QATAR | Page 24 SPORT | Page 1 Qatar’s Adel leads T2 series aft er INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-9, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 Second Aspire Kite REGION 9 BUSINESS 1-5, 17-20 solid fi nish Festival attracted 25,360.00 8,303.34 62.04 ARAB WORLD 9, 10 CLASSIFIED 6-16 +439.00 -62.77 +1.92 INTERNATIONAL 11-21 SPORTS 1-8 over 40,000 visitors in Dubai +1.76% -0.75% +3.19% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10754 March 11, 2018 Jumada Il 23, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals FM in Sudan meeting Qatar informs In brief UN of airspace

QATAR | Reaction violations by Qatar slams withdrawal of Jerusalem identity Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law UAE, Bahrain authorising the interior minister to withdraw the Jerusalem identity atar has informed the UN Secu- in the region and without regard to Qa- from the Palestinians. In a statement rity Council and the UN Secre- tar’s security and stability.” yesterday, the Foreign Ministry Qtary-General of three violations The Government of Qatar has called described the move as unethical and of Qatar’s airspace by the United Arab upon the Security Council and the completely disregarding international Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of United Nations to take the necessary law, international humanitarian law Bahrain. measures under the Charter of the and UN conventions. The statement The message was handed over by HE United Nations to maintain interna- called on the international community the Permanent Representative of Qa- tional peace and security. to shoulder its responsibilities and tar to the United Nations ambassador In the message the Government of stop the repeated Israeli violations of Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani listens during a meeting Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani Qatar affi rmed its commitment to ex- the rights of the Palestinian people, with his Sudanese counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour in Khartoum yesterday. to the UN Secretary-General Antonio ercise the highest degree of restraint, stressing that such violations would Guterres and Security Council presi- abide by the Charter of the United Na- undermine international eff orts to dent for March Karel van Oosterom. tions and promote good-neighbourly implement the two-state solution. “A UAE military transport aircraft relations. “It strongly condemns and It reiterated Qatar’s full support violated the airspace of Qatar on Janu- rejects any breach of its sovereignty for the Palestinian people’s self- ary 14. Another UAE C-130 military and territorial integrity, and reserves determination and restoration of transport aircraft violated Qatari air- the full right to respond to any viola- all their legitimate rights, foremost space on February 25. On February 28, tions in line with its sovereign right, in of which is the establishment of an a Bahraini military aircraft fl ew into the accordance with the provisions of in- independent and sovereign state on exclusive economic zone of the State of ternational law. It reaffi rms that it will the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as A month away Qatar,” the message said. take the necessary measures to defend its capital. It said the Bahraini aircraft was fl y- its borders, airspace and sea and its ing over Qatar’s exclusive economic national security, in accordance with ASIA | Diplomacy zone without prior diplomatic author- international laws and regulations,” the isation from the concerned authorities message added. China, Japan supportive in Qatar. “An immediate fl ight order Qatar has also informed the UN Se- of N Korea-US meeting from 10mn goal: was issued for a warning aircraft cab- curity Council and the UN Secretary- US President Donald Trump in, prompting the Bahraini aircraft to General that a UAE naval ship kid- said yesterday he has received leave the country’s exclusive economic napped a Qatari fi shing boat carrying encouragement from the leaders zone.” eight people on January 19. of China and Japan as he moves Qatar said the continued air viola- “Qatari marine surveillance saw toward a sudden, high stakes tions by the UAE and Bahrain and their a UAE naval ship unload a boat into summit with North Korean violations of Qatari sovereignty were the Qatari economic zone which ob- leader Kim Jong-un. Trump said Sheikha Moza serious breach and fl agrant violations structed and kidnapped a Qatari fi shing China’s President Xi Jinping was of international law. “The State of Qa- boat,” the complaint said. The fi sher- appreciative of his decision to O EAC promised to educate 10mn out of school children six years ago tar warned against the continued at- men, all of them Indian nationals, were opt for diplomacy rather than tempts by the two countries to ignite forced at gunpoint to enter the UAE “the ominous alternative,” while QNA increasing each year. Before coming is supposed to help the country, but, incidents that would increase tension economic zone. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Paris to Paris, I had been informed that in reality, it is preventing it from going was “very enthusiastic” about talks the fi gure was 61mn. Now, it reached forward. Those who commit such acts with North Korea. Trump reached 63mn. As a personal goal, I pledged to must be held accountable. It is nec- out to the Asian leaders in phone er Highness Sheikha Moza bint educate 10mn out of school children essary that, as an international com- calls on Friday after his stunning Nasser, Chairperson of Qa- in six years. And in a month, we’ll munity, we take the issue of education decision to accept an invitation to Htar Foundation, has affi rmed be there. But the problem is that, in seriously.” Syrian army cuts off main meet Kim before the end of May. that the foundation’s Educate A Child general, education is not the priority Asked in Yemen or in Syria, is it Page 13 programme, is one month away from for many leaders. Two thirds of these possible to aid children on both sides reaching the goal set six years ago children live in confl ict zones. As long of a confl ict, Sheikha Moza said: “Our Ghouta town, toll tops 1,000 BUSINESS | Politics to enable 10mn children around the as we do not take drastic measures to programmes help all Yemenis, but No breakthrough in world to basic education. protect education, to protect schools, today they are undermined by this AFP Misraba, according to the Syrian Ob- In an interview with Paris Match this number will be increasing. This confl ict. We were working in Yemen Douma, Syria servatory for Human Rights. US-EU trade talks magazine, Sheikha Moza stressed that is my fi ght, which I have begun long before the change of regime and it “Regime forces have therefore divided The EU’s top trade off icial said the the Educate A Child (EAC) programme ago. I want schools to be considered worked quite well. When the regime Eastern Ghouta into three parts – Dou- US failed yesterday to provide full which was launched in 2012, now as sanctuaries, places that cannot, in changed, we kept supporting the yrian regime forces yesterday cut ma and its surroundings, Harasta in the clarity on how Europe and Japan has more than 82 partners, through any way, be targeted by warring par- country. Yemen is a civilised country, off the largest town in Eastern west, and the rest of the towns further could be spared from Washington’s which all the goals set for it have been ties. which, in the end, must be capable of SGhouta from the rest of the rebel- south,” the Britain-based monitor said. controversial steel and aluminium achieved. “Today, we have 82 partners “At our scale, we work in numer- managing itself. The Yemenis could held enclave near Damascus, pressing Shelling and air strikes slammed tariff s, but said talks would continue in this project. On our part, we have ous countries. I’ll give you two exam- have settled their aff airs by them- on with a 20-day assault that has left into Douma, trapping residents inside next week. European Trade achieved our goals. But what we are ples. First in Bangladesh, in areas hit selves, but because of foreign inter- more than 1,000 civilians dead. their basements for hours, AFP’s cor- Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem building, other people are destroying. by natural disasters like fl oods, chil- vention, the country is divided. It is Government troops and allied mi- respondents in the town said. made her statement after crunch This means that if we fail to impose dren are unable go to school. We have, chaos.” litia launched their military campaign Rescue workers and medics were talks with US Trade Representative strict rules, the problem is likely to be therefore, put into place a boat system Asked if it was realistic to achieve for Eastern Ghouta on February 18 and struggling to navigate the town’s rub- Robert Lighthizer in an eff ort to endless. to bring school to them. I was struck her announcement at the Unesco of have since overrun more than half of ble-littered roads to bring wounded defuse a bitter row that many fear “Unesco is really working with us by the strength of these children and plans to help 335,000 children across the area, defying global calls for a halt residents back to fi eld clinics. could turn into an all-out trade a lot, providing us with the technical their determination to pursue their 11 countries by 2021, Sheikha Moza to the violence. At least 20 civilians – including four war. President Donald Trump’s help and support. I would like it, of studies. For instance, you see children said: “This concerns our partnerships The assault has followed a divide- children – were killed in Douma yester- announcement of duties of 25% course, if there were more,” Sheikha sitting on the fl oors using straws as with French NGOs and government. and-conquer strategy, eating away at day, in addition to 17 civilians in other on imported steel and 10% on Moza said. pencils with charcoal, done at home We will succeed. Trust me. It is a real- rebel-held territory, and government battlefront towns, said the Observa- aluminium has stung the European Unesco has just revealed that by their mothers. In Yemen, we have a istic objective. In Africa, development forces yesterday successfully isolated tory. Union, along with other major 63mn children do not receive any programme for education and another can be achieved through education. Ghouta’s main town of Douma in a The deaths raised the assault’s to- partners including Japan, whose form of education. Asked what does for employment. We train young en- President Macron knows that. He has blow for the beleaguered rebels. tal toll to 1,031 civilians, including 219 Economy Minister Hiroshige Seko this fi gure tell us about the state of trepreneurs and seek to place them in granted 200mn euros. It is enormous. Regime fi ghters cut off a road linking children, according to the Observatory. also attended the talks in Brussels. the world, she said : “This fi gure is the labour market. Unfortunately, the I would like to see others get involved Douma with the town of Harasta fur- More than 4,350 have been wounded. Business Page 4 deplorable. And unfortunately, it is coalition has started an off ensive that as much as him.” To Page 6 ther west and also captured the town of Page 9 Qatar, Turkey must own and patent technology: minister O Through ventures such minister for economy Nihat Zeybekci. “Our trade volume grew by more Turkey and Qatar should “co-operate, is poised for another year of robust as Alternatif Bank, we “We cannot be passive countries… than 50% last year and this will grow partner and undertake many projects in growth in 2018, Zeybekci pointed out. we cannot be countries that only con- even further in the coming year. Our the region and beyond.” “Already in January and February of believe our co-operation sume knowledge. This is not our tar- trade volume in excess of $1.7bn does Complimenting Commercial Bank this year, our exports have grown by will improve further, says get,” said Zeybekci, who was the chief not refl ect the full potential of our two Group for the rebranding of Alternatif 17% and 14% respectively. Our exports guest at the gala dinner, held as part of countries,” Zeybekci said. Bank, the minister said, “I am sure Al- are growing rapidly, and therefore, our Turkish economy minister the rebranding of Alternatif Bank at the He said Turkey and Qatar have dif- ternatif Bank will make the best use of capacity utilisation rates have reached Four Seasons Bosphorus in Istanbul on ferent areas of strength and comple- the investment potential in Turkey, es- more than 80%. This means, as of now, By Pratap John March 6. ment one another, completely. pecially in the private sector.” we don’t have much room for develop- Chief Business Reporter Turkey’s ABank, which became a “Even if we operate in the same sec- Under Turkey’s Investment Incen- ment on the production side. We see Istanbul 100% subsidiary of Qatar’s Commer- tor, we are not competitors. Our two tive Programme, the private sector more investments going into the pro- cial Bank in end-2016, has acquired a countries complement one another. investments attract lots of incentives duction sector in the coming years,” the new brand identity and will continue Nihat Zeybekci was the chief guest One country has many things the other now. minister stressed. atar and Turkey must strive its operations as Alternatif Bank. at the gala dinner, held as part of the does not have. That’s why we combine “Last year, private sector invest- He emphasised that Turkey would to be the “owners of technol- Zeybekci said the bilateral trade be- rebranding of Alternatif Bank at the all these and carry our partnership to a ments have increased more than 80% remain the “fastest growing” country Qogy, know-how and patents” tween Turkey and Qatar would grow Four Seasons Bosphorus in Istanbul on strategic level.” compared to 2016.” in Europe for many years to come. and not their consumers, said Turkey’s signifi cantly in the coming years. March 6. Zeybekci strongly suggested that Driven by exports, Turkey’s economy To Page 6 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, March 11, 2018 QATAR

Sepsis programme HMC launches anti-smoking focuses on early campaign in local schools detection, prevention

amad Medical Corpo- amad Medical Corpo- ration (HMC) has an- ration (HMC) has said Hnounced that its Tobacco Hit will soon roll out a Control Centre has launched an standardised care pathway for anti-smoking campaign in local patients with suspected sepsis schools. across its network of hospitals. This comes as part of the ef- This is in line with the mandate forts undertaken to discourage set out in Qatar’s National Pa- young people from taking up the tient Safety Collaborative (NPSC) habit of tobacco use in Qatar, to reduce sepsis-related deaths. HMC has said in a statement. Established in January, the Recently, students at Khalifa NPSC aims to support and en- Independent Secondary School courage a culture of continu- Dr Ibrahim Fawzy Hassan for Boys participated in an ous learning, improvement and awareness seminar that covered safety across the healthcare sys- hands and feet, and not passing the physical and psychological tem in Qatar. as much urine as normal. damage caused by tobacco use. Sepsis is a life-threatening The new sepsis care pathway, Staff from HMC provided stu- condition that arises when the set to be fully rolled out across dents with educational materials body’s response to a severe in- HMC this year, aims to improve and answered questions as part fection damages its own tissues the prevention, diagnosis and of the awareness event. Students and organs. If not recognised clinical management of sepsis; also participated in an activity early and managed promptly, it it includes key defi nitions, treat- to measure the level of carbon can lead to septic shock, multi- ment guidelines and staff roles monoxide in their system after ple organ failure and death. and responsibilities when car- learning how smoking tobacco “Sepsis is a medical emergency. ing for diff erent patient groups increases the level of carbon It is responsible for between 6mn such as neonates, children, and monoxide in the blood. and 9mn deaths worldwide every adults. The new care pathway Smokers, or people exposed year, many of which are prevent- will boost the existing sepsis to second-hand smoke from to- able,” explained Dr Ibrahim Fawzy prevention program, which was bacco products, have increased Hassan, director - Medical Inten- launched within HMC last year. levels of carbon monoxide in the sive Care Division, deputy medi- Sepsis was a topic of discus- blood which can lead to short- cal director - Ambulance Service, sion at the World Health Organi- ness of breath and an increased and chair of the Sepsis Steering sation’s Assembly (Committee heart rate, along with numerous Committee at HMC. “Sepsis can A) meetings, held in Geneva last other diseases and health condi- The anti-smoking campaign in local schools. be triggered by a bacterial, viral year, which were chaired by HE tions. or fungal infection in any part of the Minister of Public Health Dr Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, head of arette, poisons from the tar enter chological eff ects, including in- who don’t smoke from picking Control Centre, said peer pres- the body and the most common Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari. Del- the HMC Tobacco Control Cen- the blood and negatively impact creased anxiety and tension,” Dr up the habit, while also helping sure is one of the most wide- causes include pneumonia, as well egates at the assembly agreed on a tre, said HMC also hosted an their health, for example by al-Mulla explained. teens who do smoke, to stop. spread causes cited by young as abdominal, kidney and blood- resolution to improve the preven- awareness exhibition at Ali Bin raising their blood pressure and He said the school awareness Dr Jamal Abdullah, a smok- people when asked why they stream infections.” tion, diagnosis, and treatment of Abi Taleb Preparatory School heart rate. Smoking can cause campaign uses evidence-based ing cessation specialist at HMC, started smoking. He said other According to Dr Hassan, sep- sepsis; the resolution encourages for Boys on March 1 as part of narrowing of the arteries, coro- strategies to educate students on also participated in the exhibi- factors that contribute to young sis can be diffi cult to diagnose governments around the world to HMC’s outreach programme to nary heart disease, and stomach the negative health consequenc- tion and said the use of carbon people picking up the habit in- because early symptoms can be strengthen policies and care proc- educate the community about and lung cancer. Smoking can es of tobacco use. He added that monoxide monitoring to dem- clude one or both of their par- confused with other conditions, esses in relation to sepsis. the dangers of tobacco use. also severely aff ect the digestive many of the Tobacco Control onstrate the immediate and po- ents smoking, stress relief and highlighting the need for greater The Ministry of Public Health During the exhibition, staff system, contributing to prob- Centre’s community outreach tentially harmful consequences curiosity. awareness of its causes, signs has mandated that sepsis care distributed educational materi- lems like acid refl ux, heartburn programmes target young peo- of smoking is an eff ective mech- Dr Hussein concluded that and symptoms. Early symp- forms the foundation of a series als, measured the level of car- and peptic ulcers. It can lead ple, as statistics indicate at least anism in helping young people smoking is one of the most dan- toms of sepsis in older children of signifi cant health challenges bon monoxide in the system of to higher blood sugar levels, 11% of smokers in Qatar are understand how dangerous to- gerous, widespread phenomena and adults can include a high set to be addressed by inter-pro- visitors, and answered questions chronic headaches, insomnia school students. bacco use is. threatening the health of young temperature (fever) or low body fessional and multi-disciplinary about the dangers of smoking. and kidney damage. All of this is He stressed that the school Dr Ashour Hussein, clinical people in Qatar. temperature, chills and shiver- teams working across the public “When a person smokes a cig- in addition to the negative psy- campaign aims to prevent those psychologist at HMC’s Tobacco ing, confusion, cold or blotchy healthcare sector.

HMC to further expand mental health services

amad Medical Cor- Community-based men- “The demand for HMC’s poration (HMC) tal health facilities located mental health services is Hcontinues to ad- in West Doha currently pro- high and continues to rise. vance mental healthcare in vide support to residents As a result, we have in- Qatar with the expansion who do not require hospi- creased our workforce in of programmes for improv- talisation but need further 2017 by 24%; from 325 to ing the support available to support. 403 staff across HMC fa- patients with moderate to These facilities also cilities, including staff who severe needs. care for individuals who function as part of mental “We recognise the grow- have been discharged from health liaison teams pro- ing need for mental health- hospital but still require viding important services care and support in Qatar, specialised support. Ad- to most of our general and and have pledged to further ditionally, Al Wakra Hospi- specialist hospitals,” said expand the service this year tal operates a community- al-Raisi. after an increase in invest- based mental healthcare Iain Tulley, CEO of ment in 2017,” said Mah- Mahmoud al-Raisi service and provides home HMC’s Mental Health moud al-Raisi, chief of con- visits. Service, said: “We are tinuing care, HMC. for female patients during This service will be fur- working to develop a HMC’s mental health- 2018, which will temporar- ther expanded during 2018 number of partnerships care hospital facilities have ily replace the female ward and additional community to facilitate easier access undergone improvements in the existing facility and services are set to be estab- to mental health care in in the last year, including allow renovation work to lished to serve the whole the community and sup- facility and service expan- take place. Plans are in place country in the next two port the great work being sions and refurbishments. to enhance and expand the years. done by the community- Last year, an additional 12 current facility in Munta- Al-Raisi explained that in based clinics. For instance, mental health beds for male zah. Expected to be com- addition to enhancing and by working more closely patients were opened and pleted in approximately two expanding mental health with HMC’s Mobile Doctor an additional fi ve residen- years, the expansion will facilities and increasing the Service, physicians now tial beds for long-term male deliver a total of 100 beds number of available beds, provide physical health patients have been added to and new activity space, HMC is also working to ex- checks for adults within the service. alongside facilities for out- pand the number of staff the community who have There are plans to open patient services, education caring for mental health pa- mild to moderate mental a further acute care facility and training. tients. health problems.”

MEC registers violation against major supplier of fruits and vegetables

he Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has registered Ta violation against one of the major suppliers of fruits and vegetables for selling Egyptian oranges as Turk- ish, the offi cial Qatar News Agency re- ported. In a statement yesterday, the MEC said it found out that Egyptian orange was being exported to Turkey, where it got repackaged before being exported to Qatar as ‘Turkish’ orange. The statement notes that such ac- tion is in clear violation of the con- sumer protection law, which obliges the supplier to clearly state the origin of the product and other information such as its nutritional values. The violation was detected during an inspection campaign at the cen- tral vegetable and fruits market in Abu Hamour, Doha. The campaign was conducted in a the MEC said. activities as well as to crack down on bid to monitor the compliance of sup- The initiative comes within the price manipulation and uncover vio- pliers with their obligations under Law framework of the ministry’s eff orts lations in a bid to protect consumer No 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection, to monitor markets and commercial rights, the statement adds.

Gulf Times 4 Sunday, March 11, 2018 QATAR

Tilda Swinton’s experiences an inspiration for young fi lmmakers

andour, character and charisma artist. I worked in his kindergarten at- Cameron Bailey, artistic director of the Her advice is to build back stories for – three words could sum up the mosphere – where Sandy Powell (an- Toronto International Film Festival, the characters. Ctwo-hour-long “witty, intense other Qumra Master this year) and I who took her and the audience through Swinton was at her candid best an- and eff ortlessly unpretentious” Mas- were the students.” some of her seminal works, includ- swering questions from the audience, terclass by Qumra Master Tilda Swin- While Powell came from art school, ing Orlando, Only Lovers Left Alive, and when asked about how she balances ton, Doha Film Institute (DFI) said Swinton said she “had never intended The Chronicles of Narnia, We Need her multiple roles, as mother, actor and yesterday. to be on screen. I don’t think myself as to Talk About Kevin, Michael Clayton producer, she said despite all the mad- Addressing a packed audience of an actor. I never did. I came from the (for which Swinton won the Academy ness that goes around, “spiritually, it just new talents in cinema as well as fi lm world of art and writing. I wanted to be Award for Best Supporting Actress) makes things easier; you get more love.” lovers, Swinton was “eff ervescently a writer not a performer.” and Okja, which was a part of the Mod- She said one of the enlightening authentic and thoroughly charming” But what held Swinton to Jarman’s ern Masters screening at Qumra. moments in her life on cinema came as she walked them down through ‘school’ was that “we were all politi- Swinton said the physicality of her when her son, then a nine-year-old, three decades of her career. cal people. We were identifi ed as being characters is very important to her. “It asked: “What were people’s dreams The Masterclass by Swinton at the counter-culture; ours was resistance is no secret that I am perfectly alright like before the cinema was invented?” fourth Qumra, the annual industry to what (Margaret) Thatcher was do- to have no lines at all. I would prefer to It is a question that keeps her going, event by DFI that aims to nurture the ing. We were aff ronted by the claims of work silent; words are another whole enabling her to defi ne her own imprint talents of fi rst- and second-generation her and her minions, and were feeling story. But I like to know how the choic- without pretention and being fully true fi lmmakers, could not have been more sidelined. We wanted to say, ‘we are es of the characters, what their body is to herself. befi tting. For an event that mentors here too’. We worked (on cinema) with like, how they walk around, what kind Earlier, in her audience interaction and builds the skills of young fi lmmak- the outrage of a political group. We of face they present…” after the screening of Okja, Swinton ers to tell their stories with conviction, wanted our voice of bewilderment to In that was also one of the learnings revealed that she has never eaten meat Swinton’s experiences in cinema of- be heard.” Qumra Master Tilda Swinton speaking at the Masterclass. from Swinton for young fi lmmakers after Okja and that director Bong Joon- fered a perfect inspirational plank. The support extended by British and actors, who are fl ummoxed about ho had become vegan for many months “Everything (about me) changed Film Institute, much like what DFI writing. Being an author, I write alone; Swinton said she is not trained in performing. “I visualise my role as a but the fi lm is not about that. “It is when I met Derek Jarman,” said Swin- does today to independent, cultural when I make fi lms, it is a conversation acting and is much more interested in portrait than a character and generally, about human and animal liberation. It ton, about her partnership with the fi lmmakers, gave them the kick-start with many others.” The real magic, fi lmmaking. “I need to know who your I draw from my imagination than any- is about wise, childish, innocent love, radical director with whom she would and confi dence. for her, then is to “perform with really collaborators are,” and that is why she thing. I try to imagine what the person and how Mija’s (the protagonist) trust collaborate for nine years until his Swinton, who is co-writing her next communicative fi lmmakers who are insists on meeting the fi lmmaker be- would have been like, and keep that is tested and chipped away by every- death. “He was an extraordinary ex- fi lm in which she “may or may not act”, interested in such a dynamic (of work- fore she commits to a project. part of the DNA (the imagined back- one. Maybe that is the kernel of the ample of self-determination in a fi lm said performing is “one way of my ing with) the performer.” The Masterclass was moderated by story) at the bottom of the portrait.” fi lm.” Budding talents get tips from heads of fi lm festivals

t the fourth Qumra, the ground. If you want to be a annual industry event fi lmmaker, if you want to get Aby Doha Film Institute into festivals, be vulnerable, (DFI), senior leaders of some be outspoken.” of the world’s leading fi lm Leparc, now in his fourth festivals had a concise advice visit to Qumra, said he sees for young fi lmmakers seeking “projects here that deal with recognition at international subjects that I am looking fi lm fests: “be courageous, be for. These young fi lmmakers daring, be vulnerable and be are very talented, and thanks authentic”. to Qumra, I know of their It was a sentiment shared works right from the ideation by Cameron Bailey, artistic stage to how they fi nally take director of the Toronto Inter- shape. I follow their projects national Film Festival; Chris- from script-to-screen.” tophe Leparc, managing direc- He said the quality of the tor of the Director’s Fortnight fi lms evolving from Qumra at Festival de Cannes; and “is improving; these young Bero Beyer, festival director of talents here are not immature the International Film Festival anymore – and it is great to see Rotterdam. Doha Film Institute help them At the preparatory meet- make ‘real’ fi lms.” Leparc, too, ings at Qumra, which aims said young talents must focus to nurture fi rst- and sec- not on being ‘too exotic’ with ond-time fi lmmakers from their stories but to explore the around the world, the three ‘deep roots’. “The universality industry representatives of cinema always comes from were unequivocal in their local roots.” observation that Qumra has With the qualitative evolved signifi cantly in the shifts seen, Qatari and Arab past three years. cinema can scale the top “The taste of Qumra is echelons, he said, “but you outspoken and daring, and must remember that it is that is one thing special very competitive out there; about here,” said Beyer. “The so, focus on telling your sto- shift I am seeing in the qual- ry with honesty.” ity of fi lms at Qumra, too, has Bailey said being at to do with it being outspoken Qumra is helpful in learn- and daring. Initially, here in ing about the changing the region, fi lmmakers were landscape of cinema in the merely trying to make a good region, adding that the fi lm that will connect to the openness of Qumra to the audience, which resulted in world is “what cinema really middle-of-the-road fi lms. needs”. He said the oppor- They were trying to be too tunity for young talents to pleasing and that doesn’t access resources as well as work. If you are true to your- networking opportunities self as a fi lmmaker and if your makes the event relevant story is honest, it becomes and important. relevant to people outside Bailey emphasised the your region, too.” need for young fi lmmakers Beyer said it is not easy to tell stories rooted in their to develop the courage and milieu because that is what vulnerability to be hon- people want to see – real sto- est as fi lmmakers. “Being ries of real people. “In today’s rooted in your milieu and interconnected word, where being honest about it, you ideas and information move make yourself vulnerable as fast,” it is important more a fi lmmaker. But then, your than ever to tell your stories. fi lm becomes interesting. The six-day event is be- At Rotterdam, we focus on ing held until March 14 at the avant-garde and never Souq Waqif and the Muse- on anything that is middle- um of Islamic Art. Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 5 QATAR

Sidra Medicine marking International Women’s Day. Sidra Medicine hosts panel discussion to mark International Women’s Day

idra Medicine marked li, Sidra Medicine’s chief ready implemented several Oman Dr Sharifa al-Yhayai; International Wom- learning offi cer, shared policies to gain recognition CEO of Qatar Business In- Sen’s Day (IWD) by her thoughts on how or- as an employer of choice for cubation Centre, Aysha al- hosting a high-level panel ganisations could mobi- women. These include en- Mudahkha; Supreme Com- of inspiring female profes- lise progress and empower hanced maternity leave and mittee for Delivery & Legacy sionals. women. Some of her ad- the ability to return to work CSR manager Mead al-Ema- The panellists discussed vice centred on harnessing part time on full time pay to di; founder and jewellery their careers, aspirations personal passion to drive encourage retention, among designer of Hiraat, Nada al- and insights with hundreds achievement and growth other benefi ts. Further poli- Sulaiti’ and Lactation con- of employees. and not being afraid to em- cies around a fl exible work- sultant Najla al-Kuwari. “As a specialty children’s, ploy emotional intelligence ing framework and special A large contingent of Sid- young people and women’s as a leadership tool. leave policies for domestic ra Medicine team members healthcare organisation and Dr al-Obaidli said, “Our emergencies are being de- discussed the opportunities member of Qatar Foundation goal is to make Sidra Medi- veloped this year. available for women within for Education, Science and cine an employer of choice Following the open- the organisation. Event at- Community Development, for women and we have ing presentation by Dr tendees heard from chief Sidra Medicine prides itself taken a number of steps to al-Obaidli, panellists rep- operating offi cer Morag on serving the community refl ect this ambition by rec- resenting a wide range of Gates, chief human re- not only by providing spe- ognising the importance of industries and roles shared sources offi cer Paul Jones, cialty paediatric and ma- working women. With more their success stories and chief fi nancial offi cer Lo- ternal care, but by being an than 66% of the workforce ways in which they over- retta Seamer, deputy chief employer of choice in Qatar,” at Sidra Medicine being fe- came challenges on a path nursing offi cer Deborah it said in a statement. male, our focus for this year towards maintaining fulling Kelly, division chief for Ad- This year’s IWD theme will be on helping our em- lives and careers. olescent Medicine Al Anoud encouraged participants to ployees achieve a healthy They included the keynote al-Ansari and director of ‘Press for Progress’. work-life balance.” speaker, former Minister People Capability Develop- Dr Kholode al-Obaid- Sidra Medicine has al- of Social Development for ment Elizabeth Beetham. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, March 11, 2018 QATAR A month away Indian delegation from 10mn goal: to attend Dimdex Sheikha Moza he Indian government has Flag Offi cer Commanding-in- the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Kolkata marks the second time deputed a high-level del- Chief, Western Naval Command Naval Design. in the last four months that an From Page 1 Now, if you are talking about As with Saudi Arabia, Tegation to participate in of the Indian Navy, and includes The INS Kolkata has a compli- Indian ship is visiting Qatar. In- people under the control of Sheikha Moza said Qatar has a the Doha International Maritime additional director-general V ment of 30 offi cers and 330 other dian Coast Guard ship Samarth During her visit to Paris, gangs, cartels or radical ideo- long, shared history together. Defence Exhibition and Confer- S R Murthy of the Indian Coast personnel under the command had visited Hamad Port in No- Sheikha Moza said she had met logues, it is, of course, not the “There have been many mar- ence (Dimdex 2018), which be- Guard and other senior offi cials. of Captain Susheel Menon. vember 2017 and participated in with Brigitte Macron and said: same thing. But again, it is the riages between us. Our region gins tomorrow at the Qatar Na- The Indian government has The vessel has an overall length the fi rst-ever India-Qatar Joint “We spent an hour and a half lack of education that is partly is based on tribes that are often tional Convention Centre. also deputed Indian Naval Ship of 164m, displaces about 7,500 Passage Exercise with the Qatari together at the Elysée Palace. responsible for these phenom- nomadic. At some point, we did This comes within the frame- (INS) Kolkata, the lead ship of tonnes and is capable of achiev- Coast Guard. We share a lot in common, es- ena. Women in these situa- not even have borders. Mem- work of “deep-rooted friendly the three Kolkata Class destroy- ing a speed in excess of 30knots The visit of the high-level pecially in our vision for edu- tions have no other choices. So, bers of our families live in Sau- ties and multi-faceted and ers and among the largest indig- (approximately 55km/h). delegation and INS Kolkata cation.” we must develop their critical di Arabia, in Bahrain and in the growing co-operation between enous destroyers to be operated The ship is based in Mumbai, for Dimdex 2018 will “further Asked , who in the world sup- sense and give them the means Emirates. You cannot get rid of India and Qatar”, the Indian by the Indian Navy. It was de- as part of the Western Fleet un- strengthen the historic friend- ports her the most, she said: “I to protect themselves.” these relations overnight. Even embassy in Qatar has said in a veloped at Mazagon Dockyard der the administrative and op- ship between India and Qatar, have 82 partners. Unesco is re- Asked whether human- if they impose a blockade on us, statement. Shipyard, Mumbai. erational control of the Western and defence co-operation be- ally working with us a lot, pro- ity therefore functions at two they cannot erase our genes. The Indian delegation is led The Kolkata Class ships have Naval Command. tween the two countries”, the viding us with the technical rates, she said: I know many people in these by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, been conceived and designed by This deployment of INS statement adds. help and support. I would like “It is not just women. Chil- countries who are infuriated it, of course, if there were more.” dren and all vulnerable people by what happened. Yesterday, I Asked at fi rst glance, the are aff ected. We need to com- saw a study done by Qatar Uni- place of women in the world pletely rethink our humanity versity saying 78% of Qataris has declined particularly with and go back to our shared princi- felt that their families have the emergence of radical Islam, ples and values. It is not enough been aff ected as a result of this Sheikha Moza said : “I’m not to talk. The world is tired of all blockade, and the same fi gures, sure. I have no statistics in this this rhetoric. We need some- more or less, for the Emiratis. regard. I travel a lot and I meet thing concrete. People have to They tried to separate us, but women everywhere and in Qa- see results. They want to be able they have not succeeded. This tar as well. It seems to me that, to go home without fearing that crisis has made us stronger. It on the contrary, they are more their children will be kidnapped has made us look inwards and present. I think they’ve never on their way to school.” question who we are. Qatar is had so much power as they do Asked about Saudi Arabia more united than ever under today. They are more aware of cutting off relations, impos- the leadership of His Highness their rights and they have more ing a blockade and accusing the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin confi dence in themselves. Yes- Qatar of supporting terror- Hamad al-Thani, whose popu- terday at the Unesco, I met a ism, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser larity has doubled,” she noted. young Qatari volunteer who said : “They are baseless. They “This crisis has brought out was speaking about her expe- are just recycling lies. This is the best qualities from our rience. Ten years ago, it was enough. When my children leaders. And people are grate- unimaginable to see a young were young, I would tell them, ful to them. Today opens a new 18-year old girl, like her, ex- and they still remember it: chapter in our history. The pressing herself before an au- ‘Never lie, because a lie never Emir is at a big juncture now in dience with such confi dence. lasts long’. One day or another, his political life,” Sheikha Moza Women are no longer silent. the truth will come out”. added. Halal Festival ends amid

India has deputed INS Kolkata for Dimdex 2018, which begins tomorrow at the Qatar National Convention Centre. large turnout of visitors

he seventh Halal Qa- breeds of sheep and goat. experience the country’s herit- tar Festival concluded Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Su- age and get to know about the Tat Katara - the Cul- laiti, general manager, Katara, history of the culture that de- ‘Qatar, Turkey must own and patent technology’ tural Village yesterday amid said: “We are proud of the way fi nes the Gulf identity. a large turnout of visitors as the festival has developed over Besides auctions, the annual well as livestock owners, the the years, with new useful ad- event hosts unique competi- From page 1 between the two countries had ed that “we live in a challenging said, “We are against all injustic- organisers said. ditions being made every year. tions to raise public awareness “grown tremendously” in the geography despite being blessed es. That’s why we stood against Throughout the festival, This year’s edition saw a larger on the traditional and best He emphasised that Turkey last 10 to 15 years. with vast natural resources.” the unfair sanctions against Qa- Katara shed light on the lo- number of shops displaying practices in livestock breed- would remain the “fastest grow- “Our friendship is based on a “Because we are blessed with tar. Before our Qatari brothers cal culture and sought to in- diff erent products, in addition ing. The nine-day festival also ing” country in Europe for many ‘win-win’ principle. If only one such huge natural resources, we reached out to us, we reached out struct the younger generation to educational workshops and includes entertainment shows years to come. wins, the relationship will not be should have only growth and to them that very night. By next on life in the past and how the play zones and games allocated and fun-fi lled activities for “In 2017, we were the top sustainable. In Turkey, we care sustainable development. Un- day noon, we were already in Qa- ancestors used to make their for children.” families and children. among OECD and G20 countries. about winning together and achiev- fortunately, we have to confront tar. We told our Qatari brothers, living. Besides, Katara was He described the festival as a Awards are given to the Last year, we grew by more than ing huge gains in our co-operation wars and problems such as pov- they have their Turkish brothers also keen to display the best good opportunity for visitors to winners of the competitions. 7% and our exports have grown and relationship with Qatar. erty. To achieve greater growth, and sisters by their side. by more than 10%. And the fore- “Through ventures such as we need to eradicate these,” Zey- “We were there with more cast for 2018 is very positive.” Alternatif Bank, we believe our bekci emphasised. than 300 cargo planes. May He recalled the “strong co- co-operation will improve fur- Terming the blockade (by a be this was the largest such operation” between Turkey and ther,” Zeybekci said. quartet of Arab countries) on Qa- operations in the world.” Qatar and said the “friendship” The minister, however, remind- tar “unfair”, the Turkish minister Business Pages 1, 20 National Science Research Week begins today

The National Science Research Week, being organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in co- ordination with the National Fund for Scientific Research, will be held from today to March 15. Events during the week include the third Qatar National Olympiad of Phys- ics and Astronomy, the “Fame Lab” competition, the National Program- ming Competition, the Media Creativ- ity Award and the Action Research Visitors gather around a livestock enclosure at the Halal Qatar Festival. Below: A child holds a kid as Contest, a competition dedicated to others look on. teachers, in which 411 teachers from 97 schools participate in 363 procedural research. In addition, the participants in the national competition for scientific research, who are entitled to take part in the 10th National Student Research Exhibition, attended about 1,900 students from 218 public and private schools at different levels of education. They presented 900 research papers and an innovative project. The activities aim at enhancing students’ scientific research skills, developing them and celebrating them, spreading the spirit of co-operation and competition among them, achieving excellence in scientific research, high- lighting their projects dealing with the problems of the times and providing the necessary support, as well as co-op- eration and co-ordination with partners in the State’s institutions concerned with student research, by providing opportunity for distinguished research projects to participate in regional and international competitions. (QNA) Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 7 QATAR

QIB names fi rst winner of Visa Research centre opens 2018 FIFA World Cup prizes atar Islamic Bank (QIB) has announced the Qfi rst winner of its FIFA World Cup Russia prizes. These prize packages are of- at Aberdeen University fered in partnership with Visa, the offi cial payment partner of r Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh al-Thani, the FIFA World Cup. chairperson and founder of Al Faleh All QIB customers holding DGroup (AFG) for Educational and Ac- a Visa card have the chance to ademic Services, has opened the University win more prize packages be- of Aberdeen’s new centre for women’s health fore the promotion ends by research during a recent offi cial visit to April 15, the bank has said in a Aberdeen. statement. The lord provost of the city hosted a din- This month’s winner, Ibra- Petersburg, courtesy of Visa. We are excited to be awarding ner in her honour, which was attended by lo- him al-Ansari, has been grant- “I’m looking forward to at- eight more tickets to QIB cus- cal dignitaries, council members and senior ed a fully paid package to fl y to tend the biggest football com- tomers to watch live the semi- members of the university management and Russia and attend a 2018 FIFA petition in the world! I would fi nals of the 2018 FIFA World governing body. World Cup semi-fi nal along like to thank QIB for rewarding Cup Russia.” During the dinner, the lord provost, coun- with a companion of his choice. its customers with such excit- Customers who use their cillor Barney Crockett, and university prin- The draw was conducted in the ing prizes. I will defi nitely be Visa credit cards locally or in- cipal Prof Sir Ian Diamond gave speech- presence of an offi cial repre- attending the 2018 FIFA World ternationally, and those who es welcoming Dr Sheikha Aisha and her sentative from the Ministry of Cup and hopefully cheer for my use their Visa debit card in- delegation to the city. Economy and Commerce and favourite team,” said al-Ansari. ternationally for a minimum Prof Diamond said, “The University of Aber- QIB representatives last week. D Anand, QIB general man- of QR5,000 during the month, deen has a close relationship with our city and I QIB’s promotion runs un- ager, Personal Banking Group, will be eligible to enter the was delighted that the lord provost of Aberdeen til April 15 to give away eight said: “We are pleased to be monthly draw, which will se- hosted a special dinner to welcome Sheikha Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh al-Thani inaugurates the research centre. more tickets to four QIB Visa granting these valuable 2018 lect one winner every month. Aisha and it was a privilege for me to speak card holders. The fully paid FIFA World Cup package priz- Customers who will use the about the wonderful partnership between lieve that the important research that will be university’s Foresterhill Campus, Sheikha Ai- packages include the airfare es to our customers. Many of same cards for a minimum of AFG and the University of Aberdeen.” undertaken here will be of enormous benefi t sha was given a tour of the new world-class cost, deluxe accommoda- QIB’s services come with ap- QR15,000 during the three- Dr Sheikha Aisha said, “It has been a real to future medical developments for women facilities, which included explanations on the tion, tickets for a 2018 FIFA pealing and valuable rewards month campaign will also get privilege for me to visit this wonderful city and their families, not just in Aberdeen, but ground-breaking research being undertaken World Cup semi-fi nal match like the chance to participate in two chances to win the fully and I was delighted to open the innovative globally.” at the centre into a diverse range of areas that with pre-match hospital- the biggest and most anticipat- paid 2018 FIFA World Cup Centre For Women’s Health Research. I be- During the opening of the new centre at the would have direct impact on women’s health. ity, and a guided tour of Saint ed football event worldwide. packages. ‘Hyundai has ambitious plans for low emissions cars in region’

he needs of electric car Mike Song, the carmaker’s est route towards zero emissions overnight. If you park on the each car that needs one, along charge an electric car as part of include electric versions of the owners must be included head of operations for the re- – as long as people can keep their street, or even in basement park- with a system for billing the cost. that parking,” said Song. “Given Ioniq – which is also available as Tin future plans for resi- gion, says Hyundai has ambi- cars charged. With current home ing for an apartment building, This will most likely need time, consumer demand will a plug-in and a hybrid – and now dential buildings, along with tious plans for low- or zero- design, that may not be possible. keeping your battery charged planning authorities, including ensure this happens, but the au- the Kona compact SUV as well. clear strategies for retrofi tting emissions cars in the region, and “There is now very real con- will be much more diffi cult.” governments and municipalities, thorities can help drive the tran- The company also off ers a So- existing homes with overnight that internationally it has a wid- sumer excitement around elec- While cities worldwide are to incorporate recharging points sition by including this expecta- nata Hybrid, and was the fi rst to recharging points, Hyundai’s top er range of drivetrains than any tric driving,” Song said. “In our experimenting with kerbside re- into their planning regulations – tion in building codes.” off er a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle manager in Africa and the Mid- other company, including fully existing urban design, however, charging points for cars parked both as a standard requirement Hyundai is quickly establish- as a mass-produced model with dle East has said. electric, plug-in, hybrid and the only people who can realisti- on the street, Song says it will on new buildings, and with clear ing itself as a leader for electri- the Tucson FCEV in production This was mentioned in a state- hydrogen fuel cell. cally make that switch are those be down to property developers guidelines on upgrading existing fi ed drivetrains, with several since 2013. That is now due to be ment issued by Skyline Automo- While each technology has its who live in a house or villa with and managers, as well as home- properties. eco-models across its global replaced by an FCEV-only SUV, tive, offi cial distribution partner advantages, Song says that fully an attached garage, because they owners’ associations, to make “We must ensure that, if you product range, and multiple the Nexo, which was unveiled at for Hyundai Motor Company in electric vehicles, using batteries are the only ones who can plug sure that residential car parks have allocated parking for an drivetrain options. the Consumer Electronics Show Qatar. for energy storage, off er the fast- into a power supply to recharge can provide a charging socket for apartment, you can expect to re- Current production models in Las Vegas in January. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, March 11, 2018 QATAR Lecture by modernist artist Nama Centre in push for emerging products ffi cials from Nama Social Development OCentre, an affi li- ate of Qatar Foundation for Social Work, have visited the Al Meera branch in Gulf Leading modernist artist Mohamed Melehi, whose work is currently on show Mall to check the products at Mathaf: Museum of Modern Art as one of the Focus exhibitions, dedicated to of emerging enterprises. pioneering regional artists, presented a lecture on his work as a painter, publisher, The initiative comes as educator and social activist on March 7 at Mathaf in Education City, Doha. The talk part of the new initiatives was organised as part of Mathaf Talks, an ongoing series of public events where and programmes launched invited creative professionals engage in conversations and debates on art history by Nama, which seeks to and artistic practices locally and internationally, Qatar Museums said in a statement. promote emerging enter- During the event, Melehi presented a lecture on his personal experiences spanning prises benefi ting from its his 60-year career, followed by a conversation with Mathaf curator Laura Barlow. services in the local market, The discussion touched on insights from the artist’s work in education, politics it has said in a statement. and community development that supported the growth of independent creative The co-operation with expression and critical thinking in artistic communities in Morocco. The talk was Al Meera Consumer Goods organised in conjunction with the exhibition, Mohamed Melehi: 1959-1971, currently Company started in 2013. on show at Mathaf, that focuses on the artist’s work during the 1960s. The aim of the visit to Al Meera in Gulf Mall was to check the ‘emerging prod- ucts’ on display at the branch and explore oppor- tunities for the Al Meera management to support small and micro enterprises The off icials during a visit to the Al Meera branch in Gulf Mall to check the products of emerging enterprises. benefi ting from the centre’s incubation services, the acting executive manager centre and relevant organi- by Nama Centre are not only for facilitating this visit and statement noted. of Nama Centre, and sev- sations. Nama operates as on display at the Gulf Mall for supporting the mutual, Through the visit, Nama eral heads of departments, a link between projects and branch but also available at ambitious emerging projects Centre “sought to enhance administration managers enterprises, and it refl ects all Al Meera outlets across incubated by the centre.” co-operation with Al Meera and relevant employees. the importance of supporting the country. Hamad Rashid al-Ku- Consumer Goods Compa- The centre’s food products entrepreneurship. Commenting on the event, wari, offi cial at Al Meera ny, to highlight the centre’s that were checked during They reiterated Nama al-Mannai said: “We aim to and Mohamed al-Badr, Al products on display in Al the visit included instant Centre’s ongoing support promote the role of Al Meera Meera’s IT executive direc- Meera and strengthen ties Arabic coff ee, spices, diff er- for ambitious enterprises in and other local entities to tor, thanked Nama Centre between the centre’s man- ent types of cheese, pickles, the local market. present other forms of sup- “for giving this opportu- agement and target corpo- desserts, etc. The Al Meera branch in port and encourage social nity and conducting this rations and benefi ciaries of Nama offi cials stressed Gulf Mall was chosen for pioneers and entrepreneurs, visit. It highlights how keen entrepreneurship services”. the role of such visits in the fi rst visit given its popu- empower them and help the centre is on support- Present at the visit were strengthening ties between larity and location inside them integrate in the labour ing national products and Al Meera offi cials Maryam the centre and the benefi ci- a large mall, the statement market. I would like to ex- owners of small and micro bint Abdullatif al-Mannai, aries, as well as between the notes. Products supported tend my thanks to Al Meera enterprises”.

Jaidah Group’s IAM launches new truck spare parts unit A view of the gathering at the launch event. PICTURES: Jayan Orma aidah Group’s Inde- director of the IAM divi- pendent Aftermarket sion at Jaidah Group; and now ready to serve Qatar’s care and an in-depth range.” J(IAM) division launched more than 400 customers trucks, the statement notes. The event included a mini- a new dedicated truck spare and representatives from Bagran said, “Qatar relies exhibition featuring new and parts department at an the Turkish embassy in on you, and you can rely on us, long-lasting partners, as well event titled ‘Think: Trucks, Doha as well as the German is a motto that has been em- as informative sessions and Parts, Jaidah’, which show- Business Council. braced by all the stakeholders questions and answers. cased the new and extended Jaidah Group executive and is a big part of our vision The attendees enjoyed truck spare parts portfolio. director Mohamed Jaidah, for the new Truck Spare Parts a buff et and live entertain- The new portfolio aims said: “As a company, we be- Department, as well as the ment, while at the end of the to provide the “best so- lieve that now more than Zeki Bagran speaking at the division as a whole. event a raffl e draw was held lutions” catering to the ever, it is our duty to invest in event. “The new department is part featuring prizes. needs of wholesalers, fl eets new brands, new talent and of Jaidah Group IAM’s broad- Operating under the um- and construction compa- new partnerships. We are leading suppliers to provide er strategy to serve Qatar’s brella of Jaidah Group, the nies through some of the excited to announce these customers with the “best- truck spare parts market with IAM division caters to the world’s most famous and partnerships today and hope quality” automotive parts 20+ product lines, high serv- needs of various market leading automotive suppli- that they refl ect our vision of available in Qatar, and is ice rates, excellent customer channels throughout Qatar. ers, including announced always providing the best to partners Connect Air our customers, and our com- Springs (Meklas), Eurori- mitment towards the devel- cambi and Mahle as well opment of Qatar’s economy, as long-standing partners future and growth.” Osram, Shell and Valeo, Jaidah Group’s IAM di- according to a statement. vision has built partner- The launch event was at- ships over the years with tended by Jamal Mosallam, major international OEMs chief operating offi cer of (original equipment manu- Jaidah Group; Zeki Bagran, facturers) and industry-

Ooredoo App rewards 300,000 users per day

oredoo has an- nounced that the OOoredoo App free 10MB (on weekdays) and ly deal early, especially on 100MB (on weekends) weekends when the reward giveaway has seen a “huge is 100MB per day. demand” since the off er Talking about the de- launch in 2016. mand for the data, Manar Currently, more than Khalifa al-Muraikhi, Oore- 300,000 users log in to the doo’s director of PR and Ooredoo App daily to receive corporate communications, their reward, which is given said: “The free data initia- by the company as a “thank tive was designed to ensure you to customers for their that our customers stay loyalty and continued use of connected even when run- its self-service app”, Oore- ning out of credit, as well doo has said in a statement. as promote our award-win- To claim the data, users ning app. With the Ooredoo need to select their service App customers can check number and then the ‘Deal’ their balance, maintain sub- tile in the latest app version. scriptions, resolve issues The app can be downloaded and much more on the go.” via Ooredoo.qa/app or cus- Ooredoo App, which was tomers can SMS ‘App’ to launched in 2013, is availa- 114. Free data will be valid ble for iOS and Android us- until midnight on the day of ers and has an average score activation. rating of 4.3 on the iTunes To make the most of the store. free data off er, which is Ooredoo’s customers available until March 31, who use the app also receive Ooredoo has advised cus- personalised deals based on tomers to opt-in to the dai- their profi le and usage. Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 9 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD ‘Extra eff orts made to ensure drug stockpiles’

xtra eff orts and resources Qatar’, ‘Pharmaceutical Indus- lessly to support future plans went into dealing with try in Qatar’, ‘Intellectual Prop- and the goals of the 2030 nation- Ethe consequences of the erty, Technology Transfer, and al vision. These plans cover all blockade for the procurement Local Production to Increase the country’s sectors in general of drugs to ensure adequate Access to Medicines’, ‘Address- and the health sector in particu- stockpiles, it was observed at ing and Sustaining Human lar as Qatar places the healthcare a conference hosted by Qatar Capital Development for Health sector on top of its priorities.” University College of Pharmacy through Professional Devel- Dr Diab said, “The unjust (QU-CPH) on the ‘Medication opment in Qatar’, ‘Addressing blockade is a decisive moment in Sector in Qatar: Hand in Hand Human Capacity Building for Qatar’s history and a challenge Facing the Blockade’. Health from Academia’s Per- that puts every institution and The two-day ‘fi rst-of-its- spective’ and others. every individual in front of a huge kind’ conference, which con- In his remarks, Dr al-Derham responsibility. The conference cluded yesterday, aimed to pro- said: “We are pleased to host serves as a signifi cant platform to vide an in-depth understanding the fi rst-ever conference on the bring together many stakehold- of the unjust blockade’s impact Dr Abdullatif al-Khal ‘Medication Sector in Qatar: ers and experts from the aca- on medication security in Qa- Hand in Hand Facing the Block- demic, industrial, governmental tar and identify the various op- agement and Accessibility to ade’, organised by the College of and pharmaceutical sectors in portunities and challenges of Medication in Qatar’, ‘Building Pharmacy at Qatar University. Qatar to share their expertise and achieving an independent me- Pharmaceutical Industry and In- The conference is an important experience to address the need of dicinal identity in Qatar, QU said Dr Hassan al-Derham with Dr Mohamed Diab and Dr Egon Toft. novation in Qatar’ and ‘Building initiative that shows the pivotal building and preserving medica- in a press statement. Human Capacity in Qatar’. It also role played by the college to unite tion security in Qatar.” The event served as a plat- The event brought together QU Health director of Clinical ade on Access to Medicines’. included two panel discussions the eff orts of the various sectors Dr al-Khal noted, “The nega- form to discuss the impact of the more than 150 experts from QU, Aff airs Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, Dr al-Khal highlighted the titled ‘Building Pharmaceuti- and to raise awareness on the ways tive impact of the blockade blockade on the right to health Ebn Sina, the Ministry of Econ- director of Research and Gradu- economic sanctions and their cal Industry and Innovation: that are adopted by the health care imposed on Qatar by its neigh- under the international law, un- omy and Commerce, Ministry of ate Studies, Medical and Health impact, the National Health Current Challenges and Future sector to face the blockade. bours went beyond political, derstand the process of ensur- Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Sciences Offi ce Dr Feras Alali, Strategy, the consumption of Directions’ and ‘Medication Se- “There is no doubt that the economic and social dimensions ing access to medicine in Qatar Medical Corporation (HMC), CPH associate professor, head medications at the national curity for Qatar’ moderated by sudden and unjust blockade im- to adversely aff ect healthcare, pre- and post-blockade, suggest Qatar Pharma, Qatar Pharma- of the Clinical Pharmacy and level, the national formulary, Dr Alali, as well as a workshop on posed on Qatar violates all inter- including our access to medica- therapeutic alternatives for una- ceutical Industry and Qlife. They Practice Section and chair of the the governance structure of ‘Qatar Generic Medicines Pol- national legislations with regard tions. The impact is bilaterally vailable and/or available medi- shared their expertise and ex- Conference Organising Com- medications management, the icy’ delivered by Dr Mohamed the patient’s right to access to damaging and is not limited to cations, explore issues facing perience to address the need of mittee Dr Maguy El Hajj, CPH role of pharmacy and therapeu- Azmi Hassali, professor at Uni- healthcare and treatment. This Qatar. Extra eff orts and resourc- the pharmaceutical industry in building and preserving medica- associate professor, chair of the tics committees, and the nega- versiti Sains Malaysia School of illegal blockade was intended es went into dealing with the Qatar and the country’s current tion security in Qatar. Pharmaceutical Sciences Sec- tive impact of the blockade on Pharmaceutical Sciences. to have an impact on normal consequences of the blockade emergency preparedness plan Attending the opening cer- tion and chair of the Conference healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Also on the programme life, but Qatar has succeeded for the procurement of drugs and risk management for health, emony were QU president Dr Scientifi c Committee Dr Fatima It also included a panel dis- were numerous oral presen- to overcome the challenges by to ensure adequate stockpiles including human resources and Hassan al-Derham, QU vice- Mraiche, and HMC consult- cussion titled ‘Regulatory, Drug tations by speakers from QU, transforming them into oppor- and to maintain the pipeline of medication supply, and describe president for Medical and Health ant Dr Jassim Fakhro, as well as Supply, Academia and Phar- HMC, MoPH, Qatar Council for tunities that contribute to build- pharmaceuticals. We proved to curriculum development plans Sciences and College of Medi- members of QU leadership, fac- maceutical Industry: Working Healthcare Practitioners, Qlife, ing capacities and to sustain- be capable and resilient in deal- for capacity building at CPH and cine (CMED) dean Dr Egon Toft, ulty, students and staff . Together Facing the Blockade’, Qatar Pharma and Universiti able development. Additionally, ing with the blockade. We must the persistent demand for cer- CPH dean and chairperson of The fi rst day featured a key- moderated by Dr Fakhro. Sains Malaysia. The main topics the blockade has been a turning make use of the lessons learned tifi ed continuous professional the Conference Advisory Com- note speech by Dr al-Khal on The second day featured many included ‘The Right to Health point to search for substitutes from the current situation in development programmes, the mittee Dr Mohamed Diab, HMC ‘Hand in Hand in Facing the discussions focused on three Under International Law’, ‘En- to reduce its negative impact. In planning our pharmaceuticals statement noted. deputy chief medical offi cer and Blockade: Impact of the Block- main themes: ‘Medication Man- suring Access to Medicine in this context, Qatar worked tire- strategies.” Northwestern professor debunks myths on US foreign policy

ontrary to what many the ways in which the continued “We often hear that the inter- On the second myth, Hurd ex- to predict political behaviour – people may think, US in- public importance of religious national community, as well as plained that the idea of requiring Hurd said is “super problematic Ctervention on foreign soil identities has necessitated the the US, is working to stand out a “fl ourishing free religion” to because religious affi liation does usually does involve bringing readjustment of secularising po- forces of intolerance by promot- liberate societies from oppression, not predict political behaviour. economical, religious and po- litical discourses”. ing religious freedom and toler- violence and economic depriva- It is absolutely sociologically litical change to align the coun- The three myths, Hurd cited, ance, and by fi ghting religious tion is rooted in US international untenable to make this claim”. tries with US interests, Elizabeth were that the US promotes re- violence,” she said. “But I’m go- relations as a way to get countries In concluding her lecture, Shakman Hurd, a Northwestern ligious freedom in other coun- ing to tell a very diff erent story.” to support American objectives. Hurd pointed out the impor- professor of political science and tries; the return of religion to in- On promoting free religion, “While many scholars will tell tance of understanding how religious studies, said during a ternational relations has fi xed a Hurd explained that the US’ in- you the return to religion fi xed these myths were aff ecting peo- lecture at NU-Q. long-standing problem in which tervention in religious freedom long-standing problems, this is ple’s understanding of religious Hurd reinforced this claim by religion has been ignored; and is a tactic used to shape the po- only partially the case – things freedom, and the ways in which introducing and refuting three religious affi liations are predic- litical and economic fi elds in other have changed but religion always they were shaping political myths on how US foreign policy tors for political behaviour. countries. “We may think of reli- mattered. It was never absent agendas worldwide. intersected with religious inter- Hurd said these ideas frame gious freedom as something good, and was always present in dif- Hurd’s lecture at NU-Q was ventionism. most US and European national a staple norm, or something eve- ferent ways, including in coun- part of a series of lectures de- In introducing Hurd, NU-Q discussions of religion among ryone is aspiring to; however, this tries that describe themselves as signed by faculty to complement Professor Hurd engaging in a discussion about the intersection of professor Zachary Wright said scholars, journalists, policy type of interventionism is a form secular,” Hurd stated. its NU-Q’s minor in Middle East religion and US foreign politics, at NU-Q. she “speaks insightfully about makers and the general public. of governance,” said Hurd. The fi nal myth – using religion Studies. Army cuts off main rebel town in Winged visitor Ghouta as death toll tops 1,000

AFP a road linking Douma with the tion to eight civilians in other slow the advance with an at- Douma town of Harasta further west battlefront towns, said the Ob- tempted counter-off ensive, but and also captured the town of servatory. President Bashar al-Assad’s Misraba, according to the Syr- The deaths raised the as- forces steamrolled their eff orts. yrian regime forces yes- ian Observatory for Human sault’s total toll to 1,022 civil- Syrian state television yes- terday cut off the largest Rights. ians, including 219 children, ac- terday reported the army had Stown in Eastern Ghouta “Regime forces have there- cording to the Observatory. “intensifi ed its operations.” from the rest of the rebel-held fore divided Eastern Ghouta More than 4,350 have been It broadcast live footage from enclave near Damascus, press- into three parts – Douma and wounded. Douma’s opposition- a neighbourhood in Misraba re- ing on with a 20-day assault its surroundings, Harasta in the run local council issued an ur- cently recaptured by the army. that has left more than 1,000 west, and the rest of the towns gent “distress call” yesterday to Dozens of civilians including civilians dead. further south,” the Britain- international organisations. women and toddlers could be Government troops and al- based monitor said. “The bomb shelters and seen in a dark basement, sur- lied militia launched their Shelling and air strikes basements are full, and people rounded by troops. military campaign for Eastern slammed into Douma yester- are sleeping in the streets and in One elderly man broke down Ghouta on February 18 and have day, trapping residents inside public gardens,” the statement into tears as he told state televi- since overrun more than half of cellars transformed into make- said. “For three days, it has been sion that his family had fl ed to the area, defying global calls for shift bomb shelters, AFP’s cor- hard to bury the dead because Douma under fi erce bombard- a halt to the violence. respondents in the town said. of the intense bombing on the ment. The assault has followed a Rescue workers and medics cemetery,” it added. Eastern Ghouta is home to divide-and-conquer strategy, were struggling to navigate the Eastern Ghouta is the last re- around 400,000 people, in eating away at rebel-held ter- town’s rubble-littered roads to maining opposition-controlled desperate need of humanitarian ritory, and government forces bring wounded residents back zone on the outskirts of the assistance after a fi ve-year siege yesterday successfully isolated to fi eld clinics. capital, and government troops made food and medical aid ex- A white-eared bulbul stands on a twig in a garden in Kuwait City, yesterday. Ghouta’s main town of Douma At least 20 civilians – includ- have zeroed in on it in order to ceedingly rare. in a blow for the beleaguered ing four children – were killed secure Damascus. On Friday, a joint aid convoy rebels.Regime fi ghters cut off in Douma yesterday, in addi- Rebels in recent days tried to of the International Commit- tee of the Red Cross, the United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent delivered food aid to hunger-stricken residents. Iran, Serbia resume direct fl ights It was the second convoy in one week, after deliveries on Monday were interrupted by AFP it could open up a new migrant number of Iranians had arrived heavy bombardment. Belgrade route for those seeking to stay in in Belgrade legally as tourists The UN refugee agency’s the EU illegally, a Serbian char- but had not returned home, pro- Syria representative, who en- ity has warned. A second Iranian ceeding instead to EU countries, tered Ghouta with Monday’s fter a gap of 27 years, carrier, Qeshm Air, is also plan- notably France and Germany. convoy, said the area was “on direct fl ights between ning to launch a service between Info Park said an estimated 600 the verge of a major disaster”. AIran and Serbia resumed the two capitals starting from Iranians could arrive in Belgrade “I’ve never seen such scared yesterday, when an IranAir jet March 19. in a single week, based on the faces in my life,” Sajjad Malik touched down at Belgrade’s In August 2017, Iran and Ser- current transport capacity. said on Friday. Nikola Tesla airport, Serbian bia agreed to liberalise visas for “Seeing as most of these new- He described seeing a fi ve- media reported. travel between the two coun- arrivals do not intend to return, storey building that had been IranAir is off ering a direct tries, sparking a surge in interest the migration systems in Europe reduced to rubble, with a pow- service between Tehran and on the part of Iranians. must recalibrate for this new erful stench emanating from Belgrade twice weekly, with all According to the Serbian non- route and demographic among several bodies trapped under- fl ights fully booked until the governmental refugee support the migrant populaces,” the neath.In addition to clashes end of the summer, the reports project Info Park, some Iranians NGO said. around Douma, fi ghting yes- said. are using the visa liberalisation Serbian Trade Minister Rasim terday raged to the west near But the service, which was agreement to come to Europe Ljajic said authorities in the two the town of Medeira and further launched following a visa liber- and stay there illegally as mi- countries would investigate pos- Syrian women run for cover following government bombardment on the town of Douma in the south near Hammuriyeh, Saqba alisation agreement between the grants. sible abuses of the visa liberali- rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta on the eastern outskirts of the capital Damascus, yesterday. and Efteris. two countries, has raised fears Last month, Info Park said a sation agreement. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, March 11, 2018 ARAB WORLD Concert Palestinian shot dead in clash: medics

AFP raeli civilians”. As soldiers ar- Nablus rived, “a riot was instigated, during which troops used riot dispersal means and fired live Palestinian man was rounds”, a military spokesman shot dead by Israeli sol- said. A diers yesterday follow- On Friday, a Palestinian was ing a clash with Jewish set- killed by Israeli fire in the West tlers near the West Bank city Bank city of Hebron and at of Nablus, medics and security least four others were wounded sources said. in clashes along Gaza’s border Palestinian security sources with Israel. said the clash was started by Tensions have risen since the settlers, after which the US President Donald Trump’s army intervened and fired at a recognition in December of Hazhar Zahawy (left), Kurdish folk percussionist, and Asel Malekzadeh, Iranian folk percussionist, perform on stage at Arbil citadel yesterday, in northern Iraq. group of Palestinians. Jerusalem as Israel’s capital — The Palestinian Red Cres- a decision that has infuriated cent identified the dead man Palestinians. as a 22-year-old from the town Israel seized mainly Arab of Urif, adding that at least one east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six- other person was wounded. Day War and later annexed it in The Israeli army said Pal- a move never recognised by the estinians from Urif had ap- international community. Friar trains Iraqis to preserve ‘treasures’ proached Yitzhar settlement, At least 31 Palestinians and sparking “a confrontation two Israelis have been killed between Palestinian and Is- since Trump’s announcement. AFP With two other friars from and sites, both Christian and from its clock, which was a gift cars with the remaining docu- Baghdad his Dominican order, he also Muslim, were destroyed by IS from France in 1880, given to ments and followed suit. moved the Oriental Manuscript before Iraqi security forces fi - the Dominicans in recogni- Militants tried to stop them Digitisation Centre (OMDC). nally declared victory against tion of their social and cultural at the Kalak crossroads into Ira- s militants swept across Founded in 1990, the centre the extremists in December. work. qi Kurdistan but Kurdish pesh- Iraq three years ago, he works in partnership with Ben- “I’ve trained four or fi ve dif- The Dominican order had merga fi ghters intervened. First international fl ight Arescued a treasure trove edictine monks to preserve and ferent teams,” said Father Na- opened 25 schools across Mosul The friars were left without of ancient religious manu- restore documents. jeeb, explaining that as Iraqi and its surrounding province, a car and forced to continue on scripts from near-certain de- It also scans damaged manu- troops advanced against IS, and — on the backs of camels foot. leaves Kurdistan since ban struction. scripts recovered from churches many trainees returned home, trekking across the desert — “As soon as I saw anyone Father Najeeb Michaeel is and villages across northern forcing him to take on fresh re- brought Iraq its fi rst printing with their hands empty, I hand- now training fellow Iraqis to Iraq. cruits. The centre now makes house in 1857. ed them some of the cultural DPA A plane carrying 150 left the preserve their heritage. In all, some 8,000 Chaldean, several copies of each document But attacks against churches treasures and asked them to Erbil Erbil airport for Saudi Arabia to “My duty is to save our herit- Syrian, Armenian and Nestori- to guarantee its preservation. in Mosul were on the rise even return them once they entered perform Umrah, there, an offi cial age, a signifi cant treasure,” the an manuscripts have been dig- Originals are returned to the before IS seized control of the Kurdistan,” said the friar.”I got at Kurdistan’s religious ministry Dominican friar said in a tel- itally copied. owners, one copy is kept on fi le city in 2014. everything back.” n international fl ight de- said yesterday. ephone interview from his of- Today, the OMDC has about and another posted on its online At least fi ve priests and a When he returned to Mosul parted from Iraqi Kurdis- A total of 4,000 residents in fi ce in the city of Arbil, capital 10 employees, “displaced digital database. bishop had been murdered last year to attend the fi rst post- Atan late Friday, the fi rst Kurdistan have registered to of Iraqi Kurdistan. people who have turned into Until 2007, these documents since 2004. “I was on the list of IS Christmas mass, Friar Najeeb since Baghdad imposed a fl ight travel to Saudi Arabia, to per- “We can’t save a tree if we professionals” who host re- were kept in the convent of Al- religious fi gures to kill,” said Fa- found his church in ruins. ban on the autonomous region form the Umrah this year, he don’t save its roots, and a man searchers from France, Italy or Saa church, also known as Our ther Najeeb. The tower that housed the following an independence vote added in media remarks. without culture is a dead man.” Canada, the friar said. Lady of the Hour, in the city of In 2007, he moved the ar- clock had vanished, the convent last year, a Kurdish offi cial said. Baghdad has agreed to par- In August 2014, as the Islamic The new recruits are all aca- Mosul, which became the ma- chives to Qaraqosh, some 30 had been converted into a jail, Baghdad and Erbil have been tially lift the fl ight ban in con- State (IS) group charged towards demics who lost their jobs after jor battleground of Iraq’s war kilometres away. rooms transformed into work- at odds since Kurdistan and nection with pilgrimage trips for Qaraqosh, once Iraq’s largest fl eeing their homes during the against IS. Thanks to “a premonition” in shops for bombs and explosive disputed areas controlled by Kurdistan’s people. Christian city, Father Najeeb militant takeover. The archives contain nearly late July 2014, the Dominicans belts, and gallows had replaced Kurdish forces held a unilateral Last week, Iraqi Prime Minis- fi lled his car with rare manu- “They are working for the fu- 850 ancient manuscripts in relocated the archives once the church altar. independence referendum in ter Haider al-Abadi hinted that scripts, 16th century books and ture and they know it. They put Aramaic, Arabic and other again, this time to Iraqi Kurdis- But Father Najeeb, who plays September. the ban on international fl ights irreplaceable records. their whole heart into it,” said languages, letters dating back tan. organ and electric guitar, re- Baghdad responded with from Kurdistan’s two main air- He fl ed towards the relative Father Najeeb, whose team in- three centuries and some When IS pushed into the mains hopeful. “I’m optimis- sanctions on Kurdistan, includ- ports could be lifted on March 21, safety of the autonomous Kurd- cludes Christians and Muslims. 50,000 books. Christian city less than two tic. The last word will be one of ing a ban on international fl ights when Kurds celebrate the annual ish region in northern Iraq. Thousands of religious relics Al-Saa church takes its name weeks later, the friars fi lled their peace, not the sword,” he said. to and from the territory. springtime festival of Newroz. Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 11 AFRICA

Street performance Rivals clash as S Leone poll runoff looms

By Saidu Bah, AFP unrest as supporters of the two The NEC had called Friday Freetown main parties clashed in the capi- for patience in the count, saying tal’s central business district, it will prioritise accuracy over leading police to make several speed. A runoff poll must take ival supporters clashed in arrests. place two weeks after fi nal re- Freetown yesterday after “Just after the announcement sults are unveiled. Rearly results from Sierre of the results by NEC, people The APC had said Friday it had Leone’s presidential election in- started to celebrate, which an- a “comfortable lead,” causing the dicated a runoff would be needed gered other onlookers,” trader SLPP to accuse it of “endanger- with no candidate set to secure Abubakar Sesay told AFP. ing public order and national se- the 55% required to win outright. “I was forced to close my busi- curity”. With incumbent Ernest Bai ness as everyone was running The SLPP claimed the APC Koroma standing down after two from the scene. Many shops was preparing to release “fake terms, his All Peoples Congress closed due to the panic,” Sesay presidential results” but re- (APC) candidate Samura Kamara said, adding that he witnessed mained confi dent of victory. was just leading Julius Maada stone-throwing. The two parties have dominat- Bio of the main opposition Si- Kandeh Yumkella, a former ed Sierra Leone’s politics since erra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), high-ranked member of the independence in 1961, but third based on 25% of returns from the SLPP now standing for a Nation- parties are hoping to make their People dressed as Zulus take part in a parade at the opening of the African Performing Arts Market (MASA) in Abidjan yesterday. National Electoral Commission al Grand Coalition (NGC), was in mark after mounting charismatic Created in 1993 under the impetus of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), the biennial MASA aims to facilitate (NEC). third place with 6.6% according campaigns. access for African artists to the international market, began yesterday and runs till March 17. The NEC gave former foreign to the early fi gures. The NGC, whose message of minister Kamara a near 45% The share of his votes in the reform has struck a chord with share of the vote so far against runoff could prove decisive in educated urban voters, said Fri- 42% for former general Bio in determining the eventual win- day it had identifi ed “a number Wednesday’s poll. ner in the West African country of serious irregularities in the European Union observers where corruption is rife. voting process which will in on Friday described the elec- Wednesday’s presidential, some areas require immediate tion as “transparent, credible parliamentary and local council recounts”. Security keeps aid workers and well-organised,” but noted elections had passed off largely The export-dependent econo- sporadic “intimidation and vio- peacefully despite a police raid my of a mineral-rich but impov- lence,” concerns echoed by the on Bio’s residence. erished country is in a dire state Freetown-based Campaign for The raid followed accusations following the 2014-16 Ebola cri- Human Rights and Development of vote “hacking” despite Sierra sis and a commodity price slump out of Nigeria’s northeast International (CHRDI). Leone using a manual voting sys- that has driven away foreign in- The early results triggered tem. vestors.

AFP At least 5 killed in central Nigeria clashes Lagos Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have toll at six dead when cattle rearers invaded killed at least five people in central Nigeria’s the village on Friday. suspension of humanitarian opera- Plateau state, police said yesterday, in the “We are at the burial ground in Ganda tions has been extended in a remote latest violence linked to tensions over grazing village to give the deceased a mass burial,” Congo opposition rally Atown in northeast Nigeria where rights. he said, urging the authorities to end the three aid workers were killed in a Boko Har- Thursday’s attack happened just as violence. am attack, medical charity Doctors Without President Muhammadu Buhari was rounding Since the start of the year, Nigeria has seen Borders (MSF) said yesterday. up a tour of Plateau and four other flashpoint a growing number of clashes between largely MSF and the UN pulled out their staff states. nomadic herders and farmers over land, behind exiled leader from Rann, on the border with Cameroon in “The gunmen were believed to be herds- water and grazing rights. Borno state, after the attack on March 1. men. They attacked some communities in Buhari has been under pressure to end the The UN suspended its activities for one Miango district and killed five people,” state killings. AFP He said conditions for cred- TP Mazembe, claims to have week until Friday. police spokesman Terna Tyopev told AFP. Plateau state lies in Nigeria’s so-called Johannesburg ible, fair and honest elections unrivalled popularity across the But the suspension has now been extend- He said dozens of people were injured Middle Belt that separates the predominant- “are far from being fulfi lled”. country. ed until Tuesday next week at the earliest, while many houses and properties were ly Muslim north from the largely Christian The election was originally The meeting is being held the UN in Abuja said, while MSF said it had destroyed in the mayhem. south. emocratic Republic of scheduled for late 2016, but was outside the DR Congo because no timeline for a return. Local media said apart from the incident in It has long been a hotbed of ethnic, sectar- Congo opposition groups repeatedly delayed, leading to Katumbi is in de-facto exile in “We think that the entire area is not pro- Miango, six people were also killed at Ganda ian and religious tensions between indig- Dyesterday rallied behind unrest in the vast mineral-rich Brussels, after being condemned tected,” the charity’s emergency coordinator village in Bokkos local government area of enous farming communities, who are mainly exiled fi gure Moise Katumbi at country. Western powers have in absentia in a real estate aff air. for Borno, Kerri Ann Kelly, told AFP. the state. Christian, and the nomadic Hausa/Fulani talks in South Africa aimed at accepted the delay with reluc- He has said he will return to “Until there’s more protection it will be The police could not immediately confirm cattle herders, who are Muslim. forging a united front to fi ght elec- tance, hoping it will avoid blood- the DRC in December. very hard to operate. It’s a fairly exposed the attack. Tensions have boiled over access to land tions due by the end of the year. shed. The elections in the troubled area...I had 19 people up there that day, ly- Speaking to Nigeria’s Guardian newspaper, and resources, escalating into a rift that has Exiled Katumbi led dozens of Politicians at the Johannes- central African country are ex- ing on the ground going on for 90 minutes, community leader, Matawa Mankut put the deepened along nominally religious lines. opposition leaders at the three- burg meeting suggested the ma- pected to pave the way to a his- so security drives the mission.” day meeting in Johannesburg jority of the opposition group- toric transfer of power. But Kabi- MSF, the UN children’s agency Unicef to map out a strategy for the ings were behind the infl uential la, who took over from his father and the International Committee of the Red Last year, Rann was cut off due to oodingfl The UN has appealed this year for $1.05bn planned December 23 election to former governor of mineral-rich Laurent after he was assassinated Cross were among those providing emer- during the rains, while across the northeast to fund its operations in northeast Niger- replace President Joseph Kabila. Katanga province. in 2001, has not yet clearly stated gency food, medical care and other pro- food shortages become more acute and dis- ia, where the insurgency has left millions “What brings us here is the “We are confi dent. We are the whether he will step aside. grammes to some 80,000 people in Rann. eases such as malaria increase. homeless and dependent on aid. rejection of the dictatorship that biggest movement that the DR- Anti-government protests Of those, about 55,000 were living in a “If we can’t get up there, the rainy season The Rann attack — which also saw has taken root in our beautiful Congo will have, we have a strong have turned deadly over the past camp for people displaced by the Islam- is going to be a problem...We are really con- eight Nigerian security personnel killed country and the desire to build candidate, and if we have free months, raising international ist insurgency, which began in 2009 and cerned about being able to be prepared for — also prompted fresh doubts about gov- a better world for our compa- and fair elections it will be pos- concern that the country could has ravaged the northeast, killing at least this rainy season,” said Kelly. ernment claims the militants are virtually triots,” Katumbi said in opening sible to win this election,” Delly slide into all-out violence as it 20,000. But even before then, there are fears about defeated. remarks to over 100 participants. Sesanga, one of the opposition heads to the elections. The vio- Kelly said the suspension leaves those the eff ect of a prolonged suspension on The surrounding countryside has wit- “Together we will help build leaders, told AFP. lence has pitted Kinshasa author- people without healthcare and no access to clean water and sanitation programmes for nessed a series of attacks, highlighting the the alternative for the future Katumbi, a wealthy business- ities against the Catholic church, food distribution — and time was pressing those in the camp, after previous outbreaks continued diffi culty for the military to se- and show the Congolese people man and former governor of which has backed the demonstra- to resume activities before the arrival of an- of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cure hard-to-reach areas outside urban that they are not alone,” said Ka- Katanga province who is presi- tions that have denounced Kabi- nual rains from mid-May. cholera linked to poor hygiene. centres. tumbi. dent of the major football club la’s government as corrupt.

Down but not out: Lord’s Resistance Army haunts Central Africa

By Charles Bouessel, AFP The fanatical Christian move- in Obo. “They’ve gone from eco- They were accompanied by Obo, Central African Republic ment became a byword across nomic profi t-making to econom- women and children who had central Africa for mutilations, ic subsistence, based on looting been abducted. massacres, kidnappings and the and traffi cking.” ‘Beatrice’ described how she very morning, Joseph gets forced enrolment of children. The Ugandan and American was kidnapped in November last on his motorbike to tend to According to a UN toll in 2013, pullout from southeast CAR, the year — an ordeal that ended after Ehis fi eld of manioc, in the the LRA was to blame for the absence of the state in this strife- she ran away three weeks later. thick bush surrounding the Obo, deaths of more than 100,000 torn region and the lack of a UN “I was near Mboki when a in southeastern Central African people, the abduction of between mandate to fi ght the LRA means man fi red in the air and told me Republic. 60,000 and 100,000 children that these marauding remnants to pick up my chickens and fol- This day, though, is not ordi- and the displacement of 2.5mn are a lethal menace to local peo- low him. We walked for a long nary. people. ple. time. One time I tried to fl ee Joseph is tense with worry. The militia began to be rolled Since April 19, 2017, when and he beat me with a club,” she There are rumours that the back in 2011 by a force of 2,000 Uganda began its phased with- said. “He wanted to make me his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Ugandan troops, supported by drawal, the LRA has struck 34 wife.” one of Africa’s most notorious about a hundred US military ad- times in CAR, killing nine people Other LRA victims said they and longest-surviving militias, is visers based in Obo. and kidnapping 129 others, ac- had seen the group team up with in the area. Last March, the US military cording to LRACrisisTracker, a nomadic herders, who escort “They recently attacked hunt- wrapped up its side of the op- site run by an NGO that is trying, their cattle to grazing grounds ers just 15km away,” said Joseph, eration, saying the LRA had been in diffi cult conditions, to monitor between Sudan and CAR, and are who, despite his fears, picks up “reduced to irrelevance”, and a the problem. often armed. his tools to work on his precious month later the Ugandan army Kidnappings are an LRA speci- How solid these alliances are crop. began withdrawing its troops ality, witnesses in Obo said. is unclear — and in this deeply The LRA dates back to January from CAR. The militiamen capture adults troubled region, it is also possi- 1987, when a voodoo priestess, Today, according to Laurent to carry their loot and turn their ble that attacks attributed to the Alice Auma Lakwena, set up a Wastelain, a representative of children into fi ghters. LRA were carried out by other rebel group to fi ght Uganda’s new the UN peacekeeping mission in “On February 9, I was with gangs. leader, Yoweri Museveni. CAR, the LRA has been reduced nine hunters in a place about Joseph crosses a bridge to reach his field near Obo, Central African Republic. One victim, a pastor named The following year, Joseph to about 200 people, women and 100km west of Obo,” said Brice, Francois, said that he and 13 Kony, presented as Lakwena’s children included, spread across who has fl ed to the town from his tion,” he said adding that this was LRA seized him on November 24 speaking Acholi, the language of an other people were held up by fi ve cousin, took over the group, three groups, one of which is dis- home in Mboki. the third time he had been robbed — “they held us for a week, we ethnic Ugandan minority, dressed cattle herders. which was renamed the LRA and sident. “The LRA held us up, they took by the group. carried their belongings.” in combat gear, boots, carrying as- “They wanted to cut our whose mission was to rule by the “The organisation’s political the manioc fl our, the smoked Francois Apoyo, another man The two men described small, sault rifl es and equipped with solar throats and make out it was the Bible’s Ten Commandments. doctrine is falling away,” he said fi sh, the meat and the ammuni- displaced from Mboki, said the mobile groups of LRA fi ghters panels and satellite phones. LRA,” he said. “But we escaped.” Gulf Times 12 Sunday, March 11, 2018 AMERICAS

No tanks Gunman in California siege was for Trump military decorated vet treated for PTSD parade AFP By Scott Bransford, Reuters plished professionals, dedicated to their Washington Yountville, California careers of serving our nation’s veterans, working closely with those of the great- est need of attention,” Pathway Home ilitary vehicles will etails emerged yesterday about a said in a statement. roll through Wash- decorated former US serviceman The hostages who died were named M ington on November Dwho took three women hostage as Pathway Home Executive Direc- 11 in a salute to veterans, a at a California veterans home where he tor Christine Loeber, 48, the program’s Pentagon memo said Friday, had undergone treatment for PTSD, in a clinical director, therapist Jen Golick, 42, detailing President Donald standoff that ended when police found and Jennifer Gonzales, 29, a psychologist Trump’s dream of hosting a him and his captives dead. with the San Francisco Department of military parade. The Veterans Home of California in Veterans Aff airs Healthcare System. The White House an- Yountville, the largest such facility in Despite repeated eff orts by police ne- nounced a month ago that the United States, was the scene on Fri- gotiators to communicate with Wong Trump had asked for a day of the latest mass shooting to rock a throughout the day, authorities said large-scale military parade, country already shocked by the slaugh- they had failed to make contact with an unconventional call ter last month of 17 people at a Florida the gunman after he exchanged gunfi re that immediately fuelled high school. with a sheriff ’s deputy at the start of the comparisons with similar Offi cials named the gunman as Albert standoff . events in more autocratic Wong, 36, of Sacramento, and said he Offi cers who eventually entered the countries. had served with the US Army on active room where the hostages were being “This parade will focus on duty from May 2010 to August 2013 and held found all four bodies there, police the contributions of our vet- spent a year in Afghanistan. said. erans throughout the history He received four medals including No details were immediately given of the US military, starting an Afghanistan campaign medal and about how the four died. from the Revolutionary War was awarded an Expert Marksmanship James Musson, a 75-year-old Army and the War of 1812 to to- Badge with Rifl e, the Pentagon said. veteran and resident of the facility, told day, with an emphasis on the Wong had been a patient of Path- Reuters many who lived there voiced price of freedom,” said the way Home, a program at the Yountville concerns about lax security, saying memorandum for General Joe complex for former service members visitors could walk in and out without Dunford, who chairs the Joint suff ering post-traumatic stress disor- restriction and that public safety offi c- Chiefs of Staff. der (PTSD) after deployments in Iraq Two women embrace after leaving the locked down Veterans Home of California during an active shooter turned hostage ers were not armed. The Defense Department and Afghanistan. situation in Yountville, California, on Friday. The siege came less than a month af- had earlier said it was planning The San Francisco Chronicle, cit- ter a former student killed 17 people at for “around” that date, which ing unnamed sources, said he had been Trump said yesterday on Twitter. According to Larry Kamer, the hus- said his wife told him by phone during a Florida high school using an assault- is known in the United States asked to leave the program two weeks The incident, which began at about band of one of the Pathway Home ad- the siege that the gunman had let her style rifl e. That massacre in the Fort as Veterans Day and in other ago. 10.30am local time on Friday at the ministrators, Devereaux Smith, Wong and three other women leave the room Lauderdale suburb of Parkland sparked countries as Remembrance “We are deeply saddened by the tragic sprawling facility in the heart of Napa walked into the program’s building car- where the party was taking place, but a student-led drive for new restrictions Day marking the end of World situation in Yountville and mourn the Valley’s wine country, some 100km rying a rifl e during a going-away party that he kept three female employees be- on gun sales to curb mass shootings that War I. loss of three incredible women who cared north of San Francisco, ended almost for one of the employees. hind as hostages. have occurred with frightening frequen- Pentagon plans call for for our Veterans,” US President Donald eight hours later. Kamer, who volunteers at the home, “These brave women were accom- cy in the United States in recent years. “wheeled vehicles only, no tanks,” as they would tear up city roads. There would also be “a heavy air component at the end of the parade, to include older aircraft US Justice Department moves to ban rapid fi re ‘bump stocks’ as available,” according to the memo. The parade route will AFP astating effect by the gunman are organising a massive march on NRA sues Florida over gun control measures stretch roughly 1.6km from Washington who rained fire on concert-goers Washington in two weeks to demand the White House to the Capi- in Las Vegas October 1, killing 58 stricter curbs on guns. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is suing But the NRA said the law was “an aff ront” to tol, where Trump will review people and injuring more than The president “is absolutely com- the US state of Florida after it passed new gun the Second Amendment of the constitution as his troops surrounded by vet- he US Justice Department 850. mitted to ensuring the safety and se- control measures, claiming that they discrimi- it “totally eviscerates the right of law-abiding erans and Medal of Honor re- yesterday moved to rede- After the February 14 school curity of every American and he has nate against young people and women. adults between the ages of 18 and 21 to keep cipients. Tfi ne machine guns to include shooting in Parkland, Florida that directed us to propose a regulation It announced the move just hours after and bear arms.” Female veterans will be ‘bump stocks’, a regulatory tweak killed 17 people, President Don- addressing bump stocks,” Attorney Republican Governor Rick Scott signed the It also said it was “particularly off ensive highlighted, and marchers that would ban devices used to boost ald Trump called for a ban on bump General Jeff Sessions said in a state- measures into law on Friday, three weeks after with respect to young women, as women representing previous wars the rate of fi re of semi-automatic stocks even though the semi-auto- ment. 17 people were shot dead by a gunman at a between the ages of 18 and 21 are much less will wear period uniforms, in- weapons. matic rifl e used in that case was not “To that end, the Department of high school near Miami. likely to engage in violent crime than older cluding historical dress from The proposed change must un- fi tted with the device. Justice has submitted to the Of- The bill sees the minimum age for purchas- members of the general population.” the Old Guard Fife and Drum dergo a review but if approved would The outrage over the Florida fice of Management and Budget a ing a gun lifted to 21 and gives police more The decision in Florida was passed by the Corps. outlaw the possession, sale or manu- shooting, however, has raised pub- notice of a proposed regulation to authority to confiscate weapons. state’s House of Representatives earlier this As planning continues, the facture of bump stocks under the lic pressure for broad action on clarify that the National Firearms The law also allows some teachers to be week despite protests from the powerful memo gave no more details on National Firearms Act and Gun Con- the availability of semi-automatic and Gun Control Act defines ‘ma- armed as a deterrent to shooters and to lobby group. Gun control activists say the new the type of weaponry to be fea- trol Act. weapons. chinegun’ to include bump stock defend against possible attacks. measures do not go far enough. tured in the parade. The devices were used to dev- Students who survived the attack type devices.” Trump, the military’s com- mander-in-chief, received de- ferments from service during the Vietnam War. The last major parade in Washington was in 1991 after ‘Most hated man’ gets seven years in jail for defrauding investors the Gulf War, when missiles and tanks moved through the streets of the capital. AFP He smirked through a congressional But even Brafman acknowledged “I made serious mistakes but I still In 2015, he purchased for $2mn the Since taking offi ce, Trump New York hearing that scrutinised his actions and “there are times when I want to punch believe that I am a good person with sole edition of the ensemble’s “Once has frequently touted his sup- has since earned a reputation for an ex- him in the face” because his client’s much potential. I was a fool,” he said, Upon a Time in Shaolin,” which he put port for the US military and travagant, self-publicising lifestyle. behaviour complicated the defence, expressing a wish to work “for the bet- up for sale on eBay in September — placed high-ranking generals artin Shkreli, once dubbed the Although the drug controversy had according to reporters who were in the terment of humanity.” while also threatening to “break this in top White House and cabinet most hated man in America nothing to do with his trial before a fed- courtroom. With a choking voice, he reiterated in album in frustration.” posts. Mfor ratcheting up the price of eral court in New York, so great was the Prosecutors were seeking 15 years’ court his remorse at the “shameful ac- The winning bid was a little more The idea for a parade appears an HIV drug, was sentenced to seven 34-year-old’s notoriety that it was ini- prison, arguing that Shkreli showed no tions” that led to his downfall. than $1mn but by then Shkreli was al- to have been rekindled when years in prison Friday on charges of tially diffi cult to fi nd an impartial jury remorse for his actions and pointing to On top of six months of good behav- ready in jail after his bail revocation, the president visited Paris for defrauding investors. The disgraced for the trial. his provocative and bizarre statements iour already spent behind bars, and af- throwing the deal in doubt. Bastille Day in July and made former pharmaceutical executive and Arrested in December 2015, his bail posted on social media. ter charity donations he made before his Shkreli had been convicted of securi- no secret of his awe for the hedge fund manager was convicted in was revoked in September after he of- “He wants everyone to believe he is arrest, the repentance helped to lower ties fraud and conspiracy a month ear- pomp and ceremony of the oc- August of conspiracy to commit securi- fered a reward for anyone who would a genius, a whiz kid, a self-taught bio- his sentence far below what the pros- lier. casion. ties fraud and two counts of securities grab a strand of former presidential tech wonder,” said prosecutor Jacquelyn ecution requested. The jury, however, cleared him of Military parades are also a fraud. candidate Hillary Clinton’s hair. Kasulis. Last Monday, Matsumoto ordered more than half the charges for allegedly highlight of the calendar in Shkreli, who once led Turing Phar- Shkreli insisted it was a joke. “He can’t be just an average person Shkreli to pay back $7.36mn to federal stealing $11mn in stock from his fi rst Moscow and Pyongyang but maceuticals, became known as “Phar- His high-profi le lawyer, Ben Brafman, who fails, like the rest of us.” authorities, an amount they can recover pharmaceutical company Retrophin to are rare in the United States, ma Bro” and is infamous for suddenly described Shkreli as a mildly autistic, In a letter sent last week to the by seizing his assets. pay off investors who lost money in two where displays of patriotism raising the price of the drug Daraprim self-taught genius and asked US District judge, Shkreli pleaded for leniency These include a Picasso painting and of his hedge funds. usually take the form of flag- in 2015 by 5,000% — from $13.50 a pill Judge Kiyo Matsumoto to limit the pris- and for the first time admitted he had his unique copy of an album by rappers The verdict left Brafman suggesting waving, fireworks and grilled to $750. on sentence to a maximum of 18 months. erred. Wu-Tang Clan. that Shkreli might even avoid jail time. hot dogs.

Civil rights pioneer Desmond fi rst Canadian woman on currency

By Ashifa Kassam took place in 1946 after her car for decades by many in Canada. Toronto broke down in New Glasgow, some In 2010, more than six decades 140km north-east of Halifax, after she was arrested, Nova Scotia while on a business trip. apologised to Desmond and par- black woman who refused Looking to kill time while her car doned her — a posthumous pardon to leave the whites-only was being repaired, she stopped by signed into law by Mayann Francis, Asection of a Canadian movie a local movie theatre. It was a seg- the province’s fi rst African Nova theatre in 1946 — nearly a decade regated space — fl oor seats were Scotian lieutenant-governor. before Rosa Parks’s act of defi ance for white people while black peo- “Here I am, 64 years later — a — has been honoured on the coun- ple were relegated to the balcony. black woman giving freedom to try’s newest $10 bill. Desmond, who was shortsighted, another black woman,” Francis Civil rights pioneer Viola Des- tried to buy a fl oor seat but was re- later told Maclean’s Magazine. mond was selected from the more fused. So she bought a ticket for the Last week, Desmond’s sister than 26,000 submissions that balcony, where seats were one-cent Wanda Robson, now in her 90s, rolled in after the Bank of Canada cheaper, and sat in the fl oor area an- was on hand to unveil Canada’s fi rst announced plans to put a Cana- yway. She remained there until po- banknote featuring a black person. dian woman on the country’s cir- lice arrived. Desmond was dragged “It’s beyond what I ever thought. It’s culating currency for the fi rst time. out of the theatre and arrested, ulti- Canada’s Finance Minister Bill Morneau with Wanda Robson after her beautiful,” she told an audience in Born in 1914, Desmond rose to mately spending 12 hours in jail. sister Viola Desmond was chosen to feature on the $10 banknote. Halifax. The note is expected to enter prominence as an entrepreneur, sell- The price diff erence between the into circulation at the end of the year. ing her own line of hair and skin prod- fl oor and balcony seats would later her the more expensive fl oor seat, Desmond died in 1965 and her act of “I say thank you, thank you, ucts at a time when few local beauty come back to haunt her; Desmond she was convicted and ordered to defi ance — which helped ignite Can- thank you,” said Robson. “Our schools accepted black students. was charged with tax evasion over pay fi nes amounting to C$26. ada’s civil rights movement as well family will go down in history — in The incident that would propel the single penny. Despite the fact Later attempts to fi ght the con- as usher in Nova Scotia’s legal end to history, imagine that.” her into Canada’s history books that the theatre had refused to sell viction in court proved fruitless. segregation in 1954 — was overlooked Guardian News & Media Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Xi keen on early US talks with North Korea

DPA the shock announcement that to Trump followed a fl urry of di- Beijing Trump had agreed to meet with plomacy which centred around North Korean leader Kim Jong- North Korea’s attendance at the un, though a place and time are Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang hina’s President Xi Jin- still undecided. last month. Sweden also chimed ping says he wants talks Should the meeting take place, in yesterday with an off er to “help A promotion video shows an actor wearing LLVision facial recognition smart glasses during a demonstration at the company’s off ice Cbetween the United it will be the fi rst time that a sit- out” with possible talks. in Beijing, China. States and North Korea to take ting US president has met with a “If we can help out in some way place as soon as possible, state- leader of the reclusive nation and we will,” Swedish Prime Minister run media reported yesterday. could represent a breakthrough Stefan Lofven told reporters dur- In a telephone call with Don- in the decades-long eff ort to re- ing a visit to Luxembourg. “One ald Trump, Xi told the US presi- store peace in the region. should remember that the main dent he hoped both sides would “I believe that as long as all par- actors are still North and South China eyes ‘black tech’ to boost show goodwill and refrain from ties adhere to the general direction Korea, the US, China. They have to doing anything that might in- of political and diplomatic settle- fi nd substance (in order) to move terfere with the improving situ- ment, we will surely push forward ahead,” Lofven was quoted as tell- ation on the Korean Peninsula, the Korean Peninsula issue in the ing Swedish news agency TT. security as parliament meets according to the news agency direction that the international He did not want to speculate on Xinhua. community has been looking for- how his country might help until The two leaders spoke after ward to,” Xi said. Kim’s invitation Sweden is asked. Reuters Lofven noted that Sweden has Beijing had an embassy in North Korea Clinton warns of ‘diplomatic danger’ since the early 1970s, and repre- sents US diplomatic interests in t a highway check point Hillary Clinton has warned that the Trump administration “was not Pyongyang. on the outskirts of Bei- recognising the danger” in discussing nuclear disarmament with Sweden has also contributed Ajing, local police are this Pyongyang, and said Washington lacked experienced diplomats to with observers at the Demilita- week testing out a new security handle the talks. rized Zone (DMZ), which sepa- tool: smart glasses that can pick “If you want to talk to Kim Jong-un about his nuclear weapons you rates the North from the South. up facial features and car regis- need experienced diplomats,” Clinton was quoted as telling Dutch Earlier this week, Lofven met tration plates, and match them tabloid Algemeen Dagblad in an interview published yesterday. US President Donald Trump in in real-time with a database of “These are people familiar with the dossiers and who know the North the White House where he said suspects. Koreans and their language,” Trump’s presidential rival said in an Sweden was willing to help out if The AI-powered glasses, interview conducted in Amsterdam and published in Dutch. asked. made by LLVision, scan the The former secretary of state said however that the US State Depart- Stockholm daily Dagens Ny- faces of vehicle occupants and ment was “being eroded” and that experienced diplomats on the heter, citing an anonymous the plates, fl agging with a red North Korean issue were in short supply, with many having left. source, meanwhile reported that box and warning sign to the “You cannot have diplomacy without diplomats,” she said, adding “the North Korea’s Foreign Minister wearer when any match up with Vice Premier Wang Yang arrives for the third plenary session of the Chinese People’s Political danger is not being recognised by the Trump government.” Ri Yong-ho is soon due to visit a centralised “blacklist”. The Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, yesterday. Clinton’s words echo those of veteran diplomat and former US his Swedish counterpart, Margot test — which coincides with ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson, who warned that Wallstrom. the annual meeting of China’s that the glasses were being used newspaper, using a comic-book control, to drones to monitor negotiating with North Korea was not “reality television.” A spokesman for Wallstrom had parliament in central Beijing in tests by the police to help term in China for futuristic border areas, and artificially “It’s a real opportunity...I worry about the president’s unpreparedness no comment on the report, but — underscores a major push identify suspect individuals surveillance gadgets. intelligent systems to track and lack of discipline. But I commend him for his very bold move in said that Sweden like other coun- by China’s leaders to leverage and vehicles in the Beijing area The paper said cameras at and censor behaviour online. accepting the invitation,” Richardson said on Friday. tries was interested in seeking a technology to boost security in in recent days. the event had been upgraded to There are also scanners to “But this is not ‘The Apprentice’ or a reality TV event. It’s a negotiation peaceful solution to the confl ict. the country. China, under President Xi capture, analyse and compare forcibly read mobile phone with an unpredictable leader who has at least 20 nuclear weapons Wallstrom visited South Ko- That drive has led to growing Jinping, is making a major push suspicious faces in around two data and even police dogs with and who threatens the United States,” he said. rea last month and met with her concerns that China is develop- to use artifi cial intelligence, seconds, powered by a system virtual reality cameras. counterpart, Kang Kyung-wha. ing a sophisticated surveillance facial recognition and big data called “Skynet” — which has a A recent Human Rights state that will lead to intensify- technology to track and control national database of blacklisted Watch report said China was ing crackdowns on dissent. behaviour that goes against the individuals. also expanding a biometric “(China’s) leadership once interests of the ruling Com- “The plot of sci-fi fi lm Mi- voice database to boost voice felt a degree of trepidation over munist Party online and in the nority Report is now basically recognition capabilities. the advancement of the Inter- wider world. Xi is expected becoming a part of daily life,” Surveillance measures State media quiet on overtures to Trump net and communication tech- to cement his power base this the newspaper added, referring long-used in restive areas nologies,” said David Bandur- weekend as a reform to remove to the Tom Cruise movie set in a such as Xinjiang in the north- ski, co-director of the China term limits is pushed through. futuristic society where crimes west are also being rolled Reuters on Thursday after briefi ng Trump that Kim had Media Project, a media studies That would in eff ect allow are solved and punished before out more widely around the Seoul “committed to denuclearisation” and to suspend- research project at the Univer- him to stay in his post indefi - they even happen. country, with a planned drive ing nuclear and missile tests. sity of Hong Kong. nitely. Delegates and visitors China has been deploying to centralise and standardise However, North Koreans appear to still be in the “It now sees them as abso- entering the Great Hall of the a growing arsenal of security powerful but fragmented sys- orth Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sudden dark despite such a potentially historic achieve- lutely indispensable tools of People, the venue for the par- technology, fuelling the growth tems over the next year. overtures to Washington are making head- ment. social and political control.” liament, the National People’s of a domestic industry and At the meeting of the NPC, Nlines around the world. Kim’s meeting with South Korean offi cials made Wu Fei, chief executive of Congress, have to go through worrying civil rights defenders most delegates said the increas- Almost everywhere, it seems, except North Ko- it onto the front page of the Rodong Sinmun, a LLVision, said people should facial scanners. about the growing intrusion on ing use of technology to improve rea. leading state-run newspaper, but neither his pol- not be worried about privacy The same happened to those individual privacy. state security was a positive, and North Korean media noted a visit by a senior icy concessions, as described by the South Korean concerns because China’s au- attending the related advisory A key concern is that black- that the benefi ts far outweighed delegation from South Korea earlier this week but government, nor his planned summit with Moon in thorities were using the equip- body, the Chinese People’s lists could include a wide privacy concerns. it appeared to have had no major coverage of Kim’s April appeared to have been reported publicly in the ment for “noble causes”, catch- Political Consultative Confer- range of people stretching “This is a good thing, it invitation to meet US President Donald Trump or secretive North. ing suspects and fugitives from ence. from lawyers and artists to means our technology is re- South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss “North Korea has not made an announcement the law. “This year, security at the political dissidents, charity ally leading the world,” said Lu the future of Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons pro- on the two Koreas holding the summit in April yet,” “We trust the government,” two sessions has some fresh- workers, journalists and rights Yaping, a delegate from Jiangsu gramme. said Kang Mi-jin, a North Korean defector who he told Reuters at the compa- ly-baked ‘black tech’ coming activists. province in eastern China. “I South Korea’s National Security Offi ce head works at the Seoul-based Daily NK website and ny’s headquarters in Beijing. online,” wrote the state-run The new technologies range don’t have any concerns about Chung Eui-yong told reporters at the White House regularly speaks to sources in the North. Reuters was able to verify Science and Technology Daily from police robots for crowd safety.”

CRIME INVESTIGATION Teens attacked, Myanmar opens robbed near murder probe after shopping centre Hundreds join anti-junta rally in Thailand men found dead Two teenage boys were assaulted Myanmar police said yesterday and robbed near a Rouse Hill AFP dozens of undeclared luxury they had opened a murder inves- shopping precinct in Sydney’s Bangkok timepieces. tigation into the killing of two men north-west on Friday night, police The two dramas strike at the that residents say appeared to said. Police say the boys, aged 16 heart of public anguish over an have been shot in the head after and 17, were in a carpark on White undreds of pro-de- entrenched culture of impu- they were detained by soldiers Hart Drive — near Rouse Hill Town mocracy Thais rallied nity for the kingdom’s wealthy in the conflict-torn north of the Centre — about 6pm when they Hin Bangkok yesterday and well-connected. country. Residents say the men were approached by a group of to skewer the ruling junta with In a nod to junta chief Prayut were ethnic Kachin farmers who four men, Sydney Morning Herald t-shirts, signs and speeches, as Chan-ocha’s repeated poll post- were living in camps for people reported. One of the assailants hit activists grow bolder in their ponements, another demon- displaced by conflict in Maing the 16-year-old boy in the head, defi ance of a ban on protests. strator donned a mask resem- Hkawng, a village about 30km causing him to fall on the ground. The military regime has kept bling the general’s face and the from Myanmar’s border with Chi- Three of the attackers then took a tight rein on dissent since its character Pinocchio — whose na. More than 100,000 have been aim at his 17-year-old friend, push- 2014 power grab by outlawing nose grows longer with each lie. forced from their villages since ing him to the ground and kicking gatherings of more than fi ve “This year more people are a ceasefire between Myanmar’s and punching him. people and pursuing activists daring to (come out), especially army and the Kachin Independ- “A number of personal items in the courts. after the junta government has ence Army (KIA) broke down including cash, mobile phones, But impatience with the failed to keep (its) promises in 2011. The northern conflict is shoes and jewellery were stolen generals has been mounting on elections,” Ekachai, who separate from the Rohingya crisis from the two boys,” the police said. ever since their latest delay of helped lead the event, told AFP. stemming from western Rakhine The group fled the seen and were elections, which are now ten- Even if a vote is held next state but the military’s campaign last seen running down White Hart tatively set for February 2019. Thai anti-junta activists display placards during a pro-democracy rally at a university field in Bangkok. year, it will not restore the has similarly been beset by allega- Drive. A couple of hours later, the In one of the largest show- same level of democracy Thai- tions of abuses against civilians. teenagers reported the incident to ings in a recent string of pro- the top of a truck, eliciting loud have helped fuel the dissent. February. In reference to an- land enjoyed before the coup. Ethnic Kachin men Hpaugan Yaw, Castle Hill Police and were taken tests, around 500 people cheers. One shirt bore the face of a other high-profi le scandal, A new military-drafted 65, and Nhkum Naw San, 35, had to Westmead Hospital for assess- turned up for a festive picnic- While organisers raged black leopard, an animal that veteran activist Ekachai Hong- charter has turned the upper been missing since they were ment of their injuries. style rally held on a university against the military dictator- has become a symbol of in- kangwan showed up in a vest house into an appointed body taken away by the military on Jan Police said they were unable to fi eld in Bangkok yesterday. ship over loudspeakers, ven- equality and corruption ever covered with paper watches — and also opens a channel for an 31, according to residents and provide details about the assail- “Who out there has a fi re for dors handed out free meals and since a construction tycoon a jab at the junta No 2, who is unelected premier to take offi ce campaign group Fortify Rights, ants’ appearance. Police have democracy?” one young activ- sold shirts with sly references was caught hunting the wild facing a graft probe after online — a set-up analysts say junta which interviewed two witnesses appealed for information. ist called out to the crowd from to a spate of graft scandals that cat in a wildlife sanctuary in sleuths spotted him wearing chief Prayut is eyeing. to their detention. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, March 11, 2018 BRITAIN

Minister moots cutting children’s social media time Mandatory limits could be imposed on the amount of time children are allowed to spend 200 witnesses identifi ed on social media, the culture secretary has suggested. Matt Hancock said social media companies had failed in their duty of care to children. “We are going to require them to take that care,” he told the Times. “For an adult I wouldn’t want to in attack on former spy restrict the amount of time you are on a platform but for diff erent Reuters of the sites associated with the viding support since Friday and ages it might be right to have Salisbury Skripal investigation. Rudd said the police would con- diff erent time cutoff s. At an ambulance station a tinue to be given all the resourc- “I think there is a genuine short distance from the city es they needed to conduct the concern about the amount of ritish police have identi- centre, troops in light grey over- investigation. screen time young people are fi ed more than 200 wit- alls, purple gloves and gas masks There was also a fl urry of ac- clocking up and the negative Bnesses and are looking at covered ambulances with black tivity at the cemetery in Salis- impact it could have on their more than 240 pieces of evi- tarpaulins as they prepared to bury where Skripal’s wife and lives.” dence in their investigation into remove them. son are buried, with forensic It was not clear how the a nerve agent attack on a Russian At the hospital where the teams active at the site. rules would be enforced, but former spy and his daughter, Skripals were being treated, an- Skripal’s son, Alexander, died Hancock said a system could be Home Secretary Amber Rudd other team used an army truck to in July last year at the age of 43. similar to the plans to enforce said yesterday. remove a police car. British media reported that he age verification for online Former double agent Sergei Rudd said that Nick Bailey, a died in Saint Petersburg, Russia. pornography. Skripal, 66, and his daughter police offi cer who became un- Skripal’s wife, Liudmila, died But Jim Killock, the executive Yulia, 33, have been in hospi- well after taking part in the early of cancer at 60, in 2012. director of the Open Rights tal in a critical condition since response to the attack, remained British police have previ- Group, said: “It is very important Sunday, when they were found seriously ill but was talking and ously said they knew which ex- to help parents with their children unconscious on a bench in the engaging with his family. act nerve agent was used against but ministers will always find southern English cathedral city Wiltshire Police, the local Skripal and his daughter, but it hard to regulate the detail of of Salisbury. force, issued a statement on Bai- they have not made that infor- people’s lives. “The two victims remain in ley’s behalf in which he thanked mation public. “Do we really want to teach hospital and they’re critical but the public for messages of sup- The attack has been likened to children that the government is stable,” Rudd told reporters after port he had received. the assassination of former KGB watching them on social media, chairing a meeting of the gov- “He does not consider himself agent Alexander Litvinenko, and deciding when they’re ernment’s Cobra security com- a ‘hero’, he states he was merely a critic of Russian President banned from talking to their mittee. Personnel in protective coveralls and breathing equipment cover an ambulance with a tarpaulin at the doing his job,” the statement Vladimir Putin, who died in friends?” Skripal betrayed dozens of Salisbury District Hospital in Salisbury, southern England, yesterday in connection with the major inci- said. London in 2006 after drinking Russian agents to British intel- dent sparked after a man and a woman were apparently poisoned in a nerve agent attack. Rudd said that more than 250 green tea laced with radioactive ligence before his arrest in Mos- counter-terrorism police, from polonium-210. Answers sought cow in 2004. Many in British media and ble, and police should be given whipping up anti-Russian hys- eight out of Britain’s 11 special- A British public inquiry found He was sentenced to 13 years politics have speculated that the time and space to determine teria. ist units, were involved in the that Putin had probably ordered on jailed Briton in prison in 2006, and in 2010 Russia could have played a part the facts. In Salisbury, normally a quiet investigation, which was pro- Litvinenko’s murder. was given refuge in Britain af- in the attack on Skripal, but The Kremlin has denied any city, military vehicles and troops ceeding with “speed and profes- Britain has named two Rus- The husband of Nazanin Zaghari- ter being exchanged for Russian Rudd reiterated that it was too involvement in the incident and in protective suits and gas masks sionalism”. sian suspects but Russia has re- Ratcliff e, a British-Iranian woman spies. early to say who was responsi- accused the British media of were seen working at several The military have been pro- fused to extradite them. jailed in Tehran, has demanded urgent updates from the Foreign Off ice in London about what was holding up her return to the United Kingdom. Richard Ratcliff e said there had Freedom on a leash: been positive signs from the Iranian authorities but the family did not know when she might be Dogs give new life to coming home. Zaghari-Ratcliff e, a British-Iranian dual national who works for the disabled owners Thomson Reuters Foundation – the media organisation’s philanthropic arm – was arrested By Antoine Pollez, AFP One example is training dogs at Tehran airport in April 2016. Birmingham to react to baby monitors. She is serving a five-year jail “If they’ve got a child, and sentence for alleged sedition – they want to be able to hear the charges she has always denied. longside well-groomed baby monitor, we can train the “We’ve been getting better canines taking part in dog for that specifi c sound,” she messages from the Iranian Abeauty contests this week said. Above: A Chihuahua side, from the judiciary and at Britain’s Crufts dog show, For the past three years, John is shown during the the prosecutor’s off ice in Iran,” specially trained labradors, poo- Morris, a former warehouse third day yesterday of Richard Ratcliff e told Sky News dles and cocker spaniels showed worker based in Leeds in north- the Crufts Dog Show in television. off a diff erent set of skills that ern England, has had Theo, a Birmingham. can save the lives of their disa- cocker spaniel given to him by bled owners. the association. Left: Bichon Frises Elizabeth Hurley’s These four-legged helpers are “I have now got my freedom are judged during the trained not just to help the blind back. Without him, I could not Crufts Dog Show. nephew stabbed or partially sighted but also to go out,” said Morris, who lost his recognise a variety of sounds for hearing 15 years ago because of Right: A Standard British actress and model the deaf or detect the signs of an his job and now works as a vol- Poodle is groomed Elizabeth Hurley said her family impending epileptic fi t. unteer for the association. during the event. was facing an “appalling time” Some of the dogs can recog- For Morris, it is about more yesterday after her 21-year-old nise the sound of an alarm clock, than having a dog who can hear Below: A Maltese is nephew was hospitalised after a knock on the door or a fi re for him. prepared for show. being attacked with a knife. alarm – and transmit the infor- Walking around with Theo “My 21-year-old nephew was mation by moving their paws or and the curiosity that the dog repeatedly stabbed in a brutal adopting certain positions. arouses has given Morris his attack in London on Thursday Veronica Pearce, a spokes- confi dence back. night,” Hurley wrote on Twitter. woman for the association Hear- “I now talk to people, whereas “The police & hospital are being ing Dogs For Deaf People, which I didn’t before. I couldn’t look at fantastic. Thank you for all your was taking part in the display at people in the face,” he said. “It messages. It is an appalling time Crufts, the world’s biggest dog gives me a new life.” for him & our family. The police show, said that the aim of the In total, more than 7,000 peo- will be appealing for witnesses.” charity was to give disabled peo- ple in Britain are helped by a dog, British media reported that ple their independence back. including around 5,000 for the the nephew who was attacked “We have got lots of people blind or partially sighted. worked as a model. who before might be relying on Diagnosed with epilepsy in Police provided no names but their parents or their parents 1998, Lynn Radcliff e lost her confirmed that two 21-year- wouldn’t be able to leave them, driving licence and her job and old men were injured during but are now living on their own,” had to give up going to football knife attacks on Thursday near Pearce said. games. London’s Battersea Park. Since it was created in 1985, “It was really dangerous to The attacks were believed to the organisation has helped go out on my own. Just simple have been carried out by a group more than 2,000 people. things like crossing the road of men who were travelling by “If someone requests a cer- were dangerous – I could have rador trained by the associa- are very good at picking these children. She added: “They can prevent an epileptic seizure it car and fled after the attack. tain sound at application stage, gone into a seizure without tion Support Dogs, has changed signals up,” said Rita Howson, warn the person between 15 or does give time for people to pre- One of those injured – Hurley’s we will make sure that the dog warning, so I had to have some- things. the director of the association, 50 minutes prior to that seizure pare for it. nephew, according to the BBC – is trained for that,” said Janine one with me.” “There are very subtle signals which also helps adults with happening.” “It makes life safer in the remains in hospital with non-life- Hovey, a 27-year-old trainer. The arrival of Simba, a lab- that we wouldn’t see, but dogs physical handicaps and autistic While a warning bark fails to house,” said Radcliff e. threatening back wounds. The media stereotype women in its fi nancial coverage, study fi nds

Women are made out to be to “rein in” their spending and Rather than “saving pennies”, ticles aimed at men used fear to ried out the research, says: “It’s “I think it’s a very outdated about money, and the way they splurgers who can’t manage “limit” their outgoings in order male-directed articles talked of encourage big purchases and in- everyday sexism. If women are viewpoint, of men being the are spoken to by the media,” says money, but men as savvy to save. portfolios, calculated risk, and vestment decisions. constantly talked about as either providers and women being the Boden. When the reader was female, rely heavily on stereotypes of as- Women also tended to be scrimping and saving or manag- spenders,” she says. “The reality The author, broadcaster and By Erica Buist the landscape of fi nancial plan- pirations to combat, strength and talked about in demeaning terms, ing the pennies to make things go is just not like that these days. #MakeMoneyEqual ambassa- Guardian News & Media ning tended to be painted as com- power. as unreliable, high-maintenance further, that’s what you get rein- Men and women both go to work. dor Emma Gannon says: “Men plex and threatening, “a mine- They also heavily implied that and risky (“If you’re getting di- forced to think money’s all about. “From our experience women shouldn’t have to suff er under fi eld”, and imagery tended to be the targeted reader was competi- vorced, we’re sorry she betrayed “And of course if you’re a man are very careful and are just as in- huge money pressures of ‘being s campaigners continue to of women who were emotionally tive, with matey phrases such as you”). you’re having diff erent sorts of terested in fi nding out about the a man’ and women shouldn’t be battle the gender pay gap, or even physically overwhelmed “having a punt” or “playing the Imagery tended towards that conversations; you’re prepared best savings accounts and how to spoken to like they are naturally Anew research has shown – cowered by an oversized credit game”. of “money porn” – shiny objects to demand more, and not see make their money work as hard bad or inept with money.” huge discrepancies in the way card, for example – and often in- When it came to luxury goods, of aspiration such as cars, yachts, money as something you have to as possible.” “The research shows how men and women are spoken to cluded infantile imagery such as while a woman might “splurge” large properties, or gold bars. beg for, but something you have a The newly-launched cam- deep-rooted these assumptions about money in the media. piggy banks and pennies. on a pair of expensive shoes, a Where men were used in im- right to.” paign #MakeMoneyEqual (fund- still are and how they are being Linguistic analysis of about A third of articles also as- man was more likely to “invest” agery, it was typically “a suited One might argue that because ed by Starling) is a call to editors, subtly perpetuated in the media,” 300 fi nance articles from the sumed women to be responsible in a suit. (tanned) of societal norms, the media re- business owners and broadcast- she added. United Kingdom and other coun- for family support and care. Articles also tended to link young white male leaning cas- fl ects the diff erent ways men and ers to talk about money in the “I’m hoping that the media tries over the past year showed By contrast, articles aimed money with masculinity – 70% ually, smiling to camera, with an women regard money. same way to everyone. think twice before publishing that 65% of those that are aimed at men painted their readers as of articles on money in men’s air of smug accomplishment”. But according to the fi nancial “We believe that fi nancial ine- content around money, and don’t at women defi ned them as savvy fi nanciers and the fi nancial magazines made it clear that fi - Anne Boden, the founder and adviser and co-founder of Sav- quality doesn’t start with the pay fall into the trap of targeting men “splurgers”, excessive spenders landscape as packed with oppor- nancial success enhanced their chief executive of new challenger ings Champion, Anna Bowes, gap or tokenism; it starts with and women in these ‘traditional’ with poor judgment who needed tunity. status as a man, and half of ar- bank Starling Bank, which car- this isn’t the reality. how men and women are taught ways.” Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 15 EUROPE

Romania’s ruling party congress votes to join euro in 2024 Putin says he won’t

Reuters robustly in recent years, ex- Bucharest panding by 6.9% in the fourth quarter, with domestic con- sumption jumping by 9.3%, omania’s ruling Social boosted by wage and pension change constitution Democrats (PSD), in hikes. Rpower for a year, voted Dragnea, who retains a tight By Anna Smolchenko, AFP on power, with his protégé Dmit- The Russian president, who at an extraordinary congress grip over the party and is seen Moscow ry Medvedev serving as president never called Navalny by his name yesterday to back a 2024 tar- as eff ectively in charge of the until 2012 when Putin returned in public, referred to the 41-year- get date to adopt the euro cur- government, said the cabinet to the Kremlin in the face of huge old opposition politician as “cer- rency. will approve “a national com- ussian President Vladimir opposition protests. tain political forces”. PSD leader Liviu Dragnea mission to substantiate the Putin, who is expected to He rejected suggestions that “What do I like in principle? told a 4,000-strong gathering euro adoption plan later in Rbe re-elected for a fourth he could not quit power because It’s that they expose problems that joining the eurozone is a March” and that nationwide term in next weekend’s ballot, it would put him in danger, say- and this is good, indeed it’s mandatory and natural step debates on it are expected to has said that he has no plans to ing that he heard “a lot of ravings right,” Putin said. “But it’s not for Romania – one of the fast- begin next month. change the constitution to stay in on this subject”. enough for the country’s positive est growing economies in the “I want to off er the entire the Kremlin beyond 2024. “Why do you think after me development. Because concen- European Union but still one society political consensus on Asked by US television net- power in Russia will be necessar- trating one’s attention on prob- of its poorest and most corrupt December 1 to set the timeta- work NBC whether he would fol- ily taken over by people who are lems, it’s not only insuffi cient, members. ble for joining the eurozone,” low in the footsteps of China’s Xi ready to destroy everything that it’s even dangerous because it “We have to look with cour- he said. Jinping, who is eyeing a limitless I have done over the past years?” could lead to certain destruction age and understand this is a Infrastructure would be a top tenure, Putin insisted that he had Putin said. and we need creation.” mandatory step and the only priority, he added, with motor- no such intentions. He said he had been thinking Putin also denied having close chance for Romania to sit at ways set to connect Romania to “I never changed the constitu- about his potential successor ties to businessman and restau- the table of the rich in Europe,” the capitals of all neighbouring tion, I did not do it to suit myself since 2000. rateur Yevgeny Prigozhin, one of Dragnea said. “This is a project states. and I have no such plans to do so “It never hurts to think but at 13 Russians indicted by US prose- of national solidarity.” Dragnea has been barred today,” he said in an interview the end of the day it will be the cutors for allegedly running a se- Putin speaks with US NBC news network anchor Megyn Kelly at the Romania, a country of about from becoming prime minister whose transcript was released by Russian people who will decide cret campaign to tilt the 2016 US Kremlin during the March 1 interview. 21mn, had originally set a 2014 despite the party’s sweeping the Kremlin yesterday. that,” he added. vote in favour of Donald Trump. target to adopt the single cur- election win in December 2016 Critics accuse Putin, who was Putin will run against a mot- “He is not my friend,” Putin company, dubbed Wagner, whose said he would “not care” even if rency, later pushed to 2019. because of a prior conviction in fi rst elected president in 2000 ley crew of seven challengers, said. “I know such a man but mercenaries fi ght in Syria and individual Russians had been in- But these dates proved un- a vote-rigging case. and is running for a fourth term with his top critic Alexei Navalny I don’t count him among my were involved in a direct clash volved. realistic given scant progress He is also on trial in an abuse in March 18 polls, of harbouring barred from contesting the poll friends.” with US troops there in early “I could not care less because in meeting EU targets for its of offi ce case and faces a sepa- ambitions to stay in power in- because of a criminal conviction Dubbed “Putin’s chef”, Prig- February. they do not represent the state,” economy and institutions to rate inquiry on suspicion of defi nitely. his supporters call punishment ozhin is thought to be running “We don’t support him in any he said, adding that Russia would catch up with those of richer forming a criminal group to The constitution bars him for challenging the strongman. a Saint Petersburg-based “troll way, we are not standing in his not extradite them. countries. siphon off cash from state from serving more than two Putin declined to say whether farm” accused by Washington of way or helping him. That’s his Instead, Putin said, the US Its economy has grown projects. presidential terms in a row. he could pardon Navalny. interfering in the 2016 election. personal initiative,” Putin said. should sign a cyber-security pact In 2008, Putin became prime “Any man can be pardoned if He has also been linked to a Putin denied that Russia has with Russia if it wanted Moscow minister but maintained his grip he deserves this,” said Putin. hugely secretive private military meddled in the US election, but to look into the matter in earnest.

Dirty diesel fumes Catalonia plans to Sight for sore eyes ‘killed’ 6,000 appeal court ruling Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions mainly produced by diesel cars led to 6,000 premature deaths DPA Human Rights tomorrow to fi le in Germany in 2014, an off icial Barcelona suit against the Sanchez deci- report showed on Thursday, sion. in a new punch against the Due to a separate ruling by automobile sector. atalonia’s parliament the Constitutional Court in “A significant cause of harmful has indefi nitely post- January, a candidate must be nitrogen oxides in the air clearly Cponed its debate on present during the debate. arose from diesel cars – even forming the Spanish region’s Sanchez, 53, was detained outside the busiest roads,” said new government because its in October, at the height of the Maria Krautzberger, who led the preferred candidate continues Catalonian secession crisis. study at Germany’s Environment to linger in pretrial detention. Separatist groups who long Agency. Spain’s Constitutional rallied for Catalonian inde- “We should do everything to Court rejected a motion on Fri- pendence pushed the matter to keep our air clean and healthy,” day to release Jordi Sanchez, a the forefront by calling a refer- she added, noting that German separatist candidate running endum in October. courts have now given cities the for the Catalan presidency, Madrid declared the vote drastic option to ban dirty diesel who is in detention awaiting illegal, but then-Catalonian vehicles from certain zones. trial on sedition charges. president Carles Puigdemont According to the study, the root The court justifi ed the de- went ahead with it. of around 6,000 deaths due to cision, citing the “danger he He was removed from offi ce cardiovascular diseases could be would repeat the activities” at the end of October and fl ed traced to NO2 emissions. that led to his arrest. to Belgium as the Spanish gov- Besides these deaths, the Catalonia’s session on form- ernment took control of the re- dangerous gas has also ing a new government had gion and called new elections. contributed to a rise in a slew been set for tomorrow. The December vote yielded of diseases including diabetes, That session will now be de- another victory for the separa- hypertension and asthma. layed indefi nitely, parliament tists, who backed Puigdemont Some 437,000 people suff ering announced yesterday. to return as president. from diabetes and 439,000 In lieu of that debate, the He gave up his quest to re- others who have asthma had Catalonian government said claim the presidency earlier been aff ected by the pollutant. Roger Torrent, the head of this month, as he faces ar- Catalonia’s separatist-ma- rest on sedition and rebellion A woman looks yesterday at the Gujuli waterfall, a vertical jump of more than 100m, near Urkabustaiz in the Spanish province of Alava. jority legislature, will appear charges should he return to The drought-prone region has witnessed unprecedented intense rainfall in recent weeks. 500,000 back before the European Court of Spain. ban on smoking

Half a million Austrians have signed a petition calling for a smoking ban in bars and Ex-Trump aide Bannon tells French far-right: History is on our side restaurants, embarrassing the ruling coalition of conservatives and far right that By Anne Renaut, AFP old former MP Marion Mare- National Front members back plan to quit euro has championed both direct Lille, France chal-Le Pen. democracy and the right to Marechal-Le Pen, the darling Members of France’s National Front (FN) have backed leader Marine Le smoke. of the FN old guard, withdrew Pen’s controversial policy of quitting the euro, the party said yesterday. As part of their coalition pact, ormer top Trump aide Ste- from politics last year but made On the first day of a congress that Le Pen has billed as a relaunch of the the far-right Freedom Party and ve Bannon told the French a high-profi le appearance last far-right party, off icials revealed the results of a policy questionnaire Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s Ffar-right yesterday that month at a conservative jambo- they said had been filled in by 30,000 members. conservatives agreed to lift “history is on our side” as he ree in the US, fuelling specula- To no surprise, 98% of respondents backed cutting immigration back to a smoking ban that is on the addressed a National Front (FN) tion about a comeback. “minimal” levels. statute books and due to take party conference that is seeking The soap opera squabbles of Some 67% also supported “France leaving the single currency to regain eff ect in May. to bounce back from crushing the Le Pen dynasty have kept its monetary sovereignty”, party intellectual Jean Messiha said. They also agreed to make it electoral setbacks. French media in thrall. Opinion polls showed that the plan to leave the euro was unpopular with possible to call a referendum “The tide of history is with us Jean-Marie Le Pen said that voters during last year’s presidential elections, where Le Pen lost 66% to based on at least 900,000 and it will compel us to victory in losing heavily to Macron his 34% to centrist Emmanuel Macron. signatures, but in 2022. after victory, after victory,” Ban- daughter had “not been equal But the questionnaire sent to members ahead of the congress showed Doctors and an anti-cancer non, once a powerful fi gure in to the challenge” – a sentiment that the party was “coherent and united around our leader”, Messiha group decided to use one of the the Trump administration and echoed by many FN members. said. government’s mantras against former head of Breitbart News, Others woes have stacked up “We will never yield ... when what is at stake is enabling our country to the other, organising an off icial told the FN conference in its Le Pen and Bannon speak during the National Front party’s since. regain its greatness,” he said – although he admitted that the party’s petition within the current northern stronghold of Lille. convention in Lille. Marine has been charged over plan for leaving the euro had been too “abrupt”. system that obligates parliament Bannon, who has repeatedly her party’s alleged misuse of EU Some 90% of members also backed Le Pen’s policy of holding a referen- to consider an issue on the basis expressed support for Europe’s “as an observer and to learn”. “Without a name change we expenses and for tweeting grue- dum on leaving the EU, while 82% backed leaving the EU’s border-free of 100,000 signatures. far-right movements, fi red the “And what I learned is you’re will not be able to forge allianc- some images of Islamic State (IS) Schengen zone. That milestone was reached just opening salvo at the gathering, part of a worldwide movement es. And without alliances we will atrocities. Today should also see the party’s rules amended – mainly in order to three days after the petition was even if the head of Macron’s Re- that is bigger than France, bigger never be able to take power,” she She also fell out with her finally rid Marine Le Pen of its turbulent founder, her father, Jean-Marie launched on February 15. public on the Move party, Chris- than Italy, bigger than Hungary, said last month. former right-hand man Florian Le Pen. tophe Castaner, earlier dubbed bigger than all of it.” This week Le Pen appeared Philippot, who went on to form The 89-year-old was expelled from the party in 2015 for his repeated him “the king of fake news and Speaking in Paris before Ban- heartened by the strong gains the rival Patriots party. comments downplaying the Holocaust, but courts have said that, under Swedish royals of white supremacists”. non’s address, former party head made by the allied anti-immi- One of the FN’s two senators current rules, he remains honorary president for life. Bannon said he agreed with Jean-Marie Le Pen, from whom grant League party in Italy’s Claudine Kauff mann resigned, Another family member is also likely to cast a shadow over the proceed- welcome baby FN leader Marine Le Pen’s ex- Marine took over the leadership election. denouncing “nepotism” in the ings, despite not being expected to attend. pressed belief that “it is not in 2011, dubbed the American’s Yet her appetite for battle ap- party in a letter to Le Pen made Marine Le Pen’s more conservative and pro-business niece, Marion Princess Madeline gave birth to a about left versus right”. visit “paradoxical” and “not ex- pears dented. public on Friday. Marechal-Le Pen, 28, is widely seen as a potential future leader, despite baby girl in Stockholm, adding a “That’s too simplistic and it’s actly the defi nition of ‘de-de- The 49-year-old mother of She had earlier been suspend- formally retiring from politics last year. new member to Europe’s largest the way the opposition party, monisation’” that his daughter three told French radio recently ed for comparing migrants to royal family. media, has always kept us out of has sought to give the party. that she would gladly step aside “vermin”. “Mother and child are doing well,” power,” he said. “She described Marine Le Pen is running un- before the 2022 presidential However, party members almost 34% more, in 2017. At home, she is banking on the Palace said on Friday. it perfectly: it’s do you consider opposed for a third term and her election if another candidate credit Marine Le Pen with mas- Le Pen is hoping for a rematch divisions between pro-Macron The new royal off spring, who the nation state an obstacle to address today will see her try to was “better placed to unite peo- sively expanding the party’s with Macron in next year’s Eu- centrists and right-wingers was born at 12.41am on Friday be overcome or a jewel to be pol- turn a page on the anti-Semitic, ple and help our ideas triumph”. support, doubling its score from ropean elections by forming al- tearing his party apart, making morning, is the third child of ished, loved and nurtured?” openly racist party of her former All eyes instantly turned to 5.5mn votes in the 2002 presi- liances with other eurosceptic the FN France’s biggest party of Princess Madeline and husband Bannon said he was in Europe paratrooper father. her glamorous niece, 28-year- dential election to 10.6mn, or parties around the bloc. the right. Christopher O’Neill. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, March 11, 2018 INDIA

EVENT CRIME PROJECT MYSTERY INFRASTRUCTURE Conference lays stress 16kg gold valued at Haryana finalises plan for Bengali actress found Kerala govt urged to on promoting Punjabi Rs48mn seized, one held aviation hub in Hisar hanging in her flat start Light Metro project

Promotion of Punjabi language to instill a About 16kg of gold, valued at Rs48mn, being The Haryana government has finalised a plan for The body of a 23-year-old Bengali television Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala yesterday sense of pride among those speaking Punjabi smuggled into India through the India-Myanmar the development of an international aviation hub actress was found hanging in her flat in Kolkata urged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to start and making the youth more aware about border, was seized in Manipur and one person in Hisar, an off icial said yesterday. In the first phase, yesterday. Police said Moumita Saha could have the Light Metro project, two days after Metroman the language were the prime focus of the was arrested, an off icial said yesterday. “The the existing airfield will be upgraded into a Regional taken the extreme step out of depression. Off icers E Sreedharan announced that the Delhi Metro inaugural day of the two-day sixth World Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in a Connectivity Scheme Airport under UDAAN scheme from Regent Park police station broke open the Rail Corporation was exiting from it. On Thursday, Punjabi Conference in Chandigarh yesterday. joint operation with Assam Rifles, seized the gold. in six to eight months, the off icial said. In phase door of Saha’s flat in the Tollygunge area to find Sreedharan went public to say that the government The conference, organised by the Punjab Kala It was sourced from India-Myanmar border at two, the runway will be extended from 4,000ft to the body hanging from the ceiling after they were failed to sign an agreement with the DMRC even Parishad and World Punjabi Conference, was Moreh in Manipur,” a DRI off icial said in Kolkata. 9,000 ft for Maintenance, Repair and Overhauling alerted by the actor’s landlord who received calls 14 months after it was awarded the project. inaugurated by Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana “A car travelling from Moreh towards Imphal (MRO), parking and sub-basing operations. from the victim’s parents that they were unable Chennithala, in an open letter, said the people of K P Singh and Cultural Aff airs and Tourism was stopped for checking at Khudengthabi “Finally, bids will be invited for developing the to contact her. A suicide note was recovered from Kerala are “sad to hear that Sreedharan and DMRC Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu. Sidhu urged all in Manipur. While frisking the passenger and hub, including an international airport,” the the flat. Police have registered a case. “We are had no option but to exit the proposed Light Metro institutions and personalities working on carrying out a thorough inspection of the car, off icial added. He said the state government was not ruling out any possibility. But prima facie it projects” at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode diff erent platforms for Punjab, Punjabi and gold biscuits were found hidden inside a secret developing the integrated aviation hub on the appears that it can be a case of suicide. She may as the government was silent to repeated demands Punjabiat to work united. cavity of the chassis,” the off icial said. existing Hisar airfield as a brown field project. have been under depression,” a police source said. on going forward with the project.

Water is a priority for Govt ban on Karnataka voters: survey Tibetan events

IANS Bengaluru not an issue: mproving the quality and supply of water is one of the Imost important issues for voters in election-bound Karna- taka, a survey said yesterday. The Karnataka Voter Survey 2018 released by Chief Election Dalai Lama Commissioner (CEC) Om Pra- kash Rawat stressed this point. Agencies speech. It doesn’t matter, what cessive Chinese governments Several districts of Karnataka Dharamsala is important is here (in heart). without any major headway. have been facing water crisis, “Tibetan people, whether “In 2001 or 2002, there was a with the state’s north-west- they are at home or away, they revival or direct contact under ern drought-prone districts of ibetan spiritual leader have the Tibetan spirit that is the leadership of (then presi- Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad and the Dalai Lama says he wonderful. And I think, a major- dent) Ziang Zemin. There was a Gadag lacking water even for Tdoesn’t care about how ity – about 99% of them – are meeting with Chinese offi cials drinking. Chinese pressure forced the can- Buddhists and about 1% com- in 2010 that was the last time. Better electricity supply, im- cellation of events of the Tibetan prise Muslims, Christians, etc.” Since then, there has been no di- proved roads and environment government-in-exile in Delhi to Pressed further on how it rect contact.” protection were among the other mark 60 years of its presence in didn’t matter to him, the Dalai Asked about what severed most important issues for voters India. Lama replied that the Tibetan the communication, he said he in urban areas. Speaking to journalist Vir knowledge of Buddha dharma didn’t know but “I think some of Voters in rural parts, mean- Sanghvi on CNN News18 net- teaches “good self-confi dence”. them are hardliners”. while, stressed more on better work, the Dalai Lama in a wide- “You see the totalitarian Relations between China and schools, roads and an increase ranging interview said it was Marxism... very narrow-minded India have been tense in recent in the number of public health more about how India feels for and short-sighted. I must make months after their troops faced off centres. Tibetans and how Tibetans feel it clear that as far as Marxism is on a disputed part of their border. The most important factor for for India. concerned, as far as social econ- China was also angered by Prime the electors to cast their vote was He also spoke about how he omy is concerned, I am Marxist. Minister Narendra Modi’s Febru- found to be the candidate, fol- was originally infl uenced by Marxist economy emphasises on ary visit to the northeastern bor- lowed by the party and then the Chinese Marxism and he felt he equal distribution. That’s very der state of Arunachal Pradesh, party’s chief ministerial candi- was a Marxist “as far as social good. The emphasis and spe- also claimed by China. date. economy is concerned”. cial right is given to the working Authorities in India and Nepal About 42% of the voters sur- The Dalai Lama escaped from class people, it’s so wonderful.” have previously banned protests veyed said they would vote for a Tibet to India in March 1959. He said he was originially im- against China by Tibetans dur- particular political party based on The Tibetan government-in- pressed by Chinese communism ing sensitive times, such as visits their chief ministerial candidate, exile is about to complete 60 that nourished during the time by Chinese leaders. with 67% of the total number of years in the country. Amid the of Mao Zedong. China took control of Tibet in people surveyed agreeing that the recent tensions with China, the He also spoke about his de- 1950 in what it calls a “peaceful candidate’s party was a reason to Indian government was reported mands for autonomy and re- liberation” of the remote, Hima- cast vote for him/her. to have cautioned its senior of- called how in 1974 the Tibetans layan region. According to the report, nearly fi cials to stay away from events gradually decided to talk with An uprising against Chinese 36% of the voters considered the aimed at marking the start of the the Chinese government and rule in Tibet erupted in 1958 and candidate’s religion and caste Dalai Lama’s 60th year of exile. gave up their demand for separa- troops crushed it the following important. He was asked about the Chi- tion or independence “but at the year. The Dalai Lama fl ed from The survey’s urban partici- nese government’s reported in- same time not satisfi ed with the the crackdown and was granted pants believed that the current dication to India that any offi cial present condition”. asylum in India. government performed poorly celebration of the 60 years of “Every Chinese knows that He was asked about why he on the issues of improving public Tibetans coming to the country we are not seeking separation... may be the last Dalai Lama and facilities, eradicating corruption would upset it and how he him- we are simply seeking the right if there would be another Dalai and job training. self was not hurt by New Delhi’s which is mentioned in Chinese Lama after him. Only 31% of the people sur- decision not to do anything constitution ... regarding pres- “As early as 1969, I’ve men- veyed were happy with the state about. ervation of our culture, includ- tioned that (whether) the very government’s much-touted Indira The Dalai Lama said: “I don’t ing Tibetan language.” institution of Dalai Lama should Canteens, which provide food for Tibetan activists stage a demonstration on the 60th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against care about the formalities, have He said the Tibetans estab- continue or not is up to the Ti- the poor at subsidised rates. Chinese rule, in Bengaluru yesterday. a formal function and deliver a lished some contacts with suc- betan people to decide.” Modi calls for steps to It’s celebration time Congress backs BSP candidate for RS polls improve HDI ranking and the BJP along with its al- IANS Lucknow lies has 324 seats. IANS not, is it not social justice that country and states lagging in To get elected to the Rajya New Delhi it should too have electricity. rankings are facing a push from Sabha, each candidate re- The principle of social justice their residents. he Congress Party yes- quires 37 votes. While eight inspires us for this,” Modi said. Modi said there was a time terday announced its candidates of the BJP can rime Minister Naren- He said development in 115 about 20 years ago when hard- Tsupport for Bahujan Sa- cruise along easily, it will have dra Modi yesterday said aspirational districts was social core round-the-clock politics maj Party’s nominee Bhim Rao 28 more votes and if it can Phardcore politics of agi- justice. - of agitation, of struggle, of Ambedkar for the Rajya Seat ensure cross-voting by nine tation was not as relevant to- “If all children in our area get statements - would count but from Uttar Pradesh. more members, its ninth can- day as in the past and called education, it is a step towards time has changed and it is seen The decision was an- didate can also get elected. for transformation of 115 “as- social justice. If all houses have if a politician comes to the aid nounced by the leader of the Independent MLAs like pirational districts” to achieve electricity, it is a step towards of people. Congress legislature party in Raghuraj Pratap Singh aka social justice and improve the social justice. It is a concept of He said the structure and the state assembly, Ajay Ku- Raja Bhaiyya, Vinod Saroj, country’s ranking in the Hu- social justice in a new form in awareness of society now is mar ‘Lallu’, after a meeting Aman Mani Tripathi and man Development Index (HDI). accordance with the vision of forcing politicians to move with senior BSP leader Lalji Vijay Mishra sided with the Inaugurating the National the great men who sat in this away from hardcore politics. Verma. BJP in the presidential elec- Legislators Conference in the chamber,” Modi said. “People see who is with them in Polling in biennial elec- tion. Central Hall of Parliament in He said the elected representa- their hour of need, who is there tions for 10 Rajya Sabha seats BJP strategists are eye- New Delhi, Modi also pitched tives can choose one area of work to bring a change in their lives. from Uttar Pradesh will be ing these four legislators and for posting young and moti- and things will start to change. This makes a big diff erence.” held on March 23. Based on its also looking at some possi- vated IAS offi cers in these 115 “There is no need of new He said when the govern- strength in the state assembly, ble breakaways in the SP and districts for quicker results. budget. The present resources, ment identifi ed 115 aspirational the ruling Bharatiya Janata Congress ranks. The BJP has The prime minister said he manpower... if they work in districts based on comprehen- Party can send eight members so far only announced the was against classifying the 115 mission mode, then it can lead sive study and 48 parameters, to the upper house of parlia- name of federal Finance Min- districts, which lag in specifi c to results. Work with dedica- it found that a district that was ment, while the Samajwadi ister Arun Jaitley from Uttar development parameters, as tion for one year and it will doing badly in 5-10 aspects was Party (SP) and the BSP can Pradesh for the polls. backward. change the picture of the state doing badly in most others. send one each. Meanwhile, the parlia- “Strategically, there has been and the country,” he said. He said that within a state The BJP, however, is said mentary board of the Ja- a need to fi ne-tune our devel- Modi said India was ranked one district surges ahead of the to have been contemplating a nata Dal-United (JD-U) opment model,” he said. about 130 in HDI. other despite having similar re- Army cadets celebrate after their graduation ceremony at the ninth candidate also, some- yesterday gave its nod to M The prime minister said the “If there is improvement in source allocation. Off icers Training Academy in Chennai yesterday. A total of 255 thing which might now face a P Veerendra Kumar to file traditional concept of social these 115 districts, it will auto- “Resources are not a prob- cadets including 37 women graduated from the academy and roadblock. his nomination papers for justice has been in the context matically lead to improvement in lem, good governance is a will be posted as lieutenants in the Indian Army. Two lady cadets The SP has named Jaya the vacant Rajya Sabha seat of the condition of society but the country’s rankings,” he said. problem, co-ordination is a from Haryana won the top honours at the passing out parade. Bachchan as its candidate. from Kerala. there is another aspect of it. He said an atmosphere of problem, focused activity is a Cadet Adjutant Preeti Choudhary received the Sword of Honour The BSP has 19 members in The 80-year-old media “If one village has electricity competitive co-operative fed- problem. If we focus on these, and Senior Under Off icer Vreeti was awarded the Silver Medal. the assembly while the Con- baron will fi le his nominations but the neighbouring one does eralism has been created in the we can bring a big change.” gress has seven. The SP has 47 on March 12. Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 17 INDIA Child marriage numbers drop sharply: Unicef

Reuters est reduction seen in South Asia from 47% a decade ago,” he told Campaigners and offi cials at- that asked women in the 20- prison for parents caught trying “But things are still going on Mumbai – where India was at the fore- the Thomson Reuters Founda- tributed the drop in child mar- 24 age group whether they had to marry off their underage chil- clandestinely,” he said. front. tion. riages to better access to educa- married before they turned 18. dren. Jayna Kothari, executive di- “India constitutes more than Child marriage adds to tion for women and increased It also took into account child Despite the law, child mar- rector of the Bengaluru-based he proportion of girls 20% of the world’s adolescent health, education and abuse public awareness on the negative marriage data from the 2011 cen- riage remains deeply rooted and Centre for Law & Policy Re- getting married in In- population and accounts for the risks, and increases the chance impact of child marriage. sus. accepted in society, and is wide- search, who has petitioned the Tdia has nearly halved in highest number of child mar- of intergenerational poverty, Unicef estimates that 12mn The legal age of marriage in spread in parts of the country. government to declare child a decade, the United Nations riages in South Asia given its said Anju Malhotra, Unicef’s girls a year are married globally, India is 18 for women and 21 for Mahesh Bhagwat, police chief marriages invalid, said more ac- children’s agency Unicef said, size and population,” said Javier principal gender adviser, in a and says more is needed to end men. of Rachakonda district in Tel- tion was needed. which has contributed sig- Aguilar, Unicef’s chief of child statement. the practice by 2030 – the target Last year the Supreme Court angana, where child marriage is “Better awareness of the Su- nificantly to a global decline in protection. “Given the life-altering im- set under the UN’s Sustainable ruled that sex with an underage widespread and where wedding preme Court’s verdict would child marriage. “In the current trend, 27% of pact child marriage has on a Development Goals. wife constituted rape. hall decorators and priests were deter child marriages, and de- Unicef said 25mn child mar- girls, or nearly 1.5mn girls, get young girl’s life, any reduction Unicef’s conclusions on India India’s Prohibition of Child enlisted last year to help combat claring them invalid would riages were prevented worldwide married before they turn 18 in is welcome news, but we’ve got came after comparing data from Marriage Act imposes a fi ne it, said the law had made an im- strengthen India’s laws against in the last decade, with the larg- India. This is a sharp decline a long way to go,” Malhotra said. its 2006 and 2016 health survey of Rs100,000 and two years in pact. them,” she said.

Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, poses during her visit at the Qutub Minar in New Delhi yesterday. French President Emmanuel Macron poses for a selfie at Bikaner House in New Delhi yesterday. Macron said he wanted his country to be India’s best partner in Europe. Rafale deal turning out to be another huge scam: Congress India, France deepen

Agencies “On April 8, 2016, the foreign New Delhi secretary said the prime minister is not going to take up the Rafale deal in his trip to France. On the s Prime Minister Naren- contrary, the deal was signed. defence, security ties dra Modi met French Where was the defence minister APresident Emannuel Ma- at that time?” cron yesterday, the Congress The spokesman also said India Modi, Macron sign key deal with an eye on China Party slammed the government had paid high price to France for over the Rafale fi ghter jet deal, the purchase of the fi ghter air- saying it was turning out to be craft compared to prices paid by Agencies “The Indian Ocean, like the A technical agreement was racies have a historic relation- Ganges, which Modi has prom- yet another “mother scam”. other countries. New Delhi Pacifi c Ocean, cannot become a also signed on the French-as- ship,” the French president said. ised to modernise and clean up. Asking the government to “It was not some charity. place of hegemony,” he added in sisted nuclear power project at Modi broke protocol to receive Macron’s visit comes after a come clear on the deal, Congress The government should answer an apparent reference to China. Jaitapur in Maharashtra. Macron at the airport, exchang- somewhat misstep-laden trip to spokesman Tom Vadakkan said: where the money has gone. It is rench President Emmanuel Modi, who welcomed Macron Sources in the French presi- ing warm hugs and robust hand- India by Canadian Prime Minis- “You must be aware that for the very strange indeed. What is it Macron yesterday said de- with a bear hug on his arrival on dency said they were optimistic shakes. ter Justin Trudeau. last three-four days, we have that they are trying to cover up? Ffence ties with India had Friday, said the accord was cru- of a fi nal agreement being signed “You welcomed me in Paris Both he and Macron are of- been speaking (in parliament) What is it that they are trying to reached a new high after the two cial as the Indian Ocean region before the end of the year. last year with an open heart ten compared internationally about the Rafale deal. For three hide,” he asked. nations signed a key security would play a “very signifi cant The $9.3bn framework agree- and a lot of warmth. I am happy because of their broadly similar days continuously we have been France wanted India to an- accord for the Indian Ocean to role” in the days to come. ment for six nuclear reactors was that I have got an opportunity political views, as well as youth asking, but not one word from nounce its interest in acquiring counter China’s growing infl u- The comments from the lead- signed during a visit to India in to welcome you in India,” Modi and good looks. the government, not even denial. another 36 Rafale fi ghters, af- ence in the region. ers followed a slew of agree- 2010 by then president Nicolas said at the start of his speech But Trudeau’s visit hit a series “This is turning out to be yet an- ter the Indian Air Force inducts “Defence co-operation be- ments worth $16bn signed by the Sarkozy. yesterday. of embarrassing bumps and he other mother scam which I think the fi rst 36 jets being acquired tween the two countries now two countries in the spheres of But the project has since run Today, Macron will attend a received a fairly cool reception the National Democratic Alliance under the €7.87bn deal inked in has a new signifi cance,” Macron defence, space and clean energy. into stiff opposition from envi- solar power summit designed during his stay in India. government must come clean on,” September 2016, but it found no said as a gushing Prime Minister The deals include a contract ronmentalists concerned about to showcase India and France’s Trudeau was pilloried on so- the Congress leader said. mention in the joint statement Narendra Modi stood by his side. for France’s Safran to supply air- seismic activity in the area and commitment to fi ghting climate cial media and in the Canadian “Where are the spokespersons by the two countries yesterday. Under the deal, India and line Spice Jet with engines, water fears about the safety of nuclear change, which both leaders have press for donning traditional of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the French Defence Minister Flor- France will open their naval bas- system modernisation by Suez in power in the wake of the Fuku- made a priority. Indian clothing at every oppor- ministers – Piyush Goyal, Ravi ence Parly, ahead of Macron’s visit es to warships from each other, a the southern city of Davangere shima nuclear disaster in Japan. Travelling with his wife tunity. Shankar Prasad and Defence to India, had written to her Indian move seen as an attempt to un- and a contract between indus- Earlier in the day, Macron Brigitte, France’s 40-year-old And there were red faces when Minister Nirmala Sitharaman? counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman dermine China’s territorial am- trial gas company Air Liquide talked about his personal rap- president will also visit the it emerged a former Sikh militant Not one word about Rafale deal,” that France was keen to “initiate bitions. and Sterlite. port with Modi which was es- monument to love, the Taj Mahal was invited to a dinner with him he added. discussions on the proposal of “A strong part of our secu- “From the ground to the sky, tablished after their meeting in in Agra, a few hours drive from in Mumbai. Vadakkan said the Bharatiya providing an additional 36 aircraft rity and the world’s stability is at there is no subject on which In- Paris last year. the New Delhi today. Macron has so far opted for Janata Party’s attempt to cover to the IAF, with a very signifi cant stake in the Indian Ocean,” Ma- dia and France are not working “I think we have very good Tomorrow, he heads to Vara- more sober and predictable dress up the deal was falling fl at. share of Make in India”. cron said. together,” said Modi. chemistry, our two great democ- nasi on the banks of the river – a dark suit. I would have thrown note ban fi le in dustbin: Rahul

IANS Prime Minister Naren- Asean India Business Coun- Kuala Lumpur dra Modi on November 8, cil, Malaysian Associated In- 2016, announced that Rs500 dian Chamber of Commerce and Rs1,000 currency notes and Industry and Consor- ongress president Ra- would cease to be legal ten- tium of Indian Industries in hul Gandhi yesterday der. Malaysia. Ctook everyone by sur- The Congress Party and Businessmen who met prise with his reply when he most of the other opposi- Gandhi said that the Indian was asked how he would have tion parties have been criti- community and their inter- rolled out demonetisation cal of the demonetisation ests have been neglected by had he been in the govern- move, saying it has caused Modi’s government, the Con- ment. huge damage to the Indian gress said in a tweet. His reply was: “If I was the economy. In response Gandhi as- prime minister, and someone Meanwhile, Gandhi yester- suaged their concerns and had given me a fi le with de- day met business executives said: “We value actionable monetisation written on it, I of Indian origin in Malaysia solutions over rhetoric. I as- would have thrown it in the and said he “valued action- sure you that your interests dustbin.” able solutions over rhetoric”. will be suitably addressed in “...out through the door, He also assured them that the Congress Party’s mani- and into the junkyard. That is “their interests will be suit- festo”, the party added. what I think should be done ably addressed in his party’s Gandhi also met Subra- with demonetisation,” Gan- manifesto”. maniam Sathasivam, presi- dhi said while interacting Gandhi met the business dent of the Malaysian Indi- with the Indian diaspora in executives of the Malay- an Congress (MIC) in Kuala Congress Party president Rahul Gandhi attends an event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Malaysia. sia India Business Council, Lumpur. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, March 11, 2018 LATIN AMERICA

Trump to visit Peru, Colombia next month in fi rst Latin America trip

By Frank Fuhrig, DPA ruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuc- White House spokeswoman Sa- ordered the revocation of resi- citing Trump’s own statements. US from the fi nished but unratifi ed rally regional opposition to Ven- Washington zynski before visiting to Colombia, rah Sanders said. dency for hundreds of thousands The president has accused Trans Pacifi c Partnership trade pact. ezuela’s left-wing government, where Trump is to conduct talks Trump has infl amed relations of Salvadorans and Haitians al- Mexico of unfair trade, blam- The 11 remaining TPP coun- described the Summit of the with President Juan Manuel San- with Mexico, seeking to build a lowed to temporarily live in the ing the neighbour for the large tries including Mexico, Chile Americas as “a terrifi c opportu- S President Donald tos, the White House said. wall at the border. United States. US bilateral trade defi cit, and and Peru on Thursday signed the nity to highlight democratic gov- Trump will attend the The Summit of the Americas is As a candidate, the right-wing The Homeland Security De- forced renegotiation of the North Comprehensive and Progressive ernance against corruption.” USummit of the Americas on April 13-14 in Lima. populist claimed that he would partment said that conditions American Free Trade Agreement Trans Pacifi c Partnership, a re- Sanders said that Trump “is next month in Peru, the White The trip demonstrates make Mexico pay for the wall. justifying temporary residency with Mexico and Canada. On vamped version of the deal. looking forward to meeting with House confi rmed yesterday, his Trump’s “resolve to deepen our In January, participants in a “no longer exist,” years after the Thursday, though, Trump ex- US Secretary of State Rex Till- partners and allies who share our fi rst trip in offi ce to a region that historical ties with our partners White House meeting accused earthquakes in 2001 in El Salva- empted Canada and Mexico from erson discussed the April summit values and believe that the prom- has largely served as a scapegoat in the region and to strengthen Trump of referring to El Salvador, dor and 2010 in Haiti. new protectionist tariff s on steel with Peruvian offi cials during a vis- ise of a safe and prosperous fu- for his populist rhetoric on trade our joint commitment to im- Haiti and African states as “(ex- Immigrant advocates have and aluminium. it on Monday and Tuesday in Lima. ture rests in strong democracies, and immigration. prove security and prosperity pletive)” countries. sued to block removals, alleging Immediately after taking offi ce in The US envoy, who was on a fair and reciprocal trade, and se- He will meet separately with Pe- for the people of the Americas,” In recent months, Trump has ethnic discrimination, in part January 2017, Trump withdrew the lengthy tour of Latin America to cure borders”. Challenger says could pull out of Venezuela race

AFP Maduro calls UN rights chief a US-backed ‘tumour’ Madrid Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said like a tumour in the human rights system,” Uruguayan Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa signs a document alongside Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio on Friday the United Nations human rights Maduro said. “He is a person who has lost Nunes Ferreira (left) and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Eladio Loizaga (right) during a meeting between Canada he main challenger in Venezuela’s chief was a puppet of the United States all credibility to opine about our country.” and the Mercosur trade bloc at Paraguay’s Foreign Ministry building in Asuncion on Friday. presidential election said in an who had implanted himself like a “tumour” Opposition politicians say an increas- Tinterview published yesterday he and had no right to criticize Maduro’s han- ingly isolated Maduro is picking fights could pull out of the race if incumbent dling of the crisis-stricken nation. with foreign critics instead of trying to fix Nicolas Maduro — who is seeking a sec- UN High Commissioner for Human a brutal economic meltdown in the oil-rich ond six-year term — does not meet his Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein had said last country. demands for international observers to week that crimes against humanity may Venezuelans are suff ering a fifth year monitor the vote. have been committed by state forces of a recession that has sparked disease, Mercosur states talk Henri Falcon, 56, is a member of Ven- in Venezuela and voiced alarm at “the malnutrition, hyperinflation and mass ezuela’s opposition coalition, the Demo- erosion of democratic institutions” in the emigration. cratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), but has country. The main opposition coalition is boy- defi ed their call to boycott the May 20 Maduro, who says there is a right-wing cotting a May presidential election, saying vote, throwing his own hat into the ring plot to sabotage his government, deflected it is a farce intended to legitimise Maduro’s trade with Canada instead. the criticism during brief comments to “dictatorship.” “We hope this election will be placed journalists broadcast on state television. Zeid also criticised the vote this week, AFP mitment to trade liberalization and up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay under international observation that is “The high commissioner is a militant of saying that the context “does not in any Asuncion opening markets.” and Uruguay — has been engaged much more consistent” than the vote in the fascist Venezuelan right....He is a pawn way fulfil minimal conditions for free and The talks with Canada, represented for more than two decades in talks 2015, Falcon told the Spanish daily El Pais of the State Department who is embedded credible elections.” by Trade Minister Francois-Philippe with the European Union, which are in an interview. atin America’s Mercosur Champagne, will cover access to moving towards a conclusion but “I’ll be going to the UN soon to talk trade bloc countries formally goods and services markets, employ- have slowed over the reluctance to with Secretary General Antonio Gu- Maduro doesn’t meet the conditions, I’ll The opposition has accused Maduro of Llaunched negotiations on a free ment, environmental issues and small European farmers to accept imports terres. We’re demanding the presence of pull out.” engineering a second term for himself by trade deal with Canada on Friday. and medium-sized businesses. of South American beef. a delegation from the European Union to In February, Venezuela’s opposition bringing forward the election from De- Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge EU and Mercosur offi cials said the country’s electoral authorities,” he said it would not participate in the vote cember. Eladio Loizaga said the fi rst meeting Faurie said the two sides hoped to last week they would extend their said. without guarantees that it would be free Among the opposition’s main de- would take place in Ottawa, Canada sign a free trade agreement before talks on a trade deal by a couple of If his demands were not met, “we will and fair. “Do not count on the Democrat- mands is that the election takes place in on March 20-23. the end of the year. weeks to resolve “four or fi ve” out- pull out,” the politician said, insisting ic Unity Roundtable, or the people, to en- the “second half of 2018,” that it be held In a joint statement, ministers “I think that this will be quicker standing issues. that “it’s the government itself that has dorse what until now is only a fraudulent under the auspices of a “balanced” Na- said they were aiming to conclude than the negotiations with the Eu- “The last details are the heaviest, most interest in these conditions being and illegitimate simulation of the presi- tional Electoral Council, and in the pres- a “Canada-Mercosur Global Trade ropean Union,” said Faurie. the most complicated ones,” the Ar- met.” dential election,” opposition coordinator ence of independent international ob- Agreement” with a “shared com- The South American bloc — made gentine minister said. The interview carried the headline “If Angel Oropeza said at the time. servers to monitor the polls.

‘Banderazo’ Evidence of contamination at Brazil’s Hydro plant

By Marta Nogueira, Reuters 200mm of rain in 12 hours, causing red- Pumps shut down as the storm, fl ood- Barcarena, Brazil coloured water to fl ood streets, homes and ing the administrative area of the plant areas of Amazon rain forest near the plant. that did not contain hazardous bauxite Authorities ordered the plant, in waste, according to the offi cials. Brazilian government-backed in- Bacarena city, to cut output in half until it A small amount of untreated water from stitute is readying new evidence addressed government concerns, leading the area leaked out of cracks in a sealed, Aof contamination near the world’s Norway-based Hydro to declare force ma- out-of-operation drainage tube and biggest alumina refi ner, Norsk Hydro jeure with no time set to restart the plant. reached the nearby forest, they said. ASA’s Alunorte, in the northern state of Hydro has so far denied any negative At a separate refi nery area, which in- Para, a researcher told Reuters. environmental impact. cludes two large waste deposits from A more complete report being pre- The company said in a statement on processing bauxite, pump units connected pared for release next week should reveal Friday that it had received a report from to waste treatment areas suff ered shut- that there was a waste leak at the plant, federal watchdog Ibama mentioning a lat- downs but were quickly reconnected, the said Marcelo Lima, a public health re- eral leak. offi cials said. searcher at the Evandro Chagas Institute, It said the leak was contained and there But according to Lima, a separate duct a research facility linked to the Ministry of was no contact with the environment. leak, to be detailed in the new report, Health. The company and government contin- would have carried waste from bauxite “It will tell more of the story, with new ue to present divergent accounts of what processing at the company’s oldest waste evidence,” Lima said. happened. deposit. Bolivian President Evo Morales takes part in a traditional Andean ceremony in Caracollo yesterday during Flooding at the Alunorte plant last Five offi cials at the Alunorte facility, The institute has also collected samples the unfolding of a huge 200km flag — called the ‘Banderazo’ (big flagging) — linking La Paz with Oruro, to month sparked fears of a leak of toxic who asked not to be named because of showing the presence of harmful materi- symbolically mark the maritime lawsuit against Chile, which starts next March 19 at the Permanent Court bauxite waste around the facility and gov- company policy, said the incident began als in soil and water, including lead, which of International Justice in The Hague. ernment warnings of contamination. with a lightning strike leading to a power could indicate that bauxite leaked as well, A February 16 thunderstorm dropped failure. he said. ‘No one above law’ in Mexico graft fi ght, says candidate

By Anthony Esposito, Reuters cases that implicate the ruling party. ades dogged the political elite in Mexico is already implement- a modest Toyota Prius car. Acapulco It released a video late last month Mexico, which ranked 128th out ing a new anti-corruption system However, his association with of opposition presidential candi- of 137 nations for ethics and cor- that will replace the current at- the ruling party and reluctance date Ricardo Anaya in an appear- ruption in the World Economic torney general’s offi ce with a new to criticise its performance has exico’s attorney general ance at offi ces related to an inves- Forum’s 2017-2018 Global Com- institution that is designed to be made it hard to position himself should be given more tigation into accusations he illicitly petitiveness Index. more independent from political as a candidate of change. Mautonomy to fi ght graft profi ted from a real estate deal. Meade, who holds a doctorate interference. Most recent surveys show him so that no one, not even the pres- The decision to release the in economics from Yale Univer- However, political infi ghting in third place. ident, is above the law, the ruling footage, in which a member of sity, said he wanted to loosen the has prevented the new system In 2016, Mexicanos Contra la Institutional Revolutionary Par- Anaya’s entourage swears, has government’s grip on the public from taking root. Corrupcion y la Impunidad, a ty’s (PRI) presidential candidate been pilloried by academics, for- prosecutor so that it was not be- Meade’s campaign has strug- civil group, calculated corrup- Jose Antonio Meade said. eign diplomats and opposition holden to changing political tides. gled to gain traction despite his tion was worth between 2% and “If we want Mexico to be suc- politicians as an abuse of power “We need to give the attorney reputation as a clean politician 10% of Mexico’s gross domestic cessful in its fi ght against cor- intended to help the PRI. general’s offi ce the autonomy to who also served as a cabinet sec- product, based on data from the ruption we have to cut the umbil- An opinion poll taken after the investigate even me when I’m retary for former president Felipe World Bank, the International ical cord between the executive video was released suggested the president,” said Meade, who Calderon of the centre-right Na- Monetary Fund and others. branch and the attorney general’s fi ght damaged both candidates, served as fi nance minister for tional Action Party. Meade, who spoke after giv- offi ce,” Meade told Reuters in an who lost support while front- President Enrique Pena Nieto. To differentiate himself from ing a speech at an annual bank- interview on Friday. runner Andres Manuel Lopez Pena Nieto’s administration the lavish lifestyles associated ers convention in the resort city Mexico’s attorney general’s offi ce Obrador gained ground. has been hit by confl ict-of-inter- with some PRI politicians, his of Acapulco, said Mexico needed Ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) presidential has been widely criticised by oppo- Meade made no mention of the est scandals and the PRI has been campaign has released pho- to double its spending on ports, candidate Jose Antonio Meade speaks during an interview with sition politicians and justice reform investigation in the interview. battered by corruption allegations tos of him in economy class on roads, airports, railways and en- Reuters on the sidelines of the Mexican Banking Association’s advocates for moving slowly on Graft scandals have for dec- against several of its governors. commercial flights and driving ergy pipelines to 4% of GDP. annual convention in Acapulco. Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 19 PAKISTAN

Court orders citizens to Pakistan will ‘never act declare religion as US proxy in any war’ Reuters Internews stan had not voted against the In the past Pakistani rul- tatorship ,“at least human lives and protect the people. sion in the house, and the gov- Islamabad Islamabad war in Syria during a debate in ers compromised the country’s were safe under dictators”. Earlier, during the question ernment was accused of ignor- the UN Human Rights Commit- sovereignty to protect their own The minister claimed that hour, Minister for States and ing them by not providing them tee. rule and interests, and fought a Iraq, Libya and other Mid- Frontier Regions retired Lt Gen with legal assistance. court has ruled that all hile giving a policy Rehman said that of the eight “fake jihad” for the defence of dle Eastern countries had been Abdul Qadir Baloch revealed Foreign Minister Asif said that citizens must declare statement in the Na- Muslim countries in the com- the US, said Asif. destabilised under a conspiracy that the government is prepar- the government aims to increase Atheir religion when ap- Wtional Assembly, For- mittee, three Muslim states did “That was one of the biggest against the ummah. ing a plan for the repatriation the number of Pakistani com- plying for identity documents, eign Minister Khawaja Asif said not cast their votes, including mistakes that we have commit- “Despite the presence of the of Afghan refugees within two munity welfare offi cers to re- a move that human rights advo- that Pakistan would not serve as Pakistan. ted. Pakistan fought a made-in- US with all its military might in years. solve the problems of more than cates say is another blow for the a proxy for the United States in Minister Asif said that lack America jihad against Russia in Afghanistan, the production of “In fact, Afghan President 28,000 Pakistanis living in Saudi country’s minority communi- any war. of harmony and unity among Afghanistan. We committed the heroin has increased there from Ashraf Ghani informed us re- Arabia. ties. Another minister told the the Muslim countries was the same mistake after 9/11,” he said. 200 tonnes to 9,000 tonnes, cently that his government is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf The Islamabad High Court house that the government main reason behind the various The minister claimed that and the Taliban are operating in working on a plan to accommo- (PTI) leader Shafqat Mehmood ruled on Friday that citizens who planned to repatriate Afghan problems they were facing. “No despite pressures and tempta- 43% of the country; yet they [the date the Afghan refugees; there- referred to media reports that disguise their religious affi liation refugees in two years. enemy can harm Muslims if they tions, the present government US] blame us for facilitating the fore, we are also chalking out a Ali Jahangir Siddiqui was ex- are guilty of betraying the state The foreign minister said yes- do not become facilitators of the did not become part of any war Haqqani network,” he remarked. two-year plan for their repatria- pected to replace the incumbent and ordered that anyone apply- terday that people of Afghani- enemy.” being fought in a Muslim coun- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf tion,” he said. Pakistani ambassador in Wash- ing for government jobs should stan and other Muslim countries He said that everyone knew try, adding that Pakistani troops (PTI) leader Dr Shireen Mazari The minister said that a total ington and asked why a young declare their faith. often wanted Pakistan to take who had taken the Islamic State were sent to Saudi Arabia only said that it had become diffi cult of 1.4mn Afghans are in Paki- man, who had no experience as “The Government of Paki- part in the wars fought within group from Iraq to Afghanistan. for training purposes and not to for the country to support any of stan, of which 1mn are regis- a diplomat, was being appointed stan shall take special measure their borders. The next target of the militant take part in the war in Yemen. the sides fi ghting in Syria. tered. to the important position at a ensuring availability of correct “However Pakistan will not group could very well be Paki- He discussed various crises “Which side will you support The refugees who did not pos- time when relations between particulars of all the citizens,” act as a proxy in any US-led stan. in the Middle East, and without in the Syrian war – the Syr- sess the proof of registration Pakistan and the US were far Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui war,” he said. “Pakistan has always re- naming the US, appeared to hold ian government, the US, Russia, cards would be treated as aliens from ideal. said in the judgment. “It should Asif was responding to a “call mained a target of others be- the superpower responsible for Iran, Saudi Arabia or Turkey?” and would be sent back to their However, the foreign minister not be possible for any citizen to attention” notice of Jamiat cause people of all warring Mus- unrest in the region. she asked. country as soon as possible. did not answer the question. to hide his/her real identity and Ulema-e-Islam – Fazlur (JUI-F) lim states look towards Pakistan Terming the Syrian confl ict a Mazari also urged Muslim The issue of 2,500 Pakistanis The proceedings were lat- recognition.” chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and its armed forces for help,” he “fi ght for power”, Asif said that countries to forge unity in order languishing in Saudi Arabian er adjourned till tomorrow If no appeal is launched, the who wanted to know why Paki- said. although he did not support dic- to defeat the agenda of the West prisons also came under discus- evening. court’s directives will have to be followed. The vast majority of Paki- Water sports, stan’s 208mn people are Mus- Fashionable activism lim, with minorities accounting adventure gala for about 3% of the population, planned in KP according to a 1998 census. Human Rights Watch repre- The tourism department of sentative Saroop Ijaz said: “A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) judgment like this would enable province has planned a series of and incite violence.” events, including water sports The order was issued as a re- and adventure tourism activities sult of a petition brought for- for youths, near the country’s ward by the Tehreek-e-Labaik capital Islamabad. organisation in connection with Titled “Colours of Spring”, the a change in wording to an elec- water sports and adventure toral law. tourism events will be held at The amendment sought to re- the Khanpur Lake on March 25, place a religious oath with a sim- said a news release issued by the ple declaration, which Tehreek- department. e-Labaik said was blasphemy. The events to be jointly organised The government blamed the by the Tourism Corporation change on a clerical error and re- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) stored the original format. and Mabali Island were finalised Last year, Tehreek-e-Labaik during a meeting held here shut down the nation’s capital yesterday with Sports, Tourism for nearly three weeks with pro- and Youth Aff airs secretary tests against the change. Mohammad Tariq in the chair. Seven people were killed and Tariq asked the organisers to nearly 200 wounded in a failed make the gala an attraction for police bid to disperse protest- tourists and visitors to Khanpur ers, leading the government to Lake and other tourist places of give way to their demand that a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. minister accused of blasphemy TCKP marketing off icial Hassina resign. Shaukat said that diff erent Human rights lawyer Jibran events, including jet ski, family Nasir told Reuters that the order boating, zip-lining, shooting, would automatically provide the archery, volleyball, treasure hunt, government with specifi c lists instrumental music, individual about who belongs to which mi- boating, hiking, trekking, bonfire, nority group. tug of war contest and cuisines “Every day they (the minori- will feature in the gala. ties) are being institutionally re- She said that the TCKP would minded that they are a minority,” provide transport facility to the he added. “It is a bigoted order.” participants from Peshawar to Pakistan’s minority Shia Mus- Khanpur Lake. lims regularly come under attack The TCKP off icial added that by extremist groups. those willing to join the event Members of its small Hindu could register at www.facebook. and Christian communities have Models carry placards as they present creations by Pakistani designer Hira Ali on Friday, the first day of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) Fashion Week in com/kptourism on the payment also sometimes been accused of Lahore. International Women’s Day was marked on Thursday. of Rs1,600 fee each. blasphemy. Shaukat said the TCKP wanted to private sector to join the government’s eff orts for tourism promotion in the province. She remarked that the gala is a good example of the partnership Details of foreigners in Islamabad to be collected afresh of public and private sectors, which would organise events for youths. Internews murdered during a robbery. family members, period of stay are required to inform the police tant to provide details. “Some of the foreigners are Islamabad There are 38 checkpoints and in Islamabad, the reason, type of about their stay in the capital. Recently, the police collected involved in illegal activities in pickets set up in the capital and visa and history of travel to other The nationals of other coun- the details of Chinese nation- the capital, including cheating,” Cushion benches the police want to reduce their cities. tries, including the US, Australia als staying in the capital, which said another offi cial. slamabad police are once number. After completing the survey, and European nations, are not showed their number to be The collection of details will at public places again launching a survey to Under such circumstances, the police will approach the required to inform the police, he 2,000. help the police identify those placed in Punjab Icollect details of foreigners there is a need to strengthen Foreign Offi ce to get the details added. The foreigners will be divided involved in illegal activities and living in the city. security for the foreigners, he verifi ed from it and from the In 2014, there were about into clusters for their safety. take legal action against them. Up to 50 cushion benches have The decision has been taken added. embassies concerned, the offi - 11,860 houses being used by for- Patrolling will be intensifi ed When contacted, Inspec- been placed at public places in after incidents of robbery in- Teams are being set up at the cial stated. eigners, most of them American, around the residential areas of tor General of Police Dr Sultan Toba Tek City of Pakistan’s Punjab volving Chinese families in the police station level to collect A database containing the de- said the offi cial. the foreigners. Azam Temuri confi rmed that he province. city – there have been eight details of foreigners residing in tails of the foreigners would also The process to collect the Besides, WhatsApp groups had ordered the police to carry These are long benches where cases since December 2017 – a their respective areas. be developed. information took almost two will be made for them to contact out the survey which would help people can sit and stretch out. police offi cer said, adding that They would collect details As per law, citizens of 14 years, during which some for- police and inform them about the police provide better secu- Assistant Commissioner Tabrez one Chinese woman was also about the names, number of countries – African and Asian – eigners were found to be reluc- their problems. rity to the foreigners. Sadiq Marri told reporters that a foam manufacturer company, with the co-operation of some Culinary festival kicks off in Lahore philanthropists, had arranged for the benches to be installed, and The second edition of the Pakistan International Culinary that the administration did not Remittances from abroad increase to $12.8bn Festival was inaugurated yesterday at Alhamra Cultural have to spend any money. Complex, Gaddafi Stadium, in Lahore. He said when he was posted The three-day family extravaganza, inaugurated by Governor at Bahawarlpur, the deputy Internews According to the State Bank’s from Britain as the remittances Pakistan is facing a serious Rafique Rajwana, is being organised by a private hotel commissioner had arranged for Karachi latest data, issued yesterday, re- grew by 23.2% to reach $1.786bn threat at its external front as the management school in collaboration with Chefs’ Association of the installation of similar benches mittances from Saudi Arabia fell during the eight months of 2017- trade defi cit has been increas- Pakistan. at diff erent public places. 8.7% to $3.26bn. 18. ing each month while the foreign Its objective is to engage international chefs who will cook Marri said that he had presented emittances from overseas Saudi Arabia still provides Infl ows from the US also wit- investment and remittances are live various local and international cuisines and participate in the same proposal to Toba Tek Pakistanis in the fi rst eight highest remittances to Pakistan nessed a sizeable growth of 12.2% not enough to counter it. culinary competitions. Singh deputy commissioner Irfan Rmonths of this fi scal year despite thousands of Pakistanis to stand at $1.7bn in the same pe- The country’s foreign ex- The cooking competitions on the first day began early in the Nawaz Memon, who approved rose to $12.8bn, showing a year- having lost their jobs in the last riod. change reserves have been de- morning between culinary schools from various cities. it, and now these bed-benches on-year growth of 3.4%. couple of years. Remittances from Pakistanis clining each week and recently International chefs from the UAE, Lebanon, Egypt, and China have been installed in public Despite a fall in remittances From July-February in Finan- in both the countries helped Pa- fell to a record low since Finan- were scheduled to take part in live cooking competitions. parks, railway station and bus from Saudi Arabia, the overall cial Year 2017 (FY17), remittances kistan maintain a much-needed cial Year 2015 (FY15). Competitions between children – who will be assisted by their stops and they could be used remittances increased thanks from Saudi Arabia fell 6.8%, re- infl ow in order to meet the in- The total foreign liquid re- mothers – are also part of the three-day event. by passengers, tourists and to remittances from the UK and fl ecting the impact of job losses creasing foreign exchange de- serves currently stand at Along with stalls set up by food companies, brands and homeless people. the US as both registered high in the kingdom. mand for the galloping current $18.32bn, compared to $18.7bn restaurants, the fest comprises musical performances, stalls He said arrangements had been growth. The highest increase was noted account defi cit. in FY15. displaying traditional arts and crafts. made to look after them. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, March 11, 2018 PHILIPPINES

Foreign minister Pyromusical competition slams UN rights chief for remarks about president

Reuters pines takes grave exception Manila to the irresponsible and dis- respectful comments of the United Nations High Com- he Philippine foreign missioner for Human Rights minister hit back yes- that cast untoward aspersions Tterday at the United regarding the President of the Nations’ human rights chief Republic of the Philippines.” for issuing “irresponsible and Duterte has also repeatedly disrespectful” comments insulted the current UN spe- about President Rodrigo Du- cial rapporteur on extrajudi- terte, warning such remarks cial killings, Agnes Callamard, could set a dangerous prec- because of her criticism of his edent. bloody anti-narcotics cam- Duterte’s attacks against paign. UN human rights activists The Philippines welcomed suggest he needs to see a psy- a UN investigation into Du- chiatrist, UN High Commis- terte’s signature war on drugs sioner for Human Rights Zeid but objected to Callamard Ra’ad al-Hussein told a news leading it, saying she was bi- conference on Friday. ased and not qualifi ed. Zeid’s comments came after Cayetano said in a strongly the Philippine justice minis- worded statement the Philip- try fi led a petition in a Manila pines was bothered by “the court seeking the declara- manner in which a ranking tion of more than 600 alleged UN human rights offi cial can communist guerrillas, includ- overstep his mandate and in- ing a UN special rapporteur, sult leaders of member-states as “terrorists”, a development without fi rst giving them due fi rst reported by Reuters. process”. The petition included Vic- “This could set a danger- toria Tauli-Corpuz, appointed ous precedent that the coun- in 2014 as UN special rappor- cil would have to immediately teur on the rights of indig- address as otherwise member- enous peoples, who was listed states could also fall victim to as a senior member of the those who seek to politicise A fireworks display of France lights up the sky during the ninth Philippine International Pyromusical Competition in Pasay city, Metro Manila, yesterday. country’s Maoist rebel group. and weaponise human rights Tauli-Corpuz called the to undermine legitimate gov- complaint “baseless, mali- ernments,” he said. cious and irresponsible”. Zeid Duterte’s spokesman, Harry said Duterte’s attacks against Roque, said Zeid’s language UN special rapporteurs can- was an aff ront to Philippine not go unanswered and the UN sovereignty. Human Rights Council must “I would hope that although take a position. you do not have the same He said the Philippine lead- democratic system in your Duterte signs law giving er “needs to submit himself to home country of Jordan, you some sort of psychiatric ex- will respect the kind of de- amination”. Philippine Foreign mocracy that we have in the Aff airs Secretary Alan Peter Philippines,” he said in a mes- Cayetano said: “The Philip- sage to Zeid. offi cials subpoena power

Reuters Roque told a news briefing. poor Filipinos have been killed the nature and purpose of in- arrogance, human rights viola- Manila Human rights activists ex- by police in the past 20 months vestigation, shall be directed to tions, and its fondness for legal pressed concern about the in a brutal crackdown against the person whose attendance is shortcuts,” the group said in a new law, saying the Philippine illegal drugs that has alarmed required” states the law, which statement. hilippine President Ro- police force was notorious for the international community. Duterte signed on March 1. Roque said not all police would drigo Duterte has signed abuses and could use the ad- Activists believe the death Women’s welfare advocacy have subpoena powers and the Pinto law a bill giving the ditional power to trump-up toll is far higher. Under the group Gabriela described the law issuing of a subpoena would not police chief and two other senior criminal charges against those new law, such subpoena power as “a green light to more extraju- mean automatic detention. police offi cials the power to issue critical of Duterte’s adminis- would rest exclusively with dicial killings, arbitrary arrests, “This subpoena power will subpoenas to hasten the investi- tration. the Philippine National Po- and trumped-up charges against give hope to the many victims gation of crimes, his spokesman One of Duterte’s main cam- lice (PNP) chief and the direc- dissenters and opposition”. of crimes who were deprived of said yesterday. paign promises during the 2016 tor and the deputy director for “We stand fi rm that the PNP justice due to the slow investi- The law “will add more teeth presidential election was to administration of the PNP’s should have no quasi-judicial gation processes as witnesses to their mandate to enhance the wipe out crime and illicit drugs Criminal Investigation and De- or prosecutorial investigative or respondents to crimes cannot law and find solutions to crim- by using deadly force. tection Group. powers, especially with its un- be forced to face investigation,” Cayetano: hitting back inal cases”, spokesman Harry About 4,000 mostly urban “The subpoena shall state disputed record of corruption, he said. Worried for safety, says UN Makati residents receive card for public transactions special rapporteur on ‘hit list’

Thomson Reuters Foundation Bangkok

United Nations special rapporteur who is one of more than 600 people the Philip- A pine government wants declared as ter- rorists, said she feared for her own safety and that of other rights activists on the list. The Philippine justice ministry last month filed a petition in a Manila court seeking the dec- laration of more than 600 alleged communist guerrillas as “terrorists”, according to the docu- ment seen by Reuters. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the UN special rap- porteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, was listed as a member of the Maoist rebel group. She has denied the allegations. “The charges are entirely baseless and mali- Makati residents show their Makatizen Card which was distributed in villages yesterday. The card enables residents to have easier cious,” Tauli-Corpuz told the Thomson Reuters public transactions. Foundation in a telephone interview. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz “The government sees this as an opportunity to pursue people they don’t like. I am worried for people of the Philippines’ Cordillera region, said. my safety and the safety of others on the list, in- The Philippines was the deadliest country in cluding several rights activists.” Asia last year for defenders of land and resources Local and international organisations have amidst a government crackdown on rural com- slammed the Philippine government’s action, munities, according to advocacy group PAN Asia Graft case against former mayor dismissed with New York-based Human Rights Watch call- Pacific. Killings and other forms of repression ing the petition “a virtual government hit list”. targeting farmers, indigenous people and activ- Two other UN special rapporteurs expressed ists “spiked dramatically”, it said. By Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino preliminary investigation of the cases “shall not complicated. Nor do the cases involve “grave concern” about Tauli-Corpuz being on “The Philippine government regularly and Manila Times be reckoned from November 2012, when voluminous records or intricate documents. the list, and said she was being punished by Phil- increasingly threatens and harasses indigenous private complainant…fi led a Request for The Court is of the view that the protracted ippine President Rodrigo Duterte for speaking peoples,” said Julie Koch, executive director at Assistance/Grievance Form with OMB- period is not commensurate to the simplic- out against some of his policies. advocacy group International Work Group for he Sandiganbayan’s First Division Visayas for action. The preliminary inves- ity of the cases, thereby making the delay in In December, Tauli-Corpuz said thousands of Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA).The petition “is tak- has dismissed the cases of graft and tigation is deemed concluded upon the fi l- the preliminary investigation vexatious and indigenous people had been forcibly displaced ing it to a whole new level,” she said in a state- Tmalversation against former mayor ing of the Informations (charge sheets) in oppressive.” from their homes in Mindanao, in the south of ment. Fernando Corvera of San Jose de Buenavis- court.” The hold departure issued against Cor- the country, and asked authorities to end abuses The Philippine foreign minister hit back at ta, Antique and former municipal account- The Offi ce of the Ombudsman fi led the vera and Tordesillas were subsequently against them that had escalated under military the UN human rights chief yesterday for issu- ant after it found that their right to speedy Information before the Sandiganbayan on lifted and the bail bonds they posted were operations. ing “irresponsible and disrespectful” comments disposition of their cases was violated. October 13, 2017. ordered released. “The petition is really an attempt to quell criti- about the president. UN High Commissioner The case stemmed from Corvera’s sup- The Court added in part that it “is not Associate Justice Efren de la Cruz, who cism and opposition to the administration,” Tau- for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein told a posed unliquidated cash advances from persuaded that the OMB needed almost fi ve leads the Sandiganbayan’s First Division, li-Corpuz, said yesterday. news conference on Friday that Duterte’s attacks 1999 to 2007 totalling P685,477.65. (fi ve) years to review and analyse the records penned the ruling that was concurred in by “It’s to distract attention from the abuses,” against UN human rights activists suggest he In an eight-page resolution promulgated for thoroughness and correctness. The facts Associate Justices Geraldine Faith Econg the indigenous leader from the Kankanaey Igorot needs to see a psychiatrist. on March 2, the court said in part that the and issues in these cases are very simple and and Edgardo Caldona. Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Main opposition BNP plans ‘big showdown’ in Dhaka tomorrow Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

By Mizan Rahman sary preparations for it,” the The other divisional units gramme and snatched him by Dhaka and foiled the event just being deprived of her legal Dhaka BNP leader told reporters yes- will also fi x dates for their ral- tearing his clothes,” he said. 13 minutes before its scheduled right of having bail due to the terday, adding, “We’ll hold the lies through discussions, and The BNP leader further said, conclusion. government’s interference. Hasina rally at the right time if we’re inform the media about those “It’s a rare and most disgust- Fakhrul described the current Referring to the chief election angladesh main opposi- given permission. There’ll be a later. ing incident in Bangladesh’s government as a ‘dangerous de- commissioner’s comment that tion BNP senior leader huge gathering of people at our BNP alleged that law enforc- political history. The law en- mon’ and alleged that it has de- the commission will not take leaves for BRuhul Rizvi yesterday rally.” ers have violated the Supreme forcers violated the directives stroyed all the democratic insti- any initiative to bring all the po- said they have taken all-out Rizvi said the BNP has Court’s (SC) directives by ar- of the Supreme Court by mak- tutions only to hang onto power. litical parties to the next general preparations for ensuring a planned to hold rallies in all di- resting one of its leaders from ing such an arrest (without any He said the party chairperson election, Alamgir said Nurul Singapore huge gathering at their planned visional cities over the coming a political programme without warrant).” has been convicted in a ‘false’ Huda’s remark has refl ected the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in days to demand the release of any warrant. A faction of Jatiya Party (Za- case ‘unlawfully’ to keep her, government’s plans. the capital Dhaka tomorrow. party chairperson from jail. “I would like to express my far) arranged the programme, BNP and the 20-party alliance “We know you won’t take any today “We still know nothing He said BNP’s Chittagong anger and sorrow as I couldn’t demanding BNP chairperson away from the next election. move for an inclusive election as whether the authorities con- unit will hold a rally on March save a Chhatra Dal leader who Khaleda Zia’s release from jail. “Their main motive is to retain you have been made CEC to en- cerned will give us permission 15 and while Rajshahi unit set tried to escape arrest hold- On Thursday, police arrested power without a competitive sure Awami League’s return to By Mizan Rahman for our Dhaka rally … but we’ve to stage a demonstration on ing me tight. The law enforcers JCD leader Mizanur Raj from election.” power through lopsided polls,” Dhaka completed our all the neces- March 31. swooped on our ongoing pro- BNP’s sit-in programme in The BNP leader said Zia is he added.

angladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina set to leave Bfor a four-day offi cial visit to Singapore today. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines Lanka begins fl ight will carry the prime min- ister and members of her entou- rage. The fl ight is scheduled to reach Changi Airport in Singa- pore in the afternoon. probe into riots, Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid and senior government offi cials will accom- pany her during the tour. A high- lifts curfew level business delegation will also accompany the PM. Tomorrow, Prime Minister AFP/Reuters A curfew in the district, Hasina will be given a welcome Colombo which is 115km (72 miles) east of reception by the Singapore gov- the capital Colombo, was lifted ernment. After the welcome re- at dawn yesterday but army ception, Hasina will pay a cour- n investigation into anti- soldiers continued to patrol tesy call on Singapore President Muslim riots that spread in alongside police, offi cials said. Halimah Yacob at Istana. Acentral Sri Lanka prompt- Sri Lanka’s Muslim minority Offi cial talks between Sheikh ing the authorities to declare a held their Friday prayers under Hasina and Singapore Prime nationwide state of emergency military protection across the is- Minister Lee Hsien Loong will was announced yesterday by land amid fears of fresh attacks. take place tomorrow morning. President Maithripala Sirisena. However, the weekly reli- Following the talks, Bangladesh A panel of three retired judges gious activity went off without and Singapore are set to sign six will probe the breakdown in law incident, authorities said. memorandums of understand- and order in the picturesque hill Hundreds of Buddhist monks Men stand next to shops that have been closed in protest following deadly communal violence in other parts of the country, in Colombo. ing (MoUs) for further enhancing resort of Kandy, Sirisena’s offi ce and activists staged demon- co-operation in diff erent sectors. said in a statement. strations in Colombo on Friday said he was taken into custody funded them, their future plans, Cabinet spokesman Dayasiri presence in Sri Lanka of Muslim A memorandum of under- Three people died, 20 others denouncing the anti-Muslim on Thursday. and whether they have any lo- Jayasekara said police in some Rohingya asylum seekers from standing will be signed between were wounded and more than attacks and urging authorities The government declared a cal political leadership and places had failed to carry out or- mostly Buddhist Myanmar, the International Enterprise 200 Muslim-owned businesses to take strong action against the state of emergency on Tuesday whether there was any foreign ders to curb the violence. where Buddhist nationalism has Singapore and Bangladesh In- and homes were destroyed in perpetrators. as the unrest escalated when a involvement behind this,” police Sri Lanka’s Muslims make up also been on the rise. vestment Development Au- four days of rioting that died Police said nearly 150 people, Muslim man was found dead in spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara about 9% of its 21mn people and However, in some areas, Sin- thority (BIDA) on investment down on Thursday. including the main instigator, have a burnt-out building, a day after told reporters in Colombo. mostly live in the east and centre halese have helped Muslims to collaboration. Eleven mosques were also been arrested over the unrest. a Sinhalese man died of injuries He said all 10 suspects had of the island. protect mosques, Muslim com- Federation of Bangladesh damaged or completely de- They named the main sus- sustained in an attack carried been remanded in custody for Buddhist Sinhalese ac- munity leaders said. Chambers of Commerce and In- stroyed by Sinhalese mobs, ac- pect as Amith Weerasinghe, a out by Muslim men. 14 days and brought to Colombo count for about 70% and ethnic Sri Lanka was for decades dustry (FBCCI) and Singapore cording to police who say the man from the mainly Buddhist Police also said they were also for questioning. Tamils, most of whom are Hin- plagued by war between govern- Manufacturing Federation will situation has been brought un- Sinhalese majority known for investigating whether suspects had He said three were from dus, about 13%. ment forces and Tamil separa- sign an MoU while Metropoli- der control after a heavy mili- anti-Muslim activism and out- outside funding or foreign help. Kandy and the other seven from Some Buddhist national- tists. The government defeated tan Chamber of Commerce and tary deployment. spoken social media posts, and “We are investigating who outside the district. ists have protested against the the rebels in 2009. Industry (MCCI) and Singapore Manufacturing Federation will sign another MoU to strengthen business relations. Other MoUs will be signed on public private partnership, Over 8km area along border declared crime-free zone expansion of air service agree- ment, digital leadership, inno- vation and digital government By Mizan Rahman border area at Bongaon as a deshi lawmaker from Jes- zone covers the areas under the and thermal imagers in the from his BSF counterpart transformation. Dhaka “crime-free zone”. sore 1 constituency Sheikh jurisdiction of BGB’s Doulatpur border areas to make the areas Sharma. On Tuesday, Hasina will at- The announcement was made Afi l Uddin, the outgoing Di- in Jessore district and the fron- crime-free zone in true sense of Bangladesh and India have tend a ceremony where an orchid at an inaugural ceremony held rector General (DG) of BGB tier areas under the jurisdiction the term. 4,156km of common land bor- in Singapore Botanical Garden, angladeshi and Indian at 64 BSF Battalion of Kalyani Maj Gen Abul Hossain and of Kalyani and Gunarmath of The idea of announcing der of which the southwest re- also world heritage site, will be frontier forces – Bangla- border outpost, Bongaon bor- of BSF Director General K K India. some border areas of Bang- gion shares 644km, including named after her. Bdesh Border Guard (BGB) der, North 24 Parganas of West Sharma were present on the Both the frontier forces have ladesh and India as crime- 259km river boundary. The re- Later, she will join Singapore- and Border Security Force (BSF) Bengal in India with cutting occasion. already installed border surveil- free zones was the brainchild maining common border areas Bangladesh Business Forum and – for the fi rst time yesterday ribbon. According to the announce- lance devices such as closed- of the outgoing BGB chief will be announced as crime-free Business Roundtable at Shangri- announced a 8.3km common Among others, Bangla- ment, the 8.3km crime-free circuit cameras, search lights which earned appreciation zone gradually. La Hotel as chief guest. Prime Minister Hasina will return home on March 14. UN peacekeepers take part in drill Pollution kills Mahara 35,000 people elected Nepal in Nepal every speaker PN Maoist Centre leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara Cwas yesterday elected as year: report the speaker of the House of Rep- resentatives, the lower house of the bicameral federal parliament Agencies ethnic, and political issues. of Nepal. Kathmandu NAST vice-chancellor Dr Mahara was elected unopposed Jeevraj Pokharel shared that as he was the only candidate to fi le they are setting up a pollution nomination for the post. s many as 35,000 peo- measurement centre in each The offi cial announcement ple lose their lives due province for the control of air of the election will be made to- Ato air pollution in Nepal pollution. day at a meeting of the House of every year, according to a re- Likewise, Purbanchal Uni- Representatives. port by Nepal Academy of Sci- versity vice-chancellor Dr Mahara’s candidacy was sup- ence and Technology (NAST). Ghanashyamlal Das and Birat- ported by CPN-UML lawmaker The report states various nagar Metropolis Mayor Bhim Subash Chandra Nembang and factors contributing to air pol- Parajuli said that the menace seconded by CPN (MC) leader lution, which is becoming a triggered by air pollution is on Dev Gurung. major cause behind increas- a rise due to carelessness on The main opposition Nepali ing number of deaths in the part of people. Congress did not fi eld any can- UN peacekeepers take part in a multinational peace support operations exercise on the outskirts of Dhaka yesterday. The three-week country. Presenting a working paper, didate on behalf of the party to exercise runs till March 12, with the participation of 780 peacekeepers from 40 countries. Codenamed “Shanti Doot 4”, the exercise is Province one Governor NAST academician Madanlal compete with Mahara. aimed at building capacity of the armed forces of troops contributing countries in the UN peace operations and providing them with Govinda Tumbahang under- Shrestha informed that glo- The NC said it decided not to an opportunity to share natural cultural values. It is jointly organised by the US Pacific Command, a unified combatant command of scored the need to address the bally air pollution is the cause fi le the candidacy as it strongly the United States Armed Forces responsible for the Indo-Asia Pacific region, and US-Africa command as well as Bangladesh as the all-pervasive problem of air behind lung cancer (36%), believed that the Speaker of host nation. pollution, giving it high im- heart attack (34%) and other the House of Representatives portance than the regional, cardiac diseases (27% cent). should be elected unanimously. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, March 11, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES A ‘new chapter’ in global trade, one without the US

As the threat of a global trade war looms, some 11 11-03-2018 Asia-Pacifi c nations have come together and signed a deal, which they claim will facilitate a fair, balanced, and principled trade. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacifi c Partnership (CPTPP) without the United States is being touted as a powerful initiative against protectionism and trade wars. The member countries are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Indefi nite rule for Xi Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The deal came as US President Donald Trump vowed to press ahead with a plan to impose tariff s on steel and aluminium imports, a move that other nations and the International Monetary Fund said could start a global snuff s out reform hopes trade war. The Asia-Pacifi c trade deal will reduce tariff s in Many current activists were spawned countries that together amount to more than 13% of Reuters run-up to Beijing’s hosting of the 2008 people are prepared to go public with Beijing Olympics, was buff eted by intermittent any criticism of Xi. and inspired by Liu and others closely the global economy - a total of $10tn in gross domestic crackdowns from late that year to 2013, “Any opposition he faces from his involved in the protests in Tiananmen product. With the United States, it would have when Xi assumed power. opponents will be far, far smaller than Square in the centre of Beijing in 1989 represented 40%. uring Chinese President Xi But the Xi era has been marked by what Mao Zedong faced,” said writer that called for democracy, a free press Even without the Jinping’s fi rst years in offi ce, what many activists say has been an and activist Mo Zhixu, who is married and freedom of speech. The Trans-Pacifi c rights activists tried to remain unremitting squeeze on public dissent, to Zhao and is also a visiting scholar at In a bloody crackdown that led to an United States, the deal Dbuoyant despite shrinking including the government’s increasing Chung Cheng. unknown number of deaths — some Partnership was will span a market of opportunities to organise. control and censorship of cyberspace. Mo writes on Chinese politics as a foreign estimates put the numbers nearly 500mn people, They staged small-scale protests, China’s State Council Information member of the non-profi t Independent in the thousands — the Chinese thrown into limbo making it one of the switched messaging platforms to avoid Offi ce, which also speaks for the ruling Chinese PEN Center, which since authorities sent tanks and troops into world’s largest trade surveillance, supported the families and Communist Party, did not immediately its founding in 2001 has been an the square on June 4, 1989. early last year friends of those jailed, and pledged to respond to a faxed request for comment intellectual home for critics of China’s But even after Tiananmen there was agreements, according continue their rights work come what for this article. political system, including Nobel Peace hope for the activists. to CPTPP trade statistics. may. Delegates gathered at the Prize-winner Liu Xiaobo. China’s then paramount leader Deng The deal is expected to eliminate 98% of tariff s in the But a move to end presidential term parliamentary meeting in Beijing say Liu, who was president of the centre Xiaoping initiated economic reforms trans-pacifi c marketplace, and is worth more than $12tn. limits, enabling Xi to remain in offi ce scrapping the two-term presidential from 2003 to 2007, died of cancer last that set the stage for China’s decades indefi nitely, may well have slammed the limit is popular with ordinary Chinese year while in Chinese custody. of rapid growth that prompted many It is estimated that the net benefi t of CPTPP to all door shut on any hopes for a resurgence who are happy to have a leader of Xi’s In 2008, Liu and others wrote a campaigners to predict that growing its members from liberalisation of trade in goods and of grassroots activism and pressure for calibre. manifesto known as Charter 08, calling prosperity would spur political reform. services is roughly 0.3% of their combined GDP or democratic political reform. Rights lawyers, once among the most for China’s constitution to be rewritten Those expectations have been $37.3bn in the medium term. Today, delegates at the annual active and vocal groups of reformers to ensure liberal democracy and to thwarted under Xi. meeting of China’s largely rubber- in China, have faced what activist abolish one-party rule. Hu Jia, a prominent activist who The original 12-member agreement, known as the stamp parliament are expected to groups call a co-ordinated campaign of One activist inside China who is still was imprisoned in 2008 for three- Trans-Pacifi c Partnership (TPP), was thrown into limbo ratify the necessary constitutional repression under Xi. prepared to go public is Li Datong, a and-a-half years for subversion, said early last year when President Trump withdrew from the amendment to make Xi the most As an example, a day after the former editor at the state-run China Xi has been far more “ruthless” in deal three days after his inauguration. He said the move powerful Chinese leader since Mao announcement of term limits being Youth Daily who was fi red in 2006 his suppression of activists than the was aimed at protecting US jobs. Zedong, the founder of communist scrapped, central China’s Lengshuijiang after publishing article that pushed for previous two administrations, but that China. city justice bureau warned lawyers and greater civil liberties. activists should continue to take a stand Japan then led a scramble to keep the deal alive, with the “To say it’s a low period sounds too law-fi rms that a failure to “maintain He said news of term limits being — despite the consequences. hope of enticing the US to return at a later date. superfi cial. It will be more like a freeze, consistency” with the Communist abolished sparked outrage and anger in Hu says he remains under That agreement will become eff ective when at least six where not one inch of grass is born. A Party when speaking about the liberal chat groups online. surveillance and currently has been member nations have completed domestic procedures to barren period, for a very long time,” amendments to the constitution online “It’s not a policy change. It’s a change taken on an enforced “holiday” in said Zhao Sile, a mainland journalist could mean being disbarred, according of China’s political system — of the southern China by police minders — a ratify it, possibly before the end of the year. and activist who is a visiting scholar at to a letter circulated online. foundation of that system. To not speak regular occurrence for some dissidents The revised agreement eliminates some requirements of National Chung Cheng University in Reuters was unable to independently out would be to give tacit consent,” he made to leave the capital during big the original TPP demanded by US negotiators, including Taiwan, where she recently published verify the document’s authenticity. said. political meetings. rules to ramp up intellectual property protection of a book on social movements in China A number of rights lawyers have been “But under current government “I think that if everyone in China was pharmaceuticals. over the past two decades. disbarred by the authorities in recent pressure, resistance is like a loose pan of a coward, if everyone was spineless then A growing space for activism in the months for allegedly breaching rules sand. There can be no organised action, we’d still be living in the Qin dynasty,” Governments and activists of other member nations early 2000s, fuelled by social media and governing their behaviour. and each individual’s ability to protest he said, referring to the fi rst dynasty of worry the changes will raise the costs of medicine. a movement of liberal reformers in the Such crackdowns mean that fewer is limited.” Imperial China. The CPTPP, though large when compared to other such agreements, is not large enough to rewrite the rules of global trade, as the original TPP would have been. Yet, it is signifi cant for its potential. It is a high- standard trade agreement in one of the most economically diverse and dynamic regions of the world. Many analysts say Washington could rejoin the agreement, though it remains to be seen if the 11 signatories would accept possible US demands to reinstate some sticky provisions as far as the United States is concerned or if they would make the United States bend to their will. When President Trump pulled out of the TPP last January, the deal was widely panned as doomed. Yet now the deal is back. Far from being dead, the CPTPP perhaps signals a new chapter in global trade, one without the United States.

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Delegates at the annual meeting of China’s largely rubber-stamp parliament are expected to ratify the necessary constitutional amendment to make President Xi Jinping © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong, the founder of communist China. Gulf Times Sunday, March 11, 2018 23 COMMENT The people vs. democracy?

By Jan-Werner Mueller sometimes even personal profi t. After Once in power, populists like Orban Princeton all, polarisation is also big business, as have engaged in all-out cultural a quick look at the earnings of major warfare. In the name of “unifying fi gures on Fox News and talk radio can the nation,” they have divided their he election result in Italy, confi rm. societies, betting that, after getting where populists and far- Observers who claim that Europe is most media under their control, they right parties topped the now split between a liberal-democratic can manipulate public opinion to Tpolls, following the twin West and an East where deeply illiberal remain in power. disasters of Brexit in the United electorates have brought populists As in the US, the imperative is not Kingdom and Donald Trump’s election to power make the same mistake of to lament people’s authoritarian in the United States, seems certain explaining all political outcomes in tendencies, but to tackle the structural to harden a common liberal belief: terms of culture. They, too, attribute problems that have enabled populists the people brought these calamities authoritarian outcomes to what voters to do well. For example, not everything on themselves. “Ordinary citizens,” allegedly “really wanted.” populists say about those “left behind” according to this view, are so irrational But recall the crucial elections in is wrong; nor is it always a mistake to and ill-informed that they make Hungary in 2010 and Poland in 2015: suspect that parts of the state have terrible choices. Some go a step as my colleague Kim Lane Scheppele been captured by special interests. further and attribute to them coherent has pointed out, voters then did But these ground-level grievances preferences for anti-democratic exactly what democratic theory always need to be articulated and leaders. Indeed, a new book asserts told them they should do in a two- represented with the help of media that the problem is one of The People party system. In Hungary, a dismal and political parties. It is media and vs. Democracy. economic record and corruption party systems that are visibly failing in Such diagnoses are deeply mistaken. discredited the major left party, so it many countries and require systematic By focusing on individual citizens’ was time to vote for the other side. re-building. beliefs, they miss the structural In Poland, the centre-right Civic To be sure, more and better civic reasons for today’s threats to Platform had an excellent economic education also would help. Such democracy. As a result, they are also record but was widely perceived as education has been declining for bound to yield the wrong practical having become complacent after decades, because it does not easily lessons. If one really believes voters are many years in power. fi t curricula that rely heavily on incompetent or illiberal, the obvious In 2010, Viktor Orban did not standardised testing. If done properly, next step is to take even more decision- campaign on a promise to draft a new it is also very time-consuming and making power away from them. But, constitution, weaken checks and thus detracts from subjects that rather than retreating to technocracy, balances, and radically reduce media appear more useful in the short run, we should tackle the specifi c structural pluralism. Instead, he presented in the sense that they are supposed to problems that have aided the triumph himself as a competent mainstream contribute more directly to economic of populist politicians. Christian Democrat. In Poland, the success. Civic education can be crucial There is plenty of evidence that Law and Justice (PiS) party went in helping young people to manage citizens are not as well informed as Republicans who readily admitted that Trump was not qualified to be president voted for him anyway. out of its way to stress its character disagreements and recognise other democratic theory would like them as a reasonable conservative party citizens as legitimate opponents to be. Especially in the US, political authorities – politicians, journalists, about the legitimacy of the other side “European-style socialists” and other which simply wanted to provide more in democratic confl icts. Cultural scientists have repeatedly shown that or, God forbid, experts – can be ever get through. un-American abominations under any benefi ts to families with children. diff erences will not and should not a realistic view of the people diverges enough. Trump was not elected as the circumstances. Thus, Republicans who Many people remembered the dismal, disappear, but if the people themselves drastically from civics textbook The problem starts when citizens candidate of a grassroots movement readily admitted that Trump was not polarising performance of PiS leader have learned to live with them, wisdom. But elections are neither view every issue purely as a matter of globalisation’s angry white losers, qualifi ed to be president voted for him Jaroslaw Kaczynski as prime minister populists will not succeed in using citizenship tests nor exams in master’s of partisan identity, so that the but as the leader of an establishment anyway. from 2006 to 2007. But Kaczynski kept them as political weapons. – Project programmes in public administration. credibility of climate science, for party. Long before Trump, that party In the US, polarisation is not an out of the limelight, and let someone else Syndicate Voters do not need detailed knowledge example, depends on whether one is – and its cheerleaders in the right- objective refl ection of given cultural lead the government. Even today, he is and preferences on every policy a Republican or a Democrat. It gets wing media – had started to demonise diff erences; it has at least partly been nominally a simple member of the Sejm zJan-Werner Muller is a professor of question; broad orientations and the worse when partisan identity becomes its opponents and eff ectively told its a conscious elite project to divide the (parliament) – even if he controls the politics at Princeton University. His capacity to take cues from trusted so strong that no arguments from or followers that they could never opt for country for political advantage and administration from behind the scenes. latest book is What is Populism?

Can you go without your smartphone for 24 hours? Three-day forecast compelled to check them. What’s everyone in your household should write out the directions. You can TODAY By Catherine Price Maximum Temperature : 350c Los Angeles Times more, the eff ects of the Sabbath participate. Recruit a friend or post on always ask for directions from a real lingered for days, like a hangover that social media what you’ll be doing and person. Minimum Temperature : 220c felt good. invite others to join you. Keep a list. Pull out a pad of paper MONDAY y husband and I did an When I told other people Make plans. Schedule enjoyable and use it to take note of things you Maximum Temperature : 300c experiment several years about our experience, they were activities in advance. Make a coff ee want to do, buy or look up when your Minimum Temperature : 210c ago that sounds simple, intrigued, but also scared – which is date with a friend. Put a book you’ve 24-hour break is over. You may well TUESDAY but changed our lives. understandable given how integral been meaning to read on your coff ee fi nd that by the time you turn your Maximum Temperature : 300c M Minimum Temperature : 200c It began like this: As we sat down for our mobile connectivity has become table. Print out a recipe you want to phone back on, you no longer care. to our lives. The trick, I’ve realised, try. Dust off a musical instrument. If Still freaked out by the idea of dinner on a Friday night, I lighted a Fisherman's forecast candle, we each took a deep breath – is to prepare. your whole family is observing a digital phonelessness? While writing a and we turned our phones off . This Friday-Saturday is the break, pull out a board game or plan a book on how we can create healthier WARNING hike. relationships with our phones, I asked Inshore : Nil Not airplane mode. Not “Do Not National Day of Unplugging, an event Offshore : Expected strong wind Disturb.” All the way off . For the next organised by Reboot, a nonprofi t Set up autoreplies. The fear of 150 volunteers to try their own digital and high seas at first 24 hours. We completely disconnected that creates new ways for people to missing a text message keeps many break – then asked them afterwards WEATHER from screens, including phones, observe traditions such as a day off . of us tethered to our phones. The if they would recommend the Inshore : Misty at places at first becomes relatively hot tablets and computers. In honour of the occasion – and to solution is a text message auto- experience. The consensus? Defi nitely. daytime with scattered It was eye-opening. At fi rst, we had encourage you to participate – here are responder, saying you’ll reply the “It’s an amazing feeling,” wrote clouds to resist a constant urge to reach for my suggestions for how to make the next day. Do the same thing for one person. “I really expected there WIND Inshore : Northwesterly-North- our phones. But by the next morning, experience easier and more rewarding. your e-mail. Possibly change your would be a pull toward my phone, but easterly 5-15 KT we were surprised to notice our Set your rules. Are you just taking voicemail, too. there wasn’t,” wrote another. “It was attitudes beginning to shift – and a break from your phone? Or are you Use call forwarding. Go ahead freeing. I was liberated.” Offshrore : Southeasterly-North- easterly 5-15 KT our twitchiness beginning to fade. avoiding any Internet-enabled devices and send your smartphone calls to So go ahead – go dark for a day. If Without digital distractions, time with screens, including tablets, your landline, if you have one. My you can’t take it for more than two Visibility : 4-8 / 3 KM or less at seemed to slow down. Somehow, in smartwatches, laptops and desktop philosophy is that I’m taking a break hours – or two minutes – you can places at first SEA STATE just one day, we took a long walk, we computers. (I recommend the latter.) from screens, not from other human always turn your phone back on. Offshore : 1 - 3 FT at first, Falls from read and we cooked a nice meal. I felt Warn people. Tell your parents, beings. So I put no restriction on But you might be surprised by how 2-4 FT by night. more grounded, as if I were getting friends, roommates, boss or anyone landline calls – they represent live empowering it can be to power down. back in touch with a part of myself I else who’s likely to try to contact contact with people. zCatherine Price is the author of hadn’t realised was missing. you that you will be unplugged. This Get it in writing. Write down Around the region When the time came to turn our helps you prepare and holds you phone numbers of people you “How to Break Up With Your Phone: Weather phones back on, we did so somewhat accountable. might want to call. Also, if you’ll be The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Weather tomorrow Max/min reluctantly – and felt much less Get others on board. Ideally, navigating someplace new, print or Life.” today Max/min Baghdad P Cloudy 24/11 Sunny 26/12 Kuwait City M Sunny 28/18 Sunny 29/16 Manama M Sunny 28/21 P Cloudy 28/21 Muscat Sunny 30/23 Sunny 29/23 Live issues Tehran P Cloudy 19/09 M Sunny 19/08 Selfi es distort the face, plastic surgeons warn

By Carolyn Crist Similar formulas can be created Reuters Health for other facial features as well, Paskhover said. Men who want to emphasise a stronger chin or elfi es – or self-photographs – chiselled jaw, for instance, could can distort the face and make position the camera a certain way the nose look larger than it is, up close. Similarly, women who Around the world Saccording to plastic surgeons want to emphasise their eyes or Weather Weather who say they’ve seen an uptick in deemphasise their chin or forehead, today Max/min tomorrow Max/min requests for cosmetic procedures for instance, should tilt the camera Athens Sunny 20/12 P Cloudy 20/13 from people who want to look better to accommodate the distortion. Beirut P Cloudy 18/14 M Sunny 19/14 in selfi es. “Some people off er advice and tips Bangkok P Cloudy 33/24 M Sunny 34/25 “Patients under age 40 take out on these types of angles, just from Berlin P Cloudy 17/04 Rain 11/06 their phones and tell me they don’t taking thousands of pictures,” he said. Cairo Sunny 24/13 Sunny 26/14 like how they look,” said Dr Boris “Now there’s a model that can explain Cape Town P Cloudy 22/17 M Sunny 26/17 Paskhover of Rutgers New Jersey it.” Colombo S T Storm 32/26 S T Storms 31/26 Medical School in Newark. Dr Cemal Cingi of the Eskisehir Dhaka Sunny 35/21 M Sunny 35/22 “They literally show me a selfi e Osmangazi University in Turkey, Hong Kong P Cloudy 21/18 Sunny 22/19 of themselves and complain about who studies selfi es and rhinoplasty Istanbul P Cloudy 13/08 M Sunny 16/11 their noses,” he told Reuters Health trends but wasn’t involved with this Jakarta T Storm 31/25 T Storm 32/25 by phone. “I have to explain that I new research, told Reuters Health, “I Karachi Sunny 32/18 Sunny 32/19 understand they’re not happy but talk to patients about asymmetries London Rain 13/07 Rain 10/06 what they’re seeing is distorted.” before surgery and literally have them Manila P Cloudy 31/23 P Cloudy 32/23 According to a poll by the hold a mirror in their hands before we Moscow Cloudy -4/-11 Cloudy -2/-7 American Academy of Facial Plastic the face is such a short distance from males and 29 percent in females. At fi ve schedule a procedure.” New Delhi Sunny 33/17 Sunny 34/18 and Reconstructive Surgeons, 42% the camera lens. feet, however, the proportion of features “If camera phones continue to New York M Sunny 08/00 Cloudy 07/02 of surgeons have seen patients who In a recent study, they calculated is to real-life scale. improve, maybe it’ll become (possible) Paris Showers 17/09 Rain 12/07 want procedures to improve their distortion of facial features at diff erent “At that standard portrait distance for people to take photos a little Sao Paulo M Sunny 30/18 M Sunny 31/19 selfies and pictures on social media camera distances and angles. They of fi ve feet, everything evens off ,” farther off from the face,” he told Seoul Sunny 11/-1 P Cloudy 14/03 platforms. found that the perceived nasal width Paskhover said. “That’s a classic Reuters Health by phone. “That may Singapore T Storm 29/25 T Storm 29/24 Paskhover and colleagues explain in increased as the camera moved closer to portrait distance, which is fascinating. help people who are displeased with Sydney Sunny 26/16 P Cloudy 24/19 JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery that the the face. At 12 inches away, for instance, Photographers have known this for how their nose looks bigger in the Tokyo Cloudy 14/05 Clear 15/04 distortion happens in selfi es because selfi es increased nasal size by 30% in decades.” selfi es they take.” Gulf Times 24 Sunday, March 11, 2018 QATAR Second Aspire Kite Festival got more than 40,000 visitors

he second Aspire Inter- The winning Oscar Academy team. national Kite Festival at- Ttracted more than 40,000 This year marked the fi rst time for her eff orts in providing train- visitors, who enjoyed a wide that a team from Qatar had ever ing workshops for the team from range of technical feats show- taken part in a kite fl ying festival. Qatar last January. cased by some of the world’s best The team from Qatar com- The festival highlighted AZF’s professional kite fl yers. prised nationals and expatriates support for small businesses, The festival drew to a close and featured the youngest par- with a number of local compa- on Friday evening, capping a ticipants in the festival. nies promoting their products “unique spectacle and four re- In recognition of their eff orts and services to festival-goers. markable days of kite fl ying”, As- and involvement, the festival’s These included several Qatari pire Zone Foundation (AZF) said jury presented the team from small businesses serving a range of in a statement yesterday. Qatar with an Encouragement food and drink options, with food “For four days, the second As- Award, which was handed over and beverage sales at the festival pire International Kite Festival in by al-Suwaidi. amounting to more than QR1mn, Aspire Park proved to be a won- The Italian Kite Federation also the AZF statement added. derful and vibrant atmosphere. extended an invitation to the team A photography competition Visitors were able to enjoy from Qatar to participate in one of Participants pose with officials at the closing ceremony. running on social media was a hugely varied programme of AZF’s CEO Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi hands over the the largest international festivals launched to capture perspectives community events and activities, ‘Encouragement Award’ to the Qatar team. held in Italy, due to take place this creating environment-friendly with QR50,000, second-place of the festival through the eyes of off ering something for everyone year from April 20 to May 1. installations. winner Muaz Bin Jabal Inde- visitors and participants them- and people of all ages,” the state- success. This event has estab- sideration when planning next The jury was made up of a Another major success for the pendent School for Boys was selves. ment noted. lished the popularity of a new year’s third Aspire International number of renowned fi gures as- festival was the level of involve- awarded QR30,000, while third- Entrants took part by posting Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi, sport and fi xture in Qatar’s an- Kite Festival.” sociated with kite fl ying. ment of young students from place winner Halima Al-Saadeia their photographs online using chief executive offi cer of AZF, nual sporting calendar. Its suc- Eastern and Western cultures They included Italian painter, around the country who took Independent School for Girls the hashtag #AspireKiteFest. Kholoud Elhail, chairperson of cess provides further proof of came together to take part in this sculptor and theatre scenogra- part in kite-fl ying workshops that received a QR20,000 prize. All A panel of judges, including the Organising Committee of AZF’s capabilities and expertise year’s festival, represented by 102 pher Claudio Capelli, American were delivered by experts from winners were announced during representatives from the Qatar the festival, Ali al-Mahmoud, in hosting major international professional kite fl yers from 23 kite artist, painter, graphic de- the Singapore Kite Association. the festival’s closing ceremony. Photographic Society, will select head of Community Engagement sports and cultural activities.” countries. signer and aerial sculptor George More than 550 boys and girls from During the closing ceremony, the winners on March 21. at the Supreme Committee for Al-Hail added: “We’re very International teams taking part Peters, lifelong German kite art- 16 schools took part in these. AZF also honoured the acclaimed A poster competition also en- Delivery & Legacy and Abdulla happy with this year’s turnout in the event competed in four ist Franck Shwiemann, painter During the workshops, the Canadian kite fl ying coach, couraged youngsters to express Khalil al-Muhannadi, events and the growing levels of partici- award categories: Best Design and and former Canadian indoor students were given the opportu- Robert Trepainer, for providing their creative side. manager at Ooredoo Qatar took pation from local schools and in- Innovation Award, Biggest Kite cycling track champion Robert nity to design, decorate and build training workshops for 60 local Several hundred children aged part in the awards ceremony held ternational kite fl yers. This year’s Award, Longest Kite Award and Trepanier, Japanese garden de- their own kites and submitted schoolteachers back in Novem- 5-13 years took part by creating to recognise the winners and par- Aspire International Kite Festival the Best National Flag Award. signer Makoto Ohye, who has entries for an inter-school com- ber 2017 to prepare them for this illustrations of a kite in the skies ticipants of this year’s event. was so popular that people were Teams from China, France, Pa- devoted much of his life to de- petition held as part of the fes- year’s event. above Aspire Park. Commenting on the festival’s asking us on social media to ex- kistan and Mexico won each of veloping a culture of kite art in tival, giving them the chance to Singaporean coach Gadis Wid- Winners of the children’s success, al-Suwaidi said: “We’re tend it for one more day. This is these award categories, respec- his country, and French wind fan win prizes. iyati, from the Singapore Kite poster competition will also be very proud of this year’s huge something we’ll take into con- tively. artist Michel Gressier, famous for Oscar Academy won fi rst prize Association, was also recognised announced on March 21.