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Tuesday 13 June 2017 | 18 Ramadan 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7191 | 2 Riyals
It is quite difficult for us, the generation that built the GCC 37 Qatar capable of years ago, to see the divisions among its members that may not end well.Almost four decades ago, I lived the first moments of building the GCC and this is why I cannot stand silent without withstanding any trying to mediate for the rapprochement among the brothers. It is a duty that I cannot walk away from. No matter how difficult the efforts, I will do my best to mediate among the brothers." economic shock Kuwait Emir H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.
Washington FM: Qatar does not QNA Qatar Airways urges UN accept commands inister of Finance from abroad H E Ali Shareef Al Emadi said that the action against blockade FOREIGN MINISTER H E Sheikh State of Qatar is Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al capable of with- Thani stressed that the State of Mstanding any economic shock in United Nations aviation body should Qatar Airways reported a 21.7 percent rise in Qatar still does not know the rea- light of the diplomatic crisis declare Gulf Arab measures against net profit in its last financial year that ended sons that prompted the Kingdom between Qatar and some Gulf "Qatar is a very strong AQatari air traffic as illegal, the Chief in March, fueled by a strategy of investment of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab states, adding that Doha will not economy and it's a big Executive of Qatar Airways said in comments and expansion. Emirates, and the Kingdom of be the only loser in this crisis. to CNN published yesterday, after some Arab Bahrain to Boycott it. He stressed The Minister said during an economy. And I think states cut ties with Doha in a diplomatic row. that Qatar does not accept any interview with CNBC Network: Akbar Al Baker criticised Saudi Arabia, dictations from abroad when it "Sometimes a lot of people think that if we're going to lose a the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for comes to taking measures against we're the only one to lose in this. I dollar they will lose a closing their airspace to Qatari flights a week the illegal blockade enforced on don't think so. Qatar is a very strong ago. He appealed to the International Civil Qatar. The Foreign Minister was economy and it's a big economy. And dollar also." Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency speaking at a press conference I think if we're going to lose a dollar H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi, which administers the Chicago convention held in Paris yesterday. they will lose a dollar also." that guarantees civil overflights. →Full report on page 3 Responding to a question about the Minister of Finance. “We have legal channels to object to this,” fears of shortage in food supplies, he said. “ICAO... should heavily get involved, Ali Sherif Al Emadi said: "We bring put their weight behind this to declare this food previously even, you know as down concerns about the collapse an illegal act.” Shipments with far as Brazil and Australia. That was of Qatar's financial markets after the The UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have "It is actually a travesty around 300 contain- even before this embargo happened. Doha index fell by 7.1 percent last signed the convention. Baker said 18 desti- of civilised behaviour ers of fresh and frozen And we're going to continue this and week, saying it was "very much nations were now out of bounds for the food began arriving we're going to make sure that we are understandable " and there is no airline. He also criticised Saudi Arabia and to close airline offices. even more diversified than we were need to worry because Doha has all the UAE for shutting down the airline’s offices. from Oman. About 12 before." The State of Qatar is keen the tools to defend its economy and “It is actually a travesty of civilised behav- Airlines offices are not vessels were headed on diversifying its economy, the currency. iour to close airline offices. Airlines offices to Qatar from Sohar Finance Minister added. → Continued on page 3 are not political arms,” he said. “We were political arms.” H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi played → See also page 17 sealed as if it was a criminal organization. and Salalah. We were not allowed to give refunds to our Akbar Al Baker, Chief passengers.” Executive of Qatar Airways Amnesty International criticises blockade He added that he was “extremely disap- The world's No.1 pointed” in US President Donald Trump. container line, Maersk MEASURES taken by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bah- “(The US) should be the leader trying to of Denmark, said it rain to deal with the repercussions of the blockade on the State of Qatar break this blockade and not sitting and and its impact on common families are vague and insufficient, and do not watching what’s going on and putting fuel on would accept new address the human rights situation, Amnesty International said. (the) fire,” he said. bookings for container This came during the meeting of Chairman of the National Human In separate interview with the Wall Street shipments to Qatar Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri, with Salil Shetty, Journal, Al Baker said he would not delay any from Oman. Secretary-General of Amnesty International, at its headquarters in Lon- plane orders or put expansion plans in other don. →Full report on page 2 countries, such as India, on hold. On Sunday
Italy and Qatar have agreed to continue their close Morocco plans to send aeroplanes QCB: Banking sector economic and financial cooperation, despite last loaded with food products to Qatar, week's decision by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab in accordance to King Mohammed VI functioning normally Emirates and other Arab countries to cut diplomatic, instruction, said the foreign ministry QNA Qatar's banking sector remains travel and trade ties with Qatar. statement. strong and meets all customer GOVERNOR of Qatar Central requirements, noting that Qatari Bank (QCB) H E Sheikh Abdul- banks have an extensive inter- The inhuman and illegal blockade has prompted one Qatari businessman to fly 4,000 cows to Qatar in an act lah bin Saoud Al Thani national presence that includes of resistance and opportunity to fill the void left by a collapse in the supply of fresh milk. It will take as many affirmed that Qatar's banking key financial centers in Asia and sector is functioning normally Europe, giving them additional as 60 flights for Qatar Airways to deliver the 590kg beasts that Moutaz Al Khayyat, Chairman of Power In- and without disruption to any flexibility and capacity to carry ternational Holding, bought in Australia and the US. “This is the time to work for Qatar,” he told Bloomberg. domestic or international out all banking transactions transactions. whether domestic or →Full report on page 5 In a statement, Sheikh international. Abdullah bin Saoud Al Thani Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud stated that QCB is fully commit- Al Thani said that QCB has a ted to the freedom to transfer range of monetary and finan- money in and out of the country cial tools that are adequate and World Cup preparations continue as normal and that QCB has sufficient for- capable of ensuring that the eign currencies reserves to meet banking sector in the State con- Doha the centre of a diplomatic crisis doesn't seem to be any issue of Bahrain and others accuse Qatar all requirements. The QCB Gov- tinues to function normally AFP which has seen Qatar cut off getting materials in. of supporting extremist groups, ernor affirmed that liquidity in without disruption. politically — and economically "I don't think it is something a claim vehemently denied by atar's World Cup prepara- — from neighbouring Gulf coun- we are worrying about too Doha. tions continue "as normal" tries, organisers were unworried, much." Since the crisis erupted As a result, these countries Qand organisers remain said the source. a week ago, questions have been and allies have severed trans- EDITORIAL: RAMADAN confident that stadium construc- "I think, for us, it's business asked about Qatar's readiness port links to Qatar, closing its TIMING tion deadlines will be met, a as usual, we have to continue as and suitability to host the 2022 only land border, airspace and The human cost source close to the 2022 tourna- normal," said the source. tournament. denying it the chance to trans- Today’s Iftar 6:28pm ment said. "In any construction project Saudi Arabia, the United port cargo by ship via the UAE. → Page 8 Tomorrow’s Imsak 3:04am Despite the country being at there are plans B and C. There Arab Emirates, → Continued on page 2 02 HOME TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017
Ministry detects 70 Prime Minister meets UK Cyber Security Ambassador Emir sends greetings retail outlet violations to Russia's The Peninsula charging customers more than the advertised price; announc- President he Ministry of Economy ing promotional offers without and Commerce intensified obtaining a licence from the QNA Tits inspection campaigns competent department; and fail- in May to ensure the compliance ing to display product mir H H Sheikh Tamim of suppliers (retail outlets) with descriptions and ads in Arabic. bin Hamad Al Thani law No. 8 of 2008 on consumer The penalties resulted in Esent a cable of congrat- protection. The inspection cam- administrative closures as well ulations to President of the paigns come within the as fines ranging between Russian Federation Vladimir framework of the Ministry’s QR5,000 and QR30,000 in line Putin on the occasion of his efforts to monitor markets and with the applicable consumer country's National Day, commercial activities in a bid to protection laws. The Ministry yesterday. crack down on price manipula- also processed 1,142 complaints Deputy Emir H H Sheikh tion and to protect consumer and took the necessary meas- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani rights. The nation-wide cam- ures to resolve them. also sent a similar cable of paign by inspectors found 70 The ministry stressed that it congratulations to Putin. violations. will not tolerate any violations Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Prime Minister and Inte- Violations included false or of the Consumer Protection Law met UK Cyber Security Ambassador Conrad Prince and his accompanying delegation on rior Minister H E Sheikh misleading product descriptions and its regulations, and will the occasion of their visit to the country, yesterday. They reviewed bilateral relations and Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- and advertising; missing price intensify its inspection cam- ways of boosting them, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest, especially lifa Al Thani also sent a tags for products and services; paigns to crackdown on in the security fields. similar cable on the occasion selling expired products; violations. of Russia's National Day. Emir sends Ashghal partially opens road linking Hamad Port to Doha greetings to President of The Peninsula Industrial Area, enhancing goods opened G Ring Road, East Indus- “Construction works on the Al and materials movement. trial Street and Industrial Area Wakra Bypass and the New Philippines s part of the New Hamad Port Road will provide Road. Orbital Highway and Truck Route Orbital Highway and road users with a shortcut route Ashghal’s Manager of Express- are progressing ahead of sched- QNA Truck Route project, to the Industrial Area than Al way Department, Eng. Youssef Al ule, and Ashghal expects to open the Public Works Kharrara Road and Al Wakra Road Emadi (pictured), said that Ash- key sections of these two express- mir H H Sheikh Tamim Authority, ‘Ashghal’, and is expected to reduce travel ghal expedited the constructions ways within the next weeks.” bin Hamad Al Thani hasA announced the partial open- times between Hamad Port and of linking road from Hamad Port Hamad Port Road forms a Esent a cable of congrat- ing of the 14km linking road from the Industrial Area by more than Road to Doha via the G-Ring Road major component of the construc- ulations to President of the Hamad Port Road to Doha via the 15 percent. and Industrial Area thanks to the tion work that are being Republic of the Philippines G-Ring Road and Industrial Area The new road extends from progressive significance of the implemented as part of the New Rodrigo Roa Duterte on the to include four northbound lanes Mesaieed Road to East Industrial hub, provide further relief to the Orbital Highway and Truck Route. anniversary of his country's from Hamad Port to the Industrial Street, and combined with the people of Al Wakra and Wukair Upon completion, the New Independence Day. Area. recently opened underpass on and will enable Qatari businesses Orbital Highway will reduce the Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Only the four northbound East Street 33 Interchange (for- to more effectively transport travel time between Mesaieed and Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani lanes from Hamad Port to Indus- merly Al Watan Roundabout), it goods and materials from the Al Khor by more than one hour, also sent a cable of congrat- trial area were opened, while the will establish an almost entirely south of the country to Doha. enabling heavy goods vehicles to ulations to Duterte on the southbound lanes are still under- free-flowing connection between Ashghal is currently constructing “The linking road from Hamad travel efficiently between Hamad anniversary of Philippine way to be completed soon, said a Hamad Port and Salwa Road. three free-flowing interchanges Port Road to Doha via the G-Ring Port and Mesaieed in the south to Independence Day. statement. At this stage, road users will on Hamad Port Road. Once fully Road and Industrial Area will help Al Khor in the north, as well as Prime Minister and Inte- Ashghal was keen on acceler- have access to four northbound complete, the interchanges will to relieve congestion on Al Khar- other key business and residen- rior Minister H E Sheikh ating work to come to a close lanes on Hamad Port Road, with enhance connectivity from the rara Road and Al Wakra Road, and tial hubs, such as the Industrial Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- before deadline since the new four southbound lanes expected new highway to local towns, such improve the flow of traffic and Area, Salwa Road, Al Rayyan and lifa Al Thani also sent a route forms a direct connection to be complete and open for pub- as Wukair, and other expressways goods in the south of Qatar,” said Lusail, without the need to travel similar cable of congratula- between Hamad Port and lic use within the next two months. in the area, including the recently Eng. Darwish. through Doha. tions to Duterte.
Qatar's troops return Measures of three countries for families insufficient: Amnesty
QNA London The Secretary-General of Amnesty easures taken by Saudi International pointed out that the measures Arabia, the United Arab taken by the three countries to address the MEmirates and Bahrain to repercussions of the siege and its impact on deal with the repercussions of the the common families are insufficient and vague blockade on Qatar and its impact on common families are vague and lacks mechanisms, stressing that rights are and insufficient, and do not inherent in the human and can not be waived address the human rights situa- or fragmented. tion, Amnesty International said. This came during the meet- ing of Chairman of the National for lifting it by saying "Amnesty countries and criminalising Human Rights Committee International continues its inter- journalists who reject the (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Sumaikh Al national moves to this end." blockade. Marri, yesterday with Salil The meeting between Dr Al The International Federa- Shetty, Secretary General of Marri and Shetty followed the visit tion strongly condemned the The last batch of Qatar's troops returning to Doha after their participation in military Amnesty International, at the of the delegation of Amnesty harassment that restricted the operations as part of the Arab coalition forces in Yemen. headquarters of the organisa- International to Doha recently, right to freedom of opinion and tion in London, as part of a tour where they briefed on humani- expression and stressed the to explain the repercussions of tarian cases received by the need to intervene quickly to stop the embargo imposed on Qatar National Human Rights Commit- the arbitrary measures that which resulted in serious viola- tee, which affected large numbers affected the satellite channels Zakat Fund tions of international human of Qatari and Gulf citizens reach- rejecting the siege, closing the Statement from FIFA is welcome rights law and most of the fun- ing more than 700 cases. offices of Al-Jazeera satellite damental rights of Gulf and During his current visit to channel and preventing the → Continued from page 1 the region are not that happy spends over Qatari citizens. London, Dr Al Marri held sev- broadcast of Qatari channels Qatar is in the process of with Qatar hosting, with hash- Shetty strongly condemned eral meetings with relevant and the channels in solidarity building or redeveloping eight tags appearing on social media QR17m on poor these violations, stressing the organisations, human rights fig- with Qatar as well as the block- stadiums for the World Cup. such as "UAE will host the World continuation of Amnesty Inter- ures and international lawyers. ing of Qatari newspapers on FIFA is still considering whether Cup" in the last few days, QNA national with all concerned He also met with officials of the citizens of the three countries a ninth venue is needed for the prompting an angry online reac- parties and international organ- International Federation of which constitutes a clear viola- tournament which will take tion in Doha. he Zakat Fund at the isations to stop them. Journalists and discussed with tion of freedom of opinion and place in November/December Qatar though has received Ministry of Endowment The Secretary-General of them the effects of the blockade expression and the right to 2022. The first of those stadiums, the support of FIFA President T(Awqaf) and Islamic Amnesty International pointed on freedom of opinion and information. Khalifa International, which will Gianni Infantino, who said on Affairs continue providing out that the measures taken by expression and the protection The meeting also discussed also host the 2019 World Ath- Sunday that the country would monthly and urgent aid to the three countries to address of journalists. the inclusion of a number of letics Championships, opened remain as 2022 hosts, and that thousands of deserving fam- the repercussions of the siege The meeting also dealt with personalities and institutions on last month. The crisis has also football's governing body does ilies in Qatar. and its impact on the common the huge sanctions imposed by the list of terrorism issued by the raised major concerns of yet fur- "not interfere in geopolitics". In its monthly report, the families are insufficient and the three countries on their cit- boycotting States. ther instability in the Middle Qatar is in almost daily con- Zakat Fund said the total vague and lacks mechanisms, izens simply because they In this regard, Dr Al Marri East. tact with FIFA but that is normal. amount of the assistance dis- stressing that rights are inher- sympathise with Qatar against called for rapid intervention and Another implication is that However, Infantino's interven- tributed in May amounted to ent in the human and can not be the blockade and its humanitar- communication with all media Qatar has promoted 2022 as a tion was supported by those in over QR 17m. Zakat Fund waived or fragmented. ian violations, as well as organisations and organisations regional World Cup, to bring Doha. "The statement from FIFA stressed its commitment to He stressed that these meas- cracking down on journalists defending the protection of jour- together fans across the Middle was seen as a welcome step," conducting field research to ures affect all other rights and activists in the social net- nalists and defending freedom East. But it appears that some in said the insider. evaluate the real need. violated by this siege and called working websites of those of opinion and expression. TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 HOME 03 Dialogue is Qatar's strategic choice to resolve crisis: FM
Paris QNA Foreign Minister: Qatar focuses on solving oreign Minister Sheikh humanitarian problems of illegal siege H E Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani LONDON: Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrah- stressed yesterday that man Al Thani has reaffirmed that Qatar is focusing on solving the State of Qatar still humanitarian problems as a result of the illegal siege imposed Fdoes not know the reasons that on the country. In a statement to Al-Jazeera News Channel, prompted Saudi Arabia, the the Foreign Minister said that he had explained to British offi- United Arab Emirates, and Bah- cials during his current visit to London the illegal situation of rain to boycott it. He stressed that the blockade and presented Qatar's view regarding this issue. Qatar does not accept any dic- He also said that the State of Qatar is in contact with the tations from abroad when it Emir of Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, comes to taking measures on his mediation efforts, and that the United States is also in against the illegal blockade contact with Kuwait on the mediation efforts . enforced on Qatar. He stressed that the diplomatic dialogue is the solution to The Foreign Minister was the Gulf crisis which needs bases that have not yet been avail- speaking at a press conference able, adding that Qatar is ready to discuss any requests, provided held in Paris and said that Qatar that they are clear. is ready for a dialogue based on The Foreign Minister reiterated Qatar's assertion that "deci- principles that respect interna- sions concerning the Qatari internal affairs are Qatari sovereignty tional law. He stressed that and no one has to interfere with them." dialogue is the strategic choice of Qatar. The Foreign Minister added it considers it an internal affair. resistance movement, with Qatar that, so far, there was no Euro- Responding to some of the dealing with it just like it deals pean mediation to resolve the accusations that were used as a with any other Palestinian group. crisis that came in the aftermath pretext for severing ties with the On Iran, the Foreign Minis- of the three countries' boycott. country, the Foreign Minister ter said that Qatar does not have Instead, there is European and said that Qatar does not support a stronger cooperation with American support to Kuwait's the Muslim Brotherhood or Tehran compared to other GCC mediation efforts. Hamas. He added that Qatar members. He highlighted that the The Foreign Minister deals only with governments, UAE was Iran's second-largest stressed that Qatar does not pointing to Egypt and Tunisia as trading partner. interfere in the internal affairs two examples. He added that there were of the three boycotting coun- He also noted that Qatar sup- many contradictions in the state- Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Minister of Foreign tries. He added that Qatar also ports the rebuilding of the Gaza ments and allegations made by Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le Drian. The two ministers agreed on the importance does not accept foreign dicta- strip and supports the Palestin- the three GCC countries, stress- of supporting the Emir of Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, in the tions as well, noting that Doha ian national unity government. ing that Doha has the right to mediation efforts. They also discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and the French rejects discussing any matter The Foreign Minister then demand proof of such allegations Republic as well as the means to enhance them. Sheikh Mohamed also met British Foreign related to Al Jazeera channel as stressed that Hamas was a that led to the boycott. Secretary Boris Johnson and discussed the latest developments.
Ethiopian Prime Minister meets Al Muraikhi Pakistan would continue importing LNG from Qatar till 2031: Minister
Irfan Bukhari same purpose. It is Pakistan’s Pakistan annually till 2031. The Peninsula responsibility to play the role of Few days ago, the National a mediator to end disputes or mis- Assembly of Pakistan adopted xpressing hope that the Gulf understandings between Gulf a unanimous resolution express- crisis would soon be states and other Islamic coun- ing deep concerns over the Eresolved amicably, Paki- tries,” Abbasi said, adding that the recent diplomatic crisis in the stan’s Minister of Petroleum and LNG import deal was a commer- Gulf region. Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan cial agreement between two Talking to The Peninsula, Abbasi has said that Pakistan entities therefore it would not be Senator Rehman Malik, Chairman would continue importing LNG hit by ongoing crisis in the Gulf. of the Senate Sanding Commit- from Qatar till 2031. The Minister said that any tee on Interior and former Interior “The import of LNG from interruption in export of LNG Minister of Pakistan said that it Qatar will continue normally and from Qatar would not only affect was the responsibility of Pakistan it will not be affected by the cur- Pakistan but also many other to play an active role as a medi- rent crisis. The LNG being countries like China, Japan and ator to diffuse tension between imported from Qatar is a major India. “Pakistan is confident that Gulf countries. “I recently wrote part of our country's energy mix the current Gulf crisis would be a letter to Prime Minister of Paki- and Pakistan is also producing resolved soon through peaceful stan in this regard as well asking electricity with this gas,” the Min- process of talks,” he added. him to play role of a mediator to ister said while talking to The Last year, Pakistan had end dispute between Islamic Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn met Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Peninsula. signed a 15-year agreement with countries,” he added. H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi in the course of his current visit to Ethiopia. Talks during He said that Pakistan was Qatar to import up to 3.75 mil- People in Pakistan too are the meeting covered bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them, as well as a number making efforts to bring the Gulf lion tonnes of liquefied natural expressing solidarity with Qatar of regional and international issues of common concern. Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign crisis to an immediate end. “Prime gas (LNG) annually. According by applying special filters on their Affairs Workneh Gebeyehu also met Al Muraikhi in the course of his current visit to Ethiopia. Minister Nawaz Sharif is visiting to the agreement, Qatar will profile pictures on Facebook Saudi Arabia for the provide $1bn worth of LNG to accounts showing the Qatari flags.
No need to Inaugural Qatar Airways flight lands in Dublin worry: Finance The Peninsula land’s tourism.” specialist solutions QR Pharma, Minister The launch of the new route for pharmaceuticals and QR ublin welcomed the first to Dublin will be Qatar Airways’ Fresh, for perishables. Custom- → Continued from page 1 Qatar Airways flight from first-ever service to the Republic ers are offered a seamless cool DDoha today, inaugurating of Ireland, giving passengers eas- chain transfer for their temper- Finance Minister H E Ali the new daily service that con- ier access to the Middle East, Asia ature-sensitive products via the Shareef Al Emadi pointed that nects Dublin to the world. and Australia, with seamless con- state-of-the-art and fully auto- the Qatar's reserves and invest- Senior Vice-President of nections to Sydney, Hong Kong, mated hub in Doha. Its facility at ment funds are over 250 Qatar Airways Europe, Jonathan Melbourne and many more Hamad International Airport is percent of the Gross Domestic Harding, travelled on board the attractive destinations. wholly compliant with both IATA Product (GDP), explaining that inaugural flight and was greeted Dublin is a hub for more than Chapter 17 standards and Good there is no reason for anyone by daa Chief Executive, Kevin 1,000 leading multi-national Distribution Practice. to be concerned about what's Toland; Dublin Airport Managing companies and the daily non-stop The airline has also made its happening of any speculation Director, Vincent Harrison; and service will connect both busi- presence in the market felt with on Qatar riyal. Chief Executive of Tourism Ire- ness and leisure travellers to the key sponsorships at exciting The Minister said that land, Niall Gibbons. Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons; Qatar Airways Europe airline’s extensive network. Irish events around the city, including Qatar is extremely comforta- To celebrate this special occa- Senior Vice-President Jonathan Harding and Dublin Airport residents will experience Qatar the Dublin Horse Show and the ble with its positions, sion, the award-winning airline Managing Director Vincent Harrison in Dublin. Airways’ renowned on-board Darley Irish Oaks Day at the Cur- investments and actual liquid- flew its next-generation Airbus service and will be able to enjoy ragh Racetrack. These ity in its systems. There is no A350 aircraft to Dublin, giving VIP configuration including 22 seats five-star service. We look for- the airline’s relaunched superior partnerships celebrate the shared need for government interven- guests and key media the oppor- in Business Class and 232 seats in ward to welcoming our new Oryx One entertainment system Irish and Qatari affinity for horses. tion in the market or bonds tunity to tour the state-of-the-art Economy Class. passengers on board and to con- offering up to 3,000 entertain- Following the Dublin launch, buying. aircraft. This was the first time a Qatar Airways Group Chief necting them to Doha and ment options. The new direct Qatar Airways will be adding He said that Qatar is among commercial passenger Airbus Executive, Akbar Al Baker said: beyond.” DAA Chief Executive flights to Dublin will also provide flights to many more exciting des- the top 20 or 25 globally in A350 aircraft has landed on Irish “The launch of our new service Kevin Toland, said: “We want to Qatar Airways Cargo customers tinations to its network in 2017 terms of economy rating, add- soil and the feedback from those to Dublin is an important mile- express our warmest welcome to 80 tonnes of belly-hold capacity and 2018, including Abidjan, Ivory ing "We are very much better on board was extremely positive. stone for Qatar Airways. The new Qatar Airways and its new route each week. Temperature-con- Coast; Accra, Ghana; Canberra, than a lot of people around us". Going forward, Qatar Airways will service will connect the Irish peo- between Dublin and Doha. This trolled products are the major Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; The Finance Minister operate its daily Dublin service ple with more destinations is a fantastic addition to our exports out of Ireland and the Chittagong, Bangladesh; Mom- affirmed that Qatar is really an with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, globally and provide them the selection of destinations, and it is cargo carrier is proficient in sup- basa, Kenya; and Utapao, important partner in combat- which has a two-class opportunity to experience our a great opportunity to boost Ire- porting air logistics through its Thailand. ing terrorism and money 04 HOME TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 31 take part in WISE session in Madrid
The Peninsula aimed at addressing challenges faced by refugees and displaced he World Innovation Since the first people. Summit for Educa- residential session in Based on the strength of tion’s (WISE) Athens in March, the their project proposals, selected Learners’ Voice Pro- Learners have been teams have the opportunity to gram has concluded pilot their projects with a target Tthe second of its residential ses- engaged in online community. The purpose of the sions in Madrid, where group work with pilot is to test the idea on a small workshops for the initiative’s 31 expert mentors who scale and evaluate its benefits, participants focused on devel- have been helping risks and feasibility. The pilot oping social entrepreneurship, phase will be conducted in part- communication and presenta- them develop their nership with organisations on tion skills. projects. the ground. The sessions, delivered in In the final phase of the partnership with Banco programme, selected teams will Santander’s Global Universities be given the opportunity to Division, were facilitated by people aged 21 to 30 who have pitch their projects to an audi- experts from Babson College demonstrated their commitment ence of relevant experts, and other specialists. The cur- to education. The current cohort practitioners and stakeholders rent group of Learners is involved in theoretical and at WISE 2017, which will take Children at a programme organised by Hyatt Plaza during Ramadan. represents 26 countries, includ- practical components relating place in Doha from November ing Qatar. to the ongoing global forced 14 to 16. The Learners’ Voice Pro- migration and displacement Banco Santander has sup- gram is a core initiative of WISE, crisis. ported the WISE Learners’ Hyatt Plaza's 'Fast-a-thon' to a member of Qatar Foundation Since the first residential ses- Voice Program since 2012 for Education, Science and Com- sion in Athens in March, the through its Universities Global munity Development (QF). The Learners have been engaged in Program. The world’s largest year-long programme com- online group work with expert supporter of corporate social help needy children in Somalia prises two intensive residential mentors who have been helping responsibility programmes in sessions – this year in Athens them develop their projects. education, Santander collabo- and Madrid – and actively There are five groups of Learn- rates with over 1,100 The Peninsula the destitute children in Soma- “to bring joy and happiness” engages a competitively selected ers, each currently developing universities and research cent- lia. Registration is ongoing, said through the country’s “old and and diverse group of young different education interventions ers worldwide. yatt Plaza is bringing Shaqadan, who noted that inter- strong traditions.” back its popular ‘Fast-a- ested parties may register online “The series of activities we Hthon’ on June 16 and 17 or at Hyatt Plaza information have prepared for the holy to headline a series of activities service desk. month also aim to instill moral that were designed to observe “Hyatt Plaza’s aim in organ- values and principles in the the holy month of Ramadan. ising this event is to give young generation through fun Fuad Shaqadan, Marketing non-Muslims the opportunity to and entertainment, and to & Leasing Manager, said that experience fasting and be a part engage families as well through 'Fast-a-thon' is Hyatt Plaza’s of a noble cause, which is sup- entertaining activities like story charity event for non-Muslims porting a country in need,” he telling & interactive games” which offers them an opportu- added. Shaqadan also pointed out Shaqadan said. nity to experience fasting for that for the past 8 years they have The Layali Al Khair came one day. Now in its eighth edi- managed to organise the event back for its third edition. Organ- tion, the annual ‘Fast-a-thon’ is which helped several nations. ised by Qatar Charity, Layali Al expected to gather hundreds of In the spirit of giving and Khair is held at Hyatt Plaza’s participants, who will also get compassion, Hyatt Plaza had food court and offers educa- the noble chance to help young also lined up other events aimed tional and entertaining exercises children in Somalia. at inculcating positive values, aimed at bringing families This year, for every person especially in the minds of chil- together and giving them the who registers and fasts, Hyatt dren and their families. chance to experience activities Plaza and Qatar Charity will Shaqadan said Hyatt Plaza’s including cultural events, pup- Members of the WISE Learners’ Voice Program 2016-17, with facilitators, at the Madrid donate QR200 on his or her Ramadan activities aspire to add pet shows, and story-telling residential session. behalf as part of efforts to feed value to Qatar’s residents and sessions. CRA introduces KidzMondo Doha holds Ramadan Ghabga gathering new telecom The Peninsula younger generations, in line with did.” She added: “This special can’t wait to take our collabora- infrastructure the Qatar National Vision 2030. evening has also been a great tion to greater heights.” n the occasion of the holy Commenting on the occa- opportunity to further talk about Spanning across a built up system month of Ramadan, Kidz- sion, Eman Baker Abu El Hawa, our shared vision for tomorrow’s area of about 8000 m2 at the OMondo Doha, Qatar’s General Manager at KidzMondo generations in Qatar and how country’s largest ‘Mall of Qatar’, The Peninsula one-of-a-kind edutainment city, Doha, said: “It’s been a pleasure together, we can continue to the booming edutainment recently hosted its sponsors and to invite our dear partners and provide them with a relevant and brand’s kid-sized city in Doha s part of ongoing efforts partners for a special Ramadan respected members of the media appealing experience that dovetails with the country’s rich to foster sustainable ‘Ghabga’ gathering, in the pres- to a special KidzMondo gather- encourages interest and a heritage and deep-rooted cul- Acompetition in the tel- ence of distinctive guests and ing, on the auspicious occasion homely environment, through tural values, and its myriad ecommunications sector, the media personnel. of Ramadan. There is absolutely which young minds can be the establishments have been devel- Communications Regulatory The event honoured the holy no better time to celebrate the growing seed of a knowledge- oped in partnership with Authority (CRA) hosted yes- month's spirit of unity, togeth- honourable values of solidarity based society, upon which the celebrated local and regional terday at its headquarters an erness and teamwork, while and togetherness as well as the Qatar National Vision can be brands in a multitude of fields Eman Baker Abu El Hawa, introductory session to intro- solidifying the shared vision of spirit of sharing, than during the realised. This wouldn’t have and disciplines, in order to cre- duce the “Duct Management KidzMondo and its partners in Holy Month, and we sincerely been possible without the unwa- ate a conducive learning General Manager of System”. Through the new Doha for empowering and holis- hope that our guests had as vering commitment and support environment for children and KidzMondo Doha at the system, CRA will manage the tically developing Qatar’s much of a blessed time as we of our visionary partners, and we youngsters. Ghabga gathering. service providers’ require- ment to utilise and access the new underground passive civil telecom infrastructure, which is managed by CRA Blue Salon introduces and currently under construction. The session was attended Diamond Walker shoes by representatives from Ash- ghal, Centre for Geographic Information System - Ministry The Peninsula Blue Salon, as well as a number of prom- of Municipality and Environ- inent personalities, fashion enthusiasts ment, Lusail City, Meshrieb lue Salon hosted the unveiling of and members of the press. Properties and United Devel- Diamond Walker, leading Singa- Nabil Abu Issa said: "We are opment Company. Bpore-based shoe brand’s latest delighted to introduce Diamond Walker, “We are pleased to intro- bespoke shoe collection. With its high a leader in the field of luxury footwear duce this new system to our quality products and its unprecedented manufacturing to the high-end retail stakeholders which will allow innovation and commitment to quality Qatari market, and we look forward to all service providers to access throughout the manufacturing process, delivering our customers with an excep- the new underground passive Diamond Walker has captured the tastes tional shopping experience, and a civil telecom infrastructure of luxury enthusiasts, celebrities and successful partnership between Blue managed by CRA, in an business leaders from all around the Salon and Abu Issa Holding ahead”. organised and transparent world. Victor Lee, CEO of Diamond Walker, way. It is a crucial step The ceremony was attended by mirrored that sentiment, saying, "We towards sustainable compe- Sheresh Sonny, Ambassador of South are very excited to launch our latest col- tition among consumers and Africa to the UAE, Jay S Sohan, Ambas- lection at Blue Salon. Diamond Walker service providers,” said Faisal sador of Singapore to the UAE, Nabil Abu aims to become among the biggest inter- Nabil Abu Issa, Vice-Chairman of Blue Salon, and other dignitaries at the launch Al-Shuaibi, CRA’s Official Issa, Vice-Chairman of Blue Salon, national namesake brands in the world spokesperson. of Diamond Walker, a leading Singapore-based shoe brand. Fawaz Al Idrisi, Executive Chairman of of luxury footwear.” TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 HOME / MIDDLE EAST/ AFRICA 05
Nigeria troops Businessman eliminate top Boko to fly in 4,000 Haram leader Maiduguri cows to Qatar AP top Boko Haram commander was Aamong many Sydney Cattle cargo insurgents killed Sunday Bloomberg as soldiers fought to res- It will take as many cue nine children being all it the biggest as 60 flights for trained at a secret camp, bovine airlift in Qatar Airways to a Nigerian official said history. deliver the yesterday. The showdown 590-kilogramme Soldiers on their way between Qatar and beasts that Moutaz to an Islamist extremist Cits neighbours has disrupted Al Khayyat, Chairman camp in Jarawa village in trade, split families and threat- of Power Borno State, ran into an ened to alter long-standing International ambush by Boko Haram geopolitical alliances. It’s also fighters, said Nigerian Holding, bought in prompted one Qatari business- army spokesman Brig man to fly in 4,000 cows in an Australia and the US. Gen Sani Usman. The act of resistance and opportu- soldiers then killed a nity to fill the void left by a “Our government has made large number of Boko collapse in the supply of fresh sure we have no shortages and Haram insurgents, Smoke rises after shelling on a rebel-held part of the south Syrian city of Deraa, yesterday. milk. we are grateful for that. We including one of its com- It will take as many as 60 have no fear. No one will die of manders Abu Nazir, who flights for Qatar Airways to hunger.” was on the military's deliver the 590-kilogramme Most of the fresh milk and US-backed fighters advance wanted list, Usman said. beasts that Moutaz Al Khayyat, dairy products for Doha’s more Soldiers also rescued chairman of Power Interna- than 1 million population came nine abducted children, tional Holding, bought in from Saudi Arabia up until a who are now being given Australia and the US. “This is week ago. towards Old City in Raqqa preliminary humanitar- the time to work for Qatar,” he Al Khayyat, whose main ian assistance. said. business is a construction firm Beirut continuing on both fronts, with SDF approaches the more They will then go to The blockade has forced the that built Qatar’s biggest mall, AFP the SDF advancing quickly in the densely populated centre of the a displaced persons to open new trade routes to had been expanding the com- eastern neighbourhood of Al- city. "This fight will be tough," camp in Kala Balge, import food, building materi- pany's agricultural business at S-backed Syrian fighters Senaa, which leads to the Old SDF fighter Berkhdan Qamishli about 150km west of als and equipment for its a farm 50km north of Doha. battling the Islamic State City of Raqa, the Syrian Observ- said on Sunday. Maiduguri, the Borno natural gas industry. Turkish Food security is part of Qatar’s Ugroup pushed closer to atory for Human Rights monitor "As we get close to the city state capital, the army dairy goods have been flown government strategy to steer the Old City in the jihadist said. centre, we'll be fighting inside spokesman said. in, and Iranian fruit and vege- the economy away from pet- stronghold of Raqqa yesterday, "The SDF forces now con- multi-storey buildings. Urban Boko Haram some- tables are on the way. There’s rodollars, known as “Vision a monitor said. trol 70 percent of Al-Senaa," battles are tougher than fight- times uses kidnapped also a campaign to buy home- 2030.” The Kurdish and Arab fight- next to Al-Meshleb, Observatory ing in villages, but we will fight girls and boys to carry grown produce. Signs with On a site covering the ers of the Syrian Democratic director Rami Abdel Rahman until we control the whole city." out suicide attacks. colours of the Qatari flag have equivalent of almost 70 soccer Forces (SDF) entered Raqqa for said. "If they take Al-Senaa it In the west of the city, Also yesterday, sol- been placed next to dairy prod- fields, new grey sheds line two the first time almost a week ago, will be the most important meanwhile, SDF forces were diers arrested 24 ucts in stores. One sign dangling strips of verdant grass in the after months of battle to encir- advance in the battle for Raqqa battling to enter Hatin, the suspected Boko Haram from the ceiling said: “Together desert with a road running cle the northern city. because it brings them to the neighbourhood next to Al- members in Edo state in for the support of local through the middle up to a In the east of the city, they centre of the city where the most Rumaniya, captured on southern Nigeria, said a products.” small mosque. hold the Al-Meshleb neighbour- important IS positions are," said Sunday. local leader. “It’s a message of defiance, Facilities for the Holstein hood, captured days after the Abdel Rahman. The SDF reported "fierce Alhaji Aliru Momoh, that we don’t need others,” said cows are ready, though the operation inside the city began, "When they have captured clashes between fighters and the the leader of the Auchi Umm Issa, 40, a government company will take a hit on the and on Sunday they seized their Al-Senaa, the real battle will terrorists" on the two fronts and Kingdom, said the Boko employee perusing the shelves shipping cost for the animals, first district in the west, begin." said 23 IS members had been Haram members were of a supermarket before taking which increased more than five Al-Rumaniya. The fighting is expected to killed, without specifying in posing as Fulani herds- a carton of Turkish milk to try. times to $8m. Yesterday, fighting was become more difficult as the which neighbourhood or when. men when they were arrested. More than 400 people have lost their lives in clashes between suspected Fulani herds- men and local farmers in Israel to cut power supply to Gaza Strip North Central states of Nigeria in the last two Gaza City in the Hamas-run enclave. Israeli media reported. enclave of some two million peo- army radio. "It would be illogi- years. Alhaji Momoh said AFP The move has raised fears of Gazans currently receive ple. Israeli Public Security cal for Israel to pay part of the "the traditional council a new upsurge in violence, with only three or four hours of elec- Minister Gilad Erdan said the bill." Abbas reportedly decided is collaborating with srael will reduce electric- Israel and Palestinian militants tricity a day, delivered from the reduction was due to an ongo- on the move in a further bid to security agencies and ity supplies to the Gaza in Gaza having fought three wars territory's own power station ing row between Abbas and his pressure Hamas. some" local civilian Strip after funding cuts by since 2008. and others in Israel and Egypt. rivals Hamas, but he did not But the reduction has also defence force groups to Palestinian President Mah- The security cabinet decided Residents who can afford it detail the scope of the cuts. sparked fears of fresh violence. address the issue of mil- moud Abbas, an Israeli Sunday to reduce the daily use generators to power their Abbas recently decided to Hamas has run Gaza since itants fomenting violence Iminister said yesterday, wors- amount supplied to Gaza by homes or businesses in the "significantly reduce" payments 2007, when it seized it in a near there. ening an already severe shortage between 45 and 60 minutes, impoverished Palestinian for Gazan electricity," he told civil war from Abbas's Fatah. Merkel bats for more arms to African nations
Berlin studies that show Africa needs Reuters $100bn in infrastructure fund- ing and 20 million new jobs a erman Chancellor year to deal with projected Angela Merkel said yes- population growth. Gterday that large “Millions of people could industrialised countries should see concrete economic bene- be more open to transferring fits as a result of the plans,” she weapons as part of their devel- told the conference. opment aid so African Rwandan Finance Minister countries can battle militant Claver Gatete joined other Afri- groups. can leaders in welcoming Merkel, who has made ties Germany’s leadership on the with Africa a centrepiece of issue. He said his country was Germany’s current presidency implementing reforms but pri- of the Group of 20 (G20) major vate investors wanted more economies, said several Afri- guarantees before making can leaders had complained to commitments. her that they were expected to German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) greets Ghanaian Merkel lauded African battle militancy without receiv- President Nana Akufo Addo as he arrives at the Chancellery countries actively fighting ing significant military aid from on the sidelines of a two-day G20 Africa partnership Islamist militants in Mali and the West. neighbouring countries and conference in Berlin, yesterday. “For many years, we felt pledged German support for a good when we didn’t focus on notions of development aid to expected to double by 2050, French plan for the UN Secu- military equipment ... But we look instead at opportunities helped Europe, where a grow- rity Council to authorise a West have to be honest - only where to partner with African coun- ing number of African migrants African force to combat terror- security is ensured can devel- tries, many of which boast are seeking refuge. ism and trafficking in the Sahel opment take place,” she said at booming growth rates. “We need an initiative that region. the opening of a G20 confer- “We need a sustainable, does not talk about Africa, but Germany and France are ence on Africa in Berlin. inclusive economic develop- with Africa,” she said. working on a proposal for She sketched out plans for ment for the whole world,” she International Monetary European Union funding to a G20 “Compact with Africa” said. Economic gains in Africa, Fund chief Christine Lagarde help back the African military that moves away from past where the population is backed the initiative, citing effort in the Sahel region. 06 ASIA TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 Presidential election: Rain, rain come again... BJP forms committee
New Delhi Consensus soon parties and independents. IANS Another panel is a two-member The committee will committee under Parliamentary he race for the presi- hold talks with Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, dential election leaders of various which would coordinate with gathered momentum political parties over the voters of National Demo- yesterday with the the Presidential cratic Alliance (NDA) allies. BJP pitching for con- election and try to Party's Chief Whip in Lok Sabha, Tsensus and constituting a evolve a consensus. Rakesh Singh will associate with three-member committee of Kumar. Another committee senior ministers to talk to polit- Two former BJP comprises three party General ical parties, including the Presidents, Rajnath Secretaries and five young lead- opposition. Singh (Home ers for the publicity exercise. The BJP also set up commit- Minister) and M The BJP has so far not given any tees for "internal coordination" Venkaiah Naidu indication about its likely nom- People get drenched by a large wave during high tide at a seafront in Mumbai, yesterday. among the voters — MPs and (Urban Development inee, but opposition parties, The monsoon advanced to parts of Maharashtra and eastern India and the weather office MLAs — in the party and among including the Congress, have Minister), as well as forecast that a heat wave will likely hit parts of the region from tomorrow. NDA allies to ensure no vote held parleys to find a consensus Finance Minister goes waste. candidate. Two former BJP Presidents, Arun Jaitley are The opposition has made it Rajnath Singh (Home Minister) members of the clear that they will await the and M Venkaiah Naidu (Urban committee. choice of the ruling side before Development Minister), as well announcing its strategy. Modi to meet Trump on June 26 as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley coordination among voters. Janata Dal-United president are members of the committee, 0One committee comprises and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish the Bharatiya Janata Party said. Union Ministers - Dharmendra Kumar said that opposition par- New Delhi a partner to balance China's New Delhi had made its partic- "The committee will hold Pradhan, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, ties were waiting for the BJP to AP growing weight in Asia. ipation "contingent on receiving talks with leaders of various Nirmala Sitharaman - and party come out with a consensus can- But Trump has focused on billions and billions and billions political parties over the Presi- General Secretary Bhupender didate, and if there was none ndia announced yesterday building ties with China, relying of dollars in foreign aid." dential election and try to evolve Yadav who would coordinate then it was the opposition's duty that Prime Minister Naren- on it as key to tackling problems External Affairs Minister a consensus," the BJP said. The with Members of Parliament and to put up its own candidate. Idra Modi will visit such as North Korea's nuclear Sushma Swaraj said India did Presidential election will be held state legislators. "The opposition will not take Washington later this month for program. For India, other key not sign the Paris accord on July 17. President Pranab To ensure that not a single much time to decide the candi- his first meeting with President concerns are Trump's decisions because of the lure of money Mukherjee's term ends on July vote goes waste, the committee date, but the Centre should take Donald Trump. to pull the US out of the Paris and would continue to be part 24. Prime Minister Narendra would also be in touch with initiative in this regard," Kumar The External Affairs Minis- climate accord and review the of it, regardless of whether the Modi may speak with senior party Chief Ministers and leader said. The opposition parties try said Modi will meet Trump H1B visa program, under which United States participates. Both party leaders over the choice of of the party in state assemblies. want that the candidate should on June 26 to discuss bilateral thousands of skilled Indian sides have expected a bilateral candidates for the post of Pres- The committee, through its chief be one who should be able to relations. Ties between the two workers go to the United States. nuclear agreement signed in ident on June 15. BJP President ministers and leaders in state protect the Constitution, imply- countries prospered under In announcing America's 2006 during the George Bush Amit Shah has also formed three assemblies, would also try to get ing the choice should be a former US President Barack withdrawal from the Paris deal, administration to begin bearing internal committees for extra votes of smaller regional secular person. Obama, when India was seen as Trump irked India by saying fruit.
Give power of contempt Sikh martial art Wrong to comment against to book defamers: EC Army chief: Rahul Bengaluru New Delhi modifications: "That a High IANS IANS Court shall be constructed as including a reference to the ongress Vice-President he Election Commission Election Commission of India" Rahul Gandhi yesterday (EC) has sought the power and "a judge shall be con- Cexpressed disapproval Tof contempt to book those structed as including a over party leader Sandeep who try to defame it by openly reference to the Commissioner Dikshit comparing Army questioning the conduct of elec- or a member of the Chief General Bipin Rawat tions taking advantage of the Commission". with a goon on the street. right to expression. The poll panel also "Dikshit's remark was In a strongly-worded letter demanded that a subsection absolutely wrong," Rahul to the Law Ministry, the poll "contempt" should be included Gandhi said while addressing panel demanded that the gov- for civil contempt or wilful dis- a Karnataka Pradesh Con- ernment should amend the obedience and criminal gress Committee (KPCC) Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, contempt, "including who scan- Indian Sikh youth perform 'Gatka' (Sikh martial art), during the 350th birth anniversary meeting. Dikshit is a former giving it powers to act against dalises or tends to scandalise celebrations of the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Prakash Parva, at the Sabarmati River front lawmaker from East Delhi persons or organisations tar- or prejudices or interferes or in Ahmedabad, yesterday. and the son of former Delhi nishing its image, concerned tends to interfere with the due CM Sheila Dikshit. officials informed. course of any function of the "The Indian Army works In the letter, which was Commission". for the country and there is written on April 24 this year, the The poll panel's remarks no need for any political poll panel has cited the exam- came in the wake of opposition leader to make comments ple of the Election Commission parties, particularly the Aam Pakistan again resorts to shelling across LoC against the Army chief," he of Philippines, Ghana and Paki- Aadmi Party (AAP), raising said. He said that someone stan which have been provided questions over the reliability of Jammu "Pakistan Army initiated and Pakistani troops began yes- from the media told him that direct power to punish for con- Electronic Voting Machines and IANS indiscriminate firing of small terday, an official said. The a Congress leader has made tempt through legislation. some also charged the Election arms, automatics and mortars ceasefire violation by Pakistan comments against the Army "The Commission shall Commission with being an fter violating ceasefire on from 6.45pm onwards in army had ended in Krishna chief. "I want to make it clear have, and exercise the same "agent of the BJP". the Line of Control by fir- Krishna Ghati sector of LoC," Ghati sector at 10.10am and in that Indian Army works for jurisdiction or powers and The AAP alleged the EVMs Aing on Indian positions in Defence Ministry spokesman, Lt. the other at 8.15am. us, it protects India. There is authority in respect of Con- were manipulated to benefit a Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch Col. Manish Mehta said here, Troops had foiled yet no need for anyone to make tempt of itself as a High Court particular party in the assem- district yesterday morning, "Indian Army is retaliating another infiltration bid in comments against the Army has and may exercise and for bly elections in five states Pakistan Army again starting strongly and effectively. Firing Poonch sector on the night chief," he said. Dikshit had on this purpose, the provisions of — Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, heavy shelling on Indian posi- exchanges are still going on (as between June 11/12 and recov- Sunday triggered a row after the Contempt of Courts Act 1971, Manipur and Uttarakhand, and tions in the evening, a defence of 8.30pm)." Heavy shelling and ered 8 rucksacks and warlike he called the Army Chief shall have effect subject to the Delhi civic elections. official said. firing exchanges between Indian stores in a search. 'sadak ka gunda'. Panel to identify gaps in facilities along India-Myanmar border
Aizawl term (three to six years) and long Secretaries, Directors General of headed by the Home Ministry's connectivity and relations with Mizoram — is peaceful and IANS term (six to 10 years)," Union Police, Director General of the Special Secretary (Internal Secu- Myanmar are opening new friendly, it is very sensitive as Home Minister Rajnath Singh Assam Rifles, and senior state rity) will be set up to examine opportunities of growth for this well. "It helps genuine people but he government yesterday said. He was presiding over a civil and police officials attended rules and regulations adopted by region. He said the India-Myan- is misused by militants and crim- said a committee will iden- meeting with Chief Ministers/ the meeting. these four states for a free move- mar border region will play a inals to smuggle in weapons, Ttify "gaps in basic facilities" their representatives of four The committee has also been ment regime and give its report much greater role in the near narcotics, contraband goods, and of roads, power, telecommuni- states that share the country's tasked to find out and pool all within three months. future and therefore the Centre Fake Indian Currency Notes." cations, health and education in borders with Myanmar. resources and dovetail all pro- Rajnath Singh also advised and the states concerned must Rajnath Singh ordered chalk- areas along the India-Myanmar Besides Rajnath Singh's dep- grammes of central government the state governments to pay be adequately prepared for it. ing out of a standard operating border and submit a detailed uty Kiren Rijiju, Chief Ministers ministries, including those of the special attention to the urgent The Home Minister said the procedure common to all the report to the Union Home Min- of Arunachal Pradesh (Pema North-Eastern Council, Non- need of improving basic facili- north-east will have a string of four border states to filter out istry by December 31. Khandu), Manipur (N. Biren Lapsable Central Pool of ties and infrastructure for those modern cities under the Smart such criminals without incon- The committee under the Singh) and Mizoram (Lal Resources, Border Area Devel- living in remote areas on the bor- City project. Rajnath Singh said venience to bona fide persons chairmanship of Secretary (Bor- Thanhawla), Nagaland Chief opment Programme, and those der in their respective states. that although India's 1,643km and decided to constitute a com- der Management) will prioritise Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu's of respective state governments The Minister stressed on border with Myanmar — touch- mittee headed by the Home the filling of these gaps in the representative and state Home for achieving these objectives. greater connectivity within the ing Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry's Special Secretary on short term (three years), medium Minister Yanthungo Patton, Chief The second committee region, saying that improved Nagaland, Manipur, and the matter. TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 ASIA 07 Pakistan identifies murdered Chinese nationals as preachers
Islamabad New twist for Pakistan to improve secu- Reuters rity, especially in the western The interior ministry Baluchistan province that will akistan identified yes- named the two as Lee house a deepwater port and a terday two Chinese Zing Yang, 24, and road artery vital for the China- nationals recently Meng Li Si, 26, and Pakistan Economic Corridor. abducted and killed said their violation of The incident has prompted by the Islamic State visa rules had Pakistan to boost security Pand, in a new twist, said the two around Chinese nationals and contributed to their were preachers who had posed other foreigners, and acceler- abductions. as business people to enter the ated plans for thousands-strong Previously, officials country. special police protection units The interior ministry named said they were to focus on safeguarding Chi- the two as Lee Zing Yang, 24, Chinese-language nese citizens. and Meng Li Si, 26, and said their teachers. Interior Minister Chaudhry Filipino protesters clash with police near the US Embassy as the country marks its violation of visa rules had con- Nisar Ali Khan said in response Independence Day in Manila, yesterday. tributed to their abductions. The interior ministry to the case that there should be Previously officials said they confirmed the two a review of the visa process for were Chinese-language Chinese had been Chinese nationals entering Paki- teachers. killed but it was not stan, and for a databank to track The two were abducted by Chinese workers in different Philippine troops raise flag clear if their bodies armed men pretending to be parts of the country. have been found. policemen on May 24 in Quetta, Khan ordered the databank the provincial capital of Balu- to be “shared with all security chistan province. Last week, agencies”, his ministry said in a in Marawi City amid blasts Islamic State’s Amaq news been killed but it was not clear statement. agency said its members had if their bodies have been found. Khan said the government Marawi City through the cloudy sky, taking it abducted Christians, and killed them. The kidnapping was a rare must work on keeping visitors Reuters in turns to drop bombs on areas torched a cathedral. “Instead of engaging in any crime against Chinese nation- secure but also appeared to try where fighters are still holed up. Almost the entire population business activity, they went to als in Pakistan, which has long to shift the blame for the secu- omb blasts rocked Marawi “To our Muslim brothers of about 200,000 fled from the Quetta and under the garb of had close ties to Beijing, but it rity lapse onto the Chinese City in the southern Phil- there, we want to tell them to lakeside town on the Philipp- learning (the) Urdu language has alarmed the growing Chi- nationals, saying they should Bippines yesterday as the stop their meaningless fight pines’ southernmost island of from a Korean national ... were nese community in the have informed the authorities national flag was raised to mark because we are all Muslims,” Mindanao, but beyond the actually engaged in preaching,” country. of their activities. independence day, almost three Vice Provincial Governor checkpoints fencing it off there the ministry said in a China has pledged to invest “The Minister observed that weeks after hundreds of Islam- Mamintal Adiong Jr. told the are still some 500-1,000 civil- statement. $57 billion in Pakistan in it is highly unfortunate that a ist militants overran the town gathering. ians trapped or being held It did not say what kind of projects linked to its “Belt and misuse of the terms of (the) busi- and hunkered down with civil- Flag ceremonies are nor- hostage. As of Saturday the preachers they were, nor did it Road” infrastructure plan aimed ness visa contributed to the ians as human shields. mally performed twice a week, number of security forces killed say if the Korean was from at linking China with the Mid- unfortunate incident of abduc- Rescue workers, soldiers and but this was the first in the in the battle for Marawi stood at North Korea or South Korea. dle East and Europe. tion and subsequent murder of firemen sang the national anthem mainly Muslim town since May 58. The death toll for civilians The interior ministry con- But the infusion of cash has two innocent Chinese,” the min- and listened to speeches as three 23, the first day of the siege, was 20 and more than 100 had firmed the two Chinese had come with frequent requests istry said. OV-10 attack aircraft darted when the militants killed and been killed overall. Police evict hundreds from slum in Yangon 3 Afghan civilians dead
Yangon Residents say they were not as US troops open fire Reuters adequately consulted and were not compensated for the loss of ne policeman was their homes. City authorities and Jalalabad “After the bomb blast hit injured and at least five a private company that plans to Reuters them, the American forces then Opeople were arrested in use the land for new homes, hos- started shooting and killed one clashes yesterday as authori- pitals, parks and a golf course, s many as three Afghan man and two children nearby,” ties in Myanmar’s largest city, said the people had occupied the civilians were killed yes- he said. The US military com- Yangon, demolished a shanty land expecting compensation, Aterday when American mand in Kabul said a convoy of town to clear the land for knowing it would be confiscated troops opened fire after their American and Afghan troops development. for development. vehicle struck a roadside bomb, was struck by a roadside bomb Some 100 police officers Just 14 months into the gov- an official in Nangarhar prov- and attacked by gunmen. and over 1,000 workers hired ernment of Aung San Suu Kyi, ince said. A man and his two “The convoy returned fire in by the government razed the forced eviction drew com- sons were killed at their home self-defence and there were no shacks with chainsaws and parisons to methods used by the in Ghani Khel, a district in the US casualties,” the command said sledgehammers as many resi- previous, military-backed gov- south of Nangarhar, on the bor- in a statement. There had been dents defended their homes, ernment. At that time, Suu Kyi’s der with Pakistan, said Attaullah no official report of civilian cas- shouting at the demolition National League for Democracy Khogyani, a spokesman for the ualties filed, but the military was People reacting as authorities demolish huts occupied by crews. The injured policeman (NLD) was a defender of forci- provincial governor. investigating the incident. was hit in the head by a stone. bly removed squatters. informal settlers in Hlegu township outside Yangon, yesterday. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017
ESTABLISHED IN 1996
CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]
ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]
EDITORIAL The human cost
ne intended or unintended consequence of the unjustified blockade against Qatar by some GCC Ocountries has been its painful and extraordinary human cost – the tearing apart of thousands of lives, the separation of spouses and children, the disruption of education of Smear campaigns against Qatar children and the loss of thousands of jobs. This is because there are more than 11,000 citizens of Gulf blockader-countries living in Qatar, who have Qatari spouses, and they are being forced to leave and ethical decadence Qatar by their countries. The national human rights office in Doha was approached by people affected by the restrictions, seeking justice. The issue is so serious that it was taken up by international human public opinion, this saga came after and impartial journalism. The biased rights organisations and was widely reported in the Dr. Noureddine Miladi three summits which took place in discourse, lack of voices and diversity international media, causing unease and Riyadh between the US President of opinions, continuous smear cam- discomfort in the capitals which imposed the ban, and leaders of scores of Arab and paigns characterise their news and prompting a senior UAE official to issue a Muslim countries. These summits reporting. While all these channels statement that Qatar is turning this political and were supposed to have been pumping floods of misinfor- diplomatic row into a human rights issue. It’s the inaugurate a new mation, Al Jazeera has been barred Gulf citizens who have been affected and global he current campaign to boycott Qatar era of further coop- from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain. rights groups which have made it a human rights and illegally demonise it as ‘harbor- eration and Also while Alarabia and Sky News issue. Not Qatar. ing terrorism’ has finally exposed the coordination in Arabia along scores of other biased This humanitarian angle of the dispute has unethical turn of few of the Arab fighting Daesh and Arabic speaking newspapers chose to brought to the fore a few key points. First, the media outlets, which have become be part of this muddy campaign, we current blockade of Qatar was conceived to create Tideological tools of total disinformation. don’t see them report on the atrocities maximum damage. According to the basic international Worthy of a note, and to that Palestinians go through every day Second, it was standards of media professionalism TV the credit of the Qatari in the hands of the settlers and Israeli planned with least channels, newspapers and radio broadcast- leadership and Qatari soldiers. regard to people’s lives ers must abide by the unpretentious rules of For decades Palestine has been media outlets their The restrictions and safety (even impartiality and objective journalism. under Israeli occupation, its people More importantly, broadcasting from an response to the recent are annihilated and its land gradually on the movement expatriates in Qatar are being denied visas). And Arab and Islamic region, media organisa- smear campaign has been usurped. The countries which now of GCC citizens third, these measures tions are meant to steer away from very responsible. The Qatari boycott Qatar have been secretly imposed by some spreading lies, concocting stories and twist- doing business with Israel and con- are a blatant violation of regional and international Gulf countries the values and traditions ing facts about a neighbouring country spiring against the Palestinian (Qatar). Otherwise, what does social diplomacy has been struggle. are a violation of that have united Gulf responsibility, as a core value of journalism humane, well-measured Worthy of a note, and to the credit the values and citizens for centuries. This is the first time a practice, mean if it does not promote and up-to a high level of of the Qatari leadership and Qatari traditions of the understanding and enhance peace and media outlets their response to the Gulf internecine dispute international standards of Gulf region. is having such a stability? recent smear campaign has been very The current smear campaign under- responsible. The Qatari regional and disruptive impact on the wisdom and accountability. taken by few of the Gulf media outlets is international diplomacy has been lives of its citizens. In Qatar’s motto is that social beyond belief as it has trespassed all bound- humane, well-measured and up-to a 2014, when there was a aries of ethical and professional journalism. fabrics and ties between high level of international standards of flare-up, the actions of some Gulf countries were One may understand the Egyptian state countries, which have been wisdom and accountability. restricted to the recall of their ambassadors from media’s professional decadence given that rooted in history should not Qatar’s motto is that social fabrics Doha. But the latest row has dragged the citizens to free speech has been curtailed, democracy be endangered overnight and ties between countries, which the frontline. And one unintended, though positive, came to a standstill and the whole country have been rooted in history should not consequence of this is that Gulf citizens have been has been suffering under a totalitarian rule and by any means. be endangered overnight and by any forced to ask questions - questions whose answers since el-Sissi’s July 2003 military coup. means. will convince them about the justness and truth of But what is astonishing is the sudden flip Moreover, the Qatari media as well the Qatari position and policies. of few of the Gulf media outlets that are its growing influence in the region. as Qatari social media activists have After severe criticism from several quarters, the pouring with the worst of media content. There are few aspects which signal been very responsible in reporting the countries which imposed the restrictions on For instance since its launch in 2003 the fall of the two channels along many ordeal the country and its citizens have movement of people have relaxed their rules, Alarabia channel struggled to remain other newspapers and TV channels in been facing. There have been clear announcing plans to set up hotlines. But as some impartial and abide by international stand- the region to the lowest level of profes- guidelines to media outlets and all res- Qatari officials pointed out, the hotline is just a ards of professional journalism. Its biased sionalism. For example, instead of idents of Qatar to show responsibility face-saving measure and will not help solve the stance in covering the Arab Spring revolu- focusing their attention on the struggle by not getting involved in any smear problem. tions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya (in 2011) of the Palestinian people under the campaigns towards the neighbouring It’s also unfortunate and a violation of human tarnished its credibility among its Arab Israeli occupation, now these media countries. rights that expressing sympathy with Qatar can be audiences across the world. Since then the outlets have turned their guns to Qatar A press release from the govern- counted as a crime that can attract a huge fine and channel became known for its anti-democ- for no one valid reason. ment’s communication office urged a jail term of up to fifteen years. racy agenda in the Arab world following a However, it has become evident everyone that ‘based on the Islamic clear ideological bias. The same also goes that Qatar’s support of just causes in ethics and the well-rooted Qatari cus- with Sky New Arabia (an offshoot of the the world is part of what have upset toms we call upon everyone who lives Murdoch media empire) broadcasting from many. Its backing of the Arab Spring in Qatar to refrain from responding UAE. countries and their people’s yearning with the same slanderous language QUOTE OF THE DAY Their coverage of the attempted coup in for freedom and democracy is one of on social media. We call upon you all Turkey back in June 2016 was another fail- the prides of Qatar. to be more responsible not to demon- ure of the channels to abide by the standard But what seems irking most to ise any country or its people and professionalism norms. Their clear support many is the power of Al Jazeera’s symbols. Yet everyone has the right to I made it clear that the of the coup attempt and demonization of free and highly professional journal- express his/her opinion responsibly to current government the Erdogan government could not be ism. Both its Arabic and English unveil the truth in good manners programme and the missed. services have become unrivalled in according to the Islamic and Arab asylum policy action However, the shock in becoming a tool the region and indeed in the world values’. programme are sufficient for political manipulation and a source of for the daring journalism and out- In spite of the relentless smear for the Finns, but we disinformation came soon after the recent reach to international public opinion. campaign, Qatar’s is a genuinely hacking of the Qatar News Agency. It has Al Jazeera network has been unwa- responsible and mature discourse. We expect that what had become clear now that this event was vering in exposing corruption, hope that all other Gulf politicians, been jointly agreed orchestrated to deliberately target Qatar political oppression and human media outlets as well as social media with us will be closely and its leadership. The relentless smear rights abuses in the Arab world and users in the neighbouring countries followed. campaign by Alarabia, Sky News Arabia and beyond. will follow suit! few other media outlets in the Gulf coun- Other Arab media, which are now Dr. Noureddine Miladi is Associate Profes- Juha Sipila tries as well as Egypt has revealed a waging wars against Qatar and Al well-planned strategy to destabilize Qatar. Jazeera, remain at the bottom of the sor in Media & Communication. He can be Finland’s Prime Minister To the amazement of international list in terms of professional reached at: E-mail: [email protected] TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 OPINION 09 GCC divided over peace with Israel
Most important of all, Doha won decisive praise marry him — and Greenblatt had to acquire special the UN or the Arab League. Hussain Abdul-Hussain from Washington, despite a few odd and undiplo- permission from the rabbi of New Jersey to board the Doha also argued that the Anatolia matic tweets from President Donald Trump. presidential plane to Saudi Arabia, since flight time Brotherhood was operating legally America’s top political brass spoke against Trump’s interfered with the Jewish Sabbath. Once in Riyadh, and had parliamentary representa- tweets, and praised Washington’s ties with Doha. Greenblatt observed the rest of the Sabbath in his tion in Arab countries including Isolating Qatar was far from happening. room, and only emerged out of it on Sunday morn- Kuwait, Jordan, Tunisia and As dust from the original spat settled, and as ing, when Trump was about to start holding bilateral Morocco. he sudden escalation between Saudi Arabia Kuwaiti Emir H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al meetings, which Greenblatt attended. Accordingly, with Kuwaiti and the UAE on one hand and Qatar on the Sabah received representatives of the parties Word from a few meetings has it that GCC-Israel mediation, the GCC buried the other has been inexplicable. involved and shuttled between the contending capi- peace was one of Trump’s priorities, which confirms hatchet after agreeing that the way Saudi and Emirati media went on the tals, a clearer image started to emerge about the real the idea that the American trip to Saudi Arabia was of dealing with the Brotherhood offensive, presumably in response to state- reasons behind the GCC rift, which seems to be driven by peace aspirations, more than anything else. was a sovereign issue, and that no Tments from Qatari Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin rooted in reasons that have nothing to do with Iran Trump certainly made common cause with his state should sponsor cross-state Hamad Al Thani, in which he had presumably bro- or Syria. counterparts about the Iranian threat and other anti-government Brotherhood ken with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) As we noted in this on the eve of Trump’s visit to items. But without the prospect of peace, Trump’s activity. Since then, GCC countries hardline stance against Iran. Saudi Arabia, the US president’s choice of Riyadh visit to Riyadh offered little news: Saudi Arabia had have been living in peace over the Doha denied that its sovereign had made such was not much about American ties with Gulf states, already bestowed a medal on former President Brotherhood disagreement. statements, and argued that its official news agency but more about a brewing scheme for peace between Barack Obama. Because nothing changed with — which had posted the controversial remarks — had Israel and the GCC countries. The much-celebrated $110 billion Saudi arms Qatar and the Brotherhood, and been hacked, an argument that Washington later After his election, Trump appointed his son-in- deal with the US, which Trump described as “hun- because Qatar is fighting Iran confirmed. law Jared Kushner, an Orthodox Jew, as the person in dreds of billions” and “jobs, jobs, jobs” for American tooth-and-nail in Syria and Iraq, But the media war that started with the fake charge of “Arab-Israeli peace.” Due to his inexperi- workers, now seems more fake than real, according and is a member of the Saudi-led Qatari statements took a life of its own. ence, the 36-year old Kushner leaned on Jason to a study by Bruce Reidel of the Brookings Institute. coalition in Yemen and against Riyadh and Abu Dhabi eventually led an all-out Greenblatt — a fellow Orthodox Jew and a longtime Shortly after Trump landed in Israel, Netanyahu Daesh, the only probable reason for diplomatic offensive against Doha, severed diplo- staffer with the Trump organization — to coach him. received him by saying that he dreams of the day the rift between Doha and its two matic ties, closed off airspace to Qatari flights and Greenblatt immediately offered a line that Israel when an Israeli prime minister would be making the fellow Gulf capitals must have been ports to Qatari maritime traffic. has been peddling for some time, the last of which trip from Riyadh to Jerusalem, another indication over peace with Israel. Egyptian President Abdul-Fattah Al Sisi, whose was during the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Ben- that to the Israelis, the most important element of Perhaps Qatar had sensed the economic survival has depended on cash infusions jamin Netanyahu to the White House, in February, Trump’s Saudi visit was the optics of a Saudi-Israeli coming diplomatic onslaught and from the UAE and Saudi, happily followed suit. when in a joint presser with Trump, the Israeli offi- peace treaty. had accordingly instructed Hamas A few Arab capitals, with minor diplomatic cial said that fear of Iran had brought Israelis and The final proof that the GCC rift had been brew- to issue a new declaration weight, joined the anti-Qatar front. Some countries Arabs closer together. ing over peace with Israel comes from Washington, announcing that it can live within with more weight, such as Jordan, tried to sit on the Netanyahu presides over a tenuous governing where an anti-Qatar campaign had started a week the 1967 borders of a Palestinian fence by merely downgrading diplomatic represen- coalition beholden to hardline settler parties that are before Trump’s trip. state. But Israel is way beyond the tation with Qatar. not willing to offer Palestinians any concessions, Researchers working for think tanks funded by 1967 borders. Netanyahu went on When all was said and done, Qatar survived the often arguing that Israel should retain the historic friends of Israel went on a frenzy of publishing arti- TV to shred the new Hamas decla- offensive while maintaining ties with many nations, land of the Kingdom of Judea (which existed before cles against Qatar, accusing it of supporting Sunni ration. Shortly after, a confrontation including Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, and shortly after the first century CE) in the West terrorism. These researchers cried foul that Doha ensued within the GCC, with a Oman, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia. Bank. was hosting five Taliban militants and that it was Saudi-Emirati demand that Qatar This means, for Mr Trump to achieve any of his hosting Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood leaders. strangles Hamas once and for all. grandiose peace promises, Netanyahu will need But the Taliban leaders live in Doha at the request What happens next is any- alternative peace. of Washington. These Taliban were held in a US body’s guess. Most important of all, Doha Hence, the Israelis and Greenblatt believe that prison until the Obama administration released them won decisive praise from Israel can conclude peace treaties with GCC coun- in an exchange that saw the release of US soldier tries, an achievement that will make Trump look Bowe Bergdahl. Washington, despite a great, and will be rewarding for the Israelis. Washington reasoned that keeping these Taliban few odd and undiplomatic The only problem is that such peace will result in in Qatar would keep them an ocean removed from tweets from President Palestinians losing any leverage that they might have Afghanistan, where they could rejoin the movement’s Donald Trump. America’s if they ever engage in peace talks with the Israelis. rank and file and resume fighting the US and its Greenblatt’s plan is being touted as the “outside- interests. top political brass spoke in” approach, as opposed to the traditional As for hosting Hamas and Brotherhood leaders, D-RING ROAD against Trump’s tweets, and “inside-out” scheme, under which Arab peace with the problem is an old one that had caused a rift POST BOX: 3488 praised Washington’s ties Israel is contingent on Palestinians getting what they within the GCC in the past, before it was resolved. want from the Israelis, before they approve of collec- When Saudi Arabia and the UAE demanded that DOHA - QATAR with Doha. Isolating Qatar tive Arab peace with Israel. Qatar blacklist the Brotherhood and eject Hamas [email protected] was far from happening. Kushner, his wife — Trump’s daughter Ivanka leaders, Doha countered by saying that the Brother- who converted to Orthodox Judaism in order to hood was not on the terrorism lists of the US, the EU, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 Fixing Donald Trump’s blunders on Qatar MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505 During his Middle East trip, Trump says he told Trump signaled in his tweet. It isn’t some rogue state. It’s a DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Arab leaders that he wanted a stop to “funding of necessary regional ally. Noah Feldman TEL: 4455 7769 Bloomberg radical ideology.” Furthermore, if the US pushes Qatar away, other June 6: “During my recent trip to the Middle regional actors would be happy to take its place. East I stated that there can no longer be funding of The worst scenario would be closer ties between Qatar LOCAL NEWS SECTION Radical Ideology. Leaders pointed to Qatar - look!” and Iran and Russia, which are trying to take advantage of TEL: 4455 7743 he focus on James Comey’s Sen- In ordinary Trumpian discourse, that language Trump’s blunder. Turkey, itself a US ally that is growing ate testimony last week presumably referred to the promotion of the Saudi closer to Russia and Iran, has already tossed Qatar a lifeline BUSINESS NEWS SECTION overshadowed another alarm- Wahhabi strain of Islam through mosques, preach- in the form of goods to replace those that aren’t coming TEL: 4462 7535 ing development connected to ers, schools and study fellowships. But the leaders from the gulf. Donald Trump’s presidency: The present, Trump tweeted, immediately pointed to Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has been a SPORT NEWS SECTION Tbreakup between Saudi Arabia and three Qatar. stable US ally. Regime change at the Saudis’ behest would TEL: 4455 7745 Arab partners on one side and Qatar, a Trump wasn’t quick enough to realise that this send the message to the region that Saudi Arabia, not Wash- staunch US ally, on the other. was a way of deflecting attention from the Saudis ington, is calling the shots. ONLINE SECTION The trouble was caused by Trump, while dangling the possibility of action against It would be great if Trump would retract his comments. TEL: 4462 7501 who got played by the Saudis and then Qatar. So he took the bait. But based on past practice, that’s not going to happen. [email protected] bragged about it on Twitter. That gave Saudi Arabia enough confidence in The least bad outcome would therefore involve some The challenge now is to figure out Trump’s backing to lash out at Qatar — something mild concessions from Qatar that would satisfy the Saudis PUBLIC RELATIONS how to walk back the brewing diplomatic it had previously refrained from doing because of and provide Trump with a face-saving way to reassert US mini-disaster without a public reversal by the close US military alliance with that country. support. For example, Qatar could agree to rein in Hamas, TEL: 4455 7613 Trump — a step he has shown no inclina- The Saudi gamble paid off. Instead of express- which it supports alongside other offshoots of the interna- [email protected] tion to take. ing dismay at the rift between key regional allies, tional Muslim Brotherhood. To understand what’s happened - and Trump immediately took credit for the Saudi step. Qatar has already shown its productive influence on ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT how to fix it — you have to start with Proof that this wasn’t actually a Trump master Hamas by urging the Palestinian group to announce that it TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Qatar, which hosts a huge US airbase for plan comes from three places. First, there’s would accept a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli FAX: 4455 7870 missions to Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq. Trump’s description of Qatar in his Saudi Arabia impasse. Further restraint by Hamas could help with a US- [email protected] Until now, Qatar has played the role speech as a “crucial strategic partner.” Saudi peace initiative, if one continues to develop. of a modest regional counterbalance Second, there’s the worry expressed by US mil- Another option for the Qataris would be to cool their CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT against Saudi domination of the Persian itary brass after the Saudi move and Trump’s relations with Iran, though that could prove difficult TEL: 4455 7857 Gulf. Crucially, it hosts Al Jazeera, the endorsement of it. One spokesman initially said he because the two countries share a natural gas field. [email protected] leading Arabic satellite news network. could not “reconcile” Trump’s tweet with US pol- Finally, there’s Al Jazeera, which the Saudis hate and The Saudis’ nominal excuse for break- icy. Subsequently, the Pentagon has continued to Qatar hosts and funds. The news network is allowed to crit- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION ing diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar trumpet Qatar’s “enduring commitment to regional icize and report negative news about anyone it likes in the TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 was its sponsorship of terror. But the real security.” Small wonder: More than 11,000 US and region. It would be a shame to see the network’s freedom FAX: 44557819 reason was that Trump’s comments on allied forces are stationed at Qatar’s strategically further curtailed, but doing so could potentially reduce his May visit to Saudi Arabia gave the essential Al Udeid air base. Saudi-Qatari tensions. [email protected] kingdom an excuse to take steps against a Third, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has The key point here is that it’s a good thing that the Sau- rival whom it considers a thorn in its side called on the Arab states to stop blockading Qatar dis couldn’t care less about Qatari funding reaching and a dangerous source of critical news. as Trump continues to applaud the move, a contra- terrorists. They care about Qatar’s regional stance as a gulf All thoughts and views Trump didn’t mean to cause the break diction noted acidly on Twitter by Sen. Chris counterweight to them — and as a public critic via Al expressed in these columns — at least not at first. Indeed, it’s clear Murphy, D-Connecticut: Jazeera. from his comments on Twitter last week June 9: “Tillerson strongly opposes blockade. @ The US should now take steps to address the actual dif- are those of the writers, not that he was outwitted by the Saudis: POTUS tweeted enthusiastic support. I don’t think ferences between its allies. Otherwise, Trump’s error could of the newspaper. June 6: “So good to see the Saudi Ara- this is how foreign policy is supposed to work.” undermine its interests. bia visit with the King and 50 countries From this it follows that Trump didn’t even see All correspondence already paying off. They said they would the Qatar development coming. He apparently just The writer is a Bloomberg View columnist. He is a professor of regarding Views and constitutional and international law at Harvard University and was take a hard line on funding... “... extrem- didn’t understand, either while in Saudi Arabia or Opinion pages should be ism, and all reference was pointing to afterward, how important Qatar is to the US. a clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter. His seven Qatar. Perhaps this will be the beginning So how can the crisis be resolved? books include “The Three Lives of James Madison: Genius, Parti- mailed to the of the end to the horror of terrorism!” The US can’t actually cut Qatar loose, whatever san, President” and “Cool War: The Future of Global Competition.” [email protected] 10 ASIA TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 Historical issues blocking ties with Japan: Moon
Seoul Call for cooperation if both sides fulfilled their Reuters obligations. Moon’s comments “Both South Korea and Japan outh Korean President were an apparent should look at this issue directly Moon Jae-in said yester- reference to Korean and understanding is needed that day ties with Japan are “comfort women”, a it will take more time (to resolve being blocked by histor- Japanese it),” Moon told Nikai, the South’s ical issues that will take euphemism for presidential office said. Stime to resolve and he asked for women forced to Moon, who suggested during Japan’s understanding and coop- work in the Japanese his successful campaign for a eration on the issue. military’s wartime May 9 election that he could try Moon’s comments were an to renegotiate the deal, also said brothels. apparent reference to Korean the two countries should not “comfort women”, a Japanese “cling to past history” only to euphemism for women forced Abe in 2015 to resolve the issue. block other developments in to work in the Japanese military’s But Moon, in his talks with their ties. South Korean President Moon Jae-in (left) shakes hands with Toshihiro Nikai, Secretary-General wartime brothels. Toshihiro Nikai, apparently did Moon stressed the impor- of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party, during their meeting at the Presidential Blue House The issue of the women has not directly address whether he tance of cooperation with Japan in Seoul, yesterday. plagued bilateral ties between would seek to renegotiate the in efforts to denuclearise North the neighbours for decades. agreement, in which Japan made Korea, which has been ramping The meeting came hours lawmakers. During the meeting, Korea there are even a handful, Moon told the visiting secre- an apology to the women, who up weapons tests since last year after the South’s foreign minis- Nikai said “those plotting but they must be eradicated,” tary general of Japan’s ruling are now elderly, and promised in defiance of global sanctions. try warned Japan to exercise schemes” to block bilateral ties Nikai was quoted as saying. Liberal Democratic Party that the about one billion yen ($9.07 mil- Nikai said he agreed with caution when making remarks from moving forward should be He also expressed hope that people of South Korea did not lion) for a fund to help them. Moon and hoped the two coun- about bilateral ties, including the “eradicated”, several Japanese the two countries would “get accept a deal reached by his con- The two governments agreed tries could move forward issue of the women, following and South Korean media along well” and not to have rela- servative predecessor and under the deal that the issue together, the South’s presiden- reported comments by Nikai in reported. tions tangled with “trivial Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo would be “irreversibly resolved” tial office said. a meeting with South Korean “I don’t know if in South matters”. North Korea 'evading' Taiwan lawmakers to support Hong Kong democracy
Taipei help promote democracy in sanctions through AFP Hong Kong, including Huang Kuo-chang -- one of the leaders awmakers in Taiwan of the Sunflower Movement and web of illicit networks launched a new group to now a lawmaker with the New Lhelp promote democracy Power Party, which he heads. in Hong Kong yesterday, a move Four other NPP legislators Seoul trade, the report said. It argued likely to rile Beijing ahead of the are part of the caucus, with the AFP that more targeted sanctions — 20th anniversary of the hando- other members coming from if applied correctly — could help ver of the city from Britain back Tsai's Democratic Progressive anctions have failed to stop bring Kim Jong-Un's regime to China. Taiwan and Hong Kong Party (DPP). North Korea's weapons back to the negotiating table. are thorns in Beijing's side— both "We have seen that the Bei- Sprogramme because the The last report released by saw huge anti-China protests in jing government continues to regime has a "complex overseas C4ADS last year highlighted the 2014, known respectively as the suppress Hong Kong people's financing and procurement sys- key role played by a prominent Sunflower Movement and pursuit of true democracy," tem" earning hard currency Chinese businesswoman and Umbrella Movement. Huang told reporters yesterday. from anything from cybercrime her vast conglomerate, result- Ties with self-ruling Taiwan The caucus would offer "assist- to wildlife smuggling, a report ing in US and South Korean have worsened under China- ance" by helping campaigners said yesterday. sanctions against the firm, Dan- sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen, Legislators from Taiwan and Hong Kong during a ceremony and lawmakers in both places to Successive rounds of United dong Hongxiang, and specific who took office last year. Bei- at the parliament in Taipei, yesterday. exchange views and discuss Nations sanctions in response individuals associated with it. jing still sees Taiwan as part of public policies, he added. to nuclear and ballistic missile The companies in its territory to be reunified and Kong, frustration at a lack of even independence from China, Huang and other top activ- tests have sought to choke off Pyongyang's networks use "lay- wants Tsai to acknowledge that political reform and fears that infuriating Beijing. The new ists from the Sunflower North Korea's external eco- ers of shell and front companies" the island is part of "one China", freedoms are under threat have "Taiwan Congressional Hong Movement have been barred nomic lifelines, but the report which help them obscure their which she has refused to do. led to the emergence of groups Kong Caucus" comprises 18 law- from entering Hong Kong since by Washington-based think true activities, the new report In semi-autonomous Hong calling for self-determination or makers who say they want to 2014. tank C4ADS argues the meas- said. This allows regime-linked ures are not efficient enough. individuals repeatedly to con- Pyongyang, "far from being duct illicit behaviour abroad on isolated, is globally active North Korea's behalf. through its overseas networks," From weapons export to Charles Sobhraj undergoes heart surgery Bangladesh which are helping to raise the imports of "both sophisticated funds and materials the coun- technology and mundane items Kathmandu hraj's wife Nihita Biswas said. has been implicated in more try needs for its weapons like switches and relays," AFP "It was a four-hour surgery than 20 killings -- is under tight arrests ten programmes, the report said. Pyongyang depends on "trusted but they had to extend it for security in hospital because of Last September the North intermediaries" to hide its French serial killer nick- another hour because they threats made against his life, his militants conducted its fifth nuclear test, involvement in overseas deals. named the "bikini killer" found that the other valve was wife said. triggering international outrage "The repeated use of the A for a string of murders also damaged. Right now they "We did not want the sur- and further sanctions. same commercial facilitator throughout Asia in the 1970s say that he's stable." gery to happen in Nepal because Dhaka The most recent round of across multiple major weapons was recovering after having Raamesh Koirala — one of we do not trust Nepal. That is AFP sanctions came earlier this shipments is indicative of the open heart surgery in Nepal yes- three surgeons involved in the why we got a doctor who is month in response to a string of limited nature of North Korean terday, his wife and a doctor complicated procedure — said related to the family to do the angladesh police yester- missile tests this year. overseas networks," and high- said. Charles Sobhraj, 73, who Sobhraj would remain sedated surgery," she said of Koirala. day widened a sweeping As sanctions have tightened, lights how vulnerable they are is currently serving a life sen- for 24 hours. Sobhraj is expected to Bcrackdown against Pyongyang's overseas networks to targeted sanctions, it said. tence for two murders in "We cannot say he is out of remain in intensive care for at Jamayetul Mujahideen Bang- have become increasingly Financing similarly relies on Kathmandu in 1975, underwent danger for 24 hours and maybe least four days. The Frenchman ladesh (JMB) militants, important, with regime officials a small number of "gateway a five-hour surgery to repair the longer. But the operation was earned worldwide notoriety for arresting at least 10 suspected learning how to "nest" their firms" which allow the North valves in his heart. normal," said the surgeon, who a series of poisonings and rob- extremists and seizing weap- illicit activities within appar- "to access the international "The good news is that the is a distant relative of Biswas. beries of backpackers across ons, suicide vests and ently legitimate international financial system". operation was a success," Sob- The ageing conman -- who Asia in the 60s and 70s. literature on Islamic jihad. The Rapid Action Battal- ion (RAB) counter-terrorism force detained the suspects in a second day of raids tar- Panda cub birth celebrations Singapore mother arrested for geting the homegrown extremist outfit blamed for offering to marry IS fighter numerous atrocities, includ- ing a cafe siege that killed 22 Singapore "She supported ISIS's use of people, mostly foreigners. AFP violence to establish and defend Among those arrested its self-declared 'caliphate', and was Shaykh Mamunur 22-year-old Singaporean aspired to live in it." Rashid, an Islamic boarding woman who was plan- Izzah became radicalised school teacher in the capital A ning to go to Syria with from 18 after watching propa- Dhaka who is accused of her child and marry an Islamic ganda videos from the translating extremist litera- State fighter has been detained extremist group, and had ture to "motivate" young without trial, the city-state's formed an extensive network recruits, said RAB spokesman interior ministry said yesterday. of foreign contacts, including Mufti Mahmud Khan. Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al IS militants and supporters, the "He misinterpreted the Ansari, who worked at a com- MHA said, some of whom had Koran and was working on munity nursery, was detained been killed in Syria or arrested spreading propaganda across under the Internal Security Act for terror-related activities. the country," Khan told (ISA), the Ministry of Home She believed that having a reporters, referring to the Affairs said. husband who died in battle 34-year-old madrassa An employee of a department store in Tokyo's Ueno shopping district distributing paper "Izzah was intent on join- would give her "elevated sta- teacher. Six youths aged masks showing a baby panda to celebrate the birth of a baby panda at the nearby zoo ing ISIS and was actively tus" and she could easily between 19 and 23 were also yesterday. A Japanese zoo celebrated the first birth of a baby panda in five years, with planning to make her way to remarry in Syria, the MHA detained in Dhaka with USB the tiny cub small enough to fit in the palm of a human hand. Syria, with her young child," the added. Her family tried to talk sticks containing militant ministry said in a statement. her out of it but to no avail. information. TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 EUROPE 11 Former rebels lead in Kosovo elections
Pristina percent of ballots in Sunday's New challenge AFP polls. But the nationalist left-lean- The so-called "war ragile Kosovo began an ing Vetevendosje wing" alliance claimed uncertain new chapter (Self-Determination) party also victory after taking yesterday after the old took to the streets to celebrate 34.75 percent of guard of ex-guerrilla after doubling its support since votes, based on the fighters topped snap the last election in 2014, bagging electoral commission's Fparliamentary polls but without 26.42 percent of votes. a majority needed to form a "It turns out that the number count of 90 percent of government. of ballots won cannot decide the ballots in Sunday's The so-called "war wing" winner," said political scientist polls. Ramush Haradinaj (left), parliamentary elections prime minister candidate and leader of the alliance led by the PDK party of Belul Beqaj. Alliance for Future of Kosova and Kadri Veseli leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo of the President Hashim Thaci claimed He said it remained to be Although the war "war wing" coalition celebrate their victory in Pristina, yesterday. victory after taking 34.75 percent seen if there was "the political wing topped the polls, of votes, based on the electoral will for new coalitions, as the its main rivals have commission's count of 90 leading (war wing) alliance vowed not to share topped the polls, its main rivals war crimes allegedly committed prime minister, Ramush Harad- power with the PDK. have vowed not to share power by KLA members, while Vetev- inaj, has also used nationalist with the PDK, which has long endosje -- led by former student rhetoric. dominated the political scene protest leader Albin Kurti -- He said EU-brokered talks cannot form a government by and is tainted by accusations of opposes it. to "normalise" relations with itself". abuse of power and corruption. The LDK also supports a bor- Belgrade, which have stalled in Sunday's vote was just the The party has its roots in the der demarcation deal with recent months, should only third general election in Kosovo rebel Kosovo Liberation Army Montenegro, but Vetevendosje move forward if Serbia recog- since it unilaterally declared (KLA) that fought Serbian forces has protested against the agree- nises Kosovo -- an unlikely independence from Serbia in in the late 1990s. ment by hurling tear gas in prospect. 2008. Runners-up Vetevendosje parliament, fearing Kosovo Serbia also wants to try Seats were yet to be allocated could instead try to form a coa- would lose land. Haradinaj for war crimes. in the 120-member assembly, 20 lition with a centre-right alliance, The EU has made the border The war wing is nevertheless of which go to representatives of led by the LDK party, which deal a prerequisite for Kosovo "ultimately pragmatic, interested Kosovo's ethnic minorities, came third in the polls with obtaining visa-free travel in the mostly in securing (its) own including 10 seats to Serbs. around a quarter of votes. bloc. power and maintaining good ties The country, one of Europe's But they would face a "new The prospect of Vetevendosje to Western partners," said Flo- poorest and youngest, is home huge challenge" to reconcile their in power is likely to alarm West- rian Bieber, professor of to about 1.8 million people who political platforms, Beqaj said. ern countries due to its stance on Southeast European Studies at Supporters of the 'war wing' coalition celebrate their victory. are mostly ethnic Albanian. For example, the LDK backs such issues, analysts say. the University of Graz in Although the war wing a new special court set up to try The war wing's candidate for Austria.
Austrian hospital to pay damages Three EU states may face legal actions over refugee crisis for baby mix-up Brussels Republic was also on the list. that they will be faced with pest to change their policies. that have been made are appli- Reuters This would mark a sharp infringement procedures". The scheme has been a fail- cable law ... At issue here is escalation of a dispute between Poland and Hungary have ure and fewer than 21,000 European solidarity, which can- Vienna he European Union's exec- Brussels and these states. Such refused to take in a single per- people have been moved so far. not be a one-way street." AFP utive will open legal cases letters are the first step in the son under a plan agreed in 2015 But only Poland, Hungary and The bloc's divisive migration Tagainst three eastern so-called infringement proce- to relocate 160,000 asylum- the Czech Republic have not disputes have come at a time its AN Austrian hospital yesterday members today for failing to dures the Commission can open seekers from Italy and Greece, pledged to accept migrants. unity and resolve are already was ordered to pay $33,700 in take in asylum-seekers to against EU states for failing to which had been overwhelmed That allows the Commission being tested by Brexit, weak damages for mixing up two relieve states on the front lines meet their legal obligations. by mass influx of people from to single them out on that for- economies and higher support babies nearly 30 years ago, of the bloc's migration crisis, A Commission spokes- the Middle East and Africa. mal basis, rather than open legal for populist, eurosceptic and even though one of them sources said. woman did not confirm or deny The bloc has fought two years cases against just about every nationalist-minded parties on remains unidentified. "The European Commission the executive would go ahead of these bitter migration battles EU state for failing to take in the the continent. Doris Gruenwald, who would agree at a regular meet- with the legal cases, but referred but the two southern states, whole of their assigned quota. It pits the formerly commu- was born in 1990, only found ing today to send so-called to an interview that Commis- backed by rich countries like Ger- In his interview, Juncker nist easterners against the out a few years ago she was letters of formal notice to sion head Jean-Claude Juncker many and Sweden that are the said: "The decision hasn't been wealthy westerners and coun- not biologically related to the Poland and Hungary," three gave to the German weekly Der final destinations for many made yet, but I will say this: I tries on the Mediterranean couple she thought were her diplomats and EU officials said. Spiegel last week. "Those that migrants arriving in the EU, have am for it - not to make a threat, coast, with Italy leading calls to parents after she took a DNA Two others said the Czech do not take part have to assume failed to force Warsaw and Buda- but to make clear that decisions punish Poland and Hungary. test. "Of course it was a huge shock for me and my daugh- ter," Evelin Gruenwald, who raised Doris, said in 2016. Norway seeks "But we knew from the start that nothing could sep- Finland PM to dissolve coalition govt arate us, that we would stay ban on full-face mother and daughter. This Helsinki appeared likely to splinter. The child is the best thing that AFP conservatives and centrists veils in schools ever happened to me." could now enter into talks with "For me it was definitely inland's centrist Prime Min- possible new partners. Oslo worse than for my mother," ister Juha Sipila said The Finns elected Halla-aho Reuters Doris said. "My whole body Fyesterday that his party their head on Saturday, replac- started shaking. and its conservative allies ing foreign minister and NORWAY aims to ban face- "It was like the ground wanted to end their governing moderate Timo Soini. covering veils in kindergartens, under my feet disappeared." coalition with the eurosceptic Participating in the three- schools and universities, the LKH University Hospital Finns party, after it elected as party coalition has come at a government said yesterday, Graz said at the time of Doris's president a hardliner convicted heavy price for the Finns party. the latest European nation to birth no other baby girl was of hate speech. Its support has more than propose restrictions on wear- born with such a low weight "The conditions do not exist halved from 17.7 percent in the ing burqas and niqabs. as the premature Doris in its that allow us to cooperate with May 2015 general election to 8.4 France, the Netherlands, hospital. the Finns led by Halla-aho," Sip- percent in a February poll by Belgium, Bulgaria and the The hospital has given no ila said on Twitter, referring to Taloustutkimus. German state of Bavaria have details on how the swap could Jussi Halla-aho, who was named A member of the European Finnish Finance Minister and National Coalition Chairman Petteri all imposed restrictions on have occurred, but said last the party's new leader on Parliament, Halla-aho has said Orpo (left) and Finnish Prime Minister and Centre Party Chairman wearing full-face veils in pub- year it was "making every Saturday. he would push the two other Juha Sipila during a news conference in Helsinki, yesterday. lic places. effort" to solve the case, Though the governing coa- coalition parties to toughen their Norway's minority gov- according to a report in the lition, in power since May 2015, immigration policies. further to the right, which could government the Finns joined in ernment said it was confident British Independent. has not formally collapsed it He wants to steer his party mean pulling out of the coalition 2015. it would find opposition sup- port for the move. "We have every reason to believe this will be approved by parliament," Education France to reduce nuclear share in energy mix Minister Torbjoern Roe Isak- sen said. Bologna Hulot said at the G7 environ- EDF shares, which were Hulot's predecessor as envi- government quietly dropped that Norway will be the first Reuters ment summit in the Italian city down 0.8 percent before ronment minister, Segolene plan towards the end of last year country in the Nordics to of Bologna that it was too early Hulot's comments, immediately Royal, said in May last year that as unions protested that it would introduce a ban on burqas for rench environment and to give numbers about France's fell further to stand 2.2 percent France would unilaterally intro- lead to coal plant closures. both adults and children. energy minister Nicolas aim to reduce the share of lower. duce a carbon price floor of EDF Chief Executive Jean- "Face-covering garment FHulot said yesterday that nuclear in its power generation Asked about the possibility about $33 a tonne with a view to Bernard Levy has repeatedly such as the niqab or burqa do the government plans to close to 50 percent from the current of introducing a carbon tax, kick-start broader European called for a minimum carbon not belong in Norwegian some nuclear reactors of state- 75 percent. Hulot said that "France already action to cut emissions and drive price of between 30 euros and schools. The ability to com- controlled utility EDF to reduce "We are going to close some has a carbon tax which we forward the December 2015 40 euros per tonne in France and municate is a basic value," nuclear's share of the country's nuclear reactors and it won't be increase every year. At an EU United Nations-led international Europe, which would boost the acting Minister of Immigra- power mix. He gave no indica- just a symbolic move," he said level we want to increase the climate accord. company's carbon-free nuclear tion and Integration, Per tion of timing. recently. threshold." However, the socialist power stations. Sandberg, said. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017
German police Macron aims to restore public trust arrest online arms seller Paris Weak turnout draw the sting out of criticism Jean-Luc Melenchon, the Reuters that might later complicate or hard-left's failed presidential Berlin Fewer than half of all tarnish the social and labour candidate, has warned voters Reuters resident Emmanuel registered voters cast reforms that Macron wants to against concentrating power in (pictured) GERMAN Macron and a ballot on Sunday, enact. the hands of a single party loyal police have arrested his supporters will prompting some of LREM president Catherine to a president who received less the alleged administrator of an seek to "restore the Barbaroux said the weak turn- than one in every four votes in underground "dark net" web- Macron's opponents to trust" of the French out would be a "key challenge the opening round of the presi- site that was used to procure cast doubt on the Ppeople after a record low turn- for the government in the weeks dential election. the firearms involved in a 2016 out in the first round of the strength of the likely to come". She said that as "The huge abstention rate gun attack in a Munich shop- parliamentary election, Macron's mandate of the encouraging as Sunday's result shows that there is no majority ping mall in which nine victims government spokesman said president. was, more voters needed to get in this country in favour of were killed. yesterday. out in the second round. destroying the labour code, nor Police arrested the Fewer than half of all regis- Macron's party is still Pollsters project LREM and for reducing liberties ...nor to 30-year-old suspect last tered voters cast a ballot on poised to win its centre-right Modem ally are pander to the rich, all things that Thursday, prosecutors said Sunday, unprecedented in ond round. on course to win as many as feautre in the president's pro- yesterday, after an investiga- comfortably in the France's post-war Fifth Repub- "It is a failure of this elec- three quarters of 577 seats in the gram," Melenchon said. tion led them to the hidden second round. lic, prompting some of Macron's tion," government spokesman lower house next week. If forecasts that LREM and discussion forum with opponents to cast doubt on the Christope Castaner, who is also Some Macron rivals are call- Modem win 390-445 seats prove 20,000 registered users strength of the likely mandate of politicians and projections that minister for parliamentary rela- ing his future lawmakers correct, it would be France's big- where weapons and drugs the president, who wants to Macron would secure a com- tions, said. "We have to take "godillots", or yes men, a label gest majority in decades, and were being traded in a "mar- quickly introduce economic manding majority for the high note, we have to restore trust." given to President Charles De would effectively leave only the ketplace" section. reforms. abstention rate. Other senior Republic on the Gaulle's parliamentarians who powerful trade union movement "The sale of the weapons Pollsters blamed voter Macron's party is still poised Move (LREM) officials echoed were viewed as rubber-stamp- as a potential obstacle to the used in the rampage in fatigue, disillusion with to win comfortably in the sec- Castaner, in an apparent bid to ing his policies. former banker's reforms. Munich on July 22, 2016 was ... carried out on this plat- form," prosecutors said. Attacker David Ali Sonboly, 18, shot himself dead after the Theresa May vows to save rampage, during which a fur- ther 27 people were injured. The arrest came amid party from election mess mounting concern among authorities around Europe London that such secretive market- Reuters places make it too easy for criminals and militants to ritish Prime Minister obtain weaponry that has tra- Theresa May (pictured) ditionally been highly Bhas told lawmakers in her regulated across Europe. Conservative Party that she will Police concluded the Ger- stay as leader for as long as they man-born Sonboly was a want her to, one of her mem- deranged lone gunman bers of parliament said obsessed with mass killings yesterday. who drew no inspiration from May apologised repeatedly militancy. for last week's botched election "She said she will serve us According to the prose- result, according to a member as long as we want her." cutors, the weapons website who was present. Lawmakers added that there was also used to trade forged "She said I'm the person were no dissenting voices at the money and identity docu- who got us into this mess and meeting and that the last thing ments as well as stolen credit People attend a rally after Russian liberal opposition leader Alexei Navalny called to hold a I'm the one who is going to get Britain needed was another card and bank account protest in Tverskaya street in Moscow, yesterday. us out of it," the lawmaker said. election or leadership race. details. Thousands attend anti-Putin rally Moscow Navalny, who is mounting a him to call for more protests and Reuters long-shot bid to unseat Putin in keep Putin, who is expected to Officials fail to agree on Brexit talks date an election next year, had called run for and win re-election next Brussels unlikely as Conservative Brit- begin negotiations." aton-wielding riot police for mass protests in Moscow and year, under rare domestic AFP ish Prime Minister Theresa The arrangements under broke up anti-corruption other cities against official pressure. May fights for her political life. discussion include dates and Bprotests and detained corruption. The OVD-Info monitoring op EU and British figures In Brussels yesterday, the sequencing of talks -- the hundreds of demonstrators in The Kremlin has dismissed group, a non-profit organisation held "talks about talks" Barnier met Olly Robbins, a EU wants four-week cycles of Moscow and other Russian cit- Navalny's graft allegations, said preliminary figures showed Ton Brexit yesterday but senior official in Davis's min- negotiations, each covering ies yesterday soon after accusing him of irresponsibly 730 people had been detained failed to nail down a date for istry, and Britain's ambassador one topic -- once they do actu- arresting opposition leader trying to whip up unrest. in Moscow. The Interior Minis- the start of negotiations amid to the EU Tim Barrow to dis- ally get started. Alexei Navalny. The scale of yesterday's pro- try said 500 people were the fallout from Britain's cha- cuss arrangements for the talks European Commission The protests, called by Nav- tests in Moscow and smaller detained in St Petersburg. otic election, officials said. following the election shock. spokesman Alexander Winter- alny, a strong critic of Russian ones in St Petersburg and scores Navalny's wife, Yulia, said The two-year negotiation "They agreed to have fur- stein earlier declined to President Vladmir Putin, drew of other cities suggests Navalny her husband had been detained process between EU Brexit ther contact at technical level provide a likely start date. thousands of people and were has maintained his campaign's as he tried to leave their home. chief Michel Barnier and Brit- this week. As of yet, no date for "When will be the point some of the biggest in Russia momentum despite more than Reuters witnesses saw a police ain's Brexit minister David opening the negotiations has from moving to talking about since 2012. 1,000 people being arrested car leaving his apartment com- Davis had been due to formally been agreed," an EU official said talks, to more detailed talks, I "Russia without Putin" and after the last such protest in pound at high speed, followed a start on June 19. on condition of anonymity. cannot say. This doesn't "Russia will be free" chanted the March. few minutes later by a minibus But that looks increasingly "The EU stands ready to depend entirely on us." demonstrators. That is likely to embolden carrying about 10 policemen. Romania army Poland minister hails jet crashes
Bucharest planned Trump visit AP Warsaw — where the US recently AUTHORITIES say that a AP deployed hundreds of troops — Romanian military fighter jet is meant to reaffirm has crashed in a wheat field olish officials are hailing Washington's "steadfast com- near the Black Sea port of Con- an upcoming visit by mitment to one of our closest stanta. The pilot ejected from PDonald Trump, with European allies." the plane. Poland's defence minister call- Defence Minister Antoni A spokesman for the ing it a "huge success" for the Macierewicz said that the Mihail Kogalniceanu Airport government and another offi- upcoming visit is a "huge success said that the Russian-made cial celebrating the of Polish diplomacy" and an MiG 21 Lancer crashed yester- unexpectedness of a US presi- "enormous event showing how day morning shortly after dent stopping in Warsaw before much Poland's place in geopol- takeoff during a training flight. Paris, London or Berlin. itics and world politics has A damaged house is seen at the village of Vrissa on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, after Adrian Jiga said the pilot Trump's visit offers the changed" since his party, Law ejected from the plane and is a strong earthquake shook the eastern Aegean, yesterday. promise of raising the standing and Justice, took power in 2015. unconscious, saying there of the government of Prime Krzysztof Szczerski, chief of were no more details on his Minister Beata Szydlo as it finds staff to President Andrzej Duda, condition. 6.3 magnitude quake hits Greek islands itself increasingly marginalised said Polish officials had worked "Firefighters were sent to within the European Union over "many months" to persuade extinguish the blaze and med- Athens The broadcaster said ten "We are trying to disengage a refusal to resettle refugees Trump to visit. ical rescue workers were sent AFP people were injured in the vil- a woman trapped in debris" in and migrants and over judicial "At first ... it seemed impos- to the scene." lage of Vrisa on the island of Vrisa, he said. changes that the EU says sible that we would be able to He said the plane's t least 10 people were hurt Lesbos, where a number of old The US Geological Survey weaken the rule of law. convince the US president that wreckage is located about when a strong 6.3-mag- homes collapsed. said the epicentre of the quake The White House said on he should visit Poland before 8km from the airport, near Anitude earthquake struck "Dozens of homes have col- was in the Aegean sea 11km Friday that Trump will visit the biggest European coun- the village of Nazarcea. the Aegean coast of western lapsed and village roads are south of Plomari, a village on the Poland on July 6 before he joins tries," Szczerski said. Romania's air force has 35 Turkey and the Greek islands of blocked," regional fire service southern coast of Lesbos, and the Group of 20 summit in The visit will be part of MiG 21s, of which more than Lesbos and Chios yesterday, supervisor Marios Apostolides there were several Hamburg, Germany. Trump's second international 20 are in active service. Greece's ERT state TV reported. said. aftershocks. It said the visit to Poland foray as president. TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 AMERICAS 13 Trump sued over business benefits of his office
Washington country have we had a president AFP Trump Hotel gains with these kinds of extensive business entanglements. Or a Trump raking in aryland and the US president who refused to ade- money from foreign capital sued Pres- quately distance themselves ident Donald governments and from their holdings," Racine said. Trump yesterday, businesses at his The suit says that despite bil- saying he is luxury hotels and lionaire Trump having placed his Mbreaking laws by raking in office towers. extensive business holdings in a money from foreign govern- trust after he was elected presi- ments and businesses at his Suit details the dent, he still owns the properties luxury hotels and office towers. popularity of the and is well-aware of the money The lawsuit said heavy opulent Trump Hotel they are earning him. spending by foreign diplomats with foreign officials "Although he formed a trust and embassies at the Trump since January 20. to hold his business assets, he International Hotel just a few may obtain distributions from his Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine blocks from the White House, trust at any time," it said. payments by foreign entities at president Trump is flagrantly The suit detailed the popu- (right) hold a news conference to announce their lawsuit against Donald Trump. his Trump Tower and Trump violating the constitution, which larity of the opulent Trump International Tower in New explicitly bars presidents from International Hotel with foreign Asian and Middle Eastern diplo- In New York, Trump Tower The suit also alleged that York, and other business oper- receiving gifts or inducements officials since his January 20 mats saying they will go there to leases space to the Chinese gov- Trump benefits from foreign dis- ations effectively violate the US from foreign or domestic gov- inauguration, alleging that the impress the president. Kuwait ernment-controlled bank ICBC tribution payments for his "The Constitution's ban on presidents ernment entities," said hotel "has specifically marketed held its national day celebration and Trump World Tower and Apprentice" reality TV show and enriching themselves while in Washington Attorney General itself to the diplomatic at the hotel, and Saudi Arabia has other properties also focus on generally from the international office. Karl Racine. community." spent hundreds of thousands of foreign clients, including Rus- real estate projects of the Trump "The suit alleges that "Never in the history of this It pointed to news reports of dollars there, the suit claims. sians, it said. Organisation.
Charitable Another court keeps block on Trump travel ban giving in US Seattle appealed another ruling against president's authority is subject commit terrorism. consult with Congress in setting rises slightly AP the ban to the Supreme Court, to certain statutory and consti- "In short, the order does not the number of refugees allowed which is likely to consider the tutional restraints." provide a rationale explaining into the country in a given year in 2016 nother US appeals court cases in tandem. Judges Michael Hawkins, why permitting entry of nation- and that he could not decrease stomped on President The 4th US Circuit Court of Ronald Gould and Richard Paez als from the six designated it midyear. New York ADonald Trump's revised Appeals in Virginia last month — all appointed by President Bill countries under current proto- The refugee programme is not AP travel ban yesterday, saying the cited the president's campaign Clinton — said the travel ban vio- cols would be detrimental to the at issue in the 4th Circuit case. administration violated federal statements as evidence that the lated immigration law by interests of the United States," Trump issued his initial haritable giving in the immigration law and failed to 90-day ban was unconstitution- discriminating against people the panel said. travel ban on a Friday in late Jan- United States increased provide a valid reason for keep- ally "steeped in animus and based on their nationality when Because of the conflict with uary, bringing chaos and protests Cin 2016 — but only ing people from six mostly directed at a single religious it comes to issuing visas and by immigration law, the judges said to airports around the country. slightly, according to the lat- Muslim nations from coming to group." failing to demonstrate that their they didn't need to consider A Seattle judge blocked its est comprehensive report on the country. The 9th Circuit, which heard entry would hurt American whether it also violated the Con- enforcement nationwide in Americans' giving patterns. The decision by a unanimous arguments in Seattle last month interests. stitution's prohibition on the response to a lawsuit by Wash- The Giving USA report, to three-judge panel of the San in Hawaii's challenge to the ban, The president's order did not government favoring or disfa- ington state — a decision that be released today, said giving Francisco-based 9th US Circuit found no need to analyze tie citizens of Iran, Libya, Soma- voring any religion. The 4th was unanimously upheld by a from individuals, estates, Court of Appeals helps keep the Trump's campaign statements. lia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to Circuit found the policy uncon- different three-judge 9th Circuit foundations and corporations travel ban blocked and deals It ruled based on immigration terrorist organizations or con- stitutional on that basis. panel. reached an estimated $390bn Trump a second big legal defeat law, not the Constitution. tributors to "active conflict," the The 9th Circuit also kept The president then rewrote in 2016. on the policy in less than three "Immigration, even for the court said. It also did not provide blocking Trump's suspension of his executive order rather than That was up 2.7 percent weeks. president, is not a one-person any link between their nation- the US refugee programme. The appeal to the US Supreme Court in current dollars (1.4 percent The administration has show," the judges said. "The ality and their propensity to court said he was required to at that time. adjusted for inflation) from the estimate of $379.89bn for 2015. Out of the nine charitable sectors identified in the Orlando shooting: Hundreds report, the biggest increase in 2016, percentage-wise, was for environmental and ani- mark first anniversary mal-welfare organisations. Giving to this sector, when Miami "No matter how dark the adjusted for inflation, rose 5.8 AFP night, the sun is always going to percent to just over $11bn. shine," Orlando Mayor Buddy As usual, the largest share undreds of people gath- Dyer told the gathering. of donations — almost $123 ered at dawn yesterday Outside, a makeshift memo- billion — went to religious Hin the Florida resort city rial was erected with the organisations, although the of Orlando to pay their respects rainbow flags of the gay rights increase for this sector was to the 49 people killed by a gun- movement, pictures of the slain, modest at 1.8 percent. man one year ago at the Pulse flowers, candles, soft toys and "This report tells us that gay nightclub. other offerings. Americans remained generous The shooting spree on June The massacre was the dead- in 2016, despite it being a year 12, 2016 by Omar Mateen -- who liest mass shooting in modern punctuated by economic and pledged allegiance to the Islamic American history, and the worst political uncertainty," said State before turning his weap- US terror attack since Septem- Aggie Sweeney, the chair of ons on revelers -- also left more ber 11, 2001. "We will NEVER Giving USA Foundation. than 50 people wounded. FORGET the victims who lost Still, Americans' level of The building, soon to be con- their lives one year ago today in generosity is no higher than verted into a museum, opened the horrific #PulseNightClub Barbara Poma, owner of Pulse nightclub, delivers remarks one year after the massacre in it was decades ago. its doors at 2:00 am to relatives shooting," President Donald For 2016, giving by indi- Orlando, Florida, yesterday. of the victims and survivors of Trump said on Twitter. viduals represented 2 percent the attack for a private ceremony Forty-nine people dressed as The so-called "Angel Force" "The one silver lining that we each other," Viviana Torche, one of total disposable income — attended by city officials in angels, in large white wings and was formed days after the attack can find in all of this, is the of the people attending the down from 2.4 percent in which the names of the dead carrying candles, surrounded the to protect mourners from anti- amount of love and the amount memorial, told local news sta- 2000 and the same as the rate were read out loud. building. gay protesters. of care that everybody has for tion WFTV. in 1976. Supreme Court strikes down gender differences in citizenship law
Washington the high court for the principle unwed American fathers to gain Dominican mother and moved women that pervaded the coun- The government had urged AP that having one rule for mothers citizenship themselves. to the US when he was 13. He try's citizenship laws: "In the justices to uphold the law's and another for fathers is Under the law, a child born asserted he was a US citizen after marriage, husband is dominant, gender-based differences. The Jus- unanimous Supreme Court unconstitutional. outside the United States to an authorities sought to deport him wife subordinate; unwed mother tice Department said Congress yesterday struck down But in a twist, the ruling unwed citizen father and a non- following convictions for robbery is the natural and sole guardian wanted to make sure there is a Apart of an unusual immi- failed to provide any relief to Luis citizen mother can become a US and attempted murder. But his of a nonmarital child." strong connection between a child gration law that treats fathers Ramon Morales-Santana, the citizen at birth if the father lived father did not satisfy the five- For close to a half century, she born overseas and the United and mothers differently when it New York resident who success- in the US for five years, with at year requirement. said, the court "has viewed with States before granting citizenship. comes to conferring citizenship fully challenged the law. The least two of those years coming A federal appeals court suspicion laws that rely on over- The law also considered the prac- on children born outside the US. court said tougher — not easier after the age of 14. But an Amer- struck down the law and said the broad generalizations about the tices of other countries. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg — standards for attaining citizen- ican mother must only have lived shorter one-year period must different talents, capacities or But while the court struck called the 1940s-era law "stun- ship should apply to everyone. in the US continuously for one apply to both unwed fathers and preferences of males and females." down the gender differences in ningly anachronistic" in the way The ruling affects a law that year to meet the requirement. mothers. The Obama adminis- Ginsburg said the gender line Con- the law, Ginsburg said the longer it stereotypes men and woman. applies to children born abroad A challenge came from tration appealed. gress drew "is incompatible with five-year period should continue Her opinion cites several land- to one parent who is an Ameri- Morales-Santana, who was born Ginsburg said the law was the Constitution's guarantee of the apply to both mothers and mark discrimination cases that can and one who isn't. The law in the Dominican Republic to an based on flawed and outdated equal protection of the laws to all fathers until Congress decides on she successfully argued before made it harder for children of unwed US citizen father and a assumptions about men and persons." a different length of time. 14 HOME TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017 AMERICAS 15
Ridiculed Canada plans to Trump tweet prompts new fast-track visas legislation Washington to lure top talent AFP much-lampooned -- and now-deleted -- tweet by Toronto APresident Donald Trump Reuters US retreat has spurred a serious legisla- New plan aims to tive effort aimed at stopping anada launched a take advantage him from erasing his many fast-track visa pro- of a tougher misspelled missives and other gramme for immigration online messages. highly-skilled work- environment in the Democratic Congressman ers yesterday, as it Mike Quigley on Monday United States. Cseeks to take advantage of a introduced the so-called tougher immigration environ- COVFEFE Act, a reference to US President Donald Trump smiles during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, ment in the United States. Trump's policies have Trump's most famous typo The move comes at a criti- led to more interest DC, yesterday. yet, when last month he mys- cal time for Canadian in Canada from teriously tweeted from his technology companies, who are workers currently personal account: "Despite looking to lure top global talent living in the US. Trump's first cabinet meeting the constant negative press who otherwise flock to Silicon covfefe." Valley, a major employer of for- It was unclear what he eign workers. United States than he had ever was trying to say, and the "In a world where people seen in his 20-year career. becomes a festival of praise word "covfefe," of course, are becoming more and more Of the 150 total applications does not exist in English. inward, where there is a rise in he received for three recent job Hours later, Trump populism, there is a lot of Islam- postings, 50 came from US- Washington entire senior staff around you damn thing in front of the deleted the offending tweet. ophobia, a lot of xenophobia, based applicants, he said, with AFP Mr President, we thank you for media." But that didn't stop online there's a lot of anti-immigrant most of the 10 he subsequently the opportunity and the bless- Attorney-General Jeff Ses- wags and media commenta- sentiment, Canada is uniquely interviewed citing the political first full meeting of Don- ing that you've given us to serve sions, who will testify to the tors from having a bit of fun. positioned," said Innovation climate there as a factor in their ald Trump's cabinet your agenda and the American Senate in connection with the "'Covfefe is a great word, Minister Navdeep Bains on the decision to look north. "They A featured effusive praise people," said chief of staff Russia scandal Tuesday, said period!' - Sean Spicer tomor- programme's launch at a tech were concerned about some of of the embattled president yes- Reince Priebus. law enforcement officers across row," read one tweet, startup accelerator. the musings of the current terday, a bid to project success Priebus is among those the country were "so thrilled" mentioning the president's Bains and the other govern- administration down in the US," that prompted ridicule and crit- whose job is perennially about the ideas Trump had spokesman. Yet the matter ment officials at the launch he said. icism from some quarters. rumored to be on the block, as brought to the White House. highlights a more serious were careful not to mention US The Canadian plan, unveiled Trump kicked off the meet- Trump mulls changes to try and One of those ideas, a signa- issue about whether tweets President Donald Trump by in November as part of a broader ing by claiming that his White get the administration back on ture ban on travelers from should be included under the name, instead focusing on sell- strategy to stoke economic House had achieved "amazing track. several predominantly Muslim Presidential Records Act. ing the positives of their new growth, aims to shorten the work results" and had "been about as CIA director Mike Pompeo countries, has run afoul of the Trump frequently deletes scheme, which aims to help permit and visa issuing process active as you can possibly be and Vice President Mike Pence courts. Twitter messages -- especially domestic companies exhibiting to two weeks, compared to cur- and at a just about record pace." described the honor of working An appeals court on Mon- those with spelling errors -- growth of at least 10 percent. rent drawn-out, bureaucratic That prompted a chorus of in the Trump administration. day upheld a block on that calling into question whether But tech executives in process typically lasting six flattery, as cabinet members "It is the greatest privilege policy, saying the president had he is wrongly altering the attendance were less circum- months to a year. took turns to offer their rose- of my life to serve as vice pres- "exceeded the scope of the record of his time in office. spect. Roy Pereira, the founder "Investment follows talent," tinted views on an ident. The president is keeping authority delegated to him by "In order to maintain of an artificial intelligence com- said Ahmed Hussen, Canada's administration that by any his word to the American peo- Congress." public trust in government, pany called Zoom.ai, said minister of immigration. measure has lurched from cri- ple," Pence said. Trump's UN ambassador elected officials must answer Trump's policies had led to "Investment will not come to sis to crisis and struggled to Pompeo then played on Nikki Haley, said "the interna- for what they do and say; this more interest in Canada from Canada if the talent is not enact its agenda. Trump's disdain for the press, tional community knows we are includes 140-character workers currently living in the there," he said. "On behalf of the adding "I am not going to say a back." tweets," Quigley said.
NYC theater Puerto Rico governor vows statehood push after referendum win refuses to buckle after San Juan Currently a US territory, the Last month, the island filed same" with their own territories, equates to colonialism - already Reuters island is struggling with $70bn the biggest municipal bank- he said. lost in a previous status referen- criticism in debt and a 45 percent poverty ruptcy in US history. Its woes But Puerto Ricans are skepti- dum, in 2012, making this year's uerto Rico's governor yes- rate, and is not viewed as a pri- make statehood even more cal the island's status will change. vote a choice between statehood New York terday said the island's vote ority in Washington. urgent, Rossello said. "Statehood "This has all been a waste of time," and independence. AP Pin favor of becoming a US Rossello, who campaigned brings stability, allows us to have said taxi driver Felix Salasarar, 54, The Justice department state, despite low voter turnout on a push for statehood, said in fewer rule-changes from Con- adding that federal lawmakers will viewed the language as politi- he Public Theater is and widespread boycotts, was "a a telephone interview with Reu- gress, provides resources to our "look at the voter turnout and say, cally unfair to millions of Puerto refusing to back down fair and open" process that US ters that he will go to the US people," he said. 'where's the will of the people?'" Ricans who favor territory sta- Tafter backlash over its Congress should act upon. capital this week to urge federal Sunday's referendum, which Working against the gover- tus, prompting Rossello to add production of "Julius Caesar" An island-wide referendum lawmakers to begin the process cost Puerto Rico between $5m nor may be a perception in the territory option. that portrays a Donald on Sunday favored statehood in a of admitting Puerto Rico into the and $7m, according to govern- Washington that Sunday's vote But the Justice department Trump-like dictator in a busi- 97 percent landslide, though voter union. ment estimates, was the island's was not fair. never reviewed or approved the ness suit with a long tie who turnout reached just 23 percent as "We will make sure this fifth since 1967 - and the third in The US Department of Jus- new language. gets knifed to death onstage. opponents of Governor Ricardo becomes an issue," Rossello said. which pro-statehood sentiments tice in April called on Rossello to To be sure, Sunday's results Delta Air Lines and Bank Rossello's push to become a state The vote comes at a critical triumphed, though none have change ballot language that ini- do not reflect the true nature of of America have pulled their boycotted the vote. time for Puerto Rico, whose hazy moved Congress to act. tially did not give voters an Puerto Ricans' views on state- sponsorship of the Public's The non-binding plebiscite is status - which dates to its 1898 "If the US is going to go to option to remain a US territory. hood, which are fairly evenly version of the play, but in a not expected to sway the US Con- acquisition by the United States Venezuela and Cuba and Rossello told Reuters he divided between those who favor statement Monday, the gress, which would have to agree from Spain - has contributed to Afghanistan and push democ- made that decision because the it and those who do not, based theater said that it stands to make Puerto Rico a state. its ongoing economic crisis. racy abroad, they’ve got to do the territory option - which Rossello upon historical election results. "completely behind" the pro- duction. It noted that its staging has "provoked heated discussion" but that "such dis- cussion is exactly the goal of Venezuela court rejects our civically-engaged theater; this discourse is the basis of a healthy democracy." anti-govt legal challenge Other defenders included Scott M Stringer, the New York City comptroller, who Caracas Yesterday, the court said on sarcastically tweeted to both AFP Twitter that it was dismissing the Delta and Band of America: appeal since it was presented in "What a mistake. Actually enezuela's Supreme Court an "incompetent" way, group- reading Julius Caesar might yesterday rejected a legal ing together separate complaints help in the future. Your copy Vchallenge by the attorney against various different state is in the mail." general against the government's bodies. This modern-day Caesar's constitutional reform bid in a Opposition lawmakers also violent death at the hands of deadly political crisis. filed other court cases on Friday conspirators comes not long President Nicolas Maduro is against Maduro's constitutional after comedian Kathy Griffin accused of controlling the court, plan. was widely condemned for which has fended off numerous Clashes at daily protests by posing for a photograph in legal and legislative moves demonstrators calling for which she gripped a bloodied against him over the past year Maduro to quit have left 66 peo- rendering of Trump's head. and a half. ple dead since April 1, Though the Public's ver- Attorney General Luisa prosecutors say. Commuters line up at a bus stop during a partial public transport strike demanding the release sion of William Shakespeare's Ortega, a staunch ruling party Protesters blame Maduro for of a colleague detained during the protests against President Maduro, in Caracas, yesterday. classic play is unchanged figure, is the highest public offi- an economic crisis that has from its 400-year-old origi- cial to defy Maduro in the current caused desperate shortages of reform the constitution in However, its commander Ortega's suit could build bridges nal, the production portrays standoff. food and medicine in the oil-rich response to the protests, but his Vladimir Padrino Lopez sounded between the opposition and dis- Caesar with a gold bathtub Last week she filed a chal- country. opponents say that is a ploy to a moderate note last week when gruntled officials and widen and a pouty Slavic wife. lenge against his effort to rewrite Maduro says the crisis is a cling to power. he warned security forces divisions in Maduro's camp, Trump's name is never men- the constitution, branding it US-backed conspiracy. The president retains the against attacking protesters. making it harder for him to stay tioned but backlash was swift. undemocratic. He has launched moves to public backing of the military. Analysts said last week that in power. Tamim is Qatar Qatar is Tamim
16 HOME TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017
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FAJR 03.14 am Domasco launches new SHOROOK 04.43 am Titan Edge series in Qatar ZUHR 11.34 am MAGHRIB 06.28 pm ASR 02.57 pm ISHA 07.58 pm The Peninsula
WEATHER TODAY oha Marketing Services Company W.L.L o o D(Domasco), an Al Futtaim company, has announced the 33 C 47 C launch of the new Titan Edge Minimum Maximum series of watches in Qatar. The revolutionary Titan Edge series, with date function, incul- cates the renowned Edge-like slimness. The timepieces are a Corporate clients, of various Doha Bank operating divisions, attend the confluence of the age-old art of watchmaking and technical traditional Ramadan gathering, hosted by Doha Bank, at Sheraton Grand mastery. Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, yesterday. Faisal Sharif, Managing Director of Domasco, said, “Titan is renowned worldwide for its Doha Bank hosts Suhoor world-class innovation and world. Titan Edge series has been trendy designs. This is also evi- honoured with the prestigious dent in the Edge series. Each Red Dot Design Award, a prop- The Peninsula of the senior management, including CEO watch is exclusively crafted to erty of the Design Zentrum Dr R Seetharaman. “There is no better time epitomise classic elegance and Nordrhein Westfalen, renowned n celebration of the spirit of the Holy than, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, contemporary aesthetics, exhib- for setting the standard of design Month of Ramadan, Doha Bank hosted sitting down with your colleagues and cus- iting the highest precision in quality within various product Ia special Suhoor banquet, yesterday, tomers to share a traditional Arabic meal design.” categories. Having won consec- for its corporate clients. and celebrate the spirit of togetherness Designed with a wafer-thin utively from 2013-2014 for Titan’s The Suhoor gathering took place at that characterises Ramadan,” said Dr R dial with sapphire crystal glass, innovative ideation and excep- the stunning Ramadan tent at Sheraton Seetharaman. Strong wind expected at places by the sleek timepieces come in a tional design, the Edge timepieces Doha, and was attended by clients of var- “The Suhoor gathering gave us an afternoon. Very hot and dry daytime metal bracelet or croco-leather inculcate superior quality and ious Doha Bank operating divisions opportunity to interact with our valued with slight dust to blowing dust at strap options. Edge Date reso- timeless elegance. including Retail Banking, Wholesale Bank- clients and express our appreciation for times. nates with an elegant simplicity The Titan Edge is available in ing, Business Development, Al Riyada, their continued support and contribution HIGH TIDE 06:00 – 20:00 LOW TIDE 02:45 – 12:00 and is powered by the revolution- all Domasco outlets. For more SME, and Public Sector, among others. in helping to establish Doha Bank as one ary Titan Edge movement, the information, please visit www. Guests were received at the special of the foremost players in the GCC bank- Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department slimmest quartz movement in the domasco.com, or call 800 8123. Ramadan tent by Doha Bank’s members ing industry," he added.