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U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tiller- son said Friday at a NATO meet- ing in Brussels that NATO’s work in Afghanistan remains critical and that his country is committed to supporting the Afghan forces. In what is seen as the first sign of support by U.S President Donald Trump’s administration in fighting terrorism in Afghanistan, Tillerson said: “The United States is committed to the Resolute Sup- port Mission and to our support Dr. Hameedullah Mohib, Afghanistan’s ambas- for Afghan forces. sador to the United States “NATO’s Train, Advise, And Assist mission is essential to our shared goal of ensuring that Af- ghanistan develops the capability to contribute to regional stability and prevail over terrorist threats, including al-Qaeda and ISIS (Daesh),” he said. He said the ongoing commit- ment of NATO Allies and part- ners to peace in Afghanistan, in- cluding to an eventual settlement er from Kabul, told today’s ses- between the Afghan government sion that acting officials were just and the Taliban, protects the Alli- passing their time and did nothing ance’s interests, and, when suc- Incompetent administration pre- cessful, ensures that Afghanistan vailed in offices run by acting offi- never again becomes a safe haven cials, a problem the government for terrorists. should resolve forthwith, she de- In response to this, Ministry manded. Semin Barakzi, a lawmak- of Defense spokesman Dawlat er from western Herat province, Waziri told TOLOnews that the also demanded an end to officials war in Afghanistan was not a civil working in acting capacity. “When war, but a war against terrorism. you visit an organization led by “In this war the U.S and its acting officials, no one will respond allies are vulnerable. If they don’t to you, this is not in the interest of help the Afghan army fight terror- people and the government, the ism, they will be affected – the government must introduce these war will reach their own coun- officials to the lower house for a tries.” He said: “It is good that vote of confidence,” she said. Some KABUL : Dr. Hameedullah Mo- ened considerably, and if not sup- they help Afghanistan fight this other lawmakers held similar hib, Afghanistan’s ambassador to ported by neighbouring Pakistan, war,” adding that “this is the first views. Mohammad Nazir Ah- the United States, claimed on Fri- they had no fighting strength, he sign of Donald Trump’s adminis- madzai, the second deputy speak- day the Afghan Taliban could not said, insisting the rebels were un- tration supporting the war in Af- er, said it was a matter of concern fight without support from Paki- able to fight against Afghan forces. ghanistan.” Tillerson told NATO that the acting culture continued. stan. The ambassador also met Af- allies that the U.S commitment to He also asked the government to Addressing a conference the ghanistan Combined Security NATO is strong and that the Alli- introduce the acting officials to the Afghanistan’s security at the Transition Command (ACSTC) ance remains the bedrock for trans- house for a vote of confidence. On Washington-based Institute of Chief Maj. Gen. Richard Kaiser, atlantic security. March 15, Wolesi Jirga speaker World Politics, he said it was time the embassy said in a statement. “Our bond remains essential Abdur Raouf Ibrahimi said that the to protect the basic values of civi- They discussed the problems and for facing national and internation- president had promised to intro- lization, as social development development of the Afghan secu- al security challenges in an increas- duce nominees for the vacant Cab- was under threat. rity sector. ingly unstable world. KABUL : Wolesi Jirga or lower officials’. The Cabinet seats fell munication and higher education in inet seats soon. The lower house Mohib, referring to Afghan- Kaiser praised the security “At the top of this list is de- house members on Saturday asked vacant on November 2 when the absentia. Currently, the ministries in 2015 approved the law on act- US relations, said sustained assis- forces and assured them, especial- feating ISIS (Daesh), which is a the government to introduce nom- lower house summoned 16 minis- of information and culture, mines ing officials, barring officials from tance and cooperation from Wash- ly the Afghan Air Force, of close threat to all member countries and inees for the vacant Cabinet port- ters and impeached the ministers and petroleum and border and tribal performing duty for more than two ington was important not only for coordination and cooperation. partners,” he said. folios as soon as possible, demand- of foreign affairs, labour, public affairs are headed by acting minis- months in acting capacity. the Afghans, but also crucial for Mohib urged the official to con- Tillerson went on to say the ing an end to the ‘culture of acting works, education, transport, com- ters. Gen. Nazifa Zaki, a lawmak- (Pajhwok) the protection of democracy in the tinue cooperating on strengthen- NATO alliance is also fundamen- region. The Taliban had been weak- ing the air force. (Pajhwok) tal to countering both non-violent, but at times violent, Russian agi- tation and Russian aggression. Optimistic He said the U.S is committed Tourism industry facing security to ensuring NATO has the capa- bilities to support collective de- challenges in Badakhshan fense. “We understand that a over threat against one of us is a threat Kabul : Badakhshan province with rock climbers usually visit it. Wild against all of us, and we will re- attractive tourism nature and wild and the rarest animals including spond accordingly. (Tolo News) security animals has, in the past, drawn at- snow leopard and Marco polo deer tention of tourists from the region are the most famous ones mostly and the world, is located in the north- living atop the high mountains, situation eastern part of the country. Pamir years ago and recently said to have 7 Samangan Mountain, entitled with ‘Roof of appeared in the areas, but the gen- the World’ is located in the ancient eration is feared to be cut due to villages cleared Editorial page 06 province, where thousands of tour- fragile security and illegal hunting of militants, ists each year even cragsmen and by irresponsible individuals. police claim 27 insurgents AIBAK : The security forces re- captured seven villages from the killed in Taliban militants during an ongo- ing operation in the Dara-i-Sauf Payeen district of northern Saman- military raids gan province, officials claimed on AT News Report Saturday. The district police chief, Abdullah Zafari, told Pajhwok Af- KABUL: At least 27militants were ghan News the offensive launched killed and 17 others were wound- late Friday and was still ongoing. ed in different operations launched Dadak, Daghak, Bayanan, Baba AT News Report the ministry. Pointing to nepotism by the military in the past 24 hours, Nazari, Tiwa Tash, Ahangaran and and corruption, he said that de- officials said Saturday. In a press Damsti villages have been cleared. KABUL: Second Vice President spite presence of hundreds of well- release issued here, Ministry of He said the rebels were on the Sarwar Danesh during introducing educated youths, people has been Defense (MoD), said that Afghan run, with one killed and two oth- of Narges Nehan as the caretaker employed with 12th degree or with National Army (ANA) with the ers wounded in overnight clashes for ministry of mines on Saturday, high ages in administrations. He cooperation of Afghan National with the security personnel. A said that National Unity Govern- said that nepotism and corruption Police (ANP) and National Direc- policeman was also wounded dur- ment has strong willing to deter is a prejudicial issue for Afghani- torate of Security (NDS) conduct- treacherous hands from mineral stan. Government wheel and pub- ed joint operations against insur- ing the firefight, the official added. gents in different areas of Kapisa, The security forces were advanc- mines across the country. lic administration must move He said that government will speedy with full transparency in Nangarhar, Laghman, Paktika, ing on Jamalak area and clashes Ghazni, Kandahar, Uruzgan, with militants were underway. struggle to cut hand of national trai- the country, he insisted. tors’ hand from minerals through Farah, Faryab, Kunduz and Hel- The governor’s spokesman, Afghanistan cannot relay over mand provinces.. The statement Mohammad Seddiq Azizi, recalled implementing reform policies. donation for ever, because depen- said that in these operations 27 in- 70 villages of the district had been Government will exert utmost dency to donation will pave the surgents were killed and 17 others purged of Taliban in September efforts to protect natural resourc- ground of impact of others in big were injured. Sixrebels were also 2016, but the militants reappeared es and lead the country toward a national policies, he noted. arrested and handed over to judi- after the offensive came to an end. balanced development in future, he Embarking toward develop- ciary organs for further investiga- He said the forces would retake all added. ment and self-reliance is the top tion. This joined operation of the villages and would not let insur- He stated that reform and agenda for National Unity Gov- Defense Security Forces was sup- gents return. Abdur Raouf, a resi- changes in mineral mine’s law, im- ernment, he claimed. porting by the artillery and air forc- his street in western part of Kabul city has been blocked by dent of the district, confirmed a plementing of reforms, establish- Extractingmineral mines es, added statement. ANAdiscov- policeman was wounded and sev- ing of skillful system and using of through a transparent process is ered and confiscated weapons and a member of parliament where his house is located. The en villages were cleared of mili- professional methods in hiring and the only way to reach to self-suf- ammunition in the operations as tants. (Pajhwok) contracts will on top agenda for ficiency, he underlined. well. blockade has created problems for residents of the area. SUNDAY . APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Rice up, sugar, flour, gold stan to their maiden ICC tourna- ment, the 2010 World T20: Mo- hammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Asghar Stanikzai, down in Kabul Shapoor Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran and Samiullah Shenwari. In the I- Over the course of the last month ing Afghanistan on the tour. Papua New Guinea and has includ- Young, Thompson and Stuart Cup win alone, they had several in Greater Noida, the performanc- Such explanations cheapen the ed defeats to UAE, Hong Kong, Poynter. Chase, McCarthy and examples of junior graduates on es of two Associate countries, so quality of Afghanistan's perfor- Netherlands, Scotland and Oman McBrine came through the 2012 display. Afsar Zazai, from the 2010 closely aligned over recent years, mance, which serves as a celebra- not to mention a winless home U-19 World Cup team captained junior squad, struck his maiden gave a window into what appears tion of their superb domestic de- record against Full Members. by Dockrell. But upstarts like century. Nasir Jamal, U-19 cap- to be a rapidly diverging set of fu- velopment structures. On the flip In other places, such a rot James Shannon, Tyrone Kane and tain in 2014, was the leading scor- ture paths. side, to excuse Ireland's poor per- would see players facing the se- Graeme McCarter have been brief- er in Afghanistan's four-day do- Afghanistan and Ireland have formance specifically in the I-Cup lection axe. But the same players ly tried and discarded. In the last mestic competition last year with been practically joined at the hip match and more broadly on the continue to make the XI in part five years, Ireland's juniors have 1184 runs at 84.57 and made a at the top of Associate cricket since entire tour as a temporary blip ig- because Ireland's domestic cup- been soundly outperformed in composed 73. Rashid Khan has 2010, their popularity surging af- nores their comparatively weak board has shown to be threadbare Europe by Scotland, failing to qual- been a constant thorn against Ire- ter coming of age in the social me- development system, one which and put little pressure on the es- ify for the 2014 U-19 World Cup land Associated Press In a year, dia era. But while Afghanistan have deserves to be put under the mi- tablished vets. It is hardly a good and only appearing at the 2016 Zahir Khan has gone from Plate taken on the staying power of Fa- croscope. sign for development that their best edition because Australia refused champion at the 2016 U-19 World cebook, with eight years in Divi- Since the 2011 World Cup, Ire- player in the I-Cup match, and one to send a team to Bangladesh. In Cup to Afghanistan's leading wick- sion One of the Associate ranks land's core batting order has been of the few to break past the core that small group of junior players et-taker in the I-Cup with 21 in leading Full Members and T20 more or less unchanged: William No. 1-6 spots since 2011, was 34- who have progressed to the senior four matches. Among other recent franchise leagues to send a grow- Porterfield and Paul Stirling at the year-old John Anderson. The two team, Stirling is the only genuine KABUL : The price of rice in- the same quantity of Pakistani sug- U-19 graduates, Najeeb Tarakai creased while that of sugar, flour ar for 2,400afs. ing number of friend requests and top, Ed Joyce at first drop, Gary Andys - Balbirnie and McBrine - matchwinner while Dockrell's one- showed his match-winning prom- status likes, Ireland's trajectory is Wilson and the O'Brien brothers have been two others to semi-reg- time mesmerising spin powers and gold edged down in the capital He sold a 16-litr tin of ghee for ise in the second T20I, left-arm Kabul during the outgoing week, 1,180afs, a 24.5kg sack of Paki- mirroring the early demise of in the middle. Only retirements - ularly pierce Ireland's marbleised have waned so precipitously that spinner Amir Hamza has been a MySpace. Trent Johnston, John Mooney, teamsheet in that stretch. he was cut loose by his county, market sources said on Saturday. stani rice for 1,850afs, a kilogram reliable weapon in limited overs Food Traders’ Union head, of green tea for 270afs and the Thursday's victory by Afghan- Alex Cusack - have forced changes Despite showing some prom- Somerset, in 2015. In contrast, cricket for several years, hard-hit- istan was their ninth over Ireland to their bowling unit today com- ise over the last 12 months, Barry Afghanistan's development sys- Fazal Rahman, told Pajhwok Af- same quantity of African black tea ting Najibullah Zadran is "Half ghan News that a 24.5 kilogram for 290afs -- higher than whole- in less than three months. It began pared to their 2011 lineup. Boyd McCarthy has been on a fast-bowl- tem is thriving. Their junior sides Man, Half Amazing", and Rashid with a group-stage win at the Rankin's temporary dalliance with ing selection merry-go-round with have qualified for every U-19 bag of Pakistani rice cost 1,700 sale prices. Khan is the envy of both Full afghanis, against last week’s 1,650 Fuel prices remained steady Desert T20, followed six days lat- England aside, he has been present Craig Young, Peter Chase and all- World Cup since 2010. After fin- Members for his legspin wizardry er by a humiliating 10-wicket for most of that time, as has rounder Stuart Thompson. Per- ishing in last place in New Zealand afghanis. this week. Abdul Hadi, a worker and Associates for his IPL pay- However, he said the price of at the Wazirabad Fuel Station, said trouncing in the tournament final. George Dockrell while Tim haps their most promising talent that year, they made it to the Plate check. The contrasting successes Given six-and-a-half weeks to lick Murtagh has been a regular since not in the XI for the I-Cup match, Final in 2012, finished in the top a 49kg bag of Pakistani sugar de- the cost of one litre of diesel stayed of the development structures are creased from 2,400 to 2,330afs and stable at 41afs and the same their wounds, Ireland fared little stepping on board in 2012. legspinner Jacob Mulder, played half of their group to reach the issues beneath the surface of the better on their tour to Greater "For all Ireland's success since most of his developmental cricket knockout stage in 2014 and won a 50kg sack of Kazakhstani flour amount of petrol at 44afs. present day squads though. The from 1,160afs to 1,150afs. The Ahmad Javed, a gas seller in Noida: a 3-0 T20 sweep, two more that seminal World Cup win over in Perth before migrating to Ire- the Plate Championship in 2016. argument put forth in defence of losses to start the five-match ODI Pakistan in 2007, the lack of youth land in 2013. For all the success Along the way, the Afghan juniors rates of other food items remain the Sixth Taimani Road area, said Ireland's performance against Af- unchanged. the price of a kilogram of gas stood series eventually claimed in the talent coming through in the de- Ireland have had at the senior level have recorded World Cup wins ghanistan by those wearing emer- decider by Afghanistan, and then cade since is lamentable" since that seminal World Cup win against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Aus- Rahman said a 16 litres tin of at 47afs. The price of gold dipped. ald-tinted glasses was that Afghan- Khurshid ghee was pticed at Mohammad Fawad, a jeweller the Intercontinental Cup nadir by Uncanny stability in team se- over Pakistan in 2007, the lack of tralia and New Zealand. That istan seized "home" conditions in an innings and 172 runs. lection was a key reason for Ire- youth talent coming through in the doesn't include a 214-run bilateral 1,100afs, the same price as last in Timor Shahi area, said the price India and that a sterner challenge week’s. of one gram of Arabian gold de- After being the best in the As- land's ability to sustain their sta- decade since to push for selection beatdown of Pakistan U-19s in would have been laid out for them sociate world for the better part of tus as the premier Associate while is lamentable. A brief bump was 2014. On the same day that the Haji Rahmatullah, a tea dealer creased from 2,300afs to 2,250afs at Malahide or Stormont, especial- in Kabul Mandavi, said a kilogram and the same quantity of the Rus- a decade, Ireland's recent decline constantly nipping at the heels of evident in the initial five years that seniors clinched their I-Cup win ly with a healthy Rankin and Kevin has been startling but not altogeth- Full Members in global tourna- followed. The 2009 junior team over Ireland, Afghanistan's A side of Madina green tea cost 240afs sia variety from 1,850afs to O'Brien back in the lineup. This and the same amount of African 1,800afs. According to the mon- er surprising when scratching be- ments. However, that stability has captained by Balbirnie that won beat India U-23s in Bangladesh, ignores Afghanistan's superior skill neath the surface. A defence for turned into staleness and has led the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifi- leapfrogging them into a semi-fi- black tea 260afs, the same rates as eychangers’ union in Sara-i- across all departments and suggests last week’s. Shahzada, one US dollar account- Ireland was laid out during the to an increasing number of losses er in Toronto and lost the Plate nal against Pakistan U-23s. Of the a revisionist history of Ireland's worldwide broadcast, and else- to varied opposition since the 2015 Final to Bangladesh at the 2010 T20, ODI and I-Cup squads that Ahmad Sharif who owns a ed for 67.55afs and 1,000 Pakistani recent home record, including a 2- grocery store in Taimani neighbor- rupees for 628afs against last where in print and social media, World Cup. It began at home in U-19 World Cup in New Zealand defeated Ireland, six players remain 2 draw against Afghanistan. mainly tied to conditions favour- the 2015 World T20 Qualifier to also featured Stirling, Dockrell, from the group that took Afghani- hood, said a 49kg bag of Kazakh- week's rates of 67.70afs and (ESPN) stani flour sold for 1,250afs and 628afs. (Pajhwok)

ISLAMICREPUBLICOFAFGHANISTAN MINISTRYOFENERGY&WATER Project Coordination Unit Irrigation Restoration and Development Project Grant No: H-681-AF NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING (NCB) No:IRDP/HQ/IFB/Goods/400/G-048 Date 02 April, 2017 Invitation for Bids (IFB)

1. This Invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared in Development Business, issue no. “WB-2029-616/03” of September 29, 2003 2. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Energy & Water has received agrant from theInternational Development Associationtoward the cost of Irrigation Restoration and Development Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this “grant” to payments under the Contracts forthe Procurement of 51 Laptops ,15 printers and 4 copiers for Hydrology (G-048) under 2 lots as given in para 3 below: 3.The Ministry of Energy & Water, Project Coordination Unit now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Procurement of 50 Laptops ,15 printers and 4 copiers for Hydrology (G-048) in following 2 lots as under: Lot-1 Laptop Computer - Quantity: — 51 Nos. Lot-2 (i) Black-and-White All-in-One Printer -Specifications Quantity: 11 Nos. (ii) Color All-in-One Printer -Specifications Quantity: 4 Nos. (iii) CopiersQuantity: 4 Nos, The bidders, at their option, may bid for one or both lots. Each lot will be evaluated separately and the contracts will be awarded accordingly. Prices quoted for each lot shall correspond to all the items and 100 percent of the quantities of each item specified for each lot. 4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Procurement under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits- January 2011, and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines. 5. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Eng. Nasir Ahmad Ahadi( Email Add: [email protected]), Acting Director of PCU and Procurement Officer, Project Coordination Unit, Ministry of Energy & Water Compound, DarulAman Road, Kabul Afghanistanand inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 to 16:00 Hrs from Saturday to Wednesdayand up to 13:00 hours on Thursday. 6. Qualifications requirements include: (a) Financial Capability The Bidder shall furnish documentary evidence that it meets the following financial requirement(s): · The Bidders shall furnish documentary evidence of their financial standing to demonstrate that they are financially capable of executing the order. Alternatively, Bidders shall include a letter from a reputed bank indicating their financial status which will indicate their ability to perform the contract of the magnitude equivalent to the quoted price (a) Experience and Technical Capacity i) The bidder shall be either manufacturer of the equipments or a duly authorized dealer/distributor/partner/channel partner/agent or bidder may produce valid Manufacture’s authorization as per ITB 19.1 (a). Manufacture’s authorization obtained from a dealer is not acceptable.However, if total number of qualified bidders is less than 3, Manufacturer’s Authorization obtained from a regional/country distributor may be considered on its merits. (ii)Bidders must provide evidence of having executed at least one contract of supply of similar Equipments with similar or larger magnitude within the period of last five years. (iii) Spares Part and after sales services must be available in Afghanistan or confirm that the bidder will establish the above services within 30 days of notification of award. 7.0 All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Securing as indicated below valid for at least 88 days after deadline date of bid submission. Lot Item Description Bid Security in Number Afghani

Lot-1 Laptop Computer - Quantity: -- 51 Nos. 12,000 Lot-2 (i) Black-and-White All-in-One Printer - 80,000 Specifications Quantity: 11 Nos. (ii) Color All-in-One Printer -Specifications Quantity: 4 Nos. (iii)CopiersQuantity: 4 Nos.

8. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be obtained by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application (or a request through email). The Bidding Documents shall be collected by the bidders from the address below or if requested, will be sent to them through email.

9. The bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 10 AMAfghanistan time on 03 May, 2017(if the submission date was announced an official holiday, then bids must be submitted next working day at the same time and venue). Electronic bidding shall not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened physically in the presence of the bidders’ representatives, who choose to attend in person at the address below at 10 AMAfghanistan time on 03 May, 2017. The address referred to above is:

Eng. Nasir Ahmad Ahadi, Acting Director of PCU and Procurement Officer Procurement Unit, 2nd Floor, Project Coordination Unit, Ministry of Energy and Water, DarulAman Road, Kabul, Afghanistan Mobile :0093 (0) 700686110 Electronic mail address: [email protected], SUNDAY . APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Education is national process should not politicized Kabul : An international confer- ence under the title of Safe Schools to be hold in Buenos Aires the cap- ital of Argentine where using schools as military base and attacks on educational institutes will as- Although Shen Heting’s expulsion from the party was not related to Afghan project, mining has not begun a decade after rights were agreed to sess. BNA reporter reporting the The disgrace last week of the busi- issue writes, the high-ranking del- EMERGENCY nessman who won a deal in 2007 egates from 60 countries will at- for China to develop a copper tend the conference. CALLS mine in Afghanistan, which was the The participants of the con- largest foreign investment deal in ference will discuss the ways for Police the war-torn country at the time, providing the ground for protect- has highlighted the lack of progress ing schools in safety of students on the project over a decade. in insecure areas. Currently, 21 100 - 119 Shen Heting, the former gen- countries across the world have eral manager of the China Metal- been determined where the educa- lurgical Group Corp (MCC), a tion process has challenged. Af- Hospitals state-owned company, was ex- ghanistan is one of those vulnera- pelled from the Communist Party ble countries. Without doubt, the FMIC Hospital for corruption at home, according current situation of education in Behind Kabul Medical to a notice from China’s State- Afghanistan will be one of the crit- owned Asset Supervision and Ad- ical issues to be discussing in Blue- University: ministration Commission, Beijing’s nose Aires Conference. It should 0202500200-+93793275595 state assets watchdog. Being ex- be note that currently more than pelled from the party is a de facto one thousand schools closed due political death sentence for a state to insecurity reasons. The schools Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital company executive. used as base by either Afghan se- Pule Bagh-e- Umomi Shen’s downfall wasn’t relat- curity forces or opposition armed 070263672 ed to China’s controversial Mes forces. In addition, armed Taliban Aynak copper mine, but the fail- use the schools and public institu- ure of Shen’s consortium to profit tions as human shield and prevent Khairkhana Hospital from the headline-grabbing deal the students especially girls to go over the last decade exposes pit- to school. 0799-321007 falls in Beijing’s state-backed strat- Zabul, Helmand, Kunduz, 2401352 egy of investing abroad to obtain Faryab and Sheendand district, resources and influence. Herat province are the provinces A poster advertises the docu- where most of the closes schools Indira Gandhi Children mentary Saving Mes Aynak. Pho- located. The closures of the schools to: Handout there are due their closeness to the Hospital, Wazir Akbar The deal was deadlocked by battlefronts or used as military Khan, Kabul 2301372 multiple issues including China’s bases. Recently the education au- concern at security problems in the thorities of Kunduz have said that war-torn country and a refusal by Taliban did not let the girls to con- Ibn-e- Seena the Afghan government so far to tinue their studies after sixth grade. renegotiate the contract terms in 30 years to extract, smelt and pro- Shen and Afghanistan’s then by an official notice from the Chi- who are working on the site to pre- They forced the girls to stay home Pul-e-Artan, Kabul line with difficulties obtaining cess raw copper at Mes Aynak, minerals and finance ministers at- nese embassy posted in July 2009. serve as many historical relics as and avoid going school. In Farah 2100359 some necessary mining materials for a price of US$4 billion, report- tended a signing ceremony in Kab- Shen met Karzai again in 2012 at possible. He added that the Chi- province, Taliban have warned the inside the country. In addition, lo- ed at the time to be $3 billion. It ul in April 2008. At a groundbreak- the Presidential Palace in Kabul to nese company had increased its students of five girls’ school in cal residents, archaeologists and was China’s largest-ever foreign ing ceremony at the mine in July discuss the project, which had fall- influence over the site despite no Farah city not to attend the schools, Wazir Akbar Khan environmentalists worldwide have investment deal and sparked talk 2009, Shen was the star of the en behind schedule. mining having yet begun. because there are skeletons in lab- Hospital strongly resisted the mining project of Beijing making profits in the event, sporting a white turban and Shen, who by then held the Archaeologists at the Mes oratories of the schools. This un- as last ditch efforts are made to region while Western countries, led a chapan, the traditional Afghan position of party general secretary Aynak excavations are trying to reasonable enforced in other prov- 2301741, 2301743 unearth and preserve the site and by the United States, fought tough coat, as seen in pictures on the of MCC,resigned from the com- document and preserve as many inces where armed oppositions its treasure trove of Buddhist arte- battles against Taliban insurgents. website of the Chinese embassy pany in 2014, also ending his role relics as possible. Photo: Getty exercise power one way or anoth- facts. China plans to destroy an- Shen Heting of MCC meets in Afghanistan. in the consortium. Images er. Presently, 3.7 million students Ali Abad cient Buddhist city to get copper Afghan President Hamid Karzai at Back in Kabul, Shen held talks Brent Huffman, the director of “MCC has relocated and de- mostly girls deprived from going Shahrara, Kabul bonanza the Presidential Palace in Kabul on with then Afghan president Hamid Saving Mes Aynak, said delays in molished six villages, built several schools in Afghanistan. A multi-award winning 2014 October 18, 2012. Photo: Hand- Karzai, who congratulated Shen on the mining project had bought compounds ... roads, power sta- According to the authorities of 2100439 documentary about the site, Sav- out the project, according to a report some time for local archaeologists tions, sewers,” Huffman said. Ministry of Education, the num- ing Mes Aynak, follows a race The Afghan deal Shen sealed a ber of students and schools under “against time” to save the 5,000- decade ago continues to test Chi- the threat is high, and the two sides Malalai Maternity year-old archaeological site from na’s capabilities in managing com- of the conflict use schools as Hospital the demolition pit mining would trenches and cause the closure of plex projects beyond its borders. 2201377/ 2301743 cause, and gained the project in- Last September, China an- them. They have repeatedly asked ternational attention and notoriety. nounced the completion of a cargo the two sides of the conflict in The stalled project about 25 train service infrastructure that Afghanistan to respect the schools Banks miles southeast of Kabul is a re- linked with northern Afghanistan as academic and educational organ minder of possible risks for Chi- to trade mechanical equipment, and not for use them for political Da Afghanistan Bank nese investment abroad as Presi- information technology products and military purposes. Unfortu- dent Xi Jinping promotes the “One and clothes from China for some nately, still have not received any 2100302, 2100303 Belt, One Road” initiative to ex- of Afghanistan’s natural resourc- reasonable answer and they use pand Chinese influence in more es, including oil and copperfrom schools as military headquarters or Bakhtar Bank than 60 Eurasian countries via trade the mining project. However, Af- security bases as before. The Af- and investment. One of many ar- ghan business news portal Wad- ghans hope, the participants of this 0776777000 chaeological sites found at Mes sam reported on March 3 that no international conference hold in Azizi Bank Aynak. Photo: Handout train has run on the line since it Argentina, under the title of Safe “What is happening with the was completed six months ago. schools, extensively discuss the 0799 700900 Chinese investment in Afghanistan problem and find the practical way “It is more of a symbol for Pashtany Bank shows that the future of some of China to show that it is still eager for solution of this spiritually fa- China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ to include Afghanistan in its One tal problem, the Afghan people 2102908, 2103868 projects is not a straight path,” said Belt One Road project,” Wang said. suffer the most. (BNA) Wang Lian, a professor at the De- partment of International Politics Air Services at Peking University. As war in Afghanistan drags “Countries with internal secu- Safi Airways rity problems like Afghanistan are likely to lag behind more on coop- on, Russia resurrects interest 020 22 22 222 eration with China than some oth- WASHINGTON: As America’s can expand its own influence and ers,” Wang said. effort to end 16 years of war in freedom to pursue its own inter- Ariana Taking the initiative: China Afghanistan yields little progress, ests, and undermine U.S. alliances pushes ahead with strategy to es- Russia is resurrecting its own in- and partnerships.” 020-2100270 tablish One belt, One Road terest in the “graveyard of em- Although Washington is sitting “China can manage its corrupt pires.” The jockeying includes en- out the upcoming Moscow con- Kam Air personnel and improve the man- gaging the Taliban and leading a new ference, officials said the State agement of state companies, but diplomatic effort to tackle Afghan- Department still wants to work 0799974422 there is nothing much it can do istan’s future, with or without U.S. with Russia and others to encour- about its partners’ internal con- MAHMOOD RAQI : Kapisa News the public representative rity guards, according to the dis- support. age Afghan peace talks. But it is Hotels flicts, because China has always Provincial Council Secretary Mo- came under attack in his native vil- trict chief. Provincial Council Uncertain of Moscow’s inten- trying to get Russia and others to adopted a non-interference ap- hammad Zaman Mubarez was lage of Pul-i-Ishq village in Kham Chairman Mohammad Sanjani con- tions, the Trump administration increase pressure on the Taliban, Safi Landmark proach,” he added. killed in an explosion in Kohistan- Zargar area. Mubarez was killed firmed the incident, saying the will stay away when Russia hosts said officials who weren’t autho- In 2007, Shen’s MCC and an- 1 district on Saturday. in the blast that resulted from a bomb exploded when Mubarez regional powers China, India, Iran rized to speak publicly on the di- 020-2203131 other state-owned company, Abdul Fatah Shafiq, the dis- war-era explosive device, which went into sajdah (prostration) dur- and Pakistan, and several Central plomacy and requested anonymi- Jiangxi Copper, won the rights for trict chief, told Pajhwok Afghan slightly wounded two of his secu- ing the prayers. (Pajhwok) Asian countries, for another set of ty. SERENA Afghan talks next month. Afghan- Secretary of State Rex Tiller- istan’s government is attending, son will discuss the matter in Rus- 0799654000 but the U.S. declined an invitation, sia’s capital next month. saying it wasn’t consulted ahead President Vladimir Putin’s New Rumi Restaurant of time. No one has invited the government is an unlikely peace Taliban. For Russia, dogged by broker in Afghanistan, but the Af- 0776351347 memories of the Soviet Union’s di- ghans are grappling with great un- sastrous 1980s occupation of Af- certainty. Internet Services ghanistan, it’s a surprising turn at They’re waiting to see if Wash- the head of the country’s prover- ington sends more troops — as UA Telecom bial peace table. And it coincides Gen. John Nicholson, top U.S. 0796701701 / 0796702702 with the Kremlin’s campaign to military commander in Afghani- wield greater international author- stan, advocates — or adjusts strat- ity at the U.S.’ expense elsewhere, egy amid increased Taliban attacks Exchange Rate including intervening in Syria’s war and Afghan military setbacks. In and pushing for a settlement on the past year, insurgents have Purchase: President Bashar Assad’s and its sought to overrun several provin- own terms. Moscow even has cial capitals. Last week, they cap- One US$ = sought to broker new Israeli-Pal- tured a southern district in Hel- 66.75Afs estinian negotiations, challenging mand province, which American Washington’s grip on the Mideast and British troops fought bitterly One Pound Sterling= peace process. to give to the government. The U.S. 80.87Afs For the United States, the new maintains 8,400 troops in Afghan- One Euro = Russian foray into Afghanistan istan, training local forces and con- may represent another worrying ducting counterterrorism opera- 70.05Afs consequence of a perceived Amer- tions. Moscow denies providing 1000 Pak Rs = ican retrenchment. The perception material support to the Taliban, 611Afs has intensified overseas as Presi- which ruled Afghanistan until the dent Donald Trump formulates U.S.-led invasion in 2001. Russia Sale: new policy. Since taking office, he says contacts are limited to safe- One US$ = has scarcely mentioned Afghani- guarding security and getting the 68.30 Afs stan, the U.S. military’s largest hardline religious fundamentalists deployment in a war zone. to reconcile with the government One Pound Sterling= “Russia sees a gap and is try- — which Washington has failed for 81.67Afs ing to fill it,” said Jonah Blank, a years to advance. Russia also has One Euro= South Asia expert at the RAND promoted easing global sanctions 72.50 Afs Corp. “It’s looking around for op- on Taliban leaders who prove co- portunities, for any place where it operative. (.DENVERPOST) 1000 Pak Rs= 631 SUNDAY . APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Eye on Pakistan: India could jettison no-first- use of nukes India may be reinterpreting its nu- clear weapons doctrine, circum- stantial evidence suggests, with potentially significant ramifica- tions for the already tenuous nu- clear balance in South Asia. New assessments suggest In- Three militants, including a wom- dia is considering allowing for pre- an, were found dead by Bangladesh emptive nuclear strikes against security forces on?Saturday when Pakistan’s arsenal in the event of a they stormed their hideout, end- war. This would not formally ing a two-day stand off with Is- change India’s nuclear doctrine, lamist militants in a northeastern which bars it from launching a first city amid a massive nationwide strike, but would loosen its inter- clampdown on militants. pretation to deem pre-emptive Announcing the end of the strikes as defensive. “Operation Maximums” at the Is- It would also change India’s lamist militants hideout in Moul- likely targets, in the event of a war, vibazar town’s Borohat area, to make a nuclear exchange more counter-terrorism Unit chief winnable and, therefore, more Monirul Islam told media that bod- thinkable. ies of two men and a woman were Analysts' assessments, based found inside the duplex house. on recent statements by senior In- “We found three bodies in- dian officials, are necessarily spec- cluding that of a woman as we en- ulative. States with nuclear weap- tered the den today,” Islam said, ons often leave ambiguity in their adding the militants had set up ex- doctrines to prevent adversaries plosives at different spots in the from exploiting gaps in their pro- building. scriptions and to preserve flexibil- “Our intension was to capture ity. But signs of a strategic adjust- them alive and therefore we repeat- ment in India are mounting. edly called them to surrender but This comes against a backdrop they defied...attacked us back lives while the assaults killed 15 elite anti-crime Rapid Action Bat- confirm the exact casualty figure of long-simmering tensions be- throwing grenades and blasting militants and their children. talion (RAB) succumbed to his (though) we assume they are sev- tween India and Pakistan — in- bombs whenever our SWAT mem- Neo-JMB was behind the July wounds two days ago. en or eight in number.” cluding over state-sponsored ter- bers tried to approach them,” he 1 terror attack on a Dhaka cafe that A day after the end of the In Comilla, after three days of rorism and the disputed territory Hours after the military tweeted respond to this in detail, the head- said. Police’s elite Special Weap- killed 22 people, including 17 for- Operation Twilight led by an army security siege, police found it to of Jammu and Kashmir — which about a meeting between the two, lines will be dominated by this and ons and Tactics (SWAT) yester- eigners. major general in Sylhet, police si- be a big cache of explosives stored have already led to several wars, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman no one will talk about climate day launched the second subse- The first security assault was multaneously raided three other by the militants but none was the most recent in 1999. Imran Khan said on Saturday that change." 'KP government has a quent raid at the hideout in Moul- launched in northeastern Sylhet neo-JMB hideouts, two in neigh- found there to be encountered. The new interpretation would Army Chief General Qamar Javed hands-on approach against climate vibazar town, a day after wrap- where authorities called out army bouring Moulvibazar and one in Bangladesh has been witnessing a be a significant shift in India's pos- Bajwa "stands by democracy". change' ping up their “Operation Hit Back” commandos. Four Islamists includ- central Comilla district. spate of attacks on secular activ- ture that could have far-reaching He was speaking at an event “I am happy that the Khyber at another den nearby when a fam- ing Neo-JMB chief Musa were Police’s Operation Hit Back ists, foreigners and religious minor- implications in the region, even if about PTI's Billion Tree Tsunami Pukhtunkhawa government has ily of eight, including children, killed during the five-day security saw two militant couples blowing ities since 2013. The country war never comes. Pakistan could project. taken up this momentous task of blew themselves up in a suicide siege which military called ‘Oper- themselves up along with four mi- launched a massive crackdown on feel compelled to expand its arse- "The only thing I would like dealing with climate change and has blast amidst the security siege. ation Twilight’. nor children, staging a suicide blast militants specially after the Dha- nal to better survive a pre-emp- to say about the meeting is that taken a hands-on approach to- Security forces in the past 10 As the siege was underway, at a den on the outskirts of Moul- ka cafe attack. IS has claimed sev- tive strike, in turn setting off an the good news is that the army wards it,” Mr Khan said while dis- days have witnessed four major fellow militants from outside vibazar town. eral attacks in Bangladesh, but the Indian buildup. chief stands by democracy," Mr cussing the measures KP govern- anti-militancy assaults against Is- launched two retaliatory clandes- Islam at that time said the sui- government rejects the presence of This would be more than an Khan said. ment is taking to protect its for- lamic-State inclined Neo-Jamaatul tine attacks killing six people in- cide blast was so severe that it tore foreign terrorist groups in the mod- arms race, said Vipin Narang, a Social media was abuzz last ests from the timber mafia. Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo- cluding two policemen and wound- into pieces the dead, making it dif- erate Muslim-majority country, Massachusetts Institute of Tech- night after Director General Inter- Discussing the billion-tree JMB) in which seven people in- ing 50 others near the scene. ficult to ascertain exactly how blaming home-grown groups such nology professor who studies nu- Services Public Relations Major project Mr Khan said, "I know it cluding an army lieutenant colonel An army officer who was serv- many people were inside and only as the neo-JMB for terrorist at- clear powers. General Asif Ghafoor tweeted is hard to trust our statistics after and two police inspectors lost their ing a the intelligence wing chief of “the forensic examinations could tacks. (HINDUSTANTIMES) "It's very scary because all the about the meeting saying: the government regularly lies to 'first-strike instability' stuff is Many Twitter users interpret- you, but I can assure you the real," Narang said, referring to a ed the news of the meeting as hav- project will end by the end of 2017 India to dynamic in which two nuclear ad- ing a greater meaning while the and one billion trees will have been New Islamabad airport to versaries both perceive a strong country awaits the Supreme prated by that time." support incentive to use their warheads Court's verdict in the high-profile Discussing the impact of cli- first in a war. This is thought to Panama Papers case embroiling the mate change Mr Khan said that be named Xi Jinping airport make nuclear conflict more likely. family of Prime Minister Nawaz Pakistan has remained oblivious to resistance to Hidden in Plain Sight Sharif. this threat for a long time and the As relations between China and Hints of a high-level Indian While some dubbed the devel- project, in the long run, will have a Pakistan continue to grow stron- protectionism debate over the nuclear doctrine opment as a "silent message", oth- positive impact on the generations ger, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif mounted with a recent memoir by ers questioned the capacity in to come. has decided to honour the Chinese at G20 meet Shivshankar Menon, India’s na- which Mr. Khan met the head of The Billion Tree Tsunami in- president by naming the new Is- tional security adviser from 2011- the military. volves adding trees both by plant- lamabad airport after him. 14. "There is a potential grey area While the ISPR provided no ing and natural regeneration all over “The new Islamabad airport Despite a formal statement by the as to when India would use nucle- details about it, PTI's media cell KP. It aims to turn around defor- will be named after Chinese Presi- world’s largest economies being ar weapons first" against a nucle- said the hour-long meeting focused estation and increase the province's dent Xi Jinping,” sources privy to silent on concerns over protection- ar-armed adversary, Menon wrote. on national integrity and security, forested area by at least 2pc. Years the development told The Express ist measures, India — which was a India, he added, “might find it part of the G20 Finance Ministers useful to strike first” against an said PTI's media cell. Discussions of tree felling have reduced Paki- Tribune. The airport will now be multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan nership between India and the were also held on conditions pre- stan's forests to under 2pc of its called Xi Jinping airport, he add- and Central Bank Governors adversary that appeared poised to Economic Corridor (CPEC), the United States. “Party leaders be- Meeting on March 17-18 — said launch or that "had declared it vailing in the region. land area, one of the lowest levels ed. The decision came during a premier has decided to honour the lieve that naming Islamabad airport The army chief and the PTI in the region, according to a 2015 high-level meeting of Pakistan Friday that it strongly supported would certainly use its weapons" Chinese president,” the source fur- after the Chinese president is a ‘resistance’ to all forms of protec- — most likely a veiled reference chairman also discussed repatria- UN Food and Agriculture Organi- Muslim League-Nawaz leaders in ther said. Pakistan and China have great gesture,” the party leader fur- tion of Afghan refugees and the sation report. About 40pc of the Islamabad. tionism. to Pakistan. inked a $57 billion project involv- ther said. The new Islamabad Air- “India strongly supports re- Narang presented the quota- recent wave of terror attacks, add- country's remaining forests are in New Islamabad airport to be ing energy, road and rail infrastruc- port in Islamabad will be ready for ed the political party's media cell. KP and in preparation for the re- ready by late July, PM told sistance to all forms of protection- tions, along with his interpretation, ture. operations by late July. The facil- ism, and is fully with Germany in Washington last week, during a Although the event was held forestation effort, the provincial The decision has been taken The premier has taken the de- ity will then be inaugurated by the to discuss his party's climate government helped set up a net- to cement and further strengthen (which is holding the G20 Presi- major nuclear policy conference cision after consultation with se- prime minister on August 14. “The dency) on measures to open up hosted by the Carnegie Endow- change initiative, Mr Khan was work of tree nurseries across the Pak-China ties, the source added. nior party leaders, a senior party Chinese president and his wife will promptly asked a question about province in 2016, providing loans “To celebrate 66 years of friend- trade in goods and services,” said ment for International Peace. leader added. The decision comes also be invited to the inauguration Jayant Narlikar, Deputy Secre- "There is increasing evidence his meeting yesterday. He re- and purchase agreements for tree ship between the two countries and as Pakistan has voiced serious con- ceremony,” the source said. sponded saying with a smile, "If I saplings. (DAWN) as a token of appreciation for the tary, Finance Ministry and a mem- that India will not allow Pakistan cerns over growing strategic part- (TRIBUNE) ber of the G20 India Secretariat, at to go first," he told a gathering of an event organised by the German international government officials Embassy. and policy experts. Meanwhile, Andreas Lux, Menon’s book, he said, "clear- Nepal-India Head of G20 Presidency team (glo- ly carves out an exception for pre- Growing military bal economy / framework for emptive Indian first use in the very growth), German Federal Minis- scenario that is most likely to oc- relations try of Finance, said the failure to cur in South Asia." incorporate the sentence — “we The passage alone does not unique - cooperation reflects will resist all forms of protection- prove a policy shift. But in con- ism” — in the March 17-18 meet- text alongside other developments, ing communique was a “major set- it suggests either that India has Ambassador back for us (Germany) and India.” quietly widened its strategic op- A communique issued at an tions or that officials are hoping to reconciliation progress-US earlier meeting in 2016 had includ- to India stir up just enough ambiguity to ed that phrase. Reports had said deter its adversaries. The United States said that grow- manding officer of the USS Com- disaster relief training; and amphib- in Ratmalana. “We are grateful to the phrase was dropped from the After Narang's presentation Upadhyay ing military-to-military coopera- stock. Approximately 325 U.S. ious vehicle familiarization. Dur- all of the Sailors and Marines for March communique as it did not generated attention in the South KATHMANDU: Nepal's Ambas- tion between the US and Sri Lanka Sailors and Marines joined 175 par- ing the visit, the Sailors and Ma- spending a few days helping hear- receive U.S. support. U.S. Trea- Asian news media, Menon told an sador to India Deep Kumar Up- reflects the progress Sri Lanka has ticipants from the Sri Lankan rines of the USS Comstock and ing-impaired Sri Lankan students sury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Indian columnist, "India's nuclear adhyay on Friday said Nepal-In- made on reconciliation and justice. Navy and Marine Corps as part embarked 11th Marine Expedition- at the Ceylon School,” said Am- was quoted as having said the new doctrine has far greater flexibility dia relation is a confluence of po- “Our growing military-to-military of this exchange. U.S. Marines ary Unit (MEU) also experienced bassador Keshap. USS Comstock, administration considered that “the than it gets credit for." litical, socio-cultural, economic and cooperation reflects the progress embarked aboard the USS Com- the rich cultural sites of Sri Lanka. assigned to the Makin Island Am- historical language was not rele- Menon declined an interview multiple other components. Sri Lanka has made on reconcilia- stock helped introduce the latest In addition, military personnel phibious Ready Group, and em- vant.” Referring to the March 17- request for this article. When told "These relations are characterized tion and justice. As Sri Lanka con- tactics and equipment for the Sri joined members of the U.S. Em- barked 11th MEU are on sched- 18 meeting communique, which what the article would say, he did by a firm commitment to the prin- tinues to make progress in imple- Lanka Marine Corps, including bassy to donate toys and renovate uled deployment to the U.S. 7th had only stated “We are working not challenge its assertions. India’s ciples of peaceful coexistence, sov- menting its commitments to its life-saving skills; convoy opera- children’s dormitories at the Cey- Fleet and 5th Fleet area of respon- to strengthen the contribution of Foreign Ministry did not respond ereign, equality, mutual respect, people and the international com- tions; humanitarian assistance and lon School for the Deaf and Blind sibilities. (DAILYMIRROR) trade to our economies”, Mr. Lux to a request for comment. Wheth- understanding of each other's as- munity, this will form the basis of said, “We hope for a much more er these signals indicate a real shift pirations and respect for each oth- further cooperation between our positive language against protec- or a strategic feint, analysts believe er's sensitivities," he said while militaries,” U.S. Ambassador to Sri tionism at the Hamburg meeting they are intended to right a strate- addressing a Joint Session on Ne- Lanka Atul Keshap said in a state- (G20 leaders summit in July).” gic imbalance that has been grow- pal-India relations organised in In- ment today. The US embassy said ‘Ability to survive’ Mr. Lux said ing for almost a decade. The Paki- dia to launch the Ambassadorial that USS Comstock (LSD 45) de- G20 had the ability to cope with stan Problem Lecture Series on the joint initia- parted Sri Lanka today following setbacks and survive them, adding Should India sustain a nuclear tive of the University of Delhi and a week of exchanges with the Sri that: “Lots of people in the new attack, its doctrine calls for a ma- Ministry of External Affairs of Lankan Navy and Marine Corps. U.S. administration may not be jor retaliation, most likely by tar- India. Upadhyay also stressed the These exercises focused on im- used to (working on ) internation- geting its adversary's cities. When need for managing the open border proving humanitarian assistance al cooperation... we will learn from this policy was announced in 2003, between Nepal and India in ways and disaster relief efforts and co- them and they will learn from us... it fit the threat posed by Pakistan’s of facilitating free movements of ordination, the third such military- we are still quite optimistic (on arsenal of long-range, city-destroy- people, trade and transit, accord- to-military exchange between U.S. ensuring resistance to protection- ing weapons. ing to a press statement available Sailors and Marines and their Sri ism),” he added. On expansion of Since then, Pakistan has de- to Rastriya Samachar Samiti. He Lankan counterparts in the past the G20, he said there were no such veloped smaller warheads designed also stated that Nepal and India 12 months. “We hope to build plans currently, adding, however, for battlefield use. These were are endowed with resources, both upon past successes and do what that the G20 had been conducting meant to address Pakistan’s India natural and human, and a collec- we can to exchange best naval prac- a lot of outreach activities in coun- problem: The Indian military is tive will is required to build up their tices for regional security and hu- tries, especially in Africa. Mr. Nar- much larger, virtually ensuring its close partnership to turn these re- manitarian assistance, and to en- likar said issues of interest to In- victory in an all-out war. Such sources into wealth for their mu- sure a bright future for further bi- dia included ensuring ease of mo- weapons could be used against in- tual benefits. lateral engagements like this,” said bility of skilled professionals vading Indian troops, halting a war (ANNAPURNAPOST) Commander Bradley Coletti, com- across the world. (THEHINDU) before it could be lost. SUNDAY . APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief China More than dozen feared Uighurs: buried in Ban on Ponorogo landslide long At least 17 people are feared to have been buried during a land- beards, slide in a village in Indonesia's East Java province, according to country's National Disaster veils in Management Authority (BNPB). Residents were harvesting ginger on a hillside in Ponorogo district on Saturday when the Xinjiang landslide hit after heavy rain the ing to stand on its own and the more people flowing into the coun- night before, a spokesman for the economy will thrive," he said. The try in the past few weeks. BNPB said. Syrian civil war played a role in According to Fisher, most of China has banned "abnormal" A rescue operation involv- weakening the Lebanese economy, the new arrivals have not yet reg- beards and full-face coverings in ing soldiers, police and volunteers and has fuelled tensions among istered with the UN, and shortag- the remote western region of Xin- was under way. various communities inside Leba- es of food and water is common. jiang as part of tighter "anti-extrem- Residents were warned non that support different sides There are more than one mil- ism" regulations that also prohibit about the threat of the landside of the conflict. However, there has lion Syrian refugees in Lebanon rejecting state media. and evacuated on Friday, but not been an outburst of violence [File: Reuters] The total number Inside Story: Uighurs in the some returned for work on Sat- between Syrian refugees and Leb- of Syrian refugees abroad amount- firing line in China? Xinjiang is urday. The BNPB said up to 30 anese host communities thus far. ed to 4.6 million at the end of 2015, home ot about 10 million Uighur houses were affected by the land- Georges Ghali, programmes man- but rose to 4.85 million by the end Muslims, who have said they rou- slide and an estimated 17 people ager at Lebanese human rights or- of last year, according to the agen- tinely face discrimination. remained missing. The agency ganisation ALEF, said the tensions cy's figures. Hundreds of people have died noted that the number may were rooted in factors including The UNHCR estimated an- in recent years in the region due to change as authorities evaluated misperceptions whereby the Leb- other 6.3 million Syrians have been unrest blamed by Beijing on "sep- how many people were present anese believe that refugees were internally displaced. aratists", though rights groups say during the disaster. being showered in aid, and govern- A UN-led humanitarian appeal the violence is more a reaction to "There are conflicting reports ment policies that had made it dif- to help Syrian refugees and sup- repressive Chinese policies. about the number of people ficult for them to obtain official port host communities has re- The new legislation took ef- missing, but based on the data residency. Lebanese officials, cit- ceived only six percent of the fect on Saturday and lists a wide from the field we are searching ing World Bank figures, say the cu- $4.6bn target needed this year. range of restrictions, including re- for 17 people," BNPB spokes- mulative cost of the Syrian con- Palestinian refugees jecting or refusing "radio, televi- man Sutopo Purno Nugroho told flict to Lebanon was $18.15bn to Lebanon has also been hosting sion or other public facilities and AFP news agency. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al- mal camps across the country, taking place in the Belgian capital, the end of 2015. Lebanon's annual Palestinian refugees since the 1948 services", marrying using religious Landslides caused by heavy Hariri has warned that his country some, in severe poverty. Brussels. "I am going ... to make economic growth has slowed to Nakba and exodus, which has dis- rather than legal procedures and rains and floods are common in is close to "breaking point" due to The Lebanese government has sure that the world understands just over one percent from an av- placed more than 700,000 people. "using the name of Halal to med- tropical Indonesia during the strains of hosting more than one long rejected the implementation that Lebanon is on the verge of a erage of eight percent, prior to the Over the years, the number has dle in secular life of others". rainy season. million Syrian refugees, fearing that of formal refugee camps, fearing breaking point," he said, adding war, they said. The government is since drastically increased, espe- The rules also ban not allow- Nearly 30 people died in unrest could escalate from tensions the permanent presence of refu- that the country has been "ex- seeking financial support for a pro- cially after the 1967 exodus, which ing children to attend government September in devastating floods between refugees and local com- gees. "Some say we should have tremely lucky in making sure this gramme of public sector-led in- has forced another 300,000 peo- schools, not abiding by family and landslides in Garut, West munities. refugee camps in Lebanon, I say crisis has not affected host com- vestment in infrastructure to boost ple to flee from Palestine. planning policies, wearing robes Java. Speaking to foreign media on Lebanon has become a big refugee munities, but we have stretched the economy, and to increase the As of 2015, Palestinian refu- that cover the whole body and face In 2014, at least 90 people Friday, Hariri said: "Today if you camp," Hariri said, pointing out our luck". Syrian refugee children number of Syrians in education. gees remain the largest refugee and "abnormal growing of beards were killed when a landslide hit go around most of the host com- that the influx of Syrian refugees win robot-making competition in Hariri said the plan would population in the world, with more and naming of children to exagger- a village in Central Java, accord- munities, there is huge tension be- in Lebanon has stretched the coun- Lebanon In his bid to increase for- "equally benefit Lebanese citizens than 7 million displaced globally. ate religious fervour", according to ing to the UN humanitarian agen- tween the Lebanese and the Syri- try's economic resources. eign investment, Hariri's plan to and displaced Syrians". Palestinians in Lebanon and their the text of the rules published on a cy. BNPB estimates about half ans ... I fear civil unrest." The re- Syrian refugees in Lebanon help Lebanon's economic and se- To date, the number of docu- decedents have since lived in 12 government website. the country's population of 256 marks came as the United Nations mostly live in informal camps curity situation compels the inter- mented Syrian refugees in Leba- formal refugee camps provided by It did not clarify how the rules million people lives in areas refugee agency (UNHCR) said in across the country [File: Reuters] national community to commit to non is about 1.1 million, accord- the UN across the country. would be enforced. prone to landslides. a report that the number of refu- Appeal for aid spending the equivalent of $10,000 ing to the latest figures provided Although figures vary, accord- Many Uighurs complain of (AlJazeera) gees who have fled the civil war in The prime minister also said to $12,000 per refugee over a span by the UNHCR. ing to a 2014 report released by cultural and religious repression Syria since it broke out in 2011, he would appeal for foreign finan- of five to seven years, as opposed Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, re- UNRWA, there are about 450,000 and discrimination by China . now exceeds five million. cial support to boost the local econ- to the current level of financial porting from Lebanon's Bekaa Val- Palestinian refugees who reside in Beijing has denied the accusations. By-elections Refugees from Syria make up omy and improve infrastructure support corresponding to an an- ley, said the actual number of Syr- Lebanon, many of whom live un- A number of similar regulations about a quarter of Lebanon's pop- during next week's conference on nual $1,000 to $1,200. "I think that ian refugees in Lebanon is much der dire social and economic con- had previously been introduced in ulation. They mostly live in infor- the post-conflict future of Syria, will make sure that Lebanon is go- higher than the official figure, with ditions. (Al Jazeera) some places in Xinjiang, including to test Aung stopping people with headscarves , veils and long beards from board- San Suu Kyi's ing buses in at least one city. The new rules, however, expand the list popularity and formally apply them to the entire region. Voting in Myanmar's by-elec- Venezuela's President Nicolas who broke ranks with him on Fri- in 2015, the pro-Maduro Supreme The popularity of veils for tions is under way in a first test Maduro has rejected accusations day. Court on Wednesday said it was Uighur women in particular has of the popularity of Aung San that moves to consolidate his pow- She branded the court's rulings taking over the legislature's role grown in recent years in what ex- Suu Kyi's National League for er in the crisis-hit country violat- a "rupture of constitutional order," because it was in "contempt" of perts say is an expression of op- Democracy (NLD) since it ed the constitution. in a surprise declaration on state the law. Al Jazeera's Alessandro position to Chinese controls. formed the government a year ago Maduro's opponents accused television. Rampietti, reporting from Cucuta China has said Xinjiang faces Saturday marks the first time the him of staging a coup after the Su- Coming from a staunch sup- on the Venezuela-Colombia border, a grave separatist threat from Ui- country has gone to polls since preme Court took over powers porter of Maduro's late predeces- said the controversy surrounding ghur fighters allegedly linked to al- NLD swept to power, in an ear- Protesters have stormed Para- continue to put its best effort into from the legislature and removed sor Hugo Chavez, it was the stron- the court's decision will be re- Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq ly indication of views on her lead- guay's Congress building and set it maintaining order in the republic," lawmakers' immunity. gest sign of divisions in the gov- solved soon, according to Maduro. and the Levant (ISIL, also known ership amid increased fighting on fire after a secret Senate vote to Cartes said. "In Venezuela, the constitu- ernment camp since its standoff "It was a surprise announce- as ISIS), prompting the govern- with armed ethnic groups and approve a bill that would allow Journalist Laurence Blair, in tion, civil, political and human with the centre-right opposition ment and it comes after a day of ment to ramp up surveillance mea- slower economic growth Hun- President Horacio Cartes to run for Asuncion, said protesters dis- rights and people power are in full started in January 2016. protests in the capital as students sures and police patrols. The gov- dreds of voters lined up outside another term. persed late at night and firefight- force," Maduro said in a speech to Maduro responded to Ortega and opposition supporters clashed ernment has provided little evi- polling stations on the outskirts Hundreds of people clashed ers could put out the fires. cheering supporters on Friday. in his speech by vowing "through with security forces," he said. dence for such claims. of Myanmar's commercial capi- with riot police in Asuncion on He explained that the political Maduro said he had known dialogue and the constitution, to "We also saw divisions among ISIL released a video in late tal Yangon, though the scene Friday and broke into Congress, situation in Paraguay is complex, nothing in advance of the court's resolve the impasse" between the government supporters for the February purportedly showing lacked the fanfare and enthusi- battering down entrances and fenc- and that the protests should not ruling but would immediately ad- attorney general and the court. first time with the country's attor- Uighur fighters training in Iraq and asm that marked the historic es and shattering windows. be seen as simply a popular upris- dress the matter. Pregnant Vene- He also said he had called a ney-general coming out and publi- vowing to strike China, according 2015 polls. NLD party looks to Once inside, they ransacked the ing against Cartes. zuelans pour into Colombia for meeting of security chiefs to "de- cally criticising the decision." to the SITE Intelligence Group. gain more ground in key Myan- offices of lawmakers who backed The president's Colorado Par- medical attention liberate and draw up a resolution". Maduro, 54, was narrowly Earlier this month, Chinese mar by-elections The by-elec- the reform and started fires, tele- ty, which has dominated Para- International powers con- 'No To Dictatorship' elected in 2013 amid widespread President Xi Jinping called for a tions will fill 19 vacant seats in vision images showed. guayan politics for most of the past demned the court's move, which Throughout Friday, pockets of support for the ruling Socialist "great wall of iron" to safeguard the national and regional parlia- The fire service said some 30 70 years, is divided, Blair told Al gave the socialist president con- protesters blocked roads, unfurled Party's welfare programmes. Xinjiang, referencing the military ments at a time when Suu Kyi is demonstrators and police were in- Jazeera. Some members of the par- trol over the only major state in- banners and chanted slogans But his ratings have plummet- response following the pro-democ- struggling to match the sky-high jured in the violence. ty were probably involved in the stitution that still had been out of against Maduro's unpopular gov- ed to just over 20 percent as Ven- racy protest in Tiananmen Square expectations. In a televised ad- Earlier in the day, the vote on protests, he said, as well as left- his grasp. The move earned the ernment, including "Freedom!" and ezuelans struggle with a fourth year in 1989. Rights groups have said dress earlier this week, she ac- the constitutional amendment took wing supporters and some people government public condemnation "No To Dictatorship!" of recession, scarcities of food and that Chinese religious restrictions knowledged the public's frustra- place during a special session held who just wanted to vent their frus- for the first time from a senior Having already shot down medicines and the highest inflation on Muslims may have driven more tion with the slow pace of re- in a closed office in Congress rath- tration with the political situation. member of Maduro's own camp, most of the Congress' measures in the world. than 100 to join ISIL. forms and development. But she er than on the Senate floor. The fire service said about 30 Attorney General Luisa Ortega, since the opposition won control (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) also reiterated her top priority Opponents of the measure, demonstrators and police were hurt of ending the ethnic conflicts that who say it clears the way for dic- [Jorge Adorno/Reuters] Local me- have kept Myanmar in a state of tatorships, said the vote was ille- dia reported that several politicians near-perpetual civil war. While gal. "A coup has been carried out. and journalists were among the in- the outcome of the by-elections We will resist and we invite the jured. Interior Minister Tadeo Ro- will not affect the balance of pow- people to resist with us," said Sen- jas said many police were hurt af- Donald Trump calls Russia er within the parliament where ator Desiree Masi from the oppo- ter being provoked by a small the NLD enjoys a large majority, sition Progressive Democratic Par- group of protesters. "The national it offers a chance to gauge the ty. Marching protesters were met police were not under any instruc- popularity of the administration by police wielding water hoses and tion to repress. They were at- firing rubber bullets and after night- tacked," Rojas said in a news con- probe a 'witch hunt' in a country where nationwide public polls are not available. fall, as the demonstrations grew ference. Cartes is seeking to reform more violent, police in riot gear the constitution to let him run for President Donald Trump has there was "still much work and The Russian government has over his tweet, noting that during responded by lobbing tear gas. office again in 2018. blasted a probe into his team's ties many more witnesses and docu- denied the allegations and denied last year's campaign, Trump said UN slams Israel The president called for calm Presidents are now limited to to Russia as an opposition "witch ments to obtain before any immu- that it hacked emails of Democrat- in a speech that "If you're not and a rejection of violence in a a single 5-year term. hunt," defending his former top nity request from any witness can ic groups and released information guilty of a crime, what do you need over Emek Shilo statement released on Twitter. The bill will pass to the lower aide Michael Flynn's decision to be considered". to tip the election toward Trump, immunity for?" "Democracy is not conquered house Chamber of Deputies, ask for immunity in the case. "We should first acknowledge who has called for better US rela- Asked by journalists on Fri- settlement or defended with violence and you where the president has a majori- Trump's ex-national security what a grave and momentous step tions with Moscow. day if Trump though Flynn was can be sure this government will ty, for another vote. (Al Jazeera) adviser, whose links to Russia are it is for a former national security What Flynn could tell investi- guilty of something, White House The United Nations has lam- one focus of the investigation, has adviser to the president of the gators is unknown. US prosecu- spokesman Sean Spicer said the basted the Israeli government sought protection in exchange for United States to ask for immunity tors can offer a suspect immunity president just wants Flynn to tes- after it approved the construc- his testimony to the FBI and con- from prosecution," Schiff said. in exchange for information that tify. "He thinks Mike Flynn tion of its first new settlement gressional committees. Trump's ex-campaign manag- can incriminate others in a case, should go testify and do what he in the occupied West Bank in Jacob Zuma sacks Finance Flynn's lawyer said in a state- er faces claims of Russia ties particularly larger figures. has to do to get the story out," decades. A spokesman for UN ment on Thursday that his client A close adviser to Trump's Critics assailed the president Spicer said. (Al Jazeera) chief Antonio Guterres said that Minister Pravin Gordhan has "a story to tell, and he very 2016 campaign, Flynn was forced the secretary-general expressed much wants to tell it, should the to step down after just 24 days in "disappointment and alarm" at circumstances permit". his White House job after mislead- the Israeli security cabinet's de- South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has come under mounting pressure over his decision to sack Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan in a dramatic But two key committees in the ing the vice president about con- cision on Thursday to build a probe, the House and Senate In- versations he had with Russian new settlement - considered il- cabinet reshuffle after days of speculation that rocked the country's markets and currency. A statement from the president's office in the telligence Committees, both sug- Ambassador Sergey Kislyak after legal under international law - gested the immunity proposal was the election. on land stolen from the Pales- early hours of Friday said Zuma had replaced Gordhan with Malusi Gigaba, former minister of home affairs. Sfiso Buthelezi was also ap- premature. He is also in focus over receiv- tinians. Inside Story - Will Isra- Trump nevertheless encour- ing $33,000 from Russian televi- el annex Palestinian territories? pointed as deputy finance minister, a post previously held by Mcebisi Jonas. In a televised statement, Zuma, the head of the ruling African aged Flynn's move in a tweet. sion RT to attend a 2015 gala in "The secretary-general has con- "Mike Flynn should ask for Moscow where he sat with Rus- sistently stressed that there is National Congress (ANC), said he was making room for new talent and ideas, as he announced changes to 10 of the country's 35 ministries, immunity in that this is a witch sian President Vladimir Putin, and no Plan B for Israelis and Pales- hunt (excuse for big election loss), $530,000 from Turkey for lobby- tinians to live together in peace including energy, police and tourism. "The changes bring some younger MPs and women into the national executive in order to benefit from by media & Dems, of historic pro- ing services. and security," Stephane Dujar- portion!" But Flynn is not the only ric said in a statement on Fri- their energy, experience and expertise," he said. But Zuma's move to replace Gordhan, respected by many as a responsible steward of an Flynn could be a key witness Trump associate to have had con- day. "He condemns all unilater- as the FBI, as well as the House tacts with Russia during the cam- al actions that, like the present economy facing possible credit rating downgrades, drew widespread criticism - even within ANC's ranks. Deputy President Cyril Ramapho- and Senate intelligence committees, paign. one, which threaten peace and seek to determine whether Trump Investigators want to know undermine the two-state solu- sa, who is one of the leading candidates to replace Zuma as ANC pres- ident, expressed his "strong objection" to Gordhan's removal, describing advisers colluded with Russia's whether there was any collusion tion." The decision to built a new interference in last year's presiden- between them and Moscow's con- settlement in Emek Shilo, close it as "totally, totally unacceptable". The comments by Ramaphosa, who usually publicly backs Zuma, were a sign of deepening division in tial election. certed effort last year to hurt to the Palestinian city of Ramal- But Adam Schiff, the senior Trump's Democratic election rival lah, came less. (Al Jazeera) the ANC that are likely to worsen until the party elects a new leader in December. (Al Jazeera) Democrat on the House panel, said Hillary Clinton. SUNDAY. APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

We a r e a n a t ion a l in st it u t ion a n d n ot t h e voice of a gov t or a p r iva t e or ga n iza t ion

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Faizy By Afrasiab Khattak Phone No: +93-797070563 The term census was originally coined by Romans to keep a count E-mail: [email protected] of the male population fit for mili- tary services. But during the socio- historical evolution of the world it Email: [email protected] mainly came to mean national pop- ulation and housing censuses that www.afghanistantimes.af provides a picture of levels of edu- cation, age, sex, social status and Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi other characteristics of the people. By now it has become an important Advisory editorial board function of the modern state sys- tem for effectively fulfilling its na- Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, tional and international obligations. Using it in the aforementioned sense Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir the United Nations defines census as “individual enumeration, univer- sality within a defined territory, si- Graphic-Designers: multaneity and defined periodicity”. Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada It is also on the recommendation of the UN that holding the census ev- Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: ery ten years has come to be regard- ed as best international practice. As Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 we have seen, the process of na- tional population and housing cen- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan sus is essentially the process of na- Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 tional demographic data collection and that is where it acquires serious Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press political significance, ceasing to be with the population explosion, ing the recent military operation national finance distribution and merely an ordinary statistical infor- which is one of the main factors exceeded 1 million. Which means services. All this underlines the sig- mation. The accuracy and rational behind disastrous environmental millions of FATA Pashtuns are not nificance of transparent and accu- use of national demographic data degradation? There are some his- counted. They are still disenfran- rate census and rational and correct The constitution says not only plays vital role in an all torically interesting and important chised, deprived of their share in handling of demographic issues. round socio-economic development aspects of demographic politics in of a given society but it also has its Pakistan. In 1947, at the time of Article 117: the country’s inception, East Ben- Article One Hundred Seventeen: The Supreme Court shall be comprised of nine members, appointed by own significance in determining the quality of vertical and horizontal de- gal that became East Pakistan had a the President and with the endorsement of the House of People, and in observance of the provisions of population larger than the total Any plan to partition clause three of Article Fifty as well as Article One Hundred Eighteen of this Constitution, shall be initially mocracy. It’s crucial for shaping ef- fective policies and priorities. For population of all the four provinces appointed in the following manner: Three members for a period of four years, three members for seven situated in the western part. East years, and three members for ten years. Later appointments shall be for period of ten years. Appointment the same reasons inordinate delays in conducting the census can have Pakistan was at least 56 percent of Syria will fail of members for a second term shall not be permitted. The President shall appoint one of its members as the total population of the then negative consequences. Although brace a joint Russian-US approach Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Members of the Supreme Court, except under circumstances stated in state bureaucracies at times present Pakistan (some Bangladeshi histo- Article One Hundred Twenty Seven of this Constitution, shall not be dismissed till the end of their term. rians put the figure at 64 percent). By John Wight to the Syrian conflict has yet to ad hoc alternative arrangements to materialize. On the contrary, the the actual census such as projections This demographic reality gave the Syria's Kurds have been among the upper hand to Bengali elites who had recent unilateral deployment of ad- based on group sampling or esti- bravest and most effective fighters ditional US troops to Syria was an mates based on assumed population played a pivotal role in creating in the war against Daesh. Yet as Pakistan. Punjabi bureaucratic elite ominous development, especially growth rates but these alternative things stand, they may also be on since the Trump administration has methods have many limitations. It’s (both civil and military) known for course to being the most treacher- siding with colonial maters during yet to categorically state that re- particularly so in a country like Pa- ous. Syrian army soldiers carry flags gime change is no longer a US stra- kistan where we still haven’t been the freedom struggle was extremely in the amphitheater of the historic reluctant to accept this reality. This tegic objective in Syria. Allied to the able to register the entire popula- city of Palmyra, Syria March 4, belligerent noises that have issued tion of the country and our birth proved to be a stumbling block in 2017. preparing a democratic constitution from the Trump White House with and death registration is not depend- Whether organized under the regard to Iran, we cannot but arrive able at all. The non-existence of for the new state leading to serious auspices of the YPG (People's Pro- delay in the process. In 1954 after at the conclusion that Trump's agen- local governments for a very long tection Units) or SDF (Syrian Dem- da in Syria may well be every bit as time has also hindered the state’s launching a coup the Punjabi domi- ocratic Forces), the role of the Kurds nated bureaucracy dissolved the Con- malign as that of his predecessor, ability to keep track of its popula- in northern Syria in first resisting, Barack Obama. So what advantage tion record. stituent Assembly and arbitrarily then taking the fight to Daesh, will imposed the 1956 Constitution will the US and its Syrian Kurdish The surge of young people is go down in history. However, as they allies gain in taking Raqqa from the most important issue in many based on the dubious scheme of One continue their advance through Unit and Parity. For countering the Daesh? developing countries, including Pa- Raqqa province, closing in on the For the Kurds it will be a major kistan, in today’s world. If handled population weight age of the then city of Raqqa from the north, it is East Pakistan all the four provinces boost to their objective of estab- properly the youth bulge is an asset increasingly clear that with Wash- lishing their own autonomous state/ that can ensure a prosperous future in the western part of the country ington's support they are intent on along with FATA were merged in one territory afterwards, making Wash- for the country. By channeling the exploiting the conflict to carve out ington far more susceptible to sup- enormous energy and vitality of our province called West Pakistan with their own autonomous territory in Lahore as its capital. It was only a porting it than previously. It is highly fghanistan’s war is fueled by support from within Pakistan for youth who are estimated to consti- Syria, as they tried to in March 2016 likely that dialogue between the Taliban insurgents, and also poor governance that has made tute the majority of our population partial solution, as even then the with a unilateral declaration of in- Kurds and the Americans has already we can accelerate the speed of eco- Bengalis would have enjoyed major- dependence. The attempt back then taken place with this in mind. As easier for militants to carry out attacks. Corruption among nomic development and provide ity in the National Assembly elect- was not only rejected by Damascus, for the US, its strategic objectives socio-cultural space for our young ed on the basis of adult franchise. So but also more significantly by Wash- when it comes to Syria are no se- military, fragile security situation and a weak rule of law has helped people to work for wholesome hu- in the name of supreme national ington. Despite Washington's rejec- cret. The Assad government has militants a lot to be engaged in their evil business by the covert and man development. But the achieve- interest” Bengalis were forced to tion in March 2016, a year has passed long been an opponent of US dom- ment of such objectives in an ex- accept 50 percent representation in and with it a significant shift in the ination of the region, which is in- overt support receiving by Islamabad. Since 2014 that presidential treme form of a security state are the National Assembly (equal to dynamics of the conflict and its geo- tertwined with Syria's opposition to unimaginable. For many decades west Pakistan) disenfranchising a political context. Israel and its expansionist aims. It election was marred by massive corporation that resulted into estab- around 80 percent of the country’s part of their population. This was The Iranian-Russian-Syrian axis forms an axis of resistance along lishing of National Unity Government, this has prevented the govern- annual budget has been going to debt called ‘Parity’ but it was actually a has made significant progress in with Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah servicing, defense and administra- fraud based on colonial exploitation pushing opposition forces out of vis-a-vis the aforementioned Wash- ment from implementing widely supported reform, notable against tion. Nothing much is left for in- which led to the disintegration of their formerly entrenched positions ington agenda. Therefore, taking corruption in every sector, especially administrative and military. The vestment in the social sector and Pakistan in 1971. It is also a matter in western and central Syria, with Raqqa in conjunction with the human development. Even in this of record that up till 1971, in united the liberation of Aleppo back in Kurds, and others fighting under the number of terrorist attack is on the rise in the country, and security day and age we haven’t been able Pakistan, population wasn’t the December 2016 marking an irrevers- banner of the SDF, will allow an al- allocate even 4 percent of our GDP main criteria for distribution of fi- ible shift in the momentum of the ternative pole of authority to be situation in Afghanistan remained a challenging. Militants have been to education, the minimum recom- nances among the provinces as in conflict in favour of pro-govern- established in Syria with a view to conducting heinous crimes across the country, and indeed there can mended by the UN. This obviously that case Bengal would have gained ment forces. Meanwhile, US, Iraqi, any post-conflict settlement. There requires revisiting state’s priorities more finances. Population became and Iraqi Kurdish forces involved in is something undeniably murky be no justification for them. The Afghan masses are worried about in resource allocation. Sadly the is- the basis for NFC award after the the battle to retake Mosul from when it comes to the way Washing- sue has yet to acquire the required 1973 Constitution. Interestingly Daesh in northern Iraq have found ton has developed a close alliance worsening security situation, and also the intensifying activities ex- you wouldn’t find this part of histo- themselves bogged down in a house with the Kurds over the past few level of prominence in national dis- to house dogfight, with the Salafi- tremist groups, including Islamic State (IS), aka Daesh terrorist group. course. ry in our history books nor in the months, even at the cost of incur- so-called Pakistan Studies courses. jihadi group putting up a determined ring the extreme displeasure of their Population explosion is anoth- and desperate defense. The opera- They are also concern over slow political and economic progress er serious issue faced by Pakistan. So our younger generations are bliss- NATO ally Turkey. Ankara's de- fully ignorant of history and unable/ tion to take the city was originally termination to lump the Kurds in and negative perceptions about the country’s prospects. However, It’s a situation where the size of envisaged to take just a few weeks population goes beyond the capaci- unequipped to understand the ex- the same box with Daesh adds an- ploitative strategies of the rulers. when it began at the start of No- other layer of intrigue to this un- despite that the Afghan people observing lack of coordination in ev- ty of the local resources to sustain vember last year. And from the out- them. It also refers to the negative FATA Pashtuns present another ex- folding drama. The notion that Tur- ery field, but still they believe that the war is winnable. It is very much ample of demographic politics used set it was planned as part of a two- key will stand by while something balance between human population pronged operation, designed to in- and its natural environment. We all for colonial type disempowerment approximating to a Kurdish state is encouraging, when Afghan security force are proving metal in the and exploitation. According to the clude the liberation of Raqqa, the established on its border at any time, know that Pakistan is literally sleep- self-declared capital of the so-called battleground against militants. The sense of defending motherland ing over the ticking bomb of popu- bogus figures concocted by bureau- never mind a time when it is en- cracy total population of the seven Islamic State — also known as gaged in a military campaign to crush lation explosion. State sponsored Daesh — across the Syrian border. and willingness to safeguard country’s sovereignty at cost of their religious extremism has made any political agencies and six frontier the PKK, is delusional. The pres- regions of FATA is 4.5 (or 4.8) mil- Ending the Conflict in Syria: ence of Turkish troops in northern lives, generating hope to be optimistic regarding brighter and peace- rational debate on this issue impos- What Would Abraham Lincoln Do? sible. Public discussion on family lion. But shockingly enough, the Syria over the past seven months, number of registered IDPs from only As for Donald Trump, elected Pres- in a military operation which just ful Afghanistan. To improve security, the government is working on a planning has become taboo. What ident of the United States, in No- future can Pakistan possibly have some parts of North Waziristan dur- ended, leaves no doubt of it. four-year security plan through which major changes will happened vember last year, his pledge to em- (Thegarden) in the security forces sector. Government announced that the four year security plan has been made based on comprehensive assess- ments aimed at improving security and defense forces. Key points of the security plan according to officials—mobilizing ground forces and establishing a powerful management for the soldiers—increasing the number of helicopters, warplanes such as Super Tucano, military jets and also mobilizing of Afghan Air Force—increasing and mobi- lizing commando units—bringing reforms in supplying forces or ac- tivating a non-stop supply system from troops—empowering intelli- gence, investigative and engineering sectors. Surly, if these security plans implemented completely, Taliban and other militant outfits would find now hideouts to hide. Military and civilian causality would also be dropped to a dramatic level, as every year Afghan masses are the worst victim. Among the concerns that the spring war would be bloody one with serious fighting, the Afghan masses believe that se- curity forces will defeat the militants and will chase them in every valley and mountain of the war-hit country. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. SUNDAY . APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES China betrays the promise of democracy in Hong Kong By Editorial Board

What’s behind US’shift from cooperation with Russia By Louis Rouanet ican economist Frank Taussig argued that a way of achieving the circula- tion of gold was to prohibit ban- to ‘deterrence, defense’ Before the United States ran aground knotes of denominations of $20 and on the dangerous reefs of State in- smaller. The situation today is en- continue to maintain its dominance. racy" in Europe. terventionism and centralism, the tirely different. The gold standard By John Wight dollar was not only a sign of stabil- Speaking to the Committee, the Still, Scaparotti didn't refer to is not here to limit the power of general claimed that Russia is using any credible evidence to back his ity but also a symbol of human free- both banks and of the central gov- During his recent testimonies before dom. A dollar was a means to ex- US congressmen, EUCOM Com- a hybrid warfare means, which in- claim and didn't answer the question ernment. Gold and silver coins dis- clude cyberattacks, disinformation whether the presence of a US rein- press your wants and commands to appeared from circulation and ban- mander Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti leadership appears convinced it can to compromise with the moderate the business class. The consumer, had repeatedly stressed that Wash- campaigns and political provoca- forced military contingent would be knotes are now bank reserves in- tions. However, the general shied "accepted and welcomed in Europe." handle opposition in Hong Kong by opposition while repeatedly violat- for the most part, was sovereign. stead of gold. ington should boost its military pres- the same means it has recently em- ing the territory’s autonomy, includ- Any American could save, consume, ence in Europe to "deter" Russia. away from mentioning the CIA/NSA NATO's muscle-flexing and saber- Once a curse, cash under the cyber technics and information war- rattling on Russian borders are un- ployed on the mainland: brute and ing through the lawless abduction of and invest his money whose value form of banknotes is now a bless- Speaking on Radio Sputnik Russian uncompromising repression. For book publishers and a businessman. was not debauched by a government journalist Mikhail Sheynkman fare capabilities recently exposed by likely to bear any fruit, according ing. Banknotes are the instrument WikiLeaks. He expressed concerns to Sheynkman. several years, unrest in the territo- As a result, sentiment has been grow- in the lack of resources. To this day, through which people can avoid ex- dubbed it "the occupation of Eu- ry has been growing because of ing for complete separation from and despite the evils of inflationism rope." about the ongoing modernization of Furthermore, the unnecessary cessive taxation, government sur- Russia's conventional and nuclear escalation may lead to dire conse- Beijing’s refusal to deliver on the China. Several young activists with and central banking, the dollar re- veillance, and the recklessness of our The US has "occupied" Europe promise it made when the former pro-independence leanings were mains an instrument of freedom and and come close to Russia's borders, forces, insisting that they pose a quences, he remarked. incestuous banking system. Banning challenge to NATO. It appears that for Scaparotti- British colony reverted to Chinese among the six opposition candidates independence for many Americans. cash, on the other hand, is the most Russian journalist Mikhail Sheynk- rule, which was that its executive elected last fall to the local legisla- There are those, however, who man noted on Radio Sputnik. Com- Furthermore, Scaparotti like generals the Cold War will nev- efficient way to impose negative claimed that Moscow's major goal er become a thing of the past, Shey- would be chosen by popular suffrage. ture. The regime responded by pre- would like to change that. They are interest rates on depositors and menting on United States European On Sunday came part of the regime’s venting two from taking their seats the Wall Street financiers, politi- Command Gen. Curtis M. Scapar- is to "divide and weaken NATO," as nkman noted. making any unsupervised spending well as to "undermine liberal democ- (Sputniknews) response: A Beijing-controlled Hong and is now moving against the oth- cians, anointed intellectuals, and impossible. rotti's March 23 testimony before Kong assembly of just 1,200 dele- er four. central bankers for whom a central- Cash, in other words, is a bless- the Senate Armed Services Commit- gates installed a hard-line bureaucrat Whether or not new mass pro- ized control of the money supply is ing for the productive people who tee, Sheynkman came to the con- as chief executive, ignoring the fact tests erupt, the continuing hard line not enough. wish to protect the money they clusion that US generals are still that polls showed she was less pop- is likely to drive more support to To them, not only the supply of peacefully earned from the vicious stuck in a Cold War mindset. Reducing discrimination ular than the other major candidate the opposition, including those fa- money but also the free and inno- schemes of governments and cen- Speaking to the committee, allowed on the ballot. voring independence. The prospect cent use of money should be strictly tral banks. Scaparrotti stated that the US Eu- through innovation The next day, the Hong Kong that China could persuade Taiwan limited and regulated by the State. It would be a mistake, nonethe- ropean Command is seeking addi- proxies of Xi Jinping added injury to accept reunification under a “two Their new enemy is the banknote less, to think that the outright ban tional forces to counterbalance Rus- to insult: Police informed nine ac- systems” formula will become ever and their new war is the war on cash. of cash will be the preferred method sia's growing military power. tivists who led mass protests in 2014 more remote. And investors will It is said of Heraclitus that he wrote of our fiat-money lords. The most "EUCOM is coordinating across to demand a truly free election that question whether Hong Kong can that “no man ever steps in the same efficient and vicious method they the DOD [Department of Defense] they were being charged — after all continue to offer the stability and river twice, for it is not the same can use is simply inflation while re- to obtain the forces we need in ev- this time — with crimes carrying rule of law that have been the foun- river and he is not the same man.” fusing to emit any new banknotes ery warfare domain. This may in- multiple-year prison sentences. It dations of its prosperity. One price The river has changed indeed and so with higher denominations. The clude additional maneuver forces, was a naked crackdown on dissent Mr. Xi probably won’t pay, howev- has changed the war on cash. It is an purchasing power of a $20 bill in combat air squadrons, anti-subma- in a city where freedom of speech er, is damage to relations with the irony of American history that in 1960, for instance, is equivalent to rine capabilities, a carrier strike and assembly is supposed to be guar- United States. Defending democratic the 1830s and 1840s, the war on the purchasing power of about $165 group and maritime amphibious ca- anteed under the “one country, two freedoms in Hong Kong has been a cash meant something totally dif- today. With only 2% inflation rate, pabilities," the general said demand- systems” autonomy Hong Kong was long-standing and natural part of U.S. ferent than today. In the middle of the value of a $100 bill will be divid- ing more assets "to deter Russia from promised — and a signal that the foreign policy. But Beijing appears the 19th century, the circulation of ed by two every 35 years. Inflation further aggression." Today, the US pro-democracy movement will no to be calculating that the Trump ad- banknotes was synonymous with the will be enough to impede the use of military has about 62,000 troops in longer be tolerated. There’s a good ministration will shrug off the as- excesses of fractional reserve bank- cash in current transactions. Once Europe, while during the Cold War chance that the repression will back- sault on the democrats. So far, that’s ing and the debasement of the cur- unusable, cash will not be able to Washington had deployed 300,000 fire, as it has repeatedly before. The the case. The State Department of- rency. At the time, the war on cash limit both credit expansion and troops in the region. "As [Scapar- 2014 “umbrella” protests, which fered no criticism of the arrests on was a war for sound money. Because monetary disturbances generated by rotti] admitted at a congressional paralyzed the center of Hong Kong Tuesday, saying only that it was banks were emitting banknotes un- central banks. Hence, the words writ- hearing, it was due to [former Sec- for 75 days, came in response to a “aware” of press reports about them. backed by gold, the hard money Jack- ten by the hard-money Jacksonian retary of Defense Ashton Carter's] plan for elections that failed to de- On Monday the U.S. consulate in sonians adopted slogans such as “No William Leggett in 1837 in his arti- instructions that the United States liver on the promise of universal Hong Kong actually congratulated Monopolies!” “No Union of Banks cle The Credit System and the Aris- Army has adopted a new operation- suffrage. The official who oversaw Ms. Lam on her “victory in Sun- and State!” “Jackson and Hard Mon- tocracy seem more relevant than al defense plan for Europe for the it, Carrie Lam, is the executive im- day’s balloting.” The reality that her ey!” “Gold before Rags!” In 1834, ever before: first time in a quarter of a century. posed by Beijing on Sunday. selection was a travesty that be- William Leggett, with his typical wit [Our State banking system] is So they call the occupation of the By Saima Wazed Hossain programmes. This sent an impor- tant message to stakeholders and Since the Umbrella Movement trayed the promise of democracy and gusto, called the banks the “in- instituted to provide sinecures for a Old World," Sheynkman said. was suppressed, Beijing has refused was simply ignored. corporated rag-money factories.” Citing Scaparrotti, the Russian policy makers explaining how there band of gentlemen pensioners. It was Within the last 5 years, thanks to (WP) and argued for the ban of small ban- conceived in the stew of legislative journalist noted that "American is no easily addressed solution to knotes. Similarly, in his book The tanks returned to European soil," political support and national edu- autism which could be implemented prostitution, born in corruption, and cation, autism awareness in Bang- Curse of Paper-Money and Bank- smells to heaven with the rank "American fighter-bombers demon- by altering existing medical prac- ing (1833), another hard-money strate dominance in the air" in the ladesh has grown immensely. Due tices. Instead, a multi sectorial life We’re about to find out odour of hereditary rottenness. How to a lack of funds and resources, pro- Jacksonian, William Gouge wrote: long will freemen — or men claim- European theatre, while the US span approach would be required to If the virtue and intelligence of Navy operates in adjacent mainland viding full comprehensive evidence create a more cost-effective, sus- ing to be free — consent to have based services for those in need is exactly how populist the nation should direct the move- this bastard offspring of fraud and Europe waters. In other words, the tainable and supportive programme ments of Government during the ten US military has taken the European not yet possible, but with a contin- catering to families' needs. The last folly for their master? How long will uation of our current progression, it Britain really is or twenty years which might elapse they consent to be the cringing vas- continent under control, Sheynk- four years of multi-sectorial plan- in the gradual withdrawal of Bank is certainly an attainable goal. Credit ning by the National Steering Com- sals of a feudal system instituted for man remarked, adding that now the for our tremendous success in pro- notes and Bank credits, the people Pentagon and NATO are stationed mittee has enabled the inclusion of By Sebastian Mallaby this extraordinary price tag has failed the support of such a contemptible viding public awareness and under- disability in the government's de- to ruffle the prime minister as she would suffer less from the applica- baronage as our paper-money lords? in close proximity to Russian bor- standing of the challenges faced by tion of the remedy, than they must ders. velopment and economic planning. Nine months after its dramatic ref- has trundled serenely toward this But no monopoly, not even the families with autism is ultimately, With significant political support, erendum, Britain is finally demand- week’s announcement. Leaving the otherwise suffer from the operation State, has infinite power. Our pa- On March 28, Scaparrotti had thanks to the dedication and resil- European Union after more than of the disease. … If a State Govern- delivered yet another testimony the primary stakeholders, i.e. indi- ing formal negotiations on exiting per-money lords, in their attempt ience of those very families. Our viduals with neurodevelopmental the European Union. Much has four decades involves excruciating ment, after having prohibited the to become digital money lords, may before the House Committee on mission for families began in the trade-offs. But, rather than con- issue of notes of a less denomina- Armed Services. Reiterating his pre- disorders (NDD) and their families changed in the interim. At the time very well burn their fingers. Indeed, 1990s with the implementation of continue to play a significant role of the June vote, the cohesion of front these, May’s government of- tion than five dollars, should after- trying to control the use of money vious statements, Scaparotti under- comprehensive disability policies fers anesthetic waffle. How might wards be prevailed on by a complaint in shaping policies and implement- the West appeared to be in jeopar- goes against the most fundamental scored that the US has shifted from along with the formation of national dy; Britain seemed doomed to po- the British economy function with- of “want of money” to repeal the "engagement and cooperation" with ing programmes. This involvement function of money as a medium of forums and disability organisations. of several ministries ensures signif- litical instability; and the economy out millions of E.U. workers? Dav- law, it would act with the same wis- exchange. Russia to "deterrence and defense" Since 2008, World Autism seemed at risk of a Lehman Broth- id Davis, the Brexit minister, ex- dom as a surgeon, who, being en- following Crimea's reunification icant awareness for autism and all If fiat money cannot be used to Awareness Day on April 2nd is rec- disability matters; however, our ers-style convulsion. Today, in con- plained this week that “from time gaged in the amputation of a dis- operate many exchanges, another with Russia in 2014. ognised and celebrated with a na- trast, Brexit feels about as electri- to time we’ll need more, from time eased limb, should be frightened by unique and comprehensive approach medium must be discovered and used. Is Trump Giving the Pentagon tional event in Bangladesh. This is challenged by a limited growth in fying as reading the telecoms annex to time we’ll need less migrants,” the cries of the patient, and with- Thus, the war on cash is a formida- Free Rein to Wage War as It Likes? event has involved a cultural show in the WTO treaty. And yet, on the adding that “you’ve got industry draw his knife after having cut human resource development and ble opportunity for alternative cur- According to the general, Rus- performed by PWD's with our Ho- the lack of a mechanism for moni- other hand, this change is decep- dependent on migrants. You’ve got through the first artery. rencies which could put a severe sia is seeking to regain its "great nourable Prime Minister Sheikh toring the efficacy of projects and tive. Anticlimax should not be mis- social welfare, the National Health Gouge granted that the sudden check on the central banks’ folly. power status." Scaparrotti insisted Hasina as the guest of honour. Indi- fund disbursement to ensure sustain- taken for a permanent dodging of Service — you have to make sure ending of the old banking system, In India, where the war on cash has that the only way to counterbalance viduals and organisations were rec- able evidence-based programmes the populist bullet. Where the Unit- they continue to work.” But if Brit- especially the prohibition of all ban- hit badly the poor and small busi- Russia is to beef up the US military ognised for their work, while get- particularly in the social sector. Glo- ed States is led by a flamboyant cau- ain really means to remain open, knotes, “would be ruinous” to the nesses, the sector that got a big presence in Europe. "The Russians ting an opportunity to interact with bal awareness and enhanced under- dillo, a populist perhaps more in style why sacrifice Single Market mem- economy. His solution was to start boost was that of bitcoin and digital are opportunists," the general said, the Prime Minister to express any standing of autism has resulted in than in his consequences, Britain is bership on the altar of border con- banning small notes and proceed wallet. It is thus possible that the "they respect only force." To ac- concerns. Despite progression of au- increased diagnosis, demand for experiencing the reverse phenome- trol? The same obfuscation applies gradually to those with highest de- unintended consequence of the war complish this task, the US has to tism awareness in the population, treatment and development of in- non. Theresa May, the po-faced to the deep questions concerning nominations. on cash will be to weaken central increase its surveillance capabilities the real turning point for change in novative approaches; many of prime minister, is earnest, method- Britain’s internal cohesion. May’s Although in 1833 Gouge pro- banking by propping up competing in Europe, to boost EUCOM's land, South Asia came with the interna- which remain isolated to research ical, cautious and unimaginative: She government simultaneously prom- posed that the minimum denomi- currencies. naval and air forces and most nota- tional conference on autism organ- settings or unpublishable in scien- is the anti-Trump. But the referen- ises a rigorously hard border with nation be $5, he later became more If this happens, the second iro- bly, the European missile defense ised in Dhaka on July 25th 2011. tific journals. Additionally, due to dum mandate, hardened by her plod- Europe and a friendly soft border radical and by 1837 he held that the ny of history will be that the hard systems. Interestingly, the general What differentiated this conference the high cost and copyright laws dingly literal interpretation of it, is between Northern Ireland and the minimum should be “$50 or per- money Jacksonians were right and admitted that the US Navy still dom- from others in the region was the many programmes in low resources populism undiluted. Britain will take Republic of Ireland; this is a bit like haps $100.” Gouge’s policy re- that the war on cash is indeed the inates the sea in the region; never- integration of various individuals countries remain similarly isolated back control of its borders in order, walling off Mexico while furnishing mained popular among economists first step toward sound money. theless, Scaparotti said, the US from scientific, personal, and polit- and unshared. presumably, to clamp down on for- comfortable tunnel facilities be- and as late as 1897 the famous Amer- (Lewrockwell) should boost its submarine forces to ical backgrounds. The presence of eigners. It will largely reject the au- tween Ciudad Juarez and El Paso. Moreover, programmes requir- Meanwhile, May is stalling Scotland’s prominent political figures such as, ing linkages between existing infra- thority of the European Court of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Justice, even though some form of loud demands for another indepen- structures with inter and intra-disci- dence referendum. But the Scots, Sheikh Hasina, as well as many oth- plinary collaboration are a particu- cross-border dispute settlement is an er First Ladies and ministers from inevitable feature of an interdepen- who voted to remain in the Europe- lar challenge for developing coun- an Union, will not be reconciled to the region, allowed our conference tries. Hence why we urgently need a dent world. It will probably leave LETTER TO THE EDITOR the European Single Market, one of Brexit if they are denied a say in to be truly unique. mechanism by which the challenges This event brought about an the deepest and most successful ex- whether it applies to them. May’s and success stories of these individ- tactic of prevarication has been as- unprecedented change in the soci- uals can be shared among both dis- periments in globalization. If the etal attitudes about autism and dis- shock factor has worn off since last sisted by several lucky breaks. A sur- ability organisations and govern- prise recovery in the world econo- ability. Since then, previously reject- ments so it may provide further summer’s referendum, that is partly Substandard food items ed newspaper articles by parents and because May has masked Britain’s my has concealed the economic knowledge on effective, sustainable cost of Brexit; for the moment, Afghanistan is a consumer society and most of the products in the market are being imported from neighbor- experts began to be regularly pub- radical direction with her soporific programmes and assist in decision style. When Germany signals a British industry benefits from the ing countries. The main problem with the imported goods is that they are mostly substandard, particularly lished in Bangladesh daily papers. making. Talk show discussions on health tough approach in the forthcoming post-referendum collapse in the ex- those being imported from Pakistan. The complexity of autism and Brexit talks, or when members of change rate but has yet to pay the However, the government should assign a commission that copes with the challenge where it consists of matters included the topic of dis- other NDD's pose a significant chal- price of lost Single Market access. ability. The word 'autism', which did the European Parliament accuse the officials from ministries of Interior; Public Health; and Irrigation, Agriculture and Livestock as well as lenge when trying to balance the Brexit camp of lying, there is no President Trump’s election has giv- Attorney General Office, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Independent Directorate of not exist in our language has now development of medical services en geo-strategists something bigger become a household term, and fre- indignant counterpunch from May Security and Afghanistan National Standard Authority. while creating socioeconomic op- or her lieutenants. Michel Barnier, to worry about: If the West’s cohe- quently, if unfortunately, used as a portunities for an individual's unique sion is indeed unraveling, the chief The commission frequently should visit shops and collected tons of poor quality food stuffs from Kabul synonym for disability — or as we the European Union’s Brexit nego- markets. The commission should control quality of commodities in the country’s ports and customs instead skillset. The primary task of miti- tiator, recently went so far as to culprit is in Washington. And May say in Bangla 'protibondhi'. gating the tremendous emotional, is in the extraordinary position of of domestic markets, and should stop import of sub-standard goods to the country and don’t let the enemy The conference was followed by threaten Britain with disrupted air of Afghanistan to play with the live of Afghan masses. social and financial ordeal for fam- traffic, chaotic ports and suspended not facing a coherent domestic op- the formation of 4 task forces com- ilies remains a persistent challenge. ponent. The Labour Party is under Murtaza Alizada, Kabul, Afghanistan prised of parents and experts in the delivery of nuclear materials. The This April, Shuchona Foundation prime minister’s office barely re- the sway of hang-dog neo-Marxist field. Additionally, I appeared in with WHO-SEARO is paving the way Jeremy Corbyn. But, with this numerous television interviews sponded. Thought-provoking opin- towards implementation of interna- ions and commentary, in your in- week’s initiation of the Brexit talks, where I described autism and shared tional resolutions on autism by or- box daily. May will face a harder time. Trade- Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must a personal message to end discrimi- ganising a conference in Bhutan for During last year’s campaign, offs that could be pushed aside, on have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: nation and shame. At the recom- the ministries of Health and Family Brexit campaigners promised mil- the argument that they were mat- [email protected] mendation of the task force, a par- Welfare of Bhutan and Bangladesh. lions in savings on contributions to ters for future negotiation, will come ents' forum was established followed Experts, self-advocates, caregivers the E.U. budget. Inverting that more clearly into focus. The fool- by the formation of a national steer- and policy makers will meet for 3 premise, the E.U. recently demand- ish bravado of the Brexiteers, who ing committee in 2013, comprised days in Thimphu (visit ed that Britain agree to a stiff “exit assured voters that negotiating with of 8 ministries headed by the high- www.ANDD2017.org) to discuss bill” before other negotiations start. 27 other countries would be a sim- Disclaimer: est non-elected government offi- identification and interventions The bill would reflect E.U. spending ple challenge, will be relentlessly cials, which are supported by senior methods, issues on education and projects to which Britain previous- exposed. British businesses, which The views and opinions expressed in the articles are advisors and technical experts. employment and help develop a ly committed, plus pension promis- for the past nine months have been This multi-faceted approach collaborative comprehensive plan es to E.U. bureaucrats; the amount implementing earlier investment those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or prioritised the need for early screen- for low resource settings that all remains unknown, but the most fre- commitments, will freeze plans for ing and intervention, supportive countries can emulate. quently cited estimate is about $60 new expansion. The moment of opinions of the Afghanistan Times. educational programmes, employ- (Thedailystar) billion — roughly what Britain truth for British populism has come ment training, and social safety net spends annually on defense. Even a bit nearer. (WP) SUNDAY.APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

The US ambassador to the United rogue neighbour by enforcing an want action." Nations on Thursday (Mar 30) said embargo against North Korean coal And, asked if Pyongyang goes China can and must do more to exports. ahead and conducts another bomb force North Korea to halt its nu- China announced it was halt- or missile test, Haley seemed to clear and missile programmes. ing coal imports from North Ko- leave open the door to tougher US Ambassador Nikki Haley said rea on Feb 18 - although in that unilateral action. President Donald Trump would month as a whole the trade still "If something happens, if this raise the issue next week at his first increased by 40 per cent. continues down the path that summit with Chinese leader Xi Jin- Haley alleged that Beijing still we're going on, I can tell you we're ping. allows the North to trade coal not just going to sit down and say And, amid reports that Py- "through other ways" and demand- 'Oh, they did it again,'" she said. ongyang is preparing another ed it "take this as seriously as the "This is something that is very banned nuclear test, Haley said rest of the world does." serious. This is something the ad- Washington would not settle for Trump and Xi will meet next ministration is making a priority. holding another UN debate. "I have week at the US leader's golf resort And this is something we abso- no patience for it, and it is not help- in Florida, the first face-to-face lutely expect China and Russia to ing anyone. And it's not about me. meeting between the heads of the respond to." This administration has no pa- world's two greatest powers. (AFP) tience for it," she said. The talks are seen as crucial "Look, can we change the way for setting the tone in future rela- North Korea thinks? No. They're tions, but Haley warned that - on not going to cave. China can, and North Korea - Trump would de- South Korean that's the part we want to look at. mand results. "I know China says they're "I think you're going to see worried about North Korea. I them talk very much about the re- ex-president know China wants to see North sponsibility that we believe China Korea stop with the testing. Prove has," Haley said. "The fact that park arrested it. Prove it." we don't have the patience to sit The Seoul Central District Court China, Haley said, could prove here and see it go round and round issued a warrant to detain Park on it is serious about restraining its any more. And the fact that we charges of bribery, abuse of author- ity, coercion and leaking govern- ment secrets, after a marathon hear- ing the previous day. State prose- cutors filed the request on Mon- day to arrest Park, citing the grave- ness of the alleged crimes and the possibility of the destruction of evidence. Park, ousted in a histor- ic ruling on March 10, became the country's third former president to be arrested over criminal allega- tions, following Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan in the 1990s. Communist rebels waging one of The Seoul Central District the world's longest-running insur- ter taking office he released cap- Current account surplus Court issued the warrant at 3:03 gencies in the Philippines say they tured rebel leaders and both sides a.m. following a hearing that last- are willing to discuss a formal declared separate temporary cease- ed nearly nine hours. "There are ceasefire proposed by the govern- fires to pave the way for peace of Azerbaijan’s oil, gas considerable reasons and need to ment in upcoming talks in the talks, the first round of which arrest (Park) as key charges have Netherlands. The insurgency be- Norway hosted and mediated in sector revealed been substantiated considerably gan in 1968 in the poverty-strick- August. But the fiery leader was en country, and has claimed an es- The current account deficit of Az- rent account deficit decreased by seen to have jeopardised the peace timated 30,000 lives according to process in February, angrily call- erbaijan's balance of payments 69.4 percent and amounted to $2.8 the military. The meeting, starting amounted to $1.36 billion in 2016, billion in 2016 (or $2.3 billion with- ing off talks after the guerrillas Sunday (April 2), will be the fourth killed several soldiers and police said the balance of payments of out considering dollarization). round of talks between the Nation- the Central Bank of Azerbaijan The analysis of the balance of in a series of attacks. Norway con- al Democratic Front and Manila, vinced the two parties to return to (CBA). The current account sur- payments in various sectors has which have been on and off for 30 plus of Azerbaijan's oil and gas shown that, as in previous years, the negotiating table following in- years but were restarted by Presi- formal talks held in the Dutch city sector stood at $4.4 billion in 2016 foreign economic operations in the dent Rodrigo Duterte after he took compared to 6.55 billion in 2015, oil and gas sector had a positive of Utrecht last month. Bello said and concerns over the destruction office last June. The government Duterte wanted as the first item according to the balance of pay- balance, while those in the non-oil of evidence still prevail," presid- has billed a permanent ceasefire as ments. Additionally, the current ac- sector had a negative balance in on the April 2-6 agenda a negotiat- ing Judge Kang Bu-young said, its primary goal, though a week of ed ceasefire leading to the "lower- count surplus of the country's oil 2016. The total volume of the for- approving the prosecution's re- negotiations on the outskirts of and gas sector covers 76.3 percent eign trade turnover stood at $22.2 ing or ending of hostilities". The quest to arrest her. The former pres- Rome in January ended without two sides said Sunday's meeting, of the deficit of the non-oil sector billion, while the surplus of the ident was taken to a detention cen- such a deal. totaling $5.8 billion, which is 15 foreign trade balance stood at $4.2 originally scheduled for Oslo, will ter in Euiwang, Gyeonggi Province, "The (front) believes it is pos- be held in the Dutch town of percent less than in 2015. The cur- billion in 2016. from the court in southern Seoul, sible at the soonest time to have a fire agreement is desired by the the most prominent of which is (Trend) about one hour and forty minutes Noordwijk, which is close to Utre- bilateral ceasefire agreement," chief (government)". However, chief the Communist Party of the Phil- cht where rebel negotiator Agcao- after the warrant was issued. With rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said government negotiator Silvestre ippines, whose guerrilla unit is the Park in jail, the number of people ili and some of the senior leaders in a statement issued from his ex- Bello said on Friday he expected 4,000-strong New People's Army of the insurgency live in exile. As Karabakh: Defeated in battlefield, who have been arrested because of ile in the Netherlands late on Fri- the week's talks to be "very diffi- (NPA). Duterte, a self-described the massive influence-peddling well as a possible ceasefire, both day. He said the rebel negotiating cult and exacting", with no guaran- socialist who once boasted of his sides are expected to discuss a raft scandal involving her confidant team was "willing to be flexible and tees for a breakthrough. links to the communist rebels, has Azerbaijan has not abandoned Choi Soon-sil increased to 21. of socio-economic reforms that is open to discussing with its coun- The National Democratic made a peace deal with the move- Bello described as "the heart and Park's arrest warrant is valid terpart what kind of bilateral cease- Front is made up of several groups, ment one of his top priorities. Af- its expansionist programs until April 19, and the prosecu- soul of the peace process". tion plans to question her further (Straitstimes) President of the Republic of Art- gression completely failed and it during this period. It is unclear yet sakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Repub- suffered considerable human, ma- as to whether prosecutors will lic/NKR), Bako Sahakyan, on Sat- terial and moral losses unable to summon Park or visit the Seoul urday issued an address in connec- realize any of its treacherous pro- Detention Center to question her. tion with the one year anniversary grams. “The adversary faced our In the cases of former Presidents of the Four Day April War. armed forces, our valiant soldiers, Chun and Roh, who were put be- “Dear compatriots, our population that had consoli- hind bars for mutiny and bribery, “A year ago on the night of dated into an army, the entire Ar- prosecutors visited the detention April the 1st, Azerbaijan under- menian people, the Mother Arme- center to question them. The ques- took the large-scale military oper- nia and the Diaspora, who imme- tioning of Park is likely to take ation along the whole perimeter of diately stood next to Artsakh. The place early next week. Because of- the Karabakh-Azerbaijani border. Armenian people have proved ficial campaigning for the presiden- “The official Baku again tried to once again that free and indepen- tial election begins April 17, the solve the Azerbaijani-Karabakh dent homeland is the highest value prosecution is expected to indict conflict by force, destroy the in- for us and that we are capable of Park before then, to minimize the Rohingya Muslim militants to keep dependent Artsakh statehood, and defending our state from any en- case's impact on the election. Se- commit a new genocide of the Ar- croachments. curity officials guarding Park have menian people. “The enemy’s ag- (News) been withdrawn as she is now in detention but they will resume fighting ‘even if a million die’ their duties if she attends question- ing at the prosecution office. The leader of a Rohingya Muslim law,” said Suu Kyi’s spokesman services such as health care. Seri- sis Group in December said the Cotton sowing campaign If Park is found guilty of the insurgency against Myanmar’s Zaw Htay on Friday about the in- ous ethnic clashes between Ro- insurgent group, which at first multiple charges laid against her, army said on Friday his group surgent leader’s comments. “If hingya and ethnic Rakhine Bud- called itself Harakah al-Yaqin, Ar- kicks off in Turkmenistan including bribery, she faces a min- would keep fighting “even if a mil- they attack us violently, we will dhists erupted in 2012 in which abic for “Faith Movement”, was imum of 10 years in prison and lion die” unless the country’s lead- respond the same way. Nowhere more than 100 people were killed formed by Rohingya living in Sau- Sowing of cotton, which is one of 3,200 seeding machines, more than possibly up to 45 years. She faces er, Aung San Suu Kyi, took action Turkmenistan’s major crops, has 7,000 cotton cultivators and other in the world would violent action and some 140,000 were displaced. di Arabia after the 2012 violence. 13 charges in the scandal, includ- to protect the religious minority. be tolerated.” More than 1 million “In 2012, lots of things happened It identified Ata Ullah, who ap- kicked off all over the country. This agricultural equipment will be used ing bribery, abuse of power, extor- Attacks on Myanmar border year, 545,000 hectares of fields in the current sowing campaign to Rohingya live in northwestern and they killed us, so we under- peared in a series of videos claim- tion and sharing state secrets with guard posts in October last year Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where stood at that time, they would not ing responsibility for the October have been allocated for cotton ensure the smooth conduct of sow- an unauthorized person, which is by a previously unknown insur- growing, and farmers are expected ing. Turkmenistan’s cotton grow- they are denied citizenship, free- give us our rights,” said Ata Ullah. 9 attacks on security forces, as the the largest number of charges faced gent group ignited the biggest cri- dom of movement and access to A report by the International Cri- group’s leader. (SCMP) to harvest 1.050 million tons of ers provide raw materials to the by a former president. Park is sus- sis of Suu Kyi’s year in power, cotton. Over 65 thousand tons of textile industry, which is one of pected of having colluded with her with more than 75,000 Rohingya selected medium-fiber and fine-fi- the most important branches of the long-time friend Choi to get Sam- fleeing to Bangladesh in the ensu- ber cotton seeds have been pre- national economy along with the sung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee ing army crackdown. In his first pared for sowing. More than 7,600 oil and gas and chemical industries, Jae-yong to provide a total of 43.3 independently conducted media Russian Navy launches missile attack tractors of various brands, over reports Turkmenistan.ru. billion won in funds in exchange interview, Ata Ullah, who has been (Akpress) for Cheong Wa Dae assisting Lee identified by analysts and local on terrorists’centers in Syria’s Lattakia in a smooth power transfer from people as the group’s leader, de- his ailing father, Chairman Lee nied links to foreign Islamists and The Russian cruise missiles report- flicting major losses on the militants. important supply route between Kun-hee. She also faces allegations said it was focused on the rights of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan to of collecting funds from over 50 edly struck several sites along the The warplanes targeted the ter- Idlib and Lattakia near the Turkish the Rohingya, who say they face Lattakia-Idlib road on Thursday, rorists' concentration centers in border North of Lattakia. other major conglomerates for the persecution at the hands of My- sign agreement on border Choi-controlled K-Sports and Mir causing significant damage on the Kabani town and its surroundings in The raids resulted in the de- foundations. The prosecution's anmar’s Buddhist majority. “If we strongholds of Tahrir al-Sham near the Kurds Mountain, killing and struction of a convoy of gunmen representatives investigation is also focusing on don’t get our rights, if 1 million, the town of Jisr Al-Shughour in wounding a number of militants. heading towards the Lattakia coun- whether the funds were in exchange 1.5 million, all Rohingya need to Southern Idlib. According to a local The fighter jets also pounded tryside near the Yunesiya crossing, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan plan to sign an agreement on border repre- die, we will die,” he said, speaking source in Lattakia, the cruise mis- terrorists' gathering centers during destroying more than 10 SUVs with sentatives. The document will regulate activities of border representa- for business favors. Moreover, Park allegedly pressured conglom- via a video call from an undisclosed sile strikes could be heard from as heavy night raids in the villages of heavy machine guns loaded with tives who will work on settlement of border incidents and conflicts. erates to sign projects with com- location. “We will take our rights. far away as the provincial capital Tafahia and Yunesiya located on an weapons and ammunition. Border representatives and their deputies will be appointed accord- panies owned by Choi and her ac- We will fight with the cruel mili- and the Southern city of Jableh, ing to the national legislation of the countries. (BBC) quaintances. In addition, she is tary government.” A United Na- where the Russian Air Force is sta- suspected of having a hand in the tions report issued last month said tioned. creation of a blacklist of artists crit- Myanmar’s security forces have This powerful attack by the ical of the government to cut them committed mass killings and gang Russian Navy was in response to the rapes against Rohingya during rocket assault on the Humeimim off from subsidies, forcing culture Military Airbase conducted by the ministry officials to resign and their campaign against the insur- gents, which may amount to terrorists earlier this week. pressuring former CJ Vice Chair- In relevant developments on woman Lee Mi-kyung to step crimes against humanity The mili- tary has denied the accusations, Thursday, the Syrian Air Force car- down, due to her disapproval of ried out more than a dozen combat the group's entertainment arm. saying it was engaged in a legiti- flights over terrorist groups' posi- (AP) mate counter-insurgency opera- tions in Northeastern Lattakia, in- tion. “No one will be above the SUNDAY.APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES India takes US visa fee hike matter to WTO: Nirmala Sitharaman

India has taken up the US visa fee visa issue was discussed in a num- hike matter in the Dispute Settle- ber of meetings with administra- ment Body of the World Trade tion officials as well as the Con- Organisation (WTO). This was gress. informed by Commerce and Indus- During the meetings, the Indi- China’s reserves of foreign curren- sterling, Australian dollar, Canadi- Chinese holdings of US dol- try Minister Nirmala Sitharaman an side conveyed that the HIB was cy exceeded $10 trillion at the end an dollar and Swiss franc, and an lars were $5.1 trillion at the end of in a written reply to Rajya Sabha a category of trade and services of 2016, according to the first-ever indistinguishable category of "oth- 2016, compared with $10.8 tril- on Wednesday. She further said, which actually helps the Ameri- official account by the Internation- er currencies." lion in total foreign currency re- Japan, Russia agree the Indian government continues can economy. al Monetary Fund (IMF), which "With the separate identifica- serves, the report explained. The to engage with the US Administra- "If the trump administration's was published on Friday. Prior to tion of reserves in RMB [Renmin- remainder was divided among oth- tion for better access of its profes- intention is to bring back Ameri- Friday’s report, IMF currency bi], eight currencies are now dis- er currencies, with euro holdings to future economic sionals in the country. can companies to America and at- data was limited to the US dollar, tinguished," the IMF publication the largest at $1.6 trillion, accord- "H-1B & L-1 visa issues, in- tract more foreign investment in euro, Japanese yen, UK pound stated. ing to the IMF. (Sputniknews) cluding increase in visa processing America therefore there will be cooperation ahead fees, high rejection rates and other more growth then it is important difficulties faced by the Indian ser- that growing America remains com- vices companies, have been raised petitive. So, there actually will be of leaders’ summit with the US Government at vari- a growing need for this partner- Saudi monetary agency ous levels," Sitharaman said. ship," Jaishankar said. US had ear- The government of India has lier said that it will temporarily already conveyed its concerns to suspend premium processing of denies data hack targeting the US administration on the move H-1B visas from April 3, eliminat- to curb H-1B visa processing. ing the option of shorter waiting "Concerns have been con- period for the programme that veyed to USA. Indian IT compa- helps highly skilled foreigners to Samba Financial Group nies have been servicing 75 per- work at American firms. cent of Forbes companies. Indian The companies, under the cur- The Saudi Arabian Monetary IT companies giving opening to rent system have been submitting Agency (SAMA) said it was close- American companies. Whole IT applications for H-1B visas for ly monitoring technical issues that movement is based on sharing and potential employees who can pay recently impacted Samba Financial Group systems, which resulted in reciprocity," said Communications an additional sum for expedited a failure to provide regular bank- and Information Technology Min- service, which is known as premi- ing services. ister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Indian um processing. Al Arabiya obtained a copy of Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, The temporary suspension the statement released by SAMA, who visited U.S early this month, could last up to six months accord- revealing that there was no elec- had conveyed to Trump adminis- ing to the US Citizenship and Im- tronic hack to the Saudi bank’s tration that Indian partnership is migration Services (USCIS). H-1B important for the growing Ameri- visas are widely used by Indian IT systems and that the defect was Japan and Russia agreed to work number of areas including defense, limited to its technical systems and can economy to stay competitive. companies working in US. cooperatively towards future eco- with both sides eyeing future eco- Jaishankar said that the H1B (Business) had nothing to do with any other nomic activities in talks held nomic collaborations. bank in Saudi Arabia. The state- ment added that the corporation Thursday in preparation for a The two sides also confirmed advised Samba to take all the nec- planned meeting between the lead- the meeting to be held between the essary measures to address this ers of the two countries to be held two country's leaders late next Dubai Duty Free issue and resume banking services in late April. Japan's Vice Foreign month and attention was given to to customers. SAMA said it will Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama and bilateral negotiations to conclude take the appropriate regulatory Russian First Deputy Foreign a post-World War II peace treaty. actions for Samba Financial Group Minister Vladimir Titov both said Japan and Russia both claim a expects $2m sales hit and investigate the causes of the at the outset of their meeting that group of islands off Japan's north- technical issue. recent high-level exchanges be- ern prefecture of Hokkaido, called (Alarabiya) tween both countries had been the Northern Territories in Japan welcomed. and the Southern Kurils in Russia. from electronics ban Earlier this month, Japan's The decades-old territorial spat Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has prevented the two countries Warning signs abound for UK and Defense Minister Tomomi In- from signing a post-World War II ada, and Russian Defense Minis- peace treaty and hindered diplo- ter Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Min- matic and trade relations between ister Sergey Lavrov, agreed to con- the two countries. economy following strong Q4 tinue bilateral cooperation in a (Xinhue) The British economy's strong fin- ish to 2016 looks likely to prove a high watermark as Brexit gets un- Australia, VN cooperation derway, according to a range of in- dicators on Friday which pointed to a growing squeeze on consum- focuses on economic ers. Households ran down their savings to a record low as their partnership spending power shrank sharply in Dubai International Airport’s duty sold in the airport, including duty the last three months of 2016, of- free operator estimates that it will free stores. ficial data showed. The Australia and Vi?t Nam gov- gious Australia Awards Scholar- lose about $2 million in sales this The regulations, prompted by In another indication that the ernments on Friday held their ships as well as a new range of year from the ban on carrying most reports that militant groups want world's fifth-biggest economy had High-Level Consultations on De- flexible human resource develop- electronic devices on United to smuggle explosive devices in lost some of its resilience to last velopment Co-operation to dis- ment support packages and sup- States-bound flights, a senior ex- electronic gadgets, state that elec- June's shock vote to quit the Eu- cuss results of their long-term de- port for women’s economic em- ecutive said on Thursday. Under tronics larger than a mobile phone ropean Union, the dominant ser- velopment co-operation and the powerment, including preparation new security measures announced -- including laptops and tablets -- vices industry contracted in Janu- importance of its transformation for the new Aus4Equality and In- this week, electronics larger than a must be stowed with checked bag- ary for the first time since March into an economic partnership. vesting in Women initiatives. mobile phone will be banned from gage on US-bound passenger last year. Separately on Friday, a The biennial High Level Con- “Vi?t Nam has been an impor- passenger cabins on direct flights flights. Emirates, the only airline survey showed consumers were sultations were led by First Assis- tant partner to Australia in the re- to the United States from airports operating direct flights to the Unit- worried about the outlook for the tant Secretary, South East Asia gion for a long time, and our com- in eight Muslim-majority nations, ed States from Dubai, will allow economy. And there was a surprise Mainland and Regional Division mitment to development coopera- including the UAE, starting Satur- passengers to hand over electronic fall in house prices. The Office for Philip Green, Department of For- tion with Viet Nam is ongoing,” day. devices at boarding to minimise National Statistics confirmed gross eign Affairs and Trade (Australia), Green said. Given Viet Nam’s tre- “We estimate that the ban will disruption, President Tim Clark domestic product grew by a quar- and Vi?t Nam Deputy Minister of mendous achievements in socio- cost us around $2 million in reve- told Reuters on Wednesday. terly 0.7 percent in the October- show there is not much further to eign investors. The deficit had been Planning and Investment Nguy?n economic development, it is now nue for the year,” Dubai Duty However, analysts warn that December period, as expected in a fall," HSBC economist Elizabeth expected to improve as the fall in Th? Phuong. Accordingly, the two time to transform the relationship Free’s Chief Operating Officer travellers, especially those who Reuters poll of economists. Martins said in a note to clients. the pound increased the value in countries gained key achievements into an economic partnership, Ramesh Cidambi told Reuters in want to use laptops to work dur- Growth for 2016 as a whole Supermarket chain Asda said its sterling of British investments held for the 2015-17 development co- based on mutual benefit and shared an emailed statement. The estimate ing flights, could switch to airlines was 1.8 percent, the strongest gauge of disposable income abroad and helped exporters. Net operation, including due comple- challenges,” he added. The eco- is based on sales of electronics to and airports not affected by the among all Group of Seven rich na- showed the weakest growth since trade contributed an unusually tion of the Cao Lãnh Bridge late nomic partnership is expected to US-bound passengers, excluding new regulations. Griffiths said he tions bar Germany. But a quick rise June 2014 during February, with strong 1.7 percentage points to this year, encouraging progress in be built on the principles of com- mobile phones and accessories, for does not expect a significant im- in inflation, caused in part by the the poorest households hit partic- quarterly economic growth in the developing three new initiatives -- mitment to pursuing shared eco- 2016 and if the ban runs until the pact to Dubai airport’s passenger fall in the value of the pound since ularly hard. Companies are also fourth quarter. Aus4Reform, Aus4Transport and nomic interests as outlined in the end of the year. US officials have numbers, while Clark said that the Brexit vote, is expected to wary. The ONS said business in- But economists said this Aus4Water -- to develop a strong Plan of Action 2016-2019, encour- said the ban is indefinite. Emirates will monitor the commer- crimp spending by consumers, the vestment fell by 0.9 percent in should be seen against a 1.4 per- and competitive private sector in aging a dynamic private sector, Dubai Duty Free made $1.85 cial impact. main drivers of the economy, just quarterly and annual terms in the centage point drag in the third quar- Vi?t Nam. fostering greater business and mar- billion in total sales last year, Ci- Britain followed the United as Prime Minister Theresa May fourth quarter, roughly in line with ter, with figures for both periods They also noted the effective ket access opportunities, empow- dambi said. The chief executive of States by introducing a similar ban begins Britain's EU divorce. Real a previous estimate. The fall the distorted by trade in "erratic" items commencement of the new ering women in the economy and Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, had on Tuesday, though the UK re- household disposable income -- a pound is not all bad news for Brit- like aircraft and gold. Aus4Skills initiative in 2016, which promoting environmentally sus- earlier told DubaiEye radio that the strictions do not include the UAE. measure of spending power -- ain's economyand Friday's data (Nation) will continue to deliver the presti- tainable growth. (VNS) ban on electronics covers goods (BBC) shrank by 0.4 percent in the last showed it was helping to ease one three months of 2016, the steep- of its biggest vulnerabilities -- its est quarter-on-quarter drop in near- wide balance of payments deficit ly three years. with the rest of the world. Egypt likely to raise monthly food subsidies by 29pc And while consumer spending The ONS said the current ac- remained strong, the savings ratio count deficit more than halved in sank to 3.3 percent, its lowest lev- the fourth quarter to 12.1 billion Egypt’s government is considering raising monthly food subsidies re- el since records began in 1963, rais- pounds -- falling by more than ex- ceived by millions of Egyptians by 29 percent to 27 pounds per person ing questions about how long pected in the Reuters poll -- and to help ease the impact of rising prices on low income families, two households can maintain their stood at 2.4 percent of GDP, down sources at the finance ministry told Reuters. spending. The ONS said the fall in sharply from 5.3 percent in the Around 70 million of the country’s 92 million population are bene- the savings ratio in part reflected third quarter. "Much better, but ficiaries of a subsidy card program that currently entitles them to 21 changes in pension fund holdings sterling still is vulnerable if over- Egyptian pounds ($1.16) month of goods offered at state-approved rather than a big shift in the real seas investors lose confidence," supermarkets in addition to five loaves of bread per person per day. incomes of households. But econ- said economist Samuel Tombs of Living costs have soared since the import-dependent country float- omists said the figures were rea- consultancy Pantheon Macroeco- ed its currency in November, roughly halving its value. Inflation hit a son for caution. "For consumption nomics. He said a "hard Brexit" -- 30-year high in February, including an over 40 percent increase year-on- to continue to grow at current lev- big hurdles for trade between Brit- year to prices of food and beverages. els, the UK needs the savings rate ain and the EU -- could trigger a (Alarabya) to drop further. Yet today's data fire-sale of British assets by for- SUNDAY.APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Miranda How Brad Kerr Pitt, Angelina launches Jolie fooled charitable the world: denim Their secret collection meetings post divorce When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie announced that they would be separating after more than 10 years together (two of them as husband and wife), the internet didn’t take it lightly. After a childhood spent kicking To make matters more scandalous, around the Australian rural out- the initial report was closely fol- separation. But now, a new eonline report claims back, Miranda Kerr broke into lowed by others that alleged Pitt that the two have been constantly meeting up, co- modelling at just 13, walking the physically abused his kids, and was parenting their children, and carrying out legal pro- runways for brands like Balencia- being kept away from them by ceedings, without ever letting the world know. ga, Prada, and Victoria’s Secret. She Jolie and her team. Over Thanksgiving, Pitt stayed at the family’s went on to earn herself a spot as Both kept out of the public eye French chateau while Jolie was in America with the the world’s 10th highest paid mod- for months. Pitt was largely ab- kids, backing up an earlier report which claimed el last year. sent during the publicity tour of Jolie wouldn’t let him be near the kids over the But at the apex of her career, his film Allied and the awards cir- holiday weekend. But over the next month, rela- Miranda is still pondering begin- cuit, where Moonlight, a film pro- tions had improved enough for him to carve out a nings. “I was born six weeks pre- duced under his banner won Best special Christmas-themed weekend with the kids. mature,” Marie Claire quoted the Picture at the Oscars. In Cambodia, Jolie told George Stephanopou- Sydney native, now 33, as saying. Jolie, meanwhile made her first los that her family was doing much better. “So I’m very passionate about the public appearance only a few Choosing her words carefully, she replied, nod- health and welfare of women and weeks ago, in February, when she ding affirmatively, “We are focusing on the health of babies. Being a preemie gives me a took her six children to Cambodia. are family, and so we will be. We will be stronger, special connection with the Royal This was the first time ru- when we come out of this, because that’s what we Hospital for Women Foundation.” mours emerged that Pitt and Jolie are determined to do as a family.” The only women’s hospital in had been in touch. It was reported When prodded about Pitt’s role in this new Miranda’s home province of New on eonline that Pitt secretly accom- phase, she said, “We will always be a family, al- South Wales, the institution has panied her to Cambodia to spend ways.” spent the last 150 years driving more time with the kids, with (Hindustan Times) innovations in neonatal care and whom he had been steadily meet- women’s health. Since 2015, ing with in the months since the Miranda has been championing the organisation as its ambassador and is now, taking it a step further. Teaming up with aptly named April Fool’s Day:?When label Mother, the supermodel has Shah Rukh Khan asked designed a capsule collection of 12 Bollywood stars turned denim pieces the proceeds from Priyanka Chopra if she’d biggest pranksters marry a Bollywood star

They have shared a good friend- ship, even a rumoured relationship and back to being professionals. But one of the initial encounters of the two stars was rather awk- ward. When Priyanka Chopra con- tested and won the Miss India 2000 pageant, Shah Rukh Khan was on the judges’ panel and asked her a question. Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in a still from Don. Bollywood actors never cease to these at your own risk! take their fans by surprise, and at Actor Abhishek Bachchan is In a throwback video from times, they even take their co-stars known to be a total prankster on which will go to support the 2000 going viral online, SRK is seen for a ride. On April Fool’s Day, the sets of his films. He sent out hospital’s mission. “I worked posing a question to Priyanka who here are some Bollywood actors, mischievous tweets from filmmak- hand-in-hand with designers is on the stage as a contestant. who are quite popular in the film er Farah Khan’s phone during the Tim Kaeding and Lela Beck- “Hypothetically, if you were to fraternity for their tomfoolery. shoot of Happy New Year (2014). er on every detail,” said marry one of the following, who From sending marriage proposals He also got her a cake with the Miranda. “I appreciate their will it be. An Indian sportsman, from their co-actors’ phones to film’s poster on it but had the ac- design aesthetic ‘Don’t take like Azhar bhai - who would take fooling them into eating gajar ka tors’ faces swapped with Farah’s yourself too seriously!'” you all around the world, make halwa made with red chili paste, face. Once, during the shoot of “The best part is how good your country proud and make you here’s what these actors have done Shararat (2002), Abhishek made Miranda made everything swell with pride. to pull the best of pranks while the crew drink bhaang-laced milk, look when she tried the piec- Or an artistic businessman shooting on the sets and elsewhere. without disclosing his mischievous es on,” added Tim. The with a difficult name to pronounce A word of statutory warning: Try intent. Miranda + Mother collection like Swaroski, who would bedeck includes the brand’s signature you with jewels and necklaces and blues (with special messages you would never have to buy a Ranveer Singh’s latest inscribed inside waistbands) chandelier for your house ever and more whimsical pieces again. photoshoot could qualify him like a butterfly-embroidered Or a Hindi film star like me, button-up and white tees who has nothing better to do than as the next White Walker bearing mantras like Attitude to give you complicated multiple- of Gratitude. “The messag- choice questions about a hypothet- es, the sayings, they are all ical wedding.” Miranda,” shared the design- Priyanka answers that she er. Sounds like a true labour would go for an Indian sportsman. of love. (Hindustan Times) (Tribune) Over time, I realised that I have to Salman Khan to sing do what appeals to me: Vidya Balan in ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ Vidya Balan has been part of vari- ous genres of films in her career so Right from when Salman Khan’s extremely keen on singing and is far. The actor is someone who has song Main Hoon Hero Tera from quite confident about the same. also experimented with different the Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Salman could render his vocals for kinds of subjects in films such as Shetty-starrer Hero was well re- one of the songs in Tiger Zinda The Dirty Picture (2011), Kahaani ceived by the audiences, the su- Hai.” (2012), Kahaani 2 (2016), and the perstar does not want to leave one I’m not a box office king: Known for making headlines, cour- donning the meanest dreadlocks, latest, Begum Jaan. tesy of his bizarre fashion state- with a dark suit and a look so fierce, opportunity to try his hand at sing- Aamir Khan On asking if she signs a script ing once again Meanwhile, Salman and his ments, Ranveer Singh is back again it could see right though your soul! that appeals to her as an actor, or with a latest photoshoot that may The picture is from a photo Even in Sultan, Salman record- leading lady in the film Katrina Kaif if it is purely based on factors that ed his version for few songs but have wrapped up the first sched- qualify him for a spot in HBO’s shoot the Ram Leela star did for a would entice the audience, the ac- 28 Emmy winner show, Game of clothing brand, and boy, he looks then those did not release for some ule of Tiger Zinda Hai in Austria. tor says that she makes the deci- reason. Now as per the latest whis- The film’s director Ali Abbas Za- sion of signing a film only when Thrones. strikingly dapper. Some of his fans pers in the industry, we hear the far took to Twitter and announced the story appeals to her. The Bajirao Mastani actor re- totally went gaga for the actor’s Dabangg hero may once again ren- the wrap up of the first schedule, “Over time, I realised that I cently posted a picture on his Game of Thrones inspired look. der his vocals for a song, reported thus keeping the fans updated have to do what appeals to me. If Twitter handle in which he is seen (Santa Banta) Yahoo! about the progress of the film. I think I will do a film that will As per a source, “Salman has “Freezing journey comes to end always been fond of singing. Long as @BeingSalmanKhan wraps 1st appeal to 100 people, it is possi- ago he had even tried singing for shooting schedule of @TigerZinda- ble that the way it turns out, it Sylvester Stallone turns down Rs 130 crore payday, the song Oh Oh Jaane Jana from Hai in Tyrol, Austria,” his Tweet may not appeal to even one per- Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, but read. The film’s music is being son. So I have to do what appeals then somehow it didn’t work out. composed by Vishal Shekhar. to one person and then hope that quits Expendables series After Main Hoon Hero Tera, he is (Santa Banta) if I do it with conviction it will appeal to a 100. That’s been my Action star Sylvester Stallone has the selection of the CGI house to strategy throughout, if you can call reportedly decided to leave the handle visual effects, reported that a strategy. Yet, I am saying I Expendables franchise after cre- Deadline. am human. There are days and ative differences with producer Avi However, it will still be a busy times when you feel insecure and Lerner. year for him. The actor will be seen vulnerable as actors,” says the Paa Stallone reportedly would in a as-of-yet secret role in Guard- (2009) actor. She further adds that have received up to $20 million, ians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 which is the decision to do a film is “ex- the biggest upfront payday in his due to release on May 5. tremely personal”. “I don’t take career, if he’d signed up for the In 2015, he got rave reviews anyone’s advice. A script has to fourth film. for reprising his iconic role as excite and challenge me. I want to But the 70-year-old actor Rocky Balboa in Creed, scoring an play a different person with every couldn’t see eye to eye with the Oscar nomination for his perfor- role that I take up. I want to tell a producer on many things includ- mance. different story each time. ing a new director, the script, and (Tribune) SUNDAY.APRIL 02, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Jordan Burnley boss James Anderson Spieth, Sean Dyche says he was not Henrik braced for considered for Stenson summer interest miss the in Michael the England cut at Keane Test captaincy Houston Open

Burnley boss Sean Dyche admits out there's a few interested. (It's) "Managers just talk openly no need to cash in on their top as- "it’s not rocket-science" to work the usual chit-chat," said Dyche about contract situations, who set. out other clubs will be interesting ahead of Saturday's clash with they're after, what their situation Speaking with a clear hint of James Anderson admits he was Captaincy has become almost the in signing standout defender Tottenham. Everton are one of the is...I've never seen anything like it. pride, Dyche explained: "This club tempted by the idea of succeeding sole preserve of the top order, with Michael Keane this summer. The teams being linked with Keane, If a manager conducted himself like is in unbelievable shape. Have you Alastair Cook as England Test cap- only a smattering of names buck- 24-year-old made his England de- with their manager Ronald Koe- that 10 years ago, he'd be asked, seen the finances? Incredible. "In tain earlier this year but was never ing the trend globally in the past but against Germany and helped man having admitted the centre- 'what do you think you're doing? my time here there's only one time, approached about the job. Cook 30 years and Bob Willis the last his country to a clean sheet in a half was "on our list" back in Jan- "No one seems to do anything Charlie Austin (in 2013), where resigned after 59 matches and four specialist seamer to lead England's World Cup Qualifier against uary. about it. You can only hope or pre- we've had to sell a player. and a half years at the helm, with Test XI in 1984. In recent memo- Lithuania during the recent inter- Dyche didn't take kindly to the sume the powers that be see it and "We've never had to sell, apart Joe Root swiftly promoted to fill ry only Broad, who grew up as a national break. comment and has reservations think, 'that's not quite right'. "I from that one where he was run- his shoes. batsman, has been treated as offic- Keane's displays have led to about the way some managers use don't do it. But that's a personal ning out of contract and the club Root's vice-captain Ben er class, serving as Twenty20 cap- him being linked with moves to a the media to court players. "The choice, I'm not judging others." needed the money, literally need- Stokes, Jos Buttler and Stuart tain between 2012 and 2014. Jordan Spieth and Henrik Stenson number of other Premier League game has changed radically, every- Dyche may not like publicly ed the money. Broad were also vetted for the job "I don't know why that is," will have unscheduled time off to clubs this summer and Dyche says one knows everything, it's like an naming targets but he was happy "Since then, we've been in good but Anderson, the country's record said Anderson. "Bowlers do tend prepare for next week's Masters the speculation is natural. open book now, I've never known to get his own message out to those shape." wicket-taker and a veteran of 122 to get injured, I suppose, and that after both crashed out of the Shell "It's not rocket science to work anything like it," he said. who covet Keane - Burnley have (Sky Sport) Tests, was not considered or asked might be why Stuart Broad didn't Houston Open. Spieth and Sten- to interview. At 34, and with inju- get asked this time. There are more son are both expected to be among ries increasingly taking their toll, injury risks but I am all for bowlers the contenders at Augusta Nation- the vacancy may have come a lit- being captain. "Most of the fast al, but they will need to sharpen tle late for the Lancashire seamer bowling captains I have played their games after missing the half- Carl Froch reacts to Mikkel Kessler’s comeback, admits but he would still have welcomed with or against have been pretty way cut in Houston as Sung Kang being part of the conversation. successful - Glen Chapple here at powered into a commanding six- return of his old opponent has got him thinking New NOW TV customers: Lancashire won the [County] shot lead after firing a superb nine- Grab a Sky Sports Month Pass Championship - so I don't know under 63. Overnight leader Rickie for half price. "It would have been why more fast bowlers aren't giv- Fowler got to within four of the nice to have been considered for it en the opportunity to do it. I think leader before dropping three shots but whether I would have taken it they would do a good job and are in two holes late in his second or not, I am not sure," he said. suited to it." round, while Justin Rose will head "Thinking about it from a person- As it stands Root is the man into the weekend 10 shots off the al point of view I would have seri- to lead England into the next phase pace following an erratic 71. ously thought about it. But if I was of their development, with series But a high-quality field was on the outside looking in I would against South Africa and West In- left trailing by a remarkable per- have thought 'is this actually where dies this summer and a winter Ash- formance from Kang, who put the team needs to go, with a 34- es tour on the horizon. And the himself in pole position to grab the year-old as captain?' "I don't know Yorkshireman will have nothing but final place on offer for the first how long I am going to be able to support from his strike bowler, major of the year. The South Ko- keep going for and in the grander who brings considerable tactical rean, ranked outside the world's scheme of things it makes sense insight as well as the small matter top 200, started at the 10th and for a younger guy to do it." of 467 Test scalps. "I see myself rolled in lengthy birdie putts at the While Anderson is pragmatic as a leader within the group, I don't 11th and 17th either side of a good about his own claims on the top think that changes, and I still think four at the long 15th. job, he is also happy to fight the like a captain on the field," he said. He then followed a birdie at corner for fast bowlers at large. (Cricket News) the first with two more putts of outside 20 feet at the second and fourth holes, and his red-hot putter was on target again from similar distance at the seventh before nail- An in-depth look at ing a 30-foot putt for eagle at the next. Kang was only a fraction away Johanna Konta’s rise from holing another long-range ef- fort at his final hole as he set the into the world’s top 10 early clubhouse target at 16 under par, and his lead was not under serious threat throughout the re- mainder of the day. Hudson Swaf- ford and Russell Henley both Carl Froch has given his response around Twitter after people saw Kessler was never quick and cer- sion, he would make things ex- matched their opening rounds of to Mikkel Kessler's surprise come- me sparring up in Sheffield yes- tainly didn't have fast hands, may- tremely difficult for any of them, 67 to share second on 10 under, back and admits the return of his terday, so it was not a huge sur- be he has a chance. James DeGale, Callum Smith and with Fowler one further adrift af- former opponent has given him prise when this came out. And as We don't know what his moti- George Groves included. I am like ter a sloppy finish in his 71. something to think about... I've al- I've always said and will say again, vation is - and I am sure you all any other retired fighter, I think Fowler turned in 34 and card- ways said fighters should stay re- I would rather see fighters keep have your own opinion on that - the current division is not as good ed three birdies in four holes to tired but I've got to be honest, this away - especially after almost four but this has really got me thinking. as it was when me and Kessler start the back nine, but he hacked has really got me thinking! years away - but looking at it, Does he have a chance of mak- were in our prime. from rough to rough at the 15th It is 1-1 of course and if any- Kessler might be the best super- ing a dent in the current division? Of course we need to see what and then duffed a pitch and missed thing is going to get me going again middleweight to do it. New NOW Well, maybe. If he was at his peak shape Kessler is in. a four-foot putt as he ran up a - it is a decider with Mikkel TV customers: Grab a Sky Sports of course, definitely, but because We don't know what his moti- wretched double-bogey seven. The Kessler. He said he'd have it on an Month Pass for half price. Speed he loves nothing but a fight, he vation is - and I am sure you all Honda Classic champion bunkered island, but of course I am retired... is the first thing that goes, so some- could cause a stir. have your own opinion on that - his tee-shot to the short 16th and for now. one like Joe Calzaghe won't be Not wanting to disrespect the but this has really got me thinking. After Johanna Konta broke into lost in three sets to former finalist dropped another stroke, although There was a few things flying making a comeback, but because current super-middleweight divi- (BBC Sport) the world's top 10, Britain's rising Eugenie Bouchard in the second he parred safely in to remain at star in the women's game is on an- round. But in July, she claimed her nine under and within striking dis- other surge at the Miami Open. first WTA Tour title at the Bank tance of Kang. We chart her spectacular rise to of the West Classic in Stanford Rose had problems finding the Chris Froome’s hopes of victory fade in Spain stardom. Konta is the first British with a 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 win over Ve- fairways from the tee and hit a woman since Jo Durie in 1984 to nus Williams. Although she bowed marshal with his drive at the 17th Chris Froome's hopes of winning and finished in 74th position, 12 crack into the elite of the women's out in the last 16 of the US Open - his eighth - and he walked off the Volta a Catalunya were dashed in front of team-mate Geraint Th- game and she maintained her siz- in September, Konta narrowly with a bogey before pulling his after the Team Sky rider lost 26 omas. zling form at Miami Open. missed out on the year-end WTA second into the water at 18 and minutes on the penultimate sixth Movistar's Valverde takes a 53- She became the first British Championships, but began 2017 carding a six. But the Englishman stage in Spain. The three-time Tour second lead into the 138.7km fina- woman to reach the final at Cran- by winning the WTA Apia Inter- rallied on the front nine and bird- de France winner could not catch le after finishing second on stage don Park Tennis Center, but she national in Sydney, proving to her ied the third and fourth before rat- up with the lead group following six, with Daryl Impey (Orica- expects another gruelling examina- rivals that she is a genuine title tling in a birdie putt of close to 50 an early split in the peloton during Scott) taking victory following a tion of her endurance against Car- contender. Konta was born in Syd- feet on the ninth green to salvage a the 189.7-kilometre stage from sprint. oline Wozniacki in Saturday's fi- ney to Hungarian parents. Her dad one-under 71. Tortosa to Reus. Alberto Contador (Trek-Seg- nal. Konta's status as a genuine is a hotelier and her mum a dentist. Three-time Masters champi- The Briton, appearing in his afredo) moved up to second in the contender to win a major tourna- She speaks both English and Hun- on Phil Mickelson scraped into the first European race of the year, had general classification standings, ment is credit, in part, to her men- garian. She is facing growing deter- weekend with nothing to spare af- started the day just 21 seconds with Great Britain's Adam Yates tal resilience. She will try to cap a mination from Australian fans to ter signing for a second level-par behind leader Alejandro Valverde (Orica-Scott) now fourth, one stunning rise over the last two claim her as one of their own. "I 72, but Spieth, Stenson and 2013 after strong finish on Friday. But minute and 21 seconds behind Val- years, which has seen her move think the announcer on court tried Augusta winner Adam Scott all he plummeted down the leader- verde. up from 146th to seventh in the to get the crowd involved," Konta bowed out. (Sky Sport) board ahead of Sunday's final stage (Sky Sport) world, with victory in Miami. said, following her scintillating Last January, Konta became third-round victory over Wozni- the first British woman for 33 acki at the Australian Open. "He years to reach a Grand Slam semi- said, 'Is she from Great Britain? Is Talented trio in Spring final when she made the last four she from Australia?' I'm like, 'this at the Australian Open, replicat- is kind of awkward'. ing Durie's run at the 1983 US "But yeah, my place of birth Mile at Doncaster Open. The only other British is no secret. Also where I call home Ballet Concerto, Sacred Act and much of him but what I have seen women to get as far in Melbourne is no secret either. Everyone's pret- Nimr missed the cut for the Lin- of him he's been leading Across The were Virginia Wade, who won the ty clear where they stand with me." coln but will instead lock horns in Stars in his work when Sir Micha- tournament in 1972, and Sue Bark- Konta moved to England and based the consolation race at Doncaster el was preparing him for Dubai, er, who made the semis twice herself in Eastbourne in 2005, aged on Saturday, the Betway Spring which unfortunately he had to (1975 and 1977). Konta moved up 14. She qualified as a British citi- Mile. For connections of the Sir miss. "With that in mind, you'd to No 18 in the women's rankings zen in May 2012 and soon started Michael Stoute-trained Ballet think he'd be pretty fit. in June, making her the first Brit- competing for Great Britain. In Concerto, who has been absent "He got beat in a good race up ish female to enter the top 20 since 2014, she switched her training since September, it was especially at Thirsk and that was on soft Durie in 1983, who then climbed base to Gijon in Spain working galling to miss out on the Lincoln ground, so if there's cut that to No 5 in the world a year later. with her Spanish coaches Esteban as he now races for less prize-mon- shouldn't be a problem. "There are She is smashing records and the Carril and Jose-Manuel Garcia. The ey but also carries top weight. 22 runners so you can't be confi- next landmark facing her in Grand British No 1 says she has been Owner Saeed Suhail's racing man- dent, but we're hoping for better Slams will be Wade's 1977 mark - working hard on the mental aspects ager Bruce Raymond said: "It's a things form him this year and that the last British woman to reach a of the game Her first Wimbledon pity he missed the Lincoln by one there's more improvement in him." Grand Slam final when she won appearance came courtesy of a wild horse as the double-edged sword Sacred Act, trained by John Gos- Wimbledon. After her Melbourne card in 2012 and she showed her is he's now got top weight in this. den, was last seen winning at San- run in 2016, Konta struggled with propensity for being able to go the "I haven't actually seen that down in September. the pressure at Wimbledon as she distance in matches. (BBC) SUNDAY . APRIL 02. 2017-Hamal 13, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 239 Price: Afs.20

Russia says it is in contact with concern over Russia's interaction the Taliban in Afghanistan to push with the Taliban, which is fighting the militant group toward national the U.S.-backed government and reconciliation and to ensure the U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "I am security of Russian citizens. not willing to say at this point if Speaking to reporters in Brus- that is manifested into weapons sels on March 31, Russia's ambas- and that sort of thing, but, certain- sador to NATO, Aleksandr Grush- ly, what they are up to there in ko, denied that Moscow is pro- light of their other activities gives viding aid to the Taliban and said us concern," Mattis said. The com- "many countries" maintain con- ments came after U.S. General tacts with the group. Curtis Scaparrotti, NATO's su- "The consultations we hold, preme allied commander in Europe, the work we do, we do it with the said on March 23 that he had seen participation of Afghanistan's cen- evidence of increasing Russian ef- tral government," Grushko said. forts to influence the Taliban "and Earlier, in London, U.S. Defense perhaps even to supply" the mili- Secretary Jim Mattis expressed tant group. (rferl) American octogenarian granted Afghan Two more planes carrying Afghans failed rigorous asylum tests, and were likely to be denied asylum reproted seeing an immense drop citizenship deported from Europe have arrived that major cities like Kabul are suf- left Germany voluntarily in 2016 in the arrival of asylum seekers in in Kabul after their asylum request ficiently safe. The EU signed an "We are committed to the agree- the country, with the total number was rejected under an agreement agreement with the Afghan govern- ments but we need more assistance in 2016 down to less than a third The Ministry of Rural Rehabilita- ment fund the project.” said Ak- between the European Union and ment in October allowing its mem- from the international community of the 890,000 who arrived in tion and Development has allocat- bar Rustami, spokesman of the Afghan government. ber states to deport an unlimited to help these people," Miakhel told 2015. Afghanistan's campaign Af- ed $70 Million for building the ru- Ministry of Rehabilitation and The arrivals mean 248 people number of asylum seekers, and Reuters news agency, referring to ghanistan will welcome more re- ral roads in Afghanistan. The au- Development. Meanwhile, a num- have been deported from Europe obliging the Afghan government to an October agreement between the turning migrants than any other thorities in Ministry of Rehabili- ber of Afghan economic experts to Afghanistan this year, compared receive them. The agreement states EU and the Afghan government. country in 2017, including up to tation and Development have said believe that the new project is very with 580 throughout 2016, said while a maximum of 50 non-vol- "There is a war against the Tali- one million from neighbouring Pa- that the new project will connect promising on the economical de- Hafiz Ahmad Miakhel, spokesman untary deportees per chartered ban, against Daesh (Islamic State kistan, said Masood Ahmadi at the villages to districts, provincial cap- velopment of the country and the for the Ministry of Refugees and flight in the first six months after of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL), International Organization for itals and it will have great impacts village’s products delivery to su- Repatriations. the agreement, there is no limit to against al-Qaeda and this year we Migration in Afghanistan. "If you on the country’s economic devel- permarkets. According to MRRD Fifteen deportees arrived by the number of daily deportation will have more forced deportees are coming to Afghanistan against opment. “We have decided to con- officials, 400 Kilometers of the chartered flight from Germany on flights European governments can than last year," he said. Afghans your will, you are not ready to re- struct 705 kilometers streets and rural roads and more than 1000 Tuesday, while 19 landed on charter to Kabul. Even as the num- were the second largest group of turn. Re-integration back into so- 1693 meters of concrete bridges, it bridges have been built last year. Wednesday from Austria and 10 ber of Afghan deportees is rising, asylum seekers in Europe in 2015, ciety will be very difficult and costs $70 million. World Bank to- They have decided to double the from Sweden. Another flight, from it still remains less compared to and concerns about security and forced deportations have the stig- gether with the Afghan Govern- constructions this year. (ATN) Finland, is scheduled to arrive on the thousands returning voluntari- their integration have encouraged ma of failure," he said. "It will en- President Ashraf Ghani recently Tuesday. European governments ly. Nearly 55,000 migrants and ref- politicians to take a tougher line. courage re-migration." bestowed Afghan citizenship on say those deported back have ugees who were not eligible for or However, last month Germany (Al Jazeera) U.S citizen Mary MacMakin, Cricket team returns who has lived in Afghanistan for over 36 years – a move that has Maimanagi art center, good place been welcomed by the octogenari- home to hero’s welcome an. The 88-year-old American, for improvement of youth talents The National Cricket Team on Sat- Mashal, chairman of the Afghani- who first came to Afghanistan urday returned home to a hero’s stan Cricket Board. Meanwhile, a about 56 years ago with her hus- Kabul: Directorate of Ghulam and could receive certificates after Mohammad Maimanagi Art Cen- graduation, adding that nearly 50 welcome after winning five con- number of national team members band, has been recognized for all secutive cups at international said their consecutive wins against the work she has done in the coun- ter is one of the institutions which students both male and female could have provided learning facil- have completed their studies and events. Chief Executive Abdullah Zimbabwe and Ireland in One In- try over the years. Abdullah was at Hamid Karzai In- ternationals and Twenty20 match- According to her, she lives on ities of fine arts in various sections graduated from different art sec- to its interested students. tions during the past one year. ternational Airport in Kabul to es, as well as this week’s victory her U.S social security grant but welcome the team home. “We are over Ireland in the 4-day ICC In- still works at the organizations she Director of Maimanagi Arts Related to absorption of students Sayed Sabir Hashimi related to ac- in the center, Hashimi said that here to encourage the national team tercontinental Cup is a huge founded. and to let them know that the Na- achievement and of historical im- MacMakin founded Afzenda, tivities of center said, “This art daily dozens student joined the center has various learning sections center as they knew that in con- tional Unity Government leaders portance to Afghanistan’s cricket. which enables impoverished wom- and the people of Afghanistan are “Afghanistan’s victory in the In- en to earn extra income from sew- as painting, graphic, calligraphy, sideration to government policy all minatory, computer, children art, programs and goals of the center happy about their victories,” Ab- tercontinental Cup was important. ing and also PARSA, which trains dullah said. “We are committed to It was due to the efforts of the Afghans to develop programs that statue and handicrafts and tailor- were for enhancement of capabili- ing.” He asserted that interested ty and empowering of talents of leaving no stone unturned in our national team and the prayers of help orphans and widows. efforts to develop the national Afghan people which led us to vic- “I came to Afghanistan 56 students were able to learn vari- the country’s youth playing vital ous art studies taught by experi- role in providing services to the cricket team and to cooperate with tory,” the national team’s captain years ago with my husband and them,” said Shukrullah Atif Asghar Stanikzai said. (KP) four children. My husband had a enced and professional teachers people of Afghanistan. contract with Asia Foundation,” she said, adding that he died seven years ago. MacMakin’s daughter and her three sons all live in the U.S. She Too many Facebook users across don’t know anything about [April] says she visits them at least once a Afghanistan took on their accounts fool, but swear to God, I love year. She said she first worked in to share some of the most shock- you!” For some people whom Afghanistan as a physiotherapist ing tales and news, ranging from marrying or motherhood is a sweat PUL-I-ALAM : Two projects projects had a huge importance for prived of facilities like road and attention to Azra district. The high- but went on to start empowerment killing high-profile officials to some and hard –to- gain dream, today is costing 38 million afghanis have Azra district. “Azra is a far and hospital and the two projects way connecting Azra with provin- organizations. of their closest friends. the opportunity to share their de- been launched in the Azra, the most insecure district and has long been would somehow bring relief to the cial capital, Pul-i-Alam, has been MacMakin also converted to It’s a way most Afghans back sires indirectly. Like this one,”Just insecure district in central Logar ignored by the government but the inhabitants. He said local people blocked by insurgents over the past Islam three years ago. in the country celebrate “April noticed gonna be mom soon!” province, officials said on Satur- two projects could solve many had to take their patients to other 14 years. Local residents first trav- “She participates in our reli- fool”, the day when you tell a lie But, here in Afghanistan even day. Azra district chief Hamidul- problems our people face.” Hayat- provinces and the new hospital in el to Nangarhar, reach Kabul and gious discussions and three years just for fun. a boy can become a mother only in lah Hameed told Pajhwok Afghan ullah, a tribal leader, told Pajhwok Azra would resolve that problem. then proceed to Pul-i-Alam. ago she became a Muslim,” said One Facebook user has writ- April fool day. As this face book News the schemes included con- Afghan News they had been de- He urged government to pay more (Pajhwok) Sharifullah, her adopted son. ten on his account like,” Just heard user wrote in bold font that he is struction of a 10-kilometer road MacMakin also works with a 40 of my friends passed away.” “pregnant”. But if you follow his and a hospital’s building. tailor and a designer, Rana and Apart from killing their friends post to the end, you can find out The road connecting Kharoti, Ayesha, and together they make on social Medias, a remarkable the April fool hash tag. Babrik, Akbarkhel, Chatrah and traditional Bamiyan clothes for number of Afghan internet-friend- Even, Afghan net users didn’t Kachwal villages had been dam- women. “We sell the clothes and ly users had fantasy trips around spared president Ghani by mock- aged and was being reconstructed (with that money) buy wool and U.S. and Europe today. Like one ing some of his public messages to facilitate commuters, he said. other material to make more,” said user wrote on his Facebook,” trip across the Kabul city, reading as A standard building was being Ayesha, the designer. to Berlin; Hope to make back to he is “fully determined to rebuild constructed for the hospital which “I help MacMakin with the Afghanistan one day. Bye Kabul!” Afghanistan by the force of its previous served as clinic and had tailoring and have made all these For those who are familiar youths.” no building. “We decided to con- clothes,” said Rana. MacMakin with the nature of April fool, to- However, it has been many vert the clinic to hospital and re- has lived in Afghanistan perma- day nothing is serious, or accept- years that Afghans do somehow construct its building too”, he said. nently for well over 30 years and able. April fool, at the same time, commemorate the day by sharing According to the district chief, the says she was once jailed by the provides a rare chance for some funny and shocking lies, still there projects will cost 38 million Af- Taliban after refusing to close her lovers in Afghanistan to express are some people who condemn the ghanis and take a year to complete. then business that offered servic- their feelings for their beloved ones. day as a harsh culture. A member of the Provincial Coun- es to women. (ToloNews) Like this user who wrote,” I (ATN) cil, Abdul Wali Wakeel, said the two