BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Al-Attiyah leads pack aft er second INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-10, 28 COMMENT 26, 27 REGION 11 BUSINESS 1-6, 12-16 desert QIIB JV in Morocco 20,659.93 10,344.08 50.27 ARAB WORLD 11, 12 CLASSIFIED 7-12 -3.29 -53.77 -0.33 INTERNATIONAL 13-25 SPORTS 1 - 8 to start work ‘soon’ challenge -0.02% -0.52% -0.65% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10413 April 4, 2017 Rajab 7, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals PM gets message from Singapore Qatar plans In brief new gas QATAR | Offi cial Cables of condolences to Russian president HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin project in Hamad al-Thani and HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday sent cables of condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the victims of the explosion on St Petersburg North Field Metro in Russia, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. HH the Emir The export-oriented gas project in which enabled us to reach this satisfac- expressed his strong condemnation the world’s largest non-associated tory result today.” of this criminal act, stressing Qatar’s natural gas field will have a Al-Kaabi said: “This new project solidarity with Russia in countering HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani has received a written message capacity of about 2bn cu ft a day will further strengthen Qatar’s leading extremism and terrorism. HE the from Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security, Teo Chee Hean, pertaining to bilateral position as a major player in the global Prime Minister and Interior Minister relations and ways to enhance them. Singapore’s Senior State Minister for Foreign Aff airs and Defence Dr Mohamed Maliki bin By Pratap John gas industry and underline the pivotal Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Osman handed over the message when the Prime Minister met him yesterday. Chief Business Reporter role of the country’s oil and gas in- Khalifa al-Thani also sent a cable dustry as the mainstay of the national of condolences to Russian Prime economy. This, in turn, will contribute Minister Dmitry Medvedev. atar Petroleum has announced to and stimulate the economy in both plans to develop an export-ori- the public and private sectors as part Qented gas project in the North of the comprehensive development of ARAB WORLD | Diplomacy Field, with a capacity of about 2bn cu the country and the achievement of Jordanian king meets ft a day. the objectives of Qatar National Vision Blast in St Petersburg A project of this size will increase 2030. On this occasion, I am honoured British PM in Amman the current production of the North to extend my thanks and gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan met Field by about 10% and add about HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad in Amman yesterday with British 400,000barrels per day (bpd) of oil al-Thani for his unlimited support to Prime Minister Theresa May, who is equivalent (bpdoe) to Qatar’s produc- Qatar’s oil and gas industry, his vision currently paying a visit to Jordan. metro station kills 10 tion, Qatar Petroleum President & CEO and guidance, which provide the great- They discussed enhancing bilateral Saad Sherida al-Kaabi told journalists est support for us to accomplish our relations, particularly in the military Reuters Petersburg resident Leonid Chaika, ised by the confi nes of the carriage and yesterday. various achievements.” field. They also discussed the St Petersburg, Russia who said he was at the station where the tunnel. He said: “QP will commence work on Asked whether the proposed move latest developments in the region. the blast happened, told Reuters by Anna Sventik, a St Petersburg resi- the project’s details over the next few for a “buyers’ club” by Asian buyers to They focused specifically on the phone. “Many were crying.” dent, was travelling on a metro train months.” better negotiate long-term contracts peace process between Palestine en people were killed and more Interfax news agency cited un- that passed through the same station The new project, which is unnamed, will change the market dynamics, he and Israel, as well as the crisis in than 20 were injured when an named sources as saying the bomb, moments after the blast. will be located on the “southern sector said: “For us, we want to be one of the Syria. They also discussed counter- Texplosion tore through a train packed with shrapnel, may have been “Our train slowed down a bit, and of the North Field”. lowest cost producers of gas. For us, terrorism eff orts, and agreed to carriage in a St Petersburg metro hidden in a train carriage inside a one woman started having hysterics “Our technical studies and assess- buyers organising themselves is their intensify regional and international tunnel yesterday in what authorities briefcase. when she saw the people lying on the ment of the North Field have confi rmed business. Whatever the markets put eff orts in that regard. Page 12 called a probable terrorist attack The National Anti-Terrorist Com- platform, blackened, in some places the potential for developing a new gas in front of us, we are ready to live with Russian news media said police mittee said an explosive device had with no clothes, burned,” she said. “It project,” al-Kaabi said. it. We will deal with any kind of situa- were searching for a man recorded on been found at another station, hidden was very scary.” He said the new gas project in North tion…we will adapt to it. AMERICA | Politics surveillance cameras who was thought in a fi re extinguisher, but had been de- Authorities closed all St Petersburg Field, would strengthen Qatar’s posi- “There may be consortium of buy- Trump gives portion of to have been involved in the attack, fused. metro stations. tion as a major player in the global gas ers (in Asia). For us, we can ensure that which coincided with a visit to the city Video from the scene showed in- The Moscow metro said it was tak- industry. we remain the lowest cost producer in salary to National Parks by President Vladimir Putin. jured people lying bleeding on a plat- ing unspecifi ed additional security The new production from the North the market. It should be noted that in- The White House announced Private television station Ren TV form, some being treated by emergen- measures in case of an attack there. Field, which is the largest non-associ- vestments are getting more expensive yesterday that President Donald broadcast grainy pictures, it said cy services and fellow passengers. Russia has been on particular alert ated natural gas fi eld in the world, was now. Not many investments are being Trump will donate part of his salary were captured by a camera on board Others ran away from the platform against Chechen rebels returning from expected within fi ve to seven years; made due to low oil prices. The mar- to the US National Park Service, a metro train of a middle-aged man amid clouds of smoke, some scream- Syria, where they have fought along- al-Kaabi said and noted that Qatar Pe- ket is cyclical – today it may be buyers’ going some way towards meeting with a beard, a long black coat and ing or holding their hands to their side Islamic State, and wary of any at- troleum has not decided if exports will market, but tomorrow it will be sellers’ a campaign promise. “It is my black hat. faces. tempts to resume attacks that dogged be in the form of LNG, GTL or pipeline market. Securing long-term contracts pleasure, on behalf of the president Closed-circuit footage from a few A huge hole was blasted in the side the country several years ago. gas. is important for us. But I am confi dent of the United States, to present a minutes later showed him outside the of a carriage and the door blown off , At least 38 people were killed in “Since 2005, Qatar Petroleum has about the future of LNG. We are one of cheque for $78,333 to the secretary station hit by the blast, looking at his with metal wreckage strewn across the 2010 when two female suicide bomb- been conducting extensive studies and the lowest cost producers and will re- of the interior, Ryan Zinke,” White telephone. platform. ers detonated bombs on packed Mos- exerting exceptional eff orts to assess main as the dominant force for LNG in House spokesman Sean Spicer said, Russia has been the target in the Passengers were seen hammering cow metro trains. the North Field, including drilling a the world for a long time and this basi- amid scenes more reminiscent of a past of numerous bomb attacks, fre- at the windows of one closed carriage Putin, who faces elections next number of appraisal wells to better es- cally solidifi es that position.” Business gala dinner than the White House quently targeting public transport. after the train had pulled into the sta- year but has as yet no serious rivals, timate the fi eld’s production potential, Page 1 press room. Most were blamed on Islamist rebels tion. made no mention of the bombing from Russia’s North Caucasus region. Russian TV said many had suff ered during a brief appearance after talks The rebellion there has been largely lacerations from glass shards and met- in St Petersburg with the Belarussian LATIN AMERICA | Calamity crushed, but security experts say Rus- al, the force of the explosion maxim- president. Search for Colombia sia’s military intervention in Syria has made Russia a potential target for Is- mudslide survivors lamic State attacks. Qatar slams attack, affi rms solidarity with Russia Rescuers clawed through mud and There was no immediate claim of timber yesterday searching for responsibility. The State of Qatar expressed its and contravene human values and survivors of a mudslide in southern Soon after the blast happened at strong condemnation of an explosion principles. Colombia that killed 262 people, 2:40pm, ambulances and fi re engines on St Petersburg Metro in Russia, It aff irmed Qatar’s solidarity with including 43 children, and left descended on the concrete-and-glass killing and injuring a number of Russia in all actions and measures relatives desperately seeking loved Sennaya Ploshchad station. people. taken to maintain its security and ones. Survivors scrambled onto One helicopter hovered overhead, In a statement yesterday, the Foreign stability. roofs or hung onto trees as a sea of then landed on a broad avenue to take Ministry reiterated Qatar’s firm stance The statement expressed Qatar’s mud, boulders and debris engulfed away an injured passenger. rejecting violence and terrorism, sincere condolences to the Russian the village of Mocoa late Friday. “I saw a lot of smoke, a crowd mak- whatever their motives and causes. government and people and to Some watched as their children ing its way to the escalators, people It voiced Qatar’s rejection of criminal the families of the victims, wishing and relatives were swept helplessly with blood and other people’s insides acts that terrorise the innocent speedy recovery to the injured. QP President & CEO Saad Sherida al-Kaabi addressing a press conference at the away. Page 22 on their clothes, bloody faces,” St Qatar Petroleum headquarters yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed ‘New Israeli settlement undermines hope for political solution’

QNA Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to an- ation especially that the American- as long as Israel continues its settle- In turn, the Palestinian govern- international resolutions that oppose Doha nounce the new settlements on the eve Israeli understanding seems to support ment expansion policy. ment’s spokesperson, Youssef al- settlement. of Land Day and after the 28th Arab horizontal settlement expansions to The Israeli government has recently Mahmoud, said the Israeli govern- The Israeli occupation government Summit refl ects Israel’s provocative accommodate the rapid increase of set- approved the fi rst new settlement in ment’s announcement to establish a had announced the new settlement de- rab member of Knesset, Ahmed policies. tlers. the West Bank since 1992. The deci- new settlement and confi scate 977 spite a previous warning by the US ad- Tibi, said that the new settle- He added that the Israeli govern- As Israel continues its settlement sion came despite ongoing negotiations acres in Nablus besides the announce- ministration that any random expan- Ament plan announced by the ment continues to expand its set- policy, Tibi said, it not only targets the at the time with the US government to ment to build 2,000 settlement units sion of Israeli settlements is an obstacle Israeli government that undermines tlements in Jerusalem and the West Palestinian right but also enters into limit settlement activity. However, that on occupied Palestinian territories to peace. any hopes for a political solution of the Bank following its occupational plans domestic Israeli politics within the ex- didn’t prevent the Israeli government comes as part of the escalation policy The US administration didn’t direct- Palestinian issue and establishing an and disregarding all the international tremist right between Netanyahu and from approving a new settlement in the that Israel has been practising and re- ly criticise the occupation government independent Palestinian state. codes and resolution which calls to Jewish Home party that is led by Naftali heart of the West Bank. fl ects the insistence of Netanyahu’s though for approving the new settle- Speaking to Qatar News Agency, Tibi stop the settlements. Bennett, a staunch supporter of settle- The decision to build a new settle- cabinet to obstruct eff orts to restore ment. urged the international community to Tibi said that any American con- ment who opposes the establishment ment drew condemnations, with the the political process. A White House offi cial who declined take responsibility to oppose to Israel’s demnation to the settlements does not of a Palestinian state. UN denouncing “all unilateral actions” Meanwhile, Hamas movement con- to be identifi ed said US President Don- settlement expansions. refl ect their true stance but is without Tibi noted that the Palestinians are that “threaten peace and undermine sidered the decision a clear evidence ald Trump has expressed concern re- Tibi said that Israeli Prime Minister substance and is to stabilise the situ- nowhere close to a political settlement the two-state solution.” of the Israeli cabinet’s rebellion against garding the issue of settlements. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 QATAR

Qatar-UK defence ties reviewed Minister meets Cyprus envoy OFFICIAL

Emir sends cables of congratulations to Serbian president

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday sent cables of congratulations to Aleksandar Vucic on winning the Serbian presidential elections. Advisory Council HE the Chief of Staff Major General (Pilot) Ghanim bin Shaheen al-Ghanim met UK’s First Sea Lord discusses national and Chief of Naval Staff , Admiral Sir Philip Jones in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, they HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi yesterday met the outgoing service draft law reviewed bilateral relations in the field of military co-operation and ways to develop them. The Cypriot ambassador to Qatar Charalambos Panayides in Doha yesterday. The Minister of State for meeting was attended by Commander of Emiri Naval Forces Major General Mohamed bin Nasser Foreign Aff airs thanked the Cypriot ambassador for his eff orts to promote bilateral ties and wished al-Mohannadi. him success in his new post. The Advisory Council yesterday held its regular weekly session during its 45th ordinary session under the chairmanship of HE the Advisory Council Speaker Mohamed bin Mubarak al- Khulaifi. At the outset of the meeting, the agenda that included the ratification of the meeting’s minutes was read out. The council continued reviewing Regional visitors arrive a draft law on national service in the presence of HE the Minister of State for Defence Aff airs, Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah; HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs, Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi; and HE the Director of to savour QIFF fl avours the Prime Minister’s Off ice Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed al-Thani. he Tourism Information to off er all visitors and neigh- The council decided to refer it to Centre set up at the Abu bours a smooth and welcoming the Legal and Legislative Aff airs TSamra border crossing by experience from the moment Committee for further study. Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), they arrive until they return is witnessing greater activity home,” QTA’s public relations Qatar to co-chair during the eighth edition of Qa- and communication director Brussels meeting tar International Food Festival Saif al-Kuwari said. (QIFF). “We are grateful for the col- on Syrian crisis The annual event is timed to laborative spirit shown by our coincide with the spring breaks various private sector partners Qatar will co-chair today a high- of Qatar’s neighbouring source and government agencies to level international conference on markets, according to QTA. make these centres possible,” he supporting the future of Syria and The centre provides visi- added. the region at the European Union tors with all they need to know Another QTA kiosk has opened headquarters in Brussels. about the 11-day festival, as well in the transit area of Hamad In- HE the Minister of Foreign as other events and experiences ternational Airport (HIA), off er- Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin they can enjoy throughout their ing an opportunity to the 30mn Abdulrahman al-Thani will head stay. travellers passing through the Qatar’s delegation to the two-day In addition, Qatar Interna- airport to experience Qatar vir- meeting. The delegation includes tional Adventures, Regency tually through a video telescope diplomats and representatives Travel & Tours and Katara Hos- showing 360-degree videos of from the government, civil pitality are also presenting their the destination. society, funds and Qatari donors services to provide visitors with QTA also hosts a photo booth, to highlight Qatar’s eff orts in a seamless experience, with which visitors can use to eter- support of the Syrian people representatives on hand to help nalise their memories of Qatar, and to explore peaceful and facilitate visitors’ stay, starting and visitor brochures available sustainable solutions to the from hotel accommodation to in six languages. Syrian crisis. outdoor excursions. The opening of the kiosk fol- The Foreign Minister, alongside “At QTA we aim to enhance lows the recent introduction of foreign ministers of the above the visitor’s complete tourism a free transit visa, which allows mentioned countries, the UN experience. As QIFF draws visi- passengers of all nationalities secretary-general and the tors from around the region who with a minimum transit time of EU president, will take part in seek to savour the diff erent fl a- fi ve hours at HIA to stay in the the opening of the ministerial vours of Qatar, it is our pleasure country for up to four days. Abu Samra Tourism Information Centre welcomes visitors. meeting tomorrow.

Ezdan Mall showcases its NAMA Centre IndiGo to launch participates in Doha fl ights from ‘Green Dream 2022’ initiatives food festival Delhi, Mumbai zdan Mall, a subsidiary other governmental and private Queen, Mado, Golden Dragon, organisations, embassies, and AMA Centre, one of the of Ezdan Holding Group, authorities have been working to and Motee Mahal. other agencies, especially stu- Qatar Foundation for Ehas showcased its ‘Green realise such initiative as part of Ezdan Mall general manager dents around interactive lectures NSocial Work Centres, is ow-cost Indian airline after Dubai, Muscat and Shar- Dream 2022’ initiatives at the the “Green Dream 2022” initia- Malik Awan described QIFF 2017 and workshops that tackle envi- participating in the Qatar In- IndiGo has announced jah. The other international Qatar International Food Festi- tives, which aim to spread aware- as “an opportunity for Ezdan ronment protection issues and ternational Food Festival (QIFF) Lthe introduction of daily, destinations of the airline are val (QIFF 2017) in a pavilion that ness on the most eff ective ways of Mall to shed light on its endeav- alternative agriculture means,” 2017 as it aims to promote entre- non-stop fl ights to Doha from Bangkok, Kathmandu and Sin- attracted hundreds of visitors. preserving environment resourc- ours to promote environmental Awan said. preneurship in the Qatari society Delhi and Mumbai beginning gapore. The 11-day QIFF 2017 being es against pollution and damage, awareness through the Green He added that the event is and highlight the projects that May 5. According to information held at the Hotel Park concludes as well as building a culture of Dream 2022 initiatives, along “a great opportunity” to sup- benefi t from its services. The addition of Doha to the available on the IndiGo web- on April 8. Ezdan’s pavilion at sustainable development. with the launching several in- port the local tourism by at- The owners of the projects, IndiGo network makes the site, fl ight 6E1701 will depart QIFF 2017 introduced various In addition to ‘Green Dream teractive community initiatives tracting thousands of visitors incubated by the Centre, are Qatari capital the seventh in- Delhi at 1.50am and arrive in types of fresh produce cultivated 2022’ products, Ezdan Mall’s pa- and raising public awareness on from neighbouring countries to presenting the food items they ternational – and 46th over- Doha at 3.30am, while fl ight in its outdoor garden in front of vilion provides a variety of food the importance of sustainable showcase the Qatari culture and prepare. all – destination of the car- 6E1702 will depart Doha at Ezdan Mall’s Gate 4, which is al- and beverages from a wide range development.” promote prominent commercial It will also give them the op- rier. 1.30pm and arrive in Delhi at located to organic farming. of region’s most popular res- “The ‘Green Dream 2022’ ini- outlets, malls, and hotels in Qa- portunity to learn about popu- The airline made the an- 8pm. The mall’s management and taurants and cafés like the Dairy tiatives bring together various tar. lar methods of preparing local nouncement through a Meanwhile, fl ight 6E1708 and international dishes to en- statement on its website and will depart Mumbai at 11.20am rich their knowledge and boost social media accounts yes- and arrive in Doha at 12.30pm, their acquired experience in this terday. and fl ight 6E1709 will depart fi eld. Doha is IndiGo’s fourth des- Doha at 4.30am and arrive in “QIFF is considered an ideal tination in the Middle East Mumbai at 10.20am. platform to present and promote the projects we incubate, in line with the overall concept of the festival – which acts as a lever for promoting community part- nership,” Mariam bint Abdul La- Germany’s top all-male tif al-Mannai, director of Com- munity Services Department and acting director of NAMA, choir to perform in Doha said. “The event is encouraging community members and insti- ermany’s all-male Satzky in Magdeburg in 1985. tutions to provide various kinds choir Magdeburg Throughout the year they per- of support to entrepreneurship – GKnabenchor will per- form concerts like the Spring especially since it attracts a large form at the German Interna- Concert and the Summer- number of local and interna- tional School Doha together Family Concert. tional food and beverage enthu- with the Doha Youth and Due to their growing popu- siasts and enjoys fully integrated Junior Choir on April 8 as larity, the choir is hired for media coverage,” she noted. part of the ‘Qatar-Germany performances at symphony QIFF, organised by QTA and 2017 Year of Culture’ celebra- orchestras, in theatres, and Katara Hospitality, features a tions. other events. Tickets can be wide range of local and interna- The Magdeburg Kna- purchased online at https:// tional food and beverage off er- benchor (Magdeburg Youth m.q-tickets.com/events/Fif- Visitors flock to Ezdan Mall’s pavilion at QIFF 2017. ings for families to enjoy. Choir) was founded by Frank ty_Fifty_Concert. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 3 QATAR

Stretch on Al Wukair Temporary QU ranked 77th Street to be closed from Friday 250m stretch of Al Wu- kair Temporary Street Awill remain closed from April 7, to expedite completion of a 22km main carriageway. Road users travelling from Al Wukair Temporary Street in Asia rankings towards the Religious Complex can turn right onto the newly atar University (QU) has ranked universities for the 2016 The performance indica- as it shows the University’s constructed Umm Besher In- been ranked 77th in the edition,” according to a THE tors are grouped into fi ve areas: continuous improvement in terchange, go straight at the QTimes Higher Education statement yesterday. Teaching - the learning envi- its regional and international roundabout and turn right to (THE) Asia University Rankings In calculating the top uni- ronment (25%), Research - vol- standing. This achievement continue towards F-Ring Road. 2017, among the 300 top univer- versities in Asia, the THE Asia ume, income and reputation highlights QU’s position- Those travelling on Al Wukair sities in the Asia region. University Rankings 2017 use (30%), Citations - research in- ing as a key partner of higher Temporary Street from F-Ring The announcement on the the same 13 performance indica- fl uence (30%), International education and research excel- Road towards Al Wukair will be THE website also rates QU fi fth tors as the THE World Univer- Outlook - staff , students and lence in Qatar and the region. required to turn right and follow among universities in the Arab sity Rankings, but they are rec- research (7.5%), and Industry It also demonstrates the Uni- the diversion route along Barwa dor Project. It will deliver fi ve and key interchanges on the world. alibrated to refl ect the attributes Income - knowledge transfer versity’s commitment to pro- City. From there they need to turn lanes in each direction, provid- East-West corridor project are “This achievement highlights of Asia’s institutions, and to (7.5%). viding high-quality academic towards the newly constructed ing direct, free fl ow traffi c be- also scheduled to open to public QU’s continuous eff orts to ad- provide the most comprehen- QU president Dr Hassan al- and research outcomes, and to Jery Musabbeh Interchange to ac- tween the Industrial Area and traffi c over the next few months. vance its standing among the top sive and balanced comparisons Derham said, “Being ranked producing highly skilled pro- cess Al Wukair Temporary Street Hamad International Airport. Ashghal hopes this will im- universities in the Asia region trusted by students, academics, 77th among the top 300 uni- fessionals who will meet the (as shown on the map). A signifi cant section of main prove traffi c fl ows and direct as the university was placed in university leaders, industry and versities in the Asia region is needs of the local and regional The main carriageway is part carriageway of Ashghal’s inter- accessibility to surrounding the range of 121-130 most highly governments. an important milestone to QU labour market.” of Ashghal’s East West Corri- facing Al Wakra Bypass project facilities.

Ministry survey to Diversion on Dukhan Highway near Dehailiyat Interchange evaluate services The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics is diversion will be in place need to travel towards Salwa turn at the fi rst roundabout, conducting this month for the for nearly three months Road or Al Shamal Road are travel back across the bridge second consecutive year a field Afrom tomorrow on a advised to turn right at the exit and exit at the same loop ramp survey to evaluate the services 1.2km stretch of the Dukhan after the bridge (on the far right over Dukhan Highway before off ered by the ministries and Highway north service road as of the map) towards the next travelling west towards De- government organisations to the part of construction of an in- roundabout and take their re- hailiyat interchange to exit to public, including direct and online terchange to connect two ma- quired exit towards Salwa Road the Dukhan Highway north services. jor sections of the New Orbital or Al Shamal Road. service road. The ultimate purpose of the Highway and Truck Route. Road users travelling north The road change will not survey is to help improve the type The proposed road change, to Al Shamal Road from Salwa impact road users travelling on and quality of these services and near Dehailiyat Interchange Road to access the Dukhan the Dukhan Highway between ease any related diff iculties faced in the Umm Al Afai area, has Highway north service road Doha and Dukhan nor aff ect by the public in accessing the been designed in coordination will need to exit at the loop access to the Umm Al Afai Pet- services. with the General Directorate of ramp over Dukhan Highway rol Station. A number of surveyors Traffi c. and travel west towards De- The Public Works Author- will interview the users of Upon completion, the inter- hailiyat Interchange to exit to ity has clarifi ed there will be government services at various change will serve as a critical the Dukhan Highway north no reduction in the number of public places and collect the connector for the road users service road. lanes on the Dukhan Highway required information through travelling on the New Orbital Those travelling south or the New Orbital Highway a hand-held device. Besides, a Highway and Dukhan High- from Al Shamal Road to Salwa and requested all road users to select number of families using way, facilitating movement be- Road to access the same sec- abide by the speed limit, which the services will be visited at their tween Doha, Dukhan, Al Khor tion of the Dukhan Highway will remain at 80 kph, and fol- houses. The Ministry has urged and Salwa Road. north service road should low newly implemented traf- the public to co-operate with Commuters from Dukhan travel across the bridge over fi c road signs to ensure their the information collectors in this heading towards Doha and Dukhan Highway, make a U- safety. regard. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 QATAR HBKU lines up several public events this month amad Bin Khalifa Uni- legal studies. He is a specialist tive, eff ects of established HBKU’s College of Islamic Finance at HBKU’s CIS and a versity (HBKU) has lined in comparative law, which ad- legal statutes. Studies will hold a lecture ti- leading researcher in the fi eld of Hup experts to host dur- dresses trends in globalisation On April 10, CIS is inviting tled “Introduction to Islamic Islamic fi nance. ing this month ‘intellectually and legal pluralism. the public to join a seminar to Finance” on April 12. The lec- On April 16, public are invited stimulating’ public events that The fi rst and second lec- discuss “The Future of Islamic ture will cover basic concepts to join students from HBKU and provide platforms for construc- tures, taking place tomorrow Studies.” Prominent scholars, that underpin fi nancial models, from the University of Southern tive dialogue and interaction on and April 12, will explore, the including Dr Tariq Ramadan, institutions, and instruments California’s Rossier School of Draw for winning coupons was held at Gulf Times off ice. a wide range of subjects. context of divergent views will address current challenges designed to serve the Islamic Education for a book discussion HBKU’s College of Law and on privacy law, how a prefer- and the future direction of Is- community. This will include a at HBKU’s CIS. The featured Public Policy (CLPP) will be ence for one legal model over lamic studies as a fi eld, includ- discussion on the operational book, Policy Making in a Trans- hosting three events at the Col- another has ramifi cations on ing certain tools, standards, and diff erences between Islamic and formative State: The Case of lege of Islamic Studies (CIS) our view of what constitutes criteria to track progress. Dr conventional fi nancial institu- Qatar, is the fi rst to look into the Gulf Times names building. The lectures will be as foreign law. On April 19, the Ramadan is the executive direc- tions, and an analysis of Islamic policymaking dynamics in the delivered by Dr Pierre Legrand, public is also invited to attend tor of HBKU’s Centre for Islamic fi nancial tools and contracts. country. Students will explore professor of law and direc- a lecture on “Tracing Foreign Legislation and Ethics, and an The lecture will be delivered by the nuances of the research and winners of draw tor at Sorbonne’s postgradu- Law,” which aims to illustrate accomplished researcher and Dr Abdelrahman Yousri Abdel- present their thoughts on the ate programme in comparative the empowering, or restric- writer in this fi eld. rahman, Professor of Islamic subject. ulf Times readers Mee- Mamta Sharma and Sudeep na Lalwani and Dev- Bhola. NIA chairman Mukesh Gendra Shenoi won VIP Kumar Singh and president passes to the Hasya Kavi Sam- Praveen Sharma took the win- melan yesterday after a draw. ning coupons at the draw at the Curb on Organised by North Indians’ offi ce of media partners, Gulf Association (NIA), the four- Times, with senior business hour show on April 7 at DPS development manager San- Japan food Auditorium, Al Wakrah, prom- jai Noah. The winners should ises an evening full of laughter contact Gulf Times offi ce at with well-known Indian poets 44466620. The event would imports Padmashri Ashok Chakradhar, be held at DPS Auditorium, Al eased Aashkaran Atal, Arun Gemini, Wakrah, on Friday, 7 April. Toyota Avanza models recalled he Ministry of Public QatarDebate Center off icials announcing details of the upcoming event. Health (MoPH) has decid- The Ministry of Economy the maintenance and repair Ted to cancel the additional and Commerce (MEC), in works and communicate with precautionary measures on food collaboration with Abdullah customers to ensure that the items imported from Japan. The Abdulghani & Bros Co, has necessary repairs are carried decision came in co-ordination Arabic debating contest from April 8 announced the recall of Toyota out. with the other GCC countries Avanza 2014-2015 models over The MEC has urged all and Japan and based on the sci- a potential defect in the fuel customers to report entifi c reports in this regard. atarDebate Center, patronage of QF vice chair- pionship will involve Arabs been updated to give the largest tank inlet hose. any violations to its The additional precautionary a member of Qatar person and CEO HE Sheikha and non-Arabs. It would also possible number of applicants The MEC said the recall Consumer Protection and control measures were instituted QFoundation for Educa- Hind bint Hamad al-Thani. provide an opportunity to both the opportunity to participate. campaign comes within the Anti-Commercial Fraud after the reported nuclear radiation tion, Science and Community The championship is set to have high level and low level Ara- He added that communica- framework of its ongoing Department through the from Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Development (QF), is organ- 90 teams from 47 countries, bic language participants from tions are being maintained with eff orts to protect consumers following channels: Hotline: power plant in 2011. However, until ising the 4th International representing 87 universities. both government and private more than 220 Arab and foreign and ensure that car dealers 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. now, the safety of all the food items Universities Arabic Debating Dr Hayat Abdulla Marafi , the entities. universities, who were sent in- follow up on vehicle defects qa, Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, from Japan has been proven free Championship, in Doha from executive director of the centre, Jamal al-Baker, events direc- vitations to take part and the and repairs. Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC from any nuclear radiation, MoPH April 8 to 12. told a press conference, that the tor at the centre, stressed that registration was launched in The MEC will co-ordinate with mobile app for Android and clarifi ed in a statement yesterday. The event is held under the upcoming edition of the cham- the rules and regulations have August 2016. the dealer to follow up on IOS: MEC_Qatar

Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 QATAR Qatar Airways Cargo Revamped expands Asia network

atar Airways Cargo has an- nounced that it has started its Qfi rst freighter service to the Cambodian city of Phnom Penh. QNRF awards The A330 freighter operating on the Doha-Phnom Penh-Doha route once a week will off er over 60 tonnes of cargo capacity each way, the airline has said in a press statement. Garments, which represent the larg- est portion of Cambodia’s manufac- turing sector and account for 80% of for research the country’s exports, represent the majority of uplift out of Cambodia. Qatar Airways Cargo currently car- ries more than 70 tonnes of belly-hold cargo on the daily wide-body passen- ger fl ights to Phnom Penh via Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, every week. The introduction of direct freighter are launched services on this route off ers exporters “increased capacity and fl exibility” to atar’s new generation of scien- closes at noon on April 10, with the quently driving excellence and equip- transport their commodities to Qatar tists and researchers are being awards also being announced in June. ping candidates with the greatest Airways’ global network of more than Qsupported to embark on their Led by the capacity building team of potential to create impact and ensure 150 destinations via its hub in Doha, careers and create an impact through the QNRF, part of the Qatar Founda- Qatar’s national priorities are identi- the press statement said. two revamped programmes launched tion Research and Development (QF fi ed and addressed.” “This is our fi fth freighter desti- The A330 freighter operating on the Doha-Phnom Penh-Doha route once a week by the Qatar National Research Fund R&D), the two tracks – QRLP-GSRA Through the competitive scholar- nation launched this year, in tandem will off er over 60 tonnes of cargo capacity each way. (QNRF). and QRLP-PDRA – are designed to ships off ered by the QRLP-GSRA, with our increased fl eet size,” said Qa- The Graduate Sponsorship Re- support candidates from graduate outstanding graduate students will tar Airways cargo division chief offi cer market for Qatar Airways Cargo, and Qatar Airways Cargo recently took search Award (GSRA) and Postdoctoral level, through postdoctoral studies, to be supported to undertake research- Ulrich Ogiermann. the launch of freighter service to delivery of its 12th Boeing 777F, taking Research Award (PDRA) – the lat- their early careers, enabling them to based studies towards Master’s and “Intra-Asia air cargo has grown over Phnom Penh increases the cargo car- the total count of freighters in opera- est cycles of which are now open for play leading roles in advancing Qatar’s Doctoral degrees at approved institu- the years, and we have observed sub- rier’s freighter network to seven desti- tion to 21. submission of proposals – have been ambitious research agenda. tions in Qatar and abroad. stantial migration of manufacturing nations on the continent. The cargo carrier off ers QR Charter, embedded into the QNRF’s Qatar Re- The alignment of these tracks with By promoting such studies, it aims trade from China to Southeast Asian New passenger fl ights to Canberra which utilises its fl eet of Boeing B777s, search Leadership Programme (QRLP). the QRLP, from which 52 scientists to encourage talented Qatar-based countries such as Cambodia and Vi- in Australia and Medan in Indonesia Airbus A330s, and Boeing 747 freight- The aim of the QRLP is to identify and researchers have graduated in the students to pursue careers in research etnam,” he said. “Leveraging our ex- have also been announced recently, in ers. and nurture Qatar’s fi nest homegrown eight years since its establishment, is and provide them with high-quality tensive network of more than 70 cities addition to the existing 29 passenger Its portfolio of products currently science and research talent by pro- designed to produce human capital training that intertwines with, and in Africa, Europe and the Americas, destinations in Asia Pacifi c. includes QR Pharma, QR Fresh, QR viding high quality training, practical equipped to underpin and sustain the supports, the work of Qatar’s research we are in the lead to provide our cus- “Qatar Airways Cargo has made a Live and QR Express, off ering “effi - experience in collaboration with pres- nation’s research and innovation eco- and academic community. tomers in the Southeast Asia region substantial investment in its opera- ciency and compliance” in the han- tigious universities and research in- system. The QRLP-PDRA is designed to at- with adequate capacity, fl exibility and tions at its Doha hub to ensure that dling of temperature-sensitive phar- stitutions around the world, fi nancial “By aligning these awards with the tract Qatar’s top PhD graduates and world-class air freight solutions via all cargo deliveries are processed effi - maceutical and perishable cargo, support, and a gateway to opportunity. QRLP, we are streamlining and syner- encourage independence in the early our state-of-the-art Doha hub.” ciently and seamlessly,” the statement transportation of live animals as well The online proposal submission gising the process which leads aspiring stage of their research careers. Asia Pacifi c is a prime air freight added. as time-critical shipments. process for the QRLP-GSRA will con- scientists and researchers to become It off ers highly competitive fel- clude on May 6. key players in the advancement of Qa- lowship awards, benefi ts, and expert The awards will be announced in tar’s research and development sec- mentoring, as it supports postdoc- June. tor,” said QNRF executive director Dr toral scholars to work within research The window for QRLP-PDRA pro- Abdul Sattar al-Taie. groups focused on Qatar’s national posals, which should also be submitted “The QRLP-GSRA and QRLP- priorities while providing research online, but through Qatar-based insti- PDRA tracks will nurture talent and institutions with a pipeline of skilled tutions with approved research offi ces, enhance competitiveness, conse- staff and new ideas.

Graduates with Norfolk and HMC off icials after the ceremony. HMC personnel complete specialist diploma course

group of 13 clinicians from Ha- deputy chief medical offi cer Dr Abdul- niques enables them to deliver the mad Medical Corporation’s latif al-Khal, chief of continuing care highest standards of hearing health- A (HMC) Audiology and Balance Mahmoud al-Raisi, and programme care in Qatar.” Centre have completed a specialised director and head of Audiology and Dr Hadi is also responsible for de- diploma in clinical audiology. Balance Centre Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi veloping the programme for universal The programme, developed in col- were present. newborn hearing screening adopted by laboration with the Canada’s Uni- Dr Hadi spearheaded the initiative Qatar as a national health policy. versity of Toronto, supports HMC’s in 2009 to meet the increasing de- Since the establishment of the Na- mission of providing high-quality au- mand for specialised hearing care in tional Programme for Early Detection diology services in Qatar. Qatar and the region. of Hearing Loss in 2003, all newborns Canada’s ambassador to Qatar He said the latest graduation dem- in Qatar undergo hearing screening Adrian Norfolk presented the diploma onstrates HMC’s commitment to en- prior to discharge from hospital and certifi cates to the graduates at a cer- suring continuous professional devel- all babies are tested at the age of two emony. opment of the staff , adding: “Regular to three months of age when they have Dignitaries from HMC, including training in the latest audiology tech- their fi rst vaccination.

Jaguar Land Rover brands win accolades

aguar Land Rover scooped up three motoring accolades at the fourth Jedition of the 2017 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY) that were held in Dubai on March 30. Nominated alongside peers from the automotive industry, Jaguar saw the F- PACE win the “Best Compact Premi- um Performance SUV” title followed The Jaguar F-PACE (front), the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR (right), and the Range Rover by another success for the brand with Evoque Convertible each won an award at MECOTY. the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR awarded “Best Premium Performance Coupe”. managing director of Jaguar Land added. “The Jaguar F-PACE, the Jag- Recognised for innovation, Land Rover Middle East and North Africa, uar F-TYPE SVR and the Range Rover Rover’s Range Rover Evoque Convert- said: “Trusted award platforms such Evoque Convertible truly demonstrate ible received the special “Industry as MECOTY help drive the industry our commitment to delivering best- Pioneer” award. forward.” in-class, premium and exhilarating Commenting on Jaguar Land Rov- “We are honoured to continue to driving experiences for our custom- er’s three wins, Bruce Robertson, the be recognised for our products,” he ers.” Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 7 QATAR Grand opening of Mall of Qatar on April 8

he grand opening of Mall of Qatar will take place on April 8 under the patron- Tage and attendance of HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, it was announced yesterday. The multinational awarded classical cross- over vocal group - Il Divo, will perform on the day. Live stage shows include Shaolin Warri- ors – a demonstration by more than 20 kung fu masters, and the Dinosaur Zoo – a collection of life-like dinosaurs and other creatures. “The grand opening will feature a full fi - esta of free entertainment around the mall and throughout day for the public to enjoy,” said Rony Mourani, general manager, Mall of Qatar. “Mall of Qatar is a brand new shopping con- cept with 500,000sq m of innovative shop- ping, top-notch recreation and remarkable leisure options,” it was added in a statement. Mall of Qatar facade. Georgetown launches courses for executives

eorgetown Univer- of how global market inter- international economics. sity, in collaboration dependencies and big data Six courses are off ered Gwith Qatar Founda- are shaping business and between April 23 and 27, tion, has launched its ex- the economy, and develop with an early bird off er for ecutive education courses the technical framework participants who register in Business Economics for needed for enhancing de- before April 6. The courses Spring 2017 in Doha. Digital cision-making, marketing, on off er are: Family Busi- marketing strategy, interna- and strategic planning. ness: Preserving the Legacy, tional fi nance, big data ana- “We are excited to bring Digital Marketing Strategy lytics, and public fi nance are the quality of our pro- in the Global Economy, In- among the topics off ered. grammes and expertise to ternational Finance, Ap- Aimed at aspiring leaders Dr Alexis Antoniades the business community in plied Econometrics: Panel and mid-level executives, Doha through our executive Data, Big Data Analytics. the courses provide partici- transforming complex glo- education courses. This is a For Arabic speakers, pants with new tools, theo- bal business challenges into fantastic menu of courses “Introduction to Public retical foundation, and key opportunities. that will help executives Finance,” a step-by-step insights they can apply im- The two-day courses, in further develop their skills guide to the key fundamen- mediately to their challeng- English or Arabic, are care- and become leaders within tals of public and govern- es at work, while contribut- fully selected and expertly their organisations,” said Dr ment budget preparation, ing to the overall strength designed. Participants can Alexis Antoniades, associ- will be taught entirely in of their organisations, and gain a solid understanding ate professor and director of Arabic.

Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 9 QATAR ‘Light It Up Blue’ Project Stadia experts mull 2022 World Cup security

iscussions on a number of security issues related Dto cyber security in the framework of preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup are being held at the ongoing sec- ond meeting of sports security experts organised by Interpol’s Project Stadia. Deliberations at the three-day meeting, which began on Sunday and is being held in collaboration with the security committee of Supreme Committee for Deliv- ery and Legacy (SC), aim to sup- port Qatar in its preparations for hosting the World Cup, accord- ing to a press statement from the Ministry of Interior. Major Ali Mohamed al-Ali, deputy executive director of Night lights at Hotel Park for the Qatar International Food Festival turned blue on Sunday as part Security Aff airs at SC, said the of ‘Light It Up Blue’, an initiative which aims to raise awareness on World Autism Awareness Day. meeting — which is being at- ‘Light It Up Blue’ is observed on April 2 every year across the world, with iconic landmarks in tended by experts from six major capital cities turning blue to mark the occasion. The internationally-recognised day is one countries – is aimed at enhanc- of only four off icial health-specific United Nations Days and was first celebrated in 2008. ing security expertise in the fi eld According to the World Health Organisation, one in 160 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. of information and cyber secu- The meeting in progress. rity. The meeting would help ex- He pointed out that Qatar about security measures and international partnership in the change global knowledge and lo- hosts such meetings in order preservation of security, espe- fi eld of maintaining security for calise them in order to contribute to benefit from the experiences cially in the field of informa- sporting events in the light of to the development of security in of the host countries of major tion. growing security risks that are preparation for the World Cup, it sports events across all levels “This meeting refl ects our crossing the borders of countries Mwani Qatar commemorates was observed. in the security field, and learn commitment to strengthening and continents,” he added. World Autism Awareness Day

atar Ports Management Company — Mwani Qatar Strong winds expected to churn up the dust participated in World Autism Awareness Day by Qlighting up the company’s building in blue in soli- darity with the international campaign carried by Autism trong winds are once again height of 9ft and wind speed of Slightly dusty conditions and the other hand, will range from Speaks organisation. expected in most parts of 28 knots due to strong winds. some clouds are also likely in 26C in Abu Samra, Dukhan and The second of April of each year was designated as Sthe country today along The warning would continue un- offshore areas, with the sea lev- Ruwais to 31C in Doha, Al Khor, World Autism Awareness Day based on a proposal sub- with low visibility in some places til Thursday, it observed. el rising to about 14ft occasion- Wakrah and Mesaieed. mitted by Qatar and adopted by the United Nations Gen- due to dust, the Qatar Met de- Today’s detailed forecast says ally. The wind (northwesterly) Yesterday, a minimum eral Assembly in a resolution issued on December 18, partment has said. slight to blowing dust is likely in speed, meanwhile, will be 20- temperature of 22C was 2007. The weather offi ce has also certain inshore areas and there 30 knots, going up to 38 knots recorded in Al Khor, Ghuwairiya World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase people’s forecast strong winds and high will be some clouds as well. The at times. and Shehaimiya, while in Doha awareness about people, especially children, with autism. seas in off shore areas. wind (northwesterly) speed will be A minimum temperature (airport area) it was 26C. The The day often features educational events for teach- The Mwani Qatar headquarters bathed In a tweet yesterday evening, 15-25 knots, reaching a high of 35 of 21C is likely in Abu Samra, maximum ranged from 26C in ers, healthcare workers and parents, as well as exhibitions in blue to mark World Autism Awareness the Met department said marine knots at times, and visibility may Dukhan and Ruwais today, and Dukhan and Ruwais to 36C in showcasing work created by children with autism. Day. observations recorded a wave drop to 2km or less in some places. 23C in Doha. The maximum, on Mesaieed. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 QATAR QRCS holds disaster management camp

ome 400 participants are taking part in Qatar Red SCrescent’s (QRCS) recently launched seventh Disaster Man- agement Camp at the Marine Scout Camp in Al Khor. Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Min- ister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the 10-day event aims to build a well-trained base of volunteers who respond to disasters timely and eff ectively. Trust Exchange off icials at the function. The camp also aims to en- hance co-ordination with sever- Volunteers assisting participants at the camp. al organisations and authorities, minimise casualties and proper- the supervision of senior disaster cal training: specialised training gency operation management, ty losses, and help the society re- management trainers and experts. in six fi elds (assessment and fi eld logistics, psychological support, Trust Exchange relocates Barwa cover from any future disasters. The camp is sponsored by the co-ordination, shelter and reg- secure access, and restoring fam- According to QRCS, the camp is Social and Sport Contribution istration, water and sanitation, ily links). the only Arabic-speaking special- Fund, in co-ordination with the food and distribution, media and Six disaster management Village branch to Al Messila ised training event of such scale, International Federation of Red communication in emergency, camps were organised in 2006, which involves staff and repre- Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and emergency healthcare); and 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, rust Exchange Company has permarket, Al Messila, on Sunday. Exchange, and Sheikh Abdulla sentatives from Qatari govern- International Committee of the general evening training in seven which graduated hundreds of announced that it relocated The relocated branch of the money Hassan K A al-Thani, vice-chair- ment bodies, non-governmental Red Cross, and the United Nations. specialties (sphere project, disas- volunteers who later engaged in Tits Barwa Village branch to a exchange and remittance fi rm was man, Trust Exchange, in the pres- organisations, Arab National Soci- The agenda involves two cat- ter management and leadership QRCS’ disaster response eff orts “more spacious and a conveniently inaugurated by Sheikh Khalid Has- ence of the senior management of eties, and QRCS volunteers, under egories of theoretical and practi- in humanitarian action, emer- internationally. accessible location” at LuLu Hy- san K A al-Thani, chairman, Trust the organisation. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 11 REGION/ARAB WORLD

CONFLICT PLEA COMPENSATION LEGAL LITIGATION US conducts around 20 UN urges more support for Saudi increases fighter Lawyer appeals court ruling Court to weigh bank’s more air strikes in Yemen states hosting refugees pilots’ pay by up to 60% backing islands transfer liability for militant attacks

US aircraft have conducted about 20 additional Syrian refugees are increasingly desperate after The Saudi cabinet announced a pay increase An Egyptian human rights lawyer said yesterday The US Supreme Court yesterday agreed to con- air strikes on Al Qaeda in Yemen in recent days, years in exile and face rising social tensions in over- of up to 60% for air force pilots yesterday, state he had launched an appeal against a court ruling sider reviving litigation seeking to hold Arab Bank the Pentagon said yesterday, as it continues its stretched regional host nations, a UN representative news agency SPA reported. The cabinet amended which backed Cairo’s proposed transfer of two Red Plc financially liable for militant attacks in Israel and stepped-up campaign against the militants. The warned yesterday, urging more funds and resettle- laws pertaining to military off icers, allowing air Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. President Abdel Fattah the Palestinian territories that accused the Jordan- strikes occurred over the weekend, Pentagon ment. “The refugee situation is not one country’s force pilots and weapons operators to receive a al-Sisi’s government announced last year a maritime based bank of being the “paymaster” to militant spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said without problem, it’s everyone’s problem, and everyone has 35% rise on basic salary, said in a statement. The demarcation accord with Saudi Arabia, which has groups. The justices agreed to hear an appeal by providing details of where or how they were con- to respond together,” said Mireille Girard, UN refugee increase for off icers flying fighter jets and operat- given billions of dollars of aid to Egypt, ceding roughly 6,000 plaintiff s, who included relatives of ducted. The new attacks bring the total number agency UNHCR’s representative in Lebanon. A ing their weapons systems will be 60%, it said. control of the islands to the kingdom. The islands non-US citizens killed in such attacks and survivors of strikes the United States has conducted in conference in Brussels this week will seek to secure No reason was given for the move, nor an indica- of Tiran and Sanafir, are situated in the narrow of the incidents, of a lower court ruling throwing out Yemen since February 28 to more than 70. The new funding and resettlement pledges from the tion of what their current salaries might be. The entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba leading to Jordan and the litigation. The plaintiff s accused Arab Bank under Pentagon has increased attacks against AQAP international community, with Lebanese Prime world’s biggest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has Israel. After an initial ruling against the transfer last a US law called the Alien Tort Statute of deliberately since President Donald Trump took off ice in Minister Saad Hariri expected to request upwards of implemented some austerity measures to wean June, the government appealed and the case was financing terrorism, including suicide bombings and January. $10bn over five to seven years. its citizens off decades of government largesse. referred to the Higher Administrative Court. other attacks. Flamingos in flight Trump pledges support for Sisi in fi ght against militants

Reuters Washington

S President Donald Trump moved to re- Uset US relations with Egyptian President Abdel Fat- tah al-Sisi yesterday after the prior Obama administration’s strained ties, giving him fi rm backing and vowing to work to- Pink flamingos take flight at the Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary gether to fi ght militants. on the outskirts of Dubai, yesterday. “I just want to let everybody know in case there was any doubt that we are very much behind President Sisi. He’s done a fantastic job in a very diffi cult situation. We are very much behind Egypt and the people of Emirates, Etihad to Egypt,” Trump said in an Oval Offi ce meeting with the Egyp- tian leader. boost screening on The trip was Sisi’s fi rst offi - cial US visit since being elected president in 2014. routes to Australia Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, never extended an in- vitation. AFP would take eff ect on Thursday. Obama froze aid to Egypt for Dubai “The new directive requires two years after Sisi, then a gen- additional screening at the gate, eral, overthrew President Mo- but there is no restriction on elec- hamed Mursi in mid-2013 after mirates and Etihad airlines tronic devices,” said an Emirates mass protests against Mursi’s will tighten screening for spokesperson. The new screening rule. Epassengers fl ying to Aus- requirement covers direct fl ights Mursi, a Muslim Brotherhood tralia this week after the country on Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Air- member, had been elected the imposed new requirements for ways and Qantas Airways. previous year. enhanced explosives detection, It does not apply to fl ights The one-on-one meeting the UAE companies said yester- bound for the UAE out of Austral- between Trump and Sisi, fol- day. ian airports. lowed by a separate gathering US President Donald Trump speaks during his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the Oval Off ice of the White House in Australia on Friday announced Etihad operates two daily with top aides, showed how in- Washington, yesterday. it would increase screening of fl ights to Sydney, while Emirates tent the new US president is on passenger baggage on fl ights has 11 daily fl ights to international rebooting the bilateral relation- United States and Egypt “have of Egyptian law, which states in Sinai in which hundreds of the US offi cial, who spoke on from Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the airports across Australia. ship and building on the strong a few things” they do not agree that the maximum period for Egyptian soldiers and police condition of anonymity before United Arab Emirates, as well as Regional carriers have since last connection the two presidents on, he made no public airing pretrial detention is 24 months. have been killed. Sisi’s meetings with Trump. Doha, Qatar. While the directive month scrambled to cope with the established when they fi rst met of US concerns about human Human rights groups have A US offi cial said Sisi would “He’s going to be disap- stops short of the sweeping elec- US and British bans on laptops in New York last September. rights in Egypt. estimated that Sisi’s govern- fi nd a White House ready to pointed because he wants more tronics ban introduced last month and tablets on board direct fl ights “I just want to say to, Mr Rights groups have called ment has detained at least soften US criticism of Egypt on assistance and he’s not going to by the United States and Britain, out of key Middle East airports. President, that you have a great for the release of Aya Hijazi, an 40,000 political prisoners. human rights and to work on get it,” the offi cial added, say- it may include targeted screening Airlines including Emirates and friend and ally in the United Egyptian-American who works Egypt has long been one of counter-terrorism but unwill- ing it was not yet clear whether of passengers’ personal electronic Etihad have introduced compli- States, and in me,” Trump said. with street children and was ar- Washington’s closest allies ing to provide additional aid to Egypt would escape a cut in its devices. mentary services enabling pas- Sisi said he appreciated that rested in May 2014 on human in the Middle East, receiving the most populous Arab nation. foreign aid as part of the Trump Emirates and Etihad Airways, sengers to continue to use their Trump has been “standing very traffi cking charges. $1.3bn in US military aid annu- “He’s going to get an end to administration’s plan to cut the two of the largest airlines in the personal electronics after check- strong...to counter this evil ide- Hijazi has been held in cus- ally. fi nger-wagging. We’re not giv- overall State Department budg- Middle East, said the measures in and until boarding. ology.” While Trump noted the tody for 33 months in violation It is fi ghting an insurgency ing him any more money,” said et by 28.7%.

Regime strikes kill 22 civilians near Damascus: monitor

AFP position launched a surprise Beirut assault against regime forces from Jobar, but was repelled after a week of fi ghting. ir strikes by Syrian warplanes on a rebel- The highest toll was in Aheld region near Da- Douma, where raids killed mascus killed at least 22 16 civilians including civilians yesterday, the Syr- at least one child ian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. Eastern Ghouta has been The highest toll was in under a devastating govern- Douma, the largest town in ment siege since 2012, and the Eastern Ghouta region, is targeted regularly by air where raids killed 16 civilians strikes and artillery. including at least one child It is the last remaining and wounded 22, it said. opposition stronghold near An AFP correspondent at Damascus, where a string of the town hospital said he saw local “reconciliation deals” many wounded people, their have seen villages and towns faces bloodied. brought back under the con- All the facility’s beds were trol of President Bashar al- occupied by men, women Assad’s government. and children. The regime is fi ghting to A child burst into tears push rebels out of fi ve neigh- when he found his father bourhoods in Damascus. in the hospital, the corre- The rebels control almost spondent said. all of Qabun and Tishreen in Five more civilians were the northeast, as well as half killed in the town of Sabqa of Jobar in the east. and one in the town of Har- They are also present in asta, both also in Eastern Barzeh in the north and Tad- Ghouta, the Observatory amun in the south, but the said. neighbourhoods are covered The Eastern Ghouta re- by a truce with the regime. gion is adjacent to the capi- More than 320,000 people tal’s eastern neighbourhood have been killed and mil- of Jobar, which is divided lions displaced since Syria’s between regime and rebel war started in 2011 with the control. brutal repression of anti- Last month, the armed op- government protests. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 ARAB WORLD Remains of ancient pyramid found in Egypt

AFP 10 vertical hieroglyphic lines” was The corridor “leads to the interior of in 2008 at Saqqara, just south of Cai- mid, is the largest of the three in Giza, non-invasive and non-destructive. Cairo among the fi nds, the ministry said, cit- the pyramid, extended by a ramp and ro, said the remnants in Dahshur ap- standing at 146 metres, and the only In October last year, the team an- ing Adel Okasha, director general at the the entrance to a room”, the ministry peared to indicate that the monument surviving structure of the seven won- nounced that two additional cavities necropolis. said. belonged to “a queen buried near her ders of the ancient world. had been found in the Great Pyra- he remains of an Egyptian pyra- It said granite lintel and stone blocks “All the discovered parts of the pyra- husband or her son”. Khufu and Khafre in Giza along mid after another scan a year earlier mid built around 3,700 years ago were discovered that would show more mid are in very good condition and fur- “The hope now is to fi nd any in- with the Bent and Red pyramids in found several thermal anomalies. Thave been discovered near the “about the internal structure of the ther excavation is to take place to reveal scription which can reveal the identity Dahshur are part of Operation Scan- At a conference in 2015 dedicated well-known “bent pyramid” of King pyramid”. more parts,” it said. of the owner of this pyramid. Pyramids, with teams scanning the to King Tutankhamun and his world- Snefru, the antiquities ministry an- Excavation is still in its early stages Egypt, home of one of the world’s To fi nd the name of a previously un- structures in search of hidden rooms famous golden funerary mask, Egyp- nounced yesterday. and the size of the pyramid has not yet earliest civilisations, boasts 123 an- known queen would be an addition to and cavities. tian authorities said new technology The pyramid from the 13th dynasty been established. cient pyramids, said Zahi Hawass, history,” the archaeologist said. The project to unearth still hid- was needed to determine whether was found in Dahshur’s royal necropo- Blocks of stone and the beginning former head of the Supreme Council of Egypt’s ancient treasures include den secrets of the pyramids applies a his tomb contains hidden chambers lis, some 30 kilometres south of Cairo, of a corridor which were discovered Antiquities. the world-famous Pyramids of Giza, mix of infrared thermography, radio- which a British archaeologist be- it said. can be seen in photos provided by the Hawass, who took part in the last constructed around 4,500 years ago. graphic imaging and 3D simulation lieves could contain Queen Nefer- “An alabaster...block engraved with ministry. discovery of a new pyramid in Egypt The Khufu pyramid, or Great Pyra- — all of which the researchers say are titi’s remains. Kushner joins top military Iraqi armed groups offi cer on grow as IS shrinks Baghdad visit Reuters groups will not be reined in... Mosul Their agendas are party, politi- cal or regional, and won’t serve AFP ter Haider al-Abadi’s offi ce and Nineveh, or Iraq.” Baghdad the foreign ministry declined or Iraqi police offi cer Jas- Ramzy Mardini, a fellow at the to comment on the visit. sem and his brothers, the Atlantic Council think tank, said The United States is lead- Fbattle against Islamic State turning to armed forces, par- resident Donald Trump’s ing an international coalition is personal. ticularly militias, was inevitable son-in-law Jared Kush- that is carrying out air strikes The militants captured and in an atmosphere where local Pner visited Iraq yesterday against IS and providing other beheaded their father, a Shia communities fear for their own with the top US military of- support to forces fi ghting the militiaman, in 2014; before safety. fi cer to meet Iraqi leaders and militants in Iraq and Syria. that, the family lost another son “Not only has the war further review the fi ght against the Iraqi forces have been en- fi ghting the militants. militarised Iraqi society, but Islamic State group, offi cials gaged in a grinding battle for “We were able to identify my there appears to be no pressure said. west Mosul since last month, dad’s body by the tattoo on his from the top or willingness from The visit comes as Iraqi prompting more than 200,000 arm. The head wasn’t found. below to disarm, demobilise, and forces battle to retake Mosul civilians to fl ee the northern They had also drilled holes in reintegrate the militias that now from IS with support from city, Iraq’s second largest. his hands and cut fi ngers off ,” occupy the diverse and former US-led air strikes that have re- The operation to retake Mo- 31-year-old Jassem told Reuters insurgent landscape,” he said. cently been criticised for caus- sul was launched last October, on the front line in Mosul as Iraqi As Iraqi government forces ing civilian deaths in the city’s with Iraqi forces recapturing forces battle with Islamic State have moved deeper into Mosul west. its eastern side before setting in the city. city, the areas around it have in- General Joseph Dunford, their sights on its smaller but After the murder, Jassem’s creasingly come under the con- chairman of the Joint Chiefs more densely-populated west. youngest brother signed up with trol of the expanding Hashid, of Staff , asked Kushner and The coalition admitted that the army and another joined a who fl y their fl ags at checkpoints White House homeland secu- it “probably” played a role in Shia paramilitary group. and have set up offi ces in nearby rity adviser Tom Bossert to ac- recent civilian casualties in the With a further brother already towns. company him on the trip, Navy city, but has sought to place with the Counter-Terrorism Hashid offi cials say they are Captain Greg Hicks said in an responsibility for the deaths Service, that meant their mother there to ensure Islamic State e-mailed statement. on IS, saying the militants are had all four of her surviving sons does not return, and that their “General Dunford invited gathering civilians together at war. local knowledge can make them Mr Kushner and Mr Bossert to and seeking to provoke strikes. “Mum wasn’t happy,” said more eff ective than federal po- meet with Iraqi leaders, sen- Although Kushner has no Jassem, not giving his full name lice. ior US advisors, and visit with previous experience in gov- because he works in intelligence. “Iraq’s security is our respon- US forces in the fi eld to receive ernment, he has become one But his brothers still answered sibility,” read a slogan painted on an update on the status of the of the most powerful men in the call to arms. “They said Iraq a building outside Mosul that is counter-ISIS campaign in Iraq Washington as a trusted advis- was falling apart, and they want- occupied by the new offi ce of a and Syria,” Hicks said, using an er to the president with a broad ed to protect it,” he said. Hashid group, and was formerly acronym for the Islamic State portfolio of responsibilities. The family from southern Iraq used by an Islamic State fi ghter group. Valued by Trump for his dis- — far from Mosul which lies near Displaced Iraqis, who fled Mosul due to the ongoing fighting between government forces and Islamic State (IS) and his family. “As well as receiving brief- cretion and loyalty, the baby- the country’s northern border — group militants, gather at the Hammam al-Alil camp, south of Mosul, yesterday. Most ordinary Iraqis, like the ings and updates, Mr Kushner faced 36-year-old is offi cially is just one of many where entire families of Jassem and Kadhem, is travelling on behalf of the a White House senior adviser sets of brothers have taken up Counter-Terrorism Service They are now fl ooding to join This would not pose security do not want their sons to have to president to express the presi- with far-reaching infl uence arms against Islamic State out commando Hamza Kadhem said tribal militias also under the problems because the Hashid fi ght. But the young men see lit- dent’s support and commit- over domestic and foreign of revenge, duty or just to earn that before Islamic State ar- Hashid, security offi cials and ultimately answer to the govern- tle choice after suff ering at the ment to the government of Iraq policy. money. rived, he was the only one of fi ve militia leaders say. ment and have limited powers, hands of militants, and with few and US personnel currently Among other responsi- The US-backed Iraqi forces brothers to have picked up a gun. Many residents told Reuters in the offi cer added. other ways to earn a living. engaged in the campaign,” he bilities, Trump has tapped are now set to drive the group “The others all joined after the recent weeks they want to join, Provincial government of- Former policeman Yassin said. Kushner to play a leading role from its stronghold of Mosul, fatwa,” he said. or know relatives and friends fi cials, however, say the rising Saleh, 47, sat in his wheelchair “Mr Bossert is travelling in eff orts to secure an Israeli- taken in 2014 when the militants They joined the Hashid who are trying to do so. number of recruits to paramili- on a roadside outside Mosul last in his role as assistant to the Palestinian peace deal — an seized large areas of Iraq and Shaabi, or Popular Mobilisation “Many men are volunteering tary forces and the formation month after fl eeing violence. president and will participate achievement that has eluded Syria, proclaiming a caliphate. Forces, a state-run umbrella that in the Hashid groups. They ei- of new militias is dangerous “Two of my boys, who are 20 in meetings and briefi ngs to experienced policymakers for But the fi ght has further mili- includes militias. ther want to fi ght terrorism or to because it raises the risk of fac- and 21, want to volunteer for reinforce the strong US-Iraqi decades. tarised Iraqi society, pushing Two are deployed west of get wages,” one security offi cer tional clashes. the Hashid,” he said. “But I need partnership to defeat ISIS,” he Kushner’s wife Ivanka, the young men into the armed forces Mosul, and another two near in the area said, declining to be “These Hashid groups are them around to help me.” added. 35-year-old fi rst daughter, and, increasingly, sectarian and the Syrian border, where fi ght- named because he was not au- subservient to the people who Saleh lost both his legs to a car Dunford and Kushner would also plays a key role in advis- tribal militias. ers have played a crucial role in thorised to speak publicly. “It’s lead them, not to the state,” bomb planted by Al Qaeda mili- meet with Iraqi Defence Min- ing her father. A regular pres- This has raised fears of new cutting off Islamic State supply easier than joining state armed said Abdul Rahman al-Wagga, a tants in 2008. ister Irfan al-Hayali during ence in the White House since outbreaks of violence once the lines. forces. council member for Nineveh, of Two months later, the fi ghters the trip, ministry spokesman Trump’s election, she offi cially caliphate has crumbled. Before the call-up, they You just put your name down.” which Mosul is the capital. kidnapped and killed his eldest Colonel Laith al-Nuaimi said. became assistant to the presi- Iraq’s top Shia cleric issued a had worked as farmers in the He said the number of those “So if a Hashid leader wants to son. “They arrived in Baghdad dent last week amid accusa- fatwa in 2014, calling on all men southern Kut region, more than seeking to join could be in the impose himself in a certain re- “There will always be revenge. and will hold a meeting with tions about possible confl icts able to carry arms to fi ght Islam- 500km away. thousands, on top of the several gion, and another sheikh or clan If people have killed someone’s the defence minister,” Nuaimi of interest involving the cou- ic State, which is known in Ara- As well as Shias from the thousand that local community doesn’t like it, they might at- dad or brother, they won’t just said. ple’s business interests, worth bic by its opponents as Daesh. south, young men from around leaders estimate are already in tack,” he told Reuters by phone. let it go,” he said. “But I can’t Offi cials from Prime Minis- hundreds of millions of dollars. On another Mosul front line, Mosul are also keen to fi ght. the tribal militias. “I think after Daesh, these lose another son.” May begins Mideast trip focused on security

AFP interests to support Jordan and cuss ways to help Jordan host a At the time, she said Britain lition’s actions in Yemen. Amman Saudi Arabia”. massive infl ux of refugees from would help “push back” against Asked if May would be rais- May will set out a package of the war in neighbouring Syria. Iran and said she hoped to even- ing the issue of Yemen during measures to boost co-operation In Riyadh, May will focus on tually agree an ambitious trade the visit, her spokesman said it ritish Prime Minister between British forces and the trade, saying ahead of her trip agreement with GCC countries. was “not on the agenda”. Theresa May met Jordan’s Royal Jordanian Air Force, which that there is “immense potential Britain is a major arms suppli- “Discussions with Saudi BKing Abdullah II yesterday along with Britain is part of the for Saudi investment to provide er to Saudi Arabia, and has faced Arabia will be mostly focused at the start of a three-day trip to US-led coalition bombing IS in a boost to the British economy”. repeated calls to suspend sales. on defence and prosperity is- the kingdom and Saudi Arabia Iraq and Syria. Britain is looking to strike new A coalition has been carrying sues,” the spokesman said. focused on security and post- It will include training car- trade deals after May last week out a bombing campaign in sup- “The purpose of this visit... Brexit trade eff orts. ried out in Jordan and Britain to formally activated Article 50 port of Yemen’s internationally is to look at regional challenges In Jordan, May is expected to help the RJAF “improve its ca- of the Lisbon Treaty, starting a recognised government against in the area, discuss defence and announce that British military pability” to carry out air strikes two-year countdown for quit- Iran-backed Houthi rebels who security co-operation. A large trainers will be sent to help the against IS, she said. ting the European Union. have seized large parts of the part of it will be looking at fu- country’s air force fi ght the Is- “To tackle the threats we face Qatar announced plans last Arabian Peninsula country. ture trading and business rela- lamic State group. from terrorism and from geopo- month to invest £5bn ($6.23bn) Since the start of the cam- tionships between the UK and She will visit Saudi Arabia to- litical instability, we must meet in Britain within fi ve years. paign two years ago, more than Saudi Arabia.” day and tomorrow for talks fo- them at their source,” May said, Saudi Arabia is also looking at 7,700 civilians have been killed On Sunday, Britain apolo- cused on trade and investment describing Jordan as “on the boosting its foreign investments and a further 40,000 wounded, gised after an egg was thrown as Britain begins the process of A handout picture released by the Jordanian Royal Palace yesterday, frontline of multiple regional as part of a long-term plan to di- according to the United Nations. at Saudi General Ahmed Assiri, leaving the European Union. shows Jordan’s King Abdullah II talking to British Prime Minster Theresa crises”. versify its economy and reduce Seven million Yemenis now the spokesman for the coali- Jordan’s offi cial news agency May during their visit at a military base, near Amman. In the wake of last month’s its dependence on oil revenues. face starvation, the UN says. tion, during a recent visit to Petra reported that May met the deadly attack on the British par- May attended a Gulf summit Rights groups including Am- London. king shortly after arrival to dis- They visited the headquarters of the cooperation between both liament, she said that by working in December in Bahrain, where nesty International and Human An anti-war activist last cuss “military co-operation be- of Jordan’s Rapid Response Forc- countries, it said. with countries such as Jordan she became the fi rst woman and Rights Watch have been among week attempted a citizen’s ar- tween both countries”, “the Syr- es, where May was told about the May said before leaving Brit- “we are helping to keep British fi rst British leader to address a organisations calling for an end rest of Assiri, before anoth- ian crisis and peace process”, and counterterrorism unit’s missions ain that it was “clearly in the people safe”. summit of the six-nation Gulf to arms sales from Britain and er threw an egg that hit the “counterterrorism eff orts”. and training programmes as part UK’s security and prosperity May said she would also dis- Co-operation Council. the United States over the coa- spokesman in the back. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 13 AFRICA

Pirates hijack ANC headed for showdown Indian vessel off Somalia

Reuters after fi nance minister sacked Bosasso, Somalia

Reuters “The ANC must remain and it irates have hijacked an Indian com- Johannesburg must emerge stronger than it was last mercial vessel off the coast of So- week,” Kodwa said, but declined to Pmalia, the second attack in weeks give further details. after years without such seizures, indus- enior members of the ruling An important signal will be wheth- try and security sources said yesterday. African National Congress met er the party calls for an early meeting The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Syesterday to discuss the political of its national executive committee Operations (UKMTO), which co-ordi- fallout from South African President (NEC). The committee is the only nates shipping in the Gulf of Aden area, Jacob Zuma’s controversial sacking body that can remove the leader of the said it had received information that a of his fi nance minister and markets party, other than its party congress, dhow had been hijacked “in the vicinity of showed their displeasure at the move. which occurs only every fi ve years. Socotra (Island)”. Zuma faces a confrontation with In November, Zuma defeated a no- It named the vessel as Al Kausar and other leaders of the ruling ANC after confi dence vote at a meeting of the said it had been en route from Dubai to he dismissed the internationally re- executive committee, which was called the port of Bosasso in northern Somalia’s spected Pravin Gordhan at midnight after an anti-graft agency asked for semi-autonomous Puntland region. on Thursday. The sacking threatens an investigation of alleged infl uence- The EU naval force which patrols off to split the upper echelons of the ANC peddling by the wealthy Gupta family, Somalia’s coast as part of an international down the middle. whom Zuma has called his friends. anti-piracy operation said yesterday the The ratings agency Standard and Zuma and the Guptas have denied dhow had been spotted further south, off Poor’s quickly weighed in with some any wrongdoing. the Somali port of Hobyo. downgrades and the rand fell about Any such meeting by the NEC “is “An EU Naval Force maritime patrol 2% at the start of trade. the much more important event for aircraft has confi rmed the exact location S&P downgraded South Africa’s markets to focus on,” Nomura analyst of the dhow and has attempted to estab- sovereign debt to junk, to BB+ from Peter Attard Montalto said. lish radio communications but without BBB-, and said: “In our opinion, the The opposition leader Mmusi success,” it said in a statement on its web- executive changes initiated by Presi- Maimane, head of the Democratic Al- site. “Investigations and operations are dent Zuma have put at risk fi scal and liance, has called for a no-confi dence ongoing.” growth outcomes.” vote against Zuma. Somali pirates hijacked an oil tanker The rand, after its 2% fall, later re- Yesterday, he urged South Afri- last month, the fi rst such seizure of a ves- covered to trade 0.5% weaker, as the cans “to join this Friday’s march for sel since 2012, but released it after a clash market factored in the strong resist- change” against Zuma in the com- with the marine force in Puntland. ance to Zuma. Government bonds South African opposition parties’ leaders (from left) Monsiu Lekota from the Congress of the People, Dali Mpofu mercial hub of Johannesburg. Muse Osman Yusuf, district commis- also weakened. from the Economic Freedom Fighter and Mmusi Maimane from the Democratic Alliance give a press briefing in A handful of protesters from civil sioner in the Puntland port of Eyl, said The fi ring of Gordhan drew public Johannesburg yesterday. society groups gathered outside the yesterday authorities were ready to con- criticism from Deputy President Cyril Treasury in the capital Pretoria to front whoever had seized the Indian dhow. Ramaphosa, ANC secretary general Analysts suggest those meetings secretary-general Jessie Duarte, mark- taking place and the party’s national criticise Zuma’s sacking of Gordhan. “We shall not allow it. Puntland mari- Gwede Mantashe and treasurer-gen- could set up a showdown between ing a straight split among the party’s working committee would meet today The new fi nance minister, Malusi time police forces have a base here and we eral Zweli Mkhize before yesterday’s Zuma and some of the party’s leaders. “Top Six” leaders, sources said. before a decision was taken on how to Gigaba, said he would pursue “tough shall fi ght the pirates in case they come,” regular meetings of the party leader- If so, Zuma still has the support of Spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the handle the fallout from the sacking of and unpopular choices” to help a fl ag- he told Reuters. ship. chairwoman Baleka Mbete and deputy meeting of the “Top Six” was still Gordhan. ging economy. An Indian government offi cial said the 11 crew were all Indian and that offi cials were in touch with the Somali govern- UN food agency launches $250mn plan ment. “This confi rms that the pirates still to end hunger in drought-hit Zimbabwe have the ability to go to sea and take ves- Kenya court rules one-third of MPs must be women sels, and the international shipping in- he United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) yesterday dustry needs to take additional precau- pledged $253mn to fund a fi ve-year plan to end hunger in Zim- tions,” John Steed of the aid group Oceans Reuters Thomson Reuters Foundation. “This is general for missing a 2016 deadline to Tbabwe, which is emerging from a devastating drought that left Beyond Piracy told Reuters. Nairobi the nearest we have come to the two- implement the law. more than 4mn people in need of food aid last year. In 2011, pirates launched 237 attacks thirds constitutional requirement.” “It is disheartening that none of the An El Nino-induced drought scorched crops and killed livestock off the coast of Somalia, according to the Women vying for offi ce in Kenya fre- political players is taking any action,” in the southern African nation, forcing the government to launch an International Maritime Bureau, and took enyan activists yesterday wel- quently face violence and intimidation said Patricia Nyaundi, chief executive of emergency appeal for food from donors. hundreds of hostages. comed a High Court ruling giv- in a country where women in politics the state-funded Kenya National Com- The WFP representative in Zimbabwe, Eddie Rowe, said yester- Shipping companies responded with King parliament 60 days to ensure are frowned upon. mission on Human Rights, one of the day the agency would move away from short-term food handouts to security measures such as armed guards, a third of lawmakers are women or face They also often lack the political groups behind the case. technical assistance to improve food security in the country. blocking easy entry points to vessels with dissolution. clout and money to get nominated by “One would hope that the president “While maintaining strong humanitarian assistance, the WFP barbed wire and installing secure panic The ruling follows a lengthy struggle the major parties. and the leader of opposition would pre- Zimbabwe’s new country strategic plan focuses on supporting long- rooms. to increase women’s political represen- Kenya, which heads to the polls in vail upon their members to enact the er-term national social protection and resilience eff orts, strengthen- In a separate incident, UKMTO said on tation in the patriarchal society. August, has East Africa’s lowest rep- law,” she added. ing the systems and institutions needed to help achieve zero hunger,” its website that early six skiff s had ap- Kenya’s 2010 constitution guarantees resentation of women in parliament at But Nairobi-based constitutional Rowe told reporters. proached a vessel yesterday in the south- women a third of seats in parliament, 19%, compared to 61% in Rwanda and lawyer Patrick Wanyama said the court Rowe said the WFP planned to spend $53mn of the $253mn budget ern Red Sea and that ladders and hooks but its male-dominated assembly has 38% in Ethiopia, the Geneva-based In- victory may be too late to make a diff er- in 2017. were sighted. repeatedly frustrated eff orts to pass leg- ternational Parliamentary Union says. ence. The 60-day ultimatum expires in The WFP says recurrent climate-related disasters, poverty, poor Armed guards on board the vessel took islation needed to enact the quota. Three previous attempts to get the late May, just over a month before par- access to water, a fragile economic environment, liquidity challenges, up positions and the skiff s departed, leav- “The ruling is good for women who, bill passed have failed, with male law- liament dissolves for August elections. low agricultural output, limited access to markets and HIV and Aids ing the vessel unharmed, UKTMO said. because of patriarchal cultural back- makers walking out of the chamber in “We are trying to solve a political are the major causes of hunger in Zimbabwe. Somalis have been angered by a recent grounds, cannot eff ectively compete May when it was time to vote. problem using the law,” he said, as male Zimbabwe expects to produce 3mn tonnes of grain this year fol- infl ux of foreign fi shermen into their wa- with men,” Josephine Mongare, chair- Last week’s High Court ruling came politicians remain steadfastly opposed lowing above normal rains and now expects higher economic growth ters, some of whom have been given li- woman of the Federation of Women after several rights groups sued Kenya’s to the quota for women. than initial forecasts, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said last cences to operate there by the Somali gov- Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA), told the parliamentary speakers and attorney “Sometimes this does not work.” month. ernment.

As Kenyans chop maize for cattle Congo opposition strikes over election delays feed, food security worries grow Reuters of supporting the opposition. We want storekeeper said businesses were opening Kinshasa change,” said an employee of the central but several hours late. bank who asked to remain anonymous for “This is a message to the leaders to tell By Caroline Wambui, Reuters voted 4 acres of his 6-acre farm, “The size of farmland is not ex- fear of repercussions. them that things are not right,” said Bijoux Githongo, Kenya where previously he grew crops panding, yet the size of human ongolese police deployed heavily Kabila’s failure to step down when his Kahambu, a Goma resident. such cabbages, tomatoes and pota- population is increasing by the day, yesterday across the capital Kin- two-term mandate expired in December Repeated strikes and demonstrations by toes, to fodder. and if more land is to be converted Cshasa as opposition calls for a gen- has further destabilised the loosely gov- the opposition last year failed to force Ka- ressed in a green hat and He learned about silage-making to farming fodder food, the eff ect eral strike after a breakdown in talks with erned central African giant, where millions bila to stand down at the end of his man- black mud boots, Gilbert from SNV, a Dutch non-govern- on food security will be magnifi ed,” President Joseph Kabila’s allies last week died in regional wars from 1996-2003. date, and the government said it planned DGitonga is busy tending mental organisation that helps said David Mugambi, a lecturer in raised fears of renewed violence. Catholic bishops helped negotiate a to get on with business as usual. his 3-acre farm in Kenya’s Meru farmers increase their income and natural resources management at Security forces in Democratic Republic deal in December that required Kabila to The presidency said in a statement County. their employment opportunities. Kenya’s Chuka University. of Congo killed dozens in protests over step down following elections before the that Kabila would consult with “diff erent Moving among rows of maize Phillip Oketch, an agricultural Mugambi said that most people election delays last year but the strike ap- end of 2017 but withdrew from their me- groups of the concerned political and so- plants, he pulls weeds and reach- consultant, reckons that 30% to who have turned to silage-making peared to be peaceful yesterday morning diation role last week after implementa- cial class” in order to revive the December es for the maize heads, squeez- 40% of farmers in Meru County are larger-scale farmers, which as stores and banks were shuttered and tion stalled. accord. ing them to see if they are mature now produce silage as a regular means that bigger areas of land — streets quiet. The decision prompted sporadic unrest Kabila denies opposition charges that enough to harvest. part of their crop production, and as much as 10 acres per farmer — With police deployed at bus stops and in Kinshasa last week and the country’s he is trying to cling to power, saying the But Gitonga’s crop, which cov- the proportion is growing. are being diverted from producing intersections, there were only a handful largest opposition party, the UDPS, has election delays are due to challenges reg- ers one-third of his land, is not Experts say there are similar crops for people. of cars on the central boulevard in Kin- called for a nationwide protest on April 10. istering millions of voters. destined for human consumption trends in other parts of the coun- He pointed out that feeding si- shasa, a city of more than 10mn people, The eastern city of Goma was also qui- Congo has never experienced a peace- — it’s purely to provide fodder for try. lage to cows does not guarantee an and the normally bustling central market et yesterday except for a strong military ful transition of power and an insurgency livestock. Saverino Kinge Manene, the increase in milk production, be- was shut. presence, residents said. in its central Kasai region has killed hun- Gitonga is one among a growing county’s chief offi cer for agricul- cause other factors such as the ani- “I couldn’t go to work...It’s my way In the mining hub of Lumbumbashi, a dreds since last August. number farmers in Meru County ture, livestock and fi sheries, said mal’s general health and its envi- who are cultivating maize to pro- the benefi ts of turning maize crops ronment also infl uence the amount duce silage — maize stalks and im- to silage are clear in Meru, where of milk produced. mature ears that are chopped up an estimated 70% of farmers have He said he believes it is better and then compressed for at least dairy cattle. for farmers to have food on hand three weeks in an airless container Cows fed silage produce at least than money in their wallets, par- to ferment without rotting. 50% more milk than those fed on ticularly in an environment like Silage is considered more nutri- ordinary dry fodder such as maize Kenya’s, where more frequent tious for livestock than other kinds leaves and stalks or Napier grass, droughts linked to climate change of plant fodder. he said. are aff ecting food production, Chopping down a maize crop Meru’s farmers have grouped leading to food shortages and ris- before it is ripe might sound un- together to sell their growing milk ing prices. wise. production to co-operatives, and These problems are exacerbated But farmers say it makes perfect a larger grouping, the Meru Dairy when land is diverted from cul- sense — particularly as worsening Union, now processes and sells the tivating crops to growing fodder, drought in Kenya makes it harder milk. Mugambi said. to get a normal maize crop to har- Even though increased produc- Instead, he advises farmers to vest. tion overall has led to lower prices, use land that does not support “I embarked on farming fodder farmers say their individual in- the production of food crops for for my animals after I realised that comes have risen because they growing silage, or to instead grow the returns were tremendous, with have so much more milk to sell. maize for human consumption the milk production of my dairy But while farmers welcome the and keep the stalks and leaves for cattle doubling from a mere 30 li- gains in income, some experts fodder. tres a day to 68 litres,” said George warn that there are risks to food That approach is more sustaina- Muthamia, who lives in Nkubu, security if too many growers stop ble and will help ensure food secu- also in Meru County. using land to grow crops that peo- rity at the local and national level, Since 2012, Muthamia has de- ple can eat. he said. Congolese walk near a train in Kinshasa during a general strike yesterday, called by the opposition. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 AMERICAS

Canada by-polls World Autism Day to test strength of premier Trudeau

Reuters Conservative Prime Minister Ottawa Stephen Harper in Calgary. “It’s quite unusual that every single riding had a very strong anadian Prime Minis- incumbent with a very strong ter Justin Trudeau was personal following. Cfacing his fi rst real test I would expect, if I was to with voters yesterday, with fi ve make a prediction, is that the by-elections across the country margins for everyone will go shaping up as a barometer for down,” Nanos said. the strength of his Liberals since “We should be focusing on for being elected to a shock major- those compressed margins — ity in 2015. where do those voters go? That’s The regional votes to elect probably going to be more inter- two members of parliament in esting than anything else.” Calgary and one member each A December poll showed in Ottawa, Toronto and Mon- Trudeau’s approval rating re- treal are considered safe seats mained high but was dropping — three for Trudeau’s Liberals amid rising dissatisfaction with and two for the opposition Con- the economy, and voter anger The White House is lit in blue in honour of World Autism Awareness Day in Washington. servatives. over a broken promise to reform An upset in any of the fi ve the electoral process could eat polls will be seen as signifi cant into the government’s popular- ahead of the 2019 general elec- ity. tion when Trudeau and mem- In addition, nearly half of Ca- bers of the House of Commons nadians want to deport people face the electorate. who are illegally crossing into Pollster Nik Nanos said he Canada from the United States, expects all of the incumbent and a similar number disap- parties to lose some ground in prove of how Trudeau is han- the by-elections, as each vote dling the infl ux, according to a Panel expected to back is replacing a well-known in- Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll re- cumbent, including former leased in March.

In self-driving car Trump high court pick The judiciary panel is set to approve to say whether he agrees with core con- Gorsuch for a full vote stitutional precepts protecting privacy, race, winners get all equality under the law, and protections for Reuters workers and consumers, and clean air and Washington water,” Blumenthal told MSNBC. the way around track Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, also a member of the committee, said he would he US Senate Judiciary Committee support using the “nuclear option” to Reuters Location services startup was expected yesterday to approve overcome Democratic objections to Gor- Willows, California Point One was the unoffi cial TPresident Donald Trump’s Supreme such but hoped such a move would not be winner when its car got around Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, for a full necessary. the track in three minutes and Senate vote later in the week, setting up a Senator Dianne Feinstein during a meeting to debate and vote on Supreme Court “This is a guy who’s a mainstream con- ine self-driving cars 37.9 seconds. The cars took in- political showdown as Democrats work to nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch (right). servative,” Hatch told CNN, adding that did not quite zoom dividual turns on the track over block his confi rmation. Democrats were seeking payback over Re- Naround a 3.2km course the course of the event on Sat- Republicans hold a 11-9 majority on the Republican Senate leaders insist Gor- the procedure against nominees selected publicans’ blocking of Garland. in Northern California over urday and Sunday. committee, which held a four-day confi r- such will be confi rmed on Friday regard- by Democratic former President Barack “We can’t let them just stop one of the the weekend in a race involv- “Someday you will be able mation hearing last month, and control less of what the Democrats do. Obama. best nominees ever nominated to the Su- ing students and entrepreneurs to see machines do things that the Senate by a 52-48 margin. “What I can tell you is Neil Gorsuch will The Senate, then led by Democrats, preme Court because their far left con- from startup companies where people aren’t able to do. Democrats are planning to use a pro- be confi rmed this week. barred fi libusters for executive branch stituencies are screaming and shouting,” the real goal was just to make it Today we are just trying to cedural hurdle called a fi libuster that re- How that happens really depends on nominees and federal judges aside from Hatch said. around the track. catch up with your teenage quires a super-majority of 60 votes in the our Democratic friends,” Republican Sen- Supreme Court justices. Republicans have defended Gorsuch as Alphabet Inc’s Waymo, Uber child’s fi rst drive,” said Self 100-seat Senate to cut off debate and al- ate leader Mitch McConnell said on NBC’s Many Democrats have accused Repub- well qualifi ed for the lifetime job as a Su- and major auto companies are Racing Cars organiser Joshua low a confi rmation vote. Meet the Press on Sunday. licans of “stealing” a supreme court seat preme Court justice and praised his per- competing to create the tech- Schachter, a tech entrepreneur. The actual confi rmation vote would Democratic Senate leader Chuck because the Republican-led Senate re- formance during the confi rmation hear- nology for an autonomous He saw the race as a chance be by a simple majority if the fi libuster is Schumer said on Meet the Press on Sunday fused last year to consider Obama’s nomi- ings. revolution that could reorder to push the envelope of new stopped. So far, 37 Democrats have backed that it was “highly, highly unlikely” that nation of appellate judge Merrick Garland Democrats have accused Gorsuch of be- the car industry and transform technology. For the small com- such a move. Republicans would get 60 votes. to fi ll Scalia’s seat. ing insuffi ciently independent of Trump, transportation. panies and students, the race To date, three Democrats have said they If Republicans cannot win over eight Democratic Senator Richard Blumen- evading questions on key Supreme Court The goals were more modest course off ered a large, safe test- support Gorsuch, and the Republicans Democrats, McConnell could force a vote thal, a member of the Judiciary Committee rulings of the past including on abortion for contenders at the Thun- ing environment. would have to secure eight Democratic by changing long-standing Senate rules to who opposes Gorsuch, spoke out against and political spending, and favouring cor- derhill West race course, about Deciding how to slow down votes to kill a fi libuster. allow for a simple majority vote for confi r- any potential deal in the Senate in which porate interests over ordinary Americans. a two-hour drive north of San for a turn, for instance, is a big If confi rmed to fi ll a vacancy created mation of Supreme Court justices, a move Democrats would agree not to fi libuster Gorsuch, if confi rmed, would immedi- Francisco, in the second chal- question for a car that drives by the February 2016 death of conserva- sometimes called the “nuclear option” Gorsuch if Republicans agreed to maintain ately be thrust into the high court’s current lenge of Self Racing Cars. itself, and startups cannot nec- tive Justice Antonin Scalia, Gorsuch, 49, a that Trump has urged. the 60-vote super-majority for the next term, which runs from October to June. All cars competing had a essarily aff ord access to a major federal appeals court judge from Colorado, While Gorsuch’s opponents would fi ght Supreme Court nominee. If he is confi rmed on Friday, he would driver behind the wheel to in- testing facility without pedes- would restore the nine-seat high court’s such a rule change, it was the Democrats “I will not accept a deal that preserves be able to participate in the court’s next tervene if necessary, and only trians. Some cars used GPS and conservative majority, fulfi lling one of who in 2013 changed the Senate rules to the 60-vote threshold at the cost of hav- round of oral arguments in pending cases, four of the nine made it around other location tracking to fol- Trump’s top campaign promises. limit fi libusters after Republican use of ing on the court someone who refuses starting on April 17 the curvy course without hu- low digital maps to get around man help. the course.

Drunk pilot sentenced Tupac is bigger in death than life

Reuters second most popular music genre in the politicians for promoting violence and mi- tle for Compton,” his fi fth documentary to jail and a fl ying ban New York United States after rock, refl ecting and sogyny. He said Shakur had an emotional about Shakur. challenging social inequities in its lyrics energy that distinguished him from many Other than his murder, the Los Angeles and music videos, and inspiring sympo- of his contemporaries and transcended his fi lm maker believes people gravitate to- Reuters said the crew noticed that the upac Shakur’s recording career last- siums at prestigious universities such as skills as a rapper or a lyricist. wards Shakur’s music today because his Calgary pilot was behaving oddly before ed just fi ve years before he was mur- Harvard. “When you listen to Tupac, you feel observations about politics, the media, the he became unconscious in the Tdered in 1996, but it is the rapper’s Shakur has sold 75mn albums, mostly something. police and relationships are still relevant. cockpit. infl uence from beyond the grave that will from seven posthumous releases, and al- He has a strong emotional impact that I “His themes are timeless and universal. “severely impaired” Ca- Prosecution identifi ed the pi- be celebrated when he is inducted in the though his sales fi gures will never match think speaks to the fact that here was a guy He talked about relationships between nadian airline pilot who lot as Miroslav Gronych, a Slo- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Friday. those of 21st century hip hop kings like who, in my mind, was going perhaps to be sons and parents, between people and Aappeared to have passed vakian. Arguably bigger in death than he was in Drake, Kanye West and The Weeknd, his a better actor than rapper, had he lived,” governments. out in the cockpit of an early- According to a statement fi led life, Shakur will be only the sixth rap act infl uence remains profound. Boyd said. What he talked about still resonates morning fl ight to Mexico on New with a local court, police had ob- to be voted into the Hall of Fame in its 30- “For anyone who is serious about learn- Shakur’s “appearance” in a hologram at with the human condition,” Bond said. Year’s Eve has been sentenced served that Gronych could not year history. ing about hip hop, there are certain people the Coachella music festival in 2012 sent Boyd said Shakur does not need induc- to eight months in prison and walk straight, his speech was The Hall of Fame described him as “an whose music you have to deal with and sales of his music soaring. tion in the Rock Hall of Fame to confer le- a one-year fl ying ban upon re- slurred and he registered three international symbol of resistance and Tupac is one of those people. He has also been the subject of sev- gitimacy, although the honour is nice for lease, prosecution said yester- times the legal limit for alcohol. outlaw spirit, an irresistible contradiction, You can’t say you are knowledgeable eral documentaries, a Broadway play, a his fans. day. Sunwing did not immediately a defi nitive rap anti-hero”. about hip hop if you don’t know about June movie release All Eyez on Me and an “When you listen to hip hop even these The Sunwing Airlines fl ight, respond to a request for com- That is a big claim for the Harlem-born Tupac,” said Todd Boyd, professor of cin- upcoming TV series on Shakur and his days there is still a great deal of reverence carrying 105 passengers and ment. It said earlier that it had son of two Black Panther activists who ema and media studies at the University of friend-turned-rival Biggie Smalls. for him. crew, was set to make two stops found another pilot to helm the spent time in jail for assault and released Southern California. Everybody loves a mystery. And for any member of the community in Canadian cities before head- fl ight that day and lauded the just four albums before being killed at age Boyd was one of the academics who fi rst That’s a huge part of the mythos that who is young enough not to have been alive ing south to Cancun on New diligence of its other crew who 25 in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas that created the study of hip hop culture in the surrounds his death, that it’s unsolved,” when he was around, to go back to his mu- Year’s Eve last year. had concluded “the captain was has never been resolved. American university system in the early said Richard “RJ” Bond, who in March sic now is very important to them,” Boyd At the time, police in Calgary unfi t to fl y”. Rap too has evolved, becoming the 1990s when it was often demonised by released “Tupac Assassination: The Bat- said. Fox News, Ailes face another harassment suit

Reuters lawsuit fi led in New York state Susan Estrich, a lawyer for Ai- er allegations, including at least ised, and she lost her spot as a fi ed damages under a New York The New York Times on Sat- Washington court that a misogynistic culture les, said in a statement that Ro- two separate lawsuits, against contributor on the show, after City law that prohibits discrimi- urday reported that Fox had paid at Fox News, a unit of Twenty- ginsky’s claims were “total hog- Fox News and Ailes by women she declined his advances, she nation, harassment and retalia- out at least $13mn to fi ve women First Century Fox Inc, had not wash”. who claimed they were sexu- said. tion. to settle claims that they were Democratic political con- changed since Ailes resigned “This is about someone who ally harassed by the 76-year-old Roginsky also said she has had Fox last year agreed to pay sexually harassed by anchor Bill sultant and Fox News last year in the wake of a sepa- wants to pile-on in a massive founder of the network. less time on air since then, and it $20mn to settle Carlson’s claims O’Reilly, who has denied the Acontributor yesterday rate sexual harassment lawsuit by character assassination in order In the lawsuit, Roginsky said is has damaged her career. that her contract was not re- claims. sued the network and its former former anchor Gretchen Carlson. to achieve what she did not ac- Ailes in early 2015 told her he was She also sued Bill Shine, the newed because she rebuff ed Ai- The New York Times has also chairman, Roger Ailes, accusing Roginsky, 43, has appeared complish on the merits,” Estrich considering her for a full-time co-president of Fox, claiming he les. reported that Fox News is the them of denying her a permanent regularly on Fox News pro- said. slot on The Five, a highly-rated failed to investigate her claims A separate sexual harassment subject of a federal grand jury in- hosting job after rebuffi ng Ailes’ grammes since 2011 and writes a Fox did not immediately re- talk show featuring a rotating after they met to discuss Ailes’ lawsuit fi led last year by former vestigation, potentially involving sexual advances. column for the network’s web- spond to a request for comment. panel of guests. conduct. Fox News anchor Andrea Tantar- secret settlements paid over alle- Julie Roginsky also said in her site. Roginsky’s action follows oth- But the job never material- Roginsky is seeking unspeci- os was sent to private arbitration. gations of sexual harassment. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 15 ASEAN

SENT HOME CHARTER CHANGE ACCIDENT AMBUSHED PART-TIME WORK Singapore expels cleric Thai king to sign new 15 killed in karaoke bar 12 injured in Thailand Vietnam off icial defends for divisive remarks constitution this week blaze in Myanmar insurgent attack mystery luxury villa

Singapore’s interior ministry yesterday ordered Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn will sign a At least 15 people have died after a fire ripped Insurgents yesterday fired hundreds of shots An embattled Vietnamese anti-corruption off icial the repatriation of an Indian Islamic teacher for an new constitution on Thursday, the palace said through a karaoke bar in central Myanmar, into a police booth in restive Muslim-majority says he built a large luxury villa by working part exhortation against Jews and Christians, saying yesterday, an essential step towards holding a trapping revellers inside singing rooms filled with southern Thailand, wounding 12 off icers in time as a motorbike taxi driver, local media reported there was no room for such remarks in a multi- general election the military government has poisonous smoke. Eleven men and four women what police called the biggest such attack in yesterday. Nguyen Sy Ky, deputy head of the religious society. Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel, 47, promised to restore democratic rule after a died when the blaze consumed the top floor of the years. A decades-old separatist insurgency in Commission for Internal Aff airs in Vietnam’s Central was ordered to be sent home after he pleaded guilty 2014 coup. Thais approved the long-awaited Shwe Myat Min Thamee KTV bar in the town of the provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat Highlands province of Dak Lak, was ordered last at a district court to a charge of promoting enmity constitution at a referendum last August, but Magway, northwest of the capital Naypyidaw, on has claimed more than 6,500 lives since it weekend to demolish his villa because the land had between diff erent religious groups and was fined the palace requested changes in January after Sunday night. A local fire off icial said the electrical escalated in 2004, according to independent been zoned for agricultural purposes only, Tuoi Tre Sg$4,000 ($2,860). “Nalla has paid the fine. He will the king took over from his late father. One system had apparently overheated and set fire to monitoring group Deep South Watch. CCTV newspaper reported. He reportedly defied orders be repatriated,” the Ministry of Home Aff airs said in a of the changes was to allow the king to travel the sound-proof lining inside the singing rooms. footage showed what appeared to be about 30 to voluntarily demolish the two-story building last statement. “Recent events abroad have highlighted abroad without appointing a regent. Other “All those killed were inside KTV rooms at the insurgents surround a Yala police booth and month, which is complete with 200sq m of floor how the build-up of anger and resentment among changes, made by the junta and the military- time...It seems the wires became hot and started firing more than 500 shots inside the building, space, a 152sq m pool and a 91sq m dining area. The diff erent religious groups can lead to social friction appointed assembly at the request of the burning the foam,” Magway region fire department police Major General Kritsada Kaewchandee, total cost of construction, he told the paper, was and violence,” the ministry said. palace, have not yet been made public. director Aung Win Sein told AFP yesterday. chief of Yala provincial police, said. around 3bn Vietnamese dong ($134,000).

Cambodia to allow foreigners to leave with surrogate kids

AFP Phnom Penh

he Cambodian government is set to allow foreign couples to return home with babies Tconceived to surrogates before the ‘womb for rent’ business was banned last year, an offi cial said yesterday. Curbs on the surrogacy industry in neighbour- ing Thailand and India sparked a boom in the un- regulated baby business in impoverished Cambo- dia, with Australian couples in particular turning to the kingdom. But late last year Cambodian authorities banned commercial surrogacy and refused to legalise birth certifi cates for babies. This prevented foreign parents — many believed to be Australians — from taking the children out of the country, although the couples were able to travel in and out of Cambodia. But an offi cial told AFP the restriction is poised to change after Prime Minister Hun Sen approved an “exit strategy” allowing babies who were born to — or being carried by — surrogates before the ban to leave. People take pictures of a burning ship as the government destroyed foreign boats that had been caught illegally fishing in Indonesia waters, at Morela village in Ambon island. “We will allow parents who have surrogate ba- bies born (before the ban) to take them out,” ac- cording to Chou Bun Eng, secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior. She said foreign couples had to follow the law and show a DNA match in order to claim their ba- bies, while the surrogate’s husband had to testify that the baby did not belong to him. “We also need the parents to say why they have Indonesia sinks boats in asked others to carry babies for them,” Chou Bun Eng added. “We will facilitate the process and will not create any diffi culty for the parents,” she said. But she warned that parents tempted to try to take their children out of Cambodia illegally would face criminal charges. war on illegal fi shing Surrogacy agencies started springing up in the Southeast Asian nation after India and Thailand Reuters against the poaching of fi sh in 2014. hoped the sinking of the ships would Boats were sunk in 12 diff erent near the contested South China Sea. blocked foreigners from the services following a Jakarta The Southeast Asian country has be a deterrent for perpetrators of il- locations around Indonesia on Sat- In 2014, Indonesia estimated that fl urry of scandals and concerns about exploitation some of the world’s richest fi shing legal trawling. urday, the ministry said in its state- illegal fi shing was costing it 101tn With cheap medical costs and no laws excluding grounds, but authorities have strug- “We hope that Sino is a symbol ment yesterday. rupiah ($7.58bn) a year. gay couples or single parents, Cambodia quickly ndonesia destroyed 81 mostly gled to prevent trawlers, often from of our victory over fi sh poaching,” The tougher policy on illegal fi sh- Since October 2014, Indonesia soaked up much of the demand. foreign boats at the weekend that Asian neighbours, from making in- Pudjiastuti said in a statement, re- ing has at times caused tension with has destroyed 317 ships, the bulk of In November, Australian nurse Tammy Davis- Ihad been caught illegally fi sh- cursions into the seas around the ferring to one of the ships sunk, after neighbours. Last year, a Chinese coast them from neighbouring countries Charles, 49, was arrested for allegedly running an ing in its waters, taking to more than vast archipelago. having witnessed two vessels being guard vessel intervened when Indo- such as Malaysia, Philippines, Thai- illegal surrogacy service in Cambodia — arranging 300 the number sunk since Presi- Maritime Aff airs and Fisheries destroyed in Ambon in eastern In- nesia attempted to detain a Chinese land and Vietnam, according to the for more than 20 Cambodian women to carry ba- dent Joko Widodo launched a battle Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said she donesia. vessel for fi shing illegally in waters statement. bies for Australian couples.

Vietnamese deity gets UN recognition Vietnam’s belief in the “Mother Goddesses in Three Realms” has been recognised by Unesco as an intangible cultural heritage of Fatal beating of Thai conscript ascribed to army’s ‘old habit’ humanity, a media report said yesterday. In a ceremony on Sun- day in Nam Dinh province to mark the off icial Unesco certificate of recognition of the practice, Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Thai conscript who was beaten to area,” Chalermchai said. “The training needs dead at a hospital in Suratthani province, photos and videos showing Yuttha-inan’s Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien said the country will death in army detention in Thailand’s to be hard, and disciplinary actions severe.” 650km south of Bangkok, less than one day swollen face and bruises. hold numerous activities to improve awareness in promoting Asouth died as a result of the army’s Yuttha-inan Boonneam, 22, was trained after he was admitted to hospital for severe “It has always been my policy to ban the Mother Goddesses beliefs, Xinhua news agency reported. “old habit,” Thailand’s army chief Chalerm- for a mission in Thailand’s southern region internal injury. physical abuse. I have repeatedly ordered The worship is based on an ancient system of beliefs in the chai Sittisart told reporters yesterday. bordering Malaysia, an area plagued by His relatives said on social media Yut- this in meetings,” said Chalermchai, who incarnation of various deities channelled through mediums and “I apologize for the incident. You can call an ongoing separatist insurgency that has tha-inan was beaten up while in military took the top job in September 2016. believed to provide good health and prosperity. it an ‘old habit’ for the army’s bootcamp to killed more than 6,500 people since 2004. detention after he was found violating a He did not elaborate on actions taken or be tough to prepare conscripts for the border On Saturday, Yuttha-inan was declared rule at an army base in Suratthani, with planned. Indonesia’s ‘selfi e monkey’ threatened by hunger for its meat

By Olivia Rondonuwu, AFP palm trees and knocked coconuts it is similar to wild boar or dog,” The population of Macaca ni- ment have pushed schools to in- Tangkoko, Indonesia to the ground. Nita, a 32-year-old local Mi- gra in its natural habitat on Su- clude lessons on conservation, Among those living in Tang- nahasan who gave only her fi rst lawesi has dropped more than including about the Macaca ni- koko is Naruto, who shot to fame name, told AFP. 80% in four decades, from an es- gra, in their curriculum. he crested black macaque after grabbing a British wild- At a market in Tomohon city, timated 300 per square kilometre Campaigners have also shot to fame when one life photographer’s camera and a stomach-churning array of in 1980 to just 45 per square kilo- reached out to churches in the Tof the monkeys snapped snapping some selfi es. burnt, mutilated animals were on metre in 2011, researchers say. mainly Christian area to urge grinning selfi es and became em- The pictures led to a legal fi ght off er. The International Union for priests to preach that humans are broiled in a US court battle — but after animal rights activists PETA Black crested macaques — Conservation of Nature classifi es the guardians of Earth and must the tussle over copyright is the brought the case to a San Fran- fl ame-roasted and whole, with the monkey as critically endan- protect endangered creatures like least of the rare animal’s worries. cisco court arguing that Naruto pained grimaces etched on their gered. the monkeys, said activist Siwi. In a remote corner of their na- should own the copyright — a faces — were on tables for sale As well as being threatened by They are also seeking to high- tive Indonesia, amid smoking claim rejected by a judge last year. alongside piles of sliced-open their status as a local delicacy, light the macaques’ key role in volcanoes and dense jungles, the The approximately 2,000 pythons, burnt bats and dogs. the monkey’s natural habitat is supporting biodiversity. monkeys face a far greater threat monkeys living in the 8,800-hec- The macaques and some other being destroyed by expansion As they swing through the as they are aggressively hunted to tare reserve enjoy protection be- animals at the market are pro- of settlements and agricultural jungle canopy, the macaques be eaten. cause they are in a restricted area, tected by Indonesian law and of- lands. disperse seeds and encourage “In other places some macaque but that is not the case for about fi cials have in the past raided the As the population has fallen, growth of some trees, according species are facing extinction be- A black crested macaque (Macaca nigra) photographed in the 3,000 others estimated to be in site, leading to violent clashes the local wildlife protection to Stephan Lentey of the Macaca cause of shrinking habitat,” Yu- Tangkoko nature reserve in northern Sulawesi. jungles elsewhere in the province with vendors. agency and activists have started Nigra Project NGO. nita Siwi from Selamatkan Yaki, of North Sulawesi. But the trade in exotic crea- campaigning to save them. But campaigners warn that vil- a foundation that campaigns to dangered monkeys, one of many who face a range of threats from The macaque’s meat is prized tures was still booming during Tents manned by activists ex- lagers’ hunger for the meat heaps protect the primate, told AFP. exotic creatures that form part poachers to the destruction of by the ethnic Minahasan people, a recent visit, with some local plaining that the monkey is pro- extra pressure on a creature al- “But here the habitat is getting of the local indigenous commu- their habitat. a largely Christian group in the travel agents even off ering tours tected have been set up at local ready threatened by habitat loss. smaller — and people are eating nity’s diet. On a recent trip to Sulawesi’s world’s most populous Muslim- to adventurous foreign travellers. markets, while billboards have Hunting the animals for food the monkeys.” The animal, whose scientifi c Tangkoko nature reserve, some majority country, who have no The demand for the meat has been put up by roadsides to warn “is the fi nal nail in the coffi n for Authorities and activists are name is Macaca nigra, is part of of the amber-eyed, black-haired reservation about eating exotic prompted Minahasan hunters to people that they face up to fi ve a dwindling population,” said stepping up eff orts to persuade a kaleidoscope of exotic wild- macaques, known in the local animals, unlike Indonesia’s Is- go far and wide in search of the years in jail if they hunt the crea- Simon Purser of the Sulawesi- villagers on Sulawesi island to life found across Indonesia, in- language as “yaki”, frolicked in a lamic communities. macaque, heading in pickups to tures. based Tasikoki wildlife rescue stop consuming the critically en- cluding tigers and orangutans, small river while others climbed “I like the taste, hot and spicy, remote parts of the island. NGOs and the local govern- centre. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA Trump-Xi talks ‘signifi cant’ for US-China ties

AFP Beijing proved unwilling to help. velopment of bilateral relations comments on Taiwan, creating ing” its currency to favour ex- Beijing Surging regional tensions and for global peace, stability an opening for Washington and porters — a charge which the over Pyongyang’s accelerating and prosperity. Beijing to discuss a meeting. But Asian giant has fi ercely pro- weapons programme are among Tillerson echoed the senti- late last week, the billionaire tested. In an interview with he fi rst summit between a host of pressing issues that ment, according to the state- politician tweeted that he antic- the Financial Times published US President Donald will be on the table when Xi vis- ment, suggesting the summit ipated a “very diffi cult” meeting on Sunday, Trump said if China TTrump and his Chinese its Trump’s Mar-a-Largo resort was “extremely important” for with Xi. did not use its infl uence over the counterpart Xi Jinping will be in Florida this Thursday and the future of US-China ties. “We can no longer have enor- isolated Pyongyang regime to of “great signifi cance” for glo- Friday, as the two global powers The summit seemed a distant mous trade defi cits... and job help the US “it won’t be good for bal peace, the two countries’ top look to smooth sometimes spiky possibility just weeks ago after losses,” he wrote. anyone”. diplomats agreed ahead of the relations. Trump infuriated Beijing with He also asked US offi cials to North Korea has stepped up meeting. As the talks loom, China’s suggestions he might break from pinpoint “cheaters” responsi- ballistic missile tests and has News of the telephone call chief diplomat Yang Jiechi and the US’s long-standing One ble for America’s nearly $50bn a staged fi ve nuclear tests so far, between the US and Chinese US secretary of state Rex Till- China Policy, which nominally month trade defi cit, stating that including two last year. top envoys came soon after the erson agreed that the meeting acknowledges the country’s countries or fi rms who broke Beijing, increasingly frus- publication of an interview with was a “top priority”, the Chinese claims over Taiwan without rec- the rules would face “very se- trated with Pyongyang’s nuclear Trump, in which he warned that ministry of foreign aff airs said in ognising them. vere consequences”. Though he and missile activities, has an- America was prepared to act a statement on its website. Yang In a conciliatory phone call in named no specifi c country as a nounced a suspension of all coal unilaterally to deal with North said the discussions would be of mid-February, the US president violator, Trump has repeatedly imports from the North until the Donald Trump, left, and Xi Jingping ... critical. Korea’s nuclear programme if “great signifi cance” for the de- walked back his controversial accused Beijing of “manipulat- end of the year. Big clean-up after fl oods in Australia

AFP Sydney

“gut-wrenching” clean- up was in full swing yes- Aterday as fl oodwaters re- ceded across parts of Australia, with fears the death toll could rise after a car was swept into a swollen river. At least two people were con- Firemen and women clearing downed trees from a property on the Gold Coast in Queensland. fi rmed killed after cyclone- fuelled rain and winds pum- sonnel continued to work to re- ured possessions, all of a life’s “We are not out of the woods yet, melled swathes of Queensland store essential services such as work, all of the assets of a busi- there is still a long way to go,” she and New South Wales over the water and electricity in aff ected ness fl ung out onto the pavement added, stressing that 300 schools past week, forcing the evacuation towns, where hundreds of homes — that is gut-wrenching stuff ,” in the state had been damaged of tens of thousands of people have been deemed uninhabitable. he said. and needed repairs. and causing hundreds of millions The Insurance Council of The cyclone dumped more One of the worst hit areas was of dollars worth of damage. Australia has estimated the than a metre of rain on parts of Airlie Beach and the Whitsun- Six people are missing, includ- damage bill could reach A$1bn Queensland and the huge volume day Islands, key foreign tourists ing three who were feared dead (US$770mn), as people braved of water is still slowly spilling draws. Many resorts face months yesterday after a car plunged into mud-caked streets to begin down river systems, with Rock- of repairs and rebuilding, but tour the Tweed River in northern New clearing out homes and shops, hampton next in the fi ring line. boats mostly survived and some South Wales. A young girl man- with mountains of ruined pos- It was feared the town would are already back in business. “I’ve aged to escape but three others sessions piled on pavements. be hit later this week by its worst got butterfl ies being back on the — believed to be a mother and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull helps with cleaning at a flood-damaged restaurant in Lismore. Adding to their worries was the fl ooding in more than 60 years, water,” tour operator Asher Telford her two children — had not been fear of looting, with New South but authorities Monday said the told the Australian Broadcasting found. moved out to sea on Saturday, haul for towns such as Lismore a very, very big fl ood,” he said. Wales police charging one man estimated peak had now been re- Corporation as he set sail with 18 “A police operation is under the daunting task facing those and Murwillumbah that were in- Many of those who fl ed the area with theft and moving on 16 more vised down, although major fl ood undeterred holiday-makers on a way to recover the three occu- aff ected is just beginning with undated by fl oods. have begun heading back, with who were “acting suspiciously”. warnings still exist. two-night cruise. pants of a vehicle that entered the residents returning to thick mud “The mud, combination of Morrow warning “it won’t be Prime Minister Malcolm “We do want to stress to the Queensland Tourism Minis- Tweed River, near Tumbulgum, and ruined property. New South chemicals, raw sewage, paint pleasant”. “It will be a lot of work Turnbull said seeing the dam- people of Rockhampton that ter Kate Jones said the lucrative this afternoon,” police said. Wales State Emergency Serv- which gets into everything. Two for those people as they return age up close was heart-breaking, you still need to make your fl ood industry would bounce back, While the worst of the weath- ices Deputy Commissioner Mark to three metres above fl oor lev- today,” he said. as he toured Lismore. “Seeing it preparations,” said Queensland stressing “Queensland is still er is over as Cyclone Debbie Morrow said it would be a long el. Nothing escaped this. It was Military and emergency per- fi rst-hand and the impact, treas- Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. open for business”.

Shark takes bite out New Zealand PM of Australian’s kayak A terrified Australian clung to the remains of his kayak for 40 minutes but survived in one piece after a shark took a huge bite out of the boat. rules out probe into Gavin Kleidon’s ordeal began late Sunday as he was paddling in a leisurely fashion to Mud Island in Moreton Bay off Brisbane. Then the shark attacked from behind. Kleidon told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation he never saw the predator but knew immediately what had deadly Afghan raid happened. “I saw the back of my boat floating away and I knew pretty quickly what it was,” he said. “I tried to climb on my boat as quick as I could. It was sinking pretty quick, which was stressing me out a bit. I AFP trust the Defence Force process looked for my paddle but unfortunately it had drifted away.” Wellington and trust the chief of defence As he lay on top of what remained of his kayak, waves crashed forces,” he added. overhead. But he managed to keep his nerve and pull his phone from English said New Zealand’s its waterproof casing and call emergency services. Kleidon said he ew Zealand will not hold SAS was renowned as one of the had a “fair idea” of his location because of landmarks on the shoreline an inquiry into “discred- best special forces units in the but endured a nervous 40-minute wait as marine police scrambled to Nited” allegations its spe- world. “The only question mark Moon Jae-in speaks after winning the nomination as a presidential candidate of the Minjoo Party, find him, with passing planes heading into Brisbane airport helping cial forces committed war crimes over their name is a series of al- during a national convention, in Seoul, South Korea. track him. “I was very nervous at that stage to know that it (the shark) in Afghanistan, Prime Minister legations of war crimes in a book could’ve moved on pretty quick, or it could’ve still been around. I just Bill English said yesterday. which has been discredited,” he wasn’t sure at that stage,” he said. A book published last month said. “We’re not bound to hold alleged the SAS staged a “re- an inquiry simply because some- venge attack” in 2010 after the one makes allegations, particu- Lawyer urges New Zealand court to death of a New Zealand soldier, larly when those allegations turn Moon nominated for block extradition of suspect to China but faulty intelligence meant out to lack substance.” they killed six civilians includ- New Zealand sent a recon- ing a three-year-old girl. Hit and struction team and a small spe- A lawyer for a man facing extradition to China on murder charges told Run, by investigative journalists cial forces contingent to join the New Zealand’s High Court yesterday that the government in Wellington Nicky Hager and Jon Stephen- Nato-led operation in Afghani- elections in S Korea could not rely on assurances from China that the man would not be son, also claimed the military stan in 2003. In early August tortured or receive the death penalty. The challenge against New and government covered up the 2010, Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell AFP also loosen South Korea’s behind at 18.7%. In December Zealand’s first extradition to China is the second blow in a week to the raid’s failure, falsely saying nine became the fi rst of New Zealand’s Seoul longstanding alliance with the Moon said that if elected, he Asian giant’s attempts to seize criminal suspects who have fled abroad, insurgents had died. 10 military deaths in Afghani- United States, which bases was willing to visit North Ko- including corrupt off icials and business executives it is chasing under Rights groups including Am- stan when his patrol was hit by a 28,500 troops in the country. rea ahead of the United States, “Operation Fox Hunt”. Australia cancelled a vote last week to ratify an nesty and Transparency Inter- roadside bomb. The SAS raid in he man tipped to be- The 64-year-old former hu- the South’s security guaran- extradition treaty with China, 10 years after it was signed, after losing national have called for an in- the northern province of Bagh- come South Korea’s man rights lawyer promised to tor. He also vowed to recog- opposition support just days after Premier Li Kequiang made a state dependent investigation of the lan, carried out with US helicop- Tnext president was for- “start a new history with the nise North Korea’s strongman visit. Political opposition to extradition in New Zealand and Australia allegations. But English said Chief ter support, took place about two mally nominated yesterday Korean people” after securing leader as his dialogue partner. stems from concerns over China’s human rights record, with rights of Defence Force Lieutenant Gen- weeks later on August 22. as candidate of the main op- a total of 57% of the votes in “We can’t deny that the ruler groups regularly accusing Beijing of obtaining confessions through eral Tim Keating had looked into In the following days Moham- position party, and promised nationwide primaries for his of the North Korean people is torture or under duress. the book’s claims and found no mad Ismail, a district chief for “justice” in a nation rocked by party. “This presidential elec- Kim Jong-un.” evidence of wrongdoing. “He’s Tala Wa Barfak, where the in- the impeachment of its former tion is not a showdown be- In an interview with the come to the conclusion that (there cident occurred, told AFP that leader. tween conservatives and liber- New York Times, Moon called Hong Kong anti-graft body was) no evidence of misconduct by eight people died in the raid, all Moon Jae-in, the left-lean- als but a choice between justice the alliance with Washington the troops and no evidence of war civilians. The New Zealand mili- ing former chief of staff to late and injustice,” said Moon in his “a pillar of our diplomacy” but arrests 72 over vote-rigging crimes. We accept that conclu- tary initially kept silent about its president Roh Moo-hyun, be- acceptance speech. said South Korea should learn sion,” English told reporters. involvement, then said nine in- came the Democratic Party’s Moon was narrowly beaten to “say ‘No’ to the Americans”. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog in a rare move arrested 72 He insisted Keating’s inquiries surgents were killed and no civil- standard-bearer for the poll on in the 2012 presidential elec- A US missile defence system people yesterday for alleged vote-rigging in the city’s legislative were independent because the ians harmed. May 9. tion by Park and his party has is being deployed to the South election last year. The Independent Commission Against Corruption military chief was not personally English said it was possible It was called after Park been out of power for almost in the face of threats from the (ICAC) said 68 of them were newly-registered electors in the involved in the raid. English said the raid resulted in some civil- Guen-hye was removed from 10 years. But this election looks North, infuriating Beijing, information technology sector, one of a number of “functional he had personally viewed edited ian casualties but such allega- the presidency over a corrup- set to give him a strong chance which has imposed a series of constituencies”. video footage of the raid and it tions were “speculation” with no tion scandal which led to her at power, with opinion polls measures seen as economic re- Thirty of the 70 members of the legislature in the semi-autonomous showed the troops followed the evidence backing them up. The arrest Friday. suggesting he has a command- taliation. Chinese city are elected by such constituencies — members of rules of engagement. military has stood by its fi gure of Moon, known for his softer ing lead. A Realmeter survey Moon has been ambiva- professions or other groups — rather than by the public at large. He said the classifi ed footage nine insurgent deaths and says stance on North Korea, has published yesterday put him lent about the issue, saying it Investigations showed the new voters, ranging from students to drivers, would not be released and re- the raid it conducted was carried suggested Seoul should engage on 34.9%, with his nearest ri- needed to be carefully handled may not have had the necessary qualifications to take part in the poll, fused to discuss its contents. out several kilometres from the with Pyongyang. His con- val, former software tycoon as it would bring the South according to an ICAC statement. Four “middlemen”— three of them also “I’m satisfi ed that we can area detailed in the book. servative critics say he could Ahn Cheol-soo, trailing far “both gains and losses”. registered electors in the sector— were also held. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 17

BRITAIN/IRELAND PM defends cut in payments for bereaved families

Guardian News and Media maximum of 18 months. Alan, a that were there in the past,” she lump sum will rise to £3,500 but to people who require that help The department for work and prime minister to scrap them if London terminally ill man from Barnet in said. “The aim of the new payment the payments will be cut to £350 and support, but also that is gen- pensions has argued the new she wants to help the “just about north London, called the reforms is to make sure it covers, at the time a month (about £80 a week) with erally fair to taxpayers.” system gives families a tax-free managing”. “callous and brutal” and said it’s most crucially needed, the ex- a dramatically shorter time limit Alan, who has a wife and two amount and had been modernised As part of the welfare changes heresa May has defended they had caused his family ex- tra costs that are experienced fol- of 18 months. children aged 10 and 14, said his to take into account the number of coming into force on Thursday, cuts to bereaved family treme anxiety in the last months lowing bereavement.” May said the reduced amount family would lose out by thou- women in work. However, chari- all households that have a third Tpayments as “fair to tax- of his life. The change will cost Families with children in had been agreed after consulta- sands of pounds. “Based on the ties have estimated that 75% of or subsequent baby – aside from payers” in a week where families his young family tens of thou- which one parent dies are cur- tion with the social security ad- ages of our children and on my bereaved families will be worse a limited set of exemptions – will with a terminally ill parent could sands of pounds. rently eligible for a £2,000 lump visory council and various select probable death – I would imagine off in cash terms while more than no longer be able to claim child see thousands wiped off their May defended the changes, sum followed by a taxable ben- committees. this year – I had calculated that 90% will see the length of time tax credits. One analysis found benefi ts if the parent survives be- which are part of a package of cuts, efi t of about £112 a week until the “The aim is that it will be a we would be entitled to about they can receive support slashed. that a family whose third child is yond new rules introduced later as a hangover from George Os- youngest child leaves full-time diff erent sort of payment to the £58,000,” he said yesterday. The shadow welfare secre- born before midnight tomorrow this week. borne’s 2015 budget. “The new be- education, which can stretch ones that have been there in the “The new calculation shocked tary, Debbie Abrahams, said the could be up to £50,000 better The rule change will limit pay- reavement support is going to re- over 20 years. For those who die past,” she said. “We have to en- me. My life is now deemed to be cuts were a “new low for this off over 18 years than one whose ments to widowed parents to a place a number of other payments after midnight tomorrow, the sure we have a system that is fair worth £6,300.” Tory government”, urging the child is born on Thursday.

School run Royals in Italy parents told ‘Jaw-jaw’ will to switch off car engines or face fi nes be UK policy

London Evening Standard London

ondon parents who on Gibraltar, drive their children to Lschool are being ordered to switch off their engines by council enforcement patrols in a bid to cut air pollution. Councillors, air pollution of- fi cers and volunteer parents are insists May manning the patrols outside schools in Waltham Forest at Guardian News and Media Lady Thatcher did when the Falk- not changed, we will be working the start and end of the day. London lands were invaded by Argentina. to get the best possible trade deal Drivers who fl out the no- Asked about Howard’s com- for the UK and the best possible idling rules can be fi ned £20 by ments, and whether the tone of deal for Gibraltar and we are going the council. heresa May has said “jaw- them was helpful, the prime min- to work with the government of The initiative is starting at jaw” will be the UK’s policy ister’s spokesman at fi rst simply Gibraltar, as we have been doing three schools but is set to go Ttowards Spain over Gi- stressed the government’s sup- over the past couple of months, borough-wide to tackle “shock- braltar in an attempt to cool ris- port for Gibraltar. He then argued to ensure we get the best deal for ing” levels of pollution outside ing temperatures over the status that Howard was just trying to both,” she said. schools. Parents were notifi ed of the territory, during which a show the UK’s “resolve”. “Obviously there will be 27 in advance about the patrols on former Conservative leader sug- Spain urged the British govern- states that will have to agree that the school website, volunteers gested the government might be ment to keep a cool head in the deal with us but I’m confi dent said. prepared to take military action to negotiations over the future of when it comes to agreeing that It is part of a Safer to School defend the territory. Gibraltar. Spain’s Foreign Minis- deal it is not just about whether campaign to tackle dangerous After 24 hours of increas- ter, Alfonso Dastis, said: “Some- it is going to be good thing for the driving and to encourage more ingly aggressive rhetoric fol- one in the UK is losing their cool UK, the important thing for the children to walk, cycle or scoot- lowing publication of the EU and there’s no need for it.” remaining 27 is that a good trade er to school. council’s draft guidelines, which Gibraltar was not mentioned in deal with the UK is good for them The Standard saw a patrol in said Spain would be given a veto May’s letter to the EU commis- as well as good for us. I think at action outside St Mary’s prima- over any arrangements concern- sion’s president, Donald Tusk, the end of the day, it is that which ry school in Walthamstow last ing a future relationship with triggering Article 50 last week, will win through.” week as motorists fl outed yellow the territory, the prime minister but the European council’s draft May said she had not omit- zig-zag no-parking restrictions was asked directly by report- guidelines published in response ted mention of the territory, de- outside the school gates and ar- ers onboard her plane to Jordan to the exit letter on Friday said the spite its absence from the Article gued with offi cials, despite be- whether the UK was prepared to overseas territory could only be 50 letter. “I was very clear in my ing told of the harm — and road declare war on Spain, which was included in a trade deal between statement in the house of the safety risk — they were creating met with laughter. London and the EU with Spain’s continuing support we show to for pupils. “What we are doing with all agreement. Gibraltar,” she said. One mother took exception European countries in the Euro- On Sunday, May spoke to Gi- Downing Street sources had to being reprimanded by coun- pean Union is sitting down and braltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian played down the seriousness of cillor Clyde Loakes, the coun- talking to them. We are going to Picardo, telling him the British the line in the draft guidelines, cil’s environment chief. After talk to them about the best pos- government would “never enter which will be expanded over she had pulled over with her sible deal for the United Kingdom into arrangements under which the coming month, but EU of- engine running to let her child and for those countries, Spain in- the people of Gibraltar would fi cials told the Guardian over the out of the car in the no-parking cluded,” she said. “It’s defi nitely pass under the sovereignty of an- weekend that Brussels had been area, Loakes told her: “You are jaw-jaw.” other state against their freely and surprised May did not mention putting toxins into the air right At the Downing Street lobby democratically expressed wishes”. Gibraltar in her six-page letter outside a school.” She said briefi ng yesterday morning, the En route to the Middle East for beginning the formal two-year parents had not received any prime minister’s spokesman ruled a three-day visit to Jordan and exit process. direct notification about the out sending a Falklands-style Saudi Arabia, the fi rst trade and Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, initiative and added: “There is taskforce to protect Gibraltar. “It security off ensive for the prime Picardo denied his government nowhere else to stop. I think it isn’t going to happen,” he said. minister since the offi cial Brexit had been shut out of the process is very rude that you are trying But he refused to condemn Lord process began, May reiterated the and said he had been assured the to attack me for dropping my Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, walk along the cathedral Howard for suggesting on Sunday commitment to getting a “good UK would never allow Gibraltar to child at school. Have a lovely Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy, yesterday. that the UK should threaten to use deal” for Gibraltar. be excluded from a trade deal with day.” force to protect Gibraltar, just as “Our position on Gibraltar has the EU. School funding cuts ‘to Cup recycling point N Ireland talks on hit poorer areas harder’ forming govt resume AFP on public services. “We would London urge all parties to take the oppor- Guardian News and Media standard measure for deprivation for local authority areas having tunity to try to resolve the situ- London – was greater in poorer areas. 14% of students on FSMs, while ation,” a spokesman for Prime The DfE said the Labour analy- those losing out had 20.8% on orthern Ireland’s squab- Minister Theresa May told re- sis was misleading as it over- FSMs. bling political parties porters in London. he proposed funding cuts simplifi ed some elements of the Angela Rayner, the shadow Nreconvened in Belfast In a sign that negotiations are in the government’s new calculations, for example not tak- education secretary, said the fi g- yesterday in an attempt to end a likely to be arduous, Sinn Fein Tspending formula for ing into account the relative size ures showed the government was stalemate that has left the Brit- leader Gerry Adams has said that schools in England will dispro- of local authority areas, which “failing in their pledge to build a ish province without a function- the death last month of his former portionately aff ect more deprived skewed the fi ndings. country that works for everyone”. ing government for almost three colleague, ex-deputy fi rst min- areas, according to a Labour anal- In the north-east, Labour cal- She said: “The secretary of months. ister Martin McGuinness, would ysis. culated that 21.3% of FSM pupils state’s so-called fair funding for- The power-sharing executive, make it even more diffi cult to Labour compared department would lose out from the changes, mula is neither fair nor funded, the cornerstone of a peace proc- build the kind of trust that had for education (DfE) data on the with 16.5% gaining. In the West and she needs to look again at ess that ended three decades of made local government possible. prevalence of pupils qualifying Midlands and London, 13.6% and the impact that it will have on the violent confl ict, fell apart in Janu- “Martin’s gone, so even if we for free school meals against data 14% would gain funding in their most disadvantaged areas in our ary when the republican Sinn Fein were able to cobble something to- from a study on the likely impact schools, with 21% and 20.8% country before moving forward party pulled out. gether tomorrow it wouldn’t last, of the new funding formula pub- worse off . with it.” A snap election followed on so I want it to be sustainable,” he lished last month by the Educa- In contrast, Labour said, 10.2% The analysis heaps further March 2, but a three-week dead- told Sky News on Sunday. tion Policy Institute. of FSM pupils in the south-east pressure on the government line for Sinn Fein and the pro- McGuinness pulled out of the The research calculated that a would get better funding with amid widespread speculation the British Democratic Unionist Par- power-sharing deal with DUP combination of the new funding 9.9% losing out. proposals could be dropped or ty (DUP) came and went last week First Minister Arlene Foster in method, reduced local authority The analysis involved more de- amended, given disquiet among with no resolution. January, after a breakdown in spending on schools and infl a- tailed breakdowns in two areas, some Conservative backbenchers. The British government has trust over several issues, sparked tionary pressures, would lead to the north-east and London. In the A consultation on the plans given both sides more time to by a row over a botched energy about half of all schools facing a former, Labour fi gures showed, ended on March 22. The DfE and resolve their diff erences — but it subsidy scheme. reduction in per-pupil spending local authorities set to gain from Downing Street will assess the warned that London could take Negotiations so far have served of between 6% and 11% by 2019- the new funding formula had responses and make a decision. direct control after its parliament only to underscore the continuing 20. an average of 16.5% FSM pupils, Theresa May’s spokesman has resumes from April 18. disagreement between Sinn Fein The Labour analysis found the while areas predicted to see less stressed that the government With no government in place, and the DUP over how to deal with impact of the new spending for- money had a 21.3% FSM average. aims to listen to views on the is- A woman sits next to a new coff ee cup recycling point in the Northern Ireland has not been legacy issues from the violent con- mula on pupils qualifying for free There would be a similar dis- sue, and “make sure we get it right City of London yesterday. able to approve a budget for this fl ict, including a bill of rights and school meals (FSM) – used as the parity in London, with net gains this time”. year, which could have an impact the status of the Irish language. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 BRITAIN

VERDICT FALLOUT WARNING MUSIC HEALTH Parents found guilty Property prices force Marines cuts would harm BBC in deal to broadcast Over 20mn Britons in baby’s bath death homeless families out defence, Fallon told Glastonbury fest until 2022 ‘physically inactive’

The parents of a toddler who drowned in a bath Soaring property prices has led to a five-fold Sir Michael Fallon was yesterday warned against Glastonbury will be aired on the BBC for the next More than 20mn people in the UK are physically have been found guilty of manslaughter. Lisa increase since 2012 in homeless families being “playing fast and loose” with Britain’s defence by five festivals after the broadcaster secured the inactive, according to a report by the British Passey, 28, and her former partner Wayne Dale, placed in temporary accommodation outside cutting the number of Royal Marines. The defence rights until 2022. The deal to broadcast the event Heart Foundation. According to the report, 45, left 13-month-old Kian Dale and a two-year- London. Council figures show placements, secretary said the balance between the number of on television, radio and online includes the 50th women are 36% more likely than men to be old child alone while the pair entertained a sometimes as far as Manchester, Leeds and sailors and Marines was being kept under review edition of the festival, held at Somerset’s Worthy classified as physically inactive – 11.8mn women friend, a court heard. Passey, from Tenbury Wells, Newcastle, rose to 551 between December 2015 by Navy chiefs, but he stressed no decisions had Farm. Co-organiser Emily Eavis, daughter of festival compared with 8.3mn men, the BBC reported. and Dale, will be sentenced on April 25. Kian and April 2016 from 113 between April and June yet been made on any cuts in the elite fighting founder Michael Eavis, celebrated the opportunity The report defines “inactive” as not achieving Dale had been left in an upstairs bath seat in the 2012. Local authorities claim it had been caused by force. However, former Liberal Democrat leader to continue working with the “much treasured” the government guidelines for physical activity couple’s home in Kyreside, Tenbury Wells, on rising temporary housing costs. According to the Lord Ashdown, an ex-Marine who served with BBC when she announced the partnership of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical September 26, 2015, Worcester Crown Court was BBC, London boroughs spent £203mn on per-night the Special Boat Service, said: “To cut the Royal yesterday. The festival, which saw Adele headlining activity a week and strength activities on at told. Passey was with a friend downstairs while rentals in the 2015 financial year, up from £90mn Marines would be to play fast and loose with the last year and had a record-breaking 18.9 million least two days a week. The report found that Dale was “socialising” and “using his computer”. in 2011. Kate Webb, of housing charity Shelter, said nation’s defence. They have fought in more wars, viewers, will not take place in 2018 when the the average man in the UK spends a fifth of his When he went upstairs to check on Kian he had high prices meant “councils are finding it much carried more burdens, and won more victories for organisers hold a “fallow year” to give the farm, lifetime sitting – equivalent to 78 days a year. For drowned. harder to find landlords that will work with them”. our nation than any other regiment or corps.” staff and villagers a break. women, it is around 74 days a year. Complaints A real head-turner over nuisance drones soar

Guardian News and Media followed by Greater Manchester London police at 225. Prof David H Dunn, of Bir- mingham University, said people he number of incidents in face a major challenge in main- the UK involving drones taining their privacy at home Treported to police has in- because of the proliferation of creased more than twelve-fold drones. over the past two years. “Previously you had a hedge, Complaints, including alle- you had a wall and you could do gations of snooping, burglary whatever you wanted in your “scoping” exercises, mid-air garden without people disturb- near-misses and the smuggling ing you,” he told the Press As- of contraband into prisons, rose sociation. “That has changed to almost 10 a day (3,456) last because of drones. year, compared with 283 in 2014. “It’s true for celebrities. It’s Last year’s fi gure was almost true for everyone. Anecdotally three times higher than the 2015 I’ve heard that burglars using total of 1,237 incidents. drones is a big issue for police The true total is likely to be forces. People are using them even higher as the data, ob- to fl y behind properties to see if tained by the Press Association the lights are on, to see what sort through freedom of information of French windows they have requests, was not available for all or whether there are windows Grant Sinclair, nephew of Sir Clive Sinclair, who developed an electric tricycle in the 1980s, rides his invention, the Iris E-Trike electric tricycle, in Chepstow, Wales. UK forces. open.” Sales of unmanned aerial ve- Civil Aviation Authority regu- hicles (UAVs), available for as lations already require drones little as £30 and often contain- to be kept in line of sight and ing built-in cameras, have risen fl own no higher than 120 me- sharply in recent years but as tres. They also forbid any drone their popularity has increased so with a camera from fl ying within have concerns about their use. 50 metres of buildings, vehicles, There have been 59 drone people or over large crowds. near-misses reported in the past But the rise in popularity of 12 months, compared with six in drones and concerns about their Five charged over brutal 2014, raising fears of a poten- misuse have led to proposals tially catastrophic collision. In to enhance safety. The depart- one of the most recent incidents, ment of transport is reviewing in February, a drone fl ew within responses to its recent consul- 20 metres of a plane on the ap- tation on the subject, which proach to Heathrow. raised the possibility of several Last year, Daniel Kelly, 27, be- new measures including a crimi- attack on asylum seeker came the fi rst person to be jailed nal off ence of misuse of drones, for fl ying contraband into a pris- mandatory registration of new Reuters waited at a bus stop with two police said. Officers said they and was one of the factors that “scum” while London Mayor ons after smuggling items in- devices and tougher penalties for London friends near a pub in Croydon. had made 11 arrests since Fri- swayed voters to back leav- Sadiq Khan vowed the perpe- cluding tobacco and the psycho- illegal fl ying near no-fl y zones “It is understood that the day night and charged five ing the European Union in last trators would be brought to active drug Spice into two jails in such as airports and prisons. suspects asked the victim people, three aged 20 and two year’s referendum in order to justice. Kent and one in Hertfordshire. Assistant chief constable he police yesterday said where he was from and when aged 24, with violent disorder. have more control on the num- “Hate crime has no place in Incidents recorded by po- Steve Barry, the National Police they had charged fi ve they established that he was an One man was also charged bers coming to the country. London, Britain or anywhere lice also included a number of Chiefs’ Council lead for drones, Tpeople over a “brutal” at- asylum seeker they chased him with racially aggravated griev- The Brexit vote also led to a else. London is an amazingly disputes between neighbours. said: “As awareness of what tack involving a gang of up to 30 and launched a brutal attack,” ous bodily harm. spike in hate crimes. diverse city. We don’t just ac- Some related merely to annoy- drones are and what they can do assailants on a teenage asylum said detective inspector Gary Three others, arrested on sus- “I haven’t seen an attack like cept our differences, we em- ance but in others concerns were continues to grow, police forces seeker in south London which Castle. picion of attempted murder and this in a number of years and brace and celebrate them. raised over snooping. In August, have seen increases in concerns left the victim with a fractured “He sustained serious head violent disorder, remain in cus- certainly nothing in London,” “Our communities will not a complaint was made to Suf- and reports by the public. skull and blood clot on his brain. and facial injuries as a result of tody. Detective superintendent she told Sky News. “This was be divided by those who seek folk police that a neighbour was “We have to balance the Detectives, who are treat- this attack, which included re- Jane Corrigan said as many as 30 just appalling. The level of vio- to sow hate. And we will al- repeatedly fl ying a drone over a growth of this technology by en- ing the incident as a racially peated blows to the head by a people were involved in the ap- lence used was just unneces- ways take a zero-tolerance ap- garden when teenage girls were suring that the public are aware motivated hate crime, said the large group of attackers.” The parently motiveless attack and sary and just shows a real ha- proach to hate crimes of any sunbathing. of the strong regulatory frame- 17-year-old Kurdish Iranian teenager is recovering in hos- the teenager was lucky not have tred with those involved.” type. Anyone who witnesses a Sussex police recorded the work and detailed user guidance boy was left critically injured pital and is now in a serious but been killed. In a tweet after the attack hate crime should report it to highest number of drone-relat- that is available relating to drone after the attack shortly be- stable condition which is not Immigration has been a ma- local lawmaker Gavin Barwell the police immediately,” Khan ed incidents last year, with 240, use.” fore midnight on Friday as he believed to be life-threatening, jor political issue in Britain described those responsible as added.

Getting ducks in a row Drunk motorist Travel fi rm drops banned from driving

London Evening Standard abusive and kicked Copsey in zoos from itinerary London the arms and legs”. Questioned later about the attack, on March 17, Quinn Guardian News and Media z About 90% of animals kept in sure to take a stand against animal Mayfair fl orist who at- confessed she had gone to work London zoos are not endangered. attractions. tacked a police offi cer drunk that day and said she So far, Responsible Travel has In February, Virgin Holidays A after refusing to take a could not remember anything removed six trips from its site that said it would no longer sell or breath test has been banned of the incident. However, it had travel company has include visits to zoos. It is also promote any new attractions from the road for two years. all been captured on the police pledged to stop promot- conducting an “in-depth audit” of or hotels that featured captive Ellie Quinn, 33, the found- offi cers’ body-worn cameras, Aing zoos and laid down all captive animal facilities visited whales and dolphins for enter- er and owner of Ellie Hartley Westminster magistrates’ court guidelines for the kinds of animal on the trips it sells, which it says tainment purposes (though it Flowers, lashed out at the con- heard. Magistrate Ralph Spark facilities it will continue to work incorporates a signifi cant pro- continues to sell to around 30 stable after being pulled over in fi ned Quinn £600 for the at- with. portion of the itineraries it off ers attractions that currently do so), Park Lane on suspicion of failing tack on Copsey, and ordered her Responsible Travel said there around the world, to ensure they and last October TripAdvisor an- to stop at a road traffi c accident. to pay £895 in costs and com- was “no justifi able reason” to keep comply with its new guidelines. nounced it would discontinue The fl orist, who opened her pensation. She was also banned animals in captivity, in an an- The site will still promote le- selling tickets for specifi c tour- shop in Dover Street under her from driving for two years and nouncement backed by the Born gitimate animal sanctuaries and ism experiences where travellers mother’s maiden name, per- ordered to go on a drink-driving Free Foundation and actor and rescue centres for animals that came into physical contact with formed basic tests including awareness course. animal welfare campaigner Joanna cannot be returned to the wild, as captive wild animals, such as el- standing on one leg but fl ung the Patrick Dorrian, defending, Lumley. well as rehabilitation centres for ephant rides, petting tigers and breathalyser away when she was said Quinn has been battling It gave four key reasons for its animals that will be returned to the swimming with dolphins. asked to give a sample. an alcohol problem for several decision: wild, as long as no captive breed- In a blog on the issue, Respon- Quinn was immediately ar- years and was also on powerful z Issues in animal welfare have ing takes place in these facilities. sible Travel CEO Justin Francis rested and led to a police van, anti-depressants at the time of long been recognised. It will also promote “genuine said: “Our conclusion is that zoos but became violent when one the incident. “She makes no se- z There are many ways of edu- endangered species conservation are not appropriate in 2017. They of the offi cers, constable Timo- cret of the fact she has a number cating people about wildlife that centres”. are relics of the past, and the argu- thy Copsey, tried to remove her of issues that she’s been trying don’t involve keeping animals in Responsible Travel, which ments to justify keeping animals in cigarettes from the pocket of her to deal with for some time,” he captivity. works with 375 tour operators captivity no longer stand up.” apron. said. “She’s the owner of El- z While some zoos do fund around the world, is the fi rst travel He added: “In our view, rather Prosecutor Fiona Whills lie Hartley Florists in Mayfair. worthwhile conservation pro- company to make a strong state- than being self-proclaimed con- Mallard ducklings swim behind their mother on the island said the offi cer wanted to stop She’s been a fl orist for the last grammes, on average zoos are only ment regarding zoos, a move that servation organisations they are of Caldey, near Tenby, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, her contaminating any future six years and she has one full- encouraged to spend 3% of their comes as a growing number of tour in fact businesses that exploit ani- Wales, yesterday. breath tests by smoking, but time employee and a number of expenditure on conservation. operators are coming under pres- mals for profi t”. Quinn “became violent and part-time employees”. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 19 EUROPE Armenia’s ruling party triumphs Serbian PM Reuters Yerevan

resident Serzh Sarki- sian’s ruling Republican PParty won elections in Vucic wins Armenia on Sunday, offi cial re- sults showed, laying the foun- dation for a new parliamentary system of government. The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) had 49.12% of the votes while the opposi- Vucic celebrates his win at his headquarters in Belgrade, early tion Tsarukian Alliance led by Sarkisian: denies that the presidency yesterday. wealthy businessman Gagik constitutional changes were Tsarukian gathered 27.32%. engineered to allow him to AFP And ultranationalist Vojislav janovic said. “I expect Vucic will Vladimir Putin and EU Enlarge- province populated mostly by The government-loyal retain influence in the former Belgrade Seselj, who was burning Euro- have the fi nal say in all decisions.” ment Commissioner Johannes ethnic Albanians, declared in Dashnaktsutyun Party had Soviet republic after his final pean fl ags to show his opposition Serbia’s next government will Hahn congratulated Vucic yes- 2008. 6.57% and the opposition presidential term ends next to Serbia’s EU bid, won less than be led by a prime minister who terday. Normalisation of ties between bloc Yelk (“Way Out”) 7.77%, year. rime Minister Aleksandar 5% of the vote. would be a person of trust who Putin said Vucic’s victory “tes- Belgrade and Pristina is key re- enough for both to enter par- Vucic won Serbia’s presi- But Vucic, a 47-year-old hard- would not overshadow Vucic. tifi es to the wide support for your garding the path to EU accession. liament. the right to name the future Pdency in the fi rst round, line nationalist turned a pro-Eu- It would also have to follow the eff orts aimed at resolving current With Belgrade currently nego- Central Election Commis- prime minister, who is expect- nearly complete offi cial results ropean, still has to overcome the political “direction” that Vucic economic and social problems ... tiating judicial and fundamental sion chairman Tigran Muku- ed to be the incumbent Karen showed yesterday, enabling him reluctance of a large part of his says voters chose in electing him. and pursuing a constructive, bal- rights with Brussels, no EU of- chyan said the fi gures were Karapetyan. to push forward to lead the Bal- electorate, who cleave to historic “The vast majority of Serbia’s anced foreign policy”, a Kremlin fi cial voiced reserve over Vucic’s based on results from all 2,009 The election was Armenia’s kan country into the EU. ties with Moscow and are not citizens are for the continuation statement said. campaign despite opposition polling stations. fi rst under a new constitution, Vucic won about 55% of Sun- passionate about joining the EU. of reform, for Serbia to keep to its “Looking forward to working claims he is authoritarian and He said nothing about viola- approved in a December 2015 day’s vote, far above the 50% Vucic, prime minister since European path and maintain the with new president as partners controlling the media with an tions of election rules. referendum. threshold required to win in the 2014, has time as the next par- links that we have with Russia and friends on EU accession,” iron fi st. The prosecutor’s offi ce said Parliament, rather than vot- fi rst round, the results based on liamentary election is only due and China,” a thrilled Vucic said Hahn said in a tweet. But after his win Serbia’s di- it had been reviewing media ers, will elect the president for more than 90% of polling sta- in 2020. late on Sunday. Vucic “has been presenting vided opposition seemed weak. reports of violations during the the fi rst time in 2018. tions released by the state elec- “Vucic was a candidate tak- “Vucic also expects to be the himself as a pro-European ever Former ombudsman Sasa voting and count process. Sarkisian, 62, leader of the toral commission showed. ing into account EU member- president who will lead Serbia since he took power, and gave Jankovic, an independent candi- Opposition parties said they RPA and president since 2008, Two obstacles for EU mem- ship talks which require notably into the European Union, which signifi cant signs of his involve- date supported by the centre-left had also fi led complaints on ir- has repeatedly denied that the bership talks, started in 2014, changes to the constitution and is a plausible hypothesis around ment, such as the 2013 Belgrade- Democratic Party, placed second regularities to the prosecutor’s constitutional changes were seem to have been removed. maybe new prerogatives for the 2022” when his mandate will ex- Pristina agreement” on nor- with just 16% of the vote, garner- offi ce, but gave no further de- engineered to allow him to re- Vucic’s predecessor Tomislav president,” said political analyst pire, Loic Tregoures, a Balkans malisation of ties with Kosovo, ing support from the urban mid- tails. tain infl uence in the former Nikolic, a pro-Russian member Jadranka Jelincic. specialist, said in an analysis Tregoures said. dle class and liberals opposed to The Organisation for Securi- Soviet republic after his fi nal of his Serbian Progressive Party “We will see a sort of ‘presi- published by The Conversation Unlike most EU members, Ser- Vucic, in large part by criticising ty and Co-operation in Europe presidential term ends next (SNS), is likely to retire from po- dentialisation’ in Serbia,” in- website. bia refuses to recognise the inde- the authorities and insisting on (OSCE), observing the conduct year. litical life. dependent analyst Boban Sto- Both Russian President pendence of Kosovo, its former their accountability. of the election, said yester- The new system reduces the day that there had been some presidency to a ceremonial abuses. post and increases the powers It said in a statement that of the prime minister. German court jails the poll was “well administered Critics say Sarkisian could attack plotters and fundamental freedoms keep wielding executive power Turkish opposition were generally respected”, but by becoming prime minister in A German court has sentenced to added: “There was credible 2018. life in prison an Islamist militant information of vote-buying, Many Armenians accuse the slams AKP govt coup who plotted a failed bomb of pressure on public servants government of corruption and attack at a railway station, and including in schools and hospi- of mishandling the troubled handed jail terms to three other tals, and of intimidation of vot- economy. response, campaign extremists. ers to vote for certain parties. Armenia depends heavily for Marco Gaebel, 29, a German This contributed to an overall aid and investment on Russia, citizen, planted a home-made lack of public confi dence in the which has been hard hit in the DPA The state-run Anadolu news pipe bomb in a sports bag at electoral process.” past three years by an econom- Istanbul agency quoted Interior Minis- the main train station of Bonn, The Republicans and ic downturn. ter Suleyman Soylu as saying the capital of the former West Dashnaktsutyun, partners in Armenia has felt the impact, that 113,000 people have been Germany, in December 2012. the current parliament, could with growth falling to 0.2% last Erdogan addressing his supporters during a rally for the upcoming he failed coup last year detained since the coup and The bomb failed to go off , but create a coalition again, getting year from 3.0% in 2015. referendum in the Black Sea city of Rize. was a “controlled at- 47,155 are under in arrest. its discovery sparked a major Ttempt” that was car- With less than two weeks terrorism alert that caused travel ried out with the government’s to go until a referendum on chaos at the station two weeks knowledge, the head of Tur- expanding the powers of the before Christmas. key’s main opposition party presidency, Kilicdaroglu was Gaebel and the three others were charged yesterday, while also also sharply critical of “unfair also found guilty of forming a Germany dismisses ‘Islam law’ idea slamming the government for conditions” during the cam- terrorist organisation and of what he said was an “unfair” paign. plotting to shoot dead the leader referendum campaign. The opposition has com- of anti-immigrant group Pro-NRW Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the head plained about problems hold- in North Rhine-Westphalia state as integration debate resurfaces of Republican People’s Party, ing rallies while also being de- in March 2013. was speaking to journalists in nied fair air-time on television Two of the other defendants, Istanbul. He was quoted by stations. Turkish-German Koray Durmaz, Reuters Christian Democrats (CDU) – about Syria, we know very few both CNN Turk and NTV. Erdogan, who spoke in the 28 and Albanian Enea Buzo, 46 Berlin and other senior party members things about Iraq or African “They said it was uncovered fi rst of two scheduled appear- received prison terms of 12 years want to enshrine in an Islam law. countries. And we must see this ahead of time. This means they ances yesterday which were to while German Tayfun Sevim, 27, “Such a law is now not an is- as an opportunity to learn more knew about this coup in ad- be broadcast on national tel- was given a nine-and-a-half-year ermany has no plans sue for government business,” and experience more,” she said. vance,” Kilicdaroglu was quot- evision, lashed out against Eu- jail term. to introduce an “Islam Seibert told a news conference, The message backed up a less ed as saying by NTV, referring rope, with just seven days left Glaw” codifying the rights stressing the high regard Mer- compromising tone on integrat- to a meeting with the country’s for voting abroad. and obligations of Muslims, a kel’s ruling coalition has for re- ing migrants that Merkel set at leadership following the coup He called on his “brothers” government spokesman said ligious freedom in Germany. a CDU party conference in De- attempt. in Europe to vote “yes” and €200,000 jewels yesterday, dismissing an idea While stopping short of call- cember, when she called for a The government blames the thereby give an appropriate re- lost from art show fl oated by allies of Chancellor ing for an Islam law, Merkel said ban on full-face Muslim veils coup attempt on followers of sponse to the “grandchildren Angela Merkel ahead of federal in her weekly podcast on Sat- “wherever legally possible”. US-based cleric Fethullah Gu- of Nazism, those who employ Thieves snatched €200,000 elections in September. urday that refugees in Germany By talking tougher on inte- len. fascist repression”. ($215,000) in jewels from an Merkel, who will seek a fourth must respect tolerance, open- gration, Merkel is also seeking The cleric was once an ally Erdogan was campaigning in art fair in Paris at the weekend, term in what is expected to be a ness and freedom of religion. to reclaim support her party lost of President Recep Tayyip Er- Rize, near the Black Sea, yes- police said yesterday. close-fought ballot, has come Interviewed by a Syrian jour- last year over her refugee policy dogan, but the two fell out in terday. Exhibitors were packing up under fi re for opening Ger- nalist who came to Germany in to the anti-immigration Alter- recent years. His family hails from the their stands at the Grand Palais many’s doors to refugees, more 2015 and asked about what Ger- native for Germany (AfD) party, Merkel: We expect the people Gulen denies the charges. region which generally is sup- exhibition space in Paris on than 1mn of whom – mostly many was expecting from refu- which punished the CDU in re- who come to us to stick to our Kilicdaroglu also alleged that portive of the AKP. Sunday when one person Muslims – have entered the gees, Merkel said in her weekly gional elections in 2016. laws. there were top ranking mem- Last month, German Chan- distracted the seller and another country over the past two years. podcast: “We expect the people The AfD has lost voter sup- bers of Erdogan’s ruling Justice cellor Angela Merkel called on made off with a box of jewels. Seeking to boost support for who come to us to stick to our port this year, hurt by infi ghting million ethnic Turks that they and Development Party (AKP) Erdogan to stop using compar- The theft took place during Art the chancellor’s conservatives, laws.” that has sent its ratings down to should integrate and accept with ties to Gulen who were isons to the Nazi era as slurs. Paris Art Fair 2017, a show of senior Merkel ally Julia Kl- Merkel said it was paramount around 8% from a high of 15.5% Dutch views on freedom of being protected. Erdogan has repeatedly modern and contemporary art oeckner stoked the integration that new arrivals respected and at the end of 2016. speech or “get lost” after some Erdogan responded by call- lashed out at Germany and held a short distance from the debate at the weekend by call- understood the liberal values of In the Netherlands, Prime had been fi lmed behaving ag- ing the accusations a “lie” the Netherlands, after Turkish prestigious Champs-Elysees ing for stricter rules for Islamic modern Germany such as toler- Minister Mark Rutte used a sim- gressively toward a reporter and calling on Kilicdaroglu to ministers were banned from avenue. preachers and a ban on foreign ance, openness, freedom of reli- ilar tactic to win re-election this during a demonstration. present proof of his claims. holding rallies in those coun- The event brought together work funding of mosques. gion and freedom of opinion. year, seizing back the initiative “Our norms and values are all A parliamentary commission tries. from 140 modern art galleries Merkel’s spokesman Stef- The centre-right leader urged from anti-Islam populist rivals or nothing: you can’t pick and which was meant to investigate Erdogan and the AKP are from around 20 countries. fen Seibert dismissed the idea, Germans to show openness in by matching some of their tough choose,” he said in response to the coup attempt by a faction seeking to whip up votes in Eu- The theft follows a string of jewel which Kloeckner – who is dep- return. rhetoric on immigration. the footage in an interview last in the military halted its work rope, which has a large Turkish heists in and around France in uty leader of the chancellor’s “We know very few things He told the country’s half- September. in January. community eligible to vote. recent months.

60% child abuse sites in Europe Poland targets Russians over 2010 plane crash

AFP phy websites, down from 57% vances in tracking technology Reuters wing Law and Justice (PiS) party that circumstances of the trage- The previous Polish govern- London in 2015. to identify criminals online, it Warsaw led by Kaczynski’s twin brother dy have already been thoroughly ment’s report indicated that The study found the highest said that the number of reports Jaroslaw, has said the crash may studied and it was “certainly not Smolensk traffi c controllers un- number – 20,972, or 37% of the it received had nearly doubled have been caused by an explosion possible to agree with such con- intentionally contributed to the urope overtook North total – were in the Netherlands, to 8.2mn in 2016 from 4.4mn in olish prosecutors said yes- on board. clusions”. crash, charges Moscow had dis- America last year as the followed by the United States 2015. terday that they would The prosecutors said yesterday Russia has so far refused to missed as false. Eworld’s biggest host of with 12,492 (22%), Canada with The organisation, an alliance Ppress charges against two that a new analysis of recordings return the wreckage of the jet to A Russian report into the crash websites containing child sex- 8,803 (15%), France with 6,099 of tech companies and law en- Russian air traffi c controllers of of conversations between the pi- Poland, a member of the North puts the blame squarely on the ual abuse images, according (11%) and Russia with 4,176 forcement based in Cambridge deliberately contributing to a lots and Russian controllers jus- Atlantic Treaty Organisation Poles. to a study by a British Internet (7%). in England, also said that new 2010 plane crash that killed Po- tifi ed pressing the charges. (Nato) and the European Union, The crash was the worst such watchdog published yesterday. “The global picture isn’t website domains being released land’s president and 95 others. “An analysis of the evidence ... citing its own continuing inves- disaster in Poland since World Europe as a whole, including good,” IWF’s chief executive into the marketplace were being The crash near Smolensk in has allowed prosecutors to for- tigation. War II and left society deeply di- Russia and Turkey, accounted Susie Hargreaves said in a state- used to host these images. western Russia killed the Polish mulate new charges against air The accusations of the Polish vided over its causes. for 60% of such sites, a 19 per- ment. “Internet companies and It found a 258% increase in president Lech Kaczynski and his traffi c controllers, citizens of the prosecutors, whom the PiS The crash took place as pilots centage point increase from large businesses who are doing the purchase and abuse of new wife, as well as the central bank Russian Federation,” Polish Dep- brought under direct govern- attempted to land a Soviet-made 2015, the UK-based Internet nothing, or too little, to address domains compared to 2015, as chief, top army commanders and uty Prosecutor General Marek ment control, are likely to worsen TU-154 at a rarely used airport Watch Foundation (IWF)’s an- online child sexual abuse im- well as an increase in “masking several lawmakers. Pasionek told a news conference. relations with Moscow – already near Smolensk to take part in nual report said. agery need to step up and work techniques” used by criminals An inquiry by the previous Referring to the accusations, strained over the confl ict in commemorations of 22,000 North America hosted 37% with us.” to hide abuse images and videos government returned a verdict of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Ukraine – and increase tensions Polish offi cers executed there by of the world’s child pornogra- While the study noted ad- on the Internet. pilot error, but the ruling right- Peskov told reporters yesterday within Polish society. Soviet secret police in 1940. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 INDIA

OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION CRIME ACCIDENT FREED FIPB nod for Aircel-Maxis Ex-legislator arrested Youth killed, two hurt Iran releases 15 deal ‘being probed’ after minor girl dies as bike stunt backfires Indian fishermen

The Central Bureau of Investigation yesterday Former legislator of the JD(U) Suryadeo Singh A youth died in New Delhi when his motorcycle External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told the Supreme Court it was investigating has been arrested over a minor girl’s death collided head-on with another one while doing yesterday said Iran has released 15 Indian the clearance given by the Foreign Investment after he opened fire in Bihar’s Rohtas district, a bike stunt, a police off icial said on Monday. fishermen who were detained with their Bah- Promotion Board (FIPB) to the Aircel-Maxis deal police said yesterday. Taking serious note of the The accident took place at the Qutub Institu- raini boats last year. “I am happy to inform in 2006. The court granted the CBI time till May incident, the Janata Dal (United) has suspended tional Area on Sunday. Raman, 20, was rushed that Iran has released 15 of our fishermen 2 – the next date of hearing – as it sought to Singh from the party’s primary membership, a to the nearby Rockland Hospital, where he was from Tamil Nadu. They were detained with know the progress made in the probe. In the party leader said. According to a senior police pronounced dead. “Raman was part of a group of their three Bahraini boats,” Sushma Swaraj meantime, the enforcement directorate submit- officer, a land dispute prompted Singh and his bikers who was performing stunts, when his Bajaj tweeted. “I appreciate the good work by the ted before the court the report on the progress supporters to open fire late on Sunday. “Singh Dominar collided with a Hyosung motorcycle. The Indian embassy in Iran,” she added. The fish- of its investigation in the matter. Bharatiya was arrested after villagers complained that two bikers, Charles Brin and Pradeep Nair, riding ermen, working in Bahrain, were detained for Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Oman Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy has al- it was he who opened fire which resulted in the Hyosung have sustained serious injuries,” an entering the Iranian waters without permis- Minister for Foreign Aff airs, Yousuf bin Alawi leged that then finance minister P Chidambram the girl’s death and injuries to four others,” the off icer said. Brin, 22, is a human resources man- sion. The fishermen were said to be confined bin Abdullah, pose for photographs ahead of a had tweaked FIPB norms for clearing the Aircel- officer said. The former legislator’s wife and five ager in Gurugram and Nair works in Dakshinpuri, to their boats since their arrest on September meeting in New Delhi yesterday Maxis deal in 2006. others were also arrested. the off icer added. 22. Top Congress leader joins BJP ahead of Delhi election

IANS He told media persons: “Yes- New Delhi terday was the fi nal day (of fi l- ing nominations) and things have not been fi nalised yet. If ormer Delhi MLA Amrish they think they don’t need us, Gautam yesterday quit the they should tell us. Earlier, such FCongress and joined the things never happened in our BJP, while former Congress min- party. There has always been a ister A K Walia threatened to quit democratic system in the party.” over ticket distribution for the He said some people have be- April 23 civic polls in Delhi. gun feeling they have a lot of Former Delhi Congress chief power and hence whatever they Arvinder Singh Lovely and do is right. former state minister Haroon “This system is wrong. Earlier Yusuf also expressed concern too we had issues, but the high over the functioning of the Con- command resolved the same. I gress state unit headed by former don’t know what kind of atmos- union minister Ajay Maken. phere they are trying to create Gautam, a three-time MLA this time,” Walia told reporters in from Kondli in east Delhi, ac- an indirect attack on Delhi Con- cused the Congress of fi elding gress chief Ajay Maken. candidates for the civic elections Walia said he had conveyed his without consulting him. His son anger to the Congress high com- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia address a press conference in New Delhi yesterday. Avinash Gautam too joined the mand. Bharatiya Janata Party. Walia has been an MLA from “We were feeling cornered in Laxmi Nagar in east Delhi for the party. Nobody was willing to four consecutive terms. He was listen to our concerns. My self- a minister in the Sheila Dikshit respect was hurt by senior party government and held the port- leaders like Anand Sharma, P C folios of health, urban develop- Chacko and Ajay Maken,” Amrish ment, land and buildings. Gautam said after joining the BJP. He was also chairman of the Kejriwal seeks delay The Congress had formed a Trans-Yamuna Area Develop- committee headed by Anand ment Board. Sharma to select candidates for Reacting to the developments, elections to the three municipal Lovely said: “It is very unfortu- corporations. Chacko is in charge nate that Gautam left the Con- of the Congress unit in Delhi. gress while a senior leader A K “I requested Maken many Walia has threatened to quit. in polls over EVM row times to respect the workers’ A leader like Walia can’t revolt sentiments. I even told him he unless his self-respect is hurt. IANS Referring to an EVM in Mad- that EVMs used in an election Kejriwal insisted that paper is recorded in the chip in favour was also an MLA and was quite Whatever is happening with him New Delhi hya Pradesh found to have been can’t be reused for 45 days be- ballot should be used in Delhi’s of the BJP. So EVMs without familiar with their sentiments. is not good. We need to change manipulated, Kejriwal said this cause someone can challenge civic polls to guarantee trans- VVPAT (paper trail) cannot be I told him to take decisions in our attitude. We need to give re- came from Uttar Pradesh and it the result that may warrant an parency. checked if they are defective or the interest of the Congress and spect to senior leaders. If Walia lleging that Electronic raised questions about the BJP’s examination of the EVM. “I cannot see any other op- not.” its workers. But he ignored me,” leaves the Congress, it will be a Voting Machine (EVMs) sweeping win in assembly polls “The machines used in Ut- tion but paper ballot. Most de- Kejriwal said if EVMs are tam- Gautam told reporters. major setback.” Acan be tampered with, in that state. tar Pradesh can’t be used till veloped nations have rejected pered with, then the whole elec- “I have left the Congress be- Lovely, a former minister, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind He said all the 300 or so EVMs April 26. I wonder what forced EVMs and are using ballot paper. toral process would come under cause my area and workers have added: “I have also been the state Kejriwal yesterday blasted the to be used in the April 9 by- the election commission to use Why?” question. “People are already been ignored and tickets are be- unit president. It is his duty and Election Commission and said election in Madhya Pradesh had those machines. This raises And if the civic polls needed losing faith in the electoral proc- ing distributed without consult- responsibility to ensure all party Delhi’s civic polls should be come from Govindnagar con- questions even on the inten- to be postponed to ensure the ess. They are asking what is the ing us. I felt neglected.” leaders and workers stay togeth- postponed if need be to use the stituency in Uttar Pradesh and tions of the election commis- use of paper ballot, they should use of voting... If this goes on, Senior Delhi Congress leader er. The party leadership needs to paper ballot. demanded to know what was so sion.” be postponed, he said. people will stop voting.” Walia too threatened to resign. address all these issues.” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) special about those machines. Delhi’s civic polls are due on Earlier, when the EVMs were The AAP leader asked the “I am deeply pained... we keep Yusuf said: “There can be dif- leader’s attack came a day after Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) April 23 and a by-election from defective, if a voter pressed the election commission to make trying their (leaders) phone ferences within the family but its the poll panel denied his earlier Satya Dev Pachauri won from Rajouri Garden to the Delhi as- button for one party, the light public the software used in the numbers for two-three days head fi nds a solution. I will also accusations of EVM tampering Govindnagar by a whopping sembly will be held on April 9. for that would not glow. The EVM machines along with the but there is no reply. We have to raise my concerns with the party and asked him to introspect as 70,000 votes. Kejriwal said EVMs to be used voter would thus know the ma- details of the company that handle party workers; all work is high command. Whatever I feel, to why his party lost the Punjab The Election Commission, in Rajouri Garden too had come chine was faulty. “But now the manufactures chips used in stalled.” I’ll speak on the party forum.” and Goa polls. Kejriwal said, violated the law from Uttar Pradesh. light glows correctly but the vote these machines. Unitech directors’ African envoys slam govt for racist attacks custody extended AFP New Delhi after previous such New Delhi attacks. It said the authorities had IANS money,” Sachdev demanded. incriminating documents and to failed to “suffi ciently condemn” New Delhi The Chandra brothers were collect evidences from other offi c- epresentatives of 44 Af- either the latest attacks or past arrested from their residence in es of the accused,” the court said. rican countries yesterday incidences of racist violence Gurugram on Friday night by the “Thus both the accused are Raccused the Indian gov- against Africans. court here yesterday ex- Economic Off ences Wing (EOW) remanded to police custody for ernment of failing to do enough The diplomats also called for tended the police custody of Delhi Police and a court here another three days.” to stop racist attacks on their na- an independent investigation Aof real estate company on Saturday sent them to two- There were 91 complaints tionals following a series of bru- into the latest violence by groups Unitech’s managing directors day police custody. against the Chandra brothers in tal assaults targeting Nigerians. including the UN’s Human Sanjay Chandra and Ajay Chan- The police yesterday told ad- connection with the project for Around a dozen people were Rights Council, calling it “xeno- dra till April 6. ditional chief metropolitan which valid permission from the injured, some seriously, when a phobic and racial”. Thousands of The Chandra brothers were magistrate Ashu Garg that their competent authority was not mob angered by the death of a lo- people from African countries booked for cheating buyers as custody was required to ascer- taken. cal teenager went on the rampage study and work in India, where Unitech fi rst failed to complete a tain the money trail and recover The project was to be com- in a satellite city of New Delhi many face discrimination. real estate project in Gurugram’s related documents. pleted by 2014. The accused were last Monday. They are often accused of in- Sector 70 on time and then did The investigating offi cer (IO) booked on charges relating to The violence erupted after a volvement in the illegal drug not refund the money to buyers. informed the court that certain criminal breach of trust, cheat- group of Nigerian students who trade. Meanwhile, some of the inves- documents have been recovered ing and criminal conspiracy. were detained in connection The issue was thrown into the tors who were also present inside from an offi ce of the accused per- The police on Saturday told with the teen’s death were re- spotlight last year when a Con- and outside the court room de- sons. However, more documents the court that Unitech had col- leased without charge, with po- golese teacher was bludgeoned manded their money should be need to be recovered to trace the lected Rs3.63bn from 557 cus- lice saying there was no evidence to death allegedly by three Indian returned. They also raised slogans money and its benefi ciaries, the tomers for the Anthea Floors against them. men after an argument over hir- against the two outside the court offi cer added. residential project. The vicious assault was cap- ing an auto-rickshaw in Delhi. premises accusing them of stealing The IO claimed that the time It also alleged that their li- tured on camera and shared wide- In 2013, a Nigerian national their hard-earned money. initially granted was insuffi cient cence was not approved by the ly on social media, triggering con- was killed by a mob in Goa, with Saurabh Sachdev, an inves- to recover all incriminating doc- competent authority for building cern over a rise in racist violence a state minister later calling Ni- tor in the project, said that con- uments, particularly with April 2 the township. against Africans in India. gerians a “cancer”. Delhi’s former struction on the land had not being a Sunday. The project was started in 2011 In a statement, the African law minister was also accused in started till now. “It is clear that further custodial without getting environment Demonstrators in Mumbai shout slogans as they carry placards Heads of Mission said that “no 2014 of harassing African wom- “They have cheated us. They interrogation of both the accused clearance. Unitech obtained during a protest organised by the Democratic Youth Federation of known, suffi cient and visible de- en after he led a vigilante mob must return our hard-earned is necessary so as to recover the clearances in September 2013. India against the attacks on Nigerian students in a Delhi suburb. terring measures were taken” by through an area of the capital. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 21 INDIA

DECISION CRIME OFFBEAT LEGAL ANGER Sadhvi Pragya, Indresh get Spurned youth attacks BJP lawmaker prefers Kerala journalists’ bail VHP supporters protest clean chit in blast case legislator’s daughter cowshed to five-star hotel plea hearing on Thursday against scene in film

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and senior Rashtriya Enraged at his advances being rebuffed, a A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker in The Kerala High Court fixed for Thursday Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) supporters yesterday Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar, college youth attacked and injured a BJP Karnataka has preferred a village cowshed over a hearing on three anticipatory bail pleas filed by protested outside film producer T P Aggarwals besides two others, have been given a clean legislator’s daughter studying in a Pune five-star hotel at Mysuru for his accommodation. the chairman of Mangalam TV and eight of its off ice in Mumbai claiming that his forthcoming chit in the 2007 Ajmer Dargah blast case as the college yesterday morning. The attacker has S Suresh Kumar, who represents Rajajinagar journalists in a sting operation case. The court, release Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana National Investigation Agency yesterday filed been arrested. Accused Rajendra Bakshi, assembly constituency in Bengaluru south suburb, however, did not stay the arrest of the nine includes a scene which can hurt the Hindu a closure report. The counter-terrorism agency 23, accosted the 22-year-old daughter of is campaigning for BJP candidate Srinivasa Prasad persons before Thursday. Mangalam TV off icials community’s sentiments. Around 70-80 protesters submitted the report in a court in Jaipur citing a Bharatiya Janata Party legislator from in Nanjangud by-election scheduled for April 9. had approached the court after a case was gathered outside Aggarwal’s off ice holding lack of suff icient evidence to build a case against Yavatamal district and attacked her with a “Party leaders from Nanjangud have arranged a registered against them for airing an audio in placards and shouting slogans. They demanded Sadhvi Pragya, Indresh Kumar, Ramesh Venkatrao sharp weapon around 8am outside the Balaji five-star hotel accommodation for me at Mysuru. which former transport minister A K Saseendran the deletion of a scene wherein a pregnant women Mahalkar and Rajendra alias Samandar (who is Institute of Modern Management (BIMM). But I prefer open air atmosphere at the cowshed allegedly had a lewd conversation with a is seen getting married. They said such a scene also an accused in Samjhauta Express train blast The police said the woman was on her way rather than the air-conditioned atmosphere of the woman on phone. Opposing the bail pleas on can hurt Hindu sentiments. However, Aggarwal case). The court fixed the next hearing of the case to college from her hostel. Some passers-by hotel in Mysuru,” Suresh Kumar said. Kumar was behalf of the government, the director general stood firm against the protest and said he won’t for April 17 to decide whether the closure report caught hold of the attacker and handed him the minister for law and parliamentary aff airs in the of prosecution said the accused had failed to make any edits in the film as it has been passed should be accepted or not. over to the police in Wakad area of Pune. erstwhile B S Yeddyurappa government. present themselves before the probe team. by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Transporters’ strike continues Goa priest’s body to be Congress buried after 16 months in morgue slams Modi’s

IANS Panaji approach ixteen months after former Catholic priest and activist SBismarque Dias was found dead under mysterious circum- stances, the state Human Rights Commission yesterday directed that his remains be formally laid on Kashmir to rest. The direction from the Goa IANS “Under those circumstances, the dominance of communal- Human Rights Commission New Delhi these rhetorical fl ourishes — to ism, the primary reason behind chairperson A D Salkar followed choose between terrorism and this is that the government has a petition by a city lawyer who tourism and that the tunnel has failed completely in delivering demanded Dias’ last rites should eacting to Prime Minister been conceived as a develop- on the agenda of development,” be performed. Dias’ body is cur- Narendra Modi’s message mental showcase for the people said Tewari. rently stored in the malfunc- Rto the youths of Jammu and of Kashmir — doesn’t get you “The prime minister had tioning morgue of the Goa Medi- Kashmir to choose between tour- anywhere.” promised the youths that they cal College near Panaji. ism and terrorism, the Congress “That particular tunnel was will create 1mn jobs every “The collector and district yesterday said he needs to intro- conceived by the United Pro- month. They have failed in that. magistrate north Goa shall is- spect whether Kashmir requires gressive Alliance (UPA) govern- So, in order to divert attention sue directives to the authorities estrangement or engagement. ment and the intent was to bet- from developmental issues, they concerned to liaise with parish The Congress also accused the ter connect the people of Jammu are trying to speak the language priest St Estevam (village) and government of increasing a sense with the people of Kashmir,” said of communalism,” he added. arrange the last rites of the de- of alienation and estrangement Tewari. On Sunday Jammu and Kash- ceased,” Salkar said in his order among the people of Kashmir in Prime Minister Narendra mir Chief Minister Mehbooba yesterday. the past one year. Modi on Sunday said the youths Mufti Sayeed thanked Prime Dias, who had been protesting “While the prime minister is of the valley had to choose be- Minister Narendra Modi for sup- against rampant and reportedly telling the people of the state they tween tourism and terrorism to porting her government during illegal real estate development must choose between terrorism shape their future. the “diffi cult time” last year. near his village of St. Estevam, and tourism, he also needs to “I want to tell the youths of the Mufti, apparently referring was found dead near the Man- introspect whether Kashmir re- valley, you have two paths which to the law and order situation dovi river in November 2015. quires estrangement or engage- can decide your fate – on one in Kashmir Valley after the July Activists as well as opposition ment,” said Congress spokesper- hand, you have tourism and then 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen parties alleged that the priest son Manish Tewari while briefi ng there is terrorism,” Modi said. terrorist Burhan Wani, said Modi could have been killed for op- the media persons here. The Congress also said that ensured that the state govern- posing illegal real estate deals in “The fact remains in the past the BJP was trying to divert at- ment survived the situation. the ecologically fragile parts of year or so, the Bharatiya Janata tention from the issue of devel- “My government would not the Tiswadi sub-district, which Party – Peoples Democratic opment by speaking the lan- have been able to handle it is crisscrossed by the Mandovi Party government in the state guage of communalism. alone,” she said, and added that river and its tributaries. and the National Democratic Al- “In 2014, BJP came to power Modi provided central assistance The Congress had also de- liance (NDA) government at the promising development and not through Union Home Minister manded a judicial probe into Centre have only increased es- under the banner of communal- Rajnath Singh, who was always Dias’s death, even as the crime trangement and alienation of the ism. In the past few months, the there to help the Jammu and branch, which was probing the people,” he added. manner in which we have seen Kashmir government. incident, claimed that Dias died Asked about the “tourism or due to drowning and there was terrorism” remark of the prime Trooper killed in attack, seven others injured no mischief. minister, Tewari said: “It is a Incidentally, Bismarque had rhetorical no-brainer. It is not A CRPF head constable was driver and a girl were injured also taken on the Roman Catho- even an off er. killed and five other troopers in Sempora Panthachok area lic Church in Goa for facilitating “It is the responsibility of the and two civilians, including a girl, of Jammu-Srinagar highway in the sale of an island to a hos- central and state governments injured when militants attacked the attack,” said a police off icer. pitality fi rm, through a well- to ensure that the feeling of es- a CRPF convoy on the Jammu- The injured were brought to known real estate agent. trangement and alienation is mit- Srinagar highway in the state’s the army’s base hospital in For nearly a year, the family of Lorries and trucks are parked at Yeshwanthpur Market, Bengaluru, yesterday as igated. A multi-party parliamen- Pulwama district yesterday, Badami Bagh area in Srinagar, the former priest had said that transporters across south India stayed off the roads after a strike called by the South India tary delegation had gone to the police said. Two of the troopers where one of the injured, they would not claim the body Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) to press for their demands including withdrawal of valley last year at the height of vi- were in critical condition. “Six head constable G D Basappa until Dias’s alleged killers were increase in the premium for third party insurance, hike in penalty and toll fees. olence. The Centre never followed CRPF jawans, their civilian truck succumbed to his injuries. caught. up on that initiative,” he said. IISc Bangalore ranked Emotional reunion Mamata allays fears best university in India over ‘artifi cial eggs’ IANS had a strange “plastic-like qual- Kharagpur (West Bengal) ity” when they were spread out IANS bad, which hit the headlines in Jamia Hamdard in Delhi is best on a pan. New Delhi 2016 over the suicide of its PhD in pharmacy category while A shopkeeper was arrested in student Rohith Vemula, has Miranda House in the national llaying public fears over connection with the case. been ranked seventh in the lists capital has been ranked the best the “artifi cial eggs” issue, The Trinamool Congress he Indian Institute of of universities. college in the country. AWest Bengal Chief Minis- leader said action will be taken if Science (IISc), Banga- Javadekar hailed both JNU The rankings were made un- ter Mamata Banerjee yesterday something is discovered. Tlore, is the country’s top and JU for their contribution to der fi ve heads – overall, univer- said a probe in the matter is on. “I asked about plastic eggs... ranked higher educational in- research work and said the rank- sity, engineering, management The chief minister exhorted the Whether the report is correct or stitute while the Indian Insti- ings were aimed at creating a and pharmacy. public to consume eggs pro- not... I want to fi nd out. If there tute of Management, Ahmeda- competition for the educational As many as seven IITs (Indi- duced in the state without any is any truth in the matter, I will bad, is the top management institutes to strive for excellence. an Institutes of Technology) are apprehension. take action”. institute, as per the NIRF rank- “JNU or Jadavpur University in the top 10 educational insti- “I had a discussion with the Banerjee also took potshots ings released here on Monday. have not been ranked for raising tutes (overall) in the country. Bengal poultry foundation. I have at the Communist Party of In- The rankings released by (pro-parliament attack con- Banaras Hindu university given them the responsibility to dia-Marxist that had attacked Union Human Resource Devel- vict) Afzal Guru slogans. They (BHU) is ranked third in the label eggs produced in Bengal. her government over the Maggi opment Minister Prakash Java- have not been ranked for con- university list and 10th in the The state produces 8mn eggs. noodles controversy in 2015. dekar lists the Jawaharlal Nehru fi ning the vice chancellor, but overall list. There is no problem with eggs Following reports that certain University (JNU) in the national for their research work in sci- Over 3,300 institutes partici- produced in Bengal. Just check batches of the popular noodles capital and Kolkata’s Jadavpur ence, biotechnology and other pated in the second edition of the that they should be Bengal eggs. had higher-than-permissible University (JU) – which have fi elds,” said Javadekar. India Rankings. Only centrally “We are investigating the eggs levels of lead, the Bengal govern- been in the eye of storm over While the JNU was in the eye funded institutes and those hav- that have come from outside ment had launched its own tests, alleged anti-national sloga- of massive political storm last ing over 1,000 students enrolled the state. Preliminary reports which revealed the absence of neering – among the top uni- year after anti-India slogans were eligible to participate. say there is nothing objection- any unwanted substances. versities of the country. were raised at an event marking While the participation of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama shakes hands with able. We will do three or four “Do you remember what hap- As per the “India Rankings” the anniversary of the hanging the institutions has been vol- retired Assam Rifles personnel Naren Chandra Das, the lone additional investigations. Also, pened over the Maggi controver- under the National Institution- of Afzal Guru, similar “anti- untary, Javadekar said the known survivor of a group of seven Indian personnel who please remember eggs can be of sy? Investigations showed there al Ranking Framework (NIRF), national” slogans were also al- government might make them were the first to receive the Dalai Lama on Indian soil after diff erent varieties,” she said at a were no complaints. The CPI-M JNU is the second best univer- legedly raised at the JU as well. compulsory in the future. he fled Tibet, during an event in Guwahati. The 81-year-old public meeting here. accused us of taking bribe. We sity in the country after IISc The Indian Institute of The minister said higher the Tibetan spiritual leader, who has lived in exile ever since, was The artifi cial eggs controver- are not greedy. Then what hap- Bangalore while JU has been Technology-Madras has been rankings, greater will be the visibly emotional as he embraced the retired paramilitary sy came to light after a woman pened later? Aren’t people eat- ranked fi fth. ranked as the top engineering government’s grants and funds guard at the start of a visit to northeast India. lodged a police complaint alleg- ing Maggi now? So let there be a The University of Hydera- institute; deemed university to the institutes. ing she was sold “fake eggs” that counter-probe then,” she added. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 LATIN AMERICA President Relatives of Venezuelan dissidents gather Temer faces legal storm in April

Reuters “The problem is the presi- Brasilia dent will be sub judice, and that implies a loss of political power,” said Jardim. wo landmark corruption The publication of plea bar- trials and the fi rst hur- gain testimony by 77 employ- Tdle for a crucial pension ees of the Odebrecht engineer- reform mean that April could ing conglomerate this month make or break Brazilian Presi- will deliver another bombshell dent Michel Temer’s presiden- for Temer’s scandal-plagued cy, or bring it to an abrupt end. coalition. A Supreme Court judge is due It is expected to name hun- to lift the seal on plea bargain dreds of politicians who took testimony that could lead to the bribes, including Temer’s chief dismissal of fi ve ministers. of staff and Congressional Lilian Tintori (C), wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez with relatives of imprisoned dissidents as they attend a gathering outside of the off ices of Venezuela’s Temer’s reform of Brazil’s leaders of his PMDB party. ombudsman in Caracas yesterday. social security system — key to Temer has vowed to suspend his plans to restore fi scal disci- ministers who are charged and pline — also faces a fi rst vote in dismiss them if indicted. committee by mid-April. Temer himself is not being But it is a case before the investigated in the investiga- Supreme Electoral Tribunal tion, codenamed Operation (TSE), opening on Tuesday, Car Wash. that could do most damage by However, the testimonies annulling the 2014 election of may add to evidence in the TSE impeached ex-president Dilma case. Rousseff — and her running Folha de S.Paulo newspaper mate Temer — for illegal cam- reported on Sunday a federal Colombia mudslides paign funding. prosecutor will seek the annul- It is the fi rst time the court ment of the Rousseff -Temer will rule on a sitting president. ticket following testimony that A decision to annul the ticket Odebrecht illegally paid 112mn would end Temer’s presidency reais ($36mn) to the campaign, and require Congress to elect a almost half of it in bribes to ob- successor within 30 days. tain favourable tax legislation. The TSE judge tasked with The uncertainty could jeop- death toll now 254 studying the case, Herman ardise the pension reform on Benjamin, is expected to rec- which Temer’s success de- Burials of victims has begun them. We send our condolences “I was dying due to a lack of Santos said four emergency when several rivers burst their ommend in a 1,086-page re- pends. to prevent spread of disease and the entire country’s sympa- air — so what did I do? I stuck water treatment plants would be banks in the early hours of Sat- port submitted last week that If Temer fi nds himself weak- thies to their families.” my fi nger in my mouth and set up “to avoid an epidemic and urday, sending water, mud and the court invalidate the elec- ened, he may be forced to make AFP More than 200 people were in- vomited a lot of mud,” Acosta, an even bigger public health cri- debris crashing down streets and tion. more concessions on the bill, Mocoa, Colombia jured in the disaster. 25, told AFP. sis.” into houses as people slept. If a majority of the seven- which has triggered street pro- Rescuers worked in stifl ing “Everything was mud. kept An unexpected off er of help Bodies wrapped in white member tribunal agrees, Te- tests. heat under a cloudy sky in the vomiting mud. I sneezed out mud also came from the Revolution- sheets lay on the concrete fl oor of mer, a constitutional lawyer, A senior Temer aide, who esidents of Mocoa were remote Amazon town, the capital until I could breathe again,” said ary Armed Forces of Colombia the morgue as offi cials sought to has said he has plenty of tools asked not to be named, said yesterday desperately of Putumayo department. Acosta, 25, who was recovering (Farc), a leftist rebel group en- bury them as soon as possible to for appeal, including taking the the scandal was holding back Rsearching for loved ones Debris left by the mudslides from cuts and bruises from the gaged in a historic peace process avoid the spread of disease. case to the overburdened Su- Brazil’s recovery from its worst missing since devastating mud- was everywhere: buried cars, up- ordeal. But his pain ran deeper. with the government. It said Farc The government is to begin preme Court. recession on record. slides slammed into the remote rooted trees, children’s toys and When Acosta woke up late Fri- members were prepared to help vaccination against infectious Transparency Minister While infl ation has fallen to Colombian town, as the death stray shoes sticking up out of the day to fi nd water rushing into his rebuild the town. disease. Torquato Jardim believes time the lowest rate in three years, toll soared to over 250, including mud. home he managed to pick up his Electricity and running water “My father’s funeral is planned is on Temer’s side because the investment is yet to recover. 43 children. Covered in mud, 38-year- three year-old son Camilo. “But have yet to be restored to Mocoa. for this afternoon, but if his body appeals process is so slow the “The next month will be tu- Many who survived the tor- old Marta Gomez told of going the water swept us away and then Local authorities said repairing becomes too fetid, we’ll have to case will drag on until Temer’s multuous because politics and rents of mud, boulders and de- to search for her missing niece I was hit by rocks,” he said. the electrical substation would do it without the ceremony,” said mandate expires at the end of economics will get caught up bris that hit the town late Friday — and making a chilling fi nd in- Acosta was knocked uncon- take time.Several deadly land- Maria Helena Benitez, a 50-year- 2018. in the same storm,” the aide gathered at the local hospital and stead. scious, and when he woke up slides have struck Colombia in old farming housewife. “In practical terms, this said, adding that Temer was at the cemetery to hunt for fam- “I went to look for my niece, there was no trace of the boy. recent months. The death toll may rise fur- means that President Temer keen to press ahead with priva- ily members and friends they fear but I couldn’t fi nd her. I dug and The stunned father latched A landslide in November killed ther as rescuers searched with will not leave offi ce until Janu- tizations and the auction of oil have been killed or injured. dug and found what turned out to onto a tree branch and managed nine people in the rural south- dogs and machinery in the mud- ary 1, 2019,” Jardim, a lawyer and gas rights. The mudslide, caused when be a baby’s hand. It was horrible,” to extricate himself, but without western town of El Tambo, offi - choked rubble. and a friend of the president, The government has been three rivers overfl owed after days she said in a shelter set up for the his son. cials said. Many families in Mocoa spent told Reuters. encouraged by the muted pro- of torrential rain, swept away newly homeless. Most of the hardest-hit neigh- The previous month, 10 people all night digging through the The TSE has scheduled four tests against its planned re- homes, bridges, vehicles and As she stood in line waiting bourhoods in the town of 40,000 lost their lives in a mudslide in debris with their hands despite sessions this week to hear the forms, the aide said: “The risk trees. to register for government aide are poor and populated with peo- the north of the country. a lack of food, clean water and case but any judge can ask to is not in the streets but in the President Juan Manuel San- for those who lost their houses, ple uprooted during Colombia’s The Pacifi c rim of South electricity. study Benjamin’s report, post- TSE...Temer hopes to put that tos travelled to Mocoa to oversee Gomez told AFP she had given up fi ve-decade-long civil war. America has been hard hit in re- Only about 45 bodies have poning the process for weeks if behind him so he can get on relief operations and announced on fi nding her niece. A “profoundly saddened” cent months by fl oods and mud- been identifi ed so far. not months. with the economic agenda.” the death toll of 254 late Sunday, “The mud took her away. I’ll Pope Francis said Sunday that he slides, with scores killed in Peru President Juan Manuel Santos, warning that it could continue to never see her again,” she said, was praying for the victims. and Ecuador. who made a second visit to the rise. clinging to the leash of her equal- Santos declared an emergency Scores of decomposing cadav- area on Sunday, blamed climate “Unfortunately, these are still ly muddy German shepherd. to speed up aid operations. ers were being released for burial change for the disaster, saying preliminary fi gures,” Santos Carlos Acosta said he forced Health authorities said they yesterday. Mocoa had received one-third of wrote on Twitter, after giving an himself to vomit mud to survive had dispatched sanitation spe- Desperate families queued its usual monthly rain in just one Hope fades for 22 earlier toll of 210. after he was swept away in the cialists in hopes of preventing for blocks in the heat to search a night, causing the rivers to burst outbreaks of disease. morgue for loved ones who died missing from ship “We off er our prayers for all of landslide. their banks.

Reuters fl own over the area on Sunday Montevideo morning and an Argentine war Huge ship was due to join the search eff orts. Ecuador socialist wins ruguay’s navy said on The ship sank on Friday cocaine Sunday it was losing some 3,700km off Uruguay’s Uhope of fi nding alive coast, Jaunsolo said. any of 22 crew members miss- Eight of the missing are haul ing two days after a South South Korean nationals and 14 election, rival cries fraud Korean ore carrier sank in the are Filipinos. South Atlantic but was still The very large ore carrier AFP result, however, saying his cam- gration” in the region, he vowed. If his victory is confi rmed, DPA continuing the search, a Navy (VLOC) Stellar Daisy owned Quito paign had evidence of an attempt Center-right ex-banker Lasso Moreno will be the fi rst wheel- Bogota spokesman said. and operated by South Korea’s to rig the results. vows to take Ecuador in a new chair user to be elected Ecuador’s Two Filipino crew members Polaris Shipping based in Bu- “We are going to defend the will direction as the country’s eco- president, and one of few such have been rescued fl oating san was sailing from Brazil to ocialist Lenin Moreno yes- of the Ecuadoran people in the nomic boom has gone bust. leaders in world history. olombian police have in a life raft on Saturday, but China carrying iron ore when terday celebrated victory face of an attempted fraud that Boosted by high prices for its His legs have been para- seized six tonnes of other lifeboats and rafts found it sent a distress signal to the Sin his bid to extend a dec- aims to install what would be an oil exports, Ecuador registered lysed since he was shot during Ccocaine in the north- in the area were empty, South ship operator on Friday, South ade of leftist rule in Ecuador but illegitimate government,” he said. solid economic growth during a carjacking in 1998. Lasso had ern harbour port city of Bar- Korea’s Yonhap news agency Korea’s Yonhap news agency faced allegations of voting fraud Some Lasso supporters pro- the fi rst eight years of Correa’s threatened to revoke the politi- ranquilla, the country’s pres- reported. reported. from his conservative rival. tested outside election offi ces in presidency, before tipping into cal asylum Ecuador has granted ident said on Sunday. “The more hours pass, the A message last received on Victory for the 64-year-old Quito and other cities, demanding recession in 2015. Correa won to Assange. The street value of the less the chances are of fi nding Friday by Polaris from a crew Moreno, a wheelchair user and transparency in the vote count. loyal fans among the poor with Correa, an outspoken critic seized drugs was 200mn eu- them,” spokesman for the Uru- member said the ship was tak- political champion of disability The electoral authority was generous social benefi ts that of the United States, has let the ros, Juan Manuel Santos said guayan Navy Gaston Jaunsolo ing in water on the port side rights, would be good news for under tight police guard and sur- helped slash the poverty rate in WikiLeaks founder stay at the in a tweet. told Reuters. and was listing rapidly, Yonhap the Latin American left, which is rounded by security barriers yes- this country of 16mn people. London embassy since 2012 to The drugs were hidden in He said a Brazilian plane had said. in decline. terday morning. “I hope he fi nishes the work that avoid extradition to Sweden over a load of scrap metal destined It would also be a relief for The election was closely remains to be done,” said Rocio a rape allegation. for Spain, and could only be Australian WikiLeaks founder watched as a barometer of the po- Vargas, a 57-year-old social worker Assange denies the charge and retrieved using heavy ma- Julian Assange, who faced a litical climate in Latin America, celebrating Moreno’s victory. says he fears Sweden wants to chinery, a video showed. threat by Moreno’s rival to expel where more than a decade of left- “Correa did what he could and send him to the United States to Santos said the country’s him from his refuge in Ecuador’s ist dominance has been waning. people are ungrateful. face trial for leaking hundreds of most powerful crime gang, London embassy. Argentina, Brazil and Peru But with Lenin, I think we are thousands of secret US military Gang del Golfo, With 96.96% of votes count- have all shifted to the right in going to eradicate poverty.” and diplomatic documents in was responsible for the ed, the National Electoral Coun- recent months as the region has But Correa has also faced accu- 2010. shipment. cil said Moreno won 51.16% sunk into recession. sations of corruption and squan- Assange commented on the Defence Minister Luis against 48.84% for conservative Moreno is the designated heir dering the windfall of the oil boom. election result in a provocative Villegas said the drug bust banker Guillermo Lasso. to outgoing President Rafael Cor- “Moreno will face two chal- Twitter message on Sunday, re- brought cocaine seizures in “We will continue this process rea’s “21st-century socialism”. lenges: starting his term in gov- ferring to accusations from Cor- Colombia this year to 103 that has changed Ecuadorans’ “Thank you to the Latin Amer- ernment with diminished popu- rea’s camp that Lasso had money tonnes. lives, especially for the poor- ican presidents who have called larity (for his side) and with an stashed in off shore accounts. That marks an increase in Handout photo released by the Uruguayan’s Army public est citizens,” the triumphant and sent messages of congratu- economy that is going through “I cordially invite Lasso to 35 per cent to the same period relations office showing a lifeboat with two survivors from the Moreno told supporters, before lations and aff ection,” Moreno lean times,” political scientist Es- leave Ecuador within 30 days last year, local broadcaster W distressed freighter, Stella Daisy that sunk off the coast of singing for the crowd. wrote on Twitter. teban Nicholls from the Andean (with or without his tax haven Radio cited Villegas as say- Uruguay. Two Filipino sailors were rescued Saturday. Lasso vowed to challenge the “We will strengthen our inte- University of Ecuador told AFP. millions),” he wrote. ing. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

Pakistan resumes Shrine custodian charged repatriation of Afghan refugees with killing 20 people Abdul Wahab, who lived in Reuters Islamabad Islamabad for more than 30 AFP years. “My father sold car- Islamabad pets and operated a successful akistan resumed the shop. He made sure he always repatriation of Afghan paid his taxes. But we could Prefugees yesterday, not have a bank account or man has been charged sending nearly 1,200 people own property.” with murder and terror- back across the heavily guard- Despite growing up in Paki- Aism after allegedly knifi ng ed northern Torkham border, stan, Wahab said, the weight and clubbing 20 worshippers to an offi cial at the United Na- of being a second-class citizen death at a Pakistani shrine, po- tion’s refugee body said. was too much to bear. lice said yesterday. Pakistan is home to the In early 2016, before Paki- Police are having to bring world’s second largest refu- stan began sending back Af- the case against 50-year-old gee population, with a total of ghan refugees, Wahab packed Abdul Waheed and three al- 2.5mn Afghans living there. up his carpets and moved the leged accomplices, officials Many have been in Pakistan business back to Kabul. said, because the victims’ rel- since the Soviet invasion in The United Nations High atives have such “blind faith” 1979. Commissioner for Refugees in him that they refuse to file Relations between the two (UNHCR) confi rmed that vol- charges. countries have deteriorated untary returns resumed after The slaughter took place on Sun- signifi cantly in recent years. a suspension due to winter day at the Sufi shrine of Mohamed Kabul and Islamabad blame weather. Ali, built in 2015 near the city of Sar- each other for terrorist attacks Asked whether Pakistan’s godha in Punjab province. on either side of the border. hard-handed approach to- Waheed, the new pir, is also After a series of attacks in ward Afghans living within its the shrine’s custodian. Pakistan left more than 130 borders for nearly 40 years had Senior police offi cial Ma- people dead in February, Is- spurred the exodus, UNHCR lik Ghulam Abbas said it was lamabad shut down its border representative Samad Khan strange that even relatives of the crossings with Afghanistan said the reasons were varied. dead did not wish to fi le a com- and began planning to build a “Some move for economic plaint. fence along the 2,500km bor- purposes or to unite with their “They have such strong blind der. families and others are mov- faith in their pir that they say Human Rights Watch has ing due to border restrictions whatever has happened, hap- accused the UN of allowing which have impacted their pened with the blessing of Al- Pakistan to forcibly evict Af- families,” he said. lah,” he said. ghan refugees in violation of According to Khan, 370,000 Waheed told police he mur- Pakistani police vehicles carrying the custodian of a shrine charged with murder and terrorism leave the anti-terror court in Sargodha District international law. refugees volunteered to re- dered the worshippers because in Punjab province yesterday. Rights activists say they turn in 2016 after Pakistan he feared they might kill him one expect little change this year announced new repatriation day, Arshad Abbas, an investiga- heed had mental health prob- stripped nude. Many believe this will help get shrine in an attack claimed by in either Pakistani policies plans. tor in the case, said. lems and had used violence on Sufi s have no hierarchy or or- their prayers answered. Islamic State. or the inability of the Afghan Human Rights Watch esti- Local police chief Shamshir followers previously. ganisation, instead seeking spir- Hardliners such as the Taliban Shrines are soft targets for at- government and aid groups to mates another 200,000 un- Joya said they were also inves- One of the accused was itual communion through music or the Islamic State group have tack. support the tide. documented refugees were tigating whether a struggle for wounded, while the other three and dance at the shrines of the carried out major attacks on Sufi Often they bring together Pakistan denies systematic shipped back to Afghanistan, control of the shrine was an ad- were remanded in custody by a saints. shrines because they consider hundreds of people with little harassment of the refugees by where confl ict and economic ditional factor. local court yesterday. Several million people in Pa- them heretical. security. its authorities. crisis have left the government He said Ali’s son was among Police are waiting for a foren- kistan are still believed to follow In February 90 people were In remote and rural areas they It claims the country has struggling to maintain basic those killed, as were some mem- sics report to determine whether Sufi sm. killed and hundreds wounded are far from medical aid. demonstrated great generosity living standards bers of the family who own the the victims were given intoxi- But visits to shrines and off ers in Pakistan’s southern prov- Devotees are often impover- in hosting the Afghans despite “We have sent back 194 land on which the shrine was cants before the gruesome kill- of alms for the poor — and cash ince of Sindh, when a sui- ished and women and children its own economic limitations. families today and they are all built. ings. to custodians — remains a very cide bomber blew himself up are usually in attendance for the The Afghans going home voluntary returnees who reg- Some offi cials have said Wa- Some of the bodies were popular custom. among devotees at a Sufi dancing and music. now are leaving voluntarily, it istered for return,” Khan said. says. A UNHCR spokeswoman However, the Afghans com- in Geneva said offi cials do plain about constant harass- not know how many refu- ment and a lack of citizen- gees may return to Afghani- Ghani visits Australia ship rights for those who stan this year, but that so far Afghan army to double number have spent decades living and around 24,000 Afghans in working in Pakistan. Pakistan have “expressed an “My family moved to Pa- interest” in returning in April of special forces to fi ght Taliban kistan in the early ’80s,” said and May.

DPA the current special forces, but jured — more than double Kabul the process will start this year as much as all international and continue until 2020. troops lost in Afghanistan over Nato sources say Afghan the past 15 years. he Afghan army is start- special forces make up 7% of According to US military ing eff orts to double all troops, but carry out 40% sources, the Afghan govern- Tthe number of its spe- of the fi ghting across Afghani- ment currently controls around cial forces, a defence offi cial stan. 60% of the country, and the said yesterday, as the country Trained by international ad- next spring off ensive of the struggles to fend off an ever- visers, special forces units have Taliban is about to commence. increasing Taliban insurgency. often been the only outfi ts to Meanwhile, Taliban spokes- The defence ministry will successfully fi ght and push man Zabihullah Mujahid told soon start increasing special back the insurgency. DPA yesterday that with the forces units “so we have a com- The Afghan security forces Taliban’s spring off ensive just This handout from the Australian Prime Minister’s Off ice taken petent unit fi ghting terrorism,” have been losing police offi cers weeks away, the militants’ and released yesterday shows Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull General Mohamed Radmanish and soldiers on a massive scale main focus in 2017 will be to shaking hand with the visiting President of Afghanistan said. over the past years. fully capture those provinces A United Nations High Commission for Refugees off icial carries Mohamed Ashraf Ghani in Canberra. Ghani is touring Australia Radmanish said he cannot In 2016 alone, 6,785 were where they already control vast out an IRIS test on an Afghan refugee at the UNHCR off ice on the on a four-day visit. disclose the exact number of killed and another 11,777 in- stretches of land. outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan, yesterday. How to save a life while under fi re in Afghanistan

AFP have led to pioneering new forms RS trains thousands of Afghan the thorax. I had to remove the Herat of the ancient device: the fi rst security personnel in emergency left lung,” he says. recorded combat use of a junc- fi rst aid during winter’s relative The lack of infrastructure in tional tourniquet, which can be lull in fi ghting, and the coun- some parts of rural Afghanistan t was fi rst used by the armies used on a pelvis or an armpit, try’s young air force carried out means civilians sometimes ar- of the Roman Empire. was in Afghanistan in 2014. its fi rst evacuations in 2016, fl y- rive too late for eff ective medical I Centuries later, the tour- Blood transfusion protocols ing 9,000 wounded soldiers to aid to be administered, he says. niquet is buying casualties in Af- have also “completely changed safety. “Once they are here, they are ghanistan what they need most as the result of our experience, The goal is to instil a sense of treated within 10 to 15 minutes... — time — as surgeons adapt with whole blood and early urgency. “It was very important but some arrive 20 hours, one their battlefi eld procedures to platelet use now the standard”, for each soldier to understand week after the injury.” the grinding confl ict. Suter says. how to save a life,” Buff et ex- Spiralling casualty fi gures Since the US invasion of 2001, Other tools such as advanced plains. have underscored the need to the pattern of injuries sustained trauma dressings, blood con- Like Suter, she says the tour- narrow that time gap for civil- in Afghanistan has changed tainers and concussion screen- niquet plays a key role. ians and soldiers alike. when compared to previous con- ings are being brought to the During Buff et’s fi rst tour of When Nato combat forces fl icts, such as Vietnam. frontline — most of them acces- Afghanistan from 2005-2007, withdrew at the end of 2014, In response, Western ar- sible to the Nato-trained Afghan the device was completely ab- more than 3,500 foreign soldiers mies working with their Afghan army. sent among Afghan forces — as had been killed and about 33,000 counterparts have dramatically “The biggest lesson learned opposed to American troops, wounded (including 20,000 improved their emergency pro- from Afghanistan is that it is the who rely on it so heavily they Americans), according to the tocols — and, in the case of tour- simple things done promptly often wear one attached to their Pentagon. niquets and blood transfusions, that save the most lives,” says pant legs. But it is Afghan civilians who revolutionised them. Suter. “The Afghan soldiers now all continue to pay the highest These changes “have resulted “Things like stopping bleed- have their tourniquets and their price. from a combination of predomi- ing, keeping the airway open, AFAK (Afghan fi rst aid kit),” she More than 20,000 Afghan non- nantly blast injuries and the use giving blood. When we do these says. combatants are estimated to have of body armour, leading to special things we buy the time needed to This file photo taken on March 25, 2011 shows a US army flight medic Sergeant Bobby Dorris from “Now they can survive... This died in the confl ict since 2005, and focus on head and extremity inju- do the more complex things later Company C, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, MEDEVAC team treating a US Army soldier (bottom) is the main advantage of the mil- the situation has grown more grim ries”, says Colonel Robert Suter, an with excellent survival rates.” for an unspecified complaint on their Blackhawk helicopter in southern Afghanistan. itary (compared) to the civilians: with each passing year: civilian American surgeon based in Qatar. “Time is gold, it will make they all have tourniquet.” casualties approached 11,500 in Suter says the tourniquet the diff erence between life and emergency phases which, cu- must be carried out by the two- other story, admits Dr Polce: At Kabul’s Emergency Hos- 2016, the highest recorded by the — long a controversial tool be- death,” agrees Dr Gianluca Pol- mulatively, must not exceed two hour mark. “Ten minutes is a tricky time pital, which receives wounded UN since 2009. cause, if badly applied, it can ce, an orthopaedic surgeon at hours. Care is then divided into four when you are under attack.” civilians and soldiers as well as A disproportionate number of damage nerves or tissues on a TAAC-WEST. Vital intervention must be re- stages, from initial management Nevertheless such protocols insurgents, doctor Abdushukoor those casualties were children, wounded limb — in particular In addition to the Golden ceived within the fi rst ten min- to evacuation to the country of are essential, says Stephanie Sardar has just received a man raising the troubling question has had an enormous impact in Hour, the armed forces operat- utes, known as the Platinum origin. Buff ett, a medical adviser to who was wounded 12 days ago. of how many of those who died Afghanistan. ing under Nato’s banner apply Ten; emergency fi rst aid within It all works well in theory. Nato’s Resolute Support mission “The man came from the could have been saved, if only The peculiarities of war there the “10.1.2” doctrine — three an hour, and the fi rst surgery But in practice it can be an- (RS). north, he had received a bullet in they had received help in time. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Soldiers kill ‘more than 10’ militants in bid to free captives

Reuters “The 105mm howitzer direct- Manila ly hit enemy positions,” Galvez told reporters, saying four rounds were fi red when advanc- hilippine soldiers killed ing troops were pinned down. “more than 10” Islamic “More than 10 were killed. Our PState-linked Abu Sayyaf troops had discovered mangled militants in an attempt to free bodies in the area, but we con- Vietnamese captives held on tinue to pursue them.” a remote southern island as There was no word on the troops fi red howitzer shells on fate of the captives. rebel positions, an army gen- Four of the wounded sol- eral said yesterday. diers were airlifted to a hos- The small but violent mili- pital while 28, among them tant group, known for extor- a battalion commander, had tion, beheading and kidnap- minor shrapnel wounds from for-ransom activities, is grenade blasts. holding more than two dozen Galvez said troops had captives on Jolo island. clashed for more than an hour It beheaded a German cap- with about 100 Abu Sayyaf tive two months ago when no rebels led by Radullan Sahiron, ransom was paid for his release. a one-armed militant leader Major-General Carlito who fi gures on the US State Galvez, military commander Department’s wanted list, (From left) National Democratic Front’s (NDF) Senior adviser, Luis Jalandoni; founder of the Filipino Communist Party and NDF’s Chief Political Consultant, Jose Maria Sison; Norwegian of western Mindanao, said 32 with a $1mn bounty. Special Envoy, Elisabeth Slattum; Philippines’ Presidential Advisers on the Peace Process Jesus G Dureza and Silvestre H Bello III take part in a meeting as part of the peace talks between soldiers were also wounded Last month, fi ve Malaysians the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDF organised by the Dutch government in Noordwijk aan Zee yesterday. in Sunday’s assault on an were freed on Jolo and two Fil- Abu Sayyaf hideout in Tali- ipino sailors were rescued on pao town, where the militants nearby Basilan island by sol- were believed to be holding six diers chasing the Abu Sayyaf Vietnamese captives. militant group.

Truce on agenda in new Cop linked to Quezon shooting surrenders A member of the Quezon City Tumbaga, the husband of Police District (QCPD) involved Glaiza Tumbaga, a car sales in a shooting incident last agent with whom she alleg- week surrendered herself to edly had an aff air. PO1 Ojastro authorities over the weekend, was immediately transferred round of talks with rebels Manila Times reported. to the Station’s Administra- QCPD Director, Chief Supt. tive Holding Section when AFP the National Democratic Front They were kick-started again ijk aan Zee, about 70 kilometres But the hope is now to reach Guillermo Eleazar, reported she stopped reporting for Noordwijk aan Zee of the Philippines (NDFP) to un- by President Rodrigo Duterte af- from Utrecht where several rebel a peace deal by the end of 2017. that Police Off icer (PO) 1 work after the incident. QCPD dertake a forging in this round of ter he took offi ce last June. leaders live in exile. The talks were delayed by a Wealyn Ojastro, responsible for has filed cases of frustrated talks of an agreement on (a) joint The National Democratic The founder of the Commu- day, when Duterte said not all the shooting of a male civilian murder, and physical injury for hilippine government of- interim ceasefi re,” Philippine Front is made up of several nist Party, Jose Maria Sison, who the conditions had been met. on March 27 in Brgy. Sauyo, allegedly kicking the victim’s fi cials yesterday launched government negotiator Silvestre groups, the most prominent of lives in Utrecht, is recovering He has insisted the govern- Novaliches, surrendered wife, against Ojastro with the Pa new round of talks with Bello told a press conference. which is the Communist Party of from a bout of ill-health. ment will not recognise any to Station 4 Commander, Quezon City Prosecutor’s communist rebels aiming to The interim truce will “ac- the Philippines, whose guerrilla “The negotiations are neces- territorial claims made by the Supt. April Mark Young, and Off ice. The QCPD will evalu- hammer out an interim cease- company our peace negotiations unit is the 4,000-strong New sary to address the roots of the rebels and that all prisoners voluntarily surrendered her ate her case to determine fi re in moves to end one of the throughout,” he said, adding it People’s Army (NPA). Norway armed conflict and to agree on should be released. service firearm, and is now her possible administrative world’s longest insurgencies. will march “in step with the dis- had coaxed the two sides back to a social economic political and He also called for clear pa- under custody at the station. liabilities. “We act swiftly on The talks, which got under cussion of the socio-economic the negotiating table in August. constitutional reform in order rameters for the ceasefire. On March 28, Eleazar ordered police abuses reported to us. way in The Netherlands, are reforms that will address the But little progress has been to lay the basis for a just and The rebels, inspired by Chi- a manhunt for PO1 Ojastro, We never tolerate abusive due to last until Friday and are root causes of armed confl ict.” made in the three previous lasting peace,” he told report- na’s former leader Mao Zedong, assigned as beat patroller of policemen or women who the fourth round between the The confl ict erupted in 1968 rounds. ers. have called for land reforms to the Novaliches Police Station ruin our public image and the National Democratic Front and in the impoverished country and Originally due to be held in The conflict has left some free millions of landless Filipi- (Station 4), who allegedly shot public’s respect for honest and Manila. peace negotiations have been on Oslo, the talks were moved to the 30,000 people dead, according no farm hands from what they and wounded Mark Kevin hardworking cops.” “We welcome the openness of and off for about 30 years. western Dutch town of Noordw- to the Philippine army. call “semi-feudal” bondage. Duterte says he would kill drug Palace dismisses EU dealers to protect children

took power on June 30 last year. threat to block exports Reuters Manila Police have taken responsibil- ity for a third of those deaths, By Llanesca T Panti citing self-defence during anti- Manila Times hilippine President Rod- narcotics operations. rigo Duterte told school Duterte also said he planned to Pchildren yesterday he restore basic military training in he Rodrigo Duterte ad- would not hesitate to kill to pro- universities to instill discipline, ministration has dis- tect them from the scourge of stepping up government’s crack- Tmissed the warning of the drugs and encouraged them to down on narcotics. envoy of the European Union enlist in the army to defend the “I need soldiers, I need boy that EU countries could block country from its enemies. scouts. Who wants to become the entry of Philippine exports Speaking during a Boys soldiers?” he asked.”I am count- if drug-related killings continue. Scouts’ ceremony at the presi- ing on you, are you ready? An- In support of the Palace’s dential palace, Duterte did not swer me, children. Always love stance, a Philippine lawmaker mince words, saying he would your country.” called on the 28-nation bloc to kill dealers “if you touch our Duterte said the country had stop meddling in Philippine af- children”. Duterte has repeatedly become too libertarian as the fairs. rebuff ed international criticism youth reject the boy scouts and Presidential spokesman Er- about his bloody war on drugs, military training programme and nesto Abella took exception during which more than 8,000 embrace alcohol, street brawls to the statement made by EU people have been killed since he and drugs. Duterte: fight against drugs. Ambassador Franz Jessen that the Philippines’ refusal to meet Families of drug suspects killed during police anti-drug operations grieve at the Santo Nino Parish Church its commitments to UN human in Caloocan City. rights agreements could af- fect trade relations with 28 EU ing crucial access to European would destroy. The citizens ap- illegal drug problem, consid- member-states. markets. preciate the long-awaited peace ering that some of its member- Leyte seeks total electrifi cation in island Abella noted that no less than At least 7,000 have been and order under President Du- nations tolerate drug use. “The the head of the Task Force on killed since Duterte took over terte,” Abella said. Abella noted European Union has no moral Extra-judicial Killings of the the presidency in June 2016. that the Philippine economy right to interfere in how we han- Manila Times ministrator said in an e-mailed been built on the island includ- Commission on Human Rights, Of this fi gure, about 4,000 are was ready for takeoff , consider- dle our illegal drugs problems Manila statement over the weekend. ing the replica of the First Mass led by Commissioner Gwen deemed drug-related. ing the $7.9bn worth of foreign considering the fact that many Limasawa marked the 496th and the 450 flights of stairs Pimentel-Gana, had stated that Vice President Maria Leonor investments that came in 2016, of their member-countries al- anniversary of the birth of that legendary Portuguese ex- the spate of extra-judicial kill- “Leni” Robredo is heavily op- or a jump of 44% from the pre- low the use of dangerous drugs,” he provincial govern- Christianity in the country last plorer Ferdinand Magellan took ings were not state-sponsored. posed to the anti-drug war, vious year. Investments could Sotto said in an interview aired ment of Southern Leyte Friday. The Southern Leyte lo- to plant the First Cross. “Non-trade accusations, es- telling a United Nations anti- still go higher with peace and over radio station dzBB. Treiterated its appeal for cal government unit (LGU) Southern Leyte has also been pecially if baseless and unde- narcotics conference last month order, he said. Sotto said the actions of some the complete electrification of called for the total electrifi- working closely with the De- served, should therefore not be that even family members of “We would rather that the EU parliamentarians seemed the island of Limasawa. cation of Limasawa to ensure partment of Tourism and the linked with trade programmes. suspected drug personalities European Parliament engage us to show that they were more National Electrification Ad- reliable and efficient power Department of Transportation Philippine police authorities have been arrested or killed. as partners in nation-building, sympathetic with drugs push- ministration (NEA) Admin- supply beyond the current 12 to to complete the construction of are conducting legitimate po- In October, Korean busi- as the visionary EU business ers and addicts killed during istrator Edgardo Masongsong 16-hour rotation. the Maasin City airport and a lice operations that require ob- nessman Jee Ick Joo was mur- community seems to intend legitimate police operations, recognised the significance of The LGU also pressed for the port on the other side of Lima- servance of operational proto- dered by the police after he was themselves,” Abella said. rather than with the thousands this request as the municipal- installation of a submarine ca- sawa in preparation for the in- cols, and police authorities who nabbed on a fake warrant of ar- A senator on Sunday criti- of families aff ected by the pro- ity is gearing up for the quin- ble from the mainland. flux of tourists. breach procedures are answer- rest for drug charges. cised the EU anew for meddling liferation of illegal drugs. centennial anniversary of the It sought the assistance of Masongsong lauded the de- able to the law,” Abella said in a Abella insisted that the war with the aff airs of the Philip- More than 77,000 families historic first Catholic Mass in NEA to purchase the equip- velopments that would drive statement. on drugs was above board. pines, saying it should try to have been aff ected by crimes the Philippines four years from ment as it has been announced the economy of the province. The country benefi ts from “We assure our friends and understand the drug problem in involving drugs, such as murder now. that a cruise ship from Spain He said the Limasawa Island the Generalised System of Pref- allies that the Philippines will the country. or rape, he said. “They are only “The need to address the will arrive in Limasawa on has been blessed with some erences (GSP) scheme with the respect its international com- Senate Majority Leader Vi- concerned of the picture show- proposal is urgent most espe- March 31, 2021 for the momen- of the best diving sites in the EU that allows the Philippines mitments. The president’s war cente Sotto said the EU has ing a crying wife of a drug push- cially since the 500th anniver- tous occasion. world, hence there is no doubt and other developing nations against dangerous drug traf- no moral right to question the er. But how about the families sary of the First Mass on 2021 is This early, commemora- its tourism industry will con- to pay less or no duties on their fi ckers intends to protect the methods of the Philippine gov- who were aff ected by that drug fast approaching,” the NEA ad- tive structures have reportedly tinue to grow. exports to the EU, thus giv- innocent which illegal drugs ernment in dealing with the pusher?” the senator added. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Nepal shuts airport after leopard seen near runway

Agencies cident was reported but we to exert pressure on the animal Kathmandu haven’t found the leopard yet,” but it did not come out,” Thakur Prem Nath Thakur said. said. “Considering the exces- According to offi cials, the epal had to close its sive fl ight pressure and pos- search mission will start imme- only international air- sible disturbance to the pas- diately after the single-runway Nport for around half an sengers, we have decided to of the airport is closed at 12:00 Bystanders try to clear a road after a fatal landslide in Chitwan district, some 97km from Kathmandu yesterday. hour yesterday after a leop- resume the search operation midnight. ard was spotted close to the only from midnight,” said the One international fl ight was runway. spokesperson. delayed but no other fl ight was A spokesman for the airport A team, comprising secu- scheduled during the closure. in Kathmandu said wildlife and rity forces, forest offi cials, zoo Kathmandu is close to for- security offi cers were search- staff , was involved in the search ested hills and leopards are oc- Two dead as landslide hits ing for the animal, believed to operation. They have closed casionally known to stray into be hiding in the drains, after it both ends of the drain to trace the city. was spotted by a pilot. the animal. In the past, birds have “We closed the airport for “The fi re fi ghters even used posed serious safety prob- about 30 minutes after the in- water cannons inside the drain lems at the single-runway air- major highway in Nepal port, although stray cattle and dogs have also been known to disrupt fl ights. DPA er were killed on the spot yester- the river fl ows below the road,” copter has been kept on In 2016, a plane with nine pas- Kathmandu day, said Ramesh Mishra, a po- Mishra said. standby, a loader has been sengers was forced to make an lice offi cer from Chitwan district Meanwhile, Deputy Prime sent from Chitwan to open the emergency landing when a bird in southern Nepal. Minister and Minister for obstructed road. struck its right wing. wo people were killed A 15-year-old, who was riding Home Aff airs Bimalendra Ni- Natural disasters are common Nineteen people were killed in yesterday when they pillion on the motorbike, and the dhi directed authorities con- during the annual monsoon sea- 2012 when an aircraft hit a bird Twere buried in a land- driver of the oil tanker were both cerned to facilitate the early son in largely mountainous Ne- and crashed shortly after taking slide that struck a major high- injured and were being treated in rescue of the victims buried in pal, but Monday’s landslide was off from the airport. way connecting Nepal’s capital a hospital in Bharatpur, a town in the landslide. a dry one that occurred without According to TIA, 28 airlines Kathmandu with the rest of the Chitwan, he said. Subsequently, personnel of any rainfall. operated 27,118 fl ights in the country, local police said. “A truck was also buried, Nepal army, Nepal Police and More than 400 people were Nepali skies in 2016, approxi- A man in his early 40s, who but the driver was unhurt. The Armed Police Force have been killed in landslides and fl ood- Kathmandu is close to forested hills and leopards are occasionally mately 75 landings and take-off s was driving his motorbike, and highway was under construc- mobilised for the rescue. ing last year, according to the known to stray into the city. per day. an assistant to an oil tanker driv- tion, but there are bends, and While a Nepal Army heli- Nepal’s Home Ministry. 2nd Dhaka-Kolkata Relocation of rare rhinos underway bus service proposal AFP habitat, which is already home Chitwan to an estimated eight of gets cabinet nod their kin. The fi rst group of rhinos was onservationists yes- released into Shuklaphanta in By Mizan Rahman coming visit of Prime Minister terday captured a rare 2000, Kanchan Thapa, a biolo- Dhaka Sheikh Hasina to India or later, Cone-horned rhinoceros gist from conservation group said Cabinet Secretary Shafi ul in Nepal as part of an attempt WWF, said. Alam while briefi ng reporters to increase the number of the The latest rhinos are needed he cabinet yesterday after the meeting. vulnerable animals, which are to replenish the population, he approved a draft of the He said Dhaka-Kolka- prized by wildlife poachers. added. Tprotocol on operation of ta route bus is now plying Five rhinos – one male and Thousands of one-horned passenger bus service between through Bangabandhu Bridge, four female – will be released rhinos once roamed the Dhaka in Bangladesh and Hatikumrul of Sirajganj and into a national park in Nepal’s southern plains of Nepal but Kolkata in India via Khulna. Jessore. But when the proto- far west over the coming week rampant poaching and pres- With it, the second direct col will come into eff ective, he in the hope of establishing a new sures of human encroach- passenger bus service between said, another Dhaka-Kolkata breeding group. ment reduced their numbers Dhaka and Kolkata will go into route bus will be introduced. The fi rst, a large male esti- to around 100 in the later part operation. The new bus service will mated to be around 12 years old, of last century. Last year, more than ply through Mawa, Gopalganj, was located by rangers in Chit- There are now around 645 700,000 Bangladeshis visited Khulna and Jessore, reduc- wan National Park after a four- after a government-led conser- India for various purposes and ing 96km distance from the hour search on elephant-back. vation push in the years since a Bangladesh topped the list current route. “He is one of the dominant 10-year civil war ended in 2006. choosing India for tourism, The cabinet secretary said males in this area,” said park Poaching has declined signifi - higher studies and medical the new Dhaka-Kolkata bus chief Ram Chandra Kandel. cantly in Nepal, with only a few treatment. service would be inaugurat- The team of vets, wildlife cases in recent years. The cabinet also approved ed by the prime ministers of experts and mahouts hope to A rhino died last year after be- the draft of the agreement Bangladesh and India through capture a second rhino before ing shot by poachers, who were A veterinary and technical team collar and collect samples from a darted rhino in Chitwan National Park, between Bangladesh and In- videoconferencing. departing for Shuklaphanta intercepted by authorities be- some 250km south of Kathmandu, yesterday. dia for the regulation of mo- The approval was given at National Park, a 12-hour drive fore removing its valuable horn. tor vehicle passenger traffi c the regular weekly meeting of away. Rhino horns can sell for tens tional medicines in China and and a Rs100,000 ($1,000) fi ne in in the Kaziranga National Park between the two countries. the cabinet held at Bangladesh It will take at least a week to of thousands of dollars on the Southeast Asia. Nepal. in northeastern India, where The agreement and protocol Secretariat with Prime Minister capture and transport the re- international black market, Rhino poaching carries a max- The other signifi cant popu- there are believed to be around could be signed during the up- Sheikh Hasina in the chair. maining rhinos to their new where they are used in tradi- imum penalty of 15 years in jail lation of one-horned rhinos is 1,200. ‘Lanka will not agree Bangladesh to launch to war crimes probe’ fi rst-ever satellite in Dec

IANS By Mizan Rahman of 1,600 megahertz will have said, “Work on Bangabandhu Besides, the work for procur- Colombo Dhaka 40 transponders and the physi- Satellite-1 is progressing fast ing equipment for the ground cal equipment of the space cap- for launching it on the Vic- control station is underway, he sule that measures the capacity. tory Day next. Prime Minister said. he Sri Lankan government yesterday said that ork on Bangladesh’s Half of the capacity will be re- Sheikh Hasina is likely to go to According to the sources, while it will investigate certain crimes which fi rst-ever satellite served for the country while the the USA for launching the sat- work on satellite is going on un- Ttook place during the war between Tamil Ti- Wproject, Bangaband- rest will be rented out. ellite.” der the facility of Thales Alenia ger rebels and the military, it will not agree to a war hu Satellite-1, is going on in full In 2008, the Bangladesh Former posts and telecom- Space of Cannes and Toulouse. crimes probe. swing, aiming to be launched Telecommunication and Regu- munications secretary Fai- Thales Alenia Space is in charge Government spokesman and Minister of Health on the country’s Victory Day on latory Commission (BTRC) zur Rahman Chowdhury said, of the design, production, test- and Indigenous Medicine, Rajitha Senaratne told December 16. completed the primary works, “Once the satellite is launched, ing and the delivery in orbit. reporters in the northern town of Jaff na that if Sources at the posts and tel- including the submission of the country’s telecommunica- Bangabandhu Satellite-1 there is a war crimes probe then the Tamil Tigers, ecommunications ministry said electronic fi ling to the Inter- tion sector will be able to move will be launched using vehicle also known as the LTTE, must also be investigated, yesterday that 55% work on the national Telecommunication competitively with developed SpaceX and Falcon 9 of the Unit- Xinhua reports. Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine Rajitha Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has Union (ITU), for launching the nations. The government is ed States from the Cape Carnival “Who do we investigate in the LTTE? Are there Senaratne been completed. satellite. giving priority to quick imple- launch pad. An agreement has any leaders? We will go for a good settlement,” the Once launched, the Banga- The government has taken mentation of the project.” already been signed between minister said. Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009 bandhu Satellite-1 will provide the most sophisticated tech- Project director Abdur Raz- SpaceX, the USA and Launch He said that the main objective of the govern- after 30 years of war but the military has been ac- 40 diff erent types of services. It nological project involving zak said, “The construction Service Agreement of Thales. ment is to ensure the fi nal settlement following 30 cused of committing war crimes during the fi nales is expected to bring revolution- 29.69bn taka with a view to re- work of two ground control sta- On September 9, 2016, an years of war, gives equal status to all Sri Lankans. stages of the war. ary changes in telecommunica- ducing dependence on foreign tions in Gazipur and Betbunia agreement of 157mn euro The minister also said that powers will be devolved The government has initiated a reconciliation tions and broadcast services, countries. are going on in full swing. We (equivalent to 14bn taka) with to the provinces to ensure the people in the respective process to address the main causes behind the the sources said. State Minister for Posts and hope the work will be complet- HSBC was signed for fi nancing areas look after the development of the areas. confl ict and ensure non-recurrence. The satellite with a capacity Communications Tarana Halim ed in time.” the project. Gulf Times 26 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Delivering on promises

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] to the middle class Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) By Michael Spence and David Brady Fax 44350474 Milan

S President Donald Trump owes his electoral victory largely to the older white Umiddle- and working-class GULF TIMES voters who have missed out on many of the benefi ts of the economic- growth patterns of the last three decades. Yet his administration is preparing to pursue an economic pro- gramme that, while positive in some Woods is out respects, will not deliver the reversal of economic fortune his key constitu- ency was promised. Trump gave voice to a group of but plenty of voters who had long faced worsening job prospects and stagnant or even declining real incomes – trends that have accelerated since 2000. As the stars at Masters number of middle-class jobs fell, the middle-income group shrank, exacerbating income polarisation. A pro for just eight months at the time, 21-year-old This phenomenon, while particularly Tiger Woods made himself the youngest Master’s severe in the United States and the United Kingdom, can be seen champion and the fi rst African-American man to win in various forms throughout the one of golf’s majors in April 1997. developed world. The smiling Woods hit Augusta National with a The economic challenges facing The Trump administration has to respond to the legitimate concerns of the voters who helped Trump reach off ice. developed-country middle classes are hurricane of hype and proceeded to fl ood the Masters largely the result of two factors: the increasingly diffi cult to do what is of – private-sector investment, with is impossible when they have just fi eld, winning by 12 strokes and setting an 18-under- rapid loss of white- and blue-collar needed. tax and regulatory reform providing an enough to cover their basic needs. routine jobs to automation, and the But government intervention additional boost. Some renegotiation Here, conditional cash transfers for par tournament record. Despite the 20th anniversary shift of middle and lower value-added is crucial to tackle the problems of trade and investment agreements training and skills acquisition could be of his big breakthrough, Woods had to withdraw for jobs to countries with lower labour facing developed-country workers could also help to redistribute the benefi cial. the third time in four years from this year’s Masters, on costs. The latter pattern depressed today, which markets can’t address costs and benefi ts of globalisation, Universal access to high-quality income and wage growth not only in alone. Whether by renegotiating though any changes should fall well education is also critical. Right now, April 6 in Augusta, saying in a statement that he was the tradable sector directly, but also trade arrangements, investing in short of protectionism. And the when some part of the US educational not ready owing to ongoing rehabilitation on his back. in the non-tradable service sectors, infrastructure and human capital, or impact of the Trump administration’s system fails, the well-off bail out to “My back rehabilitation didn’t allow me the time to owing to the spillover of displaced facilitating redistribution, government economic policies is likely to be the private system, and the rest are left labour. must work proactively to achieve a buoyed by the economy’s natural behind. That’s individually rational, get tournament ready. I’m especially upset because it’s The result was surplus labour rebalancing of growth patterns. structural adaptation to technological but collectively suboptimal. Indeed, a special anniversary for me that’s fi lled with a lot of conditions in the middle- and lower- The Trump administration now development. without high-quality education middle-income ranges, not dissimilar faces at least two major challenges. But this will not be enough to at all levels – from preschool great memories. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I to the surplus labour in early-stage The fi rst is to steer the political combat the forces that have been through university or the equivalent won my fi rst green jacket,” Woods said. developing countries, where it process away from paralysing squeezing American workers. Even if professional training – it is nearly Even without the dominant player of a generation, suppresses income growth (for a polarisation, toward some vision of an the Trump administration manages impossible to achieve inclusive growth period of time) even as the economy achievable and more inclusive growth to boost economic growth, thereby patterns. though, golf has a bumper crop of big stars and fast- expands. A decline in the bargaining pattern. The second challenge – diminishing the “surplus labour” Finally, the Trump administration rising top prospects. power of labour and a falling real conditional on achieving the fi rst – is eff ect and generating jobs, the should rethink its proposed deep cuts After piling up 14 majors through 2008, Woods has minimum wage may have also to respond to the legitimate concerns labour market will struggle to keep to funding for basic research, which contributed to income polarisation, of the voters who helped Trump reach up. At a time of rapid and profound would undermine innovation and been increasingly hobbled by injuries and missed though these are probably secondary offi ce. technological transformation, the US economic dynamism down the road. the entire 2016 majors schedule. He returned to factors. On the fi rst challenge, the signs so also needs a strong commitment from While weeding out less promising competition in December, only to pull out of the Dubai Though the challenges facing the far are not encouraging. The electoral the public and private sectors to help programmes is certainly acceptable, as middle class are well documented, US process is essentially a zero-sum game workers adapt. is fi ghting vested interests, the money Desert Classic in January and a press conference in leaders have largely failed to recognise for the participants. But governance A useful fi rst step would be saved should be redirected to more February — both attributed to back spasms — before fully the struggles of middle-class is not a zero-sum game. Treating substantially increased support promising areas within the sphere of households, much less implement it that way produces gridlock, for training, retraining, and skills basic research. his Friday pull-out from the Masters. eff ective countermeasures. This has political fragmentation, and inaction, upgrading. In his book Failure to The Trump administration’s current In contrast to Woods, who has not had a top 10 contributed to a growing sense of undermining eff orts to address critical Adjust, Ted Alden, a fellow at the economic plan may be pro-growth, fi nish since 2015 and is now ranked 757th in the world, hopelessness – particularly among challenges. Council on Foreign Relations, observes but it is incomplete on inclusiveness. men – which has manifested in rising To be sure, elements of the Trump that the US spends just 0.1% of its Shifts in trade policy cannot be fellow American Dustin Johnson, world number one, non-participation in the workforce, administration’s proposed economic GDP on retraining, compared to 2% depended on to rebalance growth enters the Masters on a aggravated health problems, drug policy, if implemented, would surely in Denmark. And Denmark and its patterns in favour of middle- and historic streak of three abuse, elevated suicide rates, and anti- have a positive impact. For example, Nordic counterparts seem to have lower-income households. They may In 2015, Spieth government sentiment. with the support of a Republican- done better than most in balancing even pose a risk to growth. – Project victories in his last three Countries that experience high dominated Congress, the Trump imperatives like effi ciency, dynamism, Syndicate won the event tournaments. and rising economic inequality administration could fi nally be able to structural fl exibility, competitiveness, Since February, “DJ” often face political instability and end America’s excessive reliance on and economic openness with the zMichael Spence, a Nobel laureate in with an 18-under policy dysfunction. As policymaking monetary policy to support growth need for social-security systems economics, is Professor of Economics has carried trophies becomes erratic, loses credibility, and and employment. that support adaptation to a shifting at New York University’s Stern School score away from the Genesis becomes choked by gridlock, growth Moreover, the public-sector employment environment. of Business and Senior Fellow at the suff ers, and the chances of achieving investment in infrastructure and Furthermore, some income Hoover Institution. David Brady is Open in Pacifi c a prosperous form of inclusiveness human capital that Trump has redistribution will be needed, in Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution Palisades, California, the World Golf Championships- decline. The result is a vicious promised, if properly targeted, would order to enable low-income workers and Professor of Political Science at Mexico in Naucalpan, and the World Golf circle, in which government fi nds it raise returns on – and thus the level to invest in themselves – which Stanford University. Championships Match Play event in Austin, Texas. Johnson climbed atop the rankings in February, and will arrive in Augusta — where he tied for fourth a year ago — as the hottest player on tour. Sixth-ranked Jordan Spieth has fi nished no better than 12th in his The truth about development aid last three events, but the 23-year-old in his short career has circled the Masters like a shark around its By Mark Suzman for example, developing countries support rising incomes in developing without the continued delivery of wounded prey. Seattle realise $44 in economic benefi ts. economies, it can create export- development aid. Yet most people are unaware oriented jobs at home. Of America’s This is not to say that existing In his landmark 2015 season, Spieth won the Masters of the tremendous progress that top 15 trading partners – that is, self- aid programmes are perfect. On with an 18-under score, tying Woods’ record. In 2014 S President Donald development aid has enabled. In a suffi cient countries that consume US the contrary, we must be vigilant and 2016, he had at least a piece of second place, Trump’s recently released recent survey of 56,409 people in 24 goods and services – 11 are former aid about continuing to improve them. 2018 budget blueprint countries, only one in 100 knew that recipients. But complaints that aid money though last year’s fi nish was a memorable collapse as Uproposes deep cuts in US global poverty has been reduced by Many more developing countries is not being used as eff ectively as he surrendered a fi ve-stroke lead in the last round. foreign aid, prompting a discussion half. More than two-thirds thought are taking ownership of their future. it could be greatly exaggerate the on the role of such spending in extreme poverty has increased. Such They are contributing more to their problem. The truth is that, thanks World number two Rory McIlroy, at just 27, is improving the health and well- popular misperceptions reinforce a own development, through domestic to extensive experience designing already a PGA tour veteran. With four career majors, being of the world’s most vulnerable pessimistic narrative that renders public programmes supported by and implementing cost-eff ective the Masters is the only jewel missing from his career people. This discussion is important, foreign aid budgets politically smart tax and fi scal policies. And aid programmes, poorly used funds because, when it comes to reducing vulnerable. they are placing a high priority on represent a tiny fraction of the total grand slam. McIlroy’s best fi nish at Augusta was fourth many of the world’s greatest Compounding the problem, investments in critical areas, including invested in aid. place in 2015, but a victory there would put the pride inequities, aid matters as much donor-country populations often education, basic healthcare, and The bigger problem is a lack of of Northern Ireland in elite company with legends as ever – and perhaps even more overestimate the amount of money increased agricultural productivity information. That is why those of us – for reasons that are not widely their governments spend on aid. In the – the building blocks of a self- in the development fi eld must work Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and understood. US, foreign aid comprises less than suffi cient and prosperous future. hard to improve communication Gene Sarazen. In the last 25 years, foreign-aid 1% of the federal budget, yet a recent Private business and capital are also with policymakers and the public, Woods will be missed no doubt but there’s no programmes have helped usher in an public opinion survey found that 73% expanding their role in development demonstrating how development era of unprecedented progress in the of Americans believe aid contributes projects. aid works and the progress it has shortage of stars at golf’s most cherished major. developing world. Child mortality and “a great deal” or “a fair amount” to the Still, for now, donor aid remains facilitated. extreme poverty have been halved. national debt. essential to fill gaps in domestic Despite current uncertainties, I Innovative multilateral partnerships There is one more misperception funding, to address market failures, am optimistic that progress in global like the Global Fund and Gavi, the clouding donor countries’ and to encourage more private- health and development will continue. Vaccine Alliance – of which the United judgment: the idea that aid to sector investment. And make no Having been involved in these areas To Advertise States is the largest funder – have developing countries is an act of mistake: despite the tremendous for nearly two decades, at the UN saved millions of lives, as they have sheer generosity, with no tangible gains of the last couple of decades, and now at the Gates Foundation, I [email protected] reduced the burden of infectious benefits for the donor. The truth is much work remains to be done know that the case for development Display diseases such as malaria, HIV, and quite the opposite. Indeed, it is in to sustain progress on health and aid is clear and compelling. I Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 tuberculosis. The Bill & Melinda developed countries’ own interest, development. believe the world will not turn its Gates Foundation has been proud to in both security and economic More than a billion people still back on the historic challenge of Classified collaborate with these initiatives in terms, to help fund development live on less than a dollar per day. reducing disparities in global health, Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 reducing the costs of vaccinations and programmes. Every year, more than three million eliminating extreme poverty, and other interventions, thereby boosting Without aid funding, rising poverty babies die in their fi rst month of life. building a more equitable and secure Subscription their measurable impact on global and instability can draw developed Addressing these and other enduring world. – Project Syndicate [email protected] health. countries into faraway confl icts and problems – part of the ambitious set Experience shows that health and bring instability to their doorsteps, of health and development targets that zMark Suzman is Chief Strategy development programs pay enormous in the form of immigration and United Nations has set for 2030, as Offi cer and President of Global Policy 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved economic dividends. For every dollar refugee crises, as well as pandemics. part of the Sustainable Development and Advocacy at the Bill & Melinda invested in childhood immunisations, By contrast, when aid is used to Goals – would be all but impossible Gates Foundation. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 4, 2017 27 COMMENT War threats over Gibraltar are fantasies

By Paul Mason wants a military alliance involving the Trident-armed submarine that London primarily white, English-speaking leaves Faslane, its cyber-warfare countries, backed up with a new free- systems constantly probing ours. movement deal. Between us and Russia is a continent nton Chekhov’s rule was Lilico’s rationale rests on the riven with divisions and lacking that if a gun appears in act “cultural similarity” of the Canzuk resolve even to formally meet its one, by act three it must countries, which he assumes Nato commitments. Ago off. This basic principle could override, say, the geographic All around us is the global threat of of drama holds true in diplomacy as proximity of Australia to China, and jihadism, together with the possibility well: don’t make promises you can’t Canada to the US. Bonkers though it of country breakdown and mass keep, or threats you can’t deliver on. sounds, the proposal is more realistic population movements. It’s a principle that Conservative than the offi cial policy of the British These two threats – Russia and politicians blathering about conflict government, which its own civil jihadism – are more than enough. with Spain over Gibraltar would do servants have derided as “Empire 2.0”. We should design our military and well to study. Liam Fox, the minister for diplomatic strategy to meet them On Sunday, the former Tory leader international trade, last month and nothing else. Global reach is a Michael Howard, citing Margaret began the process of persuading the post-imperial fantasy, as is the plan Thatcher’s war with Argentina over 52 nations of the Commonwealth for Canzuk. So is the proposal to the Falkland Islands, said he was – including giant populations in face down Spain diplomatically and “absolutely certain that our current India and Nigeria – into a free-trade insist on the absolute sovereignty of prime minister will show the same agreement with the UK. The only Gibraltar. resolve in standing by the people of problem is, as 32 of them pointed out, Gibraltar’s sovereignty was Gibraltar”. It was no slip. This war they already have free trade with the shared with Spain’s the moment EU meme over Gibraltar is not new in Tory EU via special agreements with the membership for both territories led to thinking. Luke Coff ey of the Heritage UK. If the UK leaves the EU before their economic re-integration. Foundation – a US conservative signing free-trade agreements with A rightwing nationalist government thinktank – has, since the Brexit these ex-colonies, trade will be more in Madrid was always going to play vote, been calling for warships to be free between them and the EU than it games like this if you handed them deployed around Gibraltar. Yesterday, will be with the UK. negotiating power by threatening in response to the row over Howard’s Empire 2.0 is, then, in all its forms, a hard Brexit. In that sense, the comments, Coff ey retweeted a picture a fantasy. It is a displacement activity Gibraltar row has emerged from of the Argentine cruiser General for Fox and his cronies in the rightwing Brussels as a credible threat from the Belgrano sinking. thinktanks to avoid confronting the EU to counter the credible threat of a Sending warships to Gibraltar, and main task posed by Brexit: to salvage A rock and a hard place: Gibraltar and Britain’s relationship. no-deal Brexit. preparing what Coff ey calls a “robust our trading, diplomatic, military and But the UK’s security relies on air bridge” should Spain close the land cultural ties with Europe. That was always the subtextual military-diplomatic policy, under the armies, dictators and autocrats as Europe’s security. In reality, our border, makes sense only if you buy But it has deep roots not just in the meaning of the small wars the UK infl uence of Coff ey, among others, long as it promotes trade. And we will trade and cultural links are primarily the wider fantasy: that Britain’s future thinking of the Tory right, but in that kept fi ghting: over the Falklands, evolved towards the totally unrealistic project power way beyond the Nato European and will go on being so. after Brexit involves rekindling its of a xenophobic minority in England with Iceland over fi shing rights. It philosophy of “global reach”. eastern fl ank and the Middle East, the Let’s leave imperial fantasies to colonial empire, both as a market and whose consciousness is moulded by was the subtext, too, for the weirdly Enshrined in the 2015 Strategic two regions where UK military power the weird Nietzscheans of the Tory a diplomatic sphere of infl uence. the Daily Mail, nostalgia dramas on distributed bases of the British army: Defence and Security Review, has been focused for decades. right, who believe in triumph of the The economist Andrew Lilico, a TV and an almost continuous stream jungle training in Belize; the Gurkhas, global reach revived the principles Even in 2015 this was laid out as a will over the objective realities of hard Brexiter, advocates the creation of military pageants on this or that stationed not just in Nepal but in of imperialist thinking. The UK’s clear alternative to the most logical multilateral global power. Let’s say of an alliance called Canzuk – anniversary of this or that war. Brunei; the two sovereign territories military-diplomatic strategy is policy: of military co-operation this to our Spanish friends: 70 years involving Britain, Canada, Australia For them, the UK’s connections on Cyprus; and, of course, Gibraltar designed to enhance its “security with our European neighbours. ago, 2,000 British and Irish men died and New Zealand together with former with Europe were always the source itself. and prosperity”. Although it sounds The problem is, the rules-based trying to save democracy in Spain. colonial dependencies. Although of cognitive dissonance. Britain’s Maintaining a string of non- meaningless, this phrase has for the multilateral system is fragmenting and For their memory, and for peace in Britain’s trade with the Canzuk essential destiny was to “rule the defensible bases between Borneo Tories a specifi c meaning: we will go the UK is faced with serious choices. Europe, we will never threaten a countries amounts to just 3% of GDP waves”, not just through sea power, but and Bermuda made sense as long as on arming dictators as long as they To the east is Vladimir Putin’s democratic and peaceful Spain with (compared with 40% with the EU), through the cultural hegemony of its these were merely the legacy of an are not a threat to the UK; we will Russia, heavily re-armed, its military force. – Guardian News & for Lilico it’s not just about trade. He pop icons and its fashion designers. empire. But after 2010, Conservative sign lucrative training deals with the submarines closely trailing every Media Britain a nation of crying babies: study Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY High: 31 C Guardian News and Media their London counterparts, both when their off spring were crying and when Low : 23 C London Inshore: Slight dust to blowing dust awake and settled. at places with some clouds There was good news for parents arents struggling with a of newborns struggling to see the wailing baby can rest assured light at the end of the tunnel. All WEDNESDAY they are not alone – British studies examined by the University of High: 28 C babies cry more than in Warwick researchers showed a crying Low: 18 C P Cloudy a number of other industrialised duration that was higher across the countries, a study suggests. fi rst six weeks of life before reducing The fi rst attempt to create a signifi cantly across the subsequent six universal crying chart has found that weeks. THURSDAY babies in Britain, Canada and Italy cry They found babies cried for about High: 29 C more than those elsewhere. two hours per day in the fi rst two Low: 21 C The lucky parents who endure the weeks and it generally peaked at about Sunny least crying from their newborn babies Babies in Britain, Canada and Italy cry more than those elsewhere. two hours and 15 minutes per day at are in Denmark, Germany and Japan, six weeks, reducing gradually to an according to the research, published in Wolke from University of Warwick’s Bottle or mixed feeding was average of one hour and 10 minutes by Fishermen’s forecast the Journal of Paediatrics. department of psychology, said: associated with reduced duration the 12-week mark. OFFSHORE DOHA The study, a meta-analysis of 28 “Babies are already very different in of colic from three to four weeks However, some infants were found Wind: NW 20-30/38 KT previous studies involving almost how much they cry in the first weeks of age onward. Research published to cry as little as 30 minutes, and Waves: 6-10/14 Feet INSHORE DOHA 8,700 infants, aimed to establish of life – there are large but normal last month found almost three- others over fi ve hours, in a day. Wind: NW 15-25-35 KT the prevalence of colic – a harmless variations. We may learn more from quarters of women in England started Wolke said: “The new chart of Waves: 2-4/5 Feet condition that can nevertheless be looking at cultures where there is breastfeeding after giving birth but normal fuss/cry amounts in babies very distressing for parents and babies less crying and whether this may less than half were still doing so two across industrialised countries will Around the region – in the fi rst three months of life. be due to parenting or other factors months later. help health professionals to reassure Weather Weather The highest levels of colic, which relating to pregnancy experiences or The lowest colic rates were parents whether a baby is crying today Max/min tomorrow Max/min was defi ned as crying more than three genetics.” reported in Denmark (5.5% at 3-4 within the normal expected range Abu Dhabi Cloudy 27/22 Cloudy 26/21 Baghdad Sunny hours a day for at least three days a The paper speculates that reasons weeks) and Germany (6.7% at 3-4 in the fi rst three months or shows Sunny 23/11 27/12 Dubai Cloudy 29/22 Sunny 28/20 week, were found in the UK (28% of for diff erences between countries weeks). A previous study found excessive crying which may require Kuwait City Sunny 28/17 Sunny 29/16 infants at one to two weeks), Canada could range from levels of social parenting methods diff ered between further evaluation and extra support Manama Cloudy 26/21 Cloudy 26/19 (34.1% at three to four weeks) and Italy inequality through to caregiving Copenhagen and London, with for the parents.” Muscat Sunny 33/24 Sunny 28/22 (20.9% at eight to nine weeks). styles, maternal soothing techniques parents in the Danish capital having The study also included Australia, Riyadh Sunny 28/16 Sunny 29/17 Lead researcher, Prof Dieter and patterns of feeding. more contact with their infants than the Netherlands and the US. Tehran P Cloudy 13/04 Sunny 16/06 Live issues What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt your cold

Tribune News Service You can also try ice chips, sore recovering from chickenpox or fl u-like given to younger children. Overuse Washington throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy. symptoms should never take aspirin. and misuse of these medications can Don’t give lozenges or hard candy to This is because aspirin has been cause serious damage. children younger than three to four linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but Take medications only as directed. old remedies are almost as years old because they can choke potentially life-threatening condition, Some cold remedies contain multiple common as the common on them. Combat stuffi ness. Over- in such children. ingredients, such as a decongestant cold, but are they eff ective? the-counter saline nasal drops and zSip warm liquids. A cold remedy plus a pain reliever, so read the labels CNothing can cure a cold, but sprays can help relieve stuffi ness used in many cultures, taking in of cold medications you take to make there are some remedies that might and congestion. In infants, experts warm liquids, such as chicken soup, sure you’re not taking too much of any Around the world help ease your symptoms and keep recommend putting several saline tea or warm apple juice, might be medication. Weather Weather you from feeling so miserable. Here’s drops into one nostril, then gently soothing and might ease congestion by The list of ineffective cold today Max/min tomorrow Max/min a look at some common cold remedies suctioning that nostril with a bulb increasing mucus fl ow. remedies is long. Some of the more Athens P Cloudy 21/11 P Cloudy 21/10 and what’s known about them. syringe. To do this, squeeze the bulb, zAdd moisture to the air. A cool common ones that don’t work Beirut Sunny 23/20 Sunny 28/18 Bangkok P Cloudy 33/26 S T Storms 33/26 If you catch a cold, you can expect gently place the syringe tip in the mist vaporiser or humidifi er can add include: Berlin M Cloudy 16/06 M Cloudy 13/04 to be sick for one to two weeks. nostril about 6 to 12mm and slowly moisture to your home, which might z Antibiotics. These attack Cairo Sunny 31/24 Sunny 32/19 That doesn’t mean you have to be release the bulb. Saline nasal sprays help loosen congestion. Change bacteria, but they’re no help against Cape Town S Showers 21/15 S Showers 20/13 miserable. Besides getting enough may be used in older children. the water daily, and clean the unit cold viruses. Avoid asking your Colombo T Storms 32/25 S T Storms 32/25 Dhaka T Storms 32/26 T Storms 32/26 rest, these remedies might help you zRelieve pain. For children according to the manufacturer’s doctor for antibiotics for a cold or Hong Kong P Cloudy 22/19 P Cloudy 23/20 feel better: six months or younger, give only instructions. Don’t use steam, which using old antibiotics you have on Istanbul S Showers 16/09 S Showers 17/07 zStay hydrated. Water, juice, clear acetaminophen. For children hasn’t been shown to help and may hand. You won’t get well any faster, Jakarta T Storms 31/24 S T Storms 31/25 broth or warm lemon water with older than six months, give either cause burns. and inappropriate use of antibiotics Karachi Sunny 37/27 Sunny 34/23 Cloudy 14/05 honey helps loosen congestion and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your zTry over-the-counter (OTC) contributes to the serious and growing London 16/04 M Cloudy Manila P Cloudy 32/24 M Sunny 33/24 prevents dehydration. Avoid coff ee child’s doctor for the correct dose for cold and cough medications. For problem of antibiotic-resistant Moscow M Cloudy 09/02 Cloudy 11/03 and caff einated sodas, which can make your child’s age and weight. Adults adults and children older than five, bacteria. New Delhi M Sunny 39/23 S T Storms 37/24 dehydration worse. can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, OTC decongestants, antihistamines zOver-the-counter cold and cough New York T Storms 17/10 M Sunny 18/06 zRest. Your body needs to heal. others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and pain relievers might offer some medications in young children. OTC Paris P Cloudy 18/08 P Cloudy 16/06 Sao Paulo P Cloudy 29/17 P Cloudy 31/19 zSoothe a sore throat. A saltwater others) or aspirin. symptom relief. However, they cold and cough medications may cause Seoul M Sunny 19/07 Rain 15/11 can temporarily relieve a sore or Use caution when giving aspirin to won’t prevent a cold or shorten its serious and even life-threatening side Singapore S T Storms 32/25 P Cloudy 32/26 scratchy throat. Children younger children or teenagers. Though aspirin duration, and most have some side eff ects in children. The FDA warns Sydney Rain 19/14 S Showers 20/12 than six years are unlikely to be able to is approved for use in children older effects. against their use in children younger Tokyo Clear 17/07 Clear 20/08 gargle properly. than age three, children and teenagers Experts agree these shouldn’t be than age six. Gulf Times 28 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 QATAR

QBG hosts garden tools exhibition

The Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) and Public Parks Department, part of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, have opened an innovative garden tools exhibition at Education City’s Recreation Centre. The exhibition, taking place until April 13, provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about establishing a garden, as well as information on maintenance and upkeep. Leading Qatari landscaping and agricultural organisations are also participating, showcasing a range of products and garden wares. Additionally, the exhibition aims to teach the wider community about the garden tools required to establish orchards – both small – and large-scale – and the most up-to-date technologies currently being utilised around the world. QBG is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). It aims to encourage social engagement and strengthen agricultural awareness in Qatar, supporting QF’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability within the wider community, according to a press statement.

QM to organise fun-and-learning events

Qatar Museums (QM) is gearing children over 12 years of age. the artist’s career, starting as an up to host two educational In addition, Mathaf will host a art student in Iraq in the 1960s. events on April 8. One will be family day on April 8 from 2pm Works spanning 50 years across hosted at Mathaf: Arab Museum to 5pm, in collaboration with a range of media are featured, EAA lauds eff orts of of Modern Art and the other in University College London. The including paintings, sculptures, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). event is designed to encourage drawings, print and artist books, QM’s successful Treasure Hunt is families to make the most of incorporating original and making a return on April 8 where one of QM’s biggest exhibitions limited editions of artworks on adults, children and families currently on show – I am the cry, view for the very first time. can compete in this educational who will give voice to me? Dia The exhibition is open until April workers, volunteers adventure between 12.30pm and al-Azzawi: A Retrospective (from 16. 3.30pm. Visitors will be taken 1963 until tomorrow). “At QM, we are committed to ducation Above All (EAA) on a unique journey through The event will allow children providing learning opportunities foundation, through its both MIA and QM Gallery Al to explore colours and shapes for everyone in Qatar to Eprogramme Reach Out To Riwaq, explore one of the world’s through various creative enjoy, to strengthen family Asia, (Rota), hosted a refl ection greatest collections of Islamic activities. In addition, people bonds, develop creativity, event yesterday, to recognise Art, discover artworks by the will be encouraged to visit the build confidence and improve and celebrate the outstanding internationally acclaimed Iraqi exhibition, express their ideas communication skills. achievements of volunteer tu- artist Dia al-Azzawi and take part and highlight what inspires them This is part of our organisation’s tors and migrant workers who in a series of challenges. Prizes by producing their own artwork goal to educate society about took part in Rota’s 2016/2017 will be presented at the end of – whether painting, creating art, heritage and creativity,” Adult English Literacy (RAEL) the event. collages or sculptures. QM’s chief strategic planning and Adult Arabic Literacy (RAAL) QM is also organising two The exhibition at Mathaf, off icer Khalid Yousef al-Ibrahim Programmes. treasure hunts at the same which is currently running said. Tickets for the Treasure During the event, 120 vol- time. Each tailored to a specific simultaneously at QM Gallery Hunt cost QR50 per group (of unteer tutors and 400 migrant age group: families with young Al Riwaq, features work by up to five people) and can be workers received awards and children and families with al-Azzawi. The show examines purchased at the MIA gift shop. certifi cates for participating in the 2016/2017 programme. Ad- dressing participants during the opening, Abdulla al-Bakri, community development man- ager of Rota, said learning a new language is one of the best ways to broaden one’s outlook on the world. “By learning Arabic and Eng- lish – two of the most widely spoken languages in Qatar – our programmes enrich the lives of participants by off ering them an opportunity to enhance their communication skills, and learn Some of the particpants at the event yesterday. more about other cultures.” “Moreover, Rota’s adult liter- al-Bakri added. The RAEL and allows young people in Qatar to own University in Qatar, Carn- acy programmes seek to encour- RAAL programmes were devel- take part in an experiential serv- egie Mellon University in Qatar, age active community involve- oped to improve the language ice learning opportunity, devel- Weill Cornell Medicine in Qa- ment and participation. It is an skills of low-income migrant oping their skills and knowledge tar, Northwestern University in honour to see the positive impact workers in Qatar, as a means of as community leaders and advo- Qatar, the Academic Bridge Pro- these programmes have had on enhancing their ability to achieve cates, as well as an understanding gramme, the Hamad Bin Kha- participants and volunteers alike. personal goals, improve life op- of diff erent cultures and commu- lifa University Student Housing In the coming months and years, portunities and develop commu- nities, and their needs. English Language programme, we look forward to extending nication skills. This year, the RAEL and RAAL Doha Expressway, a project of these invaluable programmes to A key feature of the youth en- programmes were implemented Ashghal and, a project of Qatari more migrant workers in Qatar,” gagement programme is that it in collaboration with Georget- Diar Vinci Construction. QM’s Treasure Hunt last year attracted many young participants.

QU team wins top prize at Quick Startup contest Mosaic of cultures

he top prize at Quick Star- tup 2017 went to a Qatar TUniversity (QU) team with an innovative idea for wirelessly charging batteries while one walks. The batteries can charge smartphones, game controls, cameras, and glasses for the vis- ually impaired. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) hosted the an- nual three-day competition for entrepreneurial college students and recent graduates. This year, a record 80 participants from nine universities attended Quick Startup. QU fi elded the winning team for the second year in a row. This year’s top team included Ahmed Abdulmalik, Tarek Chriki, Za- inab Elmandi, Abeer Malik, Ra- bia Mughal, and Zaid Ahmad Mughal. The members of the first place winning team in Quick Startup 2017 are seen with off icials. Last year’s winning team in- cluded two QU graduates who al-Naemi for their project, “Food and medium enterprises at QNB, business ideas. Ilker Baybars, used their Quick Startup expe- Saver.” A team from College of presented the awards. dean and CEO of CMU-Q, com- rience to carve out a career in the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA- “QNB is pleased to sponsor mented: “To thrive, startups Qatar’s budding entrepreneurial Q) fi nished third. Quick Startup as part of its ef- need a healthy economic climate, College of the North Atlantic – Qatar hosted its second annual Souk Areej min Baladi (Flavours of sector. The competition was spon- forts to help develop a robust strong mentorship and a network my Homeland) event last week. The campus courtyard was transformed into a bustling souk as The second place in the com- sored by QNB, which provided private sector in Qatar,” he said of like-minded professionals. We students from 16 nationalities displayed their traditions and heritage through art, crafts, dancing, petition went to a CMU-Q team prizes to the top three teams. while adding that it is inspir- are pleased to help contribute to stage performances and food. of Mohamed al-Hor, Andreea Khalid Majid al-Naemi, the as- ing to see all the hard work that this burgeoning community in Nan, Sherif Rizk, and Maryam sistant general manager for small went into developing these great Qatar.”