SATURDAY JANUARY 5, 2019 RABI AL-AKHIR 29, 1440 VOL.12 NO. 4505 QR 2

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AMIR GRACES QATAR OPEN SEMI-FINAL Spring Festival concludes on a colourful note Final day sees large turnout of visitors

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra Spring Festival con- cluded on Friday with large numbers of residents and visi- tors thronging the venues in the final burst on the last day. The festival showcased an The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani attended part of the semi-final of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the Khalifa International array of fun-filled activities. A Tennis and Squash Complex on Friday. The Amir watched the match between world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Spanish large portion of the festival ac- Visitors enjoy entertainment activities on the concluding day of the Roberto Bautista Agut. Agut beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-7 (8/6), 6-4 to reach the final.(QNA) tivities, hosted by the Organis- Spring Festival on Friday. ing Committee of the Private Engineering Office, included vided fulsome entertainment try hosts people from all over cultural performances, mainly to the visitors,” he said. the world. dances and songs presented Souq Waqif would host the He said the upcoming fes- by artistes from different horse festival from January 20 tivals will witness new non- Day after denied entry, Mohannadi countries. to January 26, he announced. repetitive activities aimed at Large crowds swelled Salem said the festival con- attracting tourists, residents along Souq Waqif’s main alley tributed to the revival of busi- and Qatari families. chairs Asian Cup meet in UAE during the performances. ness in restaurants and shops Officials of many of the tra- Mohammed al Salem, Di- at Souq Waqif and the occu- ditional art teams said the fes- QNA/AFP starting from the quarter-fi- rector of Souq Waqif, said the pancy rate in hotels at the mar- tival became an international DOHA nals. festival was able to attract a ket was 100 percent. confluence of different cultures He said the rules allow for large number of families. He said the market saw a and arts. It was no longer re- A day after being denied entry an extra substitution during “The festival witnessed significant presence of tourists stricted to Arab culture teams 10th Marmi to the UAE, Saoud al Mohan- extra time, for the first time huge turnout that exceeded who arrived on cruise ships. only, but opened up to many nadi, Vice President of the Qa- ever in the history of the com- expectations and the mar- The visitors enjoyed the at- cultures from around the world. Festival to tar Football Association and petition. He noted that there ket place was full of visitors. mosphere in the market. Teams from Tunisia, Oman, the Asian Football Confedera- is a record number of referees The visitors enjoyed popular He said teams from dif- Jordan and Turkey among oth- kick off today tion, chaired the Organizing and prize money. shows, cultural performances ferent countries reflected the er countries participated this Committee of the 2019 AFC On Mohannadi refused en- from different countries. The cultural diversity witnessed in year. They showcased a wide THE first competitions of Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi on try in the UAE, an AFC state- circus and clown shows pro- Qatar, especially as the coun- range of folk dances. the 10th Marmi Interna- Friday. ment said it was “aware of re- tional Festival will kick off The committee discussed ports that [Mohannadi]... was on Saturday at Sabkhat final preparations to host the unable to travel to the United Marmi at the Sealine area. event which will start on Sat- Arab Emirates from Muscat in The festival, considered urday with Group A match be- QFA Vice-President Saoud al Oman”. as one of the best tourist tween the UAE and Bahrain. Mohannadi. “We are investigating the Recruitment firm owners seek attractions of the season, Mohannadi thanked the matter as we were assured of will run until February 2. members of the committee for proud to be working with the visas and entry permits for all Ali bin Khatim al Mehshdi, their great effort for the tour- Asian federation to promote AFC Organising Committee more clarity on role of WIZA chairman of the festival nament. He said the tourna- the game among women and and Executive members,” the organising committee and ment will be the biggest ever girls in the UAE, and inspir- AFC said. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK or residents. not cause harm to any office chairman of Al Gannas with 24 teams competing and ing them to take part in the Five members of a Qatari DOHA Hassan Hakim, a mem- or company.” Qatari Association, said the ready for the opening match. game of football. He expressed media delegation were refused ber of the coordination team “We do not want compe- competition is divided into This edition›s slogan will his happiness that the 2019 entry in Emirates after a five- WITH Qatari labour recruit- at the recruitment offices, tition with the government morning and afternoon ses- be “Bringing Asia Together”. edition will see the introduc- hour wait despite obtaining ment company (WIZA ) pre- said: “First of all, we have company, but we want in- sions. The morning com- He said the committee was tion of VAR in seven matches, the necessary visas. paring to start its operations little understanding of the tegration in favour of work petitions start at 7.30am soon, owners of companies competencies of this com- within the state. We think, and the afternoon session bringing in workers from pany and the role it will play for example, that WIZA is at 1pm. abroad have sought clarity in the recruitment process. the sponsor of all the labour over their role and that of For our part, as a coordinat- recruitment offices. So the WIZA. ing team we call for a mecha- role of the offices is to bring They have asked for nism for ensuring proper in workers from abroad. Massive data leak proper coordination be- communication between The government company tween companies and WIZA WIZA and recruitment com- will train the workers,” he targets German so that they don’t face fierce panies. We are not opposed added. (PG 8) competition in bringing in to the existence of coordina- officials First solar eclipse of 2019 on Sunday (PG 2) skilled workers for citizens tion provided that this does Continued on page 2 Ô

Search for truffles picks pace in Ras Laffan Record sale of local dates at Mahaseel festival TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK soaring demand for agricul- companies specialising in the Nature Reserve DOHA tural products on display food sector received huge ap- such as vegetables and fruits, preciations at the festival. DOHA The Ras Laffan LOCAL dates on display at the various types of food products In addition, shops serving Nature Reserve is wit- ongoing Mahaseel Festival at from Qatari farms and com- traditional food have attracted nessing a huge turnout Katara recorded the highest a wide range of visitors. Many of visitors looking for sales on the fifth day of the fes- of them have come to sample truffles. The reserve tival on Friday. Mahaseel fest popular dishes such as Al- is open to visitors on Visitors to the festival were OThe third edition of Raqqa bread, which is popular Fridays and Saturdays praised the distinct qualities the Mahaseel Festival among the festival›s pioneers. in the ‘truffles’ season of Qatari dates, pointing out will conclude on Satur- Many visitors admired the each year. The citizens that they are characterised by day. However, the market family market offering Qatari have praised the Ras sweetness and wide varieties will continue until the food and cuisine. Laffan administration such as Saqi, Ajwa, Mabroum, end of March The third edition of the for allowing people to Salvation, Safraq. Mahaseel Festival will con- enter the reserve to They said the local dates clude on Saturday. However, enjoy the landscape gained the confidence of visi- panies like sheep meat, poul- the market will continue until and search for truffles, tors and shoppers because of try, birds, dairy products like the end of March. A total of a practice continuing their high quality and con- milk, cheese and butter, be- 22 local farms, flower nurs- in Qatar since time formity to specifications and sides other high-quality Qatari eries and six other national immemorial. The Ras Laffan Nature Reserve is rich in truffles standards. products such as honey, flower companies for dairies and popularly known as Alfaqaa in Qatar. Al Zubaidi is the most The festival attracted a plants and ornamental plants. meat products are taking part common type of truffles found in the reserve.PAGE 2 large crowd on Friday with The products of national in the festival. Visitors to the Mahaseel Festival at Katara on Friday. 02 Saturday, January 5, 2019

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The fascinating life of the Bedouins in nature’s lap

SANTHOSH CHANDRAN fodder for animals and food DOHA for shepherds said, “They use woollen clothes, bed sheets and LIFE in winter camps with tra- campfire to keep themselves ditional Arab hospitality does warm in winter. But, it may not attract the majority of tourists be enough for a common man to Qatar these days, but a num- from a city, who is not used to ber of tourists are also fasci- living in such conditions.” nated by the Bedouin life in the It is noteworthy that Saudi country. Arabia drove away a large Shepherds leading their number of Qatari animals herds in the picturesque setting after the announcement of of a desert at the crack of dawn the imposition of the unjust to the greener pastures pre- blockade on Qatar, which was sents an enchanting sight to the kept in a sprawling camp on visitors. They are also inquisi- Salwa Road. tive about their music and food. A goat seller at Central A tour and travel operator Shepherds leading their herds in the picturesque setting of a desert at the crack of dawn to the greener pastures presents an enchanting sight to the visitors. Market said, “The number of in Doha said, “Many tourists cages to accommodate goats are curious about the Bedouin of queries about it. Tourists to accompany guests to such the tough life of herders who to water and food resources. supply from nearby townships. and camels has steadily in- culture and lifestyle because of want to visit areas inhabited areas.” brave scorching summer and Normally, shepherds have Their tents are located close to creased in Salwa area after the their complete exposure to the by Bedouin people as well as Tourists as well as environ- chilly winter to carry out their their own tents in deserts with the animal cages. blockade. The local authority desert climate and closeness animals. But, professional tour mentalists and wildlife photog- daily tasks. Nevertheless, the minimum facilities such as Speaking to Qatar Tribune, has rendered all support to the to nature. We are getting a lot operators have no permission raphers are also curious about shepherds are better connected water storage and proper food a truck driver who supplies animal farmers.” MoI to get a shot in the arm in First solar eclipse of the year on Sunday

next report on traffic safety THE first solar eclipse of this peak time of the eclipse,” said year will occur on Sunday, Dr Beshir Marzouk, astrono- QNA One of the most impor- crimes in Qatar, compared to points in densely populated the global annual report of the January 6, and will be a partial mer at QCH. DOHA tant indicators is the decrease global rates, declined signifi- areas. The patrols were trained index of crime, which is issued one, Qatar Calendar House “Generally, solar eclipses in deaths related to traffic ac- cantly despite the increase of and equipped with the most by The Encyclopedia of World (QCH) has announced. occur when Moon passes be- THE Ministry of Interior (MoI) cidents to 5.4 per 100,000 population during the past cou- advanced technologies such as Problems and Human Po- The eclipse will start at tween Sun and Earth, and is set to receive a shot in the inhabitants, which is less ple of years. Most of the crimes surveillance cameras, tracking tential, one of the largest and 2.34am Doha time, and its Sun appears fully or partially arm in terms of traffic safety ac- than the rate of 6 deaths per recorded in the security de- devices, and scanners. Further- most famous encyclopedias peak will be at 4.41am. The covered when viewed from complishments when the next 100,000 until 2022, accord- partments in 2017 were minor more, the ministry increased in this area online. The report phenomenon will end at Earth. During the celestial report on traffic statistics is out. ing to the National Strategy for crimes, irregularities and non- night searches on commercial included 110 countries and 6.49am local time, and its event, Moon blocks sunlight The prediction was made Traffic Safety. criminal offences. streets and vital areas. confirmed that Qatar enjoyed duration will be four hours and Moon’s shadow is cast on during the recently held In- This rate is also below the Regarding securing the Qatar ranked first in the the lowest rates of crimes in and fifteen minutes, accord- Earth,” Dr Marzouk explained. ternational Traffic Safety Con- global average of 17.4 deaths coasts and borders, the MoI world for having the lowest cost general. ing to QCH. The partial eclipse will not ference in Doha. According to per 100,000 inhabitants and was quite successful last year of crime and violence, sixth in Qatar was also ranked first “The eclipse will be a par- be seen from Qatar and other the forecast, “the traffic statis- the rate in high income coun- as it was able to reduce security organised crime, ninth in pub- in the Arab World and the 40th tial one and its peak will be Gulf countries. However, peo- tics for the year 2018 will be tries, which is 9.2 deaths. Be- breaches and transferred 253 of lic satisfaction and trust in ser- globally in the field of combat- in conjunction with the new ple in these countries can fol- promising and positive, and sides, traffic fatalities have the domestic and foreign mari- vices provided for the people ing money laundering crimes crescent of the Hijric month low the eclipse through the will reflect the progress made dropped by 25 percent in five time violation cases to relevant and 12th in the index of coun- and terrorism financing ac- ‘Jumada Aloula 1440 H’. Due live broadcast on NASA web- in the implementation of the years in Qatar. authorities. tries free from terrorism. cording to Basal indicator 2017, to this, Moon will hide 71.5 site and its YouTube channel, road safety strategy, even According to the available The MoI also stepped up Qatar ranked first in the which is issued by the Swiss percent of the solar disk at the said QCH. (TNN) more than 2017”. statistics, the rates of major security patrols and check- Arab World and the second in government. ‘Qatar’s step seeks to ensure Art expo explores relation between hiring of skilled workers’

Continued from page 1 Ô that bring workers for the ben- Islamic architecture and science efit of others. If the ministries AHMED al Isaac, owner of an support national contracting TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK office to bring workers from companies, then support us as a DOHA abroad, said: “We do not know form of national economy.” anything about the nature of Abdul Aziz al Emadi said the THE Cultural Village Founda- the work of that company and new regulations adopted by the tion – Katara, in cooperation the mechanism that will fol- state recently work to overcome with the Embassy of Algeria low. We emphasise that if the obstacles to the private sector in Doha, opened the unique purpose of the company is to and recruitment offices. ‘Kingdom of Geometry’ at compete with the private sec- He said the project to cap- Building 19 on Thursday. tor in bringing in labour, it will ture biometric fingerprinting The exhibition was inau- only cause further problem.” and medical examination in the gurated by HR Manager of Ka- “Even if there is a desire to country of the mother worker is tara Said al Dosari on behalf of reduce the recruitment fees, we part of the continuous develop- General Manager of Katara Dr The exhibition includes 24 artworks by Algerian artist Mohammed Talhaoui containing geometrical shapes and designs having significance to Islam. tell them that we are able to de- ment of systems. Khalid bin Ibrahim al Sulaiti, termine the fees, especially as Emadi said the launch of along with the Ambassador of 24 artworks by Algerian art- the art early in his life when he we face fierce competition in the a Qatari company for the re- the Republic of Algeria to Qa- ist Mohammed Talhaoui con- saw the relationship between countries sending labour to the cruitment of workers, training tar HE Abdulaziz Sabaa. taining different geometrical science and the geometri- Gulf markets. We need clarity and qualifying domestic work- The opening ceremony was and architectural shapes and cal decorative art. “We hope whether we will work with that ers through various training attended by several diplomats designs having significance to to interpret the mysteries of company as an integral part or programs is a very important and dignitaries including the Islam. this priceless legacy in course there will be fierce competition.” step to bring in skilled labour. Charge d’Affaires at the Em- Talhaoui said that he had of time through a collective Abdul Rahman al Nabit, Emadi stressed that the role of bassy of Iraq Abdelsattar al travelled all around the Islamic awareness”, he added. owner of the Office of Labor Re- the Qatari recruitment com- Janabi and Indian Ambassa- and Arab world to collect and During his exhibition, Tal- cruitment, said, “We demand pany should not interfere with dor HE P Kumaran along with study the Islamic architecture fore our eyes, through the geo- unfolded and expressed in a haoui will conduct a workshop proper mechanism and controls the role played by the offices artists and enthusiasts. and its relation to science. metrical ornamental art, the powerful and unique manner.” on the art form for different in place to ensure continuity of and companies bringing the The exhibition includes Talhaoui said: “Here, be- secrets of the universal laws are Talhaoui was attracted to age groups on Saturday. work of offices and companies workforce. Residents throng Ras Laffan Nature Abandoned vehicles & cabins removed

Reserve in search of seasonal truffles THE Ministry of Munici- pality and Environment THE Ras Laffan Nature Reserve is It is expected that the reserve (MME), represented by the witnessing a huge turnout of visi- will witness a greater turnout of Municipality of the North tors looking for ‘truffles’. The re- visitors this year because of the and the Department of serve is open to visitors on Fridays possibility of finding of large quan- Hygiene, has completed a and Saturdays in the ‘truffles’ sea- tities of truffles due to the good comprehensive cleanliness son each year. rains in the country. campaign in the northern The citizens have praised the Residents have also thanked Industrial Zone. Ras Laffan administration for al- Ras Laffan’s administration for The five-day campaign lowing people to enter the reserve providing transportation and other targeted removal of aban- to enjoy the landscape and search facilities and services to the visi- doned cars, trucks, porta for truffles, a practice continuing in tors. cabins and miscellaneous Qatar since time immemorial. The park is open every Friday items of iron and wood out- that during the campaign, porta cabins were removed doned cabins. The Ras Laffan Nature Reserve and Saturday from 7:00 am to 4:00 side garages and facilities in the abandoned vehicles during the campaign. Meanwhile, the MME is rich in truffles popularly known pm. The visitors are transported by the area for their adverse ef- were removed either by the He pointed out that 90 has urged owners of garages as Alfaqaa in Qatar. Al Zubaidi is bus and provided the services re- fect on environment. municipality or by the ga- notices were also served and workshops to adhere to the most common types of truffles quired during their search for truf- Safar al Shafi, director of rage owners. As many as 51 with regard to abandoned hygiene and cooperate with found in the reserve. fles. (TNN) Cleaning Department, said abandoned vehicles and 26 cars, cruisers and aban- the ministry. (TNN) Philippines/ SEA / World Saturday, January 5, 2019 03 China tests its own non-nuclear ‘Mother of All Bombs’ ‘Asylum-seeking’ N Korea envoy from diplomatic family: Defector

BEIJING: China has tested its most powerful non-nuclear weapon, dubbed the “Mother of All SEOUL: A North Korean diplomat in Italy said to be seeking asylum is from a “prestigious diplomatic Bombs” by official media in a reference to a US munition used in Afghanistan. In a short video family” with both his father and father-in-law having worked in Pyongyang’s foreign ministry, according NEWS published on the website of state arms manufacturer Norinco, the massive bomb drops on to a to a senior defector. Jo Song Gil, the North’s acting envoy to Rome, went into hiding with his wife in IN BRIEF plain and produces a gigantic ball of fire and black smoke. On social networks Wednesday, the November and is seeking asylum, according to Seoul’s intelligence. Thae said Jo is the son of a late ex- official Xinhua news agency described the bomb for the first time, calling it the “Chinese version diplomat, while his father-in-law served as envoy to Thailand in the 1990s and once handled diplomatic of the ‘Mother of all Bombs’”. The bomb -- whose strength is only second to that of a nuclear protocol for the Kim family at the foreign ministry. “I worked with Jo in the same department at Pyong- weapon, according to the agency -- was dropped by a Chinese H-6K bomber. (AFP) yang’s foreign ministry for so long but never imagined that he would seek asylum,” Thae said. (AFP)

Najib to be jointly tried with former 1MDB CEO Indonesia suspends study programme

IANS to be presented to the Public in Taiwan after reports of harassment KUALA LUMPUR Accounts Committee (PAC), an organ of the Malaysia’s Parlia- DPA enrolled at Hsing Wu Uni- pork even though most of FORMER Malaysian Prime ment, tasked with reviewing the JAKARTA versity were forced to work them were Muslims. Con- Minister Najib Razak will be country’s public accounts. four days a week at a facto- sumption of of pork and jointly tried with former 1Ma- The chief prosecutor for the INDONESIA will temporar- ry for 10 hours per shift, the products made of pork is laysia Development Berhad case applied to have the duo ily stop sending university English-language newspa- prohibited in Islam. (1MDB) Chief Executive Officer jointly tried. The judge agreed students to study and work per Taiwan News reported “Indonesia will tem- (CEO) Arul Kanda for allegedly to a joint trial and set March 1 in Taiwan, the Foreign Min- on Wednesday. porarily stop sending stu- tampering with an audit report for the case to be mentioned, istry said on Friday, after They were allowed to dents under the study-in- on the state fund, a court ruled Xinhua news agency reported. reports that participants attend classes two days a ternship programme until here on Friday. Najib had been charged were made to work menial week and have one day of an agreement is made on On December 12, Najib and for using his position as PM to Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak. jobs and eat pork there. rest, the report said. better arrangements,” For- Arul were charged separately at protect himself from ethical, Taiwanese legislator Ko Ko also alleged in the re- eign Ministry spokesman the Sessions Court with alleg- civil or criminal actions against final audit report before it was charges related to corruption Chih-en said last week that port that the students were Arrmanatha Nasir said in a edly tampering with the final him in relation to 1MDB, by presented to the PAC. He has involving billions of ringgit be- 300 Indonesian students given meals containing statement. audit report on 1MDB meant ordering the alteration of the been already facing some 40 sides the charge of tampering.

Former Philippine town mayor, brother killed in Severe tropical storm hits anti-drug operations DPA City, 895 kilometres south of southern Thailand; 1 dead MANILA Manila. “But they resisted and shot it out with the law enforc- A former town mayor accused ers,” said Senior Superinten- of being involved in the illegal dent Rolly Octavio, the city The violent gale is forecast to move to other tourist hotspots–Phuket and Krabi today drugs trade in the Philippines police director. and his brother were killed in President Rodrigo Duterte separate shootouts with police has accused Abo of being a before dawn on Friday, offi- narco-politician as far back as cials said. 2006, when he was still mayor Police and anti-drug agents of the southern city of Davao. were serving search warrants Duterte linked Abo to the against Talib Abo, ex-mayor of transport of 3.5 kilos of crys- Parang town in Maguindanao tal methampetamine, locally province, and his brother Bob- called shabu, to Davao City in by in their homes in Cotabato an ambulance. Abo had denied the allega- tions and claimed that politial rivals were behind the accusa- tions. Duterte has been wag- ing an aggressive campaign against illegal drugs in the Philippines since he became president in 2016. The crack- down has left least 5,050 sus- A view of debris on a road and a house (back) partially submerged pected drug dealers and users in floodwaters caused by Pabuk at a village in Pak Phanang district, dead in police operations. southern Thailand, on Friday. (EPA-EFE) The slain suspects have in- cluded several incumbent and former local government offi- cials who have been accused of Philippine President Rodrigo providing protection to illegal Duterte. drug syndicates in their areas. The New York-based Duterte linked Abo to the watchdog Human Rights Watch said the true death toll transport of 3.5 kilos of of the drug crackdown, includ- crystal methampetamine, ing victims of hired or vigilan- locally called shabu, to te killers, could be higher than Davao City in ambulance 12,000, based on estimates by local rights and church groups. Nineteen killed in rebel Tourists with their belongings wait as their flights to leave the island attack in South Sudan Fallen electricity poles are seen along a road as tropical storm Pabuk approaches the southern province of of Samui have been cancelled following Pabuk weather warning, at an Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, on Friday. (REUTERS) airport of Koh Samui Island, southern Thailand, on Thursday. (EPA-EFE) DPA by rebel forces,” he added. JUBA The spokesman called AGENCIES Thani province, including the Si Thammarat, had been evacu- aged from going out. South- upon the Ceasefire and BANGKOK famed tourist island of Koh Tourists rescued ated, the Department of Disas- ern Thailand also has popular FORCES loyal to a rebel Transitional Security Ar- Samui. The storm is forecast to More than 100 tourists ter Prevention and Mitigation resort destinations on its west general killed at least 19 rangement Monitoring TROPICAL Storm Pabuk made move to other tourist hotspots - have also been rescued (DDPM) said. coast on the Andaman Sea, and people on the outskirts of Mechanism, a neutral body landfall over southern Thailand Phuket and Krabi - on Saturday. by boat from Koh Racha, a Photos posted on social me- they now await the storm. The the South Sudanese capital with the mandate to moni- at 12:45 pm (0545 GMT) on Fri- Prior to tha landfall, a dia showed dark skies, heavy navy said Thailand’s sole air- Juba, a military spokes- tor South Sudan’s conflict day, the country’s meteorologi- fisherman has been killed and small island near Phuket, rains and violent waves. No craft carrier, the HTMS Chakri man said on Friday. resolution, to investigate cal department said. another went missing as their ahead of the approaching boats were permitted to sail and Naruebet, was on standby at its Led by General Thom- the incident. Moving north-west at a boat capsized off Pattani prov- storm, the website added. swimming in the sea has been base east of Bangkok, prepared as Cirillo, the rebel group General Cirillo refused speed of 18 kilometres per ince due to violent waves, local Airports on Thailand’s banned, officials said. to sail to help with relief efforts known as the National to sign a peace agreement hour with maximum sustained news website Khaosod English famed tourist island of Koh Samui appeared to at a moment’s notice. Salvation Army attacked last year that was brokered winds of 75 kilometres an hour, reported. Koh Samui and Nakhon Si have been spared the brunt of There had been fears that the area of Gorom, 25 kil- in the Sudanese capital Pabuk is expected to be down- More than 100 tourists Thammarat and Surat Thani the storm. By Friday evening, the storm would be the worst to ometres west of Juba on Khartoum. graded to a tropical depression, have also been rescued by provinces have been closed the rain there had stopped, said hit Thailand since 1989, when Wednesday evening. Nine South Sudan, the as opposed to the department’s boat from Koh Racha, a small until further notice Joe Kieta, an American visitor. Typhoon Gay left more than people were wounded and word’s youngest nation, initial belief that it would be the island near Phuket, ahead of “So it seems like the worst is 400 people dead. A tropical brought to a military hospi- has been torn apart by civ- worst storm in decades to hit the approaching storm, the past us.” Kieta, the editor of Cal- storm in 1962 killed more than tal in the capital, said Major il war for five years, with the country. website added. ifornia’s Fresno Bee newspaper, 900 people in the south. There General Lul Ruai Koang. nearly 3,600 killed and Pabuk landed in the south- Airports on Thailand’s inces have been closed until said in an email that roads on are fears that the storm will be “We are very sad for the about 6 million people dis- ern province of Nakhon Si famed tourist island of Koh further notice, airport officials the island had light debris, his the worst to hit Thailand since massacring of 19 civilians placed. Thammarat and is expected Samui and Nakhon Si Tham- confirmed. Over 6,000 local hotel’s beach area was closed 1989, when Typhoon Gay left to soon make its way to Surat marat and Surat Thani prov- residents, mostly from Nakhon and guests had been discour- more than 400 people dead. UN warns of backlash to crackdown on dissent in tense DRC

AFP the country. “This being a very would reopen on January 14 GENEVA sensitive, very tense period, we Thousands flee violence after the year-end break, a week are concerned that these efforts later than scheduled, because of ATTEMPTS by authorities in to silence dissent could back- to Congo-Brazzaville election tensions. the Democratic Republic of fire considerably when the re- “Every time that presiden- Congo to crack down on dis- sults are announced,” a spokes- GENEVA: Around 16,000 people have fled into the Democratic Re- tial election results are pub- sent during tense vote count- woman for the United Nations public of Congo’s neighbour after inter-communal clashes erupted lished, regardless of which ing could “backfire”, the UN Human Rights office, Ravina last month in the southwest of the country, the UN said on Friday. side who wins, there is always said Friday, warning it was Shamdasani, told reporters in Violence in Yumbi, in the DRC province of Mai-Ndombe, prompted one side which is dissatisfied “watching carefully” as events Geneva. an exodus to the neighbouring Republic of Congo, also known as and wants to exploit the stu- unfold. Elections held last “We are watching carefully Congo-Brazzaville, the UN’s refugee agency said. UNHCR spokes- dents,” Mbikayi said in Kin- Sunday will determine who and we are calling on all sides man Andrej Mahecic stressed that the violence stemmed from shasa. succeeds President Joseph to refrain from the use of vio- long-standing tensions between two communities in Yumbi. It had “I think that they can stay Kabila, at the helm of sub-Sa- lence,” she added. nothing to do with last Sunday’s elections in the DRC nor a dispute at home and return after pub- haran Africa’s biggest country Opposition fears are run- Congo’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) officials over delays in the vote count, he said. “An old rivalry between lication (of the results), to for nearly 18 years. ning high that the result will check presidential elections polling stations voting forms at tallying Banunus and Batende communities led to fresh inter-communal shield them from any temp- Authorities have restricted be rigged to favour Kabila’s centre in Kinshasa, DR Congo, on Friday. (REUTERS) clashes,” Mahecic told reporters in Geneva. (AFP) tation or manipulation.” internet access, blocked French preferred successor, Emma- Elections to the national par- public-service broadcaster Ra- nuel Ramazani Shadary. The problems may force it to post- day. But the DRC’s powerful observers, said it knew who had DRC’s minister for higher edu- liament and provincial as- dio France Internationale and Congolese election commission pone publication of provisional Roman Catholic Church, which won and urged the electoral cation, Steve Mbikayi, on Friday semblies took place alongside forced its correspondent out of said Thursday that logistical results, which are due by Sun- deployed thousands of election panel to publish the “truth”. The said the country’s universities the presidential ballot. 04 Saturday, January 5, 2019 Pakistan / SA

13 police officers killed in Rakhine UN slams Bangladesh ‘reprisals’ post-election rebel raids, says Myanmar army AFP tions that reprisals have con- DHAKA tinued to take place, notably AFP hundreds of thousands of Ro- against the political opposition, YANGON hingya Muslims forced over THE United Nations said Fri- including physical attacks and the border by a bloody army day that worrying cases of ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests, THIRTEEN Myanmar police crackdown in 2017. violence and intimidation have harassment, disappearances officers were killed in raids Fri- Around 350 Militants from been reported in Bangladesh and filing of criminal cases. day by ethnic Rakhine rebels, the Arakan Army swarmed since the country’s deadly elec- “Reports suggest that vio- the army said, in a brazen, co- four police stations in northern tion campaign. lent attacks and intimidation, ordinated attack on the coun- Rakhine state early on Friday A woman allegedly gang- including against minorities, try’s Independence Day which “killing 13 police and wound- raped for voting for an op- have been disproportionately adds a dangerous new dimen- ing nine others”, according to a position party is among the carried out by ruling party ac- sion to conflict in the restive statement released late Friday worst of a series of attacks tivists, at times with the com- western state. by the army chief’s office. reported by local media since plicity or involvement of law Rakhine has seen a surge The militants stole scores Sunday’s election which enforcement officers,” said the in violence in recent weeks of weapons and ammunition Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- UN spokeswoman. between rebels from the Ara- before army reinforcements na won by a landslide. The UN called on Bangla- kan Army (AA)–who are seek- struck back with two attack hel- “We are concerned about desh authorities “to carry out Activists of leftist alliance cover their mouth with black cloths as they join in a rally to demand a new election ing greater autonomy for their icopters and infantry columns, violence and alleged human prompt, independent, impar- under caretaker government, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday. (REUTERS) ethnic Rakhine group, who are added the statement, which rights violations in Bangladesh tial and effective investiga- Buddhists–and security forces, was shared on a Russian social before, during and after the tions” into the election-related Digital Security Act “in relation voter intimidation and fraud. because she voted for the oppo- displacing thousands. networking site. recent elections,” said Ravina violence as well as attacks and to their reporting on the elec- On election night, a mother sition Bangladesh Nationalist It has added a fresh layer “Strong action will be taken Shamdasani, spokeswoman for threats made to journalists. tion”. At least 17 people died of four in the southern dis- Party, media reports said. Her of complexity and danger to against the AA insurgents by se- the UN human rights commis- The spokeswoman said at in election-related violence up trict of Noakhali was allegedly family has filed a police com- the violence in an area already curity forces as they are making sioner in Geneva. least two journalists have been to polling day. The opposition raped by more than 10 follow- plaint but the Awami League scored by deep ethnic and things more unstable and com- “There are worrying indica- arrested under Bangladesh’s has said there was widespread ers of the ruling Awami League denied any link to the case. religious enmity, which saw plicated in Rakhine,” it said.

News in brief Pakistan expects cooperation Trump ‘evaluating’ troop presence in Afghanistan, says Pence

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is actively consider- ing the presence of his country’s troops in Afghanistan, US Vice from Turkey in all areas: Imran President Mike Pence said in an interview late Thursday. Asked by Fox News if Trump thought the US benefited from a continued presence of its troops in Afghanistan, Pence said: “the president is in the process of evaluating that, as we speak.” Sev- eral US media outlets reported last month that the US was plan- ning to withdraw about half of its 14,000 soldiers on the ground from the country. However, no official confirmation followed. On Wednesday, Trump said on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting that Russia, Pakistan and India should be intervening in Afghanistan, not the US. “Why are we there 6,000 miles away?” Trump asked. Experts believe a hasty troop pullback would hinder the Afghan military’s efforts against militant group Islamic State and the Taliban insurgency. (DPA)

NRO case: Top court disposes of petition against Musharraf, Zardari

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday disposed of a consti- tutional petition against former presidents General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari, seeking recovery of “losses incurred by the national exchequer following the promulgation of 2007’s National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). A 3-member bench headed by CJP Saqib Nisar observed that the apex court shall not proceed further in the matter as the respondents had submitted details of their assets on record. The bench, however, ruled that the petitioner could further pursue the matter in a proper forum. When informed that the petitioner could not attend the hearing, the bench noted that he had already submitted a concise statement in the public interest case. The petition Nominating Musharraf, Zardari as respondents, had requested the apex court to order recovery of “huge amounts of public money” misappropriated. (TRIBUNE.COM.PK)

Pakistan inducts Sri Lanka to begin indigenous A-100 work on Light Rail rocket in arsenal Transit project Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a guard of honour ceremony in Ankara on Friday. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has inducted A-100 Rocket of ministers has granted ap- Pakistan out of the economic regional and bilateral issues. in Multiple Launch Rocket proval to commence work on a PM Imran, President Erdogan agreed to enhance bilateral crisis. It will raise people out of According to Foreign Office, System (MLRS) of its Corps Light Rail Transit (LRT) project poverty.” Qureshi appraised Turkish of Artillery. A-100 Rocket has here and its surrounding areas relations & strengthen economic ties between the two Hailing China as an exam- foreign minister of Pakistan’s been indigenously developed in order to ease the traffic ple, he said the country had efforts for peace and reconcili- by Pakistani scientists and congestion in the populated countries during a meeting in Ankara achieved what no other could ation in Afghanistan. engineers, stated the Inter- Colombo district, the media in the history of mankind. We are looking for invest- Services Public Relations reported on Friday. TRIBUNE.COM.PK stan. He said an Afghanistan Turkey’s business community, “They lifted over 700 million ments in Pakistan and increas- (ISPR) on Friday. Following a proposal by ANKARA summit will soon be held in PM Imran reminisced Pakistan people out of poverty line in 30 ing the country’s exports and “With over 100-kilome- Finance and Media Minister Istanbul. as fasting growing economies years.” PM Imran revealed that we want to provide employ- tre range, the rocket is a Mangala Samaraweera, the PRIME Minister Imran Khan Commenting on ties with back in the 1960s the government had set up an ment to the young population, highly effective and potent for Cabinet granted approval to on Friday said that Pakistan India, PM Imran said Kashmir . “We were role models for office in the prime minister’s he said. On Thursday night, interdiction that can effectively enter discussions with Japan was expecting cooperation issue was the main hurdle in developing countries. South secretariat aiming to boost in- Pakistan’s delegation attended disrupt enemy’s mobilisation International Cooperation from Turkey in various fields peace between the two South Korea, Malaysia wanted to vestment. He underscored the a banquet with leading Turkish and assembly,” the military’s Agency in order to obtain a including economy. Asian nations. adopt our model. These coun- importance of ridding society business group. The dinner was media wing added. loan of $1.8 billion to begin Addressing a joint press Earlier in the day, PM Im- tries moved ahead while Paki- of corruption. hosted The Union of Chambers General Qamar Javed construction of the project, conference with Turkish Presi- ran and President Erdogan stan’s growth declined because “Corruption makes it dif- and Commodity Exchanges of Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff Xinhua news agency reported. dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan in agreed to enhance bilateral of our socialist mindset.” Criti- ficult for small and medium Turkey (TOBB). (COAS) was chief guest at the The construction of the Ankara, he said, “We will take relations and strengthen eco- cising Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s na- enterprises to flourish. It In his speech, PM Imran induction ceremony. Speaking project is expected to start this [bilateral] relations to higher nomic ties between the two tionalisation policy; Imran said becomes the reason behind conveyed his government’s on the occasion, Army chief year and covers a distance of level and learn from Turkish countries during a meeting in policy deterred wealth crea- countries failure to reach their intent to enhancing trade be- Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa paid 17 kilometres. Sixteen LRT innovations.” PM Imran, who Ankara, according to a PM Of- tion. potential.” The prime minister tween the two countries. He rich tributes to scientists and stations will be constructed is on a two-day visit to Turkey, fice statement on Twitter. “Profit-making was con- said his government realised enphasised that Pakistan was engineers for indigenously along the route which covers said Pakistan must also learn The premier had arrived in sidered a sin. Businessmen, hurdles faced by the Turkish on its way to strengthening its developing the rocket, which Borella, Rajagiriya, Battaramul- from Turkey’s healthcare sys- the Turkish capital on a two-day industrialists were hounded businessmen in Pakistan and system of governance. shall augment army’s exist- la and Thalahena areas in the tem. visit on Thursday. His delega- out of the country.” The policy, was focused to find solutions. The prime minister also ing conventional fire power Western Province. Planners “We face mutual problems tion includes Foreign Minister Imran said, was discarded in “We assure you, you will elaborated the China-Pak capabilities. Gen Qamar say by 2035, number of pas- and security threats,” said the Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Fi- the 1980s but its influence on find a completely different Economic Corridor (CPEC) emphasised army’s resolve to sengers in the main transport Pakistani premier, adding nance Minister Asad Umar and bureaucracy and politicians re- government,” he added. Sepa- which will connect Pakistan strengthen conventional forces corridors would rise from 1.9 that Ankara and Islamabad Federal Minister for Planning, mained. rately, FM Qureshi held a will parts of the world and to meet challenges. (TRIBUNE) million–4.5 million. (IANS) will play their part in bringing Development and Reforms “Our government feels meeting with his Turkish Mev- ease transportation and open peace and stability in Afghani- Khusro Bakhtiar. Addressing wealth creation will help steer lüt Çavuşoğlu and discussed business prospects.

Taliban blames US, Nepal takes major step towards care of parents in old age Afghan forces for most casualties in 2018 law to discourage the tenden- Depositing money in parents’ bank cy. Ensuring secure lives for KABUL: The Taliban blamed US the elderly people is also the and Afghan forces for almost account by children made mandatory pride for the nation.” 90 percent of civilian casualties The Current Senior Citizen in 2018, in a report released IANS meeting had decided to pre- Act-2006 has defined people Friday that suggested Afghani- KATHMANDU sent a bill on amendment to aged above 60 years as senior stan’s largest militant group the Senior Citizen Act-2006 citizens and talked about the was not responsible for a single IN a decisive step to ensure that with such a provision at the responsibility of the children to death or injury. elderly people are well taken Parliament. take of their elderly parents. The data -- which NATO’s care of, the Nepali government “The main objective of the But it is the first time that a Resolute Support mission is introducing a law making it proposed bill is to ensure that law is planned to make it man- in Afghanistan dismissed as mandatory for the offspring to the lives of senior citizens will datory for the offspring to make “propaganda” -- follows a record deposit a certain portion of their become easier and secure,” he financial contribution to the year of bloodshed in the Afghan income in the bank account of was cited as saying by Xinhua care of their parents. war, which by some estimates their elderly parents, a senior news agency. Baskota said that as per overtook Syria as the world’s Nepali Minister said. “There are instances where the proposed bill, the public Representational image. deadliest conflict zone. In a press briefing, the even the people who have officials, those working in the US and “stooge” Afghan Nepali government’s spokes- property worth millions of ru- inter-government agencies, in- of their elderly parents. be deposited in the account of ception against senior citizens. government forces caused 3,705 person and Minister for Com- pees (Nepali currency) have ternational agencies and private Those failing to adhere the concerned parents,” the Any attempt to snatch the prop- casualties, while the Islamic munication and Information abused their own parents and companies must deposit a cer- to these provisions will face minister said. erty of senior citizens through State group and other “unknown” Technology Gokul Prasad have not taken care of them. tain portion of their monthly re- penalty. The proposed bill has also lure or deception has been entities were responsible for 465, Baskota said that a Cabinet “So, we are introducing the muneration in the bank account “The penalty amount will sought to control abuse and de- criminalized, he added. the Taliban claimed. (AFP) India Saturday, January 5, 2019 05

PM Modi opens eight projects Rajya Sabha MPs ask govt to pass women’s quota bill in Manipur DMK leader Kanimozhi. Cutting across party lines, the women members of the Upper House urge Trinamool MP Shanta IANS the govt to use its majority in the Lok Sabha to get the bill passed Chhetri said the West Bengal IMPHAL government had already pro- vided 50 per cent reservation PRIME Minister Narendra IANS Janata Dal United (JD-U), they become decision mak- to women in local bodies. Modi inaugurated eight pro- NEW DELHI CPI-M, AIADMK, Trinamool ers, and reminded the ruling Communist Party of In- jects during his one-hour visit Congress and DMK urged the Bharatiya Janata Party of its dia-Marxist (CPI-M) member to Manipur on Friday. CUTTING across party lines, government to use its major- promise to bring the Bill. Jharna Das Baidya demanded He also laid the foundation women MPs in the Rajya Sab- ity in the Lok Sabha to get the Samajwadi Party mem- to know as to what was stop- stones of four other projects ha on Friday asked the Modi Constitution (108th Amend- ber Jaya Bachchan sought to ping the BJP from getting the which will be constructed at government to pass the wom- ment) Bill, commonly known clarify that her party was not Bill passed in the Lok Sabha an estimated cost of Rs1,500 en reservation Bill in the Lok as the women reservation Bill, against the Bill but wanted where it has a majority. crore. Sabha ensuring 33 per cent passed. some changes in the legisla- AIADMK’s Vijila Sathy- Despite a boycott call quota for women. The Rajya Sabha has al- tion. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the Bill in 2010. ananth and TDP’s V. Thota given by some insurgent out- Raising the issue during ready passed the Bill in 2010. “There are unnecessary ru- Seetharama Lakshmi said fits, there was a huge crowd zero hour, women members Congress MP Viplove mours that our party is against tions,” she said. made by men throughout their their parties also support the at Hapta Kangjeibung where from the Congress, Samajwadi Thakur said that women could this bill. We are for it, but we “It is very sad that women lives. Even here men are mak- legislation and asked the gov- Modi addressed a public meet- Party, Telugu Desam Party, not be truly empowered until have certain recommenda- have to put up with decisions ing decision for women,” said ernment to ensure its passage. ing. Modi said that most of the projects were delayed by the previous Congress govern- ment, thereby wasting more money. “If the projects had Modi hiked benchmark been completed without delay, people would have benefitted,” price in Rafale deal from he said. Fresh tensions as 3rd The Prime Minister said that helicopter services had €5.2 bn to €8.2 bn: Cong been introduced for the peo- ple and the construction of IANS now understood how big the the Jiribam-Toupul rail line NEW DELHI Rafale scam is. was progressing. He said that woman enters Kerala “The Modi government is 18,000 remote villages in Ma- CLAIMING “fresh revelations” doing everything in its might to nipur had been electrified. in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the hide it,” Azad said. “Therefore, Modi praised Manipuri Congress on Friday alleged that we have always believed that women for being in the fore- Prime Minister Narendra Modi JPC (Joint Parliamentary Com- front in all spheres. He re- increased the benchmark price mittee) is the only appropriate called how Mary Kom, the in- of the deal from euro 5.2 billion medium to look into the mat- ternational pugilist, had won flashpoint temple to 8.2 billion, resulting in a loss ter.” fame for India. to the exchequer. Accusing the BJP-led gov- “Fresh revelations further ernment of increasing the Protesters had previously succeeded in preventing women from accessing the site expose brazen corruption prac- benchmark price of the Rafale tices in Rafale deal. The entire deal, he said: “The Prime Min- spectrum of deception lies at the ister increased the ‘Benchmark Police beef doorstep of the Prime Minister, Price’ from from euro 5.2 billion who overruled the objections to euro 8.2 billion.” up security raised and recorded by the ‘Ne- Senior Congress leader and gotiations Team’ in Rafale deal,” Lok Sabha member Mallikarju- the party said ahead of the re- na Kharge accused Modi of lying for Kerala CM sumption of the debate on the to Parliament and the Supreme deal in the Lok Sabha on Friday. Court. Kharge said: “They sub- IANS Addressing a press con- mitted false affidavits regarding THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ference in Parliament, senior CAG (Comptroller and Auditor Congress leader and Rajya General) report and is claiming KERALA Police will step up Sabha member Ghulam Nabi to have got a clean chit from Su- security for Chief Minister Azad said: “The Modi govern- preme Court. Pinarayi Vijayan following wide- ment has gone to the extent of “Those who are defending spread protests in the state over even submitting false affidavits the Prime Minister are lying,” the entry of two women to the to mislead the Supreme Court he said. Congress spokesperson Sabarimala shrine, a police of- to hide the truth of the Rafale Randeep Singh Surjewala also ficer said on Friday. scam. This kind of government slammed the Prime Minister T.K. Vinodkumar, chief of should be terminated.” and said that fresh revelations the police intelligence wing, said Attacking the Modi govern- further expose the brazen cor- though the Chief Minister will ment, he said the country has rupt practices in the Rafale deal. continue to be in ‘Z Plus’ secu- rity category, some added pre- cautions had been taken. Will go for criminal probe if Cong Accordingly, whereever the voted to power, says Rahul Gandhi Chief Minister is or when he is travelling, roads will be sani- NEW DELHi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday said there tised, cleared of obstruction and will be a criminal investigation into the Rafale deal if Congress comes police personnel will “be more to power in the 2019 elections, stating that Prime Minister Narendra alert”, said Vinodkumar. Modi is being accused of wrongdoings in the deal but is running away On Thursday, the pilot vehi- from the questions posed to him. He said Lok Sabha on Wednesday cle of Vijayan hit two Congress witnessed a discussion on the deal that “PM has personally signed.” workers waving black flags “You witnessed that the government refused to answer funda- when he was returning from of- mental questions. Arun Jaitley did not answer the fundamental ques- fice to his official residence for tions. The Prime Minister, who is being accused in the matter, chose lunch. Vijayan, who is mostly to run away from the House, did not put his foot in the Lok Sabha,” based in the state capital, on he said. Gandhi said Jaitley should answer his questions instead of Wednesday oversaw the arrests abusing him. (IANS) of 109 Sangh Parivar activists on charges of unleashing violence Activists burn effigy of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a demonstration in New Delhi on Thursday.(AFP) in various parts of the capital city district. AFP Congress calls for legislative intervention Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (BJP), who believe that wom- NEW DELHI: Calling for legislative intervention on the Sabari- en of menstruating age should ‘China wants coordination INDIAN police said Friday mala issue, the Congress on Friday voiced its concern over the not enter the temple because that a third woman has defied tense situation in Kerala. its diety, Ayyappa, was celi- with India on global issues’ Punjab CM asks traditionalists to enter one of “People are upset as there is a lot of apprehension among bate. Modi to show Hinduism’s holiest temples, the believers of the Sabarimala temple,” Congress’ K.K. Venu- Chaotic and sporadic IANS two countries in Wuhan last year stoking tensions after two days gopal said. clashes erupted on Wednes- BEIJING had charted the direction for the one promise of clashes that left some 275 Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during zero hour, he said day and Thursday among development of the bilateral re- people injured. the BJP had given a bandh call on Thursday which caused large- devotees, activists linked to CHINA on Friday said it stands lations, the report said. fulfilled by him The Sabarimala temple in scale damage to properties. Kerala’s ruling leftist alliance ready to work with India to Lu said under the strategic the southern state of Kerala “We want peace in the state. We want a solution. Atrocities and riot police firing tear gas enhance communication and guidance of leaders of the two IANS has been at the centre of a and violence are not the solution. Therefore, the government and water cannon. coordination on international countries, China-India rela- CHANDIGARH prolonged showdown since should come forward. Otherwise the government is promoting One man died in the unrest affairs, to jointly safeguard the tions had shown a momentum India’s top court overturned violence in the state. We are appealing for legislative interven- and 129 people were injured, overall interests of the two coun- of comprehensive improvement PUNJAB Chief Minister Ama- in September a ban on women tion,” he said. (IANS) as well as 135 police officers tries and developing countries and development, featuring fre- rinder Singh on Friday chal- aged 10 to 50 setting foot in- and 10 media employees, po- around the world. quent high-level contacts, closer lenged Prime Minister Nar- side. lice said late Friday. Chinese Foreign Ministry exchanges in various fields and endra Modi to show even one Before dawn on Wednes- lives with her family in France. liners -- many of them female A total of 1,718 people were spokesman Lu Kang made the rapid development momentum instance of a promise fulfilled day two women in their 40s, “She entered the temple -- had previously succeeded in arrested, with a further 1,009 remarks at a press briefing, Xin- of pragmatic cooperation. by his government which, he escorted by police, wrong- yesterday night. She is 47 years preventing women from ac- taken into preventive custody hua news agency reported. Noting that China and In- said, has witnessed India’s footed devotees to become the old and came as a devotee. cessing the site in the weeks across Kerala. He said the two countries dia were each other’s important plunge into ruin under the first to access the shrine since We were aware and watched following the landmark ruling, “Today there were some were committed to giving full neighbour as well as impor- “anti-people” policies. the landmark verdict, sneak- the situation,” Balram Kumar with some hardliners throwing processions and stone-pelting play to bilateral dialogue mech- tant emerging markets, Lu said Taking Modi head-on, ing in via a side entrance. Upadhyay, a police official, stones at police and assaulting incidents in some parts of the anisms to promote mutually healthy and stable China-India Amarinder Singh said the The third to enter the tem- told AFP. female journalists. state and prohibitory orders beneficial cooperation in a wide relations not only served the in- ‘jumlebaaz’ Prime Minister ple, on Thursday night amid Upadhyay said that the sit- Wednesday’s news have been issued in parts of range of areas. “China has taken terests of the two countries and had brought the nation to its the throng of thousands of uation at the temple on Friday sparked uproar among Hin- three state districts,” police note of relevant reports,” said their people but were also ben- nadir with his deceptions and other devotees, was a Sri Lan- was “normal for now”. du devotees, including many spokesman VP Pramod Ku- Lu, adding that the meeting be- eficial to global peace and devel- fabrications, and was staring kan woman who reportedly Thousands of Hindu hard- in Prime Minister Narendra mar told AFP. tween the heads of state of the opment. at his moment of judgment at the hands of the people, who were set to throw him out of power for good. The Chief Minister’s jibe With eye on prime property, Mumbai builder harassing iconic thespian Dilip Kumar came a day after Modi said the Congress was cheating farm- IANS through such a tumultuous side. We hope they do some- like Yusuf saheb, awarded the ers in the country in the name MUMBAI phase at this age. They prop- thing soon,” rued Saira Banu. Padma Vibhushan and who of loan waivers. erty rightfully belongs to Yusuf The couple’s lawyer, Chi- is synonymous with acting “The Congress earlier BOLLYWOOD thespian Dilip Khan saheb (Dilip Kumar). rag Shah, pointed out that in India, and has to undergo cheated the country in the Kumar and his wife Saira Banu We neither have the support Bhojwani had been arrested all this, imagine the plight of name of ‘garibi hatao’ for years have slapped a legal notice on nor the strength to go through in this matter last year by the a commoner. We are hoping and is now cheating farmers Mumbai builder Sameer N. this continuous harassment by Mumbai police for making and praying that PM sa’b and in the name of loan waivers,” Bhojwani, alleging “continu- Sameer Bhojwani, whose only false documents, and a police CM sa’b will do something on Modi had told a public rally of ous harassment and a well- focus seems to usurping our report to this effect was sub- priority,” Saira Banu added. the BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal planned conspiracy to take land,” a distraught Saira Banu mitted to a city court. Chirag Shah said that tak- (SAD) alliance in Gurdaspur over the only property” the told IANS on Friday. Saira Banu said it is in- ing advantage of the couple’s town. couple has in Mumbai. She said the couple has deed a sad state of affairs that old age (96/74), Bhojwani The Chief Minister said The defamation notice has already approached Prime a globally renowned celeb- has hatched a “well-planned the Prime Minister had been served in response to a Minister Narendra Modi and rity like Dilip Kumar, who was conspiracy” with the intention stooped to abominable levels Public Notice published in the Maharashtra Chief Minister once the Sheriff of Mumbai of “grabbing” the prime prop- at the Gurdaspur rally in a Mumbai media through Bho- Devendra Fadnavis seeking Bollywood thespian Dilip Kumar. (1980) and its First Citizen, erty, a dilaphdated two-storey desperate bid to mislead the jwani’s lawyer, Digvijay Singh, their help. has to undergo this torture bungalow in the posh Pali Hill people in the face of his immi- after which the celebrity couple “The CM sa’b has been re- out of jail, he would do the and nothing has moved from when he’s not well and virtu- neighbourhood of suburban nent defeat in the upcoming said “they fear for their lives.” peatedly saying he will help us needful. But it is three months the CM’s side. There is no re- ally bed-ridden. Bandra, to construct a multi- Lok Sabha elections. “It is disheartening to go and after the builder comes now since the builder is out action even from the PM’s “If this is the fate a person storied building there. 06 Saturday, January 5, 2019

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 PRINTED AT ALI BIN ALI PRINTING PRESS Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Coping With Climate Change And Wildfire Dangers No, Mr Trump! The The West can expect far more wildfires because of climate change that produces hotter and drier conditions Press Is Only The N the space of a few hours in November, even in neighbourhoods not only in the Paradise became Hell. The pleasant com- wildland-urban interface and not just in the Imunity of 26,000 in the foothills of the West. Sierra Nevada found itself in the path of a Chances are good that many builders raging wildfire that sent residents fleeing and local authorities will begin to adopt Enemy Of Lies in terror. By the time it was over, the Camp them across the country. Yes, even in the Fire had destroyed thousands of homes in Midwest – which, by the way, is not im- the vicinity and killed at least 86 people. mune from wildfires. Scientists say the West can expect far You may have forgotten the 2011 Pa- The US president poses the greatest challenge to a free press. Any story that more wildfires, thanks to climate change gami Creek Fire, which torched 93,000 that produces hotter, drier conditions. It acres in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area doesn’t celebrate him he derides as ‘fake news’ can also anticipate ever-expanding destruc- Wilderness of northern Minnesota, and the tion of life and property, because the num- 2013 Germann Road Fires in northwestern ALBERT R HUNT Sessions. Flynn has since pleaded guilty ber of people living on the “wildland-urban Wisconsin, which scorched 7,500 acres and TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE of lying about contacts with a Russian of- interface” has risen. “Between 2000 and destroyed 104 buildings. In 2012, fire con- ficial. Sessions was fired after Trump re- 2013,” reports The Wall Street Journal, sumed 375 acres in Sand Ridge State For- RESIDENT Donald Trump doesn’t peatedly complained about his refusal to “more than three-quarters of all buildings est, southwest of Peoria. These were puny read or study history, so he’s prob- rein in federal inquiries. destroyed by fire in California were in the by Western standards, yes — but that was ably unfamiliar with the Alien and One huge void in the Washington state’s WUI.” no comfort to those in close proximity to the Sedition Acts. He’d love them. They press corps is the loss 10 years ago of Tim Fortunately, there are measures that flames, or to those who had to watch flames Pwere the infamous series of dis- Russert, the great television journalist; can limit the number of homes that burn scorch their properties and buildings. credited measures promulgated by Presi- he would have been a nightmare for this in these disasters, and not just in California And don’t forget that the deadliest wild- dent John Adams in 1798 and designed, president. Let’s hope that news organi- and its neighbouring states. The Midwest fire in US history occurred in, yes, eastern in part, to silence unfriendly journalists. sations keep up the pressure. Trump is a is not immune to such dangers. It’s not too Wisconsin: The wind-whipped Peshtigo Trump poses the greatest challenge master of exploiting the media’s short at- early for people and governments here to forest fire of October 8, 1871, killed an es- to a free press at least since President tention span and its bias for a sometimes start thinking about how to head them off. timated 1,200 to 2,500 people in the log- Richard Nixon. Any story that doesn’t cel- spurious even-handedness, which make it California has two problems that en- ging region, burned 1,875 square miles and ebrate him he derides as “fake news.” He’s easier for him to lie. courage people to build in fire-prone areas. destroyed 12 towns. Three large Michigan repeatedly called journalists the “enemy “A clear lie should be called a clear lie On one hand, the state keeps fire insurance fires erupted the same day. History hasn’t of the people,” putting 80 percent of the every time, and high up in every story,” rates from rising to levels reflecting the paid much attention to this confluence of press in that category. said Jill Abramson, a former executive heightened risk in vulnerable areas. Local Midwestern fires in a hot, dry autumn; they His administration proposed to boost editor of the Times. governments often fall short when it comes were overshadowed by the Great Chicago postal rates after Trump attacked Ama- US press freedom has never been She also worries about Trump’s ability to establishing and enforcing regulations to Fire that also started on October 8, 1871. zon, which he targeted because he doesn’t more important. Journalists around to create diversions. protect homes. That urban conflagration scorched 3.3 like the Washington Post and its owner, the world are being threatened, jailed “The press too often gets caught up On the other hand, onerous restrictions square miles, killed some 300 people and Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos. He’s in the circus,” said Abramson, who has a on building in such cities as San Francisco left 100,000 homeless. weaponised the Justice Department’s an- and murdered. The Committee to book coming out in a month, Merchants and Los Angeles have choked off residential Climate change promises to bring more titrust division in a way that appears to Protect Journalists reports that 53 of Truth, about the contemporary news construction, driving home prices and rents frequent and severe droughts and hotter link news coverage to approval of media journalists were killed and 251 business and what she calls Trump’s “un- sky-high. The shortage of urban housing summers to the Great Lakes area. While mergers. imprisoned in 2018, levels that rank precedented war” on the press. “As a re- pushes many people to move to the country the consequences in our region will be less He’s threatened to change libel laws to among the highest on record sult, great stories like the Times’s exhaus- in search of places they can afford to live. drastic than in many places, it’s not too ear- make it harder to hold public officials ac- tive revelations about Trump’s tax scams Action on both fronts would help to reduce ly to incorporate this forecast into individ- countable. It’s all meant to intimidate and get only short attention.” the likely toll of wildfires. ual and government plans. If you’re erect- delegitimise coverage of Trump’s mush- entire “fake news section.” (Joseph Stalin In the Trump administration, White Wherever they live, homeowners also ing a house or other structure in a forested rooming scandals. famously called the press “enemy of the House briefings are a sham, where of- can act to protect themselves and their area, ask your architect and builder to use He even suggested cancelling the TV people,” a phrase also used by Mao Ze- ficials lie and reporters preen. News or- homes from fires that originate outdoors. the techniques and materials that protected programme ‘Saturday Night Live’, which dong and propagandists for Adolf Hitler.) ganisations should send interns to these Among the steps recommended by experts some structures in the California wildfires loves to make fun of him. He has been Domestically, the effect is polarising charades. are removing leaves, pine needles and other while others nearby turned to ash. indifferent to the murder of Washington and poisonous. I teach a course at the Uni- The importance of a vigorous press flammable material from gutters, roofs and Californians have been surprised by the Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the versity of Pennsylvania, where a student shouldn’t be subject to partisan debate. lawns, building fences and decks out of ma- speed and extent of the transformation, hands of Saudi Arabian agents linked to spent a week each night alternating every And indeed, principled conservatives terials other than wood, and covering vents and they are scrambling to combat the new Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. hour between Fox News and MSNBC. The have joined in criticising Trump’s tactics. with mesh screens to keep embers out. peril. Those of us with more time to adapt The press should not allow itself to divergence amounted to much more than “To employ even idle threats to stifle All these precautions would be useful shouldn’t waste it. be bullied, or baited into behaving like a difference in slant; there were separate criticism is corrosive to our Democratic Trump. worlds of news. This phenomenon plays institutions,” said Senator Jeff Flake, the US press freedom has never been to Trump’s contention that all reporting is departing Arizona Republican. Senator more important. Journalists around the politically motivated. Pat Leahy, the liberal Vermont Democrat, world are being threatened, jailed and The establishment press, led by the said that Americans who “cherish the murdered. The Committee to Protect Washington Post and the New York First Amendment” should “be appalled — Journalists reports that 53 journalists Times, on balance has done a good the words of a president matter.” were killed and 251 imprisoned in 2018, job covering the Trump scandals. (My To be sure, every president and most levels that rank among the highest on re- Bloomberg Opinion colleague, Timothy other politicians complain about press cord. L. O’Brien, author of a 2005 biography of coverage, usually equating fairness with The leader of the country that has Trump, has been especially prescient.) favourable treatment and unfairness with most celebrated freedom of the press and In October 2016, with the seeming its opposite. Sometimes they’re right. But enshrined in its Constitution is now giv- certainty ahead of a Hillary Clinton victo- Trump is different. There’s a big differ- ing aid and comfort to some of the bloodi- ry in the November presidential election, ence between ordinary political spin and est anti-press autocrats in the world. the Times pulled its punches in the way his cynical lies. Most presidents respect They’ve even adopted his language. it handled allegations of links between the political and legal limits of accept- Philippine strong man Rodrigo Duterte Trump and Russian officials trying to in- able efforts to combat unfriendly media. accused a press critic of being “a fake fluence the presidential election. Over the Trump disdains limits. Cornered, he will news outlet.” Syrian dictator Bashar al As- past two years it has made up for it with escalate his attacks and try to retaliate. As sad has declared, “We are living in an era aggressive reporting, with big scoops on with any bully, the effective response is to of fake news.” Poland’s anti-press presi- the Trump-Russia connections. be cool and aggressive. dent thanked Trump for helping the fight The Post has been there step-for-step, against “the power of fake news” and ech- starting with early articles about Trump’s (Albert R Hunt is a Bloomberg oed his critique of “elites.” The Russian first national security adviser, Michael Opinion columnist covering poli- foreign ministry last year launched an Flynn, and his first attorney general, Jeff tics and policy.) (Tribune News Service) How The Climate Could Change Us Rising temperatures and catastrophic weather events are associated with increased stress, depression and emotional challenges: Study

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE a half-a-percentage point increase in the like cognitive-behavioural therapy, as well intangible”--like their sense of safety or probability of mental health challenges in Using data from 2002 to 2012, as climate-specific strategies like spending overall well-being. Community-building HE future is unwritten, but most ex- those locations. If the link is causal, that collected from a randomly selected time in a cool area during risk periods. programmes that help people connect with perts agree: It’s going to be hotter than change would translate to almost 2 mil- sample of 2 million US residents, “If you feel prepared for the weather, others or that share strategies for fighting the present. As the world continues lion additional people across the US facing researchers determined that an it’s less likely to cause anxiety,” he says. climate change with individual behaviours, Tto warm, the potential consequences worse mental health in months with aver- increase in average maximum “That’s a part of active coping and resil- Cunsolo says, can also help reduce feel- of climate change for human health and age temperatures above 30 degrees Cel- ience.” ings of powerlessness in the face of the un- safety have been well documented. A grow- sius--which are projected to happen with temperatures of one degree Celsius Disasters present a more acute chal- known. ing body of evidence suggests that we face greater frequency each year. over a five-year period was associated lenge: Exposure to Hurricane Katrina was Most people are experts at living out- a mounting challenge to mental health as Though its observational nature with a two percentage point increase linked to a 4 percentage point spike in side of the present moment--at any time, well. couldn’t definitively establish that climate in the prevalence of self-reported mood problems. we can easily find ourselves reliving a nos- A recent study, published in the Pro- change or even hot weather caused these mental health issues Identifying community leaders in vul- talgic memory or imagining an unrealised ceedings of the National Academy of outcomes, the study is only the latest--and nerable areas and training them in psycho- fantasy. For many, these moments are Sciences (PNAS), finds that rising tem- one of the largest--to tie a warming planet logical first aid should be a first step, Bren- stressful: People may ruminate on upset- peratures and more frequent catastrophic to a more stressed and depressed popu- from carbon taxation--a frequently pro- ner suggests. “They would be trained to ting recollections or become consumed weather events are associated with in- lace. “It’s fairly clear that we should be con- posed deterrent to climate change--could interact with people in a disaster setting,” with anxiety about the future. creased stress, depression, and other emo- cerned,” says lead author Nick Obradovich, help fund general therapy programmes or he says, by using the research-backed strat- A technique known as self-distancing- tional challenges. a political scientist who studies the societal initiatives to improve sleep quality. egies known collectively as risk communi- -reflecting on memories like a fly on the Using data from 2002 to 2012, collected impacts of climate change at MIT’s Media Additional training for clinicians could cation to build trust and enable residents to wall, rather than as an active participant- from a randomly selected sample of 2 mil- Lab. “We’re going to warm. Eventually, also be a way forward, says psychiatrist make informed health decisions. -has been shown to help people cope with lion US residents, researchers determined we’re going to need to adapt and mitigate.” Grant Brenner, and would ideally start The PNAS report helps quantify what unpleasant feelings about the past. that an increase in average maximum tem- Identifying any potential cause of the with better identification of weather- and the United Nations Intergovernmental Now, evidence suggests it may also help peratures of one degree Celsius over a five- observed link is critical, he adds, as hot climate-related mental health issues. Panel on Climate Change terms “intangi- temper stressful visions of the future. In a year period was associated with a two per- temperatures have been associated with Education programmes could target the ble loss,” notes Ashlee Cunsolo, a health series of three studies published in Emo- centage point increase in the prevalence of decreased productivity, worsened sleep, general public as well. “Everyone knows the researcher at Canada’s Memorial Univer- tion, participants reported feeling less anx- self-reported mental health issues. When and increased suicidality--any of which weather affects your mood,” Brenner says; sity. “Policy makers used to look at loss ious when they imagined stressful future average monthly highs shifted from be- could be reflecting overall mood. But ex- providing specific coping strategies can [primarily] from an economic perspec- events--like taking a test or speaking in low 30 degrees Celsius (about 86 degrees panding access to mental health treatment help people become more proactive. Such tive,” she says. “But in many cases, the front of a crowd--as an outside observer as Fahrenheit) to above that mark, there was is a proactive measure, he says; revenue strategies could include standard remedies loss that people experience is going to be opposed to an active participant.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Gulf / Middle East Saturday, Janaury 5, 2019 07

Turkey orders detention of 137 over alleged links to failed coup Brazil will move embassy to Jerusalem, says Bolsonaro ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities were sweeping across at least 26 provinces on Friday to de- BRASÍLIAL: Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has confirmed he will move his country’s embassy tain a total of 137 people over their alleged links to a failed coup in July 2016, state news in Israel to Jerusalem, and said the main nation objecting to that is Iran, not Arab countries. News agency Anadolu reported on Friday. The chief public prosecutor’s office in Ankara issued Bolsonaro, speaking in an interview to SBT television late Thursday, said: “The decision is taken, in brief detention warrants for 35 suspects, all of them from the Naval Force Command in Ankara, it’s only a matter of when it will be implemented.” The comment confirmed a statement by Israeli Anadolu reported. Ten of the suspects are on active duty, according to Anadolu. The war- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who arrived in Brazil last week to attend Bolsonaro’s January rants were issued over alleged ties to Fethullah Gulen, a US-based cleric whom the govern- 1 investiture. The decision is controversial because Israel claims all of Jerusalem as its capital ment blames for the failed 2016 coup attempt by a faction in the military. (DPA) while Palestinians view east Jerusalem as the capital of its future state. (AFP) Egypt wants CBS to drop Sisi interview on Israel cooperation UN calls for release of top Bahrain activist Rajab AFP al-Sisi sat down with Scott interview could not be aired”, ple”. He also dismissed a re- WASHINGTON Pelley to make news on 60 the network said. CBS said it port by Human Rights Watch GENEVA: The United Nations on Friday called for the release of Na- Minutes and did when he con- would go ahead regardless on that said Egyptian authorities beel Rajab, a prominent Bahraini activist sentenced to five years in EGYPT has asked CBS not to firmed his military was work- Sunday and air “the interview “have arrested or charged jail for tweeting criticism of the Yemen war. “We call on the Govern- air an interview with President ing with Israel against terror- Egypt’s government doesn’t probably at least 60,000 peo- ment of Bahrain to immediately and unconditionally release promi- Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in which ists in North Sinai,” CBS said. want on TV”. CBS posted on its ple” since the 2013 military nent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab and to ensure that all he discussed cooperation with Asked if this cooperation website an excerpt of the inter- coup that ousted Morsi. Bahrainis are able to exercise their rights to freedom of opinion and Israel in the fight against Sinai was the closest ever between view in which Sisi is asked how “I don’t know where they expression without fear of arbitrary detention,” said Ravina Sham- militants, the US network said. the former enemies, Sisi said, many “political prisoners” got that figure. I said there dasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office. The network said on its “That is correct... We have Egypt is holding. are no political prisoners in “We urge the government of Bahrain to stop criminalising dis- website Thursday that Sisi a wide range of cooperation The Egyptian president, Egypt.” Sisi came to power in senting voices.” Rajab, who played a key role in the 2011 Shiite-led -- a former army chief and with the Israelis,” according to speaking in Arabic, replies: 2014, a year after he overthrew anti-government protests, on Monday lost his final appeal against a defense minister–made the the CBS website. “We don’t have any political Morsi following mass protests five-year jail term for writing tweets deemed offensive to the state. remarks in a taped interview Afterwards, the Egyptian prisoners or prisoners of opin- against the Islamist’s rule. Hu- Bahrain’s supreme court, whose verdicts are final, upheld the due to air for its 60 Minutes ambassador to the United ion. We are trying to stand man rights groups say former jail term against him. He was convicted of endangering the Saudi-led program on Sunday. “Egyp- States contacted the 60 Min- against extremists who im- Egyptian President Abdel defense chief has installed an military campaign, which includes Sunni-ruled Bahrain, in Yemen and tian President Abdel Fattah utes team to tell them “the pose their ideology on the peo- Fattah al-Sisi. authoritarian regime. publicly offending a foreign country, a reference to Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

Pompeo’s Middle East tour for talks on Yemen, Police fire tear gas to break Syria & Iran next week

AFP stability, and security in the WASHINGTON Middle East,” the depart- up Sudan bread protests ment said. US Secretary of State Mike A key stop will be in Ri- Pompeo will travel to eight yadh, whose relations with Middle East capitals next the US have been strained Several oppn leaders, week for talks on security by the murder of dissident activists & journalists expected to focus on Yem- journalist Jamal Khashoggi en, Syria and Iran, the State by Saudi agents in Istanbul have been arrested Department announced last year, which US intelli- Friday. gence believes was directed in crackdown to Pompeo leaves on Janu- by Crown Prince Moham- prevent protests ary 8 on the eight-day trip med bin Salman despite his to Amman, Cairo, Manama, denials. AFP Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Pompeo will seek an KHARTOUM Muscat, and finally Kuwait update on the investigation City. On his second stop into Khashoggi’s death, as SUDANESE police fired tear in Cairo he will deliver a well as hold discussions on gas on Friday to break up pro- speech on the US “commit- other regional subjects, the tests in the capital Khartoum ment to peace, prosperity, State Department said. and its twin city of Omdurman, Washington is seek- witnesses said, after demon- ing to build a consensus on strators took to the streets fol- how to deal with Syria and lowing midday prayers. its supporter Iran in the Anti-government rallies wake of President Donald have rocked cities across Su- Trump’s announcement dan since December 19 when in December of a US troop protests first broke out over a withdrawal from the war- government decision to raise torn country. the price of bread. It is also seeking a so- Protesters chanting “free- lution to the three-year- dom, peace and justice” poured old war in Yemen in which out of a mosque in Omdurman, a Saudi-led, US-sup- parallel to Khartoum on the ported coalition has bat- west bank of the Nile, witnesses tled with Iran-supported said. US Secretary of State Huthi rebels over control Police used tear gas to Mike Pompeo. of the country. break up that demonstration and separate protest in north Khartoum, witnesses said. Security forces had de- ployed earlier in the day across key squares in both cities ahead Pompeo shows ‘worrying lack of expected unrest. (File photo) Sudanese demonstrators chant slogans as they march along the street during anti-government protests in Khartoum, Sudan, recently. President Omar al-Bashir of knowledge’ of Kurds: Turkey has told police to abstain from and that too to maintain secu- Salih was the 2013 recipi- using excessive force against rity and prevent killings of oth- Use of force ent of Peter Mackler Award for AFP ald Trump’s order to pull out the demonstrators after 19 peo- ers,” he said without elaborat- President Omar al Bashir has told police to abstain from using ethical journalism. ANKARA 2,000 troops, “the importance ple, including two security per- ing. Several opposition leaders, Sudan is facing an acute of ensuring that the Turks don’t sonnel, were killed in clashes. activists and journalists have excessive force against the demonstrators after 19 people, foreign exchange crisis and TURKEY on Friday hit out at slaughter the Kurds” was “still Rights group Amnesty In- been arrested as part on an on- including two security personnel, were killed in clashes. soaring inflation despite the US Secretary of State Mike part of the American mission ternational says 37 people have going crackdown by security United States lifting a two-dec- Pompeo for saying Washing- set”, Pompeo told Newsmax, a been killed in the protests so agents to prevent the spread of “Sometimes we are forced to use weapons,” Bashir told a ade trade embargo in 2017. ton will ensure Ankara does not US news and opinion site, on far. protests. gathering of Sufi leaders late on Thursday. Inflation is running at 70 “slaughter” Kurds in Syria as Thursday. “Sometimes we are forced On Thursday, security forc- percent and the Sudanese American troops withdraw. Washington has provided to use weapons,” Bashir told a es arrested prominent journal- On Thursday, security forces took away prominent jour- pound has plunged in value, “Pompeo equating the YPG military support to the YPG gathering of Sufi leaders late ist and columnist Faisal Mo- nalist and columnist Faisal Mohamed Salih from his while shortages of bread and terror organisation with Kurds, in the fight against the Is- Thursday. “But then we use hamed Salih from his office in office in Khartoum, his relatives said. fuel have regularly hit sev- (even) if it is not intentional, lamic State extremist group, them at a very minimum level Khartoum, his relatives said. eral cities. shows a worrying lack of knowl- causing strains between the edge,” Turkish foreign ministry NATO allies. spokesman Hami Aksoy said. “We strongly condemn that Ankara views the US- this terror organisation is seen backed Syrian Kurdish People’s as a partner in the fight against Somalia refuses to take back expelled UN envoy Protection Units (YPG) militia IS,” Aksoy said in a statement. as a “terrorist offshoot” of the Turkish President Recep UNITED States: Somalia’s president told UN chief Antonio Guterres on Friday that he will not reverse a decision to expel a UN envoy who raised human rights concerns, diplo- outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Tayyip Erdogan has threat- mats said. Guterres spoke by phone with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Friday -- his second call to the Somali leader in three days -- to once again urge him to Party (PKK). ened to launch a cross-border change his mind, according to diplomats. The PKK, blacklisted as operation against the YPG in But the president confirmed that UN envoy Nicholas Haysom was persona non-grata, refusing to bow to pressure, diplomats said. Guterres “deeply regrets” Somalia’s de- a terror organisation by An- northern Syria, vowing that cision, said UN spokesman Farhan Haq. He nevertheless intends to appoint a new UN envoy, he added. Britain called for closed-door consultations of the UN Security Council kara and its Western allies, has Ankara would never allow a to be held later Friday on Somalia’s decision. waged an insurgency against “terror corridor” on its south- Haysom, a South African lawyer and experienced diplomat, was told to leave Somalia on Tuesday after he questioned the government’s decision to arrest an the Turkish state since 1984. ern border and would rid Syr- al-Shabaab defector who was running in elections. Muktar Robow, who defected from Al-Shabaab in 2017, was arrested last month and flown to the capital Moga- Despite US President Don- ia of the militia. dishu after announcing his bid for the state presidency in South West State. (AFP)

Militants advance against rebels in Netanyahu, Putin in first Syria Lebanese strike work in protest against northern Syria call since US pullout announced BEIRUT: Militants gained ground Friday from rebels in AFP efforts to prevent Iran from political deadlock and economic woes Syria’s last major opposition JERUSALEM entrenching itself militarily in bastion after four days of Syria”, it added. Israel has car- DPA symbolic stoppage, witnesses fighting that has killed more ISRAELI Prime Minister ried out hundreds of airstrikes BEIRUT said. Workers at the state than 100 fighters, a war Benjamin Netanyahu held in Syria in recent years against electricity company observed monitor said. talks Friday with Russian Iranian and Hezbollah targets, SEVERAL public and private the one-day strike. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a President Vladimir Putin for and the Jewish state and Rus- institutions in Lebanon went Employees at govern- jihadist-led alliance, seized the first time since the shock sia have set up a “deconflic- on a strike on Friday in pro- ment hospitals and Beirut’s more than 20 villages from US military withdrawal from tion” hotline aimed at avoid- test at months of failure to International Airport mean- rival rebels in the northern Syria was announced, the ing accidental clashes. form a new government and while took one hour off in province of Aleppo, the Syr- premier’s office said. The coordination was economic woes in the country. solidarity with the call. State ian Observatory for Human During the phone call the stretched when a Russian The action was in re- agencies have warned their Rights said. two “discussed the situation military aircraft was mistak- sponse to a call from the employees against partici- “HTS was able to take in Syria and recent develop- enly shot down by Syrian air country’s main labour union, pating in the strike, accord- control of areas previously ments and agreed on contin- defences after an Israeli raid the General Confederation of (File photo) The strike is aimed at putting pressure on officials. ing to media reports. held by Nureddine al-Zinki in ued coordination between the in September. On Thursday, Lebanese Workers. Shops and restaurants in the west of the Aleppo coun- (Israeli and Russian) militar- Netanyahu praised the coor- The union’s head, Beshara tests for fear of violence. Many institutions across the Beirut’s fashionable Hamra tryside,” the Britain-based ies”, according to a statement. dination with Trump against Asmar, called for a peaceful “This strike is aimed at country did not heed the call street remained open. “The monitor said. (AFP) Netanyahu said Israel was Iran, despite the planned general strike and cautioned putting pressure on officials,” for the strike, while some strike will make us lose mon- “determined to continue its troop withdrawal. against holding street pro- Asmar said in media remarks. others observed a one-hour ey and will not help us,” 08 Saturday, January 5, 2019 Europe / Americas

NEWS Massive data leak targets Merkel, German politicians IN BRIEF AFP clear whether the officials were represented in the Bundestag parliamentary group chief, Di- said. “However the damage is BERLIN targeted by hackers or the vic- were targeted, as well as Presi- etmar Bartsch, called it “an at- likely to be massive given the Germany takes tims of an internal leak of the dent Frank-Walter Steinmeier, tack on democracy”. volume of personal data pub- leadership of PRIVATE data stolen from data, some of which dates back an interior ministry spokes- Beyond politicians, the leak lished.” NATO task force hundreds of German politi- to at least 2017. man said. However Christian also exposed the private data The interior ministry cians including Chancellor “The government is taking Lueth, parliamentary group of celebrities and journalists, spokesman said it was un- BERLIN/BRUSSELS: The Angela Merkel have been this incident very seriously,” speaker for the Alternative for including chats and voicemail clear who was behind the data Bundeswehr took over the published online, the govern- Merkel’s deputy spokeswoman Germany (AfD), later said that messages from spouses and dump, which derived both running of the super-fast ment said Friday, in a stunning Martina Fietz said. his party’s deputies were not children of those targeted. from social media and private reaction force of NATO breach of cybersecurity. “Whoever is behind this hit by the attack and the inte- The daily Bild and public “cloud” data. on Tuesday. According to The information, which wants to damage faith in our rior ministry confirmed this. broadcaster RBB first reported A deputy from Merkel’s the Ministry of Defence in comprised home addresses, democracy and its institu- Fietz said a preliminary in- the leak. Bild said it was not Christian Democratic Union Berlin, the land forces of the mobile phone numbers, letters, tions,” Justice Minister Kata- vestigation indicated that “no clear when the data theft began party, Patrick Sensburg, point- so-called spearhead of the invoices and copies of identity rina Barley said in a statement. Chancellor Angela Merkel. sensitive information or data” but said it continued until the ed the finger at right-wing ex- military alliance for 2019 documents, was first released Among the estimated 1,000 from Merkel’s office had been end of October. tremists. “I assume this was a consist of about 8,000 via Twitter in December but its people affected were members Parliament as well as regional leaked. Berlin’s political estab- “At first glance, it does not hacker attack by people close to soldiers. The German army spread gathered pace this week. of the Bundestag lower house of and local assemblies, Fietz said. lishment nevertheless reacted seem that politically sensitive the AfD,” he told the daily Han- is providing around 4,000 of It was not immediately parliament and the European Deputies from all parties with alarm. The far-left Linke’s material was included,” RBB delsblatt. them, in addition to about 1,000 personnel in other organizational areas. Other soldiers are being provided by allies France, the Nether- Democratic lands and Norway. (DPA) lawmaker Suspected Ebola Trump in fresh bid to case detected vows Trump in Sweden impeachment STOCKHOLM: A patient in Sweden has been admitted AFP to hospital with a suspected end govt shutdown WASHINGTON case of Ebola, a highly infec- tious and potentially fatal A Democratic congresswom- disease, health care officials But a quick end to stalemate not in sight as Democrats appear to be in no mood to make concessions an kicked off her term with said Friday. “Test results will an expletive-laced vow to im- probably be received some- AFP peach US President Donald time this evening. At this WASHINGTON Trump, triggering Republican stage it is just a suspicion, outrage and testing party dis- other illnesses are entirely PRESIDENT Donald Trump cipline a day after Democrats possible,” a statement from invited Democratic and Re- regained the House. regional health authorities in publican leaders at the White As a clip of Michigan Uppsala, about 70 kilometres House on Friday in a new bid Democrat Rashida Tlaib’s (45 miles) north of Stock- to end the two-week govern- animated comments circu- holm, said. (AFP) ment shutdown over his de- lated widely on social media, mand for funding for a border Trump on Friday tartly dis- 3 arrested after wall with Mexico. missed the threat of impeach- explosion outside But a quick end to the stale- ment, while the newly elected German AfD office mate does not appear to be in Democratic House Speaker sight as Democrats, who now Nancy Pelosi appeared loath LEIPZIG: Three people ar- control the House of Repre- to reign in the congresswom- rested following an explosion sentatives, appear to be in no an’s language. outside an office of the far- mood to make concessions. “How do you impeach a right Alternative for Germany “We’re not doing a wall,” president who has won per- (AfD) party may soon be free Representative Nancy Pelosi haps the greatest election of all to go again. said after being sworn in as the time, done nothing wrong (no Prosecutors said Friday new House speaker on Thurs- Collusion with Russia, it was they would not file a deten- day. the Dems that Colluded), had tion request for the three Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, the the most successful first two suspects - Germans aged leader of the Democratic mi- years of any president, and is 29, 32 and 50 - linked to the nority in the Senate, and House the most popular Republican attack in the eastern town of and Senate Republican leaders in party history 93%?” Trump Doebeln. The men are still were to meet with Trump at the posted on Twitter. suspected of the crime, but White House on Friday morn- US President Donald Trump with Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, US Representative Kevin McCarthy and Representative Steve “They only want to im- prosecutors in the nearby city ing for another round of talks. Scalise at a press conference in Washington on Friday. (AFP) peach me because they know of Chemnitz said there were They also met behind they can’t win in 2020, too not sufficient grounds to hold closed doors at the White and on hiring more border pa- documented immigrants who ocrats have even called for much success!” them. The blast took place on House on Wednesday but trol agents. Pelosi described the wall as arrived in the United States as impeachment proceedings At an event hours after Thursday evening in front of made little headway on end- Shortly after the new Con- an ‘immorality’ while once children. against the president but Pelosi her swearing-in Thursday, the party’s local office.(DPA) ing the impasse, which has left gress was sworn in on Thurs- again flatly rejecting Trump’s The DACA policy put in reacted cautiously on Thursday Tlaib told a cheering crowd of more than 800,000 federal day, the House approved two insistence on $5.6 billion place by former president Ba- to those appeals. supporters: “People love you. workers furloughed or work- measures to provide short- for the southern barrier rack Obama protected from de- “We shouldn’t be impeach- And you win.” ing without pay since Decem- term funding for the govern- portation 700,000 “Dreamers” ing for a political reason, and “And when your son looks Pentagon asked ber 22. Both Democrats and ment. registered under the program we shouldn’t avoid impeach- at you and says, ‘Momma, Republicans have attempted to The legislation would fund crats need to “get serious about and another 1.1 million who ment for a political reason,” look you won, bullies don’t for more help to pin the blame for the shutdown homeland security operations border security so that a gov- qualify but are not registered. she told NBC’s Today show. win.’ And I said, ‘Baby, they on the other side. until February 8 and several ernment funding agreement Trump rescinded DACA -- “So we’ll just have to see how it don’t,’ because we’re gonna Border Patrol on Pelosi described the wall other agencies through Sep- may be reached that can pass the Deferred Action for Child- comes.” go in there and we’re gonna US-Mexico border as an “immorality” while once tember. the House, earn 60 votes here hood Arrivals program -- in Trump lashed out on Fri- impeach the motherfucker.” again flatly rejecting Trump’s Trump has said he would in the Senate, and receive a September 2017 and it has day at the mention of impeach- Salty language by US AFP insistence on $5.6 billion for veto any bill, however, that presidential signature.” been tied up in the courts since ment. lawmakers -- or presidents, WASHINGTON the southern barrier. does not include funding for Vice President Mike Pence then. The fight over the wall is “How do you impeach a for that matter -- is noth- “It’s an old way of think- the wall and the Republican- told Fox News late Thursday also setting the stage for what president who has won per- ing new. Trump, hardly the THE Pentagon received a new ing,” she said. run Senate has said it would that there would be “no deal could be a tumultuous final two haps the greatest election of all paradigm of verbal decency, request Friday to provide sup- “It isn’t cost effective,” not consider any legislation without a wall” but there were years in office for Trump faced time, done nothing wrong,” he last year derided African na- port for the US Border Patrol, Pelosi added, arguing that that does not pass muster with indications Friday that Repub- with a hostile Democratic-con- said on Twitter, throwing in a tions as “shithole” countries, a defense official said, with- money would be better spent the president. licans may be willing to reopen trolled House equipped with claim that he has had “the most after all. But the timing and out specifying whether more on border security technology Senate Majority Leader talks about “Dreamers” -- the investigative powers. succesful first two years of any optics of Tlaib’s outburst are troops would be sent to the US such as drones and cameras, Mitch McConnell said Demo- hundreds of thousands of un- Some newly seated Dem- president.” notable. border with Mexico. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Department of Homeland Security had requested certain French action plan to check Channel crossing by migrants “capabilities,” and that the Pentagon would determine what troops or equipment AFP from the French interior minis- works (of people smugglers) joint Franco-British plan, Fri- UK navy patrols English Channel would be needed to accom- PARIS try. An increase in crossings by developing which would likely day’s statement added. plish their mission. asylum-seekers, mostly Irani- attract irregular migrants to our The promise of extra patrols LONDON: A British navy ship was patrolling the Channel on Friday Nearly 5,600 troops cur- THE French government an- ans, has caused alarm in Britain shores again,” it added. and police checks in ports aimed in response to a wave of mostly Iranian asylum seekers risking the rently are deployed along the nounced an “action plan” Friday and put the Conservative gov- A British navy ship was pa- at stopping migrants trying to crossing from France in dinghies. HMS Mersey is filling the gap until US-Mexico border, in support to counter attempts by migrants ernment there under pressure trolling the Channel on Friday cross the Channel contradicts two Border Force cutters return from the European Union’s Mediter- of the border patrol, which to cross the Channel to Britain to provide a response. in addition to other French and an earlier statement on Friday ranean migrant crossings mission. Her Majesty’s Ship Mersey, an falls under DHS. by sea, which will include an in- “This plan should enable British coastguard boats which by French government spokes- offshore patrol vessel with a crew of around 45, left the Channel US President Donald crease in coastguard patrols and us to end these crossings,” the watch over the 21 miles (33 man Benjamin Griveaux. port of Portsmouth on Thursday. Attempts to get to Britain by cross- Trump announced the deploy- ramped up surveillance in ports. French statement said, adding kilometres) of sea that separate Griveaux told a news confer- ing the world’s busiest shipping lane in tiny craft have surged in the ment shortly before the No- These new measures will be that they were “not only illegal France and Britain at its nar- ence that “there is no require- last three months, with numbers spiking over the Christmas holi- vember 6 midterm elections, in addition to a joint action plan but also extremely dangerous. rowest point. ment to increase any further the days. “HMS Mersey will deploy to the Dover Straits to assist the UK as several thousand Central announced on December 31 by “It’s in our interest, as well French Interior Minister resources there which are work- Border Force and French authorities with their response to migrant American migrants made their the French and British govern- as the United Kingdom’s, to do Christophe Castaner is to travel ing very well and are proving crossings,” said Britain’s Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. (AFP) way to the border to seek asy- ment, according to a statement everything to prevent new net- to London soon to discuss the their worth.” lum from violence and poverty in their own countries. The unusual deployment was supposed to end in mid- December, but DHS asked Activists accuse EU nations of new ‘record of shame’ over refusing entry to migrants that it be extended until Janu- ary 31 in light of what it said AFP and dehydration,” said Ales- fresh crew members and Ger- grants on board. was a continued threat to na- ROME sandro Metz of Mediterranea, man members of parliament. Italy, Malta, Spain and the tional security. which aims to protect migrant As the help party arrived, Netherlands initially refused According to several US RIGHTS activists accused Eu- rights at sea. “one of the migrants threw to take in migrants from either media, soldiers could be de- ropean countries on Friday of Three unaccompanied himself into the water in an at- of the boats. ployed along the border in a new “record of shame” for teenagers and four women tempt to swim to Malta”, said But Germany and The California and Arizona, but refusing to open ports to mi- from Nigeria, Libya and Ivory an onboard freelance photog- Netherlands later said they that could be accomplished by grant children and families Coast were among those on- rapher, Federico Scoppa. would allow some in -- on con- simply repositioning troops stranded at sea in the Mediter- board. The boat was given per- “After a few meters, he dition that other nations did already in the area rather than ranean for two weeks. mission by Malta on Wednes- gave up because of the cold the same. sending in reinforcements. Thirty-two migrants res- day to shelter off its coast due and the current, and was - ‘Pathetic’ -Several Ger- A military source speak- cued off Malta by a Sea-Watch to a storm and fierce winds -- dragged back to the ship using man and Italian cities have ing on condition of anonymity rescue boat on December 22 but not to land. a lifebuoy,” Scoppa told AFP. since offered to host them, said the latest DHS request did remain at sea after being de- “The migrants sleep on the The row over the Sea- with the mayor of Naples de- not anticipate deployments nied entry to European ports. floor. We have hygiene prob- Watch 3 is the latest in a series fying Italy’s hardline interior beyond January 31. “It’s now been 14 days left lems. The situation is increas- of incidents about sea rescues minister by saying he would On Friday, Trump was alone at sea. A new record of ingly difficult psychologically,” that has thrown a spotlight lead the operation to disem- meeting with Democratic and shame,” the Mediterranea col- Philip Hahn, head of mission on the deadlock between EU bark them himself if they ap- Republican leaders to try to lective of aid groups and asso- on the Sea-Watch 3, told Ra- countries over sharing respon- proached the coast. end a two-week-old govern- ciations said on Twitter. dio 24. A migrant woman is being arrested by the Hungarian police in Bicske, sibility for migrant and refu- “EU ministers continue to ment shutdown, precipitated A one-year-old baby and Man overboard -Medi- west of Budapest. (AFP) gee arrivals. bargain over 32 human be- by an impasse over his de- two children, six and seven, terranea and Sea-Watch The German NGO Sea-Eye ings. We might look miserable, mands for funds to build a “are vomiting continuously launched two boats on Friday ing fresh water, to Sea-Watch which took in the migrants. also has a ship stranded in the but they are pathetic,” German border wall. and are at risk of hypothermia to deliver supplies, includ- 3, the Dutch-flagged vessel The help party included Mediterranean with 17 mi- charity Sea-Watch said. Huawei raps staff for sending www.facebook.com/QatarTribune New Year tweet via www.youtube.com/QatarTribuneChannel iPhone www.twitter.com/Qatar_Tribune PAGE 10

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

DOW23,398.19 QE 10,350.35 SENSEX 35,695.10 GOLD 1,286.50 Apple warning pummels markets +711.97 PTS +70.01 PTS +181.39 PTS -0.64% worried about growth outlook PAGE 10 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 15.75 BRENT 57.01 +1.89% WTI 47.86 +1.64% SILVER -0.33% Fed’s Powell pledges patience, sensitivity to risks in markets

REUTERS after a monthly jobs report “We are always prepared listening carefully to that ... Powell called the Decem- trade war. ATLANTA suggested the US economy to shift the stance of policy listening sensitively to the ber jobs report “very strong” Futures traders on Friday remained robust, Powell’s and to shift it significantly” message that markets are and said US data seems “to were pricing in a small chance FEDERAL Reserve Chair- soothing comments initially if needed, said Powell, who sending and we are going be on track to sustain good of a rate hike this year, versus man Jerome Powell on Fri- pushed stock indexes higher. spoke on a panel in Atlanta to be taking those downside momentum into the new no chance seen before Powell day moved to ease concerns “Particularly with the alongside former Fed chiefs risks into account as we make year.” began speaking. in financial markets, saying muted inflation readings that Janet Yellen and Ben Ber- policy going forward.” The US central bank US President Donald that while US economic mo- we’ve seen coming in, we will nanke. Earlier on Friday, the hiked interest rates four Trump has called the Fed’s mentum is solid, the central be patient as we watch to see “The markets are pricing Labor Department report- times last year, including in rate hikes a mistake and said bank is sensitive to the risks how the economy evolves,” in downside risks ... and they ed that nonfarm payrolls December when policymak- he was not happy with Pow- highlighted by investors and he told the American Eco- are obviously well ahead of jumped by 312,000 jobs, well ers’ forecasts pointed to two ell. Asked on Friday whether will be patient with its mon- nomic Association, adding the data, particularly if you above market expectations, more rises this year. Markets, he would resign if Trump re- etary policy in 2019. that the Fed is not on a preset look at this morning’s labor while wages and labor force however, have mostly tum- quested it, Powell said: “No,” Speaking after months path of tightening policy and market data,” Powell added. participation rose, all sig- bled since October on fears of adding there were no meet- of volatility in world finan- suggesting it could pause rate The Fed chairman add- nals of sustained economic a global economic slowdown ings scheduled between the cial markets, and just hours hikes as it did in 2016. ed: “I’ll just say that we are US Fed Chairman Jerome Powell strength. and the ongoing US-China two men.

Quick read Tokyo gets Tesla to be delivering Model 3 to China 2019 off to buyers in March Oil rises 2% on China-US talks, BEIJING: Tesla Inc said on Friday nightmare it plans to start delivering Model 3 cars to customers in China in start, Asian March, cementing a time frame gains capped by US fuel build that the US electric vehicle (EV) markets fall maker’s chief executive, Elon Musk, tweeted about late last AFP year. The California-based firm, Brent was set to HONG KONG which aims to accelerate Chinese sales that have been hit hard increase 9.2% for THERE was no respite for by the impact of trade tension Asian investors Friday as most between Washington and Beijing, the week, while regional markets suffered said in a statement the starting more losses, with Tokyo tank- price for a Model 3 in China would WTI was on track ing three percent and tech- be 499,000 yuan ($72,000). Te- nology firms taking another sla cut prices for its Model 3 last to rise by nearly 6% hiding after Apple’s shock rev- month, the third time in the last enue warning. two months for the firm to adjust REUTERS The new year has proved prices in China. In November, NEW YORK so far to be anything but hap- Tesla cut the prices of its Model py on trading floors as deal- X and Model S in China by 12 to OIL rose 2 percent on Friday ers face a confluence of issues 26 percent. Tesla has opened after proposed trade talks be- including the China-US trade a tender process to build a $2 tween the United States and war, China’s stuttering econo- billion plant in Shanghai - dubbed China eased some fears about my, the US government shut- a Gigafactory - and at least one a global economic slowdown, down and Brexit. contractor has started buying ma- but gains were capped after Apple has been the source terials, Reuters reported earlier the United States reported a of angst this week after it last month. (REUTERS) sharp build in refined product slashed its revenue forecasts inventories. blaming weak Chinese de- Brent crude futures LCOc1 mand for its iPhones and cit- Italy’s Eni to acquire gained $1.10, or 2 percent, to ing the tariffs spat between 70% operatorship of $57.05 a barrel, by 11:33 a.m. Washington and Beijing. Alaska oilfield EST (1633 GMT). US West The US tech titan plunged Texas Intermediate (WTI) 10 percent Wednesday -- wip- ROME: Eni has signed an accord crude CLc1 futures rose 94 ing $75 billion off its value -- to purchase from Caelus En- cents to $48.03 a barrel, a 2 in response to the announce- ergy a 70 per cent stake in the percent gain. ment and analysts said the fact Oooguruk oil field that it doesn’t After both benchmarks fell such a usually safe firm was already own, allowing the Ital- sharply last year, prices were feeling the pinch was a sign of ian energy giant to ramp up its on track for solid gains in the deeper problems in the global production in Alaska by around first week of 2019, despite re- economy. 7,000 barrels of oil per day, the cent data that added to con- Technology firms, particu- company said in a statement. cerns about a slowing global larly those linked to Apple, Eni already owns the remaining economy. were among the worst hit in 30 per cent working interest in Brent was set to increase Brent crude futures gained $1.10 to $57.05 on Friday. Asia Friday. In Tokyo, which Oooguruk and operates 100 per 9.2 percent for the week, while was returning from a four- cent of the nearby Nikaitchuq WTI was on track to rise by “The big build in products ing growth. The Organization of the day break, supplier Kyocera oil field. Thursday’s agreement nearly 6 percent. has really caught everyone China’s services sector Petroleum Exporting Coun- fell 3.3 percent, Japan Display will allow major “synergies and Prices pared gains on Fri- by surprise again,” said Phil extended its expansion in tries, Russia and other non- was 1.4 percent off and Sharp optimizations” between the two day after data from the US En- Flynn, an analyst at Price Fu- The big build in products December, a private survey members agreed in December dived 4.2 percent, while Alps oil fields, the statement said. ergy Information Administra- tures Group in Chicago. has really caught everyone showed on Friday, bucking a to reduce supply by 1.2 million Alpine shed 5.8 percent. Eni plans to drill further produc- tion showed a sharp increase “The gasoline number was trend of downbeat economic barrels per day (bpd) in 2019. Sony was also more than tion wells at Oooguruk and in product inventories as refin- a little bit disappointing be- by surprise again. The data. OPEC’s share of that cut is four percent lower. There were Nikaitchuq, with the target to ers ramped up utilization rates cause demand was soft and we gasoline number was a little “Recent Chinese data is 800,000 bpd. A Reuters sur- also hefty losses for AAC tech- increase its total Alaska pro- USOIRU=ECI to 97.2 percent saw a big build in supply.” bit disappointing because not confirming the doom- vey on Thursday found OPEC nologies in Hong Kong and duction beyond 30,000 boed, of capacity, the highest rate on Oil drew support from demand was soft and we and-gloom trend,” said Olivier supply fell by 460,000 bpd in Foxconn in Taipei, which had according to the statement. record for this time of year. comments by China’s com- saw a big build in supply. Jakob, oil analyst at Petroma- December. already been badly hit Thurs- The Oooguruk oil field, located Gasoline stocks rose 6.9 merce ministry, which said trix. “And you’ve got OPEC The focus now will be on day. in the Beaufort Sea, five km off million barrels last week, Beijing would hold vice-min- Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price cutting.” A robust US jobs whether producers deliver “Belief in global corporate Alaska’s North Slope coast, has while distillate stockpiles isterial trade talks with US Futures Group report also added to broader further curbs in January to earnings is fading against the been in production since 2008 grew 9.5 million barrels, the counterparts on Jan. 7-8. The market optimism. implement the deal fully. Iraq backdrop of the US-China and current gross production is EIA said, compared with fore- news helped boost sentiment Despite some demand-side said on Friday it was commit- trade friction,” Nobuhiko of approximately 10,000 bopd casts for builds under 2 mil- across riskier assets including war for much of the past year, worries, oil has received support ted to the deal and would keep Kuramochi, head of invest- from 25 producing wells and 15 lion barrels. the US equity and oil markets. disrupting the flow of hun- as supply cuts announced by the its oil production at 4.513 mil- ment information at Miz- gas/water injector wells. (IANS) US crude stockpiles were Washington and Beijing dreds of billions of dollars global coalition of producers lion bpd for the first half of uho Securities in Tokyo, told little changed. have been locked in a trade worth of goods and hamper- known as OPEC+ kick in. 2019. Bloomberg News. China warnings signal Trump’s trade war finally hitting home

REUTERS nounced worse-than-expected where also threaten to leave global chief economist at Citi but should remain strong ATLANTA/NEW YORK results out of China. US consumers, whose spend- and the OECD’s former chief until about mid-2020 when China, the world’s second ing accounts for more than economist. economists polled by Reuters WEAK sales at Apple and Car- largest economy, likely ex- two-thirds of US economic “We are looking at this bal- expect it to settle at 1.8 per- gill, US giants of technology panded at more than 6 percent activity and who so far have ance between the strong do- cent. In October the Interna- and agriculture, may be the last year, reflecting a slow- been eager to spend in an era mestic activity and the weak- tional Monetary Fund cut its clearest sign yet that Presi- down from years past and, in of rising household incomes er external activity,” in the 2019 global growth forecast dent Donald Trump’s quest to recent months, its most tepid and wages, as the chief bul- United States, Germany and to 3.7 percent, citing the trade reset world trade carries costs rate since the depths of the wark against a broader world elsewhere, she said, and also war, and in December Citi at home and could isolate the global financial crisis a decade downturn. the “effectiveness of Chinese trimmed its prediction to 3.1 United States as the increas- ago. “There is an inconsistency policy to turn the trajectory percent. ingly fragile engine for global The US-China trade war between the US acting as a of the economy there.” Other What was hailed just a economic growth. threatens a decade-old hope locomotive for the world and drivers of US growth, includ- year ago as an era when the Apple, a global technology among business and economic the objective of the Trump ing government and business world’s major economies darling loved for its sleek gadg- leaders that rising purchasing administration’s policy to re- spending and net exports, are would all grow together has ets, on Wednesday warned of power among Chinese con- duce the trade deficit. That’s all sagging or expected to do evolved in a more volatile di- disappointing quarterly rev- sumers would support an era another reason why it will be so in coming months. rection, with the United States The US-China trade war threatens a decade-old hope among business enues because of poor sales in of synchronized global growth. challenging for the US con- The US economy, the juiced along by tax cuts and and economic leaders that rising purchasing power among Chinese China. On Thursday, privately The sharp slowdown in sumer to act as world locomo- world’s biggest, is expected to government spending while consumers would support an era of synchronized global growth. held grains trader Cargill an- China and weakness else- tive,” said Catherine Mann, slow from a very robust 2018 the rest of the world sputters. 10 Saturday, January 5, 2019 Economy & Business New Petrobras boss Excellent US jobs data seeks free-market efficiency for oil giant sends stocks rocketing AFP under control of Brazilian RIO DE JANEIRO society,” he said. Before being named The data smashed economists’ expectations and wages rose steadily, gaining 3.2 percent for the year THE new boss of Brazilian to the top Petrobras job, state-owned oil giant Petro- Castello Branco, a former bras said Thursday that board member in the com- he wanted to draw a line pany, had vocally backed an under the company’s graft- idea of privatizing all of the mired past and offer “a new oil giant. dawn.” But Brazil’s new far- “Monopolies restrict right president, Jair Bol- liberty,” Roberto Castello sonaro, has said he -- like Branco told a crowd of of- many Brazilians -- is not in ficials and Petrobras execu- favor of the country’s crown tives on the day he took up jewels being sold off, so that his functions. ambition has been scaled Petrobras a couple of back. years ago “was looted by a criminal organization made up of corrupt politicians, enemies of capitalism, and a small group of employ- ees,” he said. “Privileged people and Overview monopolies are intolerable in a free society.” Petrobras was founded 65 The harsh words re- years ago as a government ferred to a sprawling, mul- monopoly to tap tiny ti-billion-dollar corruption reserves that existed at the scandal implicating Petro- time. Its oil bonanza bras and political parties, happened in late 2006 including those from the when it discovered what Workers Party that ruled Brazil from 2003-2016. turned out to be huge Investigations into the amounts of crude lying scandal, dubbed Car Wash, under the oceanic crust far brought down politicians, offshore -- so-called pre-salt including former leftist deposits. leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and resulted in Petro- bras paying a $2.95-billion Traders look at price monitors as they work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City.(REUTERS/FILE) settlement to US share- Petrobras is already in holders. a cycle of divestments to AFP James Knightley. “The announcement was a Beijing said Friday a US Castello Branco also re- cut it massive debt. It is ex- LONDON “This really positive report A breather welcome change from the neg- delegation would visit China ferred to Petrobras piling pected Castello Branco will should certainly ease creeping ative news surrounding China at the start of next week for the up a vast debt load, which accelerate that process. STOCK markets rebounded fears in the market that the O The blockbuster US jobs this week,” Madden added. first face-to-face talks since currently stands at around But when asked by re- Friday as data showed a whop- Federal Reserve may be forced numbers starkly contrasted Investors have been con- President Donald Trump and $73 billion. porters how far he would ping 312,000 jobs created in to cut interest rates” due to a with the mounting fears for cerned about China’s econo- his Chinese counterpart Xi Brought in under new apply privatization zeal to the US last month, at least slowdown in the economy, he the global economy of my slowing down due to the Jinping agreed a ceasefire. Brazilian Economy Min- the company, the new chief temporarily relieving investor added. recent weeks trade disputes with the United Word of the meeting fol- ister Paulo Guedes -- like executive said only that “we concerns about the health of Other analysts see the data States. lows small signs of progress him, part of the “Chicago are analyzing assets” for the world’s top economy. as pointing to further increas- O Analysts see the data as Meanwhile, China’s cen- -- and the absence of new Boys’” club of US-trained later decisions. The data smashed econo- es in interest rates, and the pointing to further tral bank moved after markets threats from Trump -- while free-marketers who have Petrobras was founded mists’ expectations, and wag- dollar perked up. increases in interest rates, closed there to stimulate the the two sides work to ease graduated from the Uni- 65 years ago as a govern- es rose steadily, gaining 3.2 “The key takeaway from and the dollar perked up economy by allowing com- trade tensions. versity of Chicago -- he is ment monopoly to tap tiny percent for the year. the report is that employment mercial banks to use more of Nevertheless, traders re- intent on turning Petrobras reserves that existed at the The blockbuster US jobs data are unlikely to deter the their funds for lending. main on edge as they face a around by reducing its stat- time. Its oil bonanza hap- numbers starkly contrasted Federal Reserve from its tight- strongly higher, having fol- Market analyst David confluence of issues including ist dependency. pened in late 2006 when with the mounting fears for ening path, especially if aver- lowed Asian exchanges up- Cheetham at XTB online trad- a Chinese stuttering economy His strategy, he said, it discovered what turned the global economy of recent age hourly earnings growth wards on positive news from ing platform said that move overall, the US government was simple: better manage- out to be huge amounts of weeks -- which have seen remains on its current trajec- China. by China’s central bank “cut shutdown and Brexit. ment, cut capital costs, seek crude lying under the oce- stock prices tumble and con- tory,” said analysts at Briefing. “Equity markets have ral- the bank reserve ratio by 1 Gold, which along with the efficiencies, impose a meri- anic crust far offshore -- so- fidence wane among corpo- com. lied... after some positive percentage point to release yen has in recent sessions prof- tocracy, worker safety, and called pre-salt deposits. rations who foresee slowing US stocks snapped higher news was released from China around 1.5 trillion yuan of li- ited from haven investment protection of the environ- That pre-salt oil is costly demand and weakening sales at the opening bell, with the overnight,” noted David Mad- quidity and this has sparked a status, reached a six-month ment. to get at, but its extraction in 2019. Dow climbing 1.5 percent in den, market analyst at CMC rally this morning in stocks as high at $1,298.31 an ounce. “It’s a new dawn for Bra- soon made the country a “For all the current market the first minute of trading. Markets UK. they look to recover from re- Tokyo’s main stocks in- zil and for Petrobras. The net exporter, propelled into doom and gloom over the US’s The broader S&P 500 added A leading survey of Chi- cent declines.” dex meanwhile slumped as time has come to promote the same league as mem- prospects, there are some 1.1 percent and the tech-heavy nese manufacturing nudged Hopes of progress regard- it caught up with losses else- transformational change, bers of OPEC, of which it is positives, such as the red-hot Nasdaq Composite rose 1.6 higher for December, con- ing China-US trade war ten- where in recent days caused in for shareholders who are not part. jobs market,” said ING bank’s percent. founding analysts who had sions also provided support to part by Apple’s shock revenue chief international economist, European stocks were also expected it to decline. equities, analysts said. warning. Apple warning pummels markets worried about growth outlook

AFP kets since late last year. Apple finished down 10 “For a while now there’s earning season,” said Adam NEW YORK Sentiment in the United percent, ending with a market been an adage in the markets Sarhan of 50 Park Invest- States was further dented by value of just under $675 bil- that as long as Apple was do- ments. “The fact that Apple, STOCK markets retreated Institute for Supply Man- lion, far from the landmark ing fine, everyone else would one of the largest companies Thursday as China’s slowing agement data showing US $1.0 trillion level it reached in be OK. Therefore, Apple’s rare in the world, lowers guidance economy forced Apple to slash manufacturing activity at a August. profits warning is a red flag for basically means other com- its revenue forecast, wiping two-year low. The data still US stock indices were also market watchers,” noted Neil panies are going to lower it as around $75 billion from the showed growth but suggested hard hit, with the Dow end- Wilson, chief market analyst well.” company’s value and denting the United States was serious- ing at 22,686.22, down 660 at Markets.com. White House economist global investor sentiment. ly affected by a slowing global points, or 2.8 percent. “A lot of this is Apple spe- Kevin Hassett said Apple was Apple late on Wednes- economy and trade tensions. Tech companies with cific (...). But the warning not alone, telling CNN there day cut its revenue outlook The rare revenue warning steep falls included Intel, also tells a lot about what is were “a heck of a lot of US for the latest quarter, citing from Apple pointed to weak- which slumped 5.5 percent, happening on in the broader companies” exposed to the steeper-than-expected “eco- er-than-anticipated sales of while shares in Franco-Italian global economy, specifically Chinese market that were nomic deceleration” in China iPhones and other gadgetry, group STMicroelectronics China. It tells us that China is likely to see earnings down- and emerging markets, fac- in part because of trade fric- dived 9.7 percent and Germa- experiencing a period of soft- graded until Washington and tors that have contributed to tions between Washington ny’s Infineon shed around five ness,” he added. Beijing resolved their differ- sharp falls across stock mar- and Beijing. percent. “We’re heading to the ences on trade. Shoppers walk past the Apple logo at an Apple Store in Hong Kong.

PR GAFFE Huawei raps staff for sending New Year tweet via iPhone

incident. One employee and Huawei’s director of digital Although the blunder was made The company has come under by a third-party social media fire in 2018, with Washington marketing were demoted and had their salary cut company called Sapient, leading efforts to blacklist Huawei internationally. AFP the post with his three million Huawei disciplined two of its The arrest of its chief finan- SHANGHAI Twitter followers before Huawei employees for the “negative cial Officer Meng Wanzhou in deleted it and sent another, this impact” on the brand caused by Canada in early December -- on CHINESE telecom giant Huawei time marked “sent via Twitter the incident, which highlighted a US extradition request linked has punished two employees for Media Studio”. “procedural incompliance and to sanctions-breaking business posting a New Year greeting on the One unnamed employee and dealings with Iran -- has led to a company’s official Twitter account Huawei’s director of digital mar- management oversight” surge of patriotism in China with using an iPhone made by arch rival keting were demoted and had their companies encouraging staff to Apple, an internal memo showed. monthly salary slashed by 5,000 the gaffe took place when Sapi- buy Huawei smartphones. Huawei dislodged Apple yuan ($730), according to the ent used an iPhone with a Hong Several companies are offering last year from its position as the memo widely shared on China’s Kong SIM card to send the Twitter employees subsidies for Huawei world’s second biggest smart- Twitter-like platform Weibo and greeting after experiencing “VPN phone purchases, while others phone-seller, below global number seen by AFP. problems”. have even warned staff against one Samsung. As well as the pay cut, the digi- Twitter -- and other major buying Apple products, AFP But in a public relations gaffe, tal marketing director was also hit A sales assistant looks at her mobile phone as she waits for customers behind a foreign sites like Facebook and found. the Chinese company wished fol- with a salary freeze and no promo- counter at a Huawei booth in Wuhan, Hubei province. (REUTERS) Google -- are blocked in China and Huawei in December said it lowers a “Happy #2019” in a tweet tions for the next 12 months. users need a virtual private net- expects to see a 21 percent rise in on New Year’s Day -- marked sent Although the blunder was tive impact” on the Huawei brand the memo said. work (VPN) connection to circum- revenue for 2018 despite some of “via Twitter for iPhone”. made by a third-party social media caused by the incident, which In the memo dated Thurs- vent Beijing’s internet controls. its telecommunications equipment Video producer Marques company called Sapient, the pair highlighted “ procedural incompli- day, Huawei’s corporate senior Huawei did not reply to AFP’s being banned in several countries Brownlee shared a screenshot of were disciplined for the “nega- ance and management oversight”, vice president Chen Lifang said request for a comment on the due to security concerns. www.guide.com.qa  Saturday January 5, 2019

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 Son-spurred Agut frustrates Djoko Koreans face Samurai threat bid for Doha treble at Asian Cup AFP by claiming his side were long ABU DHABI shots to snaffle a record-ex- tending fifth title. WHILE street-wise South “We’re the challengers,” Korea pack a harder punch, said the former Japan mid- former Japan coach Philippe fielder, who has yet to lose Troussier has tipped the Blue since taking over from Nishi- Samurai to push their fierce no after the World Cup. rivals all the way at the Asian “Our job is to try and Cup. snatch the title back.” “Japan have one of the Troussier steered Japan best teams in the competition to the 2000 Asian Cup, where on paper,” the Frenchman his players trained on a bumpy told AFP before hosts United pitch in Beirut surrounded by Arab Emirates meet Bahrain bombed-out houses used as in Saturday’s opening match. hideouts by Hezbollah fight- “Of course teams like ers while Israeli warplanes South Korea, Iran and Saudi roared overhead. Arabia have the same ambi- “The fact Japan got to the tion, but Japan has the poten- last 16 at the World Cup will tial to win the title.” also give them a lot of confi- A South Korea side led by dence,” added Troussier. “It’s A combo shows Novak Djokovic of Serbia as he reacts while holding his broken racquet during his Qatar Open tennis semi-final match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at the free-scoring Tottenham for- also a good chance to prepare Khalifa International tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on Friday. (AFP) ward Son Heung-min start as the younger generation for favourites to end more than the next World Cup in 2022.” 50 years of Asian Cup hurt. Meanwhile, Iran coach Spaniard to Iran, Asia’s top-ranked Carlos Queiroz has called on side, also pose a threat to Ja- the country’s football federa- play Czech pan’s hopes, along with hold- tion to protect his players as ers Australia. they chase a first Asian Cup Berdych in the But a new-look Japan since completing a hat-trick of side are capable of springing titles in 1976. final today an upset, as they proved by Qatar will be desperate reaching the knockout stages to make a statement before VINAY NAYUDU of last year’s World Cup in hosting the 2022 World Cup. DOHA Russia after controversially Coach Felix Sanchez has sacking coach Vahid Halil- named a young and attack- SEEDED seven, but other- hodzic in the run-up. minded team to fly the coun- wise little-known Roberto Veteran Japan defender try’s flag. Bautista Agut of Spain caused Yuto Nagatomo insists there The world’s most popu- the biggest upset of the 2019 is more to come. “We have to lous countries -- China and ATP Tour season on a windy believe we can win it,” the Gal- cricket-mad India -- take part, and cold Friday evening as he atasaray full-back told local China once again hoping stunned World No. 1 Novak media. “But all the players to make an impact in Djokovic in the semi-final of need to be at it.” what looks set to be the $1.4mn Qatar ExxonMobil Meanwhile, Japan Marcello Lippi’s last Open 2019. coach Hajime Moriyasu outing as coach. Bouncing back from being a Tomas Berdych returns the ball indulged in some set down, the world number 24 to Marco Cecchinato during their early mind resurged in stunning fashion to Qatar Open semi-final match on games overcome the 14-time Grand Roberto Bautista Agut reacts after defeating Djokovic of Serbia in Doha on Friday. (AFP) Friday. (AFP) Slam champion on the centre court of Khalifa International Results tie-break at 8-6. “He played a good game. Tennis & Squash Complex 3-6, “I wanted to give every- I missed some easy balls and 7-6 (6), 6-4 after two hours and Singles (Semi-finals) thing I had in the match and that’s what you get as a result 35 minutes. fight until the last point,” Agut of losing the focus in the most It was only the second 7-Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) bt 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4 explained later. important moments and it time that the 30-year-old Agut WC-Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) 7-6 (6), 6-3. “Finally I could turn the happens,” said Djokovic ad- had done the giant-killing act second set. Novak was up and dressing the media. against Djokovic. The first be- it was really tough. He was very On a sporting note, Djok- ing his straight sets win over consecutive finals reached by power, Agut anticipated well solid and I had to play very ovic then said, “I want to the Serbian in October 2016 in Djokovic, who had also won 13 and moved forward to essay a good tennis. I had to play a lot congratulate him (Agut). Es- the semi-finals at Shanghai. It consecutive matches in Doha telling winner, down the right of lines and I served very well. I pecially in the third set, he was also the only second time till yesterday. flank to bring things to a level did everything well today.” played well.” that Djokovic had lost to Agut The upset also extended at 4-4. In a way, Agut gave Djoko- Agut, who had earlier ac- out of their nine ATP meetings. Djokovic’s wait for a third Fal- Breaks traded and scores vic a taste of his own medicine counted for the three-time The triumph left Agut con Trophy in Qatar. levelled, Djokovic was clearly by keeping it tight and pushing Grand Slam champion Stan- thrilled. “I will remember this Djokovic seemed to be well frustrated and smashed his the opponent hard. islas Wawrinka in the quar- match all my life. It was an on course as he won the first racquet on court. The World No.1 wasn’t too ter-finals on Thursday, will unbelievable atmosphere,” he set and led 4-3 in the second. Soon at 6-5 and 40-40, Agut pleased at the loss and blamed now play wild card entrant said soon after the win. But Agut hung on using his flat missed an easy drop at the net it on losing focus. Tomas Berdych in the final “I work every day to play cross-court groundstrokes to to give Djokovic a crucial ad- “Well, what happened, on Saturday. this tennis. I know it’s difficult force a deuce and then served vantage. The Serbian in a way I lost the match. That’s it. The 33-year-old Czech Tottenham Hotspur’s to play at this level. That’s why well to gain advantage. thanked him coming up with a He managed to turn things defeated World No. 20 and South Korean striker Novak is No. 1 in the world. But The World No. 1 could superb backhand drop shot to around, obviously at the end fourth seed Marco Cecchinato Son Heung-Min. I cannot be more happy than I sense the lurking danger as force the tie-breaker. But Agut of the second set. I thought I of Italy 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the sec- am now.” he tackled some hard returns re-emerged with aggressive was pretty much in control of ond singles semis of the 27th Agut’s great show also from the Spaniard. And when and well-directed serves to stay the match, set and a break, edition of Qatar ExxonMobil saw him break a streak of five Djokovic returned one with ahead and eventually clinch the serving 4-3. Open 2019. Dream comes true in Doha for doubles duo Goffin and Herbert

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the flashier team throughout DOHA the final, with Goffin consist- ently returning well against DOHA turned out to be lucky Haase and Middelkoop, who for longtime friends David It’s a little bit like a dream were previously 3-0 in ATP Goffin of Belgium and Pierre- come true. To win four Tour finals together. It seemed Hugues Herbert of France. matches in the same week, that regardless of where the Having last made the finals it is something unusual. But Dutchmen served, Goffin was of a doubles tournament to- thanks to Pierre-Hugues for right on the return, placing it gether as juniors 11 years ago, at will. the two returned to triumph in the week. He helped me a And while the champions their second professional out- lot this week to win the title. let slip a 4-1 lead in the first ing at the Qatar ExxonMobil set, they did not do so in the Open 2019 on Friday defeat- David Goffin second set or the Match Tie- ing Robin Haase and Matwe break. Herbert took over many Middelkoop of the Nether- points with his movement and lands 5-7, 6-4, 10-4. sons, Goffin is placed 354 in overall play at the net. And Herbert, who was playing the ATP Doubles Rankings. after the Frenchman hit a sec- his first tournament in Qatar, That, however, didn’t stop the ond serve to Haase’s forehand, and Goffin struggled to survive good friends from clinching eliciting a return well past in the semis on Thursday night the first ATP Tour title of the the baseline, the winners em- against the Djokovic broth- season. braced. They earned 250 ATP ers – Djokovic and Marko – “It’s for sure something Doubles Ranking points and a but saved three match points. Nasser bin Ghanim al Khelaifi, President, Qatar Tennis Federation; Tariq Darwish Zainal, Secretary-General QTF; Alistair Routledge, President and special. We played our last share of $74,720. And in the final, the Belgian- General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar; and Andrew P. Swiger, Senior Vice-President for ExxonMobil Qatar, with Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 final in 2008 juniors in Bra- While Haase and Mid- French combo produced some doubles winners Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France and David Goffin of Belgium (3rd & 4th right) and runners-up Robin Haase and Matwe Mid- zil,” said Herbert. “We were delkoop fell short, it was still a of their best tennis to go on delkoop of the Netherlands at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Friday. lucky enough to play again a strong week for the team that and lift the trophy against the final here and to share it with finished 17th in the 2018 ATP Dutchmen after one hour and come true. To win four match- “But thanks to Pierre-Hu- title. It is really something spe- complished doubles player, a friend, it’s always something Doubles Race To London. The 23 minutes. es in the same week, it is some- gues for the week. He helped cial this week,” he added. qualifying for the Nitto ATP special.” Dutchmen add 150 points to “It’s a little bit like a dream thing unusual,” joked Goffin. me a lot this week to win the While Herbert is an ac- Finals for the past four sea- Goffin and Herbert were their tally and split $38,070. Sports Saturday, January 5, 2019 13 Du Plessis, Bavuma stretch Pujara, Pant tons put SA lead over Pakistan AFP CAPE TOWN SCOREBOARD India in driver’s seat Pakistan, first innings, 177 FAF du Plessis and Temba Ba- South Africa, first innings (overnight 123-2) vuma shared a century part- A. Markram b Shan Masood 78 Unless Australia nership as South Africa moved D. Elgar c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir 20 H. Amla b Mohammad Abbas 24 bounce back to win into a commanding position T. de Bruyn c Babar Azam b Shaheen Afridi 13 on the second day of the sec- F. du Plessis c Sarfraz Ahmed b Shaheen Afridi 103 Sydney Test, India will ond Test against Pakistan at T. Bavuma c Sarfraz Ahmed b Shaheen Afridi 75 Newlands on Friday. Q. de Kock not out 55 claim a first-ever V. Philander not out 6 South Africa were 281 for Extras (b5, lb1, nb2) 8 series victory Down four wickets at tea, a lead of Total (6 wkts, 116 overs) 382 104 runs. Fall of wickets: 1-56 (Elgar), 2-123 (Markram), Under since they South African captain Du 3-126 (Amla), 4-149 (De Bruyn), 5-305 (Bavuma), 6-356 (Du Plessis) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 29-9- began touring in Plessis, out for a “pair” during 69-1 (2nb), Mohammad Abbas 31-8-81-1, South Africa’s six-wicket win Shaheen Afridi 26-3-112-3, Yasir Shah 21-1-79-0, 1947-48 in the first Test in Centurion, Shan Masood 5-1-19-1, Asad Shafiq 4-0-16-0 was on 80 not out, the high- To bat: K. Rabada, D. Steyn, D. Olivier Match situation: south africa lead by 205 runs AFP est score of the series. Bavuma with four wickets remaining in the first innings SYDNEY had 60 not out. Their fifth wicket partnership was worth A marathon century by 132 runs. ers’ off stump, which probably Cheteshwar Pujara and a The batsmen had to coun- contributed to the wickets of swashbuckling ton from ter some accurate, hostile South African batsman Faf du Aiden Markram off the last Rishabh Pant all but ended bowling before lunch when Pa- Plessis raises his bat as he cel- ball on Thursday and Hashim Australia’s hopes of saving the kistan took two wickets during ebrates scoring a 100 runs dur- Amla in the second over on series Friday as India built a the first hour and thought they ing the second day of the second Friday. massive 622 for seven declared Indian batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara (left) and Rishabh Pant touch gloves between overs on the second day had a third when Bavuma, on Test match against Pakistan at Both Du Plessis and Ba- in the final Sydney Test. of the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney on Friday.(AFP) three, edged Mohammad Ab- Newlands on Friday. (AFP) vuma batted cautiously before India began the second day bas to Azhar Ali at first slip. lifting the tempo during the af- at 303 for four and proceeded to Ravindra Jadeja chipped He drove his second ball The on-field umpires gave a contact with the ground while ternoon. Du Plessis had faced twist the knife against a demor- in with a lively 81 in a 204-run SCOREBOARD through the covers for three “soft” signal of “out” but asked the catch was being taken. 162 balls by tea, while Bavuma alised home team that toiled in stand with Pant -- a record sev- INDIA FIRST INNINGS (OVERNIGHT 303-4) before once again dropping for television umpire Sun- Batting was not easy with had faced 127. hot conditions with little joy. enth wicket partnership at the C. Pujara c & b Lyon ...... 193 anchor, blocking and targeting deram Ravi to check whether several cracks widening on the Pakistan took the second Unless Australia win, In- Sydney Cricket Ground. H. Vihari c Labuschagne b Lyon ...... 42 only loose balls. there had been a clean catch. pitch, including one on a good new ball in the penultimate R. Pant not out ...... 159 dia will claim a first-ever series Skipper Virat Kohli finally R. Jadeja b Lyon ...... 81 Throughout his knock, he He decided the ball had made length outside the right-hand- over before tea. victory Down Under since they declared when Jadeja was out, Extras (b2, lb13, w5) ...... 20 hardly played a false stroke in a began touring here in 1947-48. with the tireless Nathan Lyon Total (seven wickets dec, 167.2 overs) ...... 622 demonstration of “old-school” They lead 2-1. taking 4-178 off 57.2 gruelling Did not bat: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Test batting, soaking up the Jasprit Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Rahul), 2-126 Despite the tall task ahead overs. It left new-look Austral- (Agarwal), 3-180 (Kohli), 4-228 (Rahane), 5-329 pressure and counter-attacking Australia skipper Tim Paine ian openers Marcus Harris (19) (Vihari), 6-418 (Pujara), 7-622 (Jadeja) Bowling: when he saw an opportunity. Quick read said they were not ready to and Usman Khawaja (five) to Starc 26-0-123-1, Hazlewood 35-11-105-2, Pujara brought up his 150 throw in the towel. negotiate 10 tricky overs before Cummins 28-5-101-0, Lyon 57.2-8-178-4, with a boundary and seemed Labuschagne 16-0-76-0, Head 4-0-20-0, Khawaja Veteran giant Karlovic reaches Pune ATP final at 39 “We certainly won’t be do- stumps after a torturous day in 1-0-4-0 destined for his fourth Test 200 ing that, we will be fighting as the field. They ended at 24 with- AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS before attempting to whip Lyon PUNE: Croat Ivo Karlovic on Friday became the oldest man in more than four decades to reach an ATP hard as we can for the next three out loss. M. Harris not out ...... 19 down the leg side. Instead, he final after beating Steve Darcis at the Maharashtra Open in Pune. days. Cricket’s one of those “Every hundred I score is U. Khawaja not out ...... 5 lobbed the ball back into the Karlovic, who turns 40 next month, follows in the footsteps of Australian legend Ken Rosewall who Extras ...... 0 games, if you keep doing that it special for me because I have Total (0 wickets, 10 overs) ...... 24 spinner’s hands. reached a tour-level final aged 43 at the Sydney Indoor tournament in 1977. can turn really quickly,” he said. just started my career. But I To bat: Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Sri Lankan batting legend Standing 2.11 meters tall, Karlovic defeated Darcis of Belgium 7-6, 4-6, 6-3 in the first semi-final of “But you’ve got to tip your don’t really think about hun- Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine, Josh Hazlewood, Kumar Sangakkara summed up the Indian tournament. cap to India. They have worked dreds, I only think about what Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc Bowling: his innings in a tweet. “Yes, I know that I am old. But I am happy that I am still here in all these years with (many) ups Shami 3-0-9-0, Bumrah 3-0-12-0, Jadeja 2-1-1-0, extremely hard for three-and- the team needs from me,” said Yadav 2-1-2-0 Toss: India “A great lesson to all bats- and downs and injuries. And I am able to do this here is unbelievable,” Karlovic said after the win. a-half Tests to get us to where Pant, who expressed some sym- men in the series and tests in “I have been calm and it has helped me in my career.” they want us today.” pathy for Australian bowlers. general,” he said. “@chetesh- Big-serving Karlovic, currently ranked 100, hit 33 aces in the one hour 55 minute battle against the The methodical Pujara “Obviously when you bowl level best.” war1 showing how trusting your unranked Darcis, who missed all of 2018 due to injury. made a masterful 193 off 373 for two days the body gets tired, Calm and collected number strengths and being unasham- Karlovic, who had already made history this week by becoming the oldest tour-level semi-finalist balls while Pant stroked his but their body language was three Pujara started the day 130 edly dogged in technique and since Jimmy Connors made the last four at 1993 San Francisco, has now reached seven of his 19 ATP highest Test score in an enter- really good, they were push- not out and picked up where he concentration brings great re- Tour finals after turning 35. He will play the winner of the second semi-final between world number six taining 159 not out. ing themselves and trying their left off. wards.” Kevin Anderson from South Africa and defending champion Gilles Simon of France. (AFP)

Guardiola proud as ‘fearless’ Bayern Munich in Doha Man City stars ignite title bid

AFP MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM

PEP Guardiola saluted his “fearless” Manchester City stars after the champions kept their Premier League title bid France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in action during his match against Austral- alive with a vital 2-1 win over ia’s Alex de Minaur in the quarter-final of the Brisbane International leaders Liverpool on Thursday. tennis tournament on Friday. (REUTERS) Guardiola’s side had no margin for error as a defeat would have left them 10 points Tsonga more than a match to behind the Reds and in danger of surrendering the title they de Minaur in Brisbane battle won in record-breaking fash- ion last season. AFP him play a couple of times and I But they rose to the chal- BRISBANE knew it would be tough,” Tson- lenge in thrilling style, beating ga said. “We have completely Liverpool for the first time in JO-WILFRIED Tsonga’s come- different games. It was good five meetings thanks to Leroy back from injury gathered pace tennis and I’m just really happy Sane’s superb strike in the sec- when he overcame seventh with the way I played.” ond half. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gives instructions to David seeded Australian Alex de Min- Tsonga said he knew he had Sergio Aguero had put Silva during their match against Liverpool on Thursday. (REUTERS) aur in a high quality Brisbane to attack during the tiebreak. City ahead in the first half International quarter-final on “I was a bit more aggressive and although Roberto Firmi- were outstanding from the ing scorer has now netted in Friday. than him and it made the differ- no equalised after the inter- first minute. all seven of his home league The former world number ence,” he said. val, City held their nerve with “Liverpool don’t concede games against Liverpool. four, who missed seven months Tsonga will play fourth a courageous display that goals, and we scored two. We “We need Sergio Aguero in of 2018 after knee surgery, seeded Russian Daniil Medve- had Guardiola singing their played with courage, so ag- these games, his quality makes looked like he’d never been dev for a place in Sunday’s final. praises. gressive in our pressing. We the difference,” Guardiola away during his 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) Medvedev withstood the “I am proud of them. We are happy for this victory to said. win over the rising Australian huge serving of Canadian Milos knew that it was a final today, reduce the gap. Everything is “To win these games, he Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich arrived in Doha on Friday for star. The Frenchman was in su- Raonic to win a brutal match if we lose it is almost over,” open.” has done it all his career and their annual week-long training camp at the Aspire Zone Founda- perb touch against an opponent 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-4. Guardiola said. Guardiola reserved special his finish was incredible.” tion. The camp will run from January 5 to 10. The Bavarians, who who fought hard but was unable The 22-year-old Rus- “All credit to these in- plaudits for Aguero after the “Now we are four points were welcomed at the Hamad International Airport by a Doha fan to make any inroads into Tson- sian saved eight break points credible players. We had a lot Argentina forward scored his behind them and they are the group, are currently six points behind league leaders and rivals ga’s game. throughout the match and of pressure but we were not 250th career league goal with leaders. We have to fight a lot, Borussia Dortmund and hope a much needed rest will spur the “I expected something like broke Raonic twice to move into scared, we had no fear. We a sublime strike in the 40th but this gives us a lot of confi- team on in the second half of the season. this before the match -- I’d seen the final four. beat an incredible team. We minute. City’s all-time lead- dence,” he said. Germany to face Switzerland again in Hopman final

AFP playing in his fourth successive “I served good and was a 3-0 lead, and returned to the PERTH, AUSTRALIA Hopman Cup, then secured the Encore! moving well and Ash is always court with her left thigh heavily tie for the Germans with a 6-4, a tricky opponent,” Kerber said. strapped. GERMANY’S Angelique Kerber 6-3 win over Matthew Ebden. O The Hopman Cup final will Earlier, Spanish star Gar- Muguruza said it was a con- and Alexander Zverev earned That means the final will feature the same four bine Muguruza collected her fidence boosting win and while the chance to avenge their de- feature the same four players as players as last year, a first first singles win over the new she didn’t believe the injury was feat in last year’s Hopman Cup last year, a first for the tourna- for the tournament which is season, but also picked up a serious, she said the leg was final by defeating Australia 2-1 ment in what is expected to be expected to be its final thigh injury that forced her out causing significant discomfort. at the mixed teams tournament its final instalment. instalment. of the mixed doubles as Spain “It (leg) is so sore, we have on Friday. Switzerland claimed their beat France 2-1. The dual Grand been playing a lot this week The winner of the final country’s third Hopman Cup Slam champion and world -- I felt a little bit of pain in my round robin tie would advance last year, with Federer, who first to come back to Perth. number 18 had lost her two pre- quad,” she said. to Saturday’s final against Swiss won the title in 2001 with Mar- “Hopefully I can give Roger vious singles matches in Perth Muguruza is scheduled to defending champions Roger tina Hingis, and Kerber win- a better match than last year. to Kerber and Barty. continue her Australian Open Federer and Belinda Bencic and ning their respective singles and “I hope it (final) is going to However, she overcame the preparation in Sydney next it was the Germans who pre- the Swiss taking the deciding be just as exciting as last year, injury to beat Frenchwoman Al- week. vailed by claiming both singles mixed doubles. but just going the other way.” ize Cornet, herself troubled by In a see-sawing men’s sin- matches. After overpowering a stub- Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev of Germany react during the Kerber had a little bit too a back injury throughout the gles match, veteran David Fer- World number two Ker- born Ebden, Zverev said he and mixed doubles match against Australia on day seven of the Hopman much class for Barty in their match, 6-1, 6-3. rer was in early control but ber was too good for the 15th- Kerber were motivated by last Cup at RAC Arena in Perth on Friday. (EPA-EFE) match, the German stretch- Muguruza had treatment af- ultimately needed a third set tie- ranked Barty in the opening year’s loss in the final. ing her unbeaten singles run in ter the third game of the first set break to win 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 match, winning 6-4, 6-4. “It’s nice to be back in the we lost to in a very close match me and Angie decided after last Perth to seven matches with the against Cornet, by which time (7/2) after a typically lengthy Zverev, ranked fourth and final and play Switzerland, who last year,” he said. “That is why year’s match that we were going straight sets win in 74 minutes. she had two breaks of serve and rally on match point. 14 Saturday, January 5, 2019 FEATURES

Snowboarding, From Kanye to Taylor, what to fake snow and jingle watch for in pop music in 2019 bells by the pool PATRICK CONNOLLY BY MIKAEL WOOD titled “Yandhi,” that was due to be 2018. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE released in September before being True, there was “No Brainer,” his bumped to November and again to appropriately by-the-numbers reun- ORLANDO, Fla. — When I was browsing winter N this date in 2018, we didn’t an unspecified date. P ion with DJ Khaled, Chance the Rap- events in Florida, I was surprised to learn that boat know that Kanye West would per and Quavo (with whom he hit parades and outdoor movies were among things peo- visit the White House or BACKSTREET MIGHT Plenty is sure to go down No. 1 in 2017 with “I’m the One”).But ple can do in December. that Beyonce would blow up ACTUALLY BE BACK for the most part Bieber spent the After all, I grew up in Pittsburgh, where tempera- OCoachella. We didn’t know It’s been years since the Back- in pop music without year “just living life,” as his frequent tures leading up to Christmas can plunge to the 20s about Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer street Boys mattered _ which isn’t producer Diplo put it to me not long and below and snow often covers the ground. Prize or Childish Gambino’s “This Is to say that the veteran boy band warning in 2019, at least if ago. I have started to enjoy the 70-plus degree temper- America.” hasn’t been out there trying, as any- we’re lucky.But as we set “Michael Jackson was a guy that atures during Florida’s winter months, but I still miss And though we might’ve suspect- one who’s seen the group’s recent never had a life, really, and then tried the snow. I made it my mission to find ways to do my ed that BTS would release an album awards-show appearances (or its off into the new year, there to live it when he was older,” Diplo favorite holiday activities here in Florida. (or two), we didn’t know painfully eager Las Vegas gig) are also things we can said. “Justin, maybe he’s self-aware First, I set out to Celebration. The city’s “Now that the K-pop group can attest. enough so that he’s like, ‘I’m a hu- Snowing” event lets children and families experience would become the first But with their latest safely look forward to-- man being and I love a person _ let a bit of what winter looks like to me. A slushy imita- of its kind to top the single, the throbbing and and some big questions me do that for a minute.’” tion of snow imitation falls from the sky nightly on Billboard 200 (and Music sensual “Don’t Go Break- That said, the singer’s long- the hour, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. then do it again a few ing My Heart,” the Back- that should be answered in awaited follow-up to 2015’s “Pur- I didn’t set very high expectations, to be honest. months later). streets have raised hopes pose” may be on the way. Diplo said After you’ve been spoiled by the real deal, it’s hard to Plenty more is sure ffor “DNA,” the act’s come- the next 12 months. he’s been trading songs with Bieber replicate that experience. to go down in pop mu- bkback album due Jan. 25. for what he reckons is shaping up Part of me wanted to hate the foamy imposter. It’s sic without warning in 2019, at least Set to feature songs written by as “a Christian album.”TAYLOR not cold, it’s slushy and gets really stuck to your feet. if we’re lucky.But as we set off into Shawn Mendes and Ryan Tedder, self-titled effort, due March 1, known MIGHT BE SWIFTThe three years I wouldn’t advise sticking out your tongue to taste it, the new year, there are also things as well as folks who’ve worked with as the Black Album, which frontman Taylor Swift put into 2017’s “Reputa- either. we can safely look forward to _ and Charli XCX and J Balvin, “DNA” Rivers Cuomo was saying as far back tion” represented the longest stretch But there was something truly heartwarming some big questions that should be promises more than shameless nos- as 2016 would represent a striking of time she’d ever taken to make a about seeing the look on the faces of children when answered in the next 12 months. talgia at a moment when BTS has about-face from its crunchy guitar- record _ and then the thing went on they saw the “snow” Here are a few to keep in mind. raised the bar for boys of any age. pop sound. to earn lukewarm reviews and no falling, perhaps for the SAY IT AIN’T SOSpeaking of nostal- Judging by a couple of synthed- major nominations at next month’s first time. WILL KANYE WEST gia, Weezer last year returned to the up advance tracks, including one Grammy Awards. A huge snowboard- CONTINUE HIS uupperpper reacreacheshes ooff ththee ppopop cchartsharts ((andand ccalledalle “Zombie Bastards,” Weezer So although she’s said nothing ing fan, I made a replica BRBROMANCEOMANCE WITH spawnespawnedd a viravirall “Satur“Saturdayday NNightight hhasas followed through on that idea, about when we should expect her of that my next adven- DDONALDONALD TRUMP?TRUMP? Live” ssketch)ketch) wiwithth its stunt cover ooff and not because Cuomo is confident next album, perhaps it’s reasonable ture. Looks lilikeke yyes.es. After Toto’s indelible ‘80s hit “Aff- hhisis aaudience will like it.Indeed, if that to think that Swift will work faster It turned out that pledging in October to disdis- rrica.”ica.” “S“SNL”N sketch made anything clear, this time, either to avoid bogging my next best option was tancetance himself from ppoliticsolitics _ NNowow tthehe llong-runningong-running it’s that the Black Album is precisely down or simply to keep up with an at WinterClub in Win- “My eyes are now wiwidede open LL.A..A. alt-rock comcombobo is tthehe kind of record most Weezer die- industry that’s accelerated ter Park. The indoor ski andand now realizerealize I’ve bbeeneen useusedd uusingsing tthathat renewerenewedd hhardsard don’t want from this band immeasurably over and snowboard facil- toto spreadspread messagesmessages I don’t bebe- attention to ununleashleash _ aas good a reason as any I her decade-plus in ity features an “infinite lieve in,” he tweeted _ the rap-rap- an exexperimentperiment it’s ccanan think of to listen up. the biz. slope,” which is basi- per re-emre-embracedbraced tthehe presipresidentdent tthishis bbeeneen tthreathreat- Also: Releas- cally a large treadmill week.”week.” enineningg fofor-r- WWHITHERH JUSTIN ing her “Repu- with AstroTurf-type Trump all day,” he wrote on Twit- everever:: a BIEBIEBER? tation” Netflix material on it. ter,ter, before addinaddingg that “from nonoww Thanks to his special on New I promise you, after more on”on” hhee pplanslans to perperformform wwhilehile bbreathlesslyrea docu- Year’s Eve felt than eight years, I am a com- wearingwearing hhisis Trump hhat,at, mementedn relationship an awful lot petent snowboarder. What I whichwhich he said rerepresentspresents wwithith Hailey Baldwin like a chap- wasn’t prepared to encoun- AdventureAdvAdAd enture thethe iideadea tthathat “peop“peoplele _ tthat’s Mrs. Bie- ter-ending ter was a hill that starts and can’tcan’t tetellll me wwhathat to ddoo ber, if you please _ move from stops at will. becausebecause I’m black.”black.” ththee one-time teen- this most The indoor snow treadmill How this will im- ppop idol was seen story- proved to be more “grabby” than regular snow, and pact hhisis music remains more than he minded of let’s just say there was a big adjustment period. toto bbee seen. was heard in pop stars. David Scott, my instructor at WinterClub, said the WestWest has saisaidd he’s environment forces your technique to be especially at worworkk on a neneww refined. album,album, ppossiblyossibly “The snow is more forgiving. Here, it’s a little more of an aggressive surface,” Scott said. “What we do, we have to make sure we’re doing it just right.” Rather than having hundreds of feet of open slopes to carve and turn, I had maybe 13 or 14 feet. So I fell _ a lot. After a while, I started to get the feel for the sys- tem. In a state where snow and mountains are in short supply, this is a decent alternative. It’s also a great option for folks to practice before taking a trip to the real mountains and resorts. In the end, I’d say Florida has plenty of redeeming qualities during its “winter” months. I think my favorite is that you might still find that Taylor Swift perfect 80-degree day to hang out by the pool in De- cember. Where else are you going to find that?

Kanye West Patrick Connolly, the Central Florida Explorer, lounges by the pool in jingle bell shorts. (TNS)

Light Notes: It’s a New Year’s tale that sounds like ‘I Love Lucy’ rerun. Mind your step

LUCY LUGINBILL one New Year’s Day, with no way to dent has been a scene I would like It’s hard to imagine how I could TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE change the channel. to forget _ an indelible recollection have been so distracted. The hard- To clarify, I have “some splain- of the time I decided to help clear wood flooring edge was exactly LAUGHTER is the best medicine, in’ to do”. the table after the meal. where it had been only moments and I’ve been told that more than Each New Year’s Day, my hus- And that is certainly what I did. before. But suddenly I was in the once. But believe me, sometimes band and I have brunch with a Somewhere between the dining same head-over-heels predicament it’s a bitter pill to swallow. group of friends who meet at John room and the kitchen, I forgot the _ again! That’s why I keep a little box of and Vicky’s home. It’s a spacious proximity of the carpeted sunken Evidently, my friends’ memory sweet candies hidden in a corner of open design, where the living room. Suddenly, I of that nostalgic picture is still wor- my handbag. On the lid of the well- dining area flows past found myself launched thy of an Emmy ... and reruns. worn tin is “Lucy’s Predic-a-Mints” a sunken living room into space, still clinging As a reminder of my hi-jinks, with a picture of one of my favorite and then on into the desperately to the china each year since then an orange TV actresses, Lucille Ball. The small kitchen area. Lifestyle and silver. cone with a tall flag stands vigilant tin was given to me by an observant It’s a great place to All eyes turned to see between me and another plight. It’s friend. entertain _ especially LLucy heading for a predica- a great conversation starter, at my I’m quite sure that when “Ethel” when I show up. ment. expense. gifted it to me, she could see the dif- “Remember the year Lucy ... But like a true comedian, I But even so, the laughter kicks ference between this Lucy _ me _ “the crowd begins to roar as they re- quickly brushed the egg off my face, off the new year with a healthy dose and TV Lucy. live the unforgettable moment, the laughed at myself and picked up of joy. Ms. Ball’s “I Love Lucy” pre- storyteller’s face beginning to con- my shattered self-esteem. Friends Honestly, the way I’m ‘splain- dicaments were scripted. Mine are tort with laughter. “Twice!” John returned to their dining chairs. in’ this episode that returns each not. reminds with two fingers while his Still the worst was yet to come. New Year’s Day is that laughter is Still, we have a lot in common. napkin stems a flow of tears. On the way back from the kitch- God’s natural remedy, one that can People like to rewatch our epi- Understandably, the other en, stressing and preoccupied with cure just about anything that ails sodes, often accompanied by peals guests are hysterical at the remem- my faux pas and injured pride, I you _ even an embarrassing pre- of laughter. brance, too. passed by the sunken living room dicament. And maybe a little hurt That’s what happened to me Really, I have to admit the inci- again. pride. Saturday, January 5, 2019 15 KIDS CORNER

Animal Crackers

Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle

Jumbles: KNEEL REUSE FIXATE TOPPLE Yesterday’s Answer: People loved Don Rickles’ put-downs and insults. He was well paid for his — “EXPERT-TEASE”

Do you have a poem, short story, painting or a kid’s birthday that you want to share? If YES, we would like to hear from you. And don’t forget to mention your name, your school and class and include a passport size photograph of yours, along with your contact number. Email to us at [email protected] 16 Saturday, January 5, 2019 The Last Word Rediscover Souq Waqif through Embrace Doha’s shopping tour

AILYN AGONIA DOHA

EMBRACE Doha, an initiative that promotes Qatari culture through cultural events and sessions, took a number of tourists and residents on a tour to the traditional market Souq Waqif recently as part of the ongoing Shop Qatar Festival programme. The expert-led group walks are aimed at giving visitors a glimpse of the thrills of shop- ping “the Qatari way”, as well as helping them to discover the hidden gems and finest tra- ditional items in the famous Doha landmark. Speaking to the local media during a press briefing on Shop Qatar held recently, Embrace Doha Founder Amal al Sham- The expert-led group walks are aimed at giving visitors a glimpse of the thrills of shopping ‘the Qatari way’, as well as helping them to discover the hidden gems and finest traditional items in the famous Doha landmark. mari said their tours, which are both entertaining and edu- and oil, traditional usages of the expat communities and the to specific shops in Souq Wa- explored the Souq. Through tion during the tour, we get of the festival to further raise cational, attract mainly long- herbs and spices and things to Qatari community through our qif, such as the spice market our tours, they get to appreci- to discover similarities in our awareness of the public on the time residents of Qatar who know when buying abayas and services. We try to educate ex- and fabrics market and share ate more the traditional feel cultures and traditions which ongoing event. are keen to rediscover Souq thobe, among others. Amal pats on Qatari culture through with them information about and other attractions of Souq is one of the great things about Those who are interested to Waqif. said while many of the tour our cultural sessions. For the finest traditional products like Waqif,” she said. this programme.” join the Embrace Doha events The tours are guided by Qa- participants have been to Souq Shop Qatar this year, we want- oil perfumes and incense and Similarly, she added that Amal hailed the increasing and tours can check their web- taris, who fondly take the visi- Waqif several times most of ed to contribute in a differ- how we commonly use them. their tours help promote ex- number of participants in the site www.embracedoha.net for tors around Souq Waqif while them have not really explored ent way through our cultural Visitors at Souq Waqif mainly change of information on tra- month-long shopping festival more details. sharing with them a wealth the ins and outs of the bazaar. shopping tour which mainly visit the place to try out a res- ditions and cultures among the led by Qatar National Tourism Embrace Doha is partici- of information on the local “In Embrace Doha, we try promotes ‘shopping the Qa- taurant or café or go for shisha participants and their team. Council. She also underlined pating in Shop Qatar for the handicrafts and art, perfumes to serve as a bridge between tari way’. We take our guests but a lot of them have not truly She said, “With the interac- the need for more promotions second year. th Fifth edition of Color Run on Jan 26 10 Marmi Fest TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Color Run will be held at the Qatar National Con- kicks off today vention Centre on January 26 (Saturday). In its fifth edi- tion, the event is presented by ‘Sahtak Awalan: Your Health Local, international teams to participate in annual event First’, a flagship public health campaign by Weill Cornell TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). DOHA The fifth edition of the 5k brings with it the new Hero THE 10th International Tour theme and encourages all Falcons and Hunting Festi- Color Runners to unleash their val 2018 (Marmi) will kick inner super hero! off on Saturday (January 5) With the New Year come and continue until Febru- resolutions to exercise and ary 2 this tear. The festival have a fresh start. The Color is being organised by Qa- Run will help people in Qa- tari Society of Al Gannas tar make a commitment to a (Sniper Association) under healthier and happier lifestyle, the patronage HE Sheikh doing so while having fun and The Color Run will help everyone in Qatar make a commitment to a healthier and happier lifestyle, do- Joaan bin Hamad al Thani. Ali bin Khatam Mohammed bin Abdul in the most colourful way. ing so while having fun and in the most colourful way. The Chairman of Al Gan- al Mahashadi Latif al Misnad The Color Run is the nas Ali bin Khatam al Ma- largest running series in the have a new Hero Tour and participants will receive a cape founding. So, make sure to hashadi, who also heads the world, where runners are asks Color Runners to enter in their race pack and for the start 2019 on a colourful note organising committee of the covered with a different col- a realm where nothing is im- first time ever will be given a and set the tone for the rest of festival, said this edition of our throughout the course. It possible, and they are unstop- Medal at the finish line. the year. Marmi Festival has many finishes with a super-charged pable. Participants can release The Color Run has made The 2018 edition of The surprises for the visitors. Finish Festival, including a their inhibitions and soar high the Happiest 5k accessible Color Run attracted a record- Mahashadi said the festi- DJ, MC and plenty of games at the new Super Zone or dis- to all ages and all fitness lev- breaking 9,000 participants val would open with Haddad and activities for all. cover the super hero in them els and raised over $5 million and this year’s turnout is ex- Challenge with the participa- The Color Run 2019 will the returning Foam Zone. All globally for charity since its pected to surpass that. tion of 16 teams. The event will be held in the evening for four consecutive days, he added. According to Mahasha- di, the morning competi- tions will start at 7:00 am and the evening competi- tions will begin at 1:00pm. social networking sites. various competitions of the He added that the time ta- Mahshadi noted further festival through text mes- ble of the championships that the Special Registration sages and by telephone. has already been published Committee has informed Both local and interna- on the website of the asso- the contestants of the date tional teams will participate ciation and its pages on the of their participation in the in the festival.

‘BHARATHI’ CELEBRATES 18TH ANNIVERSARY: Bharathi, an as- sociation of Al Khor Community, cel- ebrated its 18th anniversary with a mega event titled ‘Bharathi Sangam’ recently. As many as 250 partici- pants showcased their talents during the celebrations. Second Secretary of the Indian Embassy K S Dhiman, ICC President Milan Arun, Bharathi President Santhosh Vittal and Chair- man Mayank Parekh addressed the gathering. A large audience thronged the Al Khor venue to take part in the celebrations. (TNN)

Beachfront eateries at Souq Al Wakra a big draw during Spring Fest

SANTHOSH CHANDRAN having a large number of not resist the temptation of tors to the souq in the time DOHA customers these days be- trying out the diverse winter to come.” cause of the Spring Festival. cuisines offered by the res- Meanwhile, public perfor- THE beachfront eateries at I think events like the Spring taurants at the souq.” mances by groups of artistes Souq Al Wakra hummed with Festival will help in making An expatriate who visited from different countries, in intense activity throughout Souq Al Wakra more popu- the festival along with fam- addition to an array of en- the Spring Festival, which lar as a holiday destination ily said, “Souq Al Wakra has tertainment activities such concluded on Friday, with as more people get to know everything that one would as circus, games and animal their outdoor spaces com- the souq and the amenities feel attracted to, including a shows, have attracted a large pletely occupied by visitors. offered by it.” beautiful beach, wide variety number of visitors through- The eateries offering di- The manager of Indian of eateries, shopping cen- out the festival. verse winter cuisines includ- eatery Al Bharath Restau- tre, huge car parking area Water games such as kay- ing Arabic, Italian, Brazilian rant said: “More than 10,000 and play area for children. aking and boating, as well as and Indian were a major at- people have been visiting the Besides, the new roads of- a special space for children traction for the visitors. souq almost every day since fering uninterrupted traffic to enjoy the atmosphere with The manager of an Ara- the Spring Festival kicked off. flow between Doha and Al their families were the other bic restaurant said, “We are Many of these visitors can- Souq Al Wakra. Wakra will bring more visi- highlights of the festival.