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SATURDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11124 March 16, 2019 Rajab 9, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals 49 massacred in terror attacks on NZ mosques

An injured person is loaded into an ambulance following a shooting at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. Members of a family react outside the mosque following a shooting at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch.

World reacts with sadness and anger Amir condemns attacks AFP A 28-year-old Australian-born Speaking in Sydney, Australian “I heard three quick shots, then af- Christchurch, New Zealand man has been arrested and charged Prime Minister Scott Morrison de- ter about 10 seconds it started again. is Highness the Amir Sheikh attack, wishing a speedy recovery for with murder. scribed the gunman as “an extremist, It must have been an automatic — no Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani the injured. He is set to appear at the Christch- right-wing, violent terrorist”. one could pull a trigger that quick,” Hsent yesterday a cable of HE the Prime Minister and Min- “right-wing extremist” armed urch District Court early today. His two targets were the Masjid the man who did not wish to be condolences to New Zealand’s Gov- ister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin with semi-automatic weap- Two other men remain in custody, Al Noor, where 41 people died, and a named, said. ernor-General Patsy Reddy, express- Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent a Aons rampaged through two although their link to the attack is un- second, smaller mosque in the suburb “Then people started running out. ing his strong condemnation and similar cable to Prime Minister Jacin- mosques in the quiet New Zealand known. of Linwood, where seven more died. Some were covered in blood,” he said. denunciation of the terrorist attack da Ardern. city of Christchurch during afternoon The chief suspect allegedly pub- The remaining victim succumbed New Zealand police described the which took place at two mosques in Meanwhile, Qatar has condemned prayers yesterday, killing 49 worship- lished a racist “manifesto” on social in hospital. footage shot by the gunman as “ex- Christchurch, New Zealand. in the strongest terms the terror- pers and wounding dozens more. media before the attack, featuring The dead were said to include tremely distressing” and warned web In the cable, the Amir stressed ist and brutal attack on mosques in The attack, thought to be the dead- conspiracy theories about Europeans women and children. users that they could be liable for up Qatar’s fi rm stance on rejecting ter- New Zealand that has killed dozens liest against Muslims in the West being displaced, and details of two Around 48 people were treated for to 10 years in jail for sharing such “ob- rorism and extremism, regardless of of people. in modern times, was immediately years of preparation and radicalisa- gunshot wounds at Christchurch Hos- jectionable content”. motives and reasons. In a statement yesterday, the Min- dubbed terrorism by Prime Minister tion leading up to the shootings. pital, including young children, with In addition to the footage — which He expressed condolences to the istry of Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qa- Jacinda Ardern, as she led a shocked “It is clear that this can now only be injuries ranging from critical to minor. AFP has verifi ed, but is not distribut- innocent victims, wishing a speedy tar’s fi rm stance on rejecting violence nation on one of its “darkest days.” described as a terrorist attack,” said The survivors included 17 members ing — a number of pictures were post- recovery for the injured. and terrorism, regardless of motives The attacker live-streamed footage Ardern. “From what we know, it does of Bangladesh’s cricket team, whose ed to a social media account showing His Highness the Deputy Amir and reasons. of himself going room-to-room, vic- appear to have been well planned.” game against New Zealand today has a semi-automatic weapon covered in Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Tha- The statement stressed the total tim-to-victim, shooting the wound- Two IEDs (improvised explosive been postponed, and a Palestinian the names of historical fi gures, many ni also sent a cable of condolences to refusal of Qatar to target places of ed from close range as they struggled devices) were found in a car and neu- man who fl ed for his life after seeing of whom were involved in the killing the Governor-General of New Zea- worship and terrorise peaceful peo- to crawl away. tralised by the military, police said. someone being shot in the head. of Muslims. To Page 7 land on the victims of the terrorist ple. - QNA

Qatar receives 1st batch of Apache FIFA backs 48-team QatarWorld Cup 2022 QNA Arizona,USA AFP Infantino, who also confi rmed a new Miami Club World Cup with 24 teams will atar has received the fi rst begin in 2021 to replace the Confed- batch of Apache-QA dur- erations Cup, told a press conference: Qing a ceremony held at the IFA moved a step closer yesterday “You have in front of you a happy FIFA Boeing Defense Systems headquar- to expanding the 2022 World Cup president. ters in Arizona, US, in presence of Fin Qatar to 48 teams and hopes to “I am always happy but especially HE the Deputy Prime Minister and confi rm the plans in June if a suitable today because we have taken some im- Minister of State for Defence Aff airs co-host can be found. portant decisions. Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah. An internal feasibility study sup- “We came to conclusion, yes it’s fea- This batch comes as part of a deal porting the expansion, which is being sible to move from 32 to 48 teams at the signed by the Qatar Armed Forces to strongly pushed by President Gianni World Cup provided certain conditions acquire the latest - sixth generation Infantino, was given full backing by the are met. - of the fi ghter aircraft. FIFA council in Miami. “Since we decided in January 2017 Precise combat characteristics A fi nal decision will now be taken that we should increase teams in 2026, and technological specifi cations in Paris on June 6 after FIFA and Qa- and following a request from the 10 have been added to the Qatari ver- tar jointly submit the names of poten- South American associations whether sion, giving it the lead in the air. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah with Qatari off icials at tial co-host nations to the governing it is feasible to do this for 2022.” To Page 2 the ceremony for the delivery of the first batch of Apache aircraft. body’s Congress. To Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 16, 2019 QATAR Blockade-hit Qatar, US sign MoU on student voices her suffering co-operation in labour at UNHRC QNA to politicise education and to QNA Geneva abuse the rights of students New York registered in it. She also issued a message A Qatari student who used to to UAE off icials saying that atar and the US have study in the UAE discussed the it was good to open the signed a memorandum of extent of her suff ering after Sorbonne University and Qunderstanding (MoU) for she was expelled arbitrarily the Louvre Museum in Abu technical co-operation and sup- from the Sorbonne University Dhabi, but stressed that port of the ongoing labour reform Abu Dhabi following the what would be even better programme in Qatar, especially in blockade imposed on Qatar in is to bring home the civilised the areas of labour inspection and June 2017. values that these institutions the domestic employment law. Jawaher al-Meer told hold. HE the Minister of Admin- attendees of one of the Before her speech, al-Meer istrative Development, Labour meetings of the 40th session met with off icials from and Social Aff airs Yousef bin of the Human Rights Council the Off ice of the High Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro in Geneva that she travelled Commissioner for Human and US Secretary of Labour Al- to Doha on vacation after Rights to present her exander Acosta signed the MoU finishing her exams, and was complaint against the UAE during their meeting in New struck by the decisions of the and the Sorbonne University York, to discuss areas of common blockading countries. after she was arbitrarily interest and ways to strengthen HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social She added that she tried expelled. and develop them and share Aff airs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro and US Secretary of HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social to communicate with the There were more than 200 information to protect workers. Labour Alexander Acosta pose as they sign an MoU on Aff airs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro holds talks with US university’s administration to Qatari students that attended The minister hailed the per- co-operation in labour reforms. ambassador-at-large John Cotton Richmond. enquire about her ability to universities in the UAE, Saudi manent partnership with the US resume her studies. She added Arabia, and Bahrain. They to strengthen capacities and co- fi eld of knowledge transfer and the US ambassador-at-Large to of the US State Department in November 2017, Qatar signed a that all she got was an e-mail were all prevented from operate closely on important is- training on best practices. Monitor and Combat Traffi cking this regard. co-operation agreement with saying she was transferred to completing their education sues such as workers’ rights and He called on the US Secretary in Persons, John Cotton Rich- In a statement, the US La- the International Labour Organi- the Sorbonne Paris. and were sent home after protection. of Labour and members of his mond. The meeting discussed bour Department said Qatar had sation, confi rming that co-op- Al-Meer wondered how could those countries severed He expressed hope that the team to visit Qatar in the near the comprehensive eff orts of Qa- undertaken a number of labour eration with the US Department such a prestigious university relations with Qatar and ministry will work with the US future. tar in the fi ght against traffi cking reforms in preparation for host- of Labour will strengthen and be used as a front by the UAE blockaded it. Department of Labour in the Also, the minister met with in human beings, and the report ing the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In support those initiatives.

Amiri Naval Forces celebrate graduation Decision on Dicid condemns mosque 48 teams will be made by attacks in New Zealand Qatar and he Doha International division, intolerance and take all necessary measures in FIFA: SC Center for Interfaith hatred. tracking down the perpetra- TDialogue (Dicid) has ex- “The Dicid reiterates its deep tors and bring them to justice pressed its deep sorrow and condemnation of such des- to receive their fair punish- atar has been open to condemnation of terrorist at- picable acts of racism which ment; because such criminal the process of discuss- tack and mass shootings at represent a clear violation of acts serve only the enemies of Qing a potential expansion two mosques in Christchurch, the principles of humanity and humanity and extremists. of the World Cup in 2022 to 48 New Zealand, yesterday, leav- the values of religious toler- “The Dicid expresses its teams since discussions started ing many dead and wounded ance, approved by all Laws and heartfelt sympathies to fam- in Moscow and continued in Ki- civilians. Religions that call for respect ilies, peoples and all those Amiri Naval Forces have celebrated the graduation training courses, in the presence of Acting gali, an offi cial statement from In a statement, the Dicid of the sanctities and peace and aff ected by this cruel attack, Commander of the Amiri Armed Forces Brigadier General (Naval) Hamad bin Mohammed al-Dosari. the Supreme Committee for De- urged states that call for co-existence. and off er our deepest con- The total number of participants in these courses were 42 military off icers as well as other ranks livery & Legacy yesterday said . love and tolerance to pro- “The Dicid recalls the re- dolences to the families and in the Amiri Naval Forces and the General Directorate of Coasts Security, in addition to two off icers The SC said a fi nal decision on tect and respect worship sponsible authorities to fulfi l loved ones of the individu- participating from Kuwait. Kuwait’s military attache to Kuwait Lt Col Omar Hussein Bou Arki the expansion of Qatar 2022 to places and religious lead- their role to protect Muslims als who lost their lives in the attended the ceremony, along with a number of ranking off icers at the Qatari Armed Forces. 48 teams will be made by Qatar ers; to face the causes of and their worship places and terrorist attack.” and FIFA. The statement said: “We have been open to the process of dis- cussing a potential expansion of Qatar World Cup 2022 since dis- cussions started in Moscow and 1st phase of Qatari Diar’s Houara resort opens in Morocco continued in Kigali. Qatar receives fi rst “Our openness was based on QNA He expressed his thanks to our commitment to hosting a Tangier Qatari Diar for completing the FIFA World Cup that benefi ts our batch of Apache fi rst phase of the project, and region and its people in the best added that they were ready to way possible. It has always been hief of the Amiri Diwan help face any challenges facing our mission to ensure that this HE Sheikh Khalid bin the completion of the project. World Cup belongs to the entire fi ghter aircraft CKhalifa bin Abdul Aziz For his part, al-Attiyah said Arab world and the Middle East. al-Thani inaugurated yesterday that the company is laser-fo- “We will work with FIFA to the fi rst phase of Qatari Diar’s cused on becoming a market determine whether or not a vi- From Page 1 Chief of Staff of the Armed Al Houara resort in Tangier, leader in its regional market, able operating model does exist Forces Lieutenant-General (Pi- Morocco. and on off ering high quality and importantly, whether it is in The Qatari fl eet is expected lot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al- The inauguration was at- lifestyle and innovations in real the best interest of football and to be completed by this type of Ghanem inaugurated the pro- tended by Morocco’s Minis- estate development. for the tournament, and for Qa- aircraft, which will be in active duction line for the project to ter of Tourism, Air Transport, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani inaugurating He added that the company tar as the host nation. service to enhance the various produce Apache helicopters for Handicraft and Social Economy the first phase of Qatari Diar’s Al Houara resort in Tangier. The was in a race against time to fi n- “After these consultations, types and confi gurations of the the Qatar Amiri Air Forces. Mohamed Sajid, Governor of inauguration was attended among others by Morocco’s Minister ish all the projects it currently the fi nal decision will be made Qatar Amiri Air Force. The ceremony was attended Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima of Tourism, Air Transport, Handicraft and Social Economy has, and to develop more of its by Qatar and FIFA. The agreement for the manu- by Qatar’s ambassador to the region Mohamed Mhidia, and Mohamed Sajid and Governor of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima assets and investments around “Until we reach that conclu- facture and delivery of Apache US Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad a number of ranking offi cials region Mohamed Mhidia. the world. sion, we will continue to work aircraft includes annexed chap- al-Thani, HE the Commander from Qatari Diar and from Mo- He stressed that completing toward hosting a 32-team World ters covering the maintenance of Qatar Amiri Air Force Major rocco’s economic, tourism and of brotherly relations between national projects effi ciently the fi rst phase of the Houara re- Cup in 2022 hosted in the State and training of the Qatari crew General (Pilot) Mubarak bin Mo- investment sectors. the two countries and peoples. and eff ectively within its pre- sort is a new achievement add- of Qatar.” - QNA consisting of pilots, technicians hamed al-Kumait al-Khayareen, The project’s fi rst phase in- The opening of this phase defi ned delivery plans. ed to the company’s records, and weapons managers. Commander in charge of the cludes the construction of a comes within the new strategic Morocco’s minister of tour- and added that it also helps Qa- The Qatar Amiri Air Force has project Brigadier (Pilot) Ghanem Hilton Luxury Hotel and an 18- plan of the project announced ism said that the project is a tar make its mark on the tour- completed all the infrastructure, Abdulhadi al-Shahwani and Qa- hole golf course. by the CEO of Qatari Diar Ab- great addition to tourism in the ism sector in Morocco. construction, logistics and tech- tar’s Military Attaché to the US The Houara resort is one of dullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah in Kingdom of Morocco and in He added that the features FIFA backs nical arrangements to receive Colonel Nawaf bin Mubarak al- the world’s leading tourism his fi rst visit to the project’s site the state of Tangier in particu- of the project made it a land- the fl eet, which will enhance the Thani in addition to a number of projects with an area of 234,000 last October. lar and a clear indication of the mark in real estate development 48-team country’s defence capabilities. ranking Qatar Armed Forces of- hectares (2mn and 340,000sq It also demonstrates Qatari depth of the Qatari-Moroccan around the world, particularly In October 2018, HE the fi cers and a lineup of US offi cials. m) and embodies the strength Diar’s ability to deliver inter- relations. in tourism investment. World Cup

From Page 1

“We have the duty to look into French investments in Qatar on the rise: ambassador it, 90% are in favour of an in- crease but it’s not as easy as that. We have to analyse matters care- By Joey Aguilar Doha general manager Dominic shared values and interests. ing Qatar in achieving its goals, regeneration project, not only fully and we are working closely Staff Reporter Arel, led the inauguration of the Gellet noted that French in- enshrined in the Qatar National smart in technology but also with Qatar.” fi ve-star hotel, located within vestments in Qatar continue to Vision 2030,” the envoy stressed. smart in beauty,” Gellet said. The move away from the tra- Msheireb Downtown Doha. increase, “refl ecting the dyna- A Gulf Times report in No- Alwadi Hotel Doha has 213 ditional 32 teams which will see he growing bilateral trade “As an ambassador of France, mism and the level of commit- vember last year quoting Gellet rooms and suites, each with 80 matches instead of 64 — the between Qatar and France it’s my pleasure and it is indeed a ment of French companies oper- showed that Qatar and France’s thoughtful amenities, inspiring notion was originally slated to Tgot a further boost with proud moment for all of us to see ating in Qatar, some of them for trade volume “has been sys- patterns and a vibrant colour come into eff ect for the 2026 the opening of MGallery’s Alwadi yet another iconic brand from decades.” tematically close to QR12bn or scheme to bring a touch of herit- tournament in North America — Hotel Doha recently, French am- France entering the Qatari mar- Reiterating the strong eco- €3bn” for the past years. age to its contemporary design. means one or more other coun- bassador Franck Gellet has said. ket,” Gellet said, congratulating nomic ties between Qatar and The event, he added, was an The hotel also has three tries will be asked to help Qa- The envoy, along with HE the entire team of Al Wadi Hotel France, he said about 200 French opportunity for him to laud the world-class restaurants, two tar stage the shortened 28-day Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Tha- Doha for their eff orts in bring- companies and brands in the Msheireb project, a vibrant new bars and a lobby tea lounge and event which is scheduled to kick ni, Msheireb Properties board ing the fi rst MGallery fi ve-star country. retail, commercial and residen- terrace to off er a memorable off in November 2022. member (developer and owner boutique hotel in Qatar. “They are working alongside tial development that is one the experience to guests. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and of the hotel) Saad Ebrahim al- He added that relations public and private stakeholders smartest and most sustainable According to Willis, each bou- the UAE will need to end their Muhannadi, Msheireb Proper- between the two countries on key projects in oil and gas, city district in the world. tique hotel in the MGallery col- French ambassador Franck diplomatic blockade of Qatar ties acting CEO Ali al-Kuwari, have been developing in the electricity and water, transport, “Qatar is showing the way on lection tells a unique story and Gellet speaking at the opening launched in 2017 if they want Accor Middle East & Africa CEO past 50 years on the basis of urban development and other this and also a way of inspira- perfectly blends modern design of Alwadi Hotel Doha recently. to be involved, FIFA’s feasibility Mark Willis, and Alwadi Hotel friendship, mutual trust and fi elds like hospitality, support- tion, a visionary sustainable with local history and heritage. PICTURE: Jayan Orma study said. Gulf Times Saturday, March 16, 2019 3 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

World’s ‘largest university debate championship’ at QNCC from today

By Joseph Varghese best team in both categories. involving all the teams par- Staff Reporter In many cases, we have teams ticipating in the championship from more than one university without recording any scores from the participating coun- will take place today. Mohamed he fi fth International Uni- tries. About 110 teams are par- Salman, a coach from QatarDe- versity Debate champion- ticipating in the competition bate said that the trial round Tship-2019, described as and the total number of par- aims to familiarise the teams the ‘World’s largest university ticipants is more than 600 in- with the championship before debate championship either in cluding debaters and other of- the actual rounds begin. English or Arabic,’ will get un- ficials,” explained Dr Maarafi. This year QatarDebate has derway at the Qatar National The championship aims added a special award named Convention Centre today. to strengthen educational ‘Pioneers Award’, which will be Organised by Qatar Debate and cultural relations among presented to the best project to Centre, an initiative of Qatar the participating countries spread the art of debate. During Foundation (QF), the fi ve-day and open up opportunities to the championship, the organi- event under the patronage of strengthen the relationship and sation will also announce the QF Vice Chairperson and CEO share experiences among Ara- new QatarDebate ambassadors. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bic-speaking and non-Arabic The participating countries al-Thani, will have the partici- An Iranian team which will participate in the competition. speaking youth. are Algeria, Austria, Australia, A US team with their national flag. pation of universities from 52 It also aims to raise the open Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bel- countries, including 37 non-Ar- largest in the world. We will Dr Hayat Abdullah Maarafi, discussion standards, secure gium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Libya, Macedonia, Malaysia, Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri abic speaking countries, around have two categories of compe- executive director of QatarDe- freedom of expression in the China, Czech Republic, France, The Maldives, Mauritius, Mo- Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Thai- the globe. tition - one for native Arabic bate Centre told Gulf Times re- Arab world and the world as a Germany, Indonesia, India, rocco, Oman, Pakistan, Pales- land, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, “Either in Arabic or English, speakers and the other one for cently. “There will be separate whole and respect the differ- Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Ku- tine, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the UK, the US, Vietnam, and the championship is so far the non-native Arabic speakers,” prizes for the best speaker and ence of opinion. A trial round wait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Russia, Serbia, Somalia, South Yemen.

Algerians stage huge Dozens of strikes hit Gaza protest despite

AFP Gaza City president’s pledge

srael said yesterday its air- not to seek re-election craft had struck dozens of IHamas targets in the Gaza Strip overnight in response to AFP prime minister, replacing un- rockets from the Palestinian en- Algiers popular premier Ahmed Ouyahia clave, including rare fi re toward with former interior minister its economic capital Tel Aviv. Noureddine Bedoui, who on The escalation followed huge crowd of demon- Thursday defended the post- weeks of growing tensions and strators marched through ponement of the poll. came at an especially sensitive Athe Algerian capital for Boutefl ika, who uses a wheel- time ahead of Israel’s April 9 a fourth consecutive Friday to chair and has rarely appeared in elections. step up demands on President public since suff ering a stroke As the polls approach, Prime Abdelaziz Boutefl ika to leave, in 2013, has promised a “na- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rejecting his off er not to seek re- tional conference” to carry out widely believed to want to avoid election. reforms. a fourth war in the Gaza Strip Men, women and children The president said that new since 2008 — but the exchange converged in a festive atmos- elections would be held “before of fi re again showed the risks. phere on the landmark Grand the end of 2019”, suggesting he Quiet returned to Gaza and Poste square in Algiers calling may stay in offi ce for months Israel yesterday morning. on the 82-year-old not to cling longer. UN and Egyptian offi cials to power after scrapping an April Yesterday’s protest in Algiers were in contact with both sides presidential poll. was mostly peaceful but on “to prevent the situation from Security sources said crowd the margins around a hundred spinning out of control”, a numbers exceeded demon- youths threw stones at police source with knowledge of the strations a week ago that saw in clashes that lasted around 30 discussions said. tens of thousands of people minutes and left several people Organisers of weekly Friday across the country take to the wounded. Many demonstrators, protests along the Gaza border streets. with their banners, criticised fence, which have been accom- Major protests were also France’s stance on the political panied by violence, announced held yesterday in other key cit- crisis in Algeria, its former colo- they would be cancelled — the A Palestinian boy sits next to the destroyed Hamas site following Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City, yesterday. ies Oran, Constantine and An- ny, accusing Paris of siding with fi rst such move since they began naba, local journalists reported, Boutefl ika. nearly a year ago. tral Israel”, with media reports that Palestinian fi ghters would sition belonging to Hamas’ Since Thursday night, as people nationwide vented “France, 132 years is enough, Four Palestinians were saying the second fell into the hold fi re if Israel did the same. military wing, near its leader around 10 rockets were fired their ire. The latest rallies were stop the interference,” read one wounded in the Gaza strikes, Mediterranean. A delegation from Egypt, Ismail Haniya’s family home on from Gaza. the fi rst major test of whether banner, referring to the era of the enclave’s health ministry Both Hamas, the movement which has acted as mediator the outskirts of Gaza City, was Almost daily exchanges be- Boutefl ika has calmed public an- French rule before independ- said, while no Israelis were re- that runs Gaza, and its ally Is- between Israel and Hamas, was damaged, with rubble strewn tween Israel and the Palestin- ger with his surprise announce- ence. “Macron, you are too small ported injured. lamic Jihad denied they were in Gaza before the strikes and across the road, an AFP journal- ian territory have threatened a ment on Monday that he would for today’s Algeria.” Explosions could be heard behind the rocket fi re towards reportedly left after warnings. ist said. wider escalation in hostilities not stand for a fi fth term but was French President Emmanuel throughout the night in Gaza Tel Aviv. Israel said its aircraft hit Hamdi, 22, who works in a over the past few weeks. cancelling the upcoming elec- Macron on Tuesday welcomed and fi reballs lit the sky. Israel has long said it holds around 100 Hamas targets, in- bakery in Gaza, said “since the It comes as the one-year an- tion. Boutefl ika’s announcement but In the bustling coastal city Hamas responsible for all vio- cluding a complex allegedly morning very few people have niversary of mass protests and “You pretend to understand urged Algerian authorities to of Tel Aviv, sirens wailed late lence from Gaza, controlled by used by the group to co-ordi- come compared to normal Fri- clashes along the Gaza-Israel us, we will pretend to listen to organise a “reasonable” transi- Thursday in scenes reminiscent the group since 2007. nate fi ghters’ operations in the day mornings. People are afraid border fence approaches on you,” read a banner held aloft by tion from his rule. Algeria has of the 2014 war between Israel Yesterday, Israeli media re- occupied West Bank. of bombs — like in a war.” March 30. the mostly young demonstra- largely avoided the turmoil un- and Gaza fi ghters. ported the military’s prelimi- Another was “the main man- Gaza residents reported a An informal truce between tors. leashed by the Arab Spring up- Rocket fi re toward Israel’s nary assessment was that the ufacturing site of standard- number of rockets fi red back at Hamas and Israel had led to Boutefl ika had initially risings that brought down rul- southern communities near the rockets were fi red by mistake grade rockets in the Gaza Strip”, Israel in response. Sirens rang relative calm, but recent weeks sparked joy among protesters ers in neighbouring Tunisia and blockaded coastal territory is during maintenance work — a an underground location, it out in southern Israel early yes- have seen another uptick in vio- when he said he would not stand Libya. common, but Tel Aviv is rarely sign Israel was seeking to calm said. terday and the Israeli military lence. again, but his move to cancel But discontent, particularly targeted. tensions. A security source in Gaza said it identifi ed four “launch- Netanyahu warned Sunday the vote prompted accusations among the young, turned to an- Police said yesterday they A military spokesman de- said dozens of strikes targeted es” from Gaza. that Israel would not hesitate of “tricks” and sparked a new ger after the veteran leader an- found remains of one rocket in clined to comment. bases belonging to both Ha- Three were intercepted by to launch a “large-scale opera- round of demonstrations. nounced on February 10 that he an uninhabited area “in cen- Islamic Jihad said yesterday mas and Islamic Jihad. A po- missile defence systems, it said. tion” in Gaza if provoked. He has also named a new would seek another term.

CONFLICT IS bombers attack crowds fleeing redoubt Iran bans Boeing 737 MAX from airspace: The Islamic State group launched three suicide attacks outside their civil aviation last redoubt in eastern Syria yesterday, killing six people among those Excavators may be damaging fleeing the crumbling militant bastion. They were the latest casualties in Iran’s civil aviation authority said Syria’s devastating civil war, which entered its ninth year yesterday with yesterday it had banned Boeing 370,000 dead. All that remains of a once-sprawling proto-state that the 737 Max jets from its airspace, IS militants declared in 2014 is a battered riverside camp in the village Ethiopia crash site: diplomats the latest in a series of countries of Baghouz near the Iraqi border. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic to do so after a deadly crash. The Forces, and warplanes of a US-led coalition backing them, have rained decision was announced by civil fire on the enclave since Sunday, blitzing thousands of IS members into Reuters the plane. The debris is mostly aviation spokesman Reza Jafar- surrender. The exodus of veiled women, dusty children, and wounded Addis Ababa piled at one side of the fi eld, zadeh, in a bulletin published by men had been peaceful in recent days. But yesterday three suicide while rescue workers have the transport ministry. “Following bombers blew themselves up on the way out, an SDF spokesman said. bagged and removed what they the banning of the 737 MAX from “A suicide bomber hid among those fleeing and blew himself up, killing at rucks and excavators are could fi nd of human remains. the airspace of many countries, least six of those who wanted to get out” of Baghouz, Jiaker Amed said. going onto the site of Since Sunday, Red Cross including America, which is the Two others blew themselves up near SDF positions, causing only light Tthe Ethiopian Airlines workers and investigators have country that builds it, this type wounds among the fighters, he said. Before the attacks, SDF spokesman plane crash, causing concern been combing the site, while of plane is now banned from Mustefa Bali said “a large number” of IS members had surrendered to the that vital evidence may be lost grieving families have gath- Iranian airspace,” Jafarzadeh said. US-backed forces. Earlier in the day, Amed said its fighters were consoli- or crushed, two diplomatic ered to mourn and villagers The aircraft has been grounded dating their positions as it expected more people to stumble out. It was sources said yesterday. have stood beyond the yellow worldwide in the wake of an however unclear how many remained inside. Some policemen have also tape watching. On Monday, Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sun- been taking selfi es inside the Ethiopian police who came to day which killed all 157 people yellow tape lines demarcating take over guarding the site for on board. The fatal accident ENVIRONMENT the scene, witnesses said. the evening walked under the near Addis Ababa came after Nations make first commitment on plastics The crash fi ve days ago tape and across the site as it a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed killed 157 people, brought a was still being cleared. last October, killing 189 people. Nations made their first global commitment towards curtailing the surg- global suspension of Boeing Families of victims from Kenya and Rwanda lay flowers yesterday, Some took selfi es on their French authorities are currently ing consumption of single-use plastics yesterday, but critics said it failed 737 MAX aircraft and left a as they visit the crash site of the Ethiopian Airlines operated Boeing mobile phones, according to examining the Ethiopian aircraft to confront the planet’s pollution crisis with the United States blocking ef- charred, debris-strewn crater 737 MAX aircraft which killed 157 passengers and crew onboard, Reuters witnesses. to determine why the new forts for more radical action. After five days of talks in the Kenyan capital, in an Ethiopian fi eld. at Hama Quntushele village, near Bishoftu, in Oromia region. The airline has sent the plane crashed just minutes after ministers at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) agreed “The handling of the site is black boxes to Paris where takeoff . Iran cannot purchase to curb items like plastic bags, bottles and straws over the next decade disastrous because they are recovery in such a site,” said mains. Ethiopian Airlines did French and US experts have or operate Boeing 737 MAX as part of moves aimed at creating a more sustainable planet. “We will letting trucks and excavators another diplomatic source in not respond to requests for joined an Ethiopian-led inves- planes due to US sanctions. The address the damage to our ecosystems caused by the unsustainable drive over it,” an Addis Ababa- Ethiopia who has visited the comment on the handling of tigation. transport ministry however said use and disposal of plastic products, including by significantly reducing based diplomat, who has visit- site multiple times this week. the site, but has assured the One airline industry source in December one such aircraft single-use plastic products by 2030,” said a ministerial declaration at the ed the site and is representing Flight 302 crashed minutes world it will investigate as said Ethiopian government made an emergency landing in end of the summit. Countries would “work with the private sector to find some families of victims, told after take-off on Sunday, leav- quickly and seriously as pos- authorities had told him there the southern city of Shiraz due aff ordable and environmentally friendly alternatives,” it added. The nearly Reuters. ing a hole 10 meters deep. sible. were no current plans to do to engine troubles. Passengers of 200 environment ministers also made a host of other commitments — “There are concerns espe- The impact and fi re left the Reuters reporters at the DNA identifi cation. He also the Norwegian Air Shuttle plane ranging from reducing food waste and marine litter to developing and cially about the use of exca- plane in small fragments and scene have seen excavators complained that authorities were unhurt in the incident and sharing innovative technologies and consulting indigenous people when vators. People are wonder- destroyed the bodies of any scooping up dirt, personal ef- were excavating the crash site flew out the next day. developing policies. ing how you can use them for passengers, leaving only re- fects and bits of metal from without proper procedure. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 16, 2019 AMERICAS Grandmother admits guilt in concealing child’s death

Tribune News Service count of conspiracy to destroy Lopez’s daughter, Mayra Ale- ing to her father’s testimony. They returned to Oxnard but be- daughter down the drain,” Bar- The Oxnard Police Depart- Los Angeles and conceal evidence after the jandra Chavez, 27, was convicted He said her mother aggres- came worried that the girl’s body rick said, adding that the cou- ment and the foster family who death of Kimberly Lopez. in December of second-degree sively pulled down Kimberly’s would be found. So on July 25, ple scattered the girl’s bones on cared for Kimberly during vari- Prosecutors said the woman murder, torture and assault pants and yanked her legs out 2015, they returned to Tijuana various roads before returning to ous times when her mother lost n Oxnard, California, lent the couple her car and gave leading to Kimberly’s death. from under her, sending the girl and exhumed her remains, sen- the US. custody of the girl are hosting a grandmother admitted to them money to travel to Tijuana Omar Lopez, 34, was charged toppling to the fl oor, where she ior deputy district attorney John Maria De Jesus Lopez will memorial service today at the Ahelping her daughter and and destroy Kimberly’s remains. with second-degree murder but struck her head. The girl later Barrick said. be sentenced on April 23, ac- Oxnard High School Performing her granddaughter’s father con- For 15 months afterwards, she pleaded guilty to child endan- began having seizures and died They broke apart her bones cording to the Ventura County Arts Center, the police depart- ceal evidence of a three-year-old helped them hide the death from germent and perjury and tes- in the middle of the night, Omar with pliers and tried to dissolve district attorney’s offi ce. She ment announced in a Facebook girl’s death, the Ventura County authorities, prosecutors said. tifi ed against Chavez in a plea Lopez said. her remains in a bucket with faces a maximum possible sen- post. district attorney’s offi ce an- The FBI began investigating deal. Prosecutors said that after her bleach and water, which they tence of 180 days in prison and “They loved Kimi, as they af- nounced. the girl’s disappearance in 2016 On the night she was killed, death, Chavez and Omar Lopez later poured down a sink in a three years of probation. She fectionately called her, and had Maria De Jesus Lopez, 45, after she was last seen by a social Chavez became angry when the buried Kimberly in a blue plastic house they were renting, he said. is currently out of custody on hopes to adopt her,” the post pleaded guilty to one felony worker the year before. girl soiled her diaper, accord- bag in a shallow grave in Mexico. “They literally poured their $200,000 bail. said.

Fear of more violence grows after gangster shot and killed

DPA may have caught the geta- “We thought those days New York way vehicle — a blue or sil- were over,” the mayor said. ver pick-up truck — as it “Very surprising, but I fl ed the borough. guess old habits die hard.” ene Gotti, released But the vehicle may Neighbours, watching as from prison six also have been ditched at a cops loaded a silver SUV Gmonths ago after demolition site, a law en- onto a police truck outside serving 29 years for dealing forcement source said. Cali’s home, were equally heroin, may be under the Cali’s family didn’t co- stunned. watchful eye of authorities operate with police requests “It’s shocking,” said looking for links to the bru- to review the surveillance Karen Curitore, 62. “It’s tal execution of a reputed video captured on their one thing if somebody’s Gambino gangster, sources home security system — house was robbed, but to told the New York Daily forcing cops to get a warrant hear that someone around News. to review the recordings, the corner has been gunned Cops are chasing down sources told the Daily News. down in their driveway, several theories over who His execution ignited that’s disconcerting.” was behind the bloody fears of a civil war within Cali, who served on the assassination of Frank the Gambino family sparked Gambino family’s rul- “Franky Boy” Cali, an al- by the 73-year-old Gotti’s ing panel for several years, leged Gambino boss — in- return — or a mob war, if it was elevated to acting boss cluding whether Gotti, the turns out Cali was killed by in 2015, replacing then younger brother of late a member of a rival family. 68-year-old Domenico Ce- Gambino godfather John “It’s total speculation,” a falu, authorities say. Gotti and a capo before go- source said about a possi- His murder recalled the ing to prison, is now look- ble Gotti link. “But it’s also 1985 execution of Gambino ing to claw back his stake in something to look out for. boss Paul Castellano, who the family business. Was Gene trying to reclaim was ordered shot dead by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, yesterday for meetings with senior military leadership and President Cali, 53, died in a hail of some of his business and John Gotti in front of Mid- Donald Trump. gunfi re outside his Staten Cali wasn’t going for it?” town’s Sparks Steak House, Island home late Wednes- Investigators are look- in the most infamous mob day. ing at other angles as well: hit in the city’s recent his- The gunman fi red up to a rubout by Cali’s under- tory. 12 times, striking Cali six lings or someone who had John Gotti, who took over times in the chest on Hill- a personal beef with the the Gambino family after top Terrace near Four Cor- Sicilian-born mobster. Castellano’s shooting, died ners Road in Todt Hill. New York Mayor Bill de in prison in 2002. Cefalu ‘No US visas’ for ICC staff The police are looking at Blasio echoed the shock felt reportedly ousted Gotti’s surveillance video of Staten by the city in the wake of kin to head the Gambino Island’s bridges to see if it the vicious slaying. family in 2011. probing American troops USC to bar students linked to admission scam

The University of Southern part of the bribery scheme review of current students AFP for authorisation to open an inves- to enter the US,” Pompeo added. able prosecutorial powers” and the California, reeling from revealed by an Federal and graduates who may be Washington tigation into alleged war crimes in The secretary of state said visas threat it proposes to American na- the exposure of a college Bureau of Investigation connected to the alleged Afghanistan. could also be withheld from ICC per- tional sovereignty. admissions scheme with inquiry that resulted in scheme. We will make Pompeo’s announcement of visa sonnel involved in conducting probes “We are determined to protect deep ties to the university, dozens of charges against informed decisions about he US yesterday announced it restrictions was the fi rst concrete of US allies, specifi cally Israel. American and allied civilian per- has announced a variety a consultant, wealthy those cases as the reviews would deny visas to members action taken by the US against the “These visa restrictions may also sonnel from living in fear of unjust of measures aimed at parents and college off icials are completed,” she wrote. Tof the International Criminal ICC since the White House threat- be used to deter ICC eff orts to pur- prosecution for actions taken to de- addressing the scandal. nationwide. Austin said on Wednesday Court involved in investigating the ened reprisals against the Hague- sue allied personnel, including Is- fend our great nation,” he said. In a letter to the campus Austin also said USC the university was barring actions of US troops in Afghanistan based body in September of last year. raelis, without allies’ consent,” he “We feared that the court could community, USC interim would “deny admission to about half a dozen current or other countries. “I’m announcing a policy of US said. eventually pursue politically moti- president Wanda Austin said applicants in the current applicants connected to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visa restrictions on those individu- Pompeo said “implementation” vated prosecutions of Americans,” the university has launched admissions cycle who are the case. While the college said Washington was prepared to als directly responsible for any ICC of the policy has already begun but he said, “and our fears were war- its own investigation into connected to the alleged scandal reached across the take further steps, including eco- investigation of US personnel,” the he did not provide any details, cit- ranted.” the scandal and is trying to scheme.” The university also nation, USC played a central nomic sanctions, if the war crimes secretary of state said. ing confi dentiality surrounding visa Pompeo said the US government identity donations made as has “initiated a case-by-case role, prosecutors say. court goes ahead with any probes of This would include anyone who applications. was obliged to protect its citizens US or allied personnel. takes, or has taken, action to request “These visa restrictions will not and procedures were already in “The ICC is attacking America’s or further an investigation, he told be the end of our eff orts,” Pompeo place to deal with members of the rule of law,” Pompeo told report- reporters. said. “We’re prepared to take ad- US armed forces who engage in mis- ers. “It’s not too late for the court to “If you’re responsible for the pro- ditional steps, including econom- conduct. change course and we urge that it do posed ICC investigation of US per- ic sanctions, if the ICC does not “When US service members fail so immediately.” sonnel in connection with the situ- change its course.” to adhere to our strict code of mili- The US has never joined the ICC, ation in Afghanistan you should not The secretary of state said the tary conduct they are reprimanded, where a prosecutor, Fatou Bensou- assume that you still have, or will US had declined to join the ICC courtmartialed and sentenced, if da, asked judges in November 2017 get, a visa or that you will permitted “because of its broad unaccount- that’s what’s deserved,” he said.

Climate change protest Call for inquiry into Saudi Arabia N-talks

Reuters operation with Saudi Arabia Washington from undermining or threat- ening regional or international security,” said their letter to Democratic US sena- the GAO. tor and his Republican Saudi Arabia, which is seek- Acounterpart yesterday ing to build at least two nuclear asked Congress’ investigative power plants, has been in talks arm to probe Trump adminis- with the US for years on im- tration talks with Saudi Arabia porting technology. over sharing nuclear power The Opec member, which technology. is also in talks with countries In the latest eff ort by law- including Russia, China and makers to shed light on the France, has at times resisted potential deal, Democratic US standards on sharing nu- senator Bob Menendez and clear technology that prevent Republican senator Marco Ru- uranium enrichment and spent bio asked the Government Ac- fuel repossessing. countability Offi ce, or GAO, to Both of those techniques are investigate the talks as soon as potential paths to clandestine- possible. ly making fi ssile material for They also asked the GAO to nuclear weapons. review executive branch ne- Non-proliferation experts gotiations with Saudi Arabia worry that if Saudi Arabia is not on nuclear energy since 2009, held to such a “gold standard,” when Democrat Barack Obama in what is known as a 123 agree- was president. ment, it could risk a nuclear Rubio and Menendez, mem- arms race in the Middle East. bers of the senate foreign rela- The UAE, which recently tions committee, want to en- built reactors, could rene- Thousands of protesters yesterday flooded the streets of Montreal during a sure any agreement “includes gotiate its non-proliferation march aimed at pushing world leaders into action on climate change, Some rigorous non-proliferation agreements if Saudi Arabia is 150,000 students from all over the province staged a strike for the day. safeguards and other condi- allowed to bypass the stand- tions to prevent nuclear co- ards.

Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 16, 2019 ASIA

Rare US Thai PM calls for review of bomb disposed duty-free bidding process in Vietnam DPA AFP last year, when his helicopter too stringent and left out less Hanoi Bangkok crashed outside the British powerful competitors. club’s home ground. “Duty free operations are not The new contract for duty- that hard... and should be open uthorities in northern Vi- hailand’s prime minister free sales, AoT said, would be to any business that will give etnam defused a rare type has warned against the managed by a single company you the most profi ts,” he said. Aof US bomb from the Vi- T“monopolisation” of the with a proven track record of King Power, which rarely re- etnam War after it was unearthed country’s airport duty-free sec- experience in the sector, cre- sponds to media requests, could near one of the country’s main tor, ordering a review of the bid- ating fears of a prolonged not immediately be reached for national highways, state media ding process that could threaten monopoly. comment. reported yesterday. the multi-billion-dollar empire But junta chief Prayut Chan- Last year, a Thai court reject- The bomb, discovered on of current concession holder o-cha said the government re- ed an attempt to sue King Power Tuesday while a family was King Power. ceived complaints from inter- for hundreds of millions of dol- digging a foundation for a Thailand expects to wel- ested parties “on the issue of lars in unpaid revenue to the house in Quang Binh prov- come 41mn foreign visitors this monopolisation”, a spokesman airport authority. ince, was determined to be a year, the majority at its airports told reporters. Fortunes are at stake in the variant of the US-made M117 which rake in an estimated He assigned an urgent review duty-free sector as Thailand is weighing 350kg, Vnexpress $1.9bn a year in duty-free sales. of the bidding to fi nd a “suitable poised to expand major airports reported. State-owned Airports process to be fair”. and build new ones to accom- But the intact detonator, op- of Thailand (AoT) awarded Thailand’s Mall Group, shop- modate surging tourist growth. erated by an elastic spring, was King Power the sole conces- ping empire Central Group Thailand’s former king not immediately recognisable, sion in 2006, which expires in - both backed by billionaires - bestowed Vichai the royal prompting de-miners from the September 2020. are eyeing entry into duty-free surname Srivaddhanapra- Mines Advisory Group, a UK- King Power was founded by while South Korean giant Lotte bha meaning “auspicious and based ordnance removal NGO, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, an is also in the hunt. prosperous light”. to consult with experts from the astute tycoon who made bil- A lobby-group, the Thai Re- Current King Maha Vajiralong- United States. lions from duty-free and in- tailers Association, welcomed korn is expected to preside over It was eventually removed vested in everything from hotels the review. Vichai’s cremation next week. safely on Thursday after authori- and property to Leicester City “I think it’s a good sign,” said Vichai handed his empire ties evacuated nearby homes and football club. Worawoot Ounjai, who is also an to his youngest son Aiyawatt. closed the highway. But the future of the com- executive with Central Group. At his death the company was According to the United pany was thrown into un- He added that the current worth around $5.8bn, according Supporters and candidates celebrate in front of a picture showing Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Nations, 104,000 Vietnam- certainty by his shock death provisions for bidders were to Forbes. Chan-o-cha during the Palang Pracharat Party campaign rally in Bangkok yesterday. ese people have been killed by bombs, landmines and artillery shells since the end of the war in 1975. Unexploded bombs currently kill around 1,500 people every Vietnam suspect gets Explosion kills two deminers in Cambodia year, according to the Vietnam- ese government. Since the US re-estab- health check after DPA Thursday working as private ance work done by non-profes- still had leftover war remnants lished diplomatic relations Phnom Penh deminers for hire in Oddar sionals was very dangerous. from confl icts from the mid- with Vietnam in 1995, both Meanchey province, were 18 Local authorities and CMAC 1980s to early 1990s. sides have said that cleaning losing release bid and 20 years old, Heng Ratana, prioritise land for mine clear- The number of casualties up “war legacies” stemming wo of three men hired Cambodian Mine Action Cen- ance based on the local popula- from mines and unexploded from American military in- by a landowner to clear tre (CMAC) director-general, tion’s needs and vulnerabilities, war remnants dropped by near- volvement in the country is a AFP police offi cers after a prosecu- Tunexploded ordnance in said. he added. ly a third from 83 in 2016 to 58 priority. Kuala Lumpur tor announced the attorney- Cambodia’s northwest, none of “They detected something The Vietnamese military laid in 2017, down from 286 in 2010, During the October 2017 visit general had refused to drop a whom were trained for the task, underground already and they land mines in Cambodia during according to government fi g- of former US Defence Secretary murder charge against her. were killed when a buried anti- tried to dig for it,” Ratana said. the ousting of Pol Pot’s geno- ures cited by the Landmine and James Mattis to Ho Chi Minh Vietnamese woman ac- It was a shock development tank mine detonated as they A third untrained deminer, cidal Khmer Rouge in 1979. Cluster Munition Monitor. City, US ambassador Daniel cused of murdering the after her Indonesian co-de- tried to dig it up, the govern- who is 49, was unharmed. The practice continued until In 2018, 10 people were killed Kritenbrink said addressing war ANorth Korean leader’s fendant, Siti Aisyah, was freed ment demining authority said The CMAC head expressed the regime’s demise in 1998. and 48 injured, according to a legacies is “the bedrock of the half-brother was given a men- on Monday and fl ew back yesterday. his sympathy for the deceased Ratana said the “mine belt” January report from the Cam- US-Vietnam bilateral defence tal health check-up yesterday, home. The victims, who were on but also warned that mine clear- area where the men were killed bodian Mine Action Authority. partnership.” a day after she lost a release Authorities did not give any bid and broke down in a Ma- reason for withdrawing the laysian court, her lawyer said. charge against Aisyah, which Doan Thi Huong is on trial followed an intense lobbying for the 2017 Kuala Lumpur eff ort by Jakarta. Security at mosque airport assassination of Kim Both women have always Australia to launch Jong-nam. Her Indonesian co- denied murder, insisting they accused was released this week were tricked by North Korean after prosecutors dropped a spies into assassinating Kim Indian Ocean military murder charge, but authorities by smearing a nerve agent on on Thursday refused to do the his face, and believed it was a same for Huong. prank for a reality TV show. drills from Colombo The 30-year-old was Vietnam’s foreign ministry brought from prison to a Kuala expressed “regret” at Thurs- AFP omy and Chinese control over Lumpur hospital in a van ac- day’s outcome while one Ma- Colombo two key ports. companied by several police laysian lawmaker criticised it Unable to service a $1.4bn cars and heavily armed offi cers as “mind-boggling”. Chinese loan to build a deep- wearing balaclavas, according Huong is now the only per- ustralia will launch a sea port in the island’s south, to one of the offi cers escort- son on trial for the Cold War- seven-nation Indian Colombo leased the facility to ing her. She left after about an style killing, and could face AOcean military exercise a Beijing company for $1.12bn hour. the death penalty if convicted. next week, starting in Sri Lan- in 2017. “Our client Doan is stressed, Her lawyers say she is a scape- ka where China has invested A state-owned Chinese she has been taken to a public goat and the masterminds in strategic ports and loaned company also runs Sri Lanka’s hospital. She is undergoing a were four North Koreans who huge amounts to build other biggest container terminal in psychiatric assessment,” her fl ed Malaysia shortly after the infrastructure, Canberra’s en- Colombo. lawyer Hisyam Poh Teh Peik assassination. voy said yesterday. Neighbouring India as well said. South Korea accuses Some 1,000 Australian se- as Western nations have ex- “Let us all pray for her Pyongyang of plotting the curity personnel in four naval pressed concern about China’s health and immediate murder of Kim Jong-un’s es- ships and a military aircraft foothold on vital locations in freedom.” tranged relative, who was once will participate in the biggest Sri Lanka which is strategically On Thursday the suspect seen as heir apparent to the A policeman stands guard after two mosques have been attacked in New Zealand, as Muslims off er joint exercise yet with their Sri placed along the most impor- sobbed in the dock and had to North’s leadership. The North Friday prayers in Dhaka yesterday. Lankan counterparts, Canber- tant East-West sea route. be helped out of court by two denies the claim. ra’s top envoy in Colombo, Jon An ambitious plan, seeking Philp, said. to link Asia, Europe and Africa “Sri Lanka and Australia are with a network of ports, high- increasingly like-minded on ways and railways, has seen maritime security and Indian China disperse tens of billions Ocean issues,” Philp said add- of dollars in loans to develop- ing that the two countries will ing nations, sparking fears of a Blind Thai teacher wins royal recognition improve co-operation and fa- “debt trap”. miliarity with each other’s de- The largest single lender to fence forces. Sri Lanka, China has secured Reuters but most work in colleges and institutions Australian forces will move contracts to build roads, rail- Bangkok of higher education, with few in primary to neighbouring India on ways and ports. or secondary schools, like Damkerng. March 26 and thereafter travel Philp played down China’s “He has a passion for teaching,” said to Malaysia, Thailand, Viet- growing presence in the Indian amkerng Mungthanya is a Veena Ratanasumawong, the department nam, Indonesia and Singapore Ocean region saying Canberra 26-year-old Thai who wakes up head at the Satri Si Suriyothai school before returning to Darwin af- considered Beijing a “ex- Dat 5 each morning for his mother where he teaches the eighth grade. ter two and a half months. tremely important” partner. to walk him to a train station for the com- “I saw his ability for teaching and The joint exercise comes as “We welcome China’s role in mute into downtown Bangkok, where how he made it fun and got students concerns grow over Beijing’s the region and look forward to a student accompanies him to the high engaged. He is well-prepared and very infl uence on Sri Lanka’s econ- working with China,” he said. school where he works. responsible.” The English teacher who has been blind So it was no surprise that authorities since birth has inspired many across at the school, where he had once trained, WB to help Lankans tackle climate change Thailand, winning recognition for his de- stood by Damkerng, vouching for him and termination and service from King Maha allaying the fears of anxious parents. Now The World Bank has approved a people killed in recent years, Vajiralongkorn this year. he is a hit with his students, whom he re- $125mn loan for Sri Lanka to help the report said. “Kru Ice is very nice, but if you are late members by their voices. small farmers improve productivity “Innovation, including the with homework he will scold you,” said “He is a big inspiration, and motivates and tackle climate change. introduction of improved crop Janjira Kaewmaram, 14, referring to the us to speak English more,” said his student The programme will benefit varieties, cropping patterns, teacher by a nickname his students use. Janjira, adding that his lessons were clear. more than 470,000 small water resources management, Yet his journey has not been A ceremony in February celebrated the farmers in six provinces in among others, can help farmers without hurdles. conferral of one of the highest honours the dry zone of the country, adapt to changing climate and Parents questioned his skills when he a Thai citizen can achieve, a letter from selected for being most improve their incomes and fi rst joined the school two years ago, even King Maha Vajiralongkorn acknowledg- exposed to climate impacts, livelihoods,” said World Bank though he had topped his graduation Damkerng Mungthanya holds up a letter from the Thai palace conveying the King’s ing Damkerng’s contribution and hailing the World Bank said in a country director for Maldives, class at the Chulalongkorn University and acknowledgement of his achievement at Satri Si Suriyothai school in Bangkok yesterday. him as “a good role model for society and statement cited by Xinhua Nepal and Sri Lanka, Idah Z placed third in an exam for thousands of country”. news agency. Pswarayi-Riddihough. teachers nationwide. did the school accept a blind teacher?’” “I have to prove that my abilities speak Damkerng says he was moved by the Sri Lanka is particularly The project will ensure that “The school said some parents Damkerng was upset, but not defeated, louder than disability.” letter, which has encouraged him to con- vulnerable to climate-related all farmers obtain adequate were worried,” Damkerng told Reu- saying he could not let the concerns of It is not unusual for the visually-im- tinue teaching and set his sights on a natural disasters such as floods access to training and ters in an interview. “Some asked, ‘Why others hold him back. paired to become teachers in Thailand, scholarship for graduate school. and droughts with hundreds of research. (IANS) Gulf Times Saturday, March 16, 2019 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

A view of the Al Noor Mosque on Deans Avenue in Christchurch, New Zealand. AOS (Armed Off enders Squad) push back members of the public following a shooting at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch. World reacts with sadness and anger to NZ mosque massacre

Reuters ter Islamophobia and eliminate London intolerance and violent extrem- Laid back New Zealand city bloodied by ‘darkest day’ ism in all its forms,” a spokesman said. The quiet city of Christchurch, swooped on the area, closing New Zealand’s darkest days”. eaders around the world Hundreds of protesters in still picking up the pieces from shops and businesses. Schools Christchurch is no stranger expressed disgust and sor- the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, a massive 2011 earthquake, was across the city were barricaded, to tragedy. Eight years ago Lrow at the massacre of 49 chanted “Allahu akbar!” (God is again a city in shock yesterday and the air was filled with the 185 people were killed when a people in New Zealand mosques Greatest) after Friday prayers. as armed police patrolled nor- wail of sirens as police rushed powerful earthquake destroyed yesterday. “We will not let the blood of mally tranquil streets and locals to the mosques and ambulanc- much of the central city on Western leaders from Don- Muslims go in vain,” said one struggled to come to terms with es ferried the dead and injured February 22, 2011. Locals ald Trump to Angela Merkel protester. an outrage in their midst. Hours to Christchurch Hospital on the expressed determination that expressed solidarity with the Members of the Bangla- after 49 people were murdered other side of the park. this tragedy, like the last, would people of New Zealand, deplor- desh national cricket team, in at the central Al Noor Mosque Parents – who spent the morning draw the people of Christchurch ing what the White House called Christchurch for a match against Bloodied bandages on the road following a shooting at the Al Noor and a smaller mosque in the imagining their kids bonding together, regardless of religion. a “vicious act of hate”. The re- New Zealand, had arrived for Fri- Mosque in Christchurch. suburb of Linwood, members of with friends and discovering their As night fell, weeping local sponse from some Muslim coun- day prayers as the shooting start- the city’s close-knit Muslim com- voice at a climate protest nearby Wendy Johnson and her hus- tries went further, blaming poli- ed but were not hurt. munity gathered in grim silence – were left for hours fearing the band Andy arrived at the police ticians and the media for stoking New Zealand police said 49 in the city’s nearby Hagley Park. worst as the city was put on lock- cordon near Hagley Park to place that hatred. people had died and more than “This is the most peaceful, down. But as Kiwis came to terms a large fern – a symbol of the na- “I blame these increasing ter- 40 were wounded. lovely place on earth, and will with an attack that led to as many tion – and lilies in memory of the ror attacks on the current Islam- Three people were in custody remain so,” a soft spoken Pales- murders in one day as the entire dead. “We cut the silver fern out ophobia post-9/11 (where) 1.3bn including one man who has been tinian, who did not wish to be country sees in a year, many of our garden just to let all our Muslims have collectively been charged with murder, police said. identified, told AFP. vowed their open society would Muslim community know that blamed for any act of terror,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ard- For a few minutes during Friday not be changed. Mayor Lianne our hearts are breaking for them Pakistani Prime Minister Imran ern said some of the victims may prayers, the South Island’s “Gar- Dalziel, through teary eyes and today and we stand with them Khan wrote on social media. have been new immigrants or den City”, this “lovely place” was shock, insisted on unity: in solidarity with them,” Wendy Turkish Foreign Minister Mev- refugees. the scene of unfathomable hate. “It looks as if the worst has Johnson said through tears. lut Cavusoglu said the attack “They are us,” she said. “The Within minutes of the gunman happened and we need to “They should be safe to pray was a result of Muslims being person who has perpetuated this opening fire in the early after- pull together and get through however they want. It’s unbe- demonised. “Not only the per- violence against us is not. They noon, the avenue was emptied this situation.” Prime Minister lievable. There’s no tolerance petrators, but also politicians & have no place in New Zealand.” This image grab from a self-shot video that was streamed on of civilians as armed police Jacinda Ardern called it “one of for this in our society.” media that fuel the already es- Australian Prime Minister Facebook Live yesterday by the gunman. calated Islamophobia and hate Scott Morrison said an Austral- in the West are equally respon- ian national arrested after the Pope Francis deplored the negotiator, Saeb Erekat, called sible for this heinous attack,” he attack was an “extremist, right- “senseless acts of violence”. the attack a “consequence of tweeted. wing violent terrorist”. In a message of condolence racist ideologies that contin- United Nations Secretary- Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, who sent by Vatican Secretary of State ue trying to promote religious 49 murdered in terror attack General Antonio Guterres reit- is New Zealand’s head of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Francis wars”. erated “the urgency of working said she was “deeply saddened “assures all New Zealanders, and He compared it to the shoot- better together globally to coun- by the appalling events”. in particular the Muslim com- ing at a synagogue in Pittsburgh From Page 1 Police warned Muslims across Another man said he saw chil- munity, of his heartfelt solidarity that killed 11 people last October, the country not to visit mosques dren being shot. in the wake of these attacks”. deadly attacks on churches in The attack has shocked New “anywhere in New Zealand” in “There were bodies all over,” Erdogan: attack shows growing hostility to Islam President Trump described Egypt by Islamic State and an at- Zealanders, who are used to see- the wake of the Christchurch at- he said. the attack as a “horrible massa- tack by a far-right Israeli gunman ing around 50 murders a year in tacks. The Bangladesh cricket team Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip encouraging for some time, cre” and said the United States on a West Bank mosque in 1994 the entire country of 4.8mn and Christchurch city council of- — which had been in Christch- Erdogan yesterday condemned has gone beyond individual stood by New Zealand. that killed 29 people. pride themselves on living in a fered a helpline for parents looking urch for a test match and was the deadly attack on two harassment to reach the level In Europe, German Chancel- Norwegian Prime Minis- secure and welcoming place. for kids attending a mass climate about to go into the mosque mosques in New Zealand, saying of mass killing,” Erdogan said at lor Merkel mourned “with the ter Erna Solberg said the attack Police, who initially imposed a change rally near the shooting. when the attack happened — all it illustrated the growing hostility the funeral of a former Turkish New Zealanders for their fellow brought back memories of 2011, city-wide lockdown, sent armed The attack shocked the lo- escaped without injury. towards Islam “idly” watched by minister. citizens who were attacked and when anti-Muslim extremist offi cers to several locations. cal Muslim population, many of “They are safe. But they are the world. “It is clear that the understanding murdered out of racist hatred Anders Breivik killed 77 people In Auckland, 1,000km (600 whom had come to New Zealand mentally shocked. We have The attacks on the Christchurch represented by the killer that also while peacefully praying in their at a youth gathering on a Nor- miles) away, two unattended as refugees. asked the team to stay confi ned mosques left at least 49 dead, targets our country, our people mosques”. Her foreign minister, wegian island: “It shows that bags left near a railway station The Ardern government has in the hotel,” he told AFP. with one gunman — identified as and myself, has started to take Heiko Maas, said: “When people extremism is nurtured and that it were detonated by military ex- been vocal in its support for At least two Jordanians were an Australian extremist — appar- over Western societies like a are murdered solely because of lives in many places.” plosives experts. opening the doors to those suf- among the dead, according to ently livestreaming the assault cancer,” Erdogan said. their religion, this is an attack on Al-Azhar University, Egypt’s Police also attended a proper- fering from wars in Syria, Af- that country’s foreign minister, and publishing a manifesto “If measures are not taken right us all.” 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Is- ty in Dunedin which they believe ghanistan and beyond. while Pakistan foreign minis- online. away, news of other disasters will Sadiq Khan, the fi rst Muslim lamic learning, called the attack is linked to the attack and evacu- One witness told news web- try spokesman Mohamed Faisal “With this attack, hostility follow this one. I am calling on mayor of London, said London- “a dangerous indicator of the ated nearby residents. site Stuff he was praying when he said four citizens of his country towards Islam, that the world the world, in particular the West, ers stood shoulder to shoulder dire consequences of escalating The southeastern city was heard shooting — and then saw were being treated in hospi- has been idly watching and even to take quick measures,” he said. with the people of Christchurch. hate speech, xenophobia and the named in the suspect’s manifesto his wife lying dead on the foot- tal for injuries and another fi ve The Palestinian chief peace spread of Islamophobia”. as the original target for his attack. path outside when he fl ed. were missing.

Family of Malaysian victim Survivors tell of Christchurch mosque terror attack wait for word from doctors Rahimi Ahmad was performing his Friday prayers at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch when deafening gunfire shattered the silence. AFP holy day at the Al Noor Mosque started shooting at them,” he I lay down on the fl oor as a critical,” he told RNZ. “The guy As he tried to escape the 40-year-old Malaysian was shot, and fell to the Christchurch, New Zealand in central Christchurch — where told the New Zealand Herald. bullet grazed my head. A cou- that my worker was nursing, he floor, bleeding from his wounds. His 11-year-old son was playing outside. 41 victims were killed — when “There was a lady screaming ple of centimetres lower and I passed away in his arms sadly. It The boy took cover immediately, as a gunman fired many more rounds a gunman walked in. Anwar hid and he shot her point blank in would be dead,” he told stuff . was surreal.” in the prayer hall. Rahimi was among dozens of Muslims targeted by the urvivors of the Christch- in a bathroom and tried to call the face.” co.nz, saying he fl ed from the There were tales of heroism at gunman who firing indiscriminately at worshippers performing their Fri- urch mosque shootings emergency services as shots The attacker live-streamed mosque while the gunman’s at- the Linwood mosque too, where day prayers. Most of them were either migrants, like Rahimi, who came to Shave recalled how eld- rang out, telling stuff .co.nz he the attack, with footage show- tention was elsewhere. Others Syed Mazharuddin said a man New Zealand for work or studies, or they were refugees who wanted to erly devotees and children were heard the gunman say an exple- ing him fi ring repeatedly at dev- told of scrambling through bro- wrestled a weapon off the at- get as far away as possible from violence and danger. As the world’s me- mercilessly gunned down as tive about Muslims and “We’re otees as he moves from room to ken windows and playing dead tacker, who cut short his killing dia reported the slaughter in Christchurch, Rahimi’s mother back home a heavily armed attacker me- going to kill you today.” room. Witnesses at the Masjid among the carnage in a bid to spree and ran to a waiting car. in Malaysia made frantic calls to check whether her son and his family thodically targeted Muslims He said he heard people beg- Al Noor Mosque said the shoot- survive. “The young guy who usu- were safe. “I saw it on TV...and I had a feeling that he could be there, the yesterday in New Zealand’s ging for their lives. “They shot er was a white male with maga- Carl Pomare was driving past ally takes care of the mosque TV announcer said Christchurch, so I knew,” Rokiah Mohammad, 65, told worst massacre. them until they died,” he said. zines of ammunition strapped the Masjid Al Noor with an em- ... he saw an opportunity and Reuters from her home in Penang. A Malaysian off icial in New Zealand At least 49 people died and At least another seven people to his legs. One told Radio New ployee when he saw people run- pounced on him (the gun- told the family that Rahimi was among the wounded taken to hospital. another 48 were injured in the died at the Linwood Avenue Zealand the gunman was “very ning from the mosque and fall- man) and grabbed his gun,” They were first told that he had been hit in the hip, but his wife later assault on two mosques in the mosque, about 5km away, where calm” during the rampage. ing to the ground. Mazharuddin said. “This guy, telephoned to say Rahimi was in a critical condition, and doctors were South Island city, which Prime Syed Mazharuddin said a man Mirwaiz, an Afghan refugee They pulled over and tried the hero, tried to chase but he trying to remove several bullets from his body. Police eventually tracked Minister Jacinda Ardern said wearing body armour and a hel- who did not want to provide to help the injured, including a couldn’t fi nd the trigger in the down and arrested the gunman. A member of large Malaysian commu- marked “one of New Zealand’s met opened fi re. his surname, said he came close fi ve-year-old girl. “We managed gun... he ran behind him but nity living in the area, Rahimi was a regular at the mosque. He worked as darkest days.” “Just around the entrance to death when a bullet grazed to get her into the car of one of there were people waiting for a technician at a milk factory while his wife Norazila Wahid, 39, studied Anwar Alsaleh was preparing door there were elderly people his head. “He started shoot- the people who was helping and (the shooter) in the car and he medicine specialising in neurology. Aside from his son, he also has a for Friday prayers on the Muslim sitting there praying and he just ing at our side of the room and got her to the hospital, she was fl ed.” daughter aged nine. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, March 16, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND

LAW AND ORDER OBITUARY TRAFFICKING EVENT ENTERTAINMENT Man shot dead by Felicite Tomlinson, sister of Police find 18 migrants George Michael’s The Killers and The Cure police in Birmingham One Direction’s Louis, dies in back of lorry artworks sold for £9.2mn to headline Glastonbury

A man in his 50s has been shot dead by police in Felicite Tomlinson, the half-sister of former One A child was in a group of Eritrean migrants A collection of contemporary art owned by late The Killers and The Cure will top the bill at the an “intelligence-led” operation in Birmingham, Direction member Louis Tomlinson, has died found in the back of a lorry on a motorway pop idol George Michael, including works by 2019 Glastonbury Festival this June, it was a police spokesman said. West Midlands police aged 18. The Instagram influencer and aspiring by police. Off icers were alerted by a report of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, has been sold for revealed. They’re among more than 60 acts said off icers were carrying out a warrant near fashion designer died of cardiac arrest at her west people being in the trailer of the German truck £9.2mn, Christie’s auction house said. Michael joining this year’s line-up, including R&B legends the city centre just before 5am yesterday. The London flat. Scotland Yard said police were called heading towards London on the M26 in Kent. was a keen collector of works by the Young Janet Jackson and Lauryn Hill. Kylie Minogue man was shot and died at the scene shortly to her home on March 13 by a person thought to They confirmed that 11 men, six women and the British Art movement and developed friendships will play the coveted “legend slot” on Sunday afterwards, the force said. The operation took have been with her at the time. “A female believed child were discovered in the vehicle when it was with many of the artists, visiting their galleries afternoon. The festival kicks off on Worthy Farm place on Wheeleys Lane, a short walk south- to be aged 18 was pronounced dead at the scene,” pulled over. Paramedics assessed the migrants and studios.Christie’s billed the sale of more than on June 26. Although the three Pyramid Stage west of the city centre. The off icers’ body-worn the statement said. Louis Tomlinson was told at the scene near Brands Hatch before they 200 works as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” headliners are all male, 42% of the currently- footage had been downloaded, police said. It of his sister’s death that day, and has cancelled were taken away in mini-buses and ambulances. for fans of the tradition-defying movement announced line-up is female, highlighting the is the second fatal shooting this year involving his appearance on the Comic Relief broadcast. The child is in the care of social services and from the 1980s and 1990s. “The Incomplete festival’s commitment to gender parity. “The West Midlands police armed off icers after Sean Félicité had a clothing line, Fizzy, and was a immigration enforcement off icials are dealing Truth”, a 2006 work by Hirst consisting of a dove gender balance is something I consider at every Fitzgerald, 31, was shot once in the chest during popular presence on Instagram, where she talked with the group. The slip road at junction 2a was preserved in formaldehyde, sold for £911,250 — stage of the booking process,” said festival an incident in Coventry in January. to her 1.4mn followers about fashion and fitness. shut during the incident. below its estimated price of £1mn-£1.5mn. organiser Emily Eavis in an interview last month Royal household split as Harry and Meghan go it alone

Reuters/Daily Mail nant. The creation of separate London courts refl ects William and Har- ry’s changing responsibilities. It is the clearest sign yet that Wil- rince Harry and his preg- liam is destined for the throne nant wife Meghan are to and thus inevitably pushing his Pset up their own house- brother to the margins of royal hold, breaking away from the life. joint operation they shared with Inevitably, the split will be the Harry’s elder brother Wil- seen with sadness. As William liam and his wife Kate, Bucking- and Harry – or just ‘the boys’ – ham Palace said. they have been indivisible and Harry and Meghan, known of- the public have loved this royal fi cially as the duke and duchess double act. But the fact is, this of Sussex, have shared staff with separation had to happen sooner William and Kate since their rather than later. marriage in May last year. As the Queen’s reign nears its Queen Elizabeth has now end and Prince Charles prepares agreed to allow them to set up a for the throne, William, with Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) deputy leader Nigel Dodds, leaves after speaking to the media outside the Cabinet Off ice, in London yesterday. new base at Buckingham Palace Kate at his side, has to make a this spring. great leap forward. “The duke of Sussex currently There can only be one prince has his own private offi ce, which of Wales. It is not a role that can has been supporting the duchess be shared. William, after all, is since the engagement of their going to be top dog. royal highnesses in November This week, both women put 2017,” Buckingham Palace said in on an impressive show of com- a statement. panionship and friendliness at Govt-DUP talks continue the Commonwealth Day serv- Newspapers have reported ice. It was designed as much since the end of last year as anything to dispel those ru- that there had been a rift mours. between the two couples But issues surrounding Meg- han’s troubled relationship with “This long-planned move will her father, and the controversy on possible Brexit deal ensure that permanent support over a US magazine interview arrangements for the duke and in which the duchess’s friends Guardian News and Media constructive” at a Cabinet Of- in these discussions, this is “A lot will depend on what they will be separated from us”. duchess’s work are in place as sought to set the record straight, London fi ce summit with Cabinet min- about Brexit and how we pro- the government is able to do to Options under discussion they start their family and move will only add to speculation isters, including May’s de-facto tect the future of the United provide those guarantees that include inserting into domes- to their offi cial residence at about this split. The separate deputy David Lidington, the Kingdom and protect Northern are necessary to assuage our tic law, perhaps as part of the Frogmore Cottage.” courts will mirror their divergent he Democratic Union- Environment Secretary Michael Ireland’s economic and political concerns,” Dodds said after the withdrawal agreement imple- Newspapers have reported interests. William’s key staff ist party is to continue Gove and the Chancellor Philip future.” Talks are expected to meeting. mentation bill, the promise since the end of last year that have a background in govern- Tintensive talks to try to Hammond, sparking specula- continue into the weekend and “We have pointed previously that Northern Ireland would be there had been a rift between the ment and it represents a coming reach an agreement to allow it to tion that a fi nancial incentive are likely to cover the role of any to our concerns that the gov- given a veto on any new barriers two couples, although there has of age for the prince, who will be back Theresa May’s Brexit deal, for Northern Ireland could be future Northern Ireland assem- ernment has deleted so far the in the Irish Sea. been no public indication of any 37 in June. with discussions focusing on part of the negotiations. bly if the Irish backstop were paragraph 50 of the December The government promised a feud. Harry, meanwhile, will com- domestic legal guarantees that Dodds said Hammond had used – one of the issues senior joint report, which gave a lock “strong role” for the currently Many will seize on the lat- plete his departure from Ken- Northern Ireland will have no been present at the meeting to DUP leaders have asked for fur- and a provision for Northern defunct Stormont assembly if est announcement as evidence sington Palace – his former regulatory divergence with the discuss the role of HMRC, cus- ther clarifi cation about. Minis- Ireland in terms of what might the Brexit backstop was trig- of a so-called froideur not just childhood home, don’t forget rest of the UK. toms and regulations and de- ters are aware the DUP will try happen in the backstop and the gered, in a document setting between the sisters-in-law – by establishing his court at Downing Street is hopeful nied it had been to discuss extra to exact maximum concessions. overall situation of the econom- out reassurances ahead of the but also between William and Buckingham Palace, remov- that the support of the DUP is spending. Dodds has been particularly ic integrity of internal market of fi rst meaningful vote. Harry. ing himself completely from his key to unlocking the backing “I would not read anything vocal that May’s government the United Kingdom.” Dodds said at the time that In fact, the ending of a double brother’s sphere. of many Conservative Brexit- in that the chancellor was there has not faithfully implemented One former Cabinet minis- the promises were “cosmetic act which has not only helped It is a sign that he is follow- ers when May brings her deal to other than he is a senior mem- what was agreed and included ter said in order for the ERG to and meaningless” and that the bring stability to the monarchy ing in the footsteps of Princess the House of Commons for the ber of the government who is in paragraph 50 of the joint re- climb down and support May’s proposals made it plain Stor- but showered it with popular- Anne, Prince Edward and An- third time. clearly involved in many of the port in December 2017, which deal at the third time of asking, mont would never be able to ity has been inevitable from the drew, who, in earlier times, en- The DUP’s Westminster issues we are talking about,” stated the assembly would have “there’s an unlock requirement “override” the backstop as it moment it was announced that sured their independence from leader, Nigel Dodds, said dis- Dodds said. a veto over any new regulatory – and that’s the DUP – and would be part of an internation- the duchess of Sussex was preg- their elder brother’s infl uence. cussions were “friendly and “We are not discussing cash diff erence. their primary concern is that ally binding treaty. Edinburgh clears £207mn Cable to step down as extension to tram line LibDem chief in May AFP Britain’s departure from the Eu- London ropean Union, his aim had been Guardian News and Media quiry led by a judge, meant the nesses. It said the cost of the partly achieved. Edinburgh line being built in two phases. extension would be met by bor- “It is now clear that Brexit will The fi rst ended in the city cen- rowing that would eventually be ince Cable, the leader of be postponed, and very possibly tre, 4.6km short of its Newhaven repaid by extra tram fares, and a the Liberal Democrats, stopped,” Cable stated. dinburgh’s controversial terminus. The full length of the £20mn injection from Lothian Vwill step down from the “I indicated last year that once tram line will fi nally be line will be 18.7km. Buses, the city’s publicly-owned role in May “to make way for a the Brexit story had moved on, Ecompleted, nearly a dec- The council insists it has transport company. new generation”, he told party and we had fought this year’s ade after its half-built track fi rst learnt lessons from the deba- It predicts the tram will carry members. crucial local elections in 9,000 opened to customers. cle and has divided the contract 16mn passengers in its fi rst year The former government min- seats across England, it would The city’s council has agreed for the new extension into two. of operation. The current line car- ister, who has led the small, pro- be time for me to make way for a to spend as much as £207mn on One consortium will ensure util- ried 7.4mn last year, well above European party since 2017, said he new generation.” extending the line to its original ity pipes on the route are prop- original projections. Mindful of would stand aside after local elec- He added it had been “my destination in Newhaven on the erly identifi ed and if necessary the original cost overrun, it es- tions across England on May 2. great privilege to lead the Liberal Forth, linking the east end of the moved, and the second will lay timates the extension will cost “I wanted you...to know that, Democrats at this crucial time”. city by tram to its airport. the track and install the signals. £165mn but have added a £42mn assuming parliament does not The party spent fi ve years in It is hoped the newly completed The decision to authorise the contingency fund. collapse into an early general a governing coalition with the line will carry its fi rst passengers line’s completion was opposed Harald Tobermann, a spokes- election, I will ask the party to Conservatives from 2010 but in early 2023, nearly 10 years after by the Conservatives, who insist man for the Community Coun- begin a leadership contest in suff ered an electoral backlash in the fi rst section opened in 2014. the council needs to wait until cils Together on Trams umbrella May,” Cable told Liberal Demo- 2015 and 2017. The Scottish parliament passed the inquiry into the fi rst phase group, said there also needed crat members in a letter. It currently has 11 seats in the legislation authorising the line under Lord Hardie has published to be tough controls on parking “I set considerable store by 650-member House of Com- in 2006, but the project has been its report. along the construction route. having an orderly, business- mons. dogged by political battles and Members of Edinburgh’s com- That was essential to “prevent like, succession unlike the power Cable, former chief economist bitter rows with its contractors. munity councils are also wor- the tram corridor from turning struggles in the other parties,” he for energy giant Shell, has vehe- Many of the city’s residents ried, and want the construction into Edinburgh’s largest park and added. mently opposed Britain’s deci- remember the disruption, delays to be carefully phased and buses ride area,” he said. The 75-year-old vowed last sion to leave the EU, warning it and cost overruns that ham- given priority on nearby roads to “We recognise that a strong September to resign as leader will damage the economy. pered the tram project from the minimise disruption, which they feeling exists among many peo- once Brexit had been “resolved He entered parliament as an outset, with the cost of the fi rst fear could aff ect 75,000 resi- ple in our communities that this or stopped”. MP for the leafy London suburb phase soaring to more than £1bn. dents and 1,500 businesses. project is being pushed through He wrote that, following of Twickenham in 1997, lost the The botched project, now be- The council has set aside with undue and unnecessary crunch votes in parliament this seat in 2015, but then regained it ing investigated in a public in- £2.4mn to help aff ected busi- haste,” he added Vince Cable: ‘to make way for a new generation’ week which called for a delay to two years later. Gulf Times Saturday, March 16, 2019 9 EUROPE

German lawmakers raise hurdle for diesel bans, angering environmentalists

AFP tionate” driving bans in cities other measures will quickly grammes of NO2. Numerous Umwelthilfe (DUH), said in a collection and buses from pos- Especially since car giant Berlin that only slightly exceed air pol- mean the limits are respected,” German cities have NO2 levels Thursday statement. sible bans. Volkswagen’s 2015 admission to lution limits. junior environment minister above 50 microgrammes per “Diesel bans are the last And they ordered that any ex- manipulating 11mn diesel ve- In practice it will give cities Florian Pronold said Thursday. cubic metre. Environmentalist measure that is both possible clusion zone should be enforced hicles worldwide to appear less awmakers in Germany above the European Union’s up- Local authorities in Hamburg group that successfully sued for and proportional to achieve only with mobile spot checks, polluting, the manufacturers moved yesterday to make per limit of an annual average of and Stuttgart have in recent many of the diesel bans in heav- clean air... however much the rather than dragnet-style data have been scrambling to catch Lbans on older diesel ve- 40 microgrammes of nitrogen months bowed to court orders ily-polluted cities criticised the federal government may bristle collection. up to foreign competitors in hicles in city centres less likely, dioxide (NO2) per cubic metre, for exclusion zones on older cars move. at them,” he added. Nitrogen dioxide and other the race to build emissions-free angering environmentalists by but less than 50 microgrammes, using the fuel in a bid to reduce “The EU ... makes unmis- On top of the looser thresh- pollutants emitted by diesel ve- electric vehicles. backing off strict EU-wide pol- fl exibility to take other meas- pollution, with other cities in- takeably clear that the Europe- old, lawmakers also exempted hicles have become a new head- But Berlin has faced accusa- lution thresholds. ures to reduce air pollution. cluding capital Berlin set to fol- wide threshold is set at 40 mi- the newest diesels conforming ache for Germany’s powerful tions it is going too easy on the The upper house confi rmed a “Driving bans are a harsh low suit. crogrammes and must be met, to the “Euro 6” standard, as well car industry, which turned to fi rms, fearing voter backlash if Bundestag (lower house) vote to medicine, and they are only Those rulings were based on with no ifs or buts,” Juergen as refi tted older vehicles and the fuel to reduce output of the car industry jobs vanish or driv- henceforth deem “dispropor- proportionate if it is unlikely the EU upper limit of 40 micro- Resch, director of the Deutsche municipal services like rubbish greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. ers’ access to cities is restricted. France probes Climate protest 737 MAX black boxes as Boeing halts deliveries

AFP crater where the plane smashed The new information shows Questions about the Lion Air Paris into a fi eld outside the capital, “the track of that airplane was crash have honed in on a stall disintegrating on impact. close enough to the track of the prevention system, the MCAS, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s Lion Air fl ight” to warrant the designed to automatically point French investigation into largest carrier, sent the black grounding of the airplanes so the plane’s nose downwards if it the Ethiopian Airlines boxes to France because it does more information can be gath- is in danger of stalling. A737 MAX crash that killed not have the equipment to ana- ered to determine if there is a According to the fl ight data 157 passengers and crew opened lyse the data. The information link, Elwell said Wednesday on recorder, the pilots of Lion Air yesterday as US aerospace giant that they contain helps explain CNBC. Flight 610 struggled to control Boeing stopped delivering the 90% of all crashes, according to Boeing’s shares have fallen the aircraft as the MCAS repeat- top-selling aircraft. aviation experts. On Wednes- 12% in the days after the crash edly pushed the nose down after The MAX has been grounded day, US authorities said new in Ethiopia, wiping out nearly takeoff . The Ethiopian Airlines worldwide following the disas- evidence showed similarities $30bn in value. The 737 MAX pilots reported similar diffi cul- ter — the second involving the between the Ethiopia crash and series is Boeing’s fastest-selling ties before their aircraft plunged model in fi ve months — and the that of a Lion Air fl ight in Indo- model and it is still relatively to the ground. According to The fallout has left the company, nesia in October that killed 189 new with fewer than 500 in New York Times, air traffi c con- regulators and airlines scram- people. service. There are 74 registered trollers observed the Ethiopian bling to respond. The US Federal Aviation Ad- in the United States and 387 in Airlines plane “oscillating up “We are pausing the delivery ministration (FAA) said fi ndings use worldwide with 59 carriers, and down by hundreds of feet” of the 737 MAX until we come from the crash site and “newly according to the FAA. prior to the crash. up with a solution,” a Boeing refi ned satellite data” warranted The accounts of the recent Speaking in a “panicky spokesman said Thursday, add- “further investigation of the crashes were echoed in con- voice,” the doomed aircraft’s ing: “We are going to continue possibility of a shared cause for cerns registered by US pilots captain requested permission the production but we are as- the two incidents.” on how the 737 MAX 8 behaves. to return to the airport almost sessing our capacities.” An An FAA emergency order At least four American pi- immediately after takeoff as the Ethiopian delegation delivered grounded 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 lots complained following the plane “accelerated to abnormal the black boxes to France’s BEA aircraft until further notice, ef- Lion Air crash that the aircraft speed,” the newspaper reported air safety agency “and the in- fectively taking the aircraft out would suddenly pitch down- Thursday, citing a person who vestigation process has started of the skies globally. The move ward shortly after takeoff , ac- had reviewed the air traffi c in Paris”, Ethiopian Airlines said came after a growing number of cording to documents reviewed communications. yesterday on Twitter. airlines and countries decided by AFP on the Aviation Safety “Break break, request back The BEA confi rmed it had re- not to fl y the planes or ban them Reporting System, a voluntary to home,” the Times quoted the ceived the black box recorders from their airspace until it is incident database maintained pilot as saying just prior to the from the plane, which was just determined there are no safety by Nasa. crash. “Request vector (direc- four months old and crashed issues. US President Donald In two anonymous reports tion) for landing.” minutes after takeoff from Addis Trump told reporters the “safe- on fl ights just after the Lion Air Boeing was criticised after Ababa on Sunday. BEA investi- ty of the American people and disaster, pilots disconnected the Lion Air crash for allegedly gators will now try to retrieve all peoples is our paramount the autopilot and corrected the failing to adequately inform 737 information from the cockpit concern”. plane’s trajectory in response. pilots about the functioning voice and fl ight data recorders, FAA acting chief Daniel El- It was unclear if US transport of the stall prevention system. which were damaged in the dis- well said the agency had been authorities review the database Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde aster. Thousands of miles (kilo- “working tirelessly” to fi nd the or investigated the incidents. GebreMariam said the doomed metres) away, distraught fami- cause of the accident but faced However, the FAA said this week fl ight’s captain was an experi- lies were demanding answers delays because of the dam- it had ordered Boeing to update enced aviator with more than Students take part in a “youth strike to act on climate change” demonstration in Paris, yesterday. as they visited the deep black age to the fl ight data recorders. its fl ight software and training. 8,000 fl ight hours.

Astronauts on Soyuz craft successfully reach ISS Spain to PM Orban hails

AFP in recent years suff ered a lot of exhume Baikonur, Kazakhstan mishaps including the loss of Polish allies amid cargo spacecraft and numerous satellites. Ovchinin, who spent Franco’s Russian cosmonaut and six months at the ISS during a two US astronauts ar- previous mission in 2016, has spat with EU Arived yesterday at the been keen to play down the dra- remains International Space Station ma of the October emergency aboard a Russian Soyuz space- landing. AFP craft, fi ve months after the The abort was “a little dis- in June Budapest failed launch of a rocket carry- appointing” after prepara- ing two of the passengers. Nasa tions that lasted a year-and- astronaut Nick Hague and his a-half but also “an interesting AFP ungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hailed allies in Russian colleague Alexey Ov- and needed experience” that Madrid Poland yesterday amid anger among European conserva- chinin, who both survived a tested the depth of the space Htives over an anti-EU campaign that could see his party dramatically aborted Soyuz programme’s preparedness, ejected from the European Parliament’s dominant EPP bloc. “We launch last year, were joined on he said. Koch, Hague and Ov- pain will exhume the re- are preparing for another kind of future ... Together (with Po- the smoothly-executed trip by chinin’s fl ight was being closely mains of late dictator land) we are preparing a spectacular renaissance of Central Eu- Nasa astronaut Christina Koch. Russia’s Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft carrying the members of the watched for another reason too. SFrancisco Franco from its rope,” said Orban during a speech in Budapest that was attended The rocket blasted off without International Space Station (ISS) expedition 59/60, Nasa astronauts SpaceX’s successful test opulent mausoleum and move by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. incident from Russia’s Baikonur Christina Hammock Koch and Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut launch to the ISS of its Dragon them to a location outside Ma- Poland and Hungary are allies in battles with EU institutions cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and Alexey Ovchinin, blasts off to the ISS from the launch pad at the vehicle has challenged an eight- drid in June, the government an- over their anti-migrant stance and drive for a more decentralised docked at the ISS less than six Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. year monopoly on travel to the nounced yesterday. union with greater powers for member states. Hailing a “strong hours later, more than 400km space station enjoyed by Russia The move has long been talked Hungarian-Polish” alliance, Orban said that “when Brussels above the Earth at 01:01 GMT, a Both men escaped unharmed. chinin said. Hague, 43, said he ever since Nasa stopped launch- about by sympathisers of the attacks Poland, they attack all of Central Europe, including us few minutes ahead of schedule. It was the fi rst such accident was looking forward to the fl ight es of the Space Shuttle. left-leaning government but Hungarians. “We tell those empire-builders who want to cast During a live broadcast via in Russia’s post-Soviet history – his second attempt to get into Speaking to reporters, the fi ercely resisted by Franco’s fam- their shadow on Central Europe that they will always have to high-defi nition cameras aboard and a major setback for its once space. trio and their three-man back- ily and many on the right. count on the Polish-Hungarian link,” he said. the ISS, the mission com- proud space industry. Speaking “I’m 100% confi dent in the up crew stressed cooperation It revives old tensions from Orban’s remarks come as his ruling Fidesz party faces pos- mander Ovchinin reported that to reporters ahead of their six- rocket and the spaceship,” he rather than competition follow- Spain’s civil war in the 1930s sible expulsion from the centre-right EPP bloc over a billboard the mooring mechanism was month mission, Ovchinin said said. The October abort was ing the Dragon mission, seen by and the subsequent four decades campaign that attacked European Commission President Jean- engaged. A Nasa commentator some faulty components in the caused by a sensor damaged some as the dawn of an era of of Franco’s rule. “The reburial Claude Juncker. Orban called critics of the campaign within the then confi rmed the “capture.” launch vehicle had been found during the rocket’s assembly. commercial space travel driven of Franco’s remains will take EPP “useful idiots” who were helping the group’s left-wing and The liftoff was closely and replaced this week. “Yes- Space expert Vadim Lukashev- by businessmen such as Elon place in the morning of June 10,” liberal opponents ahead of European Parliament elections in watched after the two men’s terday they found some minor ich said last-minute replace- Musk who owns SpaceX. Deputy Prime Minister Carmen May. After 13 EPP member parties launched a procedure to ex- space journey was cut short malfunctions,” the 47-year-old ments were nothing out of the Koch, a 40-year-old space Calvo said. pel Fidesz, the bloc is scheduled to decide on its membership at a in October when a techni- said on Wednesday. ordinary. rookie, called the SpaceX suc- She said the body will be tak- meeting on March 20. cal problem with their Soyuz He insisted that the launch “The Soyuz is an old but reli- cess a “great example of what en to the Mingorrubio-El Pardo In a rare conciliatory gesture Orban sent letters to European rocket triggered a launch abort vehicle was in good shape. able machine,” he told AFP. we’ve been doing for a very long state pantheon, where Franco’s conservative parties Wednesday to apologise for any off ence two minutes into the flight. “There are no problems,” Ov- Russia’s space industry has time.” wife is already buried. caused by the “useful idiots” remark. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, March 16, 2019 INDIA Passengers rage as disruptions continue at Jet Airways

Reuters at cancellations, delays in re- tions for ruining their plans. The airline, partly owned by average of nearly 650 in March Some of the hundreds of ag- sound like it was the passengers’ New Delhi funds and long response times to “We had to worry about re- Etihad Airways, did not respond 2018, a second source said, add- grieved passengers who posted fault,” he said this week. telephone calls. booking fl ights during our wed- to a request from Reuters for ing that short notice about on the airline’s Facebook page Meanwhile the Jet Airways’ India’s second-largest carrier, ding, when there is already so comment. grounded planes triggered many and Twitter told of delays on the pilots union has for the fi rst time mbattled Jet Airways put grappling with debt of more than much to do,” said Siddhant Agar- Amid talks for a bailout led unplanned cancellations. way to wedding and festival cel- sought government help to re- photographs of smiling $1bn, Jet has delayed payments to wal, a 32-year-old businessman by state-run banks, lessors have “The bigger worry is if people ebrations, and several uploaded cover pending salaries and dues Ewomen employees on so- banks, lessors, vendors and staff . whose fl ight home from his hon- forced the airline to ground at stop future bookings, because screenshots showing telephone from the airline, saying pleas to cial media last week for Women’s Lessors have grounded more eymoon was abruptly cancelled least 37 planes over non-pay- that will aff ect cash fl ows,” said wait times longer than an hour management have fallen on deaf Day, using the tagline “Standing than three dozen planes, forcing just days before his marriage. ment of dues and some have also the source, adding that cancella- for a response from the customer ears. tall; touching the skies” but few hundreds of fl ights to be can- Agarwal, who is based in the threatened repossession. tions in February and March out- call centre. The National Aviators Guild, passengers reacted cheerfully. celled. capital, New Delhi, had to pay Jet has planned cancella- stripped prior months. After a last-minute cancella- which represents the majority “’Touching the skies’ is a good Rising customer frustration nearly twice as much for new tions of more than 600 fl ights in Jet Airways’ market share tion, comedian Kenny Sebastian of jet’s pilots, has written to the joke at a time when your fl ights could bring further disruption tickets, he said. “They did not March, said one source with di- shrank to 14.3% in 2018 from expressed outrage on Twitter, labour minister to ask for help are getting grounded,” said a re- for the 25-year-old airline, as even off er an apology, which is rect knowledge of the matter. 17.2% a year earlier, even as In- warning his 1.74mn followers to in getting the airline to pay out- spondent on Twitter, while oth- some fl yers backed a boycott, disappointing and unprofes- Monday’s tally of about 330 dia’s aviation market grew nearly avoid the airline. standing salaries and allowances ers expressed anger and dismay while others blamed cancella- sional.” fl ights compared with a daily a fi fth. “Best part is they made it immediately, plus interest.

Vintage cars on display Tamil Nadu CM under attack over Pollachi abuse scandal

IANS With a huge crowd gathered Chennai outside the court, Thiruna- vukkarasu attended the hearing via video conference. The Tamil akkal Needhi Maiam Nadu government has already (MNM) leader Kamal transferred the case to the Central MHaasan yesterday Bureau of Investigation (CBI). lashed out at the AIADMK gov- Four persons – Thirunavukka- ernment led by Chief Minister rasu, Sathish, Sabarirajan, Vasan- K Palaniswami for its silence on thakumar – all in their 20s, have the Pollachi sexual abuse-cum- been accused of sexually assault- blackmail case. ing women in Pollachi and fi lming In a video clip uploaded on his the act to blackmail them for over Twitter account, Kamal Haasan seven years. attacked the state government for Protests are being held across its inaction and threatening the Tamil Nadu demanding punish- complainants/victims. ment for the culprits. Kamal Haasan charged the In Pollachi, about 2,000 peo- government with revealing the ple including members of diff er- name of the victim and scaring ent social organisations formed a Visitors look at vintage cars parked at the UB City Mall during the first General Council Meeting of Federation of Historic Vehicles of India (FHVI), in Bengaluru yesterday. away the students who protest- human chain asking for a court- FHVI is an Indian organisation of vintage and classic cars, bikes and utilitarian vehicles dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and their ed on the road by manhandling monitored probe by the CBI in the related culture. them. case. The students who came to reg- The protesting organisations ister their just anger in an honest included the All India Democratic manner were removed forcibly Women’s Association (AIDWA) by the police. The students are and the Democratic Youth Fed- asking whether this police force eration of India (DYFI) as well as would ensure their safety, Kamal political parties like the Congress, Haasan said. MDMK, MNM and TMMK. “Don’t you hear Mr CM?” Demonstrations were also re- Naidu accused of role in Kamal Haasan posted. ported from Kumbakonam and Recalling late chief minister Chennai. J Jayalalithaa’s statement that The Madurai Bench of the sexual assault on women will be Chennai High Court yesterday considered as a serious crime and ordered the central government will be probed by senior offi cials, to remove all the videos related to former minister’s murder Kamal Haasan said the govern- the assaults from the Internet. ment has not done anything to The court also recommended IANS tion (CBI) into the murder of minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy anmohan’s life at Visakhapatnam when this murder happened, protect the victims. to the state government to take Hyderabad Vivekananda. Stating that they and uncle of YSRCP chief Y S Ja- Airport in October last year was TDP was again in power,” he told He said the police offi cer in- departmental action against the have no trust in the state police, ganmohan Reddy. also part of the conspiracy to tar- reporters after paying tributes to vestigating the case had revealed offi cials who revealed the iden- he said only a probe by a central Vijay Sai Reddy said get YSR family. Vivekananada. the name of the victim in a press tity of the victim, observing that he YSR Congress Party agency could bring the guilty to Vivekananda’s murder was part On Adinarayana Reddy’s claim “Two days before the helicop- meet. The current AIADMK other victims would not come (YSRCP) yesterday alleged the book. of the conspiracy by TDP to fi nish that the dispute in YSR family led ter crash in which my father Dr Y claiming to run the government forward to lodge complaints fear- Tthat Andhra Pradesh Chief Vivekananda, a former state off YSR family. to Vivekananda’s murder, Vijay S Rajasekhara Reddy died, Chan- in the footsteps of Jayalalithaa ing similar exposure. Minister N Chandrababu Naidu minister and former MP, was He said the TDP was involved Sai Reddy blasted the TDP leader. drababu Naidu told the assembly has not taken any action Kamal “The cries of the victim is still and his son Nara Lokesh were be- found dead under suspicious cir- in the murder of Y S Rajasekhara Meanwhile Jaganmohan that you (YSR) will not return Haasan said adding “how can the echoing in our ears,” the judges hind the murder of party leader Y cumstances at his home in Puliv- Reddy’s father Y S Raja Reddy in claimed that the TDP leader- and his remarks were boldly pub- offi cials be so careless and lethar- said. “If the identity of the victim S Vivekananda Reddy. endula town of Kadapa district 1998. He claimed that the mur- ship was in power or the leader- lished in his favoured media,” Ja- gic in this regard.” is revealed, how will anyone come YSRCP leader Vijay Sai Reddy yesterday morning. derers had taken shelter in the ship was aware of the conspiracy ganmohan said. Meanwhile, a court in Coim- forward against such atrocities?” told reporters here that Naidu After preliminary investi- TDP offi ce. whenever a death occurred in his He alleged that the police were batore yesterday permitted the The court also directed the and Lokesh were conspirators of gations, police said they were The MP claimed two days after family. trying to divert the attention with Crime Branch-Crime Investi- state to advertise that sharing and the murder while Co-operation treating this as a case of murder Naidu told Rajasekhara Reddy in “When my grandfather Y S wrong leads and fabricated evi- gation Department (CB-CID) circulation of such videos was an Minister Adinarayana Reddy ex- and had constituted a special in- the Assembly that he will see who Raja Reddy was murdered, TDP dence. “They have brought out a to take Thirunavukkarasu, the off ence and suggested includ- ecuted the conspiracy. vestigation team (SIT) to probe fi nishes whom, the latter was was in power, when there was letter purported to be written by prime accused in the case, into ing a chapter on cyber crimes in He demanded a probe by the the matter. Vivekananda was killed in a helicopter crash. an attempt on my life at Vizag my uncle before dying which de- custody for four days. schools. Central Bureau of Investiga- younger brother of former chief He said the attempt on S Jag- airport, TDP was in power and fi es all logic,” he said. Economists warn over Film promo Negligence charges fi led after bridge crash

‘tweaked’ growth data AFP Mumbai police spokesman Mumbai Manjunath Singe said in a What- sApp message to journalists that a AFP that Indian statistics were “un- showing signifi cantly faster — fi rst information report had been Mumbai der a cloud for being infl uenced and questionable — growth rates. olice yesterday said they registered against offi cials for and indeed even controlled by The letter also questioned a re- had fi led a negligence case “causing death by negligence”. political considerations”. vised growth rate of 8.2% in 2016- Pagainst Mumbai’s civic and Social media users took to group of more than 100 “(Any) statistics that cast an 17, “the highest in a decade!”, that railway authorities after a foot- Twitter to vent their anger at the experts yesterday sound- iota of doubt on the achieve- “seems to be at variance with the bridge collapsed killing six people authorities. “To hell with your Aed a pre-election alarm ment of the government seem to evidence marshalled by many and injuring dozens more. thoughts and prayers, to hell with over Indian economic data, ac- get revised or suppressed on the economists”. The bridge, which was under your ‘Mumbai spirit’...People cusing Prime Minister Narendra basis of some questionable ide- That raised particular suspi- repair, gave away around 7.30pm have to suff er without even (the) Modi’s government of tweaking ology,” they said. cion since it was when “demon- (1400GMT) on Thursday as rush most basic infrastructure. When or burying unwelcoming num- The opposition Congress party etisation” — one of Modi’s biggest hour commuters made their way will (local authority) BMC and bers. of Rahul Gandhi, who has called and most derided economic poli- into Chhatrapati Shivaji termi- railways ever learn?” wrote Srini Modi is vulnerable over his Modi’s record on employment a cies when 86% of banknotes were nus, the city’s main train station. Swaminathan. economic record in the polls “national disaster”, jumped on withdrawn — hit businesses hard. It was the latest accident to Twenty-three people died in a starting on April 11, in particular the letter. This was followed in 2017 by highlight creaking infrastructure stampede at Prabhadevi station in a failure to meet promises to cre- “How much more can this gov- the tardy rollout of a nationwide in the country’s fi nancial capital the centre of the city in Septem- ate enough jobs for the millions ernment embarrass us on a global new goods and services tax (GST), and came almost two years after ber 2017. Railway offi cials blamed of Indians entering the labour level?,” the party said on its offi - which has been praised by experts 23 people died in a crush on a nar- bad weather despite commuter market each month. cial Twitter account. but which has had considerable row overcrowded footbridge at warnings before the tragedy of a The warning comes after the Economists in fellow emerg- teething problems. another station. disaster waiting to happen. Ex- central bank chief quit in Decem- ing Asian giant China and abroad The letter also noted that a Three women and three men, perts pointed the fi nger of blame ber in a spat over alleged govern- have long suspected that data major and overdue survey on em- aged between 32 and 55, died in at the railway network’s creaking ment interference. there is also massaged, often not- ployment has still not been re- Thursday’s tragedy. Another 33 infrastructure, which has long His successor, a Modi ally, ing that full-year gross domestic leased. people were injured. struggled to cope with several oversaw an economy-boosting product hits Beijing’s pre-set tar- Two senior statistics offi cials The media reported that three million daily passengers. cut in interest rates last month in gets with suspicious regularity. have resigned in protest at the who succumbed to their injuries About 7.5mn passengers com- his fi rst monetary policy meet- In 2015, the Indian Central Sta- delay. Press reports have said the Actors Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra speak to the were nurses. Two of them died at mute in nearly 2,500 trains daily ing. tistics Offi ce (CSO) revised eco- study, the fi rst of its kind since media during the promotion of the new Bollywood film the hospital where they worked on Mumbai’s colonial-era rail The 108 economists and social nomic output numbers for past 2011-12, showed unemployment Kesari in Ahmedabad yesterday. after doctors were unable to save network, a lifeline for the city’s scientists said in an open letter years, changing the base year and was at its highest since the 1970s. them. 20mn residents. Gulf Times Saturday, March 16, 2019 11

LATIN AMERICA Five of the six most violent cities in the world in Mexico: study

TCA/DPA amid a military-led war against crisis, was in third place with 100 a nation in crisis, and calls into Many of those newer groups As a candidate, Lopez Obrador guard to help restore public safe- Mexico City criminal groups. killings per 100,000 people. question the effi cacy of Mexico’s have branched into businesses pledged to use economic devel- ty. In Tijuana, where local gangs The fourth and fi fth most vio- militaristic approach to fi ghting beyond drug traffi cking and opment, not the military, to ad- Critics say that a national have been battling over a lucra- lent cities, according to the Citi- crime. are now involved in fuel theft, dress the root causes of crime. guard, which would be made ijuana was the most vio- tive domestic drug market, the zens’ Council, were two Mexican Since 2006, when then-pres- migrant smuggling, local drug He also proposed a controver- up of ex-soldiers and marines lent city in the world in report tallied 138 killings per border cities: Ciudad Victoria, in ident Felipe Calderon declared sales and other forms of illicit sial amnesty plan that would al- and report in part to the de- T2018, according a new 100,000 residents last year, or the state of Tamaulipas, and Ciu- war on the country’s drug traf- activity. low some non-violent criminals fence ministry, would simply be report by a Mexican non-profi t about seven killings on average dad Juarez, in the state of Chi- fi ckers, a combination of sol- Mexico’s new president, An- to walk free. a continuation of the militaris- group that ranked cities based on per day. huahua. diers, marines and federal police dres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Lopez Obrador made headlines tic strategy criticised by Lopez their homicide rates. The Mexican resort city of Irapuato, a city in the state of have taken to the streets to break campaigned on a promise of shortly after he was sworn into Obrador. The report by the Citizens’ Acapulco was in second place, Guanajuato that has been the site up powerful cartels. pacifi cation, criticising Calderon offi ce when he declared “there is What is needed, they say, is Council for Public Security and with 111 killings per 100,000 of fi erce battles over control of While the so-called “kingpin” for converting “the country into offi cially no more war” against more training for police and in- Criminal Justice found that fi ve people. stolen gasoline, is sixth on the list. strategy proved successful in a cemetery.” The military-led criminal groups. vestments in the justice system. out of six of the world’s most vio- Caracas, the Venezuelan capi- There were 15 Mexican cities weakening some groups, it also strategy was maintained under Still, he recently sent a large Government statistics show that lent municipalities were in Mex- tal, which has been beset by on the list of 50, more than any unwittingly spawned new ones Calderon’s successor, Enrique battalion of soldiers to Tijuana only about 7% of all crimes are ico, where homicides have risen crime and food shortages amid other country in the world. who sought to capitalise on the Pena Nieto, the predecessor of and has pushed for the creation properly investigated and about to historic levels in recent years the country’s ongoing political The report paints a picture of disruption. Lopez Obrador. of a 70,000-member national 2% result in convictions. Argentina’s Tribute to shooting victims Fernandez hunts allies for poll comeback

Reuters Fernandez intends to run in the Buenos Aires election, sources said in February, although she has yet to declare herself offi cially a candidate. rgentina’s former presi- Her comeback could be good dent, Cristina Fernandez news for Macri, helping to divide Ade Kirchner, is trying to the opposition into rival camps. win over rivals as she plots a po- If she runs, Fernandez’s sup- litical comeback to take on in- port for generous social welfare cumbent Mauricio Macri and his subsidies and protectionist eco- IMF-backed economic reforms nomic policies will be pitched in elections later this year. against Macri’s push for smaller It’s not proving easy. government, subsidy cuts, and The left-leaning populist poli- the continuation of a $56.3bn fi - tician still commands a powerful nancing deal agreed with the In- support base but remains a di- ternational Monetary Fund. visive fi gure within the Peronist Investors fret that Fernandez, movement that has been Argen- whose policies crimped economic tina’s dominant political force growth in the latter part of her since the 1940s. 2007-2015 tenure, could undo In the past few weeks, her ad- some of Macri’s business-friend- visers have been meeting rival ly initiatives that have attracted leaders among the ideologically new investment into Latin Amer- Students and residents take part in a symbolic hug during a tribute to victims of the shooting at the Raul Brasil school in Suzano, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, yesterday. diverse factions that make up the ica’s third-biggest economy. movement. The meetings, which Fernandez’s lieutenants have could ultimately be fruitless, held talks with members of a have been with more moderate more moderate breakaway wing Peronists who could help Fern- of the powerful Peronist move- andez widen her support base. ment, led by former Cabinet The response to her outreach chief Alberto Fernandez, three has been mostly lukewarm or out- sources in the Cristina Fernan- right rejection, according Peronist dez camp said. leaders and aides interviewed by The negotiations included Fight looms as Brazil govt Reuters, raising a question mark horse trading of national and re- over her ability to mount a chal- gional posts in the event Cristina lenge to Macri, a centre-right Fernandez won the election, a former businessman. source from the former presi- “The people are angry with dent’s Citizen’s Unity Party said. the current government,” said Alberto Fernandez did not re- mulls military pensions cut Jose Luis Gioja, a lawmaker who spond to requests for comment. presides over the formal Peronist Many factions, however, have Reuters policy to slash social security than 10 Brazilian states have met 1.2tn reais ($314bn) over the next if a cow gets through, the whole Party and supports Fernandez. already ruled out a tie-up with Rio de Janeiro spending, are not fi nalised but with Economy Minister Paulo decade, on February 20. herd will follow,” lawmaker El- However, “achieving unity is Fernandez, although one faction — will be delivered by March 20, Guedes seeking fi nancial aid, Proposed changes to military mar Nascimento, lower house tough,” he said. that of former presidential hopeful the administration’s self-im- Marinho added, a number that pensions, which target eventual whip for the DEM party, the gov- The former president has had Sergio Massa — has indicated it is razilian military offi cers will posed deadline. he says will only grow. savings of less than 100bn reais, ernment’s main ally in Congress, more luck attracting support on open to working with her. have to contribute more into He also said rules regarding “If any group gets any special were left for a month later. told Reuters this week. a regional level from local may- “If it looks as if they can come Bthe social security system military police and fi re service benefi t, it will be necessary to Bolsonaro, a former army cap- Nascimento said police who ors and governors, hoping to ride together and beat Macri then I and for longer, Pension Reform pensions will be the same as the show what it will cost, and that tain and congressman who got often risk their lives fi ghting her popular support in their own would not rule out an alliance Secretary Rogerio Marinho said armed forces. this will mean less investment his start in politics advocating armed criminals, should get a elections. with Cristina’s wing,” a repre- yesterday, outlining what can be This should ease the fi nan- in housing and health,” Marinho better compensation for troops special pension deal, but not the But at a national level, rivals sentative for Massa said. expected in proposals to be put to cial burden on states, whose said at an event in Rio de Janeiro. and police, has said he has over- armed forces. “What is the sac- have distanced themselves from Fernandez has also spoken Congress next week. combined defi cit with the fed- President Jair Bolsonaro pre- come his previous resistance to rifi ce the armed forces are mak- Fernandez, in part because of in- with Eduardo Duhalde, a key Marinho said the overhaul of eral government stands at some sented his pension reform bill, pension reform, especially in the ing in their careers? There is not ternal power disputes and mem- Peronist elder, after years of po- military pensions, one of the 200bn reais ($52bn), Treasury which seeks to raise the mini- armed forces. His allies are urg- war. A diff erent pension system ories of her confrontational style litical enmity over control of the most controversial elements in fi gures show. mum retirement age for men and ing him not to back down now. for the military is not justifi ed,” of governing. Peronist party, two sources said. the government’s cornerstone Representatives from more women and aims to save around “In my state there is a saying: he said. Bolsonaro to visit Trump Highway blocked Assange complaint to strengthen alliance against Quito rejected Reuters He says Ecuador is seeking to Washington/Quito end his asylum and has put pres- AFP links with fellow conservatives — than 50 countries, closely followed sure on him to leave by requiring Brasilia Brazil’s president will spend four by Brazil, to recognise Venezuela’s him to pay for his medical bills days in Washington from Sunday opposition leader Juan Guaido as international human and phone calls, as well as clean to Wednesday. interim president, boosting his rights organisation has up after his pet cat. razil’s far-right President He will stay at Blair House, an power struggle with Maduro. Aturned down a request by He had sought the support of Jair Bolsonaro will meet US offi cial US state residence opposite Washington has also cranked up WikiLeaks founder Julian As- the Inter-American Commis- Bcounterpart Donald Trump the White House used for visiting sanctions against the Maduro re- sange that Ecuador, which has sion on Human Rights in his case next week to strengthen ties in dignitaries. gime, including imposing an em- sheltered him for more than six against Ecuador. the nascent regional conserva- As well as a “private meeting” bargo on Venezuelan crude oil, due years at its embassy in London, While the commission did tive alliance aiming to ramp up the with Trump at the Oval Offi ce on to come into eff ect on April 28. ease the conditions it has im- not back Assange, it said it re- pressure on Venezuela’s Nicolas Tuesday, Bolsonaro will sit with Trump has repeatedly insisted posed on his residence there. minded Ecuador of interna- Maduro. Organisation of American States that “all options are on the table” A spokeswoman for the Inter- tional law that no state should After decades of fractious rela- secretary general Luis Almagro, with regards military intervention American Commission on Hu- deport, return or extradite tions between Brasilia and Wash- and participate in various forums in Venezuela. man Rights, which is linked to someone to another country ington, things have improved with discussing the opportunities of- But that’s not an opinion shared the Organisation of American where that person might face the assumption to power of ex- fered by the Brazilian economy. by Bolsonaro, who in line with States, said the group rejected human rights abuses. army captain Bolsonaro — nick- The US is Brazil’s second biggest other members of the mostly Latin Assange’s complaint. A friend who regularly vis- named the “Tropical Trump” both trade partner after China. American Lima Group has ruled Assange’s lawyer Jenni- its Assange says he privately due to his admiration for the US On Sunday night he will dine at out military action in favour of a fer Robinson had no immediate complains that Ecuador’s gov- president and his ideological prox- the residency of Brazil’s ambassa- policy of tightening the economic comment. ernment recently replaced Em- imity in terms of nationalism and dor with “several opinion formers” and diplomatic noose around Ma- Assange took refuge in Ecua- bassy diplomats sympathetic to anti-globalisation. including, according to press re- duro. dor’s London embassy in 2012 to Assange with offi cials who are “It’s the president’s fi rst foreign ports, former Trump adviser Steve “Brazil is unlikely to take mili- Indigenous people set up a barricade with stones to avoid being extradited to Swe- much less friendly. bilateral visit, which demonstrates Bannon and US-based Brazilian tary action to address the situ- block the Pan-American highway during a protest in La den, where authorities wanted to Last year, US federal prosecu- the priority the government is giv- writer Olavo de Carvalho, consid- ation in Venezuela, but we may Agustina, rural area of Santander de Quilichao, Cauca question him as part of a sexual tors in the state of Virginia mis- ing to building a solid association ered Bolsonaro’s guru. see a strong stance being taken by department, Colombia. More than 10,000 indigenous assault investigation. takenly made public a document with the US,” Bolsonaro’s spokes- Trump and Bolsonaro will dis- Bolsonaro publicly following this people in Colombia are protesting demanding the That probe was later dropped, saying that Assange had been se- man Otavio do Rego Barros said. cuss one of the issues that most trip to Washington,” Roberta Bra- compliance with multiple agreements on territory, but Assange fears he could be ex- cretly indicted. Alongside six ministers and his unites them: their desire to drive ga, associate director at the Latin democracy, justice, security and peace, which have tradited to face charges in the US, Offi cials have since declined federal lawmaker son Eduardo — Maduro from power. American centre of the Washing- been unfulfilled by authorities. where federal prosecutors are in- to confi rm or deny he has been who has been active in building The US was the fi rst of more ton-based Atlantic Council, said. vestigating WikiLeaks. charged. Gulf Times 12 Saturday, March 16, 2019 PAKISTAN PM tweet halts salary hike Majority think Imran for Punjab’s lawmakers doing good Internews by decision of Punjab Assembly to Khan’s tweet and began oppos- Samsam Bukhari, who had sup- sought to defend the bill by say- Lahore raise pays and privileges of MPAs, ing the salary increase. ported the bill on Wednesday, ing it (the increase) equalled the ministers and esp CM. Once Initially, federal Information changed his stance within 24 basic pay of the Punjab lawmak- prosperity returns to Pak such a Minister Chaudhry Fawad de- hours and expressed reserva- ers to what was being received by the legislators of Khyber Pa- job: survey he exorbitant increase in move cld be justifi ed, but now, fended the Punjab Assembly’s tion over the bill, saying “he was the salaries and perks of when we do not have resources move saying that the existing against the raise in salaries.” khtunkhwa. TPunjab lawmakers has to provide basic amenities to all salaries were so meagre that a Then he changed his stance He would not say if the gov- Internews been halted as the governor has our people, this is untenable,” the person from the middle class again and told the media outside ernment planned to withdraw Islamabad decided not to sign the bill after premier said in his tweet. would not contest elections. the Punjab Assembly that he had the bill and argued that “once a the prime minister’s tweet ex- The PM also directed Punjab Talking to the media at the only stated that there might be bill is passed by the assembly, it pressing displeasure at the Pun- Governor Chaudhry Moham- Islamabad district courts, he some MPAs who might need may be analysed, but the unani- new nationwide poll of jab Assembly’s move. med Sarwar to send the bill back asked, “Do you want that MNAs residence. mous thinking of the house can- Pakistanis by the In- The bill, enjoying support of to the assembly instead of sign- and MPAs should not draw any However, there are some who not be rejected. Therefore, it will Aternational Republican both the treasury and opposition ing it. salary?” adding that middle- still stick to their ground. Punjab be reconsidered by our parlia- Institute’s (IRI) Center for benches in a rare show of unity, He said at least the chief class people like himself might Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost mentary party.” Insights in Survey Research sailed through the assembly and minister should not be provid- not join the electoral race if they Mohammed Mazari told the me- Meanwhile, PPP leader Asif reveals strong approval ratings was passed within minutes on ed a house for lifetime, as laid would not get anything in the dia that it was a wonderful step Ali Zardari’s daughter Bakhta- for the new government, con- Wednesday. down in the bill, and the facility shape of salary. to increase the Punjab MPAs’ war Bhutto-Zardari criticised cerns over the state of econo- It prescribed a six-fold in- should be restricted to just three However, a couple of hours salary. the prime minister’s tweet say- my, and confi dence in the July crease in the salary of the chief months. later and soon after the PM’s Responding to the prime min- ing that there were things more 2018 elections, reports foreign minister, three-fold raise for The rules empower the gov- tweet, Chaudhry changed his ister’s tweet, he said “there is disappointing than the raise in media. the speaker, deputy speaker ernor to the send any bill back to stance and tweeted: “Seems nothing wrong in increasing the the lawmakers’ salary. According to the IRI, the and ministers and a two-fold the assembly for reconsidering Punjab Government and the CM perks of the assembly members.” “More extremely disappoint- survey was conducted on be- increase for MPAs, besides en- it. But if the house passes the bill House is in the dark about the The chief minister’s spokes- ed in the daily heli trips, more half of the Center for Insights hancing their perks. again, it becomes a law whether PM and the federal Govt Aus- person Shahbaz Gill told a press than monthly foreign visits, the in Survey Research and its Irritated at the move, Prime the governor signs it or not. terity policies otherwise such conference in the evening that non-attendance of parliament results were announced on Prime Minister Imran Khan ... Minister Imran Khan used his Many leaders of the ruling sham exercise of awarding huge both the PM and the CM had oh and you know the plummet- March 14. “Poor economic confidence in the new Twitter account to express dis- Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), benefi ts to themselves would not expressed displeasure at the in- ing abysmal state of our econo- conditions are a signifi cant government is high pleasure. who were earlier supporting have happened “ crease in salaries. my and currency,” she said in a source of anxiety for Pakista- “I am extremely disappointed the bill, took a U-Turn after PM Punjab Information Minister But, at the same time, he tweet. nis,” said Johanna Kao, region- sults of the July 2018 national al director for Asia, IRI. elections. “Despite Pakistan’s eco- A clear majority (84%) nomic challenges, confi dence say that the results are ei- in the new government and ther “very accurate” (46%) or the prime minister is high. “somewhat accurate” (38%). Notices to 223 24 luxury cars remain unsold in auction Pakistanis seem to be willing A combined 83% believe that to give the government time the election was both “com- Internews vehicles, half of them or 25 Three vehicles were a desire to continue putting to deliver on its campaign pletely free and fair” (50%) or lawmakers Islamabad were sold out while remaining surrendered by Prime four non-protective vehicles promises, which will require “mostly free and fair” (33%). 24 could not be auctioned Minister’s House, nine by for subsequent auction, diffi cult economic reforms to The data was collected be- after making several attempts Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, however, for disposal of revitalise the country’s strug- tween November 1 and No- for not fi ling The austerity drive on in last six months. 27 by Cabinet Division and 20 protective-cum-luxury gling economy.” vember 22, 2018 through in- account of selling off icial Now the FBR has given written 10 by Intelligence Bureau (IB) vehicles, certain options A combined 57% of re- home, in-person interviews. vehicles undertaken by the reply to authorities concerned to the FBR for the purpose of may be considered including spondents think that Prime The sample consisted of returns Pakistani government could that the remaining 24 off icial auction. these vehicles may either Minister Imran Khan is doing 3,991 respondents aged 18 and not achieve the desired vehicles should be returned The first auction of these be placed on auction in either a “very good job” (17%) older, and is representative of n a major development, the results as 24 luxury-protected to PM Off ice or respective vehicles was conducted by Karachi or Lahore being or a “good job” (40%) so far, voting-age adults nationally. Federal Board of Revenue vehicles have not been sold ministries/departments. the department on September bigger markets with possible and a combined 56% approve The margin of error was 1.6%. I(FBR) of Pakistan has sent due to low bidding. Now the These vehicles may be 17, 2018 wherein these could higher number of potential of the government. According to the survey, the tax notices to 223 lawmakers for FBR has decided to send returned to the respective not be disposed of and so far buyers or alternatively these A plurality of respondents ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e- non-fi ling their income tax re- them back to the Prime departments for off icial they had made several eff orts vehicles may be returned to (40%) said that they were Insaf (PTI) is the most popular turns in 2018 and asked them to Minister’s Off ice and other purpose such as for visits of wherein 25 vehicles were sold the respective departments willing to give the government party with 34% approval rat- fi le their returns within 30 days. departments. foreign dignitaries/delegation to the highest bidders. for off icial purpose such as one year (26%) or two years ing compared with Pakistan “Yes, we have issued tax no- Also, now the finance division to fully benefit the high cost However, despite best eff orts, for visit of foreign dignitaries/ (14%) to start delivering on Muslim League-Nawaz with tices to 56 parliamentarians for was all set to propose protective/special features 24 vehicles could not be delegation to fully benefit the their campaign promises. 21% popularity and Pakistan tax year 2017 and 223 for tax year abolition of ‘entertainment designed for the purpose disposed of even after seven high cost protective/special “The survey suggests that People’s Party with 12%. 2018 for non-fi ling of their tax and gifts’ related budgetary instead of being disposed of at rounds of auction primarily features designed for the the government’s perform- Information and Broad- returns under section 114 of In- allocations before the federal lower values, said the off icial because 20 out of them have purpose and instead of being ance will be judged primarily casting Minister Chaudhry come Tax Ordinance 2001,” top cabinet next week as it is sources. protective and other features disposed of at lower values. on its ability to address press- Fawad Hussain also tweeted FBR offi cial confi rmed. scheduled to meet under the There is another proposal which made them expensive The PTI-led government ing economic concerns,” said about the survey and wrote: The offi cial said that the non- chairmanship of PM Imran floated that these vehicles for general buyers. desired auctioning luxury Johanna Kao. “New Pakistan poll; strong fi lers list included members of Khan on Tuesday. might be transferred to bigger After repeated auctions and in vehicles such as bulletproof Infl ation was singled out as approval for PTI, says IRI. PM National Assembly, Senate and However, these measures markets such as in Karachi spite of reduction in reserved vehicles BMW (760Li) the most important problem Imran Khan’s approval rating four provincial assemblies. Under had so far failed to create and Lahore for making last prices, reasonable bids could 2014, two Mercedes cars in Pakistan (39%), followed by is 57% while PML-N and PPP the law, the parliamentarians were any impact on curtailing the ditch eff orts to auction them. not be fetched for these (Maybach S600) 2016, two poverty (18%) and unemploy- are not even close to PTI.” asked to fi le their returns in 30 days. yawning budget deficit, which The off icial sources said that vehicles. Further reduction Mercedes cars (S600L) ment (15%). On the question if the Na- Now the FBR is empowered is heading towards crossing 49 vehicles were surrendered in reserved price may not be 2016, five Mercedes cars Nearly 77% of respondents tional Assembly elections to impose penalty and in case of absolute figure of deficit in the to FBR’s Model Customs desirable which may cause (S500, 600)2005, Mercedes between the ages of 18 and 35 were to be held next week, for non-fi ling after two notices, ex- history of Pakistan. Collectorate under the sale of these at unnecessary Limousine 2005, two Toyota see the lack of jobs as the big- which party the respondents party assessment could be done to Off icial documents disclosed instruction of PM Off ice for below prices. Land Cruiser 2008 and 2015, gest challenge facing young would vote and the survey generate tax demand and recover that after making seven disposal under auction rules In view of these facts, the Luxury Jeep 2005 and three people in Pakistan. found that the PTI surfaced due amount through attachment attempts to auction total 49 notified in 2001. sources said that the FBR has Mercedes Jeep 2005. The poll also indicates high as the most popular party, fol- of bank accounts. (Internews) levels of confi dence in the re- lowed by PML-N and PPP.

Protest against NZ mosque attacks AJK-born lawyer named judge in UK Former

Internews Square, Lincoln’s Inn. the highest courts in England London There are only a few Paki- and leads other barristers and CDA offi cial stani-born lawyers working legal teams in complex cases. as judges in the courts across Malik’s other notable leading British-Pa- England, but Zane Malik be- achievements include being commits kistani lawyer, who comes the fi rst judge who appointed as a Barrister for Arose to fame win- was born in Pakistan and then the UK government and the ning a record number of hu- moved to the UK for gradua- Crown. Over 250 of his cases suicide man rights and immigration tion in law and to join his fa- have been reported and this law cases in Britain’s higher ther’s practice. means that the courts have courts has been appointed To his credit, Zane Malik has considered such cases to be of Internews as an immigration judge and won over 250 high profi le lead- great public importance. Islamabad deputy district judge. ing cases in the courts. He con- He did his training at a London High Court sources tinues to take up cases against leading set of Chambers in confi rmed that Zane Malik has the government, but also on its Chancery Lane and practiced ormer member of the become judge of the First Tier behalf in many cases. from here until 2018. Capital Development Au- Tribunal. Zane Malik, 32, was Malik also has an estab- Zane Malik is the son of Fthority (CDA), Brigadier born in Azad Kashmir and stud- lished private practice where well-known immigration (retd) Asad Munir, has commit- ied in Islamabad for A Levels. He he off ers his legal services. lawyer Dr Malik Akbar. Zane ted suicide, police sources said later moved to the UK and stud- He regularly writes for legal Malik leads cases with em- yesterday. ied at East London University journals, hosts lectures, con- phasis on immigration, asy- Munir’s body was found hang- for his law graduation. ferences and contributes to a lum, nationality, EU and reg- ing from a ceiling fan at his Activists of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) political organisation protest against the attacks Malik studied bar at the wide range of legal platforms. ulatory law and he is one of apartment in Islamabad’s diplo- on two mosques in New Zealand, in Karachi yesterday. Lincoln’s Inn and started In his capacity as a barrister, the Attorney General’s Panel matic enclave, the police sources practising as a lawyer at 12 Old Malik regularly appears before Counsel to the Crown. said. He was also a former intel- ligence operative. Munir was upset over media reports that ran a day earlier stat- ing that the National Account- ability Bureau (NAB) during its executive board meeting had Punjab govt plans district delivery fund granted approval for the fi ling of a reference against him, family sources said. NAB had accused Internews The fund will use a targeted prived districts in the south and government will reduce vari- The remoter, poorer central annum in Multan,” says the draft Munir of misusing his authority Lahore approach to identify and imple- central Punjab, and the devel- ance in development invest- districts too were hit hard by the new growth strategy expected to and restoring a plot in F-11 area ment problem-specifi c projects opment schemes will target key ment across the districts by at low development spending of Rs- be launched later this month. “ of the federal capital. to address key dimensions of SDG (Sustainable Development least 5% a year, cut multidimen- 171bn or 18.5% of the total public the expenditure per capita falls The family of the deceased he Punjab provincial gov- deprivation in the backward Goals) indicators in the areas of sional poverty in the deprived investment during that period. down to under Rs10 for at least requested not to perform an au- ernment plans to create districts, according to the fi ve- health, education, water, sani- districts by at least 10 percent- “The pattern of poverty (in 15 out of the 36 districts with topsy of the body. The family’s Ta district delivery fund year Punjab Growth Strategy tation and hygiene. age points, and improve parity the province) is a direct result of the districts like Bahawalnagar, request was accepted by the Is- (DDF) to tackle lopsided de- 2018-2023 developed by a team “The pilot projects will later in education, health and water the previous public investment Layyah and Pakpattan just get- lamabad deputy commissioner velopment and abject poverty of the Punjab Economic Re- be scaled up for multiplied im- indicators by 50% in next fi ve decisions a quick analysis of the ting Rs5 per capita per annum for and subsequently the body was in the least developed districts search Institute (PERI) led by M pact additional development years. disparities suggests that over the development.” returned upon the completion of of the province, particularly in Aman Ullah, the chief econo- funds can be channelled into The government estimates last four years to 2018, if the gov- Out of just less than 29% of legal formalities. South Punjab, as part of its push mist at the provincial planning most deprived districts to bring that 1% decrease in the inequity ernment spent Rs100 per capita the poor in Punjab, more than Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for regional equalisation under and development department. parity,” the strategy adds. ratio will help reduce multidi- per annum in Lahore on develop- 42% live in the southern dis- chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the new [provincial] growth Initially, the fund will be In order to achieve regional mensional poverty by almost ment the second highest spend- tricts as compared with 19% in extended condolences over Mu- strategy. launched for the 10 most de- equalisation, the provincial 0.4%. ing was only Rs26 per capita per the rest of Punjab. nir’s demise. Gulf Times Saturday, March 16, 2019 13 PHILIPPINES Top terrorist killed after clash in Lanao

By Dempsey Reyes Tubaran. The clash in Tubaran Manila Times erupted at 5:04pm on Thurs- day, where soldiers under the Army’s 49th Infantry Battal- he leader of the Islam- ion engaged around 10 Maute ic State (IS)-inspired fi ghters. TMaute group, Oway- It lasted for one hour and dah Marohombsar alias Abu 30 minutes, initially leading to Dar, was believed to have been the deaths of two Maute fi ght- killed along with his three ers and three soldiers. followers in a gunfi ght with Three soldiers also went Philippine Army forces in Tu- missing after the fi refi ght. baran, Lanao del Sur in south- Yesterday, Col. Gerry Be- ern Mindanao. sana, spokesman for the Marohombsar was tagged as military’s Western Mindanao the successor of Isnilon Ha- Command, said the three sol- pilon as “chief” of the IS in diers have been found, one of Southeast Asia, after the lat- whom was also killed and the ter was killed during the fi ve- two others were wounded. month siege in Marawi City in On the same day, accord- 2017. ing to Brawner, the bodies of Hapilon was among the four terrorists were recovered masterminds of the Marawi by soldiers from the encoun- City siege along with the Mau- ter site, where the informants Residents of Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City, Manila, queue to receive water distributed on water tank trucks and fire trucks, yesterday. te brothers, resulting in the identifi ed one of them as that deaths of 1,000 people. of Marohombsar. “We still Col. Romeo Brawner Jr, need to validate if Abu Dar’s commander of the Army’s was indeed among the cadav- 103rd Infantry Brigade, said ers found. This was based on the information on Maro- the information given by three hombsar’s death came from highly credible sources,” he three “highly-credible” said in a phone interview. sources on the ground and Brawner added that the Millions hit in Manila’s would have to be verifi ed by bodies recovered, especially the military. the cadaver being pointed as He declined to disclose who Marohombsar’s, would be the informants were, citing se- subject to DNA testing by the curity reasons. Philippine National Police’s Brawner was reported to Scene of the Crime Operatives. be at the encounter site when Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the ‘worst’ water shortage he spoke to the media to dis- regional military commander, close witnesses’ accounts condoled with the families of AFP However, Manila Water from its frequent typhoons, that Marohombsar’s body was the slain soldiers, “who fought Manila Company, one of the capi- the Philippines is experiencing among those recovered by sol- valiantly and paid the ultimate tal’s two suppliers, said it will a dry spell that led to reserves diers in Barangay Dinaigan, sacrifi ce.” now use rolling cut offs spread being severely depleted. anila has been hit by its across the city to share the pain At the same time, the age- worst water shortage in more evenly. ing pipelines and dams that Myears, leaving bucket- Jerry cans and buckets were provide Manila’s water have Overseas workers with HIV up 33% in January bearing families to wait hours flying off store shelves and not kept pace with the growth to fi ll up from tanker trucks and landing in lines where families of the mega-city, which has The number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who acquired some hospitals to turn away less were spending hours waiting roughly doubled its population human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) went up by 33% in Janu- urgent cases. for deliveries by truck. since 1985. The government ary, according to party-list group ACTS-OFW. Taps are dry from four to 20 “Instead of doing impor- has admitted that the problem The group said 90 OFWs were diagnosed with HIV in January, hours per day in the homes of tant things, our time is con- of growing demand for water 33% higher than the 68 cases reported in the same month in about half of the Philippine sumed now by making sure we has long been forecast but they 2018, Manila Times reported. capital’s roughly 12mn people have enough water,” Bergado, a failed to address it due to delays “The January cases brought to 6,345 the cumulative number of due to rolling outages driven by 57-year-old audio-technician in projects that would expand OFWs found living with HIV since the government began passive a dearth of rain and inadequate said. At least five public hospi- capacity. surveillance of the virus in 1984,” said ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto infrastructure. tals in the capital have started “We need an alternative wa- Bertiz 3rd. “I have learned to take a bath getting supplemental supplies ter source,” Patrick Ty, chief of OFWs now comprise 10% of the 63,278 confirmed cases listed in using only seven pitchers of from water tankers, as short- Metropolitan Waterworks and the National HIV/AIDS Registry as of January, Bertiz said. water,” Ricardo Bergado said ages had led at least one to limit Sewerage System, told ABS- Of the 6,345 OFWs in the registry, 86%, or 5,471, were male with as he lined up with his buckets. admissions. CBN television. the median age of 32 years. “I even save the bath water to “This is the worst (water Among the main projects in The 874 female OFWs in the registry had a median age of 34 flush our toilet.” shortage) we have experienced. the pipeline is the construc- years. The shortages started hit- It almost happened last year Residents of Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City, Manila, queue to tion of $355mn Kaliwa Dam, a The group said 72% of the male patients were infected by having ting late last week, with some but we were saved by heavy receive water. Chinese-funded project that ralations with men. areas in eastern Manila seeing rains brought by storms,” said met resistance from indigenous Bertiz said his group was counting on the Department of Labour the supplies of water into their Dittie Galang, Manila Water until July when monsoon rains voirs, one of which is at a two- peoples and church leaders for and Employment to deliver “highly improved support” to the homes being completely cut communications manager. are typically in full swing and decade low. its feared effects on communi- growing number of OFWs living with HIV. off. The disruption could last would replenish regional reser- Better known for flooding ties. Lawmakers named in ‘illegal’ drug trade list doubt veracity

By Glee Jalea relationship with God. I cannot fi cials in Quezon City. the personalities defended echoed Tanada, saying the Manila Times be a drug lord and receive the Other congressmen who were themselves from their al- public should not allow trial body of Christ everyday.‘That’s included in the narcolist were leged involvement in the ille- by publicity of those who were what the priest told me,” Veloso re-electionist Zambales 1st gal drug trade. In 2016, Veloso included in the list. day after President Ro- told Manila Times. District Rep. Jeff rey Khonghun was tagged as “protector” of “We cannot allow trial by drigo Duterte bared the Seeking a second term in and outgoing Pangasinan 1st self-confessed drug lord Ker- publicity especially com- Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino. Anames of politicians al- his congressional district in District Rep. Jesus Celeste. win Espinosa, but was able to ing during an election sea- legedly involved in the illegal the May 13 midterm elections, Celeste said in a news brief- refute such accusations that son where political violence drug trade, those on the “nar- Veloso reiterated that he had ing in Pangasinan on Thursday were supposedly based on in- heightens. colist” denied the allegation, been cleared by a regional di- that the list was “99% politi- sufficient evidence. When the list is out, it is with three lawmakers tagged as rector of the Philippine Drug cally motivated” but he would In the same year, Celeste now open season for politi- Bam seeks tax relief narcopoliticians appealing to Enforcement Agency (PDEA). “fi ght for his right for everyone was also allegedly involved in cal assassinations,” Villarin clear their side. He called the fi ling of admin- to know that his conscience is the drug trade when he was added. Among those who denied istrative charges by the De- clear.” still a mayor of Pangasinan. Duterte on Thursday during calamities Duterte’s accusation were Cip- partment of the Interior and Meanwhile, the son of Rep. Mayor Khonghun also belied evening revealed at least 46 riano Violago Jr, mayor of San Local Government (DILG) a Khonghun, Mayor Jeff erson his and his father’s involve- names of politicians allegedly Rafael, Bulacan; Erlon Agus- “welcome development” as he “Jay” Khonghun of Subic, Zam- ment in any illegal drug activ- involved in the illegal drug By Javier J Ismael rible natural disasters in the past tin, mayor of Camiling, Tar- would be given a chance to con- bales, who was also included ity back in 2017. trade. Manila Times years, from super typhoons to lac; Siegfred Betita, mayor of front the complainants. in the list, thanked their fam- Members of the opposition Those whom the president earthquakes and fl ash fl oods, we Carles, Iloilo; Jed Patrick Ma- He also sought to fi le a House ily’s supporters for believing in were also quick to counter the named also yesterday were saw the bayanihan spirit of every bilog, former Iloilo City mayor; resolution to ask for an inquiry them. release of Duterte’s narcolist, assured by the Philippine Na- enator Paolo Benigno Filipino eager to give their time Roderick Alcala, mayor of Lu- in aid of legislation to investi- “Thank you for all your sup- calling it a mere act of saving tional Police (PNP) of protec- “Bam” Aquino yesterday and resources to suff ering Fili- cena City, Quezon; Mamaulan gate the issue. port, love, and kind words, for a “fake” anti-drug campaign. tion against threats they might Sfi led a bill that seeks to pino families,” Aquino added. Abinal Mulok, mayor of Magu- But for House Speaker Gloria still believing in our family. You “The public shaming that the receive after the narcolist was exempt calamity victims from The re-electionist sena- ing, Lanao del Sur; Mayor Rob- Macapagal Arroyo, Veloso may are the ones who truly know us. government is resorting to is released to the public. paying real estate, business and tor stressed that the tax system erto Malijao Luna Jr, mayor of have a hearing in the exercise of Don’t worry, we will not disap- aimed to intimidate and con- “The PNP is giving assur- donor’s taxes for at least one needs to be re-evaluated to en- Lingig, Surigao del Sur; Jamal the oversight on the Dangerous point you,” he posted on Face- trol the local politicians in the ance to officials who were year. sure quick and effi cient recovery Jamal Abinal Pangandamun, Drugs Law instead, as the con- book. coming elections. This is also a named on the narcolist that we Aquino said areas aff ected by from disasters of calamity vic- vice mayor of Maguing, Lanao gressmen on the narcolist will Mayor Khonghun, who is mere show of bravado to make are ready to give them security calamity should be given tax re- tims. del Sur; and Rep. Jesus Celeste have to undergo “due process.” running for vice governor in the the people believe that the war if it is proven that they have lief for at least one year to enable “As such, this measure seeks of the First District of Pangasi- “One of them asked if he province, had posted a Face- on drugs is working. It is not,” high level of threats against aff ected businesses and families to relieve our countrymen af- nan. could fi le a resolution for a book Live video on Wednesday according to Magdalo Rep. their life,” Senior Supt. to recover from fi nancial losses. fected by terrible distress of the Mabilog made the denial hearing in aid of legislation. He night dispelling rumours of his Gary Alejano, a candidate Bernard Banac, PNP In fi ling Senate Bill 653, “Pro- burden of taxes to encourage a through his wife Marivic. may have a hearing not in aid and his father’s inclusion prior for senator of the Otso Diretso spokesman, also told reporters viding For Tax Relief in Times quicker recovery,” Aquino said. Leyte 3rd District Rep Vice- of legislation but in exercise of to the release of Duterte’s list. opposition slate. in a news briefing. of Calamity,” the lawmaker said He also called for the suspen- nte “Ching” Veloso told Manila the oversight on the Dangerous “My father taught me not to Fellow candidates Quezon Banac said the PNP is still the measure adds to the various sion of payment of real property Times in a phone interview that Drugs Law. So of course, it is entertain these rumours any- Rep. Erin Tañada and former conducting validation of other initiatives of government, civil tax in the calamity-stricken area he was a “devout Catholic” who his right to ask for a hearing in more… he is a congressman, solicitor general Florin Hilbay elected officials, who might be society and the private sector to for two fi scal years, starting from could never be a protector of Congress as well,” Arroyo told I am a mayor, my brother is a also slammed the release, involved in illegal drug activi- strengthen resilience to adver- the date of declaration of calam- drug lords. reporters in a chance interview board member. Why would claiming that charges should ties. sity and invigorate the spirit of ity. “How credible is that list?… yesterday on the sidelines of an we do such thing when we all be filed only when sufficient The DILG already filed bayanihan ingrained in the col- Any donation for the victims Everyday, I hear Mass. Every- inspection of water pipes with have families to care for and evidence was found against charges against the 46 local lective heart of Filipinos. of the calamity shall also be ex- day, I receive communion. I’m a Metropolitan Manila Water- protect?” he said in the video. those on the narcolist. officials before the Office of “As we faced a number of ter- empted from donor’s tax. devout Catholic. I have a serious works and Sewerage System of- This is not the first time that Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin the Ombudsman. Gulf Times 14 Saturday, March 16, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka What Europe’s populist Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko Production Editor Amjad Khan right is getting right P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] By Mitchell A Orenstein 44350478 (News), Philadelphia 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) n March 20, the European People’s Party, the conserva- 44350474 tive bloc in the European Par- facebook.com/gulftimes Oliament, will decide whether to expel Hungary’s ruling party, Fidesz. twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar The EPP has been slow to censure Fidesz and Hungary’s autocratic prime minister, Viktor Orban, for its assault on democracy and rule of law. Yet, Orban’s Western critics have been equally slow GULF TIMES to understand the social and economic policies that underpin his popularity. Consider the bold set of family policies that Orban announced on February 10. So far, the verdict in the College admissions West on these policies, which are aimed at addressing the country’s low fertility rate and further reducing immigration, has been thunderously negative and scandal in US is just all but blind to their eff ectiveness in entrenching Orban’s support among Hungarian voters. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban: keen to connect his nationalist message to generous and popular social policies tip of the iceberg Western analysts fail to recognise that authoritarian nationalists such 21,000 new subsidised childcare places. public defi cit has fallen, not risen. Consider the lifetime income-tax as Orban win support not only by Leading Western media, analysts, and Rather, these policies have stimulated exemption for women with four or more So it turns out helicopter parents with money to attacking immigrants, but also by politicians have been almost universally economic growth while dramatically children. The primary benefi ciaries of burn can create a hot mess in the college and university delivering economic policies that critical of the plan, thereby falling right reducing child poverty and increasing this program will be women who work, admissions process. benefi t average people. Mainstream into Orban’s trap. The Economist, a school enrolment. because those with no income will gain Who knew? political parties in the West need to longtime advocate of the free-market Although free-market attacks on no advantage. In two-parent families Most American parents with high school-age students learn this economic lesson fast if they economic policies that have impoverished bold new social programmes are no where both partners have similar or want to compete against their own many in Eastern Europe while producing surprise, some of the sharpest criticism equal earning potential, it may make understand the college-entry scandal that led to 50 populist challengers. great wealth for a few and higher living of Orban’s policies has come from the sense for the woman to work tax-free, arrests on Tuesday is just the tip of the iceberg in a system Orban is keen to connect his standards for a middle-class minority, left. Progressives strongly dislike the or run the family business, while the rife with elitism. The only shocking aspect of the story nationalist message to generous predictably criticised Orban’s plan for fact that many of his proposals target man stays at home with the children. was just how low wealthy and celebrity parents were and popular social policies, while being too expensive. The new measures women in a way that seems to advance a Likewise, giving grandparents willing to go to get their underperforming darlings entry encouraging Hungarian women are “unlikely to give birth to a baby boom” conservative, pro-family agenda. childrearing benefi ts helps women into prestigious colleges and universities in America. and families to have more children. and could “swell an economy that is close To The Guardian’s Afua Hirsch, for to enter the labour force. So does The Justice Department investigation should be just Hungary’s current fertility rate of 1.45 to overheating, and infl ate house prices.” example, “the idea that assistance subsidised childcare. And although the children per female is below replacement Journalist Adam Taylor echoed for those in poverty is conditional on new loan programmes do encourage the start. State and federal lawmakers must next examine rate. And its population has been these sentiments in The Washington obedient reproduction is verging on women to have children, they also may ways to level the playing field. shrinking since 1989, mirroring declines Post, arguing that Orban’s policies will the dystopian.” Similarly, Princeton enable them to buy a home. In short, The challenge is massive, especially in a private in other former communist countries “barely move the needle on birthrate professor Kim Lane Scheppele, these policies provide state support for university world highly dependent on wealthy donors. The that used to provide extensive social and may represent a poor return on interviewed on Public Radio women’s unpaid labour. inequity of a system deceptively billed as a meritocracy is support to families. investment.” We have heard this same International, warned that, “Women Like it or not, some of Europe’s boldest appalling. The plan’s centrepiece is a lifetime Western critique for decades: helping are going to bear the burden of Orban’s new social-policy initiatives are coming The favouritism exemption from personal income tax people is too expensive and does not failed economic policies.” And Swedish from its most illiberal governments. The negative reactions of mainstream opinion exacerbates America’s for women who bear and raise four work, paying for houses will only make Social Aff airs Minister Annika Strandhall The favouritism or more children (Orban and his wife them pricier, and it’s better to rely on said that, “This kind of policy will harm leaders in the West show how unprepared growing economic have fi ve). This and other policies in markets than on public policies. the autonomy for which women have they are to do battle with Orban and exacerbates divide, rewarding the new package will have a real impact But Orban’s critics ignore the struggled for decades.” others for voters’ hearts and minds. The those families who on all families in Hungary. Women examples of Poland and Russia, which These analysts are right that Orban’s populist right is pressing the rhetoric America’s can buy admission at under 40 who marry for the fi rst time also have implemented natalist policies policies are designed to encourage and policies of social democracy into the the expense of those and have worked for at least three in recent years. Russia’s fertility rate is women to marry, buy houses, bear service of authoritarian nationalism. If growing who can’t. For every years will be eligible for a $36,000 up to 1.75 children per female, from a low more children, and stay in Hungary. the West cannot see or understand the appeal of this, it will be unable to fi ght undeserving student “childbearing” loan at a discounted of 1.17 in 1999, partly owing to a grant But their criticism misses the mark economic divide rate, which will be forgiven as they have programme for new parents. Poland, too, in important ways. Overall, these back. – Project Syndicate who gains admission to a children. Larger families can apply for has achieved higher birth rates since 2015 proposals are not coercive. Nor do prestigious school there is an accomplished child who had an $9,000 government grant toward the after introducing the massive Family they seek to keep women barefoot and Mitchell A Orenstein is Professor of the door slammed in his or her face, denying a rightful purchase of a seven-seat automobile. 500+ initiative, which enables parents homebound. Instead, Orban’s plan is Russian and East European Studies and opportunity for advancement. Grandparents taking care of children to pay for school supplies, clothes, and designed to help women manage their Political Science at the University of The focus on Tuesday was on Hollywood actresses will be eligible for leave from work and vacations. Both schemes were criticised work-life balance. For that, it should be Pennsylvania and Senior Fellow of the Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin and the dozen or so benefi ts. And the government will create as being too expensive, but Poland’s celebrated, not excoriated. Foreign Policy Research Institute. Bay Area parents who were also charged in the scheme. Social media had a field day with posts condemning the extent of their outrageous acts. But their behaviour was only a symptom of a much greater disease: The cut-throat nature of the college and university admissions system encourages parents to go to The AI governance challenge greater and greater lengths to give their kids an edge. For example, pricey club sports are designed specifically must develop strong linkages with their to give children a better chance of winning an athletic By Alissa Amico Paris ultimate users, and governments must scholarship. Travelling soccer, baseball, volleyball and make explicit the extent to which they basketball programs charge parents thousands of dollars are committed to protecting citizens a year to increase the odds their children will be “seen” n the sidelines of the last from potentially damaging technologies. by a Division 1 coach of a prestigious university - to World Economic Forum Indeed, a system of shared responsibility provide privileged kids a greater chance for admission meeting in Davos, Singapore’s for AI will amount to a litmus test for the through sports for which they might not qualify through Ominister of communications broader “stakeholder capitalism” model and information quietly announced under discussion today. academics. the launch of the world’s fi rst national Public versus private is not the only Another example: Parents spend thousands of dollars framework for governing artifi cial tension with which we must grapple. on private consultants who “help” students prepare their intelligence. While the global media As Francis Fukuyama once pointed resumes, write their essays and tutor them on how to have glossed over this announcement, out, “as modern technology unfolds, take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The college prep its signifi cance reaches well beyond the it shapes national economies in a market is a $12bn industry. borders of Singapore or the Swiss town coherent fashion, interlocking them in The College Board that organises and administers where it was made. It is an example that A screen displays a Vaak employee handling a product in a mock store while a vast global economy.” At a time when the rest of the world urgently should demonstrating the company’s shoplifting-detection system in Tokyo. Vaak, a technology and data are fl owing freely the SAT admitted in 2017 that students who can afford follow – and build upon. Japanese startup, has developed artificial intelligence software that hunts for across borders, the power of national academic tutors register an average gain of more than 100 Over the last few years, Singapore’s potential shoplifters, using footage from security cameras for fidgeting, policies to manage AI may be limited. points on their scores. government, through the state-led AI restlessness and other potentially suspicious body language. As attempts at Internet governance And then there are the parents who can afford to write Singapore initiative, has been working have shown, creating a supranational big donation checks to gain their children immediate to position the country to become the manipulation of data collected by AI.” Whereas Singapore’s guidelines are entity to govern AI will be challenging, favour. Or the “legacy” parents who were privileged world’s leader in the AI sector. And it is governments and companies to enable focused on building consumer confi dence owing to confl icting political imperatives. enough to attend an elite school and pass on that privilege making solid progress: Singapore – along these applications creates risks far and ensuring compliance with data- In 1998, the US-based Internet with Shanghai and Dubai – attracted greater than those associated with treatment standards, the European model Corporation for Assigned Names and to their children. the most AI-related investment in past data-privacy scandals – and aspires to shape the creation of human- Numbers (ICANN) was established to A study of Harvard University revealed that legacy the world last year. According to one reputational that governments and centric AI with an ethical purpose. protect the Internet as a public good, by students made up a third of its admissions, and that recent estimate, AI investment should corporations have not internalised. Yet neither Singapore’s AI governance ensuring, through database maintenance, legacy students had an acceptance rate five times higher enable Singapore to double the size of its As another McKinsey report notes, framework nor the EU’s preliminary the stability and security of the network’s than non-legacy applicants. economy in 13 years, instead of 22. “realising AI’s potential to improve social guidelines address one of the most operation. Yet about half of the world’s The main difference between these parents and the Of course, AI’s impact extends globally. welfare will not happen organically.” fundamental questions about AI Internet users still experience online ones arrested on Tuesday is that one method of gaining According to a recent McKinsey report, Success will require “structural governance: where does ownership of the censorship. The sky-high stakes of AI will AI could add up to 16% to global GDP interventions from policymakers AI sector, and responsibility for it and its compound the challenge of establishing a favouritism is legal and the other isn’t. - Tribune News growth by 2030. Given this potential, combined with a greater commitment related technologies, actually lie? This supranational entity, as leaders will need Service the competition for AI investment and from industry participants.” As much as question raises the fundamental issue to address similar – and potentially even innovation is heating up, with the United governments and policymakers may want of responsibility for AI, and whether it thornier – political issues. States and China predictably leading the to delay such action, the risks of doing delivers enormous social progress or Masayoshi Son, CEO of the Japanese To Advertise way. Yet, until now, no government or so – including to their own reputation – introduces a Kafkaesque system of data multinational conglomerate SoftBank and supranational body has sought to develop must not be underestimated. appropriation and manipulation. an enthusiastic investor in AI, recently [email protected] the governance mechanisms needed to In fact, at a time when many countries The EU guidelines promise that “a said that his company seeks “to develop Display maximise AI’s potential and manage its face a crisis of trust and confi dence in mechanism will be put in place that aff ectionate robots that can make people risks. government, strengthening AI-related enables all stakeholders to formally smile.” To achieve that goal, governments 44466621 44418811 This is not because governments governance is in many ways as important endorse and sign up to the Guidelines on a and the private sector need to conceive consider AI governance trivial, but as addressing failures in corporate voluntary basis.” Singapore’s framework, robust collaborative models to govern Classified because doing so requires policymakers or political governance. After all, as which also remains voluntary, does critical AI today. The outcome of this eff ort 44466609 44418811 and corporations to open a Pandora’s Google CEO Sundar Pichai put it in 2018, not address the issue at all, though the will determine whether humankind will box of questions. Consider AI’s social “AI is one of the most important things recommendations are clearly aimed at the prevail in creating AI technologies that will Subscription impact, which is much more diffi cult to humanity is working on. It is more profound corporate sector. benefi t us without destroying us. quantify – and mitigate, when needed – than, I don’t know, electricity or fi re.” If AI is to deliver social progress, – Project Syndicate [email protected] than its economic eff ects. Of course, AI The European Commission seems to responsibility for its governance will applications in sectors like health care be among the few actors that recognise need to be shared between the public and Alissa Amico is Managing Director of can yield major social benefi ts. However, this, having issued, at the end of last year, private sectors. To this end, corporations GOVERN, the Economic and Corporate © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved the potential for the mishandling or “draft ethics guidelines for a trustworthy developing or investing in AI applications Governance Center. Gulf Times Saturday, March 16, 2019 15 COMMENT Picking up the pieces after Hanoi

By Richard N Haass to take meaningful steps toward New York denuclearisation. So what are the alternatives? Using even limited military force risks hen last month’s summit escalation, a costly war from which between US President no one would benefi t, and a crisis in Donald Trump and North relations between the US and South WKorean leader Kim Jong- Korea. And, given North Korea’s un ended without a deal, the result was demonstrated resilience, existing or not surprising. One or both countries even additional sanctions alone are came to Hanoi with a misunderstanding highly unlikely to be enough to coerce of what was possible. its leaders into abandoning their The United States maintained nuclear programme. that North Korea wanted nearly all Moreover, no matter how much international sanctions lifted upfront pressure is brought to bear on North and was not prepared to give up enough Korea, China and Russia will likely of its nuclear facilities to warrant doing do whatever is necessary to ensure so. North Korean offi cials explained its survival, given their strategic that they were prepared to dismantle interest in avoiding a reunifi ed Korean the country’s main facility, the Peninsula aligned with the US. Hopes Yongbyon Nuclear Scientifi c Research that North Korea will collapse under its Center, “permanently and completely,” own weight are thus unrealistic. but only in exchange for a considerable Trump seems to harbour the equally reduction in existing sanctions. unrealistic notion that North Korea The anticlimax in Hanoi was perhaps will voluntarily give up its nuclear the inevitable result of a process in weapons in order to become the next which the two leaders dominated, Asian economic tiger. But while Kim optimistic about their personal wants sanctions relief, fundamental relationship and confi dent in their economic reform would threaten abilities. Senior offi cials and other staff his tight grip on power, and giving members, who normally devote weeks up his nuclear weapons and missiles This file photo taken on April 8, 2012 shows two North Korean soldiers standing guard in front of the Unha-3 rocket at at the Sohae Satellite Launch Station and months to preparing for such would make North Korea and himself in Tongchang-Ri. Activity has been detected at a North Korean long-range rocket site suggesting Pyongyang may be pursuing the “rapid rebuilding” of a test summits, had but a limited role. vulnerable. He has taken note of facility after the collapse of the Hanoi summit. The question is what to do now. what happened to Ukraine, which One option is to try to negotiate a voluntarily relinquished its Soviet-era suspended; we would be back to where must begin with accepting the reality of the relevant facilities and agree to as the world could be confi dent that compromise: either more dismantling nuclear weapons in the early 1990s, as we were two years ago but with an that complete and fully verifi able verifi cation by international inspectors. North Korea was not developing new of nuclear infrastructure in exchange well as to Iraq’s Saddam Hussain and overlay of recrimination and mistrust. denuclearisation is not a realistic In exchange, North Korea would capabilities to replace those it was for more sanctions relief, or less Libya’s Moammar Gaddafi . Even absent such developments, prospect any time soon. It need not receive the sort of substantial abandoning. The US could specify dismantling in exchange for less relief. The status quo, however, is drift is not desirable. North Korea could and should not be abandoned as a sanctions relief it sought in Hanoi. which sites, in addition to Yongbyon, Although one of these approaches no solution. The current testing use the passage of time to increase long-term goal, but it cannot dominate There could also be an end to the state need to be dismantled. may prove possible, either outcome moratorium could end; indeed, the number of nuclear weapons in its near-term policy. An all-or-nothing of war that has existed for the past Even this less ambitious approach would be less than ideal. Simply North Korea is threatening to arsenal and make some improvements policy toward North Korea will result seven decades, and liaison offi ces could would likely prove extraordinarily agreeing to give up individual resume tests and there is evidence to its warheads and delivery systems in nothing. be opened in Washington, DC, and diffi cult. But, given the high stakes and nuclear facilities is not the same as it is reconstituting its principal without overt testing. There is a big So it makes sense to explore a phased Pyongyang. But full sanctions relief unattractive alternatives in dealing denuclearisation. Indeed, it does missile-testing site. This may be a diff erence between a North Korea approach. In an initial phase, North and diplomatic normalisation would with North Korea, any viable route to not necessarily even get us closer to bid to encourage the US to show more armed with a handful of ineffi cient Korea would agree to freeze not just come only with full denuclearisation. a settlement that ensures long-term denuclearisation, because facilities fl exibility, or the North may actually warheads and inaccurate missiles and the testing of its systems, but also This might well be too much for stability is worth pursuing. – Project could be built or expanded as others be preparing to restart testing – a one with dozens of advanced weapons the production of nuclear material, North Korea, arguably the world’s Syndicate are being dismantled. Precisely this step that would likely lead the US to that could be mounted on accurate nuclear weapons, and long-range most closed society. If so, the bulk of currently seems to be occurring. resume large-scale military exercises long-range missile systems capable of missiles. This would require the North the sanctions need to remain in place; Richard N Haass is president of Meanwhile, lifting sanctions with South Korea and push for new reaching the US. Korean authorities to provide a detailed they would be lifted only in proportion the Council on Foreign Relations and removes the pressure on North Korea sanctions. Talks would likely be At this point, any realistic policy accounting (a so-called declaration) to any dismantling – and only so long author of A World in Disarray. LEGAL HELPLINE Three-day forecast

TODAY Maximum Temperature : 260c Dissolving a limited liability company Minimum Temperature : 170c SUNDAY Maximum Temperature : 280c Minimum Temperature : 170c By Dr Nizar Kochery was known to the tenant at the employed by any other employer or any kind of permission from the Doha time of contracting or which the employ any person not recruited by current employer? The chance MONDAY tenant could have detected if he them. Notwithstanding the above, of getting an approval from the Maximum Temperature : 240c had inspected the leased property the competent authority may also employer is slim. Please advise. Minimum Temperature : 170c Question: Our company is in with reasonable care, unless the authorise any expatriate to work Fisherman's forecast huge loss and almost all our tenant proves that the landlord has on a part-time basis for another ZM, Doha capital is lost. We are unable to confirmed that the leased property employer out of his working hours, WARNING Inshore : Expected poor visibility invest further. Out of the four is free of such defects or that he provided that the recruiter agrees A: If the employment contract has at some places at first partners, two left the country fraudulently concealed it. thereto in writing. The approval of not been renewed and the parties Offshore : Expected thunder rain and decided not to come back. the Ministry of Labour and Social thereto continue to abide by it after associated with strong Can we leave the company as it Affairs shall be also required. expiry of its duration without an ex- wind and high sea by Approval needed for late night is? We owe money to creditors. plicit agreement, the contract shall WEATHER Can we liquidate the company part-time work be renewed for unlimited duration Inshore : Misty to foggy at by the available partners? Please Job change with with the same conditions. Now the places at first becomes moderate temperature advise. govt permission employment contract has become daytime. Q: I am working in a company an unlimited contract after the fixed Offshore : P cloudy to cloudy at HS, Doha since 2017 and now I got an offer period. As per the entry, exit and times with chance of scattered rain at some for a part-time job. Being in this Q: I am working in a contracting residence law, the employee can places by night Answer: A limited liability com- employment, can I engage in company since 2012. I signed a change the job with the permission WIND pany may be dissolved in accord- part-time jobs? Please advise. two-year contract at the time of the government, either after the Inshore : Northeasterly-South- easterly 07-17 KT ance with its Articles of Association of joining and after that I have expiry of the contract or after five Offshrore : Southeasterly-North- by way of a unanimous General SN, Doha not signed any contracts. Given years of service with the employee. easterly 08-18/23 KT Assembly Resolution approving to understand that as per the In such a case, there is no require- Visibility : 4-8/2 KM the dissolution of the company A: As per Article 23 of the Entry, present law, employees can ment of a no-objection certificate Offshore : 3-5/7 FT and appointing a liquidator (the Exit and Residence Law, no natural transfer their jobs easily to an- from the previous employer. Around the region “Liquidator”) to execute the liq- or legal person shall permit any other company. Is it possible for Weather Weather uidation process. Article (298) of expatriates who were recruited me to transfer my job without Please send your questions to today tomorrow Max/min the Company Law stipulates that by them for employment, to be any issues? Do I need to obtain [email protected] Max/min Showers 18/11 if the losses of a Limited Liability Baghdad M Sunny 24/11 Cloudy 24/12 Company reached half the capital, Kuwait CitySunny 24/15 S T Storms 26/17 the directors should, within 30 days Manama Sunny 26/19 LEGAL SYSTEM IN QATAR M Sunny 32/24 since reaching this loss limit, raise Muscat M Sunny 27/22 S Showers 13/07 to the general assembly the matter Tehran Sunny 16/07 of capital recovery or dissolving the According to Article 247 of the the criminal action. company. For issuing the decision of Criminal Procedure Code, the Public If the suspect who objected the dissolving the company, the major- Prosecution may, in the case of mis- criminal order present at the hear- ity which is needed to amend the demeanours in which the law does ing, the case shall be conducted company’s contract is required. If not impose a sentence of imprison- following the normal hearing pro- the directors neglected calling the ment, and if it considers that the cedures. The court may adjudge, partners, or a decision could not be crime pursuant to its circumstances within the prescribed penalty, a issued in this respect, the directors is enough to be penalised by fine in penalty which is more severe than or partners, as the case may be, are addition to the complementary pen- the penalty decided by the criminal considered to be jointly responsi- alties and fees, it may request the order. If the suspect failed to appear ble for the company’s obligations judge of the misdemeanours court before the court, the criminal order resulting from their negligence. having jurisdiction to hear the case shall remain in force, final and en- to impose the penalty on the suspect forceable, and shall end the criminal according to a criminal order issued action. upon request which is based on the According to Article 254, if a Around the world Liability for defects minutes of collected inferences or criminal order is issued against Weather Weather in leased property other evidences without investiga- multiple suspects and they object to today Max/min tomorrow Max/min tion or hearing of pleas. it, and some of them attend on the Athens Sunny 19/09 Sunny 21/10 If the judge considers that the case day specified for hearing whereas Beirut Rain 14/13 M Sunny 18/13 Q: We have entered into a lease cannot be determined in its current some others do not, the case shall be Bangkok S T Storms 33/27 M Sunny 34/27 contract without having proper state, or without investigation or decided by the normal procedures Berlin Rain 09/06 S Showers 13/03 inspection on the property. The pleading, or that the incident as per for those who attend. The order Cairo Cloudy 21/11 Sunny 24/11 agent we appointed has con- its circumstances requires the impo- shall be final and enforceable for any Cape Town M Sunny 22/14 M Sunny 20/17 firmed that the property is in sition of a more severe penalty than The objection shall be made by way absent suspect. Colombo S T Storms 32/24 S T Storms 31/24 good condition. But later on, fine, the court may refuse to issue an of a report in the court clerk’s office If, upon execution, the suspect Dhaka M Sunny 34/23 Sunny 34/23 we noticed that there are many order. The judge shall issue the order within three days from the date of claims that the right to object Hong Kong Sunny 19/17 M Sunny 21/18 defects in the building which re- of rejection in writing. The appeal issuance of the order. the order is still applicable on the Istanbul M Sunny 13/09 M Sunny 16/08 quires immediate maintenance. of such decision or the request for The clerk shall specify in the ground that he was not notified of it, Jakarta T Storm 32/24 T Storm 31/24 We requested the landlord for issuance of a new order shall not be objection report the day of the court or for some other reasons, or that he Karachi M Sunny 31/19 Sunny 31/19 maintenance but he refused. In permitted. hearing. The objecting party shall be was not able to attend the specified London Cloudy 13/04 P Cloudy 10/03 such a situation, can we termi- As per Article 252, the public notified to attend on this day. The hearing due to a compelling reason, Manila P Cloudy 32/25 Sunny 34/26 nate the lease contract and claim prosecution may object to the order prosecution shall summon the wit- or if some other issue appears in Moscow Cloudy 02/-1 Cloudy 03/01 compensation from the land- of acquittal issued by the judge, or nesses to attend on the said specified the execution, then such issue shall New Delhi M Cloudy 27/14 Sunny 28/14 lord? Please advise. to a mistake in the application of the day subject to the dates decided for be submitted to the judge having New York P Cloudy 11/0 Sunny 07/0 law. The person against whom the requiring attendance. As a conse- jurisdiction to decide on the issue Paris P Cloudy 16/07 Showers 11/03 SV, Doha order has been issued may appeal, if quent of objection, the criminal without pleading. If it is impos- Sao Paulo I T Storms 27/20 S T Storms 28/20 it was issued by the judge with a fine order shall be cancelled and consid- sible to decide upon the issue or do Seoul P Cloudy 09/-1 Sunny 12/-2 A: According to Article 603 of the that exceeds QR500 and expenses, or ered as not having been issued. If the so without investigation or plead- Singapore T Storm 32/26 P Cloudy 34/25 Civil laws, the landlord shall not by the Public Prosecution with a fine criminal order is not objected, then ing, then a day shall be fixed for the Sydney Rain 22/19 Showers 22/18 be liable for any defect permis- that exceeds QR300 and expenses. the order shall be final and shall end hearing of the issue. Tokyo Rain 13/06 Cloudy 12/05 sible by practice or any defect that Gulf Times 16 Saturday, March 16, 2019 QATAR New traffi c signage system to make driving safer, easier

By Peter Alagos “It is the fi rst comprehensive, Business Reporter countrywide eff ort to upgrade Qatar’s signage standards to the best international standards. ith the expected infl ux And there is now an eff ort from of many tourists for Ashghal considering the fact that Wthe 2022 FIFA World there are so many roads opening Cup, Ashghal’s newly launched across the country,” he pointed ‘Directional Sign Strategy’, will out. not only make travel in Qatar He added: “If you miss an exit, easier but will also make driv- it would take a longer distance to ing safer for motorists, an offi cial go back, so the purpose is also to of an international consultancy make the route effi cient for mo- fi rm has said. torists by preventing them from “The objective of the initia- missing the exits. This makes tive is to enhance the safety of travel time shorter and safer for the driver because in some of both passengers and drivers.” the roads, motorists can only see Adams stressed that the project the sign at the exit, so they don’t is a system based on international Parsons International president Garold Adams speaking at the have enough distance to make standards, so that visitors will launch of Ashghal’s newly launched ‘Directional Sign Strategy’. a decision,” said Garold Adams, be able to comprehend and eas- PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam the president of Parsons Interna- ily use the signage programme. tional, which was tapped by Pub- “Considering that Qatar is ex- to ensure them,” Adams stressed. the end of the year, we expect all lic Works Authority (Ashghal) for pecting millions of tourists to On the project’s countrywide zones to be covered. We’re sur- the project. arrive for the FIFA World Cup in implementation, Adams said the veying every single sign on the “Now, at least we have three 2022, it is important to give them fi rst priority would be the free- roads in Qatar and we’re creat- signs before the exit from 1.5km With the new signage programme, motorists will now have enough time and clearer directions to take the proper guidance to the stadiums ways across Qatar, the design ing a database. We are checking to 1km and then another 500m, proper lane and avoid changing at the last minute. and other touristic destinations of which is expected to be com- the existing signs with the new so the driver will have enough in the country. pleted by the end of April. “The standards, modifying them, and time and directions to take the Times. Adams said Parsons In- programme of the country and ing top-grade materials, place- Without a proper signage sys- city of Doha was divided into four adding more signs based on the proper lane and avoid changing ternational is comprehensively unifying and upgrading it to the ment, and way-fi nding tech- tem, these tourists won’t have zones, depending on the popula- new signage programme,” he at the last minute,” he told Gulf looking at the entire signage highest standards, as well as us- niques, among others. the best experience that we want tion and the traffi c volume … by added. QIBS awards winners of 2019 edition Ride of Champions

rganisers of the 6th Qa- tar International Boat OShow (QIBS), AlMan- nai Plus Events, presented top awards to the winners of 2019 edition at a gala dinner hosted at Mondrian Doha. Best Stand Presentation Award was won by Speed Ma- rine; the Best Shipyard Par- ticipation award went to No- biskrug GmbH; the Best Marina Developer Award was received by Qatar Free Zones Authority while the Featured Participation Award was won by Coast Guard, Ministry of Interior, and Rafco Marine. Mazen Taha, Mohamed AlKhodary and Elena Chiki- na were presented Best Em- An award being presented at the QIBS gala dinner. ployee Achievement Award. The awards were presented by pating companies and guests. hibitors and the sponsors as per ter Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Khalid Issa al-Mannai, chair- Dalis in his address thanked all the company’s tradition at the bin Khalifa al-Thani, has been man AlMannai Plus Events and the participating companies closing ceremony today at the organising QIBS for the last six Loay Dalis, CEO, AlMannai including exhibitors, sponsors VIP Zone in The Pearl-Qatar. years. The 2019 QIBS was inau- Plus Events. Present at the gala and supporters. AlMannai Plus Event, under gurated by HE the Minister of dinner were a large number of He said that QIBS will be ac- the patronage of HE the Prime Commerce and Industry Ali bin diplomats, dignitaries, partici- knowledging participating ex- Minister and Interior Minis- Ahmed al-Kuwari, on March 12. The Ooredoo Ride of Champions, was held at Ceremonial Court of Qatar Foundation yesterday by Qatar Cycling Centre, the off icially recognised cycling centre under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. This was the third year of the event, which included five diff erent distances for Qumra opens, welcoming cinema all fitness levels. professionals from over 32 nations

he fi fth edition of Qum- in the Arab world. Elia Sulei- in post-production. There are can production designer Eugenio ra, Doha Film Institute’s man, artistic adviser at DFI, said: 15 fi ctions, 11 documentary fea- Caballero, winner of the Grand T(DFI) one-of-a-kind “Qumra is a fantastic initiative tures and 10 shorts. Of the 36 Jury prize at the 2014 Cannes initiative that seeks to provide and each year it gets bigger and projects, 26 are recipients of the Film Festival, Italian writer and mentorship, nurturing, and better.” Doha Film Institute’s Grants director Alice Rohrwacher; pro- hands-on development for the Over six days, Qumra’s new programme. lifi c Japanese director and writer next generation of fi lmmak- fi lmmaker delegates will take Day one of Qumra also saw the Kiyoshi Kurosawa; Polish auteur ers from Qatar and around the part in bespoke industry ses- fi rst Qumra Masters screening– Pawel Pawlikowski; and a spe- world, opened yesterday. sions designed to progress their a showcase of fi lms presented cial masterclass honouring the DFI CEO Fatma Hassan al- projects and prepare them for by this year’s Qumra Masters. French new wave Master Agnes Remaihi, welcomed more than international markets, in ad- A packed audience enjoyed a Varda. 150 delegates including fi lm- dition to the masterclasses and screening of 2019 Qumra Master The second day of Qumra makers and industry profession- mentoring sessions by the Qum- Agnes Varda’s The Gleaners and 2019 will host the fi rst Qumra als from over 32 countries to the ra Masters. I – a documentary about French Talk with Franklin Leonard, the six-day event that will support There are 15 Qumra projects subcultures by the French New renowned fi lm development ex- the development of 36 projects by Qatar-based talent, including Wave cinema legend. ecutive and founder and CEO in various stages of development eight fi lms by Qatari nationals, Throughout the six-day ini- of The Black List – an innova- by fi rst- and second-time fi lm- driving Qumra’s mission to ex- tiative, the Qumra Masters share tive network that has connected makers from 19 countries. pand support for the develop- their experience with the fi lm- more than 400 scripts with buy- Speaking to delegates and the ment of home-grown emerging makers behind the 36 projects ers and distributors – at 5pm. fi lmmakers behind the Qumra fi lmmakers. supported by DFI, providing The second Qumra Masters Projects at a meet-and-greet While six of the Qatar-based invaluable feedback by drawing screening – Guillermo del Toro’s event at the Museum of Islamic projects are works-in-progress, on their own inspiring journeys Pan’s Labyrinth – takes place at One of the artists briefing Dr al-Sulaiti and other dignitaries about the works on show. Art, Alremaihi highlighted the the others are in development through the cinematic world in 7pm. 2019 Qumra Master Eu- importance of initiatives like stage. Qumra Masterclasses. genio Caballero won the Acad- Qumra in helping to bring bold In all, 18 projects are in de- 2019 Qumra Masters include emy Award in Production Design Katara hosts exhibitions on Islamic arts and decorations new voices to cinema, especially velopment and 18 projects are Academy Award-winning Mexi- for the fi lm. Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation has inaugurated two art exhibitions, which shed light on Islamic arts and decorations, at buildings 22 and 5. The works of Qatari lady artists Moza al-Kuwari, Noura al- Bouanain, Naeema al-Hail, and Mona al-Asmakh will be on show until March 28. The exhibitions combine the Arabic gilded calligraphy in a unique way. There are 12 paintings that include some verses of the Holy Qur’an. The gilding method was used by Muslim artists and was a popular way of decorating calligraphy on Two of the artworks on display. walls. Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, presented a very significant art awareness about the beauty who inaugurated the exhibition, from the Islamic history. of Islam and the meanings of DFI officials with a group of Qumra delegates at the Museum of Islamic Art yesterday. stated that the young artists have “The exhibitions would raise tolerance and peace,” he added.