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QNB to Lara, Kallis to embrace feature in Qatar digital Celebrity Cricket transformation League

Monday 9 December 2019 | 12 Rabia II 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8100 | 2 Riyals Safeguard your mission-critical data in Qatar’s safest Data Centre Amir to honour Amir crowns winners of Gulf Cup winners of International Anti-Corruption Excellence We were delighted that our brothers participated in Award today 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, with whom we lived wonderful QNA/DOHA days. Congratulations for Bahrain on winning the title and good luck for the other teams. We are proud on Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the success of the championship and all thanks and Hamad Al Thani will head to the appreciation to those participated in organising it. Republic of Rwanda today to attend the ceremony of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Inter- QNA/DOHA Asian Football Confederation, national Anti-Corruption Excel- H E Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim lence Award, which will be held Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Al Khalifa, Their Excellencies in Kigali in partnership with the Hamad Al Thani crowned the Sheikhs and Ministers and heads United Nations, in the presence national football team of the of the Gulf Olympic committees of President of the Republic of Kingdom of Bahrain, the winners and federations, Their Excel- Rwanda H E Paul Kagame; Pres- of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, lencies heads of the diplomatic ident of the Republic of Namibia following their 1-0 victory over missions accredited to the State, H E Hage Geingob; President of the national football team of the senior officials in the sport field the Democratic Republic of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at and a huge numbers of fans. Congo H E Felix Tshisekedi; Pres- Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium The crowning ceremony ident of FIFA Gianni Infantino; yesterday. started with handing the cham- Deputy Secretary-General of the H H the Amir handed the pionship awards in different United Nations Amina Bahraini players the gold medals categories, as Qatar national Mohammed, and Vice President and the championship’s trophy team won the fair play award, of the International Association and handed the silver medals to Saudi Arabian Fawaz Al Qarni of Anti-Corruption Authorities the Saudi players. won the best goalkeeper award, (IAACA) Dr Eduardo Vetere. The crowning ceremony was Saudi Arabian Abdullah Otayf Several international person- attended by Father Amir H H won the best player award, then ↑ Amir H H Sheikh Tamim alities in the field of the award Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al honored the final match refe- bin Hamad Al Thani handing will attend the ceremony. During Thani; H H Sheikh Jassim bin reeing team. over the Arabian Gulf the ceremony, H H the Amir and Hamad Al Thani, Personal Rep- H H the Amir attended the H E the Rwandan President will Cup to the winners, the resentative of H H the Amir; H H final of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup honour the winners of the national football team of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa between the national football award’s four categories: Lifetime H H the Amir crowned the National Team of Bahrain with Arabian the Kingdom of Bahrain, Al Thani and H E Sheikh Jassim team of the Kingdom of Saudi or Outstanding Achievement; Gulf Cup championship in its 24th edition. We congratulate Bahraini after the final match at bin Khalifa Al Thani. Arabia and the national football Academic Research and Edu- team for winning this title for the first time. We are proud of Qatar's the Abdullah bin Khalifa Also, the ceremony was team of the Kingdom of Bahrain, cation; Youth Creativity and constant excellence in hosting the mega sporting events. Stadium yesterday. `P2 attended by the President of the at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. Engagement; and Innovation. QCB set to Doha Declaration to promote announce rights of 1.5 billion people FinTech with disabilities worldwide THE PENINSULA aware that the legacy of the past strategy DOHA has left many persons with SATISH KANADY disabilities behind. THE PENINSULA Qatar Foundation for Social "That legacy of invisibility, Work (QFSW) launched the exclusion, segregation, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) ‘Doha Declaration’ at the discriminatory policies and law Governor H E Sheikh Abdulla bin closing ceremony of the Doha is an affront to the human Saoud Al Thani said yesterday International Conference on conscience. that the central bank is working Disability and Development "Whereas, we call for a on the banking industry’s (DICDD) yesterday. The rethinking the disability financial technology (FinTech) two-day conference, which has concepts at all levels, stepping strategy, in cooperation with attracted over 1,500 policy- out from the cultural barriers, leading financial institutions and makers and practitioners, took stigmas and medical financial technology companies. place at the Qatar National approaches towards CRDP The strategy, where the central Convention Center under the definitions ensuring bank would contribute to theme: “Leaving No One empowerment, comprehensive creating a modern regulatory Behind”. social wellbeing, belonging, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of H H the Amir, and H E Sheikh environment that supports inno- The Doha Declaration on inclusiveness, equality and Thani bin Hamad Al Thani along with other dignitaries during the ceremony. vation and market stability, will disability and development sets dignity for all. be announced soon, he said. out an action-oriented approach "Whereas, we acknowledge Delivering the opening that Qatar hopes will be an that humanity now has at its address at The Euromoney Winners of SHATIU honoured international reference point for disposal two powerful Qatar Conference, the QCB Gov- world governments to integrate instruments reflecting the values ernor said the central bank, in THE PENINSULA English into Arabic for translating by Nofal Nayouf, for translating the rights of persons with of change and each, in their own its capacity as the regulatory and DOHA ‘Knowledge is Manifest’ by Franz ‘Everything from love’ by Nadijda disabilities into their national way, driving that process of supervisory authority for the Rosenthal, QNA has reported. Taifi, while the third place went development plans. change. financial sector, is fully aware The winners of the 5th edition Amr Ali Saeed Othman secured to Bassam Khalil Mekdad, for The aim is to ensure the "Whereas, we acknowledge of the importance of financial of Sheikh Hamad Award for second place for translating ‘Ori- translating ‘Philosophy of ine- needs of persons with disabilities legal obligations arising from the technology in the development Translation and International entalist Palaces’ by Wael Hallaq. quality’ by Nikolai Berdyayev. are included in policies related UN CRPD and view the UN SDGs of the banking and financial Understanding (SHATIU) were Third place went to Kholoud Amr, In the category of translation to education, health, as key guiding principles in sector in the country. honoured yesterday in a for translating ‘Buried Giant’ novel from Arabic into Russian, the first employment, and other relevant development, complementary Supported by cutting-edge ceremony held at the Ritz- by Kazuo Ishiguro. place was dropped, so Olga areas. action as between the two can innovations, the global financial Carlton, Doha As for the category of trans- Vlasova received the second place, The Doha Declaration states: help create a more inclusive sector is rapidly growing. Tech- On behalf of Father Amir lation from Arabic into English, the for translating ‘Al Hawat and Al "We, the conferees of the Doha future for all persons with nology is playing great role in H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa first place was dropped, while Qasr’ novel by Taher Wattar, while International Conference on disabilities. transforming the banking Al Thani, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad Hossam Fadil received the category of achievement was Disability and Development "Whereas, we stress on the system from its conventional Hamad Al Thani, the Personal the second place for translating won by the Tunisian Institute of December 7 to 8, 2019 held interoperability and channels to digital alternatives. Representative of H H the Amir, ‘Rulings in distinguishing fatwas Translation. under the patronage of H H interdependence of the two Digital banks, which are set to attended the ceremony. from the rulings’ by Al Qarafi. The category of achievement Shaikha Moza bint Nasser, came global instruments; SDGs and revolutionise the global During the ceremony, H E In the category of translation in the Russian and English lan- together in the spirit of the UN UNCRPD, where leaving no one banking system, are on its way. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani from Russian into Arabic, Nizar guages went to the translators Charter to advance peace, justice behind cannot be achieved These new age banks are honoured the winners of the Oyoun Al Aswad won the first Abdullah Haba; Maher Shafiq and human rights for all and without mainstreaming the capable of providing key tradi- various categories of the Award. place for translating ‘War does Farid; and Dimitrii Mikulski. especially for the 1.5 billion rights-based approach tional services through mobile Yahya Al Qaqaa and Ikhlas Al not have a feminine face’ by Murtada Syed Umarov won in persons with disabilities in the embedded in the UNCRPD as applications, Sheikh Abdulla Qanawah won the first place in Svetlana Alekseyevich. the achievement category of world. human rights and development said. `P4 the translation category from The first place was repeated Uzbek language. `P2 "Whereas, we are painfully cannot be divided. `P4 02 HOME MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019

Amir issues Amiri Amir, Father Amir attend Arabian Gulf Cup final OFFICIAL NEWS Amir receives message decisions, decrees from President of Venezuela QNA/DOHA decree and have the force of law, in accordance with Article (68) DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin of the Constitution. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Hamad Al Thani, yesterday H H the Amir issued Decree received yesterday a written issued Amiri Decision No. 58 of No. (48) of 2019 ratifying an air message from the President 2019 appointing Hussain Ahmed services agreement between the of the Bolivarian Republic of Muhammad Ibrahim Al Hamid, government of the State of Qatar Venezuela, H E Nicolas Maduro, as Ambassador Extraordinary and the government of the pertaining to bilateral relations and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Paraguay signed in and means to support and develop United Republic of Tanzania. the city of Asuncion on them. The message was received H H the Amir also issued 3/10/2018, attached to the text by Secretary-General of the Min- Amiri Decision No. 59 of 2019 of this decree and have the force istry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. appointing Fawzia Idris Salman of law, in accordance with Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Al Sulaiti, as Ambassador Extraor- Article (68) of the Constitution. during his meeting with Ambas- dinary and Plenipotentiary to the H H the Amir also issued sador of Venezuela to the State Republic of Indonesia. H H the Decree No. (49) of 2019 to of Qatar, Giuseppe Angelo Yof- Amir issued Amiri Decision No. ratify an agreement between freda Yorio. QNA 60 of 2019 appointing Tariq Ali the government of Qatar and Faraj Hashim Al Ansari, Ambas- the government of the Deputy Amir to attend sador Extraordinary and Pleni- Republic of Paraguay Global Conference of potentiary of the Republic of regarding the abolition of visa Parliamentarians South Africa. H H the Amir also requirements for holders of issued Decree No. (46) of 2019 to diplomatic, official and DOHA: The Deputy Amir H H ratify a Memorandum of Under- private passports, signed in Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani standing for cooperation in the the city of Asuncion on Thani will attend today, the open- during the final of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, yesterday. field of health and medical science 3/10/2018, attached to the text ing of the 7th Global Conference between the government of the of this decree and have the force of Parliamentarians Against Cor- State of Qatar and the government of law, in accordance with ruption, which will be held at the of the Republic of Turkey, signed Article (68) of the Constitution. Deputy PM and Minister of State for Defence Sheraton Doha Hotel. QNA in Trabzon, on 18/12/ 2016 H H the Amir issued Decree No. Prime Minister receives attached to the text of this decree (50) of 2019 ratifying a supple- Affairs meets Chairman of Jordanian Joint Staff and have the force of law, in mentary protocol in the field of condolences from accordance with Article (68) of the supervision and control of Mali and Burundi Constitution. financial institutions for the H H the Amir also issued Memorandum of Understanding DOHA: Prime Minister and Inte- Decree No. (47) of 2019 to ratify between Qatar Central Bank and rior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah a Memorandum of Under- Bank Al Maghrib, signed in the bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, standing for cooperation in the city of Rabat on 12/03/2018, received last evening condolences field of standardization between attached to the text of this on the death of his mother from H the Qatar General Organization decree and have the force of law, E President of the National Assem- for Standardization in Qatar, and in accordance with Article (68) bly of the Republic of Mali, Issaka the Turkish Standards Institution of the Constitution. The deci- Sidibe, and Speaker of the Senate TSE in the Republic of Turkey, sions are effective as of the date of the Republic of Burundi, Rever- signed in Trabzon on 18/12/2016, of issue and are to be published ien Ndikuriyo. QNA attached to the text of this in the official gazette. Peruvian FM meets Qatari Ambassador Shura Council Speaker meets Inter-Parliamentary Union President Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al DOHA: The Speaker of the Shura Council,H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Attiyah, met yesterday the Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Staff Major General (Pilot), H E Yousef LIMA: The Minister of Foreign Mahmoud, met yesterday with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Ahmed Al Hunaiti and his accompanying delegation. They discussed military relations between the Affairs of the Republic of Peru, H E Gabriela Cuevas Barron, on the occasion of her Excellency’s participation in two sides and ways to enhance and develop them. The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff of H E Gustavo Meza-Cuadra met the 7th Conference of Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corrup- the Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim, and a number of with H E Ambassador of the tion, which begins in Doha today. The meeting reviewed cooperation relations senior officers of the Qatari Armed Forces. State of Qatar to Peru, Ali bin in the parliamentary field. Hamad Al Sulaiti. QNA

Award winners posing for a group picture. Winners of SHATIU honoured FROM PAGE 1 Nabeesah Shamnad received the while Kazem Jan Ibrahimovic In the Portuguese language, awards. won youth encouragement Safa Abu Shahla Gibran and And in the category of dic- prize. Catarina Bello received the tionaries, Abdul Rahman The ceremony was attended award. Abdullah Birri won for his by a number of Their Excel- While in the category of achievement of a Somali- lencies, Sheikhs and Ministers, achievement in Malayalam lan- Arabic dictionary, and Olug a number of Their Excellencies guage, Islamic Publishing House; Beik Sultan Zekirjan, for his members of diplomatic missions, V Abdul Kabir; Shaykh accomplishment of the Sultan and a number of intellectuals, Muhammad Karakkunu, and Uzbek Arabic Dictionary, writers and guests. DICDD discusses ways to make cities accessible to everyone QNA/DOHA cities accessible to all requires developing countries face the providing basic services in those greatest challenges, and the issue The second session of the activ- cities, such as ease of movement of access within cities in devel- ities of the final day of the Doha for people with disabilities and oping countries is not always International Conference on Disa- the availability of job opportu- easy, reviewing her experience bility and Development, organised nities for them. She also praised of living in the United Kingdom by the Qatar Social Work Foun- what Doha has done in this when the old buildings in the dation, discussed ways to make context, as Qatar has developed British capital London were cities accessible to all by providing an engineering guide for buildings rehabilitated to make them eli- an infrastructure based on the to accommodate people with dis- gible for people with consideration of people with disa- abilities since 2006. disabilities. bilities. Her Excellency stated that The Special Envoy of the H E the Special Envoy of the societies should make a great Secretary-General of the Arab Secretary-General of the Arab effort to provide access to League for Humanitarian Affairs League for Humanitarian Affairs persons with disabilities and stressed that the ease of access for Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa bin provide them with basic services, people with disabilities depends Ahmed Al Thani called for the asking those communities to on the type of disability and the necessity of converting words provide opportunities for classification of disability, and good intentions regarding persons with disabilities to par- explaining that setting accurate the rights of persons with disa- ticipate in the form and methods standards and describing these bilities into effective measures of providing access to them in disabilities facilitates the on the ground because making future cities. She added that achievement of this goal. MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 03

The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, chairing the 6th meeting of the 48th regular session of the Shura Council, yesterday. Shura Council discusses State’s draft public budget of fiscal year 2020

QNA/DOHA blockade imposed on it. H E Al and medium enterprises. Mahmoud said that it is a matter The Shura Council Speaker The Shura Council held of our satisfaction to find direc- stressed that the foundations on yesterday the 6th meeting of its tives and visions of HH the Amir, which the draft budget were 48th regular session under its reflected in the draft budget and welcomed, praised and sup- Speaker H E Ahmed bin Abdullah embodied in its goals, founda- ported by the Shura Council, bin Zaid Al Mahmoud. tions and philosophy. especially as it (the draft budget) The council, during the He added that the draft came in harmony with the prin- session, discussed the State’s budget is one of the fruits of this ciples, directions and visions draft public budget of fiscal year wise policy and sound economic contained in H H the Amir’s 2020, and the draft budget planning, with its goals and speech at the opening of the 48th approval law, in presence of the bases, which include providing ordinary session of the Shura Minister of Finance H E Ali bin the necessary allocations for the Council on the October, 5. Shareef Al Emadi; President of plans and projects of Qatar The Speaker, in his name Public Works Authority (Ashghal) National Vision 2030 and the and on behalf of all members of Dr. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi requirements of the second stra- the Council, extended thanks to and a lineup of senior officials in tegic plan 2018-2022 with its H E the Minister of Finance; the the Ministry of Finance. H E Min- various economic, social, human President of Ashghal and the ister of Finance explained the gov- and environmental pillars as accompanying team for ernment’s view on the draft well as providing financial allo- attending the session of the budget and answered questions cations for the completion of Council and attending to its and inquiries from members of major projects and those related members’ inquiries. the Council. to the 2022 World Cup. After extensive in-depth; At the outset of the dis- It also included allocating objective and responsible dis- cussion of the draft budget, H E financial credits to develop cussions, the Shura Council com- Shura Council Speaker extended infrastructure in the free, eco- mended the State’s Draft Public sincere thanks and appreciation nomic, industrial and logistical Budget of Fiscal Year 2020, as to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin zones; developing the lands of well as the efforts of the Hamad Al Thani for His citizens, supporting initiatives esteemed government and the Highness’ wisdom, directives for developing business envi- plans and programs that it is and good policies that enabled ronment to enhance the role of implementing within the the country to occupy this pres- the private sector and its partic- framework of the National tigious position and to achieve ipation in various economic Development Strategy 2018 the highest rates of economic activities, and supporting food 2022 and Qatar National Vision growth despite the unjust security projects as well as small 2030. 04 HOME MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 Turkish envoy underlines Minister of State for Foreign Affairs meets top UN official tremendous progress in bilateral ties with Qatar QNA/DOHA The Turkish Ambassador said: The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the State of Qatar, H One of the areas E Fikret Ozer, underlined that the where the two bilateral relations between Turkey countries made the and Qatar achieved tremendous fastest progress is progress in recent years in all areas of cooperation, on the basis economy. The trade of the strategic partnership. volume, which was In statement to Qatar News nearly QR3bn in 2016, Agency (QNA) on the occasion increased to reach The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, met yesterday with the of Qatar National Day, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H E Amina Mohammed, who is currently visiting Ambassador said that the QR8.3bn by the end the country. During the meeting, cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and the United Turkey-Qatar Supreme Strategic of 2018. As of October Nations were reviewed, in addition to issues of common concern. Committee, which was estab- Fikret Ozer, Ambassador of Turkey this year, it reached lished in 2015 as the highest to Qatar institutional mechanism of QR5.8bn. cooperation, convened for the fifth time last month under the contracting sector has under- under one flag and help us leadership of Amir H H Sheikh taken the highest volume of become a real nation. It is only Oman’s Ambassador praises Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and projects. On the other hand, the when a nation is united that it H E President of the Republic of total value of the Qatari invest- can overcome the challenges it historical relations with Qatar Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. ments in Turkey is nearly faces, no matter how strong In the margin of the meeting, the $80.1bn, the Turkish Ambas- these challenges are,” H E the QNA/DOHA managed to create a good envi- two countries signed seven sador added. Ambassador said. ronment to face difficulties and agreements, added to the 46 The Turkish Ambassador “In my capacity as the Ambassador of the Sultanate of turn them into successful oppor- agreements which were signed added that the humanitarian and Turkish Ambassador to Qatar, I Oman to the State of Qatar, H E tunities that strengthened their in the previous meetings. cultural relations between the would like to celebrate the Najib bin Yahya Al Balushi development achievements at In this regard, the Ambas- two countries by no means fall National Day of the friendly State praised the depth of the Qatari- the local level and their active sador noted that the leaders of behind the political and economic of Qatar and extend my best Omani relations, describing it as presence in the regional and both countries emphasized in the relations. “Our Qatari brothers wishes to our Qatari brothers deep-rooted, brotherly and international forums, thanks to last meeting of the Supreme have been showing growing and sisters. I believe that this historical, which have evolved its careful planning and optimal Strategic Committee the interest for the Turkish culture important day will further over decades to cover all fields. utilization of resources, the Turkish-Qatari strategic part- and language. Last year almost strengthen the spirit of national In a statement to Qatar News Ambassador stated. nership which means a lot for 100 thousand Qatari citizens pride and solidarity among Agency (QNA) on the occasion The Ambassador Al Balushi both sides. visited Turkey. On the other hand, Qatari nation and thus will be of Qatar National Day, the extended his congratulations to He noted that one of the Qatar became the second home instrumental in building even a Ambassador affirmed that the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin areas where the two countries for nearly 10 thousand Turkish cit- more united and prosperous relations between the Sultanate Najib bin Yahya Al Balushi, Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir H made the fastest progress is izens residing in the country,” HE Qatar,” the Ambassador of of Oman and the State of Qatar Oman’s Ambassador to Qatar H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al economy. The trade volume, the Minister said. Turkey stated. are in constant growth and Thani and Deputy Amir H H which was nearly QR3bn in The Turkish Ambassador In the political sphere, the development thanks to the The Omani Ambassador Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al 2016, increased to reach noted that National Days are Ambassador said that Qatar has directives of the leaderships of highlighted Qatar’s achievements Thani, and to the people of Qatar QR8.3bn by the end of 2018. As important means of acknowl- immensely raised its regional the two countries that are keen made during the past period in on the occasion of Qatar National of October this year, it reached edging the past and connecting and international standing and on consolidating the devel- various fields thanks to the wise Day. He expressed his wishes that QR5.8bn. it to the present day. They also become a leading political actor opment achieved while creating leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Qatar will continue to celebrate With a total of over $18bn, serve as valuable guides to the whose contribution to solution wider prospects and opportu- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. its achievements year after year Qatar has become the 7th future. “They remind us the sac- of regional and global challenges nities for cooperation between Despite the challenges facing amidst further development, country in which the Turkish rifices of our ancestors, unite us is highly sought and valued for. the two brotherly countries. the world, the State of Qatar has progress and prosperity. QCB set to announce FinTech strategy Qatar attends GCC General Secretariat meeting QNA/RIYADH

FROM PAGE 1 gaps and maintain financial stability. of customers to use digital services, have The committee for drafting decisions and recommendations for the 145th The future banking industry is With technology giants developing faster redefined the concept of retail banking. session of the Ministerial Preparatory Council for the 40th Session of the GCC heading towards a new historical turning and lower-cost solutions and have begun Improving operational efficiency can Supreme Council held a meeting yesterday at the headquarters of the GCC point. AI and blockchain are going to to offer alternative financial services, tra- only be done through the adoption of new General Secretariat in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with the participation of the completely transform the industry. ditional banking services have to gear technologies. Reaffirming that the arti- State of Qatar. The meeting, which was attended by a number of officials of Sheikh Abdulla said that the regulatory up to face the challenges by investing ficial intelligence, electronic cloud-based the foreign ministries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, discussed a number and supervisory bodies around the world heavily in technology.He pointed out that banking services and enhanced digital of topics related to preparing the Ministerial Meeting of the 40th Session of will need to quickly cope up with the new the developments witnessed in the capabilities are increasingly becoming the GCC Supreme Council. The summit is scheduled to be held tomorrow, challenges in order to reduce regulatory banking technology sector, and the desire core element of the banking industry, while the ministerial meeting will be held today. Sheikh Abdulla urged the banks to establish more distinct system through the cooperation with leading FinTech companies. Mobile banking services can now be executed at any time and any place. The entry of tech giants with huge cus- tomer base, like “Apple”, “Google”, “Amazon”, has the potential to totally disrupt the traditional banking industry. He said that the new developments in the banking industry also raise many concerns about privacy, competition and market monopoly, which may create threats that affect the financial system, as pointed out by the Interna- tional Monetary Fund has noted this in The dignitaries at the conference. the recent G20 summit in Tokyo. These developments in the financial landscape have forced the Doha Declaration to promote rights regulatory and supervisory authorities to rethink the regulation as well as of 1.5 billion people with disabilities supervision and oversight strategy, FROM PAGE 1 where, the opportunities and solutions into account the need for cultural offered by FinTec and big technology The participants recommended transformation. companies may increase operating and to combat structural barriers causing The recommendations also cybersecurity risks, due to the inter- the exclusion of persons with disa- included Mainstream disability in the connected operations with information bilities, with a noteworthy emphasis implementation of all SDGs, including technology. on discriminatory laws and policies, the development of national strat- The QCB Governor stressed that the fragmentation of services, lack of egies, policies and action plans are future of the banking sector regarding accessibility to physical and visual nationally addressed and aligned with the use of data will combine high environments, lack of access to the UNCRPD commitments. speed, great diversity, and a huge assistive technology and to rehabili- Promote full and active partici- amount of data, which may raise con- tation and lack of measures to pation and representation of all cerns about protecting and managing promote independent living of persons with disabilities in societies that data, protecting privacy, confiden- persons with disabilities. and in all policies and programs. All tiality of transactions, and cyber It was also recommended to duty-bearers must prioritize the rep- security, therefore, regulatory and establish large scale awareness resentation of all persons with disa- supervisory bodies need to acquire raising campaigns promoting disa- bilities as leaders, active citizens and specialized skills to deal with massive bility rights, using the voice of persons active agents of change in the com- technological innovation and growth with disabilities as a key driver to munity, country, and international in digital finance, and should also issue nudge the community, reducing dis- level, thus reaffirming the principle decisions and regulatory and super- crimination, negative attitudes and of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’. visory instructions regarding financial stigma which hinders the social par- Encourage governments, civil society technology and compliance require- ticipation of persons with disabilities and others to innovate with new ments and monitor their and to ensure that SDGs strategies at methods of co-production of implementation. the national levels consciously take policies. MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 05 MME initiative to sort wastes at source in hospitals, health centers THE PENINSULA DOHA

The General Services Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Municipality and Envi- ronmental (MME) in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched a programme for sorting wastes at source and recycling it at the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Health and health centres run by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). The initiative was taken under a major plan of the General Cleanliness Department to implement the pro- gramme all over the country. The launch ceremony was attended by Safar Mubarak Al Shafi, Assistant Undersec- retary for General Services Affairs at MME; Abdullah Ibrahim Al Emadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs at MoPH, and a number of officials from the two ministries. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Emadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs Safar Mubarak Al Shafi, Assistant at the Ministry of Public Health, honouring Safar Mubarak Al Shafi (left), Assistant Undersecretary for General Services Affairs, said the waste sorting and recy- Undersecretary for General Services Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality and cling programme in Qatar comes within Environment during the launch ceremony. RIGHT: Officials during the launch ceremony. the framework of the great interest that the ministry attaches to developing its the Qatar National Vision 2030. sorting the waste at the source. phase will cover all buildings of banks the country. Al Shammari said that services in order to preserve the envi- Al Shafi emphasised the ministry’s He explained that the programme and financial institutions. finally the fourth phase will begin in ronment and its safety and achieve sus- commitment to protect the environment will be completed in four phases during Al Shammari said that the second 2022 and will include all facilities, tainable development. and reduce environmental damage, 2019 to 2022. He said earlier under the phase of the programme will begin next buildings and venues of 2022 FIFA He said the programme was noting that the waste sorting and recy- programme, 1,624 new containers were year, and it will cover government World Cup. launched following the ministry’s sus- cling programme will help preserve distributed to 581 schools under the Min- agencies, commercial complexes, malls, Maryam Al Muslamani, Director of tainable strategic plan, which aims to natural resources, support private sector istry of Education and Higher universities, Karwa bus stops, hotels and Occupational Safety and Health at the reduce the amount of waste, maintain companies and encourage them on Education. public parks. Department of Primary Health Care Cor- environmental safety, benefit econom- waste management. He said that the programme He said that third phase will start in poration, praised the pioneering role of ically from waste recycling, achieve sus- Moqbel Al Shammari, Director of launched yesterday in the Ministry of 2021 and will target the Corniche area the Ministry of Municipality and Envi- tainable development, conserve natural General Cleanliness Department, Public Health will cover health centres, and Doha city during which an elec- ronment in the field of preserving the resources, support the private sector, thanked MoPH for the quick response hospitals and the entire buildings of the tronic service will be launched to collect environment, resources, limiting pollution, and contribute to the achievement of in implementing the programme of Ministry. He said the last part of this recyclable materials from all homes in and reducing waste to the environment. Qatar Media Corporation: National Day has significant meanings in minds Ambitious achievements of citizens and residents: Qatar Post Chairman realised strategic goals QNA the values established by the achievements in record time as DOHA Founder Sheikh Jassim bin a result of sound planning, and QNA of news work with a number of Mohammed bin Thani, and a a tight strategy that integrated DOHA techniques to facilitate and The Chairman and Managing sincere affirmation to proceed on all the influential sectors in the develop news, transmitting cul- Director of Qatar Postal Services his approach, and the principles country with the full support of Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) tural, social and sporting events, Company Faleh Mohammed Al he formulated. the wise leadership. made ambitious achievements and covering the visits of Amir Nuaimi, said that the celebration Al Nuaimi said that today, we He added that Qatar has lived during 2019 through the accom- H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad of the National Day has signif- are witnessing a true embod- for two years of steadfastness and plishment of many of its stra- Al Thani and his foreign icant meanings in the minds and iment of these values and prin- achievement, after moving on tegic objectives at the media, participations. hearts of all citizens and resi- ciples, namely the development several political, economic and business and support levels, For its part, the development dents of the State of Qatar. and prosperity of the homeland, media axes, through which it suc- within the framework of its stra- department of QMC attained a Al Nuaimi said, in a attention to the human being has social cohesion and unity around ceeded in absorbing the shock, and tegic plans and the efforts of its number of achievements statement to Qatar News Agency always been the supreme goal our wise leadership. getting out of the crisis stronger human resources, as well as through its tasks and the estab- (QNA), that this cherished and the focus of Qatars policies On the progress of the than it was before the blockade. planning and preparing for a lishment and development of occasion celebrates the anni- and development plans, being country in various fields, and the He pointed out that the country has number of future projects. effective relationships with local versary of the founding of the the main factor and the engine strengthening of Qatar’s global also managed to establish solid This year witnessed a qual- press institutions during the beloved State of Qatar that grew of development processes and presence despite the challenges, international relations with many itative development regarding 2018-2019 year. The department up and became a lighthouse of renaissance. especially the unjust blockade, countries of the world and strong the quality of work and pro- coordinated with the concerned civilization and a leading model Al Nuaimi pointed out that the Al Nuaimi said that after two partnerships and economic and grams offered by QMC’s affil- authorities in the field of organ- to be emulated in all fields of life. celebration of the National Day is years of blockade on Qatar, the investment relations with many iates, such as Qatar Radio, Qatar izing the press situation, sup- Al Nuaimi added that an expression of the fulfillment of state was able to achieve tangible advanced economies. Television and the Quran porting and developing the local Kareem Radio, in addition to press, studying and analyzing other developments in the the trends and coverage of the Ministry of Culture and media sectors in the country. local press, extracting and eval- Qatar Radio presented dis- uating the internal public Sports announces the tinguished works, programs and opinion trends, as well as coor- radio series in various fields, dinating and cooperating with winners of Doha Youth which won the appreciation and the relevant authorities in devel- satisfaction of its listeners inside oping the professional skills and Innovation Award and outside Qatar. The radio abilities of the national energies station won many awards and in the press sector, such as Al- THE PENINSULA/DOHA advanced centers in festivals Jazeera Media Institute. and media competitions in the Meanwhile, Al Kass channels The Ministry of Culture and Sports has announced Gulf and Arab regions. continued to cover all the events the winners of ‘Doha Youth Innovation Award’, During its participation in in sports, which included local, which is open to all young people from the Islamic the 20th session of the Arab Arab and international events world in the field of photography. Radio and Television Festival with professionalism and The award was launched last summer, in coop- held in Tunis in June, Qatar efficiency. eration with Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum in Radio won the first prize in the They also worked on devel- collaboration with the Visual Arts Center, Doha comedy drama field and the first oping sports awareness and dis- Film Institute, Youth Hobbies Center, and the prize in the radio documentary semination to the public, in organisation of the Qatar Cultural and Heritage contest. Qatar also won two gold addition to conducting dialogues Events Center. medals for two programs pro- with specialists and following up The winners of the photography competition, duced by Qatar Radio. on sports analysis through its (Islamic Values category), are Sultan Ahmed Nilwi Oryx FM Radio, a 24-hour various programs. It also pro- from Bangladesh in first place, followed by Jihad French-language service, is a duced specialized sports pro- Muhammad Idriss from Yemen, Nada Mohammed qualitative leap in Qatar Radio grams on various types of sports, Wadi from Jordan; Ghazi Muhammad Jahirul Islam programs. The Oryx FM Radio as well as documentary pro- from Bangladesh; Rabi Adamu Sufi from Nigeria, website was also launched in grams on women’s sport. and Muhammad Ali Shida from Afghanistan. French, doubling the level of As for Sout Al Khaleej Radio’s In the ‘Youth and Success Stories’ category, communication with listeners. achievements, it presented new the first winner is Muhammad Nazmul Khan from Qatar TV has achieved quality of song and melodies, in Bangladesh, then Youssef Loulaidi from Morocco, numerous news, program, addition to recording many followed by Ali bin Hamad Al Ghaferi from Oman artistic and sporting achieve- exclusive sessions for Qatari and and Mukti Ali Asyadzili from Indonesia. ments during 2018-2019, which Arab singers. It also covered all On the topic of “Our Islamic Heritage”, Ahmed met the wishes of its viewers and events and activities in the Asif Sami from Bangladesh won the first place, kept pace with the achievements country, including sports, culture then Muhammad Raziqiya from Algeria, Porco of the QMC in all its departments and entertainment, through Emctar from Turkey, and Anas Muhammad Al and sections. recorded or live radio reports in theeb from the Sultanate of Oman respectively. In this context, news moni- its various programs, as well as Abdulaziz Al Kubaisi, head of the photography toring has kept up with all the the preparation and delivery of section at the Youth Hobbies Center, said in a plans to improve the work and programs for the national days statement that the arbitration process in the pho- news services provided to audi- of the Gulf States, and other pro- tography category went through several stages, ences in Qatar and around the grams for the holy month of including the administrative screening, which was world, as it seeks to activate the Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr and Eid assumed by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, vision of the QMC to develop Al Adha, and the production of and the second step was technical screening and news work, which focused on a large number of religious pro- carried out by the Youth Hobbies Center, then the the importance of qualifying grams and music flashes for the final arbitration which continued for a week and cadres and supporting the needs occasions. includes more than one step. 06 HOME MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 Germany’s relations with Qatar not limited to business: Envoy QNA Qatar for a very successful some of them open their offices on the self-sufficiency of the DOHA German Cultural Season in the even before the independence Qatari economy, on achieving its past, expressing hope to build on of Qatar in 1971, these com- National Vision 2030 and on the The Ambassador of the Federal all these positive examples of a panies have become trusted diversification of Qatar’s inter- Republic of Germany to the State fruitful co-operation with Qatari partners of Qatar and will con- national relations, he affirmed. of Qatar, H E Hans-Udo Muzel friends to strengthen bilateral Ambassador Muzel tinue to support the amazing Thus, the very difficult expe- said that friendship and cooper- relations even further. said the future looks development of the country in rience of the blockade has made ation between the two countries The Ambassador said that striving to achieve its National Qatar stronger, he said. is not limited to business, as the future looks bright for the bright for the bilateral Vision 2030. the Ambassador “As we have learnt in Berlin is partnering with Doha bilateral relations between relations between stated. German history, miracles in in many other fields to jointly Germany and Qatar, pointing Germany and Qatar, Ambassador Hans-Udo history are possible. When the tackle the challenges of the out that these relations is based pointing out that these Muzel said: “Qatar has chosen Berlin Wall came down on 9th future, saying that Qatar is an on the deep personal trust and the slogan ‘The path of excel- of November 1989 ending the important partner for his country long-standing relations that has relations are based lence is difficult’ to reflects the Cold War in Europe and the during its non-permanent grown over decades between on the deep personal past two years of the blockade world, everybody in Germany membership of the United the two countries’ peoples and trust and long-standing which made life more arduous and all over the world was Nations Security Council in 2019- business representatives, for each and every one on both taken by surprise. My 2020, sharing a common vision adding that the 6th session of relations that has sides of the rift, as families have message to the Qatari people of a multilateral framework the Joint Ministerial Economic grown over decades. been torn apart, business rela- therefore is: Continue to hope based on a rules-based world Commission,which was held tions and cultural ties are being for an end to the blockade order. earlier this year and co-chaired Germany’s Ambassador to Qatar, renounced. At the same time, and continue to offer dialogue In an execlusive statement by the Qatari and German Min- H E Hans-Udo Muzel Thani, and H E Dr. Angela Qatar has gained in strength, in the spirit of mutual respect to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on isters of Economy and trade, Merkel, Chancellor of the economically and socially, he which the Qatari leadership the occasion of Qatar National will greatly contribute to energy cooperation which have Federal Republic of Germany. added. has shown for the past two Day, the Ambassador said that enhancing bilateral economic, been praised by both Amir H H More than 100 German Ironically, the blockade has years,” H E the German Germany has partnered with business, investment and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al companies operate in Doha, had a positive catalyzing effect Ambassador said. Celebrate a perfect Nordic coffee moment with Nespresso this festive season

THE PENINSULA indulgent flavoured coffees: Var- DOHA iations Nordic Almond Cake Fla- voured and Variations Nordic This holiday season, Nespresso Cloudberry Flavoured. Based on has designed its iconic end of year traditional Nordic ingredients and range around indulgent Nordic influences, the Variations Nordic moments. Incorporating the Almond Cake Flavoured coffee growing Scandinavian-inspired features a combination of biscuit cultural trends of Hygge and Fika, and vanilla aromas, with a Nespresso is encouraging its Livanto base, inspired by the tra- customers to put the busy festive ditional Norwegian cake, season on pause, for a moment’s Kvæfjordkake. connection with a friend or family Available to purchase from Louise Campbell said: “I was member. November 2019 are four unique, thrilled to bits when I heard that In partnership with renowned indulgent flavoured coffees, two my proposal for making the cap- Blood donation drive by MSC Qatar employees Danish designer, Louise black coffees and a range of sules even more precious than Campbell, Nespresso has limited edition accessories, they already are by varying the launched a range of Limited designed with the most discerning designs was accepted, making In collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Blood Bank, SNC Lavalin and Mediterranean Edition Original and Vertuo of coffee and design aficionados each of them as fascinating as Shipping Company (MSC) Qatar held their first blood donation campaign at their office premises on coffees and accessories, which in mind. pebbles on a beach and as irre- C Ring Road, on December 4. A total of 55 staff members donated their blood as both the companies take design and flavour inspi- As part of Nespresso Original, sistible to collect. I took this idea plan to organise more such campaigns in the future. Supporting the local community is the key to MSC ration from the Nordic the Nordic-inspired Limited of variation with me through the Shipping’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility. countries. Edition includes two new rest of the campaign.” MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 07 Aster Medical Centre expands with plastic surgery department

THE PENINSULA consultancy at Aster Hilal and latest technology and equipment DOHA the procedures will be done at these are also same as other sur- Aster Hospital. Any procedures geries,” said Dr Krishankumar. As part of an initiative to expand that cannot be done at the Aster “There are several types of its services, Aster Medical Centre, Hospital Doha will be referred plastic surgery and any limb can a division of Aster OM to Aster Hospital in Kerala, said be attached perfectly to the body Healthcare, the largest private Dr Sameer Moopan Chief Exec- provided the cut off limb is healthcare network in the utive Officer at Aster DMH Qatar, brought on time. Moreover it is country, has announced the speaking at a press conference used for shaping most parts of opening of outpatient consul- yesterday. the body by either augmenting tancy in plastic surgery. “There is a team of doctors or reducing the shape and size The new department will at Aster Hospital who will assist of the body parts,” he added. provide comprehensive out- him in the process and they will He also gave a presentation patient services for different be available for the patients to about the different types of plastic areas of plastic surgery including provide consultations. There will surgery and noted that the side cosmetic surgery, coetaneous also be opportunities to consult effects of the surgery are as surgery, burns and others, said with Dr Krishankumar over the normal as any other treatment. officials yesterday. Internet and phone when he is Sameer PT, Chief Operating Dr Krishnakumar, one of the not available in Qatar,” he added. Officer at Aster MIMS, Calicut most reputed Plastic Surgeon in Plastic surgery is a surgical highlighted that Aster hospitals South India from Aster MIMS, speciality involving the resto- in Kerala will be supporting Calicut –Kerala with over 25 ration, reconstruction, or alter- Aster Qatar by providing the years of experience will be a vis- ation of the human body. It can services of leading physicians in Qatari artist Ahmed Al Maadeed with visitors at QNL to mark the Qatar National Day. iting consultant at Aster Medical be divided into two main cate- different specialities. “We have Centre, AI Hilal. He is a senior gories: reconstructive surgery a good existing patient base from consultant and head of the and cosmetic surgery. Qatar. I expect the new out- department of Plastic Surgery at “There is a common miscon- patient service will benefit eve- Renowned Qatari artist Aster MIMS, Calicut. ception that cosmetic surgery ryone in need of plastic surgery Dr Krishnakumar will visit and plastic surgery are very related services. We will be also Qatar once a month and will be expensive and it takes long providing seamless connectivity engages visitors at QNL here for a few days. He will period for cure completely. But and transition for patients if conduct the out- patient nowadays with the support of required to Aster MIMS Calicut.”

THE PENINSULA The audience had the oppor- interpretations of Qatar National DOHA tunity to hear from the artist, who Day and their aspirations for the shared the story behind his art- future of our country.” To mark the Qatar National Day, works, and have their photo taken Arwa Al Faori, who attended Qatar National Library hosted with him and received auto- the event, commented: “The renowned Qatari artist Ahmed graphs. Al Maadeed said: “I event was very interesting and Al Maadeed, who took the would like to thank the Library really helped me understand the audience through his creative for organising today’s workshop. artistic journey of a young Qatari journey as an artist and talked It was a great opportunity for artist. His style is unique and about the creation of his iconic young artists in Qatar to engage represents the artistic ambitions painting “Tamim The Glorious.” with each other and share their of a new generation in Qatar. ” HBKU calls for papers ahead of major conference THE PENINSULA wider context of international Hakimian, Director of Middle DOHA dynamics and interactions. In doing Eastern Studies Department at so, participants will be encouraged CHSS, said, “All area studies focus FROM LEFT: Sameer P T, COO, Aster MIMS Calicut; Dr Krishnakumar, Senior Consultant of Plastic The Middle Eastern Studies to re-think and re-imagine on a region’s distinctive charac- Surgery; Dr Sameer Moopan, CEO, Aster DMH Qatar; and Kapil Chib, COO, Aster Hospital Doha, during Department (MESD) of the College research methods and other ‘tools’ teristics. However, perceptions of Humanities and Social Sciences currently shaping relevant aca- that the Middle East is different in a press conference by Aster Hospital held at Oryx Rotana yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA (CHSS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa demic debates and studies. an unfortunate manner from the University (HBKU) has announced In the build-up to the con- rest of the world have distorted a call for papers ahead of its first ference, the MESD is accepting public understanding - not to Middle East conference. individual paper and thematic mention the research agenda - of Taking place April 20 and 21 of panel submissions that contribute the entire region. We want content 2020, Re-thinking Middle East to the development of new and discussions at next year’s con- Studies – Towards Setting New research agendas for Middle East ference to challenge these Agendas seeks to cast the Middle studies. Thematic areas include perceptions. East beyond reductive daily head- but are not limited to refugees, “As Re-thinking Middle East lines that focus on conflict and civil displacement and migration; Studies is an interdisciplinary war, radicalism and sectarian strife, digital connectivity and the future event, we welcome submissions ethnic and gender violence, and of work; cultural heritage; and the from a broad range of academic more. The conference will develop changing role of traditional and disciplines in humanities and a new and more constructive social media. Submissions are social sciences. In return, we agenda for Middle East studies welcome from PhD students, early promise two days of lively debate which recognises the region’s career academics as well as estab- and discussion that reflect CHSS’ evolving characteristics and chal- lished researchers. determination to bridge disci- lenges, while framing them in the Professor Mohammad Hassan plinary boundaries.” MIA to host display and symposium on sustainable Indian fashion

THE PENINSULA/DOHA

Marking the Qatar - India 2019 Year of Culture, Qatar Museums (QM) and Caravane Earth – an international movement for social, cultural and ecological transfor- mation – present a new initiative celebrating sustainability, heritage, and traditional crafts- Between December 11 and 13, MIA will showcase a curated selection manship. of contemporary Indian fashion and textiles. Between December 11 and 13, the Museum of Islamic (MIA) will global brand, and the textile her- Vankar for Injiri, Taj Mohamed for showcase a curated selection of itage of Qatar and India. Urvashi Kaur, and Irshad Annad contemporary Indian fashion and Speakers include Tania Al for Khanijo. textiles. Additionally, a symposium Majid, Associate Curator at the Commenting on the featuring notable speakers from National Museum of Qatar, Pavitra announcement, Aisha Al Attiya, the fashion industry, sustainability Muddaya, Head of Vimor Foun- Head of Years of Culture at QM activists, and cultural institutions dation and the Director of Edu- said: “The modern fashion from India and Qatar will be held, cation at Qatar Museums, Dr. industry began in the 19th century along with a film screening Jelena Trkulja. and has continued to grow since powered by Doha Film Institute. Participating fashion and then. Today, it is interlinked with The symposium, which will textile brands will include: 11.11/ some of the key issues that face take place on December 12 at MIA eleven eleven, Injiri, Khanijo, our world – particularly climate from 10am to 3pm, will be open James Ferreira, Ode to Odd, Maku change and sustainability. The to the public and free of charge. Textiles, Three, Urvashi Kaur, textiles industry, in specific, has Moderated by Bandana Tewari, Chola, and Vimor Handloom also played a key role in building sustainability activist and former Foundation. Participating artisans bridges between civilizations Vogue India Editor at Large, it will will include: PL Bhanumurthy for across the ages. As such, it was focus on themes such as the Vimor Foundation, Renuka Jalan important for us to include this history of Abaya and traditional for Chola, Taslim for Ode to Odd, theme in this edition of the Year Qatari wear, building a sustainable Moideen Hizqeel for 11.11, Dinesh of Culture programme.” 08 VIEWS MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 National Day an opportunity to renew ESTABLISHED IN 1996 loyalty to leadership: PSA President

CHAIRMAN QNA SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI DOHA resident of Planning and Sta- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF tistics Authority (PSA) H E Dr. DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Saleh Mohamed Salem Al [email protected] PNabit (pictured) stressed that the Qatar National Day represents an important station to enhance the ACTING MANAGING EDITOR national spirit, a valuable opportunity MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED to renew loyalty and covenant to the [email protected] leadership, sharpen the determination and redouble efforts to support the process of development and compre- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR hensive revival in the country, in MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI addition to continue the path taken by [email protected] the founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, who in his reign led Qatar to become recognised entity that has its status and weight on the world map. In a statement to QNA, H E Al Nabit congratulated Amir H H Sheikh EDITORIAL Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; H H the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the Qatari people on the Leaving no one behind occasion of the National Day. The H E PSA President noted the true wealth of the State of Qatar. some neighboring countries on Qatar very important global meeting on disability and devel- high national spirit and the interaction His Excellency added that Qatar, since June 2017, and has been able to opment in Doha has concluded with a number of inval- of all citizens and residents with this under the leadership of H H the Amir, turn its repercussions into gains, the Auable recommendations to integrate persons with dis- precious occasion, sensing their has made great achievements in the most important of which is the unri- abilities into national development plans of countries around responsibility towards the homeland development and comprehensive con- valed rally of the citizens and residents the world. and leadership and embodying the struction within the modernization around the wise leadership, as well as Qatar by hosting Doha International Conference on Dis- great cohesion with their loyal lead- system led by His Highness with a Qatar’s deliberate economic plans to ability and Development (DICDD) has again proved, in global ership, which achieved great vision that anticipates the prospects reduce the blockade effects, which community, its responsible attitude and approach towards achievements. for a promising future and a new era resulted in increased confidence in the addressing various issues of contemporary world. He added that 18th of December of prosperity. national economy, the search for new Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) launched the cannot be reduced to a certain day in H E Dr. Saleh bin Mohammad Al commercial markets, and build eco- ‘Doha Declaration’ at the closing ceremony of the DICDD. the year, but is a national behavior and Nabit pointed out that Qatar has wit- nomic partnerships with other Gulf The two-day conference, which attracted over 1,500 policy- duty that should be exercised by the nessed a steady rise in living standards and regional countries. makers and practitioners, took place under the theme citizen throughout the year in com- accompanied by important social He further explained that one year ‘Leaving No One Behind’. pliance with the principles and developments embodied in the estab- after the blockade - in 2018, the Inter- H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a global advocate for the responsibilities of real citizenship and lishment of an advanced system of national Competitiveness Report UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Founder to preserve the gains achieved by the social protection taking into account issued by the International Institute of Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW), inaugurated state. the interests of citizens, in addition to for Management Development (IMD) DICDD on Saturday. Regarding providing high-quality health and in 2018 indicated that Qatar’s Addressing the opening ceremony, H H Sheikha Moza the signifi- education services, which reflected economy ranked fifth globally among bint Nasser said: “Recent studies have shown what I also cance of the positively on Qatar’s ranking in the 63 countries, mostly developed coun- believe that every human has some form of disability, albeit H H the Amir celebration of Human Development Index (HDI) tries, in the axis of economic per- of different kinds and at different stages. But there should continues to advance this day, he 2018, where it ranked 35th globally formance, which reflects the strong be no difference between one with a vision that pointed out and second in the Arab world. performance and its ability to person and another, based on reinforces the that the cele- In the field of strengthening the overcome the crisis. their level of disability.” bration of this infrastructure, he pointed out that Furthermore, H E PSA President “In order to restore time’s achievements day is an Qatar is aware of the importance of noted the State’s orientation towards passage and address the discrim- achieved through a enhancement this sector through the expansion of the Shura Council elections, consid- Qatar by hosting ination resulting from the current national vision based of belonging investments necessary to improve its ering it a qualitative leap in the march Doha International services and to anticipate its future of democracy that puts Qatar among and past concept of disability, we on an authentic past, to this Conference on have a great deal of work ahead country and prospects through strengthening coor- the developed countries, adding that it a prosperous present Disability and of us to correct the consequences its wise lead- dination between government is imperative to usher in a future full of of these misconceptions and the and a promising ership, and a agencies related to the implemen- further developmental achievements Development perceptions that followed as a future, supported by reminder of tation of the 2022 World Cup projects and to achieve aspirations for the (DICDD) has result.” The Doha Declaration the glories of and the projects of the Metro, Hamad benefit of the nation and the citizen. the people of Qatar, again proved, in states “the conferees of the Doha the past International Airport, Hamad Port, He stressed his confidence that the who represent the global community, International Conference on Dis- when parents modern roads, and water, electricity people of Qatar have reached a high ability and Development came true wealth of the and grand- and sanitation networks. degree of awareness of participation its responsible together in the spirit of the UN State of Qatar. parents Moreover, H E pointed to the signif- in political life, in addition to their full attitude and Charter to advance peace, justice turned icant improvement in the pace of macr- recognition that the interest of Qatar approach towards and human rights for all and espe- around the oeconomic performance in Qatar above all consideration to push the cially for the 1.5 billion persons with founder, who was a leader of wisdom through the growth rate of real GDP, process of comprehensive devel- addressing disabilities in the world.” and solidity and the spirit of with the continued role of the non- opment forward. various issues of The participants recom- redemption and tolerance, keen to hydrocarbon sector in achieving a major At the end of his statement, H E Dr. contemporary mended to combat structural promote the country and take care of part in this growth, particularly in the Al Nabit called on all who live in Qatar world. barriers causing the exclusion of the interests of its people. services and manufacturing sectors. to draw lessons from the history of persons with disabilities, with a Also, H E Dr. Al Nabit pointed out H E Dr. Al Nabit pointed to the Qatar and its men who have set years noteworthy emphasis on discrim- that Qatar National Day is an occasion prestigious position occupied by Qatar of successes and achievements to set inatory laws and policies, fragmentation of services, lack of to stand with admiration and pride of in the international arena, thanks to its an example for the young generations accessibility to physical and visual environments, lack of the achievements that continued with foreign policy characterized by clarity, that complete the process of giving, access to assistive technology and to rehabilitation and lack H H the Amir, and get inspired by His realism, political balance, and and to be a motivation for more of measures to promote independent living of persons with Highness, as H H the Amir continues to sobriety, which enabled it to play an sincere and tireless work to ensure the disabilities. advance with a vision that reinforces active and influential role at the sustainability of those gains for gener- They called for establishing large scale awareness-raising the achievements achieved through a regional and international levels. ations as well as the continuation to campaigns promoting disability rights, using the voice of national vision based on an authentic He added that Qatar, thanks to this strive for the implementation of devel- persons with disabilities as a key driver to nudge the com- past, a prosperous present and a distinguished foreign and internal opment strategies to achieve the goals munity, reducing discrimination, negative attitudes and promising future, supported by the policy, has managed to overcome the of Qatar National Vision and support it stigma which hinders the social participation of persons with people of Qatar, who represent the effects of the blockade imposed by with more creativity and innovation. disabilities and to ensure that SDGs strategies at the national levels consciously take into account the need for cultural transformation. Meanwhile, in her speech at the conference, the H E Death of Nakamura amid turmoil in Afghanistan sorrowful Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed commended pioneering role of the State of Qatar JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI Afghanistan in 2000, he the Afghan president. These activities, the formerly dom- in addressing the challenges of people with disabilities, during embarked on a project to are proofs that he earned the inant Taliban has great her speech today at the opening of DICDD. espite being build wells and agricultural deep trust of local residents. influence. Islamic State, a devoted to the res- irrigation channels. In areas of conflict radical Muslim group, has toration of Afghan- Nakamura promoted the overseas, there is no end to been stepping up its istan, Tetsu need for the project, saying terrorist incidents and kid- activities. D The Taliban, which hid Nakamura was unreasonably that “hunger cannot be cured nappings targeting foreigners QUOTE OF THE DAY deprived of life in an outra- by any medicine” and “one and international aid organi- perpetrators of the 2001 ter- geous and unforgivable irrigation channel is worth zations for the purpose of rat- rorist attacks on the United We have different attack. more than 100 clinics.” He tling local governments and States, collapsed in the face challenges now: Nakamura, a local repre- studied civil engineering on obtaining ransom money. of U.S. military attacks. The fight against sentative of the nongovern- his own and operated heavy Nakamura exercised the However, since subsequently mental organization machinery by himself. In utmost caution by doing such regaining its power, the climate change and Peshawar-kai, was shot to cooperation with local resi- things as having security Taliban has continued to the danger of having death in eastern Afghanistan. dents, he dug more than 1,600 guards accompany him while fight the Afghan Security low growth and He must have felt the tragedy wells and supplied water to he was on the move. Forces and foreign military low inflation for an of dying so soon. 16,500 hectares of farmland, He continued to conduct troops stationed there and After beginning the thus sustaining the livelihood humanitarian aid activities even conducted terrorist extended period. treatment of Hansen’s of 650,000 people. while ensuring his own attacks. disease patients in Peshawar, He received the Ramon security. This reminds us of The number of Afghan Paolo Gentiloni Pakistan, in 1984, Nakamura Magsaysay Award, which is the weight of his work. civilians killed and injured EU’s Economy moved the base of his activ- said to be the Asian version In Afghanistan, the wors- due to terrorist attacks and Commissioner ities to Afghanistan, a neigh- of the Nobel Prize, and was ening of public security never conflicts has topped 10,000 a boring country. In the wake presented with a medal and a ends. In the area where year for five consecutive of a serious drought that hit certificate of citizenship by Nakamura conducted his years since 2014. MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 OPINION 09 Qatari-Turkish strategic partnership represents inspiring model of bilateral regional alliances THE PENINSULA 2.9 percent-3 percent between investors up to 100 percent incentives and services offered to DOHA 2020 and 2021. ownership. investors to streamline the sub- The International Monetary H E noted that Qatar is mission of investment applications inister of Commerce and Fund also projects that over 70 embracing a policy of economic and the processing of transactions, Industry H E Ali bin percent of economies around the openness to effectively engage with and to eliminate obstacles that may Ahmed Al Kuwari said world will experience a decline in global markets, and build fruitful face investors with relevant that Qatari-Turkish stra- GDP growth to 3.3 percent in the international partnerships, by capi- authorities, which will contribute to M talizing on its developed infra- tegic partnership represents an first half of the year compared to 3.6 attracting foreign direct invest- inspiring model of bilateral regional percent in 2018, H E added. structure such as Hamad Interna- ments and enhancing Qatar’s com- alliances. H E the Minister was H E the Minister explained that tional Airport and Hamad Port as petitive position in the region and speaking at the OIC High Level these estimates reflect delicate geos- well as free zones and logistical and beyond. Public and Private Investment Con- trategic and economic changes that industrial areas, which represent an The conference aims to ference taking place in Istanbul. coincided with a slowdown in multi- important incentive for foreign promote investments within the H E the Minister chaired Qatar’s lateral trade and the negative reper- companies to invest in non-oil framework of the OIC by reducing delegation to the two-day con- cussions of political uncertainties, sectors to tap local markets and obstacles that impede the flow of ference that began yesterday and is which are leading to rising economic expand their business into new goods, services and financing being held under the theme of nationalism and protectionist regional markets. between OIC member states and “Unleashing Intra-OIC Investment measures at the global trade level, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister H E elaborated on the Qatari- adopting mechanisms that facilitate Opportunities: Investment for Soli- which resulted in a slowdown in of Commerce and Industry, addressing Turkish strategic partnership, which business procedures. darity and Development.” various global economic sectors, the OIC High Level Public and Private represents an inspiring model of The conference provides a Qatar’s participation in the con- especially foreign direct Investment Conference. bilateral regional alliances. platform for public and private ference comes within the investments. H E explained that Qatar and policy makers in OIC members framework of its keenness to H E said the decline in these global conditions. Turkish enjoy close and friendly states to discuss issues of common strengthen bilateral relations with investment inflows was evident In this context, H E highlighted relations, noting that these relations interest including innovative Turkey and to bolster cooperation across OIC Member States, noting Qatar’s efforts to support the private reflected positively on bilateral financing sources for the devel- with OIC member states, while pro- that FDI inflows into the OIC region sector and to diversify its economy trade, which reached about opment of the private sector and viding insight into the investment stood at $107.4bn in 2018, dropping in line with the National Devel- QR5.69bn, the equivalent of $1.55bn the enhancement of the global climate in Qatar and the opportu- by $35.6bn compared 2011. opment Strategy 2018-2022, which between January and September value chain as well as the role of nities that the State offers in various H E noted that this decline aims to promote the growth of 2019. export credit agencies in mitigating promising sectors. reflects the magnitude of the chal- added value sectors including the H E added that the growth in trade and political risks to In his remarks, H E Al Kuwari lenges faced by investors in OIC industrial, financial services and bilateral trade reflects the effec- encourage and protect invest- said the conference represented a countries, particularly in terms of tourism sectors. tiveness of Qatari-Turkish joint ments, in addition to the dynamics key step towards promoting trade restrictions imposed on the transfer H E highlighted that Qatar has measures and initiatives particu- of the private sector to enhance and investment cooperation and of profits and foreign capital. sought to speed up the implemen- larly the Trade and Economic Part- investment flows within OIC and integration among Islamic coun- H E called for the adoption of a tation of key initiatives and nership Agreement (TEPA) that was the role of investment promotion tries. H E noted that numerous comprehensive economic strategy measures aimed at cementing the signed in November 2018. agencies in promoting investments international institutions have to encourage investment inflows country’s position as an attractive H E noted that this agreement within the organization’s lowered their estimates for global and stimulate growth in a way that business and investment represents a decisive step in bol- framework among other topics growth for the current year, reflects the economic capabilities destination. stering economic integration aimed at enhancing sustainable including the Organization for Eco- and potential of member states in a Touching on Qatar’s legislative between Qatar and Turkey, adding partnerships between public and nomic Cooperation and Devel- bid to achieve economic inte- environment, H E emphasised that the benefits of the agreement private sector stakeholders in opment (OECD), which noted in its gration and promote joint Islamic Qatar’s keenness to consolidate outweigh those secured within the member countries and stimulating latest November 2019 report that action. foreign investment-friendly laws framework of the World Trade investments in the region. the global economy will grow at the Touching on Qatar’s economic such as the law regulating the Organization in terms of prefer- slowest pace since the global performance, H E explained that the investment of non-Qatari capital in ential transactions and customs financial crisis at a rate of 2.9 Qatari economy saw a balanced and economic activity and the Free exemptions for goods and services percent in 2019 and an average of flexible performance in the midst of Zones Investment law, which allow as well as the incentives it offers to investment companies in both countries. H E also praised Turkish com- D-RING ROAD panies for contributing to the POST BOX: 3488 growth of the Qatari economy, DOHA - QATAR noting that more than 535 Qatari- [email protected] Turkish joint companies are cur- rently operating in Qatar. H E concluded his remarks, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE noting that the purpose of his par- TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 ticipation in the conference is to FAX: +974 4455 7758 bolster joint Islamic action in line with the OIC principles and objec- MANAGING EDITOR tives, and to develop cooperation TEL: 4462 7505 and coordination mechanisms among member states to promote DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR investments and to serve the devel- TEL: 4455 7769 opmental orientations and aspira- tions of people in terms of stability LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: and prosperity. 4455 7743 During its participation in the conference, the Qatari delegation BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: showcased the most prominent 4462 7535 laws and legislations that the State Qatar’s delegation chaired by H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry, attending the OIC High ratified to stimulate foreign direct SPORT NEWS SECTION TEL: Level Public and Private Investment Conference. investments, in addition to the 4455 7745 ONLINE SECTION TEL: 4462 7501 ith young climate activist Greta Thunberg said the global climate action summit in New York, [email protected] activists taking to the movement she inspired, of students more than 7 million people turned out streets of Madrid on skipping school on Fridays to demand in cities worldwide to call for renewed PUBLIC RELATIONS Friday, the UN climate their governments tackle climate political efforts to limit global TEL: 4455 7613 W warming to a lower agreed goal of 1.5 chief and a leading scientist warned of change, had raised public awareness [email protected] a growing risk of social unrest as the over the past 18 months. degrees Celsius. UN climate chief Patricia Espinosa acknowledged on effects of a warming world worsen “But basically nothing has hap- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT MEGAN ROWLING inequality and poverty worldwide. pened. The climate crisis is still being Friday that the world is “not where we REUTERS TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Speaking on the sidelines of a ignored by those in power,” she said, need to be”, with global average tem- FAX: 4455 7870 pointing to still-rising planet- peratures currently on track for a rise [email protected] warming emissions. She said she of 3 degrees or more above pre- hoped the Madrid conference would industrial times. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT “lead to something concrete”. The new analysis warned that TEL: 4455 7857 With climate discontent “We cannot afford any more days failure to address and adapt to climate [email protected] going by without real action,” she change would have disastrous conse- quences for hundreds of millions of rising, scientists warn of said, adding that people were already SUBSCRIPTION & “suffering and dying from the climate people, mainly the very poorest, who DISTRIBUTION and ecological emergency”. are most vulnerable to climate- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 social ‘tipping point’ ‘Social unrest’ related disasters like floods and FAX: 44557819 Rockström, as part of an interna- drought. Espinosa, a former diplomat [email protected] tional team of scientists, highlighted for Mexico, warned that climate how the world may be nearing a change, as a “threat multiplier” would UN climate summit in the Spanish “social tipping point” on climate deepen problems of social inequality The new analysis capital, they said governments were change that could bring about rapid and poverty around the world. All thoughts and views warned that failure to so far failing to meet growing public and exponential changes in behaviour, “It is really an issue that is very demands for urgent action to halt lifestyles and technologies. An analysis closely related to the wellbeing of expressed in these columns address and adapt to rising global temperatures and curb published on Friday, entitled “10 New societies, and in that regard you can are those of the writers, climate change would the damage as extreme weather Insights in Climate Science 2019”, understand that it is very likely to not of the newspaper. have disastrous intensifies and melting ice pushes up noted that public opinion polls indicate create social unrest,” she said in consequences for sea-levels. “It’s clear - and this is very an increasing number of citizens in a response to a question from the painful to recognise - that the political range of countries are seriously con- Thomson Reuters Foundation. All correspondence hundreds of millions leadership in the world is lagging cerned about climate change. Globally, there is widespread dis- regarding Views and of people, mainly the behind the sentiments among youth Meanwhile, recent large-scale satisfaction with institutions and Opinion pages should be very poorest, who (as well as) the state of science and civil protests are getting close to a size systems, she noted. sent to editor-in-chief even what business leadership where social scientists predict gov- Protests - sometimes violent - are most vulnerable thinks,” said Johan Rockström, ernments could be forced into action, have erupted from France to Chile in office or mailed to the to climate-related director of the Potsdam Institute for according to the analysis put together the past year, often provoked by a [email protected] disasters like floods Climate Impact Research. by several climate research perceived political insensitivity to and drought. Speaking to journalists on Friday organisations. ordinary people’s struggles for a in Madrid, Swedish teenage climate In September, at the time of a UN decent life. 10 HOME MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 Iran unveils ‘budget Lebanon’s Khatib withdraws, says Sunnis want Hariri to be PM again of resistance’ against REUTERS/BEIRUT

Lebanese Sunnis want Saad Al US sanctions Hariri to be prime minister of the next government, businessman President Rouhani told Samir Khatib said yesterday after lawmakers the budget, which meeting Lebanon’s top Sunni cleric, includes a 15-percent public spelling the end of his own candidacy for the position. sector wage hike, “is a budget Hariri quit on October 29, of resistance and perseverance prompted by protests against the against sanctions”. The budget corruption of Lebanon’s ruling elite. would benefit from a $5bn The protests have continued since then and Lebanon is in dire need of “investment” from Russia a new government to start tackling which was still being finalised, an economic crisis. said Rouhani. The prime minister’s post is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Leb- Lebanon’s outgoing Prime Minister Saad Hariri (right) with Samir AFP/TEHRAN anon’s sectarian power-sharing system. Hariri said last week he Khatib, a Lebanese businessman, who was the front-runner to form backed Khatib as consensus a new government, in Beirut, yesterday. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani announced appeared to emerge among Leba- yesterday a “budget of resistance” against US non’s main parties on him being (Sunni) Islamic sect, agreement was return as prime minister if he sanctions targeting the country’s vital oil designated in formal consultations reached on nominating Saad Al could lead a government of spe- sector, backed by a $5bn Russian investment. that President Michel Aoun is due Hariri to form the coming gov- cialist ministers which he believes Rouhani said the aim was to reduce to convene today. ernment,” Khatib said. would be best placed to deal with “hardships” in Iran where a shock fuel price But Khatib, speaking after a Khatib later head to Hariri’s the crisis and attract foreign aid. hike last month triggered nationwide dem- meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Beirut residence to inform him of But his demand was rejected by onstrations that turned deadly. Abdul Latif Derian, said the mufti this “because he is the one who groups including the powerful Shia Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani delivering After unilaterally withdrawing from a backed Hariri. “I learnt... that as a nominated me to form the new party Hezbollah and its ally Aoun. a speech to present the budget for the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world result of meetings and consultations government”. Both say the government must financial year starting late March 2020 to powers in May last year, the US began and contacts with the sons of the Hariri had said he would only include politicians. imposing sanctions on Tehran, including on the parliament in Tehran, yesterday. oil exports, which it aims to squeeze to zero in a campaign of “maximum pressure”. signal “to the world that, despite sanctions, Houthis claim to Iran has suffered a sharp economic we will manage the country, especially in Air strikes kill five pro-Iran downturn, with a plummeting currency terms of oil”. Iran, a founding member of the have list of viable sending inflation skyrocketing. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting fighters in Syria: Monitor Rouhani told parliament that the budget Countries, sits on the world’s fourth-biggest Israeli targets of 4,845 trillion rials, or $36bn at the current oil reserves and second-largest gas reserves. AFP/BEIRUT September in air strikes of unknown SANA’A/BLOOMBERG street rate, was devised to help Iran’s people Rouhani said that despite the US sanc- origin in the same area. At the start overcome difficulty. “We know that under tions, his government expected to earn almost Air strikes by unidentified warplanes of that month, air raids killed 18 pro- Yemen’s Shia Houthi rebels say the situation of sanctions and pressure, people 455 trillion rials ($3.4 billion) from oil exports. have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Iran fighters, the monitor reported. they have identified a range of are in hardship. We know people’s purchasing But he also said Iran’s non-oil economy Syria’s eastern province of Deir Ezzor In June 2018, strikes near the Israeli military targets they are power has declined,” he said. would “be positive” in the next year. near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime able to attack. “We will not The budget would benefit from a $5bn “Our exports, our imports, the transfer war monitor said yesterday. forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the hesitate even a minute to “investment” from Russia which was still of money, our foreign exchange encounter a The strikes late Saturday targeted Observatory said. destroy these targets if the lead- being finalised, said Rouhani. “We hope that lot of problems,” he said. “We all know that “positions of Iranian forces and allied An American official said at the ership takes the decision to do $5bn in capital will enter the country, either we encounter problems in exporting oil. Yet militias” on the edge of the town of time that Israel was responsible, but so,” Mohammed Al Atifi, the through plans that have already been finalised at the same time, we endeavour to reduce the Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory the Jewish state declined to comment. Houthi defence minister, said or which will be finalised next year,” he said. difficulty of people’s livelihood. for Human Rights said. Israel has carried out hundreds in an interview with rebel- Iran and Russia have strengthened ties “Contrary to what the Americans thought, “Five non-Syrian fighters were of strikes in Syria on what it says are linked Al Masirah newspaper in recent years, with both backing President that with the pressure of sanctions our coun- killed,” Observatory chief Rami Abdel positions of Lebanese Shiite published yesterday. Bashar Al Assad in Syria’s civil war. Rouhani try’s economy would encounter problems, Rahman said, without being able to movement Hezbollah and Iranian There’s little evidence the told lawmakers the budget, which includes a thank God we have chosen the correct path... provide their nationalities. Regime forces, which it has vowed to prevent Houthis possess the ability to 15-percent public sector wage hike, “is a budget and we are moving forward.” troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran- gaining a foothold in Syrian territory. launch a strike from hundreds of resistance and perseverance against The budget announcement comes after backed fighters, including from Iraq, But the US-led coalition that has been of miles away, but that’s not sanctions”. petrol price hikes and rationing in mid- are present in the area on the western fighting the Islamic State group has necessarily the last word, said He said the fiscal plan came in response November sparked demonstrations across banks of the Euphrates River, he said. in the past also admitted to carrying Ari Heistein, a research fellow to the “maximum pressure and continuation Iran that turned violent before being quelled According to the Observatory, 10 out air strikes against pro-regime at the Institute for National of America’s sanctions” and vowed it would by security forces amid an internet blackout. Iraqi fighters were killed in fighters. Security Studies at Tel Aviv University. “As of now we really have no open source information that indicates that they have the Netanyahu pushes capability to strike Israel,” but that calculation would be different if “Iran decides to use annexation plan as the element of surprise and arm the Houthis with its longest- range and most sophisticated new elections loom missiles,” Heistein said. AFP/TEL AVIV coalition before the country Libya: Maritime heads to another vote — the Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin third in a year. deal with Turkey Netanyahu yesterday touted his “I want American recog- goes into effect plan to annex a swathe of the nition of our sovereignty over occupied West Bank and Israeli the Jordan Valley, it’s ANATOLIA/TRIPOLI settlements in a last-ditch effort important,” Netanyahu said, to prevent another general noting he recently discussed the Libya’s UN-recognised election. issue with US Secretary of State Government of National Accord “It’s time to apply Israeli Mike Pompeo, without pre- (GNA) yesterday announced sovereignty over the Jordan senting a formal plan. that pacts with Turkey over Valley and legalise all the Judea Pompeo last month maritime jurisdiction areas as and Samaria settlements, those announced that the United well as military and security that are in settlement blocs and States no longer shared the cooperation went into effect. those outside of them,” he said, widely held international According to the Libyan using the biblical term for the position that Israeli settlements Protests grip Baghdad, restive south GNA’s Justice Ministry, the West Bank. in the West Bank are illegal. Iraqi students at the university of Kufa rally in support of ongoing anti-government demonstrations, internationally recognised gov- “They will be part of the On Friday, however, the US at the campus gate in Kufa city, 10km northeast of Najaf in central Iraq, yesterday. Thousands of ernment’s Presidential Council State of Israel.” House of Representatives Iraqi protesters streamed into streets and public squares in the capital and restive south, saying they requested relevant departments Netanyahu announced in passed a resolution supporting were not deterred by deadly violence meant to “scare” them. to bring the pacts into force fol- September, a week before a Palestinian state and deter- lowing their ratification. The pacts general elections, that he mining that the US should “dis- are set to be published in Libya’s planned to annex the Jordan courage” steps such as “uni- Official Gazette at the beginning Valley, which accounts for lateral annexation of of 2020, the ministry added. around a third of the West Bank, territory”. Algeria prosecutor seeks heavy Signed on November 27 and if re-elected. Around 400,000 Israeli set- passed by Turkey’s parliament His remarks, at a conference tlers live in the West Bank this Thursday, the memo- organised by rightwing news- alongside around 2.6 million sentences against former PMs randum determining both paper Makor Rishon, came Palestinians. countries’ marine jurisdictions alongside an appeal to rival The settlements are viewed AFP/ALGIERS mass protests which erupted in A similar sentence is rejects unilateral and illegal Benny Gantz to form a unity as major stumbling blocks to February against his bid for a requested for former industry activities by other regional government and save the time peace as they are built on land The Algerian prosecutor’s office fifth term. minister Abdeslam Bouch- countries and international and money involved in the Palestinians see as part of yesterday requested 20-year In all 19 defendants — two ouareb, who is being tried in firms and aims to protect the elections. their future state. prison sentences for several former premiers, other prom- absentia as he has fled abroad. rights of both countries in line “I have offered to Benny Israel blames Palestinian former politicians accused of inent ex-politicians and auto- It is the first time since Alge- with the international law of the Gantz to join a unity government violence and intransigence as corruption, including two prime motive industry tycoons — face ria’s independence from France sea. Turkey declared the mar- and today too I’m telling him to the main obstacles to peace. ministers who served under charges ranging from money in 1962 that former prime min- itime pact went into effect on join a unity government with Netanyahu has said in the ex-president Abdelaziz Boute- laundering to abuse of office and isters have been put on trial. Saturday. According to the U.S. me,” Netanyahu said. “It’s not past that the wider moves to flika, local media reported. granting undue privileges. Both Ouyahia and Sellal have Geological Survey, the Mediter- too late.” annex or “legalise” settlements The trial is the first resulting The state prosecutor is denied the accusations against ranean region is estimated to The September polls yielded in the West Bank would be in from sweeping investigations seeking a 20-year prison sen- them. The trial opened on boast millions of barrels of oil no clear winner, and Wednesday coordination with US President into graft allegations launched tence for ex-premiers Ahmed Wednesday and a verdict is and trillions of cubic meters of is the last day for a member of Donald Trump and his long- after Bouteflika stepped down Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, expected early today, according natural gas, worth hundreds of parliament to propose a awaited peace plan. in April in the face of local media reported. to lawyers. billions of dollars. 12 ASIA MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 At least 43 dead in devastating Delhi factory fire

AP Assistant New Delhi parts on fire. Her brother-in-law NEW DELHI Police Commissioner carried her to safety, she said. Outside a mortuary that was A fire believed to be caused by Anil Kumar Mittal said guarded by dozens of police an electrical short circuit that “the fire appears officers, some of the workers’ rel- engulfed a building in New Delhi to have been caused atives said they had received yesterday where handbags and by an electric short phone calls from the men trapped other items were made by inside, who begged them to call workers earning as little as 2 circuit”, adding that the fire brigade. Family members dollars per day, killing at least 43 authorities were identified the dead from photos Police personnel and ambulances are seen along a road following a factory fire in Anaj Mandi area people. on police officers’ phones. investigating whether of New Delhi, yesterday. The blaze in New Delhi’s Many of the men were Karol Bagh neighbourhood, a the factory was migrant workers from the warren of narrow alleyways with operating legally. impoverished border state of electrical wiring strung helter- Bihar, relatives said. Time to help victims, finding skelter, was the second major fire Many of the victims were there this year. In February, 17 in electrical wire and too narrow asleep when the blaze began, people were killed in a blaze that for vehicles to access, authorities according to Yogesh, a police lapses later: Housing Minister started in a six-storey building’s said. spokesman who uses one name. illegal rooftop kitchen. A resident of the area, Dr. Kishore Singh said rescuers Karol Bagh contains the city’s Mohammed Naushad, said he was brought victims to his government- IANS “political comments”. developed. At the moment, I largest wholesale market for woken by people wailing at run hospital and two others in the NEW DELHI “People come from Uttar don’t want to make statement household goods, known as around 4.30am. He went outside city. Another 16 people were being Pradesh and Bihar. They are our whether it was the fault of Sadar Bazaar. The area’s aging to find smoke and flames shooting treated for burns or smoke inha- Admitting loopholes on many brothers and sisters. They are out industrial or fire department,” buildings are stacked with apart- out of a building near Sadar lation and were in stable condition, counts, Union Housing and citizens. It is not the issue who he said further. ments, shops, storage facilities Bazaar. Inside, he found the fourth Singh said. Urban Development Minister comes from where. I want to tell The Minister said that the and manufacturing units. floor engulfed in flames. One floor Fire Services chief Atul Garg Hardeep Singh Puri said the on record that we should provide Delhi Police and fire department Assistant New Delhi Police below, he saw “20 to 25 people said it took 25 fire trucks to put government will look at them all necessary help to the affected received the information about Commissioner Anil Kumar Mittal lying on the floor.” out the blaze. About 60 people, only after getting detailed families,” Puri said. the fire around 5.22am — almost said that “the fire appears to have “I don’t know if they were including some of the dead, were reports, but this is the time to Asked over the short circuit, half an hour after the incident been caused by an electric short dead or unconscious, but they taken out of the building, said help those affected by the the reason behind the incident — and they reached the spot in circuit,” adding that authorities were not moving,” Naushad said. Mittal, the assistant police massive fire that engulfed a and that electricity cables few minutes. were investigating whether the He said he carried at least 10 commissioner. factory in Delhi’s Rani Jhansi crossing from low heights, the Meanwhile, the Delhi gov- factory was operating legally. people out of the flames on his New Delhi’s chief minister, Road area, early yesterday. Minister said: “I agree. I was ernment announced Rs10 lakh The building’s owner, Rihan, shoulders and into the arms of Arvind Kejriwal, appeared at the The Minister, who was the born and brought up in Delhi. and Rs1 lakh respectively for who goes by one name, was emergency responders. scene of the fire, promising first Union Minister to reach What are you saying is true but the families of killed and detained on suspicion of culpable Maisuma Bibi, a day labourer victims’ families compensation. the spot, called the tragedy a it is important to get proper injured, and Prime Minister homicide not amounting to making plastic handbags, sur- Prime Minister Narendra “very sad incident”, assuring information about the incident. Narendra Modi sanctioned Rs2 murder, Mittal said. vived the blaze. She said she was Modi described the fire as “the government has taken Short circuit was the immediate lakh and Rs50,000. Delhi unit Firefighters had to fight the sleeping in a room with about 18 “extremely horrific.” “My thoughts some decisions to develop cause.” of the BJP has also announced blaze from 100 metres away other women and children on the are with those who lost their loved such unauthorised places”. “We have taken some deci- a compensation of Rs5 lakh for because it broke out in one of the building’s first floor when she ones. Wishing the injured a quick Puri told media that this sions under which unau- families of killed and Rs25,000 area’s many alleyways, tangled woke to find a bag full of plastic recovery,” Modi tweeted. was not the time to make thorised places will be for the injured. India to launch Shah to move contentious CAB in Lok Sabha today spy satellite, IANS Cabinet meeting, Information will be out of the purview of the and Tripura as well, sources said. opposition with the Congress NEW DELHI 9 others on and Broadcasting Minister CAB that created a political row These are the tribal areas where calling it “unconstitutional”. Prakash Javadekar had said the in the area in the run-up to the autonomous councils and districts Minority outfits too have December 11 Union Home Minister Amit Shah Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 general election. The ILP is were created under the 6th lashed out against the Bill for is all set to move the contro- takes care of India’s interests. an official travel document issued Schedule of the Constitution. leaving out Muslims and also on IANS versial Citizenship (Amendment) “I am confident that when the by the government of India to The Citizenship the ground that it is at odds with CHENNAI Bill today, in the Lok Sabha. The Bill’s provisions are announced, allow inward travel of an Indian (Amendment) Bill, 2019 that the Constitution, which does not matter is listed in the day’s Assam, Northeast and the entire citizen into a protected area for seeks to provide Indian nation- differentiate between citizens on India’s Polar Satellite Launch business for the Lok Sabha. country will welcome it.” It was a limited period. ality to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, the basis of their faith. Vehicle (PSLV) rocket would This move comes days after that three northeastern states — The politically sensitive Bill, Parsis, Jains and Buddhists CPM has already held a press launch the country’s latest spy the Union Cabinet last Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and which has already ruffled the fleeing persecution in Pakistan, conference yesterday to satellite RISAT-2BR1 and nine Wednesday approved the Bill. Mizoram — where the Inner Line feathers of the Opposition, will leave Afghanistan and Bangladesh, has announce that they will move two foreign satellites on December Responding to questions after the Permit (ILP) regime is applicable out tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya already faced cold vibes from amendments to the proposed Bill. 11, said the Indian space agency. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the rocket numbered as Govt committed to PSLV-C48 will lift off at 3.25pm with RISAT-2BR1, a radar imaging earth observation sat- IPC, CrPC reforms ellite weighing about 628kg. The rocket will blast off from IANS modern democratic setup. the first launch pad at Sriha- PUNE “The government also plans rikota rocket port in Andhra to set up an All India Police Uni- Pradesh and place RISAT-2BR1 The Bharatiya Janata Party-led versity and an All India Forensic into an orbit of 576km. The sat- government at the Centre is Science University, with colleges ellite will have a life of five years. committed to bring about reforms affiliated in various states,” Shah Piggybacking on the Indian in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and said. satellite would be nine foreign Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), He termed the conclave as satellites from the USA (multi- governing the criminal justice a ‘Vaicharik Kumbh’ where top mission Lemur-4 satellites, tech- system in the country. police officers from the country nology demonstration Tyvak- The reaffirmation was made converged on a common 0129, earth imaging 1HOPSAT), at the three-day 54th annual platform and formulate policy Israel (remote sensing conference of all Directors- decisions concerning national Duchifat-3), Italy (search and General of Police (DGP) and security. rescue Tyvak-0092) and Japan Inspectors-General of Police Later, officials said that the (QPS-SAR - a radar imaging (IGP) addressed by Prime Min- conference deliberated on a wide earth observation satellite). ister Narendra Modi and Union gamut of policing and security These international cus- Home Minister Amit Shah. issues, including border pro- tomer satellites are being Shah emphasised the gov- tection, linkage of narcotics and launched under a commercial Fighting for women’s protection ernment’s resolve to initiate sig- terror, upgradation of forensic arrangement with NewSpace Activists and supporters hold placards and shout slogans to protest against the alleged abuse nificant changes in the IPC and capabilities, threats from radi- India Limited (NSIL). and murder of a 27-year-old veterinary doctor in Hyderabad and other recent assaults, in CrPC to make them more rel- calisation in the digital era, and According to the ISRO, the Mumbai, yesterday. evant and conducive to the evidence-based policing. satellites will be carried by PSLV-QL variant. The rocket will have four strap-on motors and the December 11 flight will be the second space trip for this Vote count for Karnataka by-elections today rocket variant. Just over 16 minutes into its IANS /BENGALURU made for counting of votes in the The results of the by-elec- available from 9-10am, a clear their ballots in the 15 constitu- flight, the rocket will sling 15 Assembly segments on tions are crucial for the four- picture of the votes polled will encies to fill the vacancies RISAT-2BR1 and a minute later Votes polled in Karnataka’s Monday from 8am at 11 centres, month-old BJP government in emerge post-noon and results caused by the resignation of 14 the first of the nine customer by-elections on December 5 in including three in Bengaluru for the southern state, as the ruling will be declared after com- Congress and three Janata Dal- satellites will be ejected. The 15 Assembly constituencies will four urban seats. Postal ballots party requires at least seven pleting 20 rounds of vote count Secular (JD-S) and their subse- launch mission is expected to be counted today and results will be counted first, followed by seats in the 223-member in each constituency,” said quent disqualification by former conclude in about 21 minutes would be declared by evening, counting of votes in EVMs,” Assembly for a simple majority, Jadiyappa. Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh when the last of the customer an EC official said yesterday. Election Commission official G with 112 as the halfway mark. Around 67.9 percent (26 Kumar for defying their party satellites will be put into orbit “Arrangements have been Jadiyappa said here. “Though trends will be lakh) of the 38 lakh voters cast whip. MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 ASIA 13

Watchdog asks UK Pakistan a firm for transparency in Pakistani tycoon’s believer in regional settlement

INTERNEWS cooperation: Imran ISLAMABAD INTERNEWS “Pakistan believes ISLAMABAD that effective and Days after the United King- dom’s National Crime Agency Prime Minister Imran Khan, result-oriented (NCA) announced a settlement while reiterating commitment regional cooperation agreement resulting from an to the Charter of South Asian can be achieved only investigation into funds tied to Association for Regional Coop- by adhering to the Pakistani property tycoon and eration (SAARC), yesterday said real estate developer, Malik that Pakistan was a firm believer cardinal principles Riaz, anti-corruption watchdog in the strength and potential of of sovereign equality Transparency International (TI) regional cooperation for indi- and mutual respect noted the “scant information” vidual, national and regional as enshrined in the of the arrangement and called development. on the British government to “Pakistan further believes SAARC Charter,” Imran honour its commitment to that effective and result-ori- Khan said. returning proceeds of ented regional cooperation can Afghan migrant artist corruption “transparently and be achieved only by adhering to accountably”. Shukran (centre), a 38-year-old man from Afghanistan, speaks with his pupils inside his makeshift the cardinal principles of sov- minister wished the people of In a press release issued atelier in the Moria migrant camp in Lesbos, Greece. The painter, who is also a singer, has managed ereign equality and mutual South Asia, peace, progress and after the NCA announcement, respect as enshrined in the prosperity. to construct a shack out of plastic and palettes to house a school of painting for migrants. TI’s UK chapter said it wel- SAARC Charter,” the prime min- He said December 8, marked comes the news that the coun- ister said in a message on 35th the day when leaders with vision try’s law enforcement has SAARC Charter Day being com- and foresight adopted the Bilawal to address party workers in all provinces secured a substantial amount memorated on December 8. SAARC charter and pledged to of funds for return to the people The prime minister reit- work together for the progress INTERNEWS at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi Quetta on December 15, in of Pakistan and acknowledged erated Pakistan’s commitment and prosperity of South Asia. ISLAMABAD on 12th anniversary of Lahore on December 18 and in that the size of funds in this case to the SAARC process and During the first summit in martyrdom of Shaheed Benazir Peshawar on December 21. is a change from previous expressed hope that the hiatus Dhaka, on December 8, 1985, the Chairman Pakistan People’s Bhutto on December 27. The PPP has already efforts which shows the impor- created in its continuous pro- heads of state and government Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will According to a source within announced to observe 12th anni- tance of changes introduced by gression would be removed. from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri address party workers’ the party, Chairman Bilawal versary of martyrdom of the UK’s Criminal Finances Act On the Charter Day, he also Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan and convention in all the provincial Bhutto Zardari will address the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto at 2017. felicitated the other SAARC Maldives, had adopted the capitals in a bid to mobilise the party workers’s convention in Liqauat Bagh in Rawalpindi on However, the statement member states. The prime Charter of SAARC. party workers for the public rally Karachi on December 13, in December 27. issued by the TI’s director of policy Duncan Hames also said: “Although there is scant Awan mocks information about the specifics Court to hear Maryam Nawaz’s petition over ECL today of the case, returning seized London huddle funds to the country of origin, INTERNEWS Federal Investigation Agency Nawaz Sharif is undergoing her arguments were not heard as is proposed, is an obligation of PML-N LAHORE (FIA), Directorate General of treatment in London. Nawaz’s and asked the court to remove under the UN Convention Immigration and Passport have health deteriorated a couple of her name from the ECL till the Against Corruption. We call INTERNEWS The Lahore High Court (LHC) will been named as parties in the months ago due to complications final verdict in her case is upon the UK government to ISLAMABAD hear a petition filed by Pakistan petition. of the heart, kidney, lungs and a announced. honour its commitment to Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) In the petition, Maryam has low platelet count. Maryam’s name along with returning proceeds of cor- Special Assistant to Prime Vice-President Maryam Nawaz expressed concern for her The LHC had directed the that of her father Nawaz Sharif ruption transparently and Minister Imran Khan on Infor- today, in which she has father’s health and requested the government to remove Nawaz’s was placed on the no-fly list last accountably.” mation, Firdous Ashiq Awan, requested the court to direct the court to allow her to travel name from the ECL so he could year, following their conviction The anti-graft organisa- criticised the Pakistan Muslim government to remove her name abroad so she can look after him. fly abroad for medical treatment. in the Avenfield reference. tion’s statement came in League-N party of former from the Exit Control List (ECL). Maryam said she is under a In the petition, Maryam had said Prime Minister Imran had response to the NCA’s set- prime minister Nawaz Sharif A two-member bench lot of stress these days being that Nawaz was not keeping well said that there was ‘no deal’ tlement agreement with Malik yesterday after the latter’s crit- headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi unable to care for her father at ever since her mother had died between the government and Riaz earlier this week, in which icism of the government. will hear Maryam’s petition. a time when he needs to be and she had been her father’s Sharif family. more than £190m of assets have Awan, in a tweet, said it is Maryam has stated in the petition closely monitored. She asked for primary caregiver since then. Imran had categorically said been seized from Riaz after a “ironic” that people who are that she wishes to go abroad for her passport to be returned to Maryam also challenged the that the former prime minister settlement in probe dubbed by “wanted by the law” are six weeks. her from the deputy registrar. legality of her name being placed will have to face the cases international papers as a “dirty involved in the consultation The federal government, the Former prime minister on the no-fly list by claiming that against him on his return. money” investigation. process on legislation and other matters. She said, “The whole of PML-N has gathered around 30,000 monks attend mass fugitives,” adding that just like it is right of every prisoner to alms-giving in Myanmar get medical treatment, it is also the right and obligation of the AFP the relationship of “monks and law to hold violators MANDALAY, MYANMAR Buddhists between (the) two accountable. countries” and to “strengthen the Ashiq was commenting on Nearly 30,000 monks assembled monkhood” in the region, the meeting of PML-N leaders in the early morning chill in according to a statement. held over the weekend in Myanmar yesterday for a spec- “I hope we can continue to London that focused on the tacular alms-giving event, partly hold bigger events in the coming extension of the army chief, the organised by a controversial years,” said U Thu Nanda, a government’s accountability mega-temple under scrutiny 24-year-old Burmese monk. drive against opposition leaders across the border in Thailand. The event was the third and and other political issues. With many barefoot, Bud- largest of its kind since 2015 and Top leaders of the PML-N dhist monks from Myanmar and comes as one of the organisers, are in London where they are Thailand and senior religious the Thailand-based Dham- holding consultations with officials from a dozen countries makaya foundation, attempts to party chief Shehbaz Sharif and collected alms next to an airport bounce back from an embez- former prime minister Nawaz in the central city of Mandalay. zlement scandal more than two Sharif on issues of national As the sun rose over the years ago. importance. ancient town, a sea of saffron and The Dhammakaya temple’s maroon-robed monks assembled massive compound in northern in an area the size of a football Bangkok was under siege for two field. weeks in early 2017 as thousands Kinnow Monks line up for alms during the alms-giving ceremony organised by the regional government of They collected alms in an of officers tryied to arrest the Mandalay at Chanmyathazi Airport in Mandalay, Myanmar, yesterday. exports from event meant to tighten sect’s spiritual leader. Pakistan start INTERNEWS Pakistan urges ‘realistic’ mandates for UN peacekeeping operations KARACHI INTERNEWS enhancing performance at all operations must dictate logistics, “As a result, we are engaging accountability. Poor per- Pakistan’s Kinnow exports have ISLAMABAD levels, both at Headquarters in and not the other way around,” with Member States in a more formance harms the reputation started and traders have set a New York and in the field. he added. focused way. In some cases, we of both the UN and the countries target to export 300,000 tons Pakistan has underscored the Pakistan is one of the largest On his part, UN Secretary- have repatriated underper- which contribute to peace- this season, expecting to fetch need for realistic mandates for contributors to UN peace- General Antonio Guterres said forming troops; in others, we keeping, Craft said. $19.5m in foreign exchange, UN peacekeeping operations, keeping, with over five thousand he welcomes opportunities to have deployed mentors or Guterres, the UN chief, said industry sources said. with adequate resources, to face troops serving in missions in review effectiveness of world training teams.” There has also the Organisation was “doing eve- This year’s target is lower the difficult challenges in the hotspots around the world. body’s peacekeeping. been progress in intelligence rything possible” to improve by 50,000 tons compared to the world’s troubled regions. “We all agree that per- The UN chief recalled that his sharing, reducing gaps in vital accountability and end abuse exports of last year. “With the operating environ- formance cannot be evaluated Action for Peacekeeping initi- equipment, improving safety and and exploitation by Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in- ments becoming ever more solely in terms of what peace- ative renews collective com- security of peacekeepers, and in peacekeepers. Chief of All Pakistan Fruit and complex, there are increasing keepers on ground did or did not mitment to excellence amid an increasing the numbers of Strong prevention and Vegetable Exporters, Importers calls to update our tools to face accomplish,” Mohsin, a First Sec- increasingly dangerous land- women serving under the UN response measures, as well as and Merchants Association the contemporary challenges, retary at Pakistan’s Mission to scape for the blue helmets and flag, among other areas. the appointment of a Victims’ (PFVA), said around 15 to 20 respond to current threats and the UN, said, pointing out that it their civilian colleagues. The United States, which Rights Advocate, were among the percent fruit exports were also to do our job better,” Paki- also depends on realistic man- “Across all missions, we have contributes $1.7bn to the peace- steps he mentioned. expected from a production of stani delegate Rajeel Mohsin said dates, adequate resources and introduced new systems and keeping budget, co-organised The UN chief called for nearly 2.2 million tons. in a meeting held to review many other factors that are not tools to evaluate performance. the meeting. increased momentum and part- He said the export target for action to improve peacekeeping, in control of troop contributing These include regular military While underlining Washing- nerships in building what he sees the current year has been kept the UN’s flagship activity, in line countries (TCCs). and police unit evaluations and ton’s strong support for peace- as “a culture of continual 50,000 tons less compared to with the 2018 Security Council “Rather than focusing just on a hospital evaluation system,” he keeping, US Ambassador Kelly improvement and last year. resolution 2,436 aimed at cutting costs and troop numbers, said. Craft stressed the need for accountability”. 14 ASIA MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019

Body of slain Massive rally marks 6 months of HK protests doctor arrives AFP Organisers said some HONG KONG 800,000 people in Japan from Democracy protesters took part attended the peaceful Afghanistan in the largest mass rally through rally, but the police Hong Kong’s streets in months put the figure at AFP yesterday in a forceful display of 183,000. NARITA, JAPAN support for the movement, with a leading activist warning the The body of Tetsu Nakamura, city’s leaders they had a “last into the distance, their chants a beloved Japanese doctor who chance” to end the political crisis. bouncing off the towering sky- was shot to death in Afghan- Organisers estimated some scrapers above. istan after decades of his 800,000 people snaked for Many of the black-clad support for the country, was hours through the financial hub’s attendees voiced anger and frus- brought back to Japan main island as the protests tration that chief executive yesterday. marked six months, a vivid illus- Carrie Lam and Beijing have A plane carrying his body tration of the hostility that still ruled out any further concessions landed at Narita Airport near seethes towards the government despite the landslide election Tokyo with his wife and eldest after half a year of unrest. defeat. daughter, who visited Kabul The city’s police force, which Semi-autonomous Hong after Wednesday’s murder. historically gives lower crowd Kong has been battered by Vice-foreign minister turnout figures, told local media increasingly violent demonstra- Keisuke Suzuki and other 183,000 people attended at the tions, but the last fortnight has attendants, including his wife, peak, still one of their highest seen a marked drop in violence offered a silent prayer at the estimates in months. and vandalism after the landslide airport after placing bouquets Protesters attend a Human Rights Day march in Hong Kong, yesterday. The rally received rare police win by pro-democracy on his casket wrapped by a permission and came two weeks candidates. white sheet. after pro-establishment parties Police took the unusual step elections. police displayed weapons, hundreds injured, including His body will be transferred got a drubbing in local elections, of allowing the Civil Human “Carrie Lam should listen to including a pistol and knives, police. to the western Japanese city of shattering government claims Rights Front (CHRF) to hold Sun- the demands of Hong Kongers they said had been found during In a statement released Fukuoka, his hometown, on that a “silent majority” opposed day’s march. as soon as possible,” CHRF’s overnight raids where eleven ahead of the march, Hong Kong’s Monday, local media said. the protests. The movement’s demands leader Jimmy Sham told people were arrested. government said it had “learned The 73-year-old was killed As night fell the crowds include an independent inquiry reporters after earlier billing the Monday marks the six- its lesson and will humbly listen in Jalalabad, the main city in the switched on their mobile phone into the police’s handling of the march as Lam’s “last chance” to month anniversary of the pro- to and accept criticism.” But it eastern province of Nangarhar torches, creating a glittering protests, an amnesty for those listen to the people. Hours before tests during which some 6,000 announced no concrete where he had worked since the carpet of lights that stretched far arrested, and fully free the march was due to start, people have been arrested and measures or concessions. 1980s. He was killed along with five Afghan guards and col- leagues in an attack no-one has N Korea conducts ‘very important’ yet claimed, and which the test at once-dismantled launch site Taliban condemned. Son of N Korea REUTERS “If it is indeed a static engine Republic of Korea. The test is the SEOUL test for a new solid or liquid fuel latest in a string of statements hijack victim missile, it is yet another loud and actions from North Korea North Korea has carried out a signal that the door for designed to underscore the seri- demands “very important” test at its Sohae diplomacy is quickly slamming, ousness of its deadline. satellite launch site, state media if it isn’t already,” said Vipin North Korea has announced return of father KCNA reported yesterday, a Narang, a nuclear affairs expert it would convene a rare gath- rocket testing ground that US at the Massachusetts Institute of ering of top ruling-party officials AFP / PAJU, SOUTH KOREA officials once said Pyongyang Technology in the United States. later this month, and on had promised to close. “This could be a very Wednesday state media showed The son of a hijacking victim The reported test comes as credible signal of what might photos of leader Kim Jong Un and his supporters yesterday a year-end deadline North Korea await the world after the New taking a second symbolic horse once more demanded North has imposed nears, warning it Year.” Tensions have risen ahead ride on the country’s sacred Mt. Korea return his father, five could take a “new path” amid of a year-end deadline set by Paektu. decades after Pyongyang stalled denuclearisation talks North Korea, which has called Such meetings and propa- diverted a plane carrying 50 with the United States. The on the United States to change ganda blitzes often come ahead South Koreans on board. KCNA report called it a “suc- its policy of insisting on of major announcements from Hwang Won was on a cessful test of great significance” Pyongyang’s unilateral denu- North Korean authorities. domestic Korean Air flight from but did not specify what was clearisation and demanded relief While North Korea has not Gangneung to Seoul’s Gimpo tested. from punishing sanctions. specified what its “new path” airport on December 11, 1969, South Korea’s defence min- On Saturday North Korea’s could be, observers have sug- only for the aircraft to be istry said South Korea and the ambassador to the United gested the launch of a space sat- hijacked by a North Korean spy United States are cooperating Nations said denuclearisation ellite is a possibility, allowing 10 minutes after takeoff and closely in monitoring activities was now off the negotiating table Pyongyang to demonstrate and made to land in Pyongyang. at major North Korean sites with the United States and test its rocket capabilities Two months later, 39 pas- including Tongchang-ri, the area lengthy talks with Washington without resorting to overt mil- sengers were repatriated, but where Sohae is located. are not needed. itary provocation such as an the North never returned 11 Missile experts said it “The results of the recent intercontinental ballistic missile people including Hwang — New Zealand floods appeared likely the North important test will have an (ICBM) launch. whose son, who was two at the Koreans had conducted a static important effect on changing the “Such testing is meant to time of the hijacking, has con- Floodwaters are seen on a cracked road on State Highway 58 in test of a rocket engine, rather strategic position of the DPRK improve military capabilities and tinued to fight for his release. Judgeford, New Zealand, yesterday. New Zealand’s meteorological than a missile launch, which are once again in the near future,” to shore up domestic pride and Hwang In-cheol, now in his service issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of the usually quickly detected by KCNA reported, using the initials legitimacy,” Leif-Eric Easley, a 50s, was joined yesterday by country yesterday after wild weather over the weekend caused neighbouring South Korea and of North Korea’s official name, professor at Ewha University in dozens of supporters to demand flooding, road closures and landslides. Japan. the Democratic People’s Seoul, said of Saturday’s test. his father’s release. Haze settles over Australian capital as bush fires burn Malaysia reports first

AFP for Tuesday, when temperatures SYDNEY are expected to reach above 40 case of polio since 1992 Celsius in parts of New South Smoke haze from bush fires Wales state — worst-hit by the REUTERS genetic links with the virus raging in Australia spread to the bush fires — and gusting westerly KUALA LUMPUR detected in the Philippine cases. capital yesterday, as firefighters winds are likely to fan the Checks in the area where the raced to contain more than 140 flames. A three-month-old Malaysian baby lived showed 23 of 199 blazes ahead of a heatwave “Today (fire) crews will be infant has been diagnosed with children between 2 and 15 had forecast early this week. doing what they can to consol- polio, the first case reported in not received the polio vaccine, Australia is experiencing a idate and strengthen con- the country in nearly three he said. horrific start to its fire season, tainment lines, which in some decades, a top health official said “This is a worrying situation which scientists say began areas will include backburning,” yesterday. as the spread of the disease... can earlier and is more extreme this NSW Rural Fire Service The baby boy from Tuaran only be stopped with polio year due to a prolonged drought spokesman Greg Allan said. in Malaysia’s Sabah state on immunisation,” he said, adding and the effects of climate change. But the state’s Bureau of Borneo island tested positive for vaccination rates needed to be Residents of Canberra in the Meteorology warned that the polio on Friday after being above 95% to prevent infection. country’s southeast woke up to massive fires are “in some cases admitted to hospital with a fever There is no cure for polio, see the capital shrouded in haze just too big to put out at the and muscle weakness, Director which invades the nervous yesterday, joining those in moment”. General of Health Noor Hisham system and can cause irre- Sydney who have endured “They’re pumping out vast Abdullah said in a statement. versible paralysis within hours, A firefighter establishes a backburn during bush fires in Mangrove weeks of toxic air pollution amounts of smoke which is “The patient is being treated but it can be prevented with Mountain, New South Wales, Australia, yesterday. caused by bush fire smoke. filling the air, turning the sky in an isolation ward and is in vaccines. Officials said favourable orange & even appearing like stable condition, but still The virus spreads rapidly weather conditions had given significant rain on our radars,” firefighters — who in both states September, six people have been requires assistance to breathe,” among children, especially in them a chance to bring several the department tweeted. are almost all volunteers — as killed, more than 700 homes he said. Malaysia was declared unsanitary conditions in under- blazes under control before the Nearly 50 reinforcements weather there provided a brief destroyed and an estimated two polio-free in 2000, after developed or war-torn regions forecast return of strong winds from the United States and reprieve from weeks of battling million hectares (almost five reporting its last known case of where health care access is and high temperatures Tuesday. Canada have been flown in to blazes. million acres) scorched. the disease in 1992. Its resur- limited. Afghanistan and Among those is a “mega fire” support fatigued firefighters in “We’re just looking to wind Though the human toll has gence comes just months after Pakistan are the last countries burning across 250,000 hectares recent days, with the interna- down and recover and prepare been far lower than the dead- the Philippines, north of Borneo, where the disease is endemic. within an hour’s drive of Sydney, tional contingent tasked with for the next round, whenever liest fire season in 2009 — when reported its first cases of polio Noor Hisham said fecal Australia’s largest city, where ash providing logistical assistance. that may be,” a Queensland Fire almost 200 people died — the since 1993 in September. samples from the infected child’s from the fires has occasionally In neighbouring Queensland, and Emergency Service scale of this year’s devastation Noor Hisham said tests close contacts and his sur- fallen. the focus was also on managing spokesman said. has been widely described as showed the child was infected roundings had been collected in Firefighters are now bracing fatigue among frontline Since the crisis began in unprecedented. with a polio strain that shared a bid to detect the polio virus. MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 EUROPE 15 Impact of UK polls to be ‘felt for decades’: PM Johnson AFP A Conservative majority would almost certainly LONDON cement Britain’s departure from the European British Prime Minister Boris Union, but any other result could lead to a Johnson said yesterday that the second referendum and the 2016 result being impact of Thursday’s general overturned. election would be “felt for decades” as campaigning entered the final stages. referendum and the 2016 result with an average lead of 10 The prime minister is hoping being overturned. percent. to regain the majority that his The prime minister faced Pollsters believe that Conservative Party lost in 2019, scrutiny over promises there Johnson needs to be more than with a slew of polls released on would be no checks on goods six points clear of Labour on Saturday suggesting he was nar- moving between Northern Thursday to secure a majority. rowly on course to achieve his Ireland and mainland Britain as The prime minister goal. part of his Brexit deal with announced yesterday that he The stakes could barely be Brussels. “There’s no question of would introduce an “Australian- Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson (centre) speaks to activists and supporters as he poses for a higher, with the fate of Brexit still there being checks,” he told Sky, style” points based immigration photograph at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters Call Centre in central London, yesterday. to be settled. adding “why would we put system if elected, signalling a “We’re fighting for every checks on goods going from NI tightening of low-skilled vote and... this is a critical to GB or GB to NI? It doesn’t immigration. Investigation under way into leaked trade papers moment for this country, the make sense.” “I’ve said that what we want choice on Thursday is unbe- His claims appear to con- to do is bear down on a REUTERS of the classified documents has Trump. Johnson has repeatedly lievably stark,” he told Sky News. tradict a leaked government migration, particularly of LONDON raised questions about the denied that claim while Trump, He compared the election to document revealed by Labour unskilled workers who have no security of sensitive discussions who in July said the NHS would other “historic elections” such leader Jeremy Corbyn this week, job to come to,” he said. British cyber security officials between the United States and be on the table in trade talks, as 1906, 1945 and 1979. which suggested that businesses “You’ve got to have a system are investigating whether clas- one of its closest allies. said last week he would not be “The impact of this election would need to fill in paperwork by which party politicians can sified UK-US trade documents Britain’s opposition Labour interested in the health service will be felt for decades to come,” when moving goods across the say to people, ‘well, yes, we are that were shared online ahead Party seized on the documents, even if it was offered to him by he wrote in an open letter. Irish Sea. Corbyn is banking on letting people in but we’re doing of Thursday’s election were saying they showed Prime Min- Britain on a “silver platter”. A Conservative majority a late surge, as he achieved in it in a way that is controlled’.” acquired by hacking or were ister Boris Johnson’s Conserva- Britain’s National Cyber would almost certainly cement 2017, to prevent Johnson from Exit polls from Thursday’s vote leaked, two sources said. tives were plotting to sell off Security Centre is helping the Britain’s departure from the winning a majority. will be released at 2000 GMT, Beside the fears that Russia parts of the state-run National government to investigate how European Union, but any other But polls released on Sat- but the final result will not be could be meddling in another Health Service (NHS) in trade the documents got into the result could lead to a second urday showed the Conservatives confirmed until Friday. Western election, the disclosure talks with US President Donald public domain. Germany: Girl Unrelenting transport chaos as French strike bites Six arrested with headscarf after German AFP unrest “could be fatal for many” attacked PARIS small businesses. fireman killed A hotel association said the ANATOLIA/BERLIN French President Emmanuel first day of the strike saw reser- AP Macron, Prime Minister Edouard vations in the larger Paris region BERLIN An 11-year-old girl wearing a Philippe and senior cabinet drop 30-40 percent. headscarf was injured in a ministers were due to meet late Not just local travel was Six people have been arrested suspected racist attack by two to discuss the government’s affected, with regional and inter- after an off-duty firefighter was far-right extremists in the proposed pensions reforms as national trains, including the killed in an altercation between eastern state of Saxony, public transport in France was Thalys and Eurostar, also two couples and a group of Germany yesterday, according crippled for a fourth day running hobbled by the unrest, and young men in the southern to local reports. in protest. several flights cancelled on the German city of Augsburg, The suspected attackers, a The country’s powerful first days of the strike. authorities said yesterday. 16-year-old male and 17-year- labour unions, who claim the Many tourists were left dis- The couples had just left a old female, targeted the Iraqi reforms will force many to work appointed as the world-famous Christmas market late Friday national in front of a super- longer for a smaller retirement Louvre closed some rooms, and when they ran into the seven- market in the town of Sebnitz, payout, began their protest on the Paris Opera and other the- strong group and an argument reported local media, citing the Thursday with the mass strike atres in the capital cancelled started, according to police. One police in Dresden, Saxony’s stranding commuters, closing performances. of the young men hit the capital. schools and hitting tourism. The chaos was set to con- 49-year-old victim in the head Commuters wait on a platform at a train station as a strike by French The female attacker first On the first day, some tinue on Monday, with the three and he fell to the ground. He SNCF railway and Paris transport network workers continues against took off the Iraqi girl’s head- 800,000 people took to the main rail unions calling for the died at the scene. scarf and pulled her by her hair streets in protest at the plan to French government’s pensions reform plans, in Paris, yesterday. action to be stepped up ahead of A 50-year-old man who to the ground. introduce a single, points-based another general strike and mass was with him was hit in the face The male attacker then pension scheme for workers in Many are against Macron’s strikers also blocked several fuel protests called for Tuesday. and seriously injured. Their kicked the girl while the female all economic sectors. plans which he says will put the depots around France, causing “In the coming days, we rec- wives were not attacked. attacker closed her mouth using Many people opted to take country on a solid economic long petrol station queues as ommend avoiding public The youths fled. Dozens of her hand. days off or to work from home, footing, of which the retirement worried motorists stocked up. transport,” said the website of Augsburg firefighters held a The attackers reportedly but thousands had no choice but overhaul forms a major part. The first day of the strike the RATP public train, tram, bus vigil yesterday for their col- shouted “What are you doing to squeeze into perilously The labour action recalled already caused a 30-percent and metro company on which league and German Interior here? Go back to your country.” overfull suburban trains and the winter of 1995, when three drop in sales on average, some 10 million passengers in Minister Horst Seehofer voiced The Iraqi girl was injured metros whose numbers were weeks of stoppages forced a according to the Alliance of larger Paris rely daily to get to his dismay at the killing. during the attack. Police have slashed to a minimum. social policy U-turn by the Commerce which represents work. Bavaria’s state Interior Min- launched an investigation into The biggest labour unrest in then-government. 27,000 supermarkets and Ten out of the RATP’s 16 istry then announced the arrest the suspected attackers. years comes as France’s Business owners fear for clothing and shoe stores with metro lines will be offline of the suspected main culprit Germany has witnessed economy is already dented by their bottom line, with concerns almost 200,000 workers. Monday, four will offer limited and an alleged accomplice. growing xenophobia and anti- more than a year of weekly over delivery of goods if the It expressed concern for services, and the only two driv- Both were 17 and born in migrant hatred in recent years, anti-government demonstra- action continues, and client shops already “placed in erless metros will run as Augsburg; the first had German fuelled by the propaganda of tions by so-called “yellow vest” numbers dwindling at the height jeopardy, for a year running scheduled but with a “risk of and unspecified other citizen- neo-Nazi groups and the far- activists protesting about unem- of the Christmas shopping now, by the ‘yellow vests’ congestion” during peak hours. ships and the second was a right Islamophobic Alternative ployment and waning spending season. movement.” Added the Union of All 14 metro lines that rely on citizen of an unidentified for Germany (AfD) party. power. On Thursday and Friday, Local Enterprises, prolonged drivers were closed yesterday. southern European country. Protest in Climate activists rally with Belarus over stolen Macron portraits Moscow ties AP Pauline Boyer from climate PARIS group ANV COP21 said the dem- AP onstration was aimed at showing MINSK, BELARUS French environmental activists “that Emmanuel Macron uses brandished stolen portraits of doublespeak, by presenting Several hundred protesters President Emmanuel Macron at a himself as a climate champion braved the repressive climate protest yesterday near the Eiffel while he is not enforcing a true in Belarus yesterday to hold a Tower to try to push the policy in France that could tackle demonstration against deep- government to do more to fight the environment challenge.” ening the country’s ties with climate change. Activists are notably angry Russia. The protest is part of an that France has lagged on its inter- The protest by about 500 unusual climate movement that national commitments to increase people in the capital of Minsk has taken root around France this use of solar and wind energy and was the second consecutive day year, in which activists have stolen reduce emissions. France remains of protest. more than 130 portraits of Macron well behind its European neigh- The demonstrations were from town halls from the Alps to bours in its use of renewable sparked by a Saturday meeting the Atlantic. energy. between Russian President They feel the centrist, The activists held 100 por- Vladimir Putin and Belarusian business-friendly Macron isn’t traits, to mark 100 days until leader Alexander Lukashenko doing enough to reduce France’s France’s municipal elections to in the Russian resort of Sochi. emissions. replace mayors in town halls Belarus relies on Russian The activists brought the por- across the country. They want to energy and loans to maintain traits to the protest yesterday — urge future mayors to take local its economy. Russia has been carrying them upside down — to climate action. Activists are facing French climate activists of the Nonviolent Action COP21 (ANV-COP21) association hold upside down asking Belarus for closer inte- call for bolder government action trials around France for the thefts, official portraits of French President Emmanuel Macron, after they were unhooked from town halls gration between the two at the UN COP25 climate talks cur- with some acquitted and some hit neighbours. across the country, at the Trocadero esplanade in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, yesterday. rently underway in Madrid. with fines. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 Ukraine President urged to defend nation at summit AP from our president because he KIEV Former president Petro Poroshenko is really a weak person,” 47-year-old farmer Anna Gny- Several thousand people rallied told the rally “if this lytska, who had travelled to the yesterday in the Ukrainian peace is a surrender rally from her home in the capital of Kiev to demand that of Ukrainian interests, Zaporizhia region, said.“I am the president defend the coun- it is not peace but afraid the interests of my country try’s interests in this week’s will be betrayed.” summit with Russia, Germany capitulation ... we “I lost a lot of friends who and France on ending the war in cannot allow elections were killed in the east, and I eastern Ukraine. at gunpoint”. won’t allow their blood to be Many Ukrainians are con- shed in vain. The authorities are cerned that President Volodymyr negotiating with the Russians Zelenskiy, a political novice, The Minsk accord calls for and making some deals behind could be out-manoeuvred by Ukraine to be able to regain our backs,” said Anton Trigub, a Russian President Vladimir Putin control of its border with Russia 36-year-old veteran of the at the summit today in Paris. only after local elections are held fighting. Zelenskiy is eager to make under Ukrainian law in the sep- “For five years now, war has progress on ending the war with aratist regions and the regions been going on in Ukraine, we are Russia-backed separatists in receive autonomous status. But very tired ... But Putin can take eastern ukraine, where fighting Zelenskiy says ukraine must get advantage of this fatigue, and we Ukraine’s former president Petro Poroshenko reacts as he leaves a rally ahead of the so-called has killed some 14,000 people control of its border before local do not need peace at all costs “Normandy” format summit in Paris, where leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France will meet since 2014. Russia wants to use elections are held. under Russian conditions,” said the summit to increase pressure At the rally in Kiev’s Inde- Tamara Lukashuk, a 52-year-old to discuss steps to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in Kiev, yesterday. on Zelenskiy to fulfill the 2015 pendence Square, demonstrators musician. Minsk peace accord, which gives held banners reading “No com- Former President Petro Poro- Presidential spokeswoman and conditions of the return of using a term for Ukraine’s the rebel-held regions more promises!” and “No surrender!” shenko, who lost his re-election Yulia Mendel said Zelenskiy captured Ukrainians; a real, not eastern regions. autonomy in exchange for Among those demonstrating bid to Zelenskiy, told the rally “if would make tough demands at fake, ceasefire; and, of course, Local elections may be held ending the fighting. were far-right nationalists from this peace is a surrender of today’s summit. the withdrawal of foreign after border control is returned Germany and France helped the Svoboda party. A similar rally Ukrainian interests, it is not peace “The first three steps that troops and bandit formations and “when there are no foreign to broker that 2015 deal, but it was held in Kiev in November. but capitulation ... we cannot President Zelenskiy will take at from the territory of Donbass,” troops and illegal armed groups” has been repeatedly ignored. “I don’t expect anything good allow elections at gunpoint.” a meeting in Paris: the terms Mendel wrote on Facebook, in the area, she wrote. Kosovo to boycott Nobel ceremony over Handke’s prize Sarajevo hit

AFP Two Nobel committee policy”, Pacolli said in a Yugoslavia that claimed more by dangerous PRISTINA members resigned over the Facebook post. than 130,000 lives. selection earlier this week and a He was referring to Milose- The author was accused of air pollution Kosovo is boycotting next week’s member of the Swedish vic’s targeting of ethnic Alba- minimising Serb war crimes in Nobel Prize ceremony, its foreign academy, historian and writer nians that led to a 1999 Nato his 1997 book “A Journey to the AP minister said, in protest at the Peter Englund, said he would bombing campaign against Rivers: Justice for Serbia”. SARAJEVO literature award being given to boycott the ceremony. Serbia. Handke returned Germany’s Peter Handke (pictured), an The literature prize is still Handke spoke at the funeral prestigious Buechner prize in Authorities say air pollution in Austrian author criticised for his struggling to recover from a rape of Milosevic, who died in a prison 1999 in protest at Nato’s bombing the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo vocal support for Serbs in the scandal that resulted in no award cell in The Hague in 2006 while of Serbia, which eventually led has reached dangerous levels 1990s wars in former Yugoslavia. being given last year. on trial for genocide, war crimes to Milosevic’s forces leaving in recent days, prompting offi- The Swedish Academy’s pick Kosovo’s Foreign Minister and crimes against humanity. Kosovo and ultimately Pristina’s cials to ban freight vehicles for the 2019 prize, announced in Behgjet Pacolli said his country’s Before his death, Milosevic declaration of independence in from the roads, cancel all October, triggered outrage in the envoy to Sweden would not had wanted Handke to testify in 2008. outdoor public events and warn Balkans and beyond because of attend the awards ceremony in his defence. Asked on Friday about citizens to remain indoors. Handke’s admiration for the late Kosovo, which was a Serbian Stockholm tomorrow. In the 1990s, Handke whether he had changed his Officials have also reduced Serbian leader Slobodan province until it broke away after The boycott was “due to emerged as one of the few mind about what happened in coal-fueled central heating Milosevic. the 1998-1999 war in which controversial Nobel Prize European intellectuals who pub- the Balkans in the 1990s, Handke temperatures for buildings and The award particularly stung Serbia carried out mass winner Peter Handke, a friend licly supported Serbs during the said: “I like literature, not banned dust-producing in ethnic-Albanian majority atrocities. and supporter of Milosevic’s bloody collapse of the former opinions. I hate opinions.” construction. The measures were imposed this week by the Sarajevo regional government. Call for more action against It said yesterday that for most of the past three days, the Russia over Chechen’s death values for PM10 particulate AP Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is matter in the air have been at BERLIN also the leader of Chancellor least twice — and sometimes Angela Merkel’s party, was five times — the European Germany’s defence minister is quoted as telling Bild am Union limit of 50 micrograms calling for the government to Sonntag newspaper. “And we per cubic meter. turn up the pressure on Russia will have to discuss and decide Sarajevo has historically over a killing in Berlin that pros- on further reactions in the suffered from high concentra- ecutors say appears to have German government.” tions of fog, smog and dust. been ordered by Russian or Kramp-Karrenbauer didn’t However, the situation Chechen authorities. specify what those measures further deteriorated in the past Germany expelled two might be. decade due to the proliferation Russian diplomats on Russia has rejected the accu- of tall buildings that block Wednesday over the brazen sations and threatened conse- airflow, the use of old and killing of a Georgian man on the quences for the expulsion of its highly polluting vehicles and streets of Berlin in August. diplomats. Merkel’s chief-of- the increased use of coal for German federal prosecutors said staff, Helge Braun, has said that heating in the city. evidence suggested the slaying he has “absolutely no under- According to a recent report was ordered either by Moscow standing for Russia being by the UN Environment or authorities in Russia’s indignant or even considering Program, Sarajevo residents are New leaders of Social Democratic Party (SPD), Norbert Walter-Borjans (centre) and Saskia Esken republic of Chechnya. counter-measures” after months exposed to some of the highest (second left), raising hands with other members during a party congress, in Berlin, yesterday. “Now the Russian side must in which it failed to support the concentrations of air pollution finally make its contribution to investigation. in Europe. The UN said that has clearing up this crime,” Defense A suspect is in custody in reduced life expectancy in the Merkel’s allies wary as coalition Minister Annegret Germany. country up to 1.3 years. partner seeks concessions French murder suspect emerges from coma AFP/FRANKFURT AM MAIN open “discussions” with Merkel’s agreement and I expect the same CDU/CSU bloc on demands from the new SPD leadership,” AFP said. “The product ingested... is searched before entering the Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party including a higher minimum she told Bild. “I can’t accept con- AMIENS a pesticide called Temik. It’s an court. yesterdayreacted coolly to wage, more public investment ditions along the lines of ‘If we extremely dangerous product... Bank employee Elodie Kulik, concessions sought by the new, and more climate action. don’t get this, we walk’.” The suspect for the rape and which affects the nervous and 24, was kidnapped, raped, leftist leaders of the Social If no progress is made, the The secretary-general of the murder of a young woman in cardio-vascular systems”. strangled and her corpse then Democrats in return for keeping SPD could call it quits — poten- CSU, Markus Blume, was equally northern France almost two Bardon, 45, is under round- burned in January 2002 in their fragile coalition afloat. tially upending Merkel’s plan to scathing. “An SPD on a leftist decades ago was slowly the-clock police surveillance in Tertry, 20km from Saint- “It’s bad for Germany when complete her fourth term before course won’t lead to a gov- emerging from a coma while hospital. Quentin in the Aisne region. every important decision retiring from politics in 2021. ernment on a leftist course,” he under guard in hospital after he He had been sentenced to 30 Before dying, she managed depends on how the SPD is Kramp-Karrenbauer, seen tweeted. swallowed pesticide in an years jail for kidnapping and to call emergency services and feeling at that moment,” Annegret as Merkel’s preferred successor, The CDU’s deputy chairman apparent suicide bid following holding a person against their the harrowing 26-second Kramp-Karrenbauer, leader of said she had hoped for a “clearer Armin Laschet however was his conviction. will followed by death but was recording was the key piece of Merkel’s CDU conservatives, told commitment” from the SPD to more conciliatory, saying he was Willy Bardon, on trial over however acquitted of murder. evidence in the trial. the Bild am Sonntag daily. continue governing. willing to discuss the SPD’s push the murder of Elodie Kulik in The prosecutor said Bardon Another suspect Gregory At a crunch party congress She slammed the party for to raise the incoming CO2 price 2002 in a case that has attracted had swallowed a pesticide in Wiart, whose DNA was found at this weekend, the ailing SPD trying to tweak the hard-fought from a proposed $11 per tonne. strong interest in France for the seconds after the verdict the scene, died in 2003. But six voted against an immediate exit coalition agreement clinched He said the proposal did not years, ingested the substance at was announced at court in witnesses told the court they rec- from the government. But new after 2017’s inconclusive general mean a complete reopening of the courthouse in the northern Amiens at the climax of a ognised the voice of Willy leadership duo Norbert Walter- elections, pointing out that lead- the government’s already agreed city of Amiens late on Friday. 13-day trial. Bardon on the tape. Borjans and Saskia Esken won ership changes at the CDU and climate package, which is He is “progressively “We do not know how he DNA testing advances had the party’s backing to steer a CSU never put the left-right coa- working its way through par- emerging from a coma” but is managed to hide that,” said de allowed new evidence to be more leftwing course. lition at stake. liament and still needs backing still in critical condition, prose- Bosschere, adding that the gathered years after the event, The party backed them to “The CDU is loyal to the from sceptical Green MPs too. cutor Alexandre de Bosschere defendant would have been leading police to identify Wiart. MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 AMERICAS 17 Jury would convict Trump ‘in 3 minutes flat’: Nadler AFP “a real and present danger to the WASHINGTON integrity of the election” coming in November. The chairman of the US House Nadler would not say Judiciary Committee said whether the evidence that Russia yesterday that if the meddled in the 2016 election, impeachment case against Pres- favoring Trump, would be ident Donald Trump were put to included in the formal charges. a jury, there “would be a guilty Adam Schiff, the Intelligence verdict in three minutes flat.” Committee chairman who is also Representative Jerry Nadler managing the broader inquiry, (pictured), whose panel is to said yesterday that there was convene today to begin drawing “overwhelming evidence that up articles of impeachment, told the president sought to coerce CNN that the evidence that Ukraine into interfering in our Trump put personal interests Representative Jerry election” and, more seriously, above those of his country in Nadler did not rule “deeply sought to obstruct the dealing with Ukraine was “rock out the possibility investigation into that solid.” of a House vote on wrongdoing.” While not specifying what Most Republicans have stuck those articles might include, impeaching Trump by with Trump as the affair has nadler did not rule out the pos- the end of the week. unfolded, saying there is no clear sibility of a House vote on and direct evidence that he impeachment by the end of the wrongly pressured Ukraine for Art Basel visitors use their phones in front of a banana attached with duct-tape that replaces the artwork week. nadler’s panel. personal political gain. ‘Comedian’ by the artist Maurizio Cattelan, which was eaten by David Datuna, in Miami Beach, yesterday. That would put it on a fast The committee will be The majority Democrats are track to a trial in early 2020 weighing evidence compiled by expected to carry the vote, before the Republican-con- the House Intelligence Com- however. Banana hanging on wall sells for $120,000 at art fair trolled Senate, where Trump is mittee on whether Trump linked Nadler, asked whether he expected to prevail. military aid and a meeting with felt confident that Trump per- BLOOMBERG gallery employee tried to According to Artnet, there The president has repeatedly President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sonally directed improper MIAMI BEACH intervene but too late. “Art per- was an immediate purchase. And blasted the House inquiry as a to a request that Kiev investigate approaches to Ukraine, replied: formance,” he said. He was a then another. At which point the partisan attack by House Dem- a potential 2020 rival, Democrat “We have a very rock-solid case. The highest-profile work at the “hungry artist,” adding that, it price increased to $150,000, and ocrats, and yesterday he tweeted Joe Biden, and his son Hunter. I think the case we have, if pre- biggest contemporary art fair in “tasted good.” that sold. Two more bananas that the Judiciary hearings are Nadler would not speculate sented to a jury, would be a the US just got eaten. It’s another bizarre twist in went to museums, the gallery part of a “hoax” by the “No Due on what might be included in the guilty verdict in three minutes “Comedian,” basically a the history of this week’s Art confirmed, declining to specify Process, Do Nothing articles of impeachment, though flat.” banana stuck to a wall with duct Basel Miami Beach. the buyers or the price. Democrats.” speculation has centered on Trump said in his tweet yes- tape, is now resting — minus Artist provocateur Maurizio What the buyers got wasn’t But while complaining that abuse of power and obstruction terday that Democrats were duct tape — in the belly of one Cattelan, maker of the golden the quickly decaying fruit, but Democrats have not given of justice. trying to “change the rules” of David Datuna, whose website toilet that was stolen in Sep- rather a certificate of authen- Trump’s lawyers adequate But he described the central impeachment, an apparent but calls him an “artist focused on tember, earlier won the PR battle ticity and, importantly, a defin- opportunity to call their own allegation as being that Trump unexplained reference to a the convergence of art and social with his banana oeuvre. He itive, 14-page manual on how to witnesses and make their case, “sought foreign interference in 52-page report on the history consciousness.” attached a banana from a local install the work. the White House signaled on our elections several times, both and legal underpinnings of By the time he’d noncha- grocery store to a wall of Galerie So in theory, Datuna’s inter- Friday that it would not seek to for 2016 and 2020, and that he impeachment released by lantly detached the fruit from the Perrotin’s booth. The asking vention doesn’t mean the end of defend the president before sought to cover it up” thus posing Democrats. wall, unpeeled and eaten it, a price: $120,000. the show. Two indigenous Trump says Kim risks losing ‘everything’ after major test men dead in REUTERS special relationship with the leadership of Kim Jong-Un, has from punishing sanctions. Security Adviser Robert O’Brien Brazil shooting WASHINGTON President of the United States or tremendous economic potential, On Saturday North Korea’s said that “would be a mistake on interfere with the US Presidential but it must denucleariaze as ambassador to the United the part of North Korea.” REUTERS US President Donald Trump said Election in November,” he said. promised,” Trump said on Nations said denucleariaation Pyongyang’s last nuclear test, BRASILIA yesterday that North Korean North Korea’s state media Twitter. was now off the negotiating table its sixth and most powerful, took leader Kim Jong-Un risks losing KCNA reported yesterday that it The KCNA report called it a with the United States and place in September 2017. Two indigenous men, members “everything” if he resumes had carried out a “very important” “successful test of great signifi- lengthy talks with Washington “It doesn’t end well for them of the Guajajara tribe in north- hostility and his country must test at its Sohae satellite launch cance” but did not specify what are not needed. if they do.. If North Korea takes eastern Brazil, were shot dead- denuclearise, after the North said site, a rocket-testing ground that was tested. “The results of the recent a different path than the one it’s yesterday, and two others were it had carried out a “successful US officials once said North Korea Missile experts said it important test will have an promised... we’ve got plenty of wounded, not far from where test of great significance.” had promised to close. appeared likely the North important effect on changing the tools in the toolkit,” O’Brien said a prominent tribesman who “Kim Jong-Un is too smart The reported test comes Koreans had conducted a static strategic position of the DPRK yesterday. defended the Amazon rain- and has far too much to lose, ahead of a year-end deadline test of a rocket engine, rather once again in the near future,” Recent days have also seen forest was also killed last everything actually, if he acts in North Korea has imposed for the than a missile launch. KCNA reported, using the initials a return to the highly charged month, authorities said. a hostile way. He signed a strong United States to drop its Tensions have risen ahead of North Korea’s official name, rhetoric that raised fears of war Indigenous tribes in Brazil Denuclearization Agreement insistence on unilateral denu- of a year-end deadline set by the Democratic People’s two years ago. are facing escalating violence with me in Singapore,” Trump clearisation. Pyongyang has North Korea, which has called Republic of Korea. In 2017, Trump and Kim during the presidency of Jair said on Twitter, referring to his warned it could take a “new on the United States to change Asked in a CBS “Face the famously engaged in a war of Bolsonaro, who has promised first summit with Kim in Sin- path” amid the stalled talks with its policy of insisting on Nation” interview if North Korea words, with Trump calling Kim to reduce tribal rights and gapore in 2018. the United States. Pyongyang’s unilateral denu- might be preparing to resume “Rocket Man” and North Korea encouraged the commercial “He does not want to void his “North Korea, under the clearization and demanded relief nuclear tests, US National calling Trump, now 73, a “dotard.” exploitation of their protected lands. Tribes have faced vio- lence especially from illegal loggers and miners. ‘Sesame Street’ puppeteer Caroll Spinney dies Magno Guajajara, a spokesman for the tribe, said AFP they did not know why the two WASHINGTON men had been shot, whom he identified as Firmino Guajajara Puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who brought and Raimundo Guajajara. The Big Bird to life on the iconic children’s men were on a highway, show “Sesame Street” for half a century, coming back from a meeting, died yesterday at the age of 85. when the shots were fired from Spinney died at home in Con- a passing car, he said. “They necticut after living with the movement were shooting at everyone”. disorder dystonia for some time, Authorities said they were according to a statement from Sesame investigating but did not say if Workshop, the nonprofit organisation anyone had been detained. that produces the show. Sonia Guajajara, head of The actor had announced his Brazil’s largest indigenous retirement from the show last year, umbrella organization APIB, having hand-picked successors to play said the murders reflected an both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch — escalation of violence against two characters he helped create and tribes people that she said was which marked the childhoods of incited by Bolsonaro. millions. “We are adrift, the state has “Caroll was an artistic genius ceased to protect us,” She said whose kind and loving view of the in a statement. “The climate of world helped shape and define Sesame tension, insecurity and perse- Street from its earliest days in 1969 cution against indigenous through five decades,” said the people in Brazil only increases.” statement from his colleagues. The incident happened in “His legacy here at Sesame A file photo of Caroll Spinney and The Muppets attending The 2017 Sesame the Cana Brava indigenous res- Workshop and in the cultural fir- Workshop Dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street, in New York City. ervation, which spans 137,000 mament will be unending.” hectares in the state of “His enormous talent and outsized as the show marked its 50th birthday, also earned a Grammy Award, for best Maranhao and has 4,500 inhab- heart were perfectly suited to playing and as it prepared to receive one of children’s recording. itants, according to government the larger-than-life yellow bird who America’s top cultural awards — to go At the time of his retirement, he records. brought joy to generations of children along with a pile of nearly 200 Emmys was quoted as saying that his Big Bird Paulo Paulino Guajajara, and countless fans of all ages around — at a gala on Sunday in Washington alter ego had “opened my mind and the “forest guardian” killed last the world, and his lovably cantan- for the Kennedy Center Honors. nurtured my soul.” month, was shot in a confron- kerous grouch gave us all permission Spinney himself won multiple Spinney’s life was the subject of the tation with illegal loggers on a to be cranky once in a while.” Daytime Emmys for his work, as well 2014 documentary “I Am Big Bird: The nearby reservation. Poignantly, Spinney’s death came as a Lifetime Achievement Award. He Caroll Spinney Story.” 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 Report cites plot to end Venezuela standoff BLOOMBERG The ABC newspaper Maduro and Guaido almost a Colombia who Guaido dismissed sent emissaries for the secret army captain Carlos Aguilera CARACAS reported that, year old. Guaido, the National last month. He was the main talks included president of the Borjas, suggests that Calderon Assembly president, has been Guaido negotiator in the talks with National Constituent Assembly Berti head the temporary junta. The standoff in Venezuela briefly Calderon Berti was recognised by more than 50 the emissaries for Venezuelan offi- Diosdado Cabello, one of Vene- The paper says that Maduro’s took a new twist, according to a approached to head countries, including the US, as cials who defied Maduro. zuela’s most powerful men with regime discovered the talks, report from the Spanish news- a “transitional junta” Venezuela’s leader. At some point in the talks, the strong ties to the military, which then came to an end. paper ABC. — a small group of The ABC story suggested a paper said, Calderon Berti was Supreme Court President Maikel Calderon Berti told ABC People close to both Pres- third way, which the paper approached to head a “transi- Moreno and Defense Minister newspaper that he met with ident Nicolas Maduro and his powerful men who reported was born out of talks tional junta” — a small group of Vladimir Padrino. Aguilera Borjas and others. But rival Juan Guaido plotted to push would lead the between emissaries of high- powerful men who would lead The negotiations were these meetings were part of his both men aside and end the Venezuela for 18 ranking Venezuelan officials the nation for 18 months. The complex, involving the reconcil- diplomatic duties and had nation’s crisis with the rule of a months. with opposition leaders, in four paper said that an agreement iation of various factions within nothing to do with a plot to form temporary junta, the newspaper countries between April and was drafted by August, with the the army and voiding the May a junta, Calderon Berti said. reported without citing where it plan was before it was dis- October this year, after huge document outlining the political 2018 presidential elections Guaido’s representatives got the information. covered and fell apart. But the rallies demanding Maduro’s exit. changes to oust Maduro, sideline Maduro is widely seen as declined to comment on the ABC The article didn’t cite sources story suggests a strong desire The key figure appears to be Guaido and install the junta sent winning only by fraud. report, while the Maduro gov- by name, nor was it completely within the camps of both men to Humberto Calderon Berti, then the around to the key players. The paper cites discussions ernment didn’t respond to clear how deeply embedded the end the standoff between designated ambassador to The Venezuelan officials who in which a Cabello emissary, requests to do so. Bolsonaro’s approval rating steadies on Brazil economy upturn: Poll BLOOMBERG stagnate this year, and Argentina, BRASILIA which is mired in a deep recession. By comparison, Brazil Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro’s is seen expanding by roughly 1 (pictured) approval rating stabi- percent this year and by 2.2 lised following a drop earlier this percent in 2020. year amid increased optimism The poll also showed there’s on the future of the nation’s plenty of room for improvement economy, a public opinion in the president’s standing. survey showed. Only one in four approve of Thirty percent of the work of Bolsonaro’s pro- respondents rate Bolsonaro’s market economic team, while government as “good or great,” only 16 percent back his admin- rising within the margin of error istration’s policies in the fight from 29 percent in late August, against unemployment, which according to a Datafolha poll has remained in the published yesterday by Folha de Third-quarter growth beat fore- double-digits. S. Paulo. casts on broad-based gains from Eighty percent of The number of respondents investments to agriculture, retail respondents said they “never” who said the economy will sales have risen for five straight or “sometimes” trust in Bol- improve in upcoming months months, and analysts have sonaro’s remarks. Only 19 rose to 43 percent from 40 increased 2020 GDP calls. percent said they “always” trust percent, while those who said it On December 11, the central the president. will worsen fell to 24 percent bank is expected to deliver its Datafolha surveyed 2,948 from 26 percent. fourth straight cut to borrowing people in 176 municipalities on Macri bids farewell as president Signs are mounting that costs to further buttress demand. December 5 and 6, and the inter- Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his wife Juliana Awada wave to supporters during a farewell Latin America’s largest economy Within Latin America, Brazil views were carried out in person. rally at the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace at Plaza de Mayo Square, in Buenos Aires, yesterday. is strengthening following a is starting to pull away from The poll has a margin of Opposition President-elect Alberto Fernandez takes office on Tuesday. lackluster recovery from its other large nations such as error or plus or minus two per- worst recession on record. Mexico, which is forecast to centage points. Slain Arkansas Brazil can’t stop deforestation without help: Minister cop ‘ambushed’ AP expecting the rich countries to evidence, of having set fires in money from wealthy nations, terms of the fund. in patrol vehicle MADRID participate in a proper way. Pro- that region to undermine his namely Germany and Norway, Brazil now has “an appro- portional funds are really are administration. to fight deforestation in the vast priate approach on the problem AP Brazil can’t stop deforestation in what are going to be needed for Deforestation in the 12 Amazon rainforest. Norway of deforestation,’’ Salles said. FAYETTEVILLE the Amazon without the help of that task.” months through July reached the alone has donated $1.2bn to Bra- He said the government is rich countries, the country’s While participating in the highest annual rate in 11 years. zil’s Amazon Fund since its cre- putting a new emphasis on bal- A police officer was ”ambushed environment minister said at the climate conference known as Brazil’s annual deforestation ation in 2008. ancing protection with efforts to and executed” by a gunman as United Nations’ two-week COP25, Salles is working to report released in November However, both European develop biological resources that he sat in his patrol vehicle climate change conference. assure others of the environ- showed a nearly 30% jump from nations have suspended contri- can provide livings for people in parked outside his police Ricardo Salles, who declined mental policies of Brazil’s far- the prior year in the Amazon, butions, citing the continued the Amazon region. station in northwestern to set a target for limiting defor- right president, Jair Bolsonaro. which lost (9,760 sq km of forest. deforestation and questioning “If we don’t solve the eco- Arkansas, police said estation in the coming year, said Bolsonaro has squabbled Salles said developed nations whether the government wants nomic development for more yesterday. that his country is committed to with some European leaders this should help Brazil on the basis to stop it. than 20 million Brazilians who Fayetteville police said in a reducing illegal activity, but year over his commitment to of Article 6 of the Paris Salles in the past has ques- live there and people who need news release that Officer needs the support of developed protecting the Amazon. He has Agreement signed in 2015 on tioned the fund’s effectiveness. to have this sustainable, from Stephen Carr was shot and nations. worried environmental activists tackling the effects of climate He said that Brazil is negotiating both a financial and environ- killed late Saturday by a suspect “We are willing to do and others by criticising Brazil’s change. The article says mon- with the two European countries mental perspective, they will be identified as 35-year-old whatever is necessary to do so, environment regulator and by etary compensation mechanisms to restart the programme, adding easily co-opted by illegal activ- London Phillips, of but we need that back up,” Salles calling for more development in must be created to help devel- that they exchanged draft doc- ities,” Salles said. “It is a huge Fayetteville. said. “That back up was promised the Amazon region. He also oping countries. uments, and he expects them to effort to attract the private sector Gun shots were heard many years ago and we’re still accused activists groups, without Brazil already receives meet next week to discuss new to participate.” behind the police department at about 9:42pm on Saturday, police said. When officers US rapper Juice responded, they heard addi- Four dead in shooting near Mexico’s National Palace WRLD dead after tional gunshots, then found an armed suspect behind the REUTERS medical emergency police department. MEXICO CITY The suspect had a confron- AP tation with the two officers, Four people were killed and two CHICAGO who shot and killed him. injured in a shooting yesterday Officers then found Carr shot near Mexico’s National Palace, Chicago-area rapper Juice inside his patrol vehicle. the presidential residence in the WRLD, whose real name is “Evidence shows that capital’s historic downtown, offi- Jarad A Higgins, was Officer Carr was ambushed and cials said. pronounced dead yesterday executed while sitting in his President Andres Manuel after a “medical emergency’’ at patrol vehicle,” police said in Lopez Obrador was traveling Midway International Airport, the news release. outside of Mexico City. according to authorities. Carr was hired by the Fay- Preliminary reports indi- The Cook County medical etteville Police Department in cated an armed man entered a examiner’s office was notified April 2017 and was assigned as building on a small street near of the the death of Higgins, of a patrol officer in the Dickson the palace looking to relieve Homewood, yesterday Street entertainment district. himself, Mexico City police said. morning, according to office “He served our community After two people in the spokeswoman Natalia Der- with dedication and profession- building reproached him, the evyanny. An autopsy had not alism for the past 2 1/2 years, he man withdrew a pistol and been conducted. is a HERO,” police said. “Our opened fire. When police arrived, Police and fire officials con- thoughts and prayers are with they found four people with firmed a 21-year-old male was Officer Carr’s family during this gunshot wounds lying in the A forensic technician leaving a crime scene where four people were killed and two injured in a transported from Midway to an tragic time.” building’s courtyard, and shot at shooting near Mexico’s National Palace, in Mexico City, yesterday. area hospital where he was Chief Mike Reynolds said the gunman. pronounced dead. Chicago during a news conference that Paramedics found the cordoned off the street, Lopez Obrador took office a The leftist also turned the police said he experienced a officers chased the suspect into gunman dead, along with two according to television images. year ago on pledges to run an luxurious Los Pinos presidential “medical emergency.’’ an alley between the police other people, the police said. One The building sits in a narrow, austere government. In addition residence into a cultural center Chicago Fire Department department and city prosecu- of three people who sustained pedestrian-only street that opens to cutting his salary by half, he and moved into the centuries- spokesman Larry Langford said tor’s office. injuries died en route to the hos- onto an entrance of the National shed various trappings of power, old National Palace amid the the transported man experi- The officers then shot and pital. More than 100 police Palace used daily by government including a large force of secret- bustle of Mexico City’s historic enced cardiac arrest and was killed the suspect. officers rapidly arrived and staff and reporters. service style bodyguards. centre. transported to a hospital. MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 19 Qatar is always supportive of talent, irrespective of nationality or culture Al Homaid’s role in countries in the region, and shared Qatar’s art history makes their artistic traditions and styles him well-placed to pass with us. this observation. From “Artists of my generation owe holding the first solo art a lot to them. It shows that, throughout history, Qatar not only exhibition in the country welcomed artists from other coun- in 1977, through being tries, but was also willing to learn the first Qatari to earn a from them.” Master of Fine Art degree It was while he was the Head in 1982, to having his of Art and Exhibitions at the Min- artwork displayed at the istry of Information that the gov- ernment of Qatar invited Husain headquarters of the World to conduct his first exhibition in the Bank in Washington, DC, country. Al Homaid, who was then again in 1982, the Qatari in his 30s and part of the team that artist – and Qatar – has organised the event, said he will come a long way. never forget his first encounter with the Indian-born artist, who held Qatari citizenship. THE PENINSULA “I had bought him blank can- DOHA Yousif Al Homaid, a renowned Qatari artist. vases along with tubes of paint, and brushes, so that he could paint A renowned Qatari artist has said Indeed, Al Homaid’s evolution international artists was often laid at the venue,” smiles Al Homaid. that Seeroo fi al Ardh an upcoming as an artist is a microcosm of the out in the banquet halls of hotels “To my surprise, he ignored the art installation brings nation’s art country’s journey to its current such as the Sheraton, adjacent to brushes and started painting with journey full circle. status as a regional nexus for art. the Corniche. his bare fingers. “Today, having “I remember the front cover of “Young adults living in Qatar Some of the more memorable evolved as an artist myself, I feel the brochure we developed for M would perhaps be surprised to hear exhibitions included those I know why he did it; I assume the F Husain’s first exhibition in Qatar, that, 50 years ago, there was no organised by UNESCO, under the sensation of touch allowed him to way back in 1984,” said Yousif Al dearth of art exhibitions in the patronage of the then Ministry of feel what he was creating – it Homaid, a renowned Qatari artist. country,” he says. “The difference Education. The public were given removed all the barriers between “It had the words Seeroo fi al Ardh was that we didn’t have technology the opportunity to view and appre- his emotions and his canvas.” in Arabic across it. “Now, 35 years as we do now. There was no ciate the original works of artists The Qatari artist says that, in later, it is wonderful that Qatar Internet or social media to spread such as Leonardo da Vinci, Claude a way, the two exhibits – the Foundation plans to unveil the word of an upcoming exhibit. Monet, Auguste Renoir, Paul painting exhibit in 1984 and the Husain’s last artwork that is rem- “News of such events were Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh and installation in 2019 – do more iniscent of that very first exhibition usually passed on through bro- Henri Rousseau. than bookend Husain’s association – the Seeroo fi al Ardh.” chures, word of mouth and even It was a period that also saw with Qatar. Al Homaid’s role in Qatar’s art through small posters displayed in Qatari artists and their work being “Qatar has always recognised history makes him well-placed to grocery shops and supermarkets. feted across the world. Exhibits of that art is a universal language,” pass this observation. From holding Prior to telephones becoming their art were on display in he said. “There is no doubt this the first solo art exhibition in the popular, we’d even paint the museums and galleries in London, latest installation is poised to bring country in 1977, through being the announcement on to the com- Paris, Tokyo and other major cities. Husain’s legacy, and Qatar’s first Qatari to earn a Master of Fine pound walls of houses – a bit like “We were blessed to have journey as an art-loving country, Art degree in 1982, to having his artistic graffiti. And people would teachers who were passionate full circle. “And it also sends artwork displayed at the head- take note and attend these events artists themselves,” he said. “They another strong message across the quarters of the World Bank in in droves.” are the unsung heroes of Qatar’s world – that Qataris have been, Washington, D C, again in 1982, the In the absence of dedicated art history during the 1950s and are, and always will be supportive Qatari artist – and Qatar – has museums and galleries for such 60s. These teachers came from of talent, irrespective of nation- come a long way. events, the artwork of local and Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and other ality or culture.”

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Panipat (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & 11:15pm Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:15pm Helen (2D/Malayalam) 5:00 & 9:15pm Jada (2D/Tamil) 2:30 & 11:30pm Pati Patni Aur Woh (2D/Hindi) 7:00pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 4:30 & 6:15pm Arctic Dog (2D/Animation) 2:00pm Pati Patni Aur Woh (2D/Hindi) 4:45 & 9:15pm Kamala (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm Omar Wa Bisat El Rih (2D/Animation) 4:00pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:30, 3:30, 5:15 & 7:00pm Arctic Dog (2D/Animation) 2:15pm Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 4:30, 8:45 Dark Waters (2D/Biography) 7:00pm & 11:30pm; Unbreakable (2D/Tagalog) 7:15pm Unbreakable (2D/Tagalog) 7:00pm Panipat (2D/Hindi) 8:00 & 11:00pm Jada (2D/Tamil) 9:15 & 11:30pm Code 8 (2D/Sci-Fi) 7:45 & 9:30pm

LANDMARK FLIK Mirqab Mall

Arctic Dog (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 5:15pm A Score To Settle (2D/Action) 11:45am, 1:50, 3;55, 8:25 & 10:30pm Puzhikkadakan (2D/Malayalam) 4:15pm Arctic Dog (2D/Animation) 10:40am & 12;35pm Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 6:30, Charlie’s Angels (2D/Action) 11:25pm 9:00 & 11:00pm; Pati Patni Aur Woh (2D/Hindi) Code 8 (2D/Sci-Fi) 3:45 & 7:45pm 11:30pm; Panipat (2D/Hindi) 8:00pm Dark Waters (2D/Biography) 6:00pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2;15, 4:00, 6:00 & 7:00pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 10:50am, 11:30am, 12:15, 1:00, 1:35, 2:20, Jada (2D/Tamil) 3:00pm 3:05, 4:25, 5:10, 5:40, 6:30, 8:35, 9:10 & 10:40pm 8:45 & Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu (2D/Tamil) Frozen II (3D/Animation) 7:15pm 11:15pm Knives Out (2D/Action) 11:25am, 2:00, 4:30, 9:45pm & 0:20am AL KHOR Le Mans ’66 (Ford Vs Ferrari) (2D/Action) 10:50am, 1;45, 2:30, 4:40, 5:25, 7:35, 8;20, 10:30 & 11:15pm Puzhikkadakan (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 3:45 & Panipat (2D/Hindi) 9:35pm; Pati Patni Aur Woh (2D/Hindi) 7:00pm 9:15pm; Panipat (2D/Hindi) 11:45am, 6:45 & 11:45pm Unbreakable (2D/Tagalog) 4:00 & 6:20pm Frozen II (3D/Animation) 11:45am, 2:00, 4:15 & 6:30pm; Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 1:00, 6:30 & 12:00pm; Pati Patni Aur Woh (2D/Hindi) ASIAN TOWN 3:00 & 9:00pm; Jada (2D/Tamil) 8:15pm; Irandam Helen (2D/Malayalam) 8:30pm; Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Panipat (2D/Hindi) 10:45pm Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 6:00 & 8:45, 11:30pm; ROXY Pati Patni Aur Woh (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm; Puzhikkadakan (2D/Malayalam) 8:45pm; Daniel Isn’t Real (3D/Thriller) 11:00am, 1:00, 1:30, 11:15pm; 3:50, 6:00, 6:20, 8:10 & 8:30pm; Dark Waters (2D/ Kamala (2D/Malayalam) Biography) 11:00am, 1:10, 3:15, 3:40, 6:00, 8:15, 8:40, Android Kunjappan (2D/Malayalam) 6:00pm; 10:30, & 11:00pm; Dhanusu Raasi Neyargalae (2D/ Jada (2D/Tamil) 3:15pm; Tamil) 10:15 & 11:40pm; Frozen II (3D/Animation) Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu (2D/Tamil) 6:00pm; 11:00am, 1:15, 12:30, 2:45, 3:30, 5:00, 5:45, 7:15, 8:00 & 9:30pm; Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/ Malayalam) 6:00, 8:00, 11:00 & 11:30pm Panipat (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 1:00, 4:20, 6:50, 10:10, 11:15 & 11:20pm; Pati Patni Aur Woh (2D/Hindi) 1:50, 4:20, 7:40 & 10:10pm Puzhikkadakan (2D/Malayalam) 10:30, 12:30, 1:00, 3:00, 3:30, 5:30 & 8:45pm

HIGH STRUNG FREE DANCE

With Barlow being the daughter of a dancer, Oksana, she has grown up conditioned for greatness. Making the fact she long struggled to secure a job disheartening and with her mother offering harsh truths than attempting to console her, it made each cut more and more difficult. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 46 AM Ooredoo sponsors Doha International SHOROOK 06. 08 AM

ZUHR 11. 26 AM MAGHRIB 04. 46 PM Conference on Disability and Development ASR 02.25 PM ISHA 06. 16 PM THE PENINSULA/DOHA At the event, Ooredoo also

WEATHER TODAY Ooredoo sponsored the Doha showcased innovative International Conference on technologies that Disability and Development (DICDD), which was held on will change the December 7 and 8, at Qatar lives of those with National Convention Center. disabilities. The Conference, with an overall theme of ‘Harnessing the Power of Sustainable Chief Consumer Officer at Development to Advance the Ooredoo, said: “We’re delighted Rights of Persons With Disa- to be supporting this incredibly bilities’, was held under the worthwhile event. We whole- guidance and patronage of heartedly support the United H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Nations sustainability goals – founder of the Qatar Foun- in this case, reduced inequality dation for Social Work and its and health and wellbeing for affiliated civil society centres. all — and, as part of our cor- The event was intended to porate social responsibility provide a platform via which strategy, place great emphasis Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari (left), Chief Consumer Officer at Ooredoo, with other officials at the event. those with disabilities can have on supporting and promoting a voice, and can interact with events that benefit our commu- key stakeholders who will innovative technologies that person to feel music on their the conference was the Doha nities and our citizens. We look work together to formulate will change the lives of those skin — and the Bonocle, a Declaration; a core reference forward to the event shining a social policy and draw a with disabilities. These tech- system that allows those who point for international policy spotlight on disability, and roadmap for ensuring nologies are a 5G-connected depend on voiceover, key- development on human rights highlighting ways to improve inclusive equality for all. wheelchair equipped with board navigation and Braille and sustainable development the lives of those with disabil- o o Ooredoo hosted a booth at Google Assistant, the Sound- to use the Ooredoo website. with reference to disability. ities as part of a sustainable 21 C 27 C the event, showcasing Shirt —which allows a deaf The landmark outcome of Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, environment.” Minimum Maximum Moderate temperature daytime and slight dust and scattered clouds with a chance of rain may be thundery at some places Middle East’s popular singing trio performs at DECC at times. THE PENINSULA Tourism Council (QNTC), sup- For fans of electronic Steff Da Campo and Matt performing here in Doha, to

HIGH TIDE LOW TIDE

03:52 – 13:22 09:32 – 21:25 DOHA ported by Ooredoo as music, Qatar Airways and Sochon will perform at the an audience of music-loving Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Platinum Sponsor. The events QNTC are bringing Daydream festival. Tickets for all events residents and visitors.” Three of the Middle East’s have been organised to align Festival to Qatar for the first can be purchased at qatarlive. For visitors travelling Moscow fair hosts most popular singers — with the 24th Arabian Gulf time on December 12 and 20 qa. from Kuwait and Oman, Qatar Rahma Riad, Fahad Al Cup Qatar 2019 (November 26 at the Ritz-Carlton. The Qatar Airways Group Airways is offering amazing Kubaisi, and Omar Al Abdallat to December 8) and the FIFA world-renowned festival Chief Executive and Sec- fares on Economy and thousands of cats — continued the Qatar Live Club World Cup Qatar 2019 takes place each year at dif- retary-General of QNTC, H E Business Class tickets and ANATOLIA/MOSCOW series of concerts last night (December 11 to 21) to provide ferent locations around the Akbar Al Baker, said: “The Qatar Airways Holidays is with a glittering performance world-class entertainment for world, bringing together the performances by Rahma Riad, offering special packages that A two-day feline festival gathered on at Doha Exhibition and football fans, visitors, and best DJs in dance and elec- Fahad Al Kubaisi, and Omar will cover flights, hotels and Saturday thousands of cats from across Convention Center (DECC) to local residents. tronic music. On December 12 Al Abdallat continue a fan- concert tickets when trav- the world in the Russian capital Moscow. hundreds of residents and On Friday , Cheb Khaled , the line-up of DJs includes tastic line-up of world-class elling to Qatar. Some 2,000 cats from 12 countries visitors. and Hatim Ammor will Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, music for Qatar Live. It is In addition, stopover have joined the Winter Cat Show, Qatar Live is a series of perform at DECC, followed by Robin Schulz, Sam Feldt, Matt really exciting that we have packages for passengers trav- organized by felinology club RosKosh, special music concerts and Katy Perry on December 15 , Sochon and Wankelmut. On some of the Middle East’s elling from the rest of the which enjoys a high participation at Crocus festivals organised by Qatar Maluma on December 16, and 20 December Afrojack, Lost most popular singers as well world are available through Expo Exhibition Center. Airways and Qatar National Maroon 5 on December 19. Frequencies, Mark Knight, as home-grown talent Discover Qatar.