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TUESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11385 December 3, 2019 Rabia II 6, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir meets Lower Saxony PM Amir meets US Congress team Afi f brace in victory as Qatar storm into semis His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday with the visiting US Congress delegation which included representative Sean Patrick Maloney from New York, Rick Larsen from Washington and representative By Sahan Bidappa Qatar will play Saudi Arabia, who His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday with Nanette Barragan from California, who are all members of the Democratic beat defending champions 3-1 the visiting Prime Minister of the Federal State of Lower Saxony in Germany, Party. The meeting at the Amiri Diwan reviewed strategic relations of friendship yesterday, in the semi-fi nals on Thurs- Stephan Weil, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting at and co-operation between Qatar and the United States and ways to support day. the Amiri Diwan, they reviewed co-operation relations between Qatar and and strengthen them in various fields, especially in politics, economy, defence, resh from being named as the Afi f, who had missed his coronation Germany and ways to develop them, especially in energy, trade, industry and health and education. They also exchanged views on regional and international Asian Player of the Year, Akram as Asia’s best player at yesterday’s AFC investments. Page 2 developments. Page 2 FAfi f inspired Qatar to the 24th Annual Awards ceremony in Hong Arabian Gulf Cup semi-fi nals with a Kong, had a spring in his step every 4-2 win over the United Arab Emirates time he touched the ball. The Al Sadd yesterday. forward has been a revelation since he Qatar needed just a draw in their last burst onto the scene at the Asian Cup Group A match at the Khalifa Interna- earlier this year, where his 10 assists tional Stadium, but victory was never and one goal helped Qatar win their in doubt after Afi f put the hosts 2-0 up maiden continental title. PM inaugurates 2022 building inside thirty minutes. Last night, a crowd of more than converted a penalty to 40,000 got a closer look at Afi f’s tal- revive UAE’s hopes at half-time, but a ent as the 23-year-old put on a show. 53rd minute strike from captain Has- Afi f was not just a constant threat san al-Haydos restored Qatar’s two- every time he went forward, but also goal advantage. Mabkhout kept UAE acted the provider for most of Qatar in the contest with a goal in the 77th chances. minute, but the visitors could not fi nd “It’s a great day for him and Qatar,” an equaliser even as head coach Felix Sanchez said af- headed in for Qatar’s fourth goal in in- ter the game. “We are very happy for jury time. him. I have known him since 2006, Qatar fi nished Group A with six football is his life. He always works points, having lost to Iraq in the opening hard and is a thorough professional. match. Iraq, meanwhile, emerged as the He deserves every accolade that will group toppers with seven points after a come his way. He showed his qual- goalless draw against at the Ab- ity again today,” the Spaniard added. dullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. To Page 24 Sport Pages 1,2,3

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin The 2022 building in Aspire Zone. It is the world’s first building designed in the Khalifa al-Thani, unveils the plaque of the 2022 building in Aspire Zone. form of 2022. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

E the Prime Minister and Min- tations of the design of the building The mixed-use building is spread to Khalifa International Stadium. ister of Interior, Sheikh Ab- and its sections. It is world’s the fi rst over some 60,000sqm and includes The building is the brainchild of Hdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa building designed in the form of 2022. administrative offices, an integrated Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, yesterday inaugurated the The inauguration coincides with the health club, restaurants and cafes, al-Thani, who developed the design 2022 building in Aspire Zone. ninth anniversary of Qatar winning the meeting rooms and a lecture hall. under the supervision of prominent After a short fi lm was screened right to host the FIFA World Cup for the The building, which consists of four Qatari architect Ibrahim Mohamed about the development of sports and fi rst time in the Middle East region. wings of five floors each, also in- Jaidah, in partnership with Antonio sports facilities in Qatar, HE the prime The inauguration was attended by a cludes about 600 parking spaces in Capone, founder of P&C Associates minister was briefed on the conno- number of Sheikhs and sports offi cials. addition to being directly connected (Milan).(QNA) Page 3 Afi f named AFC Asian Player of the Year

QNA UAE 2019 triumph, with one goal and 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018, Hong Kong 10 assists. led Japan to the FIFA Women’s World Japan international captain Saki Ku- Cup France 2019 Round of 16. magai was named the AFC Women’s Japan Football Association (JFA) kram Afi f’s sterling year was Player of the Year Award ahead of Li was awarded the AFC Member Asso- made even more exceptional Ying of China PR and India women’s ciation of the Year 2019 for the fifth Awhen the Qatar international was national team star Ashalata Devi. time. Sport Page 2 named the AFC Player of the Year 2019 at Tottenham Hotspur and Korea Re- the AFC Annual Awards yesterday. public star Song Heung-min was Messi wins Ballon d’Or Afi f was tipped as a future star since named the AFC International Player of for the sixth time (From left) Qatar’s , Abdulkarim Hassan and celebrate his early years that saw him play for the Year ahead of ’s former’s goal in the match against the UAE at the Khalifa Spanish youth teams Sevilla and Vil- and Zenit St Peters- Lionel Messi won a record sixth International Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand Page 10 larreal, before being called up for burg’s Sardar Azmoun. men’s Ballon d’Or award at a Qatar’s team for the 2012 AFC U-16 Meanwhile, Korea Republic’s Chung ceremony in Paris yesterday, Championship Qualifi ers and the 2014 Jung-yong was named the AFC Men’s beating Liverpool duo Virgil 24th Arabian Gulf Cup AFC U-19 Championship. Coach of the Year. van Dijk and Sadio Mane to take Not yet 20, Afi f was part of Qatar’s Chung, a former professional player, the honours. Now aged 32, it is 2016 AFC U-23 Championship cam- fi rst got involved with Korea Repub- Messi’s first Ballon d’Or since Yesterday’s results paign that was led by head coach Fe- lic’s age-group national teams in 2009, 2015 and his sixth overall as lix Sanchez and the forward was again where he was the assistant coach he moves one ahead of his old part of the squad in the following edi- to Kim Eun-chul for the AFC U-16 rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi Qatar 4 - 2 UAE Yemen 0 - 0 Iraq tion, where Qatar fi nished third. Championship 2010 Qualifi ers. succeeds Luka Modric, the Real Oman 1 - 3 Saudi Arabia Kuwait 2 - 4 Bahrain A permanent member of the senior Asako Takakura win AFC Women’s Madrid and Croatia midfielder national team since 2015, Afi f was in- Coach of the Year for a record 7th time. who won the prize last year. strumental in Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup Akram Afif: Qatar’s star Takakura, who also won the award in Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 QATAR

Amir condoles Qatar-US relations reviewed PM meets premier of Lower Saxony with king of Morocco

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani have sent cables to King Mohamed VI of Morocco condoling the victims of the passenger bus overturn accident near the city of Taza in northern Morocco, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani has HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent a cable to the Head of the met a delegation from the US Congress, including Representative from New York Sean Maloney, Government of Morocco Dr Representative from Washington Rick Larsen and Representative from California Nanette Barragan Saadeddine Othmani condoling on the occasion of their visit to Qatar. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met the victims of the passenger countries in various fields and ways of developing them, in addition to a number of regional and the Prime Minister of the federal state of Lower Saxony in Germany, Stephan Weil, who is currently bus. international issues of common concern. vising Qatar. During the meeting, bilateral relations and issues of common interest were reviewed. Amir sends cable of congratulations to Laos president

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Nama Centre celebrates graduation of ‘Sama Nama’ students His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani have sent cables of QNA creative and ingenious initia- She highlighted the centre’s congratulations to President of Doha tives that serve the community. strategic plans, including the the Laos Bounnhang Vorachith Through the third generation of launch of TAM network for vol- on the occasion of his country’s he Social Development the programme, the centre seeks unteering, an integrated system National Day. HE the Prime Center (Nama), one of to expand the choices of young of volunteer work that contrib- Minister and Interior Minister TQatar Foundation for people, enhance their participa- utes to the establishment of a Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Social Work (QFSW) affi liated tion in community service and database of volunteers and links Khalifa al-Thani has also sent a bodies, celebrated yesterday the build a broad base of social en- volunteers to volunteering insti- similar cable of congratulations graduation of the third genera- trepreneurs and future leaders, tutions in the country. The cen- to the Prime Minister of Laos tion of the social entrepreneurs in order to meet the needs of the tre also provided technical sup- Thongloun Sisoulith on the development programme “Sama community to achieve further port and contributed to building occasion. Nama”, in the presence of HE the development and progress. the capacity of young people, Minister of Culture and Sports The graduates praised the meeting their needs and devel- Qatar participates Salah bin Ghanem bin Naser al- positive activities provided by oping their skills. in FAO General Ali, at Qatar National Conven- the programme, noting that it HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Naser al-Ali with the graduates. Chief Consumer Officer at tion Centre. included internal and external Ooredoo Fatima Sultan al- Council sessions Some 20 graduates were se- training, the most important of cance of time in human life, call- yam bint Abdullatif al-Mannai of continuous work included 110 Kuwari noted that Ooredoo’s lected from among more than which was in Turkey where they ing for educating the young gen- said that the experience of the hours of theoretical and practi- support and sponsorship of Qatar’s ambassador to Italy and 600 applicants for the pro- learned many things that would eration the importance of time. programme for the third year cal training, as well as hard ef- the programme would pave Permanent Representative to the gramme, in recognition of their help them in their practical lives. “We must be optimistic that in a row came to confi rm that forts and fi eldwork for teams at the way for refining the skills UN Agencies in Rome Abdulaziz eff orts and continuous work and Addressing the gradua- our present is better than our this pilot project in the region every phase of the project. The and interests of young people bin Ahmed al-Malki participated training, after they passed all the tion ceremony, HE Salah bin past, and that today’s genera- is progressing rapidly towards phases included research, in- in public work and directing yesterday in the opening of phases required to complete the Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali called tion is distinctive and has built achieving its goals of encourag- formation gathering and study them to the benefit of the so- the General Council sessions programme. for drawing inspiration by the on what our fathers built in the ing young people and possessing to investigate the community ciety, in addition to achieving of the Food and Agriculture The programme aims to devel- slogan of the National Day this past,” the minister added. the necessary skills and knowl- needs, and then monitor the the objectives of Qatar Na- Organisation of the United op the abilities of young people year “Al Ma’ali Kaydah”, stress- The minister also called on edge to integrate into the service problems and phenomena that tional Vision 2030. Nations (FAO). and invest their energies through ing that the path of excellence is the youth to work together to of the society. need solutions and identify pri- The ceremony concluded Qatar is taking part in the session a variety of activities that have diffi cult. achieve the initiatives launched Al-Mannai added that the orities and choose what suits with the minister honouring the as a member of the FAO Council. been carefully chosen to suit The minister underlined the by the country. centre today celebrates dili- the participants’ aspirations and graduates, who received cer- Qatar served as vice-president of their needs and motivate them importance of education, the For her part, Director of Com- gence, persistence and persever- passion of projects to work on tifi cates and commemorative the Council for three consecutive to compete positively to promote value of work and the signifi - munity Services at Nama Mar- ance, and the fruit of fi ve months their implementation. shields. sessions. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 3 QATAR

PM opens 2022 building in Aspire Zone

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, yesterday inaugurated The 2022 building in Aspire Zone. It is world’s the first building designed in the form of 2022. the 2022 building in Aspire Zone. The prime minister was briefed on the design of the 2022 building. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil 2022 building ... a historic year set in stone for posterity

he new 2022 building in Aspire The building is the brainchild of Representative of His Highness the Qatar. He expressed pleasure at being Zone, the latest architectural Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Amir, who was the fi rst to be presented involved in the project. Tmarvel in Qatar, is an iconic al-Thani, who developed the design with the concept back in 2013 and was Ahmed al-Rayyan, general man- structure thanks to its unique and aes- under the supervision of prominent highly impressed with and supportive ager of Al Bandary Engineering, said thetically appealing design. Qatari architect Ibrahim Mohamed of the idea. the building is an inspiring project to Inaugurated yesterday by HE the Jaidah, in partnership with Antonio The 2022 building is part of the work on as it represents a historic and Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Capone, founder of P&C Associates Aspire Zone ‘masterplan’, he noted, unforgettable year. “The facilities pro- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa (Milan). thanking all those who contributed to vided have helped complete the project al-Thani, it is the fi rst such building of Al Bandary Engineering was the completing the distinguished project. on time and we are very proud of this its kind in the world as it is in the shape main contractor for the project while Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi, CEO historic building, whose legacy will re- of a year’s numerals – 2022 – when Qa- Laura International was the developer. of Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), said main for generations.” tar hosts the FIFA World Cup. The design of the building was com- AZF always supports investors and Luigi Laura from Laura International The mixed-use building is spread pleted in 2013 and work on it started in presents them with investment op- business development company high- over some 60,000sq m and includes mid-2018. portunities. “So, when we presented lighted the strength of the Qatari econ- administrative offi ces, an integrated Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh The 2022 building in Aspire Zone...an iconic structure. such an opportunity, we came across omy. “We were briefed on the adequacy health club, restaurants and cafes, Nasser said: “December 2 marks a PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil the idea of the 2022 building project. It of the Qatari economy and the provi- meeting rooms and a lecture theatre. great day in Qatar’s history as it was is a unique project as it complements sion of investment opportunities for The building, which consists of four the day our beloved country won the about establishing a project that will be Qatari economy”. “In this regard, I the general plan of Aspire Zone. We foreign investors. This gives a strong wings of fi ve fl oors each, also includes hosting rights of the World Cup. Qatar a legacy for the State and future gen- would like to thank His Highness the congratulate Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad push forward and makes Qatar a gate- about 600 parking spaces in addition was able to dazzle the whole world by erations. The idea was thus born and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- bin Nasser al-Thani on this project and way for businessmen and investors.” to being directly connected to Khalifa winning the bid and proving its worth today, thanks to God, we can see it on Thani and our wise government for wish him all the best.” Engineer Antonio said he believed in International Stadium. through this historic victory. During the ground.” supporting the private sector, which Jaidah said the building is yet an- the idea put forward by Sheikh Nasser The inauguration coincided with the my studies abroad, I was following He stressed that the unique project motivates us to come up with ideas other addition to the list of prominent due to its importance and the embodi- anniversary of Qatar winning the bid to (the then FIFA chief) as would not have been possible with- that make Qatar an oasis of creativity.” projects in Qatar, and also helps en- ment of an important piece of history, host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, on De- he pulled out Qatar’s name from the out the support of the state for Qatari He also thanked His Highness Sheikh trench in people’s minds the most im- besides being the fi rst such project in cember 2, 2010. envelope in 2010. I then began to think investors and “our confi dence in the Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Personal portant event in the history of sports in the world . Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 QATAR

Minister honours winners of Holy Qur’an contest Ministry warns educational services law violators

HE the Minister of of Endowments and Islamic fifth place QR50,000. The Ministry of Education 18 of 2015 and Ministerial sports centres and visual Endowments and Islamic Aff airs. The organising committee Speaker chairs and Higher Education has Decree No 10 of 2017 on arts centres. The ministry Aff airs Dr Ghaith bin The winner of first place also awarded incentive warned the public against practising of educational also warned the public Mubarak al-Kuwari was awarded QR100,000, awards for participants who receiving services from services. The institutions against receiving services yesterday honoured the while second place passed the second phase educational and training that come under the ambit from educational and winners of the 26th edition winner was awarded but did not qualify for the Shura Council centres that do not have a of the law include computer administrative consulting of Sheikh Jassim bin QR85,000. Winners third phase, as well as the valid teaching or training training institutes, special off ices and centres of all Mohamed bin Thani Holy of the third place get participants who have good licence. The ministry has said needs education training kinds, pointing out that these Qur’an Contest, which is QR70,000, the fourth intonation. that it will take legal action centres, language education off ices do not have licence. organised by the Ministry place QR60,000 and the - QNA weekly meeting against violators of Law No and training centres, mental - QNA

QNA Doha

he Shura Council held yesterday its regular Tweekly meeting un- der the chairmanship of HE the Speaker of the council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid HE the Speaker of the Shura al-Mahmoud. Council Ahmed bin Abdullah The council discussed a bin Zaid al-Mahmoud draft law amending some of chairing yesterday’s session. the provisions of law No 15 of 2014 regulating charity work. Qatar became the fi rst non- The council agreed to refer African country to obtain the the draft law to the Legal and membership after the union Legislative Aff airs Commit- amended its charter to allow tee to examine and present members from outside the their report regarding it. continent. The meeting also focused The Speaker also dis- on discussing a draft law cussed with the members amending some provisions of the meeting he held yester- law No 15 of 2011 on combat- day with a delegation from ing human traffi cking. The the US Congress which re- council agreed to refer the viewed strategic bilateral draft law to the Internal and ties between the two sides, External Aff airs Committee discussed developing ties to examine and present their with the US Congress and report regarding it. the Shura Council, and re- The meeting concluded viewed a number of issues with the Speaker informing of joint interest. the members of his partici- Meanwhile, the Public pation 1 in the 42nd Services and Utilities Com- Conference of Speakers of mittee of the Shura Coun- Parliaments of the African cil held a meeting yesterday Parliamentary Union (APU) under the chairmanship of which took place in Djibouti its Rapporteur HE Mohamed from November 25-29. bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi. The Speaker referred to the At the meeting, the com- council obtaining an observ- mittee considered a draft law er membership of the Afri- regulating medical treatment can Parliamentary Union. abroad. Qatar-Mali sport ties reviewed

HE the Minister of Culture During the meeting, they and Sports Salah bin reviewed aspects of co- Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali operation between Qatar yesterday met the Minister and Mali in the fields of of Youth and Sports of youth and sports and ways Mali Arouna Modibo Toure. to develop them. - QNA Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 5 QATAR

Civic ministry hosts regional workshop on food security

QNA the workshop comes within the Organisation of the United Na- Doha framework of the government’s tions United States. interest in achieving Qatar Na- Meanwhile, Sarah al-Malki tional Vision 2030 to preserve from the Ministry of Municipal- he Ministry of Municipal- the path of economic and social ity and Environment’s Depart- ity and Environment, rep- development and protect the en- ment of Food Security discussed Tresented by the Depart- vironment in order to preserve Qatar’s national strategy regard- ment of Agricultural Research, the future for the coming gener- ing the matter. She said that the organised yesterday a regional ations, praising the co-operation strategy was accelerated follow- workshop on food security in between the Ministry of Munici- ing the unjust blockade that was collaboration with the UK De- pality and Environment and the imposed on Qatar in 2017. She partment for Environment, Food UK Department of Environment, gave an overview of the chal- & Rural Aff airs. Food and Rural Aff airs. lenges that faced the strategy The three-day workshop At the fi rst session of the work- and how the country overcame brings together experts, re- shop, which focused on food se- those challenges. She stressed on searchers and specialists from curity, Professor Anthony Fox of the importance of diversifying the two sides in the fi elds of ag- the UK Animal and Plant Health importation sources and sup- ricultural and animal research, Agency (APHA) gave an overview porting local production. food security, biomedicine and of the APHA and the role of Agen- She said that the country also environmental security. cy’s reference laboratory in the made an eff ort in enhancing the Judges of the Supreme Judiciary Council holding a meeting with UN headed by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, In his speech at the opening control of brucellosis disease, and local supply of goods and focus- racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Tendayi Achiume. session, Director of the Agri- the protection of animal and plant ing on strategic goods such as cultural Research Department wealth in his country, working meats, milk, rice, and sugar. She at the Ministry of Municipality together with the British Govern- also reiterated the importance and Environment Hamad Saket ment to achieve animal and plant of geographic diversifi cation of al-Shammari stressed the im- security. imports. portance of the workshop be- Professor Fox pointed out that Al-Malki said that bolstering cause it provided an opportu- the laboratory focuses not only the strategic reserve was a move nity for researchers and experts on national issues in the preven- made to deal with any emergen- participating from diff erent tion and control of diseases and cies in the future. She said that bodies in the country and ex- epidemics, but extends its role these eff orts require strong co- SJC holds meeting ternal organisations to exchange to form international partner- operation with the private sector information and experiences in ships by exchanging expertise in order to avoid any disruption how to achieve food security and and dealing with data profes- to the supply chain. control of brucellosis, as well as sionally and accumulated expe- As for the role of local produc- ways to combat bacteria resist- rience, in addition to providing ers, she said that the country has ant to antibiotics, and ways to consultations, pointing out that undertaken many initiatives to protect the environment. the laboratory has partnerships enhance transparency and lower with UN delegation Al-Shammari pointed out that with the Food and Agriculture waste from the supply chain.

QNA Council, Tendayi Achiume. training and the consecration distribution of cases, without Doha During the meeting, several of the concepts of internal ju- leaving the field even the mini- topics related to the mandate of dicial culture that promote the mum selectivity in the consid- the UN Rapporteur and other re- culture of coexistence, social eration of cases, which is in the meeting was held in lated issues and ways of co-or- harmony and global cultural general context adopted by Qa- the Supreme Judici- dination and co-operation were diversity, and the added serv- tar and its institution under the A ary Council with the discussed. ices provided by the courts to slogan ‘everyone’s Doha’. participation of a number of The SCJ Working Group re- foreign litigants on the basis of During the meeting, the Su- Council judges and a United viewed the terms of reference of their right to a fair trial. Spe- preme Judiciary Council team Nations delegation currently the Judicial Authority Act 2003, cifically with regard to the in- was headed by President and visiting Qatar, headed by the the Council’s work regulations terpretation of litigants and the Judge of the Qatari Court of Special Rapporteur on contem- and the mechanisms of the courts. mechanism of distributing cas- Appeal Judge Ibrahim Saleh al- porary forms of racism, racial The members of the team, es to judges and departments Nisf, President of Court of First discrimination, xenophobia each in their specialisation, in order to achieve the highest Instance Judge Ayedh bin Saad and related intolerance of the also gave an overview of the levels of moral responsibility al-Qahtani, Sheikha Maha al- United Nations Human Rights methodologies of judicial and professional value in the Thani, and Aisha al-Emadi. Participants in the regional workshop on food security. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 QATAR

Qeeri conference on desert environment gets underway

atar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri), Qpart of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, opened yesterday its In- ternational Conference in Sustain- able Energy-Water-Environment Nexus for the Desert Climate 2019 (IC-SEWEN’19) with a number of pre-event activities at the Qatar Na- tional Convention Centre. More than 200 guests attended Qatar Airways Group chief executive and QNTC secretary-general HE Akbar al-Baker answering questions from media during a pre-event sessions exploring ‘Envi- roundtable discussion held in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma ronmental and Public Health During Mega Sporting Events’, ‘Corrosion in Oil and Gas a Way to Sustainability’, ‘PV in Desert Environment’, which featured global experts in the fi eld. The other highlights of the day in- cluded the Young Innovator Compe- tition, and a session on ‘Unlocking the Potential of Women for Sustain- Big-ticket events able Development’. Qeeri’s Dr Marc Vermeersch speaks at the event. Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive director, Qeeri, said, “Our Insti- tute plays a key role in addressing Qatar’s grand challenges related to water, energy and environment. IC- SEWEN’19 presents an opportune to draw thousands moment for experts and stakehold- ers in the Energy-Water-Environ- ment nexus to highlight the crucial research being conducted in this arena.” “We are delighted to be hosting ex- perts and students from around the of visitors to Qatar world at the fi rst edition of the Inter- national Conference in Sustainable By Peter Alagos the month-long festival of football, al- support their teams,” al-Baker said. Energy-Water-Environment Nexus Business Reporter Baker said Qatar Airways and Qatar Na- For visitors travelling from Kuwait and for the Desert Climate – it is not just tional Tourism Council (QNTC) will kick Oman, Qatar Airways is off ering special the fi rst of its kind in Qatar, but also off this week the ‘Qatar Live’, an enter- fares on Economy and Business Class in the region. ith a series of major events tainment extravaganza for visitors and tickets, while Qatar Airways Holidays is Over the next three days, delegates in sport, leisure, and enter- residents in Doha for the winter season. off ering special packages that will cover will tackle a number of topics that are Wtainment to be hosted in the The event is sponsored by Ooredoo as fl ights, hotels, and football and concert crucial to addressing the unique set of country, thousands are expected to platinum partner. tickets when travelling to Qatar. In ad- environmental challenges presented A panel discussion during the conference. visit Qatar this month, according to Qa- From December 4, al-Baker said mu- dition, stopover packages for passengers by harsh desert climates through over tar Airways Group chief executive and sic concerts in the Qatar Live line-up of travelling from the rest of the world are 20 sessions across multiple tracks – perts including Dr Roy Johnsen from given equal opportunities to design QNTC secretary-general HE Akbar al- events will feature top talents from the available through Discover Qatar. More energy, water, environment and food the Norwegian University of Science sustainable cities, and how education Baker. Speaking to the media yesterday, Middle East performing at both Katara information about Qatar Airways off ers security,” Dr Veronica Bermudez, and Technology – NTNU, and Bruce and innovation can bridge the gender al-Baker described December as “one and Doha Exhibition and Convention and packages are available at qatarai- senior research director of Qeeri’s Cowe, Total, France, who discussed gap. of the most signifi cant months in the Centre (DECC). A line-up of internation- rways.com/QatarLive. Energy Centre and the conference the eff ects of corrosion management The PV for Desert Environment Qatar calendar,” citing the ongoing 24th al DJs will headline the Daydream Fes- After Qatar Live, al-Baker also an- chair, added. on implementing the United Nations Session aimed to address the specifi c Arabian Gulf Cup Qatar 2019, which will tival on December 12 and 20 at the Ritz- nounced upcoming events in 2020, in- Experts who attended the ‘Envi- Sustainable Development Goals, and concerns related to the PV and Energy run until December 8, and the FIFA Club Carlton, Doha, followed by international cluding Shop Qatar from January 7-31, ronmental and Public Health Dur- how best practice of corrosion pro- storage technologies, Dr Pierre Ver- World Cup Qatar 2019 from December stars Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and Maluma Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition ing Mega Sporting Events’ session tection will have a major impact on linden, Amrock consulting, former 11-21. between December 15 and 19. The sched- from February 24-29, Qatar Interna- included a Chinese delegation in- reducing CO2 emissions. VP Trina Solar, highlighted the chal- Qatar Airways has gone to extraor- ule of all Qatar Live concerts is available tional Food Festival from March 24 to cluding Prof Kebin, the dean of The The Women for Sustainable Devel- lenges in development of PV mod- dinary lengths to ensure thousands of at qatarairways.com/QatarLive. April 2, and Doha Design Week March School of Environment at Tsinghua opment panel looked at the various ules for harsh environments, and the football fans will be there to cheer on “We look forward to welcoming visi- 18-28. This is in addition to the year- University in China. challenges that are faced by women panel discussion explored the topic of their teams and enjoy incredible enter- tors from across the globe to Qatar this round activities on off er in Doha such Participants from Qatar includ- in this fi eld, and how they can be ‘PV System Reliability: Outdoor Test tainment during their stay in Doha, he month to enjoy world-class football, as outdoor adventures, cultural attrac- ing members from the ministries, transformed into opportunities. Pan- Facility and Requirements for Long said. the best musical talent from the region, tions, and fi ne dining, he noted. who were able to gain a better under- elists including Machaille al-Naimi, Lasting Modules’. Larger aircraft will bring additional and more. Qatar Live is part of a wider Responding to a question on the standing of the scale of the challenges president of Community Develop- Students from schools across Qatar capacity on services from Kuwait and strategy to expand Qatar’s calendar of temporary terminal at the Doha Port, China faces in managing air quality ment, Qatar Foundation; Aisha al- also attended the event for the Young Oman for fans of the Arabian Gulf Cup, events by leveraging the major sporting al-Baker said a new terminal will be during major events, drawing on par- Maadeed, Founder - Greener Future; Innovator Award competition, organ- while special charters from Monterrey competitions that the country is proud “several storeys” and will be “at least allels in Qatar. Dr Dhabia al-Mohannadi, assistant ised in coordination with Kahramaa and Rio de Janeiro ensure supporters to host. To celebrate this exciting blend four times larger than the current one.” It proved to be a valuable expe- professor at Texas A&M University Tarsheed and Ministry of Education. will not miss their team’s appearance at of sport and music, Qatar Airways is of- “It will be able to sustain all the cruise rience as Qatar prepares to host a at Qatar; and Michael Mitchell, gen- The competition received over 300 the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019, fering fantastic travel packages for fans requirements that ships will call upon number for large-scale tournaments. eral counsel, Qatar Foundation, dis- entries from national and interna- al-Baker continued. Coinciding with from Oman and Kuwait to fl y to Doha to Doha Port,” al-Baker said. During the Corrosion session, ex- cussed a future in which women are tional schools in the country. Workshop on promoting green cities concept begins

QNA exchange of experiences and expertise of Qatar with the amount of $100mn Doha among participating experts from dif- to support island and developing coun- ferent countries. tries to deal with climate and environ- In her speech, Secretary-General of mental challenges, as well as partner- he regional training workshop on the Qatar National Commission for Ed- ship and co-operation with relevant promoting the concept of green ucation, Culture and Science Dr Hamda organisations in the organisation and Tcities in the member countries of Hassan al-Sulaiti, stressed that Qatar establishment of many events dealing the Islamic Educational, Scientifi c and does not hesitate in fulfi lling its duty with environmental sector. Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) started towards the international community, Al-Sulaiti added that the rationalisa- yesterday, organised by the Qatar Na- supporting all eff orts made by interna- tion of energy and water use was con- tional Commission for Education, Cul- tional organisations working in the fi eld sidered as one of the foundations for ture and Science in co-operation with of the environment, and supporting the all population activities. She explained the Ministry of Municipality and Envi- eff orts of developing countries in the that the world is now planning to green ronment and with the participation of face of climate changes. urban communities that achieve sus- many experts and offi cials. She pointed out that the country has tainable urban development through all The regional workshop aims to raise established the committee on climate economic and service activities in sup- awareness about green cities in the OIC change and clean development to fol- port of the growth of these communi- member states by targeting diff erent low up the meetings of the States par- ties, where it is important to integrate stakeholders and discussing the vari- ties to the United Nations Framework the dimensions of conservation of the ous tools that should be put in place to Convention on Climate Change and its environment of new cities to ration- support legal policies and systems to Kyoto Protocol and its recommenda- alise the use of basic resources in line promote green cities in line with the tions and to propose national policies with the growing social and economic Sustainable Development Goals, for the related to climate and environment. requirements of the population caused benefi t of member states, as well as the Al-Sulaiti pointed to the contribution by their continuous increase. BMW X6 model of 2019 recalled

he Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in co-op- eration with Alfardan Automobiles, announced the Trecall of BMW X6 model of 2019 due to possible fail- ure of the tail lamps’ circuit board. The Ministry confi rmed the recall campaign comes within the framework of its on- going eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that vehicle dealers follow up on defects and repairs. The ministry has said that it will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communi- cate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Com- mercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquiries and suggestions through the following channels: Call Centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @ MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, mobile app for Android and IOS: MOCIQATAR. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 7 QATAR

HE the Minister of State Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Indian ambassador P Kumaran, QBG manager A number of dignitaries attended the event. Fatima Saleh al-Khulaifi jointly planting a tree at Oxygen Park yesterday. PICTURES: Nasar K Moidheen QBG, Indian embassy hold tree-planting event

By Joseph Varghese wari, Indian ambassador P Ku- ry. This long-term relationship is Culture. We look forward to col- a tour of the QBG Botanical Mu- Staff Reporter maran, QBG manager Fatima characterised by understanding, laborating with QBG on similar seum, which contains photo- Dance performances to welcome the guests. Saleh al-Khulaifi , Foundation cultural exchanges and mutual initiatives in the future,” ambas- graphs, murals, and Islamic in- for Environment Education respect among others. sador Kumaran noted. scriptions that aim to immerse ighlighting the strong president Lesley Jones, diplo- The Qatar-India 2019 Year of “Qatar and India have a long visitors in authentic Arab and bonds between Qatar and mats from other missions in Qa- Culture is an extension of these history of collaboration, and the Islamic heritage and traditions. HIndia, a tree-planting tar, dignitaries and Indian com- strong bonds between both the recent ceremony clearly dem- The museum also displays tra- ceremony was held yesterday at munity leaders participated in countries,” stated Dr al-Kuwari. onstrates that these joint eff orts ditional tools made from plants the Oxygen Park, Education City, the event. The Ghars campaign holds also extend into another critical that are still used in our daily Qatar Foundation, marking the The formal ceremony started several tree-planting ceremonies area – environmental conserva- lives. Qatar-India 2019 Year of Cul- with some colourful dance per- each year as part of its overarch- tion. We see institutional part- With a commitment to build- ture. formances by students of Birla ing goal of cultivating an impres- nerships and collaboration as ing a sustainable future for Qatar Hosted by the Qur’anic Botanic Public School. Dr al-Kuwari, sive 2,022 trees by 2022 FIFA vital to QBG’s eff orts to protect and educating the community Garden (QBG), the event was part Kumaran and al-Khulaifi jointly World Cup. and preserve the environment. I about Islamic values, QBG en- of the QBG’s Ghars tree-planting planted the trees at Oxygen Park “It is a pleasure to be part of to- am confi dent that this initiative gages the local community in campaign and aimed to highlight after the formal part of the cer- day’s ceremony. This is a tangible will help further strengthen our diverse year-round awareness the importance of conserva- emony. opportunity for our two commu- joint commitment to increasing activities that focus on environ- tion in Qatar, while encouraging “We have a very strong and nities to come together and sup- awareness of the vital impor- mental sustainability, the value cross-cultural engagement. long lasting relation with India. port important environmental tance of green conservation,” of planting trees, and the pres- HE the Minister of State Dr The relationship between Qatar initiatives against the backdrop highlighted, al-Khulaifi . ervation of Qatar’s natural re- Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Ku- and India is deep rooted in histo- of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of The ceremony concluded with sources. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 QATAR QC honours 63 school pupils of ‘Future’s Leaders’ programme The Qatar team was recognised with an ‘Outstanding Performance’ atar Charity (QC) has performance at school in order recognition during the competition. honoured school stu- to become active persons and Qdents with outstanding benefactors in future. He also academic performance, many of thanked the families who con- their teachers and some ‘ideal’ tributed to this feat, the sup- families during a ceremony at- porters of the ceremony, social Qatar team tended by parents, mediapersons media infl uencers and media- and social media infl uencers. persons who covered the event. The honouring of the stu- He also affi rmed that QC would dents comes as part of the com- keep supporting the ‘Future’s honoured at prehensive social care, welfare Leaders’ to enable them to per- and well-being provided by form well continuously, prais- Qatar Charity to the ‘Future’s ing the signifi cant educational Leaders’ to encourage them to role of teachers in the students’ fi nal of Huawei continue their performance, a academic performance. statement notes. Mohamed Nasser al-Hajri, At the ceremony, 63 students Off icials with students at the ceremony. owner of Al Jazeera Medical (both male and female) who per- Centre, expressed happiness at Middle East ICT formed very well academically eo clip on the activities and pro- QC also honoured the sup- cal Development Department at supporting the ceremony, em- during the 2018-2019 school grammes implemented for the ‘Fu- porter of the ceremony, Al QC, expressed pleasure at cel- phasising that the centre would year, received the honour. Be- ture’s Leaders’, an operetta titled Jazeera Medical Centre, host of ebrating the ‘Future’s Leaders’ continue to support such good sides, nine male and female ‘Vision of Education in Qatar’ by the ceremony Mandarin Orien- who excelled in the 2018-2019 initiatives. Competition teachers were honoured in rec- students of Qatar Primary School tal, Doha, guest of honour Sheikh academic year, and the honour- At the end of the ceremony, ognition of their eff orts in sup- for Boys, a poem titled ‘Set a Goal’ Ayesh al-Qahtani, Qatar Charity ing of all those who contributed the mothers thanked QC for car- port of the students,while three by student Fathia al-Abdullah, Centre for Community Develop- to these achievements. ing for their children, hoping hirteen teams compris- winners receiving an immer- families were also honoured for and an operetta presented by Qa- ment in Al Rayyan and Qatar Al-Emadi added that this that the support would continue ing a total of 39 stu- sion experience within an ICT their leading educational roles. tar Charity Centre for Community Primary School for Boys. honour would encourage them to help them realise their dreams Tdents from 10 coun- company’s headquarters in The event also included a vid- Development in Al Rayyan. Jassim al-Emadi, director, Lo- to continue with their excellent and aspirations. tries, including three students Shenzhen, China, in addition from Qatar, have competed in to employment opportunities the fi nal of the Huawei Middle and other prizes. East ICT Competition 2019- Through the competition, 2020 held at Huawei’s global Huawei facilitates connec- headquarters in Shenzhen, tions between international Health ministry developing China. Amongst the awards, talent, providing equal oppor- HMC launches a team from Qatar was rec- tunities for quality education ognised with an ‘Outstanding with the aim of enabling more Performance’ honour. people to benefi t from the research agenda for diabetes This year, the competition digital economy. attracted more than 21,000 Charles Yang, president fall prevention he Ministry of Public shop, organised by the Ministry and support in Qatar to conduct student registrations from 437 of Huawei Middle East, said: Health (MoPH) and its of Public Health. key research that will improve colleges and universities. “We congratulate our win- Tpartners are developing The workshop aimed to iden- our populations health as well as Huawei said it is keen to ners, and all of the teams who a national research agenda on tify key gaps in knowledge and advance science.” support the development of made it to the Huawei Middle diabetes and its complications, implementation of research that Prof Abou-Samra, co-chair, the information and commu- East ICT Competition 2019 clinic for elderly which aims to address the risk aims to understand, prevent, and Qatar National Diabetes Com- nications technology (ICT) Final. This year’s fi eld of com- factors for diabetes and car- treat diabetes and atherosclerotic mittee, said, “The National Dia- ecosystem in Qatar through petition was especially strong. diovascular diseases in Qatar cardiovascular risk factors. The betes Strategy is already being the Huawei ME ICT Com- Each team participating in the amad Medical Corpo- through targeted local research. event, led by Professor Shahrad implemented to improve patient petition, which nurtures fi nal round represents some of ration (HMC) has an- The research agenda will address Taheri, member of the National care. With the development of local talent, working with the brightest talent from their Hnounced the launch both basic science and clini- Diabetes Committee and chair- the research agenda, Qatar will government authorities, col- country, as well as from the of a specialised fall preven- cal and translational research in man of its research subcom- be able to focus on key areas of leges and universities in the region. Seeing so many gifted tion clinic for the elderly at diabetes. mittee, and Professor Nicholas research that will allow the best Middle East to identify, sup- young people gives us great Al Rumaila Hospital. Research is one of the six pil- Wareham of the University of care and science to be embedded port, and grow the future confi dence in the future of ICT The weekly clinic operates lars of Qatar National Diabetes Cambridge, UK, discussed in- into healthcare. With the nation- leaders of ICT. in the Middle East. within the outpatient clin- Strategy 2016-2022 in addition creased collaboration and sharing al research strategy, Qatar can The competition promotes Winners received their ics of Rumailah Hospital and to awareness and prevention, of expert knowledge and the de- maximise the use of its resources innovation and creativity, prizes during a ceremony at- receives about 24 patients per patient empowerment, care de- velopment of future researchers and expertise for years to come”. while increasing national ICT tended by several dignitaries, month who are over 65 years livery, human capability and to ensure research continuity and Commenting on the work- competitiveness and encour- including Steven Yi, member of age, as well as some cases capacity building, information maximisation of resources. shop, Prof Taheri said: “Once aging local communities to of the supervisory board and under 65 years of age, where management pillars. Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Ha- the research agenda is in place, contribute towards achieving president of MEA region at the patient is diagnosed with As part of the development mad bin J al-Thani, director, researchers and funders can digital transformation and Huawei; Mohamed Abdulla unbalance and falls during Dr Kawa Amin of the diabetes research agen- public health, MoPH, stated: concentrate on areas of research economic growth. al-Dehaimi, Qatar embassy walking at home or elsewhere, da under research pillar of the “The National Diabetes Strat- that will have direct impact on Participating students have in China; Lianpu Ding, direc- medical treatment and physi- plan is implemented with the National Diabetes Strategy re- egy has set the roadmap for disease prevention and treat- the opportunity to enhance tor of the Centre for Exchange otherapy are provided for each patient to improve walking searchers, clinical experts, uni- diabetes prevention and care for ment. Participation in the work- their ICT knowledge, practi- of China-Foreign People- reviewer. performance and maintain versity and institutional leaders Qatar. The aim is to develop a shop has been enthusiastic and cal and application skills, as to-People of the Ministry of Dr Kawa Amin, consult- balance in collaboration with a representing QNRF, QBRI, QDA, comprehensive research agenda input from senior offi cials and well as raising their innovation Education of China; and Dr ant geriatrician, Geriatric and physiotherapist. QU, QCRI, HBKU, WCMQ, Sid- that directly addresses a serious researchers shows the strong awareness, thereby enhancing Li Jihong, deputy director of Long Term Care Department Dr Amin said that many ra Medicine, PHCC and HMC health problem in Qatar. We are will in Qatar to deliver research their employability within the Unesco Centre for Innovation at HMC, explained that the elderly people suff er from the gathered for a landmark work- delighted to have the expertise excellence.” (QNA) sector, especially with national in Higher Education. specialists in the clinic diag- problem of ‘recurrent falls’ nose the causes of imbalance which may lead to osteoporo- and fall and in some cases re- sis to serious health compli- fer the patient to a cardiolo- cations of bone fractures and NMoQ hosts talk by L’ecole Van Cleef & Arpels gist or neurologist consultant exposure to surgery and com- The National Museum of Qatar legends surrounding diamonds techniques through personal for further examination and plications such as wounds and (NMoQ) hosted a talk titled and the precious stone’s role in experience and to educate the diagnosis, where medical ad- others. “Diamonds, Art and Science” human history. hand, the eye and the sense of vice is provided about drugs He pointed out that the delivered courtesy of L’ecole Founded in Paris in February taste. that strengthen and improve most important reasons for Van Cleef & Arpels and in 2012 at the instigation of its L’ecole Van Cleef & Arpels does the health of the patient’s the elderly to fall accidents collaboration with Ali Bin Ali president Marie Vallanet-Delhom, so with the help of experts bones as well as provide guid- are the unsafe environment Luxury – the exclusive retailer of L’ecole Van Cleef & Arpels is who are passionate about ance advice that avoid falling and the deterioration of motor Van Cleef & Arpels in Qatar. a unique learning institution, their subjects: art historians, Inezita Gay-Eckel and Olivier Segura at the “Diamonds, Art and Science” at home or when walking and functions of the elderly, which The talk was guided by Olivier welcoming the public into the virtuoso craftsmen, experienced talk at NMoQ recently. other things. leads to a sense of pain and re- Segura, scientific director at L’ecole secretive worlds of jewellery jewellers, gemologists, master The clinic receives patients duces balance and movement, Van Cleef & Arpels and Inezita and watchmaking. Its goal is watchmakers and historians of for the first time ever in Qatar panels, Qatar Museums (QM) aims referred from emergency de- wearing inappropriate shoes, Gay-Eckel, Jewellery art historian of to instil an intellectual and time share their knowledge with and looks forward to many more to create platforms of inspiration partments, inpatient depart- or the presence of deformities L’ecole Van Cleef & Arpels. emotional understanding of the students from all over the world. educational sessions of the same. for the local community, helping ments or primary health care of the foot, and the wrong use The talk provided an overview of spirit of these exceptional crafts; Ali Bin Ali Luxury has been Through organising a variety of instigate a new generation of physician, where a follow-up of assistive devices. (QNA) the latest findings in gemmology, to encourage mastery of their extremely glad to host L’ecole talks, seminars and discussion artists, designers and creators. Ooredoo supports Qatar Trade Senegal delegation visits QRCS high-profi le delegation from Senegal visited Qa- Atar Red Crescent Soci- Summit as Silver Sponsor ety (QRCS) yesterday in order to build a humanitarian partner- ship for the benefi t of poor local oredoo was the Silver communities. Sponsor and Commu- The Senegalese delegation Onications Partner of comprised Mme Oulimata Diop, the 2019 Qatar Trade Summit, general manager of the Higher which was held in Doha from Authority of Waqf; Dr Ahmed November 25-27. al-Amin Ag, legal unit and part- The 2019 Qatar Trade Sum- nerships offi cer at the Higher mit was a three-day event that Authority of Waqf; and two brought together trade and lo- counsellors from the embassy of gistics industry experts, key Senegal in Doha. stakeholders and government They were received by Ali bin offi cials to deliberate current Hassan al-Hammadi, secretary- The delegation from Senegal with QRCS off icials. developments within Qatar and general of QRCS; Dr Mohamed plan a roadmap for the coun- Salah Ibrahim, executive direc- In 2015, she explained, Sen- We seek to build co-operation try’s economic growth and the The three-day event brought together trade and logistics industry experts, key stakeholders and tor of the Relief and Interna- egal’s government initiated a re- with all partners, particularly consolidation of its position as government off icials. tional Development Division; structuring of the Waqf system. QRCS.” a regional trade leader. and Dr Fawzi Oussedik, head To that end, the Higher Author- Al-Hammadi added, “As an The summit featured panel Qatar’s trade and investment. bilities and how businesses and industry leader in the region. of International Relations and ity of Waqf was established in asset for society, rules and regu- discussions, presentations As well as being Silver Spon- organisations can leverage 5G to “We are proud to be a partner International Humanitarian Law. 2018 as an autonomous body lations have been developed for from speakers and opportuni- sor, Ooredoo participated in the their advantage. as the country moves towards Al-Hammadi welcomed affi liated to the prime minister. Waqf. It is a signifi cant resource ties for stakeholders to network event with its director, Stra- Speaking of the event and digitalisation as part of Qa- the guests and commended She emphasised the impor- for Islamic banking.” and share experiences, insights tegic Accounts, Cyril Anand, sponsorship, Yousuf Abdulla tar National Vision 2030, and the strong relations between tance of Waqf as a means of He highlighted the under- and expertise. contributing on key topics re- al-Kubaisi, chief operations proud to be contributing with the governments and national strengthening solidarity among standing with the Senegalese Red Day 1 of the event focused volving around digitalisation offi cer at Ooredoo Qatar, said: our phenomenal 5G capabilities societies of Qatar and Senegal. nations. “The purpose of the vis- Cross Society as a strategic part- on sea ports, shipping and air and transformation of regional “Shipping, air cargo, trade and to ensure our industries are able Diop thanked QRCS for their it was to explore opportunities of ner of QRCS. Among the projects cargo, while Day 2’s spotlight shipping and air cargo. logistics are all key elements of to consistently perform and hospitality and communicated to collaboration with donors,” she that could be worked on together was on supply chain and lo- Anand presented highlights Qatar’s industry, and Qatar en- consolidate their position at the them the greetings of Senegal’s said. “Qatar has a leading role in are water wells, education and gistics. The fi nal day looked at of Ooredoo’s 5G network capa- joys an enviable position as an forefront of development.” ambassador to Doha. Waqf and charitable activities. rural women’s empowerment. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 9 QATAR AAB launches special campaign for Land Cruiser oyota Motor Corpora- through a raffl e draw. The serv- Cruiser purchased from the AAB The Land Cruiser will never let tion recently announced ice package includes all labour, showrooms at Al Abdulghani them down on any terrain – be Tthe achievement of 10mn parts, oil fl uid and consuma- Tower or City Center Doha. it on the road or off the road, cumulative global sales of its bles for periodic maintenance The benefi ts are also available which has made this model so The special campaign off ers a chance to win one of 10 full service packages through a raff le draw. Land Cruiser series. To celebrate in accordance with the schedule through its two offi cial dealers, popular. The Land Cruiser is this achievement, Abdullah Ab- recommended by Toyota Mo- Al Tadamon Motors & Trading truly the ‘Pride of the land’,” the SUV market across the world”. ity and drivability on poor roads tries and regions worldwide, dulghani & Bros Co (AAB), the tor Corporation for fi ve years Co and Al Tariq Automobiles. statement explains. Full-scale exports of the Land – essentially the development with annual global sales standing exclusive distributor for Toyota or 100,000km, whichever “In Qatar, the Land Cruiser Launched on August 1, 1951, Cruiser began with the 20 series, concepts on which the Land at approximately 400,000 units. vehicles in Qatar, has launched comes fi rst, AAB has said in a enjoys a unique position in the as the Toyota Jeep BJ, the Land which was introduced in No- Cruiser is based,” the statement AAB – Toyota showrooms are a special campaign for the Land statement. heart of every individual in the Cruiser is the company’s long- vember 1955, four years after the continues. located at the Al Matar Street/C- Cruiser, which will run until the The package covers an addi- country – be it a Qatari na- est-running vehicle. The pro- launch of the fi rst-generation As a recognition of its off -road Ring Road intersection and at end of December. tional three sets of front brake tional or an expatriate, be it a duction of the “world-beating” vehicle. “Since then, Toyota has capabilities, the Land Cruiser has City Center Doha, West Bay. The During the campaign pe- pads and two sets of rear pads school-going kid or an elderly vehicle, which assumed its cur- consistently developed versions continued to receive the support showrooms are open seven days riod, those purchasing the Land replacement. person. The Land Cruiser has rent name in 1954, has continued that cater to customer needs of customers around the world. a week from 8am to 9pm, Satur- Cruiser will get a chance to win Customers can avail of the become an integral part of peo- for 68 years with nine genera- while staying true to its repu- At present, the Land Cruiser is day-Thursday, and from 5pm to one of 10 full service packages campaign benefi ts for the Land ple’s lives virtually everywhere. tions “dominating the premium tation for reliability, durabil- sold in approximately 170 coun- 9pm on Fridays. Peking University hosts seminar on China-Gulf strategic relations eking University in Bei- ambassador Wu Sike, China’s cal science, engineering and focus on research, the univer- jing, China hosted a former special envoy on the environmental science, so it is sity’s strategy and its various P‘Seminar on China-Gulf Middle East Issues; ambassa- a comprehensive co-operation functions. Strategic Co-operation,’ which dor Patrick Theros, former US not limited to one discipline. Dr Mahjoob Zweiri, direc- was organised jointly by the ambassador to Qatar; and Prof More than that, we bring schol- tor of QU’s Gulf Studies Center University’s Department of Gerd Nonneman from George- ars from the region and around delivered a speech at the event, Language and Culture town University in Qatar. the world to build a network of where he covered the new un- in the School of Foreign Lan- Qatar Chair for Middle East top scholars. derstating of Gulf security. His guages and the Qatar Chair for Studies Professor Dr Wu Bing- “This seminar in 2019 is the paper and participation in the Middle East Studies. bing said that the seminar is fi rst one, we have three topics seminar highlights the fact that The Qatar Chair, supervised going to be an annual feature this year, the situation in the without a holistic approach, it is by the College of Arts and Sci- henceforth. He discussed the Gulf, the regional co-operation unlikely to lead to better under- ences at Qatar University (QU), work of the Qatar Chair for and the China-Gulf relations. stating, which includes social Panellists at the seminar yesterday. was set up following a visit to Middle East Studies in 2019. Next year, we will have more and economic changes. Beijing by His Highness the “We have had a series of sym- specifi c and concrete topics and Dr Zweiri’s paper also dis- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad posiums and seminars, and ex- also include more fi elds.” cussed the upcoming challeng- al-Thani in 2014. change of visits where we have Cesar Wazen, director of In- es in the light of ongoing con- A number of international hosted faculty members and in ternational Aff airs Offi ce, QU, fl icts in the Middle East, studies dignitaries as well as a large the new year we will exchange made a presentation during China’s role in the Middle East Swedish envoy praises number of experts in the fi eld students. We want to promote the event’s opening ceremony and how China can contrib- of Middle East and Gulf studies co-operation beyond Middle in which he discussed Qatar ute to political stability and Qatar labour reforms attended the seminar including East studies, for example medi- National Vision 2030, QU’s economic developments. he Swedish ambassador to porate sector which has a strong and at the same time encourage Moldova embassy signs Qatar, Anders Bengtcén, commitment to CSR principles. the investments in the State of Tyesterday hosted a semi- “Labour rights and CSR are Qatar, benefi ting the local econ- nar on corporate social respon- crucial for companies that want omy and businesses” he stated. MoU to promote recycling sibility (CSR) and labour reforms to stay innovative and competi- Houtan Homayounpour, head in Qatar. tive. I encourage the Swedish of Offi ce, ILO Qatar, welcomed he embassy of Moldova The signing took place at the The Swedish business com- business community to seize the the steps being taken by Qatar in Doha and Elite Paper embassy. munity in Qatar were invited opportunities off ered by Qatar´s to transform its labour market, TRecycling are partnering The initiative aims to promote to hear from speakers from the new labour legislation and other stressing that abolishing the kafa- to promote environmental sus- sustainability and protect the Ministry of Administrative De- measures to attract foreign in- la system would strongly support tainability and recycling across environment by reducing pa- velopment Labour and Social vestment,” said the envoy. the rights of migrant workers. all their programmes and activ- per waste through recycling and Mihai Clapaniuc with Abdulla Ibrahim al-Suwaidi. Aff airs (MADLSA), the Inter- Mohamed Hassan al-Obaid- Vani Saraswathi, associate editor ities under the Green Embassies running campaigns to educate national Labour Organisation ly, assistant undersecretary, and director of projects, Migrant- programme in Qatar, it has been people about reducing wastage, bassies in Qatar programme, in committed to deploy bins at the (ILO), and from the regional MADLSA, provided an update on rights.org, emphasised the pos- announced. a press statement notes. line with Qatar National Vision embassy and regularly collect NGO MigrantRights.org. the three new major laws enter- sibilities for employers (individu- Mihai Clapaniuc, chargé On the occasion, al-Suwaidi 2030, as well as to hold awareness all wastepaper and cardboards, Ambassador Bengtcén in his ing into force by January 2020; als and businesses) to be a driving d’aff aires at the Moldovan em- said: “We are happy to be here campaign and events together to which are destined for recy- introductory remarks welcomed freedom to change jobs, removal force for continued change. She bassy, and Abdulla Ibrahim today to sign the MoU with the educate the community. cling, as part of the eff orts made Qatar´s ongoing labour reforms of exit permit requirements and presented areas of concern and al-Suwaidi, chairman of Elite embassy of Moldova. We are “The green initiative is about to raise public awareness about and the co-operation with ILO. a non-discriminatory minimum potential improvement, and tan- Paper Recycling, co-signed a keen to have joint eff orts in en- recycling to reduce and reuse the environment and sustain- He noted that the reforms are wage. “These reforms will en- gible tools for companies and their memorandum of understanding vironmental sustainability and the paper products that we ability, towards having a better attractive to the Swedish cor- sure the protection of workers contractors to use. (MoU) in this regard on Sunday. recycling under the Green Em- make. Elite Paper Recycling is community future in Qatar.” QU programme Ooredoo names winner nominated of CodeCamp Hackathon for Reimagine for Smart Cities oredoo has announced the winner of the Min- Education Award Oistry of Transport and Communications’ (MoTC) Co- deCamp Hackathon for Smart he organising committee University of Pennsylvania. Al- Cities. of the global Reimagine Bairaq has achieved great suc- The CodeCamp, tied to IoT Build platform, and ide- has said in a statement. TEducation Conference cess in this competition in past the recent Qitcom event, was ally integrated with Bosch XDR Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi, and Awards has announced years, winning three consecu- the Qatar branch of a global devices. chief operating offi cer at Oore- Qatar University’s (QU) Al- tive years in the Presence Learn- initiative. The CodeCamp Hackathon doo Qatar, said: “Ooredoo join- Bairaq programme as one of the ing and Cultivating Curiosity The MoTC, as part of its ran for 48 hours from October ing forces with the Ministry of nominated projects in the Cul- categories. Entrepreneurship Zone ini- 24-26, with the fi nal product Transport and Communica- tivating Curiosity category. It The conference will be held tiative, brought together teams delivered to Ooredoo. tions on the CodeCamp Hack- has been selected out of 1,500 from December 8 at Imperial of designers, business ana- Bare Metal was chosen as athon provided an opportunity educational projects. College London and the Queen QU’s Al-Bairaq programme is one of the nominated projects in the lysts, software developers and the Ooredoo winner of the for brilliant young talents in Al-Bairaq is a non-traditional Elizabeth II Centre in the United Cultivating Curiosity category top-class QR25,000 prize for their smart Qatar to create Smart City in- educational project, in which Kingdom. Al-Bairaq is invited startups to compete to de- air-conditioning control novations, in line with our aim students at Qatari second- by the organisers to attend the neering, art, math and inquiry conference and awards cer- velop smart solutions that device and app. of enhancing digital lives. ary schools work in teams with conference and to present on its based learning in which stu- emony for the fourth consecu- could solve real-life Smart City All 12 participating teams “Qitcom off ered the ideal highly exquisite university-level unique history. dents learn by asking questions tive year. She commented that challenges in Qatar. have been off ered a chance to platform for developers to scientists on practical scientifi c The presentation will include and solving problems instead such competitions are a great Aligned with Qitcom’s join Ooredoo’s Digital & Be- come together to leverage tech- problems in authentic contexts. Al-Bairaq’s methodology, which of listing or reciting facts and motivator for educational pro- theme, ‘Safe Smart Cities’, 12 yond LSP – Lean Start-up Pro- nology innovations to sup- Reimagine Education is a focuses on stimulating curiosity knowledge. grammes and initiatives for the teams were tasked with de- gramme – in partnership with port Qatar National Vision global conference and compe- and learning through practical President of al-Bairaq Pro- students to develop themselves veloping a smart Internet of Qatar Business Incubation 2030 and the tition open to all who aspire to experience. The most important gramme and head, Commu- further. It is also an opportuni- Things (IoT)-based Smart Centre to further develop and Tasmu Smart Programme, change education. The awards methods are STEAM Learning, nication and Outreach at QU, ty to introduce the programme Cities solution to transform validate their solutions, and and for them to have the programme is a partnership be- which provides an integrated Dr Noora Jabor al-Thani, ex- on a global platform and share industry verticals and peo- possibly win a chance to be in- chance to take their solutions tween QS Quacquarelli Symonds curriculum of education includ- pressed her happiness at par- the latest educational methods ple’s daily lives. The solution cubated under the Digital & Be- to the market in Qatar and even and the Wharton School at the ing science, technology, engi- ticipating in this prestigious that Al-Bairaq utilises. had to be built on the Ooredoo yond programme, the company worldwide.” Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 / QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

Time to celebrate

A large number of people, both citizens and expatriates, headed for the Doha Corniche to celebrate Qatar’s victory in yesterday’s 24th Arabian Gulf Cup match and subsequent entry into the semi-finals. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam Many Indian varsities CIRS and WISH release joint policy brief on ‘likely to open branch migrant healthcare

new policy brief on mi- cluding the lack of available grant labourers’ health- scholarship on migration and Acare has been published health of migrant workers in campuses in Qatar’ by the Centre for International the GCC. “Most accounts are and Regional Studies (CIRS) at based on media coverage of By Joseph Varghese Georgetown University in Qa- working conditions, and not Staff Reporter tar and the World Innovation on academic studies based on Summit for Health (WISH), an scientific research and analy- initiative of Qatar Foundation. sis,” explained Dr Kamrava. everal Indian universities are likely to The policy brief, “Improving Furthermore, different mi- open their branch campuses in Qatar Single Male Labourers’ Health in grant groups face different Sin the coming years, a senior offi cial at Qatar,” provides a review of the challenges, so for this study, the Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- research on healthcare for single the decision was made to fo- cation, (MoEHE) has told Gulf Times. male migrant workers, an analy- cus on single male labourers. “Savitribai Phule Pune University sis of their obstacles to health- The report also draws on the (SPPU) is the first Indian University to start care access, an overview of findings and discussions of operations in Qatar. Recently, we signed an current government policies. it two workshops jointly con- agreement with the university to start a also includes key policy recom- ducted by CIRS and WISH in branch campus in Qatar. Meanwhile, sev- mendations for the future that Dr Mehran Kamrava 2018 and 2019. The research- eral Indian universities have shown inter- would help to build on ongoing ers determined that barriers est in opening their branch campuses in eff orts to strengthen and im- director, Research and Policy to healthcare for undocu- Qatar,” disclosed Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al- prove healthcare for this group at WISH, noted that health- mented immigrants present Naimi, undersecretary at MoEHE. of migrant workers in Qatar. care access for migrant work- a wide range of challenges, Dr al-Naimi along with a delegation Director of CIRS, Dr Me- ers, who make up around half from financial limitations to from Qatar was in New Delhi recently to hran Kamrava, explained how of Qatar’s population, is a discrimination and fear of take part in a summit for higher education this new policy brief builds core policy issue for the na- deportation. The suggested where about 150 universities from India on two of the centre’s earliest tion’s development priorities. solutions are addressed to had participated and organised an exhibi- streams of research. “Qatar has made significant policymakers and public and tion. “At CIRS, we have devel- investments in healthcare re- private sector employers re- “We visited some of the universities Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi oped the capacity and ex- form for migrant workers. sponsible for the welfare of there. We also had discussions with some pertise to pursue substantive This collaboration with CIRS their staff. of the officials of these universities. So, added the official. He said that delegates We will also have to see how their pro- research on both the issue of demonstrates how work- The policy brief is available there could be more than one Indian uni- from around 60 countries had participated grammes do not clash with the courses of- migrant labour and health- ing together, we can address in English on the CIRS web- versity in Qatar in the coming years. How- in the summit. It was also attended by a fered by other universities in the country,” care in the region. So for this the most pressing healthcare site and the WISH website. ever, the discussions are at the very early number of deans, researchers and scien- he noted. study, we were able to draw on challenges we continue to Future plans include an Arabic stages,” explained Dr al-Naimi. tists from these universities. The official noted that he had a fruitful our broad network of experts, face, not only in Qatar, but language version, and plans to “We expect that SPPU is likely to start According to Dr al-Naimi, the pro- discussion with the president of Indian In- scholars and practitioners to across the region, and around share the policy recommen- their operations from next academic year grammes offered by SPPU in Qatar will be stitute of Technology (IIT). “ We may not identify new research ques- the world.” dations with key government sometime in 2020. Once all the logistics decided based on the local needs and the be able to open a branch campus of IIT here tions on the issue of migrant For the report, researchers and corporate stakeholders in are completed, they will be able to start expertise of the university. “We will exam- but the official has promised to co-operate health.” Dr Walid Qoronfleh, faced several challenges, in- Qatar. the campus according to the academic ine the market needs of the country and the with us in several areas. We have invited calendar and schedule of the university,” programmes will be designed accordingly. him to Qatar,” added Dr al-Naimi. Air raids Oman’s top diplomat in Tripoli kill fi ve visits Iran after US trip

AFP past mediator in the Middle and Zarif had “discussed bi- AFP Tehran East. lateral relations and regional Tripoli The Iranian foreign minis- issues”. try said Zarif, in talks with bin The Omani minister’s trip to ran’s top diplomat Mo- Alawi, had “emphasised the Iran comes a week after he met t least fi ve civilians were hamed Javad Zarif voiced necessity of reducing tensions Pompeo during an offi cial visit killed and 10 wounded in Isupport yesterday for re- in the region”. to the United States. Aovernight air strikes in ducing tensions in the Gulf as Zarif said Iran was serious The US State Department The traditional Dhow festival of Katara will be held until Dec 16. a suburb of Libya’s capital, the he hosted his counterpart from about a plan — dubbed the said at the time that Pom- unity government’s health min- traditional mediator Oman for Hormuz Peace Endeavour — peo thanked him for “Oman’s istry said yesterday. talks in Tehran. that it has put forward to re- co-operation on security and “Violent air raids on the The visit by Oman’s minister duce regional tensions. counter-terrorism issues”. residential area of al-Swani of state for foreign aff airs, Yu- President Hassan Rouhani Long-fraught relations be- killed five civilians and injured suf bin Alawi, came a week af- announced the peace plan at tween Tehran and Washington Traditional dhow festival 10 others, some of them seri- ter he held a meeting in Wash- the UN General Assembly in plunged to a new low last year ously,” said spokesman Amin ington with US Secretary of September, calling on Arab when the US unilaterally with- al-Hashemi. Hashemi reported State Mike Pompeo. nations in the Gulf, including drew from an international ac- at Katara from today major damage after the strikes It is the second time since Saudi Arabia, to join it. cord that gave Iran relief from on al-Swani, some 25 kilome- late July that bin Alawi has been In a tweet, the Omani foreign sanctions in return for curbs on tres south of central Tripoli. sent to Iran by the sultanate, a ministry said that bin Alawi its nuclear programme. he ninth Traditional activities, competitions, work- tion, which refl ects the stature He said there was no military Dhow Festival of Katara shops for children and crafts- of the event as a sought-after infrastructure in the area. T– the Cultural Village men and other activities with maritime heritage destination Tripoli has seen months of Foundation will begin at the a special focus on the maritime locally and internationally”. deadly fighting since east- Top rebel leader says more time needed for Sudan peace deal Katara beach this afternoon. heritage of Qatar and the other He also expressed happiness ern-based military strong- The festival will continue participants. that the festival is coinciding man Khalifa Haftar launched A senior Sudanese rebel leader yesterday called rebels who fought now-ousted president Omar until December 16 with a pro- Besides, special perform- with the ongoing 24th Arabian an April offensive to seize the for a three-month extension to finalise a peace al-Bashir’s forces in Darfur, Blue Nile and South gramme featuring distin- ances and operettas by some Gulf Cup, and expects a great capital from armed groups deal with the Khartoum government, as talks Kordofan. guished local, regional and in- folk troupes have also been turnout of visitors at the event. backing the internationally between the two sides are to resume next week. A second round of talks is set to begin next Tues- ternational participation. lined up. The offi cial said the festival recognised Government of Yasir Arman, deputy leader of the rebel Sudan day in the South Sudanese capital, and a peace The 11 participants are Qatar, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al- has become an attractive event National Accord (GNA). The People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), deal had been expected to be struck a few days Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Turkey, Sulaiti, general manager of for tourists in the country and GNA said “Emirati drones” also called on Washington to remove Sudan later on December 14. India, Greece, Italy, Spain, Iran Katara, stressed that the “im- many people come to take part backing Haftar had carried out from its blacklist of “state sponsors of terrorism”. But Arman, who is a senior leader in the Sudan and Zanzibar. portance of the Katara Tradi- in it annually to get closer to the overnight strikes, saying a Peace talks opened in October in Juba between Revolutionary Front rebel alliance, said more time The festival comprises a col- tional Dhow Festival increases the marine heritage and history woman and a child were among Khartoum’s new transitional government and was needed. lection of marine shows, cul- year on year and this ninth edi- of Qatar and the other partici- the dead. tural, artistic and traditional tion enjoys a wider participa- pating countries. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 11 REGION/ARAB WORLD

CONFLICT Occupation costs Kuwait Amir meets Duke of Cambridge Palestinian economy $2.5bn a year: UN Death toll in Israel’s occupation of the Pal- estinian territories has cost the economy of the Palestinians more than $2.5bn a year for the past two decades, a UN report said Tunisia bus yesterday. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Devel- opment report estimated the total fiscal loss to the Palestinian gov- ernment between 2000 and 2017 accident at $47.7bn. The figure included $28bn in accrued interest and $6.6bn in leakage from Palestinian fiscal revenues. It said the amount would have rises to 26 been enough to eliminate the Palestinian government’s $17.7bn AFP of 22 out of the 43 people on budget deficit over the same Ain Snoussi board, saying the bus had period more than twice over. The “fallen into a ravine after report argued if the $47bn had crashing through an iron bar- been invested sensibly in the im- t least 26 people were rier”. poverished Palestinian economy, killed when their bus The health ministry said it would have created an extra Acrashed into a barrier four more passengers had died 2mn jobs over the 18-year period, on a mountain road and ca- of their injuries. or 110,000 a year. The report was reered into a ravine in north- An AFP team who visited presented at the Palestine Eco- west Tunisia, offi cials said the site saw the twisted re- nomic Policy Research Institute The Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah met yesterday with the visiting Duke of Cambridge Prince William yesterday. mains of the bus in the ravine (MAS) in the West Bank city of and the accompanying delegation. The meeting touched upon the deep-rooted and historic relations linking Kuwait and the The health ministry said near a river bed, surrounded Ramallah, home to the Palestinian United Kingdom and ways to further enhance ties on all possible levels, Kuwait’s news agency (KUNA) reported. that 17 people were also in- by scattered bodies. government. jured in Sunday’s accident in The top of the bus appeared a mountainous region popular to have been torn off and seats with Tunisian tourists. were strewn across the site. The accident was one of President Kais Saied and the deadliest ever in a country outgoing Prime Minister whose poor road safety record Youssef Chahed both visited has sparked criticism of of- the site hours after the trag- fi cials. edy. All those aboard the bus Tunisia’s poorly-main- were Tunisian, the ministry tained roads have a reputa- said. tion for being deadly. Almost 30 killed across Syria The age of the vehicle, 1,100 people died in traffi c ac- more than 20 years old, and cidents in 2018, according to a speeding were the suspected national observatory on road causes, a minister, Noured- security. dine Selmi, told state televi- The World Health Organi- sion after an initial investi- sation in 2015 reported that gation. Tunisia had the second-worst The bus had set off from road death rate per capita in as violence rages Tunis towards the picturesque North Africa, behind only northern mountain town of war-torn Libya. AFP heavy clashes, with almost 100 Ain Draham, a popular au- Sunday’s accident triggered Maaret al-Numan fi ghters killed in two days, ac- tumn destination for domestic renewed public anger over cording to the war monitor. visitors. what one social media user The battles on the fringes of The interior ministry had called the country’s “roads of ir strikes killed 19 civil- Idlib since Saturday are the most initially reported the deaths death”. ians yesterday in Syria’s deadly since a Russia-brokered Alast major opposition ceasefi re went into eff ect in late bastion, the site of the deadliest August, it said. clashes between regime forces Fifty-four regime fi ghters had and armed groups since an Au- been killed, while 47 of their foes gust ceasefi re came into force, a including 33 militants had also Bus crash leaves 17 monitoring group said. lost their lives since Saturday, More than 100 kilometres to the Observatory said. the north, a separate Turkish ar- President Bashar al-Assad has dead in Morocco tillery attack on a city in Aleppo long maintained that his govern- province killed 11 civilians, in- ment will eventually reimpose cluding eight children, the Syr- its control over the northwest- AFP Public television 2M tweet- ian Observatory for Human ern region on the border with Rabat ed a photograph of the bus’s Rights said. Turkey.. interior reduced to a mass of Syria’s bloody eight-year- During a meeting yesterday metal. Elsewhere in North Af- long confl ict has killed more with Russia’s special envoy for bus crash in northern rica, a bus crash in Tunisia also than 370,000 people and dis- Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, As- Morocco killed 17 peo- Sunday killed at least 26 peo- placed millions since it started sad agreed to “continue the fi ght Aple as the vehicle over- ple as the vehicle plunged into in 2011. against terrorism” so that Idlib turned, the health ministry a ravine in the mountainous It continues to claim scores of would not become “a permanent said yesterday, in the second northwest. civilian lives, especially in areas haven for terrorists,” the presi- such accident in North Africa Nearly 3,500 people die outside government control. dency said. the same day. each year in road accidents in In the province of Idlib, largely The late August ceasefi re The bus crashed on Sunday Morocco, a country of 35mn under the control of a group came months into a devastat- near Taza, a town between the people. dominated by a former Al Qaeda An aerial view shows the destruction following a regime air strike yesterday in a market in the town of Maaret ing Russia-backed regime of- Rif and Atlas mountains, lo- The government has affi liate, regime air raids killed 13 al-Numan in the Syrian province of Idlib. fensive that killed around 1,000 cal authorities said, with the launched several road safety civilians in a market in the town civilians and ousted hundreds of cause of the accident unclear. campaigns, particularly in the of Maaret al-Numan, the Brit- Maher Mohamed, 35, a ven- “They bombarded half the bombardment in other parts of thousands from their homes. The ministry said the death wake of the kingdom’s worst ain-based Observatory said. dor in the market, said it was the market. Our neighbours were the province, including a woman But sporadic clashes and toll had risen to 17, while 36 ever bus accident which left An AFP correspondent saw most frightening bombardment killed,” as were two women in and her two children in a Russian deadly Russian and regime bom- others were injured. 42 dead in 2012. rescue workers carry a wounded he had witnessed in years. a car who had come to do some strike on an Idlib prison. bardment on the militant-held An investigation was A National Road Safety man away on a stretcher while a “We ran inside the shops and shopping, he said. On the southeastern edge of bastion have continued, with 179 opened into the accident at Strategy aims to halve the body lay motionless amid spilt threw ourselves on the ground,” The Observatory said six oth- the region, regime forces and civilians including 45 children Taza, 120 kilometres east of number of accidents in Mo- oranges and bags of onions. the father of fi ve said ers died in Russian and regime armed groups were locked in killed during that time. Fez, authorities said. rocco by 2026. Iraq parties in talks over new PM amid unrelenting protests

AFP name is expected to be more dif- third tier of politicians,” the gov- Baghdad fi cult this time around. ernment source said. “They understand it has to be “It’s not possible to have some- a fi gure who is widely accepted one new. It has to be someone who raq’s rival parties were ne- by the diverse centres of power, understands the political ma- gotiating the contours of a not objected to by the religious chine to push things along.” The Inew government yesterday, establishment, and not hated by government and political sources after the previous cabinet was the street,” said Harith Hasan, said parties were considering a brought down by a two-month a fellow at the Carnegie Middle “transitional” cabinet that would protest movement insisting on East Center. oversee electoral reform before an even more deep-rooted change. The candidate would also have early parliamentary vote. After just over a year in power, to be acceptable to Iraq’s two “This process will take no less premier Adel Abdel Mahdi for- main allies,Washington and Te- than six months, in order to pre- mally resigned Sunday after a hran. pare for new elections according dramatic intervention by top “The Iranians invested a lot in to a new electoral commission,” cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sis- the political equation in last few the offi cial said. tani. years and won’t be willing to give Abdel Mahdi, 77, is the fi rst That followed a wave of vio- up easily,” said Hasan. premier to step down since Iraq lence that pushed the protest toll Tehran’s pointman on Iraq adopted a parliamentary system to over 420 dead — the vast ma- Qassem Soleimani, who heads following the US-led invasion jority demonstrators. the Iranian Revolutionary Guard that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Parliament on Sunday for- Corps’ foreign operations arm, Hussein in 2003. mally tasked President Barham was in Iraq for talks on the po- The factions that have accu- Saleh with naming a new candi- litical crisis, government sources mulated power since then are date, as prescribed by the con- said. struggling to “think outside the stitution. Protesters hit the streets in box” to resolve the current po- But Iraq’s competing factions October in Iraq’s capital and the litical crisis, Hasan said. typically engage in drawn-out south to denounce the ruling “This is the main pressure discussions and horsetrading system as corrupt, inept and un- on them — they realise they are before any offi cial decisions are der the sway of foreign powers. An Iraqi woman raises her fist as she takes part in an anti-government march in the centre of the southern city of Basra, yesterday. dealing with a diff erent situation made. Iraq is the 12th most corrupt and it needs completely diff erent Talks over a new premier be- country in the world, according deep-rooted solutions than Ab- meant that the parliament and an entirely new face has compli- “They’re aware the bar is too solutions,” he said. gan even before Abdel Mahdi’s to Transparency International. del Mahdi’s resignation. even the president would have cated the search for a new pre- high and it’s too diffi cult for Meanwhile, protesters have formal resignation, a senior po- Despite the oil wealth of “We demand the entire gov- to go. mier. them to please the street,” said kept up rallies in Baghdad as well litical source and a government Opec’s second-biggest crude ernment be changed from its “If they get rid of Abdel Mahdi Two political heavyweights Hasan. as further south in Diwaniyah, offi cial said. producer, one in fi ve people lives roots up,” said Mohamed al- and bring someone else from said they had opted out of talks At the same time, a totally Hilla, Kut and the shrine city “The meetings are ongoing below the poverty line and youth Mashhadani, doctor protesting the political class, then noth- on a new PM: former premier new player is unlikely to be of Najaf. The latter was rocked now,” the political source added. unemployment stands at one in Baghdad’s iconic Tahrir (Lib- ing changed. They’d just be two Haider al-Abadi and the cleric trusted by the established po- by clashes late into the night on Such discussions produced quarter, the World Bank says. eration) Square yesterday. sides of the same coin,” said Ju- Moqtada Sadr, who had backed litical class. Sunday between protesters and Abdel Mahdi as a candidate in Demonstrators say those sys- Nearby, young law student maili. the previous government until “The discussions now are over armed men protecting a revered 2018, but agreeing on a single temic problems require more Abdelmajid al-Jumaili said that But the protesters’ demand for protests erupted. someone from the second or tomb of a cleric. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 AFRICA

Mauritius lawmakers appoint IMF chief urges ex-arts minister as president AFP Port Louis

awmakers in Mauritius have picked former arts debt wisdom in Land culture minister Priti- virajsing Roopun as president of the island nation, a largely cer- emonial post. His predecessor Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned in March 2018 after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a cred- fi rst Africa visit it card to buy luxury personal items. AFP She denied wrongdoing. Diamniadio, Senegal In Mauritius, the prime minis- Newly-appointed President Roopun (right) and Vice-President Marie ter is head of the government and Cyril Eddy Boissezon pose after their swearing-in ceremony at the holds most political power while state house in Reduit. ew International Mon- the president is head of state but etary Fund (IMF) chief has no executive role and is con- win a new fi ve-year term. coral reefs – a textile industry NKristalina Georgieva has sidered the guardian of the con- Since attaining independence and booming fi nancial sector, the highlighted Africa as a lure for stitution. from Britain in 1968, Mauritius economy expanded at close to investment as she kicked off her Roopun, 61, is a lawyer who has become one of the most sta- four percent in 2018. maiden visit to the continent, was fi rst elected to the National ble democracies in Africa. But it is not without its trou- but urged leaders to be smart on Assembly in 2000 and has been It developed from a poor, ag- bles. debt management. minister of regional administra- riculture-based economy into Youth unemployment and in- Africa has made “tremendous tion, social integration, and arts a prosperous economy striving equality are growing problems, improvements”, the IMF man- and culture. to reach high-income status by with joblessness at a stubborn aging director said at a confer- In November, Mauritius held 2025. 22% for young Mauritians. ence near the Senegalese capi- elections which saw incumbent Driven by tourism – the is- The gap between rich and poor tal Dakar on sustainability and Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth lands boast pristine beaches and is also seen to be rising. debt. “As a result, over the past two decades, extreme poverty lev- els have declined by one-third, Madagascar president’s party wins life expectancy has increased by capital Antananarivo in local polls one-fi fth, and real per capita in- Ivorian come has grown by about 50%,” Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina’s party wrested control of she said. the capital Antananarivo, in opposition hands since 2015, in last “We have not been able to month’s local polls, the election commission announced yesterday. farmers communicate suffi ciently Africa Georgieva gestures during a conference co-organised by the IMF at the Abdou Diouf de Diamniadio Rajoelina’s IRD party’s candidate Naina Andriatsitohaina, a as an investment destination,” conference centre in Diamniadio. billionaire media tycoon and former foreign minister who is close to Georgieva added. the head of state, won 50% of the vote in the capital. hope for “We have to dispel the per- tions to attract investment re- rowing in the region is not end- Georgieva also chided rich The TIM party of opposition leader and ex-president Marc ceived riskiness of investment in quires money, and this raises the less”, pointing to a surge in bor- countries, which have pledged Ravalomanana had backed Tahiry Rina Randriamasinoro, a relative the region,” she said, emphasis- question of debt as a fi nancing rowing at commercial rates by to provide 0.7% of their GDP in unknown, who garnered 45% of the vote. rain, brace ing that the key to this was “pro- tool, she said. many countries in the region. support for development. Ravalomanana’s wife Lalao, the capital’s outgoing mayor, did not viding more up-to-date data”. “Borrowing does make sense State indebtedness has spiked “We are not there, by a long contest the election. But the IMF chief also pointed if it is done wisely, if it fi nances as a result, although it has re- mile, we are still at around only The November 27 election was marked by a low turnout in the for winds to Africa’s challenges, includ- projects that can boost pro- cently stabilised, Georgieva 0.2%,” she added. capital and is estimated at less than 25%. ing demographic growth that ductivity and living standards, noted. After taking offi ce in October, Rajoelina and Ravalomanana have dominated the country’s politics would require up to 13mn new if it materialises on the ground Countries should generate Georgieva last month warned since the early 2000s, sometimes co-operating but mostly fighting Reuters jobs each year, and the impact of (with) more roads ... more air- higher public revenues, make that global debt, both public for advantage and high off ice. Abidjan climate change. ports, more schools, more hos- investment spending more ef- and private, had surged to an The former French colony is well known for its vanilla and precious To increase social spending pitals, more opportunities.” fi cient and strengthen manage- all-time high of $188tn, “about redwood, yet is one of the world’s poorest nations, according to and to create the right condi- But, she said: “Room for bor- ment of public data, she said. 230% of world output”. World Bank data, with 76% of people living in extreme poverty. armers in Ivory Coast’s cocoa-growing regions Fare hoping for rains as they brace for rising temperatures and dusty winds blowing in from the desert. Ivory Coast, the world’s top New anti-UN cocoa producer, has entered the dry season, which runs from No- vember to March when rain is scarce or light. Farmers said soil moisture protest leaves content was still high after weeks of abundant rain, but planta- tions would need good rainfall in December. “If we have one good rain 1 dead, 5 hurt every other week, good harvests could last until February,” Koffi Kouame, who farms near Sou- AFP there were ill-intentioned peo- bre, the at the heart of the cocoa Beni, DR Congo ple who absolutely had had to be belt in western Ivory Coast, said stopped,” he said. yesterday. Eastern DRC has been trou- Farmers at other plantations young man was killed and bled for years by militias that said they would need one good fi ve other people were control swathes of territory and rainfall per week this month to Awounded yesterday in a exploit its mineral wealth. help trees endure the dry season new protest against UN forces The Congolese army launched and the dry Harmattan wind. in eastern Democratic Republic operations against the ADF at Harmattan winds sweep in of the Congo (DRC), an AFP re- the end of October. sand from the Sahara, which can porter saw. In response the ADF has car- ravage cocoa pods and sap soil Demonstrations have erupted ried out massacres in an appar- moisture. in the city of Beni, where lo- ent bid to discourage civilians In the centre-western re- cal people accuse the UN force from helping the military. gion of Daloa, which produces a MONUSCO of failing to protect Another 27 people were quarter of Ivory Coast’s national them against a notorious mili- hacked to death on Wednesday, output, farmers complained of tia, the Allied Democratic Forces bringing the number of people high temperatures and called for (ADF). killed in militia violence in and more rains to weather the winds. The reporter said that police around Beni to 107 since No- Members of LUCHA (‘Lutte pour le changement’, Struggle for change) are seen protesting in front of the UN peacekeeping mission in DR “If the Harmattan is strong, repeatedly fi red warning shots vember 5. Congo (MONUSCO) compound in Goma, in this picture taken on November 30. many cherelles will fall and we in a bid to disperse a new protest The mounting toll has sparked will have fewer beans after Janu- attended by several dozen young anger, which is being channelled day was widely observed. rather than spontaneous. temptuous way to ignore the The ADF’s historical roots lie ary,” said Joel Kanga, who farms people. especially against MONUSCO, No shops opened for business “When I say that, it’s not to frustrations of the public”, it said in Islamist Ugandans opposed to near Daloa. He then saw a corpse being one of the biggest UN peace- and all other activities seemed to play down the frustrations of on Twitter. Ugandan President Yoweri Mu- Data showed rainfall in Daloa, taken to Beni hospital by fellow keeping operations in the world. be paralysed. the public, who are suff ering. In its defence, MONUSCO seveni. which includes the region of protesters. The force comprises more On Saturday, a crowd in Beni We all understand this frustra- has pointed out that the Congo- The group has plagued the Bouafl e, was 3.5mm last week, The head of the hospital than 16,500 military personnel lynched two people they sus- tion,” Lacroix told the French lese army off ensive was ordered North Kivu region bordering 1.4mm below the average. morgue confi rmed that the body and observers, 1,300 police and pected of being ADF members, radio station RFI at the end of unilaterally, and that it has no Uganda since the Congo Wars Similar concerns were raised had been fatally wounded by at least 4,000 civilians. a day after a soldier was killed in a three-day visit. “At the same authority to launch operations in the 1990s, although its mem- in the central regions of Bong- gunfi re. But it has been struggling in Oicha, 30km (20 miles) away by time, there are acts which have by itself. bership has since broadened to ouanou and Yamoussoukro, as The young man had been a vast country beset by armed a mob who mistook him for an been premeditated, organised Lacroix, speaking in Kinshasa non-Ugandans and it has not well as in the southern region of killed by a police offi cer, said groups as well as an Ebola epi- ADF fi ghter. and fi nanced.” later yesterday after meeting carried out an attack on Uganda Divo, where rainfall was below Germain Ndaliko, one of the or- demic, poverty and poor gov- Yesterday the overall head of A prominent grassroots with Defence Minister Sylves- for years. average last week. ganisers of the march. ernance. UN peacekeeping operations, group, Lucha (for “Struggle for tre Ilunga, said there were “de- According to an independent In Soubre in the west, which Beni police chief Jean-Felix At least eight people have Jean-Pierre Lacroix, stirred con- Change”), said that the protests tailed planned joint operations non-profi t organisation called includes the regions of San Pedro Kazingufu said police had been been killed in anti-MONUSCO troversy by saying that there was had been spurred by “MONUS- with the Congolese army” and the Congo Research Group and Sassandra, data collected by forced to open fi re. demonstrations since November evidence that anti-MONUSCO CO’s lethargy”. MONUSCO, and added that (CRG), the ADF has killed more Reuters showed rainfall last week “There weren’t just demon- 23, according to an AFP toll. protests and attacks on Ebola Lacroix’s remarks “are a de- these had started in Beni a week than 1,000 civilians since Octo- was 3.5mm, 9.4mm below the strators who had to be dispersed, A protest strike in Beni yester- health workers had been planned nial of responsibility and a con- ago. ber 2014. fi ve-year average.

Accused in terror plot appear in court

Four people linked to a far-right Christian group accused of Accused in Namibian graft scandal withdraw bids for bail plotting racially-motivated terrorist attacks at malls in South Africa appeared in court yesterday. Riana Heymans, Eric Abrams and Errol Abrams, appeared in Reuters prosecuting authority said. comment on the reason for their The charges state that the ac- Namgomar Pesca, in exchange the Middelburg Magistrate’s court in the eastern province of Windhoek Former justice minister Sakeus decision. cused solicited, accepted or for bribes. Mpumalanga, alongside Harry Johannes Knoesen, the self- Shanghala and fi sheries min- Samherji has denied wrongdo- agreed to accept 100mn Na- Its director, Ricardo Gustavo, proclaimed leader of the National Christian Resistance Movement, ister Bernardt Esau, along with ing, as have Esau and Shanghala. mibian dollars ($6.8mn) from is Investec Namibia’s former cli- also known as the Crusaders. wo former ministers and two former employees of South The fi shing scandal involves Samherji’s Namibian subsidiar- ents director and one of the men “They were planning to bomb malls and other places on Black four others implicated in Africa’s Investec, are accused of allegations the former ministers, ies from 2014-19 to secure fi sh- on trial. Friday,” Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesman for the TNamibia’s biggest corrup- conspiring with Iceland’s fi sh- who quit last month when media ing quotas. The scandal has shocked Na- Directorate of Priority Crime told DPA. tion scandal will remain in police ing company Samherji to receive reports of corruption surfaced, Esau is also charged with mibians: protesters gathered The four accused were arrested late last week after a two-year custody until February 20 after payments worth millions in ex- took bribes in return for award- awarding a quota for up to 55,000 outside the magistrates court in investigation. their lawyers abandoned their change for fi shing quotas. ing horse mackerel quotas to tonnes of horse mackerel quotas Windhoek, chanting for the men The court will next hear the case on January 21 and the accused bail application yesterday, the Their lawyers declined to Samherji. to a private Namibian company, not to be released on bail. were remanded in custody. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 13 AMERICAS

POLITICS DECISION CRIME TRAGEDY CRIME Trump campaign to ban Montana governor drops Gunshots fired inside Children, parents dead in Woman slashes shopper’s Bloomberg reporters out of presidential race school, suspect arrested apparent murder-suicide neck with box cutter

The re-election campaign for Donald Trump Montana Governor Steve Bullock yesterday Gunshots were fired inside a Wisconsin high Erik Wiltscheck loved having a family living in A woman armed with a box cutter slashed the neck will no longer offer credentials to reporters announced he is dropping his run for the school yesterday after a student brought a the home next door in his south Minneapolis of a shopper at a Walgreens in San Diego, leaving working for Bloomberg News, accusing the White House, crowded out of a large field of gun to school, local media and police said. neighbourhood. The two young boys made a the victim with a life-threatening injury. The attack media outlet, owned by a Trump election Democratic presidential hopefuls. Bullock, 53, Waukesha South High School, about 32km west of game of throwing balls over the six-foot fence, occurred as the victim was browsing the cosmetics rival, of bias.The decision pits the campaign entered the race late and was never able to Milwaukee, was put on lockdown after gunshots knowing Wiltscheck would toss them right back aisle at the drugstore on Camino Ruiz, said San of Trump, a billionaire running for re-election make up the lost ground as a moderate whose were fired in an exchange between a student over. Wiltscheck also made a point to check in with Diego police off icer Tony Martinez. The alleged in 2020, against the media outlet, owned strongest selling point was his 2016 re-election and a school resources off icer, the Milwaukee their newly single mother, Kjersten Schladetzky, assailant, a 55-year-old woman, first threatened to by another billionaire, Michael Bloomberg, as governor in a red state won by Donald Trump. Journal Sentinel reported, citing school off icials. to let her know he’d lend a hand if she needed it. hurt the victim, Martinez said. She then grabbed who is running to unseat him. As Bloomberg “I’m suspending my campaign for president,” There were no immediate reports of fatalities, and He even helped shovel her driveway on Sunday the customer by her hair, pulled her head back and announced last month he was running for the he said on Twitter. “Thank you for your belief, police said they arrested a suspect at the scene. morning, only to be horrified hours later when sliced her neck, he said. Employees and customers White House, Bloomberg News’ chiefs said in a your trust, and your support.” His departure still “The building is safe and secure. The suspect Schladetzky’s ex-husband came over and fatally inside the store witnessed the attack and disarmed memo to staff that they would not investigate leaves 16 Democrats running for their party’s is in custody,” the Waukesha police tweeted shot her and the boys before turning the gun on the assailant, detaining her for off icers. The woman him or other Democrats, but would continue to nomination with the addition of billionaire yesterday morning. A police spokesman could not himself. It appeared Schladetzky was shot in the was arrested on an attempted murder charge. The do in-depth reporting on Trump. Michael Bloomberg on November 24. immediately be reached for further comment. home, and the boys outside as they fled. victim, 59, was taken to a hospital. Supreme Court justices wrestle over dismissing major gun case

Reuters Despite the amendment of Washington the measure, the Supreme Court opted to proceed with the argu- ments. S Supreme Court justices The city had argued that the yesterday grappled with amendment to the regulation Uwhether to dismiss a chal- made the matter moot and asked lenge backed by the powerful Na- the justices not to hear argu- tional Rifl e Association to a New ments in the case. York City handgun ordinance and Outside the white marble sidestep a ruling that could lead to courthouse, hundreds of gun an expansion of gun rights. control supporters held a dem- The nine justices heard argu- onstration and carried signs ments in the fi rst major gun case including some reading, “Why to come before the high court are guns easier to buy than a col- since 2010. lege education?” “Gun laws save Three local handgun own- lives” and “2nd Amendment ers and the New York state af- written before assault weapons fi liate of the NRA — a national were invented.” President Donald Trump boards Air force One as he departs Washington for travel to the UK at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, yesterday. gun rights lobby group closely They described gun violence aligned with President Donald as a public health crisis. Trump and other Republicans — Maryland resident Christina argued that the regulation vio- Young said laws need to refl ect lated the US Constitution’s Sec- modern society, including mass ond Amendment right to keep shootings. and bear arms. “I have an 11-year-old daugh- The court’s four liberal jus- ter. I never had to worry about tices indicated they believe the guns in my school when I was a Trump impeachment set to case is moot because New York kid,” Young said. has since amended the law. Gun control advocates have Conservative Justices Samuel expressed concern that the court, Alito and Neil Gorsuch were with a 5-4 conservative major- most vocal in advocating for the ity, could use a legal battle over a court to issue a ruling. now-amended regulation unique enter new stage tomorrow Chief Justice John Roberts, to one city to issue a ruling wid- who could be a pivotal vote in ening gun rights nationwide. Reuters dence Democrats say shows ference in the 2016 US election for a Nato summit, Trump said Trump. Few senate Republicans the case, said little but asked Such a ruling could jeopardise Washington Trump abused his offi ce for per- being carried out. he had declined to participate have shown an appetite for re- whether the city residents who a variety of fi rearms restrictions sonal political gain. Trump has denied any in the hearing because it was a moving the president. challenged the law would face passed in recent years by state Democrats have been looking wrongdoing and says a July 25 hoax. But the impeachment inquiry consequences for violations of and local governments across emocratic lawmakers in into the Republican president’s phone call with Zelenskiy, in The proceedings would have has cast a shadow over Trump’s the prior regulation. the country, including expanded Congress will take a big eff orts to pressure Ukraine to which he pressed for the probes, been the fi rst direct involve- already tumultuous presidency The legal challenge takes aim background checks and confi s- Dstep this week in what investigate political rival Joe was “perfect.” He and fellow ment by the Trump camp in the and sharpened a divide among at a regulation that had prevent- cations of weapons from indi- appears to be a now inexora- Biden, a former Democratic Republicans say Democrats are process. Americans that is likely to in- ed licensed owners from taking viduals who a court has deemed ble march toward impeaching vice president who is seeking seeking to overturn the will of But White House counsel Pat tensify as election campaigning their handguns to other homes dangerous, according to these President Donald Trump, with his party’s nomination to face the people in the 2016 presiden- Cipollone has not ruled out tak- heats up in the coming weeks. or shooting ranges outside the advocates. the start of hearings seen as a Trump in the 2020 presidential tial election. ing part in future proceedings “We’re on an exercise with a confi nes of the most-populous The dispute centres on New precursor to formal charges be- election, and his son Hunter The judiciary panel will hear if Democrats addressed a list of very predictable outcome and US city. York City’s handgun “premises” ing announced within weeks. Biden, who was a board mem- public testimony from four legal procedural complaints. one that’s going to divide the The regulation was amended in licences that allowed holders As opinion polls show Amer- ber of a Ukrainian energy com- scholars on what constitutional The committee, which is not country further. It’ll be a live is- July to allow for such transport. to transport their fi rearms only icans bitterly divided over pany. basis a US president can be re- expected to consider evidence sue through the election itself, “What’s left of this case?” to a handful of shooting ranges whether to impeach Trump, The impeachment inquiry moved from offi ce. against Trump until next week, and the American people will asked liberal Justice Ruth Bader within the city, and to hunting the judiciary committee in the has heard testimony from cur- In a defi ant response, the has given the president until make the fi nal determination,” Ginsburg. “Petitioners got all the areas elsewhere in the state dur- Democratic-controlled House rent and former offi cials that White House informed Demo- 5pm (2200GMT) Friday to say Republican Representative Tom relief they sought.” ing designated hunting seasons. of Representatives will hold a military aid was withheld from crats that Trump and his law- whether he plans to mount a Cole said. Echoing an argument by the The plaintiff s fi led suit in 2013 hearing tomorrow to explain to Ukraine and that a White House yers would not participate in defence by calling witnesses Wednesday’s hearing, while challengers, Gorsuch disagreed, after they were told by authori- the public what constitutes an meeting with Ukrainian Presi- tomorrow’s hearing, citing and introducing evidence. academic in nature, will set the saying that the new rule does ties they could not participate in impeachable off ence. dent Volodymyr Zelenskiy was a lack of “fundamental fair- The Republican-controlled stage for the Judiciary Com- not specifi cally protect the gun a shooting competition in New It will also receive a report conditioned on investigations ness.” Speaking to reporters as Senate, where any impeach- mittee to begin determining owners if they make a stop along Jersey or bring their guns to a from the House Intelligence into the Bidens and a debunked he departed the White House ment trial would be held, is whether Trump should face the way. home elsewhere in the state. Committee laying out the evi- conspiracy theory about inter- yesterday en route to London highly unlikely to vote to oust formal articles of impeachment.

Jersey gift Chicago police chief fi red Man shot by own weeks before retirement booby trap dies Guardian News and Media Two people reached by the Augusta Guardian, who said they were Tribune News Service Johnson told reporters he had medication during a follow-up family members, claimed their Chicago failed to take medication he’d appointment. The superin- brother’s home had long been been prescribed, leading to him tendent said he removed the man in Maine has died targeted by burglars and voiced fall asleep in his police vehicle on old medication from his weekly after being shot by frustration towards authori- hicago mayor Lori Light- the way home from going out to pillbox but had not yet obtained Ahis own booby trap at ties. foot has fi red police su- dinner. the new prescription, suggest- home, authorities said. Mark and Lorraine, who Cperintendent Eddie John- At the time, Johnson told re- ing he hadn’t taken his blood Ronald Cyr, 65, called 911, identifi ed themselves as two of son for intentionally misleading porters he had been tired after a pressure medication for a cou- telling operators that he had Ronald’s siblings, said Ronald the public and acting unethically long day at work but went out to ple of days. been shot, the Van Buren po- had long complained that items in relation to the night where he dinner with friends that night. Anthony Guglielmi, the police lice department said on Face- such as tools and car paint- was found asleep in his car after He said he felt ill as he drove department’s chief spokesman, book. ing supplies had gone missing. drinking. home from the dinner. previously released a statement Police and medics went to They alleged that Ronald Cyr Lightfoot said Johnson had “How can I explain it? It’s saying alcohol did not play a role the scene and gave Cyr medical complained to authorities, but engaged in a series of actions just your body kind of gives you in the incident. assistance. “Regretfully, Cyr police treated him “like he was that are “intolerable.” a warning with the high blood But Johnson also admitted to succumbed to the injuries he senile”, Mark claimed. “Eddie Johnson intentionally pressure thing that you may pass Lightfoot that he had “a couple sustained from the gunshot,” The police department lied to me,” Lightfoot said at a out, so I pulled over, stopped and of drinks” with dinner, the may- authorities said. could not be reached for addi- morning news conference. I just rested myself until that or previously said. Offi cers learned that the tional comment. As a result of the move, feeling passed,” he said. Had Lightfoot known all of the front door of Cyr’s home was “He was afraid,” Mark said. former Los Angeles Police chief Johnson defended offi cers’ facts, she wouldn’t have partici- “outfi tted with a device de- “The cops wouldn’t do noth- Charlie Beck, who had been an- decision not to test for whether pated in a celebratory press con- signed to fi re a handgun should ing so he took matters (into his nounced previously as John- he had been drinking, saying, ference with Johnson announc- anyone attempt to enter the own hands).” son’s interim replacement, took “Someone asleep in a car doesn’t ing his retirement, she said. door.” They discovered “other The pair said Ronald had over as interim superintendent mean they’re impaired.” John- In a message the mayor sent unknown devices” and subse- tried using fences and security yesterday. son has not explained why he to Chicago police offi cers, she quently called Maine state po- cameras to protect his home, Johnson was unable to be was driving home from a dinner wrote: “While I recognise this lice bomb squad. but he eventually turned to reached for comment yesterday. engagement at 12.30am, par- news comes as a surprise to most The agencies investigated traps a few years ago. The bizarre story began in Oc- ticularly on a day he said he felt of you, this was a decision I felt Cyr’s home and authorities “We were not in favour of him tober, when offi cers responding fatigued. was absolutely necessary to pre- Ontario Premier Doug Ford presents a hockey jersey to determined that he was shot doing that because he wasn’t to a 911 call found Johnson asleep After suff ering a blood clot serve the legitimacy and honour Quebec Premier Francois Legault as Canada’s provincial “as the result of the uninten- used to guns – really, that was in his parked car near his home at this past summer, Johnson said of the Chicago police depart- premiers meet in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. tional discharge of one of his not his forte – but he was so about 12.30am. his cardiologist “adjusted” his ment.” homemade devices”. frustrated,” Lorraine said. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 ASIA

Indonesian fi res Indonesia president rejects burnt 1.6mn hectares of land: researchers

Reuters sis of satellite imagery from Jakarta the fi rst ten months of the year showed much of the fi res was proposal to end direct poll in lands cleared years ago. ires in Indonesia that “We found that 76% of Reuters restored after the 1998 over- amended four times, to separate spread a smoky haze burning occurred on idle Jakarta throw of dictator Suharto, who legislative and executive powers, Fover Southeast Asia this lands. Those lands were for- had ruled for more than 30 decentralise the government, year burned at least 1.6mn ests a few years ago, but cycles years. directly elect presidents and hectares of mostly degraded of repeated burns have con- ndonesian President Joko Some politicians, including limit leaders to two terms. land and carbon-rich peat- verted them to unproductive Widodo rejected yesterday from Widodo’s own party, the Hendrawan Supratikno, a lands, data from a respected degraded scrublands,” CIFOR Iproposals by some politi- Indonesian Democratic Party for PDI-P lawmaker, said his party research group showed yes- scientists led by David Gaveau cians and a Muslim group to Struggle (PDI-P), and coalition rejects the idea of ending direct terday. said in a statement. amend the constitution to end partners, have called for the re- election of the president, but is Southeast Asia has suff ered About 3% of the fi res oc- direct elections for the presi- instatement of a Suharto-era set in favour of reinstating the Broad for years from smoke caused curred on oil palm plantations. dency and relax term limits in of national development goals Guidelines. by fi res in Indonesia, rais- Peatlands accounted for the world’s third-biggest de- known as the Broad Guidelines Last week, Indonesia’s largest ing health and environmental 41% of the total land burned, mocracy. of State Policy. mass Muslim organisation Nah- concerns, but this year’s were or 670,000 hectares, in Indo- Widodo, who won a second Under the Broad Guide- dlatul Ulama (NU) suggested the the worst since 2015 when nesia this year, the CIFOR data fi ve-year term in April, his last lines, a People’s Consulta- idea of having the MPR elect the 2.6mn hectares were burned. showed. under current rules, said in a tive Assembly, or MPR – then president, according to its web- Slash-and-burn clearing by The scientists estimated Twitter message his “position stacked with army offi cials site. some palm oil growers is often around 60,000 hectares of was clear in disagreeing with a and Suharto supporters – Titi Anggraini, executive di- blamed for the fi res, which can rainforests were burnt this three-term presidency”. picked the president. rector of the Association for then spread rapidly, especially year as of October. Separately, he told reporters “I’m a product of the post- Elections and Democracy, wel- during dry weather. The Jambi and West Kali- that discussions on the amend- reform constitution,” Widodo comed Widodo’s rejection, say- The Indonesian fi res have mantan provinces, which are ment had referred to plans for also said in his tweet. The former ing the proposals had not been been blamed for increasing important habitats for tigers an eight-year, one-term presi- furniture salesman and small explained properly to the public. greenhouse gas emissions and and orangutans, saw some of dency or three terms of up to 15 town mayor is the fi rst Indone- “The president should make deforestation that can endan- the highest number of fi res, years in total. “It’s better not to sian president from outside the sure that these coalition parties ger wildlife such as orangu- they said. amend,” he said. country’s political and military are in line with his stance,” Ang- tans. Their 1.6mn hectare esti- Indonesian activists have elite. graini said. “This could be a so- Jakarta-based Center for mate of burnt land is based warned the proposals would Since the return to democ- lidity test on Widodo’s political Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo: “I’m a product of the post-reform International Forestry Re- on an analysis across seven mark a setback for democracy, racy, the constitution has been attitude.” constitution.” search (CIFOR) said its analy- provinces. Lankan Three Cambodians die parliament prorogued in building collapse IANS Colombo AFP Reap province, police said. at the site when the structure Phnom Penh Local media showed an ex- went down. cavator trying to clear the site Nearly 30 people died in June ri Lankan President Gota- as rescuers carried away metal after the collapse of a build- baya Rajapaksa by way of hree workers died and debris. ing under construction in Si- Sa proclamation has pro- more than a dozen oth- “Three workers died,” said a hanoukville, a beach town un- rogued parliament with eff ect Ters were seriously in- statement issued by Siem Reap dergoing a Chinese investment from Monday midnight. jured after an under-construc- provincial hall yesterday. bonanza. It has been fi xed for the third tion dining hall at a Cambodian More than a dozen oth- Cambodia has enjoyed a day of January 2020 at 10am for temple collapsed, police said ers, including two monks, construction boom but there is the commencement of the next yesterday, in the latest fatal ac- “were pulled out from the de- little oversight of the sector. session. cident to strike the kingdom’s bris alive,” the statement said, There are an estimated The president is empowered to poorly regulated building sec- adding that there were doubts 200,000 construction workers An aerial picture during a rally called the Alumni 212 reunion at National Monument (Monas) complex make a statement of government tor. anyone else was trapped under in Cambodia, most unskilled, in Jakarta yesterday. policy at the commencement of The structure fell in on itself the debris but that the search reliant on day wages and not each new session but statements as workers laid concrete on the would continue. protected by union rules, ac- made by the president are nei- fi rst fl oor of the building inside Local media reported more cording to the International ther debated nor put to the vote. a pagoda compound in Siem than 20 workers were working Labour Organisation (ILO). During the prorogation, the Thousands of Indonesians rally speaker continues to function and the members retain their membership even though they peacefully amid tight security do not attend meetings of parlia- ment. Cambodian opposition leader to Reuters reunion is that Indonesia needs named a suspect in several legal The eff ect of a prorogation is Jakarta unity that can forget diff er- cases. to suspend all current business ences and friction that hap- More than 12,000 people before the House and all pro- face trial on treason charges pened some time ago,” said participated in the rally, said ceedings pending at the time are housands of Indonesian Haikal Hassan, a spokesman Jakarta police spokesman Yusri quashed except impeachments. Muslims held a peaceful for Alumni 212, which takes its Yunus, although organisers put The president can prorogue Reuters trade privileges from Cambodia Trally in central Jakarta name from an earlier December the fi gure much higher. parliament under Article 70 of Phnom Penh over its crackdown on the oppo- yesterday, with a spokesman 2 protest. Security analyst Stanis- the Constitution and he is em- sition, activists and the media. for one of the organisers call- However, authorities were laus Riyanta said a decision powered to make a Statement of Kem Sokha’s daughter said ing for unity after a spike in unfairly targeting some clerics, by former opposition leader Government Policy at the com- ambodian opposi- the decision to put Kem Sokha religious tension followed elec- he said by telephone. Prabowo Subianto, whom mencement of each session of tion leader Kem Sokha, on trial showed bad faith from tions last April. “We want Indonesia to Widodo defeated in April’s poll, parliament and to preside at cer- Cpictured, will face trial the ruling Cambodian People’s Among the protest organis- progress with justice. And to join the cabinet as defence emonial sittings. on treason charges after in- Party at a time when the EU ers was the Alumni 212 move- we feel that there’s injustice,” minister appeared to have un- Last week, Rajapaksa appoint- vestigators found enough evi- trade privileges were at risk and ment, which was behind big Hassan added. dermined the 212 movement. ed his Cabinet of 16 ministers as dence to proceed with the case, measures were also under con- rallies held from 2016 to de- The bloc of conservative “The 212 reunion this time is well as 38 state ministers as part a court said yesterday. sideration in the U.S. Congress. mand action against Jakarta’s Muslims also overwhelmingly weaker than the previous ones of the interim government which Kem Sokha was arrested in “This attitude from the re- former governor, eventually backed an opposition challenge because it has lost some po- will be in place until the next 2017 and his opposition Cam- collusion with foreigners,” the gime is not helping,” Mono- jailed for blasphemy in a case to President Joko Widodo in litical momentum,” added the general election. bodia National Rescue Party Phnom Penh municipal court vithya Kem said. that drew international con- April’s vote, fuelling concerns Jakarta-based Riyanta. The president is constitution- (CNRP) banned ahead of an said in a statement. Kem Sokha has said the demnation. over a deepening divide in the Prabowo, a former general, ally empowered to dissolve par- election last year that was con- A court spokesman said no charges against him were non- The crowd, many wearing world’s biggest Muslim-ma- who had addressed a similar liament on March 1, 2020 when it demned by Western countries, trial date had yet been set. sense. white and carrying fl ags, be- jority country. rally a year ago, did not attend completes four-and-a-half years. who have demanded his release Kem Sokha was freed from The only evidence presented gan gathering for prayers at Habib Rizieq, the leader of this time. The next parliamentary elec- by veteran authoritarian leader house arrest last month but a against him in public so far is Jakarta’s National Monument the hardline Islamic Defend- The movement’s spokesman, tion is expected in late April or Hun Sen. ban on his engaging in political comment he made at a public from about 3am, as more than ers’ Front (FPI), urged vigilance Hassan, did not say how it would the fi rst week of May. “After investigation and activity was kept in place. meeting in which he said he 6,000 security forces, includ- against future blasphemy cases line up in future politically. President Rajapaksa is heading questioning, the judge under- His release has been de- was getting advice from un- ing police and military, stood in a speech by live video link “We can’t give directions yet, a minority government with the stands that there’s enough evi- manded by the European Union, specifi ed Americans on elec- on guard. from Saudi Arabia, where he because we don’t know where United People’s Freedom Alli- dence against the accused Kem which is currently consider- tion strategy ahead of a 2013 “The main message of this has lived since 2017, after being our politics is going,” he said. ance which had 95 MPs. Sokha of treason charges in ing whether to remove lucrative ballot.

Govt undermining democracy: Thai leader Thailand’s most prominent The government spokeswoman opposition figure accused the could not immediately be reach Nepal prepares for animal-slaughter ritual despite outcry government of undermining for comment. parliamentary democracy and Since the election, Thanathorn trying to dissolve his party was suspended from parliament AFP holding pens as people slept discourage the bloodshed a yesterday, two weeks after the and was found guilty last month of Bariyarpur and cooked along the road. year later. constitutional court disqualified breaching election law by holding Among them was Sabu Sa- But animal rights activ- him from parliament. shares in a media company on the hani, 25, who travelled with his ists say that both government Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, date his candidacy was registered housands of devotees family for a day from India’s agencies as well as temple 40, has emerged as the most for the election. gathered in southern Bihar with a goat off ering. committees have failed to im- outspoken opponent of the He said the case against him TNepal yesterday ahead “I am happy to be here. We plement these rulings. government headed by former showed a concerted eff ort by the of a festival believed to be the did not have children, but my “The offi cials have let their junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha Thai establishment to undermine world’s biggest ritual animal wife has now given birth to a personal beliefs rule over the after the progressive Future the opposition and its critics. slaughter, despite court orders daughter,” Sahani said. court orders, they did not Forward Party he help found Thanathorn and the Future and calls by animal activists to Unlicensed traders and do enough to discourage the came a surprise third in an Forward party are facing dozens end the event. pilgrims who cross the bor- slaughters,” animal rights ac- election in March. of legal cases. The slaughters, set to be- der between India and Nepal tivist Manoj Gautam said. “They consistently use fake “We want to participate in politics gin today, take place every are responsible for supply- Local priest Mangal Chaud- news and misinformation to inside of the parliamentary fi ve years in Bariyarpur village ing most of the animals, with hary did not comment on discredit opposition. They are system but we are not allowed to close to the Indian border. scores seized at crossings by whether he supports this branding us as traitors, branding do this, so we are being pushed An estimated 200,000 ani- Indian security offi cials and year’s mass slaughter but said us as anti-monarchy, installing outside,” he said. mals ranging from goats to volunteers. that the numbers in attend- hatred that divides the people “Nobody knows what would rats were killed during the last Many were hopeful the ance are increasing. of this country,” Thanathorn happen when people lose faith in two-day Gadhimai Festival in centuries-old tradition would “We will follow our tradi- told reporters in his strongest the parliament,” he said. 2014 and this year’s prepara- end after the temple authori- tions and perform the ritu- comments since the court ruling. But he said Future Forward itself tions were well underway by ties announced a ban in 2015 als. But what the devotees do “We can see clearly the eff ort to would not be calling for Hong Kong- last night. and Nepal’s Supreme Court outside is their own wish,” he Buff aloes are kept inside an enclosure awaiting sacrifice during the dissolve our party,” he said. style street protests. (Reuters) Buff aloes were corralled into directed the government to said. “Gadhimai Mela” festival held at Sunarpur in Rautahat yesterday. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA China slaps sanctions on US over Hong Kong unrest

AFP which Beijing has frequently deal in their protracted trade war. without specifying a reason why. Taipei-based senior fellow with cluding the National Endowment pushing for greater democratic Beijing blamed on foreign infl uence. “In response to the unreason- “Operationally, from a mili- the Global Taiwan Institute, said for Democracy, Human Rights freedoms and police account- Last week US President Don- able behaviour of the US side, tary point of view, it doesn’t real- the move was “mostly symbolic” Watch and Freedom House. ability, but the city’s pro-Beijing ald Trump signed the Hong the Chinese government has de- ly make a diff erence for the US, as but yet another sign of the “tit- There was “already a large leadership has refused any major hina suspended US war- Kong Human Rights and De- cided to suspend reviewing the they can use many naval bases in for-tat escalation which is poi- amount of facts and evidence political concessions. ship visits and sanctioned mocracy Act, which requires the applications for US warships to the region,” Michael Raska, a se- soning the bilateral relationship.” that make it clear that these non- The increasingly violent ral- CAmerican NGOs yester- president to annually review the go to Hong Kong for (rest and) curity researcher at Singapore’s Hua said they would also ap- governmental organisations sup- lies have hammered the retail and day in retaliation for the passage city’s favourable trade status and recuperation as of today,” for- Nanyang Technological Univer- ply sanctions to a number of US- port anti-China” forces and “in- tourism sectors, with mainland of a bill backing pro-democracy threatens to revoke it if the semi- eign ministry spokeswoman Hua sity, told AFP. However, it “sends based NGOs, although failed to cite separatist activities for Hong Chinese visitors abandoning the protesters in Hong Kong. autonomous territory’s freedoms Chunying said at a regular press a signal that US-China tensions give any specifi cs over the form Kong independence”, Hua said. city in droves. The fi nancial hub has been are quashed. briefi ng. will continue to deepen,” Raska the measures would take. Sanc- She accused them of hav- The city’s fi nance chief warned rocked by nearly six months of The move came as the world’s China had already denied re- said. The last US navy ship to vis- tions will apply to NGOs that had ing “great responsibility for the yesterday that Hong Kong is set increasingly violent unrest de- two biggest economies have been quests for two US Navy ships to it Hong Kong was the USS Blue acted “badly” over the recent un- chaotic situation in Hong Kong”. to record its fi rst budget defi cit in manding greater autonomy, striving to fi nalise a “phase one” dock in Hong Kong in August, Ridge in April. J Michael Cole, a rest in Hong Kong, she said, in- Protesters in Hong Kong are 15 years.

An anti-government demonstrator holds a flag as people gather for a lunchtime protest at Chater Garden Anti-government demonstrators gather for a lunchtime protest at Chater Garden in Hong Kong. in Hong Kong. City set to record its fi rst Offi ce workers in budget defi cit in 15 years

ong Kong is set to record its first budget deficit in H15 years, the city’s fi- HK begin week of nance chief warned yesterday, as the business hub reels from the twin shocks of the trade war and seething democracy pro- tests. In the latest grim assessment for the city, fi nancial secretary lunchtime protests Paul Chan told lawmakers that the economy was set to contract Reuters The gathering in Chater Gar- been seen at rallies. “From the dates. Police on Sunday used tear 1.3% in 2019, hitting the city’s Hong Kong den probably drew Hong Kong’s advertising perspective, we can gas after protesters threw bricks usually bulging coff ers. best-dressed protesters, and or- help promote the brands that and glass bottles, and ignored Chan blamed the 2019-2020 ganisers have called on them to speak out for Hong Kong,” said warnings, Kwok Ka-chuen, a defi cit on decreased tax rev- undreds of offi ce workers come out every day this week. Fred. senior police offi cial, told a news enues, a slowdown in land sales in Hong Kong’s business Protests over the last six Another protester in the park conference. and recent economic sweeteners Hdistrict gathered yes- months have drawn a wide said his advertising agency had Fifty-eight people were ar- he unveiled in a bid to win over Anti-government demonstrators stand still during a moment of terday for the fi rst in a week of swathe of Hong Kong society closed for the week in solidarity, rested over the weekend, bring the public during a tumultu- silence at Chater Garden in Hong Kong. lunchtime protests backing the - from students to pensioners. and hoped other agencies would the total number of arrests since ous year of unrest. “At the end pro-democracy movement after Even white-collar professionals, do likewise. early June to 5,947, police said. of the fi nancial year, the SAR tourism sectors, with mainland ian mainland and global markets. its resounding victory in district like those in Chater park, have “We are trying to come out and The protest in the busy shop- government will be in the red,” Chinese visitors abandoning the The last time Hong Kong re- polls last month in the Chinese- sometimes blocked roads in re- be the fi rst industry to come out ping district of Tsim Sha Tsui fol- Chan said, using an abbrevia- city in droves. Figures released corded a budget defi cit was in the ruled city. cent weeks, leading to face-off s and stop working for fi ve days,” lowed a “Thanksgiving” march tion for the Hong Kong govern- yesterday showed retail sales aftermath of a deadly 2003 out- A day earlier police again fi red with police. said 28-year-old Ryan. by hundreds to the US consulate. ment. “Hong Kong’s economy is fell by a record 24% in October, break of the Sars virus that killed tear gas to disperse thousands of Yesterday’s rally appeared “We are just stopping work for The protesters’ demands now in extremely diffi cult times,” the fourth consecutive month of some 300 people. The city’s protesters as they marched past aimed specifi cally at bringing in companies. But the advertising include an end to Beijing’s al- he added, as he called for po- double-digit declines. budget usually ends the year in the city’s Kowloon waterfront, more workers from advertising talent will keep advertising for leged meddling in the freedoms litical violence to cease. The city October is a crucial holiday an enviable position and succes- after fi rst going to the US consu- agencies to help build publicity. the movement, designing posters promised to the former British has been battered by nearly six period in China known as “Gold- sive fat years have built up an im- late on Hong Kong island to show Fred, a 24-year-old advertis- and leafl ets.” colony when it returned to Chi- months of protests triggered by en Week” when visitors from the pressive cushion. gratitude for Washington’s sup- ing professional, said he and his During Sunday’s protest police nese rule in 1997, universal suf- rising public anger over China’s mainland to Hong Kong usually In March the government said port. colleagues had helped create fi red tear gas to disperse thou- frage and an inquiry into police rule and the police’s response to spike and spend heavily. But this its reserves stood at HK$1.17tn There was no such confronta- promotional materials in their sands of anti-government pro- use of force. protests. year, as violence escalated, the ($150bn) with some critics saying tion at the two-hour rally in the own time for the so-called “yel- testers, some of whom chanted The unrest since June has at Crowds are pushing for greater crowds fell a record 46% that successive leaders have not done central business district yester- low economy”, the businesses “revolution of our time” and times forced the closure of gov- democratic freedoms and police month. Protests are not the sole enough to alleviate endemic ine- day, as some people went back to seen as supporting the pro-de- “liberate Hong Kong”. That fol- ernment offi ces, businesses, accountability but the city’s pro- cause of Hong Kong’s woes. The quality. Confi rmation of a defi cit their offi ces after their demon- mocracy movement. lowed a period of relative calm schools and the international Beijing leadership has refused economy has also taken a pum- will do little to restore business stration of solidarity. Others said Many pro-democracy pro- after Nov 24 district elections airport, helping drive the city any major political concessions. melling from the US-China trade faith in the hub given Beijing is they would be striking for the full testers have adopted the colour delivered an overwhelming vic- into recession for the fi rst time in The increasingly violent rallies war in a city that serves as a cru- off ering no political solution to fi ve days. yellow and yellow balloons have tory to pro-democracy candi- a decade in the third quarter. have hammered the retail and cial link between the authoritar- the crisis.

Japan to buy $146mn island Fire in the mountains for US military Australia launching anti-espionage drills task force after China spy claims Japan said yesterday it had agreed to buy an uninhabited island off its southwest coast AFP bring them to either disrupt ac- ganisations in Australia are fond for $146mn, eyeing it for US Sydney tivity or, indeed, follow through of hyping up so-called Chinese military drills. and prosecute,” Morrison said spy cases... no matter how bi- Tokyo and Washington during a press conference in zarre their plots,” said Chinese agreed in 2011 to relocate a ustralia yesterday Canberra. “This task force to foreign ministry spokeswoman training site for US fighter jets launched a high-level in- counter foreign interference is Hua Chunying. to Mageshima island, around Atelligence task force to about identifying it, disrupting Australia’s announcement 30km off the southwestern combat what offi cials say is ram- and prosecuting.” also came after the recently re- Japanese coast. Japan’s chief pant foreign interference in the Morrison did not explicitly tired head of the Australian Se- cabinet secretary Yoshihide country and after claims of bold mention China, saying “foreign curity Intelligence Organisation, Suga said an agreement to Chinese spying operations Down interference comes from many, Duncan Lewis, said China want- purchase Mageshima was Under. many diff erent sources” and is ed to “take over” Australia’s po- reached on Friday “after Prime Minister Scott Morrison “an evolving threat”. But yester- litical system with an “insidious” discussions between the said the new force would involve day’s announcement followed and systematic campaign of es- defence ministry and the all the country’s top intelligence revelations that authorities were pionage and infl uence peddling”. developer who owns the agencies “to disrupt and deter investigating a raft of explo- Bo “Nick” Zhao — a 32-year- majority of the island”. anyone attempting to undermine sive claims by Wang Liqiang, old luxury car dealer who was a American flight training oper- our national interests”. a would-be Chinese defector, member of Morrison’s Liberal ations are currently conduct- One novelty of the force about Chinese espionage and Party — apparently rebuff ed the ed at Iwo Jima, some 1,200km would see intelligence agencies, covert infl uence operations in off er and was found dead in a mo- south of Tokyo. Washington normally tasked with overseas Australia. tel room in March. Morrison de- had requested a move, saying threats, co-ordinate with federal In response to Australia’s task scribed the allegations as “deeply Iwo Jima — a key World War II police to identify and prosecute force, however, China —which disturbing and troubling”. battlefield — was too far away A bushfire burns out of control in the Blue Mountains of the New South Wales yesterday. or expel foreign agents. “We will has called Wang an “unem- China branded the claims from an American military Bushfire-prone Australia has experienced a horrific start to its fire season, which scientists say be developing new specialist ca- ployed” fugitive — pointed at his “lies”, accusing “some politi- base in the western Japanese is beginning earlier and becoming more extreme as a result of climate change, which is raising pabilities both from an investi- case as evidence of how “Chinese cians, organisations and media city of Iwakuni, where their temperatures and sapping moisture from the environment. gatory capacity as well as being interference” has been over- in Australia” of “cooking up so- fighters are stationed. able to pursue investigations and hyped. “Diff erent media and or- called China spy cases”. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND

Travel misery for commuters as month-long rail strike begins

Guardian News and Media overcrowded trains, as barely half 600,000 trips daily between Lon- secretary at Brexit department Compounding the delays, a The RMT said its members were on striking no matter what”. London of SWR’s normal services ran. don Waterloo and counties includ- DexEU, tweeted the train op- track circuit failure aff ected serv- “rock solid and united” at the start Business groups slammed The fi rst of 27 days of strikes ing Surrey and Hampshire. erator: “I cannot believe that on ices between Reading and Ascot of the strike. The general secretary, the strike. Sean McKee, direc- by the RMT union over the role Commuters who found seats a strike day when there only two yesterday morning, and a safety Mick Cash, said the union was tor of policy and public aff airs he start of a month-long of guards on trains came on a described “horrendous” journeys. trains from my station in the peak issue with some rolling stock “angry and frustrated that a set of for London Chamber of Com- strike has brought an even morning of freezing tempera- Richard Clarke, from Farncombe, hour you have *shortened* train meant shorter trains were oper- proposals that would have guar- merce, said: “It’s sadly inevitable Tmore arduous rush hour tures, while technical problems on a delayed 7.01am train to Wa- length by a third. Please have some ating on some routes. anteed the safety-critical role of that this cynically long strike will for hundreds of thousands of saw further delays to the heavily terloo, said: “I am on the 7.01 and it thought for your passengers.” Neither the train operator nor the guard at the point of despatch, have an impact on commuting commuters on South Western reduced timetable. is horrendous, full and standing … Within Greater London, where the union gave any indication that and which would have cost the workers and businesses during Railway, one of Britain’s biggest Passengers struggled to board No one could even force their way passengers were stranded outside the strikes, due to last until the end company absolutely nothing, were peak commuting times. With train operators. some of the earliest services, as on once we arrived at Woking.” busy stations such as Earlsfi eld, of the month, could be called off . kicked back in our faces last week.” trains due to fi nish earlier, it will Passengers were forced to commuters departed earlier to Passengers expressed anger as local bus services were quickly Talks to resolve the long-running SWR has yet to comment but ear- also impact shift work and the queue outside some stations maximise their chances on a net- SWR laid on shorter trains than fi lled and not stopping as people row about the future role of guards lier accused the RMT of “moving night-time economy – key to the while others crammed on to work that normally serves around usual. Clare Moriarty, permanent sought alternatives. on trains broke down on Friday. the goalposts” and being “intent festive economy.” Minister denies using ‘Trump playbook’ in terror response

Guardian News and Media the public on London Bridge and London shot dead by police. Asked if he was “a little ashamed” about the use of the he justice secretary has death of two young people for insisted that the govern- electoral purposes”, Buckland Tment is not trying to ex- told BBC Radio 4’s Today pro- ploit the deaths of two young gramme: “I do think we need to people in a terrorist attack for pause and get the tone of this election purposes after the father debate right.” He added: “But, of one of the victims criticised public protection has to be at the the “ignorance” of the political heart of the duty of any govern- response. ment, and I have to put that fi rst Robert Buckland denied that and foremost, when considering cuts to prison offi cer numbers fi rst of all existing off enders and and probation services might secondly the future sentencing have played a role in increasing regime for terrorists. the risk from terrorism, and said “We’ve got to get it right and “public protection” had to be at there are questions to be asked the centre of any response to the about why automatic early re- deaths on Friday of Jack Merritt lease was being deployed.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britain’s opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and mayor of London Sadiq Khan attend a vigil for victims of a fatal attack on London and Saskia Jones. Asked about the government’s Bridge in London yesterday. But Buckland faced criticism crackdown on 70 or so other peo- from Phillip Lee, the former Con- ple convicted of terrorism off ences servative justice minister who de- and released on licence, Buckland fected to the Liberal Democrats in said these were being checked to September. Lee said the response ensure they were keeping to li- had to be based around investment cence conditions, and that these in courts and probation, accus- were suffi ciently strict. ing Johnson of instead using “the Asked whether he should take Trump playbook”. into account the victims’ views Vigil held for victims Buckland reiterated the gov- on rehabilitation, Buckland, a ernment’s stance that Labour former criminal barrister, said was ultimately to blame for the terrorism suspects were “a par- release of Usman Khan, who ticularly diffi cult and complex carried out the stabbings, as his cohort of people”. early release last year came under On rehabilitating criminals sentencing guidelines passed by generally, he said: “I have met of London Bridge attack the last Labour government. La- some who have been capable bour called the idea “ludicrous”. of rehabilitation and who have AFP tence for an Al Qaeda-inspired wards danger, risking their lives to Midlands Counter-Terrorism Scotland Yard said the arrest “was Merritt’s father expressed managed to move away from London plot to attack central London af- help people they didn’t even know”. Unit in central England said of- not linked in any way to the London outrage at newspaper coverage crime. But I have met others who ter being deemed to no longer be a “It is also by drawing inspira- fi cers had arrested a 34-year-old Bridge terror attack”. Yahya was due of Boris Johnson’s pledge to re- have not. And the diffi culty here risk to the public. tion from Jack and Saskia, who man “on suspicion of preparation to appear before magistrates. spond to the attack with a “blitz” is working out who is capable, ributes were paid yesterday The incident has provoked from an early age chose to dedi- of terrorist acts”. Johnson has criticised the 2008 against terrorists freed from jail. and who isn’t.” to victims of the London questions about legislation, and cate themselves to helping oth- British media identifi ed the legislation and said he would in- In a tweet, David Merritt hit out Saying Labour did not appre- TBridge terror attack, as the triggered accusations that the ers,” he added. man as Nazam Hussain, who was troduce minimum 14-year sen- at what he called “vile propagan- ciate “the importance of public government said it was reviewing government was seeking to make A minute’s silence was also held jailed with Khan in 2012 and also tences if he is returned to offi ce da”, saying: “Jack stood against protection when it comes to of- the early release from prison of political capital from the tragedy in Cambridge, where the two vic- released early after successfully after polls on December 12. everything you stand for – ha- fences of terrorism”, Buckland dozens of convicted terrorists. before a general election. tims were university graduates, appealing against his original in- His governing Conservatives tred, division, ignorance.” denied that cuts to court, prison Prime Minister Boris Johnson, The memorial event in the City and were working on a prisoner determinate sentence. have traditionally portrayed Khan was released under li- and probation services had a role the main opposition Labour party of London fi nancial district, a rehabilitation scheme that Usman West Midlands Police said the themselves as the party of law and cence seven years into a jail term in what had happened. leader Jeremy Corbyn and Lon- short distance from the scene of Khan had attended. man had been “recalled to prison order. imposed for taking part in an Al But speaking to Sky News, Lee don Mayor Sadiq Khan all joined the attack, involved members of Among those at the Cambridge due to a suspected breach of his li- But Merritt’s family has warned Qaeda-inspired bomb plot. said Johnson was “just pressing a vigil to honour Jack Merritt, 25, the emergency services and the vigil was Merritt’s girlfriend cence conditions”. The Daily Tel- against a knee-jerk reaction to his At a conference on prisoner re- buttons” on the subject, saying: and 23-year-old Saskia Jones. public. Leanne O’Brien, who broke down egraph newspaper said a number death. habilitation he killed Merritt, 25, “We know this is the Trump play- They were both killed on Fri- Mayor Khan told them: “The in tears and clutched a cuddly toy. of convicted terrorists could be “Jack would not want this ter- a course co-ordinator for Learn- book.” Lee said: “The practical day when Usman Khan, who was best way to defeat this hatred is not Johnson has ordered the security returned to prison within days. rible, isolated incident to be used ing Together, a programme run by reality is it’s extremely diffi cult wearing a fake suicide device, by turning on one another but by services to step up monitoring of The Metropolitan Police mean- as a pretext by the government for Cambridge University’s criminol- to do that if you haven’t got the went on a knife rampage before focusing on the values that bind us.” convicted terrorists released early, while said Yahya Rashid, 23, had introducing even more draconian ogy institute, and Jones, 23, who prison places. And we never really being shot dead by armed police. People should “take hope from the saying the cases of 74 individuals been charged with breaching no- sentences on prisoners, or for de- was volunteering at the event. had enough prison places in all the Khan, 28, had been released heroism of ordinary Londoners and were being scrutinised. tifi cation requirements under the taining people in prison for longer Khan was tackled by members of time I was a justice minister.” early from a 16-year prison sen- our emergency services who ran to- As part of the review, the West Counter-Terrorism Act 2008. than necessary,” they said. Thousands in Scotland Manifesto launch Electoral law not fi t facing days without gas for purpose: regulator Reuters “There are defi nitely going to London be things that we would rather Guardian News and Media switched on a heater supplied by SNG warned that in a worst case see done diff erently, better and London SGN. scenario it might take several more transparently for the voter “It’s not a great heat but it’s days to reconnect supplies to all aws governing the upcom- that won’t be, because the law suffi cient to keep myself and my aff ected homes. Several schools ing election are not fi t for hasn’t been updated.” housands of homes in wife warm enough.” will be closed while the problem Lpurpose and steps by Fa- In May the government Falkirk in central Scotland SGN has set up an informa- is investigated. cebook and Google to increase pledged to safeguard elections Tare facing several days tion centre in a local commu- SGN said homes in Bainsford, transparency around digital ad- through new legislation, includ- without gas in cold weather af- nity centre and promised that it Carron, Carronshore, Larbert, verts are not a substitute for re- ing a requirement for a digital ter supplies were turned off over would supply electric hot plates Langlees, New Carron Village, form, the Electoral Commission imprint on election material. safety concerns. and heaters for residents “with Skinfl ats and Stenhousemuir said. But the government’s propos- The gas company SGN said young children, a disability, a were aff ected. The regulator has called for als have yet to become law. yesterday morning it had long-term mental or physical Local police said on Twit- more powers to ensure online Pressure on social media plat- turned off the gas to more than condition, (or who) are a bit older ter: “Scottish Power is asking campaign material is clearly la- forms over their handling of 3,000 homes since Sunday and or live with someone who is”. people in the Falkirk area to be belled, prohibit spending by for- political advertising is mount- would be going door to door to The problem began on Sunday mindful of their electricity use eign organisations and increase ing ahead of the US presidential reach thousands more. Extra morning, when residents report- over the coming days as there’s the amount it can levy as a maxi- election in 2020, and Facebook engineers have been drafted in ed problems with their gas sup- increased demand on the elec- mum fi ne to those who break the has stood by its policy to allow from across Scotland to try and plies. The company later said it tricity network with people us- rules. political ads, even as rival Twit- reach as many homes as pos- had established that about 8,000 ing heaters while they’re with- But promised legislation has ter has banned them. sible. homes across the area were out gas.” not materialised ahead of the To improve transparency, Fa- Temperatures in central without gas after a fault at the In a statement SNG said: “By December 12 election. cebook and Google have intro- Scotland were close to freez- “gas governor”. The governor is Sunday night, our engineers had “We think electoral law needs duced databases which allow us- ing overnight and around 4C a piece of equipment that regu- turned off gas supplies to more to be reformed. That hasn’t hap- ers to see who has spent on which yesterday morning. One local lates pressure in the gas network, than 3,000 homes across the pened, so we are continuing to run political adverts. resident, David McCallan, told ensuring gas reaches homes at Bainsford, Carron, Carronshore, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald flanked by Northern this election with laws that aren’t However, the Electoral Com- BBC Scotland that his home was the correct pressure. Larbert, Langlees, New Car- Leader Michelle O’Neill (left) speaks at their manifesto launch fi t for purpose,” Louise Edwards, mission doesn’t believe that such like an “ice box” when he woke Visits by engineers started ron Village, Skinfl ats and Sten- in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, yesterday. director of regulation at the Elec- steps remove the need for legal up yesterday morning, until he again yesterday morning but housemuir areas of Falkirk.” toral Commission, said. reform. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 17 EUROPE

Merkel’s party rejects change to coalition deal The coalition agreement between Germany’s ruling Christian Democrats (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD) should not be Don’t fi ddle while planet completely revised, CDU head Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said yesterday after the SPD elected new leaders keen on reopening the deal. A change of leadership in a governing party “does not in my view rank among the serious burns, UN chief warns cases in which you have to entirely renegotiate a coalition”, Reuters the point of no return,” he said. President Donald Trump’s deci- Kramp-Karrenbauer, who as head Madrid “The other option is the path of sion to begin withdrawing from of the CDU is hoping to succeed hope. A path of resolve, of sus- the accord last month has cast a Angela Merkel as chancellor, told tainable solutions.” shadow over the latest round of the broadcaster ZDF. he world must choose Delegates aim to tackle an im- negotiations. Norbert Walter-Borjans and hope over surrender in portant outstanding issue from Nevertheless, US House of Saskia Esken, two little-known Tthe fi ght against climate the Paris accord: rules on carbon Representatives Speaker Nan- left-wingers, won the run-off change, UN Secretary-General trading that are seen as vital to cy Pelosi, who is leading im- ballot for the leadership of the Antonio Guterres said yester- kick-starting faster action to re- peachment proceedings against ailing SPD, which has been day, warning a summit in Ma- duce emissions. Trump in Washington, appeared languishing in the polls. drid that governments risked However, the summit is also at the talks yesterday with as- They are critical of the SPD’s role sleepwalking past a point of no being watched as a broader test surances that Congress is com- as Merkel’s junior partner and return. of international commitment to mitted to climate action. their election over the weekend The latest round of annual the kind of major changes in en- “By coming here we want threw the future of the coalition negotiations to bolster the 2015 ergy, transport and industry that to say to everyone we are still once again into doubt. Paris Agreement to curb global scientists say are needed to wean in, the United States is still in,” They made clear that they warming began against a back- the world off fossil fuels fast Pelosi told reporters at the talks, believe the deal with the CDU, drop of unusually severe weath- enough to avoid catastrophe. fl anked by Democratic Congres- which was struck in early er disasters this year, from fi res Mark Montegriff o, a journal- sional representatives. 2018 and gave Merkel a fourth in the Arctic, Amazon and Aus- ism student, had travelled from Spain’s acting Prime Minis- term as chancellor, should be tralia to intense tropical hurri- London to join several dozen ter Pedro Sanchez, whose gov- renegotiated. canes. protesters with the Extinction ernment stepped in to host the The Social Democrats leadership “Do we really want to be re- Rebellion movement who gath- summit after unrest erupted in has postponed a highly- membered as the generation ered outside the venue to de- Chile, the original venue, urged anticipated decision on whether that buried its head in the sand, mand bolder action by the offi - This handout picture released by the Moncloa Palace shows Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delegates to take ambitious ac- to remain in the coalition until that fi ddled while the planet cials cloistered inside. (centre) speaking with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a meeting at the UN Climate tion to preserve the “fragile bal- later this week, before the start burned?” Guterres told the “It would take a radical Change Conference COP25 at the ‘IFEMA – Feria de Madrid’ exhibition centre, in Madrid. ance” of life on Earth. of a party conference in Berlin, at opening session of the two-week transformation, but it starts on “No one can independent- which the question will be put to gathering, held in a hangar-like the streets, it starts here,” the more ambitious proposals to cut Under existing pledges, the world in the second half of the ly pull out of this challenge,” delegates. conference centre in the Spanish 22-year-old said. the production of planet-warm- world is on course for the kind century, scientists say. Sanchez told delegates. “There capital. The Paris process faces a mo- ing gases in time to stop the cli- of temperature rises that could While a fast-growing youth- is no wall high enough to protect “One is the path of surrender, ment of truth next year when mate careering past dangerous threaten industrial societies led climate activist movement any country from this challenge, Russia to upgrade where we have sleepwalked past governments are due to unveil tipping points. and lay waste to the developing is pressuring leaders to act, US however powerful they are.” homegrown encyclopaedia Russia is to set up a new online site for its national encyclopaedia Macron honours ‘sacrifi ce’ after President Vladimir Putin said Wikipedia was unreliable and should be replaced. The move will ensure people can of 13 soldiers killed in Mali find “reliable information that is constantly updated on the basis of scientifically verified sources AFP giant screen outside the Invali- ments across an area the size of of knowledge”, a government Paris des. Western Europe. resolution said. Hundreds of people had lined So far, only the far-left France Putin last month proposed streets earlier as the motorcade Unbowed party has openly replacing the crowd-sourced resident Emmanuel Ma- bearing the coffi ns crossed the called for the Barkhane troops online encyclopaedia Wikipedia cron paid tribute yester- ornate Alexandre III bridge to be brought home. with an electronic version of the Pday to the “sacrifi ce” of heading for the Invalides mili- An Ifop poll for the Lettre de Great Russian Encyclopaedia 13 soldiers killed in a helicopter tary hospital and museum. l’Expansion newsletter, pub- – the successor to the Soviet collision while battling religious Margot Louvet, 23, came lished yesterday, showed that Union’s main encyclopaedia. extremists in Mali, a disaster from Gap in southeast France 58% of respondents approve “This, at any rate, would be that has prompted fresh ques- for the procession, wearing a of the Sahel operation, a level reliable information off ered in a tioning of the costs of France’s T-shirt with the offi cial portrait hardly changed from a previous modern form,” Putin said then. six-year campaign in West Af- of one of the soldiers killed, her poll in March 2013. The Great Russian Encyclopaedia rica. friend Antoine Serre, 22. But controversy fl ared over is already available in a basic Macron reviews the guard of honour during a tribute ceremony at Paris’s Invalides monument for the 13 The soldiers died when two “Being here is a way to mourn the weekend after the satirical electronic format. French soldiers killed in Mali. helicopters collided last Mon- him, and realise that he won’t weekly Charlie Hebdo published day while pursuing religious be coming back,” she told AFP a series of cartoons online as- extremists in northern Mali, while fi ghting back tears. sociating the 13 soldiers’ deaths where militant violence has The French forces in Mali with the army’s recent recruit- soared in recent months. are tasked with training local ment campaign. It was the biggest single-day security forces to take on the In one drawing, Macron Three die in helicopter crash in south France loss for the French military in religious extremists, but so far stands before a coffi n in front of nearly four decades, rekindling these remain woefully unpre- the slogan: “I joined the ranks to doubts about the eff ective- pared despite years of pledges of stand out from the crowd.” AFP Investigators are trying to de- ness of France’s 4,500-mem- more international funding and The French army’s chief of Marseille termine the circumstances of the ber Barkhane operation in Mali equipment. staff , General Thierry Burkhard, crash. and four other countries in the Forty-one French soldiers expressed his “indignation” at Fog might have caused bad Sahel. have now died in the Sahel the cartoons, saying in an open hree French emergency visibility at the time. Macron placed a Legion since the intervention began in letter that they sullied the peri- workers were killed when President Emmanuel Macron d’Honneur medal, France’s 2013, when insurgents swept od of mourning for the bereaved Ttheir helicopter crashed said in a message on Twitter that highest award, on each cof- into Mali’s north and rapidly families. while on a mission to rescue the whole country supported the fi n of the 13 soldiers, draped in advanced before being pushed The magazine’s editor Lau- victims of severe fl ooding in the rescuers’ families and colleagues. the red, white and blue of the back. rent “Riss” Sourisseau defend- south of France as a new spate of The crash came as Macron was French fl ag. But despite France’s pres- ed on Sunday the magazine’s bad weather claimed two more due to honour 13 French soldiers “Today we honour not only ence, the religious extremists “satirical spirit” while ac- lives, offi cials said yesterday. who died when their helicopters the duty of those who served have regrouped to carry out knowledging the importance of Eleven people have now been collided in Mali last week in an France, but their clear and pro- deadly attacks and violence has the work of the French army and killed in the last 10 days in south- operation against religious ex- found acceptance of this duty,” spread to neighbouring coun- the soldiers’ sacrifi ce. eastern France, which has been tremists. he said at the ceremony attend- tries. Mali’s President Ibrahim battered by two successive Medi- “While France is preparing French police secure the area around the site where a helicopter ed by the country’s political and Macron has promised a thor- Boubacar Keita also attended terranean storms marked by tor- today to pay tribute to 13 of its from the civil security services crashed while en route to help people military leaders at the Invalides ough review of the Barkhane the ceremony, as he tries to de- rential rain, heavy fl ooding and soldiers who died serving it (in caught up in heavy flooding, in Le Rove near Les-Pennes-Mirabeau, complex in Paris. operation in the wake of the fuse growing hostility at home high winds. Mali), our country is losing three France. “They died while fi ghting for helicopter accident, vowing to French and other foreign Their EC145 helicopter lost everyday heroes who gave their France, for the protection of that “all options are on the ta- forces helping to fi ght Islamic radio and radar contact while lives to protect the French,” Cas- tending to his fl ock. The Var and the neighbouring the people in the Sahel, for the ble”. militants. on a rescue and reconnaissance taner said. His body was found in his ve- Alpes-Maritimes region were on security of their fellow citizens He also reiterated his call last Keita on Saturday urged Ma- fl ight in the Var region on Sunday Two other people were killed hicle late on Sunday night about red alert for fl oods, which dis- and for the world’s freedom – week for EU allies to step up lians not to “bite the hands of night. on Sunday by the fl oods in the 300m downstream from where rupted train services and cut the for all of us here,” the president their participation in the West those who give us theirs today”. The three – a pilot, a techni- French Riviera region, which he was last seen, the prefecture A8 motorway for four hours on said. “I bow before their sacri- Africa operation after years Since January, more than cian and a rescue specialist from has been hit by torrential rains a said early yesterday. Sunday evening. fi ce.” of failing to secure signifi cant 1,500 civilians have been killed the fi re brigade – were found week after extreme weather left Elsewhere in the region, a sta- Many cultural and sporting Some 2,500 people, includ- support. in jihadist violence in Mali and dead at 1.30am (0030 GMT) near six dead. ble owner was found dead two events were also called off due to ing dozens of comrades from Only Britain has contributed Burkina Faso, and more than the town of Rove, Interior Minis- In the Var region, a shepherd hours after he was also washed the bad weather, including Paris the fallen soldiers’ regiments, helicopters and security per- 1mn people have been internally ter Christophe Castaner said in a was swept away as he was trying away while out watching over his Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 match attended the commemoration, sonnel, while the US provides displaced across the fi ve coun- statement. to cross a river in his jeep while animals, it said. at Monaco. which was also broadcast on a intelligence on jihadist move- tries, the UN said this month.

Burglars hit Stasi museum in Berlin, days after jewel heist

AFP They made off with their spoils the Stasi from private individu- cut before breaking in through a 24-karat giant gold coin was sto- Berlin undetected. als. window, the thieves stole price- len from Berlin’s Bode Museum. The time of the raid was un- After the collapse of the com- less 18th-century diamond Four men with links to a noto- clear but a museum employee munist regime, many items were jewellery – including a famous rious Berlin gang were later ar- urglars broke into Ber- found showcases smashed in returned to their owners. 49-carat Dresden white – from rested and put on trial. lin’s Stasi Museum, which the exhibition rooms on Sunday But some which remained un- the collection of the Saxon ruler The coin has never been recov- Bshowcases items of East morning. claimed were on loan to the Stasi August the Strong. ered, and fears are growing that Germany’s hated secret police, Museum director Joerg Museum as part of its exhibition. Police are still hunting four the Dresden treasures will also making off with collectible med- Drieselmann told the Ta- “These are not huge treasures. suspects, and have off ered remain lost forever. als and gold jewellery, authori- gesspiegel daily that among the But we are a history museum and €500,000 ($550,000) as a re- Shaken by the loss, Germany’s ties said on Sunday, days after medals taken were a gold Patri- don’t expect people to break in,” ward for information leading to Culture Minister Monika Gru- a spectacular diamond heist in otic order of Merit, an Order of the museum chief was quoted as an arrest or recovery of the stolen etters this week called for a na- This file photo taken in 2006 shows the entrance of the Dresden. Karl Marx – the highest honour saying. goods. tional conference on museum documentation centre of the former east Germany’s ministry for The robbers broke in through awarded in the former commu- The latest robbery came hot on Investigators are also in con- security. state security, better known by its acronym Stasi, in Berlin. Burglars a window on the fi rst fl oor, nist East Germany and an Order the heels of a brazen heist at the tact with colleagues in Berlin to “We need to look at how mu- broke into Berlin’s Stasi Museum, which showcases items of East “smashed several showcases, and of Lenin. Green Vault museum in Dres- explore possible connections to seums can protect their objects Germany’s hated secret police, making off with collectible medals stole medals and jewellery”, the Stolen jewellery included rings den’s Royal Palace on November a similar heist in the capital two from such brutal activities while and gold jewellery, authorities said, days after a spectacular diamond police authorities said in a state- and a watch, he said. 25. years ago. still being accessible to the public heist in Dresden. ment. The items were confi scated by Having sparked a partial power In 2017, a 100kg (220-pound), in the normal way,” she said. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 INDIA

POLITICS SCARE REPRIEVE CRITICISM COMMENT Pankaja Munde calls for Security breach at Puri granted bail in Court slams Kerala Congress pledges to halt meeting on December 12 Priyanka’s residence AgustaWestland deal case government’s ‘ineff iciency’ Kerala Bank plans if elected

Former minister and BJP leader Pankaja Munde Following withdrawal of SPG (Special Protection A court in New Delhi has granted bail to The Kerala high court yesterday slammed the The Congress in Kerala yesterday made it clear has called for a meeting of her supporters Group) cover from the Gandhis, a security businessman Ratul Puri in a money laundering Pinarayi Vijayan-led state’s government way that if voted to off ice they would wind up the on December 12, which is also the birth breach has occurred at Congress general case relating to the AgustaWestland VIP of functioning. Justice Devan Ramachandran proposed Kerala Bank. “We have nothing against anniversary of her late father and former secretary Priyanka Gandhi’s Lodhi Estate chopper deal. The court has directed Puri to went hammer and tongs at the government a new commercial bank, but we will not allow it Union minister Gopinath Munde, to be held residence when five people reached the porch not tamper with evidence. Puri, the nephew of in court while taking up a contempt petition to happen at the expense of the sector, which has in Maharashtra’s Beed. Pankaja lost the Parli area on pretext of taking a photo. The incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, filed by a resident of Irinjalkuda (near all through been the lifeline of the state’s village seat of her family bastion to NCP’s Dhananjay reported to have occurred five days back, is under the scanner for allegedly receiving Thrissur) who is yet to get the compensation economy,” state Congress president Mullapally Panditrao Munde by a margin of approximately was confirmed by Priyanka Gandhi’s husband kickbacks in the AgustaWestland chopper scam. for his land which was acquired by the state Ramachandran said. Ramachandran was reacting 30,000 votes in the Assembly elections held Robert Vadra. On November 26, a car drove In January 2014, the government scrapped a government. Slamming the bureaucracy, the to a statement by the government stating that in October. She has also removed BJP’s name towards Priyanka’s residence and her aide came contract with Finmeccanica’s British subsidiary, judge observed that state officials sitting there were o impediments to form the bank from her Twitter bio. Pankaja said after her out and enquired what they wanted. The car’s AgustaWestland, for supplying 12 VVIP choppers in air-conditioned rooms fail to understand next year. The Pinarayi Vijayan government had defeat she got several calls and messages from occupants, comprising two men, three women to the Indian Air Force, over alleged breach of the plight of the common man. The court stressed that the Kerala Bank would be formed her supporters to meet, but due to the political and a child, said they just wanted to have a contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks also remarked that state ministers are more by merging 14 district cooperative banks with situation she couldn’t speak to them. photo clicked with Priyanka. worth Rs4.23bn being paid to secure the deal. interested in foreign travel. the Kerala State Cooperative Bank (KSCB).

Uproar as Congress leader calls PM, Nation seethes Shah ‘infiltrators’ Felling of Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called Prime Minis- trees for ter Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani Mumbai’s “infiltrators”, a statement which triggered a row in the Lok Sabha yesterday, causing the metro line treasury benches to demand that the MP apologise. The Congress leader reiterated stayed his remarks in the Lok Sabha yesterday, when a lawmaker raised the issue during Ques- IANS tion Hour about his “infiltra- New Delhi tor” remarks made earlier on Sunday outside Parliament. “Modi and Advani are infiltrators,” or the second time in two the Congress leader had said, but months, the Supreme the exact context was not clear. FCourt has intervened to Reacting to Chodhury’s remarks, stop felling of trees for the Mum- Union Petroleum Minister Dhar- bai Metropolitan Regional De- mendra Pradhan said: “Who is velopment Authority’ (MMRD) infiltrator will be out in the open Metro rail projects. soon.” The issues again came up The apex court yesterday during the zero hour when a BJP stayed for two weeks the axing of lawmaker raised the matter and trees on the Metro Line 4 (Wada- Parliamentary Aff airs Minister la to Kasarvadali via Thane). Last Pralhad Joshi later sought Chow- month, it had ordered no tree be dhury’s apology. cut in the Aarey Colony forest “It shows they are still not ready area for the Metro car shed. to realise the mandate of the Thane resident Rohit Joshi, people. His statement is an out- through advocate Pooja Dhar, fi led right insult to the mandate of the a plea challenging the Bombay people of the country who have People shout slogans during a protest against the rape and murder of a 27-year-old woman in Hyderabad, yesterday. Protests spread to cities across the country as High Court’s November 25 order elected Mod with a resounding people demanded tough and swift punishments, including public lynchings, to stop crimes against women. vacating the stay on the felling of mandate,” Joshi said. “This is also trees for the Metro 4 line project the manifestation of the Congress to be constructed by the MMRDA. side of federalism. I strongly con- The high court had vacated demn his statement. He (Chowd- the stay passed by a diff erent hury) comes from West Bengal. bench in October, observing that He is the leader of the Congress public projects cannot be stalled. party. Can we call him infiltrator? A bench, headed by chief jus- What is he talking about? He tice S A Bobde, asked the coun- should talk responsibly. sel for the petitioner if they have Meanwhile, Chowdhury rejected PM resignation sought over challenged the decision of the the allegations made by Joshi, authority, which approved the stating “first of all, there is a need felling of the trees for the project. to understand the context in While granting a stay on fell- which I made this statement”. ing of the trees, the court asked “You (Joshi) started making the petitioner’s counsel to move allegations without thinking. The the Bombay High Court. prime minister is not only your Rs400bn transfer claims “The counsel appearing for prime minister but our prime the petitioner undertakes to car- minister too.” Joshi, however, IANS Rs400bn from the Centre. He This is the question everyone is systems make such mislead- country,” Malik said in a strong ry out the amendments before continued speaking on the issue, Mumbai (Fadnavis) knew if the Con- asking.” ing statements. I call upon the reaction. the high court within a period saying “you should withdraw gress-NCP-Shiv Sena govern- Fadnavis immediately rub- state fi nance department to Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut of one week from today. On that the statement made against the ment comes to power it would bished his party colleague’s al- probe the issue and bring the termed the report as “a back- assurance, there shall be an in- home minister and the prime haratiya Janata Party misuse the funds meant for legations as preposterous and truth before the people,” Fad- stabbing and treachery with junction restraining the authori- minister. There should be an leader from Karnataka development. So it was de- “100% baseless”. navis declared. Maharashtra”. ties concerned from felling trees unconditional apology.” BAnanth K Hegde sparked cided that there should be a “I don’t know what he (He- Commenting on the claims, Other Sena, NCP and Con- for a period of two weeks from The Congress leader later said “I off a major political contro- drama. Fadnavis became chief gde) has said... I have not taken NCP national spokesperson gress leaders have interpreted today,” the top court said. openly accept that I along with versy by alleging that in his 80 minister and in 15 hours he any such policy decision as the Nawab Malik said it was not Hegde’s statement as “casting Joshi contended the permission my parents are from Bangla- hours tenure, the former Ma- moved Rs400bn back to the chief minister. All such allega- possible to transfer such a huge serious doubts on the integrity granted for cutting of the trees desh. When they came here they harashtra chief minister De- Centre,” Hegde is reported to tions are false,” Fadnavis said. amount of back to the centre, and and intentions” of the three- was in violation of the Maharash- did not have proper documents. vendra Fadnavis had “moved have said in Uttara Kannada He said as far as the Bullet said this is being spread to hide party Maha Vikas Aghadi gov- tra (Urban Areas) Protection and We have been residing here Rs400bn back to the Centre”. late Sunday. Train project was concerned, the BJP’s defeat in Maharashtra. ernment, and condemned it. Conservation of Trees Act 1975, since Independence. We did not This, he alleged, was done to He added: “You all know our the Maharashtra government “However, if it is indeed The social media also went which requires public notice by think of taking fresh documents prevent “misuse” of the devel- man in Maharashtra became has not given to or taken a sin- done, then it is a gross injustice viral with the reports yesterday advertising in local newspapers, as we thought that this was our opment funds by the new Shiv chief minister for 80 hours. gle rupee from the Centre and to the state. It will have seri- with mixed reactions and some and fi xing notice on the trees, country. Now, if anyone says that Sena-Nationalist Congress Then, Fadnavis resigned. Why the state’s role is limited to land ous consequences and result in questioning the motives be- which have been identifi ed for I am an infiltrator, I would be an Party-Congress government if did he do this drama? Didn’t we acquisition. Prime Minister Narendra Mo- hind the short-lived 80-hour felling, and holding an inquiry. infiltrator. What will I do?” it came to power. know that we don’t have ma- “Those who are ignorant of di’s resignation as the fl ames long government which took “No such procedure was followed “A CM has access to around jority and yet he became CM... the state-Centre accounting of this will spread all over the offi ce on November 23. in this case,” he said in his plea. 25 killed in rain-related Talks held to end Kerala incidents in Tamil Nadu judge humiliation row IANS high court,” a Bar Council mem- Kochi ber said. IANS the 17 who died in the house col- comprises Ballari, Bengaluru “We are confi dent the issue Chennai lapse, eight others lost their lives rural, Bengaluru urban, Cha- will be settled and there will be between November 29 to De- maraja Nagar, Chikkaballapura, he Kerala High Court no issues between the bench and cember 1 and eight were injured. Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, yesterday held discus- the bar. We request this incident total of 25 people have The government said 58 live- Davanagere, Hassan, Kodagu, Tsions with Bar Council be seen from the perspective of died in various rain- stock died due to rains, while Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Raman- members to resolve the issue public good and not be exagger- Arelated incidents across 1,305 thatched huts and 465 tiled agara, Shivamogga and Tumkur. of the alleged humiliation of a ated,” said an advocate who was Tamil Nadu in the past four days, houses were also damaged and Following three days of iso- magistrate in a court in the state part of the delegation. including 17 persons in house compensation will be paid to all lated rainfall, the two regions capital by a group of lawyers The court fi rst intervened collapses near Coimbatore, the the aff ected. were expected to experience dry after she cancelled the bail of a last week, soon after the Kerala state government said yesterday. For farmers whose crops were weather on Friday and Saturday, driver of the state road trans- Judicial Offi cers’ Association Chief Minister K Palaniswami damaged, the government said that the offi cial said. port corporation. wrote to the court registrar gen- chaired a meeting of offi cials at compensation from crop insurers However, north interior Karna- After the court intervened fol- eral about the manner in which the state secretariat to review would be secured while fi nancial taka, comprising 11 districts, has lowing the incident last week, Thiruvananthapuram judicial relief and rescue eff orts and the assistance will fi rst be provided out been forecast to receive isolated the police registered a case fi rst class magistrate Deepa Mo- precautionary steps to be taken. of the Disaster Relief Fund. downpours and dry weather on against 12 lawyers based on a han was humiliated. In a statement issued here, According to the government, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. complaint by the chief judicial The incident occurred on No- the government said Rs400,000 805 people have been housed in Bengaluru is expected to be magistrate. vember 27 when she cancelled compensation will be paid from four relief camps in Cuddalore, generally cloudy today with a Speaking to the media here, a the bail of the driver after a wit- the Disaster Relief Fund to families 73 in two camps in Tuticorin and few spells of rain, accompanied senior Bar Council offi ce bearer ness complained of threats by of the people who died in the col- 38 in two camps in Tirunelveli. by fog and mist in the morning. said association members held him. lapse of houses near Coimbatore. Meanwhile, the Met depart- On Sunday, no rainfall was a meeting earlier yesterday with Incensed by Mohan’s deci- According to the police, at ment yesterday issued a thun- recorded in coastal Karnataka the chief justice and a group sion, a group of lawyers ex- around 5.30am, a 20-foot wall derstorm warning for coastal while only 0.2mm downpour of judges who have asked the pressed their anger after she re- fell on four houses, resulting and south interior Karnataka. registered in Koppal district in council to probe the incident turned to her chamber. in their collapse and killing the In addition to the thunder- north interior Karnataka. and submit a report on Thurs- She later gave a written com- sleeping occupants. storm, isolated heavy rain was Except Mysuru in south inte- day. plaint to the chief judicial mag- Police and fi re service offi cials also expected in the areas. rior Karnataka, all other districts “We will be probing the inci- istrate and on Thursday her removed the debris and recov- Coastal Karnataka comprises received rainfall on Sunday. dent today. Tomorrow we will complaint was forwarded to the ered the bodies which have been the districts of Dakshina Kanna- Kolar recorded the highest rain- hold a meeting with the Bar As- local police station which reg- sent for post-mortem. da, Udupi and Uttara Kannada. fall at 9.6mm. Bengaluru regis- sociation and on Thursday we istered a case against 12 lawyers The statement said apart from The south interior region tered 5.5mm rainfall on Sunday. A motorist rides on a road during heavy rain in Chennai yesterday. will submit our report to the under non-bailable charges. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA

Ericsson to invest over $230mn in Brazil to build new 5G assembly line

Reuters diff erent with 5G,” said Eduardo Ricot- auction, which was initially scheduled search and development, creating over Argentina’s Sao Paulo ta, president of Ericsson Latam South, for next March but later postponed as 200,000 jobs in the country, it said in in a phone interview after meeting with tests on interference with other serv- the same document. President Jair Bolsonaro. ices are still ongoing. Ricotta’s comments come more than wedish telecoms equipment The investment will be made between “Our business plans always take three months after Ericsson rival Hua- maker Ericsson plans to invest 2020 and 2025 and includes the cost of into account a little deviation, but we wei announced plans to build a $800mn youth worry S1bn reais ($238.30mn) in Brazil to hiring and acquisition of machinery, believe now is the right timing, as this smartphone plant also in Sao Paulo add a new assembly line dedicated to among other expenses, he added. factory will also serve other countries state over the next three years, in a push 5th generation technology (5G) for its Initially, the Swedish company will in Latin America,” Ricotta said, without to ramp up its Latin American presence Latin American operations, an execu- spend 200mn reais to set up the new 5G disclosing the main destinations. against US objections. about peso, tive said. assembly line in its factory located in But in case Brazil’s 5G auction is fur- According to Ricotta, 23 of the 5G The move is likely to stir competition Sao Jose dos Campos, an industrial city ther postponed to 2021, Ericsson es- networks already operating are using with Finland’s Nokia and China’s Hua- near Sao Paulo, Ricotta said. timates a loss of around 25bn reais for Ericsson’s technology and the group wei Technologies, which also have fac- “We expect this new assembly line to public coff ers, according to a study re- has signed 80 agreements around the collect dollars tories in Sao Paulo state and are racing be operating as of the third-quarter of leased earlier in October. world. to lead 5G deployment in Brazil. 2020, but the schedule will also depend In general, the company expects 5G “We are the only manufacturer with “We already export 40% of all equip- on the 5G auction,” he said. deployment in Brazil to trigger ap- operational 5G networks in all conti- Reuters the currency earlier this year, ment assembled in Brazil to Latin Brazil telecoms regulator Anatel is proximately 10bn reais in direct invest- nents and these 23 are all large size net- Buenos Aires Argentina’s central bank was American countries, and it will be no still determining the rules for the 5G ments and additional 250mn reais in re- works, especially in the US,” he said. forced to roll out tough controls to preserve dollar reserves, in- icolas Videla, like mil- cluding a $200 per month cap lions of his fellow Ar- on dollar purchases through Ngentines, buys US banks. dollars whenever he scrapes Many Argentines use the pe- 20 dead in bus crash enough pesos together and sos they earn to pay daily ex- keeps a close eye on the coun- penses and buy dollars with what try’s volatile foreign exchange is left at the end of the month, rate, galloping inflation and turning the greenback into a de murky political outlook. facto benchmark currency used Videla is 12 years old. for major purchases such as real The grade school student’s estate. anxiety about the peso is telling Every time that political tur- in a country where generations bulence or a sovereign default have seen their savings wiped scare hits business confidence, out by shock devaluations and the peso’s value falls. rising prices that have forced Sellers of goods and services them to seek shelter in the charge more in anticipation of greenback. higher business costs and to Peso aversion is at the heart of keep buying dollars. the challenge facing Argentina’s This is infl ation Argentina- incoming government as it looks style and shows no sign of abat- to douse the infl ation that has ing. walloped purchasing power and “Parents are telling their driven up the cost of its overseas kids that keeping pesos in their debt. pocket means being able to buy “We talk about the dollar at less tomorrow than they can to- school. I always ask how it’s do- day,” said Argentine economist ing. When my friends tell me Roberto Cachanosky.”So there’s it has gotten stronger against an idea being reinforced that if the peso they complain because you need a currency that will prices go up when that hap- keep its value, the peso doesn’t pens,” Videla said, seated beside work.” his favourite money changer: his Ask 13-year-old Gadiel mom. Goldestein, who has already “When he has pesos he asks seen enough to put him off the me to buy dollars with them. local currency. “Everybody When we talk about finances, thinks in dollars. Nobody has Rescuers work on the site of a bus accident that left at least 20 people dead and 21 injured in Taltal, Chile. The bus departed on Sunday night from the city Antofagasta and was he never asks how many pesos confidence in the peso,” Gold- headed south to the capital, Santiago de Chile, some 1,400kms away. The bus plunged some 30 metres into a ravine about 200kms south of Antofagasta. he has. He wants to know in estein said in an interview dollars,” added his mother, Sol joined by his parents, brother Videla. and grandfather, the family The lack of faith many Ar- patriarch who moved to Mexi- gentines have in their currency co after Argentina’s 2001 eco- is understandable. nomic meltdown and now only The peso has lost about 37% comes back to visit. of its value against the dollar A fan of Buenos Aires soccer this year after tumbling even club Boca Juniors, Goldestein faster in 2018. absent-mindedly rolled a ball Guaido rocked by graft One dollar is worth 60 pesos, between his feet as he spoke versus around 10 pesos at the with a reporter in the family’s end of 2015 when now outgoing backyard. president Mauricio Macri came His 15-year-old brother, Ian, to power. meanwhile lamented his dwin- His successor, leftist Alberto dling purchasing power. Fernandez, will take office on “Last year I spent 100 pesos claims against allied MPs December 10 with annual infla- to eat lunch at school every tion running at above 50% and day and there was money left Reuters/AFP from the First Justice, Popular state-backed food distribution “There is a smear campaign so devalued it can barely buy a knife-edge talks with creditors over. This year I have to take Caracas Will and A New Time parties. programme. against us and some of our fel- day’s groceries. and the International Monetary 250 pesos for the same lunch,” The scandal comes as opposi- It was not immediately evi- low legislators in the Venezue- But the programme has faced Fund (IMF) on the horizon over he said. tion eff orts to oust Maduro lose dent if or how the legislators lan parliament,” Luis Parra, who widespread accusations by Ven- $100bn in sovereign debt. Since the mid-1900s, when enezuelan opposition steam and Guaido struggles to broke the law. was placed under investigation ezuela’s opposition and US au- Fernandez has said he will president Juan Peron and his leader Juan Guaido dis- launch a new wave of street pro- Guaido said he suspected the by First Justice, wrote on Twit- thorities of over-pricing food roll out a “social pact” to strike wife Evita became icons of Vtanced himself from al- tests. legislators received illicit pay- ter, insisting he had been a vic- imports as part of a broad cor- agreements with businesses, free-spending Argentine pop- legations of corruption against “(It is) unacceptable to use ments in exchange for writing tim of “extortion.” ruption racket. employers, consumers and ulism, governments have spent his allies, in the latest blow to his a state institution to attempt the letters, but that this would Freddy Superlano of Popular Maduro has defended CLAP service providers to help con- more than they collected, un- faltering eff orts to oust Presi- to whitewash the reputation of be investigated. Will, in a letter to Guaido that as an effort to help the coun- trol prices. It won’t be easy. dermining the peso, which has dent Nicolas Maduro from of- thieves and corrupt individu- The letters were addressed to he posted on Twitter, denied try weather US sanctions that Lack of confidence in the lost around 85% of its value fi ce. als who have looted Venezuela,” the US Treasury and Colombia’s wrongdoing but said that while have hobbled the Opec na- currency has almost become against the dollar since the end Guaido also vowed to in- said Guaido, pounding a lectern public prosecutor’s offi ce, ac- the investigation proceeded he tion’s oil exports and made it part of people’s DNA after dec- of 2015. vestigate alleged wrongdoing as he read from notes during a cording to the report. was stepping down from his role increasingly difficult to import ades of cyclical crises with a Was there ever a time when within its ranks after a media press conference. Neither institution responded as president of the comptroller basic goods. weakening peso in turn stoking confidence in the peso was outlet reported that a group of According to the Armando. to requests for comment. commission. Diosdado Cabello, No. 2 of the inflation. strong? Goldestein’s grandfa- opposition lawmakers had un- info report, the lawmakers were First Justice, Popular Will Reuters was unable to obtain ruling Socialist Party, delighted “Argentines simply do not ther Manuel, 84, has to think duly advocated for a business- involved in writing letters of and A New Time issued state- comment from Saab or Lizcano. at the opposition’s infi ghting. trust their currency. They have back before answering: “They man linked to the government of support for a Colombian na- ments deploring the alleged The distribution programme “Nobody is clean in that corrup- been burned too many times,” say that when I was a little kid, President Nicolas Maduro. tional, Carlos Lizcano, despite corruption and promising to known by the Spanish acro- tion dispute in the opposition said Alberto Bernal, chief there was a time. But I was too Guaido said the legislature evidence of his ties to Alex Saab, remove the lawmakers from nym CLAP has become a crucial leadership, accusations come emerging markets strategist at young to know anything about would probe the incident, which another Colombian man who is the legislative comptroller source of food for Venezuelans and go between them, they’re a XP Investments in New York. that, and we didn’t have any according to website Armando. under US sanction for corrup- commission, which focuses on facing hyper infl ation, which society of political merchants,” In response to a plunge in money anyway.” info involved nine legislators tion associated with Maduro’s fighting corruption. has left a minimum wage salary he wrote on Twitter. President voices regret Morales was victim of over plight of economy ‘coup:’ Lopez Obrador AFP It also marked the fi rst time that Mexico City Lopez Obrador, who has been in of- Reuters anniversary of his inaugura- many counterparts in Latin fi ce for a year, spoke directly about Mexico City tion. America, where political turmoil the circumstances that led to Mo- “The budget doesn’t end up in has been growing. exican President An- rales’s departure from Bolivia. a few hands the way it used to, it Chile, Bolivia, Colombia and dres Manuel Lopez Morales resigned on Novem- exico’s president con- now reaches the majority of the Ecuador have all been roiled MObrador said former ber 10 amid swelling protests ceded that economic population,” he added. by civil unrest in recent weeks, Bolivian leader Evo Morales was over what political opponents Mgrowth has fallen short Slowdowns in the fi rst year of a while support for the govern- the “victim of a coup d’etat.” said was his rigging of the Octo- of his expectations, but said that new government are not uncom- ment of Brazilian President Jair The leftist president, nicknamed ber 20 elections. wealth is now more fairly dis- mon in Mexico, which has had to Bolsonaro, who took offi ce a AMLO, celebrated his fi rst year in He fl ed to Mexico the follow- tributed as he celebrated a year contend with the threat of eco- month after Lopez Obrador, has offi ce with a speech to throngs of ing day after losing the support in offi ce riding high in opinion nomic disruption by US Presi- fallen away sharply. supporters in Mexico City. of the military and police, claim- polls, in defi ance of mounting dent Donald Trump. Lopez Obrador has used his While detailing budget and tax ing to be the victim of a coup. problems. Lopez Obrador is also battling morning news conferences to policies, and the ongoing fi ght While echoing Morales’s A year ago, veteran leftist An- record levels of violence, which keep up a steady barrage of fi re against corruption, Lopez Obra- claim, AMLO called the exiled dres Manuel Lopez Obrador as- has caused more friction with against his political foes, who dor touched on Mexico’s foreign leader “our brother, who repre- sumed the presidency pledging the Trump administration. But have struggled to mount a coher- policy by recalling his govern- sents with dignity the majority to raise economic growth to 4% he remains popular, polls show. ent opposition to him. ment’s decision to accept Mo- of indigenous people of Bolivia.” per year. Instead, the economy Although some surveys show Nevertheless, political ana- rales as an asylum seeker. Morales has yet to meet publicly has stagnated and slipped into support for him has fallen, one lysts and adversaries say the “Evo was the victim of a coup with Lopez Obrador. a mild recession during the fi rst published by newspaper El Fin- president will come under in- d’etat! And from Mexico, we tell He was welcomed on arrival half of the year. anciero this week showed his ap- creasing pressure if he cannot get the world, ‘Yes to democracy, no to Mexico by Foreign Minister “There still hasn’t been proval rating was 68%, slightly a grip on security and energise to militarism!’” AMLO said dur- Marcelo Ebrard. growth as we would like, but up on October. the economy soon. ing the rally in the central Plaza Lopez Obrador’s one-year an- the distribution of wealth has Facing the media every week- “The wallets of the people will del Zocalo. niversary was marred by a shoot- improved,” Lopez Obrador told day at 7am, the 66-year-old be his undoing,” said Ernesto The square was packed with out Saturday afternoon near the a crowd of tens of thousands of has dominated the agenda for Ruff o, an opposition congress- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, accompanied by his people, and musical groups US border between suspected supporters in central Mexico the past year, and his popular- man from the centre-right Na- wife, Beatriz Gutierrez Muller, attend the anniversary of his first year in performed alongside AMLO’s drug traffi ckers and police, leav- City’s Zocalo square on the first ity stands in stark contrast with tional Action Party, or PAN. off ice at the Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico. speech. ing 20 dead. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 PAKISTAN

Panel to consider Imran hints at lifting of ECP nominees ban on student unions today Internews universities had been banned Internews Islamabad/Lahore across the country through a Islamabad martial law order by military ruler General Ziaul Haq on Feb- mid a strong countrywide ruary 9, 1984. he Parliamentary Com- demand by students for The reason cited for the ban mittee on the Appoint- Arestoration of unions in was violence on university cam- Tment of Chief Election educational institutions, Prime puses, allegedly perpetrated by Commissioner (CEC) and Mem- Minister Imran Khan hinted student wings of political par- bers of the Election Commis- that his government might lift ties. sion of Pakistan (ECP) will meet the 35-year-old ban on student In 1988, then-prime minister today to consider the nominees unions after devising a com- Benazir Bhutto lifted the ban and put forward by the government prehensive code of conduct for elections were held in colleges and the opposition. grooming the youth as leaders of and universities in 1989, but that According to the agenda for the future. was the last time. the meeting issued by the Na- “We will establish a compre- Students across the country tional Assembly Secretariat, the hensive and enforceable code of have been holding demonstra- bicameral and bipartisan com- conduct, learning from the best tions for the past week, calling mittee of parliament, headed by practices in internationally re- upon the government to restore Human Rights Minister Dr Shi- nowned universities, so that we unions in colleges and universi- reen Mazari, will only consider can restore and enable student ties. names of ECP members from unions to play their part in posi- During their protest, many Sindh and Baluchistan ,as both tively grooming our youths as students were detained and cas- Prime Minister Imran Khan and future leaders of the country,” he es registered against them. Leader of the Opposition She- said in a tweet. In Lahore, the Civil Lines po- hbaz Sharif had proposed three However, the prime minis- lice registered a case against 300 Prime Minister Khan: Universities groom future leaders of the names each for the two offi ces. ter regretted that unions in the persons for staging a protest country and student unions form an integral part of this grooming. The offi ce of the CEC is also country had forgotten their re- demonstration at Faisal Chowk about to fall vacant after the sponsibilities, going off -track on Friday. excel and groom themselves for and called for an immediate re- completion of the fi ve-year term and turning campuses of edu- The FIR was registered under politics, and raise their voice for vival. of CEC Justice (retired) Sardar cational institutions into “bat- Sound Act, Law and Order Act their rights. The issue came under discus- Mohamed Raza. tlefi elds”. and 144CrPc (Section 144 of the This picture taken on Friday shows a student shouting slogans In 1993, the Supreme Court sion on a motion tabled by Rubi- Sharif has already suggested “Universities groom future Criminal Procedure Code). during a demonstration in Islamabad demanding the reinstatement prohibited the formation of na Khalid of the PPP, stressing three names for the offi ce of the leaders of the country and stu- Members of civil society and of student unions, education fee cuts, and better education facilities. student unions, and called for a the “need for revival of student CEC offi ce, but the prime minis- dent unions form an integral part students had staged a protest at proper mechanism should the unions in educational institu- ter is yet to do so. of this grooming. Unfortunately, the Faisal Chowk to demand the chanted slogans against the gov- ban on student unions. government decide to revive tions in the country, particularly The opposition leader, in Pakistan student unions be- restoration of student unions. ernment. Two years ago, the Senate them. colleges and universities”. through a letter to the National came violent battlegrounds, de- Police arrested Alamgir Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Committee of the Whole had However, successive govern- Rabbani said then that the ban Assembly speaker and the Sen- stroying the intellectual atmos- Wazeer for delivering a provoca- chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zard- recommended unions’ revival ments did not take any step for through a martial law order had ate chairman on November 30, phere on campuses,” he said in tive speech against national in- ari lashed out at the government in educational institutions, and the revival of traditional student been imposed by the dictatorial proposed the names of Nisar another tweet. stitutions. for registering fi rst information adopted a resolution. politics. regime in violation of the Con- Durrani, Justice (retired) Abdul Pakistan Muslim League – Meanwhile, students staged reports (FIRs) against the stu- The senators were of the view The Senate has however stitution, which allowed every Rasul Memon, and Aurangzeb Nawaz (PML-N) information a demonstration on the New dents. that Zia banned student unions adopted a resolution, and former citizen the right to form an as- Haq as ECP member from Sindh. secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb Campus bridge against the ar- A number of politicians of the because he wanted to sack inde- Senate chairman Raza Rabbani sociation or union. For the offi ce of the ECP mem- has criticised the prime minister rest of students and the FIR Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) pendent-minded teachers and gave a ruling, after lawmakers He said that Zia had banned ber from Baluchistan, Sharif for calling student unions “vio- against 300 students at Civil including Science and Technol- to nip resistance in the bud. from both sides of the aisle ex- the unions after he saw forma- suggested senior Supreme Court lent battlegrounds”. Lines police station. ogy Minister Fawad Chaudhry, They said that the unions pro- pressed concern over the con- tion of a student alliance against lawyer Shah Mohamed Jatoi, Student unions in colleges and They blocked traffi c and have supported the lifting of the vided a platform for students to tinued ban on student unions, his rule. former advocate-general Mo- hamed Rauf Atta, and Raheela Durrani. Prime Minister Khan has also sent his recommendations for ECP members from Sindh and Probe launched into Eight children, fi ve others die in house fi re Baluchistan. For the post of ECP mem- ber from Sindh, he has pro- killing of 10-year-old DPA/Internews posed Justice (retired) Sadiq Amman Bhatti, Justice (retired) Noorul Haq Qureshi, and Abdul Jabbar DPA they suspected that she was Qureshi, according to a copy of Islamabad trying to elope, Raza added. hirteen Pakistanis were his letter. The incident occurred in a killed yesterday when Khan has recommended Dr remote rural area and did not Ta fi re broke out in a tin Faiz Kakar, Mir Naveed Jan Balo- Pakistan court has ap- come to light until this week- house on farming land in west- ch (a businessman and a former proved the remand end when it was revealed in so- ern Jordan. caretaker minister in the pro- Aof three suspects, in- cial media posts. The dead were eight children, vincial government), and former cluding the parents, after a “We are looking for more four women and a man, Jordan’s Quetta district and sessions 10-year-old girl was stoned to suspects ... we believe the civil defence was quoted by the judge death in an incident of honour murder might have been sanc- offi cial Petra news agency as Amanullah Baloch, for the killing, offi cials said. tioned by a village council,” saying. offi ce of the ECP member from The court in the Dadu dis- Raza said, describing a com- The blaze erupted at dawn in Baluchistan. trict of Sindh province ordered mon practice in rural Pakistan the house where two Pakistani The positions of ECP mem- the police to interrogate the where the tribal justice system families were living in the al- bers from Sindh and Baluchistan parents and an Islamic cleric punishes criminals. Shuna al-Janubiyya area in Balqa have been vacant since January for the killing, local police chief In 2018, nearly 800 men and province, west of Amman. following the retirement of Ab- Farrukh Raza said. women in Pakistan were killed The cause was a short circuit, dul Ghaff ar Soomro and Justice Parents and close relatives by their relatives after fac- the civil defence said. (retired) Shakeel Baloch. allegedly stoned the girl to ing similar accusations, police A man and two other children Under the law, the positions death on November 22 after records show. were injured and are being treat- were required to be fi lled within ed at hospital, it added. 45 days, but the deadline passed Jordanian Prime Minister without even the initiation of Ruling PTI suspends senior member Omar Razzaz ordered an investi- talks between the prime minister gation into the blaze and off ered and the opposition leader. The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has suspended the basic condolences to the people and For the offi ce of the CEC, party membership of one of its founding members, senior lawyer government of Pakistan. Sharif has proposed former bu- Hamid Khan, and issued to him a show-cause notice for “defaming According to offi cial fi gures, reaucrats Nasir Mehmood Khosa and maligning” the party through his statements on print and around 8,000 Pakistanis live in and Akhlaq Ahmed Tarar, and electronic media. The show-cause notice gives Khan seven days to Jordan and work in the agricul- This picture taken yesterday shows the remains of a home where several Pakistani farmers died in a former ambassador to the US explain his position in writing. tural sector. fire, in the town of Shuna in Jordan, some 50km southwest of Amman. Jalil Abbas Jillani. The salon changing how transgenders are seen

By Ashraf Khan, AFP hello, she said – but the thaw, for A Pakistani TV channel put the Transgenders are often judged, well before: good manners. Karachi that customer at least, was com- country’s fi rst transgender news harassed or even denied entry at It worked. plete. anchor on air in 2018, while sev- other salons, she and her cus- “Whenever she sees us, she “After that day she would not eral have also run in elections. tomers told AFP. greets us with a good heart and ebo Haider’s beauty par- get her hair and make-up done But – despite these gains – “When we would sit along the she meets with everybody pleas- lour is bright, small, and by anybody else at the parlour,” many still live daily as pariahs, ladies at the parlour, they would antly,” said Mohamed Akram, Bdecorated sparsely with Haider told AFP, sitting in her often reduced to begging and feel nervous, confused and even the 40-year-old owner of a milk three large photographs: trans- hairdressing chair. “Good man- prostitution, subjected to extor- feel repulsed (with us). (But) shop next to the salon. gender models who became her ners win the world.” tion and discrimination or tar- we are also human beings,” said “We are not concerned with clients because the Karachi sa- Transgenders – also known in geted for violence. Mahi Doll, a 21-year-old client of what their gender is,” he added. lon is one of the few in Pakistan Pakistan as “khawajasiras”, an Haider fought hard to avoid Tarawah. Many modern-day transgen- which caters to them without umbrella term denoting a third that fate. Haider’s salon, Doll says, is der people in Pakistan claim to judgment. sex that includes transvestites Once she gained a foothold more than just a safe space for be cultural heirs of the eunuchs Tarawah, in a middle-class and eunuchs – have long fought with her fi rst job, she began to her customers to get their hair who thrived at the courts of the neighbourhood of the sprawling for their rights in the deeply pa- grow politically active, joining and make-up done. Mughal emperors that ruled the southern port city, is owned and triarchal and conservative coun- transgender rights organisations “This is a symbol of transgen- Indian subcontinent for two cen- In this picture taken on October 15, 2019, transgender beautician run by Haider, herself a transgen- try. and eventually becoming the der empowerment,” she told AFP. turies, until the British arrived Bebo Haider attends to a customer in her beauty parlour in Karachi. der person who came to Karachi Organised and politically ac- president of Sabrang, one com- The salon is inside a crowded in the 19th century and banned in 2003 from a small rural town tive, in many respects they have munity group. market, surrounded by grocery them. “Awareness has started to Haider then began doing Doll’s in southern Sindh province with made impressive gains. When a Dutch organisa- and milk shops. Today, people who identify spread now among the peo- make-up, lining her eyes darkly dreams of becoming a beautician. In 2009, Pakistan became one tion said it wanted to fi nance a When Haider fi rst opened it, as transgender number at least ple that we can do (respectable) to match Haider’s own. It was not easy. of the fi rst countries in the world project to empower the trans- she said, neighbours were so hos- 500,000 in Pakistan, according works also,” Haider said, describ- “The eye make-up is the es- Even when the owner of one to legally recognise a third sex. gender community, she and a tile that she felt afraid. to several studies – possibly up ing initiatives such as her salon as sence,” she explained. salon in a posh Karachi neigh- Last year, Pakistan’s parlia- partner jumped on the chance “I would wear tough looks to 2mn, say TransAction, a rights a “practical way” of normalising After fi nishing Doll’s eyes, bourhood fi nally decided to take ment passed a historic bill pro- to open their own salon – which, when I came to the shop so that organisation. transgenders in Pakistan. Haider turned back to her own a chance on her, the clients re- viding transgender people with they say, is the fi rst transgender people would not dare to mess Haider and other activists During AFP’s visit to Tarawah, refl ection, reviewing herself in fused her services – or to return the right to determine their own owned and run beauty salon in with me,” she said. helping her hope the salon is just client Mahi Doll perched in a the mirror. her greetings, she told AFP. gender identity in all offi cial Pakistan. She warned her clients to dress the fi rst step on the road to eco- black reclining chair to have her “Do I look good?” she said It took two years before one documents, including choosing a “I never looked back,” Haider conservatively, and deployed the nomic empowerment for their hair shampooed and treated, softly, apparently to herself. “I salon regular fi nally returned her blend of both genders. told AFP. strategy which had worked so community. then a manicure. am beautiful. Am I not?” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES

Deaths Nearly 200,000 evacuated, from dengue airport shut ahead of typhoon hit 1,502

Reuters/DPA DPA Manila Manila

he Philippines evacu- engue has claimed 1,502 ated 200,000 people in lives in the Philippines, Tcoastal and mountainous Dwhile infections have areas due to fears of fl ooding nearly doubled from January to and landslides and said it would November when compared with also shut its main international last year, the health department airport as a powerful typhoon said yesterday. was set to make landfall. The number of deaths from Typhoon Kammuri, the 20th January 1 to November 16 was typhoon to hit the country this 39% higher than the 1,075 re- year, was expected to make corded last year. landfall on the Philippines’ The health department also main Luzon island, packing tallied a total of 402,694 dengue 165kph wind speeds and gusts cases in the same 11 months this of up to 230kph, the weather year, up from 203,335 in 2018. bureau said. Most of the patients were be- Airport authorities said all tween fi ve and nine years old, it four terminals of the Ninoy added. Aquino International Airport In August, the Philippines in the capital Manila would be declared a national dengue closed from 11:00am to 11:00pm epidemic amid a surge in the (0300 GMT to 1500 GMT) today number of cases. as a precaution. Health Secretary Francisco To give priority to those Duque urged the public to re- fl ights aff ected by the shut- main vigilant and to continue down, regular runaway main- eliminating all possible breeding tenance will be suspended for sites of mosquitoes, even as the three days after normal service epidemic appears to be coming resumes, they said. to an end. Authorities raised the tropi- He warned the trend can eas- cal cyclone warning level for 35 Trees sway near buildings as Typhoon Kammuri makes landfall in Gamay, northern Samar, yesterday, in this still image from video obtained via social media. ily be reversed when there are provinces and told people in ar- heavy rains. eas in the path of the Category 3 More than 4,100 people were lice said. The weather bureau The increase in dengue cases typhoon to be on alert for possi- also stranded at seaports in the warned that Kammuri could comes two years after the gov- ble landslides, storm surges and eastern region of Bicol, after trigger fl ash fl oods, landslides, ernment stopped a mass im- fl oods triggered by heavy winds the coastguard prevented fer- mud fl ows and waves as high as munisation programme using and rain. ries from setting sail due to the three metres. the vaccine Dengvaxia, manu- The disaster agency said stormy seas. Kammuri gathered power and factured by French fi rm Sanofi 200,000 people had been evac- One person in Bicol was elec- slowed down as it approached Pasteur, due to safety concerns. uated from dozens of provinces trocuted and died, according to the eastern region of Bicol, the Dengvaxia was given to about in southern Luzon. Major Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, a weather bureau said in a report 830,000 children in the Philip- The Philippines is playing regional police spokeswoman. at 7pm (1100 GMT) yesterday. pines in the world’s fi rst mass host to the 30th Southeast Asia No other details were imme- Winds reached 155 kilometres vaccination using the new drug Games which will run through diately available. per hour with gusts of up to 190 from April 2016 to December Dec 11. Of those displaced, almost kilometres per hour, as the ty- 2017. It has suspended canoeing half — 108,168 — were resi- phoon moved west at 15 kilome- The programme was stopped and windsurfi ng competitions dents of Albay province, one of tres per hour. after Sanofi Pasteur disclosed scheduled for Dec 3. The coun- the areas where Kammuri was The weather bureau raised ty- that children who had not pre- try is hit by an average 20 ty- expected to make landfall later phoon alert warnings for nearly viously been infected by dengue phoons each year. or early today, according to the 50 provinces and the metro ar- might be at risk of contracting a Meanwhile, at least one per- weather bureau. eas of the capital, Manila. more dangerous infection if giv- son was killed and more than The typhoon could also make Presidential spokesman Sal- en Dengvaxia. 212,000 people were displaced landfall over the provinces Sor- vador Panelo said the govern- The Philippines’ Food and as Typhoon Kammuri battered sogon or Catanduanues, where ment was closely monitoring Drug Administration revoked the eastern Philippines yester- strong winds and heavy rain the typhoon and emergency Residents rest inside a classroom used as a temporary shelter in Legaspi City, Albay province, south the vaccine’s registration in Feb- day, offi cials said. were reported yesterday, po- teams were on standby. of Manila, yesterday, as they prepare for the typhoon. ruary.

Call to halt deployment of Rice-fi sh farming OFWs to Poland Duterte says next police chief The Philippines Overseas Labor system boosts profi ts Off ice (Polo) in Geneva has asked the Philippine Overseas Employ- should eliminate drug lords ment Administration (POEA) to in Cagayan Valley stop deploying Filipino workers to Poland over alleged irregu- By Catherine S Valente added. The last PNP chief, larities of a recruitment agency, By Leander C Domingo to Tubiera, but the water stored Manila Times Oscar Albayalde, retired from Manila Times reported. Manila Times/Aritao in his farm pond was also used police service early November Polo-Geneva Labor Attache Cher- to irrigate the rice area that can amid accusations that he was yl Daytec identified the erring extend crop production until resident Rodrigo Duterte involved in the so-called “ninja agency as Gold Icon Recruitment rice-fi sh farming tech- the dry season,” Celino noted. said the next Philippine cops” issue. and Promotion Inc (Gold Icon), nology demonstration Also the project leader of PNational Police (PNP) He and 13 other police offi c- which has been suspended by Aproject here by the Ca- integrated farming of BFAR chief should be able to kill drug ers are facing charges of graft, the POEA. Among the complaints gayan Valley (Region 2) Bureau Region 2, she said using the lords. qualifi ed bribery, falsifi cation against Gold Icon was the collec- of Fisheries and Aquatic Re- system would mean 10% of In a television interview aired of public documents, derelic- tion of excessive processing fees sources (BFAR) has shown that the rice fi eld area is utilised as yesterday, Duterte reiterated tion of duty and violation of amounting to P269,000 without it could signifi cantly boost a pond refuge for fi sh produc- that he was carefully weighing the Comprehensive Dangerous issuing receipts and contract farm productivity and income tion while the remaining 90% his choice for the top PNP post. Drugs Act in connection with substitution. Overseas Filipino of farmers. remain as rice farm. “I mean, they’re all good, the alleged questionable anti- workers (OFWs) were also made Sharon Celino, BFAR Region At Tubiera’s farm, accord- but I want a better deal. It’s not drug raid in 2013. to sign documents, stating that 2 senior aquaculturist, said the ing to Celino, a total of 495 kilos enough that you recommend to The former PNP chief had Gold Icon did not collect any technology called “modifi ed from the 2,500 pieces of fi nger- me,” he said. denied the allegation and amount from them. While there rice-fi sh farming system” was lings stocked in his pond were “If he said, ‘If you choose me, claimed that some retired gen- are many job opportunities in achieved by allocating a por- harvested after a 111-day culture I will kill all drug lords,’ okay, erals were conspiring against Poland, the problem is the lack tion of rice farm to aquaculture period. it’s you. If you cannot give me him. of a labour agreement between production. “I sold my one-time total that guarantee, then no way,” The police force is being led Philippines and that country and She added that the tech- harvest at P42,698.33,” Tubiera, he added. by acting chief Gen. Archie the absence of a Polo, which puts nology was applied at Ariel an engineer, said adding, “I have Duterte admitted that he Gamboa, one of the top candi- OFWs at a disadvantage in terms Tubiera’s farm in this town rolled over the proceeds from was having diffi culty selecting Duterte: campaign against drug lords dates for the PNP top post. of their security and protection and it produced an addition- the techno-demo project and the right man to lead the police The other contenders for the from work. As of the moment, al P14,000 by utilising 500 now into the second cycle of my force. raised the possibility of leading “I would rather not appoint post are Lt. Gen. Camilo Cas- Polos in Italy (Rome and Milan) square metres of his rice farm integrated farming venture.” “No one yet. I’m having dif- the PNP himself if he cannot anybody for that matter. I will colan, deputy chief for opera- and Switzerland (Geneva) are for fi sh production using the He said he is very thankful fi culty with the police. I love fi nd an honest police chief. handle it. I will be the one di- tions and Maj. Gen. Guillermo attending to the needs of the farming system. to the BFAR for introducing my policemen, but I have a hard “If they have even a single recting…guidance and direc- Eleazar, former Metro Manila Poland-based OFWs. “Not only did the technol- the modifi ed rice-fi sh farming time with the offi cials,” he said. case of corruption, you’re out,” tion. I will only be there for police director who now heads ogy provide additional income system. Last week, the president Duterte said. guidance and direction,” he the directorial staff . House bill aims to off er emergency aid for farmers

By Divina NJD Cruz al cash transfers to affected The DSWD, together with from September to Octo- grammes,” Salceda said in the Manila Times farmers. Priority would be the Department of Agricul- ber showed that palay prices bill’s explanatory note. given to areas with farmgate ture, was tasked to issue the have plunged from P23.10 On November 12, the House palay prices below P17 per guidelines for the fund dis- per kilo last year to P16.28 of Representatives passed on bill that aims to ap- kilo, in major rice produc- tribution. per kilo this year, the lowest third and fi nal reading a reso- propriate P8.4bn ing provinces, and to farm- The bill was filed amid recorded price in seven years. lution authorising the use of A emergency fund to ers cultivating lands of two the entry of record-high “Passing this bill is most the 2019 rice subsidy fund aid farmers affected by the hectares and below. Benefi- rice import into the country. urgent. But admittedly, this to procure palay from local dwindling price of palay (un- ciaries must belong to a co- The National Food Author- short-term intervention will farmers. Under the resolution, milled rice) has been filed at operative. ity (NFA) reported that it had all come to naught if we fail unused funds from the 2019 the House of Representa- The emergency fund will 209,525.15 metric tonnes of to unite and support our rice General Appropriations Act tives. be sourced from the National imported rice as of August 22 farmers, help them increase will be utilised for the pur- House Committee on Ways Treasury and will be released and had procured 5,864,007 their productivity and com- chase of rice from local farm- and Means chairman Joey by the Department of Budget bags of palay or 293,200.35 petitiveness and take our na- ers and will be distributed to Salceda said House Bill 5669, and Management to the De- metric tonnes or 50 kilos per tional and local agriculture benefi ciaries of the DSWD and which he authored, seeks to partment of Social Welfare bag. offi cials to task in implement- other agencies with rice sub- distribute P7,000 condition- and Development (DSWD). Government statistics ing our food security pro- sidy programmes. Albay second district representative Joey Salceda. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Florida lawmakers want to hide where they live

It was bound to happen. After years of eroding the public’s right to know with more than a thousand loopholes, Florida lawmakers now want to amend the public records law to make information about themselves confi dential. They want to exclude their home addresses, phone numbers and birth dates, along with where their spouses and children work. The proposal would place a similar cloak around Florida’s three cabinet members More secrecy. No wonder trust is shaken in government. Over the years, lawmakers have shielded certain identifi cation and location information for current and former judges, police, Why worry about fi refi ghters, prosecutors, public defenders, code enforcement offi cers, probation offi cers and paramedics. Most of these exemptions are understandable. But Senate Bill 832, which will be considered when the legislative session begins in January, would put state politicians behind the curtain, too. Republican Senator Kelli Stargel of Lakeland, the sponsor of this automation? ill-conceived idea, says the bill is needed because of the threats maintenance sectors. The sectoral bias markets have good retraining facilities. substitute capital for labour and keep faced in today’s highly polarised atmosphere. By Christopher Pissarides London of new technologies is a challenge that Access to fi nance also is essential in wages low, or use technology for the “With the animosity that we’re all seeing in the public,” Stargel workers take on and eventually master, facilitating the transition, enabling good of their workers with a view to told us, “I think, for safety, we don’t need to have that information but not without objections, at least start-ups in the new economy to hire longer-term profi ts. In the latter case, so readily available to the public.” rom the Luddite movement in initially. some of the displaced workers. At the worker well-being benefi ts more from Wait a minute. The addresses of citizens are on the voter rolls the early 19th century to the The jobs threatened in the early stages Luohan Academy, we investigated the new technology, not necessarily and property appraiser’s website, just two examples. Why should writings of prominent econo- of robotics and artifi cial intelligence the availability of fi nance through only through higher wages but also politicians be treated diff erently? They’re called public offi cials for a Fmists like John Maynard Keynes were routine or relied on processing the digital platforms Alibaba and Ant through better working and living reason. and Wassily Leontief generations later, data. Moving big boxes in warehouses, Financial, which use the information in conditions. Besides, state law requires the prospect of automation has always or loading agricultural produce onto their big data sets in place of collateral If the new technologies increase politicians to live in the raised serious concerns about jobs. trucks, was easily mechanised. Data- to evaluate loan applications. We found economic inequality, but do not More secrecy. districts they represent Keynes and Leontief doubted there processing jobs could be carried out that platform economy makes credit increase poverty, some societies may accessible to many more people than decide not to do anything about it. and history has shown they would be enough jobs left for workers by AI software; a search engine and a No wonder trust to do. Today, facing an onrushing wave few key words could easily replace a the traditional banks can reach. Aversion to inequality is higher in sometimes don’t. If their of digital automation, many share their paralegal who searches court records for The third question, about inequality, European countries than in the United is shaken in addresses are kept secret, how unease. relevant precedents. is more diffi cult to address. Economics States, for example, and a variety of would anyone know they’re The impact of today’s digital These properties led to the is good at providing unambiguous redistributive programs are in place government violating the law? They technologies on the labour market raises polarisation of employment, answers to questions about the to reduce it. With suffi cient support, wouldn’t. three questions. Will there be enough challenging workers to shift to jobs effi ciency of labour markets. The policies to off set rising inequality are Citizens also deserve to know where a lawmaker’s spouse works. jobs for workers to do? Where will these that were either complimentary to the question of inequality, by contrast, not diffi cult to devise. The Scandinavian Otherwise, the potential for confl icts of interest are simply too great. jobs be? And will the compensation new technologies, such as computer is partly about political choices. The countries have long relied on high taxes What if the lawmaker is trying to get a state handout for her spouse’s be high enough to avoid an increase in programming or robotics, or to jobs sectoral bias of new technologies means to fi nance extensive social support home business? More than once, a lawmaker has hidden income or poverty and inequality? that could not be programmed, that inequality typically increases when programmes. assets in a spouse’s name, including the address of a vacation home. The answer to the first question such as management consultancy or they become available. Those who Whatever society’s attitude to Transparency is good for the public’s business. Bad things is unequivocal. Historical evidence nursing care. These jobs were either succeed in taking advantage of them inequality, the outcome to be avoided shows that labour-replacing more skilled and better paid than the receive rewards above the rest of the is poverty (or near-poverty) wages. happen in the dark. And a public offi ce is a public trust. technological innovation does not lead routine jobs, or less skilled and lower- workforce. A mandatory minimum wage or tax It’s been more than four decades since Florida voters to long-term changes in employment paid, leading to the hollowing of the The key question, however, should inducement to employers to raise low overwhelmingly demanded higher standards from legislators and and unemployment rates in industrial middle of the income distribution. In not be whether some people become wages may be necessary. The point of other top elected offi cials. In 1976, at the urging of then-Governor countries. Keynes talked about more recent times, improvements in very rich, but whether the wages of technological innovation, after all, is Reubin Askew, we passed the Sunshine Amendment to the Florida “technological unemployment,” AI render non-routine jobs vulnerable lower-skill people are suffi ciently high not to give people reason to resist it. - Constitution. It requires legislators to disclose their personal and there is no doubt that in the as well. to avoid poverty. This depends partly Project Syndicate fi nances as a safeguard against confl icts of interest. While Stargel 1920s and the subsequent Great The sectoral employment transition on company policy, as competition is right about the increasing intolerance and ugliness one sees in Depression, one of the biggest causes is easier where the educational system may not work to raise wages when  Christopher Pissarides is a Nobel public life, she is wrong to try to undo this constitutional right, of unemployment in Britain was the teaches a broad range of skills, rather companies grow very large in their local laureate economist and Regius Professor based on fl imsy evidence. decline of coal and other industries in than encouraging specialisation from area. Companies in the digital era have of Economics at the London School of Florida law requires a statement of necessity to justify a new the face of competition from Germany an early age, and where fl exible labour a choice: They can use technology to Economics. public records exemption. SB 832 says legislators and Cabinet and the United States. Workers’ skills and geographic location ruled out members and families “may” be subject to “verbal threats, quickly redeploying them elsewhere harassment and intimidation” and the harm that may result from in the economy. But that transitional releasing personal information outweighs any public benefi t. episode eventually passed. Stargel said she’s been threatened, though it was several years Fear of technological unemployment ago. She didn’t say whether she’d called the police. She said other persists because it is rooted in lawmakers have been threatened, too. A spokeswoman for the uncertainty about new job creation. Florida Department of Law Enforcement said the agency sees no New machines’ capabilities enable us problem and there’s no evidence of an increase in threats, though to identify the jobs at risk, but not the more people are reporting suspicious activity. jobs yet to emerge. We have to guess by A change this sweeping demands irrefutable evidence that comparing the capabilities of workers Stargel hasn’t produced. and machines, which often tilts the balance in favour of estimates of net job True, last month a death threat was leveled against Special loss. Master Dudley Goodlette, who heard the case of suspended But we have abundant evidence of Broward Sheriff Scott Israel and recommended his reinstatement. human ingenuity in creating new jobs. While the threat was alarming, it’s not enough to justify up-ending When Keynes wrote, the service sector the people’s right to know. in Britain and the US employed about Year after year, Tallahassee chips away at the public records law. 40% of workers. Employment sectors Another pending bill would exempt the personal information of all like health and care and the broader county attorneys and assistant county attorneys. travel and hospitality industries were Florida’s famed Sunshine Law is dying a death by a thousand tiny. Today each employs more people cuts. Almost 1,200 exemptions are in place today. SB 832 should than manufacturing. As John F Kennedy not add another. - Tribune News Service put it, “[I]f men have the talent to invent new machines that put men out of work, they have the talent to put To Advertise those men back to work.” The challenge that all new [email protected] technologies pose is not that they Display create too few jobs, but rather that too few workers have the skills to fi ll 44466621 44418811 them. Just as some jobs benefi t from the new technologies, while others Classified become obsolete, so, too, some skills 44466609 44418811 become more valuable, while others are substitutable. The automobile boosted Subscription the value of engineering skills and decreased the value of horse-breeding [email protected] skills. Horse breeders had to learn new skills to maintain their incomes. A good sectoral transition for them would © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved have been to the vehicle production or The jobs threatened in the early stages of robotics and artificial intelligence were routine or relied on processing data. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 3, 2019 23 COMMENT Burst of social unrest tests emerging market risk models

Reuters the next bit of unrest could occur with 436bn euros in assets under London and trying to preempt that,” said management, was already mostly Richard House, CIO emerging market out of Bolivia and Venezuela before debt, Allianz Global Investors, which events escalated thanks to its own wave of social unrest across has 535bn euros of assets under assessment matrix, said Bryan developing countries this management.” Any whiff of unrest Carter, head of emerging market year has caught many in these markets and that has a big fixed income. Ainvestors off -guard and is impact on asset prices. “Can we imagine military challenging models designed to gauge “Some asset prices have seen sharp dictatorships coming back in Latin political risk for investors, prompting collapses. Lebanon’s bonds trade at America or going back to the 80s some to pull money out. less than half their face value, Hong and the 90s? That is completely That has led to worries that a Kong stocks have tumbled around 13% unimaginable in a country like Chile, withdrawal of billions of dollars of since April and Chile’s peso hit record no way. portfolio investment might itself lows. But in Bolivia, I don’t know if I exacerbate domestic economic ills and Popular discontent in Chile, which would say that so quickly,” he said. fuel even more anger on the street as has enjoyed consistent economic It is not clear yet if the unrest has foreign money vital for economic and growth and rising prosperity for years, sparked a broad retrenchment. jobs growth dries up. came as a particular surprise. Chile saw equity outfl ows of Anti-government demonstrations Indicators designed to fl ag such a $24.2mn in October but a partial in Hong Kong, Chile, Bolivia, Lebanon possibility were found wanting when rebound in the month to Nov 22. and elsewhere in recent months have riots erupted in October. Emerging market equity funds proved as intense and durable as they With solid investment-grade credit lost $3.2bn in October when protests were sudden and surprising. ratings, Chile was ranked 18th out of erupted in Ecuador, Bolivia and The sharp market reaction has 60 countries in BlackRock’s Sovereign Lebanon, but nearly half has since forced even seasoned money managers Risk Index, which measures factors returned. who pride themselves on an ability to like debt levels and fi nancial sector Bond funds added $3.7bn in October, navigate political risks often inherent strength. then lost $326.1bn in November. in emerging markets to rethink. “We of course went immediately The unrest has raised scrutiny of Many work with in-house or ‘what was our AI telling us about?’, countries with high levels of violence, external risk analysts to monitor and especially as this was a very solid discrimination against women, everything from changes in taxation to country where institutions are very corruption or weak rule of law, which social media to gauge the threat of civil strong,” said Sergio Trigo Paz, head have been among protesters’ concerns. strife, rebellion or even war. of emerging markets fi xed income at Demonstrators clash with riot police during a protest against the government in Santiago. “It reinforces the premise that The unrest confi rmed that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset country selection matters, nowhere traditional risk measures like a manager. this month, having previously taken Particularly since protests fl ared, similar instability. more than in EMs, where freedom sovereign’s willingness to pay its debts, Chile was an exception to the recent short positions on retailers there in Pembroke regularly reviews the “Most Middle East countries have levels vary so widely between or political stability, do not always fully pattern of unrest, which tends to expectation that consumer spending country risk analysis part of the very young populations, high income countries,” said Perth Tolle, founder capture the early signs of disorder and happen in the “fragile middle” nations might suff er due to lower prices of criteria it uses to determine investment inequality, so we’re avoiding places like of Life + Liberty Indexes, a freedom- is hastening greater interest in broader which are semi-autocracies or weak copper, its main export. decisions, he said. Jordan and Oman which have similar weighted emerging market equity indicators. democracies, said James Lockhart “One of the things we’ve learned is Investors are seeking common demographics to places like Lebanon strategy. Those might include Internet Smith, head of fi nancial sector risk at that things change rapidly and when threads between the protests, such as and Iraq,” said Allianz’s House. Tolle cited clients considering freedom, and even the gender balance Verisk Maplecroft. visibility becomes low it’s better to wealth disparity, unemployment and Allianz cut its exposure to Colombia cutting China exposure, in part in school classrooms. Pembroke Emerging Markets take smaller positions,” said Pembroke lack of political voice, to help identify before recent strikes there began. because of Beijing’s response to the “It’s really about thinking where trimmed its investments in Chile CIO Sanjiv Bhatia. countries that may be vulnerable to BNP Paribas Asset Management, Hong Kong protests.

Poor nations pay price as millions Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 290c Minimum Temperature : 210c fl ee ‘climate chaos’: Oxfam WEDNESDAY Maximum Temperature : 270c Minimum Temperature : 190c Thomson Reuters Foundation People were three times more likely asters considered extreme grew fi ve- climate negotiations in 2013 with the London to be displaced by cyclones, fl oods or fold over the last decade, researchers aim of aiding poor nations that have THURSDAY fi res than by confl icts, it found. said. produced few of the emissions that Maximum Temperature : 260c Some countries, like war-torn So- The study did not look comprehen- drive climate change but are suff ering Minimum Temperature : 190c malia, were battered by both droughts sively at how many people were up- its strongest eff ects. iercer weather and worsen- Fisherman's forecast ing wildfi res drove more and fl oods, sometimes in the same rooted by “slow onset” disasters like So far, however, the mechanism has than 20mn people from their year. droughts where it is harder to judge produced little concrete help or new homes over the last decade — That “confl uence of disasters” the beginning and end, Gore said. money for those countries, beyond WARNING F Inshore : Nil a problem set to worsen unless leaders leaves many poor nations — where Including drought-linked displace- backing the use of insurance policies Offshore : Nil act swiftly to head off surging climate most of the displacement is occur- ment would make the numbers “much to limit losses, critics say. threats, anti-poverty charity Oxfam ring — struggling to recover from one higher”, he added. Gore said insurance alone could not WEATHER Inshore : Misty at some places said yesterday. crisis before the next hits, Gore said. It also did not estimate how much address the whole problem. “Loss and at fisrt becomes moder- Much of the displacement caused Some have run aid appeals for both of the displacement became perma- damage is the next key battleground ate temperature by cyclones, fl oods and fi res appeared drought and fl ood relief simultane- nent — “a really unknown quantity”, of the climate talks,” he added. daytime with scattered clouds temporary and in some cases due to ously, he said. Gore said. Recent analysis by the Stockholm Offshore : Fine to some clouds better eff orts to evacuate people ahead “This is extraordinary,” he said. In 2018, Oxfam made a rough Environment Institute, endorsed by at times of danger, Oxfam researchers said. “This is climate chaos — what it actu- estimate of the number displaced by nearly 100 civil society groups, esti- WIND But its “sheer scale” was a surprise, ally looks like.” extreme weather disasters during the mated new fi nance of at least $50bn Inshore : Northwesterly-North said Tim Gore, Oxfam’s climate policy Seven of the top 10 countries with year who were still out of their homes a year would be needed by 2022 to easterly 05-15 KT leader, with island nations like Cuba, the highest displacement by propor- by the end of it, and came up with deal with loss and damage, rising to Offshore : Southeasterly-South- Dominica and Tuvalu seeing on aver- tion of their population were develop- about 10-20%. $300bn by 2030. westerly 3-10/15 KT age close to 5% of their people out of ing island states, largely in the Pacifi c As more people leave their homes Gore said no amount of help would Visibility : 4-8/3 KM their homes in any given year. and the Caribbean, the report found. as a result of weather disasters, costs enable everyone to stay in their homes Offshore : 1-3/4 FT “This is the warming world we have But around 80% of all people forced — and threats to social stability — are as climate change impacts strengthen, rising quickly for the countries trying and preparing now would help protect long been warning about. Now we’re from their homes by weather disasters Around the region seeing it play out before our eyes,” he over the last decade were in Asia, to manage that displacement, often those on the move. Weather told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. where large populations in countries with few resources, the report said. “Are we going to manage this, or Weather tomorrow Max/min The Oxfam study, released as two from the Philippines to Sri Lanka live At the UN climate talks in Madrid, see the people least responsible for today Max/min M Sunny 19/08 weeks of UN climate negotiations in areas threatened by cyclones or environmental and development the crisis forced from their homes in Baghdad M Cloudy 19/10 Sunny 22/12 start in Madrid, examined the num- fl ooding, it said. groups are pushing to establish a fund a chaotic way that tramples on their Sunny 23/13 Sunny 27/14 bers of people displaced inside their In May, Cyclone Fani alone led to to bail out countries on the front- rights?” he asked. Manama P Cloudy 27/20 P Cloudy 27/19 home countries by climate-fuelled the displacement of 3.5mn people in line of “loss and damage” as a hotter “The costs are going to continue Muscat Sunny 28/19 P Cloudy 13/04 disasters between 2008 and 2018, Bangladesh and India, most of them planet brings wilder weather and to spiral. The sooner we get down to Tehran Rain 10/06 based on government and interna- evacuated in advance of the storm in rising seas. serious negotiations about how to tional agency data, as well as media order to hold down casualties. A Warsaw International Mechanism manage it in a serious, responsible reports. Overall, the number of weather dis- for Loss and Damage was created at way, the better,” he said.

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Is it sore throat or strep throat? Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Tribune News Service happen in the back of the throat.” Athens Sunny 19/11 S Showers 14/09 Washington, DC Telltale signs include tiny red Beirut Sunny 21/16 S Showers 21/17 spots on at the back of the roof Bangkok P Cloudy 29/19 Sunny 28/18 of the mouth, or red and swollen Berlin M Cloudy 04/03 P Cloudy 05/-2 sore throat is a common tonsils - sometimes with white Cairo Sunny 23/12 Sunny 23/13 symptom of an upper patches. Cape Town Cloudy 17/13 Cloudy 23/16 respiratory infection such “Typically, if it’s strep throat, you’re Colombo S T Storms 28/24 S T Storms 29/24 Aas a cold or fl u. It’s also a only going to have symptoms related Dhaka P Cloudy 29/17 Sunny 28/17 symptom of a bacterial infection com- to the back of the throat: fever, maybe Hong Kong Cloudy 19/11 Sunny 18/12 monly referred to as strep throat. How a headache and then the sore throat,” Istanbul M Sunny 13/08 Rain 13/06 can you tell if your child’s sore throat says Ardon. Jakarta S T Storms 33/26 S T Storms 33/26 is caused by a viral or bacterial infec- Your healthcare provider can per- Karachi Sunny 28/17 M Sunny 28/18 tion? Mayo Clinic family medicine form lab tests to confi rm if it’s strep London Sunny 07/-1 P Cloudy 06/02 specialist Dr Tina Ardon helps make throat and off er antibiotics to treat the Manila Cloudy 31/25 Heavy Rain 26/26 the distinction. bacterial infection. Moscow M Cloudy -2/-3 S Showers -1/-5 Your child complains of an itchy “If a child has other symptoms, such New Delhi Sunny 23/10 Sunny 23/09 sore throat that hurts when he or as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, New York Rain&Snow 07/01 P Cloudy 05/01 she swallows. Most often, it’s a it’s highly unlikely we’re dealing with Paris M Sunny 08/02 P Cloudy 06/-1 viral infection that will go away on Telltale signs of strep throat include tiny red spots on at the back of the roof of strep throat.” Sao Paulo Cloudy 21/14 P Cloudy 25/17 its own. You can treat the symp- the mouth, or red and swollen tonsils - sometimes with white patches. Plenty of rest and warm, sooth- Seoul M Sunny 04/-6 P Cloudy 05/-3 toms, but there is no cure for a cold ing liquids will help. And make sure Singapore T Storm 30/25 T Storm 29/25 or flu virus. If your child complains of throat pain “Strep throat or strep pharyngi- your child has been immunised with Sydney Cloudy 22/12 Sunny 25/16 “Antibiotics simply won’t work for a without coughing, it may be a sign of a tis, the medical term for that, is a a flu vaccine. - Mayo Clinic News Tokyo Rain 18/08 Clear 16/09 viral infection,” says Ardon. diff erent upper respiratory illness. specific bacterial infection that can Network Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, December 3, 2019 QATAR

HE the Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani at the opening of Arab Family Forum on Marriage: Research and Policy Perspectives organised by Doha International The panel session in progress. Family Institute. Difi hosts Arab Family Forum on Marriage

QNA of Marriage in the Arab World’ shortcomings in knowing the (60%) and Syrian refugee wom- fecting the institution of mar- Family and Childhood Depart- crease to 100mn in the region in Doha report, with the participation current and future trends of mar- en (24%) and its impact on the riage. HE Dr Haifa pointed out ment of the League of Arab 2030. of a range of policymakers, re- riage, the factors that have shaped increase of problems and family that the institution of marriage States prepared the ‘Platform HE Dr Haifa added that the searchers, experts, service pro- it and its formation, and the ob- disintegration. suff ers from serious crises, sta- for Action for the Family in the biggest challenge facing the Arab he Arab Family Forum on viders, representatives of civil stacles and challenges facing it She pointed out that the re- tistics confi rm that the cases of Arab Region in the context of family in a number of countries Marriage: Research and society and regional organisa- throughout the Arab world. port also touched on the high separation and divorce exceeded the implementation of the 2030 is the negative eff ects that have TPolicy Perspectives, or- tions. Al-Emadi stressed the im- rate of divorce and its relation- the limits of the norm. Sustainable Development Goals’, been refl ected on them by the ganised by Doha International In this context, Executive Di- portance of the subject of the ship to the work of women and HE Abu Ghazaleh pointed out which identifi ed the challenges recent confl icts and wars that Family Institute (Difi ), a member rector of the Doha International report, on marriage and the the late age of marriage and do- that public policies often ignore and constraints facing Mem- have accompanied the waves of of the Qatar Foundation for Ed- Family Institute Sharifa Noaman challenges facing it, pointing mestic violence and the impact the role of the family in eco- ber States in implementing the displacement and asylum that ucation, Science and Communi- al-Emadi, confi rmed that this out that the patterns of mar- on children and family stability. nomic and social development, Sustainable Development Goals have aff ected the family compo- ty Development, kicked off yes- report, which lasted more than riage were in the past simple For her part, HE the Head although it is the fi rst and most from a family perspective. nents and imposed new burdens terday in the presence of HE the two years is the fi rst of its kind and few, but after the confl icts of Social Aff airs sector at the important social institution. HE Dr Haifa stressed that the on them, especially on women Vice Chairperson and CEO of in the Arab world in terms of its in the region emerged diff erent League of Arab States ambas- HE Dr Haifa stressed the need problems related to marriage are and stressed the need to review Qatar Foundation (QF) Sheikha comprehensiveness, where it models and many types of tra- sador Dr Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, for the family to be the centre one of the most important chal- the conditions of marriage and Hind bint Hamad al-Thani. addressed the state of marriage ditional types of marriages. She expressed her gratitude to Doha of the economic and social de- lenges facing the Arab countries the development of school and The two-day forum at Qatar in the Arab world in the 22 Arab pointed out that one of the most International Family Institute velopment programme because today and in the future due to information programmes on the National Convention Center countries. important points noted in the for the great eff ort in prepar- achieving any progress in the the Arab societies’ recognition institution of marriage and its (QNCC) aims to provide an in- This report also represents an report is the return to “marriage ing this report and organising well-being of the family refl ects of the high percentage of youth, objectives and to review the so- teractive platform to discuss the important addition to the Arab of minors”, which increased in this forum, which discusses the positively on the welfare of soci- estimated at 80mn in 2015, and cial methods that suff ocate this fi ndings of the Institute’s ‘State Library in covering the various the confl ict areas such as Yemen changes and developments af- ety and added that the Women, this number is expected to in- holy institution day after day. Gulf Times–NU-Q sports journalism masterclass begins

By Joey Aguilar clude Craig LaMay, a professor the best medium, and at the Staff Reporter and a faculty associate at North- same time to read widely and to western’s Institute for Policy inform ourselves,” Dennis said. Research, former editorial direc- “Faisal and his colleagues have four-day masterclass on tor of the Freedom Forum Media to produce a lot of materials very sports journalism, un- Studies Centre and editor of Me- fast every day and get it moving. A der the patronage of Gulf dia Studies Journal, and a former We are very impressed with the Times in co-operation with newspaper reporter; Dr Eddy work of the Gulf Times,” Dennis Northwestern University in Qa- Borges-Rey, associate professor- pointed out. tar (NU-Q), kicked off yesterday in-residence at NU-Q whose Speaking to Gulf Times, Dr at the NU-Q campus in Educa- area of academic expertise is Jairo Lugo-Ocando, professor in tion City, welcoming dozens of digital journalism and emerging residence and director of Execu- participants from Qatar’s diverse media; and Dr Marcela Pizzaro, tive and Graduate Education at community. assistant professor-in-residence NU-Q, described the initiative The opening was attended by at NU-Q, and an award-winning as a historical and one-of-its- Gulf Times editor-in-chief Fais- journalist who worked as a pro- kind event taking place for the Gulf Times editor-in-chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka speaking at the opening of the masterclass on sports journalism at NU-Q yesterday. al Abdulhameed al-Mudahka, ducer and reporter at Al Jazeera fi rst time in the Middle East. He NU-Q dean and CEO Everette E English, both on the ground in said the masterclass links civic Dennis, and resource speakers Latin America, Washington, DC, engagement with sports news, and NU-Q instructors for the and Doha. bringing together journalists and course. The fi rst topic, titled ‘Sports common people under one roof Speaking at the event, al- Journalism and UGC (User- aimed at contributing to Qatar’s Mudahka told participants that Generated Content): Ethics and National Vision 2030. the joint initiative, dubbed as Liability Issues’, was delivered “We have put together with ‘Friends of Qatar’, will serve as by Prof LaMay. Speaking at the Gulf Times in a great partnership a platform for people who have event, Dennis said: “We are very the fi rst course of user-generat- a passion for sports reporting interested in the investment in ed content, in other words how to enhance and further develop the improvement of media all the readers, the audiences of the their skills. over the world, with our stu- Gulf Times can produce content “The newspaper has a new dents in the country and else- of quality that can contribute to website and a platform which we where, and that is what we do.” the reach of the newspaper to- call Gulf Times Community, but Such endeavour, he said, is wards the wider community,” Dr communities without real peo- about civic engagement and un- Ocando said. “The idea is to train ple will not work,” he stressed, derstanding more about journal- and educate the general public adding that the idea starts with ism, noting that the world today on how they can contribute to this pilot course, in partnership is driven so much by news and Qatar.” with NU-Q, aimed at educating information. “This was the idea of Faisal and training people in a profes- “The more you can understand and we discussed his vision what sional way. He expressed opti- about the process by which this we can do to develop this. Gulf mism that ‘Friends of Qatar’ ini- happens, the better off you are. Times had a very clear idea of Prof Craig LaMay delivers the first topic, titled ‘Sports Journalism and UGC (User-Generated Content): Ethics and Liability Issues’, yesterday at tiative will expand further, with We live in a world where there is what they wanted to achieve and the event. plans to hold a series of courses fake news, unreliable sources, we we put our ideas together, and in the future for both Qataris and need to be more attuned to what one has to educate and train peo- army of volunteers” who can transmitting what they see as organising one of the most im- engaging Qatar with the fulfi l- residents. the reliable sources are and how ple,” he added. help Qatar ensure accuracy in the they see it. portant sports (events) in the ment of a modern, self-sustain- Resource speakers and in- the information is gathered and The NU-Q professor also way the news is covered, “that “They can see the excellent world, but in the long term, also able society, that is based on structors for the masterclass in- verifi ed so that we can trust upon highlighted the need for “an there are people witnessing and work Qatar is doing in terms of engaging people with their news, knowledge,” he said. Afi f brace in victory as Qatar storm into semis From Page 1 two minutes later. After UAE de- his side in the game at half-time. a glimmer of hope when the for- header in the last minute of the fender Mohamed Marzooq took Afif continued to be a threat in the Afi f continued to be a threat ward headed the ball in from a contest. The UAE defence looked shaky forever to clear the ball, Almoez second half but was unlucky not to get in the second half but was un- corner in 77th minute. It was As the fi nal whistle was blown from the beginning as Mohamed intercepted the ball which landed lucky not to get his third goal af- 29-year-old’s fi fth goal of the by Ryuji, the home crowd erupted Barqesh failed to read a long ball into Afi f’s feet and the midfi elder his third goal after his shot hit the top ter his shot hit the top bar in the tournament, making him the top- in joy even as the Qatar players from Khoukhi. Abdulkarim Has- steered the ball into the bottom bar in the 48th minute 48th minute. Al-Haydos though scorer of the competition. lined up to show gratitude to the san, Qatar’s hat-trick hero against right-hand corner. got Qatar’s third fi ve minutes With Qatar coach Sanchez fans for their support. Yemen on Friday, raced into the UAE were under the pump Ryuji had failed to spot. But after a game after Qatar goalkeeper Saad later. The Qatari captain started ringing in changes by substituting “Congratulations to all of Qa- box only to see his shot hit the thereafter as the hosts raided the lengthy VAR review, the Japanese al-Sheeb conceded a penalty as he the move from the midfi eld and Afi f and al-Haydos, UAE sensed tar, the fans and the players,” a de- side net. goal repeatedly and it was another referee handed the penalty to Qa- brought down a charging Bandar passed the ball to Almoez, who an opportunity. But on the night, lighted Sanchez said. “We played had a chance to put error from Barqesh that saw Qatar tar, with Afi f sending al-Shamsi Mohamed in the box in the 33rd lost the ball in a melee with UAE Qatar players remained composed a good match in both the halves Qatar ahead in the 20th minute double their advantage in the 28th the wrong way to put his team in minute. Mabkhout, the UAE’s all- defenders, but al-Haydos was on and thwarted UAE’s attack. and created many chances while but swiped his shot wide. The minute. Barqesh had handled the command. time top scorer, put the ball in the hand to slam the ball into the net. To make the victory much converting some of them. We de- striker, however, made amends ball in the box, which referee Sato UAE were let back into the left-hand-side of the net, to keep Mabkhout, however, gave UAE sweeter, Khoukhi scored off a served the victory,” he added.