QATAR | Page 28 BUSINESS | Page 1 GWC earns Q1 net

INDEX profi t of DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-6, 28 COMMENT 26, 27 REGION 7 BUSINESS 1-7, 13-16 Umm Slal Interchange QR50.5mn 20,523.28 10,336.30 52.61 ARAB WORLD 8, 9 CLASSIFIED 8-12 -113.64 -0.06 -0.04 INTERNATIONAL 10–25 SPORTS 1–8 opens for traffi c -0.55% -0.01% -0.08% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10428 April 19, 2017 Rajab 22, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals PM launches In brief expanded

QATAR | Offi cial Emir condoles with Saudi King Salman RAF A3 HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh water plant Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday sent cables of By Ramesh Mathew southern side of Wakrah will be fully condolences to King Salman bin HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani formally launching the expanded RAF Staff Reporter operational in the fi rst quarter of 2018 Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia A3 station yesterday as HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada and QEWC managing director and about 136mlgd of desalinated wa- on the crash of an armed forces Fahad bin Hamad al-Mohannadi look on. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam ter would be available from the plant helicopter in which 12 people died. he QR1.75bn Ras Abu Fontas A3 when it is completed. Already 36mlgd The victims were participating in the (RAF A3), one of the major de- of water is supplied from the project, coalition forces in support of Yemen Tsalination projects to supply which is also using the RO technology. legitimate government carrying out potable water to Qatar’s residents, was The water production from Umm their duty at Ma’arib governorate. formally dedicated yesterday by HE the Al Houl would be about one-fourth of HH the Emir, HH the Deputy Emir Prime Minister and Interior Minister the country’s total requirements. The and HE the Prime Minister asked Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa plant also has a capacity to produce Allah Almighty to grant them Regional and local car al-Thani, at Wakrah. 2,520MW of power, making it the sec- Paradise and their families patience The project’s expansion took a lit- ond largest of the country, after Ras and solace. tle more than 18 months. The station, Girtas on the country’s northern side. using superior reverse osmosis (RO) Also speaking, Qatar Electricity and QATAR | Disputes technology for the desalination proc- Water Company (QEWC) managing debuts at motor show ess, has the capacity to supply an addi- director Fahd bin Hamad Ahmed al- MME launches online tional 36mn gallons of water (mlgd) to Mohannadi said water and electric- ‘rental payment’ service By Joey Aguilar the country’s water networks. The fi rst ity production from their company The Ministry of Municipality and Staff Reporter phase of the project, with a capacity has reached its pinnacle and the plants Environment (MME) has launched of 22mlgd, had been operational since have achieved maximum utilisation in the online issuance of a “rental September last year. the more than 44 years since its com- payment certificate”, which is ight regional debuts and 14 lo- While speaking at the ceremony, HE mencement. off ered by the off ice of the rental cal car launches highlighted the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr The QEWC is second largest utility disputes committee that pertains to Ethe opening of the Qatar Mo- Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada expressed in Mena region. It is the main supplier MME Financial Aff airs Department. tor Show (QMS) 2017 yesterday at the hope that the expanded project, which of electricity and desalinated water in The service is now available free Doha Exhibition and Convention Cen- is one of the most advanced stations of Qatar with a market share of 62% of of charge through MME website at tre (DECC). its kind in the Middle East and North electricity and 79 % of the water. www.mme.qa. Rashid Muhsin al- The fi ve-day event, under the pa- Africa (Mena), would help eff ectively The company has a electricity gen- Nadilah, head of the off ice, pointed tronage of HE the Prime Minister and meet the country’s growing water eration capacity of 5,432MW and wa- out that the certificate is considered Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin needs. ter desalination capacity of 258mlgd, an off icial statement from the Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, is jointly The application of the RO technolo- while the total power generation ca- off ice indicating the name of the organised by Qatar Tourism Authority gies, said the minister, would help the pacity in Qatar is 8,750MW and water tenant (the payer), the name of the (QTA) and Fira Qatar. station contribute to sustainable devel- desalination capacity is 328mlgd. beneficiary (the landlord), and the HE the Minister of Transport and opment in line with the goals and objec- The available power generation ca- sum of the monthly rent, duration Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti tives of the Qatar National Vision 2030. pacity in Qatar currently exceeds its and the date of deposit at the off ice. al-Sulaiti led the show’s offi cial open- cuts a ribbon to open Qatar Motor Show 2017 yesterday as HE the Minister of Al-Sada said the technology is requirements by 2,700MW. The service is now available only for ing and VIP tour, which was attended Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi and other cost-eff ective as well as environment- The company has experienced re- individuals. by dignitaries, government offi cials, dignitaries look on. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil friendly and it would help the station markable growth over the decades in prominent businessmen, diplomats, remain independent from the produc- line with the rapid development of QATAR | Weather and guests. Fiso Raptor; Lincoln’s Continental; the rarest and most iconic pieces in tion of electricity. the country’s economy and growth in Speaking to reporters after the tour, Ram’s 1200 and 1500 limited editions; the world, which are presented by the The minister also indicated that population. This has contributed to an Windy conditions to the minister described QMS, which Hyundai’s Ioniq Hybrid; and Genesis’s Sheikh Faisal Museum, strategic part- Umm Al Houl Power and Water Project, increase in the demand for electricity. prevail in country features 110 vehicles, as an exceptional G90; and G80. ner Mawater, and Alfardan. which is currently being built on the Page 2 Strong winds, dusty conditions show that contributes to the country’s Alfardan Sports Motors, the offi cial Mawater, a classic car and motor- and low visibility are expected to economy. dealer of Ferrari in Qatar, also unveiled cycle club, is organising a daily classic continue aff ecting the country He noted that the Qatar government the brand-new 812 Superfast in a glit- car parades from the VIP parking of over the next few days, intensifying is always trying to help and support tering ceremony at the event. DECC at 3pm until April 22. during the weekend, the Qatar the private sector, especially in doing “After months of preparation, we The classic sedan parade will take Met department said yesterday in business in the country. are pleased to raise the curtain on the place today followed by a sport mus- British PM May calls for a report. The weather off ice has In a statement published by the offi cial 2017 edition of the show, an event that cle cars parade tomorrow. On Friday, also issued a warning for off shore Qatar News Agency, al-Sulaiti said: “The is proudly led by local talents,” QTA’s a GCC mixed classics parade will hit areas. Weather charts indicated current edition of the exhibition area has Exhibitions Department director the road followed by a pick-up classic early election in June the continuation of northwesterly seen an increase by 18% from the previ- Ahmed al-Obaidli said in a statement. trucks parade on the concluding day. windy conditions. The wind speed ous one which includes 38 exhibitors.” “It sheds light on what our nation has Batabit, a centre that aims to eff ec- Reuters to ask parliament to back her move to is expected to range from 15-25/30 He also stressed the importance to off er within the technology and au- tively participate in building a genera- London bring forward the poll from 2020. knots today, while the sea level will of raising public awareness on the tomotive sector.” tion of responsible riders, will host a But, after thinking “long and hard” be 6-8ft. “Stronger northwesterly need to use hybrid cars, featured by a Themed ‘Driving to Innovation,’ speed bikes parade today and a series during a walking holiday, she decided it windy conditions” were likely across number of companies at the show, to QMS 2017 also features the latest tech- of biking parades (choppers and spi- ritish Prime Minister Theresa was necessary to try to stop the opposi- all areas in Qatar on Thursday and help preserve the environment. nology, innovation, and performance ders parades) until April 22 at the Doha May called yesterday for an tion “jeopardising” her work on Brexit. Friday, ranging from 20-30/38 knots. QMS 2017 also saw the launch of the trends in the automobile industry. It Corniche. Bearly election on June 8, saying Some were surprised by May’s move The maximum temperature will be BAIC brand for the fi rst time in Qatar, gives international carmakers the op- Visitors are encouraged to take part she needed to strengthen her hand in - the Conservative prime minister has 39C in Wakrah and Mesaieed and including Mercedes’s E-Coupe, E43 portunity to interact with consumers, in the daily social media competitions divorce talks with the European Union repeatedly said she does not want to be 37C in Doha today. Yesterday, the and SLC 43; Lexus’s LC 500; Chev- off ering hands-on experiences with at the show which will be open today by bolstering support for her Brexit distracted by campaigning - but opin- maximum was 39C in Turayna, 38C rolet’s Tahoe Midnight edition, Trail- their products and technology. and tomorrow from 4pm to 10pm. On plan. ion polls give her a strong lead and the in Sheehaniya and Batna, 37C in blazer Z71, Camaro ZL1, Malibu Tur- The show allotted a 5,000sq m Friday and Saturday, entry is from 1pm Standing outside her Downing Street British economy has so far defi ed pre- Mesaieed and 36C in Doha. bo, Silverado Midnight edition; Ford’s showroom for classic cars – some of to 10pm. Pages 3, 4, 5 offi ce, May said she had been reluctant dictions of a slowdown. Page 15 Qatar Airways in world fi rst on IATA baggage tracking

atar Airways has become the The certifi cation has been achieved all the way through to its fi nish, is yet ability to track baggage at every stage of world’s fi rst airline to achieve thanks to the airline’s Baggage Man- another indication of the importance its journey will allow the airline full vis- Qcompliance with the Interna- agement System (Haqiba) developed we place on customer experience. We ibility to manage its baggage operations tional Air Transport Association (IATA) in-house, as well as its seamless real have proactively taken steps to align and to more easily trace, retrieve and de- Resolution 753 at its hub at Hamad In- time integration with the Qatar Air- our baggage management systems with liver missing or delayed bags, leading to ternational Airport (HIA). ways website and mobile app. IATA’s requirements. As a result, we a better experience for passengers.” The resolution requires the airline to Qatar Airways off ers real time up- are delighted that the association has The certifi cate was presented to Qa- track every piece of baggage from the dates on checked baggage through the declared Qatar Airways the fi rst airline tar Airways’ hub - Hamad Internation- start of the journey all the way through “Track my bags” feature on its website worldwide to become certifi ed for end- al Airport (HIA); once all its stations to its fi nish. and mobile app, providing passengers to-end tracking for our hub at Hamad in the network are compliant with the Qatar Airways said it has met the with a truly hassle-free baggage expe- Qatar Airways has become the first airline in the world to achieve compliance with International Airport.” resolution, IATA will award the airline IATA mandate one year in advance. rience. The mobile app provides real IATA resolution requires the airline to track every piece of baggage from the start of Nick Careen, IATA senior vice presi- a platinum certifi cate. Resolution 753 was developed to re- time notifi cation to passengers with the journey all the way through to its finish. dent (Airport, Passenger, Cargo and This year, HIA was ranked the ‘Sixth duce mishandling and baggage fraud, relevant updates on the bag, as well Security) said: “Qatar Airways’ eff orts best airport in the world’ by the 2017 increase passenger satisfaction and en- as the ability to retrieve the details on baggage belt. This information guides the delayed bags to provide an opti- over the past year to comply with IATA Skytrax World Airport Awards, as well hance the overall baggage management need basis using “My trips”. passengers during the journey and pro- mised handling process. Resolution 753 on baggage tracking have as having been named Best Airport in landscape at airports around the world. The information includes various vides insight into any instance of de- Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- paid off . We congratulate the airline the Middle East for the third consecu- The resolution was issued in 2016 and stages of the baggage handling proc- layed or lost baggage. tive Akbar al-Baker said: “Our careful on becoming the fi rst in the world to tive year. The airport was also named as made mandatory for all IATA airlines, ess such as check-in, transfer, arrival, The Haqiba system enables Qatar attention to our passengers’ baggage, achieve full compliance of the resolu- having the Best Staff Service in the Mid- which have until June 1, 2018 to comply. as well as reference to bag tags and Airways’ staff to proactively manage from the beginning of their journey tion at their hub in Doha. Qatar Airways’ dle East for the second year in a row. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 QATAR

Ugandan president arrives FM meets Ugandan counterpart OFFICIAL

Emir issues three laws

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued the following laws: 1. Law No 5 of 2017 on the regulation of dealing in subsidised commodities. 2. Law No 6 of 2017, amending some provisions of Law No 7 of 1987 on the rules of practising commercial activity by GCC citizens in Qatar. 3. Law No 7 of 2017 on allowing Gulf companies in GCC states to open branches in the country. The laws are eff ective and are to be published in the off icial Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni arrived yesterday on an off icial visit to Qatar. HE the Minister gazette. of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi and Uganda’s ambassador to HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met Uganda’s Minister of Qatar Yahya Rashid Ssemuddu received the president and his accompanying delegation at Hamad Foreign Aff airs Sam Kutesa in Doha yesterday. They discussed bilateral relations and the means to Instruments International Airport. enhance them, in addition to issues of joint interest. of ratification

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued the following instruments of ratification: 1. An instrument of ratification endorsing a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on co-operation in the field of Work on renewable energy protecting endangered wildlife and the conservation of its natural habitat between the governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was signed in Doha on February 27, 2017. projects under way: minister 2. An instrument of ratification endorsing an MoU on co- ignificant works are cur- operation in the field of financial rently under way to en- policy and budget aff airs Ssure that 200MW power between Qatar’s Ministry of would be generated from re- Finance and Azerbaijan’s Ministry newable energy sources, mainly of Finance, which was signed in solar, by the turn of the decade, Baku on March 8, 2016. it was informed yesterday at a 3. An instrument of ratification briefing held after the launch endorsing the ratification of of the Ras Abu Fontas A3 water an agreement on waiving plant. visa requirements for holders HE the Minister of Energy and of diplomatic, special and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh off icial passports between the al-Sada, Qatar Electricity and governments of Qatar and Water Company (QEWC) man- Colombia, which was signed in aging director Fahd bin Hamad Bogota on July 27, 2016. al-Mohannadi and Qatar Gener- 4. An instrument of ratification al Electricity and Water Corpo- endorsing a draft agreement ration (Kahramaa) president Issa on air services between the Hilal al-Kuwari were present. governments of the State of While speaking to journalists, Qatar and the Republic of the minister said that after the Montenegro, which was signed in completion of the 200MW so- Doha on Jan. 29, 2017. lar plant in Duhail, eff orts would 5. An instrument of ratification be made for generating another endorsing the ratification of 500MW of power from renew- an MoU on co-operation in the able energy. field of standardisation between The government, said the Qatar General Organisation for minister, is committed to ensure HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada is explaining a point yesterday as QEWC managing director Fahd bin Hamad al-Mohannadi, Kahramaa Standardisation (QS) and Turkish that water and electricity are president Issa Hilal al-Kuwari, Mitsubishi Corporation’s Katsuya Nakanishi and other dignitaries look on: PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam Standards Institution (TSE), provided to the country’s resi- which was signed in Trabzon on dents when any major project is Kahramaa spends QR1.9bn on projects in 2016 Dec 18, 2016. planned and executed, whether 6. An instrument of ratification it is residential, commercial or A number of substations were substation supplying the power endorsing the ratification of industrial. constructed and overhead lines to the new Hamad Port at a an MoU on co-operation in While lauding the eff orts of and cables laid by the Qatar total cost of QR188mn. the field of information and those involved in the timely General Electricity and Water In addition, the corporation communication technology completion of Ras Abu Fontas Corporation (Kahramaa) in also managed to build two between Qatar’s Ministry of A3 project the minister said the 2016 at a cost of QR1.9bn as substations 132 /11 kv and Transport and Communications works of large-scale Umm al- part of expanding its electricity associated cables to supply and Turkey’s Ministry of Houl water and project are in networks. power to the Mall of Qatar and Transport, Maritime and full swing and it would be com- In a statement yesterday Doha Festival City at a total cost Communication, which was missioned in the fi rst quarter of recalling the developments of QR171mn. signed in Trabzon on Dec 18, 2018. initiated under president Issa Moreover, Kahramaa energised 2016. Replying to a query, Fahd bin Hilal al-Kuwari, Kahramaa a number of substations to 7. An instrument of ratification al-Mohannadi said water pro- said last year witnessed the feed power to diff erent vital endorsing a draft memorandum duction using reverse osmosis construction and energised development projects and of understanding for co- technology will not only be 15 to several substations, cables, authorities including Al- operation in the field of residency 20% cheaper but the process is and Over Head Lines (OHL) at Gharrafa substation 132/66/11 and expatriate aff airs (foreigners) also very environment-friendly. A view of the gathering at the launch of the expanded Ras Abu Fontas A3 water plant. diff erent areas to ensure the kv at a total cost of QR145mn, between Qatar’s Ministry of “The construction and opera- safety, service sustainability, Lusail super substation Interior and the United Arab tion of the plant and generation lasting 15 days would be held Water Corporation (Kahramaa), dent (regional CEO, Middle East and reliability of transmission 220/66/11 kv costing QR134mn, Emirates’ Ministry of Interior, of desalinated water are also before desalinated water is sup- Ministry of Public Health and and Central Asia) Katsuya Na- and distribution networks. and Al-Dhakirah substation which was signed in Doha on less expensive when it is done plied to customers through the also at an international facility kanishi said the three projects In 2016, Kahramaa launched costing QR67mn in addition to February 26, 2017. through RO,” he said. country’s networks. The tests outside the country. executed by their company in a number of electricity other substations, cables, and At the meeting it was informed are held at the laboratories of At the meeting, Mitsubishi Qatar would ensure water for no substations including a OHL at diff erent areas. Emir issues that three quality control tests the Qatar General Electricity and Corporation’s senior vice-presi- less than 500,000 residents. decree

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued Emiri Decree No 20 of Health Ministry announces HMC hosts symposium to 2017 ratifying an agreement between the governments of Qatar and the Kyrgyz Republic examine urinary tract infections on avoidance of double taxation new Corona Virus case and the prevention of financial evasion of income taxes, which ore than 250 healthcare from bladder infections to kid- The elderly are at greater risk was signed in Doha on June 1, he Ministry of Public tal, in practice with the national velop suspected symptoms will professionals gathered ney infections, are among the for serious illness from UTIs 2014, and whose text is attached Health (MoPH) has an- infection prevention and con- then be subjected to confi rma- Min Doha this week to most common and debilitating because the condition is often to the decree. Tnounced that a new Mid- trol protocol for confi rmed and tory laboratory investigation. examine the causes and treat- bacterial infections, aff ecting further along before they are di- dle East Respiratory Syndrome suspected Mers-CoV cases to MoPH has also announced ment options for an increasingly more than 150mn people world- agnosed and because they often Real estate Corona Virus (Mers-CoV) case ensure appropriate medical at- that the previous Mers-CoV common illness – Urinary Tract wide every year. Symptoms of a have other health problems that has been confi rmed on a 25 year- tention. case, a 62 years old patient re- Infections (UTIs). UTI include dysuria (also known make them more vulnerable. transaction old Qatar resident. However, neither any history ported last month and admitted The Challenges in Urinary as painful urination or a burning The symposium also focused This is the second Mers- of contact with similar cases nor to Hamad General Hospital, has Tract Infections Symposium, sensation when urinating), an on myths surrounding UTIs in- The trading volume of registered CoV case to be confi rmed in the recent travel outside the country completely recovered and dis- held by Hamad Medical Corpora- urgent need to urinate as well as cluding hygiene and diet. Chal- real estates between April 9 to country this year. There have by the patient was reported. He charged. tion (HMC), gathered physicians bladder pain and fever,” he said. lenges in diagnosis and testing, 13 at the Ministry of Justice’s real been a total of 20 Mers-CoV was also not suff ering from any MoPH advises citizens and and healthcare workers from a “UTIs are considered to be the as well as treatment of the in- estate registration department cases since 2012 and seven out of other diseases. residents, in particular those range of specialities including most common bacterial infection fections in the elderly and new stood at QR 659,535,613mn, the them have died. Once the case was confi rmed, with comorbidities (other dis- gynaecology and urology. and can aff ect men and women of strategies for treatment of re- ministry said. The new Mers-CoV patient the rapid response team of the eases) or low immunity to abide During the symposium, held all ages. In fact, more than half of current infections, were also The department’s weekly had complaints of fever, cough, Health Protection and Com- by cough etiquette and hand- under the chairmanship of Dr women will experience a UTI dur- discussed. report said that the trading cold, and body pains for several municable Disease Control De- washing with soap and water Khalid al-Rumaihi, senior con- ing their lifetime,” said Dr Hana’a “Patients with acute UTIs included empty lands, days and sought medical advice partment at the MoPH started a thoroughly and avoid unneces- sultant and head of Urology Sec- al-Hothi, consultant in the Urol- are typically prescribed a short residential units, residential in a primary healthcare centre. fi eld investigation to identify the sary contact with sick animals. tion, attendees examined the ogy Department at HMC and head course of antibiotics. However, buildings, compounds, towers, Samples were taken from him possible source of the infection MoPH also has informed that challenges in diagnosing, treat- of Organising Committee. some patients do not respond multipurpose buildings and and he tested positive for Mers- and to verify whether any of the Health Protection &CDC Hot- ing and preventing UTIs, espe- “The incidence of UTIs is also to this treatment. If left un- multipurpose empty lands. CoV according to Hamad Medi- patient’s contacts has suspected lines 66740948 and 66740951 cially diffi cult cases. increased during pregnancy, checked, infections can become Most of the trading took place cal Corporation’s laboratories. symptoms. All traced contacts are accessible 24/7 to respond to Dr al-Rumaihi explained that menopause and in patients with chronic and patients can end up in Doha, Umm Slal, Al Rayyan, Al Despite his stable condition, the will be monitored over a period any enquiry related to infectious a UTI aff ects part of the urinary spinal cord injuries, diabetes, in hospital,” said Dr Ahmed Ha- Wakrah, Al Khor, Al Thakhira, Al patient was admitted to hospi- of two weeks while those who de- diseases. system. “UTIs, which can range and multiple sclerosis.” yati, clinical fellow at HMC. Daayen. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 3 QATAR Almana displays new Ford and

Lincoln models Ian Partridge speaking during yesterday’s unveiling ceremony. By Peter Alagos improved F-150 Raptor are we seek to drive new customers Business Reporter under the spotlight. to our showrooms, while keep- For those seeking a slice of ing our loyal customers up to luxury from their drive, AMC date with the latest models.” ower and luxury take is displaying the all-new 2017 Speaking to Gulf Times on the centre stage with new Lincoln Continental and the sidelines of the event, Partridge PFord and Lincoln mod- Lincoln MKZ, which provides was optimistic in giving his els on display at Qatar Motor an additional bonus of the forecast for 2017 as retail sales Show 2017. versatility of a crossover. in Qatar “went up 50% over the Almana Motors Company “Lincoln and Ford are two past year.” (AMC), the exclusive distribu- iconic brands and we are hon- “From a retail perspective, we tor for Ford and Lincoln in Qatar, oured to be able to showcase the grew our market share over the is attracting a large number of latest models to loyal followers course of the year. And we’re visitors and car enthusiasts to of the brands, while attracting very pleased with our achieve- its stand where it is showcasing new audiences at such a prestig- ments and with what we’ve set the latest Ford muscle cars and ious event as Qatar Motor Show,” out to do to make the business trucks such as the latest edition said AMC general manager Ian more profi table for us to be able of the Ford Mustang Shelby, as Partridge. to give back to our customers. well as luxury Lincoln models. “This is an important date on “Among the signifi cant things AMC will also roll out two the calendar for Almana Motors we’ve looked at is customer sat- models of the F-150, the most Company. Supporting this event isfaction, which is why in the last popular truck in the US for the and the automotive industry in 12 months, we have become the past 40 years. Similarly, the Qatar is crucial to our develop- number one dealer on Ford sales limited edition Shelby F-150 ment and growth. The interac- in the GCC, the Middle East, and pick-up and the all-new and tion with visitors is key for us as Africa,” Partridge pointed out. Shelby F-150 pick-up and the all-new F-150 Raptor on display. UCA lines up full range of brands at Qatar Motor Show

nited Cars Almana (UCA) showcased its Ufull range of brands from muscle cars to all- purpose 4x4s and trucks during yesterday’s opening of Qatar Motor Show 2017 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Off icials flank the new Lexus LC 500 Coupe during its unveiling at Qatar Motor Show 2017 yesterday. UCA, the authorised sales and service dealer of Chrys- ler, Jeep, and Dodge in Qa- tar, took centre stage at the event’s seventh edition to exhibit the diversity of its New Lexus LC 500 products. Muscle car enthu- siasts will appreciate UCA’s display of the Dodge Chal- lenger Hellcat and the Dodge Charger Hellcat, as well as makes debut the Chrysler 300 SRT. During the fi ve-day event, UCA will demon- bdullah Abdulghani and sports cars ever.” Inside, there adopt the position of front en- strate to fans versatile SUVs Bros Co (AAB), the sole is a strange mix of luxury and gines and rear wheel drive. and 4x4s such as the Dodge Adistributor for Lexus in sporting touches. Lexus Middle East general man- Durango RT, Jeep Grand Qatar, has unveiled the latest The Lexus LC 500 features ager Yugo Miyamoto said: “We Cherokee SRT, and the Jeep Lexus LC 500 at Qatar Motor a 5.0-litre V8 engine with 471 would like to be a luxury lifestyle Wrangler. Also, truck fans Show 2017, which was offi cially horsepower. The engine sits at brand that doesn’t just provide cars will not miss out on the opened yesterday. the centre of the car behind the but also appeals to human emotion Ram 1200 and the “mon- AAB chairman Dr Nasser Ab- front axle and in front of the stimulating the imagination and ster splendid” Ram 1500 Gurdeep Multani unveils the new Ram 1200. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil dulghani al-Abdulghani said passenger compartment making off ering a sense of surprise.” Limited, which are both on attractive shape and contempo- it a vehicle with a front-facing Lexus Qatar also has dedicat- display. is that they come with Mopar rary style of the new Lexus LC engine. This gives the LC 500 ed a zone for its hybrid vehicles – UCA general manager accessories, allowing you to cus- 500 Coupe represents the future the “perfect” weight distribu- the RX 450h and GS 450h, which Gurdeep Multani said: “Qa- tomise your car while staying design of the Lexus brand. tion with 52% front and 48% are characterised by smart tech- tar Motor Show is one of under warranty. The year 2016 The design of the front lights rear, which Lexus believes to be nology and fuel-saving features. the most important events was a great year for us and we is particularly prominent but “the perfect driving pleasure.” Lexus Hybrid vehicles switch on the calendar and it is have hit our fi rst quarter busi- there are other details such as The new light steel and steel “smoothly and automatically” the perfect platform for ness plan for this year, witness- the side air vents, the triangular base is even more resistant to between the electric motor and us to display our vehicles. ing a 91% growth for Ram.” rear lights, and the unique roof torsion than the carbon fi bre gasoline engine. The show has allowed us UCA is one of 21 exhibitors line that ends up unconnected from which the Lexus LFA was As a leading brand in the lux- to showcase models for the participating in the event, which to the rear of the car, which manufactured. Carbon fi bre ury category of hybrids, Lexus fi rst time. was designed to bring customers looks sporty with the crumpled was also used to make the car’s off ers technologies that include “The Ram 1200 is intro- and car fans closer to brands and exhaust holes on both sides. roof and light aluminium steel the best of innovation and luxu- duced in Doha for the fi rst highlight advanced technolo- The overall car shape, espe- in several parts to reduce the car ry. Another zone is dedicated for time and we are excited gies in the auto industry. One of cially when viewed sideways, weight and centre of gravity, and the high performance vehicles, to display a complete new the exhibition favourites is the seems to be heavily derived increase its rigidity. The new the eight cylinders, 5.0 litre F range of Ram 1500 Sport, unique display of classic cars from the Lexus LFA. The LFA base will be the starting point models where the GS F and RC F Longhorn, and Limited. and some of the rarest collectible The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is among the top brands on display at “is defi nitely one of the coolest for the next Lexus models that are also showcased. What sets our brands apart cars in the world. the UCA stand. Toyota highlights hybrid as ‘technology of the future’

bdullah Abdulghani & effi ciency, enhanced refi nement, The “look and feel” of the popular in Qatar,” Abdulghani Bros Co (AAB), the sole and comfort for passengers. Toyota booth also follows the pointed out. Aagents of Toyota vehicles During the event, AAB high- company’s recently-announced Visitors to the Toyota booth in Qatar, is demonstrating the lighted the concept car, Toyota brand campaign ‘go share the can also look at three variants of unique features of hybrid, seen Kikai (or “machine” in Japa- fun’ with the all-new 2017 Toyo- Toyota Land Cruiser GX, GXR, as the technology of the future, nese). The Toyota Kikai concept ta. It captures the sentiments of and top of the range VXS. Also at Qatar Motor Show 2017. was designed to explore and em- car owners and encourages them on display is Toyota Fortuner Speaking to reporters yester- phasise the fundamental appeal to “explore, excite, and enjoy” 2017, which was awarded ‘Best day, AAB chairman Dr Nasser of machines – their fi ne crafts- with their families while driving Mid-size SUV Middle East Car Abdulghani said guests at the manship, beauty, simplicity, and Toyota. of the Year’ in the MECOTY 2017 Toyota booth will get a unique fascinating motion. “The visitors to our booth Award. personalised experience of hy- As a true concept car, the can explore more about Toyota’s Abdulghani also said Toyota brid technology through various Toyota Kikai’s appeal is simul- most popular models – Toyota Motor Corporation awarded the activities. The booth, he said, taneously free from and reliant Yaris, Toyota Corolla, Toyota company with the ‘Diamond was built under the ‘wave’ con- on the core concepts of automo- Camry, Sporty Toyota 86, and Award’, ‘Marketing Award for cept, which conveys a feeling of biles. The car aims to highlight Toyota Prius, which is the larg- Excellence’, ‘Outstanding Cus- dynamic vibrancy. elements like beauty, precision, est selling hybrid model in the tomer Service Excellence Award’, He said Toyota always strives and mechanical workings of a world. It’s said ‘Where the road and the ‘Outstanding Customer to introduce various advanced car by literally providing win- ends, adventure begins’, and this Service Leadership Award’ for AAB chairman Dr Nasser Abdulghani and other senior executives pose with the Toyota Kikai concept car technologies with class-leading dows on action that’s normally is where Toyota Land Cruiser its ‘exceptional performance’ in at Qatar Motor Show yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil performance and excellent fuel out of view. comes into action and is most 2016. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 QATAR All-new Discovery makes debut

lfardan Premier Motors Discovery has been highly an- fully demonstrates the spirit of Co, the exclusive retailer ticipated by customers here in adventure that has always been Aof Land Rover in Qatar, Qatar. We have already received at the heart of the Discovery revealed the full-sized, three a number of orders for the ve- family. Introducing the all-new row, and seven-seat Land Rover hicle mirroring the outstanding Discovery here in Qatar along- Discovery SUV at the opening response the new model has re- side our partners Alfardan Pre- of Qatar Motor Show (QMS) ceived from enthusiasts all over mier Motors, we are extremely 2017 yesterday. the region,” Alfardan Premier excited to off er customers and Boasting “unbeatable capa- Motors general manager Rabih enthusiasts the ultimate com- bility and versatility”, the all- Ataya said at the launch. bination of practicality and so- new Discovery embodies Land “An iconic Land Rover vehi- phisticated design,” Robertson Rover’s drive “to go above and cle, we expect the all-new Dis- said. Ferrari’s 812 Superfast. beyond, combining British de- covery to continue driving traf- Powered by Jaguar Land sirability with an unstoppable fi c to our showrooms,” he added. Rover’s effi cient six cylinder spirit of adventure”. Bruce Robertson, manag- engine, the all-new Discovery The fi fth-generation model ing director, Jaguar Land Rover is also paired with a smooth and benefi ts from Land Rover’s Middle East and North Africa, responsive ZF eight-speed au- strong, safe and light full-size noted that the all-new Discov- tomatic gearbox. SUV architecture, delivering ery is leading the next chapter Land Rover’s advanced 340PS comfort and adaptability like no of the Land Rover Discovery supercharged petrol 3.0-litre other. family with revolutionary de- V6, the Si6, provides 450Nm of Ferrari launches its The all-new Discovery was on sign and engineering. torque to deliver relaxed per- display at Jaguar Land Rover’s “It is created as a highly de- formance and capability. stand, giving guests a fi rst look sirable, extremely versatile and The all-new Discovery is at the vehicle’s dynamic appear- hugely capable premium SUV,” available exclusively at Alfardan ance, sophisticated surfaces and he said. Premier Motors showrooms precisely engineered details. “A nod to our brand herit- across Qatar with prices start- ‘fastest road car ever’ “Since its reveal, the all-new age and DNA, this new model ing from QR217,900.

By Joey Aguilar Dagher, general manager of Fer- sports car segment,” he added. The 812 Superfast further im- Staff Reporter rari at Alfardan Sports Motors, The stunning model is a presses with its trendy silhouette told Gulf Times. benchmark in the mid-front-en- and a radically redesigned cabin True to its name, the 812 Su- gine sports car segment, pushing that reveals its sportier DNA. he launch of Ferrari’s perfast is the fastest road-going the boundaries of speed and per- In addition, Dagher said 812 brand new 812 Superfast Ferrari ever built with a 6.5-litre formance like never before. Superfast is the fi rst Ferrari to Tat Alfardan Sports Mo- V12 engine. Designed as the fl agship V12 feature electric power steering, tors’ exclusive pavilion yester- The 812 Superfast achieves Berlinetta, the model embod- which when integrated with all day marked a glittering start for its maximum power output at ies Ferrari’s revered V12 heritage of the electronic vehicle dynam- the fi ve-day Qatar Motor Show 8,500rpm with a maximum that sprung to life in 1947, with ics controls can fully exploit the (QMS) 2017. speed of 340km/h, springing the birth of the brand. performance of the car. Alfardan Sports Motors, the from 0-100 in 2.9 seconds. The new Ferrari model’s timely The vehicle also sees the de- offi cial dealer of Ferrari in Qa- “It is a signifi cant model in world premiere at Geneva Mo- but of the Virtual Short Wheel- tar, noted that it is committed Ferrari history and it is not just tor Show, followed by QMS 2017, base 2.0 system that improves to bringing Ferrari’s Italian her- the fastest, but also the most coincides with Ferrari’s 70th an- the agility and response time to itage to the forefront with the powerful production car up to niversary celebrations this year. steering wheel inputs. unveiling of 812 Superfast at the date,” Dagher stressed. “Ferrari is building on its rec- “We are extremely thrilled to show. “We are eager to demonstrate ognition as the only manufactur- be part of QMS. This is an in- “The brand itself is very strong Ferrari’s superior technologi- er to have continuously produced credible opportunity to connect and attractive. Ferrari is always a cal advancements and impec- sports cars with 12-cylinder with fast car afi cionados, and of- people’s dream and for those who cable craftsmanship that make engines throughout that time,” fer them a unique perspective of appreciate technology,” Charley the brand a leader in the luxury Dagher noted. the Ferrari world,” Dagher added. HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and other dignitaries listen to a briefing by Alfardan Group president and CEO Omar Alfardan during the QMS 2017 VIP tour yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

Jaidah Automotive unveils Skyline Automotive introduces 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid kyline Automotive, the offi cial distribution aidah Automotive, Chevro- safety, design, and technology. At partner of the Hyundai Motor Company in let’s exclusive dealer in Qatar, Jaidah Automotive, we pride our- SQatar, led the Qatar debut of Ioniq Hybrid – Jheld the Qatar debut of the selves on delivering the ‘Chev- ‘the next generation eco-friendly vehicle’ at yes- 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, “the rolet Complete Care’ promise terday’s opening of the Qatar Motor Show 2017. most powerful” Camaro in the through a nationwide campaign General Manager Paiman el-Malla said Ioniq is an model’s 50-year history, at the under the name ‘We Will Handle innovative, industry-leading hybrid and is the fi rst seventh edition of Qatar Motor It’ that visitors in QMS will be car in the world to off er separate hybrid, full electric, Show yesterday. able to fi nd out more about.” and plug-in hybrid powertrains within one body Attending the motor show on He added: “Jaidah Automotive type. It has been making waves around the world behalf of Jaidah Automotive was has grown signifi cantly over the since its global launch last year, and has collected a The Ioniq Hybrid makes its Qatar debut at the Qatar Khalid Samir, director of Opera- past year with the strategic ex- slew of the industry’s most coveted awards. Motor Show 2017. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil tions at Jaidah Automotive. Also pansion of the new showroom and The Ioniq Hybrid boast’s the best fuel mileage present at the event were Markus GM Quick Service Centre in Al of any non-plug-in vehicle. The Environmental the show. “Our enthusiasm for bringing the Ioniq Leithe, managing director Mid- Rayyan. We attribute our success Protection Agency (EPA) in the US rated the Ioniq to Qatar is part of our goal to off er customers a di- dle East - General Motors; Ab- to providing comprehensive serv- Hybrid at 58mpg in combined city and highway verse product range to meet their individual needs dallah Madhoun, regional sales The 2017 Camaro ZL1, makes its Qatar debut at Qatar Motor Show ices to our customers. We recently driving, which translates to 4.1litres per 100km. and expectations, which are evolving to include and marketing manager for 2017. PICTURE: Jayan Orma launched the global Incadea DMS The compact electric motor works with the specif- environmentally-friendly options for mobility. Chevrolet GM Middle East; and system – a fully-integrated and ically-calibrated 1.6 GDi petrol engine to improve fuel “Automotive enthusiasts’ pursuit of greater other representatives. of the Camaro and can challenge gine, with an estimated 650hp. confi gurable dealer management economy and lower CO2 emissions to an estimated fuel effi ciency has created a strong global market Madhoun said: “We are ex- the most advanced sports coupes Its 0-100kph time is a mere 3.6 solution that will support us in 79g/km. The petrol engine, together with a 32kW for eco-friendly vehicles that meet drivers’ eve- cited to showcase the Camaro in the world.” seconds, and it can complete the better serving our customers.” electric motor, delivers a combined 103.6kW of power ryday needs, Qatar notwithstanding. That’s why ZL1, which will go on sale in Qa- The Camaro ZL1 is the fi rst pro- quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at a In addition to the Camaro ZL1, and up to 265Nm of torque and a top speed of 185km/h. more options are needed to help make responsible tar in the next couple of weeks. duction car to use a new, advanced speed of 204kph. It builds on the some of Chevrolet’s hottest ve- The electric motor recharges on the go, working to- choices easier for consumers,” el-Malla said. The Camaro ZL1 is designed to 10-speed automatic gearbox, sixth generation Camaro’s seg- hicles will be on display at the gether with the dual-clutch transmission to deliver He added: “The Ioniq is also the fi rst major step excel at everything, delivering which off ers strong economy and ment leadership as the fi ttest in show, including the Tahoe Mid- smooth and responsive automatic gear changes with towards our mission to support the development on design, dependability, qual- performance benefi ts. It is also the segment. night Edition, Trailblazer Z71, the use of low-viscosity transmission oil. of Qatar on an economic, social, and environmen- ity, and performance. The ZL1 is available as a six-speed manual. Samir said: “The vehicles we Malibu Turbo, and Silverado, Skyline Automotive is expecting “robust demand” tal level. We believe there is enormous potential the track capable version of the Acceleration is delivered via a are showcasing this year portray featuring the newest Chevrolet for the hybrid version of the car, which is expected to and desire from people and businesses in Qatar to award-winning sixth generation new supercharged 6.2L V-8 en- Chevrolet’s latest innovation in truck accessories. hit the market from May 2017. The Ioniq Hybrid is reduce their environmental footprint and we hope one of nine cars presented by Skyline Automotive at to help them make that choice with the Ioniq.”

World’s newest luxury car brand ‘Genesis’ arrives in Qatar

enesis, ‘the world’s newest lux- the specifi c needs of regional clients. ury auto brand,’ made its Qatar It off ers a fully-integrated concierge GMotor Show debut yesterday, programme combining travel, medical, marking the brand’s offi cial arrival in and security assistance through a part- the country. nership with SOS International. The Genesis fl agship full-size G90 The Genesis G90 and G80 models, sedan and the G80 mid-luxury sedan on display at the Qatar Motor Show, have been brought to Qatar by its ex- are the fi rst in a planned range of cars clusive dealer Skyline Automotive. expected to redefi ne the top end of the “Our aim is to be the best luxury auto Paiman el-Malla unveils the Genesis automotive market in Qatar. brand on the market and earn client flagship full-size G90 sedan and the There is a strong appetite to wel- loyalty by off ering superior cars sup- G80 mid-luxury sedan. come the new G80 Sport edition ar- ported by an impeccable client service PICTURE: Jayan Orma riving in May, followed by the Genesis and attention to detail,” said Paiman brand’s third and smallest model, the el-Malla, general manager of Skyline esis owners complimentary mainte- dynamic rear-drive G70 sedan, which Automotive. nance for fi ve years, and Genesis own- will be available in Qatar exclusively He said Skyline Automotive has ers get the “ultimate convenience” at the Skyline Automotive dealership taken customer service to the next of having their vehicle picked up and this fall. An entire lineup of new luxury level for Genesis clients through an dropped off at a time and location of Genesis models, including SUVs and enhanced owner experience. Commit- their choice. a coupe, will be rolled out through to ting to a worry-free customer journey, Also, ‘Genesis Concierge’ is an ex- 2020. the ‘Genesis Experience’ combines a clusive lifestyle concierge membership To fi nd out more about Skyline Au- suite of customer programmes with an off ered to Genesis owners on a compli- tomotive, its showrooms, and the net- industry-best warranty to exceed any- mentary basis for two years. The serv- work of aftersales centres across Qatar, thing currently available in the luxury ice brings together a global network of as well as Genesis models, customers market. over 1,300 consultants, many of whom can visit https://www.genesis.com/ Skyline Automotive also off ers Gen- are based in the Middle East to address ae/ar/genesis.html Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 5 QATAR Supercar Fittipaldi EF7 unveiled

By Joey Aguilar kets across the globe, including Fittipaldi and NBK to others what it truly feels like to Staff Reporter Qatar and other GCC countries. Automobiles are planning to be behind the steering wheel of a Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Au- bring the supercar by the end championship race car,” Fittipaldi tomobiles, the authorised general of this year in Qatar for a test said. “This is what our dream team ormer World Formula 1 distributor of Mercedes-Benz in drive on the race tracks created in the EF7 Vision Gran Tu- champion Emerson Fittipaldi Qatar, will be the distributor of rismo by Pininfarina,” he noted of Fled the Middle East debut of the car. Fittipaldi sees Qatar and engineering fi rm HWA AG fulfi ls the fi rst car to be released under the his racing supercar ‘Fittipaldi EF7 the Middle East as a big market for Fittipaldi’s dream to produce a car Fittipaldi Motors. Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfa- such a supercar, having four Grand with fi erce track-racing capabili- The carbon fi bre monocoque is rina’ at the Qatar Motor Show 2017 Prix race tracks. ties for drivers of all skill levels. a specially designed safety capsule yesterday. “I designed and built the concept The supercar also features an in- for both driver and passenger, ena- “It was launched at the Geneva of this car to be easy and fun on the tegrated gearbox, suspension and bling drivers to feel comfortable in Motor Show and this is the second race track,” he said. “The capac- braking system developed by HWA the car, even while at its limits, he presentation of this brand new car,” ity in the region is big for safe race AG, and with ultra-lightweight, added. Fittipaldi told Gulf Times. He is tracks, they are modern, and peo- all-carbon fi bre chassis construc- Owners of the supercar will be also the chairman and CEO of Fit- ple here enjoy safe and fun driving.” tion with an exceptionally low cen- able to join the Fittipaldi Racing tipaldi Motors. “It is easy to oper- He claims the all-carbon fi bre tre of gravity. Club, which will provide exclusive ate, easy to drive, and I call this a supercar is the lightest car in the Fittipaldi and NBK Automobiles VIP high-performance driving and ladies and gentlemen car, even la- world, weighing less than 1,000kg are planning to bring the supercar racing experiences at some of the dies can drive it,” he stressed. with a 193kg V8 engine. by the end of this year in Qatar for a world’s premier racing circuits, led Fittipaldi noted that they will Iconic Italian design company test drive on the race tracks. by Fittipaldi and other racing pro- Emerson Fittipaldi (left) and a dignitary from NBK unveil the Supercar Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran build 39 units in two years for mar- Pininfarina and race-bred German “I have tried for years to explain fessionals. Turismo by Pininfarina’ yesterday at QMS 2017. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

Commercial Bank sponsors supercar

Commercial Bank has announced its sponsorship of the supercar at Qatar Motor Show NBK showcases 2017, which is being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre until April 22. Commercial Bank CEO Joseph Abraham said, “Commercial Bank has a long association with this important Qatari consumer event, and 2017 represents the fourth year in a row we are sponsoring this vital show. This year, Commercial Bank is sponsoring the Qatar Motor new Mercedes-Benz Show ‘supercar’ – the new Lotus Evora 410, showing for the first time in the region. We look forward to welcoming thousands of local and expatriate car fans to enjoy pure motoring in- dulgence at the show, and take a photo with the ‘supercar’.” Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and organised by Qatar models at QMS 2017 Tourism Authority, the seventh edition of Qatar Motor Show was inaugurated yesterday.

By Joey Aguilar leading position and our commitment Staff Reporter to our customers,” NBK Automobiles general manager Khalid Sha’aban said. He noted that the E Class Cou- hree new Mercedes-Benz pe’s clear and sensual design, and models – the E Coupe, AMG long-distance comfort for four peo- TE 43, and AMG SLC 43 – have ple combine beauty and classic vir- NBK Automobiles reveals three new Mercedes-Benz models at QMS 2017. been unveiled at the opening of Qa- tues of a grand tourer with state-of- PICTURE: Jayan Orma tar Motor Show 2017 yesterday, at the-art technology. the Doha Exhibition and Convention “As a member of the current E- family, according to Sha’aban. Its V6 launching last year under a new name Centre (DECC). Class family, the new Coupé is sig- bi-turbo engine boasts a high power – SLK to SLC – with a signifi cantly The new models are showcased at nifi cantly more intelligent than its output combined with low fuel con- optimised technology and enhanced the Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Automo- predecessor. It comes with all the sumption and emissions. look. The sporty range model comes biles pavilion, ‘the largest’ at the event. features of the E-Class, the most in- The high power output of 295 kW with 270 kW (367hp). NBK is the authorised general distribu- telligent executive saloon,” Sha’aban (401hp) is attributable, among other At the show, running until April tor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. said. “It has a sporty, luxurious inte- things, to new, larger turbochargers 22, NBK Automobiles also displays a “NBK Automobiles continues its rior with refi ned details, and embod- and the higher charge-air pressure wide range of Mercedes-Benz models strong and eff ective participation at ies the synthesis of sporty emotion of 1.1 bar. Its interior design is sporty from diff erent segments that appeal QMS, refl ecting our values of luxury and luxurious intelligence.” with model-specifi c details. to all styles and choices, including and excellence. Our participation at The looks of the AMG E 43 can be Meanwhile, the model celebrated the SUVs, sporty cars and the luxury the show reiterates NBK’s industry easily recognised as part of the AMG its 20-year anniversary in its re- series. The new Lotus Evora 410 at Qatar Motor Show. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 QATAR DEC tenders deadline is QU and Qapco off icials cutting a ribbon to inaugurate the event. extended QU CENG hosts 4th Engineering Week

atar University College of nity to visit the booths that show- san al-Derham, Qapco managing Dr al-Mulla briefed the audi- Engineering (QU-CENG) case information about CENG’s director and CEO and head of ence on his personal experience Qhas launched its 4th En- undergraduate programmes and CENG Industrial Advisory Board in choosing engineering as a pro- gineering Week aimed at orient- to live engineering experiences Dr Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla, fession. to June 18 ing high school students and the through competitions, quizzes QU vice president for academic He said: “Today’s objective is to wider community on the impor- and technical demonstrations. aff airs Dr Hassan Alfadala, vice increase students awareness and he deadline for submitting tender appli- according to the master plan, Gulf Times had re- tance of science and engineering Also participating in the exhi- president for Students Aff airs Dr understanding of engineering, to cations for the Doha Exhibition Centre ported earlier. in Qatar’s growth and develop- bition were CENG’s research cen- Khalid al-Khanji, CENG dean Dr encourage the interest of young T(DEC) development project has been ex- Potential investors and developers should ment. tres — Kindi Lab for Computing Khalifa al-Khalifa, associate dean people and to generate enthusi- tended until June 18. develop the hall and facilities and convert them The annual 4-day event spon- Research, Gas Processing Centre for Academic Aff airs Prof Abdel- asm for the future of engineering, The Ministry of Economy and Commerce into an integrated ‘entertainment city’ with sored by Qatar Petrochemical and Qatar Transportation and magid Hammuda, associate dean as this of course is vital if we want (MEC)’s Technical Committee to Stimulate long-term lease contracts for 25 years. Company (Qapco) and Qatar Traffi c Safety Centre — Exxon- for development and industrial to attract young people into the Private Sector Participation in Economic De- The project will involve the creation of com- Steel, is also a forum to provide Mobil, Mowasalat, Fahes, ibTE- Relations Dr Saud Ghani, and oil and gas industry. velopment Projects made the announcement mercial outlets, restaurants and nurseries, park- secondary and preparatory CHar Digital Solutions LLC, and acting associate dean for research “I believe this will be achieved yesterday in co-ordination with Qatar Tourism ing lots, public convenience areas and other li- school students with an insight Qatar Green Building Council. and graduate studies Prof Ab- through the dedication and hard Authority, in response to requests from inves- censed tourist activities. into CENG’s undergraduate pro- Attending the opening cere- bes Amira, among others were work of the team at CENG,” he tors. Application documents for the tender can be grammes and with the opportu- mony were QU president Dr Has- present on the occasion. told his audience. In a statement, the committee also said a obtained from the procurement section in the workshop and fi eld tour would be organised for Financial and Administrative Department at interested investors at DEC on May 3 from 10am. the MEC headquarters, Lusail, Tower B, with an The deadline for submitting tender docu- authorisation letter from the participating com- ments earlier was April 4. pany. In December last year, the MEC had an- A security cheque should be attached to the Malabar Gold launches new promotion nounced plans to develop DEC into a modern, tender application, or a guarantee letter issued integrated ‘entertainment city’ off ering diverse by a local bank, valid until the contract is fully facilities and services. implemented. alabar Gold & Diamonds, In addition, custom- ers can buy 8gm gold monds and precious gems to suit The initiative is aimed at encouraging invest- This will include the maintenance period, ac- a leading jewellery re- ers also get a two gram coins of 22K with no the tastes of their multicultural ment in tourism-related projects and give pri- cording to the terms and conditions of the ten- Mtailer, is launching a gold coin on diamond making charges from and multinational customers. vate sector companies the opportunity to apply der. campaign today at all its outlets in jewellery purchase of any of Malabar Gold The new designs are incorpo- innovation in establishing comprehensive tour- The committee has called for submitting ten- Middle East and Far East, off er- QR5,000 and a one gram & Diamonds outlets rated as a part of various brands ist facilities that will attract diff erent categories der applications, signed and stamped by the ap- ing opportunities for customers to gold coin on purchase of in Qatar. Customers presented at Malabar Gold & Dia- of people, according to the statement. plicant’s company and put inside envelopes, ad- win a total of 30kg of gold. Dur- diamond jewellery worth can avail the zero de- monds’ namely Ethnix — Hand- The total area of the project will include dressed to the head of the tenders and auctions ing the campaign which runs until QR3,000. customers can duction off er on 22K crafted Designer Jewellery, Era — 57,600sq m of building space, 26,075sq m of committee concerned and delivered to the sec- May 6, 2017, with every purchase of protect the gold rate at Malabar (GCC) gold jewellery exchange as Uncut Diamond Jewellery, Mine parking lots, 14,992sq m of exhibition space, retariat of the committee at the MEC. gold and diamond jewellery worth Gold & Diamonds on payment of well. — Diamonds Unlimited, Divine 479sq m for shops and 1,200sq m of open yards. Related queries should be addressed to the QR500, customers get a chance to 10% of the entire amount on the Malabar Gold & Diamonds — Indian Heritage Jewellery, Pre- In all, around 84,875sq m of space will be procurement section until 10 days before the enter raffl e draws to win half kg of selected jewellery until April 28. have also unveiled the latest col- cia — Precious Gem Jewellery and available for investment as part of the project, deadline for submitting bids. gold each in two raffl e draws. During the campaign, custom- lection of jewellery in gold, dia- Starlet — Kids jewellery.

Dodge, Jeep models are recalled Samsung Galaxy S8 launched he Ministry of Economy and By Joseph Varghese which makes multi-tasking more convenient. TCommerce Staff Reporter The Galaxy S8’s compact design enables (MEC), in collaboration comfortable one-handed operation and with United Cars Alma- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front na, has announced the amsung Gulf Electronics launched the and back and provides a durable and a high- recall of Dodge Durango Galaxy S8 and S8+ in Qatar at a special quality fi nish. In addition to the new design and Jeep Grand Chero- Sevent on Monday evening. innovations, Samsung delivers cutting-edge kee models of 2016 be- “The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ usher in technology including an advanced camera, cause the fuel rail cross- a new era of smartphone design and fantastic enhanced performance and more to the de- over tube may have been services, opening the door for new ways to vices that users love. damaged during the experience the world,” said Tarek Sabbagh, The smartphones have an advanced 8MP engine manufacturing head of IT & Mobile (IM) Division at Sam- F1.7 Smart autofocus front camera and 12MP process. sung Gulf Electronics. F1.7 dual pixel rear camera for the best low- The MEC said the Available in 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2- light, zoom and anti-blur photos with en- recall campaign comes Officials and dignitaries at the cake-cutting ceremony. inch Galaxy S8+, the ‘Infi nity Display’ and hanced image processing. within the framework bezel-less design form a smooth, continuous The phones feature the industry’s fi rst of its ongoing eff orts to surface with no buttons or harsh angles re- 10nm processor, enabling heightened speed protect consumers and sulting in an immersive viewing experience, and effi ciency. It is also gigabit LTE and gi- ensure that car dealers gabit Wi-Fi ready with support for speeds up follow up on vehicle de- Ezdan Gharafa Mall marks anniversary to 1Gbps so users can quickly download fi les. fects and repairs. It is the world’s fi rst mobile device certifi ed The MEC will co- by the UHD Alliance as Mobile HDR Premi- ordinate with the deal- zdan Mall Company, a subsidi- reasons why they were attracted to Gharafa has contributed to the growth um, with the same vibrant colours and con- er to follow up on the ary of Ezdan Holding Group, the mall. of the country’s retail industry by trasts while watching any programme. They maintenance and repair Eheld an array of events and They then shared the clips on their “stimulating the shopping sector also off er next-level gaming experiences works and communicate celebrations to mark Ezdan Mall social media pages with the hashtag and meeting the needs of shoppers”. with vivid and superior graphic technology, with customers to en- Gharafa’s fourth anniversary, from #EzdanMall4. He also pointed out Ezdan Mall’s key and come pre-loaded with a Game Pack, fea- sure that the necessary April 9 to April 15. The occasion was Winners of the contest received role in terms of social responsibility, turing top game titles, including select titles. repairs are carried out. marked by a cake-cutting ceremony Ezdan Mall shopping vouchers and explaining that ‘Green Dream 2022’ As for security, both the phones off er a The MEC has urged all held at the main entrance of the mall special prizes from mall retailers. is one of the most promising envi- wide selection of biometric technologies customers to report any in the presence of the Group general The activities also included inter- ronmental projects carried out by a including a fi ngerprint scanner, iris scanner violations to its Con- manager of Ezdan Mall, Ezdan Hold- views by Khalifa al-Haroon, who is shopping centre in Qatar with the aim and facial recognition so users can select a sumer Protection and ing Group representatives, retailers, also known as Mr Q, with mall guests of educating the community about secure biometric authentication method that Anti-Commercial Fraud guests, partners, as well as offi cials as well as people at diff erent tourist the importance of adopting a greener works best for them. Department through from various ministries and embas- destinations in Qatar, such as Souq lifestyle in their everyday lives. The phones are IP68 water and dust resist- the following chan- sies in Doha. Waqif. Speaking on ‘Green Dream 2022’, ant, MicroSD support up to 256GB, always- nels: Hotline: 16001, e- A selfi e video contest, titled ‘I Love There were questions for the pub- Malik added: “The initiative has wit- on display and fast and wireless charging mail: [email protected], Ezdan Mall’, was held at two locations lic and gifts were given to the winners nessed the participation of more than capabilities. The phones will be available Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, within the mall as part of the celebra- who gave the four best reasons for 2,200 students a month from various across major retailers in Qatar from April 28 Instagram: MEC_Qa- tions. visiting Ezdan Mall. schools in Qatar, while workshops at QR 2,799 for Galaxy S8 and QR 3,149 for tar, MEC mobile app for The participants took video clips in Malik Awan, general manager of and awareness lectures have been at- Tarek Sabbagh presenting the features of the Galaxy S8+ and will be off ered in a rich Android and IOS: MEC_ which they congratulated Ezdan Mall Ezdan Mall, stressed that since its tended by more than 6,000 students the new the Galaxy S8 and S8+. colour palette including Midnight Black, Or- Qatar on its anniversary and indicated four inauguration in 2013, Ezdan Mall every week.” PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam chid Gray, and Maple Gold. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 7 REGION

12 soldiers die US wants quick return as Saudi Arabia to Yemen talks: Mattis chopper shot AFP down in Yemen Riyadh

Agencies in support of President Abd- ashington wants a Riyadh Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s interna- return “as quickly tionally recognised government Was possible” to UN- in its fi ght against Iran-backed backed Yemen peace talks, US welve Saudi soldiers, in- Houthi rebels. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis cluding four offi cers, were Saudi Arabia and the United said as he began a Middle East Tkilled yesterday when Arab Emirates, which play key tour yesterday in Saudi Arabia. their helicopter went down in roles in the coalition, have suf- The United States provides Yemen, the Arab coalition fi ght- fered the alliance’s heaviest limited military support to a ing Yemeni rebels said in a state- losses in Yemen, with dozens of Saudi-led coalition which for ment. soldiers killed. two years has been fi ghting in The Saudi Black Hawk “fell In September 2015, a rebel support of Yemen’s government during operations in the prov- missile strike on a coalition base against rebels supported by Iran. ince of Marib” east of Sanaa, in Marib killed 67 coalition sol- Today, Mattis will meet the the coalition said in a state- diers, most of them Emiratis. kingdom’s top leaders in Riyadh. ment carried by SPA state news The United Nations says that Washington provides intelli- agency, without clarifying the more than 7,700 people have gence as well as aerial refuelling reason. been killed since March 2015 in to coalition warplanes conduct- “The causes of the incident are Yemen, which also faces a serious ing air strikes in Yemen with being investigated,” the state- risk of famine this year. American-supplied weapons. ment added. Seven ceasefi res brokered be- Asked by reporters about the Coalition spokesman General tween government and rebel chance of stepping up American Ahmed Assiri said it was “too forces by the United Nations support, Mattis did not reply and early” to comment on the causes have failed, while UN-backed instead put the accent on a return of the crash, which is one of the peace talks have repeatedly bro- to peace talks. deadliest incidents involving co- ken down. “Our aim is that this crisis can alition forces in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition be handed to a team of negotia- The rebel-controlled Saba has recently made some gains tors under the aegis of the Unit- news agency said a helicopter against the Houthis in western ed Nations that can try to fi nd a crashed east of the provincial Yemen, but fi ghting on other political solution as quickly as capital Marib without giving fur- fronts, including Marib, has been possible,” he said as he fl ew to ther details. static, with little ground chang- Riyadh. However, the Yemen defence ing hands. Seven ceasefi res alongside ministry’s news website reported The Houthis seized much of peace eff orts by the United Na- the helicopter was shot down in a northern Yemen, including the tions have so far failed to stop the US Defence Secretary James Mattis is greeted by Saudi Armed Forces Chief of Joint Staff General Abdul Rahman al-Banyan upon his arrival at King friendly fi re incident. capital Sanaa, in a series of mili- fi ghting. Salman Air Base in Riyadh yesterday. The 26 September news web- tary operations that began in It is necessary to end the “fi r- site quoted a senior source in 2014, eventually forcing Hadi to ing of missiles provided by Iran range rockets over the kingdom’s supply of arms” from Iran. The UN estimates that more particularly in containing Iran, the Yemeni army command as fl ee. against Saudi Arabia” as well as southern border. Some in US President Donald than 7,700 people have been compared with former president saying that the helicopter came The Saudi-led coalition ac- “the death of innocent people in Washington alleges that Iran Trump’s administration would killed over the past two years Barack Obama. down “as a result of a misread- cuses Iran of trying to use the Yemen”, Mattis said. has shipped missiles to Yemen like to increase American military and more than 40,000 wounded In December, the Obama ad- ing of the air defence system Houthis to expand its infl uence Yemen’s Houthi rebels allied but Tehran denies the charge. support for the Saudi-led coali- in impoverished Yemen, which ministration blocked a sale of which resulted in the destruc- in Yemen, one of the poorest with troops loyal to ex-president A United Nations Panel of Ex- tion to better counter Iranian am- faces a serious risk of famine. precision guided weapons to tion of the plane before it land- Arab countries. Ali Abdullah Saleh have fi red bal- perts in January reported that it bitions in the region. Mattis has Riyadh has expressed opti- Saudi Arabia because of con- ed”. The Houthis regard their move listic missiles into Saudi Arabia. “has not seen suffi cient evidence called Iran the world’s “biggest mism that Trump’s team will cerns over civilian casualties in A Saudi-led coalition began air on Sanaa as a revolution against Rebels have also shot short- to confi rm any direct large-scale state sponsor of terrorism”. be more engaged in the region, Yemen. strikes over Yemen in March 2015 corruption. Kuwait quizzes IS suspect deported from Philippines

AFP organisation and of plotting attacks. A statement issued by the Kuwaiti Kuwait City His wife, whom he married after her embassy in Manila on Friday said evi- high-ranking IS commander husband dence was obtained by the emirate’s was killed in Syria, remains in custody security services that Dhafi ri was uwait was yesterday began in the Philippines pending deportation. “planning to carry out terroristic at- questioning a suspected Islamic Judicial authorities in Kuwait have tacks in the State of Kuwait.” KState group militant deported remanded four relatives of Dhafi ri in Kuwaiti courts have handed down from the Philippines as it remanded custody for 21 days pending further in- multiple convictions on charges of IS four relatives in custody, the country’s quiries, Al-Qabas newspaper reported. membership or fi nancing. media reported. They face similar charges to Dhafi ri, Some of the defendants have been Hussein al-Dhafi ri was arrested in the paper added. found guilty of fi ghting with the mili- an upscale district of Manila late last Philippine Justice Secretary Vital- tants in Iraq or Syria. month along with his Syrian wife Ra- iano Aguirre said on Thursday that All have received lengthy jail sen- haf Zina on suspicion of being mem- Dhafi ri was suspected of manufactur- tences. bers of IS and of planning attacks in ing explosives and of possible opera- In June 2015, a Saudi blew himself up both countries. tional planning against Kuwait. in a Shia mosque in Kuwait City, killing He was deported to Kuwait on Fri- Washington believed he could “pose 26 worshippers in an attack claimed day to stand trial in his home country a threat to the national security of the by the Sunni extremists that was the on charges of membership of a banned Philippines,” Aguirre added. deadliest in the emirate’s history.

Iran marks Army Day

An Iranian military truck carries parts of the S-300 air defence missile system during a parade on the occasion of the country’s Army Day in Tehran yesterday.

Emirates says travel flows from US to Iran, subcontinent seen declines

Travel flows from the United States to Iran The United States introduced secu- North Africa and Turkey, including Qatar. and the subcontinent have seen some de- rity measures on March 25 banning The move came in the same month clines since restrictions were imposed on electronic gadgets larger than a mobile when President Donald Trump signed a travel and electronic devices on US-bound phone from passenger cabins on direct new executive order, keeping a 90-day flights, said Thierry Antinori, Emirates flights to the US ban on travel to the US by citizens of Iran, Airline’s chief commercial Off icer. from 10 airports in the Middle East, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 ARAB WORLD Israel vows not to negotiate with Palestinian

Syrians, who were injured in a suicide car bombing that targeted buses carrying evacuees from besieged government-held towns, hunger strikers sit in a tent on the Syrian-Turkish border in Idlib province yesterday.

AFP rules. Some 6,500 Palestinians are cur- “In spite of such treatment, we will Jerusalem rently detained by Israel for a range of not surrender to it.” Syrians in frantic search for off ences and alleged crimes. Hamas, the movement that runs the Of those, 62 are women and 300 are Gaza Strip, saluted the “brave prison- srael vowed yesterday not to ne- minors. Some 500 are held under ad- ers” on hunger strike. gotiate with hundreds of Palestin- ministrative detention, which allows Palestinian president Mahmoud Ab- their children after blast Iian detainees on the second day for imprisonment without charge. bas issued a statement on Monday call- of a hunger strike led by prominent Thirteen Palestinian lawmakers are ing on “the international community to prisoner and popular leader Marwan also among the detainees. save the lives of the Palestinian prison- AFP ated from Fuaa and Kafraya as part of Is he in Turkey? Did he die?” she Barghouti. Palestinian prisoners have mounted ers in Israeli jails.” Bab al-Hawa a complex deal that also saw people screamed, as mothers nearby tried to More than 1,000 Palestinians in repeated hunger strikes, but rarely on The start of the hunger strike coin- leave Madaya and Zabadani, towns soothe her. Israeli prisons launched the hunger such a large scale. cided with Palestinian Prisoners Day. near Damascus surrounded by pro- “He’s eight months old, he can’t strike on Monday, issuing a list of de- Barghouti’s call for the strike has giv- Thousands of Palestinians demon- atima Rashid was recovering in government forces. tell people who he is. No one knows mands ranging from better medical en it added credibility, with the 57-year- strated in support of the inmates. a Syrian hospital after a deadly “I saw a car distributing potato his name. How am I supposed to get services to access to telephones. old serving fi ve life sentences over his It also comes ahead of commemo- Fsuicide blast when she glanced chips to the children. My daughter to him?” Issa Qaraqe, head of prisoner aff airs role in the second Palestinian uprising. rations this summer marking the 50th at a teenager with a bloody, disfi gured asked me to get her a bag, but a little In a section of the tent reserved for for the Palestinian Authority, said on He was convicted of attacks that anniversary of Israel’s occupation of face. kid came and snatched the bag from men, Shareef al-Hussein, 35, waited Monday that around 1,300 prisoners killed fi ve people. the West Bank, including now annexed She did not recognise her daughter. me,” Fatima said. with his two sons. Haydar, 10, was were on hunger strike and the number Barghouti is popular among Pales- east Jerusalem, in the Six-Day War. The wounded teenager was later A smile briefl y crossed her face be- lightly wounded in the forehead. could rise. tinians, with polls suggesting he could The hunger strike has met with harsh taken across the border to Turkey for fore it turned dark again, as she re- All that was visible of four-year-old The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club put win the Palestinian presidency. criticism from members of Israel’s treatment and now Rashid, like many membered the devastating scene that Hamza’s face from behind his blood- the number at 1,500. Graffi ti showing the iconic image of right-wing government. parents caught up in a horrifying at- followed. ied bandages was his nose. A spokesman for the Israel Prisons his cuff ed hands raised above his head Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tack on Saturday, is searching franti- “I went to get another one and sud- “My children cry every day because Service said around 1,100 prisoners fl ashing a peace sign during his trial did not comment directly on the pro- cally for her child. denly something exploded. I fl ew back they want to see their mother.We hope started the hunger strike and roughly in 2003-4 has been daubed on walls test, but yesterday slammed Barghouti. “I lifted the curtain back in the onto the ground and there were bodies to go back one day” to Kafraya, Hus- the same number were believed to be across the occupied West Bank. Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman emergency room and I saw a girl. Half on top of me....I pulled myself and my sein said. continuing yesterday. “Decades of experience have proved said he wanted to take the approach of her face was gone and she was bleed- daughter out from under the bodies He and fellow evacuees were be- Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan that Israel’s inhumane system of co- former British prime minister Marga- ing,” Rashid said, speaking at a shelter and ran.” sieged for two years by rebel fi ghters vowed that Israeli authorities would lonial and military occupation aims to ret Thatcher, who publicly refused to for displaced families near the Syria- “They took us to a hospital and — some of whom helped rescue people not negotiate with the prisoners and break the spirit of prisoners and the na- accede to the demands of IRA hunger Turkey border. treated us well... But when they took hurt in the suicide attack. said Barghouti had been moved to an- tion to which they belong, by infl icting strikers in 1981, 10 of whom died. “I didn’t think about whose daugh- Ghadir to Turkey, I didn’t know any- “They got us medication and food, other prison and placed in solitary suff ering on their bodies, separating While many Palestinians view ter she was.” thing. They didn’t even have her they helped us with the kids,” Hussein confi nement. them from their families and commu- Barghouti as a hero, Israelis point to “When I woke up the next day, the name,” Fatima said. said, which requested that rebel fi ght- He said Barghouti had been placed nities, using humiliating measures to the bloody suicide attacks of the sec- doctors came to show me a picture Dozens of survivors from Fuaa and ers not be present during the interview. in solitary confi nement because calling compel subjugation,” Barghouti wrote ond uprising of 2000-2005 and his role of that girl. I remembered what my Kafraya were squatting on blankets Osama, a resident of Fuaa who had for the hunger strike was against prison in a New York Times opinion piece. in the uprising. daughter Ghadir had been wearing. and rugs in the displacement centre, joined a local pro-government militia That was her,” she said, with tears in awaiting news of relatives of whom in the village, said he was “not afraid” her eyes. they lost track after the explosion. of being in opposition-controlled ter- At least 68 children were among 126 Several children, some as young ritory. people killed when a suicide car bomb as three, sat shell-shocked in a row, “Our brothers here are assuring us tore through buses evacuating Fuaa staying quiet as people asked for their that we are not their hostages,” he said. and Kafraya, two villages in northern names or where their parents were. Syria’s six-year war has so bitterly Syria under rebel siege. One woman, whose daughter was divided its population that many anti- Dozens of wounded, including taken to another village for treatment, regime rebels and residents of gov- 37-year-old Fatima and her children, anxiously tried to locate her in unfa- ernment-held territory struggled to were rushed to hospitals in nearby miliar rebel-controlled territory. believe they were under the same tent. opposition-controlled territory, “Where is this village? How am I Abu Obeida, a 33-year-old rebel while others were taken to govern- supposed to know anything about fi ghter, said he helped rescue wound- ment-held Aleppo city. Fatima has no her?” she called out. Nearby, Umm ed civilians after Saturday’s attack, news of Ghadir, her son Adel, 15, her Mohamed, her face scratched and her but acknowledged it was “diffi cult” 13-month-old daughter Rimas, or her left hand wrapped in gauze, was hys- to say how he would have reacted if husband Mohannad. terical. She was fl anked by her two a deal between the two sides had not Only Zahra, seven, is safely at Fa- young boys, whose faces were band- been underway. tima’s side. aged, but her third child was nowhere “But I had to rescue the children The carnage on Saturday came in sight. and the old people,” he added. as thousands gathered to be evacu- “I want information about my son. “It’s a human issue.”

US-allied groups form civilian council to govern Raqqa

Reuters Coalition strikes Beirut kill 20 civilians: monitor S-allied militias in northern Syria an- Air strikes by the US-led Unounced yesterday coalition fighting the Is- the formation of a civilian lamic State group killed 20 council to govern Raqqa civilians in Syria’s eastern after their planned capture Deir Ezzor province, a of the city from Islamic monitor said yesterday. State militants. The Syrian Observatory The Syrian Democratic for Human Rights said the Forces (SDF), which in- deaths came in two sepa- clude a large contingent rate incidents on Monday. from the powerful Kurdish It also reported 10 civilians, YPG militia, has advanced among them nine children, towards Raqqa with the were killed in a suspected help of air strikes and spe- Russian air strike yesterday cial forces from the US-led on a town in the rebel- coalition. controlled province of Idlib. The SDF — made up of both Kurds and Arabs waging a military cam- some towns around Raqqa paign against Islamic State city to the council after — said local offi cials had driving out Islamic State been setting up the coun- militants. cil for six months. The extent of Kurd- Reuters reported last ish control in Raqqa’s fu- month that the politi- ture is sensitive both for cal wing of the SDF was residents and for Ankara, helping to install a civilian which has fought a three- council to run the eastern decade Kurdish insurgen- Syrian city, Islamic State’s cy inside Turkey and fears base of operations in Syria. growing YPG ascendancy A preparatory commit- just over the border in tee met “with the people northern Syria. and important tribal fi g- The United States says ures of Raqqa city to fi nd a fi nal decision has yet to out their opinions on how be made on how and when to govern it”, the SDF said Raqqa will be captured. in a statement. But the SDF is pressing Spokesman Talal Selo its assault near the city to said the SDF would “pro- isolate and ultimately take vide all the support” and Raqqa while plans for ci- had already turned over vilian rule take shape. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 9 ARAB WORLD Mummies discovered in ancient tomb near Luxor

AFP tially said six mummies along Luxor, Egypt with partial remains were dis- covered near the southern city, but said they had later identifi ed gyptian archaeologists two more mummies. have unearthed sev- “There are 10 coffi ns and eight Eeral mummies, colourful mummies. The excavation is on- wooden sarcophagi and more going,” Waziri said. than 1,000 funerary statues in Inside the tomb, archaeolo- a 3,500-year-old tomb near the gists wearing white masks and city of Luxor, hailing an “impor- latex gloves inspected the sar- tant discovery”. cophagi, which were covered The 18th Dynasty tomb con- with intricate drawings in red, taining at least eight mummies blue, black, green, and yellow, was discovered in the Draa Abul and featured the carved faces of Nagaa necropolis near the famed the dead. Valley of the Kings, the antiqui- The coffins were mainly ties ministry said in a statement well-preserved, though some yesterday. had deteriorated and broken It belonged to a nobleman over the years. named Userhat who worked as Archaeologists were also ex- Displaced Iraqis who had fled their homes are seen at Hammam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, yesterday. the city judge. amining a mummy wrapped in It was opened to add more linen which was inside one of mummies during the 21st Dy- the coffins. nasty, about 3,000 years ago, White, orange, green, and to protect them during a period patterned pots were also found when tomb-robbing was com- in the tombs. mon, Mostafa Waziri, the head The necropolis is located of the archaeological mission, across the Nile from Luxor, on said at the site. the west bank, where many of Iraq opens new Tigris “It was a surprise how much the famous ancient Egyptian was being displayed inside,” pharaohs were buried, includ- Antiquities Minister Khaled el- ing Tutankhamun. Enany told reporters outside the The age of the tomb was de- tomb. termined “through the draw- “We found a large number of ings on the ceiling,” said Waziri. Ushabti (small carved fi gurines), “It is a T-shaped tomb bridge escape route more than 1,000 of them,” Enany (which) consists of an open said. court leading into a rectangu- Reuters to the Hammam al-Alil camp, eral positions of Iraq’s federal “This is an important discov- lar hall, a corridor and an inner Mosul southwest of Mosul, the main police near the Old City. ery.” chamber,” the ministry said in a arrival point for people fl eeing “They (Islamic State mili- Ushabti fi gurines were of- statement. the fi ghting. tants) carry out attacks on our ten placed with the deceased in A nine-metre shaft inside raqi’s army has built a new Deliveries from Erbil, located defensive lines, but each time ancient Egyptian tombs to help the tomb held the Ushabti figu- pontoon bridge over the some 80km east in peaceful Ira- we repel them and they run with responsibilities in the af- rines, as well as “wooden masks ITigris river south of Mosul, qi Kurdistan, where aid agencies away, leaving bodies of their terlife. and a handle of a sarcophagus after fl ooding had blocked all are based, had stopped due to dead fighters behind,” Lieu- Antiquities offi cials had ini- lid,” the ministry said. crossing points, opening an es- the fl ooding. tenant Colonel Hussein Lazim cape route for families fl eeing “Everything is back to nor- Zghayer said of the force’s 9th fi ghting between government mal,” said a spokeswoman for division. forces and Islamic State. the UN refugee agency UNHCR. “Minutes ago, they launched On Friday, the army disman- Some 20,000 people have an attack and we responded tled makeshift bridges linking escaped from Mosul in the past by shelling them with mortar the two parts of Mosul due to four days, fewer than before rounds, killing two of them heavy rain, forcing residents due to the lack of transport, the and their bodies were left in leaving Iraq’s second-largest UNHCR said in a report. front of our defensive lines,” city to use small boats. Almost 330,000 people have he said. The city’s permanent bridges fl ed Mosul since Iraq started an Government forces, in- have been largely destroyed operation to expel Islamic State cluding army, police and elite during a six-month military in October. They were some of counter terrorism units have campaign to seize back Mosul the around 400,000 people taken back most of Mosul, in- from the militants, which over- still in western Mosul where A displaced Iraqi man cries as he meets his brother at Hammam al-Alil cluding the half that lies east ran it in 2014. military forces are trying to camp south of Mosul. of the Tigris river. Long queues formed at the dislodge the militants from the The militants are now sur- new bridge yesterday with fam- Old City. of the Grand al-Nuri Mosque, parts of Iraq and Syria. rounded in northwestern Mo- ilies crossing in public buses, Fighting continued in the from where Islamic State lead- Aircraft, helicopter and ar- sul, using booby traps, sniper Members of an Egyptian archaeological team work on a wooden coff in trucks and taxis. Old City where heavy smoke er Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi de- tillery opened fire, while gun- and mortar fire against the as- discovered in a 3,500-year-old tomb in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis, Aid shipments also resumed could be seen from the area clared a “caliphate” spanning fire could also be heard at sev- sailants. near the southern city of Luxor, yesterday.

Trapped civilians could face worst catastrophe: UN

Reuters there is a siege and hundreds of including the historic Old City, members and their supporters. Erbil, Iraq thousands of people don’t have countering the offensive with The narrow alleyways of the water and don’t have food, they booby traps, suicide motorbike at- Old City restrict the use of suicide will be at enormous risk,” UN hu- tacks, sniper and mortar fire, oc- cars by the militants and tanks, he battle to dislodge Islam- manitarian co-ordinator for Iraq casionally using shells filled with armoured personnel carriers and ic State from the Old City Lise Grande told Reuters in a tel- toxic gas. Humvees by the government forc- Tof Mosul, where hundreds ephone interview. “It is a deteriorating situation, es. of thousands of Iraqi civilians are “We could be facing a humani- we fear for the lives of the 400,000 The fighting has killed several trapped, could turn into the worst tarian catastrophe, perhaps the people in the old city,” said Grande. thousands among civilians and humanitarian catastrophe in the war worst in the entire conflict.” “Families...tell us that they are fighters on both sides, according to against the militants, the United Na- Mosul, the largest city in north- being shot at as they are escaping. aid organisations. tions warned yesterday. ern Iraq, was captured by the ul- It’s terrifying.” More than 327,000 have fled in About 400,000 civilians, or a tra-hardline fighters in mid-2014. Residents who have managed to the past six months. quarter of Mosul’s pre-war popu- Iraqi government forces have escape from the Old City have said “The security forces know the lation, are trapped in the Old City, taken back most of it in a US- there is almost nothing to eat but situation on the ground and they according to UN estimates. backed offensive launched in Oc- flour mixed with water and boiled need to decide how this is best As many as half a million are tober, including the half that lies wheat grain. done, whether by evacuating ci- estimated to remain overall in east of the Tigris River. What little food remains is too vilians or protecting them in their neighbourhoods still under IS The militants are now surround- expensive for most residents to homes or opening routes they can control in western Mosul. “If ed in the northwestern quarter afford, or kept for Islamic State escape through,” said Grande.

Police arrest church bombings suspect

AFP Sunday explosions, the of- Cairo fi cial said. Hassan was arrested in the southern province of Qena, gyptian police yes- from where the two suicide terday arrested a bombers also came. Eman wanted for al- The interior ministry had leged involvement in twin raised a reward for informa- church bombings this month tion leading to the suspects’ claimed by the Islamic State arrests to 500,000 pounds group, an offi cial said. ($27,518). The Palm Sunday Acting on a tip-off , po- bombings followed an earlier lice arrested Ali Mahmoud attack by a suicide bomber Mohamed Hassan, one of 19 who detonated his explosives suspects whose names police in a packed Cairo church in made public after the Palm December, killing 29 people. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 AFRICA

MARGINALISED ‘GROTESQUE’ REPAIRED POLITICS Cameroon doctor strike UN rights chief slams ‘rape Abuja airport reopens after Zambia opposition leader leaves patients unseen chants’ by Burundi youth six-week shutdown claims attack during arrest

A doctors’ strike in Cameroon left patients The UN rights chief yesterday condemned the Nigeria yesterday reopened the capital’s airport in Zambia’s main opposition leader Hakainde without critical care in the capital Yaoude, the feared youth wing of Burundi’s ruling party for Abuja, off icials said, following a six-week closure Hichilema yesterday claimed he was assault latest in a string of union actions that have repeatedly calling for the rape and murder of for runway repairs that disrupted international by police during his arrest as he appeared in crippled a country in the midst of political crisis. opposition supporters. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said air traff ic to the country. During the shutdown, court on charges of obstructing the presidential The doctors union, known as SYMEC, demanded the calls for violence — which often took the form of authorities diverted flights to Kaduna, a provincial motorcade. The leader of the United Party for better working conditions and pay and left nurses songs or chants — by members of the Imbonerakure airport 160km away, where carriers including British National Development (UPND), who appeared to attend to sick patients in some of Yaounde’s youth wing of the CNND-FDD party amounted to a Airways, Lufthansa and South African Airways before a magistrates court, is facing two major hospitals. The strike adds to the turmoil “campaign of terror.” “The grotesque rape chants by refused to fly on security grounds. Ethiopian separate charges over the alleged incident, in the central African country where protests the young men of the Imbonerakure across several Airlines was the only foreign carrier to use Kaduna which occurred on the weekend of April 8-9. One have erupted since October in the Anglophone provinces in various parts of Burundi are deeply airport during the closure. Other international of the charges is treason which will be heard south- and northwest regions. Teachers and alarming — particularly because they confirm airlines continued to fly into Nigeria’s commercial at a later date in the High Court. Police went to lawyers have been on strike for months to protest what we have been hearing from those who have capital Lagos. “Abuja runway 100 % completed arrest him on April 11, with Hichilema telling the Zambian opposition leader Hakainde ‘marginalisation’ by the French-speaking majority fled Burundi about a campaign of fear and terror and certified by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,” magistrate that they had attacked and tear- Hichilema waves to supporters from a police van under President Paul Biya’s 35-year rule. by this organised militia,” Zeid said in a statement. aviation minister Hadi Sirika wrote on Twitter. gassed him in an ordeal that lasted 15 hours. as he leaves a courtroom in Lusaka yesterday. Famine looms in Nigeria Reuters hit by allegations of offi cials steal- Dakar ing and selling aid, and having sex with women in exchange for food. Alakija said the Borno state gov- he devastation wrought by ernment had taken measures to Boko Haram, which has left improve protection eff orts — such Tmillions of people in north- as having more female offi cials east Nigeria on the brink of famine, in camps for the displaced — and could exacerbate Europe’s migra- tackle corruption. tion crisis if the world fails to act “But you need to put such in- urgently, the country’s chief hu- cidents in the wider context of Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe reviews the guard of honour during the country’s 37th Independence Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare. manitarian co-ordinator said. widespread suff ering and despera- Nearly 5mn people in the region tion,” she said. “We need to tackle are desperately hungry and risk the root cause of the crisis, not just starving to death this year if they these symptoms.” do not receive food aid, according The humanitarian response has Mugabe impatient over pace of reforms in mining sector to fi gures from the United Nations. also been fraught at times due to This could drive even more Ni- tensions between the state and in- gerians to fl ee the country and at- ternational aid agencies. Reuters years, pressured mining fi rms to transfer ates more than 50% of export earnings, Platinum miners currently ship their tempt the perilous journey to Eu- The president’s spokesman in Harare majority stakes to black ownership un- holds signifi cant mineral deposits and matte to neighbouring South Africa for rope via the Mediterranean Sea, December said aid agencies, in- der a 2008 law and to cede some claims. the world’s top two platinum producers, processing. unless the international commu- cluding the United Nations, were “There is a lot of work which is go- Impala Platinum and Anglo American While Mugabe’s government has sig- nity ramps up support and funds, exaggerating levels of hunger to get imbabwe’s mining industry needs ing on in that sector, not least the reor- Platinum, have operations there. nalled plans to relax the ownership rules said Ayoade Alakija, Nigeria’s hu- more funding from donors, while to be “reorganised” so that it con- ganisation whose completion we impa- Mining has also overtaken agriculture for existing mines, it has shifted its fo- manitarian co-ordinator. Borno’s state governor in January Ztributes more towards the African tiently await,” Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s sole as the leading provider of employment, cus to seizing land owned by foreign “With so many people facing fam- said many of the groups were prof- country’s economy, President Robert ruler since independence in 1980, told after the Mugabe government started mines, which it claims to be idle. ine, this is the wrong time to criticise iting from the crisis. Mugabe said yesterday. thousands at a rally to mark the south- seizing white-owned farms to resettle “Much is expected from this impor- us and simply say ‘You are the giant “This arose from a lack of under- Although Mugabe did not give details ern African country’s 37th independ- landless blacks in 2000. The govern- tant sector. It must play its part towards of Africa’. The world could see a mass standing and the fact that Nigeria on what form the transformation would ence anniversary in a Harare stadium. ment has also leaned on producers to this overall development vision we exodus from a country of 180mn has never faced this kind of situa- take, his government has, in recent Zimbabwe, where mining gener- invest in local refi nery facilities. have,” Mugabe said. people if support is not given, and tion before...there is no denial of the fast...if people facing famine fall into scale of the crisis within the country, famine,” she told the Thomson Reu- but rather incredulity around what ters Foundation in an interview in the has been going on,” Alakija said. Senegalese capital of Dakar. “For the fi rst six years of the in- While the European Union has surgency, the previous government DR Congo opposition demands probe into expensive passports been strained by the infl ux of 1.6mn did not adequately acknowledge or refugees and migrants between respond to it,” she said. “It was not 2014 and 2016, a greater number of until (President Muhammadu) Bu- Agencies According to a person with direct problem of the scandal taking place in the enterprise” gets $120, but denied any people in northeast Nigeria, some hari came to power (in 2015) that Kinshasa knowledge of the country’s passport republic today — the scandal of the pass- impropriety. 1.8mn, are displaced and unable or Nigeria, and the world, woke up deal, the UAE-registered company — ports,” Tshisekedi said. “Tshibala should “There is no individual, no biological unwilling to go home, Alakija added. and smelt the coff ee.” which receives $60 for every passport show his independence by resolving this family, no political family, no infl uential “For Nigeria, this is an unprec- With Boko Haram’s insurgency pposition leaders in Democratic issued — is owned by Makie Makolo problem and then we will speak.” person whatsoever, of whatever entou- edented humanitarian crisis of in its eighth year and showing little Republic of Congo have called Wangoi, believed to be a close relative of Claudel Andre Lubaya, an opposition rage who has any interest in this,” he said. large magnitude. We, and the wider sign of ending, many aid agencies are Oon national authorities to inves- Congo President Joseph Kabila. member of parliament and former pro- Corruption is endemic in the vast world, were largely unprepared for thinking beyond just emergency aid, tigate a report by Reuters last week that Neither the Congolese presidency nor vincial governor, also called on the at- Central African state. it,” she said, adding that Nigeria and considering how best to foster most of the money paid by Congolese Wangoi or Semlex responded to requests torney general to investigate the matter. Kabila’s counsellor on graft and mon- was struggling to respond as it deals and improve long-term development citizens for new passports goes overseas. for comment on last week’s story. The youth activist group Lucha react- ey laundering said in 2015 that the coun- with its fi rst recession in 25 years. and resilience-building eff orts. Documents reviewed by Reuters of a Felix Tshisekedi, speaking to reporters ed to the story by saying on Twitter that try loses up to $15bn a year to fraud, or Boko Haram’s eight-year insur- “The government is tackling the 2015 deal between Congo’s government in the capital, Kinshasa, said the main Congo “is hostage to a band of thieves roughly three times the annual budget. gency to carve out an Islamic state crisis on several fronts, not just and a Belgian company called Semlex to opposition bloc that he leads would only and criminals.” Kabila also faces calls from the opposi- in northeast Nigeria has killed at handing out food parcels,” said produce biometric passports show that speak to incoming Prime Minister Bruno In a television interview on Tele 50, tion to step down this year after he refused least 20,000 people and forced Alakija.”We are focusing on rebuild- most of the $185 price for a new passport Tshibala once he takes action over the vice minister of foreign aff airs Yves Ki- to quit power at the end of his constitu- some 2mn to fl ee their homes. ing entire communities, so that peo- goes to Semlex and a small company passport aff air. sombe confi rmed that the Treasury re- tional mandate in December, citing delays The state’s handling of the situ- ple can go back to their homes, jobs, called LRPS in the United Arab Emirates. “He should start by resolving the ceives $65 per passport while “a private organising an election to replace him. ation in northeast Nigeria has been and resume their lives as normal.” Cowdung off ers mixed energy results for rural Zimbabweans

By Lungelo Ndhlovu, Reuters She no longer worries about farms and institutions, and some governmental organisation in lent to communities to build a Filabusi, Zimbabwe making the lunch hour and din- 250 home units — well short of Matabeleland South. digester and paid back after they ner schedule. the project’s aim of 7,400 home “Right now biogas products, have sold their crops, said Sandra There is also no shortage of digesters by 2017. even refrigerators, come from Gobvu, a spokeswoman for En- rene Moyo, a cook at Phanga- student and staff volunteers to “Considering the high costs China but they can be modelled vironment Africa, an NGO that ni Vocational Training Cen- feed cow dung into the digester, associated with constructing and produced here...This will has also been backing the use of Itre, no longer wakes up at as the payoff is warm bathing biogas digesters for many rural also create jobs for our people,” biogas in Zimbabwe. dawn to prepare breakfast for the water on chilly mornings. households, the uptake has been said Mudokwani. They can also earn money from students. Biogas — the process of pro- good,” said Blessing Jonga, biogas People in rural areas can mould selling the nutrient-rich manure Until the institution installed a ducing energy by fermenting expert at the Ministry of Energy their own bricks and crush quar- which is a by-product of the di- manure-fed biogas digester three waste — is gaining in popular- and Power Development. ry stone which will also reduce gesters, she said. years ago, the mother of fi ve ity around the world as a way of He said home units can cost the costs of building a digester, The $3mn push, which is due to spent two hours a day collecting reducing reliance on fossil fuels, $800 and institutional units said Mudokwani. end this year, aims to help Zim- fi rewood in the nearby moun- cutting deforestation and pro- $2,000 or more, with cement the “This way, we will beat the babweans run everything from tains to meet the school’s heating viding cheap, reliable and easy- biggest expense. cost associated with setting up hospitals, clinics and schools to and cooking needs. to-produce local energy. People also have to buy stoves, digesters and roll out the pro- commercial dairy farms on bi- “It was very exhausting... It has proved an attraction lamps and refrigerators designed gramme more widely in Zimba- ogas power. because of the distance to the in rural areas, beyond national to run on biogas. bwe,” Mudokwani added. The national Rural Electrifi ca- mountain, chopping fi rewood power grids, where animal dung Despite the challenges, Zim- In the meantime, the govern- tion Agency and its partners will and pushing the wheelbarrow,” is plentiful but fi rewood is be- babwe is pushing to scale up bi- ment has made imported solar continue to fund and promote bi- said 43 year-old Moyo, who coming harder to access. ogas use, said Dumisani Nyoni, and biogas products duty free, to ogas after the project ends, Nyoni works in Matabeleland South But a $3mn project to roll out Matabelelend North Provincial help cut costs, said Jonga. said. province in southwestern Zim- biogas across Zimbabwe, set up offi cer for the Agriculture Min- Agriculture and mechanisa- Stella Nyanhete, a farmer who babwe. by the government in partnership istry. tion offi cer with the Agriculture has installed a biogas digester for “It became much tougher with development organisations “We realise that with shortag- Ministry, George Chinyama, said her home in Mashonaland Cen- when it was wet, as fi rewood SNV and Hivos International, es of electricity in Zimbabwe and households can get around the tral province, said it had proved produced a lot of smoke which has had a low take-up in most Africa in general, there is need to high set-up costs by saving as a good source of energy for cook- aff ected my eyes,” she said. rural areas. think (of) renewable energy and Communal farmers lead cattle as they plant maize crops in Mvuma communities. ing and lighting. The biogas stove lights in- Cost is a problem, in a country promote the use of biogas and district of Zimbabwe. “That way they can also ap- The manure from six cattle is stantly and is quicker at boiling where 20% of the population live solar systems,” Nyoni said. proach the Ministry of Energy to enough to run her digester. sugar beans, eggs, sorghum por- on less than $1.90 a day. One way to cut costs and ex- stoves, lamps and other equip- mate change and disaster risk assist them,” said Chinyama. “It’s a resource that never runs ridge and tea for the 200 stu- Over the last fi ve years, about pand biogas use is to train lo- ment, said Kuda Mudokwani, reduction at the Fambidzanai Some district councils have set out as long as we have cattle that dents. 40 digesters have been built at cal technicians to make biogas a researcher specialising in cli- Permaculture Centre, a non- up revolving funds which can be produce dung,” she said. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 11 AMERICA

AVIATION CRIME ACCIDENT INQUIRY SCIENCE Boeing to lay off hundreds Rape charge against Army helicopter crash No clues on how Prince Frog excretes mucus that more engineers: source former NFL player dropped leaves one dead procured fentanyl fights flu: study

Boeing Co warned employees on Monday it A felony rape charge against former San A Black Hawk US Army helicopter crashed on Police investigating the death a year ago of pop A frog in India excretes a mucus from its skin that planned another round of involuntary layoff s Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald a Maryland golf course on Monday, killing one star Prince found numerous opioids scattered could one day help people fight off types of flu that would aff ect hundreds of engineers at was dismissed on Monday because his accuser crewmember and seriously injuring two others, around his home but appear not to have identified viruses. The colourful, tennis ball-sized frog is known its commercial airplanes unit, according to a did not want to testify, prosecutors said. the military said. The UH-60 Black Hawk from Fort where or who supplied the dose of fentanyl that as Hydrophylax bahuvistara, said the report in journal source and a memo seen by Reuters. The latest McDonald was arrested in 2015 on the rape Belvoir, Virginia, made a “hard landing” shortly caused his death, according to court documents Immunity. “Diff erent frogs make diff erent peptides, job cuts followed a prior involuntary reduction charge after a woman said he sexually assaulted before 2pm EDT (1800 GMT) near Leonardtown, unsealed yesterday. Some of the strong painkillers depending on where their habitat is. You and I make of 245 workers set for May 19 as the company her at a party at his home. “Despite my best Maryland, about 56km southeast of Washington, found at the musician’s Paisley Park complex host defence peptides ourselves,” said flu specialist responded to increasing competition and slowing eff orts to convince the victim to testify, she base spokeswoman Jennifer Brande said. One outside Minneapolis had prescriptions in the and study co-author Joshy Jacob of Emory University. aircraft sales. The additional layoff s are due to refused,” Deputy Santa Clara County District of those injured was in critical condition and name of his friend and bodyguard, the aff idavits “It’s a natural innate immune mediator that all living start June 23, according to the memo from John Attorney Chris Lamiero said in a statement. the other in serious condition at the University and search warrants showed. The probe included organisms maintain. We just happened to find one Hamilton, vice president of engineering at Boeing “That is her legal right.” A current member of of Maryland’s R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma searches of Prince’s computer, cellphone records that the frog makes that just happens to be eff ective Commercial Airplanes. “We are moving forward the 49ers, linebacker Ahmad Brooks, still faces Center, the Army said in a statement. The Army of his friends and interviews with his associates. In against the H1 influenza type.” When researchers with a second phase of involuntary layoff s for sexual battery in a case involving the same did not release the names of the crewmembers. October 2016 it was termed “an active homicide delivered small electric shocks, they collected the some select skills in Washington state and other woman at the same party, said Sean Webby, a The helicopter were conducting a routine training investigation” in the documents, but no one has excretion that contained a peptide, or chain of amino enterprise locations,” the memo said. spokesman for the district attorney’s off ice. flight, the Army said. been criminally charged. acids, that appears to fight off the H1 strain of flu virus. Trump to Bunny on a roll seek change in rules on H-1B visas

Reuters graduate student workers. Washington Companies say they use vi- sas to recruit top talent. More than 15% of Facebook Inc’s US S President Donald employees in 2016 used a tem- Trump was to sign an porary work visa, according to Uexecutive order yes- a Reuters analysis of US Labor terday directing federal agen- Department fi lings. cies to recommend changes to A majority of the H-1B visas a temporary visa programme are, however, awarded to out- used to bring foreign workers sourcing fi rms, sparking criti- to the United States to fi ll high- cism by sceptics who say those skilled jobs. fi rms use the visas to fi ll lower- Two senior Trump adminis- level jobs. Critics also say the tration offi cials who briefed re- lottery system benefi ts out- porters at the White House said sourcing fi rms that fl ood the Trump will also use the “buy system with mass applications. American and hire American” The senior offi cial said the President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, their son Barron and the Easter Bunny arrive for the 139th annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of order to seek changes in gov- end result of how the system the White House in Washington. ernment procurement practic- currently works is that foreign es to increase the purchase of workers are often brought in at American products in federal less pay to replace American contracts. workers, “violating the princi- Trump is to sign the order ple of the programme”. when he visits the world head- Indian nationals are by far quarters of Snap-On Inc, a the largest group of recipients tool manufacturer in Kenosha, of the H-1B visas issued each Wisconsin. year to new applicants. The order is an attempt by NASSCOM, the Indian IT Trump to carry out his “Amer- service industry’s main lobby Facebook killer takes ica First” campaign pledges to group, said it supports eff orts reform US immigration poli- to root out any abuses occur- cies and encourage purchases ring in the H-1B system, but of American products. slammed allegations against The order he will sign will the sector, saying the idea that call for “the strict enforcement H-1B visa holders are cheap la- of all laws governing entry into bour, is inaccurate and a cam- own life after chase the United States of labour from paign to discredit the sector. abroad for the stated purpose It warned that any onerous Stephens is thought to have been tragedies like this from happening.” him after learning about the video, and he Police expressed regret that Stephens of creating higher wages and additional restrictions to the mentally unstable Authorities in Cleveland have urged a had told her he was shooting people be- had taken his own life. higher employment rates for visa programme would “hurt nationwide debate on the issue of violence cause he was “mad with his girlfriend”. “There might be people out there in workers in the United States”, thousands of US businesses AFP posted to social media, and to fi nd answers The incident was the latest in a string of similar situations and we could fi nd out one of the senior offi cials said. and their eff orts to be more New York to the plague of gun crime. disturbing crimes captured on Facebook why he did what he did,” said Williams. It will call on the depart- competitive”, by hindering ac- The manhunt ended when police re- video, including the alleged gang rape of a “If you’re feeling, you know, not quite ments of Labor, Justice, Home- cess to needed talent. ceived a tip off shortly after 11am (1500 15-year-old girl, two fatal shootings, and right and if there are things going on in land Security and State to take NASSCOM said it would US hunt for the gunman accused of GMT) that Stephens was sitting in a white the kidnapping and torture of a disabled your life that you need assistance with, action to crack down on what comment further when there murdering a grandfather and post- Ford Fusion vehicle in a McDonald’s park- 18-year-old man. you need to reach out and call somebody. the offi cial called “fraud and are specifi c proposals under Aing the crime on Facebook ended ing lot near Erie Pennsylvania, just over “I think everybody has learned from And we’ll get you that help,” he added. abuse” in the US immigration consideration. yesterday with the suspect killing himself the border from Ohio. this,” said Williams. Members of Godwin’s family had of- system to protect American The Indian commerce min- after a brief pursuit with police in Penn- “There was a short pursuit in which “This is something that should not have fered Stephens their forgiveness. workers. istry, which has been liaising sylvania. the vehicle was stopped. As the offi cers been shared around the world, period. Our “I don’t want that man to die, I want The order will call on those with the US on the visa issue, Steve Stephens, 37, thought to have approached that vehicle, Steve Stephens kids, although they should not have seen him brought to justice,” one of his sons, four federal departments to declined to comment. been mentally unstable, had been on the took his own life,” Cleveland police chief this, I’m sure a lot have. They need to take Robby Miller, told CNN. propose reforms to ensure A senior ministry offi cial run after allegedly shooting dead 74-year- Calvin Williams said. this as a lesson. We can’t do this in this “This particular incident received a lot H-1B visas are awarded to the said it would wait for “actual old Robert Godwin Sr on Easter Sunday, Stephens, who had been described as country. We just can’t.” of attention and rightfully so,” Cleveland most skilled or highest paid action” before making any of- seemingly at random in broad daylight in armed and dangerous, had been on the Facebook took down Stephens’s videos Mayor Frank Jackson told reporters. applicant. fi cial comment. Cleveland, Ohio. FBI’s Most Wanted list with authorities and disabled his account about two hours “We cannot resolve this underlying is- H-1B visas are intended for India’s No 2 IT Services fi rm The murder and a video later posted off ering up to $50,000 in rewards for in- after he fi rst started uploading. sue of violence particularly gun violence foreign nationals in “specialty” Infosys has said it is ramping to Facebook sparked outrage across the formation leading to his arrest. Justin Osofsky, vice president of global if we do not function and operate and have occupations that generally re- up work on on-site develop- world and renewed scrutiny of the grow- According to a timeline of events pieced operations for the social media giant, ac- the same compassion and commitment quire higher education, which ment centres in the United ing number of grisly videos being posted together by police and Facebook, Stephens knowledged in a company blog post, that that we’ve shown here,” Jackson said. according to US Citizenship States to train local talent in a on social media. posted a video on Sunday afternoon say- the delay was too long. It was not immediately clear how long and Immigration Services (US- bid to address the visa regula- Facebook has since removed the foot- ing he intended to kill, and followed up “As a result of this terrible series of Stephens had been in Erie, an area of re- CIS) includes, but is not lim- tion changes under considera- age, and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg two minutes later with video of Godwin’s events, we are reviewing our reporting mote woodland, farms and barns. ited to, scientists, engineers or tion. Infosys also warned on an acknowledged yesterday that the world’s shooting. In a third video 11 minutes later, fl ows to be sure people can report videos Police initially searched the area on computer programmers. investor call last week that its largest social network had a role to play in streamed live from Stephens’s car, he said and other material that violates our stand- Sunday. Stephens worked for a behaviour- The government uses a lot- operating margin forecast for stemming the worrisome trend. he intended to kill others. ards as easily and quickly as possible,” he al health agency serving children through tery to award 65,000 visas fi scal 2018 may get impacted “There is a lot of work to do here,” Police currently believe that Godwin is said. mental health services, foster care and every year and randomly dis- by onerous changes to US visa he told a developers’ conference. “And the only known victim. More than 400 tips had poured in before adoption, at-risk youth and other pro- tributes another 20,000 to rules. we will keep doing all we can to prevent Stephens’s mother told CNN she called the suspect was spotted in Pennsylvania. grammes. President blames Obama for formation of MS-13

AFP to their countries of origin — In an interview that aired yes- El Salvador police confi scated I’m dealing with China with great to have come when he met with told AFP that the ships remained Washington contributing to the explosive terday on Fox, Trump said his money and weapons in a prison respect. I have great respect for Xi at his Mar-a-Lago estate in off the northwest coast of Aus- spread of crime in the region. administration has kicked out controlled by Salvatrucha gang him. Now, we’ll see what he can Florida on April 6-7. tralia. Domestic crime blamed on dangerous immigrants, though members. do.” A US aircraft carrier the Navy A Navy photograph showed the resident Donald Trump MS-13 include the murder of he didn’t specify that they were US President Donald Trump “What am I going to do? In the had said was heading toward the Vinson off Java over the weekend. yesterday blamed — with- four Hispanic youths last week gang members. praised China for its help in pres- middle of him talking with North Korean Peninsula amid rising “They are going to start head- Pout proof — his predeces- in New York state, as well as 11 “I’m talking about illegal im- suring North Korea, while de- Korea I’m going to hit them with tensions has not yet started sail- ing north towards the Sea of Ja- sor Barack Obama for allowing people killed in Suff olk County, migrants that were here that fending his softening stance on currency manipulation? This is ing to the region, a US defence pan within next 24 hours,” the the MS-13 criminal gang to take New York last year, including two caused tremendous crime that trade and other issues with the the fake media that just does a offi cial acknowledged yesterday. offi cial said on condition of ano- root in US cities. teens murdered with machetes have murdered people, raped Asian giant, in an interview that number,” he said, speaking Mon- The Navy on April 8 said it was nymity. The MS-13, also known as the and baseball bats. people; horrible things have hap- aired yesterday. day on the sidelines of the annual directing a naval strike group The offi cial added that the Mara Salvatrucha, is one of the The FBI formed a special task pened. They are getting the hell In the comments to Fox News, White House Easter egg roll. headed by the USS Carl Vinson strike group wouldn’t be in the criminal groups behind a wave of force in 2004 — before Obama out, or they are going to prison,” Trump cited the strength of his “Think of it. He’s working so supercarrier to “sail north” as region before next week at the violence in Guatemala, Honduras took offi ce — focused on inves- Trump told Fox. newfound relationship with nicely. Many coal ships have been a “prudent measure” to deter earliest — it is thousands of nau- and El Salvador. tigating and prosecuting MS-13 Trump claimed that “we President Xi Jinping in explain- sent back, fuel has been sent North Korea. tical miles from the Java Sea to The gang was formed in Los members. never did anything about it, ing why he has dropped his past back. They’re not dealing the Pentagon chief Jim Mattis on the Sea of Japan. Angeles by Salvadoran immi- “The weak illegal immigration and now we’re doing something criticism of China. same way. Nobody’s ever seen April 11 said the Vinson was “on At the time of the strike group’s grants fl eeing civil war in the policies of the Obama Adminis- about it.” “Now, what am I going to do? it like that. Nobody’s ever seen her way up” to the peninsula and deployment, many media outlets 1980s. The gang, however, re- tration allowed bad MS 13 gangs Last week, Guatemalan au- Start a trade war with China such a positive response on our President Donald Trump the next said the ships were steaming to- mains active in the United States. to form in cities across US. We thorities arrested two Salva- while in the middle of him work- behalf from China.” day said: “We are sending an ar- ward North Korea, when in fact US offi cials deported several are removing them fast!” Trump dorans accused of being Mara ing on a bigger problem, frankly, The turning point in Trump’s mada. Very powerful.” they had temporarily headed in gang members in the early 2000s wrote on Twitter. leaders, while in neighbouring with North Korea?” he said. “So, relationship with China appears But a defence offi cial yesterday the opposite direction. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 AMERICAS

Uber may be forced Activists rally in Washington to add tip feature

Reuters porters that was organised by San Francisco the Independent Drivers Guild. The guild, set up last year to advocate for drivers, started a ide-services company campaign last summer to pres- Uber Technologies Inc sure Uber to add a tipping fea- Rmay be required to pro- ture in its app. vide passengers a way to tip Uber was “unable to move their drivers, despite its long- on the option”, said guild standing resistance, if a plan by founder Jim Conigliaro, so the New York City’s taxi regulator guild brought the issue to the is implemented. taxi commission. The New York City Taxi and Any tipping proposal faces Limousine Commission said a protracted process before it on Monday that it plans to pro- becomes a rule Uber must fol- pose a rule no later than July low. that would require all for-hire The taxi commission has the vehicles to allow passengers authority to initiate rulemak- to tip drivers using the same ing on its own, but rules must method they use to pay for the be certifi ed by city legal au- ride. thorities. In Uber’s case, this would There is also 30-day public involve adding a tipping fea- comment period and public ture within the its smartphone hearing, and a board of com- app. missioners votes on the fi nal The commission said its rule. proposal is a response to driver “We have not seen the pro- concerns over falling wages, as posal and look forward to re- Uber has reduced fares in New viewing it,” said Uber spokes- York City and across the coun- woman Alix Anfang. try. Tips could help boost driv- Adding a tipping feature to ers’ income. Uber’s app would remove one Uber has said previously signifi cant diff erence between it opposed tipping because Uber and its chief US competi- it was an inconvenience to tor, Lyft. passengers and slowed the Lyft has a smaller market transaction between rider and share but is the preferred serv- driver. ice of many drivers because “I found myself having to it allows tipping through the work longer hours away from smartphone app. my family to earn the same Lyft said in March that its money,” Luiny Tavares, who drivers have earned more than has driven for Uber for fi ve $200mn in tips since the com- years, said on a call with re- pany’s founding. A Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle, Washington.

Police arrest suspect Rampage in jogger’s murder Arkansas vows to suspect Reuters The suspect’s DNA matched Massachusetts that of samples taken from dies in cell Marcotte’s hands. Similarly, DNA recovered assachusetts police from beneath the fi ngernails Reuters have arrested a man of the victim in the New York Seattle Min connection with case matched that of a suspect pursue executions the August killing of woman who was taken into custody in who had been out jogging in February. Execution has been stayed Rutledge’s statement came declined to challenge the stay tion mix, the valium-like seda- he gunman accused of the woods, a case that closely The Massachusetts suspect over Don Davis’ mental moments after the US Supreme ordered for Ward. tive midazolam, expires at the killing fi ve people during resembled a second daylight was charged with aggravated competency Court denied her request to “While this has been an ex- end of April. Ta shooting rampage last murder in New York City less assault and battery and assault vacate a stay issued by the Ar- hausting day for all involved, Attorneys for the eight were year inside a Washington state than a week earlier. with attempt to rape, and more Reuters kansas Supreme Court on the tomorrow we will continue to likely to appeal the federal ap- shopping mall has been found With the arrest of 31-year- charges could be forthcoming, Arkansas execution that was scheduled fi ght back on last minute ap- peals court ruling to the US Su- dead in his jail cell, a local offi cial old Angelo Colon-Ortiz in the prosecutors said in a state- on Monday for Don Davis, sen- peals and eff orts to block justice preme Court. said on Monday. Massachusetts case on Friday, ment. tenced to die for the 1990 slay- for the victims’ families,” said They fi led a separate petition Arcan Cetin, who was being authorities now have identifi ed Colon-Ortiz was being held rkansas’ attorney general ing of Jane Daniel, 62, during a Governor Asa Hutchinson in a for stays on Monday with the US held on fi ve counts of aggravated suspects in both cases, which on $10mn bail and was due to and governor are vowing home burglary. statement. Supreme Court over a proce- murder, was found hanging in are not believed to be related. appear in Leominster district Ato pursue a series of exe- The legal fi ght in Arkan- In a separate ruling on Mon- dural matter. his cell at the Snohomish County Vanessa Marcotte, a court on Tuesday. cutions scheduled over the next sas, which last put someone to day, the 8th US Circuit Court The state also argued that US jail on Sunday night, according 27-year-old account manager A breakthrough in the case two weeks even after the state’s death 12 years ago, came after of Appeals in St Louis over- District Judge Kristine Baker to Rosemary Kaholokula, a pros- for Google in New York City, came when a Massachusetts Supreme Court halted the fi rst the number of US executions ruled a lower court decision abused her discretion on Sat- ecutor with the Skagit County was found with her body par- state trooper spotted a man two lethal injections hours be- fell to a quarter-century low in that had blocked the state’s urday when she ruled about po- prosecutor’s offi ce. tially burned on August 7 in the driving a vehicle who matched fore they were to take place. 2016. original plan to put eight in- tential harm from midazolam. He had been evaluated by doc- Massachusetts town of Prin- a description of the suspect in Attorney General Leslie Capital punishment in several mates to death. The drug has been used in tors at Western State psychiatric ceton, where she was visiting Marcotte’s killing, prosecutors Rutledge said she will continue states was stymied by problems On April 6, US District Judge J fl awed executions in Oklahoma hospital and the results of the family. said. to seek justice for the families of with lethal-injection drugs and P Marshall halted one of the ex- and Arizona. mental competency exam were Her murder followed the The trooper wrote the li- victims and pursue two execu- legal questions over their pro- ecutions, saying the expedited Critics contend it does not expected at a hearing next week, August 2 killing of 30-year- cense plate number on his tions scheduled for Thursday, tocols. schedule did not allow proper put a person in a deep enough she said. old Karina Vetrano, who was hand and later visited the home a pair set for April 24 and one Davis and fellow inmate time for considering clemency state of unconsciousness and Cetin, 20, a Turkish-born legal strangled in the New York City of the suspect, who provided a planned for April 27. Bruce Ward, both of whom have for inmate Jason McGehee, who should not be used in execu- US resident, confessed to police borough of Queens while out DNA sample, prosecutors said. “I will continue to respond spent more than 20 years on is one of the inmates set to die tions. investigators that he had brought a on an isolated jogging path. “The arrest was the result of to any and all legal challenges death row, were scheduled to on April 27. In 2014, Oklahoma was the .22-calibre rifl e into a department “We got him,” Worces- hard work by police who tire- brought by the prisoners,” she die on Monday night before the Critics have contended that last state to try carrying out two store at the Cascade Mall in Burl- ter County District Attorney lessly investigated this case said in a statement late on Mon- Arkansas Supreme Court, in a Arkansas’ rush to the death executions on the same night, ington, Washington, on Septem- Joseph Early Jr told a news con- from the day of Ms. day.” The families have waited 4-3 decision, stayed the execu- chamber was reckless. The state an eff ort that went awry. ber 23, 2016, and shot fi ve people. ference Saturday announcing Marcotte’s death,” Early far too long to see justice, and I tions after their lawyers raised has said it had to act quickly Texas conducted the last suc- Offi cials found no evidence link- the arrest. said. will continue to make that a pri- questions about their mental because one of the drugs in its cessful dual executions in the ing Cetin to any known Islamist ority.” competency. Rutledge’s offi ce diffi cult-to-obtain lethal injec- United States in 2000. militant groups or individuals. Man to be sentenced for 1979 murder Teenaged ‘Cash me ousside’

Reuters missing child cases until police New York arrested Hernandez in May 2012 after receiving a tip. star makes hay as viral villain Hernandez, who worked in he former delicates- a bodega near the bus stop, Reuters her catchphrase, has drawn endorse- has endorsed products such as clothing divided opinion on the recent season of sen worker convicted of confessed to strangling the boy Los Angeles ments from brands that experts say are company FashionNova, teeth grills and ABC reality show The Bachelor for tactics Tkilling 6-year-old Etan and then leaving his body in a likely paying her thousands of dollars weightloss drink FitTea. that included going topless, walked away Patz was due to be sentenced box outside. to post about their products, a personal Brands could be paying her up to from the show with more than 720,000 yesterday, nearly 40 years af- His lawyers argued that the hen Barbara Ann Bregoli ap- line of emojis and a deal for a reality TV $50,000, said Rishabh Sharma, CEO of Instagram fans. ter the boy’s disappearance admission was the result of peared on CBS’s Dr Phil show show. Poletus, which provides marketing tools to The Miami native is moving on from in New York City helped raise police coercion as well as men- Win December to get advice about A representative for Bregoli declined re- brands and infl uencers. The Bachelor with a clothing line launched national awareness about the tal illness that made it diffi cult how to control her car-stealing teenage quests for an interview. Attempts to reach Los Angeles-based clothing brand Piz- this month and plans to write a book, cre- plight of abducted children. for Hernandez to separate fan- daughter, nobody could have predicted her mother by phone were unsuccessful. zaSlime, helmed by creative directors Nick ate a beauty line and star in her own reality Pedro Hernandez, 56, faces a tasy from reality. she would be giving birth to a villainous “Danielle is the fi rst of her kind in that Santiago and Matthew Hwang, partnered show. maximum sentence of 25 years Patz’s body was never found, viral star. she rode this singular TV experience and with Bregoli to create a line of merchandise “I’m just trying to really build my brand to life in prison for murder leaving the confession as the In just a few months, daughter Danielle, the catchphrase and profi les and memes that featured her catchphrase. right now,” she told Reuters. and kidnapping before Justice key piece of evidence at trial. now 14, has garnered 8.8mn Instagram that ensued have built a revenue-generat- “We just thought she was funny,” For Bregoli to outpace her 15 minutes Maxwell Wiley in Manhattan The defence also pointed to followers. ing business,” said Jonathan Davids, chief Hwang said of Bregoli. of viral fame, she would have to embark state court after a jury found another man, Jose Ramos, a She has racked up brand sponsorships executive offi cer at infl uencer marketing Most of PizzaSlime’s nine Bregoli items, on a coming-of-age journey and perhaps him guilty in February. convicted pedophile who was and become regular fodder for the tabloids platform Infl uicity. including t-shirts, blankets and totes transition from a rebel without a cause to Patz vanished as he walked long considered a suspect in with provocative poses and viral videos, Yet, viral stars who become magnets for bearing her face, are sold out online. a rebel with a cause, Sharma said. alone for the fi rst time to a the crime. despite her self-confessed penchant for brands looking to quickly increase eyeballs Hwang said it was unlikely they would One such cause could be to speak out school bus stop in Manhattan’s Ramos, who is in prison, had stealing cars and using foul language in an may fi nd that it is hard to fi nd fi nancial work with Bregoli again. against cyber bullying, Sharma said. SoHo neighbourhood on May a relationship with a woman accent she said she picked up “from the longevity in being a villain on social media, “We like to work with interesting ideas Last month, Bregoli posted an image of 25, 1979. hired to walk Patz home from streets”. said Davids and other experts. and people, and once we work together, we the barrage of negative comments and in- He would become one of the school. She even has a catchphrase, “Cash me So far, Bregoli’s fan base has only grown move onto the next thing,” he said. sults she received on Instagram, caption- fi rst missing children to appear A previous trial ended in a ousside, how bow dah?” (Catch me out- after a slew of misdeeds, including an Bregoli is not the only star to cash in on ing it, “Everyone want to point the fi nger on the side of a milk carton mistrial in 2015 when a single side, how about that?) that she regularly undated home video of Bregoli and her being a rebel but if she hopes to achieve at me.” seeking information. juror out of 12 refused to con- includes in social media posts after she mother in a physical altercation, which long-term social media success, she has “Danielle can still retain the rebel side, For more than three dec- vict Hernandez after weeks of challenged the audience to fi ght her while started circulating last month and has now to evolve beyond the controversy, said but instead of rebelling against her moth- ades, the case endured as one deliberations, prompting pros- on Dr Phil’s show. caught the attention of her hometown Sharma. er, she can rebel against some of the social of the country’s most infamous ecutors to retry him. Danielle Bregoli’s infamy, including police in Boynton Beach, Florida. Bregoli Corinne Olympios, 24, a contestant who injustice being done,” Sharma said. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 13 ASEAN

IN THE DOCK SPEECH SAFETY FIRST VISA RULES COMPENSATION Laos ‘drug kingpin’ denies Myanmar leader calls for Thai campaign sees drop in 296 N Koreans surrender in Vietnam land protesters Thai smuggling charges ‘strength from diversity’ new year road carnage Malaysia for overstaying ready to free hostages

An alleged Laos drug lord linked to some of Myanmar’s President Htin Kyaw called for The number of people killed on Thailand’s Malaysia said yesterday that 296 North Koreans Protesters in Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi said Thailand’s rich and famous denied being a major peace in the country amid fighting between roads during the country’s traditional new year had surrendered to authorities over the last week, yesterday they were ready to release the 21 player in the regional narcotics trade when he the government and rebel groups, and week dropped by more than 10% following a as it enforces new visa requirements following off icials remaining from a group taken hostage appeared yesterday in a Bangkok court. Xaysana encouraged the people to build “strength from junta campaign to end the annual carnage. The a dispute over the murder of the half-brother of when a long-running land dispute escalated Keopimpha, 42, was nabbed by Thai police diversity,” in a message yesterday to mark kingdom has some of the world’s most lethal North Korea’s leader. Malaysia revoked visa-free on the weekend. Police off icers were among on his way through Bangkok’s main airport in Buddhist New Year. Myanmar includes some roads, with accidents spiking over Songkran — entry for North Koreans after the murder of Kim the 36 hostages seized on Saturday, following January, shining a rare spotlight on communist 135 ethnic groups. The country has been beset the April new year festival — as millions of city Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North the arrest of four people protesting against Laos’ shadowy role in the Southeast Asian pill by an armed conflict between the army and workers return to their country homes. Both Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at the Kuala Lumpur what they called insuff icient compensation for trade. “He denies all the charges,” said his lawyer rebel groups. “Federalism is the building of Songkran and the western New Year are both International Airport on February 13. All of those appropriated land. An initial group of 15 hostages Vorakon Phongtanakul, adding his client had also unified strength from diversity”, President Htin dubbed the “seven deadly days” because of who surrendered had over-stayed their visas, was freed on Monday, when authorities also backtracked on a confession he allegedly signed Kyaw said. Since Nobel Peace Laureate and the surge in crashes and road fatalities. Figures including 113 who had been on work permits and released all the detained protesters. “We are in police custody. Under Thai law the maximum State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in August released yesterday showed 390 people lost their 183 on social visit passes, Malaysia’s Immigration ready to free all off icials now,” said Bui Viet Hieu, penalty for drug smuggling is death though the launched a peace process in Myanmar, fighting lives on Thailand’s roads during the previous Department said in a statement. All had been in a representative of the protesters from the country has not executed anyone for years. has flared up in the country. seven days, an 11% decrease on the previous year. Sarawak, a Malaysian state in Borneo. commune of My Duc, on the city’s outskirts.

Blast from the past! Stage set for ‘dirty’ Jakarta election Reuters bring down Purnama. Jakarta Opinion surveys show Purnama run- ning neck and neck with his challenger Anies Baswedan, who, like some 85% of uar Batang is one of the Indone- Jakartans, is a Muslim. sian capital’s oldest neighbour- Purnama, 50, inherited the gover- Lhoods, founded in the 17th cen- norship after Joko Widodo was elected tury to collect tolls from ships sailing in president in 2014. from the Java Sea when the city was the His brash talking style, a contrast centre of the Dutch East Indies spice with the soft-spoken Javanese politi- trade. cians who dominate the ruling class, Now, it is being demolished and has grated on some voters. A visitor takes pictures of scenes of torture at the site of the former Phu Quoc jail being kept as a national historical war relic in Phu Quoc island in southern many of its residents are being evicted Purnama won the fi rst round of vot- Vietnam. Built by French during the first Indochina War, the prison became a prisoner of war camp of the former US-backed southern Vietnam’s regime for to make way for a giant seawall meant ing in February in a three-way race detention of captured Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. to keep Jakarta from sinking under ris- with 43% of the ballots to set up today’s ing sea levels. second round with Basedan, who won That has made it ground zero for the 40%. election of the city’s governor, dubbed The campaign has been “the dirtiest, one of the most divisive election cam- most polarising and most divisive the paigns Indonesia has ever seen. nation has ever seen,” the Jakarta Post The incumbent governor, Basuki said in an editorial yesterday. “Ahok” Purnama, was cruising towards Calling the capital “the barometer of Indonesia’s political pulse”, the daily Thailand PM cautions against a decisive election victory last Septem- ber when he allegedly criticised a verse said the election would have a bear- from the Qur’an that warns Muslims ing on the next presidential election in against allying with Christians and 2019. Jews. Police on Monday blocked plans by hardline Islamist groups to guard poll- protest over missing plaque Hardline Islamist groups responded with mass protests demanding that ing booths, citing the risk of clashes Purnama, an ethnic Chinese and Chris- after a campaign fraught with religious Reuters No one has claimed responsibility proach to critics of the monarchy and tian, be prosecuted. tensions, and said around 66,000 po- Bangkok for removing it. the military. Police eventually did charge him with lice and military personnel will be de- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- The square where the plaque went blasphemy. ployed on voting day. ocha said police were investigating missing is close to parliament, to a It was Purnama who ordered the Prabowo Subianto, head of the Ger- hailand’s prime minister yes- and warned pro-democracy activists royal throne hall and to an army bar- evictions from Luar Batang’s slums to indra Party that Baswedan represents, terday warned people not to against a plan to gather today to pro- racks. make way for one of his many infra- said in a video message recorded over Tprotest against the mysterious test. The area is also surveyed by several structure projects aimed at modernis- the weekend that “religious people disappearance of a plaque commemo- “It’s no good whatsoever to ask for police posts. ing this clogged and chaotic city. need a leader who respects their be- rating the end of absolute monarchy, a it back tomorrow,” Prayuth told re- The government has said it would Many of those who fi lled the streets liefs”.Prabowo lost the 2014 election to theft some activists see as a symbolic Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth porters at the Government House in not take responsibility for it. of Jakarta to protest against him late President Widodo. threat to democracy. Chan-ocha arrives at a weekly cabinet Bangkok. “Please don’t make us solve issues last year were among the displaced, and Purnama faces up to fi ve years in jail The plaque was embedded in a cen- meeting at the Government House in “People need to know the laws. You that are not a matter of life and death,” violence broke out in Luar Batang after if convicted of blasphemy. tral Bangkok square, marking a spot Bangkok. can’t just claim rights and liberty and Prayuth said. one of those demonstrations. His trial will resume tomorrow, when where events unfolded in a 1932 coup do everything.” Activists plan to gather at a police Luar Batang residents had just about prosecutors will submit their sentence staged by Western-infl uenced young is seen as the birth of its democracy. The ruling junta has taken a tough station in the Dusit district where the given up their fi ght against evictions request. civilian bureaucrats and army offi cers The hubcap-sized brass plaque, approach to critics since taking power plaque was located to fi le a complaint, when the controversy over the Qur’an Prabowo said he was concerned to end absolute monarchy and estab- with an inscription proclaiming the in a 2014 coup. despite a ban on gatherings of more comments erupted, said one woman about potential voter fraud. lish a parliamentary system. establishment of a constitution in It has banned political gatherings than fi ve people. who did not want to be named, sitting “Cheating is a common enemy to The coup, also known as the 1932, was found to be missing on Fri- and has charged some activists with The deputy national police chief outside a small shack amid the rubble. us. We don’t want to cheat,” he said. Siamese Revolution, marked a turning day, police said. sedition. said police would only investigate the “We see it as a gift from God,” she “However, we will not hold back if we point in Thailand after nearly seven It was replaced by one celebrating Prayuth, a staunch royalist, has also plaque’s disappearance if its owner or said, describing the slur as a means to are cheated.” centuries of absolute monarchy, and the monarchy. been accused of taking a hard-line ap- an aggrieved party fi led a complaint. Bangkok to ban street food stalls in clean-up drive

AFP Offi cials say nearly two-thirds Street dining is also a social to corral a kingdom where many Bangkok of the city’s 30,000 street ven- leveller in a city cut by inequal- revel in a spirit of fl exibility, con- dors of all kinds have already ity, with everyone from business venience and organised chaos. been removed or relocated for execs to motorcycle taxi drivers Critics say an attempt is un- treet food stalls will be clogging the pavements, leaving pulling up plastic chairs to slurp derway to remodel Bangkok banned from all of Bang- little space for pedestrians and down spicy soups or dig into into a Singapore-lite, enforcing Skok’s main roads in a aggravating traffi c. fried chicken as cars tear by. regulations that have long been sweeping clean-up crusade, a “I don’t think there will be any The rich variety of foods ladled abandoned or skirted around by a city hall offi cial said yesterday, stalls on major roads...we have out from the push carts is also rampant culture of bribery. prompting outcry and anguish nullifi ed their permission (to op- a major draw for tourists, who Many quietly hope the beau- in a food-obsessed capital famed erate),” he added, without giving a power a vital sector of the king- tifi cation campaign will fall fl at for its spicy roadside cuisine. deadline for the sellers to clear out. dom’s economy. — with the push of the horde of For months city offi cials have Yet many Bangkokians say Bangkok is a fi xture on es- hungry customers who prefer a hemmed in hawkers of all kinds this curbside chaos is part of the tablished international lists for quick streetside chow down to across the metropolis, where hit- capital’s charm and an aff ordable street cuisine and curious tour- organised food courts outweigh- ting the pavement for everything food option for all in a city where ists are easily found picking ing the city hall drive. from late-night noodles to fried other costs of living are surging through areas renowned for their But for now the city hall edict insects is the closest Thailand — a stick of grilled pork goes for street treats. has sent a shudder of dread has to a national pastime. 10 baht (30 cents) while a bowl of “If they go against the ven- through Bangkok’s thousands of “All types of stalls including chicken noodles costs as little as dors, that will that aff ect busi- food vendors. clothes, counterfeit goods and 35 baht ($1). ness and it will aff ect the charm Jurai Saisuthiwong, 61, who food stalls will be banned from “If you want to clean out all the of Khaosan Road,” said Sanga sells fried bananas on Thonglor main city roads,” Wanlop Suwan- vendors it’s like you are cleaning Ruangwattanaku, the president — a main drag in Bangkok’s most dee, a chief advisor to Bangkok’s out our culture itself,” said Chi- of a business association in the upmarket area — said the poor will governor, told AFP. wan Suwannapak, who works for backpacker hotspot in Bangkok’s suff er most from the clean-up. “They will not be allowed a Bangkok tour agency. old town. “Authorities won’t listen to for order and hygiene reasons,” “You can see the people who Since seizing power in 2014 us. They just want the city to be he said, justifying the ongoing cook, you can interact with Thailand’s junta has embarked beautiful...they will not think crackdown after complaints from them...you can see what the in- on a widespread morality and about the poor and how this af- A woman arranges fried snacks on her street food cart the Pratunam district of Bangkok. the public. gredients are,” she added. orderliness campaign, seeking fects us,” she told AFP. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

China to gather friends for biggest summit of year on New Silk Road

Reuters establishment of the $50bn Chi- genes of One Belt, One Road come mention of any attendance of of- Wang confi rmed Philippine Pres- invitations to attend a big military attend. Still, at a time of uncer- Beijing na-backed Asian Infrastructure from the old Silk Road, so it takes fi cials from Japan, South Korea or ident Rodrigo Duterte as among parade marking 70 years since the tainty about the US place in the Investment Bank. Eurasia as its main region,” he North Korea, all countries with 28 leaders coming, along with end of World War II. Western world following President Donald Foreign Minister Wang Yi an- said, adding that representatives which China has strained ties. Nor the Spanish, Greek, Hungarian, leaders were unhappy that the Trump’s pledges to put America hina will gather its friends nounced yesterday a list of those of 110 countries would attend. was there mention of Australia, a Serb and Polish prime ministers guest list that included Putin and fi rst, China sees an opportunity and allies together for its attending the conference, includ- While China says the New Silk strong US ally that has close trade and Swiss and Czech presidents. wary of the message China would to become more of a global leader Cbiggest diplomatic event ing some of China’s most reli- Road is not political, it has run links with China. “This is a positive, co-operative send with the show of strength. and has found a receptive audi- of the year in May, a summit on able allies — Russian President into opposition from India due to The list included only one agreement, and we don’t want to While China has portrayed the ence for its New Silk Road. its New Silk Road plan, with most Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime a section of it in Pakistan, known leader from the Group of Seven politicise it,” Wang told reporters New Silk Road as a genuine eff ort Leaders from countries that Asian leaders due to attend but Minister Nawaz Sharif and Cam- as the China-Pakistan Economic (G7) industrialised nations, Ital- when asked if China was upset at to share the bounty of China’s would appear to have little, if any, only one from a G7 nation, the bodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Corridor, where some projects ian Prime Minister Paolo Gen- the absence of most major West- economic development and to connection so far to the plan are Italian prime minister. Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi, run through the disputed Kash- tiloni. Diplomatic sources in Bei- ern leaders. fund infrastructure gaps, many coming to the summit, including President Xi Jinping has cham- Kazakh President Nursultan mir region. jing said China had hoped for at “This is an economic co-op- Western countries are concerned Chile and Argentina. pioned what China formally calls Nazarbayev, Malaysian Prime Wang dismissed those concerns, least some senior Western leaders eration forum, an international about a lack of detail and trans- “Everyone wants to be China’s the “One Belt, One Road” or Minister Najib Razak and Indo- saying the Pakistan project had no to attend, including British Prime co-operation platform that eve- parency in the project and are friend now with Trump in offi ce,” OBOR, initiative to build a new nesian President Joko Widodo direct connection to the dispute Minister Theresa May, to burnish ryone is paying attention to, sup- suspicious about China’s broader said a senior Asian diplomat in Silk Road linking Asia, Africa and are coming too, all generally good and India was welcome to partici- the plan’s credentials and make it ports and hopes to participate in,” political intents. Beijing. A senior Indonesian gov- Europe, a landmark programme partners of China. “One Belt, One pate in the New Silk Road. “Indian less China-centric. he said. China is sensitive to any Diplomatic sources said the ernment offi cial said China was to invest billions of dollars in in- Road is to date the most impor- friends have said to us that One British fi nance minister Philip suggestion that what it sees as its presence of Putin and other lead- aiming for a “spectacular” sum- frastructure projects including tant public good China has given Belt, One Road is a very good sug- Hammond will come as May’s benign intentions do not have a ers from countries with dubious mit. railways, ports and power grids. to the world, fi rst proposed by gestion,” he said. Nevertheless, representative, while Germany receptive global audience, espe- human rights records, like the “The Chinese are gunning for China has dedicated $40bn China but for all countries to en- India Prime Minister Narendra and France are having elections cially in Western capitals. China Philippines and Central Asian ... global leadership so I think to a Silk Road Fund and the idea joy,” Wang said. Modi was not on the list of lead- at the time and will send high- was privately upset in 2015 after states, had contributed to a reluc- this OBOR summit is going to be was the driving force behind the “The culture and historical ers attending. Wang also made no level representatives, Wang said. most Western leaders rebuff ed tance among Western leaders to huge,” the offi cial said. VP Pence reassures Japan of US resolve on North Korea

Reuters ing provocation across the Sea of nology, including miniaturising a assistant secretary of state for Tokyo Japan. We are with you 100 per- nuclear warhead. East Asia, said Secretary of State cent,” he said. Pence said on Monday the Rex Tillerson and China’s top Pence and Abe agreed that world had seen Trump’s resolve diplomat, State Councillor Yang S Vice President Mike they needed to persuade China in the past two weeks, with a US Jiechi, agreed in a phone call on Pence reassured Japan of to play a larger role in dealing missile attack on a Syrian airfi eld Sunday on the need for strict en- UAmerican commitment to with North Korea, a Japanese and the dropping of a powerful forcement of UN resolutions and reining in North Korea’s nuclear government spokesman said. non-nuclear bomb on Islamic for international action to press and missile ambitions yesterday, North Korea’s deputy repre- State fi ghters in Afghanistan. Pyongyang “to cease provocative after warning that US strikes in sentative to the United Na- “North Korea would do well not actions and recommit to peaceful Syria and Afghanistan showed tions, Kim In-ryong, accused to test his resolve or the strength denuclearisation”. the strength of its resolve. the United States on Monday of of the armed forces of the United Thornton said any new North Pence arrived in Tokyo from creating “a situation where nu- States in this region,” Pence said. Korean nuclear test “would draw South Korea, where he assured clear war could break out an any The Trump administra- a pretty signifi cant international leaders of an “iron-clad” alliance time” and said the North’s next tion has said military action response”. with the United States in the face nuclear test would take place remains an option for dealing Chinese Foreign Minister of the reclusive North, which has “at a time and at a place where with North Korea. But, mind- Wang Yi repeated China’s line conducted a series of missile and our headquarters deems neces- ful that this would likely trigger that the crisis could only be re- nuclear tests in defi ance of UN sary”. massive retaliation and casual- solved by diplomacy. “I’ve seen sanctions. North Korea’s Vice Foreign ties in South Korea and Japan, that the United States has reiter- North Korea regularly threat- Minister Han Song-ryol told US officials say the Trump ad- ated it is willing to use political ens to destroy Japan, South Ko- the BBC that missiles would be ministration’s main focus is on and diplomatic means to resolve rea and the United States and it tested on “a weekly, monthly and tougher economic sanctions. this, as this is their fi rst choice,” showed no let-up in its bellig- yearly basis”. Trump, asked on Monday if he he told reporters in Beijing. erence after a failed missile test South Korea’s acting presi- was considering military ac- “Of course I think that any on Sunday, a day after putting dent, Hwang Kyo-ahn, told a tion, told Fox News Channel he country will feel that political on a huge display of missiles in cabinet meeting that South Ko- did not want to “telegraph” his diplomatic means are of course Pyongyang. rea would strengthen its alliance plans, like the previous admin- the fi rst choice,” Wang said. “The era of strategic patience with the United States and close- istration had done. Pence’s economic discussions is over and while all options are ly co-operate with China to rein US offi cials say tougher sanc- in Tokyo will be closely watched on the table, President (Donald) in North Korea. “We should stay tions could include an oil embar- to see how hard a line Wash- Trump is determined to work on our toes to protect our terri- go, a global ban on North Korea’s ington is prepared to take on closely with Japan, with South tory and people’s lives,” Hwang airline, intercepting cargo ships trade. Trump campaigned on an Korea, with all our allies in the said. and punishing Chinese banks “America fi rst” platform, and has region and with China to achieve The North has warned of a doing business with Pyongyang. vowed to narrow big trade defi - a peaceable resolution and the nuclear strike against the United They also say greater Chinese co- cits with nations such as China denuclearisation of the Korean States if provoked. It has said operation is vital. White House and Japan. peninsula” Pence said in Tokyo it has developed a missile that spokesman Sean Spicer said Chi- However, Trump has also before lunch with Prime Minis- can strike the mainland United na had taken some “very helpful” shown willingness to link trade to ter Shinzo Abe. “We appreciate States, but offi cials and experts steps, although it remained to be other issues, saying he would cut the challenging time in which the believe it is some time away from seen how eff ective these would a better trade deal with China if it US VP Mike Pence meets with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Abe’s off icial residence in Tokyo. people of Japan live with increas- mastering the necessary tech- be. Susan Thornton, acting US exerts infl uence on North Korea.

Australia toughens foreign worker visas in new policy Taiwan reviews

Reuters in Australia on a 457 visa will political asylum bid Sydney not be aff ected by the new ar- rangements. The 457 visa, now used by about 95,000 foreign ustralia will abolish a workers, will be replaced by a by Chinese tourist temporary work visa new temporary visa and the list Apopular with foreign- of occupations that qualify for a AFP “We have to clarify details of ers and replace it with a new visa will be reduced from more Taipei his case to make further judge- programme requiring better than 200. ment and conclusions,” said Chiu English-language and job skills, The new visa will be limited Chui-cheng of the Mainland Af- Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- to a two-year period and a sec- aiwan said yesterday it was fairs Council, Taiwan’s top poli- bull said yesterday. ond four-year visa will require a reviewing a request for cymaking body on China. Turnbull, struggling with higher standard of English lan- Tpolitical asylum by a Chi- “He would need to provide suf- poor voter approval ratings, re- guage. From 1901 to around 1973, nese tourist, reportedly an anti- fi cient proof, including his involve- jected suggestions the visa pol- Australia restricted non-white corruption activist who was pre- ment with democratic movements icy change was in response to immigration under a White Aus- viously jailed on the mainland. and that his life may be endangered far-right wing political parties, tralia policy, which required an The man named Zhang Xi- if deported back to China,” Chiu, such as One Nation, demanding English language test. angzhong has been identifi ed by the council’s vice-chairman, told more nationalistic policies. The Australian Industry local media and a human rights AFP. Chui said mainland Chinese But in a Facebook announce- Group (Ai Group), which repre- group as the same person who could not be granted political asy- ment Turnbull said: “Our re- sents more than 60,000 busi- was part of a movement calling lum but the government would forms will have a simple focus: nesses, said the changes would for Chinese government offi cials evaluate whether he qualifi es for a Australian jobs and Australian improve the integrity of Aus- to disclose their assets. “long-term stay” permit. values.” tralia’s visa programme. Zhang arrived in Taiwan on He said authorities still need to In a similar vein, US President “The temporary skilled visa April 12 but separated from his verify whether Zhang is the same Donald Trump will sign an ex- programme should now be con- tour group the next day. He sought activist associated with the New ecutive order directing changes sidered as settled without the help on Monday from the Taiwan Citizens Movement who was jailed to a temporary visa programme need for further reviews and Association for Human Rights in for three years by a Beijing court in used to bring foreign workers to disruptive policy change,” said applying for political asylum. Tai- 2014 on a credit card fraud charge. the United States to fi ll highly Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks as Immigration Minister Peter Dutton listens on Ai Group Chief Executive Innes wan’s immigration department Zhang said he was motivated skilled jobs. during a media conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. Willox. said it had located Zhang and was to leave the mainland by the wife The order is an attempt by Some experts said the gov- providing him with temporary ac- of detained Taiwanese rights ac- Trump to carry out his “Amer- “We are an immigration na- The 457 visa was introduced legations the visa was being ernment should focus on boost- commodation while authorities tivist Lee Ming-cheh, according ica First” election campaign tion, but the fact remains — in the 1990s to expedite the misused by employers to import ing education and training investigate his case. to a Radio Free Asia interview. pledges. Turnbull said the visa Australian workers must have entry of business professionals workers on the cheap, not to fi ll systems to address Australia’s Any decision to let Zhang stay In a case that has drawn inter- change would attract better priority for Australian jobs,” he and highly skilled migrants but genuine skill shortages. “We are skills needs. The opposition could further sour relations be- national scrutiny, Lee Ching-yu skilled workers and see Austral- said. “We’ll no longer allow 457 over time it was opened up to bringing the 457 visa class to was not impressed though. La- tween Beijing and Taipei, which pledged she would “rescue” her ians employed over cheap for- visas to be passports to jobs that include a broad suite of work- an end. It’s lost its credibility,” bor leader Bill Shorten tweeted has worsened since China-scep- husband, who is under inves- eign workers brought in under could and should go to Austral- ers. The programme has become Turnbull said at a press confer- “the only job Malcolm Turnbull tic President Tsai Ing-wen won tigation in mainland China for the old 457 visa programme. ians.” mired in controversy with al- ence in Canberra. Anyone now cares about saving is his own.” Taiwan’s leadership last year. suspected activities. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 15 BRITAIN May calls for early elections Reuters London rime Minister Theresa PM’s decision May yesterday called for Pan early election on June 8, saying she needed to strengthen her hand in divorce talks with the European Union by bolstering an enormous support for her Brexit plan. Standing outside her Downing Street offi ce, May said she had been reluctant to ask parliament to back her move to bring for- miscalculation, ward the poll from 2020. But, after thinking “long and hard” during a walking holiday in Wales, she decided it was nec- essary to try to stop the opposi- feels Sturgeon tion “jeopardising” her work on Brexit. Some were surprised by her Guardian News and Media MPs: Natalie McGarry in La- move — she has repeatedly said London bour’s former stronghold of she does not want to be distract- Glasgow East, who is under in- ed by campaigning — but opin- vestigation for fi nancial impro- ion polls give her a strong lead icola Sturgeon has ac- priety, and Michelle Thomson in and the economy has so far de- cused Theresa May of Edinburgh West, who is sitting as fi ed predictions of a slowdown. Nusing the snap general an independent pending police Growth is faster-than-ex- election as a chance to “move inquiries into her business deal- pected, consumer confi dence the UK to the right” and force ings. Thomson’s seat is favoured is high and unemployment low, through deeper spending cuts. by the Liberal Democrats, who but the economy may be poised Sturgeon said the prime min- will campaign to keep the UK as to pass its peak as consumers Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street, in central London yesterday. ister’s decision was a “huge po- closely aligned to the EU as pos- start to feel the strain from rising litical miscalculation” because it sible. prices. LibDems hope to gain would give voters a fresh chance The SNP will need to see The sterling rose to a four- dozens of seats to reject Conservative austerity whether McGarry will stand for month high against the dollar and a hard Brexit, and give the re-election as an independent after the market bet that May Liberal Democrat strategists Scottish National Party (SNP) a in Glasgow East and whether to would strengthen her par- Snap poll spells trouble hope to gain dozens of seats new mandate for an independ- select a new candidate for Edin- liamentary majority, which from Labour and the Tories in ence referendum. burgh West. Deutsche Bank said would be a London and the south-west by “She is clearly betting that the “game-changer” for the pound. making opposition to Brexit the Tories can win a bigger majority But the stronger pound helped key issue of the seven-week in England given the utter disar- push Britain’s main share index for Labour, say experts snap election campaign. ray in the Labour party,” she said. to close down 2.3%, its biggest The party said it had gained “That makes it all the impor- one-day loss since June 27, days AFP Veteran left-winger Corbyn, and metropolitan liberal voters 2,500 new members in the tant that Scotland is protected after Britain voted to leave the London who was seen as a marginal fi gure, aren’t convinced by that either.” first hour since Theresa May from a Tory party which now sees EU. came to power in 2015 after the Adding to the pressure is May’s announced the June 8 poll, and the chance of grabbing control of “It was with reluctance that I party changed the rules to allow apparent ability to bridge the class the Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, government for many years to decided the country needs this he snap election is likely to grassroots members to elect the divide, with the latest YouGov poll focused on Brexit in his first come and moving the UK further “She is clearly betting that election, but it is with strong decide the fate of embattled leader, as opposed to its MPs. fi nding she was almost as popular statement. to the right – forcing through a the Tories can win a bigger conviction that I say it is neces- Topposition Labour leader The vote for Brexit last June with poorer voters as she was with “This election is your chance hard Brexit and imposing deeper majority in England given sary to secure the strong and sta- Jeremy Corbyn, but off ers little brought tensions between Cor- the affl uent. to change the direction of our cuts in the process. the utter disarray in the ble leadership the country needs prospect of resolving the deep- byn’s team and the more centrist Meanwhile, the Liberal Demo- country,” Farron said. “If you “That means that this will Labour party” to see us through Brexit and be- seated tensions tearing the party MPs to a head after the leader — a crats and the SNP, will hope to woo want to avoid a disastrous hard be – more than ever before – an yond,” May said. apart, experts said. long-time eurosceptic — was ac- disappointed pro-EU voters with Brexit, if you want to keep Britain election about standing up for The snap election is a major “Before Easter I spent a few As the country gears up for a cused of sabotaging the campaign their clear anti-Brexit stance. in the single market, if you want Scotland in the face of a right- gamble for the Tories. If Stur- days walking in Wales with my June 8 vote, the centre-left party to stay in the EU, the party’s offi cial Latest projections produced by a Britain that is open, tolerant wing, austerity-obsessed Tory geon wins a large majority of husband, thought about this lags far behind Prime Minister position. the Electoral Calculus group pre- and united, this is your chance. government with no mandate in Scottish seats in the House of long and hard, and came to the Theresa May’s Conservatives in However, a bid to oust him dict that the Conservatives would Only the Liberal Democrats Scotland but which now thinks it Commons in June, she will in- decision that to provide that sta- the latest opinion polls and is bit- fl oundered. win 381 seats, a gain of 50 seats can prevent a Conservative can do whatever it wants and get sist this is a renewed mandate bility and certainty for the future terly divided over Brexit. The party has traditionally from the 2015 vote, with Labour majority.” away with it.” for a new independence vote, that this was the way to do it, to With her shock announcement counted on working-class com- winning 182 seats, a loss of 50 The party suff ered a disastrous May’s decision to call a snap piling pressure on May to agree have an election,” she told ITV calling for an election, May made munities in northern England and seats. Despite the potential elec- result in 2015, retaining just eight election throws Sturgeon’s plans to one. news. a bid to strengthen her position Scotland and progressive urban toral disaster, Filby doubted that of its 57 seats after the coalition for a second independence refer- The Scottish Labour leader, Britain joins a list of western going into negotiations for leav- voters, but is in danger of losing the vote posed an existential crisis era. But it has gained one seat endum into sharp relief. Kezia Dugdale, whose party is European countries scheduled to ing the European Union but also to both, warned Filby. for the 117-year-old party. “I don’t since, winning Richmond Park The fi rst minister had been defending a single Westminster hold elections this year. capitalise on Labour’s weaknesses. “They are under threat from think it will be the fi nal nail in the in south London from the Tories due to announce next week her seat in Scotland, in Edinburgh Votes in France in April and “It’s a mixed blessing, it’s an op- so many diff erent angles — in coffi n. It’s in a position where it is with an anti-Brexit campaign. plans to press for a referendum in South, said her party relished May, and in Germany in Septem- portunity for the Labour right to Scotland from the SNP (Scottish too strong to collapse and too weak The former leader Nick Clegg the face of May’s refusal to coun- the opportunity presented by the ber, have the potential to reshape oust Corbyn if he performs badly, National Party); from the Liberal to win.” has been selected to stand again tenance one, potentially includ- general election and would cam- the political landscape around but it could be a political disaster Democrats in the cities; the Con- Corbyn himself remained bull- in Sheff ield Hallam, although he ing a bill setting up a referendum paign tirelessly for Corbyn to be the two years of Brexit talks with and Labour could poll its lowest servatives and possibly Ukip (UK ish after May’s announcement, has yet to confirm his intentions before the UK government ap- prime minister. the EU expected to start in ear- vote since 1918,” political expert Independence Party) in the north.” insisting he wanted “to lead a gov- in person. Vince Cable and the proves one. Labour lost 40 Scottish MPs nest in June. and author Eliza Filby said. She said Brexit only highlighted ernment that will transform this former environment secretary With the SNP defending 56 of at the 2015 general election and May is capitalising on her run- Wyn Grant, politics professor the deeper ideological diff erences country.” Ed Davey, who both lost their Scotland’s 59 Westminster seats, its chances of regaining any of away lead in the opinion polls. at the University of Warwick, said: between the anti-globalisation, King’s College professor Alex south London seats to Conserva- Sturgeon is certain to use the those seats appear slender, with The Conservative Party is “Clearly if Labour suff ers a big de- pro-Brexit working class bloc and Callinicos said even replacing tives, are contesting the seats general election as a test of Scot- polls putting Scottish Labour on around 20 points ahead of the feat, Corbyn is going to go”. the pro-EU, pro-immigration ur- Corbyn would leave no end in sight again. tish public opinion on her calls about 15%, roughly 30 points be- main opposition Labour Party “The Labour Party is then going ban voters. to the battle over the party’s soul. A senior LibDem source said for a referendum. hind the SNP. and could win around 100 addi- to have to identify a new leader of “Corbyn’s strategy has been to “Even if the divisions went away, the party had been preparing However, the SNP faces tough “The polls are undoubtedly tional seats in parliament. the opposition who has real cred- say ‘we will allow Brexit to pass it still wouldn’t be clear what La- for a snap general election decisions in two seats that oppo- very challenging but as Jeremy The prime minister’s own per- ibility and can rebuild the tradi- but under certain conditions’. That bour stands for,” he said. Filby said since before the referendum, sition parties will contest hard, Corbyn has said in the past we’re sonal ratings also dwarf those of tional bases of support, which is hasn’t really worked in parliament that what the party needed was a with 400 candidates selected with the Tories confi dent they on an election footing and has Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, going to be a big task. and I’m not sure it will work in the “unity candidate that can bring and many in place for more may be able to challenge the SNP been on an election footing,” with 50% of those asked saying “It may not be possible within country,” she said. both elements, the parliamentary than a year, particularly in the in several areas where voters op- Dugdale said. “We relish the op- she would make the best prime the span of one parliament to “Core voters in the north who party and the voting constituency south-west. pose independence. portunity to take on and defeat minister. achieve that,” he said. voted for Brexit are not convinced, together”. The SNP has suspended two this Tory government.” No public self-analysis Bid to make education funding key poll issue

on leadership: Corbyn Guardian News and Media “We can reach parents with this London and we can make a diff erence in the general election.” Guardian News and Media restating commitments, includ- be funded by reversing the inherit- Courtney, in his fi rst union ad- London ing raising the minimum wage to ance tax cut announced by George eaching unions say they dress since his election as gen- £10 an hour by 2020 for over-18s, Osborne in 2015. will carry the fi ght against eral secretary, demanded that the keeping the triple-lock on pen- The carer’s allowance for people Tbudget cuts aff ecting government publish its consulta- eremy Corbyn has said he will sions and cracking down on late who spend more than 35 hours a schools directly to parents and tion on the controversial national not do a “big public self-analy- payments by businesses. week caring for someone is £62.70 voters, with the National Union of funding formula planned for Jsis” about his leadership of the “I want the party to be united a week. Labour’s pledge would in- Teachers’ general secretary vow- schools in England. Labour party after polls showed around these policies,” Corbyn crease it to the same level as job- ing to make education funding a “It would be an absolute dis- that though the recent whirlwind said. “I think you will fi nd the vast seeker’s allowance, £73.10. key election issue. grace if they did not publish their of policy announcements had been majority of Labour members sup- Barbara Keeley, shadow min- Kevin Courtney told the union’s response to this before the gen- popular with the public the party port these policies and Labour ister for social care and mental annual conference the snap elec- eral election. Parents need to know was trailing the Conservatives. voters will support these policies.” health, agreed that continuing to tion was an opportunity to chal- what they are voting for, they need The Labour leader told ITV’s Polling over the Easter weekend push the new policies would help lenge the funding shortages in to know what the parties are say- Good Morning Britain the party’s suggested voters favoured most bolster the party’s polling posi- England. ing about the funding of their chil- poor showing in the polls could be of the policies Labour announced tion. “In the run-up to this election, dren’s schools,” he said. remedied by talking about poli- over the past few weeks, but many “We all want to be in a bet- parents must demand of all politi- But if the Conservative party cies, including a pledge yesterday were still not persuaded to back ter place, but we work through to cians: will they invest in our coun- attempted to appease unhappy to fund a 17% increase in the car- the party over the Conservatives. being in a better place by putting try, will they invest in our chil- MPs “by taking more money from er’s allowance, which would mean Two polls by ComRes and YouGov forward new policies like this,” dren?” he told delegates in Cardiff . London, Birmingham, Manches- an extra £10 a week for about 1mn gave the Tories a 21-point lead; an- she told BBC Radio 4’s Today pro- “I don’t believe there’s a parent ter, Liverpool, Nottingham, then people. other poll, by Opinium, found the gramme. “They will improve over anywhere in this country who vot- I’m saying to Theresa May: expect “I’m not going to go into any big lead had narrowed to nine points. time if people like the policies ed for their child’s class size to go industrial action from this union, public self-analysis,” Corbyn said Asked if he believed he had made we’ve put forward, but the policies up, or voted for their child to lose and expect it soon”, he added. of his popularity with the public. any mistakes during his 18-month are very important.” the opportunity to do art or dance Courtney accused the Tories of “What I will say is, of course I re- tenure as leader, he joked: “I can’t Corbyn also praised Prince or music. breaking their previous election fl ect on issues – I refl ect on deci- give you one mistake – there are Harry for speaking publicly about “So parents must now demand manifesto pledge on school fund- sions we’ve made. I refl ect on all of too many.” mental health issues. When asked clarity from candidates seeking ing. “Because that Conservative this all the time.” Corbyn’s latest policy an- if he had ever had mental health offi ce. We want to put pressure on manifesto promise was broken, Labour has launched a policy nouncement – which launched in issues, the Labour leader said: “I every candidate in every constitu- across the country we’re seeing blitz over the past fortnight, in- a speech in Birmingham yesterday think all of us go through stress at ency to pledge to oppose school class sizes going up, we are seeing cluding giving free school meals and which would cost £538mn by times. I’m sure you do in your job. cuts in their constituency and arts, dance, drama, music taken off to all primary school pupils and the time of the next election – will Everybody does. ” Jeremy Corbyn: admits to many mistakes during tenure. elsewhere. the curriculum” he said. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 BRITAIN

REALTY LAW AND ORDER TRIAL WINNER INITIATIVE Tiny storeroom flat Police hunt man who Woman admits owning Durham farmer runs off Harrods workers’ China goes on sale for £350,000 racially abused three kids dog that killed boy with coal carrying crown trek raises £125,000

A converted storeroom behind a former Detectives are investigating a suspected hate A woman has pleaded guilty to owning a A Durham farmer has beaten dozens of rivals to Harrods workers have completed a five-day trek Victorian poorhouse in Bethnal Green is for crime after three children were racially abused and dangerously out of control dog which killed a the title of World Coal Carrying Champion after along the Great Wall of China to raise thousands sale at £350,000. Neighbours yesterday spat at. The two 12-year-old boys and the 13-year- three-year-old boy. Dexter Neal died after he charging through a northern town with a 50kg of pounds for the NSPCC (National Society for likened the former caretaker’s store, which old girl were walking home from a playground in was mauled by an American Bulldog, while sack on his back. Andrew Corrigan collapsed the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). Forty-one is 17 square metres, to “Harry Potter’s Clissold Park in Stoke Newington when they were playing with a friend in Parker Way, Halstead, on a bed of hay after completing Monday’s members of staff , ranging from shop assistants bedroom”. Estate agent Foxtons describes accosted. A car pulled up next to the group as they Essex, in August 2016. Jade Dunne, 29, formerly 1.1km race in a time of four minutes, 31 seconds, to company directors, took part in the six-day the outbuilding in the car park of the block — walked down Clissold Road near Stoke Newington of Parker Way but now of Colchester, appeared receiving warm applause from the crowd who expedition. They spent six to eight hours every built in 1888 to house 166 of London’s “very School and Clissold Leisure Centre. The driver before magistrates in Colchester yesterday. lined the course in Gawthorpe, near Wakefield. day hiking along steep staircases and crumbling poorest” labourers — as a “bright studio”, racially abused the children before spitting out of She was released on bail until she is sentenced The quirky race started in the old mining town watchtowers to complete the 29-mile trek, which emphasising its transport links and proximity the window at them and driving off , Scotland Yard at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 16. Dunne in 1963 when a man entered a pub and accused finished on April 9. They raised £90,000 before to Roman Road’s restaurants and amenities. said. The victims called police then made their admitted a single charge of owning a dog that another of looking a bit unfit, leading to a race they left and their total was £125,294 yesterday. But neighbours reacted with surprise at the way home. The suspect is described as a man of was dangerously out of control causing injury involving a sack of coal. The women’s race, in Harrods has been an off icial NSPCC supporter asking price, which is almost £150,000 more Mediterranean appearance, possibly Turkish, with resulting in death. Her American Bulldog, called which competitors each carried 20kg, was won since 2015, raising £300,000 to date. A second than the average house price of £207,308. black hair and in his thirties. Ruby, was later destroyed. by Jen Mustan in four minutes, 30 seconds. nine-day trek is planned in October.

Mayoral candidate Vital to break vows free childcare for parents down taboo of

Guardian News and Media London mental illness: arents in Liverpool would be given free Pchildcare for all chil- dren over nine months under radical plans by the Women’s Equality party. William, Gaga Tabitha Morton, the party’s candidate in the Liverpool London Evening Standard City Region mayoral elections London next month, wants to use the £30mn of extra money availa- ble to the new mayor each year rince William yesterday to help parents back into work. joined forces with Lady Nationally, the cost of PGaga to urge people to speak childcare is thought to aver- up about their mental health and age around £6,000 a year. But break the “taboo” that surrounds under Morton’s proposals de- it. tailed at Blackburne House in The Duke of Cambridge shared Liverpool yesterday, parents a transatlantic FaceTime call with will get 15 hours free each week the singer as he praised her for after the end of parental leave writing an “incredibly moving and at nine months, paying just £1 very brave” open letter about her for every additional hour. battle with post-traumatic stress In England, parents currently disorder and anxiety. receive 15 hours free only after In the call from Hollywood to US singer Lady Gaga in conversation with Prince William from her their child’s second birthday Kensington Palace, which was residence in Los Angeles, US. and if they are receiving benefi ts posted on the monarchy’s Face- including tax credits and job- book page yesterday, William, Stephen Fry and Rio Ferdinand, “It made me nervous at fi rst. For seeker’s allowance. 34, said: “It’s time that every- have been published on YouTube me, waking up every day and feel- The WEP’s plans, which one speaks up and feels very under the #Oktosay banner. ing sad and going on stage is some- Morton insists are fully costed, normal about mental health. In an interview published yes- thing that is very hard to describe. would make Liverpool the first It’s the same as physical health. terday, William called for an end There is a lot of shame attached to city in the UK to offer univer- Everybody has mental health. to the “stiff upper lip” culture mental illness. You feel like some- sal, affordable childcare for We shouldn’t be ashamed of it. and said he wanted his children, thing is wrong with you.” all children from the end of Just having a conversation with a George and Charlotte, three and William said he had learned parental leave. The party – friend or family member can re- one, to be able to “grow up feeling that “it’s really important to have formed two years ago by Sandi ally make such a diff erence.” able to talk about their emotions”. this conversation. You won’t Toksvig and Catherine Mayer Lady Gaga, 31, said: “Even At the weekend, Prince Harry, be judged. It’s so important to – claim the idea would create though it was hard, it was the 32, revealed he had endured two break open that fear and that ta- at least 40,000 jobs in the Liv- best thing that could come out years of “total chaos” in his late boo, that is only going to lead to erpool region and allow more of my mental illness was to share twenties and had sought counsel- more problems down the line.” parents to work. it with other people, and to let ling to help come to terms with the The singer replied: “It can make Morton said: “This will our generations, as well as other death of his mother, Diana, when a huge diff erence. I feel like we change things so dramatically generations, know that if you are he was 12. are not hiding any more. We are in Liverpool, we have got a feeling not well in your mind, Last December Lady Gaga, real starting to talk. That is what we quarter of children living in that you are not alone. People name Stefani Germanotta, pub- need to do.” poverty and three out of four that you think would never have lished an open letter via her Born Heads Together has been cho- are in single parent families. a problem do. This Way Foundation revealing sen as the charity of the year for “My proposal is that the “We have to make the strongest, she had suff ered from PTSD for this Sunday’s London Marathon. metro mayor has £900mn most relentless attempt we can to fi ve years. YouGov research published by over 30 years to spend, and we normalise mental health issues, so In the call, she agreed to join Heads Together yesterday found need to look at this differently: that people feel like they can come William, Kate and Harry to con- 57% of 18 to 24-year-olds had rather than building another forward.” tinue to promote their Heads To- a conversation about mental bridge or road, we need to ac- It was the latest stage in a cam- gether campaign when she visits health in the past three months, tually look at how we mobilise paign by the royals to raise the London in October. Asked by Wil- compared with 44% of those our economy. The way to do profi le of mental health. A series liam how she felt about going pub- aged 50-64 and 32% of people that is free childcare.” Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in conversation with US singer Lady Gaga in London. of fi lms, featuring stars including lic about her illness, she replied: over 65.

Ready to run Burnt toast ‘forced Tackling violent crime Tube stations closure’ top priority: police chief London Evening Standard Tube stations in central London London are being evacuated and closed because of basic errors like staff Agencies protect them when in actual fact radio. “There’s a backdrop of burning toast. London it clearly doesn’t and can be in- loads of members of the pub- wo of London’s busiest “These may seem like funny credibly dangerous and tragic for lic where he was standing, so it Tube stations were evac- incidents but I can guarantee them and their families. might have been, even if he had Tuated after staff set off no one trying to get to work or ew Metropolitan Police “Violence, for me, is what had a fi rearm, diffi cult for him to the fi re alarms by burning their school at the time will have been boss Cressida Dick yes- this next fi ve years is going to be take a shot.” toast, it was revealed yesterday. laughing.” Nterday pledged a fi ve- about. You have to prevent peo- Khalid Masood ploughed a Victoria and Oxford Circus sta- Non-emergency closures at year crackdown on violence to ple getting involved and you have rented car into pedestrians on tions, as well as Wood Lane on the Tube stations in the areas cov- curb the rise in gun and knife to intervene really hard.” Westminster Bridge and stabbed Hammersmith & City line, have all ered totalled more than 222 days, crime in London. Speaking on the London terror Palmer to death, killing fi ve in been shut by burnt toast in sepa- or 5,300 hours, between February Scotland Yard’s fi rst female attack last month, Dick said the total before being shot dead by rate incidents. 2014 and February 2017. commissioner promised an unarmed policeman who died another offi cer. Some politicians Meanwhile, Edgware Road The majority of closures, 334 or “end-to-end” approach in tack- during the attack might not have have criticised security at the station had to shut because a 41%, were caused by industrial ac- ling crime and a tough stance on been able to protect himself even parliament and suggested that member of staff puff ed on an e- tion. Staff shortages came second violent off enders. if he had been armed. Palmer should have had a gun. cigarette, fi lling the mess room with 220 closures (27%). Defective Speaking within days of three The attack on Westminster, in Dick said she would wait for with smoke and setting off the lifts at Edgware Road, Regent’s young men being stabbed to which a man drove into a crowd the results of reviews into the alarms. Park, Queensway, Covent Garden death in the capital, she said of pedestrians before stab- attack before drawing any con- The incidents are among rea- and Lancaster Gate caused 49 clo- knife and gun crime were among bing policeman Keith Palmer, clusions. She said there would sons for 1,000 station closures sures. the most signifi cant challenges prompted scrutiny of security likely have to be “some changes” over the past three years uncov- Tony Devenish, Tory London she faced. She declared: “I want arrangements at the Houses of to security provisions, but added ered yesterday by City Hall Tories Assembly member for west cen- to bear down on violent crime, Parliament. that the attacker was looking to furious at the number of station tral who obtained the data through in all its aspects from terrorism However Dick, who gave a challenge freedoms that Britons shutdowns aff ecting thousands of a Freedom of Information request, to sexual off ences but defi nitely reading at Palmer’s funeral on value. passengers. said: “Sadiq Khan’s policies are knife and gun crime, particularly her fi rst day as Metropolitan Po- In a separate interview with A security alert was sparked unlikely to tackle the stations’ as it aff ects young people. lice commissioner last week, said LBC radio, Dick said that “we at Sloane Square station but the three leading reasons for closures “It’s an absolute tragedy losing that he might still have died even need to be alert” to any possi- MP Chris Green poses in his running kit on College “suspicious device” turned out to — industrial action, non-availa- young people in the way we have if he had been armed. ble new attacks but emphasised Green outside the Houses of Parliament ahead of the be a home-brewing kit left on a bility of staff and defective lifts. been to knife crime. We are see- “It’s very hard to say that if that people should carry on go- 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon to be held on April train by a passenger. He is already on course to have the ing too many young people car- Keith had been armed, he would ing about their daily business as 23. A spokesman for the Tory group worst strikes record of any London rying knives feeling that it will be alive today,” Dick said on BBC usual. said: “It’s frankly ludicrous that mayor.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 17 EUROPE Opponents seek to have Turkish vote annulled Reuters the government has no intention has said it will take its challenge day, Yildirim said “rumours” of Ankara of waiting to see the outcome of to the European Court of Human irregularities were a vain eff ort to opposition appeals. Rights if necessary, presented a cast doubt on the result. Under the outgoing constitu- formal appeal to annul the vote to “The people’s will has been re- urkey’s main opposition tion, the president had been re- the YSK. fl ected at the ballot box, and the began a battle yesterday quired to remain impartial and CHP deputy chairman Bulent debate is over,” the prime min- Tto annul a referendum renounce party political ties. Tezcan said that the number ister said. “Everyone should re- handing President Recep Tayyip Few in Turkey expect legal of missing votes was “unprec- spect the outcome, especially the Erdogan sweeping new powers, challenges to the referendum to edented”, although the exact main opposition.” while the bar association and an lead to a recount, let alone a re- number of unstamped ballots Omer Celik, minister for Eu- international monitor said an il- run. was unknown. ropean aff airs, said criticism of legal move by electoral authori- But if unresolved, they will YSK chairman Sadi Guven said the referendum was politically ties may have swung the vote. leave deep questions over the le- on Monday that the last-minute motivated, defending what he A defi ant Erdogan, whose nar- gitimacy of a vote which split the decision to allow unstamped bal- said were Turkey’s strong legal row victory exposed the nation’s electorate down the middle, and lots was not unprecedented as framework and transparent elec- deep divisions, has said that whose polarising campaign drew the government had previously tion process. Sunday’s vote ended all debate criticism and concern from Eu- permitted such a move. The YSK said on its website on on the more powerful presidency ropean allies. An Austrian member of the Sunday, as votes were still being he has long sought, and told Eu- Turkey’s bar association said Council of Europe observer mis- cast, that it had received “con- ropean observers who criticised a last-minute decision by the sion said that up to 2.5mn votes siderable complaints” that vot- it: “Talk to the hand”. YSK electoral board to allow un- could have been manipulated, ers had been given slips and en- “The crusader mentality in the stamped ballots in the referen- almost double the margin of Er- velopes without offi cial stamps West and its servants at home dum was clearly against the law, dogan’s victory, and that the YSK and that – after an appeal from a have attacked us,” Erdogan told prevented proper records being decision on unstamped ballots ruling AK Party offi cial – it would a crowd as he arrived on Monday kept, and may have impacted the appeared illegal. accept unstamped documents as at Ankara airport, referring to the results. “These complaints are to be long as they were not proven to foreign monitors’ assessment. “With this illegal decision, taken very seriously and they be fraudulent. “We neither see, hear, nor ac- ballot box councils (offi cials are, in any case, of such an extent The bar association, whose knowledge the political reports at polling stations) were mis- that they would turn around the head Metin Feyzioglu is seen as you’ll prepare,” he said later at led into believing that the use outcome of the vote,” Alev Korun a potential future leader of the the palace. “We’ll continue on of unstamped ballots was ap- told ORF radio. opposition CHP, said it had also our path. Talk to the hand. This propriate,” the Union of Turkish The European Commission, received phone calls from many country has carried out the most Bar Associations (TBB) said in a which unlike US President Don- provinces about unstamped bal- democratic elections, not seen statement. ald Trump has declined to con- lots on Sunday and that its law- anywhere in the West.” “Our regret is not over the gratulate Erdogan on Sunday’s yers had advised that records of Prime Minister Binali Yildir- outcome of the referendum, but vote, called on Turkey to launch this should be closely kept once im, whose job will cease to exist because of the desire to overlook a transparent investigation into ballot boxes were opened. once the constitutional changes clear and harsh violations of the the alleged irregularities. But it said that had failed to take full eff ect, said that Erdogan law that have the potential to im- “There will be no call to Er- happen, and that evidence of ir- would be invited to rejoin the pact the results,” it said. dogan from the Commission, regularities had therefore not ruling AK Party as soon as offi cial The main opposition People’s certainly not a congratulatory been properly archived. results are announced, a sign that Republican Party (CHP), which call,” a Western offi cial with On its website, the YSK gave knowledge of EU policy told Reu- four examples of cases in previ- ters. “Turkey is sliding towards a ous decades where unstamped semi-authoritarian system under ballots had been accepted at in- one-man rule”. dividual ballot boxes. Election authorities have However, those cases only af- said preliminary results showed fected several hundred votes and 51.4% of voters had backed the the decision was taken days after biggest overhaul of Turkish poli- the vote and only once the possi- tics since the founding of the bility of fraud had been ruled out. modern republic, a far narrower The YSK has also decided to margin than Erdogan had been annul elections in the past be- seeking. cause of unstamped ballots. People queue yesterday Erdogan argues that concen- It cancelled the results of lo- outside the High Electoral tration of power in the presiden- cal elections in two districts in Board in Ankara to submit cy is needed to prevent instabil- southeastern Turkey in April their personal appeal for ity. 2014 and re-held them two annulment of the referendum Opponents accuse him of months later. while Turkish police off icers leading a campaign toward one- And in Sunday’s referendum, stand guard at the man rule in Turkey, a North At- the YSK’s overseas election entrance of the building. lantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) branch had already rejected an member that borders Iran, Iraq appeal by a ruling AK Party offi - Right: Protesters hold leaflets and Syria and whose stability is cial to have unstamped envelopes reading ‘no’ as they gesture Yildirim: The people’s will has been reflected at the ballot box, and the of vital importance to the United counted as valid. and shout at a rally late on debate is over. Everyone should respect the outcome, especially the States and the European Union. YSK offi cials could not be Monday at the Besiktas main opposition. Speaking in parliament yester- reached for comment. district of Istanbul. Parliament extends state Vote numbers spark German integration row

Reuters turnout in Germany was only ian conservative Stephan Mayer. er German society and language of emergency until July 19 Berlin 44%. The rules were relaxed in 2000 is a problem. Germany is home to some 3mn and 2014. The head of the Turkish Com- people with Turkish roots and About fi ve months before a munities in Germany said those DPA year. The opposition is voicing ers of US-based cleric Fethullah hocked by the support some politicians said the loy- federal election, the right-wing who backed Erdogan were pro- Istanbul concern over this. Gulen, the man the government among Turks in Germany alty many showed to Erdogan, Alternative for Germany (AfD), testing against their situation in The emergency laws, granting blames for the coup. Sfor handing new powers to a leader viewed by many in the polling at between 7% and 11%, the country. the government sweeping pow- He denies the charges. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan European Union as increasingly demanded a complete end to dual “They wanted to protest about urkey’s parliament has ex- ers, have been in eff ect since July Also, thousands of Kurdish in Sunday’s referendum, several authoritarian, pointed to a rejec- citizenship for Turks. what they have felt for decades,” tended the ongoing state last year, following a bloody coup activists have been arrested over senior German lawmakers called tion of democratic values. “That it needed a referendum Gokay Sofuoglu told SWR radio. Tof emergency by three attempt by a faction in the mili- the past year, with the govern- yesterday for the rules on dual “Those in a liberal country in Turkey for the conservatives “That they feel discriminated months, two days after President tary. ment saying that they are linked citizenship to be tightened. like Germany who vote to abol- to realise that integration, above against, that they feel excluded,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed A large number of executive to terrorists, though many claim The latest unoffi cial results ish freedom in Turkey or to limit all of Turks, has failed, shows he said. victory in a referendum on vastly decrees hinge on the state of that they are only engaged in show 51.4% of voters in Turkey it have obviously not accepted how removed they are,” said Emil Observers also point out that expanding his offi ce’s powers. emergency, which gets extended politics. backed plans for an overhaul of our values,” said Free Democrat Saenze, deputy head of the AfD many Turks in Germany come Turkey’s cabinet approved ex- every three months, including Confl ict with Kurdish mili- the political system which will (FDP) leader Christian Lindner, parliamentary group in Baden- from conservative, rural ar- tending the state of emergency those that facilitated purges of tants restarted in 2015 after a give Erdogan sweeping new pow- adding that Turks in Germany Wuerttemberg. eas of Turkey such as Anatolia on Monday and then the motion the civil service and widespread ceasefi re collapsed. ers, while support among 1.4mn must respect its constitution. Many Turks came to West and that the largest association passed in parliament, where Er- arrests. Extending the state of emer- eligible voters in Germany was Senior politicians in Chancel- Germany after World War II, of mosques in Germany, Ditib, dogan’s Justice and Development More than 100,000 peo- gency “would further endanger far higher, at 63%. lor Angela Merkel’s conserva- providing labour for its “eco- brings in imams from Turkey. Party (AKP) has a majority. ple have lost their jobs in the human rights and the rule of law, In the western city of Essen, as tives called for action. nomic miracle”. “The local mosques are poll- At the end of this three-month civil service and military, while which have already been badly many as 75.9% backed the “yes” “It is important that we reverse Experts say many second and ing stations for (Turkey’s ruling extension, the emergency laws 47,000 people have been jailed damaged in Turkey”, Human campaign, although some com- the changes that made it easier to third generation Turks have not party) the AKP,” sociologist Ne- will have been in eff ect for a full for allegedly being sympathiz- Rights Watch (HRW) said. mentators have cautioned that get dual citizenship,” said Bavar- successfully integrated into wid- cla Kelek told Bild daily.

Thousands of ‘no’ supporters stage protests 12 dead in police helicopter crash

AFP ropean side of the city while on dent” and “We are shoulder to the protest, people bashed pots Istanbul the Asian side around 2,000 shoulder against fascism”, the and pans with kitchen utensils DPA/AFP/Reuters take-off , appears to have been Search and rescue teams were demonstrators marched through protesters in Kadikoy chanted, as from the windows of their apart- Istanbul/Diyarbakir caused by bad weather condi- dispatched to the area. Kadikoy, another staunchly sec- they marched towards the offi ces ments to show solidarity. tions in Tunceli province, a Heavy fog in the region made housands of supporters of ular and anti-Erdogan neigh- of the Supreme Election Board Police generally kept a low mountainous area, the gover- the rescue operation for the the “no” campaign in the bourhood, AFP correspondents (YSK). profi le on the sidelines of the police helicopter with 12 nor’s offi ce and the minister Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk heli- Treferendum on granting said. Others brandished viral hash- protest but warned against using people on board, includ- said. copter diffi cult, Turkish media Turkish President Recep Tayyip There has been anger among tag slogans from the referendum off ensive slogans. Aing offi cers and a judge, “Any other outside factor is reports said. Erdogan greater powers took to “no” supporters over last minute night like “The ‘no’ is not fi n- Smaller protests were also held crashed in eastern Turkey yes- out of the question,” Soylu said, In March, seven people were the streets of Istanbul late on changes to the voting procedures ished” and “‘no’ has won”. in other Turkish cities and Turk- terday, killing all on board, In- ruling out that the helicopter killed, including four Russians, Monday to protest alleged poll but the authorities insist that In Besiktas, protesters held ish media reports said that 13 terior Minister Suleyman Soylu had come under attack. when a privately owned heli- violations. the referendum was conducted pamphlets with the words “We people were detained in a protest said. The region, about 560km east copter crashed in Istanbul af- At least 1,000 protesters cleanly. are right, we will win”. in the southern Mediterranean The accident, which took of the capital Ankara, is experi- ter the aircraft hit a television thronged Besiktas on the Eu- “We will not make you presi- In homes lining the route of city of Antalya. place about 10 minutes after encing fog and rain. tower. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 EUROPE Big asteroid on track to streak past Earth today

AFP our planet, this will be a very on past Jupiter before heading happen before 2027, when the ers, the National Aeronautics small optical telescope for one or The comet has brightened re- Paris close approach for an asteroid back toward the centre of our So- 800m wide asteroid 199-AN10 and Space Administration (Nasa) two nights before moving out of cently and should be visible in this size,” Nasa’s Jet Propulsion lar System. will fl y by at just one lunar dis- said. range. the dawn sky with binoculars or Laboratory said in a statement. Smaller asteroids whizz by tance, about 380,000km. “Astronomers plan to observe 2014-JO25 was discovered in a small telescope. n asteroid stretching Dubbed 2014-JO25, the aster- Earth several times a week. The last time 2014-JO25 was it with telescopes around the May 2014 by astronomers at the Asteroids are composed 650m (2,000’) across is on oid will come within 1.8mn km But the last time one at least in our immediate neighbourhood world to learn as much about it as Catalina Sky Survey near Tuc- of rocky and metallic mate- Atrack to whoosh past Earth of Earth, less than fi ve times the this size came as close was in was 400 years ago, and its next possible,” the space agency said. son, Arizona. rial, whereas comets – gener- today at a safe – but uncomfort- distance to the Moon. 2004, when Toutatis – 5km brush with Earth won’t happen Besides its size and trajectory, Also today, a comet known as ally smaller – are more typically ably close – distance, according It will pass closest to our plan- across – passed within four lunar until sometime after 2600. scientists also know that its sur- PanSTARRS will make its closest made of ice, dust and rocky stuff . to astronomers. et after having looped around the distances. The April 19 fl yby is an “out- face is twice as refl ective as that approach to Earth at a “very safe” Both were formed early in the “Although there is no possibil- Sun. The next scheduled close en- standing opportunity” for as- of the Moon. distance of 175mn km (109mn history of the Solar System some ity for the asteroid to collide with 2014-JO25 will then continue counter with a big rock will not tronomers and amateur stargaz- It should be visible with a miles), according to Nasa. 4.5bn years ago. Scientists: Space Rajoy called to testify debris problem is worsening

By Richard Ingham, AFP and has entered into the more Paris feared exponential trend,” Krag in major graft trial warned. The conference in Darm- AFP head of the network. But he said that rather than cientists sounded the stadt, whose opening speeches Madrid The case even forced the res- bribes, businessmen gave dona- alarm yesterday over the were broadcast on the Inter- ignation of Rajoy’s health min- tions “generously” without ex- Sproblems posed to space net, is the biggest-ever gather- ister Ana Mato in 2014, accused pecting anything in return. missions from orbital junk – ing dedicated to space debris. court has summoned of benefi tting from illegally-ob- “I never received anything the accumulating debris from Experts will spend four days Mariano Rajoy to testify tained funds via her then hus- from Correa, not for me nor for mankind’s six-decade explo- discussing the problem, in- Aas a witness in a major band who was mayor of the city the PP,” he added, blasting the ration of the cosmos. cluding measures to mitigate graft trial, the fi rst time in mod- of Pozuelo de Alarcon near Ma- businessman’s allegations as In less than a quarter of a space litter such as by “de-or- ern history that any Spanish drid. “nonsense”. century, the number of orbit- biting” satellites at the end of prime minister has had to take According to a confession When questioned by a judge in ing fragments large enough to their working lives. the stand. published by Correa in online 2013, Barcenas had also claimed destroy a spacecraft has more Krag pointed to two events The so-called Gurtel trial cen- daily eldiario.es, companies he had given Rajoy envelopes of than doubled, a conference in that had amplifi ed the prob- tres on a vast bribery network would give him a commission of cash. Germany heard. lem at a stroke, creating de- allegedly involving former mem- two to three percent on the value But in his January hearing, And the estimated tally of bris fi elds with the potential to bers of Rajoy’s Popular Party of public contracts. he defended Rajoy, saying that tiny objects – which can harm generate further junk as pieces (PP), weakened by repeated ac- After taking his share, he he had given orders not to use or degrade spacecraft in the smashed into each other. cusations of graft. would allegedly give politicians Correa’s companies anymore in event of a collision, and are The fi rst was in January While Spain’s 62-year-old Rajoy: will be the first acting prime minister who has to appear in involved in awarding contracts 2003, “because he was told that hard to track – is now around 2007, when China tested an leader is not accused of anything, court as a witness. some of the money too. Correa was engaged in illegal ac- 150mn. anti-satellite weapon on an old his post as party chief since 2004 He also claimed he gave money tivities”. “We are very much con- Fengyun weather satellite – a means he could provide valuable he added, were the court appear- The lawyers association, to Luis Barcenas, a man also on Corruption is a major issue in cerned,” said Rolf Densing, move that sparked an outcry by testimony. ances of two former prime min- ADADE, which has fi led the graft trial who was PP manager from Spain – which last year scored its director of operations at the debris experts at the time. “They have called him as wit- isters. case with the court “attributes 1980s to 2008 and then treasurer worst ranking in Transparency European Space Agency (ESA), The other was in Febru- ness,” a spokesman for the Na- Felipe Gonzalez, a former So- functions to Rajoy which were for a year. International’s annual corrup- pleading for a worldwide ef- ary 2009, when an Iridium tional Court that deals with ma- cialist leader, and Adolfo Suarez, not his responsibility”, the party Further complicating matters, tion perceptions index – with the fort to tackle the mess. “This telecoms satellite and Kos- jor corruption cases told AFP, prime minister during the transi- said in a statement, before add- Barcenas claimed in 2013 that PP, rival Socialists and regional problem can only be solved mos-2251, a Russian military adding that no date had been set tion, both testifi ed as witnesses ing that the group is headed by part of that money went into a politicians hit by scandals. globally.” satellite, accidentally collided. yet for the hearing. in separate trials in 1998. two men with close ties to the secret party slush fund. Such is public anger over the The peril from debris comes Given enough warning, sat- “Rajoy will be the fi rst acting A source at Rajoy’s offi ce, who main opposition Socialists. The fund is an ingredient of the issue that many voters have from hypervelocity. ellites can shift position to prime minister who has to appear refused to be named, said the The Gurtel case allegedly saw current case but not the focus, as fl ocked to two relatively new par- Travelling at up to avoid a collision, but this uses in court as a witness,” said Jaume government was “always will- companies shower former PP a separate trial on it is pending. ties – the far-left Podemos and 28,000kph (17,500mph), even up fuel and potentially short- Munoz Jofre, a historian and au- ing to collaborate with judicial lawmakers and civil servants Barcenas was nevertheless the centre-right Ciudadanos. a minute object impacts with ens operational life. thor of Corrupt Spain: a brief his- authorities as is normal in a de- with bribes in exchange for con- questioned on the subject in As a result, although the PP enough energy to damage the The ESA receives a high-risk tory of corruption. mocracy”. tracts. January, and acknowledged there still won a general election last surface of a satellite or manned alert of collision every week on The only comparable events But the PP said that while it Altogether, 37 defendants face existed secret accounts in the PP, year, it failed to retain the abso- spacecraft. average for its 10 science satel- since Spain’s transition to de- “respects” the court’s decision to justice including two former par- pointing to “fi nancial resources lute majority it won in 2011, and In 1993, monitoring by lites in low-Earth orbit, Krag mocracy following dictator summon Rajoy, “we cannot agree ty treasurers and businessman that did not appear in offi cial Rajoy now heads a minority gov- ground-based radar showed said. Francisco Franco’s 1975 death, with it”. Francisco Correa, the alleged book-keeping”. ernment. there to be around 8,000 man- Each has to resort to “one or made objects in orbit that were two” avoidance manoeuvres larger than 10cm (4.5”) across, per year. a size big enough to infl ict cat- In a message to the confer- astrophic damage, said Holger ence from the International Krag, in charge of the ESA’s Space Station (ISS), French as- Slovaks gather to space debris offi ce. tronaut Thomas Pesquet said “Today, we fi nd in space the manned outpost in space roughly 5,000 objects with was shielded for objects up to sizes larger than 1m (3.25’), 1cm across. protest corruption roughly 20,000 objects with The ISS often has to make sizes over 1cm ... and 750,000 manoeuvres to avoid debris, ‘fl ying bullets’ of around 1cm,” but needs 24 hours’ warning to Reuters ka, a rival of Fico, has thrown he said. “For objects larger be able to do this, using its on- Bratislava his support behind the protest- than 1mm (0.04”), 150mn is board thrusters, he said. ers and urged Kalinak to quit. our model estimate for that.” If there is less time, “our “If we remain silent nothing Risks of a collision are sta- crew will have to close all the housands of Slovaks will change, therefore I chal- tistically remote, but they rise hatches and enter the safe ha- joined a rally yesterday lenge people to speak if they as the litter increases and more ven which is our Soyuz space- Tto protest against cor- see something happening that and more satellites are de- craft so that we can depart the ruption and demand the resig- isn’t right,” Kiska said this ployed. ISS in the case of a collision,” nation of the interior minister, week. “The growth in the number he said. “This has happened a close ally of Prime Minister Fico did not reply to e- of fragments has deviated from four times in the history of the Robert Fico, over his ties with a mailed questions yesterday. Demonstrators take part in an anti-corruption rally in Bratislava. the linear trend in the past ISS programme.” developer under investigation He backed Kalinak last year for tax fraud. when the minister fi rst faced Slovakia’s economy has protests demanding his resig- boomed and living stand- nation. ards have risen sharply since The protesters also called for it joined the EU in 2004, but the publication of the results French voters disappointed, undecided days before vote many Slovaks say their country of an investigation into links lags western Europe in the fi ght between leading centre-right against corruption. politicians and businessmen By Christian Spillmann, AFP embroiled not only Le Pen, but decided voters, said Macron is Other countries in the region fi rst revealed in 2011 that has Strasbourg also Fillon. “too young”. including Romania and Hun- not yet been closed. Fillon’s campaign has been “Undecided voters are a fea- gary have also seen large anti- They demanded a fresh rocked by multiple scandals over ture of this election,” Klein- government protests recently. probe into decades-old crimes rench far-right leader Ma- expenses and confl icts of inter- schmager said. “Voters from Yesterday’s demonstration pardoned under amnesties rine Le Pen is too extreme, est, including allegations that the two major parties have been in Bratislava, one of the largest granted by former prime min- Fbut centrist Emmanuel he gave his wife suspected fake thoroughly weakened.” since Fico took power in 2012, ister Vladimir Meciar to his se- Macron is too young. jobs as a parliamentary assistant, Francoise, the daughter of largely targeted Interior Min- cret service chief and 12 others Conservative Francois Fillon for which she was paid a total of a former mayor in the eastern ister Robert Kalinak, who has for the 1995 kidnapping of the cannot be trusted, Socialist Be- €680,000 ($725,000). province of Franche-Comte, said resisted pressure to step down then-president’s son. noit Hamon is the establishment, As for Le Pen, the European she would have voted for Fillon over his business relations with Lawmakers cancelled those and Communist-backed radical Parliament has accused her far- “if there hadn’t been the scan- real estate developer Ladislav pardons this month after Jean-Luc Melenchon is just too right National Front (FN) of us- dals”. Basternak, who is being inves- 84,000 signed the largest on- risky. ing funds allotted for parliamen- A picture taken yesterday in Grenoble shows a hologram of “Honesty in life and in poli- tigated over possible tax fraud. line petition in Slovakia’s his- Just a week before the French tary assistants to pay staff for Melenchon gesturing and speaking during a campaign meeting. He tics, it’s essential,” the 54-year- Kalinak has said he bought tory demanding action. cast their fi rst votes for the next party work in France. held a meeting in Dijon while his hologram appeared at the same old pharmaceutical worker said. a 17% stake in one of the com- Fico’s leftist SMER party president, this is how the many She has dismissed the investi- time in Nantes, Montpellier, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand, Port de la “My father was mayor of a town, panies belonging to the devel- won a second term in last year’s undecided voters view this year’s gation into FN’s expenses, saying Reunion, and Nancy. and when I made copies at city oper. election, but lost its parlia- cast of candidates: with abject that it is a plot to derail her cam- hall, he took out money to pay for Both he and Basternak have mentary majority. disappointment. paign bid. tion has become too complex to “Macron, we don’t know if he is them. denied any wrongdoing. Rising public anger with Marc Jaurena lives in the Jaurena is also unmoved by the get people engaged.” of the right or the left.” “So then when we see the Fil- Critics argue that Kalinak traditional parties led to the northeastern city of Metz but ethos of the Communist-backed Voters’ indecision has rein- As for Hamon, “he is from the lon family ... I am outraged by the remaining as interior minister far-right People’s Party-Our drives nearly an hour to work in eurosceptic Melenchon, and by forced the uncertainty of this outgoing government” which has scandals.” prevents an independent in- Slovakia group winning its fi rst Luxembourg, 63km (40 miles) what he called Macron’s “brain- year’s two-round presidential been marked by high unemploy- There is a danger in having so vestigation into the tax issue. parliamentary seats. away. washing”. election, in which four candi- ment and low growth. many undecided voters at this Fico himself also lives in a The government has stepped “For me, working in Luxem- “I know who I won’t vote for, dates – Le Pen, Macron, Melen- Only 17% of voters questioned late stage, said Kleinschmager. rented apartment owned by up anti-corruption eff orts re- bourg, my job will be directly but I don’t know who I’ll vote chon, and Fillon – are neck-and- in an Ipsos poll in February gave “The danger is when we don’t Basternak in central Bratislava. cently, introducing a 35% tax impacted by a Marine Le Pen for,” he said. neck for the fi rst round of voting high marks to France’s demo- know what to hold on to,” he said. “As a new father, I want my on dividends from companies election,” Jaurena said, as the He is among the nearly 40% on April 23. cratic system. “So we grab a lottery ticket while son to grow up in a country in tax havens and banning far-right leader has pledged that, of voters who have yet to decide Polls give each between 19% In the western city of Rennes, telling ourselves ‘why not’. That where he can live decently and fi rms with unclear ownership if elected, she will pull France out which way they’ll vote – or even and 23% of votes. Pierre, 28, voted for the then lottery ticket is Marine Le Pen.” without making compromises from doing business with the of the euro currency and hold if they’ll show up at on election The top two candidates from president Nicolas Sarkozy in An Ipsos poll for the daily Le with moral values,” said Matej state. a referendum on whether the day on Sunday. that vote will go forward to the 2012, but he is leaning towards Monde out on Friday showed Ma- Matus, 35, one of around 5,000 Slovakia ranked 54th among country should leave the EU. “This election is unusual. The second-round run-off on May 7. Macron this time around, “be- cron and Le Pen – who have been protesters gathered in central 176 countries in Transparency The 34-year-old Jaurena said campaign is rocked by scandals,” “For me, it’s unclear,” said cause he’s young”. neck-and-neck for weeks at the Bratislava. International’s 2016 corrup- he has also been scandalised by political scientist Richard Klein- 41-year-old Fabrice Blanchard, But for retired teacher Jean- head of the pack – on 22% for the Slovak President Andrej Kis- tion perception index. the fake jobs scandals that have schmager told AFP. “The situa- a commercial agent in Lorraine. nette, 77, who is among the un- fi rst round. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 19 EUROPE Suspect says he didn’t know he Frenchmen held over was helping to stage bombing ‘pre-poll attack plan’

Reuters AFP/Reuters near Marseille’s largest train sta- Moscow/Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan Paris tion. Sources close to the investi- gation said at least two assault he man Russian investi- olice arrested two men weapons had been found. gators say orchestrated a in Marseille yesterday on With the country still under a Tsuicide bombing on the Psuspicion of planning an state of emergency, minister Fekl Saint Petersburg metro told a attack, just days before the fi rst said 50,000 police, gendarmes court yesterday that he was an round of France’s presidential and soldiers would be deployed unwitting accomplice in the election, with bomb-making for each leg of the election, and attack, in which 14 people were materials and guns found in security reinforced for the can- killed and scores injured. searches. didates. Russian investigators said The foiled plot sparked fears “Everything has been put in that before the April 3 attack, that the closing days of the cam- place to ensure the security of the suspected suicide bomber, paign could be a target for ex- this big event for our democracy Akbarzhon Jalilov, had spoken tremists ahead of Sunday’s vote, and our Republic. The security by telephone with Abror Azi- the country’s most unpredictable forces are mobilised everywhere mov, who the investigators said election in decades. across France to ensure the se- was helping mastermind the Azimov being escorted inside Elite police and agents from curity of French people and to attack from a Moscow suburb. the court building in Moscow. France’s domestic intelligence ensure the presidential campaign At a preliminary court hear- agency detained the two French- goes smoothly,” he said. ing in Moscow, the suspect, Reuters in Jalal-Abad. men – identifi ed only as 23-year- Search warrants seen by Reu- Azimov, said that he had par- She said his brother Akrom old Clement B and Mahiedine M, ters described the two men as ticipated in the preparation of had returned home from Mos- 29 – in the Mediterranean port dangerous. the attack but only indirectly. cow because he was sick, add- city. “These are radicalised com- “I did not realise that I was ing that he had been taken from Interior Minister Matthias Fekl mon law criminals who spent helping with this act,” he said, hospital for questioning by said they were known to be “radi- some time in prison,” said one referring to the April 3 blast. “I Kyrgyz state security. calised”. police source. was being given instructions.” Russia’s Ren TV broadcaster, “They were aiming to commit Later in the day, soldiers and Firefighters secure a street in Marseille as police off icers conduct an investigation after two Frenchmen Dressed in a black jacket and citing law enforcement agen- in the very short term, in other police were still sealing off a road were arrested on suspicion of planning to carry out an ‘imminent and violent attack’ ahead of the first checked shirt, he spoke from a cies, reported that Azimov, words in the next few days, an at- where one of the men was ar- round of the presidential election on Sunday. metal cage in the courtroom. along with the Saint Petersburg tack on French soil,” the minister rested. Earlier in the court hearing, suicide bomber, had attended a said. Offi cials gave no indication of is perhaps not a coincidence,” a tection,” Macron’s spokesman than 230 people since January a state investigator told the radical Islamist training camp. Police found guns and bomb- who the men had been targeting, member of her entourage said. Benjamin Griveaux told Reuters. 2015. court that Azimov had con- It did not say where the making materials in searches but the campaign team of far- “The main candidates were Offi cials from Fillon’s camp In the deadliest attack, Islamic fessed to having taking part camp was located. across Marseille. right candidate Marine Le Pen warned in the middle of the last and Le Pen’s National Front said State (IS) gunmen and suicide in preparations for the attack, Azimov’s wife and another The two men were seized in linked the arrests to her planned week that there was a risk and they also had received word of a bombers slaughtered 130 people but the suspect said he had not brother, Bilol, told Reuters that the southern port city a few mo- campaign visit to the city today. that two individuals had been possible attack. in Paris in November 2015. confessed to that. he had travelled to Turkey but ments apart from each other. “The fact that the two individ- identifi ed. We received their France remains under a state of Candidates have been heav- Since the attack, Russian was only in transit there on his Local mayor Lisette Narducci uals were arrested in Marseille as photos and security of the candi- emergency after being a frequent ily guarded during the election authorities have detained nine way home after an abortive at- said explosives had been found Marine Le Pen was preparing to dates. Their meetings and head- target of terror attacks by Islam- campaign, but so far there have people suspected of involve- tempt to fi nd work in South after a search of an apartment hold a meeting the following day quarters were given extra pro- ist militants that have killed more been few security scares. ment. Korea. All are originally from Cen- The family, though Muslims, tral Asia, a region of fi ve mainly rarely went to the mosque, Muslim states that border Af- Bilol said. ghanistan, Iran and China. No group has claimed re- Abror Azimov is originally sponsibility for the attack, Nearly from the city of Jalal-Abad, in which happened on a day that the Central Asian state of Kyr- Russian President Vladimir gyzstan. Putin was visiting Saint Pe- 9,000 His wife said yesterday tersburg, his native city. that Azimov and his brother, If it is proven that the bomb- Akrom, had been working in a ing was carried out by radical rescued sushi restaurant in the Moscow Islamists, that could pose a test region. for Putin’s policy of military He had been due to return intervention in Syria. over the home to Kyrgyzstan in April, The Islamic State (IS) group but did not make the trip. has threatened to take revenge Her husband was “calm and for Russian air attacks on Syria weekend well-adjusted”, the wife, her by shedding blood on Russian head covered by a scarf, told soil. Reuters Geneva

Police arrest 38 in early 9,000 mainly Af- rican migrants were res- Ncued in the Mediterrane- an this past long weekend after major online child being put by smugglers in Libya onto unseaworthy boats head- ing toward Italy, UN aid agencies said yesterday. sex abuse swoop The migrants, many from Nigeria and Senegal with some from Bangladesh, are among an AFP/DPA tos and videos that were seized estimated 20,000 held by crimi- The Hague/Madrid showed “humiliating treat- nal gangs in irregular detention ment” and “excessive brutal- centres in Libya, the Interna- ity” involving children from tional Organisation for Migra- olice have arrested 39 babies to children aged up to tion (IOM) said. suspects in over a dozen eight years. On release, they pay to board Pcountries across Europe Europol and international the overcrowded boats, often and Latin America after bust- law enforcement agency In- just infl ated rubber vessels that ing an online paedophile ring terpol, which also took part in could not cross the Mediterra- that used the WhatsApp chat the investigation, said that 38 Migrants rescued in previous days watch from the Malta-based NGO Migrant Off shore Aid Station (MOAS) ship Phoenix as it takes part on nean. service to share images of child suspects had been arrested but Sunday in a joint rescue operation with NGO vessels Sea-Eye and Jugend Rettet Iuventa, and a Tunisian fishing boat, in international waters off “It is obvious that better sex abuse, offi cials said. Spanish police said “so far” 39 the coast of Libya. spring weather has encouraged In co-ordinated swoops late people had been held, includ- smugglers to take people from last month, local and inter- ing 17 in Spain. their detention centres,” IOM national authorities searched The other arrests took place spokesman Leonard Doyle told houses and seized hundreds of in Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, a news briefi ng in Geneva. “The devices containing child sexual Colombia, El Salvador, Ger- EU urged to save more migrants at smugglers have clearly taken exploitation material in South many, Italy, Paraguay, and Por- them to sea and pushed them out and Central America as well as tugal. in the hope and belief that they Germany, Italy and Spain, Eu- The total of 39 arrests in- would be rescued.” rope’s policing agency Europol cluded six in Colombia, four in sea, not patrol ‘make-believe border’ More than 35 vessels, includ- said in a statement yesterday. Italy, and two in Germany. ing private charity boats, the “These off enders are push- Spanish police said 96 such European Union border agency ing the boundaries of modern groups were monitored and Reuters He was speaking by telephone der control agency Frontex has to reach the boats in distress. Frontex, the Italian and Libyan technology to try to avoid be- analysed in the investigation. Rome from the MOAS rescue vessel taken over patrolling the Medi- Catrambone said that the only coast guards and 12 merchant ing caught by law enforce- Spanish police said they Phoenix, which after a frantic terranean, but its vessels remain relevant question at sea is life or ships were involved in rescuing ment,” Europol director Rob found handwritten material at weekend’s activity was heading well clear of the coast of Libya. death. dozens of vessels, the United Wainwright said. a house they searched in Lugo U patrol vessels in the slowly towards Sicily with 463 Both Frontex and a Sicil- “The priority needs to be sav- Nations High Commissioner for Dubbed “Operation Tan- in the north of the country, Mediterranean are putting migrants on board, including 170 ian prosecutor have said NGOs ing lives, not patrolling a make- Refugees (UNHCR) said. talio”, the investigation was listing the names, ages, and Elives at risk by operating women and children, and seven should not be working so close believe border. The further they “This was an overwhelming sparked in mid-2016 by the places where encounters with too far from the Libyan coast dead bodies recovered from the to Libya because they make it (Frontex) stay away, the more search and rescue activity by all Spanish police’s High-Tech minors took place. where migrants are embarking sea. too easy for migrants to come to people will die. Saying there is a sides involved,” UNHCR spokes- Crime Unit focusing on the Tor Some of them dated back 20 on the perilous voyage to Europe, The crossing from Libya to Ita- Europe, adding that some NGOs pull factor is just ignorance. It’s man Babar Baloch said. encryption network, used by years. the head of a rescue charity said ly is now the main migrant route may be in contact with smug- avoiding responsibility,” he said. “We repeat our calls on Eu- criminals to mask their identi- “We need to continue to yesterday. into Europe. glers. All of about a dozen NGOs rope, on the governments, to ties. combine our joint resources Growing numbers of migrants More than 181,000 came to Frontex said on Monday that operating in the Mediterranean be out there saving lives. NGOs “Prompted by clear evidence and skills to tackle this threat are attempting the crossing in shore in Italy last year, and arriv- it had rescued more than 1,400 have taken similar positions in have been a great help in terms of prolifi c sharing of indecent to our children and bring these fl imsy, overcrowded boats as the als this year are up about a third people over the weekend. recent weeks. of fi lling up that vacuum,” he images, the Spanish investi- off enders to justice,” Wain- spring weather improves. on the same period of 2016. “Smugglers are taking ad- “How many lives could have added. gators revealed links divert- wright said. Nearly 9,000, mostly Africans, Some 850 are estimated to vantage of the proximity” of been saved in the last two years if At least 900 migrants have ing users to private groups on “Actions like Operation were rescued over the long Easter have died so far in 2017. the NGOs by using more unsafe the #EU had conducted a proac- died or have gone missing while WhatsApp,” Europol said. Tantalio send a strong mes- weekend, UN aid agencies said. That is fuelling a dispute over boats and packing them even tive search and rescue operation? attempting to reach Europe by A total of 25 groups, formed sage” that police across the “Europe needs to rescue peo- whether laying on more rescue tighter, the EU agency explained #WhereIsFRONTEX,” tweeted sea so far this year, including 97 by invitation only, are current- globe will continue to work ple because it cannot allow them vessels, and patrolling closer to in an e-mail to Reuters yesterday. one of the groups, Doctors with- missing in the latest incidents ly being investigated, accord- together to bring to justice to die at its own back door,” said Libya, is encouraging the fl ow of While the NGO boats tend to out Borders (MSF), on Sunday. between Thursday and Sunday, ing to Europol. those “engaging in or benefi t- Chris Catrambone, an American migrants and boosting the profi ts hover just outside of Libyan ter- Yesterday MSF said it was be- during which time 18 bodies Hundreds of devices con- ing from the heinous crimes,” businessman who co-founded of people-smugglers. ritorial waters that end 12 nauti- ing sent 164 miles to respond to a were also found, Doyle said. taining pornographic material added Bjorn Sellstrom, Inter- the Migrant Off shore Aid Station Since Italy abandoned its cal miles from the coast, Frontex rescue call. Some 36,000 migrants have have been seized, it added. pol Crimes Against Children (MOAS), with his Italian wife Re- search-and-rescue mission in vessels patrol much further north “Where are #EU boats?” it been rescued, against 24,000 at Spanish police said the pho- operations co-ordinator. gina in 2014. 2014, the European Union’s bor- and can take a half-day or more tweeted. this time last year, he said. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 INDIA

CONTROVERSY INVESTIGATION FACILITIES TRAGEDY DIPLOMACY Probe begins to verify if Keeping mum on Narada issue Northeast to get film Girl,11, commits suicide Jaitley leaves today women entered temple on party orders: minister institute, DD channel after tiff with classmates on 5-day visit to US

The Kerala government is probing reports that West Bengal Rural Development Minister Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah A Class 6 student allegedly committed suicide Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave today a few women worshipped at the Sabarimala Subrata Mukherjee yesterday said he had a lot Naidu yesterday said that the central government following a tiff with her classmates in south Kolkata’s for a five-day visit to the US to attend the Spring temple last week. State Devaswom Minister to say on the Narada sting operation but was is planning to set up a film institute and a dedicated Behala, police said yesterday. “Srestha Dey, 11, of Meetings of the International Monetary Fund Kadakampally Surendran said the probe will be keeping quiet under party instructions. The Doordarshan channel in Arunachal Pradesh. Jodhpur Park Girls High School, committed suicide and World Bank, an off icial said. Jaitley will also conducted by the Vigilance Department of the Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday Addressing a press conference in Guwahati by hanging herself from the ceiling fan at her house take part in a G20 meeting on the financial Travancore Devaswom Board. “I have asked for filed a case against 12 Trinamool Congress in Assam, Naidu said the proposed institute, at A K Paul Road in Behala’s Parnasree area at around sector, as well as interact with American a report from the Devaswom Commissioner leaders, including Mukherjee, who were which will start from a temporary campus with 10pm on Monday,” a police off icer said. According investors, the off icial added. Jaitley’s delegation and action would be taken based on the purportedly seen taking money in the Narada an introductory 10-week course from May 15 to the police, the girl was alone at home when the includes, among others, Chief Economic Adviser report,” he said. According to the temple rules, sting operation video. “I have a lot to say on this year, will be set up at Itanagar in Arunachal incident happened. A suicide note was found in the (CEA) Arvind Subramanian, Economic Aff airs women in the age group of 10-50 years cannot the issue but my party has decided that any Pradesh. The institute will also start similar courses room. Her family said Srestha was upset over an Secretary Shaktikanta Das and Reserve Bank enter the temple. Photographs of woman off icial statement and action will be at the party throughout the year, focusing on introducing argument with her classmates that day. “She looked of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel. On April 21, devotees worshipping at the temple were level. So I cannot say anything on this now,” northeast students to the medium of cinema and upset after coming back and said she had a fight with Jaitley, along with Patel and Das, will participate published online on April 12. Temple off icials Mukherjee said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee filmmaking as a career and enrich their skills in the her friends in school,” her mother said. “She said she in the G20 meeting, the off icial added. They will ask women arriving at the Hindu temple for dubbed the development a “political game” and domain. “The ministry will also launch a dedicated wants to discuss something with me. I was working will also attend a meeting of the International documents if they have doubts about their said filing of the case did not mean the accused Doordarshan channel - ArunPrabha from Arunachal downstairs. Never realised she would do something Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) on age. were guilty. Pradesh by August this year,” Naidu said. like this,” the mother said. Global Development and Prospects.

Congress Protest against Ola, Uber seeks Mani’s return to UDF No unity till

IANS Thiruvananthapuram

ine months after the Sasikala and Kerala Congress (Mani), Nthe third biggest ally of the Congress-led-United Demo- cratic Front, walked out of the alliance, the Congress Party yes- terday urged the former partner to return. family exit In August 2016, the Kerala Congress (Mani) led by its supre- mo K M Mani, who completed 50 years as a legislator, walked out of the UDF. Since then the six legislators of the party have been sitting as a party: OPS separate block in the 140-mem- ber Kerala assembly. Agencies Nadu and AIADMK cadre,’’ he factions picked up speed after It was state Congress presi- Chennai said. Delhi police fi led a case against dent M M Hassan who yesterday “The party should not be in the Dinakaran for trying to bribe the extended the olive branch and hands of a family. Amma (Jay- Election Commission to allot wished for their return. nity eff orts in the All India alalithaa) sent the family out and his faction the now frozen “two “The UDF is meeting on Fri- Anna Dravida Munnetra Sasikala gave an apology stating leaves” election symbol. day and this will be taken up for UKazhagam hit a roadblock that she would not come into any The Election Commission has discussion. Mani left on his own yesterday after former Tamil post and she admitted the in- also postponed by-election to the and every ally in the UDF, really Nadu chief minister O Panneer- volvement of her family in shad- state assembly from R K Nagar wishes Mani would return. Well selvam sought the exit of the now ow conspiracy. Thus nobody from that was set for April 12 as it found once the UDF meets, a clearer jailed V K Sasikala and her family, the family must be there in the that voters were bribed with cash. picture would emerge,” Hassan and Chief Minister K Palaniswami party and there is no change from Dinakaran was the ruling AIAD- told reporters. said this was unacceptable. our side on this,” he said. MK’s candidate. Mani, the then state fi nance A day after some AIADMK He said Jayalalithaa admitted The Panneerselvam camp re- minister was upset with a sec- ministers initiated unity talks only Sasikala into the party and portedly wants him to be made tion of the Congress ever since with the Panneerselvam faction, none from her family. both the AIADMK general secre- they demanded his resignation the former chief minister made The AIADMK split into two af- tary and chief minister, with Pal- from the Oommen Chandy cabi- it clear that there cannot be any ter Jayalalithaa’s death. One fac- aniswami as his deputy. net in 2015. This was after alle- unifi cation if Sasikala and her tion is led by the now jailed gener- Asked if he would allow Pal- gations surfaced that Mani had family members remained party al secretary Sasikala and the other aniswami, a Sasikala backer, to taken bribe to open closed bars. members. by Panneerselvam. remain the chief minister if the The former fi nance minister Panneerselvam told reporters According to Panneerselvam, AIADMK unites, Pannerselvam found it tough to continue in in Perikulam in Theni district, MGR never involved his brother in said there was no point in talking the cabinet after the Kerala High about 520km from Chennai: “Our the party aff airs when he founded about things that would not hap- Court made a stinging remark stand is that Sasikala and her the AIADMK and then ruled pen. against him and he fi nally quit. family members should not be in Tamil Nadu for a decade until his Panneerselvam also said doubts Even though he remained in the party.” death in December 1987. concerning Jayalalithaa’s death the UDF and fought the May 2016 He said that both AIADMK The Sasikala faction hit back. had to be cleared. assembly polls, in August that founder, the late M G Ramach- Chief Minister Palaniswami The majority of the state’s min- year he decided to end the 34- andran (MGR), and his successor said if Panneerselvam placed such isters met on Monday night and year relation with the UDF and the late J Jayalalithaa, who died on conditions, then unity talks can- resolved to begin merger talks in walked out. December 5, were against a family not proceed. the overall interest of the party. K P A Majeed, general secretary controlling the party. Sasikala faction legislator Finance Minister D Jayakumar of the second largest ally in the He said there was no change in Vetrivel questioned how a group said: “We welcome OPS’s state- UDF - the Indian Union Muslim his fundamental stance that the of ministers discussed a patch- ment on joining hands. We also League (IUML) - told reporters party and the government should up without the consent of party want the two sides to come to- it was Mani who decided to walk not be under the control of a fam- deputy general secretary T T V gether.” out of the alliance. Drivers of app-based taxis stage a demonstration outside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s ily. Dinakaran, a nephew of Sasikala. Dinakaran, who was meeting “Even though we are yet to get residence to press their demands in New Delhi yesterday. The protest is against their partners “It will not be an uncondi- He said in Chennai that the lawyers to deal with the Delhi the agenda notes for the Friday Ola and Uber. The drivers are demanding an end to ‘share’ service employed by Ola and Uber, tional unity. We will not deviate meeting of the ministers was case, is unhappy with the condi- UDF meeting, it’s always good to where many commuters share a taxi to various points along one route. They also want that from our basic policies, which is “unoffi cial” and only those meet- tions set by the rival camp. hear the news that the UDF will these taxis to be run according to a Delhi government authorised meter, which should be certi- against a family rule in the party. ings held at the AIADMK offi ce A legislator and Dinakaran loy- discuss about his return,” said fied by Standardisation Testing and Quality certification (STQC). Any change in our stand will be were “offi cial”. alist said the ministers met with- Majeed. an injustice to the people of Tamil Eff orts to unite the AIADMK out his knowledge. Kejriwal faces rare anti-incumbency in civic polls We lost Punjab because we Chadha even challenged India lying thousands of people on to the people of Delhi to pay for his out a television advertisement didn’t do our homework Today television saying he would the main square in front of parlia- defence. His argument: “I was when an elderly Muslim man was “properly. Probably we over- quit politics if his party did not get ment. He even threatened to dis- doing it to protect the interest of lynched by a Hindu mob in Dadri estimated our appeal with the at least 80 seats in the Punjab as- Delhi Diary rupt India’s Republic Day parade the cricket-playing youth of the in Uttar Pradesh. The total bill voter. We lost Rajouri Garden be- sembly elections, and if it did, the which was due in a few days’ time. city.” for these acts was a whopping cause people of Delhi seem to be channel should stop broadcast- By A K B Krishnan In a topsy-turvy way Kejriwal ob- How does alleging - without Rs970mn which the lieutenant- not happy with our performance ing. (AAP won 20, but Chadha is literated the dividing line between hard evidence mind you - some- governor is asking the ruling party so far. We realise we have to pull still in politics, no harm done!) Gulf Times Correspondent the ruler and the ruled! one of siphoning off money be in to reimburse. up our socks and get to work more The anchor of another English In spite of these shenanigans, the interest of Delhi youth? And if The citizens of Delhi have an- diligently to earn their respect and television channel was interview- the people of Delhi gave him an indeed there was evidence, wasn’t other chance to make their choice trust once again.” ing Kejriwal. It went somewhat Can you tell me one thing that proof of that - it fell victim to the unheard of majority - 67 seats it incumbent upon him to fi le known. The civic elections are Delhi Chief Minister Arvind like this (not verbatim because the BJP in their ten years’ rule did saga of corruption that the Man- out of 70 when Kejriwal returned cases against the culprits? By now due later this week. The three Kejriwal has always claimed his much of the conversation was in right in the municipal corpora- mohan Singh government at the to fi ght the assembly elections Kejriwal has earned a dubious corporations (MCDs) have been Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is not like Hindi): tions of Delhi?” Centre had degenerated into and in 2015. (Please note that EVMs reputation of being a spit-and- under the BJP for the past decade. the run-of-the-mill corruption- “So what do you think went “No, you are still not answer- lost the fourth attempt in 2013. were very much in use then and run specialist, but unfortunately The debate is about which of the ridden, family-oriented political so wrong in Rajouri Garden that ing my original question. You are Narendra Modi was chief minis- they had not given Kejriwal any he chose the wrong target this three was more corrupt and more outfi ts that Indians have grown up your party’s candidate was not trying to answer a question with ter of Gujarat and although he was reason to complain.) There were time. Jaitley, a seasoned lawyer mismanaged all these years. The with. It is, therefore, only natural only defeated but also lost his de- another question,” the anchor re- emerging as one of the candidates about 443mn eligible voters in In- of the Supreme Court, was in no BJP itself acknowledges this. The to expect an honest assessment posit?” marked somewhat frustrated and for prime ministership in 2014, he dia in 2015. Of this, Delhi’s share mood to let things drift. He fi led party has denied poll tickets to of a failure and an equally honest “We had reduced power tariff s moved on to other allegations - was never the force that he even- was a mere 7.05mn. The AAP won both a criminal and a civil suit. If every one of its sitting members, admission of it. But if you thought by half and we have been giv- and there are many - against Ke- tually turned out to be. 4,878,895 votes, meaning a little Kejriwal loses the fi rst, he could something unprecedented in Del- the above words were actually ing free water to the citizens. We jriwal. Kejriwal’s promise of a corrup- over 1% of the total Indian elec- be jailed for up to two years. And hi’s history. uttered by Kejriwal, you have an- have embarked on a major health If only Kejriwal had been frank tion-free government coupled torate. But Kejriwal thought he if he loses the second, he, along This is a situation that Kejriwal other think coming! initiative through the ‘mohalla enough to simply say something with people-friendly reforms and had won all of India! His ambi- with his fi ve other co-accused, would have otherwise exploited Instead, the boss of the “par- clincs’. All this is known to the similar to what the opening para- development was like a breath of tion knew no bounds. Only Prime will have to shell out Rs100mn in to the hilt. It was corruption in ty with a diff erence” blamed people.” graph here had said! A genuine fresh air for Delhi’s citizens. There Minister Modi was a worthy op- damages. the Congress Party that pro- the electronic voting machines “Yet they rejected you. So tell admission of mistake is rare in was much goodwill going for him ponent for him. Or so he pre- For someone who wanted the pelled him to power in 2013. It is (EVMs), bribery by the Bharatiya me the one thing that you think Indian politics be it the Congress, even when he formed a minority sumed. taxpayer to foot the bill of his de- corruption in the BJP that should Janata Party (BJP) and the Con- you should have done diff erently the BJP or any other party. But government. If, as promised, he And then began a non-stop, fence lawyer, the question being help him now. In the normal gress Party and even the Election so as to gain people’s confi dence.” Kejriwal had the golden chance were to concentrate on good gov- no-holds-barred attack on Modi. asked is: who will pay if the court course of things it should be a Commission of India (ECI) for be- “On the very fi rst day of as- to be diff erent, to proff er that new ernance, there was no way the op- In the bargain Kejriwal found convicts Kejriwal? cakewalk for Kejriwal. But unfor- ing a “rubber stamp” of the ruling suming offi ce we had declared paradigm, but frittered it away position could have found favour himself facing the law in a series Kejriwal had also allegedly used tunately he is fi ghting anti-in- party at the Centre for the AAP’s reduction in power tariff s and also to prove he and his party are cut with the people. of defamation cases, including Delhi taxpayers’ money to adver- cumbency of the worst kind. The defeat in the assembly elections announced free drinking water…” from the same cloth as these oth- But Kejriwal, ever the rebel, one fi led by Finance Minister tise his government’s “achieve- Rajouri Garden result is a pointer over the past several weeks. No “Yes, I know that. But what I ers. forgot he was now sitting on the Arun Jaitley because the AAP ments” in far-off Goa and in Pun- to that. If eventually candidates fault of his or his party’s, all the am asking you is, what is the one Although the Congress gov- other side of the fence. For the chief alleged that the BJP leader jab in the run-up to the assembly of the AAP lose these elections, blame lies with his rivals. thing that you think went wrong ernment under Sheila Dixit had fi rst time in its history India saw a and his daughter had made mon- elections there. In fact he went it will be for no fault of theirs. It AAP’s arrogance was so ex- and the people voted against you.” acquitted itself well - getting chief minister striking. And strike ey out of Delhi’s cricket associa- one step further and promoted will be the sins of Kejriwal visit- treme that its treasurer Raghav “Let me ask you one question. elected three consecutive times is he did in no uncertain terms, ral- tion. Curiously, Kejriwal wants himself in Kerala and had taken ing his candidates. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 21 INDIA Mallya is arrested in London India says government voluntarily and the arrest was a ($1.4bn) that Indian authorities Some cases have collapsed enforcement offi cials would visit India’s top brewer, United process of recovering loans from in touch with Britain on technical procedure. say Kingfi sher owes. when evidence fell short of the London to begin work on the ex- Breweries, part-owned by glo- the tycoon. extradition request Mallya, 61, was arrested on Mallya has repeatedly dis- standard of “dual criminality”, or tradition. bal giant Heineken, this year Mallya was once known as behalf of the Indian authorities missed the charges against him actions that amount to a crime in The Central Bureau of Inves- asked Mallya, its non-executive the “King of Good Times” but Agencies over accusations of fraud and and defended himself in mes- both countries. tigation did not immediately chairman, to step down from the dropped off India’s most wealthy Mumbai/ New Delhi appeared in Westminster Magis- sages on Twitter. “The court usually focuses comment. board, following a regulatory or- list in 2014, engulfed by the mas- trates’ Court, British police said. On January 28 he said that on whether there is sufficient Minister of State for Finance der. sive debts of his grounded car- Indian television channels “not one rupee was misused”. evidence of criminality to Santosh Gangwar said the gov- United Breweries was not im- rier. lamboyant businessman said he was granted bail at the A spokesman for In- extradite someone,” ernment would do everything mediately available to comment His huge debt has come to Vijay Mallya, pursued by hearing. dia’s foreign ministry said Andrew Smith, in its power to bring Mallya to after yesterday’s development. symbolise the problems which FIndian authorities over Mallya, in a message on Twit- said “the two govern- a partner at London justice. India’s capital markets regula- bad loans pose to Indian banks unpaid loans tied to his defunct ter, called the news of his arrest ments are in touch” law firm Corker Bin- “We will not spare anyone tor has barred Mallya from par- and to overall fi nancial stability Kingfi sher Airlines, was arrested “usual Indian media hype”. over India’s extradi- ning. who is within the ambit of law. ticipating in the securities mar- in Asia’s third-largest economy. in London yesterday and ap- India had asked Britain to ex- tion request. “India needs to show Criminals will not be spared,” ket for having allegedly diverted Critics say the government has peared in court for an extradition tradite Mallya to face trial after India and Britain a prima facie evidential Gangwar told reporters in New funds from whisky maker United not done enough to tackle the is- hearing. the liquor and aviation tycoon have a mixed record case against this man.” Delhi after the arrest. Spirits. sue of wealthy individuals such A source close to Mallya said fl ed there last March after banks on extradition, say CNN News18 channel “We will defi nitely work to A court in January ordered a as Mallya, who obtain huge loans he attended a police station sued to recover about Rs90bn legal experts. said a team of Indian law bring him back to the country.” consortium of banks to start the which they later fail to repay. Why was nod Fire Service Week given if Yamuna was so fragile, asks Sri Sri

IANS stopped the World Culture Fes- New Delhi tival at the very beginning. A historic programme, deserving of applause and appreciation, is rt of Living founder Sri unjustly projected as a crime,” he Sri Ravi Shankar yester- said. Aday said the authorities Ravi Shankar added that the should not have given permis- event, which saw over 3mn at- sion to hold the World Culture tendees from 155 countries over a Festival (WCF) if the Yamuna three-day period, polluted nei- was “so fragile and pure”. ther air, water nor land. He said fi ne should be levied “The world over, cultural pro- on the National Green Tribunal grammes are held on riverbanks. (NGT) and the central and Delhi The whole idea was to bring Personnel of Assam’s State Disaster Response Force perform at a light show to mark Fire Service Week 2017 at Dighalipukhuri Lake in Guwahati yesterday. governments for giving permis- awareness to save the river. sion to hold the event. “The Art of Living that has re- His remarks came after the juvenated 27 rivers, planted 71mn report of an expert committee trees, revived several ponds, is set up by NGT said it would cost being projected as destroying a Rs420mn and a decade for the dead river,” Ravi Shankar said. ecological rehabilitation of the The event was held on the left Yamuna fl oodplains from dam- bank of the river between the ages caused by the festival. Barapullah elevated road and the India likely to receive normal The three-day festival, which DND fl yway between March 11 featured yoga sessions, per- and 13, last year. formances and prayers for world The report of the seven-mem- peace, involved the construction ber expert committee, headed by of a seven-acre stage that organ- former secretary of Water Re- monsoon rains this year: IMD isers boasted was the largest ever. sources Ministry Shashi Shek- Pontoon bridges, portable har, told NGT about the ecologi- Agencies age,” K J Ramesh, director gen- ceive enough rain, resulting in Indian Ocean and cooling over ent and professional investment cabins and parking facilities cal damage caused to over 300 New Delhi eral of the India Meteorological drought in some parts of Tamil the eastern Indian Ocean. information and credit rating were also constructed over doz- acres of fl oodplains due to the Department (IMD), said at a Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The IMD data suggests that a agency, said that the timing of ens of acres in the fragile ecosys- festival. news conference. Ramesh said that the fore- moderate or strong El Nino and the rainfall would matter. tem. The experts have estimated ndia’s crucial monsoon rains The long-period average cast assessment suggests 38% a positive IOD results in good “In addition to the over- Ravi Shankar was fi ned Rs50m that some 300 acres of fl ood- are forecast to be normal refers to a 50-year average of of probability for “near normal rainfall. all level, the timing of rainfall as “environmental compensa- plains west (right bank) of Ya- Ithis year, the weather offi ce 89cm rainfall for the entire monsoon rainfall”. In 1997, the country expe- would be crucial. Higher rainfall tion” before the event, a sum muna and about 120 acres fl ood- said yesterday, bringing hope four-month season beginning The actual status of the over- rienced 102% monsoon when in the early part of the monsoon he initially refused to pay , in- plains of the eastern side (left to the agricultural sector which June. all rainfall in India would how- both phenomena were optimal. may support sowing. However, sisting: “We have done nothing bank) have been “adversely im- employs 60% of the population “We expect normal clima- ever depend on the future status “There is an uncertainty, as adequate rainfall in the second wrong. I will go to jail but not pay pacted” ecologically at “diff er- and has been hit by drought in tological distribution of rains of ‘El Nino’ and ‘Indian Ocean the probability of moderate El half of the season would remain the fi ne.” ent magnitudes”. recent years. and we also expect the trend of Dipole (IOD)’ activities. Nino in August has reduced. important for yields,” said Aditi In a statement issued yester- The AoL has criticised the re- Good monsoon rains are vi- higher agricultural production ‘El Nino’ is a climatic phe- Moderate IOD is also develop- Nayar, Principal Economist at day, Ravi Shankar said the Art port stating it was deliberately tal for Indian crops and a par- and economic growth to con- nomenon which is the warm ing in Indian Ocean...This is ICRA. of Living (AoL) obtained all the leaked to the media and that ticularly dry season can reduce tinue.” phase of the cycle of warm and anyway good for India... we will ICRA said that though the necessary permissions including some members of the committee farm output, raising food prices India’s weather offi ce defi nes cold temperatures in the Pacifi c get more answers in June,” said current water-reservoir stor- from the NGT. were biased. which can be crippling for the rainfall between 96 and 104% Ocean that also impacts the Ramesh. age exceeds the level during “The NGT had the applica- The next hearing over the tens of millions of India’s poor. of the long-period average as monsoon. Reactions poured in after the 2016, it may still not prove ad- tion fi le for two months and they matter in the NGT is on April 20. More than half of India’s normal. A high El Nino has a negative IMD’s announcements. equate to shield the crop sector, could have stopped it in the be- Ravi Shankar is one of a farms lack irrigation for their Last year’s monsoon was eff ect in terms of the weather, “A normal monsoon means if monsoon rainfall turns out to ginning. It defi es all principles of number of gurus whose popu- crops, meaning they rely almost above average in much of the agriculture and economics. steady rains, ample irrigation be appreciably weaker than the natural justice that you give per- larity – and political infl uence entirely on the annual rains that country, bringing relief to mil- Similarly, IOD is a climate water availability and a good IMD’s initial forecast. missions and slap a fi ne for not – have surged in recent years as fall between June and Septem- lions of rural farmers reeling event occurring over the equa- crop to our farmers. In all, a good According to the Water Re- violating any rules. a swelling Indian middle class ber. from two years of drought. torial Indian Ocean. year for everyone,” tweeted Sci- sources Ministry, reservoir “If the Yamuna was so frag- tries to remain connected to its “The country will receive However, India’s south- A positive dipole is associated ence Minister Harsh Vardhan. storage is currently at around ile and pure, they should have cultural and religious roots. 96% of the long-period aver- ern peninsula did not re- with warming over the western The ICRA Ltd, an independ- 31% of full capacity. I have no Khalistan links, Ex-Delhi Congress says Canadian minister president joins BJP IANS Lovely held important port- New Delhi folios in former Delhi chief IANS Pressed about Amarinder Sajjan said: “We had some very minister Sheila Dikshit’s gov- New Delhi Singh’s allegation, Sajjan said: “I fruitful discussion ... on the ernment, including education, am not gonna get into petty poli- great relationship that Canada n a setback to the Congress tourism, urban development, tics of one CM or anybody. and India has and how we can ahead of the April 23 civic revenue, and transport. anadian Defence Min- “My reason for going into further this relationship.” Ipolls, former Delhi Con- He was elected to the Delhi ister Harjit Singh Sajjan Punjab is to pay respect to Har- Talking about the possibili- gress chief Arvinder Singh assembly for the fi rst time Cyesterday rejected alle- minder Sahib... I want to pay re- ties in defence co-operation, he Lovely and former Youth in 1998. He has never lost an gations that he supported Kha- spect to the village I was born. I said: “India’s defence ties with Congress leader Amit Malik election ever since. listan, and said: “I don’t promote am very very proud of my roots. Canada may be at a nascent quit the party and joined the Lovely had spoken in sup- the breaking up of any country.” “Captain is chief minister and stage but we certainly stand to Bharatiya Janata Party yester- port of former Congress min- “I don’t want to be sucked into it is my responsibility to off er a benefi t from your technological day. ister A K Walia when he threat- the internal politics of a prov- meeting.” skills, your considerable aero- “Former DPCC President ened to quit the party over ince of a nation,” he told reporters Sajjan said the chief minister space technologies, simulation Arvinder Singh Lovely, a distribution of tickets for the when asked about allegations that was free to decide whether he and modelling technologies, former minister, and former April 23 civic polls. he was a Khalistani supporter. wanted to meet him or not. cold climate expertise, your cul- Youth Congress leader Amit “After Arvinder Singh Love- “My goal is to build relation- “The relationship between ture of research and innovation. Malik joined the BJP in the ly’s joining, I am getting loads ships. I am proud of the fact that Punjab and Canada is based on “All are areas that suggest presence of party chief Amit of calls from Congress lead- I was born here.” its people. No one can take away possibilities where Canadian Shah,” the Delhi BJP said in a ers. They feel suff ocated in the Sajjan arrived in India on my village, my home, from me.” defence manufacturers can be- tweet. Congress and want to join the Monday on a week-long visit. He On the Ontario assembly pass- come an active part of the Make Federal minister Vijay Goel, BJP,” Goel tweeted. will visit Punjab too. ing a resolution calling the 1984 in India initiative.” Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari Meanwhile in Manipur, The Sikh politician was dubbed anti-Sikh riots a genocide, Sajjan A veteran of Afghanistan and and BJP’s Lok Sabha member Congress legislator Ginsuahau a Khalistan sympathiser by Pun- said: “We are a federation and the Bosnia, Sajjan, a decorated soldier, from East Delhi Maheish Girri Zou and 14 councillors from jab Chief Minister Amarinder Ontario legislature is democrati- spoke about the Taliban and how were also present on the occa- the party joined the ruling BJP. Singh, who has said he would not cally elected. A private member to deal with extremist violence. sion. Welcoming them, Chief meet the Canadian minister. moved a motion and that’s all it “Taliban is a small entity ... “Lovely’s joining the party Minister N Biren Singh said Sajjan spoke at an event or- was.” Earlier, Sajjan met his In- radical thinking that has sucked Canada’s Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan shakes hands with his will strengthen the BJP in sev- some more Congress MLAs ganised by the Observer Re- dian counterpart Arun Jaitley. in a generation of young men Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley after his ceremonial reception in eral areas of east Delhi,” said would join the ruling party search Foundation. Speaking on their discussion, into their ranks.” New Delhi yesterday. Tiwari. soon. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

Miami electric car dealer sees opportunity in Cuban gas shortage

An electric car dealer with a Miami electric sedan, plus super charger, for can damage modern engines. overcome that challenge,” he said, subsidiary is telling Cuba-based $25,000, including shipping direct from To date, Felder has sold just one of his “and in this situation, the electrical diplomats struggling with a gasoline Miami to Mariel Port,” said John Felder, vehicles, to the Guyanese embassy vehicle can help do that.” shortage on the Communist-run owner of Premier’s Cayman Islands- before the shortages began. Cuba depends on crisis-racked ally Caribbean island that they should fret based parent, Automotive Leasing and Ambassador Halim Majeed said his Venezuela for about 70% of its fuel no longer. Sales Co. government purchased the car as part needs, including oil for refining and The US, which maintains a trade The cash-strapped Cuban government of its green energy initiative, but now it re-exports. embargo on Cuba, licensed Premier cut back deliveries of high-octane has proved handy indeed. But socialist Venezuela’s subsidised Automotive Export to sell vehicles gasoline this month, sending “I’m lucky, and I’m happy about that,” shipments have fallen by as much to non-state entities in Cuba, such as diplomats, other foreigners and better- he said. as 40% since 2014. Potential new embassies and private companies, as off Cubans scrambling to locate fuel An electric car recently acquired by Guyana embassy is seen beside a Majeed said other diplomats had suppliers usually want cash due to part of detente under former president and waiting in long lines to fill up their vintage car during a ride for journalists in Havana, Cuba. always shown interest in his electric Cuba’s poor credit rating. Barack Obama. cars. car, but there was more now. Two of three Cuban refineries have “We put together a special off er and are It was not clear how long the shortage not commented on the situation. vintage American and Soviet-era “It is natural that when one faces an closed or have operated well below distributing the flier — a 2016 Nissan Leaf would last, and the government has Most Cubans who own cars, mainly models, use lesser-quality fuel that issue, you devise ways and means to capacity for months. Victims of Switzerland president pays visit army torture fear Mexico security bill

AFP months later in Puebla, 150kms Jiutepec, Mexico to the east. After a six-year legal fi ght, the grieving father is hoping that ne afternoon, young three soldiers arrested in con- Mexican engineer Jethro nection with his son’s death will OSanchez was out party- fi nally be tried and sentenced for ing. Hours later, he was dying, the crime. his father says - burned with In December 2006, Mexico’s acid and choking on earth as sol- then-president Felipe Calderon diers buried him alive. turned to the military to wage his Mexico called in the armed war on drugs. He argued that the forces a decade ago to fi ght police were too corrupt for the drug crime. But critics say the task and needed cleaning up. military has not been trained Since then, non-governmen- for that kind of police work and tal organisations such as Am- has ended up torturing innocent nesty International have docu- suspects. mented scores of similar cases of Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri walks next to Switzerland’s President Doris Leuthard at the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday. Now the Mexican Congress is torture and abuse in the country. debating proposals to formalise “For years, we have warned the use of the armed forces for that involving armed forces public security, raising fears that trained for combat in internal the eventual reform will shield matters, especially in the pros- soldiers who commit abuses. ecution of crime, can be a big His father Hector Sanchez, mistake,” said Juan Mendez, the 63, who makes a living recycling former United Nations envoy for auto parts, speaks in a choked torture, who wrote a report on voice as he stands next to the Mexico. young man’s grave. Currently, more than 50,000 Disagreements delay Jethro Sanchez “was study- military personnel are deployed ing for his master’s degree” and throughout Mexico to help fi ght was out celebrating a successful crime. business investment, he says - Organisations opposed to the not a drug traffi cker as the mili- proposed internal security law tary alleged. fear that it will give nefarious “There was no reason for them elements within the military a Brazil pension reform to do what they did to him.” “blank check” to commit abuses. As politicians argue over Mexico’s Congress has been Reuters makers facing elections next year. accept the change in order to ment wants to limit the number changes agreed by the govern- the new law, he says he wishes studying proposals from various Brasilia Congressman Carlos Marun, push through the overall re- of changes to the pensions ment would reduce fi scal sav- more relatives of torture victims parties on the military’s policing who heads the lower house com- form, considered a crucial step proposal, which is needed to ings by about 20%. would come forward. role since last September. mittee that will initially vote on in pulling Brazil out of its worst rebalance Brazil’s overdrawn Some of those changes in- On May 1, 2011, Jethro Details of the proposals have isagreements over the proposal, said discussions recession ever. accounts and recover its invest- clude transition rules that ben- Sanchez, 26, was at a local fair yet to be published. But the issue changes to the mini- were continuing on whether to Investor concerns over po- ment grade credit rating. efi t workers closer to retirement in Jiutepec, a town south of has raised so many red fl ags that Dmum retirement age for include a lowered retirement tential delays to the reform have The International Monetary age and a lower retirement age Mexico City, to celebrate the the law may not be approved be- women have delayed the pres- age for women to 62 or 63 years weighed on demand for Brazil- Fund said the Brazilian recov- for rural workers as well as for victory of a football team he had fore the current parliamentary entation of the Brazilian gov- among changes aimed at secur- ian assets in recent days. ery hinges on the implementa- police and teachers. sponsored. session ends on April 30. ernment’s pension reform draft ing passage of the reform. The country’s benchmark tion of the pension overhaul and The pensions proposal needs A street fi ght broke out and The military has defended its until today, a senior lawmaker Temer’s original proposal set Bovespa stock index slipped 0.3 other fi scal reforms. to be approved by the commit- Jethro Sanchez was detained by record in the face of torture al- said yesterday. a minimum retirement age of 65 % yesterday. In its World Economic Out- tee before it can be put to a fl oor police, who handed him over to legations. The disagreements highlight years for men and women. To ease market concerns, look report yesterday, the IMF vote in the full chamber. As it is the military, claiming he was a “We are not systematic vio- the lingering political resistance Brazil is one of the few coun- Finance Minister Henrique raised Brazil’s economic growth a constitutional amendment, drug traffi cker. lators of human rights,” said to the unpopular reform, despite tries in the world without a Meirelles said the draft will keep forecast for 2018 to 1.7% from the measure has to be approved Soldiers threw acid in his face General Jose Carlos Beltran, the concessions made by President minimum retirement age. about 80% of the content of the 1.5% previously. by a three fi fths majority in two and buried him, Hector Sanchez military’s human rights director, Michel Temer aimed at making Government offi cials said original proposal. Temer’s chief of staff , Eliseu separate votes by both the lower claims. The body was found two in March. his plan more palatable to law- the administration is likely to Temer has said the govern- Padilha, has said the fi ve major house and the Senate. Govt begins work on Rio LatAm warn against slum sewage services Venezuela violence AFP Venezuela’s crucial oil exports, Bogota which has triggered severe Thomson Reuters Foundation of millions of Brazilians live. of the works launched this week shortages of food and medi- Rio de Janeiro “We want to turn Rio das Pe- with initial community consul- cine. dras into a (formal) neighbour- tations. atin American powers Earlier 11 regional pow- hood,” said Flavio Caland, a A lack of state presence in warned against the risk ers including Argentina, Bra- razilian authorities have local government offi cial, was the informal community where Lof violence in Venezuela zil and Mexico bewailed the taken the fi rst step towards quoted as saying in O Globo residents do not have title as it braced for big protests deaths of several protesters in Bproviding basic sanitation newspaper. deeds to their homes has al- today in a deadly political and recent clashes. to more than 80,000 people in “But everything will be done lowed militia groups to fill the economic crisis. They urged Venezuelan au- one of Rio de Janeiro’s biggest in stages.” void. Colombia’s President Juan thorities to “guarantee the informal settlements or favelas Half of Brazil’s population Manuel Santos expressed “se- right to peaceful protest as en- by holding consultations with Half of Brazil’s population lack sewage services, according rious concern” about the Ven- shrined in the constitution and residents, a local government of- lack sewage services, to the ministry of cities. ezuelan army’s role, after his to prevent any violent action fi cial said. according to the ministry This places Latin America’s and 10 other countries urged against the demonstrators.” Located 35km west of the of cities largest country behind other peaceful demonstrations. Maduro’s Foreign Minister city centre, the working-class large middle-income nations Venezuela’s President Nico- Delcy Rodriguez on Twitter community of Rio das Pedras His comments follow a visit to including China, Russia and Ar- las Maduro rallied the military called the statement from the has grown quickly since the Rio das Pedras last month by Rio gentina when it comes to access and civilian militia on Monday 11 countries “political selec- 1970s, largely driven by migra- de Janeiro’s mayor Marcelo Car- to basic sanitation. as he vowed to resist the oppo- tivity,” accusing the group of tion from the country’s poor vella, who promised to improve Brazil’s federal government sition’s eff orts to remove him endorsing “the violent vandal- northeast. infrastructure. aims to provide basic sewage from offi ce. ism of the opposition.” Today the area is estimated Dona Mazinha, president of services for the entire popula- “We view with serious con- At least fi ve people have by residents and offi cials to have a local residents’ association tion of more than 200mn people cern the militarisation of Ven- been killed and scores injured between 80,000 and 170,000 in Rio das Pedras, said “poor, by 2033. ezuelan society. We call for in clashes between protesters inhabitants. hard-working people” live with However, at its current pace, good sense,” Santos wrote on and police this month, accord- Yet a lack of basic public serv- the “sewer at their door”, Bra- the goal will not be met by Twitter. ing to Venezuelan authorities. ices or city planning has drawn zilian news portal R7.com re- 2050, the National Confed- The centre-right opposition Venezuela’s defence min- concerns from residents about ported. eration of Industry (CNI) said is protesting against moves by ister has declared the army’s stagnant pools of dirty water and Government offi cials in re- in a study in February, which authorities to tighten Madu- loyalty to President Maduro, piles of garbage. cession-hit Rio did not provide showed that communities in Venezuela National Assembly president Julio Borges (left) stands ro’s grip on power. who ordered troops into the Similar problems affect a timeline as to when public informal settlements will be outside the Congress building in Caracas yesterday. Most of the Pressure on Maduro has streets ahead of the protest many of the country’s infor- services would be available in particularly impacted by the parliament yesterday asked the armed forces to stop “repression” risen in an economic crisis ag- today by opponents trying to mal communities where tens the area or a budget for the cost slow progress. in opposition demonstrations and be loyal to the constitution. gravated by a fall in prices for oust him. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN SC verdict on Pakistan denies using Panamagate proxies from its soil tomorrow IANS But Sharif and his family have DPA/Agencies Islamabad dismissed the allegations of Islamabad money laundering and denied any wrongdoing. he Supreme Court of Since the Panama Papers in akistan Army chief Gener- Pakistan will announce June 2016, opposition parties al Qamar Jawed Bajwa yes- Tits verdict in the Pan- have been jumping at the op- Pterday rejected allegations amagate case tomorrow (April portunity to register their pro- that Pakistan has been employ- 20) after it added the matter in tests and mobilise supporters ing proxies from its soil. its cause list yesterday. to rally against Nawaz Sharif. “Pakistan itself is victim of Confi rming the news, ARY “I can say with surety that... state sponsored terrorism, it News tweeted: “PANAMA not a single penny went out strongly rejects allegations of VERDICT has been fi nalised. of Pakistan,” emphasised PM employing proxies from its soil,” Announcement will be in 60 Sharif on the fl oor of parlia- the Army chief said. hours.” ment on May 16, 2016. General Bajwa’s statement Last year, the Panama Papers The opposition staged a came during his meeting with scandal rocked governments, walkout as Sharif proposed a US National Security Adviser, exposed high-profi le personali- parliamentary commission to Lt. Gen. HR McMaster. ties, triggered scores of investi- probe the allegations. During his visit the US na- gations around the world and In the immediate aftermath, tional security adviser pushed dealt a blow to Panama as an Iceland’s Prime Minister Sig- Islamabad to fi ght all terrorist off shore fi nancial hub. mundur David Gunnlaugsson groups equally and avoid using Pakistan Prime Minister was forced to resign after the some of them as proxies in Af- Nawaz Sharif’s alleged wrong- leak showed his family shel- ghanistan. doing came to light as part of tered assets off shore. During the meetings, McMas- a massive leak of secret fi les The petitioners in Pakistan ter “stressed the need to con- from a Panamanian law fi rm Advocate Tariq Asad, Jamaat-i- front terrorism in all its forms,” that specialises in setting up Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq, PTI the US Embassy said in a state- off shore companies in tax ha- chief Imran Khan and Awami ment. vens. Muslim League head Sheikh “The US hopes Pakistani lead- A trove of 11.5mn digital Rashid Ahmed sought disquali- ers will understand that it is in records from the Panamanian fi cation of the Prime Minister their interest to go after terrorist US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster meets Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on April 17. law fi rm Mossack Fonseca last and his close family members groups less selectively than they year revealed how many of the for their alleged investment in have in the past,” McMaster told ter was briefed about Pakistan’s stan in bringing peace and sta- willingness to help India and Pa- ton may take a stronger line on world’s wealthy used off shore off shore companies. Afghanistan’s Tolonews before war on terror and its contri- bility in the region, as well as the kistan resolve their diff erences Islamabad, for years seen as an companies to stash assets. A Supreme Court’s fi ve- the visit. butions to regional and global globe. particularly in relation to the unreliable US ally. According to the Panama member bench, led by Justice “The best way to pursue their stability. He acknowledged the McMaster arrived in Islama- disputed Kashmir region. The Trump administration Papers, three of Sharif’s four Asif Saeed Khosa, took up peti- interest in the country and else- Pakistan Army’s eff orts in elimi- bad on Monday on an unan- It was the fi rst visit by a top is reportedly considering new children — Maryam, Hasan tions on 20 October, 2016 and where is through diplomacy not nating terrorists and their in- nounced visit, a day after he member of President Donald policies regarding afghanistan and Hussain — were own- concluded its hearing on 23 through the use of proxies and frastructure, the Inter-Services hinted the US could take a Trump’s administration to Pa- including a proposal to send ad- ers of offshore companies February, 2017. “The Supreme engaging violence,” McMaster Public Relation said. tougher stance on Pakistan. kistan, and came after a stop ditional troops to the country to and “were owners or had the Court’s verdict will change the said. McMaster assured that the US During the meeting, Sharif in neighbouring Afghanistan end a stalemate with Taliban in- right to authorise transac- future of Pakistan,” said the PTI During the meeting, McMas- will continue to support Paki- welcomed President Trump’s where he suggested Washing- surgents. tions for several companies”. chairman in January.

Pak-India faith Teacher describes facing lynch mob

AFP in the door to a washroom where son and said his guilt had driven warning about the dangers of cause he (Khan) had criticised tourism continues Peshawar Abdullah had taken refuge. him to resign. fake accounts that could be used the school, according to court “All this happened in seconds. The brutality of the at- for blasphemy allegations. documents released late Mon- They broke the door, some of tack, partly recorded on mobile Rights activists have long crit- day. teacher has described them had batons, they were fu- phone, provoked widespread icised the colonial-era blasphe- A second student told a despite tensions the moment he was ac- rious — suddenly they entered condemnation, with protests in my legislation, saying it can be magistrate he had testified A costed by a Pakistani inside...they were not listening several cities over the weekend. abused for personal vendettas. before a university “congress” mob which lynched a liberal to anyone,” Hamdard said. Yesterday an opposition Abdullah, who has been taken on the day of the killing, ac- Internews applications from interested student accused of blasphemy Police arrived and managed leader Imran Khan, whose party into protective custody, claimed cusing Khan of blasphemy, Islamabad pilgrims till April 24. — an attack which has trig- to yank a wounded Abdullah to controls Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the university had wanted him according to the documents Ballot, if required, for 200 gered shock, outrage and fear safety, he told Geo. province where Mardan is lo- to brand Khan a blasphemer be- seen by AFP. Pakistani pilgrims will be held across the country. At the sight of blood and the cated, vowed the perpetrators espite simmering ten- on May 19, the statement add- Hundreds of men attacked crowd, he added, “I lost my would face justice. sions between Paki- ed. journalism student Mashal Khan courage.” The killing came in the wake Govt blocks 152 Facebook pages Dstan and India over the Pakistan and India facilitate last Thursday, stripping, beating Hamdard rushed to the staff of a government drive against death sentence to an Indian each other’s citizens as part of and shooting him before throw- hostel, but around 20 students blasphemy, a hugely sensitive The Interior Ministry of Investigation Agency (FIA) spy, violation of ceasefi re at eff orts to promote people-to- ing him from the second fl oor of were already there and accused charge in Pakistan. Pakistan informed the National Cyber Crime Circle Rawalpindi LoC and increasing brutality in people contact and religious his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan him of hiding Khan. Last month Prime Minister Assembly yesterday that last month and the second was held Kashmir, the two nuclear- tourism. university in the northwestern “They said, ‘You are a non- Nawaz Sharif swore that blas- 152 Facebook pages have also registered last month at armed neighbours continue to Ministry of religious aff airs’ town of Mardan. believer, you have hidden a blas- phemers on social media would been blocked for featuring the Ramna police station. facilitate each other’s pilgrims offi cial said both Pakistan and Khan had been known for his phemer’...They were crazy, they be prosecuted. blasphemous content. The ministry said relevant US intending to visit religious India had signed an agree- liberal views, especially on Fa- were not listening to me. Two The interior ministry also The written reply came to authorities have been asked sites located on both sides of ment, according to which, cebook, sparking the blasphemy of them kicked me and snatched threatened to block social me- the question asked by MNA to help close down the social the border. they will send their nationals allegations against him. my mobile and locked me in my dia websites with blasphemous Sahibzada Tariq Ullah regarding media sites which feature While around 1,300 Sikhs to each other’s country to at- Twenty-two people have been room.” content. action taken by the government blasphemous content and track arrived in Pakistan last week to tend religious festivals. arrested so far over the killing. Hamdard was rescued by an- “The state itself has said, there against those involved in down those involved. attend the annual 319th Khalsa Every year, around six major Ziaullah Hamdard, one of other teacher and spirited away are blasphemers hiding among the posting of blasphemous Three suspects have been Janam Din and Baisakhi festival Urs take place in India, said the Mashal Khan’s teachers, told the by police. you, the people; fi nd them! content on social media. arrested by the FIA and eight at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Has- offi cial and added that about private Geo TV channel yester- By then Khan, who had been So now the people are fi nding The ministry said two FIRs were places on the Exit Control san Abdal, Pakistan’s religious 1,000 pilgrims from Pakistan day that he saw students shout- hiding in his own room at a near- them,” wrote columnist Cyril Al- were also registered against List, the minister’s written ministry has invited applica- attend fi ve Urs, while 500 par- ing slogans against Khan and an- by student hostel, was dead. meida in Dawn newspaper over individuals thought to have reply said. The Ministry of tions from pilgrims who plan ticipate in Ajmer Sharif’s Urs. other student, Abdullah. “Mashal was a Diya (lamp). the weekend in comments criti- been uploading blasphemous Foreign Aff airs has sent letters to visit India for the annual Urs “It is estimated that every One university employee They have turned off a lamp,” cal of the government. content. to the Organisation of Islamic of Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Sani at year 1,500 pilgrims travel to threatened to kill Khan and cut Hamdard told Geo. Social media users have be- One of these was registered Conference and to the Arab Sirhind Sharif, India. India to attend these Urs where him into pieces, Hamdard said. He apologised to Khan’s par- come increasingly nervous in the last month by the Federal League as well. The annual Urs will be held they are welcomed whole- Then the mob began kicking ents for failing to protect their wake of the attack, with posts from November 16 to 23 this heartedly and provided all re- year. quired comfort and security,” An offi cial handout of Min- said the offi cial. istry of Religious Aff airs and However, sometimes their Interfaith Harmony, Islama- visits get cancelled at the 11th bad yesterday invited Ziarat hour, said the offi cial. Malala’s mother focuses on education

Reuters Pakistan. The attack changed Anti-polio campaign London everything. We had to focus on Malala’s life.” Now living in England’s sec- he mother of Nobel lau- ond city Birmingham, Toor reate Malala Yousafzai Pekai, who did not receive an Tsaid she hopes to devote education in Pakistan herself, is more time to helping others get learning English while caring for an education in her first major Malala, who is now 19, and her interview since her daughter two brothers. was shot by the Taliban for de- Despite winning a host of ac- fying its ban on girls’ schooling colades, including being named in Pakistan. a UN Messenger of Peace last Toor Pekai Yousafzai has week, at home Malala is like any largely stayed out of the spot- other teenager, Toor Pekai said. light since the 2012 attack on “I sometimes get upset with a school bus, which resulted in her when she throws everything Malala being airlifted to Britain around in her room and I tell her for treatment. to keep her room clean and tidy,” Her husband Ziauddin is seen she said. more often accompanying the Nevertheless, Toor Pekai said teenage activist, who became Toor Pekai Yousafzai with her daughter Malala. she and Malala cried when the the world’s youngest Nobel teenager received an off er to Peace Prize winner in 2014 aged Hour” daily radio programme. I want to be more involved in “When other people leave study philosophy, politics and 17, on trips to promote girls’ edu- “Then she wrote a book and these kinds of things.” their country they accept eve- economics at a British university cation around the world. we were busy with that too, Malala’s mother also de- rything that comes their way next year. A Pakistani policeman stands guard as a health worker “When Malala was being so that’s why I wasn’t in the scribed the shock of being forced and they’re ready for it, but we “I’ll miss her a lot and home administers the polio vaccine to a child during a treated in hospital we were very public eye. But now I’m try- to fl ee her home in Pakistan’s couldn’t prepare,” Toor Pekai will be empty without her. It’s vaccination campaign in Karachi yesterday. busy looking after her,” Toor ing to help other people get Swat Valley, northwest of the said. diffi cult but I have to accept it,” Pekai told the BBC’s “Woman’s an education, so from now on country’s capital Islamabad. “We had to suddenly leave Toor Pekai said. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 PHILIPPINES 26 killed as bus falls into ravine

AFP found outside the bus.” Authori- Manila ties were still investigating the cause of the accident but Car- ranglan Mayor Mary Abad told t least 26 people were ABS-CBN television there were killed and 21 injured when 60 passengers onboard although Aa passenger bus crashed the bus had a capacity of only 45. into a deep ravine in the moun- Abad added the wounded, tainous northern Philippines some of whom sustained criti- yesterday, authorities said. cal injuries, were rushed to The bus plunged about 24 me- nearby hospitals. “The road is tres in the upland province of really risky. There are many ra- Nueva Ecija before noon after its vines along that road going to brakes failed while travelling on Abra,” Abad said, referring to the a winding road, police and local northern province where the bus offi cials said. was headed. “The vehicle is totally Dr Arlene Jara, chief of the wrecked,” said senior inspector nearby provincial hospital treat- Robert De Guzman, police chief ing the wounded, said children of the town of Carranglan where were among those injured. the accident occurred. President Rodrigo Duterte’s The impact appeared to have spokesman Ernesto Abella ex- ripped the top off the vehicle, he pressed condolences to the added. families of the victims and said “Almost all of the passengers, those responsible would be held Police and military personnel stand near the site where two bombs exploded on Monday, at a gasoline in Tacurong town, Sultan Kudarat province, in southern island of Mindanao yesterday. both dead and injured, were accountable.

Supreme Court Seven hurt after twin blasts in south

AFP tack were still under inves- acquittal for Arroyo Manila tigation, Galgo added. “We cannot conclude yet that this is an act of terrorism. By Jomar Canlas even people were in- We are looking at all angles Manila Times jured when two bomb as there are threat groups in Sexplosions rocked a surrounding areas,” Galgo petrol station in a southern said, referring to rebels in he Supreme Court (SC) yesterday stood pat Philippine city near rebel the strife-torn province of on its majority ruling acquitting former enclaves, police said yes- Maguindanao. Tpresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo terday. Nearby towns are also (pictured) of the crime of plunder. An improvised explo- home to communist rebels During their summer session in Baguio City, the sive was thrown on Mon- waging one of Asia’s long- magistrates junked the motion for reconsideration day night on the roof of the est insurgencies and the fi led by the Offi ce of the Ombudsman, citing the gasoline station in Tacurong incident could have been principle of double jeopardy. city on Mindanao island, linked to extortion, Galgo With the same vote of 11 against 4, the high court which has been plagued by added. ruled to affi rm the granting of demurrer to evidence a decades-old insurgency. The blasts occurred in a to Arroyo for lack of suffi cient evidence to prove the crime of plunder. Two soldiers, three po- section of Mindanao that Arroyo no longer presented evidence before the Sandiganbayan. licemen and two civilians had been troubled by the The SC said that with Arroyo’s acquittal, criminal proceedings can were wounded when a sec- insurgency and high crime. no longer be pursued. ond blast went off minutes The Moro Islamic Libera- Arroyo was accused of embezzling P366mn in intelligence funds of later as security forces were tion Front, the largest rebel the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Offi ce (PCSO) from 2008 to 2010. about to cordon off the organisation, is in peace Besides Arroyo, also charged with plunder by the ombudsman were area, said regional police talks with the government PCSO General Manager and Vice Chairman Rosario Uriarte, mem- spokesman Superintendent but other extremist gangs bers of the Board of Directors Manuel Morato, Jose Taruc, Raymundo Romeo Galgo. that have pledged alle- Roquero, Ma. Fatima Valdes; Budget and Accounts Manager Benigno Two suspects have been giance to the Islamic State Aguas; Commission on Audit (COA) Chairman Reynaldo Villar; and arrested but their identities group routinely carry out A police forensic investigator points to the site where two bombs exploded, at a gasoline in Tacurong town, Sultan former COA CIF Fraud Audit Unit head Nilda Plaras. and the motive for the at- bombings and kidnappings. Kudarat province. Kill rewards, staged crime scenes in drug war

Reuters Reuters was unable to inde- Dela Rosa, halted police opera- unplug security cameras in the hit lists, with many of those Manila pendently verify if the police are tions for most of February after neighbourhood where a killing is named ending up dead. behind vigilante killings. it emerged that an anti-drug unit planned. Another Reuters investigation The president’s offi ce and the had kidnapped and murdered a According to the report, street showed that police offi cers were he Philippine police have Philippine police did not re- South Korean businessman last lamps are also switched off . killing 97% of the suspects they received cash payments spond to questions from Reuters. year. The killings continued but “There is no such thing as a confront in violent buy-bust op- Tfor executing drug sus- The intelligence offi cer has at a slower pace. legitimate buy-bust,” the com- erations, the strongest evidence pects, planted evidence at crime authored an unpublished 26- On March 6, Dela Rosa an- mander said. “The dealers know yet that the police were sum- scenes and carried out most page report on the conduct of nounced that the police were the cops and won’t sell to them.” marily executing suspects. of the killings they have long the drug war in an eff ort to or- resuming their drug operations. Instead, he said, a team of Offi cers also co-operate be- blamed on vigilantes, said two ganise opposition to Duterte’s In March, a former policeman, police operatives will execute cause they know the police senior offi cers who are critical campaign. Arturo Lascanas, testifi ed in the the target, who is almost always force’s fl awed disciplinary sys- of President Rodrigo Duterte’s The report, titled “The State- Philippine Senate about his role unarmed, then plant guns and tem, which fails to adequately “war on drugs.” Sponsored Extra-judicial Kill- in vigilante-style killings in the drugs at the crime scene to jus- investigate even a fraction of In the most detailed insider ings in the Philippines,” provides southern city of Davao, where tify the use of deadly force. “We the killings, means there is little accounts yet of the drug war’s granular detail on the cam- Duterte was once mayor. have to plant evidence for the chance they will get caught, said secret mechanics, the two senior paign’s alleged methods, mas- Lascanas was the second Sen- legality of the operation,” the the intelligence offi cer. offi cials challenged the govern- terminds and perpetrators. ate witness to link Duterte to the commander said. “We are or- One sign of the drug war’s suc- ment’s explanations of the kill- The document has been Davao Death Squad. dered to do these operations, so cess, says the government, is that ings in interviews with Reuters. shared with leaders of the Duterte denies ordering any we have to protect ourselves.” more than a million users and Almost 9,000 people, many Catholic Church in the Philip- killings, either as president or Most drug suspects in his pushers have voluntarily regis- small-time users and dealers, pines and with the government- File photo shows the grandmother of five-year-old mayor. precinct are shot by rookie cops tered with the police, a process have been killed since Duterte funded Commission on Human Francisco Manosca, son of Domingo Manosca, who according to In a subsequent interview, who are either eager for the ex- known as “surrendering.” took offi ce on June 30. Rights. relatives was a drug user, mourns over his body during his funeral Lascanas told Reuters that for perience or nominated by their But the commander said po- Police say about a third of the Some of the report’s accusa- in Pasay city, Metro Manila, on December 21, 2016. Unidentified gun- over a decade he was paid for superiors, the commander said. lice are given a quota of “surren- victims were shot by offi cers in tions against individuals could men killed both the father and child. carrying out the liquidation of The superiors refer to this as a derers,” and fi ll it by using city self-defence during legitimate not be confi rmed by Reuters; drug suspects and criminals. “baptism by fi re.” Each member ordinances to arrest men who anti-drug operations. the news agency is therefore not counts from 17 serving or former Mao Zedong’s China, with Du- In the early 1990s, he said, of the team is quickly paid ac- are drunk or shirtless — a misde- Human rights monitors be- publishing the full document. policemen, including the com- terte aiming to have drug addicts he was paid 3,000 to 5,000 pe- cording to two factors, said the meanour known as “half-naked” lieve many of the remaining Many of its fi ndings, however, mander Reuters interviewed. “physically eliminated.” sos ($60-$100) for each of the commander: his role in the kill- — then forcing them to register two thirds were killed by paid support and expand upon previ- The police commander said The Commission on Human “jobs” he performed. ing and the target’s value. as drug suspects. assassins operating with police ous investigations of the drug he agreed to talk because he was Rights has reviewed the report By the early 2000s he was According to the report, the Reuters learned of the intel- backing or by police disguised as war by Reuters and independent upset that authorities are tar- and the accounts could open up earning tens of thousands of pe- cash “reward scales” for drug ligence offi cer’s 26-page report vigilantes — a charge the police human rights monitors. geting only petty drug suspects. new leads in ongoing investiga- sos for each operation, he said. killings range from 20,000 pesos from him and interviewed two deny. The report claims that po- “Why aren’t they killing the tions, said chairman Chito Gas- Lascanas said he had no docu- ($400) for a “street level pusher Catholic priests in Manila who The two senior offi cers, one a lice are paid to kill not just drug suppliers?” he asked. “Only the con. mentary proof of the payments. and user,” to 50,000 pesos for said they had encouraged him retired police intelligence offi cer suspects, but also — for 10,000 poor are dying.” Church offi cials confi rmed re- He has since left the country. a member of a neighbourhood to compile it. One of the priests and the other an active-duty pesos ($200) a head — rapists, The second half of the report ceiving the report as well. In the past nine months, po- council, 1mn pesos for “distrib- said he edited the report; the commander, claimed the killings pickpockets, swindlers, gang is largely political in nature, as- “We should do all we can to lice acknowledge having shot utors, retailers and wholesalers,” other said he helped distribute are in fact orchestrated by the members, alcoholics and other serting that Duterte has close follow any lead that could ulti- dead more than 2,600 suspects and 5mn for “drug lords.” it among a small group of clerics police, including most of those “troublemakers.” ties to Communist forces in the mately shed light on these kill- during their operations. Police offi cers kill for money, and human rights activists. carried out by vigilantes. It also claims that civilian Philippines. ings with the view to ultimately They say such shootings occur said the commander, but also out Both are helping organise op- They spoke with Reuters on members of the so-called Davao Many in the military and po- holding the perpetrators to ac- after suspects open fi re on un- of fear: Even the police are afraid position to Duterte’s drug cam- the condition of anonymity. Death Squad, which rights ac- lice are concerned by what they count,” said Gascon. dercover offi cers trying to catch of being included on a “watch paign. The intelligence offi cer “It is the Philippine National tivists allege killed hundreds of see as Duterte’s leftist sympa- The fresh claims come amid them dealing drugs. list” of drug suspects drawn up said he hoped the report would Police doing it,” said the retired people in Duterte’s hometown of thies. growing criticism of the drug But these so-called “buy- by police and local offi cials. be used as evidence at the Inter- intelligence offi cer. “This killing Davao, were drafted to “augment Since taking offi ce, the presi- war. busts” are actually well-planned Offi cials have been killed for national Criminal Court. machine must be buried six feet and assist” the police’s current dent has released Communist In February, the country’s in- executions, said the commander not co-operating, he added. In October, the Hague-based under the ground.” He said he nationwide anti-drug operation. rebels from prison to restart fl uential Catholic Church called interviewed by Reuters. He said he was aware of two tribunal said it could prosecute was angry about the impact of The report doesn’t provide peace talks. it a “reign of terror.” The cam- The commander said targets cases but did not provide details suspects if the killings were the killings on police discipline documentary evidence for its ac- The report also calls the drug paign has also sparked street are chosen from lists of suspects on exactly what happened. “committed as part of a wide- and wanted “to put Duterte on cusations, which the intelligence war a “social cleansing” cam- protests and lawsuits. drawn up by police and local of- Reuters reported last year that spread or systematic attack the defensive.” offi cer said were based on ac- paign similar to that launched in Duterte’s police chief, Ronald fi cials, who later co-ordinate to the watch lists were eff ectively against a civilian population.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Bangladesh trains teenage girls to fight cyber crime

Bangladesh yesterday began training Garbage piles up in Lanka thousands of teenage girls to fight cyber crime, citing an “alarming” rise in social media-related abuses mostly targeting adolescents, AFP reports from Dhaka. Police said online harassment had grown alarmingly with the rise in smart phone use in Bangladesh, capital as toll climbs to 31 and teenage girls were the main targets. AFP heaps of garbage spilled onto More than 10,000 school-age Colombo main roads. girls will take part in government “We are fi nding new loca- workshops around the country tions. By noon Wednesday I am in April and May to teach them undreds of tonnes of hopeful of restoring normality what to look out for and how to rotting garbage piled in clearing the garbage,” Com- respond. Hup in Sri Lanka’s capital missioner V K A Anura said. “Every day, we have 10-12 yesterday after the main rub- “We will not dump it all in one complaints of cyber crimes. Some bish dump was shut following location, but at several sites.” 90% of these victims are pre-teen an accident that killed at least 31 He said deaths could have and teenage girls,” Nazmul Islam, people. been avoided if people who a deputy commissioner of Dhaka Authorities sealed the mas- lived near the garbage dump had Metropolitan Police, said. sive 300ft (90m) rubbish moun- taken his warnings two weeks Police said girls were being tain on the northeastern edge of ago and moved out with rent tricked into posing for intimate Colombo after it collapsed on paid by the council for alternate photographs and video footage Friday, destroying 145 homes housing. that were later posted on social nearby and burying victims in a But activists have complained media or used for trolling. garbage landslide. that ad hoc compensation and On some occasions, hidden Military spokesman Roshan relocation was not the answer cameras were used to secretly Seneviratne said hundreds of to a festering problem that film young people having sex, troops were still searching for politicians have been unable to with the footage later posted fi ve people missing since the ac- resolve for years. online. cident, but authorities were not Yetserday, the authorities “Sometimes these photos hopeful of fi nding any survivors declared a large area unsafe and and videos are being used four days on. ordered residents to vacate their by boyfriends to emotionally Soldiers dug out anoth- homes. blackmail the girls or their er body yesterday afternoon Offi cials said 1,700 people families,” said Islam. raising the toll to 31. living near the tip had already Bangladesh in 2013 set up a The Colombo Municipal been relocated to temporary special trial court to deal with Council was scrambling for new shelters while the govern- social media-related crimes and locations to dump the roughly ment searched for alternative since then more than 450 cases 800 tonnes of garbage produced accommodation for many more. have been heard. every day in the capital, as crows A night of heavy rain, fol- “(The) majority of the victims are and stray dogs picked through lowed by an outbreak of fi re, young girls. In many cases, once bags of reeking garbage left on destabilised the 23mn-tonne they were married, they found city streets. garbage heap, causing its col- that their former lovers posted The council sought permis- lapse as Sri Lankans celebrated their intimate photos to social sion yesterday from a local the traditional new year. media,” prosecutor Nazrul Islam magistrate to access another tip Parliament had been warned Shamim said. outside the city limits, promis- the vast tip posed a serious “In one incident, a young woman ing it would clear the four-day health hazard, and that a long- committed suicide after her lover backlog of trash within 24 hours. term solution was needed to sent some of her intimate photos In several areas of the capital, dispose of Colombo’s trash. A boy walks by piles of garbage on a street in Colombo yesterday. to her mobile phone,” he said. Court issues Cases against ‘BNP activists being arrest warrant revived to gain political mileage’

By Mizan Rahman assuming offi ce after the 2011 Fakhrul, however, said their Bhutan yesterday on a three-day madrasa education system and Dhaka changeover. The government is party will not participate in state visit. update its curriculum. This is against mayor now reviving all the cases fi led the general election if a level- Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir our party’s stance.” against BNP leaders and activ- playing fi eld for all parties is not alleged that the government is BNP leaders have been criti- ccusing the government ists. The government is trying ensured. trying to have Hefajat-e-Islam cising the government since By Mizan Rahman On February 4, the ACC of reviving political cases to pressurise BNP with cases as “There’s no question of join- in its fold convincing it in many Allama Ahmad Shafi and Alem- Dhaka submitted charge-sheet Aagainst its leaders and it’s got politically bankrupt,” he ing the election without a level- ways ahead of the next polls. Ulema of the Hefajat-e-Islam- acquitting Jesmin. activists, opposition Bangla- said. playing fi eld and unless the po- He, however, said their party supported Qawmi madrasa met Sakku won the mayoral desh Nationalist Party (BNP) The BNP leader further litical cases of our leaders and has no interest to follow the Prime Minister Hasina last week. Dhaka court yesterday election after being nominated yesterday said the government said, “We’re repeatedly urging activists are withdrawn.” same tactics to woo Hefajat. At the meeting, the prime issued an arrest war- by the opposition Bangladesh is conspiring to hold a unilateral the government to play with He demanded the govern- “Our party’s position (on He- minister announced the recog- Arant against Monirul Nationalist Party (BNP). national election. us on a level-playing and open ment ensure a democratic space fajat) is very clear as we don’t nition of certifi cates of Dawra- Haque Sakku, the newly elect- Earlier, mayors of fi ve city Speaking at a conference at fi eld. They’re not respond- for political parties and take follow a double-standard policy. e-Hadith under Qawmi Madrasa ed mayor of Comilla City Cor- corporations faced similar BNP’s Nayapaltan central of- ing to it as they want to hold steps for arranging the next The Awami League is doing it Education Boards as equivalent poration (CCC), in a graft case ordeal after their election. fi ce, BNP secretary general a unilateral election keeping polls under a non-party admin- wonderfully. After beating and to master’s degree in Islamic fi led by the Anti-Corruption They were sued in a number of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir all of us in jail. The country’s istration and a neutral election attacking them, now they (gov- Studies and Arabic. Commission (ACC). criminal cases for which they called upon the government people will never accept such commission. ernment) are saying ‘let us make Fakhrul said the BNP-led gov- Dhaka metropolitan sessions were suspended. to create a ground for a cred- a lopsided game.” About the prime minister’s friendship and get close’. But, we ernment in 2006 gave the same judge Kamrul Hossain Mollah Recently, the High Court ible election and giving de- He called upon the govern- Bhutan tour, Fakhrul hoped that don’t do that,” Fakhrul said. recognition to Qawmi madrasa passed the order taking cognizance declared their suspension il- mocracy an institutional shape ment to ensure a congenial at- Sheikh Hasina will not return Replying to a question, he said certifi cates, and a gazette noti- of the charge-sheet. legal. The fi ve pro-BNP may- by withdrawing all the cases mosphere conducive to holding home empty-handed from Bhu- their party supports only justi- fi cation was also issued in this On May 7, 2008, the ACC ors are of Rajshahi, Sylhet, fi led against BNP leaders and a fair election by shunning its tan as she did from India. fi ed demands, not all, of Hefajat. regard subsequently. fi led a case against Sakku and Gazipur, Khulna and Habiganj activists, including its chief repressive acts. “We want to join He suggested the prime min- The BNP leader said their par- “The government is now try- his wife Afroza Jesmin for con- city corporations who regained Khaleda Zia. the next polls, but a proper envi- ister to sign deal with Bhutan ty thinks it is necessary to mod- ing to convince them (Hefajat) to cealing information of wealth their posts through protracted “The Awami League with- ronment will have to be ensured to import electricity from the ernise madrasa education so that make a good relation with them worth 125mn taka and amassing legal battles after a two-year drew all the (political) cases fi led so that all parties can take part country. their students can turn into a presenting the same issue in a wealth of 45.7mn taka illegally. suspension. against its leaders and activists in it.” Prime Minister Hasina went to workforce. “We want to develop diff erent manner.” Economic transformation top priority now: Bhandari

IANS “For Nepal, India remains ance agreement has already been Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan New Delhi the largest trading partner... We signed,” she said. Mahat tried to allay apprehen- are closely engaged in Saarc, She said that incentives for sions about political stability in BIMSTEC and BBIN and these investment in Nepal are no less Nepal, saying there was a com- nviting Indians investors to regional and sub-regional plat- attractive than those in many plete consensus over economic her country, Nepal President forms could be made more ef- other countries. issues across political spectrum IBidhya Devi Bhandari yes- fective in delivering results,” she “Ours is a virgin land for in- and that Nepal’s economy may terday said that after political said. vestment and any area is profi ta- achieve a growth rate of 8-10% transformation, socio-econom- Emphasising that Nepal treats ble. Importantly, location of Ne- in next few years. ic transformation is Nepal’s top the private sector as a partner for pal in the middle of two thriving “You may wonder Nepal has priority and it is keen to ben- development, Bhandari pointed economies of the world off ers diff erent parties - Communist efi t from India’s tremendous out that Nepal has opened up greater advantages to potential Party, Maoist Centre etc. If you progress. almost every sector for foreign investors,” she said, adding that have some image, erase that. “Nepal has undergone po- investment, including manu- the abundance of water resourc- Left parties or right parties, we litical transformation of historic facturing, hydropower, tourism, es in her country has tremen- have a consensus. I am from proportion in recent years. Now services, mining and agro-based dous potential of utilisation. Nepali Congress and my prime socio-economic transformation industries. “We can put our eff orts to- minister is from Maoist party, is our topmost priority. If not “The government is commit- gether to harness these resources but we are together and there is a Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari being received by India’s President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime backed by economic transfor- ted to creating a climate con- for mutual benefi t. Capitalising total consensus,” he said. Minister Narendra Modi at the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi yesterday. mation, political transformation ducive to investment. No dis- on this potential we can lead in Indian Minister of State for cannot be sustainable,” Bhandari crimination is made between the sector of cleaner technology External Aff airs V K Singh said president was accorded a ceremonial Bhandari at Rashtrapati Bhavan She is accompanied by a said at an event organised by in- Nepali and Indian investors. and greener growth,” Bhandari that India’s relations with Ne- welcome at the forecourt of Rashtra- where she is staying. 33-member delegation that in- dustry chambers CII, Ficci and Numerous similarities make us observed. pal are just not historical, they pati Bhavan. Later, she paid tribute “We are honoured to welcome cludes Foreign Minister Mahat Assocham. natural partners. Inviting the Indian businesses are deep and multi-layered and to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Peace and Reconstruction She said achievements made “BIPPA (Bilateral Invest- to invest in her country, Bhanda- “cannot be defi ned in words”. Following this, External Aff airs of Nepal. Had fruitful talks with Minister Sita Devi Yadav, fi ve by India in economic, social, ment Promotion and Protection ri said a prosperous Nepal will He said bilateral economic co- Minister Sushma Swaraj called her,” Modi tweeted. women MPs and senior offi cials. scientifi c and other fi elds are Agreement) with India is under also be “in the interest of our operation is benefi cial for both on her. This is Bhandari’s maiden for- She will also visit Gujarat remarkable and Nepal is keen to consideration for ratifi cation neighbourhood and beyond”. countries. Later in the day, Prime Min- eign tour after assuming offi ce in and Odisha before returning to benefi t from India’s success. while the double taxation avoid- In his address earlier, Nepal Earlier in the day, the Nepal ister Narendra Modi called on October 2015. Kathmandu on Friday. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Snap elections: Odds are

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar heavily in May’s favour [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), The odds have never been – especially one that, at 50 days, is who like their wagers ultra-low-risk. to receive a large chunk of political 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) so favourable for a prime relatively long by British standards. The greatest downside for May is in capital, which she can spend over the Fax 44350474 There is also a risk that calling a snap undermining her brand as a political next two years. minister who needs a fi rm vote will irritate an electorate weary of straight-shooter, one who eschews the Better still for her, she will have being summoned to the polling booths playing of Westminster games. In her broken the link between the Article mandate to push through so often. But even if the Conservative Downing Street statement she nodded 50 and UK electoral timetables. her hard-Brexit vision lead shrinks by fi ve or even 10 points to that, speaking of her “reluctance” Previously, she faced a two-year talks May will still win, and win big. in breaking her earlier pledge to call deadline, which would expire in 2019, Given all that, the real gamble for no snap election. But she will have followed by a general election a year GULF TIMES May would have been to pass up this calculated that the benefi ts heavily later. Now she has ensured that day By Jonathan Freedland London chance and sit it out until 2020. When outweigh that cost. of judgment from the electorate is asked who would make the best prime And what are those benefi ts? The postponed to 2022. She has bought minister, 50% of Britons name May, most obvious relate to leaving the herself crucial time. he standard way of compared with just 14% who pick EU. Brexit will now have a double At home, too, this helps. All GST rollout augurs describing a move such as Jeremy Corbyn. As May spent the Easter mandate. Not content with the prime ministers yearn for their own the one Theresa May made holiday hiking in Snowdonia with her referendum of 2016, May has decided mandate: it weakened Gordon Brown Tyesterday morning is to call husband, the temptation must have to buttress that verdict with a general not to have one. Now May will have it a “gamble”. A prime minister with gnawed away at her. When again would election victory. She will claim the hers. If she wins a serious majority, well for India’s a Commons majority and three years the odds be so much in her favour? anticipated win on 8 June as an she will reduce the leverage her left to run on her parliamentary term And bear in mind that until now the endorsement of her Brexit strategy. backbench ultras currently hold over does not throw that away without risk. Tories have barely had to lay a glove Remainers will have to face the fact her (that too will give her more leeway In that sense, May has gambled – but on Corbyn: they’ve left that job to the that quitting the EU will have been in the Brexit talks). growth prospects as gambles go, it’s about the surest bet Labour leader’s internal opponents. approved by the British people twice And she’ll be free of the 2015 any politician could ever place. But Conservative strategists all but in a single year. As May put it: “Britain manifesto of David Cameron and The polls show May and the slaver at the juiciness of the prey is leaving the European Union and George Osborne. Increasingly, May Conservatives stretching so far they will now hunt. I’ve heard Tories there can be no turning back.” and her ministers were treating that India is fi nally set for the launch of the much- ahead of their opponents that their speak with delight at the prospect of The advantages for her are document as if it were a historical awaited national sales tax on July 1 to boost economic lead over Labour is about the same reminding voters that, for example, obvious. That enhanced and personal artefact, one that no longer applied. size as Labour’s total vote. One Corbyn was prepared to see a marriage mandate will give her extra muscle in But it was awkward – as the growth and state revenues with the federal and state survey on Monday showed Labour break up rather than sanction his negotiations with the remaining 27 chancellor, Philip Hammond, found governments ready to roll out the Goods and Services at 23%, with the Tories on 44%. At child going to a selective school. They EU states. True, it will also cut short when he had to drop his proposed Tax (GST). that rate, Labour could be on course think such titbits mark Corbyn out the already absurdly brief time span change to national insurance on the Over a decade in the making, the “one nation, one for a performance worse than their as a “weirdo”, utterly out of step with for those talks. But it does mean she self-employed because he had broken trouncing in 1983. Some have been mainstream, aspirational Britons. will have more leeway than she might a promise in a manifesto he manifestly tax” GST promises to subsume India’s plethora of local dusting off the record books to look at Think what the Tories and their press otherwise have enjoyed. If she is no longer believed in. Now May will be and national levies into a single payment, thus unifying 1935, when Labour won just 154 seats. allies did to Ed Miliband, Neil Kinnock forced to accept, say, a hefty divorce able to set out her own stall, knowing the country’s 29 states and at least 17 state and federal The polling guru John Curtice may and Michael Foot. Then consider how bill from the EU, she can do it without what most gamblers can never know well be right that that lead could they will feast on Corbyn. worrying about paying an imminent – that she is almost certain to win. — levies into a common tax regime. narrow in the heat of a campaign So this was a gamble for those electoral price. On 8 June she expects Guardian News & Media To be sure, few countries are fi ddlier than India when it comes to paying taxes; the World Bank ranks it 157th out of 189 for simplicity. Both the central government and powerful state legislatures impose a bewildering list of charges. For example, car sales are liable to six diff erent levies at various rates. The rates diff er between states, thus making stuff in one and selling it in another is often harder within India than it is in trade blocs such as Nafta (The North American Free Trade Agreement) or the European Union. That should change with the GST. The new tax would apply to goods at the point of consumption rather than production with a multi-tier regime. Most goods will be taxed at standard rates of 12% and 18%. Two more rates of 5% and 28% have been decided for implementation. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said a zero tax rate will apply to 50% of items in the retail infl ation basket to protect consumers from price rises on essential goods such as food grains. Tobacco products will continue to be taxed at 65% and luxury goods GST could will also be taxed at a transform higher rate. Sure, there will be a $2tn-plus winners and losers determined by what economy and exemptions are included 1.3bn consumers in the GST fi ne print. But companies will into a single British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in central London yesterday. May called for an early general election on June 8 in a have to overhaul their surprise announcement as Britain prepares for delicate negotiations on leaving the European Union. market accounting systems, which may involve one-time investment. Revenue secretary Hasmukh Adhia has warned that fi rms should not count on a postponement of the GST rollout. The path to universal education The GST could boost economic growth by as much as 2 percentage points, according to Jaitley. Greater education benchmarks. Since role to play in delivering on the qualify for IFFEd assistance? The tax compliance is likely to boost revenues for the By Jakaya Kikwete Dar-es-Salaam 2002, education’s share of offi cial compact. And, indeed, the Education leaders of all 14 countries I visited said government, helping narrow Asia’s widest budget development assistance (ODA) has Commission calls for increasing yes. Indeed, they not only expressed defi cit and allowing more funds to be allocated to actually fallen, from 13% to 10%. education’s share of ODA to 15%. their interest in becoming “pioneer t may be true that every journey The Education Commission’s But even with such an increase, more countries”; all of the leaders I met schools and highways. Countries like Canada, Australia begins with a single step. But groundbreaking Learning Generation funding will be needed. That is where declared that such a breakthrough was and New Zealand saw a one-time increase in infl ation when it comes to education, report makes clear what is at stake, the IFFEd comes in. both critical and long overdue. after GST implementation, which normalised in a year, Iespecially in low- and middle- particularly for African countries that The IFFEd would bring together Now comes the hard part: turning income countries, we have a long way have long suff ered from education bilateral donors, the World Bank, rhetoric into reality and commitment say Citigroup economists. to go. Fortunately, many eff orts are shortfalls. By 2050, Africa will be and regional development banks in a into progress. With the demand for an Queues of trucks now idle at India’s state boundaries now underway to help these countries home to a billion young people. By co-ordinated manner, enabling them IFFEd well established, we are ready to much in the same way they do at international borders. cover the distance and reach the 2030, if current trends persist, only to pool their resources and leverage bring the call for a mass mobilisation But with multiple tax checkpoints set to be dismantled Sustainable Development Goal of one in ten young people will be on idle capital where appropriate. Once in of international fi nance for education ensuring quality education for all by track to gain basic secondary-level operation, the IFFEd could, by 2020, to those who can make it happen. soon, businesses are thrilled at the idea of being able 2030. skills in low-income countries, the mobilise $13bn annually in additional We will do so at the IMF-World to distribute their products from a single warehouse, As a special envoy for the majority of which are in Africa. Simply resources for education in countries Bank Spring Meetings this week, at rather than replicating supply chains in each state. International Commission on put, we now risk compromising the determined to invest in and reform the G20 summit in July, and at the Financing Global Education future of an entire generation. education. United Nations General Assembly in India’s most ambitious tax reform since Opportunity, I have led high-level But that outcome can be avoided. The IFFEd would not be a handout. September. independence is set to transform its $2tn-plus delegations to 14 countries across The Education Commission’s report It would support countries, many We will continue taking steps economy and a market of 1.3bn consumers (about four Africa. On those visits, I witnessed also shows that progress on education of which already invest a signifi cant to advance education reform and times the US population) into a single economic zone fi rsthand the commitment of the reform, coupled with more eff ective portion of their national budgets in development where it is needed continent’s leaders to undertake spending, could increase access to education, in their eff orts to achieve most. We hope that, before long, the with common indirect taxes – something that neither reforms and boost investment in education, boost completion rates, the SDG on education. It is the international community will join us, the EU nor the US can boast. education. and improve learning outcomes biggest, boldest, and most profound by participating in the IFFEd. Only if But if the SDG on education is considerably. step we can take to ensure that we all work in unison can we fulfi l our to be achieved, African leaders’ To advance these goals, the the next generation is not lost, but promise to have all children in school commitment must be matched by Education Commission proposes a learning. within a generation. To Advertise commensurate support from the fi nancing compact whereby low- and In partnership with Education As we take further steps to achieve international community, potentially middle-income countries would Commission Chair and former British this vital goal, we should be inspired and [email protected] through an International Finance agree to increase domestic public prime minister Gordon Brown, I have guided by the words of Nelson Mandela: Display Facility for Education (IFFEd). As expenditure on education from an taken several steps to advance the “Education is the most powerful Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 matters now stand, the international average of about 4% of GDP today creation of an IFFEd. The fi rst step weapon which you can use to change community is falling short in this to 5.8% of GDP by 2030, while was to determine which countries, the world.” We can achieve a world- Classified area – particularly when it comes to implementing reforms that ensure the if any, saw the need for it and would changing education revolution within a Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 fi nancing. effi cient use of resources. In exchange, be willing to do the work needed to generation. But everyone needs to play Even as many countries in the the international community would benefi t from it. their part. – Project Syndicate Subscription developing world have stepped up increase its fi nancing over this period, So, when visiting an African leader, [email protected] their commitment to improving and from about $16bn per year to some I would ask a simple question: In light zJakaya Kikwete, a former expanding education opportunities, $90bn, as well as provide coordination of the Education Commission’s report president of Tanzania, is a member education has remained chronically mechanisms to ensure the most and action plan, would they be willing of the International Commission 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved underfi nanced, with funding levels effi cient use of funds. to commit to the levels of education on Financing Global Education far below what is needed to achieve ODA would have an important investment and reform required to Opportunity. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 19, 2017 27 COMMENT Befriending the European Court of Justice

By Jasper A Bovenberg principles. Examples include the written observations of EU member and Erik J Spaans patentability of human embryos, the states or the European Commission, Amsterdam legality of monetary-policy decisions either. That does not negate the by the European Central Bank, and value of filing them. The ECJ can the privacy of European Facebook also technically disregard the n March 25, the European users. All ECJ decisions extend beyond opinions rendered by its advocate- Union celebrated the the specifi c disputes at issue, to have general, but it rarely does. 60th anniversary of the binding eff ect erga omnes (toward Because the ECJ’s current OTreaty of Rome, which everyone), as opposed to merely inter procedures do not allow for the gave birth to the European Economic partes (between the parties). submission of amicus briefs, we have Community and set the stage for the Given the far-reaching implications taken it upon ourselves to create a EU’s creation. Like any birthday, it was of ECJ decisions, there is a strong platform by which the public can an opportunity not just to celebrate, case for the issues at stake not only to deliver them. Our platform – the but also to consider what has been be scrutinised ex post, but also to be fi rst of its kind – collects, presents, achieved – and what must change. assessed ex ante. And, to some extent, and categorises references for a At a time when member countries they are: EU member-states and the preliminary ruling pending before are increasingly pulling away from European Commission can submit the ECJ, with the possibility to leave the EU – and the United Kingdom their written observations on pending a brief. is actually leaving – the need for cases (though the ECJ doesn’t publish The timing for submitting briefs on reform is clear. Discussions about them). our platform is the same as that for EU how to bring the European Council, But aff ected third parties, much member states and the Commission Commission, and Parliament closer to less the general public, do not have to fi le their written observations. EU citizens, thereby closing Europe’s any avenue to inform the court of That way, amicus briefs received by “democratic defi cit,” are frequent and their knowledge, perspectives, or the platform can inform not only the animated. But another institution that interests, or to demonstrate how a ECJ’s decision-making, but also the could benefi t from more input from decision would aff ect them or their written observations delivered by EU citizens is often left out of these communities and societies. This those bodies, and even the advocate- discussions: the European Court of is a serious shortcoming. Without general. Justice. information and insights from those As the EU continues to develop, The ECJ is the EU’s judicial aff ected, a court cannot eff ectively the ECJ’s role will only become more authority. It gives preliminary rulings balance all relevant interests and important, and its legitimacy will face on the interpretation of the European assess all potential implications. more challenges. It is essential that treaties and the validity of actions The ECJ’s peers elsewhere in the the ECJ’s decisions and the values it taken by EU institutions. It has played world seem to recognise this. In enforces refl ect an understanding of a central role in the legal integration the United States, for example, the all relevant interests and potential of the EU, adjudicating the limits of Supreme Court invites third-party implications, and that the public the EU’s authority and shaping the and public input, in the form of so- feels that it is being heard. The only defi nition and application of its core called amicus curiae (“friend of the way to achieve that is to establish principles. And it acts de facto (if not court”) briefs. General view of the buildings of the Court of Justice of the European Communities. channels for EU citizens to share de jure) as a constitutional court. The goal of an amicus curiae, their knowledge and insights with the Over the years, the ECJ’s judicial which dates back to Roman law, which the Court is to base its verdict. public education was possible at all. could enrich the ECJ’s understanding court. activism has encountered both praise is to contribute to the quality and Those experts may be from the legal In the near future, it seems likely of the implications of pending The ECJ is even older than the and criticism, with some claiming that legitimacy of the administration of fi eld, but they don’t have to be: there that the ECJ’s decision-making may decisions. Such an advocate could Treaty of Rome: it turns 65 in its growing powers have eroded its justice, and hence to the promotion are plenty of areas where experts also be aided and informed by Big Data highlight the decision’s impact on an December. If its birthday is to be a popular legitimacy. Such claims have and strengthening of the rule of law. might have something to contribute analysis and Artifi cial Intelligence individual, a business or economic happy one, it will have to invite its gained traction since the expansion An amicus can fulfi l one of two roles: to a pending decision. In the seminal applications, such as IBM’s Watson sector, a religious, social, or economic friends for a little help. – Project of the court’s jurisdiction to include independent expert or interested school segregation case Brown v. and the ROSS AI research tool. But the group, or even a foreign government. Syndicate areas like human rights, monetary advocate. Board of Education, the US Supreme ECJ would nonetheless put “public A court is typically not required policy, immigration, and citizenship. Independent experts may submit Court cited a number of social- intelligence” fi rst. to discuss the contents of an amicus zJasper Adriaan Bovenberg and Erik Many ECJ decisions have a political scientifi c evidence, which could science studies that challenged the An amicus curiae acting as an brief, let alone be guided by it. But Jan Spaans are the editors-in-chief of dimension and concern fundamental confi rm or refute assumptions on assumption that “separate but equal” advocate of a public or private interest the ECJ is not bound to heed the the Foundation Amicus Curiae. The best way to aid Africa Weather report Three-day forecast Five children under age fi ve die their earning potential. Unesco and Aid, however, can become eff ective TODAY By Dr Cesar Chelala High: 37 C New York every minute in the African region, the International Labour Organisation in improving people’s standard of two thirds of them from preventable (ILO) have recommended that living and education. It is critical Low : 27 C Inshore: Strong wind over most causes. Diarrhoeal and respiratory governments, international donors to help African countries improve areas and expected poor visibility rought in Somalia threatens infections, malaria, measles and and the private sector develop governance before providing the lives of almost half the malnutrition represent big threats integrated policies to create jobs for fi nancial assistance. In addition, population, according to to children’s health. Pneumonia and young people and ease the transition eff ective aid must bypass corrupt THURSDAY Somalia’s5 Prime Minister malaria are the leading causes of from school to work. governments and fi nd ways of helping High: 33 C D Low: 24 C Hassan Ali Khaire. Over a two-day death among children under fi ve. The Poverty in the continent is people in more direct ways, such as span, at least 110 people died of hunger interaction of under nourishment and widespread and aff ects most of the through community and religious Cloudy in just a single region in the country. infection can lead to a vicious cycle of population. In 2010, more than organisations. This highlights the tremendous needs worsening illness and deteriorating 400mn people were living in extreme Although considerable amount of Somalia and other African countries nutritional status. poverty across Sub-Saharan Africa. money has been sent to Africa through FRIDAY have for immediate help. Health problems in Africa cannot Currently, a notable proportion of bilateral and international aid, there High: 33 C In the last few decades, enormous be considered in isolation from women lack any signifi cant income. are still no eff ective mechanisms in Low: 25 C fi nancial resources have been sent to the the countries’ sociopolitical and The expansion of micro credit place to monitor and make recipients Cloudy region. What has been accomplished, environmental realities, and require together with rural development accountable for spending. This is a however, is subject to controversy since continued foreign technical and projects mainly aimed at women could vital, since corruption is like a weed what has been achieved appears to have fi nancial assistance. Increasing signifi cantly improve the situation. that saps the countries’ social fabric Fishermen’s forecast been counterproductive to Africa’s eff orts are needed to be made to Education is another area of and energy. In addition, there are OFFSHORE DOHA actual needs. expand access to primary health concern. Africa has the lowest rate not enough ways to evaluate the Wind: NW 15-25/32 KT In spite of the considerable progress care, especially in rural areas, of children in primary schools of quality of projects funded mainly by Waves: 4-8/12 Feet achieved in the fi ght against HIV/ accompanied by health promotion, any region. In addition to signifi cant international lending institutions and INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW 15-22/28 KT Aids, other health problems remain. disease prevention and improved gender disparities, with girls UN agencies. Waves: 2-4/5 Feet Although the Ebola epidemic has been health education activities. The far behind boys in educational Aid to Africa should be aimed largely controlled, the potential for a relentless exodus of physicians and attainment, geographical disparities at strengthening civil society and Around the region new epidemic still exists. Countries nurses to industrialised countries only between rural areas and urban areas, community-based organisations. Weather Weather are now better prepared to deal with compounds health problems. and economic disparities between low African countries need better trade today Max/min tomorrow Max/min a new outbreak, but probably not to Despite some progress in the social income and high income households conditions for their products and Abu Dhabi Sunny 33/27 Cloudy 31/25 the extent that a serious new epidemic sphere, some important diffi culties are also signifi cant. technical assistance that is carefully Baghdad Sunny 28/16 Sunny 31/17 Dubai Cloudy remain. One of them is signifi cant Many experts on Africa don’t and responsibly planned. Provided Sunny 36/28 33/26 would demand. Kuwait City Sunny 34/21 Sunny 33/22 Tuberculosis is still rampant in unemployment, particularly among believe in the effi cacy of aid. “Money with a generous nature and energetic Manama Cloudy 32/25 Cloudy 29/24 South Africa, which has the highest the young. Around 70% of the from rich countries has trapped and hard working people, Africa is still Muscat Sunny 37/29 Sunny 37/27 tuberculosis death rate per capita population in Sub-Saharan Africa is many African nations in a cycle of a continent of hope. Riyadh P Cloudy 35/22 Sunny 33/20 worldwide, followed by Zimbabwe under the age of 30, and 60% of the corruption, slower economic growth Tehran Showers 22/11 Sunny 24/13 and Mozambique. Worse yet, the unemployed are also young people. and poverty. Cutting off the owfl zDr Cesar Chelala is an international high number of cases of multidrug- New policies are indispensable to would be far more benefi cial,” wrote public health consultant. He has resistant tuberculosis in several incorporate them into the labour force. Dambisa Moyo, a Zambian-born carried out health-related missions countries make the disease much more A fi rst step is to provide youth with international economist and author in more than 50 countries worldwide, diffi cult to treat. basic skills so that they can achieve with extensive knowledge of Africa. many of them in Africa. Live issues Using digital protection strategies

By Cassandra Jaramillo of lowercase and uppercase letters and information to the wrong people. much harder,” Kantarcioglu said. Tribune News Service random characters. It’s best to search the original source Updated apps and operating “You want a very strong, long of the information and try to fi nd the systems are a must Around the world password. It doesn’t have any personal direct link from the site instead of Too often users are reluctant to Weather Weather ow vulnerable is simple, information,” Kantarcioglu said. using the link provided in the e-mail, update their mobile devices. But today Max/min tomorrow Max/min personal information It can be harder to remember, he said. Or look for the company Kantarcioglu said that while these Athens Sunny 23/12 P Cloudy 23/09 from your computer or but that’s why password managers phone number and call directly to ask updates may appear to have only Beirut Sunny 22/14 Sunny 23/18 Bangkok P Cloudy P Cloudy 37/27 cellphone? are good to use for some websites. about the e-mail. aesthetic changes, they often come 37/27 H Berlin P Cloudy 08/-2 P Cloudy 10/03 The brutal reality: very vulnerable Kantarcioglu does not recommend Embrace two-factor authentication with security improvements. Cairo Sunny 31/17 Sunny 33/19 - potentially. Here’s some ways to using password manager apps for sites Two-factor authentication adds a “There may be a bug that is Cape Town Sunny 31/17 Sunny 31/14 navigate online safely. that have sensitive information. So for second level of security to an account. exploited. Those bugs are discovered Colombo P Cloudy 32/26 M Sunny 32/26 T Storms T Storms 28/25 Password Management healthcare and fi nancial sites, it’s best If there’s an option for your e-mail, by cell providers or Apple, so it’s a Dhaka 30/24 Hong Kong M Cloudy 28/24 S T Storms 27/24 It’s no surprise that changing to work that memory to remember banking site or social media site to good idea to upgrade them,” he said. Istanbul Sunny 21/12 S T Storms 19/07 your password has always been a them without keeping them in a do two-factor authentication, go Beware of public charging Jakarta T Storms 32/25 T Storms 32/25 basic form of protection. But what manager. ahead and do it. It’s a security option stations and Wi-Fi Karachi Sunny 34/27 Cloudy 34/26 we pick as passwords and how we View e-mails with a sceptical eye that requires a password as well as Charging stations and Wi-Fi are London P Cloudy 14/06 Cloudy 16/08 Manila S T Storms 34/27 S T Storms 35/27 manage them are important, said Deceptive phishing is one of an additional piece of information a convenience provided by public Moscow Cloudy 03/-3 M Cloudy 04/-4 Murat Kantarcioglu, professor and the most common types of scams. only the user would have on them. entities, such as festivals and airports. New Delhi Sunny 44/26 Sunny 43/28 director at the Data Security and Kantarcioglu said it’s best to view all Sometimes it’s a code sent to your But they can bring risks. New York M Cloudy 12/09 S Showers 18/14 Privacy Lab at the University of e-mails with care. Hackers can make cellphone that has to be entered “Sometimes those chargers may Paris Sunny 12/00 Sunny 14/02 Sao Paulo P Cloudy P Cloudy 28/19 Texas at Dallas. e-mails look like legitimate company following a password. be hooked to another compromised 24/16 Seoul M Sunny 19/09 Cloudy 15/06 First, passwords should never e-mails and can lure readers to click The additional feature can keep device,” Kantarcioglu said. “If you go Singapore T Storms 32/25 T Storms 32/26 include your personal info. So stay on dangerous links. You could end up your information much safer. to a website Wi-Fi, and then it asks Sydney S Showers 21/14 P Cloudy 23/13 away from names and birthdates. introducing a virus to your computer “A hacker has to have your password for you to download something, I Tokyo Clear 24/14 Cloudy 20/09 Ideally, passwords are a combination or inadvertently giving sensitive and mobile device, so it becomes wouldn’t do that.” Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 QATAR Umm Slal Mohammed Interchange opens for traffi c after completion mm Slal Mohammed In- terchange has been com- Upletely opened to traffi c as part of North Road Corridor Enhancement project, the Public Works Authority, Ashghal, an- nounced yesterday. The new junction implement- ed by Ashghal serves as an access point for the local neighbour- hoods of Jeryan Jenaihat, Umm Slal Mohammed and Umm Slal Ali, located east and west of Al Shamal Road. The interchange is made up of two graded levels, with a main bridge comprising two or three lanes in each direction to cater for 3,500 vehicles per hour. Out of the four on-and-off ramps, the southern ones were opened in November 2016 with the partial opening of the inter- change and the northern slopes this month. The main bridge has two light signals to help organise traffi c in all directions and at the four ramps in particular, boost- ing safety as one of the main An aerial view of the Umm Slal Mohammed Interchange. A map of the completely opened Umm Slal Mohammed Interchange. goals adopted by Ashghal. Umm Slal Mohammed Inter- new routes for travellers head- Kharaitiayt, Leabib, Al Ebb be- lanes in each direction. Ashghal change will serve the inhabitants ing from North Road and eastern sides nearby highways and busi- delivered Umm Birkah Road, as of the crowded Umm Slal Mo- side areas towards Umm Slal Mo- nesses as it creates several alter- well as Al Sakhama and Umm Al hammed area along with Umm hammed and Umm Slal Ali along native routes for travellers from Amad Braiding Bridges to usher Slal Ali, Jeryan Jenaihat and Al with Barzaan Market, Umm and to the North Road. in easier access to areas of Al Sa- Kheesa as well. The new junc- Slal Healthcare Centre, the new Also, Ashghal opened in late khama, Sanae Lehmaidi, Umm Al tion will bring in better access for Umm Slal Wholesale Market and 2016 the Izghawa Interchange Amad and Umm Slal. commuters coming from and to many other business and educa- to provide alternate routes from The North Road Corridor En- Doha and northern areas through tional facilities around. Lusail to Izaghawa and Al Shamal hancement project incorporates the service roads connecting Al Umm Slal Interchange is part Road and businesses around and new services roads for 200km Shamal Road. of North Road Corridor En- sharing more traffi c with Duhail along from Duhail to Al Shamal Also, it will create more con- hancement Project which has Interchange. Town, constructing Izghawa and nections for travellers heading been completed by over 95%. Among the other milestones Umm Slal Mohammed Inter- from the North Road and west- Ashghal is fi nalising Al Kheesa achieved were the bridge linking changes, upgrading Lehweilah, ern side areas towards Jeryan Interchange and the 200km Al Huwaila Road and North Road, Al Kheesa and Al Kharaitiyat In- Jenaihat and Al Kheesa along service roads and cycling and enhancing traffi c to and from Ras terchanges. Also, the improve- with Community College in Qa- foot paths. Laff an and the road linking Al ments include revamping Al tar, Qatar University and Al Khor Ashghal already opened the Khor and North Road, a 5km dual Khor Link Road, Umm Birkah Coastal Road. vital Al Kharaitiyat Interchange carriageway with three lanes in Road and creating new cycling The intersection will bring in last March to serve areas of Al each direction instead of two and foot paths. Another view of the Umm Slal Mohammed Interchange.