides agreed to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Community Development the grassroots level. trial of nuclear capable long- 21 new Project Tied Assistance to Bhutan in August 2019 with The Annual Development Projects (HICPDs) are at various India deeply values its priv- range ballistic missile Agni-III projects. several significant outcomes Cooperation Talks is an stages of implementation. ileged partnership with Bhutan. from the Abdul Kalam Island During the talks the 21 new which included inauguration of important bilateral mechanism With Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Indian side committed to con- off Odisha coast yesterday. PTA projects were agreed upon, the Mangdhechu Hydroelectric to review the entire gamut of Plan (2018-2023) entering its tinue support to Bhutan in its The Strategic Forces in addition to 51 ongoing ones. project and Ground Earth Station India’s development partnership second year, the two sides development efforts. The two Command of the Indian Army The Indian delegation was for South Asia Satellite and with Bhutan. India has com- reviewed and expressed satis- sides agreed to hold the next conducted the first night trial led by T S Tirumurti, Secretary launch of RuPay card in Bhutan. mitted assistance of Rs 4,500 faction at the overall progress of Development Cooperation Talks of the missile from launch (Economic Relations), Ministry They also recalled the very Crore for implementation of the ongoing Project Tied in 2020 in Thimphu on a pad-IV of the Integrated Test of External Affairs and the successful visit to India of development projects and Rs400 Assistance (PTA) projects, as well mutually agreed date. Range in Bhadrak district at 7.17pm, said defence sources. According to the Defence Research and Development Thackeray wins Organisation (DRDO), Agni-III is the mainstay of India’s nuclear arsenal. trust with 169 votes The missile was inducted into the armed forces in June 2011. amid BJP boycott The missile has a strike range of 3,000km to 5,000km IANS was sworn in the Deputy Chief and is capable of carrying both MUMBAI Minister at an early morning conventional and nuclear war- ceremony on November 23, heads weighing up to 1.5 tonnes. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), stunning the nation. However, The missile is powered by led by Chief Minister Uddhav the government collapsed in a two-stage solid propellant Thackeray, won the vote of barely 80 hours. engine. It is 17 metres long with confidence securing 169 votes, Earlier, amidst ruckus by the two-metre diameter and considerably higher than the Opposition, a resolution seeking weighs around 2,200kg. minimum of 145 required in the the House’s confidence in the 288-member Maharashtra Thackeray government was Assembly, here yesterday. moved by Ashok Chavan of the Porsche owner The break-up comes to 169 Congress, Nawab Malik of the for the MVA government, four NCP and Sunil Prabhu of the abstentions, and walk out before Shiv Sena. Even before it could receives Youth of NGO ‘Tarunya’ light candles as they participate in a candle light procession, calling for justice voting by 155 MLAs, including be taken up for voting, the following the recent abuse and murder of a 27-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad, in Siliguri, yesterday. Rs9.8 lakh fine the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) BJP-led opposition staged a 105 and its supporters. noisy walkout, rising slogans in Ahmedabad Senior Nationalist Congress and questioning the manner in Fury over murder of Hyderabad woman Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, which the House proceedings IANS nephew of NCP chief Sharad were being conducted. NEW DELHI AFP then her body burned. While the party leader Rahul Gandhi on Pawar, also voted in favour of As directed by the Supreme HYDERABAD suspects were quickly detained, Twitter. Police had to bring in the government, along with Court, the name and serial The Ahmedabad Police have the killing sparked new outrage reinforcements to bolster Rohit Pawar, and Thackeray’s number of each MLA voting/ imposed a fine of Rs9.8 lakh on Hundreds of people yesterday in a country that has been in the security around the Hyderabad son Aditya Thackeray. abstaining was noted down by the owner of a Porsche 911 laid siege to a police station international spotlight over its police station. The suspects were Those who abstained, a Assembly staff in the open supercar for driving without a where four men are being held handling of physical assaults to appear before a magistrate for included the Maharashtra vote, and after the government number plate and valid docu- over the latest gruesome abuse since the brutal gang-abuse and what was expected to be the start Navnirman Sena and the Com- achieved its full support figure ments. The vehicle was seized and murder to shock India. murder of a student on a Delhi of “fast-track” proceedings later munist Party of India (M) with of 169, the pro-tem Speaker on November 27. Baton-wielding police bus in 2012. yesterday. A woman who tried one legislator each, and the All declared resolution passed in The Traffic Police pushed back crowds from the “How anyone could subject to stage a one-person demon- India Majlis Ittehadul-e-Mus- favour of the government. Department has mentioned the building in the southern city of another human being to such stration outside the Indian par- limeen with two legislators. The entire House pro- incident on its Twitter handle, Hyderabad where they said the terrible, unprovoked violence is liament in New Delhi said she Incidentally, Ajit Pawar had ceedings were telecast live, in saying: “During a routine 27-year-old veterinary doctor beyond imagination,” said was beaten by police after allied with the BJP’s former Chief accordance with the apex court checking in Ahmedabad West, was gang-abused, killed and former opposition Congress refusing to go home. Minister Devendra Fadnavis and orders. a Porsche 911 was caught by PSI MB Virja. The vehicle had No Number Plate and Valid Docu- ments. Vehicle detained and 63% polling in first phase of Jharkhand Assembly polls slapped fine of Rs 9 Lakh 80 Thousand.” The department has IANS polling 67.04 percent was incident and has cancelled his A maximum of 28 candidates for airlifting and dropping of the also shared images of the luxury RANCHI recorded at Bishnunpur and the licence. The 13 seats that went to were in Bhawnathpur, and a poll officials in difficult terrain car. As per the images, the lowest 57.61 percent at the polls are Chatra, Latehar and minimum of nine in the Chatra and Maoist-hit areas. detained vehicle is a Porsche Jharkhand witnessed around 63 Manika seat. Chattarpur (reserved for SC), seat. According to Election Com- The important candidates, 911 Carrera S model which costs percent polling in the first phase Minor clashes were reported Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, mission, of the 4,892 booths in whose fate will be decided in the over Rs2 crore (Rs20m) in India. of the vote in the 13 Assembly between workers of the Manika (all ST seats), Panki, Dal- the first phase, 4,585 were first phase, include Jharkhand It garnered quite some constituencies yesterday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and tonganj, Bishrampur, Hus- located in rural areas and 307 in Health Minister Ramchandra tweeple attention. A user com- Defying the Maoist boycott the Congress in the Daltanganj sainabad, Garhwa and urban areas. Of this, 121 were Chandravanshi, Congress state mented, “So 2 number plates call, voters queued up in large Assembly seat. Congress can- Bhawnathpur. Sakhi booths and 417 model chief Rameshwar Oraon and (front & back) and valid docu- numbers at polling stations since didate K N Triptahy waved his Of the 37,78,963 voters, booths. In the first phase, web- former Minister and BJP can- ments cost Rs 9.80 Lakh? Acha morning to caste their votes. licenced revolver in the air after 19,79,991 were men, 17,98,966 casting facility was provided at didate Bhanu Pratap Shahi. hua bhai ne raste me nasta pani According to Election Com- he was stopped from entering a women and five belonged to the 1,262 booths. Heavy security The BJP is fighting 12 seats nahi kiya, warna Ek khokha Aur mission, the polling percent was polling booth. The Election Com- third gender. 189 candidates are arrangements had been made for and supporting Independent on badh jaata.” 62.87 percent. The highest mission has sought report on the in the race, including 15 women. polling. Helicopters were used one seat. 12 ASIA SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019

Ministry refuses to Pakistan oppn recommends 3 names for CEC post share details of INTERNEWS The opposition leader has proposed the names should have started the consul- Aurangzeb Haq, and for Balo- lawyers, fee paid LAHORE of Nasir Khosa, Jalil Jilani and Akhlaq Tarar to tation process on the new CEC chistan, he recommended the “much earlier”. names of Shah Jatoi, Rauf Atta for Musharraf trial Leader of the Opposition in the be appointed the chief election commissioner He added that he is “taking and Rahila Durrani. National Assembly of Pakistan, when the incumbent retires on December 6. The the initiative” by forwarding Earlier this month, the gov- INTERNEWS Shehbaz Sharif, has recom- opposition leader has also recommended the three names to avoid any pos- ernment had appointed Khalid ISLAMABAD mended to Prime Minister Imran names of Election Commission members from sible discontinuity in the func- Siddiqui from Sindh and Munir Khan the names of Nasir Khosa, tioning of the ECP. Kakar from Balochistan as The Ministry of Law and Justice Jalil Jilani and Akhlaq Tarar for Sindh and Balochistan against the vacant posts. In the letter, Shahbaz further members of the vacant seats. of Pakistan has refused to share the post of chief election said that in his opinion the three However, the Islamabad information about the details commissioner (CEC). vacant. The former Punjab chief a timely manner, saying: “The individuals are “eminently qual- High Court had suspended the of lawyers engaged for prose- Shehbaz, in a letter sent to minister told the Prime Minister consequence will be that the ECP ified” while stressing the need to presidential notification of their cuting former military dictator the prime minister on November Imran that under Section 3 of the will become dysfunctional on the take urgent action on the matter. appointment and asked the General (retired) Pervez Mush- 25, noted that the incumbent CEC Elections Act, 2017, it is a said date (December 6), unless Meanwhile, Shehbaz, in a National Assembly speaker and arraf on treason charges and Raza Ahmed’s term will expire requirement that an ECP bench either a new CEC or one or more separate letter written to the PM, Senate chairman to resolve the fee paid to them, saying it is a on December 6. must have at least three members is appointed.” also recommended names for issue by December 7. classified ministry, thus can’t be He also reminded the members, with or without the The Pakistan Muslim the two vacant ECP seats from Since then, the deadlock held answerable by common premier that two posts for CEC. League-N party president, citing Balochistan and Sindh. between the government and the citizens. Election Commission of Paki- He highlighted the impact of Article 213 of the Constitution, For Sindh he nominated opposition over the appointment An application was filed stan’s (ECP) members are already not making the appointment in said that the prime minister Nisar Durrani, Rasul Memon and has remained. under Right of Access to Infor- mation Act 2017, commonly known as RTI law, by a tax- payer who wanted to know Imran directs bureaucracy how judiciously the money con- tributed by public through their to discharge duties on merit taxes is being used by the ministry. INTERNEWS Imran said there is a need to To the amazement of LAHORE improve governance and law Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, the and order in Punjab province. applicant, the ministry declared Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran “We have to change the old him ineligible to post such Khan has directed the mindset in Naya Pakistan as the inquiries. bureaucracy to do every work old system can no longer work,” Referring to a Cabinet on merit and fulfil the respon- he added. Division notification dated 1993 sibility of serving the people. Imran said efforts should be but without explaining and He was chairing a meeting expedited to bring improvement sharing the contents of that of provincial bureaucracy and in the lives of poor people, notification, the ministry senior police officers in Lahore adding that the police claimed exemption saying it has yesterday. department enjoys legal been declared “classified, Referring to the authority, but that this power therefore, your request is improvement in the economy, should only be used to serve the hereby declined on this aspect.” the prime minister stressed that people and bring improvement A month ago, Mukhtar had a capable bureaucracy has an in the lives of the people. demanded the answers of four important role for economic The meeting was attended, questions. He asked for the list development of the country. amongst others, by Punjab Chief of the members of the prose- He said appointments in Minister Usman Buzdar, Special cution team and relevant law bureaucracy and other posts Assistants to Prime Minister Protest in Karachi firms engaged for Musharraf’s have been made on merit and Firdous Ashiq, Zulfiqar Bukhari, trial under Article 6 of the Con- Supporters of religious and political party Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) wave flags as they the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Shahzad Akbar, the chief sec- stitution and the fee paid to listen to the speeches of their leaders during a protest against the alleged vote-rigging in the general (PTI) government has freed the retary and inspector general of them. He also sought details of officers from any political Punjab Police. election 2018 and to protest against the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan in front of the out-of-pocket expenses (travel, interference. Provincial Election Commissioner office in Karachi, on Friday. lodging, meal etc.) reimbursed to them. He also asked for break-up of the fee paid to each member of the legal team. Court asks govt Legislation on COAS job to be done with consensus: Govt After refusal from the ministry, Mukhtar has moved to regulate INTERNEWS yesterday, she said Prime Min- Awan claimed the Supreme “He has given new hope to to Pakistan Information ISLAMABAD ister Imran Khan had constituted Court’s decision to give a six- the Kashmiri people that their Commission, an appellant activities of a committee comprising Foreign month extension to the army struggle for freedom would body set up under the RTI refugees Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shah Mehmood chief and asking the government reach their logical conclusion,” law for dealing with the com- Minister Imran Khan on Infor- Qureshi, Defence Minister to do legislation in the meantime she added. plaints lodged by the appli- INTERNEWS mation and Broadcasting, Pervez Khattak and Leader of the had strengthened democracy The Supreme Court on cants against the government. PESHAWAR Firdous Ashiq Awan, has said the House in Senate, Shibli Faraz to and upheld the supremacy of Thursday allowed the federal In a rejoinder sent to the min- job extension of Chief of Army reach out to the opposition parliament. government to grant a six-month istry, Mukhtar said his appli- The Peshawar High Court has Staff (COAS) General Qamar leaders and form a consensus She further said the army extension to General Bajwa. cation has been rejected directed the federal Bajwa is an issue of national over the issue. chief had helped project the soft In its short order the apex without being given due con- government of Pakistan and its interest and legislation on it She said all the political image of Pakistan interna- court directed the government sideration as the ministry Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province would be made with the parties would show maturity and tionally, and the way he had to bring the necessary legislation “has not even bothered to to restrict the activities of consensus of all the political refrain from doing politics on the highlighted the situation in with regard to the extension for consider Article 19A and the Afghan refugees in the country parties in parliament. matter as the country was con- Indian-administered Kashmir the army chief within six Act in the course of deciding in line with the law of the land. Speaking to a TV channel fronting security issues. was unprecedented. months. my application.” A bench consisting of Justice Lal Jan Khattak and Justice Mohammad Naeem Anwar disposed of a petition Govt to amend law for filed by senior lawyer Mohammad Moazam Butt, who all services chiefs: A-G sought its orders for the federal INTERNEWS In its short order, the and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gov- ISLAMABAD Supreme Court has referred to ernments to regulate the life the attorney-general’s cate- and work of Afghan refugees in The Attorney-General for gorical assurance that the past the country and deport illegal Pakistan, Anwar Mansoor, has practice of extensions (given to refugees. said that the government will army chiefs either by themselves In a two-page verdict, the change the law for the inclusion or by the governments) is to be bench ruled: “No one would of provision of extension for all codified under the law. disagree what the petitioner services chiefs — Chief of Army The attorney-general has averred in his petition that Staff (COAS), Naval Chief, Air undertook that the federal gov- activities of the refugees must Chief and Chairman Joint Chiefs ernment shall initiate the be under the law on the of Staff Committee. process to carry out the nec- subject and on no count they The attorney general con- essary legislation in this regard could be allowed to do what firmed that although the apex and sought a period of six they want as the refugees have court decision focuses on army months for getting the needful to lead a regulated and con- chief’s extension, the gov- done. trolled life.” ernment will change the law for The SC order said, “Consid- It added that refugees similar provision of extension ering that the COAS is respon- couldn’t be allowed to conduct for all the services chiefs. sible for the command, disci- businesses in the country The question was raised if pline, training, administration, without authorisation by the the SC decision on army chief’s organization and preparedness relevant quarters. extension be also applicable on for war of the Army and is the The bench, however, ruled Rally against alleged rigging in Afghan polls air chief and naval chief, who Chief Executive in General that the issue couldn’t be too like the former are com- Headquarters, we, while exer- decided by the court while People stage a protest against the Afghan government and alleged rigging in recent presidential manding their respective forces cising judicial restraint, find it exercising its constitutional election, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Friday. and fall in the same category as appropriate to leave the matter jurisdiction, so it deemed it fit per their responsibilities in to the Parliament and the to send the petitioner’s case to regard to the defence of the Federal Government to clearly the respondents for taking country’s frontiers. specify the terms and conditions appropriate and legal action Afghan army officer dead in roadside blast It is not yet clear if the gov- of service of the COAS through under the law against the ref- AP the blast in the Marjah district Sardar Mohammad Sarwary, ernment will go for a constitu- an Act of Parliament and to ugees and to regulate their lives KABUL, AFGHANISTAN wounded two other security offi- was among the wounded, and tional amendment or would clarify the scope of Article 243 to the possible extent so that the cials and a local TV reporter had been accompanying security prefer simple legislation to of the Constitution in this citizens of Pakistan could lead An Afghan official said yesterday when it struck a passing convoy. forces on an operation in Marjah. achieve the objective. regard.” their lives peacefully. that a roadside bomb in the The spokesman said the Qari Yusouf Ahmadi, a The Article 243 of the Con- The much discussed Article It issued directives to five southern Helmand province attack likely targeted General Taliban spokesman, claimed stitution that was extensively 243 deals with Command of all of the respondents, including killed two security personnel, Zahir Gul Muqbil, the army responsibility for the attack discussed during the last few the Armed Forces. The consti- Interior, Defence, State and including a senior border border unit commander who yesterday. days of the SC’s hearing of army tutional Article also envisages Frontier Regions Secretaries, commander. was killed in the explosion. The militant group controls chief’s extension case, deals with the same procedure of and KP government through its Omar Zwak, spokesman for He added that a reporter most districts in Helmand all the three chiefs, army, naval appointment for all the Services Chief and Home Secretaries. the provincial governor, said that with the Shamshad TV network, province. and air force, equally. Chiefs. SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 ASIA 13 HK elders and youth vow to keep up pro-democracy fight

AP Hong Kong’s leader, are tired physically and men- HONG KONG Carrie Lam, has tally, so we are waiting for the right moment for a fight back.” Hundreds of silver-haired appealed for the Hong Kong police have arrested activists joined young Hong current calm to 5,890 people as a result of the Kong protesters for a unity rally continue but has protests. yesterday, vowing that their refused to bow to “The government is still months-long movement will not stubborn. Every one of us, young fade away until there is greater protesters’ demands. and old, must contribute in our democracy in the Chinese own way. The movement will territory. June, protesters have disrupted not stop,” a woman, 63, who The rally at a park traffic, smashed public facilities identified herself as Mrs. Tam, downtown was among several and pro-China shops, and hurled said as she distributed Japanese peaceful gatherings by protesters gasoline bombs in pitched honey candies to slogan- this week to keep up pressure battles with riot police who have chanting young activists at the on the government amid a lull responded with volleys of tear park. in violence following a local gas and water cannons. Protesters this week have Riot police officers block a street as anti-government protesters rally outside Prince Edward MTR election victory by the pro- The occupation of several urged Britain and other coun- station in Hong Kong, yesterday. democracy bloc and the gaining universities by protesters earlier tries to follow US footsteps in of US support for their cause. this month after fiery clashes legislating laws to support its A local boys’ band belted out with police capped one of the cause. China arrests 2 for meddling in HK affairs songs to tell protesters that “the most violent chapters in the A new US law prescribes whole Hong Kong is supporting turmoil, which has contributed sanctions on officials found REUTERS China’s national security, and arrested by police in nearby you.” Speakers reminded the to the city’s first recession in a guilty of human rights abuses BEIJING supported activities that led to Shenzhen city on October 31, for crowd that it wasn’t time to cel- decade. and requires an annual review chaos in Hong Kong, the allegedly stealing state secrets ebrate and that the fight for real Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie of a special trade status for Hong China has arrested a citizen of Southern Daily said. for foreign forces after he made autonomy must persist. Lam, has appealed for the Kong. Another bans the export Belize for allegedly colluding It did not give details. a trip to Hong Kong in August to “The government wants us current calm to continue but has of certain nonlethal munitions with people in the United States Lee was arrested in the support “anti-China” activities. to desert the front-liners and refused to bow to protesters’ to Hong Kong police. to meddle in the affairs of Hong southern Chinese city of Lee, an adviser from a small young protesters, but we will demands, which include free China has warned of strong Kong, the official Guangdong Guangzhou on November 26 by township in Taiwan, had been stick with them,” rally organiser elections for her post and the countermeasures and Hong Communist Party newspaper the Guangzhou State Security missing since August 19 after Tam Kwok-sun, 64, said to loud legislature as well as an inde- Kong’s government has slammed reported yesterday, citing local bureau, the report said. travelling to Shenzhen. cheers from the crowd. “Some- pendent probe into alleged the US move as unwarranted authorities. Authorities in Guangzhou He was being investigated times their actions are violent police brutality. meddling in its affairs. Lee Henley Hu Xiang, a could not be immediately for “engaging in criminal acts and aggressive, but we are more “It’s still a very early stage of More rallies are being planned Belizean businessman who lives reached for comment. that endanger state security”, a unhappy with the government’s the revolution,” a masked for today, including an anti-tear in China, had funded key Separately, the newspaper spokesman for the Taiwan behaviour.” activist, who gave her name as gas protest and a gratitude march members of “hostile forces” in confirmed that a Taiwanese Affairs Office of China’s State Since the unrest broke out in Mai, 26, said yesterday. “People to the US Consulate. the United States to undermine man, Lee Meng-Chu, was also Council said in September. Philippines Vietnam receives final remains of UK truck victims Gun owners in braces for NZ protest over AP They held white flowers, tropical storm DO THANH, VIETNAM standing by the side of the road tighter controls as the ambulance carrying the BLOOMBERG The last remains of the 39 Viet- body passed. REUTERS MANILA namese who died while being After 15 minutes at the MELBOURNE smuggled in a truck to England church, the mourners moved to The Philippines yesterday last month were repatriated to Nhung’s home nearby. One of A group of about 50 New braced for floods and landslides their home country yesterday. Nhung’s nieces held her portrait Zealand firearm owners from Typhoon Kammuri that Photos by the official to lead the procession. protested further gun reforms could hit its capital just as the Vietnam News Agency showed Nhung’s coffin was placed in yesterday, sounding a note of nation hosts thousands of the arrival at the Hanoi airport the middle of the living room of discord over the tightening of athletes participating in the of 16 bodies and seven urns, the one-story house, with the the country’s gun laws after the Southeast Asian games. which had been flown from family weeping by the sides. A mass shooting in Christchurch Kammuri, which means London. They were loaded into funeral will be held for Nhung at in March that killed 51 Muslim “crown” in Japan, is packing ambulances on a foggy morning her home today, followed by a worshippers. maximum sustained winds of for a trip to their hometowns in ceremony at the church before The group of firearms 150 kilometres per hour and several provinces in northern the burial. owners staged a protest at a gun Ambulances carrying bodies of the human trafficking victims leave gusts of up to 185 kph when it and central Vietnam. An initial batch of 16 bodies buy-back event in Auckland, Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, yesterday. entered Philippine waters at The bodies were found on were handed over to their fam- according to media reports, 4pm Manila time, the nation’s October 23 in the English town ilies on Wednesday, and funerals carrying placards bearing weather bureau said. of Grays, east of London. Police are believed to have paid human 19-year-old Bui Thi Nhung, were held the following day. slogans including “This bill The storm will be 43 nau- said the victims were aged traffickers for their clandestine arrived at Phu Tang church in the The impoverished villages hurts ordinary Kiwis!” and “Be tical miles from the Philippine between 15 and 44. While no transit into England. Several sus- village of Do Thanh. the victims hailed from have safe: reject arms bill”. capital, its closest point of cause of death has been officially pects have been arrested in the More than 100 Catholic vil- largely been left out of the eco- The new legislation now approach, on December 3, established, the circumstances UK and Vietnam. lagers and family members nomic development, sending moving through parliament according to the US Navy and suggested asphyxiation. Shortly after noon yesterday, waited for the body’s arrival at many on a risky journey looking would create a gun register and Air Force’s Joint Typhoon The 31 men and eight women the body of one victim, a highway leading to the village. for a better life abroad. tighten vetting of owners. Warning Center. “The intensification of Kammuri into a super typhoon Facebook corrects post under is less likely at this time but not ruled out,” the nation’s weather bureau said on its website. Singapore disinformation law The typhoon is expected to AFP deem false, but that activists fear make landfall as early as SINGAPORE could be used to curb free December 2, likely bringing speech. A post by Alex Tan — heavy rains to Luzon island Facebook published a correction who runs anti-government where the 30th Southeast Asian on a user’s post yesterday website the States Times Review Games will be held. following a demand from — had a correction notice placed “It is likely that Kammuri Singapore, the first time a tech below it after a government could impact the Philippines as giant has complied with the city- request, Facebook confirmed. a powerful typhoon early next state’s law against misinfor- On Thursday authorities had week,” Accuweather Senior mation. ordered Tan to put up a cor- Meteorologist Adam Douty said Authorities had ordered the rection next to his November 23 on its website. He warned of social media giant to correct a post on elections. lengthy period of heavy post promoting an article on a But Tan — who is based downpour that could lead to fringe news site containing overseas — refused, saying he is flooding and mud slides in hilly “scurrilous accusations” of an Australian citizen and would terrain. election rigging, ramping up not comply with requests from Kammuri, the 20th tropical their use of a controversial law a “foreign government”. cylone to enter the Southeast against misinformation. But after authorities ordered Asian nation this year, is fol- Snowfall in Beijing The law gives ministers Facebook to put a correction lowing a track similar to powers to tell platforms to put next to the post, the social media Children playing in the snow at a park in Beijing, China, yesterday. typhoon Rammasun in July warnings next to posts they giant said it had complied. 2014, which killed 106 people in the Philippines and damaged properties worth 38.6 billion pesos ($761m), the disaster North Korea threatens Japan with ‘real ballistic missile’ monitoring agency said. It’s also comparable to typhoon Durian AFP Sea of Japan, also known as the launch rocket system while doing so with a “political dwarf” programmes, which it says it in December 2006, which killed SEOUL East Sea. seeing the photo-accompanied would bring “disgrace”. needs to defend against a pos- more than 730 people. In the wake of the launch, report,” a foreign ministry official The criticism of the Japanese sible US invasion. The storm can have a North Korea yesterday warned which was supervised by North said in a statement carried by leader is the second of its kind Nuclear negotiations “medium humanitarian Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Abe state news agency KCNA. by Pyongyang this month. between the US and the North impact,” the Global Disaster Abe that he could soon see a “real termed the fired weapons “bal- “Abe may see what a real The North had slammed him have been at a standstill since the Alert and Coordination System ballistic missile”. listic missiles” that violated UN ballistic missile is in the not and warned he will never set foot Hanoi summit between Pres- said on its website, putting a The statement comes two resolutions. distant future and under his in Pyongyang after he con- ident Donald Trump and leader population of 30.1 million at days after North Korea tested “It can be said that Abe is the nose... Abe is none other than a demned the North’s weapons test Kim Jong Un broke up in Feb- risk. what it called a “super-large only one idiot in the world and perfect imbecile,” it added. days earlier. Pyongyang is under ruary, and Pyongyang has since The Southeast Asian Games multiple launch rocket system”, the most stupid man ever known It was best for the North to multiple sets of international demanded Washington change opened yesterday evening and with South Korea reporting that in history as he fails to distin- avoid dealing with Abe, the sanctions over its nuclear its approach by the end of the will run through December 11. two projectiles came down in the guish a missile from multiple official went on, adding that weapon and ballistic missile year. 14 EUROPE SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 Johnson vows action as convicted terrorist named in London attack

AFP Usman Khan, a As the attack moved to LONDON British national from London Bridge, a throng of Stoke in central people could be seen in videos Prime Minister Boris Johnson England, was handed grappling with Khan on a pedes- vowed to review Britain’s trian walkway. sentencing system after a an indeterminate They reportedly included a convicted terrorist released early sentence for public convicted killer on day-release from prison was suspected of protection in 2012, from prison and other ex- stabbing two people to death in with at least eight offenders also attending the an attack around London Bridge. criminology event. Police shot and killed Usman years in prison. Tour guide Stevie Hurst told Khan after his suspected assault BBC radio that “everyone was that seriously injured three other prime minister added, noting the just on top of him trying to people was broken up by Conservatives’ manifesto calls bundle him to the ground. bystanders — one armed with a for a tougher sentencing regime. “I saw that the knife was still 1.5 metre narwhal tusk and Khan, a British national from in his hand so I just put a foot in another a fire extinguisher. Stoke in central England, was to try and kick him in the head,” Video footage of the con- handed an indeterminate sen- he said. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson (centre); Home Secretary Priti Patel (left) and Commissioner of frontation showed Khan, 28, tence for public protection in One man in a suit and tie — the City of London Police, Ian Dyson arrive at the scene of a stabbing, on London Bridge, yesterday. being challenged by a man, 2012, with at least eight years in identified by media as a police reportedly a Polish chef, wielding prison. officer — was later seen carrying rating in more than five years. no involvement in his release “A great deal of work is being the tusk — believed to have been He was part of an eight-man a large knife away. Attention has swiftly turned and that it appeared to have hap- done right now to make sure that taken from a nearby historic hall network inspired by Al Qaeda “As we saw the worst of to how Khan could have been pened automatically as required the public is protected,” he — and sprayed with the who had plotted to bomb targets human kind, we saw the very released from prison after by law. added. extinguisher. including the London Stock best of human spirit and serving less than seven years of During the attack, Khan wore Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II He had been conditionally Exchange, and planned to take London,” Met Commissioner his sentence. an electronic tag used to monitor said that she and husband released from jail last December part in “terrorist training” in Cressida Dick said yesterday as Inmates are usually released criminal offenders, The Times Prince Philip had been saddened after serving less than half of a Pakistan. she visited London Bridge. half-way through the type of newspaper reported. to hear of the attack and 16-year prison sentence for ter- But his sentence was On November 4, Britain determinate sentence he was Johnson, who took over as expressed her “enduring thanks” rorism, and was wearing a sus- quashed by the Court of Appeal downgraded its terrorism given, and time spent in custody prime minister in July, said the to the “brave individuals who pected fake explosive device. in April 2013 and he received a threat level from “severe”, the before trial may have been taken cases of other convicted ter- put their own lives at risk to Moments later, armed police new 21-year term, comprising a second-highest of five levels, into account. rorists released early were under selflessly help and protect officers arrived on the scene and custodial sentence of 16 years to “substantial” — the lowest The Parole Board said it had urgent review. others”. shot him dead. and five years on conditional Investigators have said they release. are not actively seeking others Police yesterday were Dutch police hunt suspect after three stabbed in The Hague in relation to the incident, which reportedly searching a property AFP The male attacker ran off were seen examining a knife running into the store after recalled a three-man terrorist in Stafford, in central England, THE HAGUE after the stabbings at a found at the scene overnight. being stabbed, broadcaster assault two years ago on London thought to be connected to Khan. department store in the city cen- The victims were a 13-year- NOS quoted witnesses as Bridge that killed eight. Police believe he began the Dutch police kept up a huge tre’s Grote Marktstraat, The old boy from The Hague, a girl saying. The latest attack came less attack at Fishmonger’s Hall, a manhunt for an assailant who Hague’s main shopping area. of 15 from Alphen aan den Rijn “I saw two girls screaming than two weeks before Britain’s historic building said to contain stabbed three youths in The “We haven’t arrested a and a 15-year-old girl from Lei- and running away. A man fled. general election, and politicians many ancient artefacts on the Hague’s main shopping area. suspect yet. So we are currently derdorp, the ANP news agency He jumped very athletically over temporarily suspended north side of the bridge. Officials said they were very busy trying the find the said, quoting police. They did benches to get away. He looked campaigning. Khan was attending an event keeping an open mind about the suspect,” police spokeswoman not know each other, police like a cheetah,” one witness said. “It does not make sense for organised by the University of motive for the attack, which Marije Kuiper said. said. “People were trying to get us as a society to be putting Cambridge’s criminology came as shoppers hunted bar- “It’s a little too early to spec- They were all allowed to go away. but that didn’t work. I was people who have been convicted institute on prisoner rehabili- gains on Black Friday. ulate about that kind of thing,” home from hospital overnight. shocked.” of terrorist offences... out on tation, and reportedly arrived The incident caused panic she said when asked about a Images on social media Police initially gave a early release,” Johnson said as with two knives and the fake in The Hague as it happened just possible terrorist motive, adding showed shoppers running in description of a man they were he visited the scene. suicide vest. hours after two people were that investigators were still panic away from the scene, on looking for aged between 40 “We argue that people should The Metropolitan Police stabbed to death in London looking at several possible a nighttime retail street lit by and 50 but later withdrew it, serve the tariff, serve the term, appealed for witnesses to come allegedly by an ex-prisoner con- scenarios. holiday fairy lights. saying they were still of which they are sentenced,” the forward. victed of terrorism offences. Police forensics officers Two teenage girls came investigating. Malta court rejects murder suspect’s illegal arrest complaint Search for Albania quake REUTERS arrests have been legally valid. Fenech the chief suspect in the Times of Malta reported on During yesterday’s pro- VALETTA Caruana Galizia, a cam- case. Friday that the prime minister ceedings in Valetta, Fenech’s victims ends; paigning journalist who investi- Fenech, who was re-arrested planned to resign. lawyers argued that their client’s A Maltese court yesterday gated and exposed corruption, yesterday, has not commented The editor of Malta Today releases from arrest had not been toll up to 51 rejected a complaint over his was blown up by a car bomb in publicly on this. He said only when said, citing sources, that Muscat “manifest and effective”, as arrests by a man who has been October 2017. The case has he spoke to journalists on Friday planned to announce his resig- required by law, making his AP repeatedly questioned by police developed into a political crisis that the “truth will come out”. nation if charges were filed against detention illegal. The magistrate TIRANA over the 2017 murder of jour- for the government of Prime Fenech’s arrest came days Fenech. Once his resignation was hearing the case rejected this nalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Minister Joseph Muscat. after the arrest of Melvin announced, Muscat planned to argument. The search and rescue oper- Yorgen Fenech, one of Fenech was arrested on Theuma, who said he was the stay on until January 18, the editor, Fenech has also requested a ation for earthquake survivors Malta’s wealthiest businessman, November 22 and has since been middleman in a plot to murder Saviour Balzan, said. pardon, saying in court papers in Albania has ended, the prime argued that the way police have released and re-arrested five Caruana Galizia. Theuma, who Asked about this, a that he can give information on minister said yesterday, with been arresting him and releasing times as police question him and has been officially pardoned spokesman for the prime min- the plot involving the prime min- the death toll at 51 and no more him without charge was illegal. seek to corroborate information after agreeing to testify about his ister said that Muscat “has ister’s former chief of staff Keith bodies believed to be in the The police and the attorney- he gives them. In Malta, a suspect role, named Fenech as the man pledged various times he wants Schembri, former tourism min- ruins. general rejected this and a mag- must be charged or released who paid for the operation. to see this case through. He will ister Konrad Mizzi and Chris Prime Minister Edi Rama istrate in Valetta upheld their within 48 hours. The case has put intense make announcements in due Cardona, who has suspended said preliminary figures showed arguments yesterday, saying his Police sources have called pressure on Muscat and the course”. himself as economy minister. more than 1,465 buildings in the capital, Tirana, and about 900 in nearby Durres were seriously damaged in Tuesday’s 6.4-mag- Russia tests hypersonic nitude pre-dawn quake. About 2,000 people were missile in Arctic: Report injured. A woman in Tirana who REUTERS at the Pemboi training ground had been in a coma died, the MOSCOW in Russia’s Arctic Komi region, health ministry said yesterday. TASS reported. It did not provide Local media reported the Russia’s MiG-31K interceptor jet any further detail. 20-year old was injured by a carried out a test of the Kinjal The Danish Defence Intelli- falling brick while leaving her (Dagger) hypersonic missile in gence Service said in its annual apartment. Russia’s part of Arctic earlier this risk assessment report on Friday In Durres, hundreds of res- month, TASS new agency that “a great power play is idents as well as Rama and reported yesterday, citing two shaping up” between Russia, the President Ilir Meta attended the military sources. United States and China, which funeral of nine members of a The report came a day after is increasing the level of tension single extended family who Danish intelligence service in the Arctic region. were killed when a four-storey warned of intensifying geopo- Russian President Vladimir villa collapsed. One young man litical rivalry in the Earth’s Putin disclosed the Kinjal’s survived and has been sent to freezing North, and said that existence in March 2018 along Italy for medical treatment. China’s military was increas- with other missile systems he Preliminary figures ingly using scientific research in touted as unbeatable, describing estimate at least 4,000 people the Arctic as a way into the how it could evade any enemy are homeless. About 2,500 region. defences. people from damaged homes The tests took place in mid- Russian media have said the have been sheltered in hotels. November,” TASS quoted one of Kinjal can hit targets up to Others have been taken to its sources as saying. 2,000 km (1,250 miles) distant Blaze in Austria neighboring Kosovo or have The MiG-31K interceptor with nuclear or conventional moved to eastern areas of Houses laid burnt out after a fire in Hallstatt, Austria , yesterday. Starting from a hut at the lake, took off from the Olenegorsk warheads and that the missiles Albania. several huts or houses were on fire in Hallstatt during the night yesterday. The fire brigades were airfield in the northern Mur- have already been deployed in The prime minister has mansk region and fired the Russia’s southern military able to prevent the spread of the fire to other World Heritage buildings. pledged all homeless will be in missile against a ground target district. “stronger homes” in 2020. SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 EUROPE / AMERICAS 15

In first, Hawaii Peru’s Keiko on track to have over 10 million Fujimori freed annual visitors

AP from prison HONOLULU Hawaii is on track to have more AP The Constitutional than 10 million visitors in one LIMA Tribunal has corrected year for the first time in history, a great damage done although that may not be Supporters cheered yesterday as to us in a process reflected in dollar amounts, once-powerful opposition leader tourism officials said. and two-time Peruvian presi- filled with abuses and Hawaii Tourism Authority dential candidate Keiko Fujimori arbitrariness: Keiko data showed there have been left the prison where she had Fujimori nearly 8.7 million visitors been held while being investi- through October, The Honolulu gated for alleged corruption. Star-Advertiser reported. Peru’s Constitutional Tribunal money from Brazilian con- The figure is a 5.5% increase approved her release. struction giant Odebrecht. over the 8.2 million arrivals Smiling broadly, the Fujimori could still be returned through the same period last daughter of jailed former Pres- to a cell. Peru’s opposition leader Keiko Fujimori waves to supporters after she was released from the Santa year, when the state’s annual ident Alberto Fujimori walked Dozens of riot police were Monica prison, in Lima, yesterday. count was 9.9 million visitors. out of the women’s prison in the present in case of protests by The 800,448 tourists who Lima district of Chorrillos and opponents who have called her Vizcarra dissolved the legislature leaders around Latin America. accounting books for inspection. visited Hawaii in October was was handed a bouquet of roses release another blow for in a popular move he described Corruption allegations have Her jailing capped a striking an increase of nearly 37,000 by her husband, Mark Villanella, entrenched impunity for the as necessary to uproot cor- hit all of Peru’s presidents downfall for a politician who during the same month last who had been on a hunger strike corrupt in the South American ruption. The conservative between 2001 and 2016. went from presidential daughter, year. The 4.8% increase is part demanding her release. country. But most of the people Popular Force will participate in Prosecutors accuse Fujimori to powerful opposition leader, of a decade-long growth Keiko Fujimori called her outside the prison were her January legislative elections, but of laundering $1.2m provided by to within a hair’s breadth of the pattern, officials said. 13-month prison stay the “most supporters. Fujimori is not expected to be a Odebrecht for her 2011 and 2016 presidency. The growth reflects more painful time of my life, so the first “The Constitutional Tribunal candidate and analysts predict presidential campaigns. They Fujimori’s father, a tourists traveling to the state thing I want to do now that I am has corrected a great damage that her party could fare poorly opened an investigation into the strongman who governed Peru from the US mainland and on the street is thank God for done to us in a process filled with in the voting. campaigns after seeing a note from 1990 to 2000, remains a countries including Japan and giving me the strength to resist.” abuses and arbitrariness,” As party leader, Fujimori written by Marcelo Odebrecht, polarizing figure. Some Peru- Canada, officials said. She was freed by the Consti- Fujimori said. helped fuel the impeachment of head of the Brazilian mega- vians praise him for defeating Spending by tourists was tutional Tribunal in 4-3 vote The 44-year-old, who was former President Pedro Pablo company, on his cellphone that Maoist Shining Path guerrillas down for seven of the first nine earlier this week. The magis- jailed in October 2018, faces a Kuczynski for lying about his ties said: “increase Keiko to 500 and and resurrecting a devastated months of 2019, followed by a trates noted the decision on a radically different political land- with Odebrecht. pay a visit.” economy, while others detest small gain last month when habeas corpus request does not scape outside of prison. But now Fujimori herself Fujimori denies the accusa- him for human rights violations. spending rose 0.9%, or $12m. constitute a judgment on her Her Popular Force party held has been ensnared by a cor- tions against her and says pros- He is serving a 25-year sentence October’s increase pushed the guilt or innocence with regards a majority in congress until Sep- ruption scandal that has ecutors and Peru’s election body for human rights abuses and year-to-date spending up by to accusations she accepted tember, when President Martín toppled political and businesses have received Popular Force’s corruption. $34.7m to $1.32bn, compared to $1.31bn a year earlier. Generating more tourist spending has been a difficult goal US official dismisses Macron’s Nato warnings for the industry to achieve, said industry consultant Keith Vieira. “That’s an ongoing challenge for AFP “President Macron is still Crimea in Ukraine and support members were worried by Rus- from the longstanding US the destination. We cannot have WASHINGTON kind of working out what he for separatists in the east of the sia’s “consistent disregard for the umbrella - also got pushback more and more visitors who are wants out of the group,” the country. sovereign and territorial integrity from the US official. spending less and less.” Emmanuel Macron is “still kind official told reporters on con- Russian President Vladimir of its neighbors.” Such efforts must “not Besides lodging and food, of working out” his vision for dition of anonymity. Putin has also been condemned The French leader’s Nato undermine or duplicate those of visitor spending includes Nato, a senior US official said, Macron on Thursday stood across Europe for allegedly over- comments have led to an unu- Nato,” he said. “We are stronger shopping, car rentals and inter- brushing aside the French pres- by his startling diagnosis of the seeing assassination campaigns sually angry war of words with together.” island travel. ident’s call for reinventing the alliance and called for a shift in against opponents and exiles. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Repeating several times that The tourism authority’s goal American-led alliance. priorities away from great By contrast, Trump will tell Erdogan. Trump and Macron “have a has been to attract higher- Ahead of next week’s Nato powers like Russia or China to the Nato summit that China and The US official said he would healthy level of respect,” the US spending visitors who con- leaders’ summit outside London, confronting the “common Russia remain major not comment on what he called official downplayed the fallout tribute more to the state’s the Trump administration official enemy” of terrorism. challenges. the “back and forth” between the from Macron’s statements saying economy, rather than more vis- dismissed the views expressed Macron has courted contro- “China above all,” the US two leaders. they are “well within the itors who spend less but have by Macron, who argues the mil- versy by pursuing thawed rela- official said. Yet another of Macron’s standard of democratic politics greater impacts on infra- itary bloc is suffering “brain tions with Moscow, despite Rus- The official said it was “no projects — boosting European and indeed the democratic pol- structure, natural resources and death.” sia’s ongoing occupation of wonder” that many other Nato Union defence independence itics of Nato.” communities, officials said. Romania halts German far-right AfD sheep rescue from capsized party elects new leader cargo ship REUTERS Merkel’s decision in 2015 to BRUNSWICK admit almost one million asylum AFP seekers. BUCHAREST The far-right Alternative for The AfD also sits on oppo- Germany (AfD) yesterday sition benches in all of Ger- Five days of efforts to pull sheep elected a decorator from the east many’s 16 state parliaments, from a capsized ship saved 254 backed by a radical wing within where it is ostracised by all of the animals, but the oper- the party as one of two established parties, including ation ended with the death of co-leaders. Merkel’s centre-right Christian many thousands more, rescue The election of Tino Democrats (CDU) and the services said yesterday. Chrupalla, a lawmaker from centre-left Social Democrats The cargo ship Queen Hind Saxony, is a tribute to former (SPD). capsized last Sunday as it left Communist eastern states where Alexander Gauland, 78, a the southeastern port of Midia the AfD has made big gains in unifying figure in the AfD who with 14,600 sheep bound for three elections this year. has been a co-leader since 2017, Saudi Arabia. He will lead Germany’s did not stand for reelection. “As soon as the situation largest opposition party with He has said that he wants to allows for it, the ship will be set Joerg Meuthen, an economics pass on the baton to a new lead- Climate activists holding a banner that reads, “Love for the Lausitz. Not for the coal,” in front of upright and towed back to a professor from the industrial ership that ensures the party join Jaenschwalde power station during a protest against open-cast mining near Jaenschwalde in the quay,” said Ana-Maria Stoica, southern state of Baden-Wuert- a governing coalition with Mer- spokeswoman for Romania’s Lausitz region of eastern Germany, yesterday. temberg who serves as a kel’s CDU, at least at the state General Directorate for Emer- European Parliament level. gency Situations (IGSU). Activists occupy German coal mines in protest lawmaker. “They call us Nazis, fascists “The animal carcasses will “It is time to send a clear and right-wing terrorists,” then be extracted from the hold AFP operates another mine — the All three mines hit yesterday signal with a double leadership Gauland told delegates. “But we and taken to incinerators,” she SPREMBERG Vereinigtes Schleenhain site — produce lignite, a low-grade type made up of representatives from need to be wise and resilient. added. south of Leipzig also said about of brown coal that is also con- both the east and west,” The day will come when a It has not yet been deter- Thousands of activists sought 1,200 protesters blocked a coal- sidered the most harmful to Chrupalla told delegates, who weakened CDU has only one mined what caused the ship to yesterday to occupy several excavator, forcing the group to human health and the elected him in a run-off with option: us.” keel over, but the non-govern- opencast coal mines in eastern halt operations. environment. over 54% of the vote. Merkel’s conservatives have mental organisation Animals Germany, to put pressure on the “We have nothing against Calling the coordinated Meuthen secured re-election said they cannot work with the International claimed it was government to phase out the peaceful protests and the protest action a success, a against two candidates with a AfD, saying its anti-immigrant overloaded. fossil fuel — a divisive issue in exercise of democratic rights, but spokeswoman Ende Gelaende two third majority, which made and anti-Semitic rhetoric con- The crew of 20 Syrians and the country’s rust belt. we reject all forms of breach of (Game Over) said around 3,000 a run-off unnecessary. tributes to an atmosphere of one Lebanese aboard the Queen Hundreds of campaigners laws and violence,” MIBRAG turned up for the blockades. “We must become fit to hate that encourages political Hind, which was registered in sought to force their way into a chairman Armin Eichholz said “Despite all the nice govern,” Meuthen said. “This is violence. Palau, were rescued shortly mine by Welzow-Sued — in the in a statement. speeches and promises, 2019 our task for the next two years. As delegates started after the accident. Lausitz basin. In these mining regions, thou- was another lost year for the My path is conservative, arriving at the Volkswagen According to the animal Further north-east, another sands of jobs depend on coal. But climate,” said Nike Malhaus. peaceful and patriotic.” Halle in the western city of protection association Arca few hundred also arrived at some residents are also threatened The occupation is being sup- The AfD is the biggest oppo- Brunswick, hundreds of pro- Animal Rescue & Care, 254 Jaenschwalde Ost mine in the with the loss of their homes over ported by other environmental sition party in the Bundestag testers waved rainbow flags, sheep were brought to shore morning, seeking to run into the a planned expansion of mining. groups, including the German national parliament, which it while some held banners alive, but it charged that had res- mine while another 450 blocked Separately, dozens of pro- branch of Fridays for Future entered for the first time in 2017, reading, “Against the AfD and cuers intervened faster, “thou- a railway connected to the site. coal militants also gathered close which is also holding a protest propelled by voters angry at its incitement.” Riot police sands could have been saved.” Meanwhile, MIBRAG which to the Welzow mine. at a power station in the region. conservative Chancellor Angela fenced off the arena. 16 AMERICAS SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019 Bolsonaro accuses DiCaprio of financing Amazon fires

REUTERS In a statement, said o during brief remarks in Four members of the non- development and farming over saying that the rainforest was SAO PAULO Leonardo DiCaprio front of the presidential governmental organisation Alter preservation. being devastated by the fires. residence. do Chão Fire Brigade were The Amazon rainforest is Bolsonaro talked about DiC- Brazilian President Jair lauded “the people DiCaprio denied having arrested on Tuesday with police considered a bulwark against aprio on Thursday during a live Bolsonaro claimed that of Brazil working to donated to the WWF. In a accusing them of purposefully global climate change. webcast. The president said the Hollywood star Leonardo save their natural statement, the actor lauded “the setting fires in order to document Bolsonaro has repeatedly WWF paid the firefighting NGO DiCaprio financed fires being set and cultural heritage. people of Brazil working to save them and drum up more dona- lashed out at various factions in to take pictures of forest fires in in the Amazon rainforest, their natural and cultural her- tions. They were released on casting blame for the forest fires. the Amazon. without presenting any evidence, But, while worthy of itage.” But, he said, “While worthy Thursday on a judge’s order. In a Facebook live post on “So what did the NGO do? the right-wing leader’s latest support, we did not of support, we did not fund the Politicians and other NGOs August 21, he said, “Everything What is the easiest thing? Set fire broadside in casting blame over fund the organisations organisations targeted.” fiercely criticised the arrest, indicates” that NGOs were going to the forest. Take pictures, make forest fires that have generated targeted”. DiCaprio has been an out- saying it was part of a concerted to the Amazon to “set fire” to the a video,” the president said. international concern. spoken advocate on behalf of attempt by Bolsonaro’s gov- forest. When asked then if he had “(WWF) makes a campaign Bolsonaro appeared to be combating climate change, ernment to harass environ- evidence to back up his claims, against Brazil, it contacts commenting on social media tribution from DiCaprio. speaking frequently about envi- mental groups. Bolsonaro said he had “no Leonardo DiCaprio, he donates postings claiming that the envi- The WWF has denied ronmental issues including the Scientists and activists blame written plan,” adding, “that’s not $500,000.” ronmental organisation the receiving a donation from DiC- Amazon forest fires. His land speculators, farmers and how it’s done.” “A part of that went to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had aprio or obtaining photos from Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, ranchers for setting the fires to One day later he admitted people that were setting fires. paid for images taken by vol- the firefighters. which is focused on projects that clear land for agricultural use, that farmers could be illegally Leonardo DiCaprio, you are con- unteer firefighters that it then “This Leonardo DiCaprio is “protect vulnerable wildlife from saying that deforesters are being setting the rainforest ablaze, but tributing to the fire in the supposedly used to solicit dona- a cool guy, right? Giving money extinction,” is part of the Earth emboldened by Bolsonaro’s roughly a month later he Amazon, that won’t do,” Bol- tions, including a $500,000 con- to torch the Amazon,” Bolsonaro Alliance. rhetoric of promoting attacked the “lying media” for sonaro said. US panel sets deadline for California club Trump to decide participation to reopen after in impeachment hearings mass shooting AP REUTERS The impeachment probe is THOUSAND OAKS WASHINGTON looking into whether Trump abused his power to pressure The Southern California A US congressional panel gave Ukraine to launch investigations country-western club where 12 President Donald Trump one of political rival Joe Biden and a people were killed in a mass week to say whether his legal discredited conspiracy theory shooting and gunbattle will counsel intends to introduce promoted by Trump that reopen more than a year after evidence and call witnesses in Ukraine, not Russia, interfered the tragedy. upcoming impeachment in the 2016 US presidential A gunman shot 11 victims proceedings that could lead to election. during November 7, 2018, formal charges of misconduct After weeks of closed-door shooting at the Borderline Club within a few weeks. witness depositions and televised & Grill shooting in Thousand The Democratic-led House hearings, three investigating Oaks before turning the Judiciary Committee, which is due panels led by the House Intelli- weapon on himself. A Ventura to begin weighing possible articles gence Committee are due to County sheriff’s deputy was of impeachment against Trump release a formal report soon after wounded by the gunman then next week, sent a two-page letter lawmakers return to Congress on accidentally killed by a Cali- to the president setting a deadline Tuesday from a Thanksgiving fornia Highway Patrol officer of pm EDT (2200 GMT) on recess. The report will outline Honoris Causa Doctorate award during the ensuing gun battle. December 6 for the president’s evidence gathered by lawmakers Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (centre) holding his Honoris Causa Doctorate from the The Borderline’s owners counsel to specify intended on the panel, along with those on University of Guadalajara next to the Governor of Jalisco state, Enrique Alfaro (right), and the rector of the say in a video posted Thursday actions under the committee’s the Foreign Affairs and Oversight University of Guadalajara, Ricardo Villanueva, in Guadalajara, Mexico, yesterday. The award is in recognition they’ve decided to reopen the impeachment procedures. committees. of Santos’ contribution for the benefit of humanity in matters of negotiation, peace and reconciliation. club though they did not offer The procedures set out rules After Wednesday, the Judi- a timeframe. by which the president can call ciary panel, which could rec- witnesses, introduce evidence ommend a full House and make presentations. impeachment vote before Panel Democratic Chairman Christmas, is expected to hold a US to ‘protect its interests’ at climate conference Jerrold Nadler set the same hearing to examine the evidence deadline for Republican law- report and further proceedings AFP is withdrawing from the Paris The US team will be headed to represent the citizens of Pitts- makers on the committee to to consider formal articles of WASHINGTON climate accord, which set a goal by ambassador Marcia Bernicat, burgh, not Paris.” notify him about intended wit- impeachment. of limiting global temperature principal deputy assistant sec- But scientists say the accord nesses and evidence and House Democrats aim to The United States will send a rises to well within two degrees retary of state for oceans and is vital to check the worst scheduled a December 9 resolve the question of Trump’s diplomatic team but no senior Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) from international environmental and damage from global warming, meeting to consider the matter. impeachment by Christmas. If members of Donald Trump’s pre-industrial levels. scientific affairs. such as increasing droughts, The Judiciary panel is the House impeaches him, the administration to a global Spain stepped in to host the Pelosi, calling climate change rising floods and intensifying expected to hold a series of Republican-controlled Senate climate-change conference COP25 meeting, which seeks to “the existential threat of our storms. impeachment proceedings, would hold a trial to determine starting in Spain tomorrow, boost commitments to fight time,” announced a delegation The US is the world’s second including an initial hearing on whether he should be convicted according to a statement. climate change, after Chile of Democrats drawn from both biggest emitter of greenhouse Wednesday at which legal experts and removed from office. However, in an effort to raise pulled out due to civil unrest. the House and the Senate, with gases after China, and is the only are due to testify about the con- Analysts say the ultimate the US profile in Madrid, House “The United States will con- no members of Trump’s Repub- country to pull out of the Paris stitutional grounds for verdict will come in next year’s speaker Nancy Pelosi will led a tinue to participate in ongoing lican party. agreement. impeachment. The committee US elections for president and 15-member congressional dele- climate change negotiations and The president has cast the The final US withdrawal invited Trump to participate in the Congress, and candidates from gation to “reaffirm the com- meetings — such as COP25 — to Paris climate accord as elitist and from the landmark accord is hearing and gave him until 6pm both parties have used the mitment of the American people ensure a level playing field that unfair to the US, saying when scheduled for November 4, EST on Sunday to say whether he impeachment issue to ramp up to combating the climate crisis.” protects US interests,” the US announcing his decision to 2020, a day after the next pres- or his legal team would attend. their campaigns. The US, at Trump’s direction, State Department said. withdraw that he was “elected idential election. Bolivia to file case against Morales at crimes court Guatemala to try more former

AFP military officials for genocide LA PAZ REUTERS a declaration given by video Bolivia’s interim government will GUATEMALA CITY conference, adding that he had file a case in The Hague against had no means to plan or carry former president Evo Morales for Guatemala’s human rights pros- out such an operation. “crimes against humanity,” the ecutor indicted another former Mendoza Garcia was cap- interior minister announced. top military official for genocide tured six months ago after The government will file the and crimes against humanity having been on the run since lawsuit “in the next few days,” committed during the bloodiest 2011. Guatemala’s human rights the minister, Arturo Murillo, told phase of the Central American prosecutor said there were more state radio Patria Nueva. country’s 36-year civil war. victims and witnesses who could The International Criminal A military operations chief testify against him than in other Court sitting in The Hague has under deceased Guatemalan processes. jurisdiction to prosecute indi- dictator Efrain Rios Montt, Luis Former military intelligence viduals for crimes against Enrique Mendoza Garcia will be chief Jose Mauricio Rodriguez humanity. tried in March for his role in an was acquitted last year of Murillo last week filed a A Bolivian national flag; a flag reading “Love was stronger than hate”; a portrait of former Bolivian operation in the early 1980s that charges of genocide and crimes criminal complaint in Bolivia President Evo Morales, and a headscarf reading “Thank you mothers!”, hang from the fence of the killed at least 1,771 Maya Ixil and against humanity after the court accusing Morales of sedition and Casa Rosada Presidential Palace in Plaza de Mayo Square, in Buenos Aires, yesterday. displaced thousands. said it had insufficient terrorism, after he allegedly Judge Jimmy Bremer for- evidence. called on supporters to blockade he would face a maximum Congress last week gave a looking at you. We are following mally received the charges the During the civil war, from cities and cut off fuel and food penalty of 30 years in jail. green light for a new vote you,” he said. prosecutors presented against 1960 to 1996, an estimated supplies. Morales has in turn accused without Morales, Bolivia’s first “There is no tolerance for the 76-year-old in a court in 200,000 mostly Mayan civilians The ex-president “must the interim government of “gen- indigenous president. He had terrorism, sedition or armed Guatemala City. were killed and another 45,000 answer to justice for what he has ocide” following the deaths of 32 been seeking a fourth term after movements. Zero tolerance,” he Mendoza Garcia is the fourth went missing. done, and is doing, in addition to people, mostly his indigenous nearly 14 years as leader of the said. top military official facing justice Rios Montt, who ruled his accomplices who have par- supporters, in post-election poor but resource-rich country. The Argentine rights dele- in less than a week after Bene- during the war’s bloodiest phase, ticipated in the tragic events that violence. Meanwhile, Murillo gation tweeted: “While the de dicto Lucas Garcia, Manuel between 1982 and 1983, died in Bolivians have experienced,” Morales denied wrongdoing expressed concern over the facto government accuses us of Callejas and Cesar Noguera were April last year. Murillo said. and said he was being perse- presence in the country of an being terrorists, we have started indicted in a separate case of At that time, he was facing If Morales — who fled to cuted for leading a pro-poor, Argentine human rights group. what we came to do, take tes- genocide against the same renewed charges after his con- Mexico after resigning on pro-indigenous government and “We recommend these for- timony of the different human community. viction for genocide and crimes November 10 — were charged nationalising the country’s gas eigners who are arriving....to be rights violations that the Bolivian “I was not the one who against humanity was and convicted in a Bolivian court, and other natural resources. careful,” said Murillo. “We are people are enduring.” ruled,” Mendoza Garcia said in overturned.