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Wednesday 19 April 2017 | 22 Rajab 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7136 | 2 Riyals

PM launches Ras Emir issues law on Abu Fontas A3 Desalination Station Sachin Kumar subsidised items The Peninsula IN A MAJOR milestone for Qatar’s The Peninsula is prohibited for the beneficiar- water security, Prime Minister and Jail and hefty fine for ies of subsidised commodities Interior Minister H E Sheikh mir H H Sheikh dealing in subsidised to resell the products after buy- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Tamim bin Hamad ing from authorized distribution Al Thani launched the expansion commodities without Al Thani yesterday centers, showcase for sale, or of Ras Abu Fontas (RAF) A3 Water issued Law No. 5 of a licence. deal in any other way that vio- Desalination Station yesterday. 2017 which regu- lates the provisions of this law. The project, with a total cost of Elates dealing in subsidised subsidised commodities as Article 12 has banned export about QR1.75bn, has the capacity commodities. The law stipu- food and fodder subsidised of subsidised commodities out of generating 36 million gallons lates jail and hefty fine for by the state. Dealing in sub- of country for any reason. It is of potable water per day. dealing in subsidised commod- sidised commodities means also prohibited to import any Increase of this additional pro- ities without a licence from the selling, storing, filling, pack- subsidised commodity without duction capacity will help RAF to authorities concerned as per aging, transferring or taking permission from the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin cover around 60 percent of the Article 3 of the law. distributing these items. authority concerned. Khalifa Al Thani launching the expansion of Ras Abu Fontas A3 Water country water requirement. The law defines According to Article 11, it → Continued on page 2 Desalination Station in Al Wakrah, yesterday. → Continued on page 2

Minister opens President of Uganda arrives SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT | WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 Vehicles older than 15 years Driving to Innovation PRESIDENT of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri he 7th edition of the Qatar Motor Show innovation and technol- West Bay at thee DEDECCECCC aatt 5p5pmpm dadaily.ailily.y SSoSocialciialal mmediaede ia Qatar Motor Show is here and offers automotive enthu- ogy, while reinforcing competitions willwiill be rrunningununnining tthroughouthrh ouughhouo t thtthee siasts and visitors exclusive regional Qatar’s position as a pre- show, giving visitorsisisiitorrs thethhe chancechc aancec toto winwwin mem-mem m-m and local reveals from 20 global mium business events orable prizes includingncludu inng gadgets,gag dggets,s brandedbbrannded d brands organisers. destination,” said Ahmed merchandisingini g andanand THeld under the patronage of Prime Minis- Al Obaidli, Director of weekend test ddrives.rir vev ss. ter and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Exhibitions at Qatar Tour- Visitors are encour-courr- bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the event ism Authority. aged to registeristerer opened its doors on April 18 and will end on Interactive fan zones online on http://tp:/// Museveni arrived in Doha yesterday on an official April 22 at the Doha Exhibition and Conven- will be packed with per- www.qatarmotor-oto oro - tion Center (DECC). True to its theme of formances and activities show.gov.qa/ aandndnd toto “Driving to Innovation", Qatar Motor Show including the inaugural followo o thet e show’ssow’w s sossocialcic ala 2017 aims to take visitors on a thrill-filled XRebels extreme sports performance by Xtork mediamedia channelschanneelsl oonn TwTTwitteritter ride to discover the latest hybrid and tech- at the ‘Xtreme Sports Park’, which will be open andannd instagraminstagram onn @Qatarmo-@Qatarmo- advanced vehicles that are paving the way to the public at DECC. Skateboarding, BMX Best torshowtorsshhow andannd on facebook to the future of the automotive industry. Runs and Longboard Sprint Race competitions on facebook/qatarmo-faaceboookk/qatarmo- The show will unveil limited edition will be running from April 19 until the end of torshowtoorshoh w forfoor thethhe latest UNDER the auspices of visit. Minister of Municipality and Environment H cars and some of the rarest classic cars the event. Visitors can register online in advance updatesuppdates andannd more in the world. Spread over the 12,000 for these activities to eliminate waiting time. ininformation.formata ioon. require tests every 6 months sqm hall, exhibitors will include: Additionally, the park will host fun games such Dodge, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln, Hyundai, as parkour, MTB and Aggressive Inline Skate. Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, Chevrolet, To attract visitors from the region, Qatar Genesis, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maser- Motor Show 2017 offers special promotions in ati, Mini, BMW, Mercedes- Benz, collaboration with hotel, airline, and transpor- Mitsubishi, BAIC and Harley Dav- tation partners. Qatar Airways, the Official Prime Minister and Interior E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi and Ugan- idson. The Classic Car exhibition Airline, will offer visitors comingg to sseeeee tthehhe sshowhow will showcase a line up of 20 discounted fares which canan bbee acaaccessedcesss edd byby vis-vis- classical cars provided by iting the Qatar Airways website.websb ite.e DiscountedDiscoounnted Sheikh Faisal Museum, Al bookings will also be availableilable att Shangri-La,Shangn rii-La, Fardan Group and QMS’ Official Hotel. In addition,diitionn, Careem,Cara eem,m the Mawater. Official Transportation Partner,rttner, willwilll bee offer-offer- “QatarQattaar MotorMottoor Show’sShow s ing visitors 20% ooff rides to anandd frfromomo tthehee event long-termlong-teerm vivisionssiono iiss to duringduring ttheheh ffiveivve dadays of the show.howw. Sidi Mohamed becomebeb coc me a platformplaatforo m “We“We areare delighteddeeligh to welcomecome QatarQata ar Air- Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- based on a letter sent by the Traffic da's Ambassador Yahya Rashid Ssemuddu received andannd a hubhub forfof r waysways backbaca k andannd tot join handsndds withwiw th new industryindud stryy partnersparttnen rsr suchsucu h ass thet Shangri-LaLa HotelHotel and Careem,”CaC rer emm,” saidsaiid Ahmed Al Mulla,Muulla, ChiefChief OperatingOpO ere ata ing Officer of Entertain-Enntertain- memmentnt aatt Elan Group. DohaDoD will also experi-experi- enceence a parade of uniquenique andand exciting carss in lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al The Peninsula Department. The circular says that vehi- the President and his delegation at the Hamad Inter- Thani, the Minister of Trans- cles which are older than 15 years must national Airport. → See also page 3 CHAIRMAN EDEDITOR-IN-CHIEFITOR IN CH Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR ADVERTISING MANAGER ADVERTISING COORDINATOR DESIGN PRODUCTION Mohammed Salim Mohamed Ali Wahba Muhammad Shammas Abraham Augusthy Viswanath Sarma port and Communications H he Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has pass technical inspection every 6 E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti issued a circular to insurance months for five years. After this period, New Corona Virus case opened the Qatar Motor Tcompanies asking them to com- the inspection will be every four months Show 2017 in the presence ply with a rule announced by the for the next five years, and then every A 25-YEAR OLD expatriate has tested positive for of the Minister of Municipal- General Directorate of Traffic at the three months for the coming five years. MERS-CoV — Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Included with ity and Environment H E Ministry of Interior recently, making it This means that a 2001 model car, for Corona Virus — in the second confirmed case of today’s edition Mohammed bin Abdullah Al mandatory for vehicles older than 15 instance, must undergo repeat techni- the virus this year. The patient has fever, cough, Rumaihi and a number of years to have technical inspection every cal inspection every six months, while cold and body pain for few days and was initially is a 12-page special officials and businessmen at six months. a 1996 model vehicle must go for treated at a primary healthcare centre and later Doha Exhibition and Con- The Peninsula got a copy of the cir- inspection every four months. transferred to the Hamad General Hospital, the Min- supplement vention Center. cular which says that the instruction is → Continued on page 2 istry of Public Health (MOPH) said yesterday. → See also page 4 & 7 → Continued on page 5 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 Emir issues law allowing Gulf firms to open branches

The Peninsula The law stipulated that the In order to open branches in yesterday issued an instrument agreement on waiving visa Amendments citizen concerned must be Qatar, the Gulf companies must of ratification endorsing a draft requirements for holders of dip- mir H H Sheikh Tamim The law allowing GCC directly responsible for the activ- have commercial registration in memorandum of understanding lomatic, special and official bin Hamad Al Thani citizens to practise ity for which he/she has got one of the GCC States for at least (MoU) on cooperation in the field passports between the govern- yesterday issued Law commercial activities licence, even if it is one or more three years, and the activities of protecting endangered wild- ments of the State of Qatar and the No. 7 of 2017 on allow- includes branches, unless there are rea- must be among those allowed for life and the conservation of its Republic of Colombia, which was ing Gulf companies in amendments to sons preventing to do so. For the GCC citizens to practise in the natural habitat between the gov- signed in Bogota on July 27, 2016. EGCC states to open branches in legal personalities, the law said country. The company must be ernments of the State of Qatar Emir also issued an instru- four articles. the country. that the company must be fully fully owned by GCC citizens and and the Republic of Azerbaijan, ment of ratification endorsing a The Emir also issued Law No. owned by the GCC citizen. the manager of the company also which was signed in Doha on draft agreement on air services 6 of 2017, amending some pro- To open branches, For retail business, the needs to be a GCC citizen with February 27, 2017. between the governments of the visions of Law No. 7 of 1987 on the companies must licensed GCC citizens must do exceptions approved by the Emir also issued an instru- State of Qatar and the Republic the rules of practising commer- have commercial direct sale to customers through department concerned at the ment of ratification endorsing an of Montenegro, which was signed cial activity by GCC citizens in registration in the shop and those practising whole- Ministry of Economy and MoU on cooperation in the field in Doha on Jan. 29, 2017. Qatar. The laws are effective and GCC for three years. sale trading are required to Commerce. of financial policy and budget Emir issued an instrument of are to be published in the official import and export the goods. In case the branch of the affairs between the State of ratification endorsing the ratifica- gazette. The law allowing GCC The Law No 7 on allowing company failed to respect the Qatar's Ministry of Finance and tion of an MoU on cooperation in citizens to practise commercial and decisions applicable to prac- Gulf companies in GCC to open above conditions, the Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan's Min- the field of standardization between activities includes amendments tising economic activities, GCC branches in the country states Economy and Commerce has the istry of Finance, which was Qatar General Organization for to four articles. citizens as individuals or legal that these branches will be right to cancel the commercial signed in Baku on March 8, 2016. Standardization (QS) and Turkish Article 2 of the amended law personalities are allowed to treated equally like Qatari com- registration of the company. Additionally, the Emir issued Standards Institution (TSE) in the states that without violating practise retail and wholesale panies in accordance with the Meawhile, Emir H H Sheikh an instrument of ratification Republic of Turkey, which was advantages stipulated in laws trade in the country. rules and regulations. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani endorsing the ratification of an signed in Trabzon in 2016. Project marks leap in quality of water production

→ Continued from page 1 Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman of Qatar Electric- ity and Water Company (QEWC) H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada said the project represents a leap in the quality of water pro- duction using Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology, which is distin- guished by its low cost and complete independence from the electricity generation process. The Minister added that RO Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman of Qatar Electricity is environmentally friendly since and Water Company (QEWC) H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada with other officials at the ceremony. it has no heat effect on sea water as oppose to the tradition proc- ess of water production, thermal functional mid of this year, the standards of safety and security, Qatar National Vision 2030, the station in the given time and involvement of the private sec- distillers, the Minister added. water production using RO tech- where the more than 2,000 governments always works within the expected budget con- tor; through establishing This is the first project in nology will reach 100 million labours and employees covered towards securing the necessities firms QEWC’s role in contributing electricity generation and water Qatar where Reverse Osmosis gallons of desalinated water per nearly 8 million hours of work of sustainable development in in achieving water security in the desalination projects to provide technology is being used for day, making Qatar the highest with no accidents, the Minister line with the rapid growth wit- country. the needs of economic develop- water desalination on this large water producer in the region added. Following the directives nessed in the country, the He added that the ministry ments and infrastructure in the scale. using this technology. of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Minister added. works on supporting and devel- country, and to keep up with the Dr Al Sada added that when The project also paid atten- Hamad Al Thani, and in corre- Dr Al Sada said the opening oping the water and electricity growing demand of water and Umm Al Houl station becomes tion to using the highest global spondence with the goals of and operation of the RAF A3 sectors by encouraging the electricity. Umm Al Houl project to Scientific Conference concludes The Peninsula boost energy production he second International Scientific Conference on TSocial Responsibility con- Sachin Kumar in Al Wakra. water, in addition to an interna- cluded yesterday at Qatar The Peninsula Umm Al Houl power project, tional third party that is assigned National Convention Centre. which is one among the biggest for this task. The water is The conference was organ- atar’s electricity pro- projects in the region, represents pumped for use after approvals ised by Al Faisal without Borders duction will get a big almost 25 percent of the total from all three entities. Foundation and Faisal Center boost with the open- power and water requirement Kahramaa President Essa for Community Responsibility ing Umm Al Houl of Qatar. bin Hilal Al Kuwari said Kah- under the theme “Security a Qpower project. The Fahad bin Hamad Al Mohan- ramaa has made a plan to Social Responsibility”. project is expected to start pro- nadi, Managing Director and expand electricity and water The Ministry of Interior par- A stall at the conference. duction during the second General Manager of QEWC said power generation networks, ticipated in the three-day quarter of next year, said Min- the current RAF A3 expansion where the new station Facility conference in order to raise state. More than 45 researchers of the conference showcased a ister of Energy and Industry and is the last in the 40-year old sta- A will be launched this year. community awareness about the from 18 Arab, Gulf and European number of awareness booklets, Chairman of Qatar Electricity tion, and in the future the Facility A is currently in the importance of the security sense countries participated in the police magazines, and many and Water Company (QEWC) stations will be stopped or a phase of preparing tender doc- as a collective responsibility conference. The exhibition other booklets to raise aware- H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al study on the possibility of build- uments, and QEWC is a main between individuals and the which was held on the sidelines ness among drivers. Sada yesterday. ing new stations, whether in the partner in the station, he added. Dr Sada said energy produc- field of electricity or water Al Kuwari said that con- tion in Qatar will increase from desalination. struction documents for an 8,600 megawatts (MW) to more Al Mohannadi added that electricity generating station Inspectors to conduct routine checks than 11,000 MW in one year, and any water produced undergoes and other accompanying private more than 530 million gallons at least a 15-day testing period projects are currently being pre- → Continued from page 1 of desalinated water daily, once and three levels of quality con- pared, where the QEWC is also investigation. with other products to change the full production of Umm Al trol. Qatar General Electricity & a main partner. Article 16 stipulates punish- Employees armed with judi- their composition with the Houl station is counted during Water Corporation (Kahramaa) The Kahramaa president said ment – jail for maximum one cial powers are allowed to intent of trading in them. the second quarter of 2018. owns a complete and interna- there are plans to expand the year or fine worth QR 500,000 confiscate the suspected prod- It is not allowed to refuse to He was speaking during the tionally approved device for water and electricity network in or both, for violating any provi- ucts that come under violations sell the commodities or to sell launch ceremony of the expan- testing drinking water as well the country, adding that any new sion of Articles 3, 9, 10, 11 and 12 specified in Article 3, 9, 10, 11 them in quantities that exceeds sion of Ras Abu Fontas (RAF) A3 as the Ministry of Health has an plants are followed by energy and of the law. and 12 or shift them to the stores the specified limits. Water Desalination Station held independent device for testing water distribution grids. In case of repetition of the of the authorities concerned till Hiding the commodities or violation mentioned in the completion of the probe and the shutting the store for the pur- above articles, the punishment case will be referred to the Pub- pose of not selling them or will be tougher. lic Prosecution within a week at promoting certain commodities Not many old vehicles on the roads Article 20 stipulates that the maximum. are also banned. employees of the Ministry of Article 9 prohibited certain The dealers are not permit- Economy and Commerce armed activities for those holding ted to associate their sale to that → Continued from page 1 the source. A source at a lead- (as mentioned in the circular)," with judicial powers will catch licences for dealing in subsidised of another commodity, suspend When contacted by The ing insurance company he said. and probe the crimes that come commodities. They are banned their sale in a way that violates Peninsula yesterday, a source at confirmed that the company He, however, said that there under the provisions related to from selling such commodities the provisions of the law or sell the Traffic Department refused received the QCB circular last are not many old vehicles fall- violation of this law, based on in quantities weighing less than /store them outside the licensed to give details about the circular month. ing in this category. “Only two the decision of the Attorney that specified by the relevant place. but said that some "good" amend- “Yes, we have received the or three such cases have come General with approval of the department. It is not allowed to The law bans selling the ments in the decision would be circular from Qatar Central to us until now because the Minister. Inspectors are allowed replace them with commodities commodities to non-benefici- announced shortly. Bank and some vehicle owners number of vehicles on the road to enter in commercial outlets, of lower quality to make profit ary segments unless licensed to "People will be happy have come to us to renew their that are older than 15 years is stores and all non-residential from the difference in prices. do that as well as exporting about the new changes," said insurance for six months period not high," he added. places any time for The law bans mixing them them abroad. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 HOME 03

Qatar Airways bags honour Foreign Minister meets President of Uganda for baggage management

The Peninsula Cargo and Security for IATA, said: First in the world “Qatar Airways’ efforts over the atar Airways has past year to comply with IATA become the first airline QA is first in the Resolution 753 on Baggage Track- in the world to achieve world to achieve ing have paid off. We congratulate compliance with the compliance with the the airline on becoming the first QInternational Air IATA Resolution 753 in the world to achieve full com- Transport Association (IATA) Res- at its hub in Hamad pliance of the resolution at their olution 753 at its hub in Hamad International Airport. hub in Doha. Qatar Airways’ abil- International Airport (HIA). ity to track baggage at every stage The resolution requires the Airline offers real of its journey will allow the air- airline to track every piece of time updates on line full visibility to manage its baggage from the start of the checked baggage baggage operations and to more journey all the way through to through the “Track easily trace, retrieve and deliver its finish. The certification has My Bags” feature. missing or delayed bags, leading been achieved thanks to the air- to a better experience for line’s Baggage Management passengers.” System (“HAQIBA”) developed passengers’ baggage, from the Resolution 753 was devel- in-house, as well as its seamless beginning of their journey all the oped to reduce mishandling and real time integration with the way through to its finish, is yet baggage fraud, increase passen- Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with President of the Qatar Airways website and another indication of the impor- ger satisfaction and enhance the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni in Doha yesterday. Earlier, Minister of Municipality mobile app. tance we place on customer overall baggage management and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi and Uganda's Ambassador to Qatar Airways offers real experience. We have proactively landscape at airports around the Qatar Yahya Rashid Ssemuddu received the Ugandan President and his accompanying time updates on checked bag- taken steps to align our baggage world. The resolution was issued delegation at Hamad International Airport. gage through the “Track My management systems with in 2016 and made mandatory Bags” feature on its website and IATA’s requirements. As a result, for all IATA airlines, who have mobile app, providing passen- we are delighted that the asso- until June 1, 2018 to comply. gers with hassle-free baggage ciation has declared Qatar The certificate was pre- experience. The mobile app pro- Airways the first airline world- sented to Qatar Airways’ Doha vides real time notification to wide to become certified for hub HIA; once all its stations in Qatar participates in Arab League passengers with relevant end-to-end tracking for our hub the network are compliant with updates on the bag, as well as at HIA.” the resolution, IATA will award the ability to retrieve the details Nick Careen, Senior Vice the airline a platinum meeting on nuclear weapons on need basis using “My Trips”. President, Airport, Passenger, certificate. The information includes various stages of the baggage Cairo permanent representative to the on non-proliferation of nuclear handling process such as check- QNA international organisations in weapons. in, transfer, arrival, as well as Vienna. The delegation also The meeting will also dis- reference to bag tags and bag- he 41st meeting of the includes Yousef bin Sultan cuss the preparations for the gage belt. This information committee of senior Arab Yousef Laram, the acting direc- conference of the parties to the guides passengers during the Tofficials in charge of the tor of the Foreign Ministry's Treaty on the Non-Proliferation journey and provides insight issues of nuclear weapons and Department of International of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), due into any instance of delayed or other weapons of mass destruc- Organizations. to be held in Vienna in May, as lost baggage. The HAQIBA sys- tion kicked off yesterday at the The three-day meeting will well as preparations for the tem enables Qatar Airways’ staff Arab League headquarters in discuss the implementation of International Atomic Energy to proactively manage the Cairo. the recommendations of the Agency (IAEA) conference, delayed bags to provide an opti- The State of Qatar is taking 40th meeting of the committee scheduled for September and mized handling process. part in the meeting with a del- and examine the recommenda- the evaluation of the UN nego- Qatar Airways Group Chief egation headed by Sheikh Ali bin tions contained in the report of tiating conference on a binding Executive Akbar Al Baker, said: Jassim Al-Thani, Qatar's ambas- the secretary general on the out- instrument to ban nuclear Airline tracks every piece of baggage from start to finish. “Our careful attention to our sador to Austria and the comes of the panel of the wise weapons. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 110 cars on display at Qatar Motor Show Exciting event Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Minister of Transport Thousands of car Saif Al Sulaiti and Minister of and Communication enthusiasts expected Municipality and Environment to visit the show H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al H E Jassim bin Saif which runs until Rumaihi officially opened the Al Sulaiti highlighted Saturday: Saif Al exhibition which witnessed the government efforts to Kuwari. attendance of a number of heads further enhance public of missions and other transport with more Twenty classic dignitaries. Speaking to reporters, Al buses, taxis and the cars are displayed Sulaiti expressed satisfaction on in a 5,000sqm soon-to-be launched the brands and newly launched water taxis as part showroom. exclusive models on show which are of international level as well of efforts towards an as underlined the significance of integrated transport the event towards helping the system to enable Raynald C Rivera private sector in particular and seamless mobility The Peninsula the economy in general. On the progress of road and among the population. housands of car enthu- other infrastructure projects, he siasts are expected to said that projects are progress- throng the seventh ing as planned. He highlighted VIP parking including sedan edition of Qatar Motor government efforts to further classic cars parade today, sport Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti and Minister of Show which opened enhance public transport with muscle cars parade tomorrow, Tyesterday at Doha Exhibition and more buses, taxis and the soon- Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi with other officials GCC mixed classics on Friday and Convention Center (DECC), said to-be launched water taxis as during the opening of the Qatar Motor Show 2017 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention pick-up classic trucks parade on organisers. part of efforts towards an inte- Center, yesterday. Pic: Saim Matramkot / The Peninsula Saturday. “We expect thousands of grated transport system to Batabit will host a speed bikes people to visit the show which enable seamless mobility among of the BAIC brand for the first IONIQ Hybrid, and Genesis’s an event that is proudly led by parade this afternoon as well as a runs until Saturday. Twenty- the population. time in Qatar, in addition the Genesis G90 and Genesis G80. local talents and is contributing to series of biking parades including seven brands and 110 cars are Eight cars revealed for the launch of Mercedes’s E-Coupe, Twenty classic cars are dis- cementing Qatar’s position as a a choppers parade, and a spiders being displayed at this exciting first time in the region and 14 E43 and SLC 43, Lexus’s Lexus played in a 5,000sqm showroom. premium destination for business parade, wrapping the show on edition which has a special sec- launched locally are among the LC 500, Chevrolet’s Tahoe Mid- These cars are some of the rar- events and shedding light on what Saturday with a stellar perform- tion for classic cars and another vehicles displayed on an night Edition, Trailblazer Z71, est and most iconic pieces in the our nation has to offer within the ance on the Doha Corniche. for Ferrari car lovers,” Saif Al 12,000sqm exhibition space. Camaro ZL1, Malibu Turbo, and world presented by the Sheikh technology and automotive The show is also running five Kuwari, Director of PR & Com- Leading international car- Silverado Midnight Edition. The Faisal Museum, Mawater and Al sector,”said Ahmed AlObaidli, social media competitions every munication at Qatar Tourism makers introduced top sports, show also featured the launch of Fardan. Director of Exhibitions Depart- day with many valuable prizes Authority (QTA) told The Penin- luxury and mid-range automo- Ford’s Fiso Raptor, Lincoln’s Lin- “After months of preparation, ment at QTA. for visitors to win by following sula at yesterday’s opening tive models and branded lifestyle coln Continental, Ram’s 1200 and we are pleased to raise the curtain Mawater is holding daily the show’s social media event. goods. The show saw the launch 1500 limited editions, Hyundai’s on the 2017 edition of the show, parades at 3pm from the DECC channels. Umm Slal Mohammed Interchange on North Road opens to traffic

The Peninsula opened in November 2016 coming from and to Doha and whereas the northern slopes northern areas through the serv- mm Slal Mohammed were just delivered in April 2017. ice roads connecting Al Shamal Interchange has been The main bridge has two Road. Ucompletely opened to light signals to help organise traf- Also, it will create more con- traffic as part of North Road Cor- fic in all directions and at the four nections for travellers heading ridor Enhancement project, the ramps in particular, boosting from the North Road and west- Public Works Authority, Ashghal, safety as one of the main goals ern side areas towards Jeryan has said. adopted by Ashghal. Ashghal had Jenaihat and Al Kheesa along The new junction imple- partially opening the junction in with Community College in The Umm Slal Mohammed Interchange which was opened to traffic. mented by Ashghal serves as an November 2016. Qatar, Qatar University and Al access point for the local neigh- Umm Slal Mohammed Inter- Khor Coastal Road. of North Road Corridor Enhance- alternative routes for travellers Raas Laffan. The road linking Al bourhoods of Jeryan Jenaihat, change will help smoothen The intersection will bring in ment Project which is 95 percent from and to the North Road. Khor and North Road was also Umm Slal Mohammed and Umm mobile local traffic for the inhab- new routes for travellers head- complete since Ashghal is final- Also, Ashghal opened late completed, a 5 km dual carriage- Slal Ali, located east and west of itants of the crowded Umm Slal ing from North Road and eastern izing Al Kheesa Interchange and 2016 the Izghawa Interchange way with three lanes in each Al Shamal Road. Mohammed area along with side areas towards Umm Slal the 200 km service roads and to bring in alternative routes direction instead of two lanes in The interchange is made up Umm Slal Ali, Jeryan Jenaihat Mohammed and Umm slal Ali cycling and foot paths. from Lusail to Izaghawa and Al each direction. Ashghal delivered of two graded levels, with a main and Al Kheesa as well. It will pro- along with Barzaan Market, Ashghal already opened the Shamal Road and businesses Umm Birkah Road, as well as Al bridge comprising two or three vide free flowing traffic from and Umm Slal Healthcare Centre, the vital Al Kharaitiyat Interchange around and sharing more traffic Sakhama and Umm Al Amad lanes in each direction to cater to Al Shamal Road apart from new Umm Slal Wholesale Mar- last March to serve areas of Al with Duhail Interchange. Braiding Bridges to bring in eas- for 3500 vehicles per hour. Four jams on Al Kheesa Interchange. ket and many other business and Kharaitiayt, Leabib, Al Ebb The bridge linking Al ier access to areas of Al Sakhama, on-and-off ramps are provided, The new junction will bring in educational facilities around. besides nearby highways and Huwaila Road and North Road, Sanae Lehmaidi, Umm Al Amad the southern ones already better access for commuters Umm Slal Interchange is part businesses as it creates several enhancing traffic to and from and Umm Slal

Crackdown on illegal street vendors Winds to get stronger The Peninsula

he prevailing north westerly winds are Texpected to get stronger over the coming days, accord- ing to the Meteorology Department. The wind speed is expected to range between 15 to 25/30 knots today, with wave height between 6 to 8 Feet. With the stronger winds picking up dust, the visibility is expected to drop to 2km or less in some areas. However, the weather charts show stronger north- westerly windy conditions over all areas on Thursday and Friday. The winds are expected to range between 20 to 30/38 knots and wave height between 8 to 10 feet reaching 13 ft in some areas. Meanwhile, the northern winds have brought down the temperature back to the aver- age for the month. Today the The inspectors from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in collaboration with weather would be hot during day with slight blowing dust at the authorities concerned have rounded up 32 street vendors for violating rules in places with some clouds. Doha Musheirib. The vendors were caught in a surprise inspection drive launched in the is expected to have tempera- area. They were referred to the security agency for further legal actions. tures ranging between 37 to 27 degrees Celsius. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 HOME 05 Ezdan Mall Gharaffa celebrates 4th anniversary

The Peninsula Gharaffa has proudly contributed Celebration time to the growth of the retail sector zdan Mall Company, a Ezdan Mall Company in the country, by stimulating the subsidiary of Ezdan has organised an shopping sector and meeting the Holding Group, has array of events and needs of shoppers. The mall is organised an array of home to a number of interna- celebrations in honour events and celebrations tional brands that are of Ezdan Mall Ein honour of Ezdan Mall Gharaf- first-of-its-kind in the Qatari fa’s fourth anniversary. The Gharaffa’s fourth market, in addition to its 5 star celebration continued for one anniversary. unparalleled services that enable week from April 9 to 15 amid an visitors to enjoy a unique shop- interactive ambiance involving The celebration ping experience and become loyal the public. continued for one customers. The mall’s fourth anniversary week from April 9 to Malik pointed out to the rich was marked by a remarkable 15 amid an interactive experience of Ezdan Mall in the cake cutting ceremony held at the ambiance involving social responsibility sector, main entrance of the mall, in the the public. explaining that “the Green Dream presence of Malik Awan, the 2022” is one of the most promis- Group General Manager of Ezdan ing environmental projects Mall, Ezdan Holding Group rep- "I Love Ezdan Mall” also took carried out by a shopping centre resentatives, retailers, guests, place during the week long cam- in Qatar, with the aim to educate Malik Awan, the Group GM of Ezdan Mall, Ezdan Holding Group representatives, and other well- partners, as well as a group of paign, and was held in two the community about the impor- wishers join a cake cutting ceremony to celebrate Ezdan Mall Gharaffa’s fourth anniversary. prominent media figures, blog- different locations within the tance of adopting a greener gers, social media influencers and mall, the first was at the main lifestyle in their day to day living. other officials of various minis- entrance and the second was The mall has also recently partic- resources from contamination has recently announced the open- under “cause Related Marketing tries and embassies in Doha. opposite to Carrefour. The con- ipated in “Earth Hour 2017” and damage, spreading the cul- ing of the first branch of the category” in recognition of its Activities involved three days test participants took video clips, environmental event, in addition ture of afforestation and renowned brand “Tim Hortons” efforts to promote the Green ambush interviews by Khalifa where they congratulated Ezdan to its contribution in the “8th edi- awareness about the importance first of its 31 stores in Ezdan Mall Dream 2022 initiatives, and its Haroon known as Mr. Q with ran- Mall for its four year anniversary, tion of QIFF 2017” Qatar of sustainable development Al Wakrah. In addition to that, endeavours to create a culture of dom mall guests as well as and indicated four reasons why International Food Festival 2017, though interactive public lectures Carrefour Hypermarket was also environment protection and sus- different type of people with dif- they are attracted to the mall, where it has introduced various and workshops on methods of opened in the same mall last tainable development. Ezdan Mall ferent nationalities in various then they shared the clips on their types of fresh produce cultivated agriculture and horticulture”. He December. The inclusion of these also won the ‘Gold Award’ for the tourist destinations in Qatar, such social media pages with the hash- in its outdoor garden in front of added: "The initiative has wit- well-known brands is part of ‘Retail Professional of the Year as Souq Waqif. These events tag "#EzdanMall4”. Winners of the Ezdan Mall’s Gate 4, which is allo- nessed the participation of more Ezdan Mall preparations for the 2016’, and ‘Silver Award’ in ‘Retail included questions for the public contest received Ezdan Mall cated to organic farming. than 2,200 students monthly official opening of Ezdan Mall Al Excellence in Customer Service’ and gifts distribution to the win- shopping vouchers and special Malik continued by saying: from various schools in Qatar, Wakrah, which will be the larg- at the ‘2016 ICSC Middle East and ners who manage to give four prizes from Ezdan Mall “the “Green Dream 2022 initia- while workshops and awareness est of its kind in the dynamic area North Africa Shopping Centre and reasons that make them eager to Retailers. tives” contributes to educating the lectures were attended by over of Al Wakrah. Retailer Awards’ held during visit Ezdan Mall. Malik said that since its inau- public about methods of preserv- 6,000 students every week” In November 2016, Ezdan Mall ‘RECon 2016’ at Ritz-Carlton in A selfie video contest, entitled guration in 2013, Ezdan Mall ing the environment and its Moreover, “Apparel Group” was chosen as one of the finalists Dubai UAE.

Qatar recorded Experts discuss UTI 20 confirmed issues at HMC meet cases of MERS since 2012 The Peninsula experience a UTI during their → Continued from page 1 lifetime,” said Dr Hana’a Al ore than 250 healthcare Hothi, Consultant in the Urol- professionals gathered ogy Department at HMC and After laboratory tests at Min Doha to examine the Head of Organizing Commit- the Hamad Medical Corpo- causes and treatment options for tee. “The incidence of UTIs is ration’s (HMC) laboratories an increasingly common illness also increased during preg- and medical assessment sec- – Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). nancy, menopause and in tion, the case was diagnosed The Challenges in Urinary patients with spinal cord inju- and confirmed with MERS- Tract Infections Symposium, ries, diabetes, and multiple COV infection. held by Hamad Medical Corpo- sclerosis.” Since the outbreak of the ration (HMC) on April 6, The elderly are at greater disease in 2012, Qatar has gathered physicians and risk for serious illness from recorded 20 confirmed cases healthcare workers from a UTIs because the condition is of MERS and seven of the vic- Prof Osamah Khalil during the lecture. range of specialities including often further along before they tims were reported dead. gynaecology and urology. are diagnosed and because they “Despite his stable con- During the symposium, often have other health prob- dition, the patient was held under the Chairmanship lems that make them more Lecture explores impact of US admitted to hospital, to com- of Dr Khalid Al Rumaihi, Sen- vulnerable. ply with the national ior Consultant and Head of The symposium also infection prevention and Urology section, attendees focused on myths surrounding control protocol for con- examined the challenges in UTIs including hygiene and diet. foreign policy on Mideast studies firmed and suspected diagnosing, treating and pre- Challenges in diagnosis and MERS-CoV cases to ensure venting UTIs, especially difficult testing, as well as treatment of The Peninsula The author explained how, security and education, that that the patient receives cases. Dr Al Rumaihi said: the infections in the elderly and after the Second World War, the becomes a predominant ration- appropriate medical atten- “UTIs, which can range from new strategies for treatment of ow has the study of the state began funding Middle East- ale,” explained Khalil. “It’s not tion,” the Ministry of Public bladder infections to kidney recurrent infections, were also Middle East been ern studies at prominent US really about the region, is it?” Health said in a statement infections, are among the most discussed. Himpacted by the United universities, primarily to ensure Khalil explained that even the yesterday. common and debilitating bac- “Patients with acute UTIs States’ foreign policy decisions? the education of future govern- term ‘Middle East’ and the coun- The emergency response terial infections, affecting more are typically prescribed a short Professor Osamah Khalil delved ment employees or businessmen tries which are included in its team at the Health Promo- than 150 million people world- course of antibiotics. However, into the complexities of the US that could support its security and scope were influenced by politi- tion and Communicable wide every year. Symptoms of some patients do not respond government’s relationship with political interests. Later, institu- cal ideas and interests. He said Diseases Department at the a UTI include dysuria (also to this treatment. If left the academic community at a tions which did not align their that, depending on the time Ministry of Public Health known as painful urination or unchecked, infections can recent public lecture at Georget- activities with government goals period, countries as distant as responded as soon it was a burning sensation when uri- become chronic and patients own University in Qatar. saw their funding reduced, while Morocco, Afghanistan, and Paki- alerted about the case. nating), an urgent need to can end up in hospital,” said Dr Khalil, assistant professor of centres and think tanks which did stan could be included under the It conducted elaborate urinate as well as bladder pain Ahmed Hayati, Clinical Fellow US and Middle East history at Syr- flourished. This influenced the umbrella term ‘Middle East.’ tests to know the source of and fever,” he said. at HMC. “This symposium was acuse University, provided the direction of research and the Khalil, who holds a Ph.D. the illness. “UTIs are considered to be an opportunity to bring together audience with a summary of key greater understanding of the Mid- from the University of California Necessary tests have the most common bacterial experts and clinicians from a themes in his recently published dle East, as well as the experts at Berkeley, is an expert in for- been conducted on all those infection and can affect men range of disciplines to tackle a book America’s Dream Palace: who were called upon to provide eign relations, the modern Middle who came into contact with and women of all ages. In fact, common and potentially prob- Middle East Expertise and the Rise guidance. East, the Cold War, and Arab- the patient, who have been more than half of women will lematic condition,” he added. of the National Security State. “When you start linking Israeli conflict. kept under observation for two weeks, said the ministry. However, the patient didn’t have contacts with Qatar committed to preservation of cultural property: Al Kubaisi anyone infected with MERS virus nor travelled out of the country recently. QNA was once a prosperous port filled decided upon by the Interna- in 2017. The plan includes estab- was strong cooperation with the Meanwhile, the 62 year with fishermen and traders. The tional Council on Monuments lishing a centre for visitors that Ministry of Education and Higher old patient who was tested hief Archaeology Officer site dates back to 1760. It con- and Sites (ICOMOS) and was would reflect the historical and Education and Qatar University positive for MERS-CoV last at Qatar Museums Ali Jas- sists of a fortified town that has approved by the Unesco in 1983. social value of the site. (QU) to updating curriculums month has recovered and Csim Al Kubaisi said that the an inner and an outer wall. The Al Kubaisi said that Qatar He revealed that the Minis- when it comes to subjects on was discharged from the state have made a number of site also has a harbour, a sea Museums, based on directives by try of Municipality and museums and archaeological hospital. achievements om the field of canal, two screening walls, Chairperson of Qatar Museums Environment is studying the pos- sites. He noted that there was The Ministry of Public heritage and archaeology, the Murair fort, and Al Zubarah Fort. H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint sibility of whether there were also a joint committee formed Health has set up hotlines most prominent of which was Another achievement, Al Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is other sites eligible for becoming with QU to establish a depart- 66740948 and 66740951 for the inclusion of Al Zubarah by Kubaisi added, was the launch working on a comprehensive a world heritage sites. He high- ment on monuments and health protection and com- Unesco as a World Heritage Site. of the Qatar-Sudan Archaeolog- plan in cooperation with Qatar lighted in particular Al Reem archaeology to prepare students municable disease control. It Speaking exclusively to ical Project four years ago. Tourism Authority to develop the Reserve, Al Udeid area, and for work in that field. He noted is accessible 24/7 to respond Qatar News Agency, Al Kubaisi Today, the world celebrates the site. He added that they are coor- Salwa Bay as ones under that such a specialization to any notification or queries said that Al Zubarah is one of the International Day For Monu- dinating with ICOMOS and hope consideration. requires real skill and prepara- related to infectious most historical sites in Qatar. It ments and Sites which was to begin implementing the plan Al Kubaisi noted that there tion to excel at. diseases. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017

Dodge Durango MADA to hold and Jeep Grand Cherokee 2016 educational models recalled The Peninsula

he Ministry of meet on AT Economy and TCommerce, in col- laboration with United The Peninsula Cars Almana, dealer of The non-profit Dodge vehicles in Qatar, nder the patronage has announced the recall of the Ministry of organisation of Dodge Durango mod- Transport and announces the els and Jeep Grand Communications, Cherokee models of 2016 conference dedicated Qatar Charity delegation headed by Sheikh Hamad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Thani at a Qatar Assistive because the fuel rail to focusing on function in Somalia. UTechnology Center (MADA) crossover tube may have announced that the Gulf Region education practices been damaged during Education Assistive Technology in Inclusive Computer the engine manufactur- Conference (GREAT), that will Technology and Qatar Charity launches several ing process. take place from April 23 to 26, Assistive Technology The Ministry of 2017, at the Qatar National Con- Economy and Commerce vention Center (QNCC) in Doha. (AT) for the region. said the recall campaign The Assistive Technology relief projects in Somalia comes within the frame- education conference is work of its ongoing designed to provide attendees conference is structured in two The Peninsula 7,000 people and launching of an international arbitrary adviser efforts to protect con- with the tools and knowledge phases, the first phase taking artesian well that will provide and the General Assembly mem- sumers and ensure that they need to solve their tough- place on April 23 and 24, con- delegation from Qatar drinking water for about 4,000 ber of Qatar Charity said, “We car dealers follow up on est challenges in education and sists of the pre-conference Charity (QC) headed by in drought-devastated areas. visited the place so that we could vehicles' defects and learn the latest in Inclusive stage, which includes intensive A Sheikh Hamad bin Fahd Sheikh Hamad bin Fahd bin carry their massage and need to repair them. Computer Technology. all-day master classes for par- bin Abdulaziz Al Thani has vis- Abdulaziz Al Thani pointed out Qataris. After observation, we ask The Ministry said Part of GREAT 2017, educa- ticipants pertaining to various ited Somalia to observe the that the recent surge of drought the good people of Qatar to help that it will coordinate tion programmes will feature AT topics. The second phase, worsening humanitarian situa- has an effect on all aspects of life their brothers and sisters in with the dealer to follow globally recognised experts taking place on April 25 and 26, tion there. in Somalia. It has caused a loss of Somalia, and to do it fast. Any- up on the maintenance delivering Master Classes and will involve an opening cere- QC has launched several livestock that farmers relied on thing could help; excavating wells and repair works and Keynotes. MADA is committed mony, panel discussions and 60 relief projects in Somalia and met for daily needs, and people take or provide food and medicine." will communicate with to spreading awareness about – 90 minute educational work- with the Prime Minister of Soma- refuge at shelters at cities so that As the crisis continues in the customers to ensure that PWD in Qatar and helping them shops for participants. lia and other officials. they could find minimal safety midst of lack of basic needs, more the necessary repairs are stay connected in a world that “The aim of our GREAT The delegation included: and stay alive. help and efforts are needed. Qatar carried out. is increasingly dependent on conference is to provide a Jasem Aljasem, the adviser to the Detailing more on the Charity calls for donors to con- The Ministry urges all technology. knowledge-share forum for Executive Manager of QC, Man- humanitarian condition in Soma- tinue their support to save customers to report any A first of its kind, the GREAT teachers, academicians, and sour Dafaa, an adviser of lia, Aljasem said: “It is in fact a Somalia. People of Qatar can con- violations to its Con- 2017 conference is dedicated to professionals and promote ini- International Arbitration and a catastrophe, unbelievable thing. tinue their support through sumer Protection and focusing on education practices tiative technologies. At MADA, member of the General Assem- There is a gloomy and heart various contributions such as Anti-Commercial Fraud in Inclusive Computer Technol- we want to educate more and bly of QC, Ahmed Saleh Alali, QC’s breaking situation, it is a fact. QR100 for providing water, Department through ogy and Assistive Technology more professionals on the Media Manager, Nayef Alanzy, Nobody could imagine the exist- QR300 for food basket and various channels such as (AT) in the Gulf Region. importance of assistive technol- and other media contributors ence of people living in such QR500 for providing medical call centre : 16001 or The conference, held in ogy for the lives of PWD in including: Abdellah Anzy, Ahmed situation. Somalians have been services. One can also donate through email at info@ partnership with the Assistive Qatar. This years’ event will Abdellah, Sayed Hussam Rowhy, suffering for three years because using SMS to the number 92632 mec.gov.qa and social Technology Industry Associa- look at best practices, imple- Abdullah Helali, and from Marsal of drought and this is what made to donate QR50, to the number media accounts: Twitter: tion, will feature renowned mentation strategies, research Qatar network Yaseen Harsi. the living conditions unbearable. 92642 to donate QR200, or to the @MEC_Qatar Instagram: industry experts who will use and education in AT for schools. After observing the Somalis’ Thousands of families had to take number 92428 for QR500. MEC_Qatar as well as the this platform to educate and We look forward to welcoming difficult conditions of living, Qatar refuge at other areas so that they One can also donate via Ministry of Economy and exchange information on best professionals from all over Charity’s delegation launched a could have some food or a sip of e-mail at qcharity.org, or via the Commerce mobile app practices and current trends in Qatar and the region to our first number of important humanitar- water. Those who couldn’t make hotline; 44667711, or through col- for Android and IOS: the field of Inclusive Computer GREAT conference.” said Maha ian projects including opening a it are among the dead.” lection points and self-service MEC_Qatar. Technology and AT. The Al Mansouri, CEO of Mada. kitchen that will serve Sayed Mansour Aldafe, the machines of QC at malls. Sudanese artist showcases 41 works at solo exhibition at Katara

The Peninsula over a period that lasted for six combine diversified cultures under years. “My silence invaded every one cultural hub. In this exhibition udanese artist Islam Kamel colour, every frame and across Islam Kamel beautifully illustrates showcases 41 of his works time. It’s the voice of silence the Sudanese civilisation through Sat a solo exhibition entitled which haunted me for a long time. the characters and the choice of ‘Language of Silence’ which Through it, I saw the depth of col- colors used.” opened on Monday at Katara Art our and word. I sought tranquility, Kamel is a member of the Centre. to both calm and inspire my Qatar Fine Arts Association and The General Manager of the senses,” said the artist. the Sudanese Fine Arts Associa- Cultural Village Foundation- Al Sulaiti exuded gratitude and tion. He has conducted many Katara, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al appreciation to the Sudanese art- exhibitions around the globe, Sulaiti, launched the exhibition ist for providing a glimpse of rich including in the Gulf region, and in the presence of Sudanese Sudanese culture and tradition, in Europe, Asia, and Australia. ambassador Dr Yasser Khalaf noting that some of the drawings The artist expressed his grat- Allah Khadir and the media. represent ancient times that dated itude and appreciation to Katara The opening event featured back to 6,000 years. for offering a platform to show- a Sudanese band playing African The Sudanese envoy said, case talents, noting that Katara is music, while the visitors admired “Today as we inaugurate this a cultural hub for all regional, the works which comprised heartwarming exhibition, it is a local, and international artists. The Sudanese artist Islam Kamel and Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti at mixed media and acrylic paint- confirmation of the fact that exhibition is open to the public ings reflecting the artist’s silence Katara strives to from 10am to 10pm until May 5. the launch of ‘Language of Silence’ at Katara Art Centre. Spectacular treat for stargazers as Lyrid meteor shower peaks on Saturday

The Peninsula hour and sometimes going up to 100 “The best time for viewing and Lyrids meteors per hour according to observing meteors is after midnight until spectacular treat awaits stargaz- experts. The Lyrids shower occurs when dawn, while the best location is a dark ers in Qatar as the Lyrid meteor the Earth slams into the dusty debris location without light and environment A shower peaks on Saturday, gen- expelled by the ancient Comet Thatcher. pollutions,” said a statement issued yes- erating a visual extravaganza of Most of the meteors are specks not larger terday by Dr Mohammed Al Ansari and fast-moving shooting stars. Qatar will than a sand grain that plummet into Dr Beshir Marzouk of the Qatar Calen- experience the first meteor shower since earth’s atmosphere. The fragile debris dar House. January during the overnight hours on grains disintegrate long before they This will be an excellent year for Saturday, according to experts. reach the ground. However, as they viewing the Lyrids as the moon will be A meteor shower happens when a travel at immense speeds, these tiny par- in the crescent phase, thus reducing the number of meteors flash across the sky ticles put on an impressive show. light from the moon which would oth- from roughly the same point. The annual People here can observe the meteor erwise interfere with viewing conditions. Lyrid meteor shower takes places annu- shower with plain eyes, without any However, despite the meteors originat- ally between April 16 and April 25. This astronomical telescope. However, they ing from the same point, they will appear year, it will peak on April 22, with the must be away from the city and light. in all areas of the sky as they streak away greatest number of meteors falling dur- Enthusiasts can also take pictures of the from the point in all directions. Hence, ing the few hours before dawn. Lyrids meteor by digital cameras, but people simply need to look up at the Lyrid meteor shower peaks on Saturday. Stargazers would be able to see must increase exposure time to take best open sky without having to focus on a between 10 and 20 Lyrid meteors per photos. single point. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 HOME 07 Qatar Motor Show: NBK Automobiles in top gear

The Peninsula The exhibition’s asser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the largest stand revealed authorised general three new cars: distributor of Mer- Mercedes-Benz E cedes-Benz in Qatar, Coupe, Mercedes-AMG Npresented their largest range of vehicles yet at the seventh edi- E 43 and Mercedes- tion of Qatar Motor Show 2017. AMG SLC 43. Following many years of partic- ipation at one of the most important automotive shows in models and a wide range of our the Gulf, Nasser Bin Khaled Auto- cars from different segments. Our mobiles showcased a wide range participation at this event reiter- of cars from the new collection ates NBK’s industy leading position of Mercedes- Benz, and revealed and our commitment to our three new models that promise customers”. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles displays their largest range to capture the heart and mind of NBK Automobiles has built its of vehicles at the seventh edition of Qatar Motor Show 2017. guests. success by establishing solid, Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula Welcoming visitors to the longstanding relationships with show’s largest pavilion, NBK’s its customers, and its wide prod- coupé-esque proportions, clear comfort. They profit especially in design of the car is sporty look optimised technology and an luxurious exhibition space is dis- uct offering which appeals to all. and sensual design and long-dis- terms of rear knee room, front and with model-specific details. The enhanced look. playing three new cars As a brand name, Nasser Bin Kha- tance comfort for four people, the rear shoulder room as well as rear interior reinforces the dynamic The sporty range-topping — Mercedes-Benz E Coupe, Mer- led Automobiles is deeply new E-Class Coupé combines the headroom. In each of the four fully calibre of the new E 43 4MATIC Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 comes cedes-AMG E 43, Mercedes-AMG associated with a history of pre- beauty and classic virtues of a fledged seats with coupé-specific with numerous individual details. with 270 kW (367 hp). SLC 43 — NBK Automobiles also mium quality service and market grand tourer with state-of-the- individual seat character, the The V6 biturbo engine boasts As part of the facelift, the presented a range of cars that will leadership. The company prom- art technology. The new E-Class driver and passengers enjoy gen- a high power output combined Mercedes-Benz designers have appeal to all styles and choices, ises to not only meet customer Coupé has sporty, luxurious inte- uine comfort on long journeys as with low fuel consumption and further honed the cult roadster's including the SUVs, sporty cars expectations, but to exceed them. rior with refined details, and well as the classic virtues of a emissions. The high power out- sporty look. The new front sec- and the luxury series. Established in 1957, NBK Auto- embodies the synthesis of sporty grand tourer. put of 295 kW (401 hp) is tion, where the steeply raked Khalid Sha’aban, General mobiles is Qatar’s exclusive emotion and luxurious intelli- attributable, among other things, radiator grille elongates the Manager, NBK Automobiles said: distributor of three of the world’s gence. As a member of the current Mercedes-AMG E 43 to new, larger turbochargers and appearance of the arrow-shaped “NBK Automobiles continues its most respected, iconic brands: E-Class family, the new Coupé is The looks of the Mercedes- the higher charge-air pressure bonnet, is particularly striking. strong and effective participation May Bach, Mercedes-Benz and significantly more intelligent than AMG E 43 render it immediately of 1.1 bar. A feature that continues to be at Qatar Motor Show, reflecting AMG. NBK Automobiles will its predecessor. It comes with all recognisable as a member of the unique to the SLC is the pano- our values of luxury and excel- reveal three new cars: Mercedes- the features of the E-Class, the AMG family. Apart from under- Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 ramic vario-roof with MAGIC lence. As with previous editions, Benz E Coupe, Mercedes-AMG E most intelligent executive saloon. scoring the powerful and Celebrating its 20-year anni- SKY CONTROL this glass roof is NBK Automobiles is proud to have 43, Mercedes-AMG SLC 43. The significantly larger foot- self-assured appearance, three versary, the SLK compact lightened or darkened at the the biggest stand in 2017 Qatar print compared with the previous large openings in the front apron roadster was relaunched last touch of a button. Operating the Motor Show. This year we are Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe model is to the benefit of passen- also ensure an optimum flow of year in 2016 with a new name – electrohydraulic roof is now excited to bring visitors three new With its expressive gers with extra spaciousness and air to the coolers. The interior the SLC – as well as significantly even more straightforward. AAB unveils Toyota KIKAI concept at show

The Peninsula highlight such elements as the Hybrid is going to be the beauty, precision and mechan- technology of the future and bdullah Abdulghani & ical workings of a car by literally guests can have a unique per- Bros. Co, sole agents for providing windows on action sonalised experience, allowing AToyota vehicles of Qatar that’s normally out of view. them to closely witness and participated in the 7th Edition The look and feel of the experience the hybrid technol- of Qatar Motor Show that took booth is in line with the recently ogy through various activities. place at Doha Exhibition and announced brand campaign “Go Toyota has always been Convention Center. Share the Fun” with the All New striving to introduce various During a press conference 2017 Toyota. advanced technologies with held on the opening day Dr The new campaign captures class-leading performance and Nasser Abdulghani, AAB Board the sentiments of car owners excellent fuel efficiency, Chairman, said: “On behalf of and encourages them to Explore, enhanced refinement and com- Officials with the Lexus model at the Qatar Motor Show. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula Toyota, Abdullah Abdulghani & Excite and Enjoy with their fam- fort for passengers. Brothers Company, I have great ilies while driving Toyota. The Abdullah Abdulghani and pleasure to welcome you all to visitors to the booth can explore Brothers Company always Lexus Qatar surprises visitors the Toyota Booth that has been more about Toyota’s most pop- works under the guiding prin- built under the “WAVE” concept ular models – Toyota Yaris, ciples of Customer FIRST which conveys a feeling of Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, philosophy – Fairness, Integrity, dynamic vibrancy." Sporty Toyota 86 and Toyota Respect, Superior Performance with latest brand line-up Key highlight for the visitors Prius which is the largest sell- & Teamwork. This has not only to the Toyota Booth is Toyota ing Hybrid Model in the world. helped the company as well as KIKAI. As the products of human It’s said “Where the Road Toyota to be the Number 1 brand The Peninsula technologies that include the best elegance that is reflected in the creativity, dedication, and ends, Adventure Begins” and this in Qatar but also to enhance of innovation and luxury. Another design of the sports seats, and the knowledge, machines should be is where Toyota Land Cruiser customer satisfaction of our exus Qatar surprised the vis- zone was dedicated for the high small steering wheel that stands objects of admiration. Toyota comes into action and is most large customer base. Abdullah itors at the Qatar Motor performance vehicles, the eight behind the gearbox ratios. Tech- KIKAI concept was designed to popular in Qatar. Land Cruiser Abdulghani & Brothers Com- LShow with the latest line-up cylinders, 5.0 litre F models, nically, one look at the dashboard explore and emphasise the fun- is called as the “King of All SUVs” pany on its part are fully of the Lexus brand by showcas- where they showcased the GS F is enough to let you know that you damental appeal of machines: by their fans. Visitors to the Toy- committed to provide the best ing various aspects of its brand, & RC F. are in a distinctive car. These their fine craftsmanship, their ota Booth can also look at three ownership experience to our recent updates and latest prod- The latest Lexus model, the counters seem to have been taken beauty, simplicity, and their fas- variants of Toyota Land Cruiser valued customers and the best ucts in the region through a LC 500, were also unveiled for the immediately from the LFA, with cinating motion. As a true GX, GXR and top of the range after sales support. luxuries booth of 356 square first time in Qatar during the the same distinctive sports indi- concept car, the Toyota KIKAI's VXS. Also on display is Toyota "We are also happy to meters. Qatar Motor Show. The Lexus LC cator in the middle. appeal is simultaneously free Fortuner 2017 which was announce that Abdullah During the press conference, 500 is not just another Lexus car, And if the exterior is spectac- from and reliant on the core awarded with the title of “Best Abdulghani and Brothers Com- Dr Nasser Abdulghani Al not because it is a new car, nor ular, underneath it will astound concepts of automobiles. The Mid-size SUV” Middle East Car pany have been awarded by Abdulghani, Chairman at Abdul- because it is a sports coupe but sports enthusiasts. The Lexus LC Toyota KIKAI (KIKAI means of the Year in the MECOTY 2017 Toyota Motor Corporation’s lah Abdulghani & Bros Co, said: because the LC 500 is not math- 500 features a 5.0-liter V8 engine machine in Japanese) aims to Award recently in UAE. most prestigious awards, the “As for the latest Lexus models, ematically designed in the with 471 horsepower. This engine Diamond Award, today we have the new Lexus traditional sense, but it is a futur- takes its place in the centre of the Marketing Award for LC500 Coupe. The attractive istic and unique design in which car, behind the front axle and in Excellence, Out- shape and contemporary style of it is exciting and innovative front of the passenger compart- standing Customer the new LC500 Coupe which rep- through the use of cross-lines and ment, to actually be a vehicle with Service Excellence resents the future design of the sharp angles with a smooth body. a front-facing engine. This gave Award and the “Out- Lexus brand” The design of the front lights the LC 500 the perfect weight dis- standing Customer Yugo Miyamoto, Lexus Mid- is particularly prominent, but tribution, with 52% front and 48% Service Leadership dle East General Manager, said: there are other details, such as the rear, which Lexus believes to be Award” for our “We would like to be a luxury life- side air vents, the triangular rear the perfect driving pleasure. exceptional per- style brand that doesn’t just lights, and the unique roof line Lexus, known for its certified formance in the year provide cars but also appeals to that ends up unconnected to the and high quality vehicles, has the 2016. The Outstand- human emotion stimulating the rear of the car, which looks sporty best after sales services of 8 serv- ing Customer imagination and offering a sense with the crumpled exhaust holes ice centres distributed across Service Leadership of surprise.” on both sides. The overall car Qatar were also some of the loca- Award” is in recog- Lexus Qatar has dedicated a shape, especially when viewed tions operate seven days a week. nition for achieving zone for the Hybrid vehicle where sideways, seems to be heavily Lexus service locations include: the “Outstanding they displayed the RX 450h and derived from the Lexus LFA. The Lexus Main Service Station in Customer Service GS 450h, which is characterised LFA is definitely one of the coolest Industrial area, Landmark Quick Award” for 5 years by smart technology and fuel- sports cars ever. Inside, there is a Service Center, Abou Hamour in a row. We whole- saving. Lexus Hybrid vehicles strange mix of luxury and sport- Quick Service Center, Al Nayef heartedly thank our switches smoothly and automat- ing touches. All that your hands Quick Service Center, D Ring loyal customers for ically between the electric motor touch here is made of leather and Quick Service Center, Wakrah your support in and gasoline engine. Lexus is a luxurious materials, with a unique Quick Service Center, Aziz Quick Officials with the Toyota KIKAI model at the Qatar Motor Show. helping us to leading brand in the luxury cate- traditional touch. But alongside Service Center& Al Khor Quick Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula achieve this award. gory of the Hybrids, offering this luxury there is a sporting Service Center. 08 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017

12 Saudi soldiers martyred as Yemen war copter goes down in Yemen's Marib needs political Riyadh AFP

TWELVE Saudi soldiers, solution: US including four officers, were killed yesterday when their helicopter went down in Riyadh Yemen, the Arab coalition Reuters Failed ceasefires fighting Yemeni rebels said in Seven ceasefires a statement. A political solution through brokered between The Saudi Black Hawk UN-brokered negotiations is government and "fell during operations in the needed to resolve the conflict rebel forces by the province of Marib" east of in Yemen, US Defence Secre- United Nations have Sana'a, the coalition said in a tary Jim Mattis said yesterday failed while statement carried by SPA as he made his first trip in the UN-backed peace state news agency, without role to Saudi Arabia. talks have repeatedly Syrians, who were injured in a suicide car bombing that targeted buses carrying evacuees clarifying the reason. "The At the same time, officials broken down. from besieged government-held towns, sit in a tent on the Syrian-Turkish border in Idlib causes of the incident are have said the United States is being investigated," the state- considering deepening its role province, yesterday. ment added. Coalition in the Yemen conflict by more “It has gone on for a long spokesman General Ahmed directly aiding its Gulf allies, time, we see Iranian supplied Assiri said it was "too early" who are fighting Iranian-sup- missiles being fired by the US-backed forces set up post-IS Raqaa council to comment on the causes of ported Houthi rebels. Houthis into Saudi Arabia and the crash, which is one of the At least 10,000 people have this is something, with the Beirut Forces said in a statement. The once IS has been pushed out," deadliest incidents involving been killed and more than 3 number of innocent people AFP council was announced during said Jihan Sheikh Ahmed, a coalition forces in Yemen. million displaced in the war, dying inside Yemen, it has sim- a meeting in Ain Issa, a former spokeswoman for the Raqaa The rebel-controlled Saba now in its third year. Millions ply got to be brought to an end,” he US-backed Kurdish- IS stronghold some 50 km north campaign. news agency said a helicop- of people are also struggling to Mattis told reporters on his way Arab force leading the of Raqaa, in northern Syria. Several tribal chiefs and ter crashed east of the feed themselves. to Riyadh. Tfight for the Islamic State The SDF launched an offen- local dignitaries from Raqaa provincial capital Marib with- The Houthis control the Seven ceasefires brokered (IS) group's Syrian bastion Raqaa sive to capture Raqaa, IS's de participated in the meeting out giving further details. capital Sana'a and large between government and rebel announced yesterday the crea- facto Syrian capital, in Novem- establishing the council, which A Saudi-led coalition swathes of territory. The United forces by the United Nations tion of a "civilian council" to ber with support from the US-led mirrors others set up in towns began air strikes over Yemen States backs the Saudi-led coa- have failed while UN-backed administer the city after its coalition. But a key question has captured from IS by the Kurd- in March 2015 in support of lition which is trying to restore peace talks have repeatedly capture. been who will administer the city ish-Arab force. President Abedrabbo Man- the Aden-based government of broken down. "The civilian council of after its capture. A military council will also sour Hadi's internationally Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi to “We will work with our Raqaa will be charged with "The council is made up of be formed "soon", according to recognised government in its power, including through a allies, with our partners to try administering Raqaa and the people originally from Raqaa SDF spokesman Talal Sello, and fight against Iran-backed devastating aeriel bombing to get it to the UN-brokered surrounding province after lib- province. (The SDF) will entrust charged with security in the city Huthi rebels. campaign. negotiating table,” Mattis said. eration," the Syrian Democratic it with the running of the city after IS is expelled.

Zimbabwe marks Independence Day Libya fishermen find 28 dead Turkey oppn migrants in boat offshore calls for vote to be cancelled Tripoli Reuters Ankara AFP ibyan fishermen found the bodies of 28 migrants who appeared to have died of thirst and hunger after their boat TURKEY'S opposition yester- Lbroke down off the coast of Sabratha city, a ministry of inte- day demanded the annulment rior official said yesterday. of a contentious referendum Since Libya fell into chaos after Muammar Gaddafi’s fall in that approved sweeping con- 2011, the North African country has become the main departure stitutional changes boosting point for migrants hoping to reach Europe by sea. More than President Recep Tayyip 150,000 have made the crossing to Italy annually over the past Erdogan's powers, claiming three years. blatant vote-rigging. The 28 migrants, including four women, were found after sun- The European Union also set by the fishermen, who towed the vessel to shore, Interior urged a probe into the poll Ministry security unit commander Ahmaida Khalifa Amsalam said. fraud claims after interna- The victims were buried together in a cemetery for illegal migrants, tional observers voiced he said. concerns, but US President “Their boat stopped in the middle of the water because the Donald Trump called his engine was broken,” he said. He did not give details on any of the Turkish counterpart to offer nationalities, but many illegal migrants are from sub-Saharan his congratulations. Africa. Critics fear the changes Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (centre) reviews the guard of honour during the Smugglers often pack migrants in flimsy inflatable dinghies, will lead to autocratic one- country's 37th Independence Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, dispatching them to sea to get picked up by rescue ships and other man rule under Erdogan, but yesterday. vessels once they reach international waters. Some are intercepted supporters say they simply and turned back by the Libyan coastguard. put Turkey in line with France and the United States and are needed for efficient government. Egypt arrests church bombings suspect The 'Yes' camp won Sun- Travellers from US to Iran and day's poll with just 51.41 CAIRO: Egyptian police yesterday arrested a man wanted percent of the vote but the for alleged involvement in twin church bombings this result has been challenged, month claimed by the Islamic State group, an official said. Indian Subcontinent dip: Emirates with opposition claims of vote Acting on a tip-off, police arrested Ali Mahmoud Mohamed rigging and angry protests Hassan, one of 19 suspects whose names police made staged in parts of the biggest public after the Palm Sunday explosions, the official said. Dubai booking rates on US flights fell 35 city Istanbul. Hassan was arrested in the southern province of Qena, Reuters Emirates said in March percent after January’s ban. The main opposition from where the two suicide bombers also came. The inte- that booking rates on Travel analysis company For- Republican People's Party rior ministry had raised a reward for information leading he number of travellers head- wardKeys said US bookings to the (CHP) deputy leader Bulent to the suspects' arrests to 500,000 pounds ($27,518). ing from the United States to US flights fell 35% after Middle East dropped 27 percent in Tezcan formally requested TIran and the Indian Subcon- January’s ban. Travel the four weeks following Trump’s that the Supreme Election 669 dead in violent Ethiopia protests tinent has dipped since January analysis company January travel order. Board (YSK) cancel the result. after Washington imposed restric- ForwardKeys said US In his comments to reporters, ADDIS ABABA: Months of violence that sparked Ethio- tions affecting some passengers on Antinori declined to say whether pia's current state of emergency left at least 669 people US-bound flights, an Emirates exec- bookings to the Middle the US restrictions would affect the Israel vows not dead, the government-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights utive said yesterday. East dropped 27% in the airline’s expansion plans but said Commission said yesterday. The protests that began in Emirates Chief Commercial four weeks following Emirates could “adapt to the to negotiate with November 2015 and spread throughout the country Officer Thierry Antinori did not give Trump’s January travel future.” demanding wider political freedoms posed a challenge figures but said some passengers Antinori had said in 2013 that hunger strikers to one of Africa's fastest-growing economies and a gov- flying from some US cities were order. Emirates would double its US net- ernment accused by human rights groups of suppressing taking longer to decide on travel work to 15 cities by 2018. It now has JERUSALEM: Israel vowed dissenting voices. plans. “We see people waiting, and March, to bar refugees and 12 US routes. However, Dubai Cor- not to negotiate with hun- especially (to) Iran,” he said in nationals of several Muslim-major- poration for Tourism and dreds of Palestinian detainees Abuja airport reopens after six weeks Dubai. ity country in the Middle East and Commerce Marketing Chief Exec- on the second day of a hun- From March 25, the United North Africa from travelling to the utive Issam Abdul Rahim Kazim ger strike led by prominent ABUJA: Nigeria yesterday reopened its main Abuja air- States banned electronic gadgets United States also disrupted travel said visits by US citizens to Dubai prisoner and popular leader port after six weeks of closure to enable the authorities larger than a mobile phone inside plans of some passengers. had increased so far this year. He Marwan Barghouti. to carry out long overdue work to resurface its potholed cabins on direct flights to the United Iran along with Iraq, Libya, did not give details. More than 1,000 Palestin- runway. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was States from 10 airports in the Mid- Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen He also said Dubai was also ians in Israeli prisons closed to all domestic and international flights on March dle East, North Africa and Turkey. were banned under the January receiving more Chinese visitors launched the hunger strike on 8, forcing flights to divert to Kaduna, some 190km to the Dubai, the Emirates hub, was order. Iraq was dropped from the since November, when Chinese Monday, issuing a list of north. The airport re-opened a day ahead of schedule included. March order. Both bans were passports holders were allowed to demands ranging from bet- with an Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane touching down US President Donald Trump’s blocked by US judges. obtain a United Arab Emirates on ter medical services to access on the resurfaced runway just after midday. executive orders, signed in January Emirates said in March that arrival. He did not give numbers. to telephones. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 ASIA 09 Mallya granted bail after arrest in London

Mumbai Extradition hearing foreign ministry said “the two Reuters governments are in touch” over Mallya, 61, was India’s extradition request. lamboyant business- arrested on behalf of India and Britain have a mixed man Vijay Mallya, the Indian authorities record on extradition, say legal pursued by Indian over accusations of experts. Some cases have col- authorities over fraud and appeared lapsed when evidence fell short of unpaid loans tied to in Westminster the standard of “dual criminality”, Fhis defunct Kingfisher Airlines, or actions that amount to a crime Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari pays a floral tribute at the memorial of Mahatama Gandhi. Magistrates’ Court, was arrested in London yester- British police said. in both countries. day and appeared in court for “The court usually focuses an extradition hearing. on whether there is sufficient A source close to Mallya said India had asked Britain to evidence of criminality to extra- Bhandari invites Indian investments he attended a police station vol- extradite Mallya to face trial dite someone,” said Andrew untarily and the arrest was a after the liquor and aviation Smith, a partner at London law New Delhi "Nepal has undergone polit- by India in economic, social, sci- technical procedure. Mallya, 61, tycoon fled there last March firm Corker Binning. IANS ical transformation of historic entific and other fields are was arrested on behalf of the after banks sued to recover “India needs to show a proportion in recent years. Now remarkable and Nepal is keen Indian authorities over accusa- about $1.4 billion that Indian prima facie evidential case nviting Indian investors to her socio-economic transformation to benefit from India's success. tions of fraud and appeared in authorities say Kingfisher owes. against this man.” country, Nepal President Bid- is our topmost priority. If not "For Nepal, India remains Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Mallya has repeatedly dis- Television channel CNN Ihya Devi Bhandari yesterday backed by economic transfor- the largest trading partner... We British police said. missed the charges against him News18 said a team of Indian said that after political transfor- mation, political transformation are closely engaged in SAARC, Indian television channels and defended himself in mes- law enforcement officials would mation, socio-economic cannot be sustainable," Bhandari BIMSTEC and BBIN and these said he was granted bail at the sages on Twitter. On Jan. 28 he visit London to begin work on transformation is Nepal's top pri- said at an event here organised regional and sub-regional plat- hearing. Mallya, in a message on said that “not one rupee was the extradition. India’s Central ority and it is keen to benefit by industry chambers CII, Ficci forms could be made more Twitter, called the news of his misused”. Bureau of Investigation did not from India's tremendous and Assocham. effective in delivering results," arrest “usual Indian media hype”. A spokesman for India’s immediately comment. progress. She said achievements made she said. Jaitley holds talks with Canada Defence Minister US reaffirms India as New Delhi I was born here." IANS Sajjan arrived in India on major defence partner Monday on a week-long visit. He efence Minister Arun Jait- will visit Punjab too. ley yesterday held talks The Sikh politician was New Delhi the strategic partnership and to Dwith his Canadian coun- dubbed a Khalistan sympathizer IANS stepping up India-US engage- terpart Harjit Singh Sajjan, by Punjab Chief Minister Ama- ment across the board". The discussing bilateral defence and rinder Singh, who has said he he US yesterday reaf- PMO statement said Modi and security cooperation issues. would not meet the Canadian firmed that India McMaster discussed peace and Sajjan, who is on a week minister. Tremained its "major security in war-torn Afghani- long visit to India, was also Sajjan spoke at an event defence partner" as Prime Min- stan and the extended region, given a Guard of Honour at organised by Observer Research ister Narendra Modi and including the Middle East. South Block, which houses the Foundation. President Donald Trump's top "McMaster shared his per- Defence Ministry. He also laid Pressed about Amarinder security aide Lt. Gen. H.R. spective with (the) Prime a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at Singh's allegation, Sajjan said: "I McMaster met to discuss mili- Minister on the security situa- India Gate, which a memorial am not gonna get into petty pol- tary and counter-terror ties tion in the extended region, dedicated to unnamed itics of one CM or anybody. between the two countries. including in Afghanistan, West soldiers. "My reason for going into The visiting US National Asia and the DPRK. Rejecting allegations that he Punjab is to pay respect to Har- Security Adviser (NSA) called on "During the conversation, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley shakes hands with Canada's supported Khalistan, Canadian minder Sahib... I want to pay Modi at his official residence, a they exchanged views on how Defence Minister Harjit Singh Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan after his ceremonial reception, respect to the village I was born. day after he arrived here on the both countries can work Sajjan yesterday said: "I don't yesterday. I am very very proud of my first visit by a senior White together to effectively address promote the breaking up of any roots. House official since President the challenge of terrorism and country." province of a nation," he told the listani supporter. "Captain is Chief Minister Trump took over in January. to advance regional peace, "I don't want to be sucked media when he was asked about "My goal is to build relation- and it is my responsibility to The US embassy said security and stability." into the internal politics of a allegations that he was a Kha- ships. I am proud of the fact that offer a meeting." McMaster in his meeting with The US official's trip was Modi that was also attended by part of his South Asian sojourn Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar that began over the weekend. and NSA Ajit Doval "emphasised On Monday, he visited Paki- the importance of US-India stan where he met Prime Normal strategic relationship and reaf- Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign AIADMK ousts Sasikala & Dinakaran firmed India's designation as a Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and Chennai AIADMK's General Secretary the announcement, Sasikala major defence partner". the army chief, stressing "the monsoon IANS last December. faction legislator Vetrivel told "The two sides discussed a need to confront terrorism in Jayakumar, who made the a television channel that Jay- range of bilateral and regional all its forms". forecast n a sudden turn of events, announcement after meeting akumar did not have the issues, including their shared He also visited Afghanistan Tamil Nadu Finance Min- Chief Minister K Palaniswami, power to make such an interest in increasing defence and to review efforts at stabilizing New Delhi Iister D Jayakumar told reporters that the AIADMK announcement. counterterrorism cooperation," the country. AFP yesterday announced that was bowing to the wishes of The AIADMK split into two an embassy statement said. "The visit was a part of ministers have decided to party cadres, people, lawmak- after former Chief Minister J McMaster also met sepa- regional consultations that ndia's crucial monsoon keep out jailed AIADMK ers, ministers and others to Jayalalithaa's death. One fac- rately with Doval and included stops in Kabul and rains are forecast to be leader V K Sasikala, her keep Dinakaran, the Deputy tion is led by Sasikala and the Jaishankar. The embassy noted Islamabad," said the embassy Inormal this year, the nephew T T V Dinakaran and General Secretary, and his fam- other by former Chief Minis- that the meetings were statement. The trip assumes sig- weather office said yesterday, his family out of the party. ily members out of the party. ter O Panneerselvam. Both "productive". nificance amid growing US bringing hope to the agricul- Jayakumar also said a com- "We will run the party and AIADMK factions are desper- The Prime Minister's Office concerns over terror threats tural sector which employs mittee will be formed to run the government," he said. "We ate for a unity because they said in a statement that emanating from a resurgent 60 percent of the population the party when queried about want to save the party and the realise they will find fighting "McMaster conveyed the greet- Taliban and rising Islamic and has been hit by drought the General Secretary's posi- government from the clutches the next elections tough ings of President Trump" to State's influence in Afghanistan, in recent years. tion. Sasikala was elected as of one family." Reacting to against the DMK. Modi, who recalled "the impor- where America has some 8,400 Good monsoon rains are tance attached by both sides to troops. vital for Indian crops and a particularly dry season can reduce farm output, raising food prices which can be crippling for the tens of mil- Petrol bunks to shut on Govt mulls online data protection law lions of India's poor. More than half of India's Sundays to save fuel New Delhi Telling the court that data framework is put in place it farms lack irrigation for their IANS protection applies to a host of would be good and they can crops, meaning they rely Chennai Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, online platforms like Facebook, then focus on the specifics and almost entirely on the annual IANS Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, he Centre yesterday told WhatsApp, Paytm, and Twitter, argue the case. rains that fall between June Haryana and Maharashtra as the Supreme Court that it Rohatgi sought adjournment in He said he hoped both the and September. etrol bunk dealers in well as Puducherry will down Twas actively considering the case till Diwali by which petitioner and the social net- "The country will receive seven states and Puduch- their shutters on Sundays start- to put in place a law to protect time, he said, something would working site Facebook and 96 percent of the long period Perry have decided to ing from May 14. data and curb sharing of indi- emerge. online messaging service What- average," K J Ramesh, direc- down their shutters on Sundays He said there were around vidual data on social networking The court was hearing a plea sApp may agree to the tor general of the India from May 14 in a bid to save fuel 4,850 outlets selling petrol and sites and online messaging by Karmanya Singh Sareen and regulatory framework that the Meteorological Department and foreign exchange, it was diesel in Tamil Nadu and services. others who have challenged a government is considering. (IMD), said at a news confer- announced yesterday. Puducherry alone. Attorney General Mukul Delhi High Court September 23 "If law comes and provide ence. The long period average "Prime Minister Narendra "On an average the per day Rohatgi told a Constitution order by which it allowed What- for regulation, then it is OK," the refers to a 50-year average Modi has urged people to fol- sales of fuel is for around Rs 153 Bench of Justice Dipak Misra, sApp to roll out its new privacy court was told. Even though the of 89 cm rainfall for the entire low traffic rules and also save crore. While exact figures are Justice A K Sikri, Justice Amitava policy but said it cannot share Centre sought an adjournment four-month season beginning petrol and diesel. So we have not available on fuel sales on Roy, Justice A M Khanwilkar the data of its users collected up of the hearing so that it could June. decided to declare a holiday on Sundays, it will be around 20 and Justice Mohan M Shantan- to September 25, 2016, with undertake the exercise of "We expect normal clima- Sundays as it will save fuel and per cent less than what is sold agouda that the government is Facebook or any other related putting in place the law for data tological distribution of rains foreign exchange," K P Murali, on weekdays," Murali said. mulling a framework for data company. protection, the court asked Salve and we also expect the trend President of the Tamil Nadu He said the Sunday-holiday protection like the one existing Appearing for Sareen, sen- to frame the questions that of higher agricultural produc- Petroleum Dealers Association, decision will save around 20 in the United Kingdom and the ior counsel Harish Salve told the would be addressed to the court tion and economic growth to said. per cent fuel burned in the US. apex court that if a regulatory in the course of hearing. continue." Murali said petrol bunks in country. 10 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Fight for justice ore than a thousand Palestinians in Israeli jails have launched a hunger strike for justice led by prominent prisoner and popular leader Marwan Barghouti. The number of prisoners participating M in the strike is expected to swell and the fact that Barghouti, who is one of the most famous Palestinian leaders, is leading the strike has won it Why did the ‘Mother of international attention. This is an action the prisoners have been forced into by the repressive Israeli government. There are more than 6,500 Palestinians currently detained by All Bombs’ unsettle us Israel who are subjected to torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and medical negligence. And their crime? Fighting for their land, freedom and Peninsula have unnerved many, perhaps from machine guns to poison gas to justice, all of which have been taken away from them Jeffrey Lewis more so than the facts warrant. nuclear weapons, more than a few peo- in violation and defiance of all international laws. The Washington Post But there is a deeper phenomenon at ple have observed that our species’ Some have been killed while in detention and play — the process by which we decide tendency to resort to violence may be our according to a report from the Palestinian Prisoners’ which weapons are taboo and which are undoing. Club, about 200 Palestinian prisoners have died since not. Many of our fellow citizens were Eliminating war, though, seems 1967 because of Israeli torture. Even women and simply not clear on which side of that unlikely. And so, falling short of that lofty children are arrested by the Israeli police for simple n Thursday, the United States very fuzzy line the MOAB falls. And who goal, we try to prohibit the worst weap- crimes like throwing stones and are held in detention dropped a bomb in Afghanistan, can blame them? After all, we’ve decided ons — those that cause unnecessary or indefinitely, subjecting them and their families to near a place called Achin. The GBU- that destroying Hiroshima and Nagasaki gruesome suffering and, most important, emotional torture. In an article published in The New 43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast with nuclear weapons was terrible, but those that do not discriminate among York Times to explain the reasons for the strike, blew up a cave complex used by firebombing Tokyo was not. combatants and noncombatants. OIslamic State fighters — and, shortly thereafter, And that Syria’s Bashar Assad must If our lines are imperfect, we know Barghouti wrote: “Decades of experience have proved that Israel’s inhumane system of colonial and military the media. The coverage of the MOAB was an not murder innocent men, women and they are better than no lines at all. If our incredible mix of hysteria and hardware por- children with poison gas, but only with restrictions are too narrow, we believe occupation aims to break nography. “Fox & Friends” even soundtracked conventional bombs and rockets. These that others will come along who will try the spirit of prisoners and the gun-camera video of the explosion. distinctions are arbitrary, but when a to broaden them. the nation to which they Nearly 16 years after 9/11, we remain at new bomb comes along, it’s hard to But we draw these lines because we belong, by inflicting More than war in Afghanistan. The US Air Force has know how to accommodate it into our know that our capacity to create a thousand suffering on their bodies, already dropped 457 weapons there in 2017. existing frameworks. destructive weapons vastly exceeds the Palestinian separating them from their Something about this one, though, made peo- And yet, the process of constructing ability of our political and social institu- families and communities, prisoners in Israeli ple a little crazy. Maybe it’s the nickname: norms — however imperfect — is, by and tions to manage them. This is what using humiliating Mother of All Bombs. Why so much attention large, how human beings have chosen to Martin Luther King Jr. meant, I think, prisons are on measures to compel to one bomb, and so little attention to the lin- deal with the fact that states continue to when he spoke of living in an era of a hunger strike. subjugation. In spite of gering war? settle disputes with “guided missiles and unguided men.” The world must such treatment, we will not Yes, the bomb was big. The MOAB violence. Our technological prowess exceeds our surrender to it.” support them. explodes with a force equivalent to about 11 As our technological wisdom. The timing of the tons of TNT. It is the most powerful conven- capacity to wreak Maybe that’s why so many of our fel- hunger strike is important. tional bomb in the US arsenal, although the destruction has grown low citizens focused on the bomb, instead It coincides with Massive Ordnance Penetrator is heavier. of the bleeding misery of Afghanistan: Palestinian Prisoners Day, Different munitions are better for differ- because we don’t know how to end that with thousands of Palestinians demonstrating in ent missions, but the overall destructive war any more than we know how to end support of the prisoners, and also comes ahead of power of the MOAB is similar to other bomber The MOAB explodes with all wars. commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of payloads, such as a fully loaded B-52 bomber a force equivalent to So instead we wait, hopeful that our Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, including now carrying more than 50 750-pound bombs. political leaders will find solutions to the annexed east Jerusalem, in the Six-Day War. The MOAB is, itself, a replacement for an about 11 tonness of TNT. dangers we face, while fearing that Palestinian prisoners have launched hunger older, only slightly less massive bomb popu- It is the most powerful before they do, a weapon we cannot strikes several times before, but this is the first strike larly known as the Daisy Cutter, which the conventional bomb in control will come along — the one that to be launched on a massive scale. Barghouti’s United States used to terrible effect in Viet- the US arsenal, although will get us in the end. leadership has given it added credibility. There is no nam, Iraq and, yes, Afghanistan. other leader who can speak so authentically about The MOAB certainly shocked and awed the Massive Ordnance The writer is a scholar at the Middlebury Israeli atrocities and torture. The 57-year-old observers here. Several news organisa- Penetrator is heavier. Institute of International Studies at Barghouti is serving five life sentences over his role in tions reported that the GBU-43 had a yield Monterey. the second intifada or uprising. He was only 15 when comparable to the atomic bomb that he was first imprisoned. destroyed Hiroshima. That is nonsense: The world must support this fight for justice and The GBU-43 explodes with a force of about put pressure on Israel to mend its ways. Israel has 11 tons of TNT. The atomic bomb that threatened to break the will of the prisoners and destroyed Hiroshima was about 1,000 punish them. Barghouti had been moved to another times more powerful. Corrections were duly made, but the tone of the coverage prison and placed in solitary confinement. did not change. However hard Israel tries, its occupation and This was hardly the first bomb that the oppression will not go unpunished. Truth and justice United States had dropped in Afghanistan. will prevail. And it is surely not the last. This past June, then-President Barack Obama loosened restrictions on US airstrikes in support of Afghan forces. Not long after, B-52s began QUOTE OF THE DAY striking targets there for the first time in a decade. Yet this had been little remarked in the United States — at least until an Air Force MC-130 released the very first MOAB in a We need a general combat situation. election and we need For whatever reason, people here reacted one now. We have at this to the MOAB as though it was a nuclear moment a one-off chance weapon, although it clearly is not, either in to get this done while the how it works or in its destructive power. Part European Union agrees its of this reaction probably reflects the moment in which we live. negotiating position and After a long and bitter presidential cam- before the detailed talks paign in which Donald Trump’s finger on the begin. nuclear button was the dominant metaphor used to discuss his fitness — or lack thereof — for the awesome responsibility of the Oval Theresa May US soldiers patrol near the site of a US bombing during an operation against Islamic UK Prime Minister Office, people are jumpy. The airstrikes in Syria and saber-rattling on the Korean State (IS) militants in the Achin district of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 OPINION 11 Venezuela and the eclipse of US leadership

US invasion is imminent. But just the Jackson Diehl opposite has been true. Through The Washington Post three administrations — four, if you count the still-coalescing Trump team — US policy has been to avoid the faintest hint of meddling in Ven- enezuela’s steady descent into chaos has ezuela, on the grounds that it would repeatedly prompted pundits like me to only serve the Chavistas, by allowing predict that the authoritarian populist them to portray Washington as a foil. regime founded by Hugo Chávez was Chávez and Maduro used “the doomed to collapse, or be ousted. That it imperium” as an excuse for repres- hasn’tV happened yet says a lot about how this Latin sion anyway - and in the meantime, American meltdown is different and worse than any the United States did nothing to pro- other in the past century. And it may be even more tect Venezuelans from political and telling about the change in global role of the United economic catastrophe. Not just no States. military action — that never was a Last week, Caracas was again looking like a capi- possibility. There were no serious tal on the verge of revolution. Clouds of tear gas and economic sanctions, even when Ven- volleys of rubber bullets filled normally jammed ezuelan generals took to shipping expressways as tens of thousands took to the streets planeloads of cocaine to the United to challenge the government now led by Nicolás States. Maduro. The causes for popular anger were legion: “For the past decade or more Not just Maduro’s blatant rupture of democratic we’ve worked under the theory Demonstrators rally against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. norms, but shortages so severe that three-quarters of that a conscious effort to take a Venezuelans say they have lost weight because of a more laissez-faire approach would lack of food; not just brutal repression, but the elections, or a group of patriotic generals would three times its population into a client state. In the encourage others to fill a void in world’s worst rates of inflation and homicide. remove him in the name of restoring order. Perhaps logic of the Castro regime, international pariah status regional leadership,” says Eric Once again observers were predicting that Madu- this time they will finally be right. But Venezuela has is always preferable to domestic political concessions. Farnsworth of the Council of the ro’s days in power were numbered — that he would proved remarkably resistant to the fail-safe mecha- Still, Venezuela also tells a story of the eclipse of Americas and Americas Society. be forced to agree to the opposition’s demand for nisms that usually break the fall of a middle-income American leadership. For at least the past 100 years, “But a hemisphere that prioritized country. Instead, it is looking more and more like the the United States’ conception of its international mis- the principle of sovereignty over Zimbabwe of the Western hemisphere - a depraved sion included a determination not to allow another all else had no desire to weigh in dictatorship where no amount of misery seems suffi- state in the Western hemisphere to fail. That sometimes on Venezuela . . . except to try to The causes for popular anger were cient to bring about a breaking point. motivated acts of ugly and misguided imperialism, such keep the United States out of the legion: Not just Maduro’s blatant Why would that be? In large part, this is the story as encouraging military coups or directly dispatching political mix.” rupture of democratic norms, but of a uniquely corrupt and isolated regime. Senior gov- Marines — the last invasion, of Haiti, happened just 23 The void of US leadership has shortages so severe that three- ernment and military officials are up to their necks in years ago. More often in recent years, it has meant been partly filled, at last, by the quarters of Venezuelans say they international drug trafficking and the looting of oil using economic and military leverage to force demo- energetic new secretary general of have lost weight because of a lack revenue; a few, including the vice president, have cratic change - as in Nicaragua and El Salvador in the the Organisation of American already been designated as “narcotics kingpins” by the late 1980s - or to save a failing democracy, as in States, Luis Almagro, who since of food; not just brutal repression, U.S. treasury. Giving up power would likely mean Colombia after 2000. Venezuelans — starting with taking office in 2015 has cam- but the world’s worst rates of going to prison. Meanwhile, the intelligence and secu- Chávez — have always half-expected that Washington paigned hard to bring pressure to inflation and homicide. rity services are seeded with overseers from Cuba, would intervene in the faux-socialist mess he made bear on Maduro. But the OAS is which has managed to convert an OPEC nation with after 1998. To this day Maduro incessantly claims that a unlikely to save Venezuela. I listen to refugees and I hear my own story D-RING ROAD options. POST BOX: 3488 Sometimes we were simply Nidzara Ahmetasevic DOHA - QATAR Al Jazeera too afraid to ask people for help, but most times we did not know [email protected] how to get help. We knew there was no one that we could rely on, since nobody really understood EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE n a cold Friday evening in what it was like to be a refugee. TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 February, I met Karima, an This was the reality for many ref- FAX: +974 4455 7758 Afghan physiotherapist, in ugees that I knew back then. After Athens. We sat down in a cafe living as a refugee for a year and MANAGING EDITOR drinking tea and she told me a half, I decided to go back to my TEL: 4462 7505 Oabout herself, her family and their ordeal hometown, Sarajevo, which was as refugees in Greece. still under siege. I felt better living DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR She, her husband and their four chil- under siege than living in humili- TEL: 4455 7769 dren had arrived on a boat from Turkey to ation as a refugee. the Greek island of Samos 10 months ear- Today there’s a lot of talk lier. They were accommodated in a small from the international commu- LOCAL NEWS SECTION tent where they spent eight months, eating nity on the Geneva Convention TEL: 4455 7743 the same food — plain pasta for lunch and and there are many fund-raising dinner, and croissant and juice in the campaigns for refugees by major BUSINESS NEWS SECTION morning for adults, and watery milk for international organisations. But TEL: 4462 7535 the children. They had nothing to do but European governments are not A refugee reads a book outside his tent at the Souda municipality-run refugee wait there. For months, immigration offi- changing the way they mistreat SPORT NEWS SECTION camp on the island of Chios. cials collected evidence to verify that they refugees and international organ- TEL: 4455 7745 are indeed in a vulnerable position and isations are not actually providing any meaningful help on the qualify for asylum. also lonely and afraid, so when we found each ground. ONLINE SECTION They were eventually transferred to other, we decided to stay together. Most of the 66,000 refugees and migrants in Greece have TEL: 4462 7501 the mainland, where they realised that As the days past, we found ways to take care of been living in inhuman conditions for more than two years. [email protected] they had only escaped one nightmare to each other. We found ways to remember Sarajevo Meanwhile, the number of refugees in the country is increasing find themselves in another. They now live and our parents. We kept each other company, so every day. According to UNHCR data, from January to mid- PUBLIC RELATIONS in a three-room apartment with 13 other we didn’t feel so alone. We found ways to not cry all March, more than 3,300 new arrivals were registered in the people — three families in total. “It is still the time. But even when we were together, our lives country. Different organisations and government entities spent TEL: 4455 7613 better than the camp,” Karima told me. as refugees were not simple. There were days when billions, but the situation has not improved significantly. People [email protected] They recently started receiving we were hungry, days we were afraid and most of are becoming desperate: The rate of suicide attempts and drug monthly cash cards with which they buy the time we felt lost and desperate. Like refugees in addiction among refugees has skyrocketed. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT food. “It is not enough”, she said. She Greece today, we were waiting. So far, Greece is the single biggest recipient of EU Home TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 explained that they still rely on donations Back then the international community employed Affairs funding, with $1bn made available over two years in FAX: 4455 7870 from volunteers to meet other family the same rhetoric on human rights and humane treat- financial support. Greece has also received more than $330m [email protected] needs. Big NGOs do not really help. ment of refugees that they do today. The same from the UN’s Inter-Agency Appeal. She is slowly losing hope that her liv- international organisations were pleading for funding Part of the money has gone to big nongovernmental or inter- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT ing conditions will improve or that she will to alleviate the “refugee crisis”. But we, the refugees, governmental organisations and part to the government TEL: 4455 7857 be able to leave Greece one day. “I am not saw no sign of human rights or humane treatment. institutions. But none of these organisations - according to volun- [email protected] that lucky,” she said. For now, the only We also did not receive anything from the major teers and refugees — managed to do what is expected of them in thing Karima and her family can do is to sit international humanitarian players. order to make people’s lives bearable. NGOs and the Greek gov- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION and wait. For the past few months, I’ve We survived by supporting each other. ernment have traded blame over the worsening situation in the TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 heard many stories like hers. Every time I When we needed food, advice on camps, but both are doing too little to change it.. The truth is that FAX: 44557819 sit with refugees and I listen to them speak how to find a doctor, or just a little there is no political will in Europe, not just Greece, to improve the of their misery and hopelessness, I feel like comfort, we turned to each other — situation. The situation in France or Italy, as well in many other [email protected] I’m listening to my own story. because we didn’t have any other EU member states, is also unbelievably desperate. More than 20 years ago, I too was a As I talk to refugees in Greece and remember my own expe- refugee, fleeing the war in Bosnia. I hated, riences, it feels like we are part of one big story of the failure of All thoughts and views and still hate, every day of my life as a ref- the international community to respond to the crises they create. expressed in these columns ugee. I lived in the basement of a house in Currently, the volunteers and activists I do not see any solutions to the current crises. Currently, the are those of the writers, not Zagreb for several months. I was living working with refugees are providing help and volunteers and activists working with refugees are providing of the newspaper. there with three other girls, sisters, that I services in an effective way, but they cannot help and services in an effective way, but they cannot continue knew from Bosnia. The oldest one was 19 continue handling a humanitarian crisis of handling a humanitarian crisis of this scale on their own. They and the youngest 13 years old. are constantly speaking out on how the current system is not All correspondence this scale on their own. They are constantly Just like me, they were sent away from working, that change is needed, and that the world should learn regarding Views and speaking out on how the current system is Sarajevo by their parents who believed from past mistakes. But those with the money, big organisations Opinion pages should be that they would be safer if they stayed far not working, that change is needed, and that and governmental and intergovernmental bodies, are the ones mailed to the away from the war. Maybe we were safer, the world should learn from past mistakes. making decisions and they have the power to shape the crisis. It but as refugees in a foreign land, we were looks like they do not listen. [email protected] 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 Australia to toughen working visa policy

Reform Sydney will have a simple focus: Austral- priority for Australian jobs," he a 457 visa will not be affected by represents more than 60,000 Reuters ian jobs and Australian values." said. "We'll no longer allow 457 the new arrangements. businesses, said the changes Australia Prime In a similar vein, US Presi- visas to be passports to jobs that The 457 visa, now used by would improve the integrity of Minister Malcom ustralia will abolish dent Donald Trump will sign an could and should go to about 95,000 foreign workers, Australia's visa programme. Turnbull said the visa a temporary work executive order yesterday direct- Australians." will be replaced by a new tem- "The temporary skilled visa change would attract visa popular with ing changes to a temporary visa The 457 visa was introduced porary visa and the list of programme should now be con- better skilled workers foreigners and programme used to bring for- in the 1990s to expedite the entry occupations that qualify for a sidered as settled without the and see Australians replace it with a new eign workers to the United States of business professionals and visa will be reduced from more need for further reviews and dis- programmeA requiring better to fill highly skilled jobs. highly skilled migrants but over than 200. ruptive policy change," said Ai employed over cheap English-language and job skills, The order is an attempt by time it was opened up to include The new visa will be limited Group Chief Executive Innes foreign workers Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- Trump to carry out his "America a broad suite of workers. to a two-year period and a sec- Willox. brought in under the bull said yesterday. First" election campaign pledges. The programme has become ond four-year visa will require Some experts said the gov- old 457 visa Turnbull, struggling with Turnbull said the visa change mired in controversy with alle- a higher standard of English ernment should focus on programme. poor voter approval ratings, would attract better skilled gations the visa was being language. boosting education and training rejected suggestions the visa pol- workers and see Australians misused by employers to import From 1901 to around 1973, systems to address Australia's Anyone now in icy change was in response to employed over cheap foreign workers on the cheap, not to fill Australia restricted non-white skills needs. Australia on a 457 far-right wing political parties, workers brought in under the old genuine skill shortages. immigration under a White Aus- The opposition was not visa will not be such as One Nation, demanding 457 visa programme. "We are bringing the 457 visa tralia policy, which required an impressed though. Labour leader affected by the new more nationalistic policies. "We are an immigration class to an end. It's lost its cred- English language test. Bill Shorten tweeted "the only arrangements. But in a Facebook announce- nation, but the fact remains- ibility," Turnbull said. The Australian Industry job Malcolm Turnbull cares ment Turnbull said: "Our reforms Australian workers must have Anyone now in Australia on Group (Ai Group), which about saving is his own." Islamabad & Kabul ease travel rules Islamabad been completely withdrawn on countries throughout the world Internews April 15. as it was aimed at saving the fre- They urged all Pakistanis, quent travellers from any he Frontier Corps officials especially local transporters and hindrance and inconvenience. said yesterday that further traders, to immediately apply Also, the political adminis- Trelaxation was granted to for their passports to avoid any tration again imposed a ban on Pakistanis stranded in Afghan- inconvenience at Torkham for firing in the air and sale on items istan to utilise their their cross-border movement. of fireworks. Computerised National Identity The officials said that efforts Political Tehsildar Irshad Cards (CNICs) till April 18 for were underway to develop Mohmand said yesterday that their entry into Pakistan via Torkham border in accordance elders and influential persons Torkham border. with international standards by of the area were called to his The local journalists were providing all the required facil- office to convey them the orders told during a briefing at Michni ities to both Afghan and regarding the renewed ban. check post that the relaxation Pakistani nationals for their He said that banners and would apply to only those Paki- cross-border movement. posters inscribed with the orders stanis, who had been stuck in “It is the stated policy of the regarding ban were displayed at different cities of Afghanistan in government that citizens of both prominent locations at Landi connection with their the neighbouring countries Kotal Bazaar for local residents. occupations. travel in accordance with inter- Mohmand said that at least The officials said that entry national rules and obligations,” two persons were arrested on to Afghanistan would only be said the officials. charges of selling items of fire- allowed on possession of Paki- They added that same travel works. He said that strict action stani passport as the CNIC and procedures were applied would be taken against the vio- Rahdari card relaxation had between two neighbouring lators of the ban. US Marines arrive at Darwin in northern Australia for the sixth annual Marines deployment, yesterday. US & Australia to begin combat drills Hundreds dead during Facebook blocks Darwin conversation to get larger over contingent to Australia in peace- 152 pages over Reuters the years says that we do think time history. Myanmar’s water festival this is an important region," Middleton said the 13 aircraft, blasphemous S Marines began arriving Marines' commander Lieuten- including tilt-rotor Ospreys, Yangon figures of 967 crimes, 272 in Australia's tropical ant Colonel Brian Middleton Super Cobra helicopters and Anatolia deaths and 1,086 injured content Unorth yesterday for a six- said. Huey helicopters, triple the four cases, 233 more cases and 13 month deployment during "Being close to Southeast aircraft in past deployments, was early 300 people were more deaths occurred in this Islamabad which they will conduct exer- Asia and the Indian Ocean, the a "tangible kind of sign of our killed during New Year year’s water festival,” said the Internews cises with Australian and visiting Indo Pacific position has always commitment to the region and Nwater festival, official Global New Light of Myanmar Chinese forces. been important." to this partnership". media said yesterday. newspaper. THE interior ministry of Paki- The 25-year annual deploy- Middleton said the marines He said the decision to send The state-run newspaper Yangon had 44 fatalities, stan informed the National ment programme started by would conduct an "important the aircraft pre-dated the recent yesterday reported 285 peo- followed by the Bago region Assembly yesterday that 152 former US President Barack exercise alongside our Chinese escalation in tensions over ple were killed and 1,073 with 37 and the country’s sec- Facebook pages have been Obama in 2011 is part of the US partners" and Australia. North Korea. "Regardless, I think others injured as 1,200 crimes ond city, Mandalay, had 36 blocked for featuring blas- "pivot" to Asia at a time of The strength of this year's it is just a good move any time and accidents occurred across deaths. phemous content. increased assertiveness by deployment at 1,250 troops lags we can strengthen the long the country during the four- Eight people died the first The written reply came to China. well behind the initial plan for standing partnership and alli- day annual Thingyan Water day of the festival, after a the question asked by MNA "I think that the commit- the deployment to reach 2,500 ance between our two countries. Festival. wooden boat carrying 61 Bud- Sahibzada Tariq Ullah regard- ment that we've taken to put a Marines this year, but it will see We stand ready to fight and win “Compared to last year’s dhist pilgrims sank. ing action taken by the task force here with a the largest US aircraft the night always." government against those involved in the posting of blasphemous content on social media. The ministry said two 26 dead as bus plunges FIRs were also registered 7 hurt in Mindanao twin blasts against individuals thought to have been uploading blas- in Nueva Ecija ravine Manila phemous content. AFP One of these was regis- Manila accident but Carranglan Mayor tered last month by the AFP Mary Abad told ABS-CBN tele- even people were injured Federal Investigation Agency vision there were 60 passengers when two bomb explosions (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle t least 26 people were onboard although the bus had Srocked a petrol station in a Rawalpindi last month and killed and 21 injured a capacity of only 45. southern Philippine city near the second was also regis- Awhen a passenger bus Abad added the wounded, rebel enclaves, police said tered last month at the Ramna crashed into a deep ravine in some of whom sustained criti- yesterday. police station. the mountainous northern Phil- cal injuries, were rushed to An improvised explosive The ministry said relevant ippines yesterday, authorities nearby hospitals. was thrown on Monday night on US authorities have been said. "The road is really risky. the roof of the gasoline station asked to help close down the The bus plunged about 24 There are many ravines along in Tacurong City on Mindanao social media sites which fea- metres in the upland province that road going to Abra," Abad island, which has been plagued ture blasphemous content of Nueva Ecija before noon said, referring to the province by a decades-old insurgency. and track down those after its brakes failed while where the bus was headed. "Two soldiers, three police- involved. travelling on a winding road, Dr Arlene Jara, chief of the men and two civilians were Three suspects have been police and local officials said. nearby provincial hospital wounded when a second blast arrested by the FIA and eight "The vehicle is totally treating the wounded, said chil- went off minutes later as secu- A police forensic investigator points to the site where two were places on the Exit Con- wrecked," said senior inspec- dren were among those injured. rity forces were about to cordon bombs exploded in Tacurong town, Sultan Kudarat, yesterday. trol List, the minister’s written tor Robert De Guzman, police President Rodrigo Duterte's off the area," said regional police reply said. chief of the town of Carranglan spokesman Ernesto Abella spokesman Superintendent The reply goes on to say where the accident occurred. expressed condolences to the Romeo Galgo. We are looking at all angles as of Asia's longest insurgencies that the interior minister had "The impact appeared to have families of the victims and said Two suspects have been there are threat groups in sur- and the incident could have met with ambassadors from ripped the top off the vehicle". those responsible would be held arrested but their identities and rounding areas," Galgo said been linked to extortion, Galgo Muslim countries for orches- "Almost all of the passen- accountable. the motive for the attack were yesterday, referring to rebels in added. trating an effective, gers, both dead and injured, Road accidents are com- still under investigation, Galgo the strife-torn province of The blasts occurred in a sec- collaborative response were found outside the bus." mon in the Philippines, where added. Maguindanao. tion of Mindanao that had been against the social media sites Authorities were still inves- old, badly maintained buses "We cannot conclude yet Nearby towns are also home troubled by the insurgency and which feature blasphemous tigating the cause of the often drive on poorly lit roads. that this is an act of terrorism. to communist rebels waging one high crime. content. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 ASIA 13

296 N Koreans South Korea can surrender in Malaysia for match North's repatriation Kuala Lumpur provocation Reuters MALAYSIA said yesterday 296 Seoul North Koreans had surren- Anatolia dered to authorities over the last week, as it enforces new outh Korea's interim visa requirements following a leader Hwang Kyo- dispute over the murder of the ahn (pictured) issued half-brother of North Korea's another warning to leader. North Korea yesterday, Malaysia revoked visa- Sas Seoul braces for a possible free entry for North Koreans nuclear test by its reclusive after the murder of Kim Jong neighbour. Nam, the estranged half- Prime Minister Hwang brother of North Korean addressed a Cabinet meeting a leader Kim Jong Un, at the day after discussing Kuala Lumpur International Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) and US Vice-President Mike Pence shake hands prior Pyongyang's rogue weapons "Our government and the Airport on February 13 this development with US Vice international community will to a luncheon hosted at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, yesterday. year. President Mike Pence. not condone North Korea's "All of those who surren- With the US already con- reckless provocations," Hwang dered had over-stayed their sidering "all options," Hwang said. US & Japan reaffirm security alliance visas, including 113 who had said a North Korean violation Pyongyang watchers have been on work permits and 183 of its UN commitments would been expecting a sixth nuclear Tokyo "The alliance between the valueless and it is necessary for on social visit passes," Malay- be met with "a corresponding test by the North in line with AFP United States and Japan is the us to exercise pressure." sia's Immigration Department consequence". key anniversaries this month. cornerstone of peace and secu- North Korea could react to said in a statement. The authoritarian state also S Vice-President Mike rity in Northeast Asia," he told a potential US strike by target- "All 296 North Koreans To hit back paraded suspected interconti- Pence reiterated his Abe. ing South Korea or Japan, and have or will leave Malaysia in nental ballistic missiles during Ucountry's commitment to The Japanese leader called officials in both countries have stages," the department With the US already a massive military parade last the security of Japan yesterday, for a peaceful resolution to the been ill at ease with the more added. considering "all weekend. as North Korea intensified con- North Korea tensions but did not bellicose language deployed by All had been in Sarawak, options," Hwang said Hwang, however, appeared cerns over its weapons rule out the need for tough President Donald Trump's a Malaysian state in Borneo. a North Korean to distance Seoul from talk of programme with a vow to measures. administration. The department said violation of its United an American pre-emptive strike launch missile tests "every "It is a matter of paramount Pence pointed to Trump's there were still four North on North Korea, insisting the week". importance for us to seek dip- recent strikes on a Syrian air- Koreans who had overstayed Nations commitments allies would maintain their Arriving in Tokyo for talks lomatic efforts as well as base and an Islamic State their work permits who had would be met with "a defensive position while hop- with Japanese Prime Minister peaceable settlements of the complex in Afghanistan as a not surrendered, but their corresponding ing for support from China in Shinzo Abe, Pence hailed the issue," he said. warning to Pyongyang not to employers had said they consequence: Official hitting Pyongyang with stronger two countries' longstanding "At the same time dialogue underestimate the administra- would be handed over to sanctions. security ties. for the sake of dialogue is tion's resolve. authorities. Thai PM reacts against protest over missing plaque

Bangkok 1932 where a group of revolu- Official denials over the years ago, said yesterday. AFP tionaries declared an end to plaque's whereabouts have Warning democracy activ- absolute powers of the then stretched credulity given the cir- ists from ramping up the issue hailand's junta yesterday monarch Rama VII. cular bronze memorial was he said it was "useless to ask for warned democracy activ- The date was pivotal in Thai embedded in the road of the its return". Tists against protesting over history, leading to country's first well-policed Royal Plaza. His comments came as sol- the removal of a plaque mark- constitution among other polit- It was also replaced by a new diers detained a prominent ing the abolition of the country's ical reforms. The plaque was plaque calling on Thais to be activist as he tried to file a com- absolute monarchy, fuelling reported missing last Friday. loyal to Buddhism, the state, plaint with the government over fears of official whitewashing of The disappearance of the family and the monarchy -- core the missing plaque. history. small but symbolic memorial has values of conservatives. There was a heavy police Authorities say they have no rekindled fears among democ- "I don't want this to become presence around the replace- idea what happened to the racy campaigners that ascendant an issue," Junta chief Prayut ment memorial and officers memorial in the capital Bang- arch-royalists are trying to Chan-O-Cha, an ultra-monar- refused to let journalists photo- A street is seen blocked at the gate of Dong Tam during a kok which marked the spot in rewrite Thai history. chist who seized power three graph it. land dispute protest outside Hanoi, yesterday. Chinese asylum Hanoi land protesters seeker detained free some hostages in Taiwan Hanoi by protesting. Four of the resi- Taipei Reuters dents were arrested, including Reuters the 83-year-old local leader ietnam land protesters Kinh. TAIWAN said yesterday it in the capital Hanoi have The residents of My Duc had apprehended a Chinese Vreleased about half the took police and other officials activist who had slipped away 30 officials, including police hostage to demand the release from his tour group last week, officers, they took hostage on of those arrested. and authorities were deciding Saturday when a land dispute Residents' lawyer Tran Vu whether to deport him or risk escalated, a lawyer involved in Hai said all local people had fraying relations with Beijing negotiations said. now been released and that half by granting him sanctuary as The residents of My Duc, on those held by residents had a political refugee. the outskirts of Hanoi, accused been freed. Officials declined to say the local authority of taking Land disputes are common whether 48-year-old Zhang over land for a telecommuni- in Vietnam and the one in My Xiangzhong had formally cations project without paying Duc has lasted for years, but it requested asylum.Taiwan's appropriate compensation. is rare for residents to take offi- immigration authorities said The local government said cials hostage in the communist Zhang was picked up on the that the people did not own the state where there is little toler- street on Monday evening. land and were breaking the law ance of dissent. A woman arranges fried snacks on street food cart at Pratunam district of Bangkok, yesterday. Bangkok to ban street food stalls Bangkok noodles to fried insects is the vendors of all kinds have already 'Drug kingpin' denies smuggling charges AFP closest Thailand has to a been removed or relocated for Bangkok shining a rare spotlight on possession -- mainly of meth- national pastime. clogging the pavements, leaving AFP communist Laos' shadowy role amphetamine, which is known treet food stalls will be "All types of stalls including little space for pedestrians and in the Southeast Asian pill in Thai as "yaba" or crazy med- banned from all of Bang- clothes, counterfeit goods and aggravating traffic. n alleged Laos drug lord trade. icine for its effect on addicts. Skok's main roads in a food stalls will be banned from "I don't think there will be linked to some of Thai- Narcotics cops alleged he "He denies all the charges," sweeping clean-up crusade, a main city roads," Wanlop any stalls on major roads... we Aland's rich and famous was an "international drug said his lawyer Vorakon city hall official said yesterday, Suwandee, a chief advisor to have nullified their permission denied being a major player in kingpin" and trumpeted his Phongtanakul, adding his cli- prompting outcry and anguish Bangkok's governor, said. (to operate)," he added, without the regional narcotics trade capture in a part of the world ent had also backtracked on a in a food-obsessed capital "They will not be allowed for giving a deadline for the sellers when he appeared in a Bang- where major cartel figures are confession he allegedly signed famed for its roadside cuisine. order and hygiene reasons," he to clear out. kok court yesterday. not big names in criminal folk- in police custody. For months city officials said, justifying the ongoing "Authorities won't listen to Xaysana Keopimpha, 42, lore and are rarely caught. "He didn't understand Thai have hemmed in hawkers of all crackdown after complaints us. They just want the city to be was nabbed by Thai police on The heavy-set Xaysana laws and officials told him he kinds across the metropolis, from the public. beautiful... they will not think his way through Bangkok's faces a string of charges could change his plea at court," where hitting the pavement for Officials say nearly two- about the poor and how this main airport in January, including drug smuggling and Vorakon said. everything from late-night thirds of the city's 30,000 street affects us," she said. 14 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 Germany's FDP dithers on post-poll support

September 24 election, up from ideal”, senior conservative Jens September vote four now. Neither Merkel’s con- Spahn told the daily Frankfurter Lawmakers in servatives nor the SPD would Allgemeine Zeitung. Merkel’s be able to govern alone, open- Underlining the FDP’s cre- conservative bloc say ing the way for talks with dentials as a potential ally, privately they smaller parties in their efforts Spahn said the liberals were believe the FDP is to forge a stable coalition closest on policy to the hungry for power government. conservatives. FDP leader Christian Lind- “That would be a good con- after four years in ner appeared to play down the stellation with regard to the political possibility of a tie-up with Mar- economic developments as wilderness and tin Schulz’s SPD, which he well,” he said in pre-released believe the party accused of wanting to strangle comments to run in the paper’s could join a left- German business with red tape, edition today, adding: “We could leaning coalition to but he also ruled nothing out. finally lower taxes together.” get back into “Schulz wants redistribution The FDP wants to cut taxes government. (of incomes), for the state to while also increasing investment command the economy, more in education and digital infra- bureaucracy,” Lindner told structure by privatising state Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with people during his visit to Veliky Novgorod, Berlin broadcaster n-tv. “Merkel basi- assets. The FDP has more often Russia, yesterday. Reuters cally wants to change nothing joined conservative-led federal in Germany ... At least she governments in the past, though ermany’s liberal Free doesn’t want to go it served in SPD-led coalitions Democratic Party backwards.” from 1969 to 1982 and more Russian anti-aircraft rockets (FDP) hopes to Pressed on which party recently has governed with the reclaim its tradi- would be his preferred coalition Social Democrats at the regional tional role as partner, Lindner said: “That level. Gkingmaker after September’s depends on the (policy) content. Schulz has led a revival in fuel tensions in the Balkans national election, but its leader If it is not possible to implement the SPD’s poll ratings since being proved coy yesterday over (our policy) content in a govern- nominated in January to chal- Belgrade have voiced alarm over increas- arms embargo in effect at the which of the two main parties it ment, then we will go into lenge Merkel in her bid for a AP ing Russian influence in the time. Russia's Defence Ministry might join in coalition. opposition.” fourth term as chancellor. western Balkans, which expe- alleged yesterday that the The business-friendly FDP An Emnid poll on Saturday But his party stumbled in a erbia is seeking a Russian rienced a bloody civil war in the Croatian reports were aimed at was the junior partner in Chan- showed Merkel’s conservative regional election in the western air defence system in addi- 1990s. Although Serbia claims undermining Moscow's relations cellor Angela Merkel’s 2009-13 bloc winning 35 percent, the state of Saarland late last month, Stion to fighter jets and it wants to be part of the EU, it with Serbia. The ministry said if conservative-led coalition but SPD 31 percent, the Linke and with voters flocking to Merkel’s battle tanks, Serbian officials has been strengthening military, Russian military hardware was failed to clear the 5 percent the anti-immigration Alterna- conservatives for fear of the SPD say, in what could fuel tensions economic and political ties with given to Croatia during the war, threshold to win seats in the cur- tive for Germany (AfD) both on joining forces with the Linke to in the Balkans. Slavic ally Russia. it was done without government rent lower house Bundestag. 9 percent, the Greens on 7 per- form a left-wing alliance. Serbian Prime Minister Ale- But the planned purchase of approval. Media reports suggest it is now cent and the FDP on 6 percent. The prospect of a coalition ksandar Vucic has said he the anti-aircraft system has "According to our knowl- being courted by the centre-left with the FDP might prove more negotiated the purchase of the been overshadowed in Serbia edge, dishonest Croatian Social Democrats (SPD) as a “GOOD CONSTELLATION” popular with centrist-minded S-300 anti-aircraft rockets dur- by reports from rival Croatia moneymakers took advantage possible alternative partner to Merkel’s conservatives now voters, but Lindner described ing talks with Russian President that Russia supplied Croatia of this to supply Zagreb," the the far-left Linke. rule in a ‘grand coalition’ with reports of the SPD scoping out Vladimir Putin this month and with the same system during the ministry said, referring to the Opinion polls suggest six the SPD, though neither is keen such a tie-up as “tactical, a Belarus President Alexander 1990s war for independence Croatian capital. "Of course, the party groups, including the FDP, to repeat the right-left partner- diversion from the Linke party Lukashenko last month. from Serb-led Yugoslavia, a Russian Federation has never will enter parliament after the ship. A re-run would be “not option”. European Union officials likely breach of a United Nations had anything to do with this." EU urged Metro bombing suspect says was unwitting accomplice to save more Moscow hearing in Moscow, the suspect, from the city of Jalal-Abad, in the citing law enforcement agencies, Reuters Azimov, said he had participated Central Asian state of Kyr- reported that Azimov, along with migrants in the preparation of the attack gyzstan. His wife said yesterday the St Petersburg suicide he man Russian investiga- but only indirectly. that Azimov and his brother, bomber, had attended a radical at sea tors say orchestrated a “I did not realise that I was Akrom, had been working in a Islamist training camp. It did not Tsuicide bombing on the St helping with this act,” he said, sushi restaurant in the Moscow say where the camp was located. Petersburg metro told a court referring to the April 3 blast. “I region. He had been due to Azimov’s wife and another Rome yesterday he was an unwitting was being given instructions.” return home to Kyrgyzstan in brother, Bilol, told Reuters he Reuters accomplice in the attack, in Dressed in a black jacket and April, but did not make the trip. had travelled to Turkey but was which 14 people were killed and checked shirt, he spoke from a Her husband was “calm and only in transit there on his way U patrol vessels in the scores injured. metal cage in the courtroom. well-adjusted”, the wife, her home after an abortive attempt Mediterranean are Russian investigators said Earlier in the court hearing, head covered by a scarf, said in to find work in South Korea. The Eputting lives at risk by that before the April 3 attack, the a state investigator told the court Jalal-Abad. family, though Muslims, rarely operating too far from the suspected suicide bomber, that Azimov had confessed to She said his brother Akrom went to the mosque, Bilol said. Libyan coast where migrants Akbarzhon Jalilov, had spoken having taking part in prepara- people suspected of involve- had returned home from Mos- No group has claimed are embarking on the peril- by telephone with Abror Azimov tions for the attack, but the ment. All are originally from cow because he was sick, adding responsibility for the attack, ous voyage to Europe, the (pictured), who the investigators suspect said he had not con- Central Asia, a region of five that he had been taken from hos- which happened on a day that head of a rescue charity said said was helping mastermind the fessed to that. mainly Muslim states that bor- pital for questioning by Kyrgyz Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday. attack from a Moscow suburb. Since the attack, Russian der Afghanistan, Iran and China. state security. was visiting St Petersburg, his Growing numbers of At a preliminary court authorities have detained nine Abror Azimov is originally Russia’s Ren TV broadcaster, native city. migrants are attempting the crossing in flimsy, over- crowded boats as the spring weather improves. Nearly 9,000, mostly Africans, were Hauling the coal French 'hen' artist rescued over the long Easter weekend, UN aid agencies said. “Europe needs to res- hatches first chick cue people because it cannot allow them to die at its own back door,” said Chris Cat- Paris "It has been really tough for rambone, an American AFP him. He has slept sitting on the businessman who co- eggs. It's been a lot harder than founded the Migrant French artist who has being shut inside the rock," a Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), spent three weeks sitting spokeswoman for the museum with his Italian wife Regina Aon 10 eggs hatched his said. in 2014. first chick yesterday. What is more the 44-year- He was speaking by tele- Abraham Poincheval — old has had to contend with the phone from the MOAS rescue who made headlines last month heat, having to keep the eggs at vessel Phoenix, which after a after spending a week a minimum of 37 degrees Cel- frantic weekend’s activity was entombed inside an egg-shaped sius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). heading slowly towards Sic- rock — has hardly slept since He has also been all but cut off ily with 463 migrants on he stepped inside a glass vitrine from the outside world. "His board, including 170 women in a Paris modern art museum voice is quite muffled through and children, and seven dead to sit on the eggs on March 29. the glass," the spokeswoman bodies recovered from the But late yesterday after- added. "It is quite frustrating to sea. noon the first of the eggs began communicate sometimes." The crossing from Libya to hatch, forcing the artist to Cooped up in one corner of to Italy is now the main temporarily rise from his nest the vitrine in a heavy traditional migrant route into Europe. for fear of crushing the Korean cape on a specially More than 181,000 came to new-born. designed "laying table", the shore in Italy last year, and Up until then Poincheval usually amiable artist avoided arrivals this year are up about was only allowed a half-hour the gaze of gallery goers and a third on the same period of Competitors take part in the Men's Race at the annual World Coal Carrying Championships break every 24 hours to keep retreated into himself. 2016. in the village of Gawthorpe, near Wakefield, northern England. him from cracking — although However, as cracks Some 850 are estimated he never once left the glass case appeared in the first of the eggs, to have died so far in 2017. in the Palais de Tokyo. his spirits lifted. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 15 May calls for snap election in June

the political landscape around the two British Prime Minister stuns years of Brexit talks with the EU expected to start in earnest in June. the nation by seeking early May is capitalising on her runaway elections in a move seen lead in the opinion polls. The Conserv- to roil the polity reeling ative Party is around 20 points ahead under Brexit and a second of the main opposition Labour Party and could win around 100 additional seats referendum demand by in parliament. Scotland. The prime minister’s own personal ratings also dwarf those of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, with 50 percent London of those asked saying she would make Reuters the best prime minister. Corbyn wins only 14 percent, according to pollster ritish Prime Minister Theresa YouGov. May called yesterday for an May, a former interior minister, was early election on June 8, say- appointed prime minister after Britain’s ing she needed to strengthen vote to leave the European Union forced her hand in divorce talks with the resignation of her predecessor David Bthe European Union by bolstering sup- Cameron. port for her Brexit plan. The election will be a vote on her Standing outside her Downing Street performance so far. office, May said she had been reluctant She is counting on winning the sup- to ask parliament to back her move to port of British voters, who backed Brexit British Prime Minister Theresa May bring forward the poll from 2020. But, by 52-48 percent, but some Britons on after thinking “long and hard” during a addressing the media outside 10 social media questioned whether they walking holiday in Wales, she decided Downing Street yesterday. wanted to cast yet another ballot less A woman displays a bookies chalk board marked with odds, beside the it was necessary to try to stop the oppo- 2.3 percent, its biggest one-day loss since than a year after the June referendum Houses of Parliament, in central London, yesterday. sition “jeopardising” her work on Brexit. June 27, days after Britain voted to leave and two years after they voted in the Some were surprised by her move the EU. last parliamentary poll. Monday. Business groups largely wel- parliament in a vote today, which looked — she has repeatedly said she does not “It was with reluctance that I Her spokesman comed the move, while expressing certain after Labour and the Liberal Dem- want to be distracted by campaigning decided the country needs this election, said she had the back- concern that the government’s focus may ocrats said they would vote in favour. — but opinion polls give her a strong but it is with strong conviction that I say ing of her top team of stray away from the economy, which May Labour’s Corbyn welcomed the elec- lead and the British economy has so far it is necessary to secure the strong and ministers and had said had defied “predictions of immedi- tion plan, but some of his lawmakers defied predictions of a slowdown. stable leadership the country needs to informed Queen Eliza- ate financial and economic danger”. doubted whether it was a good move, Growth is faster than expected, con- see us through Brexit and beyond,” May beth of her plans on Underlining divisions the vote is fearing they could lose their seats. At sumer confidence is high and said. unlikely to mend, however, Nicola Stur- least two said they would not run. unemployment low, but the economy “Before Easter I spent a few days geon, first minister of the Scottish If the opinion polls are right, May may be poised to pass its peak as con- walking in Wales with my husband, “I spent a few days walking government, described the decision as will win a new mandate for a series of sumers start to feel the strain from rising thought about this long and hard, and a “huge political miscalculation” that reforms she wants to introduce in Brit- prices. came to the decision that to provide that in Wales with my husband, could help her efforts to hold a new ain and also a vote of confidence in a Sterling rose to a four-month high stability and certainty for the future that thought about this long independence referendum. vision for Brexit which sees the coun- against the US dollar after the market this was the way to do it, to have an elec- and hard, and came to the In Brussels, European Council Presi- try outside the EU’s single market. bet that May would strengthen her par- tion,” she told ITV news. decision that to provide dent Donald Tusk, who is running the “The decision facing the country will liamentary majority, which Deutsche Britain joins a list of western Euro- negotiations with Britain, said the elec- be all about leadership,” May said. “What Bank said would be a “game-changer” pean countries scheduled to hold that stability and certainty tion was a Brexit plot twist worthy of they are doing jeopardises the work we for the pound. elections this year. Votes in France in for the future this was the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. must do to prepare for Brexit at home, But the stronger pound helped push April and May, and in Germany in Sep- way to do it.— Theresa May Before holding the early election, May and it weakens the government’s nego- Britain’s main share index to close down tember, have the potential to reshape must win the support of two-thirds of the tiating position in Europe.” Sturgeon sees opportunity What's next and for Scotland what is at stake

Edinburgh London if two-thirds of lawmakers sup- Reuters AP port it. May will ask the House of Commons to vote on the snap ritish Prime Minister ritish Prime Minister election today. Theresa May’s decision Theresa May has called a Bto seek an early election Bgeneral election for June WHAT'S AT STAKE? on June 8 gives Scotland a 8. Here's a brief look at what Negotiations to leave the EU chance to reinforce its dem- happens now, and what's at will be arduous. The talks will ocratic mandate to hold an stake. deal with money, trade, independence referendum, defence, to name but a few key Scotland’s First Minister WHY DID MAY MAKE HER topics. If May were to gain more Nicola Sturgeon suggested MOVE? seats, she would be able to have yesterday. A new ballot offers her the more freedom to pursue her “It will once again give chance to seek her own man- own agenda, and to neutralise people the opportunity to date and to increase the those inside and outside her reject the (Conservative gov- Conservative Party's narrow own party who disagree with ernment’s) narrow, divisive majority in the House of Com- her positions. agenda, as well as reinforc- mons, where it holds 330 of 650 ing the democratic mandate seats. Britain formally triggered HOW DOES IT WORK? which already exists for giv- the process for leaving the EU Britain has 650 constituen- ing the people of Scotland a last month, but more turmoil is cies from which voters select a choice on their future,” said in store as the country negoti- local lawmaker. The party with Sturgeon, whose Scottish ates a divorce that will affect the most lawmakers wins a National Party (SNP) is seek- every aspect of life in the U.K. working majority and is ing a referendum on allowed to install its leader as independence from the IS IT A DONE DEAL? prime minister. United Kingdom which May British prime ministers used opposes. to have the power to call elec- WHO COULD WIN? Sturgeon has called for an tions at will, but the Fixed-Term Elections are always unpre- independence vote in late Parliaments Act, passed in 2011, dictable, but bookmakers 2018 or early 2019, before makes things more compli- consider May's Conservative Brexit takes effect, but May cated. Under the act, national Party a strong favourite to win. has said it was not the right elections are held every five Opinion polls released last time to revisit the independ- years, in May. The prime min- weekend showed the Conserv- ence issue. ister can call an early election atives with a double-digit lead. Stiff upper lip can damage mental health: Prince William

London after his younger brother Prince not at the expense of your suicide through his work as an The four-minute video shows Reuters Harry spoke about his struggles health,” William said in an inter- air ambulance helicopter pilot the prince sitting at a desk at coping with the loss of his mother view with the Campaign Against had been a “tipping point” in his Kensington Palace, his London rince William (pictured) has Diana in an unusually revealing Living Miserably (CALM), a char- decision to campaign on mental home, and talking via a laptop warned British men that interview. ity dedicated to preventing male health issues. computer screen with Lady Gaga, Pkeeping a “stiff upper lip” The princes, together with suicide. Heads Together released a who is in the kitchen of her home by bottling up emotions was det- William’s wife Kate, are spear- The British phrase “stiff upper short film showing William dis- in the American city of Los rimental to mental health, heading a campaign called Heads lip” describes an ability to keep cussing mental health issues with Angeles. stepping up an awareness cam- Together that encourages people emotions under control whatever the US popstar Lady Gaga, who The pair discussed the impor- paign that includes a video chat to open up about mental illness the circumstances. has gone public with her own tance of talking about emotions with Lady Gaga. and seek help. Suicide is the biggest killer of struggles with post-traumatic and not feeling judged for open- The comments by Queen “There may be a time and a men under 45 in Britain, and Wil- stress disorder (PTSD) after she ing up about mental health Elizabeth’s grandson came a day place for the ‘stiff upper lip’, but liam said seeing the impact of was raped aged 19. difficulties. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017

Tightening France nabs two race rattles Macron camp

men over attack Paris AFP

We're going to win! We're going to win!" thundered plot before vote "thousands of supporters of French centrist Emmanuel Macron at his mega-rally in Paris Pen have been out in front but opinion Paris six days before voting. In AFP polls now show there is a very real chance private, many sounded less that any of the four leading candidates confident. rench security services yester- could reach the second-round runoff on Victory for the 39-year-old day swooped on two men May 7. looked the most likely outcome accused of plotting an attack just Scandal-plagued conservative Fran- of France's presidential election five days before the first round cois Fillon and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc a month ago, but the race has of the presidential election. Melenchon have closed the gap substan- tightened as the first round of FThe men were arrested in the south- tially in the last two weeks. voting looms on Sunday. ern city of Marseille by agents from "We have never seen a four-way con- Polls now show a close four- France's domestic intelligence agency. test like this in the first round of a way race developing between Interior Minister Matthias Fekl said the presidential election," Frederic Dabi of the Macron, Marine Le Pen, Fran- attack was to be carried out in the "next Ifop polling institute said. cois Fillon and the surprise few days" by the two men, aged 23 and 29, "There has been a real tightening of challenger, Jean-Luc who are known to be "radicalised". the race with four candidates between 19 Melenchon. He gave no further details on the percent and 23 percent," he added. "We're a bit worried by nature of the plot. Macron and Le Pen are tied on 22-23 Melenchon's breakthrough," More than 230 people have been killed percent, with Fillon improving to around Dominique Dusart, 57, who in terror attacks in France since January 21 percent and Melenchon surging as high heads En Marche in the Yonne 2015. as 20 percent in some polls. area south of Paris, acknowl- Candidates have been heavily guarded edged before the meeting. during the election campaign, but so far EU fears "It has been a bit of a slap in there have been few security scares. With Le Pen expected to reach the sec- the face because we weren't "Everything will be done to ensure ond round, polls continue to indicate that expecting it." security" for the election, Fekl said. whoever faces her will win, although after The race was narrowing ahead of Sun- Brexit and Donald Trump's US election day's vote, with the pack closing behind win, no one is taking anything for granted. Le Pen vows to suspend immigration frontrunners Emmanuel Macron and Melenchon has made the most remark- Marine Le Pen, while a quarter of voters able breakthrough in recent weeks, surging remained undecided. as high as 20 percent in some polls with a Paris immediate moratorium, shield voters ing this 10,000 figure,” she said. For weeks, centrist former banker far-left programme that involves huge Reuters from globalisation and strengthen Until now, Le Pen has struggled to Macron and National Front (FN) leader Le public spending and a pledge to re-nego- security, subjects that have won her entice her opponents in the presiden- tiate all European Union treaties. ar-right candidate Marine Le Pen core backing and that she hopes can tial race to debate her party’s Le Pen wants to pull France out of the sought yesterday to turn the give her boost with about 30 percent trademark tough security and immi- eurozone and also foresees a mass re- Fdebate in the final week of of voters still undecided. gration stance. She, by contrast, has negotiation of EU treaties, sparking fears France’s presidential election to immi- “For several weeks, we will need been put on the defensive over her in Brussels that a victory for the far-right gration as she looked to reverse a dip to assess the situation. The reality is position on leaving the euro zone, a coming hot on the heels of Brexit could be in polls. that immigration is massive in our proposal that lacks wide support. fatal for the European bloc. Surveys of voting intentions have country and that migration flood that Two polls yesterday showed Fil- In contrast to Le Pen, Macron on Sun- for months shown Le Pen and centrist we are experiencing is not a fantasy,” lon and Melenchon still a few day told 20,000 people in Paris that Emmanuel Macron qualifying on Sun- Le Pen told RTL radio yesterday - percentage points away from Le Pen France's future lay firmly in Europe, albeit day for the May 7 run-off, but the fleshing out details of the moratorium and Macron. She would be beaten by one that suited French interests. National Front leader has been under announcement. any of the three others in a run-off, "We need Europe, so we will remake pressure since the start of April as con- The measure has not been part of polls have repeatedly shown. it," Macron told the crowd. "I will be the servative Francois Fillon and far-leftist her programme, although she has put Le Pen’s stance on immigration president of the awakening of our Euro- Jean-Luc Melenchon close the gap on on record that she wants to limit mainly competes with that of former pean ambitions." the favourites. annual immigration to just 10,000 prime minister Fillon, who despite Members of the French RAID police In a reference to Le Pen, Macron said Speaking to a rally in Paris on people a year. being plagued by a financial scandal unit leave after searching a home in voters had the choice of "hope and cour- Monday she vowed to suspend all “I will carry out this moratorium is slowly recovering in the polls, and Marseille, yesterday. age over resignation". immigration with an for the exact purpose of implement- has also targeted far-right voters. Russian tycoon Low voter turnout could increase uncertainty to sell media Paris scenarios. Reuters research into French bond yields have Turnout was only 21 percent at taking margins of error into firm that Reuters past elections shows that the risen in recent months and midday then and 58 percent at account. lower the first-round turnout, equity investors have massively 5pm. “This (closeness) creates a irked Kremlin igh noon on Sunday will the greater the uncertainty about hedged positions in the options Polls have consistently sug- risk of surprise because it sub- bring the first hard sign which two candidates will con- market to reduce exposure to the gested centrist Emmanuel stantially lowers the vote Hof just how close France’s test that run-off on May 7. risk of a market-unsettling sur- Macron and far right leader required to make it to the sec- Moscow presidential race really is with Investors are poring over the prise vote. Marine Le Pen will score high- ond round,” Swiss fund Reuters the release of early turnout fig- arithmetic of past votes for clues The Interior Ministry will est in the first round with about managers Unigestion, with ¤23 ures for the first round eight about the likelihood of an unex- publish a first turnout estimate 22-24 percent of the vote each - bn ($24.5bn) under management, ussian tycoon Mikhail hours before expected results. pected result this time. at midday (1000 GMT) on Sun- and thereby qualify for the said in a research note. Prokhorov is in talks to With indecision also a major Judging from history, turn- day followed by an update at runoff. In French presidential elec- Rsell his RBC media factor, polls show the race is so out will be the key variable. In 5pm, three hours before the last But conservative Francois tions since 1965, the lowest holding, which angered some tight between the top four can- past elections, the higher the polling stations close at 8pm. Fillon and hard-left candidate scoring of the two candidates to in the Kremlin with its report- didates that each has a chance abstention rate in the first round Anything lower than rates Jean-Luc Melenchon are not far qualify for the runoffs has had a ing on the business interests of making the two-person run- of voting, the lower the hurdle seen in 2002 when turnout hit behind, touching 20 percent in vote of 25 percent on average. of people close to President off vote — therefore presenting candidates had to clear in order record low levels could raise the some polls, putting both in strik- Polls have consistently sug- Vladimir Putin, according to no fewer than six second round to qualify. chances of a surprise result. ing distance of qualifying when gested a low turnout. people briefed on the discussions. The talks come a year after Russian law enforce- ment conducted searches of Chill gives thrill! Court summons Spain PM Prokhorov’s offices. At the time, sources close to the media group said the searches to testify in graft trial were prompted by Kremlin anger at the revelations it Madrid with bribes in exchange for published, though the Krem- AFP contracts. lin has denied this link. Altogether, 37 defendants The searches sparked ne of Spain's top crimi- face justice including two market speculation—denied nal courts yesterday former party treasurers and by Prokhorov’s holding com- Osummoned Mariano businessman Francisco Correa, pany Onexim—that he was Rajoy to testify as a witness in the alleged head of the considering selling some of a major corruption trial, a first network. his Russian assets. for the conservative prime The PP itself is on the stand The other assets include minister. via a legal representative, stakes in aluminium giant "They have called him as though unlike most other Rusal, power generator witness," a spokesman for the defendants who face criminal Quadra and financial busi- National Court that deals with charges, the party is accused nesses Renaissance Credit, major corruption cases said, only of having benefitted from Renaissance Capital and IFC adding no date had been set yet funds obtained illegally, mak- Bank. Russian businessman for the hearing. ing it liable to civil penalties. Grigory Berezkin, who has Rajoy will take the stand as Rajoy's former health min- stakes in utility companies, is part of the so-called Gurtel trial, ister Ana Mato, who was forced in talks to buy the RBC media which centres on a vast net- to resign in November 2014 holding from Prokhorov, work that allegedly saw over the scandal, is also on the A member of the "Yenisei walruses" winter swimming club Alexander Alexandrov, 39, Marianna Belousova, a companies shower former law- stand though like the PP she is swims during an ice drift on the Yenisei River in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, yesterday. spokeswoman for Berezkin, makers and civil servants from suspected only of having ben- said yesterday. his ruling Popular Party (PP) efitted from illegal funds. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 AMERICAS 17 Trump orders review of H-1B visa programme

Washington 'America First' far in a Congress controlled by foreign nationals in occupations it supports efforts to root out any skilled tech workers. Reuters his fellow Republicans, Trump that generally require higher abuses occurring in the H-1B sys- “We hope the goal of Presi- The number of H-1B has leaned heavily on executive education, including science, tem, but said the idea that H-1B dent Trump’s executive order on resident Donald Trump visa applications for orders to seek changes to the US engineering or computer pro- visa holders are cheap labor is the H-1B program is ‘mend it, will order federal this year actually fell economy. gramming. The government uses inaccurate and a campaign to dis- don’t end it,’” Robert Atkinson, agencies to look at to 199,000 from The venue for Trump’s visit a lottery to award 65,000 visas credit the sector. president of the Information tightening a temporary 236,000 received for is a nod to his voter base in the every year and randomly distrib- It warned that any onerous Technology and Innovation visa programme used 2016, according to manufacturing centres of the utes another 20,000 to graduate additional restrictions to the visa Foundation professional associ- Pto bring high-skilled foreign American heartland. Wisconsin student workers. program would “hurt thousands ation, said in a statement. US Citizenship and workers to the United States, as unexpectedly voted for the Companies say they use the of US businesses and their efforts He said replacing the H-1B Immigration he tries to carry out his campaign Republican last year, partly due visas to recruit top talent. More to be more competitive”, by hin- lottery with a more merit-based pledges to put “America First.” Services. to his promises to bring back than 15 percent of Facebook Inc’s dering access to needed talent. system could advance the pro- Trump will sign an executive industrial jobs. US employees in 2016 used a The Indian commerce min- gram’s goals of attracting people order on enforcing and review- Trump will also use His order will call for “strict temporary work visa, according istry, which has been liaising with advanced science and tech- ing the H-1B visa, popular in the what the White enforcement of all laws govern- to a Reuters analysis of US with the United States on the visa nology skills. The number of technology industry, on a visit to House called the ing entry into the United States Labour Department filings. Face- issue, declined to comment. H-1B visa applications for this the headquarters of Snap-On Inc, “Buy American and of labor from abroad for the book, Microsoft Corp and Apple Indian Prime Minister Narendra year actually fell to 199,000 from a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Hire American” order stated purpose of creating higher Inc were not immediately avail- Modi urged Washington in Feb- 236,000 received for 2016, Wisconsin, senior administration wages and higher employment able for a comment. ruary to be open minded on according to US Citizenship and to seek changes in officials said. rates for workers in the United Most H-1B visas are awarded admitting skilled Indian Immigration Services. government He will also use what the States”, a senior official said. to outsourcing firms, sparking workers. Trump’s order will also ask White House called the “Buy procurement. It will call on the depart- criticism by skeptics who say India’s No. 2 IT Services firm, federal agencies to look at how American and Hire American” ments of Labour, Justice, those companies use the visas to Infosys, has said it is ramping up to get rid of loopholes in the gov- order to seek changes in govern- order but Trump aides have Homeland Security and State to fill lower-level information tech- work on on-site development ernment procurement process. ment procurement that would expressed concern that most crack down on what the official nology jobs. Critics say the lottery centers in the United States to Specifically, the review will boost purchases of American H-1B visas are awarded for called “fraud and abuse” in the benefits outsourcing firms that train local talent in an effort to take into account whether waiv- products in federal contracts, lower-paid jobs at outsourcing US immigration system, in order flood the system with mass address the visa regulation ers in free-trade agreements are with one aim being to help US firms, many based in India, to protect American workers. applications. changes under consideration. leading to unfair trade by allow- steelmakers. which they say takes work away Instead of directly ordering The senior official said that Infosys also warned last week ing foreign companies to The moves will show Trump from Americans. They seek a a change to the H-1B visa pro- under the current system foreign that onerous changes to US visa undercut American companies once again using his power to more merit-based way to give gram, Trump is taking a more workers are often brought in at rules could affect its earnings. in the global government pro- issue executive orders to try to the visas to highly-skilled cautious route that will likely less pay to replace American Before Trump’s January 20 curement market. fulfill promises he made last year workers. take some time to produce actual workers, “violating the principle inauguration, his transition team “If it turns out America is a in his election campaign, in this As he nears the 100-day results. He will ask those federal of the program”. Indian nation- discussed the possibility of net loser because of those free- case to reform US immigration benchmark of his presidency, departments to propose reforms als are by far the largest group of scrapping the H-1B lottery and trade agreement waivers, which policies and encourage pur- Trump still has no major legis- to ensure those visas are recipients of the H-1B visas issued replacing it with a system to apply to almost 60 countries, chases of American products. lative achievements. With his awarded to the most skilled or each year to new applicants. favor visa petitions for jobs that these waivers may be promptly Senior officials gave few attempts to overhaul healthcare highest paid applicant. Nasscom, the Indian IT service pay the highest salaries, in an renegotiated or revoked,” the details on implementation of the and tax law not bearing fruit so H-1B visas are intended for industry’s main lobby group, said effort to curb visas given to lower second official said.

Taxed by taxes Suspect in FB California woman jailed over video murder fake Chinese weddings

kills self in Los Angeles investigators that they never AFP received payment. Pennsylvania Investigators said Leung California woman was and her father netted up to sentenced to six months $3.5m from the scheme that Pennsylvania Ain prison for running a allowed them to enjoy a lavish Reuters fake marriage scam with her lifestyle. In addition to her father to enable Chinese nation- prison term, Leung on Monday he man suspected of als to obtain immigration visas. was ordered to pay a $4,000 killing a Cleveland man Federal officials said Lynn fine and will be on supervised Tand posting a video of Leung, 44, and her 67-year-old release for three years. Shiao is the murder on Facebook father, Jason Shiao, over nearly set to be sentenced in the case fatally shot himself after a a decade organized more than on April 24. “brief pursuit” by Pennsylva- 70 phony marriages for Chinese Earlier this month, federal nia State Police officers nationals who paid up to agents raided a Los Angeles- yesterday, police said. $50,000 for their services in area business suspected of Steve Stephens was order to obtain a permanent being connected to a $50m visa accused of shooting Robert resident visa, or “green card.” fraud scheme involving more Godwin Sr, 74, on a sidewalk Shiao, who posed as an immi- than 100 Chinese investors. The in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sun- gration attorney, and his daughter investors obtained green cards day before fleeing in a car and — both of whom have pleaded through the so-called EB-5 visa Demonstrators gathering in front of the Internal Revenue Service building in Manhattan uploading a video of the mur- guilty in the case — paired cus- program. to protest tax being spent on US wars and the military in New York, yesterday. der to Facebook, becoming tomers with US nationals who The program offers foreign the subject of a nationwide were in need of money and in nationals permanent US resi- manhunt. some cases even homeless, fed- dency in exchange for Pennsylvania State Police eral investigators said. investments of at least officers found Stephens in The pair went to great $500,000 in a US business that Erie County, Pennsylvania, length to deceive authorities, must also create 10 American Supreme Court rejects Arkansas after getting a tip from the staging wedding photo shoots jobs. public that his white Ford and organizing fake honey- In this case, however, the Fusion was parked outside a moons, authorities said. They investors proposed projects that request to allow execution McDonald’s fast-food restau- also coached couples on how were never built and some of rant, Calvin Williams, the to avoid detection by immigra- their money was refunded to Cleveland police chief, told a tion authorities. them by the key suspects — Vic- Washington Supreme Court to obtain per- courts had lifted obstacles to con- news conference. The US citizen recruited for toria Chan, a California AFP mission to proceed with the tinuing those plans. The US Court After a brief chase, the scheme would be promised attorney, and her father, Tat execution of just Davis. As he of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Stephens stopped his vehicle, up to $10,000 but many told Chan. he US Supreme Court awaited the court to decide his Monday reversed a federal judge’s Williams said. “As the officers denied a last-minute fate Davis ate fried chicken, broader stay on the executions, approached that vehicle Steve Trequest from Arkansas mashed potatoes and straw- clearing the path for deaths Stephens took his own life,” state authorities for permission berry cake — what could have scheduled to take place later this Williams said. “We would to carry out its first execution in been his last meal. month to proceed. have preferred that it had not ‘Viagra’ and other code names more than a decade. The US The US Supreme court’s The state’s Supreme Court ended this way,” he added, high court decision is the latest denial of the state’s request on Monday also vacated an saying he and the community in Brazil’s corruption scandal in a flurry of legal setbacks to came minutes before Davis’s order blocking the use of the would have had “a lot of ques- the southeastern state’s original execution warrant expired at 12 drug vecuronium bromide as tions” for Stephens. Brasília imaginative series of handles, plan to carry out eight execu- noon local time, wrapping up a part of a lethal-injection Stephens, who had no AFP published in full on Monday tions between April 17 and 27, day of legal wrangling among protocol. prior criminal record, was not by G1 news site. an unprecedented pace. state and federal courts over the The drugs used in lethal suspected in any other kill- he politicians caught up Some congressmen were Justices declined an appeal state’s accelerated execution injections by some American ings, Cleveland officials said. in Brazil’s biggest ever given wholesome sounding from the state’s attorney gen- plan. The legal roadblock con- states -- 19 of the 50 no longer Stephens said in a separate Tcorruption scandal are labels, like “Cowboy” and eral to lift a stay barring the stitutes yet another setback for execute prisoners — have video on Facebook on Sun- well known to the public. But “Fisherman.” execution of Don Davis, who Arkansas’s Republican gover- become increasingly difficult to day that he had already killed their alter egos, like “Viagra” Others got more fanciful was slated to be the first of sev- nor, Asa Hutchinson, who had obtain. Many pharmaceutical a dozen others. and “BMW,” less so. treatment: “Princess” for a eral inmates to die this month. pushed for the accelerated exe- companies, particularly in The shooting marked the Odebrecht, the massive deputy state governor called The Arkansas Supreme cutions as the expiration of the Europe, ban their use for latest video clip of a violent engineering company that Cida Borghetti or “Muse” for Court kate on Monday had state’s supply of midazolam executions. crime to turn up on Facebook, admits to systematic bribery the state lawmaker Ana Paula blocked the executions of Davis drew near. While lethal injection was raising questions about how of politicians, has revealed Lima. and one other inmate, after law- “While this has been an meant to be painless, death- the world’s biggest social that code names were given “BMW” was the name yers had requested the exhausting day for all involved, penalty opponents say the risk media network moderates to its long list of alleged given to congressman Beto executions be delayed until the tomorrow we will continue to of badly botched executions, content. bribe-takers. Mansur, while “Viagra” was US Supreme Court hears a sep- fight back on last minute appeals with inmates writhing in agony The company on Monday The graft was so wide- another deputy, Jarbas arate case concerning prisoners’ and efforts to block justice for the for long minutes, is unaccepta- said it would review how it spread that Odebrecht set up Vasconcelos. access to mental health experts victims’ families,” Hutchinson bly high. Arkansas’s plan to monitors violent footage and a whole department to han- Some nicknames invented who are independent of the said. He said the state would con- reduce the number of its death- other objectionable material dle payments. by Odebrecht indicated little prosecution. tinue towards carrying out the row prisoners by some 20 in response to the killing. The However, given the illegal love lost, apart from the love But Arkansas Attorney Gen- executions of the other inmates. percent in the space of a week shooting video was visible on nature of the business, they of illicit money making, of eral Leslie Rutledge swiftly filed Hours prior to the US and a half has drawn sharp pro- Facebook for nearly two referred to politicians with an course. an application with the US Supreme Court decision, state tests around the world. hours before it was reported. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017

Trump blames Obama for Litmus test for Trump in Georgia formation of Washington Special election MS-13 gang AFP Jon Ossoff, 30, hopes Washington oters went to the to capitalise on AFP polls yesterday in a Trump’s lacklustre special election in popularity and make resident Donald Trump the US state of Geor- the race for a yesterday blamed — gia in which a young congressional seat Pwithout proof — his politicalV novice is carrying the long held by predecessor Barack Obama hopes of Democrats seeking to Republicans a litmus for allowing the MS-13 crim- jumpstart a resistance move- test of the president’s inal gang to take root in US ment against President Donald cities. first 100 days. Trump. The MS-13, also known as Jon Ossoff, 30, hopes to cap- the Mara Salvatrucha, is one italise on Trump’s lacklustre of the criminal groups behind popularity and make the race for embarrassment for the president a wave of violence in Guate- a congressional seat long held and signal that next year’s mid- mala, Honduras and El by Republicans a litmus test of term elections are essentially up Salvador. the president’s first 100 days. for grabs. But the documentary The gang was formed in “We are certainly going for an filmmaker and former congres- Los Angeles by Salvadoran outright win here today. But a sional aide must upset history immigrants fleeing civil war special election is special. It is first. in the 1980s. The gang, how- difficult to predict,” he said on Georgia’s 6th District is in the ever, remains active in the CNN. relatively affluent and conserv- United States. “It will come down to turn- ative suburbs of Atlanta. It has US officials deported sev- out. Because it’s all about turnout remained a Republican fortress Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff speaking to volunteers and supporters at a campaign office eral gang members in the — the most important thing peo- since 1978 when it was won by in Marietta, Georgia, yesterday. early 2000s to their countries ple can do is get to the polls.” Newt Gingrich, the future speaker of origin — contributing to the Ossoff, who is leading the field of the House of Representatives Under normal circumstances, than 17 percent. Part of what is fueling Dem- explosive spread of crime in of 18 candidates, stressed that who led a Republican revolution a Republican win would be in lit- If nobody finishes above 50 ocratic excitement about the race the region. the race is about local economic in the 1990s. tle doubt. But Trump’s approval percent, the race goes to a June is that while Trump won Georgia Domestic crime blamed issues “before it is about the Ossoff is running in a special rating lags at around 40 percent 20 run-off that is expected to pit by six percentage points, the dis- on MS-13 include the murder national political circus”. “Eve- election there to replace Tom in a Gallup tracking poll — a Ossoff against one of the Repub- trict that Ossoff seeks to win of four Hispanic youths last ryone is looking for national Price, who gave up his seat to record low for an incoming lican hopefuls. A run-off would supported Trump by barely one week in New York state, as implications, but all politics is become Trump’s health secretary. president. likely be close, and should Repub- point over Democrat Hillary well as 11 people killed in Suf- local,” he said. “This election is about deciding A new Gallup poll shows just licans regroup and coalesce Clinton. folk County, New York last But a first round win for the things that unite us are 45 percent of Americans think strongly around their candidate It has a large proportion of year, including two teens Ossoff would be the first blow in stronger than the things that Trump will keep his campaign they could keep the seat. well-educated voters who are murdered with machetes and what is shaping up to be a bitter, divide us,” Ossoff tweeted on promises, down from 62 percent So Democrats see yesterday reliably Republican but frustrated baseball bats. “The weak ille- 18-month battle for control of Monday. who believed he would in early as their best chance for victory. by Trump. The race has quickly gal immigration policies of the the US Congress in the 2018 elec- Trump weighed in yesterday February. First-time candidate Ossoff has marshalled an army gained national attention, becom- Obama Admin. allowed bad tions that come halfway through , urging Republicans to get to the Ossoff leads the race, polling at of volunteers, and reportedly ing the 11th most expensive MS 13 gangs to form in cities Trump’s presidential term. polls, and tweeting: “Democrat 42.5 percent — far ahead of the amassed millions of dollars in election in House history, accord- across US. We are removing Should he secure an upset, it Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in top four Republican candidates, out-of-state contributions by ing to the Center for Responsive them fast!” Trump wrote on would mark a stunning Congress.” none of whom is drawing more Democratic groups. Politics. Twitter.

Lawsuit NEWS BYTES against United won’t fire anyone over Trump manhandled passenger NEW YORK: United’s widely-condemned violent removal of a passenger from a flight was a “system failure” and no employ- expands ees will lose their jobs as a result, United Continental chief Oscar Munoz said yesterday. “It was a system failure across various areas, so there was never a consideration for firing New York an employee or anyone around it,” Munoz said on a confer- Reuters ence call. United has been under fire since video went viral showing security personnel dragging battered and blood- nonprofit watchdog ied passenger David Dao off an overbooked Chicago flight expanded a lawsuit to make room for an airline employee. Munoz again apolo- A accusing US President gized for the incident as he opened the quarterly earnings Donald Trump of violating the conference call with investors. Constitution by letting his hotels and restaurants accept payments from foreign Gunman in US mall shooting governments. The amended complaint found dead in jail cell filed yesterday in the US Dis- LOS ANGELES: A man accused of shooting five people dead The president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Julio Borges (centre), accompanied by trict Court in Manhattan adds at a shopping mall in the US state of Washington last year was opposition deputies, reading a statement in Caracas, yesterday. a restaurant trade group, found hanging in his jail cell, officials said. Arcan Cetin, 20, whose members include who was awaiting trial in the case, apparently committed nationally known chefs Tom suicide and was discovered in his cell late on Sunday. The Turk- Army declares loyalty to Maduro as Colicchio and Alice Waters, ish-born Cetin was charged with five counts of first-degree and a hotel events booker in murder after the September 23, 2016 killings that left a teen- Washington, DC as age girl, three women and a man dead. The FBI at the time Venezuela braces for giant demo plaintiffs. said there was no evidence the shooting was terror-related It is intended to address and Cetin’s father told media that his son had mental health concern over whether the issues. Cetin admitted in interviews with investigators to the Caracas rifle-carrying members of the United States. Senior opposition watchdog, Citizens for killing spree at the Cascade shopping mall but gave no motive.. AFP pro-Maduro “Bolivarian mili- leader Henrique Capriles dis- Responsibility and Ethics in tia,” who cheered with fists missed Maduro’s Washington, was itself enezuela’s defence min- raised at a rally outside the Pres- announcement. “The old fogey harmed by Trump and had US military helicopter crashes ister declared the army’s idential Palace. has announced one rifle for standing to sue at all. Trump in Maryland; one dead Vloyalty to President Nico- Maduro thanked the army every militia member. He is is expected to respond by las Maduro, who ordered troops and the militia for their support more desperate than ever,” April 21, and had said the WASHINGTON: A crewmember was killed and two others into the streets ahead of a major and announced he planned to Capriles wrote on Twitter. “Ven- original lawsuit filed on Jan. injured when a US Army helicopter crashed at a golf course protest by opponents trying to expand the latter civilian force ezuela does not want rifles, it 23 had no merit. in the US state of Maryland on Monday, officials said. The oust him. to half a million armed mem- wants food and medicine!” Spokesmen for the US UH-60 Blackhawk was conducting a routine training flight Venezuela is bracing for bers. “Loyalty is repaid with Venezuela has been rocked Department of Justice did not when it crashed onto the golf course in St Mary’s County in what Maduro’s opponents vow loyalty,” he said. by unrest since March 30, when immediately respond to southern Maryland outside Washington. The military ini- will be the “mother of all pro- The rally came hours after Maduro’s camp moved to con- requests for comment tially described the incident as a “hard landing” but photos tests” today, after two weeks of Maduro ordered the military solidate its control with a yesterday. posted on social media showed the aircraft had been totally clashes between police and into the streets to defend the Supreme Court decision quash- The amended complaint destroyed. Three crew members were on board. demonstrators protesting leftist “Bolivarian revolution” ing the power of the said Trump violates the Con- against moves by the leftist launched by his late mentor opposition-majority legislature. stitution’s “emoluments” leader and his allies to tighten Hugo Chavez in 1999. The court partly backtracked clause, which bars him from Paraguay President backs their grip on power. “From the first reveille (on after an international outcry, but accepting various gifts from The center-right opposition Monday morning), from the first tension only rose further when foreign governments without off re-election bid has called on the military — a rooster crow, the Bolivarian authorities slapped a political congressional approval, by ASUNCION: Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes said he will pillar of Maduro’s power — to National Armed Forces will be in ban on Capriles. maintaining ownership over no longer seek re-election next year, after his bid to change turn on the president amid an the streets... saying, ‘Long live the Five people have been killed his business empire despite the constitution triggered deadly riots. Cartes said he will economic and political crisis Bolivarian revolution,’” he said and hundreds wounded in the ceding day-to-day control to “in no event” try to run in the April 2018 vote, seeking to end that has triggered severe food Sunday night in a televised ensuing protests as demonstra- his sons, Eric and Donald Jr. a political crisis unleashed by his push to remain in power shortages, riots and looting. But address. tors clashed with riot police It said members of Res- another five years. Presidential re-election has been taboo Defence Minister Vladimir He called for the militia to firing tear gas, water cannon taurant Opportunities Centers in the South American country since the 35-year dictatorship Padrino Lopez said the army be in “permanent training” and and rubber bullets. Non-govern- (ROC) United Inc, which rep- of General Alfredo Stroessner ended in 1989. After senators “confirms its unconditional loy- “permanent deployment” to ment groups have accused the resents more than 200 passed an amendment last month to change that, opposition alty to the president”. defend Venezuela against “any authorities of repression of pro- restaurants and nearly activists stormed Congress, ransacking lawmakers’ offices He made the comment imperialist aggression” — a testers and of using firearms to 25,000 workers, have and setting them on fire. before thousands of thinly veiled reference to the put down the rallies. improperly lost business, WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 HOME 19

PRAYER TIMINGS

App tracks athletes in extreme race FAJR 03.49 am SHOROOK 05.08 am

ZUHR 11.33 am MAGHRIB 06.00 pm The Peninsula Suwaidi added: “Our joint efforts with ASR 03.03 pm ISHA 07.30 pm Ooredoo are a clear demonstration of amla race is an extreme sports our Aspire Way Values represented in event, meant for athletes with innovation, professionalism and team WEATHER TODAY an adventurous spirit, willing work. We look forward to further fruit- to endure along the 200km ful cooperation towards utilising latest o o trek that comprises running, technologies to support sports 26 C 37 C Sswimming kayaking, shooting. Around development.” 200 Qatari athletes joined the adven- Cellular coverage along the track was Minimum Maximum ture, vying for the QR500,000 first provided by the Ooredoo Supernet. Given prize. the difficulty of the terrain and the The race was held in the desert and remoteness, new infrastructure had to started from the Sealine area and be deployed in little time. In addition to ended in Al Jamiliyah town, with a time that, the app and the data from all ath- limit of 96 hours. Every 10km there was letes were safely kept and managed at a check point that included referees, Ooredoo’s advanced Data Centre in medics and water supplies and about Doha. every 50km a main camp to provide Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive athletes with replacements and rest Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Oore- areas. Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the doo worked hard to provide the most For the first time ever, all athletes Officer, Ooredoo Qatar. CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation. reliable and strongest network pos- were monitored thanks to the joint sible, to help keep participants safe effort of Aspire Foundation (AZF) and of this year’s Samla Race and we thank and connect them to the services they Ooredoo, by providing an app that both organisations for their relentless location in real time and appropriate need in real-time. Once again, we’ve tracked automatically all the runners, support. With the help of the Samla response measures taken in timely demonstrated that we have the best specifying their exact position, speed, Race App and the Command Center manner as required". He also empha- solutions and network to help con- heart rate and other vitals. The app also support solutions, the organising com- sised the security and safety of the nect Qatar’s sporting events and we offered the possibility to send automat- mittee members in coordination with contestants as a top priority. hope to work with Aspire Zone Foun- ically an ambulance in case the vitals the emergency support team were able The App fully developed in-house dation again to develop more of a runner were detected to be reach- to ensure that any health risks to the by Aspire Zone Foundation IT Team innovative technology to aid sports ing dangerous levels. participants were avoided by closely showcased Qatar’s ability to deploy in Qatar.” Athletes also had the possibility to monitoring their heart rate and world class technology solutions for This is another example of the Strong wind at places and expected request for support of any kind (medi- sports and was an extension of the innovation developed in Qatar, and the poor visibility at places by afternoon. cal assistance, water etc). A fleet of technical capabilities being utilised in prominent role the country is playing Hot daytime and slight dust to blow- ambulances and water supply vehicles All athletes were monitored Aspire Academy, member organisa- in the sports industry. Never before ing dust at places with some clouds. were constantly moving along the track, tion of AZF, for athlete performance athletes were tracked with such an thanks to the joint effort HIGH TIDE 08:00 - 22:15 LOW TIDE 05:15 - 14:00 and thanks to the GPS, constantly of Aspire Foundation (AZF) monitoring and analysis. innovative system, that not only pro- updated about each athlete, they were Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the vided support and comfort, but also Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department able to get to the exact location of the and Ooredoo, by providing CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation, said guaranteed the security of all the par- runner in no time to provide an app that tracked “We are excited to see AZF’s technical ticipants. In a joint statement issued by LATEST NEWS assistance. automatically all the capabilities being extended to support Aspire Zone Foundation and Ooredoo, UPDATE The organising committee CEO, runners, specifying their such sporting events in the country as both entities expressed their commit- Azzam Abdulaziz Al Mannai, said, “The our commitment to become the refer- ment to work together and bring the technology support extended by Aspire exact position, speed, heart ence for sports excellence world-wide best of the two organisations techni- www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Zone Foundation and Ooredoo has rate and other vitals. and as a testimony to the emergence cal capabilities to support the growth played a significant role in the success of Qatar as a sporting nation.” Al of the country’s sports sector. 20 HOME WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017