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SATURDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10830 May 26, 2018 Ramadan 10, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Ramadan aid for 5,000 Sudanese families One dead as In brief Cyclone QATAR | Offi cial Amir congratulates King of Jordan His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness Mekunu hits the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday sent cables of congratulations to King Abdullah of Jordan on his country’s Independence Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser south Oman bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent a similar cable to Jordanian Prime Minister Hani AFP Mekunu was also headed towards the Mulki. Salalah, Oman southeastern provinces of Yemen. On Thursday, the storm pummelled Qatar has launched a Ramadan initiative to provide assistance, including foodstuff s, to 5,000 poor families in Sudan’s Khartoum the island of Socotra in war-torn Yemen, QATAR | Offi cial State. Qatar’s ambassador to Sudan Rashid Abdulrahman al-Nuaimi said the initiative was launched by Qatar’s Ministry of yclone Mekunu gathered leaving at least 19 people missing, caus- Cables of greetings to Foreign Aff airs to support needy groups and families in Sudan during the holy month. He also pointed to Qatar Charity’s initiative strength yesterday as it lashed ing severe fl ooding and material damage. to support orphans and needy families in other parts of Sudan and to provide Iftar meals in co-ordination with Sudanese Csouthern Oman with high winds Yemen’s fi sheries minister Fahad Argentina’s president organisations. and rain, killing at least one person a Kafi n said that of those missing, 14 His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim day after wreaking havoc on the Yem- were Indian sailors who were at the is- bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the eni island of Socotra. land’s port when the cyclone struck. Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin “Latest observations show that He said that authorities have recov- Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime tropical Cyclone Mekunu has inten- ered the bodies of the fi ve Yemeni na- Minister and Minister of Interior sifi ed to category 2,” with high wind tionals and two Indians and were still Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin speeds, Oman’s directorate general of searching for the remaining 12. Khalifa al-Thani sent yesterday cables Qatar calls for protecting meteorology said on Twitter. He said that 1,000 families have been of congratulations to President of Omani civil defence authorities said evacuated to safety after there homes Argentine Republic Mauricio Macri on the cyclone made land in the southern were aff ected by fl ooding. his country’s National Day. provinces of Dhofar and Al-Wusta. The government declared the island Thousands of residents near the in the northwest Indian Ocean, part of civilians in armed confl icts coastal areas in the two provinces have a Unesco-protected archipelago for its ARAB WORLD | Reaction been evacuated to safer shelters as rich biodiversity, a “disaster” zone. Qatar condemns blast QNA many civilian deaths, as well as suff er- winds up to of 170km (105 miles) per The Yemeni high relief agency met New York ing and homelessness. hour and torrential rainfall lashed the with international humanitarian or- in Libya’s Benghazi The second point called upon states coastal areas, offi cials said. ganisations in Aden late Thursday to Qatar expressed yesterday its strong to develop appropriate legislative and Police said a 12-year-old girl died discuss the situation, the country’s condemnation of a car bomb explosion atar has stressed that the most institutional laws to comprehensively when a gust of wind caused her to col- Saba news agency reported. in a busy street in the centre of eff ective way to protect the ci- address violations of international hu- lide with a wall. They decided to set up 11 relief cen- Benghazi in eastern Libya, resulting Qvilian population of the world is manitarian law, violations of human Civil defence said it had evacuated tres in Socotra to provide shelter for in many deaths and injuries. The to invest in the prevention and peace- rights, and to hold accountable those 10,000 people from schools and gov- evacuees. Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reiterated ful settlement of confl icts, based on the who commit such violations. ernment buildings, mainly in the city The meeting also discussed meas- in a statement Qatar’s firm stance principles of justice and international She stressed that accountability for of Salalah which has a population of ures to provide aid to residents of three on rejecting violence and terrorism, law. serious violations of the law of armed 200,000. provinces in southeast Yemen also hit regardless of its motives and reasons. This came yesterday in the statement confl ict and violations and abuses of Authorities have urged other resi- by the cyclone. It statement also expressed Qatar’s delivered by HE Permanent Represent- human rights not only contribute to jus- dents to stay indoors. Across the border in Oman, authori- condolences to the families of the ative of Qatar to the United Nations tice for victims but also prevent abuses Strong winds had already generated ties placed police and army on alert and victims, the government and the ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin and violations in the future, indicating 12-m-high (40-ft-high) waves off - closed schools until Monday in prepa- people of Libya. It also wished a speedy Saif al-Thani at the offi cial meeting of that the primary responsibility for in- shore of the sultanate. ration for the cyclone. recovery to the injured. Page 3 the UN Security Council on “Protect- vestigating crimes was the responsibil- ing civilians in armed confl ict”. ity of states within their jurisdiction. The statement was delivered on be- HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani HE Sheikha Alya further stressed the RAMADAN THOUGHT half of the ‘Group of Friends on the importance of encouraging and sup- Responsibility to Protect’, which has a than 65mn people are now displaced porting national accountability eff orts, Whatever of good reaches you, is membership of 50 countries and co- by confl icts, atrocities and persecu- including the promotion of judicial co- QRCS launches cyclone from Allah, but whatever of evil chaired this year by the State of Qatar tion around the world, said Sheikha operation among states. befalls you, is from yourself. and Italy. Alya. She noted the importance of estab- And We have sent you (O Muham- “Today, the world is witnessing a She stressed that systematic, fl a- lishing and providing international relief eff ort in Yemen mad) as a Messenger to mankind, continuing and widespread deteriora- grant and widespread violations of in- investigative mechanisms, including and Allah is Suff icient as a Witness. tion in the lack of respect for the lives ternational humanitarian law and hu- fact-fi nding missions, commissions of atar Red Crescent Society the availability of the relief reserves (Qur’an 4: 79) of civilians with horrendous disregard man rights law in situations of armed inquiry, international courts and mixed (QRCS) has launched an imme- and fi eld hospital for potential inter- Prayer times for the rules and laws adopted by the confl ict posed a threat to international courts, pointing to the role of the In- Qdiate response to Cyclone Me- vention. international community to mitigate peace and security. ternational Criminal Court in enabling kunu, a statement said yesterday. During a visit to DIMC, QRCS board Fajr....3.18 Zuhr....11.31 Asr....2.56 the eff ects of armed confl ict,” she said, In this context, she reviewed a accountability when national options From its Contingency Fund, QRCS member and relief committee head Maghrib.....6.20 Isha.....7.50 citing the consequences of massive number of points that the ‘Group of are insuffi cient. allocated $100,000 for initial relief in Dr Abdullah al-Nuaimi, inspected its human suff ering and high risk of war Friends on the Responsibility to Pro- The third point focused on the pro- Yemen, providing emergency medical work and commended the eff orts by Fasting times crimes. tect’ stresses. tection of infrastructure. services and food and nonfood items. the specialist team. “Our mission in While all countries have a respon- The fi rst point, is the full and eff ec- In this context Her Excellency point- Since Wednesday, QRCS’s Disas- Yemen is currently surveying the dam- Iftar today ...... 6.20pm sibility to protect populations from tive compliance with international law ed to large-scale attacks against infra- ter Information Management Center age and needs. We pray for our brothers Imsak tomorrow...... 3.08am genocide, war crimes, crimes against which is essential to the protection of structure, such as healthcare facilities (DIMC) has been convened to keep up- in Oman and Yemen,” said Dr al-Nuai- humanity and ethnic cleansing, more civilians and can contribute to avoiding and schools. To Page 3 to-date with the cyclone and ensure mi. To Page 3 HMC launches blood and organ donation campaign

amad Medical Corporation the public on the importance of blood Locations of booths Prof Riadh Fadhil, director of the (HMC) has launched the na- donation and how it can make a positive Qatar Organ Donation Center at HMC, Htional organ and blood dona- impact on the lives of many patients.” Locations of organ and blood donation said its main objective was to increase tion campaign. Being run for the sev- “This year, we have planned a variety registration booths: City Center Doha, awareness within the community about enth consecutive year, it will continue of fun and interactive activities, includ- Gulf Mall, Villagio Mall, Safari Mall, Grand organ donation, increase the number of throughout Ramadan, concluding by ing storytelling and educational activi- Mall, Al Meera outlets, Ansar Gallery, registered donors, and help correct mis- the Eid holidays. ties at the Alf pavilion. We are focus- Quality Hypermarkets, Al Mirqab conceptions about organ donation. The campaign was formally launched ing on promoting humanitarian values Mall, Al Khor Mall, LuLu Hypermarket “An organ transplant can be a life- by HMC and the Al Faisal Without Bor- through being a good corporate citizen Gharrafa, Ezdan Malls, Family Food saving procedure and can signifi cantly ders Foundation (Alf). It was opened by and our pavilion will introduce visitors Center outlets, Dar Al Salam, Hyatt Plaza, improve the quality of life for someone Alf founder and chairman HE Sheikh to a number of important concepts such Al Attiyah Market. with chronic organ failure. In Qatar, it Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani at City Cent- a recycling,” he added. is possible for a suitable living donor to er Doha on Thursday evening. Al-Khater said: “We feel honoured donate a kidney or part of their liver to Ministry of Public Health’s Health- to co-operate with Alf each year in de- Center, representatives, booths have a relative. In addition to kidney and liver care Communications Committee chair livering the organ and blood donation also been set up in shopping malls and transplantation programmes, Qatar also as well as HMC’s chief communica- campaigns. On behalf of HMC I wish to other prominent locations around the has stem cell and cornea transplantation tions offi cer Ali al-Khater, and Alf gen- thank HE Sheikh Faisal and Alf for their country. Trained staff working at the programmes and a pancreas transplan- eral manager Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei were ongoing support. I also wish to thank booths will provide information about tation programme is under develop- among the attendees at the ceremony. and acknowledge everyone who has becoming a registered organ donor. The ment,” said Prof Fadhil. Sheikh Faisal said: “Alf has always supported these campaigns and I hope campaign will also provide members of “We need more donors to register in been a key partner with HMC in im- others will be inspired to donate and the public with an opportunity to ask Qatar so no one has to face losing a loved portant campaigns which encourage give the gift of life.” questions about organ transplantation. one while they are waiting for an organ. the public to donate blood and consider In addition to the Alf pavilion, HMC Individuals who are interested in be- Achieving self-suffi ciency in organ do- registering as an organ donor. The blood will have an organ donation regis- coming a donor will be able to register at nation as a society cannot be achieved donation campaign fosters a culture of tration booth located at City Center the booths and receive their donor card without community solidarity,” added Alf founder and chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani opening the voluntary blood donation by educating Doha. Staff ed by Qatar Organ Donation on the spot. Prof Fadhil. campaign as other off icials look on. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 26, 2018 QATAR

Ramadan best time to quit smoking: PHCC

Fasting in Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to quit smoking for good, according to a Primary Health Care PHCC recognises role of family Corporation (PHCC) statement. The ability to fast without smoking for at least 15 hours is a clear sign of the smoker’s will power. During the holy month of Ramadan, fasting provides smokers with encouraging strength and will doctors in healthcare system power to relieve themselves of this harmful habit. rimary Health Care Cor- rently there are 53 doctors in portant part in the society, as PHCC provides a number of tips such poration (PHCC) cel- the programme. The objective through their personal and as creating an enabling environment, Pebrated and acknowl- is to graduate highly compe- professional knowledge and es- including removing smoke related edged the important role family tent and up-to-date quali- tablished relationship with the products from home, avoiding social doctors play in the success of fi ed family physicians who are patient, they are often the fi rst gatherings that may tempt people Qatar’s healthcare system, on confi dent to lead the health- point of contact for any medical into smoking during the quitting the occasion of World Family care system in Qatar providing advice. period and getting rid of cigarettes Doctor Day. continuous, evidence-based On the occasion of World supply at home. Observed on May 19 every and high healthcare service Family Doctor Day, the new- With regard to the recommended year, World Family Doctor Day standards for all patients. ly opened health centres of behaviours, a timetable should be highlights the contribution of As part of strengthening the Muaither and Al Wajba off ered developed to help individuals quit family doctors in the healthcare leadership and knowledge of a tour of the premises to gov- smoking. The timetable should start systems around the world. family doctors, PHCC has es- ernment corporations and local from the first day of Ramadan, and Qatar is ranked 13th world- tablished a strong partnership schools. PHCC brought aware- then evaluate the case by the first day wide in terms of quality of with other healthcare pro- ness to the family medicine pro- of Eid al-Fitr. If the smoker returns to healthcare and is in line with viders in Qatar such as HMC, gramme available at PHCC with smoking during Ramadan, it does not PHCC’s vision to be Qatar’s Sidra Medicine and Aspetar to activities, gifts and informa- mean failure, he should try again. primary healthcare provider improve and deliver the best tion for those who visited the PHCC emphasises that family of choice. Family doctors play patient care. There is also a stand. There was a staff event members are an important a vital role in achieving this strong partnership with Qatar in Doha Marriott that pre- factor in helping the smoker to objective. University and Weill Cornell sented the opportunity to mark PHCC marks World Family Doctor Day. quit smoking, by spending time Since the establishment of Medicine-Qatar to equip the achievements, recognise ef- with their loved ones. Enjoying Family Medicine Residency future doctors of Qatar with all forts and developments within Residency Programme, said, trusting relationships with pa- live a healthy lifestyle. Our doc- the healthier habits during this Training Programme in 1995, the necessary knowledge and themselves. “Family doctors have a vital role tients and raise awareness by tors are trained to deliver high seasonal period of reflection, will there are 46 senior consult- opportunity. Dr Muna Taher, programme in harnessing their personal off ering guidance on how to best quality healthcare by applying support the eff orts of those who ants, 24 specialists and cur- Family doctors play an im- director for Family Medicine and professional skills to build overcome daily hindrances and best practice.” try to quit smoking. QU students present projects at American Chemical Society meet

tudents from the Depart- graduate Research Experience largest scientifi c society meet- ment of Chemistry and Programme poster “Compu- ing was an invaluable experi- SEarth Sciences at Qa- tational mechanistic insights ence. I even got a chance to tar University College of Arts into the palladium-catalysed meet a professor with whom I and Sciences (QU-CAS) par- alkylation of selected alde- plan to continue my graduate ticipated in the 255th Ameri- hyde-derived hydrazones” in studies. Every student major- can Chemical Society (ACS) the fi eld of physical chemistry. ing in chemistry should attend National Meeting in New The meeting was a great op- this major event.” Orleans, US. portunity for the students to Al-Habsi said, “It was a great Students Khadiga Mohamed improve their skills and knowl- educational experience and I and Juwayriya al-Habsi pre- edge in various fi elds and in- found it valuable to network sented their graduation project teract with experts and their with other students, profes- Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen receiving a memento from QRCS secretary-general Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi posters ‘Synthesis of novel peers. They also had a chance sionals and researchers”. as other off icials look on. photochromic azobenzene to get insight into the diff erent “The ACS National Meeting derivatives’ and ‘Synthesis of careers in chemistry and were is a wonderful opportunity for novel photochromic azoben- briefed about the application, students to meet chemists from zene derivatives’ respectively pre- and post-interview steps. around the world and gain infor- in the fi eld of organic chem- Elbashier said, “As an under- mation about graduate schools istry, while student Elkhansa graduate chemist, presenting and professional opportunities,” QRCS seeks to enhance Elbashier presented her Under- my research work in the world’s added Mohamed. services in Sri Lanka

atar Red Crescent Soci- visiting dignitary, who com- eration with the Organisation strategy is focused on estab- ety (QRCS) secretary- mended QRCS’s eff ective work for Habitation and Resources lishing peace and promoting a Qgeneral Ali bin Hassan in the relief and development Development (OHRD). culture of coexistence, in con- al-Hammadi recently met with of many countries, including Al-Hammadi emphasised his formity with the noble Islamic Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industry Sri Lanka. appreciation of the partnership teachings,” he added. and Commerce Rishad Bathiu- He also highlighted the or- with Sri Lank Red Cross. “We Since 2014, QRCS has con- deen to discuss joint eff orts to ganisation’s contributions have made remarkable achieve- ducted several projects to im- enhance services for poor lo- to humanitarian diplomacy ments in Sri Lanka. Recently, prove the living conditions in cal communities, in co-opera- through the Islamic Committee we have started to dig 321 water Sri Lanka. These include dig- tion with Sri Lanka Red Cross of the International Crescent’s wells to provide drinking water ging water wells and building Society. (ICIC) Islamic Forum for In- for underserved communities,” housing units, shops, schools, The meeting was attended by ternational Humanitarian Law said the QRCS secretary general. mosques, and medical centres. QRCS president’s offi ce director (IFIHL). He promised to consider the These services reached out to Adel al-Baker, international re- Bathiudeen proposed a proposed projects and raise the a total of 13,100 benefi ciaries, lations head Dr Fawzi Oussedik number of projects to support necessary funds for meeting the at a cost of QR3.5mn, collected and Asia offi ce head Said Tijani. poor school and university stu- needs of students and vulner- mainly from the donations of Al-Hammadi welcomed the dents in Sri Lanka, in co-op- able people in Sri Lanka. “Our benevolent Qataris. QU students at the American Chemical Society meeting in New Orleans, US. QFFD and QRCS booster QU-LAWC hosts conference on for Libya’s medical sector ‘The Rise of International Courts’

atar Red Crescent So- atar University College University), and panel discus- ciety (QRCS) has com- of Law (QU-LAWC) sions by speakers from QU, Qpleted 95% of the medi- Qhosted a conference QICDRC, HBKU, the United cal support programme in the on “The Rise of International Kingdom and elsewhere. city of Sirte, north of Libya, Courts” to highlight the history They discussed a wide with $499,000 funding from and development of interna- range of topics related to the Qatar Fund for Development tional commercial courts and history of international com- (QFFD). the varieties that have emerged mercial courts, the factors QFFD and QRCS launched in diff erent countries around that make such courts suc- an intervention to support the the world. cessful, the procedures used city’s almost failing medical Organised under the auspices in the courts, the relationship sector, which serves a popula- of Sir William Blair chair in Al- between the international tion of no less than 50,000 peo- ternative Dispute Resolution commercial courts and ar- ple, in response to the humani- held by Prof Francis Botchway bitration and the contribu- tarian aid appeal issued by the and in collaboration with the tion of the courts to the legal United Nations Offi ce for the Qatar International Court and systems of the countries in Co-ordination of Humanitarian QRCS has completed 95% of the medical support programme with Dispute Resolution (QICDRC), which they are located. Aff airs for Sirte. $499,000 funding from QFFD. the conference is in fulfi lment Prof Faouzi Belkanani, rep- First, a partnership agreement of the memorandum of under- resenting LAWC dean Dr Mo- was signed with the World Health and 20,000 syringes were dis- ties, the statement notes. standing signed between QU hamed bin Abdul Aziz al-Khu- Organisation and Libyan Ministry tributed to diabetic patients. Last year, a similar programme and QICDRC in 2016. laifi , said, “Through organising The conference in session. of Health to supervise the pro- Upon the completion of the was undertaken by QRCS to sup- The event’s programme fea- and hosting this conference, gramme, a statement noted. aid programme, it will be cover- port three main health centres in tured addresses delivered by LAWC demonstrates its role to develop their systems in line Blair chair in Alternative Dis- The shipments were deliv- ing 50% of the medical needs of south Libya with medical equip- Justice Kannan Ramesh (Sin- in actively contributing to the with the regulations of their pute Resolution, concluded the ered to Ibn Sina Central Hospi- Sirte for over a year. The direct ment, consumables and solar gapore International Com- various legal sectors. The con- relevant countries to drive for- conference by emphasising the tal and four main health centres benefi ciaries include 20,000 di- systems, and contracted physi- mercial Court), Justice Frances ference discussed how to take ward economic development.” importance of such courts and in the downtown area. Also, a abetic patients and 30,000 cus- cians to provide primary health- Kirkham (QICDRC), and Prof advantage of the possibilities Prof Botchway, QU pro- Qatar’s pioneering role in its total of 45,500 units of insulin tomers of the target health facili- care services. Lucy Reed (Singapore National of commercial courts and how fessor of law and Sir William development. Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 3 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

Prince William to visit Jerusalem, Call for Ramallah in June Queen Elizabeth’s grandson protecting Prince William will visit Jerusalem Iran expects measures to and Ramallah when he becomes the first senior member of Brit- civilians ain’s royal family to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories next month. William, second-in-line to From Page 1 the British throne, will begin his trip to the Middle East in Jordan save N-deal by May-end on June 24 before travelling to HE Sheikha Alya said that Tel Aviv the following day, his AFP AFP on Thursday, the Interna- deliberate or indiscriminate at- off ice Kensington Palace said in a Vienna tional Atomic Energy Agency tacks against medical facilities statement yesterday. The prince (IAEA) believes Iran is still abid- and civilian infrastructure such will spend the next three days in ing by the deal’s key restrictions as schools, as well as the civilian Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Ramallah uropean countries have on its nuclear facilities in return population, including humani- in the West Bank, although the until the end of May to for relief from damaging eco- tarian workers, could amount to palace gave no further details of Epropose ways to mitigate nomic sanctions. be war crimes. where he will go or who he will the eff ects of the US withdrawal The IAEA, however, is “en- In this context, she referred meet. The trip, which William is from a landmark nuclear deal couraging (Iran) to go above and to attacks in recent years target- carrying out on behalf of the Brit- between world powers and Te- beyond the requirements” of ing schools, students, teachers ish government, was announced hran, a senior Iranian offi cial the deal in order to boost con- and other elements of educa- in March and was widely said yesterday. fi dence, said a senior diplomat tion, where the United Nations welcomed then by both Israeli Tehran has threatened to re- in Vienna, where the nuclear was able to verify 753 attacks on and Palestinian off icials. “It is an start its uranium enrichment watchdog is based. schools and hospitals in viola- historic visit, the first of its kind, programme at an “industrial As well as criticising the deal tion of Security Council resolu- and he will be received here with level” if the 2015 pact falls apart. for not adequately restricting tion 2286. great enthusiasm,” Israeli Prime The comments came ahead Iran’s nuclear activities, Trump The fourth point focused Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the fi rst “joint commission” also said it did not go far enough on the importance of gender said in a statement. Palestinian meeting in Vienna between the in limiting Iran’s ballistic mis- sensitivity, where relevant UN President Mahmoud Abbas’s of- other signatories of the deal sile programme, or its interven- Security Council resolutions fice said it was an important visit — China, Russia, France, Brit- tion in regional confl icts from indicate that armed confl icts “which we hope will contribute to ain, Germany and Iran — since Yemen to Iraq and Syria. and emergencies have diff erent strengthening ties of friendship Washington’s dramatic an- The unnamed senior Iranian impacts on women, girls, men between the two peoples”. Britain nouncement on May 8 that it (L to R) Secretary-General of the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) Helga Schmid, offi cial rejected any attempt to and boys. regards Israel as a close and was pulling out from the Joint Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA, Yukiya Amano and political deputy link the JCPOA to other such In this context, the Group important ally but the visit comes Comprehensive Plan of Action at the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs of Iran Abbas Araghchi attend a special meeting of the Joint issues. The offi cial said such an urged the United Nations and at a time when the two countries (JCPOA) and would re-impose Commission of parties to the JCPOA on Iran’s nuclear deal at Coburg palace in Vienna, yesterday. attempt would mean “we lose other actors to ensure the par- have publicly disagreed over sanctions on Iran. JCPOA and we (would) make ticipation of aff ected popula- a number of major issues. Like The move has put the deal in tions” were required to address A senior EU offi cial said after succeed, provided that we have the other issues even more tions, including women, in the most of its Western allies, the “intensive care”, the senior Ira- Iran’s concerns over its oil ex- the meeting that the bloc could the political will. complicated to resolve,” adding development of strategies for British government criticised US nian offi cial said, speaking on ports, banking fl ows and foreign not “give guarantees but we can “I must tell you that the it was pointless for the Europe- the protection of civilians. President Donald Trump’s deci- condition of anonymity. investments in the country. create the necessary conditions JCPOA is a major international ans to try to “appease” Trump. The fifth point drew atten- sion to move the US embassy to US President Donald Trump “The next step is to fi nd guar- for the Iranians to keep benefi t- asset. It does not belong to the “We have now a deal which tion to the role played by jour- Jerusalem from Tel Aviv earlier has long trashed the deal — antees for that package,” he said. ing from the sanctions lifting United States, it belongs to the is in the intensive care unit, it’s nalists in situations of armed this month. Dozens of Palestin- concluded under his predeces- Araghchi said that talks under the JCPOA and to pro- whole international commu- dying,” the offi cial said. conflict and their role in mo- ian protesters were shot dead sor Barack Obama — saying it would continue over the next tect our interests and continue nity.” The fi ve signatories still bilising public opinion at times in subsequent protests at the did not do enough to curtail Te- few weeks “particularly at an to develop legitimate business He added that the possibility committed to the agreement when terrible crimes were Gaza border which Prime Min- hran’s nuclear ambitions. expert level”, after which Iran with Iran.” “We are working on of referring the matter back to have said they want Iran to stay committed to pressure political ister Theresa May described as After yesterday’s meeting, would decide whether or not to a variety of measures to miti- the UN “was not discussed dur- in the deal, with the European decision-makers to find solu- “concerning” and called for Israeli Iranian Deputy Foreign Minis- stay in the accord. gate consequences of the US ing this meeting”. countries saying they would tions and enhance account- restraint. The governments were ter Abbas Araghchi said nego- “We got the sense that Euro- withdrawal,” the offi cial, who Unusually for a meeting of not rule out further talks with ability. also at odds over Trump’s deci- tiations were ongoing with the peans, Russia and China... did not want to be named, said the joint commission, the head the Islamic Republic on an ex- At the conclusion of the sion to withdraw from the 2015 remaining signatories “to see are serious and they recog- while cautioning that “there of the UN’s nuclear watchdog panded text. statement, Sheikha Alya called Iran nuclear deal, a move lauded if they can provide us with a nise that JCPOA’s survival de- are things that will take more Yukiya Amano was invited to However, Iranian offi cials on the international commu- by Israel while Britain pledged to package which can give Iran the pends on the interests of Iran time”. Russian delegate Mikhail brief the participants on his or- have warned that there was no nity to exert all possible ef- maintain the agreement. benefi ts of sanctions lifting”. being respected,” Araghchi Ulyanov struck an upbeat note, ganisation’s work in Iran. question of broadening the dis- forts to help civilians trapped He added that “practical solu- added. saying: “We have all chances to According to a report seen by cussions. in conflicts.

REQUEST Saudi-led coalition told to speed Dozens of Palestinians Yemen imports, avoid starvation injured by Israeli gunfi re The United Nations aid chief urged the Saudi-led military coalition that controls Yemen’s ports to expedite Reuters tear gas yesterday, as the latest gees and their descendants to imports of food and fuel supplies, Gaza Border round of protests drew several family lands or homes lost to warning that a further 10mn Yem- thousand participants to the Israel during its founding in a enis could face starvation by year- frontier. 1948 war. end. Yemen is the world’s worst hu- ozens of Palestinians Dubbed the March of Return, Protests along the border manitarian crisis, according to the demonstrating at the the protests were launched on reached a peak on May 14 when United Nations, with some 8.4mn DGaza border were in- March 30 to demand the right Gaza medical sources said at people severely short of food and at jured by Israeli gunfi re and of return for Palestinian refu- least 60 Palestinians were risk of starvation. For the past three killed by Israeli gunfi re. years, the Yemeni government The violence has tapered backed by Riyadh’s coalition which off since but there are still is armed and supported by the sporadic flare-ups. Since the QRCS off icials discussing Cyclone Mekunu relief work. United States and Britain has bat- border protests began, 113 tled Houthi fighters. “I am particu- Palestinians have been killed larly concerned about the recent by Israeli fire, Gaza medical decline of commercial food imports officials said. through the Red Sea ports,” Mark Most of the participants yes- QRCS cyclone relief eff ort in Yemen Lowcock, UN emergency relief co- terday kept their distance and ordinator, said in a statement read remained about 800 metres out to a Geneva briefing yesterday. from the fence. From Page 1 well-equipped mobile medical as a Category 2 hurricane at For several weeks at the end of last Dozens of youths, however, teams will be deployed around landfall. It comes just days af- year, the Saudi coalition imposed a advanced to around 300 meters In co-ordination with the target areas. ter Cyclone Sagar had struck blockade on Yemeni ports which it distance and burned tyres at Yemen Red Crescent Society In Al-Ghaydah District, the Yemen, Somalia, and Dji- said was to prevent Houthis from one protest spot. and relevant UN agencies, the local health centre will be pro- bouti, killing at least 20 peo- importing weapons. This had a East of Gaza City some three-month response seeks vided with beds, lab and exam- ple and destroying dozens of severe impact on Yemen, which youths came right up to the to minimise the impact of the ination equipment, medicines, houses. traditionally imports 90% of its food. fence and tried to pull it apart. cyclone, by helping around and medical consumables. This For days now, large areas of Under international pressure the Israeli troops fi red tear gas 10,000 aff ected people in sev- is added to the remuneration of Yemen have witnessed heavy coalition lifted the blockade, but and live rounds. eral districts of Al-Mahrah doctors and nurses to be con- rain. In Socotra, where fl ash tightened ship inspections. Soldiers also fi red at kites Governorate. tracted from other districts to fl oods washed away thousands Lowcock said commercial food and with fl aming tails to try to bring Under the response plan, provide health care services at of animals and cut power lines fuel imports remained “well short of Palestinian demonstrators run for cover during a protest them down before they land- the benefi ciaries will receive the centre. on the isle in the Arabian Sea, pre-blockade averages”. demanding the right to return to their homeland, at the border ed in Israeli farmland and set mattresses, blankets, pillows, Cyclone Mekunu is fore- it is feared that some may be “If conditions do not improve, a in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. crops alight. and food parcels. Also, fi ve cast to be of the same strength dead, QRCS added. further 10mn people will fall into this category by the end of the year,” he said. Yemen is one of world’s poor- est countries and the United Na- tions says more than 22mn people need humanitarian assistance out Twin explosions US delegation in Turkey of a population of around 25mn. target Iraq party HQ UNREST Six killed after AFP Jassem al-Hilfi said. He accused Benghazi bombing the “corrupt who cannot accept to talk Syria troubles Baghdad that they lost” the parliamentary At least six people have been elections of being behind the at- AFP State (IS) group, causing anger American offi cials were in Workers’ Party (PKK), which killed in a car bombing in the Liby- wo bombs exploded yes- tack. Ankara among Turkish offi cials. Turkey as part of a working is blacklisted as a terrorist or- an city of Benghazi, witnesses and terday close to the Bagh- The bombings are “a threaten- After Turkey launched group on Syria. The group was ganisation by Ankara, the US sources with knowledge of the Tdad headquarters of the ing message aimed at frightening a cross-border operation established to try to resolve the and the European Union. situation said early yesterday. At Iraqi Communist Party, said a us to stop us from pursuing the US delegation was in against the YPG in the west- Manbij issue and co-ordinate The PKK has waged an in- least 22 people were injured in the spokesman for the political al- path of reform and change,” he Turkey yesterday to ern enclave of Afrin in Janu- US-Turkey eff orts in Syria af- surgency inside Turkey since blast, witnesses said. There was liance which alongside populist added. Adiscuss Syria, an offi cial ary, President Recep Tayyip ter Turkish Foreign Minister 1984. Erdogan has repeatedly no immediate claim of responsibil- cleric Moqtada Sadr triumphed The Iraqi Communist Party said, after a Kurdish-held city Erdogan threatened to take Mevlut Cavusoglu and then US urged the US to halt support ity. The North African country has in elections earlier this month. receives threats “all the time”, became a major headache be- the off ensive to Manbij which Secretary of State Rex Tiller- for the YPG. been mired in anarchy since the Three people were injured in Hilfi said. Sadr’s Marching To- tween the Nato allies. raised fears of a confrontation son met in February. His ruling Justice and De- 2011 armed uprising, which began the twin explosions, a police of- wards Reform anti-corruption The northern city of Man- between Turkish and Ameri- Turkish offi cials were in velopment Party published a in Benghazi and toppled long- fi cial said on condition of ano- campaign saw the alliance win bij is held by the People’s can troops. Washington in March as part manifesto on Thursday call- time dictator Muammar Gaddafi. nymity. 54 seats in the May 12 vote, to Protection Units (YPG) Kurd- The off ensive also caused of the working group, set up ing for “concrete steps” by the It currently has three diff erent The attack is the fi rst time a become the biggest bloc in Iraq’s ish militia, a group which tension between the allies be- after the threats by Ankara and US to end its backing of the governments as well as count- political party has been targeted 329-seat parliament. Ankara says is the “terrorist” cause Washington urged Tur- repeated calls for the YPG to YPG and provide “concrete less militias fighting for influence. in the Iraqi capital since the elec- The pro-Iranian Conquest offshoot of Kurdish hardlin- key to show “restraint” and leave the city. support” to Turkey in its fi ght Benghazi is controlled by General toral campaign started in mid- Alliance, made up of ex-fi ght- ers in Turkey. said it could harm the fi ght Cavusoglu is due to meet against the PKK. Khalifa Haftar, the chief of Libya’s April. ers from mainly paramilitary The US has a military pres- against IS extremists. the new US Secretary of State Erdogan vowed Turkey self-styled National Army, which is “Two bombs were thrown at units that battled the Islamic ence in Manbij and has provid- Turkish foreign minis- Mike Pompeo in Washing- would “continue its operations aligned with an elected parlia- the ICP headquarters,” in Al- State group, came second in the ed military support to the YPG try spokesman Hami Aksoy ton on June 4. Ankara says the in Syria until the last terrorist ment based in the eastern city of Andalus Square, spokesman elections. in the fi ght against the Islamic told reporters yesterday that YPG is linked to the Kurdistan is cleared”. Tobruk. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 26, 2018 RAMADAN/AFRICA The superiority of fasting Africa Day celebration

. Ar-Rayyan Gate is for those from the mouth of the person observ- who observes Saum (sincerely). ing Saum is better in Allah’s sight than 1Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d (radiallah the smell of musk.” (Bukhari, Muslim ‘anhu) the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi and others). wa sallam) said: 6. As-Saum is a shield. Narrated “There is a gate in Paradise called Abu Hurairah (radiallah ‘anhu), the Ar-Rayyan, and those who observe Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) Saum (fast) will enter through it on said: the Day of Resurrection and none “As-Saum is a shield (or a screen except them will enter through it. It or a shelter from the Hell-fi re). So, will be said: ‘Where are those who the person observing Saum should observed Saum.’ They will get up, and avoid sexual relation with his wife and none except them will enter through should not behave foolishly and im- it. After they have entered, the gate pudently. And if somebody fi ghts with will be closed and nobody will enter him or abuses him, he should say to it.” (Bukhari and Muslim) him twice, ‘I am observing Saum’. By Narrated Abu Hurairah (radiallah Him in Whose Hand is my soul, the ‘anhu), Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu smell coming out from the mouth of ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: the person observing Saum is better in “Whoever gives two kinds (of things Allah’s sight than the smell of musk. or properties) in charity for Allah’s [Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) says Cause, and whoever was amongst about the person observing Saum] those who used to observe Saum will ‘He has left his food, drink and desires be called from the gate of Ar-Rayyan.” for My Sake. The Saum is for his food, (Bukhari) drink and desires for My Sake. The 2. Observing Saum restricts sexual Saum is for Me. So, I will reward (the Indigenous dancers from The Medleko Meropa Band perform during a show titled, “Journey of the Drum” at The desire. Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ood person observing Saum) for it and the South African State Theatre to commemorate Africa Day in Pretoria, South Africa yesterday. The show featured (radiallah ‘anhu), the Prophet (sallal- reward of good deeds is multiplied ten indigenous instruments, drums, dances performed by artists from various African countries. laahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: times.” (Bukhari) “O young men! He who can aff ord Narrated Abu Sa’id (radiallah marriage expenses should get mar- ‘anhu), the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi ried, and he who cannot aff ord to mar- wa sallam) said: STRATEGY ry is advised to observe Saum, as As- “No Muslim fasts one day for the Ivory Coast needs Saum will diminish his sexual power.” sake of Allah but Allah will take his (Bukhari and others) face far away from Hell-fi re the dis- over $1bn for 3. There are two pleasures for the tance of 70 autumns.” (Bukhari and reforestation person observing Saum; when he wa sallam) said: Muslim). breaks the fast and when he meets his “All the deeds of Adam’s sons (peo- 7. Saum expiates sins. Narrated 50 dead after Ivory Coast will ask donors, timber Rabb. ple) are for them; the reward (of their Huthaifah (radiallah ‘anhu), the firms and cocoa companies to help 4. The doubling for many times the good deeds) will be multiplied ten Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) finance a reforestation strategy cost- rewards of the one who observes Saum times to seven hundred times. Allah said: ing 616bn CFA francs ($1bn) over to an extent not known except by Al- said: ‘Except As-Saum which is for “…sins one commits concerning his 10 years, the country’s water and lah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Me and I will reward for it. He [ie the household (family), or wealth are ex- forests minister said yesterday. The 5. The smell coming out from the one who observes Saum] leaves his piated by performing Salah – prayers, boat accident top cocoa grower is experiencing mouth of the person observing Saum [sexual] desire and food for Me [ie My observing Saum and giving charities.” one of the world’s fastest deforesta- is better in the sight of Allah (sub- Pleasure]’. There are two pleasures for (Bukhari, Muslim and others. This is a tion rates and has lost an average of hanahu wa ta’ala) than the smell of the person observing Saum; one at the part of a long hadith). 400,000 hectares (990,000 acres) musk. time of Iftar (breaking his Saum) and of tropical forest a year since 1990, Narrated Abu Hurairah (radiallah the other at the time when he will meet (Taken from Aqil ibn Zaid al- mainly due to agriculture. Around ‘anhu), the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi his Rabb. Verily, the smell coming out Maqtiri’s book Fasting Rules) in DR Congo 40% of Ivory Coast’s cocoa produc- tion is grown illegally on protected AFP on the Congo River. In Mbandaka, a land, the government estimates. Mistakes made in Suhoor (predawn meal) Mbandaka, DR Congo city of 1.2mn people, families yesterday The strategy, approved during a mourned those who died in the acci- cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Some of the mistakes that fasting Book is the (meal of) Suhoor.” [Muslim] and Zayd ibn Thaabit, may Allah be dent. seeks to extend forest cover to people make in regard to Suhoor are: Moreover, Suhoor helps the Muslim to pleased with him, had Suhoor. When ifty people died in a boat accident “My brother, his wife and their son 20% of national territory by 2030, fast, and it is a blessed act of the Sun- they finished, the Prophet, sallallaahu on a river in remote northwestern were on the boat. I have not found their from 11% now, by replanting around 1-Some people do not have Suhoor nah, so it should not be overlooked. ‘alaihi wa sallam, left for the prayer. FDemocratic Republic of Congo bodies, but there is no sign that they are 170,000 hectares each year. and this is contrary to the Sunnah. It 2- Having Suhoor early in the middle of Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, (DRC), offi cials said yesterday. alive,” said Bienvenu, a mechanic. is from the guidance of the Prophet, the night or one or two hours before was asked how much time was there The accident happened on the Mom- The Equateur province has separately sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, to have dawn is also contrary to the Sunnah. between their finishing Suhoor and boyo river Wednesday night, Richard been aff ected by an outbreak of Ebola RIGHTS Suhoor if the person intends to ob- The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sal- entering the prayer; he said: ‘Enough Mboyo Iluka, vice governor of Tshuapa that began in Bikoro, 600km north of Forces abuse serve obligatory or voluntary fasting. lam, said: “Hasten to (eating) Iftaar (in time for the recitation of 50 verses (of province, said, saying: “We found 49 Kinshasa, and has spread to Mbandaka. Urging Muslims to have Suhoor. The Ramadan immediately when the time the Qur’an).’” [Al-Bukhari] bodies on Thursday and another one The outbreak, offi cially declared on women rescued Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is due), and delay (eating) Suhoor.” [At- 3- Continuing to eat (Suhoor) even this morning.” May 8, has so far killed 22 people, with from militants said: Tabaraani] It is an act of the Sunnah to after hearing the Fajr prayer Athaan. The boat had been transporting pas- 52 cases reported as of May 23, accord- “Have Suhoor, as indeed there is a have Suhoor just before dawn (about Out of prudence for one’s fasting, one sengers and a large amount of goods ing to the latest fi gures from Congolese Thousands of women and girls blessing in it.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] half an hour before it). Anas, May Allah should stop having his Suhoor two or from the town of Monkoto to the city of health ministry. who survived being kidnapped by “The diff erence between our fasting be pleased with him, he said: “The three minutes before or at most when Mbandaka in Equateur province, local “Why are all these misfortunes hap- terrorist group Boko Haram are and the fasting of the People of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, he hears the Athaan for Fajr. residents said. pening at the same time here in Equa- further abused by Nigeria’s secu- “The causes of the sinking and the teur? We have not yet fi nished with Eb- rity forces, Amnesty International number of people missing are not yet ola, and then many people die like this,” said. Soldiers and members of the known. The provincial government has said another resident, who identifi ed Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), set already sent a team there to fi nd out himself as Gilbert. “It’s mysterious.” up to help the army in the fight more,” Mboyo said. Most of the region’s population rely against Boko Haram, separate He added, however, that the boat had on boats that criss-cross the many women from their husbands and been travelling by night — something rivers and lakes as a low-cost form of confine them in remote camps that is illegal under government safety transport. where they are physically abused, measures — and did not have lights. But in the absence of an organised the human rights group said in a Accidents are a frequent hazard on public transport system, private busi- new report. “Instead of receiving the DRC’s rivers and lakes, due to de- nesses have invested in the sector. protection from the authorities, crepit boats, overloading, lack of safety Activists often accuse these opera- women and girls have been forced equipment and the fact that few Con- tors of failing to follow safety regula- to succumb to physical abuse in golese know how to swim. tions. At least 14 people were missing order to avoid starvation or hun- In February, at least 14 people were after two boats sank on the Congo River ger,” said Amnesty Nigeria director reported missing when two boats sank in February. Osai Ojigho. In SA, a unique telescope link-up scans deep space

AFP shaped building made of carbon fi bre Sutherland to protect it against temperature fl uc- tuations in the Karoo desert, which was chosen for its clear skies, dry climate cientists in South Africa yesterday and lack of pollution. Among the prior- launched the world’s fi rst opti- ities for MeerLICHT, which cost about Scal telescope linked to a radio tel- $1.1mn (940,000 euros), is the study of escope, combining “eyes and ears” to black holes, neutron stars and stellar try to unravel the secrets of the universe. explosions, which must be scrutinised The device forms part of the Square quickly before they fade away. Kilometre Array (SKA) project in the “The study of exploding stars across remote Karoo desert, which will be the the universe will gain a whole new world’s most powerful radio telescope dimension,” said University of Cape system. Town professor Patrick Woudt, a sen- The latest move combines the ior scientist working on the telescope. new optical telescope MeerLITCH — A picture taken yesterday shows the MeerLICHT boasts of a huge fi eld of Dutch for ‘more light’ — with the re- Southern African Large Telescope view that allows astronomers to see an cently-completed 64-dish MeerKAT (SALT) at the South African area 13 times the size of the full moon in radio telescope, located 200 kilome- Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), exquisite detail, and pick up objects one tres away. where a new telescope, MeerLICHT, mn times fainter than is possible with “We are listening and looking at the has been inaugurated. the human eye. “The brilliant thing is sky at the same time — that is a com- that we are tracking at the same time pletely novel concept in astronomy The project has been six years in the with the two telescopes, so as soon as we worldwide,” Paul Groot, from Radboud making by a joint-team of South Afri- see something in the radio we can look university in the Netherlands, said “This can, Dutch and British scientists. back in time,” said Ben Stappers, an as- is the eyes, with the MeerKAT being the “It is the fi rst time you have a tel- tronomer from Manchester University. ears as a radio telescope. It is fantastic to escope that will track a radio telescope “Flashes of radio emission known as see what amazing views it produces.” so that if there are discoveries that are Fast Radio Bursts may now be ‘caught Astronomers have previously had to made, you will be able to follow up,” in the act’. Hopefully we can fi nally de- wait for a cosmic incident to be picked Phil Mjwara, director general in the termine the origin of these enigmatic up by a radio telescope and then carry South African ministry of Science and fl ashes.” out optic observations afterwards. Technology, told reporters. When fully operational in the But combining MeerLITCH, in the The optical telescope, built in the 2020s, the SKA will comprise a forest small town of Sutherland, with Meer- Netherlands and shipped to South Af- of 3,000 dishes spread over an area of a KAT, also in the sparsely-populated rica, uses a main mirror just 65 cen- square kilometre across remote terrain North Cape province, will allow si- timetres in diameter and a single 100 in several countries to allow astrono- multaneous study of cosmic events as megapixel detector measuring 10cm mers to peer into space to an unparal- they occur. x 10cm. It is housed in a white dome- leled depth. Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 5 AMERICAS Manhunt in Canada over eatery bombing AFP/DPA/Reuters a paint can or pail, which exploded So far there is “no indication this Ottawa after they fl ed, Sergeant Matt Ber- is a terrorist act, no indication this tram told the New York Times. is a hate crime”, said police chief The bomb was fi lled with “pro- Evans, who added: “We haven’t anadian police were hunt- jectable objects”, he said. ruled anything out as we start our ing two men yesterday after Peel Police said one suspect was investigation.” Ca blast at an Indian restau- in his mid-20s, stocky, and wore That position was echoed by rant near Toronto injured 15 peo- dark blue jeans and a dark zip-up Public Safety Minister Ralph ple, including three dual Indian- hoody pulled over his head, with Goodale, who said that there is “no Canadian nationals, but police said black cloth covering his face. connection to national security there were no initial signs of ter- The second was thin, and wore at this point”, calling it an “awful, rorism. faded blue jeans, a grey t-shirt and violent incident”. Neither were there indications of a dark zip-up hoody over his head, The Royal Canadian Mounted a “hate crime” in the attack which also with his face covered. Police, however, are assisting Peel initially left three of the injured in The police have posted a picture Regional Police in their investiga- critical condition. of the suspects and appealed to the tion, he said. An improvised device detonated public for help in fi nding them. Evans said investigators are re- on Thursday night at the eatery in Three of the wounded – a viewing surveillance camera foot- Mississauga, a major suburb west 35-year-old man and two women, age, and asked for the public’s help of Toronto, while two parties cel- aged 48 and 62 – were taken by in identifying and locating the sus- ebrated birthdays, Peel Regional ambulance to hospital in critical pects, whom she said are believed Police Chief Jennifer Evans told a condition, but were listed as stable A police officer stands in front of the Bombay Bhel restaurant in to have fl ed in a vehicle. news conference at the scene. yesterday morning. Mississauga, Ontario, where two men set off a bomb late on Canada has been hit periodi- “Two men wearing hoodies were Children under 10 years old were Thursday night. cally throughout the decades by seen entering the restaurant with inside the restaurant at the time of criminal and political bombings, an IED” or improvised explosive the explosion but were not harmed. The Toronto metropolitan area stretchers to waiting ambulances, including those linked to Quebec device, she said. “The men were Other victims were treated for has a sizeable population with In- or limping out of the restaurant, nationalists in the 1960s, attacks seen fl eeing the scene immediately minor injuries after the blast at the dian origins, almost 600,000, and bleeding from wounds caused by on abortion clinics in the 1990s, a following the explosion.” popular Bombay Bhel restaurant in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vis- fl ying glass, as red and blue emer- war between biker gangs from 1994 The pair, who were also wear- a strip mall that is surrounded by ited India in February. gency lights lit up the night. to 2002, and bombings of natural ing jeans and face coverings, did houses, grassy fi elds, and condo “We stand in solidarity with According to reports, the blast gas pipelines by environmentalists not say anything, just dropped off towers under construction. the victims of this violence and was felt more than 4km away (2.5 in 2008. the device and left, authorities said India’s High Commissioner to we wish a speedy recovery to the miles), and destroyed the inside Last year, Inderjit Singh Reyat, earlier. Canada Vikas Swarup said in a so- wounded,” Trudeau said on Twit- of the restaurant, its front doors a Sikh militant and the only man “Every police resource is being cial media post that consular offi - ter. “We are working closely with shattered but still clinging to their convicted in the 1985 bombings of used right now to locate the peo- cials stood ready to help, after go- the police and the Mississauga au- hinges. two Air India fl ights which had left ple responsible for this horrendous ing to the hospital to confi rm that thorities.” “This is a heinous crime,” Mis- Vancouver, was paroled after two act,” Evans added. the three dual nationals reported Video footage and images of sissauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie decades in a Canadian prison. The men entered the restaurant to be critically injured “are stable the aftermath showed victims be- said. “This is not the Mississauga The bombings killed more than and set down what appeared to be now”. ing escorted in wheelchairs and that I know.” 300 people.

US wasted billions in failed Afghan Weinstein charged with rape stabilisation eff orts, says off icial The United States wasted billions of dollars trying to stabilise fragile parts of Afghanistan from 2001-2017 and some eff orts caused more DPA harm than good, a US government watchdog said on Thursday. New York A report by the off ice of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) found that Washington had set unrealistic expectations for itself after the US-led invasion in 2001 ormer Hollywood producer and overestimated its ability to build and reform government. Harvey Weinstein was led “Despite some heroic eff orts to stabilise insecure and contested Faway in handcuff s yesterday areas in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2017, the programme after being arrested and charged in mostly failed,” Special Inspector General John Sopko said as he New York City with rape and other presented the report in Washington. “This happened for a number sexual assault crimes, accusations of reasons, including the establishment of a set of unrealistic his lawyer said he will vigorously expectations about what could be achieved in just a few years’ fi ght in court. time.” A statement from the New York The report found that the military pressured aid groups to build Police Department said Wein- schools and infrastructure in areas that were still being contested by stein “was arrested, processed and the Taliban, leading to the failure of many projects. charged with rape, criminal sex act, “Opportunities for corruption and elite capture abounded, making sex abuse and sexual misconduct many of those projects far more harmful than helpful,” the for incidents involving two separate document states. women”. The SIGAR analysis found that Washington had set expectations and The prosecutor said the cases programmes not properly tailored for Afghanistan, and noted that stem from incidents that occurred successes in stabilising Afghan districts rarely lasted longer than the in 2013 and 2004. physical presence of coalition troops and civilians. “We believe they are constitu- “Under immense pressure to quickly stabilise insecure districts, US tionally fl awed,” said Weinstein’s government agencies spent far too much money, far too quickly, in a attorney Benjamin Brafman, speak- country woefully unprepared to absorb it,” SIGAR noted. ing to reporters after his client turned himself in. “We believe they are not factually supported by the Cohen met Russian oligarch shortly evidence.” Weinstein leaves the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York. before Trump inauguration: source

A Russian oligarch with links to the Kremlin met Donald Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen at the Trump Tower in New York City less than two weeks before Trump’s inauguration as president, a source Storm forces oil workers’ evacuation familiar with the meeting said yesterday. During a discussion in Cohen’s off ice, located on the skyscraper’s 26th floor eleven days before the inauguration, Cohen and Russian Reuters would bring heavy rain and fl ash tures to Texas next week,” Rogers businessman Viktor Vekselberg talked about improving relations Houston fl ooding to the central Gulf Coast said of the impact on energy con- between Moscow and Washington and arranged to meet again at region and the southeastern United sumption. the inauguration, the New York Times first reported. States this weekend and into next The Louisiana Off shore Oil Port The paper quoted Andrew Intrater, an American who attended the ubtropical Storm Alberto, the week. (LOOP), located about 20 miles meeting and manages investments for Vekselberg. fi rst named storm of the 2018 Other US energy companies with (32km) south of the Louisiana coast The source, who asked for anonymity as private conversations were SAtlantic hurricane season, is operations in the Gulf and along the in the Gulf, was operating normally, being discussed, confirmed the New York Times’ account to Reuters forcing the evacuation of oil work- coast said they are monitoring the according to the company’s website. by telephone. ers out of the US Gulf of Mexico as progress of the storm. The LOOP is the only US port Cohen and a lawyer for Intrater could not be reached for comment. it moves toward a Monday landfall The NWS said between 4 inches that can offl oad the largest crude oil between New Orleans and Florida’s and 6 inches (10cm and 15cm) of tankers. panhandle. rain are expected and could bring Shell said it has begun securing its Manafort trial pushed back to July 24 Royal Dutch Shell has begun fl ash fl oods to southeast Louisiana Gulf facilities in preparation for po- evacuating some oil platform work- and Mississippi over the weekend. tentially severe weather and had shut A trial date for US President Donald Trump’s former campaign ers in the US Gulf of Mexico and Alberto is considered a subtropi- in production at its Ram Powell hub. manager, Paul Manafort, for alleged financial crimes been shut production at one energy hub cal storm because it a hybrid and The facility is capable of process- postponed to July 24 in the Eastern District of Virginia District Court, as a precautionary measure, the not a tropical low, said Matt Rogers, ing 60,000 barrels of oil and 200mn according to a court filing yesterday. company said yesterday afternoon. president and co-founder of Com- cu ft of gas per day. The judge said the cause of the postponement from July 10 was Production and drilling opera- modity Weather Group. BP Plc spokesman Jason Ryan said “owing to a family member’s medical procedure”. tions elsewhere in the Eastern Gulf “This will most likely be a (fuel) its off shore operations are continu- Manafort, along with his business associate Richard Gates, was had not been aff ected, it added. demand destruction event, bring- ing as usual but workers are bracing indicted in the Virginia court for charges related to false income tax The National Weather Service ing cooler weather to the southeast for severe weather and the company returns, failing to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts (NWS) yesterday forecast the storm United States and high tempera- is closely monitoring Alberto. and bank fraud.

US websites blacked out in Europe on ‘Happy GDPR Day’

DPA shown a message saying that the The Tribune, owned by Tronc, a “We’re sorry. This site is tempo- turnover or €20mn ($23.4mn) – Washington site is unavailable, along with an print and online media publishing rarily unavailable,” said a message whichever is bigger. explanation that the news opera- company, said that it continues to at the website of the Arizona Daily The new rules stipulate that tion is working on a solution. look for “technical compliance so- Sun. entities can only collect what is he websites of several US “We are engaged on the issue lutions” that will allow it to keep The EU’s General Data Protec- strictly necessary and must be news operations are una- and committed to looking at op- its website available to European tion Regulation (GDPR) means that transparent about how they use the Tvailable to European readers tions that support our full range of readers. fi rms must obtain explicit consent information. in response to a new data law that digital off erings to the EU market,” Other Tronc-owned websites, from customers in order to use They also allow individuals to took eff ect yesterday. said the message posted at the Chi- including the Los Angeles Times, their personal data. demand insight into their data, as Readers in the European Union cago Tribune, one of the US news also are aff ected as are 46 websites Failure comply could result in a well as the erasure of that informa- who tried to log on to the sites were sites blocked. operated by Lee Enterprises. fi ne of up to 4% of global annual tion. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 26, 2018 ASIA Firebrand Thai monk charged over fraud

AFP Luang Pu Buddha quest,” Maitri said, adding that Bangkok Issara has been he was defrocked. charged with faking The complaint emerged endorsements by after a collector of amu- fi rebrand Buddhist monk revered late King lets, highly prized as lucky has been disrobed after Bhumibol of sacred charms in Thailand, found Abeing charged over the amulets he was the monk’s website was sell- sale of amulets with fake royal selling online ing items purporting to have seals, Thai police said yester- palace support. day, a dramatic fall from grace months before the coup, has “When I checked on the website for a cleric who helped lead pro- surprised a public used to there was no evidence of offi cial tests that toppled the former the monk’s pro-junta dia- permission to use royal initials,” government. tribes. Vichai Prasertsudsiri said. The junta that seized power He was charged with fak- Misappropriating the pal- in 2014 after those protests has ing endorsements by revered ace name is a dangerous Luang Pu Buddha Issara, 62, an activist monk, is escorted by police off icers at the Thai Police Crime Suppression Division headquarters in in recent months taken a strong late King Bhumibol of sa- game in Thailand, where the Bangkok yesterday. line with Thailand’s power- cred amulets he was selling monarchy is shielded by one ful Buddhist clergy after several online, according to Major of the world’s strictest lese under the forgery allegation. hardline critic of the former gov- the military used to justify taking had infi ltrated his protest site. major fi nancial scandals. General Maitri Chimcherd, majeste laws. Monks are formally outlawed ernment of Yingluck Shinawatra. power. His arrest came amid a sweep But the arrest of Luang Pu the commander of the Crime Issara avoided the royal defa- from political roles but for sever- He played a key galvanising He was also charged over of several other senior monks Buddha Issara, who ran a key Suppression Division. mation charge, but still could al years Issara straddled the reli- role in the raucous and deadly the alleged torture of two un- in a multi-million-dollar Bangkok protest camp in the “The court denied his bail re- face a maximum 20 years in jail gious and the secular sphere as a street protests four years ago that dercover police offi cers who embezzlement probe. Hasina seeks international support Vietnam’s to press for return of Rohingya downtown

IANS Santiniketan, India dwellers cling angladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday Bsought co-operation from the international community to to tiny plots mount pressure on the Myanmar government to take back close By Thanh Nguyen, AFP do business,” said Cong, whose to 1.1mn Rohingya refugees Ho Chi Minh City sisters and niece make a living sheltered in her country. as vendors in the city centre. “I want everybody’s co-op- Many of the mini-homes eration, so that there is pres- ham Quoc Cong walks sprung up as larger housing sure on Myanmar government 2km to use the bath- plots that were whittled down to take them back fast,” Hasina Proom because his by new, wider roads and other said after inaugurating the 2.2m-squared house isn’t big developments in the city. Bangladesh Bhawan in West enough to have one. Some may have started out Bengal’s Birbhum district. But, he says, it’s a price on rice paddies during the pe- Hasina said her govern- worth paying to be able to live riod of French rule and ended ment decided to give shelter on a prized plot in downtown up as squatter land, said Mel to the Rohingya on humani- Ho Chi Minh City where he Schenck, an American who tarian grounds as they were can readily fi nd work. is writing a book about mod- persecuted back home. He lives with six relatives in ernist architecture in Ho Chi “Close to 1.1mn Rohingya refu- a closet-sized space bursting Minh City. gees have taken shelter on Bang- with clothing, toys, a fridge, There is no data on how ladeshi soil... We have given them a bunk bed, a rice cooker, pa- many micro-houses exist to- shelter on humanitarian grounds. pers, groceries, toilet paper day, and Schenck says they But we want them to return to and other household items. may eventually disappear their country soon,” she said. That leaves little room for from the rapidly transforming The Bangladesh prime min- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina waves to the media after her visit at the ancestral house of the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore in sleeping so he spends most city. ister recalled her sister Rehana’s Kolkata, India, yesterday. nights outdoors on a cardboard- “There’s constant change appeal to her to give shelter to lined lounge chair, which can be going on, and I think in the the Rohingya. The Indian government has Visva-Bharati University convo- on their villages on the night of legitimate response to terror. tricky in bad weather. long-term that’s a good thing, “My sister Rehana told me, refused to give shelter to the fl ee- cation as also the inauguration of August 24-25, last year. Myanmar does not recognise “It’s really hard during so if some of these disappear when you provide meals to ing Rohingya refugees, saying the Bangladesh Bhawan. Myanmar authorities, who the Rohingya as citizens, claim- the rainy season to fi nd a dry then that’s what happens,” 160mn people (of Bangla- it was already facing a “serious Some 1.1mn Rohingya have signed an agreement with ing they are illegal immigrants place. If I can’t, I just sleep he said, while acknowledging desh), can’t you provide meal to problem of infi ltration” because been residing in the southeast- Bangladesh last November to from Bangladesh, which has standing up the whole night,” their “picturesque value”. 700,000 more? of its porous border. ern part of Bangladesh, known as repatriate the refugees, have led to continued discrimination said the 49-year-old manual Land disputes are routine “We can. If need be, we will However, yesterday, Prime the Cox’s Bazar region, after they denied allegations of human against the community, includ- labourer who has lived in the in the city, with downtown share our food with them,” Minister Narendra Modi re- fl ed Rakhine state of Myanmar rights abuses in the military ing restrictions on their freedom one-room home since 1975. dwellers accusing city offi cials Hasina said. mained mum on the issue at the to escape a military crackdown off ensive and justifi ed it as a of movement. The ‘micro-house’ dwellings of underpaying for plots that are dotted throughout Viet- are then sold on to developers nam’s bustling southern hub, for hefty sums. occupied by families clinging That worries Nguyen Van to tiny plots of land in a city de- Truong, who lives with fi ve rel- veloping at breakneck pace. atives in his 6.7sq m plot under- One family, 4 countries - the dispossession of Rohingya Tucked away in winding al- neath a luxury highrise condo. leys, nestled under new condo The 62-year-old supports AFP Nearly six years on, the eight then conditions described as towards the group and casting desh, fl eeing murders, rapes and developments or sandwiched his family doing odd jobs Kutupalong, Bangladesh brothers are now split across four “apartheid-like” by Amnesty them as “Bengali” infi ltrators to mass arrests. between street food stalls and in the area but doesn’t earn countries: Bangladesh, India, the International were biting hard, the Buddhist-majority country. The crackdown visited more shops, they are easily missed enough to buy a larger house in United States and Myanmar. with Rohingya locked out from “But after the violence started tragedy on Robi Alam’s family. by the unattentive passerby. a more aff ordable part of town. t takes a few moments to sift One is in a Myanmar jail, an- hospitals, schools and their own in 2012, the “Moghs” (a pejora- Their 60-year-old father But Cong says his home in He lives in fear that the gov- through the years of chaos other has vanished on the treach- farms. tive word for ethnic Rakhine) Nagu Miah was arrested and, the the vibrant District 3 neigh- ernment could force him out. Iand dislocation before Ro- erous traffi cking route south - a Worn down by the asphyxi- gradually took everything.” family alleges, beaten to death in bourhood could sell for as “I don’t think we’d get that hingya refugee Robi Alam settles painful family history that traces ating security controls, Rashid Rohingya who strayed from police custody. much as $22,000 thanks to much compensation because on the Muslim holiday of Eid al- the key events in the disposses- crossed the Naf River into Bang- their villages were frequently Confi ned to their homes with rising land prices. the house is too small. We Fitr, in August 2012, as the last sion of the Rohingya in Myanmar, ladesh, paying a broker $355 to lynched or beaten, he says. food running scarce, the old- Even so, like many oth- don’t know where to go,” he time he saw his seven brothers and their dispersal overseas. take him to Malaysia. One of the brothers, Abul est brother Hamid Hussein, 28, ers living in micro-houses, said, hanging his clothes out- together in Myanmar. When the brothers were “We haven’t heard from him Kashim, now 19, suff ered a beat- defi ed a strict curfew and went he says he wouldn’t swap his side the small space packed “We were still a family then last united, in 2012, there were since.” ing while fi shing with friends. fi shing after his children com- prime location for a few extra with belongings. under one roof, in one country,” around 1.2mn Rohingya living in His older brother had disap- A teenager at the time, he was plained of eating rice every day. metres of space. “If given the choice... to move the 16-year-old says, from his Rakhine state. Now fewer than a peared, but Abdur Rashid chose jolted into leaving by the brutal- He was arrested by soldiers “We’re used to this area. If elsewhere or remain in this tiny current home - a bamboo shack third remain. the same escape route. ity of the attack, fi rst for Bang- and taken to Buthidaung jail. we move elsewhere we can’t house, I’ll choose to stay.” in a Bangladesh refugee camp. Myanmar drove most of the “I tried to stop him, I begged ladesh, then overland to join an Soon after, soldiers swarmed By then Myanmar had already minority out in October 2016 him,” his mother Khadija Begum uncle in India. their village, ordering Rohingya lurched into a dark new phase and August 2017 in army-led says. For now, he has a made a decent residents to sit hands on their of an old confl ict between their crackdowns. “But he is stubborn. He said life – he is married and works as a heads in a fi eld as they ransacked Muslim Rohingya minority and Separated from their four older ‘I will swim to Malaysia if I can’t mason in Haryana state. homes. the Buddhist ethnic Rakhine. brothers, the younger siblings - Robi, get a boat’ and so he went.” “I miss my family,” he told “Then they started to burn Violence unravelled after the Jaber, 18, Hashim, 17, and Faiz, 12 - His months-long odyssey, AFP, saying each phone call our homes, they raped some alleged rape and murder of a are starting new lives as refugees. which began around early 2014, leaves a yearning to travel to women and pushed them inside Buddhist woman by Rohingya For now, home remains a 10m eventually led to resettlement in Bangladesh. burning homes,” says 17-year- men; neighbour turned on (30ft) hut covered by a tarpaulin the US, via detention in Thailand. “But I can’t. I don’t have any old Mohammad Hashim, from neighbour as villages across Ra- in the Kutupalong camp, which “I wasn’t scared. It was pre- travel documents.” Kutupalong camp. “We could khine state were set ablaze. the brothers share with 15 other destined,” the 23-year-old told On October 9, 2016, Rakhine not stay any longer.” Still, where they could, Ro- relatives including their mother. AFP from Colorado, where he is again went up in fl ames as a nas- Over the next six weeks the hingya families celebrated Eid, “We can’t work here, it’s a now learning English and work- cent Rohingya militant group extended family crept over to the end of Ramadan. place we know nothing about,” ing in a cake factory. - known now as the Arakan Ro- Bangladesh. Robi recalls being carried on says Robi. “But how do we go Violence and repression have hingya Salvation Army (ARSA) With their land taken and se- his older siblings’ shoulders as back to Myanmar again?” hit the Rohingya in waves since - raided border posts. curity still parlous, Robi and his they went door-to-door through The fi rst of the brothers to the late 1970s. The army response was swift family have little expectation of the village of Yae Twin Kyun in fl ee Rakhine was Mohammad In 1982 Myanmar’s ruling jun- and unforgiving. returning to Rakhine. Maungdaw district gorging on Rashid. ta stripped the Muslim minority Tens of thousands of Ro- Instead they are preparing for Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc arranges cloth-hangers in her 6.7sq m snacks. It was early 2013, and by of citizenship, stirring up hatred hingya were driven into Bangla- long-term life as refugees. home in Ho Chi Minh City. Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 7 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

All lit up

A ship passes the Harbour Bridge during the Vivid Sydney festival in Sydney yesterday. Vivid Sydney is an outdoor cultural festival featuring light installations and projections with the annual event this year running from May 25 to June 16. Sails of Sydney’s Opera House are illuminated with lights at the start of the Vivid Sydney festival in Sydney yesterday. On again? Trump says still chance of June 12 summit of Trump in a statement on state Reuters Singapore regrets cancellation of summit Washington media. He said North Korea re- mained open to resolving issues Singapore has expressed regret place on 12 June 2018,” said with Washington “regardless of Retiree Noh Yong-taek (66) poses for a photo holding an emoji after being asked to chose one that he felt S President Donald after US President Donald a Ministry of Foreign Aff airs ways, at any time.” best represented his feelings following US President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to cancel a summit Trump dangled the pos- Trump announced his decision spokesperson in a statement to Trump’s latest about-face sent with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at Gyeongbokgung palace in central Seoul. Usibility yesterday that a to cancel the upcoming summit local media. “Singapore hopes offi cials scrambling in Washing- June 12 summit with North Ko- with North Korean leader Kim that the dialogue and eff orts to ton. US Defense Secretary Jim wise way of substantial eff ect for the summit and said the world president’s tweet last year as- rea’s leader Kim Jong-un, could Jong-un. “Singapore regrets that find lasting peace and stability Mattis told reporters diplomats settling the issue,” he said. should keep doing its bit to make serting that he had a “much big- still take place, just a day after the scheduled summit between on the Korean Peninsula will were “still at work” and said Trump had initially sought it happen. In Seoul, South Korean ger” nuclear button than Kim. he cancelled the meeting citing President of the United States continue,” the statement said. Trump had just sent a note out to placate North Korea, saying President Moon Jae-in, who had While the Trump administration Pyongyang’s “open hostility.” Donald J Trump and Democratic The cancellation comes a mere on the summit, which could be he was not pursuing the “Libya urged Trump at a White House had insisted on North Korea’s Trump indicated the summit People’s Republic of Korea State two weeks after Singapore was back on “if our diplomats can pull model” in getting the North to meeting on Tuesday not to let a complete, verifi able and irrevers- could be salvaged after welcom- Aff airs Commission Chairman announced as the final location it off .” North Korea had sharply abandon its nuclear weapons rare opportunity slip away, said ible dismantling of its nuclear ing a conciliatory statement from Kim Jong-un will no longer take of the meeting. criticised suggestions by Trump’s programme. White House press on Thursday he was “perplexed” programme, Pyongyang had al- North Korea saying it remained national security adviser, John secretary Sarah Huckabee Sand- by the cancellation. ways couched its language in open to talks. Bolton, and Vice President Mike ers said: “This is the President South Korea also would con- terms of denuclearisation of the “It was a very nice statement over Pyongyang’s nuclear weap- tional remarks by US offi cials. Pence that it could share the fate Trump model. He’s going to run tinue eff orts to improve ties with Korean peninsula. they put out,” Trump said as he ons programme, Kim and Trump Trump cited North Korean hos- of Libya if it did not swiftly sur- this the way he sees fi t.” the North, the presidential offi ce It has said in previous, failed left the White House to deliver agreed to what would be the fi rst tility in cancelling the summit. render its nuclear arsenal. US regional allies Japan and said after Moon’s top security talks that it could consider giving a commencement address at the meeting between a serving US In Pyongyang, North Korean Vice Libyan leader Muammar South Korea, as well as North advisers met for the second time up its arsenal if the United States US Naval Academy. “We’ll see president and a North Korean Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan Gaddafi was deposed and killed Korea’s main ally, China, urged yesterday. Some analysts worried provided security guarantees by what happens— it could even be leader. The plan followed months said North Korea’s criticisms of by Nato-backed militants af- the two countries to salvage the that cancelling the summit could removing its troops from South the 12th. We’re talking to them of war threats and insults traded certain US offi cials had been a ter halting his nascent nuclear summit. At an economic forum prompt a resumption in hostili- Korea and withdrawing its so- now. They very much want to do between the leaders, as well as reaction to American rhetoric programme. Kim Kye Gwan said in St Petersburg, Chinese Vice ties, including renewed shorter- called nuclear umbrella of deter- it. We’d like to do it.” advances in North Korean mis- and that the current antagonism North Korea appreciated Trump President Wang Qishan said such range missile tests or stepped-up rence from South Korea and Japan. Earlier on Twitter, Trump had siles capable of reaching the showed “the urgent necessity” having made the bold decision a summit was necessary to ensure cyber attacks by Pyongyang and Before Trump scrapped the noted “very good news to receive United States. for the summit. to work toward a summit. “We security on the Korean peninsula, increased sanctions or deploy- meeting on Thursday, North Ko- the warm and productive state- Trump scrapped the meet- “His sudden and unilateral an- even inwardly hoped that what which touched on China’s core ment of new military assets by rea said it had completely dis- ment from North Korea.” ing on Thursday after repeated nouncement to cancel the sum- is called ‘Trump formula’ would interests. Washington. mantled its Punggye-ri nuclear After decades of tension on threats by North Korea to pull mit is something unexpected to help clear both sides of their wor- Japanese Prime Minister In his letter, Trump warned test facility “to ensure the trans- the Korean Peninsula and an- out of the summit in Singapore us and we cannot but feel great ries and comply with the require- Shinzo Abe, at the same forum, Kim of the United States’ greater parency of discontinuance” of tagonism with the United States over what it saw as confronta- regret for it,” Kim Kye Gwan said ments of our side and would be a regretted the cancellation of nuclear might, reminiscent of the nuclear testing.

Australia Taiwan scrambles jets to track China drill announces Taiwan yesterday scrambled man Lu Kang praised Burkina millions to fighter jets to shadow Chinese Faso yesterday for making the Malaysia police seize over $28mn in bombers conducting a drill “correct decision” and that it tackle HIV-like around the island, just hours would not be “unexpected” if after Beijing welcomed Burkina the west African state were to HTLV-1 virus Faso’s move to sever diplomatic establish diplomatic relations cash from properties of Najib family ties with Taipei. with Beijing in the future. The Australian government Taiwan’s defence ministry said Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs has announced a plan to it had dispatched fighter jets Council, which is in charge Reuters in Pavillion Residences, in the bank account that investigators 1MDB, but we have to honour our tackle the HIV-like blood- to monitor two Chinese H-6 of China ties, announced Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang neighborhood of had traced to a former unit of international obligations,” Finance borne virus HTLV-1, which has bombers that were flying over late Thursday that Chinese Kuala Lumpur, did not belong to 1MDB. Minister Lim Guan Eng said. been found at astonishingly the Bashi Channel south of Tai- officials applying to visit the any of Najib’s family members. Najib, who led the country for “I think this will reassure the high rates in the Aboriginal wan and the Miyako Strait, near island would be subject to alaysian police said He declined to name the owner. almost a decade, has consistently markets that this government communities in Australia. Japan’s Okinawa Island. tighter screening, without yesterday that cash Police also found 284 boxes of denied any wrongdoing, having knows what it is doing”. The government has set aside “We are fully monitoring the elaborating. The move aims Mworth 114mn ringgit handbags in the apartment, and a explained three years ago that Late on Thursday, Najib’s de- A$8mn ($6mn) to form a task situation and taking eff icient to “prevent the Chinese ($28.6mn) and over 400 luxury further 150 handbags were seized $680 million transferred into feated United Malays National force to combat Human T-cell responsive measures to ensure communists from dividing handbags were seized from sev- from the home of Najib’s daugh- his account had been a donation Organisation (UMNO) asked po- Lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV-1) defence security,” it said in a and disturbing social order in eral apartments as part of an ter, Nooryana Najwa, along with from an unnamed Saudi royal. lice to return to the party money and other emerging com- statement. Taiwan with their unification anti-graft probe into a state fund various shoes, including baby In a separate development, seized during the raids, describ- municable diseases in remote The scrambling comes a day propaganda measures”, it said founded by former prime min- shoes. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng ing it as campaign contributions communities, Greg Hunt, after Burkina Faso became the in a statement. ister Najib Razak. Najib’s home, Singh said most of the bags said in a tweet that he had asked and party funding left over after Australia’s health minister, second of Taiwan’s dwindling Taiwan now has just 18 formal and the apartments of a son, and appeared to be a Hermes brand. tax authorities to investigate the election. said yesterday. number of formal allies to allies who recognise its govern- a daughter were among a dozen “We have had discussions with fi nancier Low Taek Jho and his UMNO said the funds were in The virus is transmitted by jump ship to Beijing in a ment instead of Beijing. For properties searched since May Hermes, and we will take pic- family as part of the 1MDB probe. the process of being transferred unprotected sex, breastfeed- month. its part, 18, Amar Singh, the head of com- tures and send them to Paris to Commonly referred to as Jho to the party’s new leadership ing, and blood contact and China has increased diplomatic Beijing has been incensed by mercial crime division, told a verify their authenticity and Low, the high-living 36-year-old when they were seized. has aff ected millions around and military pressure on the a recent warming in relations news conference. their value,” Singh said. was close to Najib’s family. “As such, UMNO seeks to re- the world. self-ruled island, which it views between Taiwan and the United Since his defeat in an election Nooryana, better known as His whereabouts are un- cover these funds and requests Hunt called for “rapid action as a wayward province to be States, which remains the on May 9, Najib has been barred Gina, married a nephew of Ka- known. He has previously de- the police to release these funds for early testing” for the virus. reunified by force if necessary. island’s most powerful ally and from leaving the country by the zakhstan President Nursultan nied any wrongdoing, but the US and return them to the party af- He said the task force will in- Relations have deteriorated arms supplier even though it new government, which has Nazarbayev’s three years ago. Department of Justice is seek- ter completion of all due process vestigate the reasons behind between Beijing and Taipei has no off icial diplomatic ties. reopened an investigation into Singh did not say what was found ing to seize his assets, including and investigations by the rel- the emergence and preva- since President Tsai Ing-wen President Tsai warned China billions of dollars missing from at the home of Najib’s son Ash- a $250mn superyacht that the evant authorities,” the party said. lence of HTLV-1 and work with came to power two years ago Thursday that Taiwan would 1Malaysia Development Berhad man. department says was purchased Out of power for the fi rst time the Aboriginal communities as her government refuses to not tolerate what she called its (1MDB). Experts were being brought in with funds “stolen and embez- since independence six decades to develop a road map to acknowledge that Taiwan is “crude behaviour to undermine At one empty apartment, of- to value the jewellery, watches zled” from 1MDB. ago, UMNO said it needed the respond the issue. part of “one China”. our sovereignty”. fi cers found 35 bags stuff ed with and other luxury items seized Malaysia’s new government money to recover from its defeat. “At present, its overall impacts Tsai’s tenure has already seen Taiwan’s Foreign Minister cash valued at 114mn ringgit. The during the raid. Singh said half a pledged yesterday to honour all “UMNO is in the process of are not well understood, due the loss of three allies to China, Joseph Wu tendered his banknotes were in 26 currencies, million ringgit, excluding foreign payments on debt arising from rebuilding and the return of to data collection diff iculties with the Dominican Republic, resignation after Burkina though the largest amounts were currency, was found at Najib’s 1MDB. It has estimated that our party funds will help in this and the limitations of existing Panama, and Sao Tome and Faso’s announcement, but said in ringgit and Singapore dollars. home. government guarantees covered process,” the statement said. Na- information.” Principe all switching allegiance yesterday that he would stay on “We have sat together with bank Najib concluded giving a 38bn ringgit ($9.54bn) of 1MDB’s jib quit as president of UMNO a The government has said since 2016. in the position at the president’s offi cials to tally and estimate the statement to anti-graft agents debt at the end of 2017. day after the election, and was Australia has the highest rates China’s foreign ministry spokes- request. total cash seized,” Singh said. on Thursday that was related to “We will honour those even replaced by his deputy Ahmad of the disease in the world in Singh said the empty apartment transactions of $10.6mn into his though we are not happy with Zahid Hamidi. some Indigenous communities. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, May 26, 2018 BRITAIN/IRELAND

ROYALTY CRIME STANCE CLAIM ENTERTAINMENT Meghan’s coat of arms pays Briton placed on global Lawmakers slams policy Assange ‘may be forced to New rollercoaster tribute to California roots most wanted list on facial recognition data leave Ecuador embassy’ opens in Blackpool

Prince Harry’s wife Meghan, the Duchess A suspected killer and one of Britain’s most Lawmakers yesterday criticised the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s nearly Thrill seekers can now get their next dose of of Sussex, received a new tailor-made wanted fugitives has been placed on a global government for its large-scale retention of six-year refuge inside the Ecuadorian embassy adrenaline on a new rollercoaster which opened official coat of arms yesterday that pays most wanted list after more than two years on facial recognition data, saying it amounted to in London is “in jeopardy” as he faces possible in the seaside town of Blackpool yesterday. homage to her Californian roots. The crest the run. Shane O’Brien, 30, is alleged to have “a significant infringement of people’s liberty.” arrest by British authorities and subsequent Visitors can get the same feeling of acceleration has a blue background that “represents killed 21-year-old Josh Hanson in an unprovoked The cross-party science and technology extradition to the US, a media report said. as a racing driver, according to the Pleasure Beach the Pacific Ocean off the California coast,” knife attack in a bar in Hillingdon in west London committee of the Commons, parliament’s Assange has in the past claimed his position in amusement park. The £16mn ICON ride is being Kensington Palace, the couple’s residence, in October 2015. He has now been placed on elected lower house, said it had “identified the embassy was under threat but his current billed as Britain’s first double launch rollercoaster said in a statement. Two golden rays on Interpol’s worldwide most wanted list and there is an urgent and significant need for action situation is “unusually bad” and he could leave with “two powerful thrusts of acceleration”, the shield “are symbolic of the sunshine of a £50,000 reward for information leading to his on the governance and oversight of both the embassy “any day now”, informed sources according to the park. Lasting two-and-a-half The Duchess’s home state” and three quills arrest and prosecution. O’Brien left the UK on a forensics and biometrics.” They said the told CNN. “He will be forced out or made to feel minutes, ICON off ers “the same acceleration as “represent communication and the power of privately chartered flight from Biggin Hill airport government’s approach to facial imaging data so restricted that he might choose to leave on a Formula 1 driver, before twisting and turning at words”. “Beneath the shield on the grass sits shortly after the attack. Since fleeing the UK, he is was “unacceptable” because people without his own,” the sources said. Earlier this year, the speeds of up to 80 km/hour”. The rollercoaster a collection of golden poppies, California’s thought to have lived in the Netherlands and the criminal convictions were often unaware of Ecuadorian government cut off Assange’s access ride also races through tunnels, rises up to 88.5 state flower, and wintersweet, which grows at UAE before returning to Europe, authorities said. their right to apply for deletion. to the Internet, making it virtually impossible for feet and dives down some 82ft. Kensington Palace,” it said. him to manage WikiLeaks. Govt ‘will build Abortion referendum satellite system if blocked out of EU’s Galileo’

Guardian News and Media “They want to have privileged London access to the security elements of PRS (the encrypted navigation system for government-author- he Chancellor, Philip Ham- ised users) and to be able to con- mond, has warned that the tinue manufacturing the security TUK will build its own satel- modules which would mean that lite navigation system to rival the after Brexit the UK, as a third European Union’s €10bn Galileo country, would have the possibili- project if Brussels carries out its ty to turn off the signal for the EU,” threat to block access. the offi cial said. The European commission has “It also means they are asking cited legal issues about sharing for information and the possibility sensitive information with a non- to produce the security modules member state to justify its deci- that would give them informa- sion to shut British fi rms out of tion that currently not all mem- the project. The EU has also said ber states have.” The European it will restrict access to encrypted commission is set to report back Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadakar casts his votes inside a polling station during the Irish referendum calling to change the current abortion law, in Dublin, Ireland signals from Galileo. to member states to gauge their yesterday. Ireland’s current abortion laws ban all terminations except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. Speaking as he arrived in Brus- views, but the UK’s approach has sels for a meeting of fi nance min- been described as a “big ask”. isters yesterday, Hammond said On Thursday, the EU accused the UK could not accept the EU’s British negotiators of “chasing a decision to block British compa- fantasy” and failing to get to grips nies from the satellite’s manufac- with the consequences of Brexit. ture and the government from se- A senior EU offi cial also claimed cure aspects of the project. progress on the problem of avoid- He told reporters: “We need ing a hard border on the island access to a satellite system of this of Ireland was proving elusive, Scotland restarts debate on kind. A plan has always been to something the UK government work as a core member of the sources has suggested is mere pos- Galileo project, contributing fi - turing by Brussels. nancially and technically to the In a sign that the criticism has project. “If that proves impossible been felt, the prime minister’s then Britain will have to go it alone, chief Brexit adviser, Olly Robbins, possibly with other partners out- who has been leading the talks this independence with study side Europe and the US, to build week, wrote a rare tweet on yester- a third competing system. But for day morning. AFP then voted by 62% to remain in ter: “So much better to be de- and New Zealand. It proposed measures to encourage immi- national security strategic reasons He said: “Very proud of the x- Edinburgh the European Union in a 2016 bating how we maximise our keeping the British pound for gration amid fears Brexit will we need access to a system and will Government team that worked so referendum, generating a rift potential as a country than just “an extended transition pe- cause a decline in Scotland’s ensure that we get it.” hard to support technical talks in because the United Kingdom as focussing on how we limit the riod”, before moving to a more working age population and put The UK is said to be hopeful that Brussels this week. UK proposals cottish nationalists re- a whole voted to leave. damage of Brexit.” permanent solution which pressure on public spending Australia could be a partner for for a deep relationship, calmly and booted their case for inde- Sturgeon immediately made But David Mundell, the UK could lead to a new Scottish through falling tax receipts. such a rival project, should the im- professionally presented.” Spendence yesterday with a plans for a second independ- government’s most senior law- currency. North Sea oil revenues should passe with the EU continue. The EU wants the UK to agree study claiming that Scots could ence referendum, but momen- maker in Scotland, urged Scots The UK government force- be treated as a windfall and in- The EU is insistent that the UK by a European council summit in be £4,100 per person better off tum stalled when polls showed to “maximise the opportuni- fully rejected SNP proposals to vested in a fund similar to Nor- had agreed in 2011 as an EU mem- June to present a workable back- annually outside the United little change in Scottish atti- ties” of Brexit rather than leave maintain a currency union with way, rather than used for day to ber state on the rules on blocking stop position for Northern Ire- Kingdom. tudes and even less appetite for the UK. “The public do not want Scotland if it left the UK in 2014, day spending, it said. non-EU countries from access to land that would come into force First Minister Nicola Stur- another vote. another divisive independence but the nationalists insist Scot- Andrew Wilson, the report’s secure elements of the project. should a future trade deal or be- geon, leader of the separatist The SNP lost seats in the par- referendum,” he said. land can still use the pound in author, said: “Brexit will mean a A senior EU offi cial said, follow- spoke technological solutions fail Scottish National Party, said liaments in Edinburgh and Lon- The report outlined 50 rec- the same way that Panama uses long-term hit to jobs and living ing some fraught negotiations this to arise that could avoid the need the report would “restart the don in subsequent elections. ommendations to grow Scot- the US dollar. standards. week, that it had become clear the for a hard border. In recent days, debate” about independence But the nationalist grassroots land’s economy to match “the Critics have pointed out this “In contrast, our report looks UK “would like to transform Gali- the prime minister has suggested a for pro-EU Scotland as messy have been agitating for a swift very best small countries in would leave Scotland’s fi scal at how we build a better econ- leo from a union programme to a solution could be found in the UK Brexit negotiations drag on. return to the ballot box. the world”, comparing an in- policy in the hands of a foreign omy, how we build a better so- joint EU-UK programme, and that staying in the customs union for a Scotland voted against inde- Referring to yesterday’s re- dependent Scotland to coun- power. ciety and how we build a better is quite a big ask for the EU”. time-limited period. pendence by 55% in 2014, but port, Sturgeon wrote on Twit- tries like Denmark, Finland The report also included country,” he said. Govt cautions Britons of Corbyn visit Sheffi eld police likely to get extra powers slavery threat in Mallorca Guardian News and Media exact circumstances of the inci- London dent were “still being unravelled”. “What we do know is that this Thomson Reuters Foundation volves “a few hours where they get ised, and warned of the risks fac- young person was having a bit of a London a steady wage and still enjoy the ing young people seeking work olice are considering au- troubled time,” he said. “We don’t party and go home with a tan and abroad. thorising additional stop- believe it to be a random attack. some money,” the government’s “They could end up in a job Pand-search powers in parts There may be a bit of targeting oung British tourists head- report said. they did not foresee, living in sub- of Sheffi eld after two teenagers with it, but it would be wrong for ing to the Spanish island of “This seems to be far from reali- standard accommodation paying were fatally stabbed this week. me to say exactly what that was YMallorca to work as pro- ty: (these) workers are an exploited huge rents, being forced to com- The latest victim was a 15-year- right now while we’re still working moters for bars and clubs are be- and vulnerable group of people,” mit crimes such as selling drugs or old boy in the Lowedges area of the with the family and trying to give ing abused and trapped in forced the report said. having their passport confi scated,” city on Thursday night. them some answers.” labour, the government said yes- Currell told the Thomson Reuters Chief superintendent Stuart On Tuesday night a 19-year- terday as it launched a nationwide “They could end up in a Foundation. Barton, of South Yorkshire police, old man, Ryan Jowle, was fatally operation to warn holidaymakers job they did not foresee, The government is carrying out said: “This weekend we’re consid- stabbed in the Woodhouse area. of the dangers. living in sub-standard a week-long operation at airports ering some additional powers that An 18-year-old woman and a Many Brits doing such unof- accommodation and being across Britain to warn young trav- we may wish to use, that we don’t 24-year-old man were arrested on fi cial seasonal jobs in Mallorca are forced to commit crimes” ellers about how to spot the signs like to use on occasions, around suspicion of murder. The man re- forced to work long hours for lit- of exploitation in Mallorca and re- stop-and-search. We get to some mains in custody and the woman tle pay with no contract, housed British women working as pro- port abuses. points when we think: what more has been released on police bail as in squalid fl ats and robbed of their moters on the island face abuse, “We want to ensure that those can we do, how can we support inquiries continue. passports, said a report by the for- while many workers fall into debt contemplating (this) work in Mal- people, how can we give people There have been a number of eign ministry backed by its border and homelessness, and turn to lorca, many of whom are tourists that presence?” knife-related incidents in the city force. crime to survive, the government tempted by the idea of an extended Barton said the powers would in recent months, including the The Balearics — which include said. More than 80% of British stay in the sunshine, do not fi nd only apply to certain parts of Shef- killing of 22-year-old Jarvin Blake Mallorca — are among the most prisoners on Mallorca are former their summer turning into a night- fi eld. “It will be proportionate, it in the Burngreave area in March. popular foreign holiday destina- bar and club promoters — con- mare,” said Immigration Minister will be necessary, we’ll go through Asked whether Sheffi eld had a tions for British holidaymakers in victed of crimes such as drug deal- Caroline Nokes. the legal process,” he said. “But it knife crime problem, Barton said: search of hot weather. ing and robbery, according to the About 25mn people worldwide Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, walks with may be a consideration.” “I think Sheffi eld is like any city. Spanish police often have to deal government report. are estimated to be trapped in Professor Deirdre Heenan and shadow secretary of Offi cers received reports at You have to look across the UK, with bad behaviour by British and Justine Currell of the anti- forced labour, according to the UN state for Northern Ireland Tony Lloyd during a visit to about 7.50pm on Thursday that a and many cities and many places other foreign tourists. traffi cking charity Unseen said International Labour Organisation Liff ord Bridge on the border between Northern Ireland teenager had been stabbed. The are suff ering from young people Young British people get into modern-day slavery was more (ILO) and rights group Walk Free and Ireland, yesterday. boy was taken to hospital where he – and not just young people, older this kind of work thinking it in- widespread than the public real- Foundation. died an hour later. Barton said the people – carrying knives.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 9 EUROPE

Rajoy faces confi dence motion, Russia ‘responsible’ for calls for snap polls downing of fl ight MH17 AFP AFP All 298 people on the fl ight en “The downing of fl ight MH17 responsible “is exactly the right Russia to assume its responsibil- takingly recreated the BUK sys- Madrid The Hague/Saint Petersburg route from Amsterdam to Kuala caused unimaginable suff ering,” thing to do”. ity for systematic violations of tem’s route from Kursk across Lumpur were killed when the said Blok the day after the lat- “It’s an important step on the its international commitments”. the border into rebel-held east- missile slammed into the plane est fi ndings from the Dutch-led way to get justice for victims,” He added that he instructed ern Ukraine using videos and panish Prime Minister he Netherlands and Aus- as it fl ew over territory held by Joint Investigation Team (JIT). Ploeg added. “without delay” that propos- photos. Mariano Rajoy faced yes- tralia took the fi rst step pro-Russian rebels in eastern “On the basis of the JIT’s con- The EU and the North Atlantic als are prepared by Kyiv “for The team “has come to the Sterday a Socialist no-con- Tyesterday towards drag- Ukraine. clusions, the Netherlands and Treaty Organisation (Nato) both the possibility to join a trial conclusion that the BUK-TEL- fi dence motion and calls for a ging Russia to court over the The Dutch government said in Australia are now convinced urged Moscow to accept respon- launched by the Netherlands AR that shot down MH17 came snap election after his Popular shooting down of fl ight MH17, a statement that, together with that Russia is responsible for the sibility for the disaster. and Australia”. from the 53rd Anti-aircraft Mis- Party (PP) was found guilty of accusing Moscow of being re- Australia, it was holding Mos- deployment of the BUK instal- Russia should “fully co-op- Rutte urged Russia “to look sile Brigade based in Kursk in benefi ting from illegal funds in a sponsible for the disaster over cow “formally accountable” for lation that was used to down erate with all eff orts to establish seriously” at the results of the Russia”, top Dutch investigator massive graft trial. war-torn eastern Ukraine in the tragedy, and may now move MH17,” he added. accountability”, said the EU’s investigation, adding the Neth- Wilbert Paulissen said. Spain’s biggest opposition 2014. towards submitting the complex When asked yesterday at an foreign policy chief Federica erlands would demand Mos- Investigation offi cials, seek- party, the Socialists, fi led the The move won swift sup- dossier to an international judge economic forum in Saint Pe- Mogherini in a statement. cow’s full co-operation at a UN ing to bring criminal charges, motion seeking Rajoy’s ouster port from international allies, or organisation. tersburg, Russian President The United States and Britain Security Council meeting on have not said who actually fi red in the 350-seat lower house of a day after investigators con- Russia, however, swiftly de- Vladimir Putin said the rocket also said they backed the move Ukraine due to be held on Tues- the missile. parliament, a day after the court cluded that the Russian-made nied any responsibility. that shot down fl ight MH17 in to hold Russia responsible for day. But they are appealing for ruling was announced. BUK missile which tore apart Foreign Minister Sergei Lav- 2014 was “of course” not Rus- the disaster. However, the Russian defence further information, especially No date has been set for the the Boeing 777 passenger plane rov said he had been informed by sian. “It is time for Russia to ac- ministry also vehemently reject- about the BUK system’s crew, vote on the motion, which could in mid-air on July 17, 2014 came his Dutch counterpart Stef Blok The Russian leader added that knowledge its role in the shoot- ed the fi ndings, saying that the and who ordered the plane to be not take place before next week. from a Russian military brigade that “they have practically no there is “nothing that inspires ing down of MH17 and to cease missile “most likely belonged to shot down. Rajoy responded angrily, ac- based in southwestern Kursk. doubt that the BUK came from confi dence” in the international its callous disinformation cam- the Ukrainians”. Meanwhile, the investiga- cusing Socialist leader Pedro “There is but one conclusion Russia”. investigation and that “several paign,” said US State Depart- Although the BUK missile tive site Bellingcat claimed it Sanchez of trying to gain pow- to be made from yesterday’s “I asked him about facts prov- versions” of what happened ex- ment spokeswoman Heather had indeed been manufactured had identifi ed the second of two er “at any cost”, and warned presentation, namely that Rus- ing these claims. He did not give ist. Nauert. in the Soviet Union in 1986 “all men whom the JIT consider top that the motion would damage sia is thoroughly responsible me any facts, saying that they Piet Ploeg, who lost three Ukraine’s President Petro the missiles made that year were suspects after obtaining wire- Spain’s economic recovery and for the deployment of this BUK want Russia to help establish relatives in the plane crash, told Poroshenko said that the Dutch withdrawn from service in 2011”, tapped conversations before and stability just days after parlia- system,” Dutch Prime Minister them based on unfounded sus- AFP that the Dutch and Aus- and Australian decision “is an the ministry said. after the plane was shot out of ment approved his 2018 expan- Mark Rutte told reporters. picion,” Lavrov added. tralian decision to hold Russia extremely important step for Investigators, however, pains- the sky. sionist budget. To succeed, the motion will need the support of an absolute majority of 176 lawmakers, a dif- fi cult task as the opposition par- ties are deeply divided. French The Socialists would need the support of anti-establishment Podemos party, which has al- agents ready called a no-confi dence vote, as well as that of several tiny regional parties, includ- accused ing Catalan separatist forma- tions which have clashed with Sanchez in recent months over of spying their independence drive. Rajoy’s allies Ciudadanos, which has overtaken his PP in for foreign some recent polls thanks to its hard line on Catalan separatism, immediately said that it would power oppose the no-confi dence mo- tion and instead called for snap polls, a demand Rajoy rejected. Reuters “We need a clean and strong Paris government to confront the sep- aratist challenge. Either Rajoy calls elections or parliament will wo French former spies do it,” Ciudadanos head Albert could face trial for treason Rivera said in a Twitter message. Tover allegations that they Spain’s National Court said on passed state secrets to a foreign Thursday that it had uncovered Living technology power, France’s defence ministry a vast system of bribes given to said. former PP offi cials in exchange Above: Gael Langevin shows his InMoov robot Confi rming the December ar- for lucrative public contracts be- at the Viva Tech summit in Paris. rests of two retired spies, along tween 1999 and 2005 in various Left: A woman tests a 3D make-up system at with the spouse of one of the ac- regions including Madrid. the L’Oreal exhibition stand at VivaTech. cused pair, Armed Forces Minis- The court sentenced 29 peo- Right: Fairgoers try out virtual reality headsets. ter Florence Parly said yesterday ple in jail for a total of 351 years Below: The ‘pop.up next’ concept by Audi, that the compromised informa- for corruption, embezzlement Airbus, and Italdsign, an electric driver-less tion “could undermine the secu- and money laundering in the so- vehicle with vertical take-off and landing. rity of the state”. called Gurtel trial, named after Quotidien, a TV show which the code name of the police in- fi rst revealed the spying case, vestigation. said China was involved. The PP itself was not on trial A close adviser to President for direct involvement in the Emmanuel Macron stayed mum scheme. yesterday over which foreign It was ordered to pay back country had obtained informa- €245,000 ($290,000). tion from the agents, but sug- Sanchez said the court’s ruling gested such a scenario would not had caused “outrage, alarm and derail relations between Paris harmed Spain’s reputation”. and Beijing. “There is only one person re- “We’re two big powers who sponsible for the crisis of confi - know each other well,” the Ma- dence ... and his name is Mariano cron adviser told reporters. Rajoy,” Sanchez told reporters, Chinese foreign ministry adding that the prime minister’s spokesman Lu Kang declined to response to the sentence had comment when asked about the been “to look the other way”. allegations at a daily briefi ng in Under Spanish law, lawmak- Beijing. ers cannot simply vote to oust The agents are believed to the government with a no-con- have handed over secrets while fi dence vote and hold elections. still in service for France’s DGSE Instead, they need to agree on intelligence agency, Parly said on who the next leader should be, CNews television. making it harder for opposition She declined to comment on parties to reach consensus. unconfi rmed reports that China There is only a “20% probabil- was the foreign power in ques- ity” that the motion will succeed tion. since “opposition parties will be Both were placed under for- unable to co-ordinate in order mal investigation on December to oust Rajoy”, said Teneo Intel- 22 to face charges of spying for ligence analyst Antonio Barroso. French sculptor shows off 3D-printed life-sized robot a foreign power, compromising But political consultant Igna- classifi ed secrets and delivering cio Varela said “Sanchez could information detrimental to fun- win the no-confi dence motion Reuters boards and plastic parts that the likes of I, Robot and Blade oping the robot’s hand about Internet, and make it avail- damental national interests, a with a Frankenstein majority” Paris anyone can download at home Runner. seven years ago and off ering able so everyone can follow the judicial source told Reuters. that groups several, contradic- and make on a 3D printer. Gael Langevin showed off the plans for people to use as a project.” The DGSE itself contacted tory parties, although he warns Full-sized, humanoid au- his InMoov robot at the Viva prosthetic. The next step, he said, was French prosecutors after uncov- the Socialists would fi nd it hard French sculptor has tomatons have long been the Technology conference in Paris “I kept on designing the rest for the army of students and ering the “extremely serious” to govern after and would have to taken tinkering to a new province of multi-million- – a black and white humanoid of the parts, like bicep, shoul- hobbyists out there to help him behaviour of its agents, the de- negotiate “each step” with Cata- A level, making a life-size dollar development labs and made up of parts shared online. der, torso, head, and every time improve the robot’s artifi cial fence ministry said in a state- lan separatists. robot out of cheap circuit- the Hollywood studios behind He said he started by devel- I design a part I share it on the intelligence. ment late on Thursday.

Russian city ditches direct elections after mayor quits Boy fends off attack on mum with scooter Benito Mussolini’s parents summoned

Russia’s fourth largest city abolished direct Roizman, 55, who was a rare critic of Putin in a A seven-year-old German boy fended off a suspected sexual assault on his Parents of 14-month-old Benito Mussolini have been summoned to mayoral elections yesterday and accepted the senior regional post in Russia, called the move mother with an unusual weapon: his small scooter. appear in an Italian court over their son’s controversial name, according resignation of its outspoken mayor, bringing an a betrayal of the interests of Yekaterinburg, A 39-year-old man assailed the boy’s mother in a park on Thursday to a newspaper report. end to Yekaterinburg’s unusual dalliance with the 1,500km (900 miles) east of Moscow, and said he morning in the south German city of Heilbronn, pushing her to the ground, Young Benito is named after one of his grandfathers, a common enough liberal opposition to President Vladimir Putin. would have no part in it. police said yesterday. practice in Italy. Yevgeny Roizman, an opposition politician Yesterday, city lawmakers accepted Roizman’s The child grabbed his scooter and hit the assailant, until the incident The problem is that the family name is Mussolini, making the child the who was elected mayor in 2013 after beating resignation and off icially removed direct elections caught the attention of a passer-by who helped the mother and son to namesake of the World War II era fascist dictator, although there is no a Kremlin-backed opponent at the ballot box, for the mayoralty, Russian news agencies chase the man away. Police arrested the suspect shortly after. relation. tendered his resignation on Tuesday after reported. Investigators said he had grabbed another woman on Wednesday, but The unusual name has now come to the attention of a court in the regional lawmakers voted to scrap direct Mayors will now be selected by local off icials from that she had managed to escape. northern city of Genoa, according to the daily Gazzetta di Parma, among elections. a shortlist drawn up by a special commission. He is now in detention pending further investigation. concerns for the child’s welfare in later years. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, May 26, 2018 INDIA

DECISION TRAIL TRAGEDY EDUCATION BIZZARE Army chief orders probe Five accused in Bodh Gaya Child dies of ‘extreme heat’ CBSE class XII results Family preserves woman’s against Major Gogoi blasts case convicted in overcrowded train to be announced today body to collect pension

The army yesterday ordered a court of inquiry A Bihar court yesterday convicted all five ac- A six-month-old child died due to extreme heat in The class XII exam results of the Central Board Five men and a woman allegedly preserved the against Major Leetul Gogoi who was detained cused in the 2013 serial blasts that rocked Bodh an overcrowded train in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be an- body of their 70-year-old mother with chemicals along with a Kashmiri woman from a Srinagar Gaya’s Mahabodhi temple. The special National yesterday, off icials said. The child was travel- nounced today, an official said. “CBSE class XII for months so they could draw the family pension hotel. “The army has ordered a court of inquiry Investigation Agency (NIA) court headed by judge ling with her parents in a sleeper coach of the results for academic session 2017-18 to be de- using her thumb impression. The woman who against Major Gogoi of 53 Rashtriya Rifles Manoj Kumar Sinha delivered the verdict. “The Brahmaputra Express. The victim’s family alleged clared on May 26,” school education secretary died in Varanasi mid-January had been receiving regarding an incident that occurred on May 23. If five persons were convicted by the court after the that the coach was packed with passengers and Anil Swarup said in a tweet. The date for releas- a monthly pension of Rs16,000 after her husband, found guilty, action would be taken against him,” hearing was completed,” NIA lawyer Lalan Kumar their daughter was suff ocated in the extreme ing the class X results is yet to be announced. a customs superintendent, died 10 years ago. The defence spokesman colonel Rajesh Kalia said in Sinha told reporters in Patna. The court will pro- heat. The train was going from Dibrugarh in As- The exams for the class XII, originally sched- grotesque situation unravelled after police raided Srinagar. The probe was announced after army nounce the quantum of sentence on May 31. The sam to Delhi. The distraught family alleged that uled to be held between March 3 and April 13, the premises following a tip-off from neighbours. chief General Bipin Rawat said Gogoi will be given NIA said the blasts on July 7, 2013, were carried the train stopped in Allahabad for more than two were extended to April 25 when students were “We found they had embalmed the body with “exemplary punishment” if he was found guilty of out with an intention to kill domestic and foreign hours, leading to further deterioration of the girl’s made to give a re-test for the Economics paper. chemicals to preserve it,” a police off icer said. Ink violating rules. Sources said Gogoi’s commanding tourists, especially Buddhists in order to create condition. Co-passengers also alleged that despite The extension was necessitated after the board stains were found on the woman’s thumb which off icer was being shifted out for alleged lack of terror. The blasts injured five people including two requests for medical aid, no one, including the was informed of the leaking of the question indicated thumb impressions were taken repeat- command and control over his subordinates. monks. No casualties were reported. train ticket collector, paid heed to their pleas. paper. edly to claim the pension.

Telangana urges Floating restaurant capsizes public to avoid Kerala travel over Nipah fears

IANS for panic as the state had not re- Hyderabad corded any confi rmed case of the Nipah virus. The authorities have advised wo persons, including one people to take all precautions. who visited Kerala recent- Reddy said people should avoid Tly, were admitted to hos- eating cut fruits. Fruits and pitals here with suspected Nipah vegetables should be washed virus infection even as the Tel- properly before taking them, he angana health authorities have added. advised people to avoid visiting Earlier the Karnataka health Kerala. and family welfare department The health department offi - advised Malayali nurses and cials are conducting a campaign medical students working in the to caution people against visiting state to not go home. The de- Kerala, at least till the dreaded partment has, in a precautionary Nipah virus comes under con- eff ort, asked them to stay away trol. from the worst-hit districts of K Shankar, director, Institute Kozhikode and Malappuram - of Preventive Medicine (IPM) which together have recorded 12 said yesterday people should deaths from the virus attack. Popular floating restaurant ‘Ark Deck Bar’ capsized and sank partially off the coast near Bandra, Mumbai, yesterday, under the possible impact of huge tidal waves triggered by postpone their plans to visit Ker- Meanwhile, Kerala Health the Mekunu cyclone. ala in view of the situation here. Minister K K Shailaja yesterday He said people should avoid vis- said that things were under con- iting aff ected areas. trol vis-a-vis the containment of Offi cials of medical and health Nipah virus and that the WHO department also said that they had stepped in to help the state. were advising people not to visit “There need be no fear or panic Kerala at least till the situation as just one patient tested positive comes under control. out of 22 samples sent for test- The authorities are conduct- ing in the past two days. All other ing campaigns in residential col- cases reported negative. Things onies to create awareness among are under control,” Shailaja told Vedanta eyes expansion people about the Nipah virus and the media here. also to advise them against visit- She said that the World Health ing Kerala. Organisation had helped procure They were also screening peo- medicines from Australia to treat ple at airport, railway and bus Nipah virus patients. stations for suspected symptoms “The fi rst batch of 50 doses of of the dreaded virus. medicines have already arrived of plant despite protests Telangana director of medi- and will be given to patients un- cal education, K Ramesh Reddy, dergoing treatment,” the minis- Reuters and water of the locality. people marched towards a local with the local community so Ramnath said the company said samples of two persons ter said. New Delhi “We’re not in that stage to government offi ce on the 100th that we get their licence to oper- was considering legal options to were sent to National Institute “All arrangements are in place look at setting up a plant else- day of the protest. Ten people ate as well,” he said. get power restored to the smelt- of Virology (NIV), Pune. One of to take care of medical profes- where,” P Ramnath, chief exec- died in police fi ring that day; “But at this point of time the er, which produces 400,000 them returned from Kerala with sionals engaged in treating the ondon-listed Vedanta utive of Vedanta’s India copper three more died in subsequent atmosphere is very tense, tem- tonnes of copper a year. suspected symptoms and he has patients. WHO offi cials have Resources hopes to re- business, said in an interview. days. peratures are high.” Around 250,000 tonnes of been isolated at IPM. complimented the health de- Lstart its copper smelter “We’re confi dent that we will be Ramnath said the smelter suf- The Tamil Nadu Pollution the output is consumed locally, Though the 25-year-old man partment for being able to iden- in Thoothukudi and still wants able to overcome these issues. It fered from a “perception” that it Control Board cut the power to making up for 36% of India’s did not visit the area which is af- tify the Nipah virus cases so to double its capacity despite will certainly require a huge ef- was the most polluting indus- the smelter on Thursday, say- demand. fected by the virus, the authori- quickly,” Shailaja added. protests demanding its closure fort but I am sure we can hope to try in Thoothukudi because of ing that last week it found the The rest is exported to coun- ties are not taking any chances The Nipah virus aff ected that killed 13 people this week, restart as quickly as possible.” its size, and that support of the company preparing to resume tries such as China. and have sent his samples along Kozhikode and Malappuram a company executive said yes- The plant has been shut since local community would be im- production without permission. Vedanta wants to double the that of another man, who is ad- districts, where around 200 pa- terday. late March for maintenance and portant to restart the plant and Ramnath denied the allega- smelter’s capacity mainly to mitted to Nizam’s Institute of tients suff ering from fever have The company’s position pending a renewal of its licence, double its capacity, as suggested tion. meet India’s rising copper de- Medical Sciences (NIMS) with been kept under observation. comes a day after Tamil Nadu, even as locals continued largely by Vedanta’s billionaire chair- “There was no reason for mand, which Ramnath expects rncephalitis. Nipah virus is transmitted to where the smelter is located, peaceful protests demanding its man Anil Agarwal. making preparations to restart to grow by up to 10% annually. The offi cial said the test re- humans through infected fruit said it was seeking a permanent permanent shutdown. “Our chairman has said that the plant when we are still under The expansion would, however, ports were expected in a day or bats or other Nipah-infected closure of the plant due to al- The opposition escalated on we need the licence to operate, maintenance that happens once be delayed from its earlier com- two. He said there was no need persons. legations that it pollutes the air Tuesday when thousands of but also we need to build bridges in four years,” he said. pletion target of late 2019.

Kumaraswamy wins trust Sebi issues notice to ICICI Bank, Kochhar vote amid BJP walkout IANS ments) Regulations, 2015’,” the Mumbai fi ling said. IANS nyavantha Janata Party (KPJP), Indulging in a war of words, the “The notice has been issued Bengaluru and an Independent through BJP leader attacked the chief min- based on information furnished voice. Speaker Kumar did not ister for being “power hungry” for rivate lender ICICI Bank by the bank or its MD and CEO to vote. forging an alliance between the yesterday said that Securi- diverse queries made by Sebi con- utting an end to weeks of Moving the motion, the chief JD-S and the Congress. Pties and Exchange Board of cerning dealings between the bank political turmoil in Kar- minister said he was confi dent “The Congress has lost all its India (Sebi) has sought responses and Videocon Group and certain Pnataka, Chief Minister H that the JD-S-Congress coalition morality by joining hands with from the company and its MD dealings allegedly between Video- D Kumaraswamy yesterday won government would deliver good JD-S,” he added, before the par- and CEO Chanda Kochhar on con Group and Nupower, an entity the confi dence motion with a governance in the southern state. ty’s legislators staged a walkout. alleged non-compliance of the in which Deepak Kochhar spouse voice vote in the new Assembly, “Though our party did not get “All our 104 MLAs walked “erstwhile ‘Listing Agreement’ of MD and CEO has economic in- after opposition BJP members the mandate of the people, I took out of the assembly after our and the ‘Listing Obligations and terests.” walked out ahead of the fl oor the Congress’ support for the leader Yeddyurappa addressed Disclosure Requirements) Regu- The bank said that appropriate test. welfare of farmers and the peo- the House in protest against the lations, 2015’”. responses would be submitted to “The confi dence motion has ple. We are confi dent of giving unholy alliance of JD-S and Con- According to a Bombay Stock SEBI in accordance with regula- been put to vote and won by a good governance to the state,” gress,” a BJP leader said. Exchange fi ling, Sebi sought the tion. voice vote in favour of Kumaras- Kumaraswamy told the House. Though the Karnataka As- reply via a notice issued to the The Sebi notice comes more than wamy,” declared newly-elected The chief minister said he was sembly strength is 225, including private lender and its MD and a month after nepotism and confl ict Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh confi dent that the alliance gov- one nominated member, elec- CEO on May 24. of interest allegations were levelled Kumar. ernment would stay in power for tions were held on May 12 in 222 As per the securities market against Kochhar. It has been al- The Janata Dal-Secular (JD- fi ve years. constituencies only, which threw regulator’s LODR regulations, leged that Kochhar had wrongfully S)-Congress coalition govern- Opposition BJP leader B S Yed- up a hung House, with the BJP all listed entities are mandated granted a loan to Videocon Group ment won the fl oor test as 116 dyurappa, in a rebuttal, termed emerging as the single-largest to immediately disclose relevant and that her husband’s company members voiced their favour for the alliance of JD-S-Congress party with 104 seats. and important information to -- NuPower Renewables – received the confi dence motion with none “opportunistic” and said it was The assembly proceedings stock exchanges. a loan from the Videocon Group’s against as all the 104 Bharatiya against the people’s mandate. began with Congress legisla- “The MD and CEO and the Chariman Venugopal Dhoot on a Janata Party (BJP) legislators “The alliance between JD-S tor Ramesh Kumar being elected bank received a notice from Sebi quid pro quo basis. walked out before the trust vote. and Congress is unholy and op- unopposed as the Speaker after requiring responses on matters Chanda Kochhar on May 7 had The motion put to vote by the portunistic. The parties have Congress legislature party leader relating to alleged non-com- said that private lender works Speaker was backed by 36 legis- disrespected people’s mandate Siddaramaiah proposed his name pliance with certain provisions under and abides by all regula- lators of the JD-S, 77 of the Con- even as the state has rejected for the post, which was seconded of the erstwhile ‘Listing Agree- tory norms and that it has been gress and one each of the Bahujan them,” Yeddyurappa said in an by Deputy Chief Minister G Par- Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy addresses the state ment’ and the Sebi (Listing Obli- fully co-operating with regula- Samaj Party and Karnataka Prag- emotional speech. ameshwara. Assembly in Bengaluru yesterday. gations and Disclosure Require- tory and investigative agencies. Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 11 LATIN AMERICA Colombia polls to decide future of economy, peace deal

Reuters Right-wing contender Ivan the top two will go to a second marked by candidates’ accusa- Business-friendly Duque has ing projects to help reinvigorate Petro’s plans to spend big on Bogota Duque, a protege of former presi- round on June 17. tions that their rivals will either promised to overhaul the peace growth. education and healthcare and dent Alvaro Uribe, has long been Unreliable polls mean centrist collapse the economy or force accord signed in 2016 with the Petro, by contrast, has prom- eliminate extractive industries. polling ahead of fi ve other candi- Sergio Fajardo and centre-right Colombia back to the battlefi eld. Farc, appealing to those who ised a complete overhaul of the Colombia’s top exports are oil olombia’s presidential dates with about 40% of the vote. German Vargas may have a shot. “These elections are among say the deal was too lenient and economy to take power away and coal. “Petro is a grave dan- election tomorrow will Running second with about At stake is whether Latin the most important we’ve lived want former guerrilla com- from the social and political ger,” said Bertha Infante de Ga- Cdecide the future of peace 30% is leftist former M19 rebel America’s fourth-largest econ- since we’ve had a political con- manders jailed for crimes com- elites he says have dominated ravito, 80, a residential building with Marxist rebels and the na- Gustavo Petro, a combative pop- omy will abandon its tradition- sciousness,” said Jorge Valder- mitted during their half-century Colombia too long. manager in Bogota, who fears tion’s economic model as can- ulist who has galvanised support ally market-friendly posture, as rama, who manages Colombia, insurgency. His tax changes would raise his policies could drag Colombia didates from across the political from millions of young people well as the future of the peace Central America and the Carib- Duque also pledges to reduce duties on dividends, eliminate into the kind of economic crisis spectrum compete with prom- fed up with Colombia’s right- deal with Revolutionary Armed bean for head of BNP Paribas. corporate taxes, exempt capital loopholes and hike charges on seen in neighbouring, socialist- ises of jobs, safer streets and a wing status quo. Forces of Colombia (Farc) rebels. “The country’s model is going to goods imports and support the unproductive land. Investors run Venezuela. “The exact same crackdown on graft. If no candidate gets over 50%, Campaigning has been be decided.” development of oil and min- have expressed worries about thing will happen to us.” EU ‘planning to impose’ new sanctions on 11 Caracas offi cials

Reuters say, also warning of sanctions in Brussels the statement by saying: “The EU will act swiftly...with the aim of imposing additional targeted and he European Union is reversible restrictive measures. considering imposing However, with no special EU Teconomic sanctions on 11 envoy to Venezuela and unwill- Venezuelan offi cials in June fol- ing at this stage to impose an oil lowing President Nicolas Ma- embargo, the EU expects the im- duro’s re-election which the pact of new sanctions to be lim- bloc said was not free or fair, EU ited, one bloc offi cial said. diplomats said yesterday. Experts say broader US sanc- The travel bans and asset tions, while providing strong freezes would be on top of the symbolism, have had little or no seven senior Venezuela offi - impact on Maduro’s policies so cials that the bloc sanctioned in far and that oil sector and fi nan- January, but are not expected to cial sanctions may be the only A police officer walks past a car set on fire by demonstrators, as they protest against fuel prices in San Marino neighbourhood, Ribeirao das Neves, metropolitan area of target Maduro, mainly because way to force the Venezuelan gov- Belo Horizonte, Brazil, yesterday. the EU wants to pressure those ernment to change. around him to change course. Earlier the Canadian govern- “We are working on a list that ment took steps to apply further might include 11 more individu- pressure on Venezuela. als,” an EU offi cial said. “This On Monday, Foreign Aff airs might be approved (by EU for- Minister Chrystia Freeland eign ministers) in June.” called Sunday’s elections, which The European Union, Ven- will keep President Nicolas Ma- ezuela’s third-largest trading duro in power, “illegitimate and Temer orders army to partner after the US and China, anti-democratic.” is seeking to isolate Caracas and Freeland said that in response, to help end what it sees as Ma- Canada would “downgrade” its duro’s authoritarian regime that diplomatic ties with the South is ruining the economy, provok- American country, eff ective im- ing food shortages. mediately. The European Union imposed Among the actions, Ottawa clear truckers’ blockades an arms embargo in November. imposed a ban on formal military EU foreign ministers will also co-operation with Venezuela AFP has only limited rail service and declared a state of emergency to continue to function, but it will But the Abcam union, which issue a joint statement on Mon- and ensure the Canadian em- Brasília where 60% of goods are trans- allow city authorities to “seize only accept planes that are able represents from 700,000 truck- day condemning last weekend’s bassy in Caracas is only headed ported by road. private goods such as fuel, for to take off again without refuel- ers said “the idea is to continue election in Venezuela, which the by a charge d’aff aires rather than The protest continued de- example, that is stored in a ling.” the strike, the road blockades.” bloc, the US and other West- an ambassador. razilian President Michel spite an agreement announced service station.” Brasilia serves as a hub for “Abcam does not agree with ern governments see as a farce The moves by Ottawa come Temer yesterday ordered by the government with their The strike forced the auto connections to other airports (with the 15-day suspension) that does not meet democratic as countries around the world Bsecurity forces to clear representatives late Thursday to industry to close down, as fac- in the vast country. Other large because (the government) has norms. increase their pressure on the road blockades set up by truck- call a 15-day suspension. tories were unable to receive airports in Brazil were also not kept its initial promise to Venezuela’s mainstream op- already embattled Venezuelan ers who pressed on with a strike Temer said he had “mobilised supplies. “Assembly lines of threatened with fuel shortages cancel taxes before the end of position boycotted the election government, which is accused of that has left the vast country the security forces” to clear the Brazilian car manufacturers over the strike. the week,” an Abcam spokes- because two of its most popular failing to provide its citizens with virtually paralysed. roads. “We are not going to per- have stopped. Long lines have formed at gas woman said. leaders were barred, authorities a fair, democratic and transpar- The country’s economic cap- mit that the population does The truckers’ strike will af- stations in major cities since The strikers are protesting banned several political parties, ent process. The international ital of Sao Paulo has declared a not have access to essential fect our results signifi cantly, Monday as drivers sought to fi ll increases in fuel prices — the and the election board is run by community also has strong con- state of emergency, the auto in- goods... that hospitals do not including for exports,” the Na- up before supplies ran out. Yes- result of a politically sensitive Maduro loyalists. cerns over Venezuela’s deepen- dustry has shut down, gas sta- have the necessary medicines to tional Association of Motor Ve- terday, many of those service decision made in late 2016 to al- “The EU calls for the holding ing economic and humanitarian tions have run out of fuel and save lives,” he said in a televised hicle Manufacturers said. stations were deserted as there low the state-run Petrobras oil of fresh presidential elections in crises. fl ights were cancelled on the address. The airport in Brazil’s capital was no fuel. giant autonomy over its pricing, accordance with internationally “The Maduro regime has fi fth day of the protest. “We accepted the 12 main Brasilia cancelled fl ights as it Wholesale markets in Rio de as well as a rise in world prices recognised democratic stand- shown itself unwilling to make The truckers have attempted demands of the truckers, who ran out of fuel. Janeiro were virtually empty. in recent weeks. ards,” EU foreign ministers will any serious attempt to ensure to put a stranglehold on move- agreed to immediately end the At least fi ve domestic fl ights Temer’s chief of staff Eliseu But the truckers’ determina- say, according to a draft seen by the elections meet international ment of goods in Brazil to pro- blockades. Unfortunately, a and two international ones — to Padilha said it would “take tion has caught Temer’s centre- Reuters. democratic standards of free- test fuel price rises. radical minority continues to and from Miami — were can- time” for union leaders to con- right government fl at-footed, “The election and its outcome dom and fairness,” Freeland said They have blocked roads in block the roads.” celled, the airport said. “The vince the strikers to return to fi ve months ahead of presiden- lacked any credibility,” they will in a statement. much of the vast country that The mayor of Sao Paulo also airport will not close. It will work. tial elections. Google project pays IMF talks opposed Cuba plane crash death toll rises to 112 tribute to Frida Kahlo Reuters Two of them have now died, Havana leaving one survivor fi ghting for her life. Reuters photographer Cristina Kahlo, like and feel comfortable partici- The plane had been leased Mexico City the artist’s great niece. “For us, pating in,” Cristina Kahlo said. ne of the survivors of by the little-known Mexican it is important to maintain the The museums and cultural in- the plane crash just company, Damojh, to Cuba’s image of Frida as the painter that stitutions that Google partnered Ooutside Havana airport fl agship carrier Cubana, and coil of dark braids. Col- she was.” with managed the rights. last week died early yester- all but 11 of 113 passengers on ourful Mexican dress. This month, a new project Google says no money day, state-run media cited the board were Cuban. AAnd a signature uni- aims to return the focus to her changed hands. Cristina’s hus- Cuban government as saying, The foreigners were seven brow. Sixty-three years after her art. Alphabet’s Google, working band, artist Diego Rivera, estab- raising the death toll from one Mexicans including the crew, death, Mexican artist Frida Kah- in collaboration with the Kahlo lished a trust supervised by the of Cuba’s worst air disasters to two Argentine tourists, and lo has achieved a level of fame family, has dedicated a portion Banco de Mexico to operate mu- 112. two Sahrawis from western she never reached in her lifetime, of its Arts and Culture app to the seums dedicated to the couple’s Emiley Sanchez, a 40-year Sahara who were resident in her image emblazoned on mugs, artist’s life and work. work, and the trust also oversees old Cuban from the eastern Cuba. T-shirts and keychains. The search giant partnered the copyright to the works. city of Holguin where the Boe- Cuba is leading the probe But scholars and the painter’s with 33 museums to digitise Fr- Frida’s brand and image are ing 737 had been heading, died into the crash, together with descendants lament she has ida’s most famous paintings and more contentious. in a hospital in the capital due Mexican and US investiga- been reduced to a set of distinc- bring new work into the public In the early 2000s, one of Fr- to “severe traumatic lesions tors, and has retrieved the tive physical features that often eye. The app also features rare ida’s nieces, Isolda Pinedo, and and burns” suff ered in the ac- black box with flight data overshadows her actual work. letters, diary entries and sketch- her daughter, Mara Romeo, as- cident. and voice recordings from the The debate heated up this es, in addition to a virtual tour of signed rights to the Kahlo brand “Her state was extremely cockpit. spring when toymaker Mattel re- her famous blue home. to a company known as the Frida critical with a unfavourable Mexico’s civil aviation au- leased a Barbie in Kahlo’s image, The Kahlo family played Kahlo Corporatio, according to prognostic and on a progres- thority said on Monday it had over protests from her family. an active role. US artist Alexa court papers. sive downwards path that we suspended Damojh’s opera- The Barbie and other mer- Meade and Mexican musician Tension boiled over in March could not reverse,” the health tions while it made sure the chandise do not capture Kahlo’s Ely Guerra collaborated on a when Mattel released a Kahlo ministry said in a statement fi rm adhered to regulations complex legacy as a feminist piece of “living art” honouring Barbie, licensed by the Frida People demonstrate in Buenos Aires yesterday against read on state-run radio station and gathered information to icon, a disabled woman who Frida, working under her great Kahlo Corp. In a case launched government’s negotiations with the International Monetary Radio Reloj. help investigators fi nd the channelled her pain into art and niece’s guidance. by family members, a Mexican Fund. Argentina requested a loan earlier this month after Three Cuban women had cause of the crash. an ardent communist, scholars “These projects that are relat- civil court judge issued a pre- financial turbulence hit the currency of Latin America’s originally survived when the Previous complaints over say. ed to Frida from a cultural point liminary injunction blocking the third-largest economy, as investors concerned by Argentina’s Boeing 737 crashed shortly inadequate maintenance and “Frida is not a product or a of view, spreading her painting, sale of the doll and other prod- high inflation yielded to the lure of a strong dollar. after takeoff and burst into safety measures have surfaced brand….Frida is not a doll,” said works and story… are projects I ucts licensed by the Frida. fl ames. again in recent days. Gulf Times 12 Saturday, May 26, 2018 PAKISTAN

$3.4bn railway line project approved

Pakistan has greenlit the Mainline-I railways project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at an initial PTI poll ticket applicants price tag of $3.4bn, terming it a “strategic project”. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has recommended the project for final approval of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec). required to swear loyalty The CDWP has a mandate to approve projects worth up to Internews blies to submit assurances that Another party leader said that be divided further in the four districts from Sargodha to At- The committee is led by PTI Rs3bn or $26mn, and all other Peshawar they will not oppose the party assurances in writing would not districts of Rawalpindi division tock, including the twin cities. Punjab north president Amir schemes over the threshold decision on the allocation of be eff ective as the party was di- and Islamabad if tickets are giv- As many as 17 candidates ap- Kiani and comprises Attaullah are cleared for final approval of tickets. vided in three or four groups in en to newcomers. peared for Sargodha’s National Shadikhel, Haroon Hashmi, Qazi Ecnec. hough it is welcoming All applicants have submitted main cities such as Islamabad “In Rawalpindi and Islama- Assembly (NA) constituency Ahmed Akbar, and Raja Tariq. Projects that are referred to turncoats from Bilawal their affi davits to the party offi ce and Rawalpindi. bad, the PTI only managed to and 52 for the Provincial Assem- The committee will send its Ecnec include upgrading of TBhutto’s Pakistan Peoples on stamp paper worth Rs100, He said that the local leaders bring Punjab Assembly mem- bly. report to the parliamentary Pakistan Railways existing Party (PPP) and Nawaz Sharif’s stating that they would not op- had already started campaigning ber Shehryar Riaz, who had no Six applied for the NA ticket board regarding basic informa- mainline-1 (ML1) at a cost of Pakistan Muslim League – Na- pose the party decision, leave against Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, worth in his constituency while in Khushab and 25 for the Pro- tion about the candidates and Rs381.1bn ($3.4bn), according waz (PML-N), Imran Khan’s the PTI, or start a campaign a close aide of Imran Khan, who in the ruling PML-N, due to his vincial Assembly, and three can- their loyalty towards the party. to an announcement by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) against its candidates. has been announced to con- behaviour with party workers,” didates applied for NA seats in If the candidate comes from Planning Commission on is also worried about losing its A senior party leader says test the elections on two seats he said. Chakwal and 19 for the Punjab another party, the report will Thursday. leaders. the party is divided in diff erent in Rawalpindi city, while Imran “There will be no issue on the assembly. also contain past allegations The mainline project of Pakistan Sources in the PTI say that the groups and that the leadership Khan would contest from the National Assembly seats as two In Rawalpindi, 30 candidates against them. Railways has been declared as a leadership is seeking assurance wanted to take a decision on cantonment areas. of the seats will be contested by have applied for NA seats and Kiani has said that the party strategic project by both China on affi davits from applicants for awarding tickets without pres- “A former offi ce-bearer of Sheikh Rashid and one by Imran 141 applications were received had sought assurance from can- and Pakistan. party tickets that they will not sure from any group. PTI Punjab north is running a Khan. People will fi ght for the for Punjab Assembly seats. didates in writing in order to It was for the fourth time that the join another party in case they “We submitted the affi davit to separate campaign through his Provincial Assembly seats,” he A total of 13 women have ap- avoid grouping within the party mainline project, which is part of are refused the tickets. the party along with Rs50,000 supporters in the cantonment said. plied for tickets from north Pun- on the issue of tickets. the CPEC, has gone for CDWP’s The PTI has asked all those fee for a Provincial Assembly areas against party leaders as he In Punjab north, the party jab. He said that Imran Khan and endorsement. who have applied for tickets to ticket and Rs100,000 for a ticket was refused a ticket,” the party conducted interviews of more PTI formed a fi ve-member the parliamentary board would Earlier, the CDWP cleared the contest in the elections to the for the National Assembly,” he source said. than 382 aspiring candidates for committee to conduct inter- take the fi nal decision for award- project in June 2016. National and Provincial Assem- said. He added that the party would the assemblies from the eight views of the candidates. ing tickets. Then, in September 2017, it again discussed the scheme due to changes in the design cost. Again in March, the project was Summer relief put before the CDWP but was withdrawn. Colonial-era rest The total cost of the two phases of the project will be far higher than $8.2bn, which had been house abandoned estimated four years ago. Govt to train 1mn after renovation youth each year The Pakistan government Internews house in Gurah Uttam Singh has set out the country’s first Islamabad was built with sandstone, as it national policy for Technical was in abundance in this area,” and Vocational Education and explained Professor Sada Hus- Training (TVET), under which at colonial-era rest house sain, who teaches English at least 1mn youth will be trained that is one of the last the Government Postgraduate each year. Avestiges of the history College Chalwal and frequent- Under the new policy, National, of Gurha Uttam Singh has been ly visits interesting sites in the Vocational and Technical Training abandoned by the Jhelum dis- Salt Range. Commission (NAVTTC) would trict administration in Punjab The 1904 District Gazetteer also train 20% of all school- province, just a month after its of Jhelum describes the rest leavers, in addition to providing renovation. house as having a large room skills and training existing Gurha Uttam Singh is a vil- measuring 16x16, a smaller workers by 2025, says NAVTTC lage in the foothills of the Salt room, two bathrooms and executive director Zulfiqar Range, 55km east of Chakwal three verandas. Cheema. city. The current structure is He said that the new Located at the border of the missing one of the verandas, policy showed the present Chakwal and Jhelum districts which was turned into a room government’s commitment to in Sohawa tehsil, it was a pre- in the later years. increasing access, relevant and dominantly Sikh area founded Like the well-maintained the quality of technical and around fi ve centuries ago by rest house in Khewra, the Gur- vocational training. Uttam Singh. ha Uttam Singh rest house also This policy is an important The Gurha Uttam Singh Rest contains another building a milestone towards strengthening House was built by the Brit- few feet behind the main build- the technical and vocational ish in their customary colonial ing, which houses a kitchen, sector, which would contribute style. two store rooms and a stable to Residents cool off yesterday during an hot summer day with a ‘shower’ at a fountain in Karachi. The heatwave coincides with the to boost the economy of the Rest houses and dak bunga- accommodate a visitor’s horse. beginning of Ramadan. country globally, the off icial lows were built at a distance of Hussain explained that added. 10 to 15 miles at elevated points arches – as found in the Gurha in every district, to facilitate Uttam Singh rest house – are a offi cials visiting those areas. key part of colonial architec- Most of these buildings are ture, because they “not only now dilapidated, but a few – provide strength to the build- such as the one in Gurha Uttam ings but are also impressive”. 46mn young voters set to play key role in election Singh – remain. The building also contains Although villagers claim that intricate masonry work, such the rest house was built during as waterspouts shaped like li- Internews large numbers on election day. and 117,000 are from the federal the age group of 45-55 years, of 2.17mn are from Sindh, 1.49mn the reign of Sher Shah Suri in ons on the eastern wall. Islamabad According to age-wise data capital. which 9.38mn hail from Punjab, are from KP, 401,000 are from the 16th century, Jhelum gaz- The rest house, which lacks collated by offi cial sources, there Of the 28.99mn voters between 3.53mn are from Sindh, 2.13mn Baluchistan, 165,000 are from etteers suggest that the rest a boundary wall, was renovated are 17.44mn voters between the the ages 26 and 35, 16.09mn are are from KP, 634,000 are from the Fata and 80,228 are from the house was built between 1883 in April this year and was aban- lose to 46mn young vot- ages 18 and 25, 28.99mn voters from Punjab, 6.17mn from Sindh, Baluchistan, 325,000 are from federal capital. and 1904, as the 1883 gazetteer doned barely a month later. ers are expected to play a between the ages 26 and 35 years, 4.49mn hail from KP, 1.23mn are the Fata, and 119,000 voters are In the national voters list pre- does not include the rest house There is no one looking after Cpivotal role in determin- and 22.48m voters between the in Baluchistan, 776,000 hail from from the federal capital. pared for the 2013 general polls, in the list of rest houses in Jhe- the rest house, which can ac- ing the outcome of the general ages 36 and 45 years. the Fata, and 208,000 are from Of the 10.28mn voters between the total number of voters was lum district, but the one from commodate six guests in three elections expected within eight Members of the electorate in the federal capital. ages 56 and 66 years, 6.30mn are 86.18mn, of which 17.5mn voters 1904 does. bedrooms, and the building has weeks in Pakistan. the 18-35 age bracket are de- The breakdown of voters be- from Punjab, 2.17mn are from were under 25 years of age, while “The British used to con- been locked. Analysts believe that these scribed as young voters. tween the ages of 36 and 45 Sindh, 1.49mn are from KP, 24.2mn voters were between 26 struct buildings with local When contacted, Jhelum voters – a majority of whom Of the 17.44mn voters aged shows that 12.83mn are from the 396,000 are from Baluchistan, and 35 years, 17.2mn were be- stone. The rest house in the Deputy Commissioner Abdul are avid users of social media – under 25, 10.13mn are in Punjab, Punjab, 5.13mn hail from Sindh, 218,000 hail from the Fata, and tween 36 and 45 years old, 12mn neighbouring village of Ara Sattar Isani said he would look could not only infl uence the elec- 3.11mn are in Sindh, 2.77mn are 3mn are from KP, 884,000 are 84,312 are from the federal capi- voters were between 46 and 55 was built with the limestone into the lack of a caretaker for torate using propaganda tools on in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), from Baluchistan, 466,000 are tal. years old, 8.4mn voters were in found in the area, but the rest the rest house. online platforms, but even al- 774,000 are in Baluchistan, from the Fata, and 156,000 are As many as 10.61mn voters in the age bracket of 56 to 65 years, ter the electoral scene in several 558,000 reside in the Federally from the federal capital. the country are over 66 years old, and 6.7mn voters were above 66 constituencies if they turn out in Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), There are 16.13mn voters in of whom 6.3mn are from Punjab, years of age. Funds released to refurbish Krishna Mandir 5.2mn voters in The Punjab government has released Rs20mn to renovate Krishna Mandir in Rawalpindi city, which the local Hindu community has Lahore alone said should be expanded because it cannot currently accommodate Campaign adds 4.5mn women voters worshippers on festivals and religious occasions. There are more than 5.2mn eligible Krishna Mandir is the only functioning Hindu temple in the twin voters in Pakistan’s second largest cities. city and capital of Punjab province Internews implemented interventions in issue of under-registration of the widening gap between men There are two prayers held at the temple every day one in the who can exercise their right to Islamabad 103 districts across Pakistan, women. and women voters in November morning and one in the evening which are attended by six or seven franchise in general elections targeting an outreach of 1.8mn In her keynote speech, Nighat 2015 and had called for urgent people. scheduled in July, the latest voter women. Siddique, additional director eff orts by political parties and The small temple was built by Kanji Mal and Ujagar Mal Ram Rachpal data from the Election Commission he Election Commission Supported by the USAID, the general for gender aff airs at the the ECP to maximise women’s in 1897 to serve people in nearby areas. of Pakistan (ECP) shows: 2.9mn of Pakistan (ECP), the fi rst phase of these interventions ECP, commended the role of voter registration ahead of Gen- However, after partition the street temple in Saddar became the only males and around 2.3mn females, TNational Database and was implemented by a select the civil society and Nadra and eral Election 2018. place of worship for Rawalpindi’s Hindus. who will elect 14 National Assembly Registration Authority (Nadra), number of Free and Fair Election termed it as “unique collabora- Fafen had also urged the ECP The temple was reopened after partition in 1949; it was operated by and 30 Punjab Assembly members and civil society’s eff orts in Network’s (Fafen) member or- tion” which culminated into a to declare a “women’s voter reg- local Hindus before being handed over to the Evacuee Trust Property from Lahore city. registering eligible-age women ganisations across the country. success story. istration emergency” with the Board (ETPB) in 1970. In terms of number of voters, the have successfully led to an un- This phase covered identifi ca- She expressed the hope that co-operation of the Nadra. Until the 1980s, even diplomats living in Islamabad visited the temple largest National Assembly electoral paralleled increase of 4,307,553 tion and listing of 1mn unreg- this momentum will culminate In his vote of thanks, TDEA- to pray. constituency in Lahore is NA-124, women on the electoral rolls in istered women in 24 districts into better women voter turnout Fafen chief executive Shahid ETPB deputy administrator Mohammad Asif said that the govern- mostly comprising the Walled City the last seven months. which successfully concluded in the upcoming general elec- Fiaz acknowledged the lead- ment has released funds to reconstruct the temple at the request of a and the areas up to the river Ravi, This increase indicates the on April 30. tion. ership and unprecedented ef- member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA). which comprises 522,226 voters, success of the ECP’s Women TDEA this week arranged a Presenting welcome note, forts of the ECP for bringing all He said that reconstruction work would begin soon. while NA-130 is the runner-up with a NIC [national identity card] and ceremony to acknowledge the Fafen representative Mossarat stakeholders onboard who have A team has visited the site and drawn up a plan to start work. tally of 472,533 voters. Voter Registration Campaign as valuable contribution of citizen Qadeem spoke about the net- greatly contributed women reg- The main room where idols are kept will be sealed until reconstruc- NA-135, which comprises most areas only around 4.9mn women vot- volunteers engaged by Fafen, work’s contribution in register- istration. tion ends. of the old NA-121, is the smallest ers were registered between May and thank the ECP, the Nadra, ing eligible-age women with the He also thanked the Nadra for Jag Mohan Arora said the temple courtyard, which can only accom- constituency with 243,689 votes, 2013 and September 2017. the USAID (US Agency for In- unprecedented support of the supporting the ECP’s campaign modate 100 or so people, should be expanded, and shops next to the less than half of the NA-124. Trust for Democratic Educa- ternational Development), the ECP and Nadra. in 103 districts across Pakistan. temple that the ETPB has leased to local traders should be reclaimed Provincial Assembly seat PP-149 tion and Accountability (TDEA), UNDP (UN Development Pro- She also talked about the im- “Nadra’s tone at the top, ex- to expand the front of the building. contains maximum voters – 268,492 supporting the ECP’s “Women gramme), political parties, citi- portance of women’s registra- tended working hours, addition- “At present the front of the temple is very small. The ETPB should – while PP-170 has the minimum NIC/ Voter Registration Cam- zens, civil society and media tion as voters in Pakistan. al working days and more mobile vacate nearby shops that have been rented,” Jag Mohan Arora said. voter congestion with a tally of paign”, initiated to reduce the for their collaborative eff orts in She said Fafen is at the fore- support remained instrumental 93,745. gender gap on electoral rolls, recognising and confronting this front in highlighting the issue of during this process,” he said. Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 13 PHILIPPINES

Goodwill visit Australian nun in last-minute appeal against

Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force’s (JMSDF) Asagiri-class destroyer ship (JS) Setogiri (DD-156) deportation is seen docked for a one-day goodwill visit at the South Harbour in Metro Manila, yesterday. AFP Manila

n elderly Australian nun facing deportation after angering Phil- Aippine President Rodrigo Duterte German arrested for launched a last-minute appeal against the order yesterday, the deadline for her to leave the country. Sister Patricia Fox, 71, has been accused of illegally engaging in political activism traffi cking posts bail as the government cracks down on foreign critics on its soil. Duterte, who accuses the Melbourne na- DPA on our check with the Bureau of Immigration, he has tive of “disorderly conduct”, had the im- Manila not left the country and we have asked for a hold- migration service detain her briefl y last departure order against him,” she added. The suspect month, after which her missionary visa was was arrested on May 16 in a serviced apartment in the cancelled. 62-year-old German national arrested in city of Lapu-Lapu in Cebu province, where two boys “Of course my wish is to continue my the Philippines for alleged traffi cking and were found to have been pimped to him. missionary work here and be with the poor,” Achild abuse has been released on bail, but A 24-year-old Filipino, who was the alleged Fox told reporters after fi ling her appeal police said yesterday they have asked immigration pimp of the two boys, was also arrested. Pilapil with the justice ministry, which oversees authorities to prevent the suspect from leaving. said police received a tip from the public that the immigration. The suspect was allowed to post bail on Wednes- German had been bringing boys to his apartment Fox had earlier fi led an appeal with the day after prosecutors ruled that there was “insuf- regularly since he arrived in the province earlier in immigration service, which this week up- fi cient evidence” for the traffi cking charges, police the month. Prior to his visit to Cebu, he was in the held the deportation order asking the nun, offi cer Jemma Pilapil said. nearby province of Bohol, she added. Pilapil said who has been in the Philippines for nearly But police will re-fi le the charges on Monday after the German’s bail of 120,000 pesos ($2,400) was three decades, to leave by yesterday. getting additional affi davits from the suspect’s alleged posted with the help of the owner of the fl at where However, on Thursday the immigration victims — two boys aged 13 and 16, Pilapil said. “Based he had been staying. service’s spokesman Dana Sandoval said her offi ce “will submit to any directive that may come from” the justice ministry. Sandoval did not return calls for com- ment yesterday. Lawyer Katherine Panguban said Fox’s Govt warns on Mayon volcano eruption legal team was studying other options in case the justice ministry rejects her appeal. “We will exhaust all administrative and Australian missionary Patricia Fox holds a copy of a petition calling for the review of her QNA of Volcanology and Seismol- 2, out of fi ve levels, currently judicial remedies available,” she said. deportation case at the Department of Justice, after the immigration bureau voided her Manila ogy said that Mayon volcano’s prevails over Mayon volcano, Authorities have previously said she visa following complaints from President Rodrigo Duterte about her participation in seismic monitoring network re- which means that Mayon is at a would be allowed to remain while her ap- protest rallies, in Padre Faura, Metro Manila, yesterday. corded two volcanic earthquakes moderate level of unrest. peals are pending. he Philippines warned during the past 24 hours. Moder- However, the institute re- Fox said earlier this month she appar- lic priest, and you are a foreigner! Who are thousands of alleged dealers and users. people to keep away from ate emission of white steam-lad- minds the public of sudden ex- ently angered the president by joining a you? It is a violation of sovereignty,” Du- Last month Manila also deported Ital- TMayon volcano at least en plumes that rose 300 metres plosions, lava collapses, pyro- fact-fi nding mission in April to investigate terte said in a speech last month, apparently ian Giacomo Filibeck, deputy secretary 6km in case the country’s most from the summit before drifting clastic density currents and ash alleged abuses against farmers, including referring to Fox. general of the Party of European Social- active volcano erupts suddenly. southwest, west-southwest and fall can still occur and threaten killings and evictions by soldiers fi ghting Duterte has also launched verbal at- ists, who had previously condemned In its announcement yes- west-northwest was observed areas in the upper to middle guerrillas in the southern Philippines. “You tacks against critics of his government’s “extra-judicial killings” in Duterte’s terday, the Philippine Institute throughout the day. Alert Level slopes of Mayon. insult me under the cloak of being a Catho- narcotics crackdown, which has killed anti-drug war. Cheap rides at risk in drive to clean up streets Councillor’s murder Thomson Reuters Foundation In Bangkok, drivers face in- Manila creasing restrictions from the military government includ- condemned ing on parking on sidewalks, rom Manila’s iconic jeep- said Chaloem Changtongma- neys to Kuala Lumpur’s dun, president of the motorcy- By Leander C Domingo Fmotorbike taxis, South- cle taxi association, which has Manila Times east Asian capitals are on a drive long sought designated parking to clean their streets of vehicles zones. that cause pollution and traf- City offi cials have said that he Philippine Coun- fi c jams, while experts defend motorbike taxis clutter side- cilor’s League (PCL) Ca- the vital role they play in cities walks and cause accidents with Tgayan Chapter strongly without adequate public transit. their rash driving. condemned the killing late on The Philippines this year be- Thailand’s road death rate is Thursday afternoon of a member gan rolling out electric vans, the highest in the world apart of the Allacapan town municipal which offi cials say will replace from war-ravaged Libya, ac- council and former police chief. jeepneys older than 15 years cording to a 2015 World Health Councillor and former po- with safer, more environment- Organisation report. lice chief Zaldy Mallari was shot friendly vehicles by 2020. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Su- several times inside his welding But operators and drivers of preme Court earlier this year shop in Barangay Labben in Al- the 270,000 jeepneys that ply lifted a ban on motorcycles on lacapan at around 5.45pm. the country’s choked roads are Jakarta’s main thoroughfares, Tuguegarao City councillor resisting the plan, saying the following a petition by a mo- Maila Ting Que, PCL-Cagayan strict conditions and high cost torcycle taxi driver who argued president and ex-offi cio provin- of the new vehicles will push that it was discriminatory. cial board member, said, “We them out of business and raise Hanoi has vowed to ban all at PCL strongly condemn this prices for commuters. motorcycles by 2030 to unclog violent act against a former po- “It will defi nitely send trans- File photo shows residents riding on top of an overcrowded “Jeepney”, a locally manufactured public transport, along a highway in its streets and reduce emissions. liceman and now Sangguniang port workers and their families Mogpog town on Marinduque island in central Philippines. These moves are misguided Bayan (SB) member. ” into poverty and dangerous when public transport systems “We also call on authorities desperation,” said Daisy Arago, with religious symbols, pithy In Metro Manila, one of the The government also wants to fordable public transportation in the region are still inade- to act swiftly and bring justice executive director of the Center slogans and luxury logos. world’s most densely popu- set new routes with fi xed drop- services is a principal obligation quate, said Rene Santiago, at the to our fallen colleague in the for Trade Union and Human At a cost of 8 pesos ($0.15) for lated urban areas with nearly off and pick-up points, and of the state to its citizens,” she Transportation Science Society Municipality of Allacapan,” she Rights in Manila. 4km in Manila, even the city’s 13mn people, jeepneys are the consolidate vehicle ownership, said.“Handing public transpor- of the Philippines. added. “Modernisation is acceptable poorest residents can aff ord preferred transport option, fer- which offi cials say will stream- tation services over to private “Instead of posing hurdles, only when rights and welfare are them. rying millions of commuters line operations and improve corporations would be disas- governments should work with at the centre of the programme, Manila aims to phase out everyday. earnings. trous to public interests, par- operators and help them be- DIPLOMACY she said, adding that privatising about two-thirds of jeepneys. Each vehicle packs in 15 to 20 But drivers say the new ve- ticularly commuters and wage come more effi cient to solve operations may increase fares But the government denies it people, who sit knee-to-knee hicles, priced at about 1.8mn earners,” she added. urban transit problems,” he told Duterte ‘to visit and hurt poorer residents. is unfairly targeting drivers and on twin benches without seat pesos ($34,000), are too expen- The government will off er the Thomson Reuters Founda- South Korea in June’ Jeepneys, known endearingly operators. belts or air-conditioning. sive, and that the government subsidised loans to help buy new tion. as “Kings of the Road”, have for “We assure Filipino jeep- Drivers are known to speed, subsidy of 80,000 pesos is in- vehicles, according to Roque. In Manila, priority lanes for Philippine President Rodrigo decades been the cheapest op- ney drivers that this initiative stopping randomly to pick up adequate. Elsewhere in the region, jeepneys, passenger shelters and Duterte will make his first visit to tion in a country where millions of the government to improve and let off passengers. Anyone who wants to buy a motorcycle taxis — the fastest digital booking systems similar South Korea from June 3 to 5, struggle with inadequate public our public transport sector will They make between 200 franchise must have a market way to get around grid-locked to ride-hailing apps can help South Korea’s presidential off ice transport. not put them out of business,” and 400 pesos a day, and pay a capitalisation of at least 7mn streets — face an uncertain fu- relieve congestion while also said yesterday. South Korean Pres- Cobbled together initially presidential spokesman Harry portion of their earnings to the pesos and a fl eet of 20 units, ture, as do all motorbikes in serving drivers and commuters, ident Moon Jae-in and Duterte will from surplus army jeeps left Roque said in a statement. owner. which would bar thousands of some cities, even as car sales he said. have a summit on June 4, the Blue behind by the US military af- “In fact, the programme aims Most vehicles run on heavily- small and independent opera- boom. “They are seen as a traffi c House said in a statement. The ter World War Two, jeepneys to strengthen and guarantee polluting diesel, which is the tors who now make a living from Kuala Lumpur last year hazard, but really, we must ac- leaders will discuss measures to have evolved into cultural icons, the profi tability of the jeepney main reason they must be re- jeepneys, Arago said. banned motorcycle taxi services knowledge they play a very vital reinforce their alliance and further brightly painted and decorated business,” he said. placed, according to offi cials. “Providing effi cient and af- due to safety concerns. role in urban transit.” improve ties. Gulf Times 14 Saturday, May 26, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko Production Editor Amjad Khan

P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES New Italian govt has little chance of staying the course

A new government is expected to take offi ce in Italy next week after one of the longest periods of post-election fl ux in its history, but the fraught gestation might prove child’s play by comparison with what comes next. President Sergio Mattarella gave political novice Giuseppe Conte a mandate on Wednesday to head a coalition comprising the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and far-right League, A bilateral foil for US ending 80 days of stalemate following an inconclusive vote on March 4. The League and 5-Star have drawn up a 57-page government programme, presenting it as an ambitious project designed to fi ll a full, fi ve-year legislature. Few believe it will last anywhere near that long. multilateral dilemma “Virtually no Italian government has survived fi ve years, so that is not even an issue,” said Franco Pavoncello, a professor of By Stephen S Roach Such is the case with the US-China inputs from other countries that enter made agricultural and energy products political science and president of John Cabot University. New Haven debate. China is an easy political target. into Chinese assembly platforms – would borrows a page from the “shopping list” “The question is whether they can last one or two years, and After all, it accounted for 46% of Amer- reduce the bilateral US-China trade approach of its earlier trade missions whether they can make a dent in the political, institutional and ica’s colossal $800bn merchandise imbalance by 35-40%. to the US. Unfortunately, the big- economic life of the country.” he good news is that the United trade gap in 2017. Moreover, China has Flawed as it may be, the bilateral wallet mindset of a deal-hungry China Even that might prove a stretch given the challenges ahead, States and China appear to been charged with egregious violations political case argument resonates in a reinforces the US narrative that China is have backed away from the of international rules, ranging from US where there is enormous pressure guilty as charged. including the fact that 5-Star and the League are political precipice of a trade war. While allegations of currency manipulation to ease the angst of the country’s be- Even if the stars were in perfect rivals with diverging priorities, and have only a wafer-thin T vague in detail, a May 19 agreement and state-subsidised dumping of excess leaguered middle class. Trade defi cits, alignment and the US was not facing a majority in the upper house, leaving them vulnerable to defuses tension and commits to further capacity to cyber-hacking and forced goes the argument, lead to job losses saving constraint, it stretches credibil- ambush. negotiation. The bad news is that the technology transfer. and wage compression. And, with the ity to seek a formulaic bilateral solution “This government has been framework of negotiations is fl awed: A Equally signifi cant, China has lost the merchandise trade gap hitting 4.2% of to America’s multilateral problem. born to lead an election cam- deal with any one country will do little battle in the arena of public opinion – GDP in 2017, these pressures have only Since 2000, the largest annual reduc- “Virtually paign...the next elections are to resolve America’s fundamental eco- chastised by Western policymakers, a intensifi ed in the current economic tion in the US-China merchandise trade nomic imbalances that have arisen in an few high-profi le academics, and others recovery. As a result, targeting China imbalance amounted to $41bn, and that no Italian much nearer than you might interconnected world. for having failed to live up to the grand has enormous political appeal. occurred in 2009, during the depths think,” outgoing industry minis- There is a longstanding discon- bargain struck in 2001, when the coun- So, what can be made of the May 19 of the Great Recession. The goal of government ter Carlo Calenda said. nect between bilateral and multilateral try was admitted to the World Trade deal? Beyond a ceasefi re in tit-for-tat achieving back-to-back annual reduc- Both parties made extravagant approaches to international economic Organisation. A recent article in Foreign tariff s, there are few real benefi ts. US tions totalling more than double that has survived promises during their campaigns problems. In May 1930, some 1,028 of Aff airs by two senior offi cials in the negotiators are fi xated on targeted reduc- magnitude is sheer fantasy. and have included elements America’s leading academic economists Obama administration says it all: “(T) tions of around $200bn in the bilateral In the end, any eff ort to impose a bi- fi ve years...” of these in their pact, which is wrote a public letter to US President he liberal international order has failed trade imbalance over a two-year time lateral solution on a multilateral problem Herbert Hoover urging him to veto the to lure or bind China as powerfully as frame. Given the extent of America’s will backfi re, with ominous consequences infused with euroscepticism and calls for an overhaul of EU pending Smoot-Hawley tariff bill. Hoover expected.” As is the case with North Ko- multilateral problem, this is largely a for American consumers. Without ad- treaties on monetary union and immigration. ignored the advice, and the global trade rea, Syria, and Iran, strategic patience meaningless objective, especially in light dressing the shortfall in domestic saving, Some of their programme should be relatively easy to imple- war that followed made a garden-variety has given way to impatience, with the of the massive and ill-timed tax cuts and the bilateral fi x simply moves the defi cit ment and give them swift domestic wins, such as an undertak- depression “great.” President Donald nationalistic Trump administration federal expenditure increases that the US from one economy to others. ing to strengthen laws on legitimate self-defence and to revise Trump has put a comparable spin on what leading the charge against China. has enacted in the last six months. Therein lies the cruellest twist of all. 2011 legislation that sharply raised retirement ages. it takes to “make America great again.” The counter-argument from multi- Indeed, with budget defi cits likely to China is America’s low-cost provider of But many other issues, including some they will have to tackle Politicians have long favoured the lateral-focused economists like me rings widen, America’s saving shortfall will imported consumer goods. The Trump bilateral perspective, because it simpli- hollow in this climate. Tracing outsize only deepen in the years ahead. That deal would shift the Chinese piece of from day one, are more problematic and could immediately fi es blame: you “solve” problems by current-account and trade defi cits to an points to rising balance-of-payments America’s multilateral imbalance to strain their embryonic relationship. targeting a specifi c country. By con- extraordinary shortfall of US domestic and multilateral trade defi cits, which higher-cost imports from elsewhere – The fate of the southern Ilva steel plant, dogged by corruption trast, the multilateral approach appeals saving – just 1.3% of national income in are impossible to resolve through tar- the functional equivalent of a tax hike scandals and environmental concerns, will be one of the most to most economists, because it stresses the fourth quarter of 2017 – counts for lit- geted bilateral actions against a single on American families. As Hoover’s pressing issues awaiting the new industry ministry, who is likely the balance-of-payments distortions tle in the arena of popular opinion. Like- country. ghost might ask, what’s so great about to be 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio. that arise from mismatches between wise, it doesn’t help when we emphasise Chinese negotiators are more that? – Project Syndicate The League says Ilva is vital to Italy’s economy and must be saving and investment. This contrast that China is merely a large piece of a circumspect, resisting numerical between the simple and the complex is much bigger multilateral problem: the US defi cit targets but committing to the zStephen S Roach, a faculty member at protected. an obvious and important reason why had bilateral merchandise trade defi cits joint objective of “eff ective measures Yale University and former Chairman Likewise, while 5-Star wants to pull the plug on the Turin- economists often lose public debates. with 102 countries in 2017. Nor does it to substantially reduce” the bilateral of Morgan Stanley Asia, is the author Lyon high-speed rail link (TAV), the League fervently defends The dismal science has never been matter when we point out that correcting imbalance with the US. China’s vague of Unbalanced: The Codependency of the multi-billion euro Franco-Italian project. known for clarity. for supply-chain distortions – caused by promise to purchase more American- America and China. The next challenge will be deciding the priorities for the 2019 budget. The League and 5-Star both inserted their costly fl agship policies in their joint pact — slashing taxes and introducing a universal income for the poor respectively. Critics argue that heavily indebted Italy can ill-aff ord either, and certainly not both at once, meaning that their introduction will have to be staggered. “They are going to have to fi nd resources to cover the imbal- ances and will have to decide which policies get precedence. That is a recipe for trouble,” said Andrea Goldstein, head of the Nomisma think-tank. The incompatibility of tax cuts and welfare hikes exempli- fi es the tension at the heart of the coalition: While the League will be looking to serve its core electorate in the wealthy north, 5-Star will be focused instead on its heartland, the deprived south.

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© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Gulf Times Saturday, May 26, 2018 15 COMMENT What sank the Kim-Trump summit?

By Ramesh Thakur toward him.” The North was not interested Canberra in a dialogue aimed at a coerced “unilateral nuclear abandonment.” The “world knows too well that our country is neither Libya nor hen US President Donald Trump Iraq, which have met miserable fates.” abruptly cancelled his summit Although Trump distanced himself from with North Korea’s leader Kim Bolton’s remarks, Vice President Mike Pence WJong-un, he blamed “tremendous warned three weeks later that if North Korea anger and open hostility” from the North. did not make a deal, it would indeed meet In fact, the summit, scheduled for June 12 in with Libya’s fate. Choe Son Hui, vice minister Singapore, was doomed for three reasons. of foreign affairs, replied by threatening First, the two sides mirrored each other’s a “nuclear-to-nuclear showdown” if misperception of the main motivation for the Washington stuck to “unlawful and summit. Both thought the other had agreed outrageous” belligerence. to meet because of weakness and had made So what happens next? If North Korea major concessions. Kim believed that his resumes nuclear and long-range missile nuclear strength had forced Trump to the tests, Trump, whose instinct is to escalate the summit without preconditions, making him rhetoric of conflict, will come under pressure Trump’s equal as a head of state. He could to respond forcefully. Amid a re-run of last afford to explore possible avenues for a peace year’s lurid schoolyard taunts – “little rocket regime, he thought, because North Korea’s man” and “mentally deranged dotard” – nuclear sword provided immunity from US Moon will be desperate to rescue a semblance attacks. of improvement in relations with the North. But the Americans concluded that Kim could try to drive a deep wedge between international sanctions had brought North South Korea and the US. Japan’s hardline Korea to its knees, leaving Kim desperate to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is probably conclude a deal on US terms. Part of the US relieved that the summit has been called off. strategy was to place additional pressure on The best the rest of the world can hope China to rein in its client state or itself face for is that, however slim the prospects, tough financial penalties from Washington. a diplomatic process will be maintained, South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in, along with channels of clear, accurate who deserves the most credit for recent communication. A modest goal would be to developments on the Korean Peninsula, reach an agreement to keep North Korea’s unwittingly stoked this misperception by nuclear and missile programme at current attributing his summit with Kim to Trump’s US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un: their planned June 12 summit in Singapore doomed. levels of capability. policy of “maximum pressure” on the North. But the US may have cornered itself by This was calculated flattery on Moon’s part. an ally and the pointlessness of engaging in of achieving its own long-sought goal: a to Slobodan Milosevic, Saddam Hussein, rejecting such a cap with respect to Iran. By validating Trump’s self-serving belief tough multi-party negotiations over several nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, including and Muammar Gaddafi. And the example Having made the perfect the enemy of that tough sanctions bend countries to years. To the rest of the world, it highlighted an end to the US nuclear umbrella for Japan of Gaddafi turned out to be especially the good in the Middle East, the Trump America’s will, Moon gained political cover America’s growing international isolation. and South Korea. If it played its cards right, important. administration will find it humiliating to from US foreign-policy hawks unhappy about The second reason for the summit’s it could even end the US alliance with After abandoning his quest for nuclear agree to a comparable arrangement on the diplomatic overtures to Kim. cancellation was contradictory South Korea and Japan, with all US troops weapons in exchange for normalisation of Korean Peninsula. For Trump, the art of Unfortunately, endorsement of this understandings of “denuclearisation” withdrawing from East Asia. relations with the US and the world, Gaddafi breaking deals is more important. – Project narrative emboldened the US hardliners – the single most critical issue in the Because the US misread Kim’s primary died a horrible death (during which he was Syndicate now surrounding Trump to prevail upon him entire episode. The US, believing Kim had motivation and expectations, it ran into tortured with a bayonet). And then, on April to exit the Iran nuclear deal. To Kim, who buckled under pressure, understood this a third problem – in fact a trap of its own 30, Trump’s national security adviser, John Ramesh Thakur, a former assistant expects to rule for decades, the reinstatement to mean achievement of its long-sought making, from which there was no escape. Bolton, made the incendiary suggestion that secretary-general of the United Nations, is of US sanctions against Iran signalled that a goal of “CVID”: complete, verifiable, and The North Koreans made it abundantly North Korea could follow the “Libya model” emeritus professor at the Crawford School deal concluded with one administration could irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea. clear that they understood what can happen of denuclearisation. of Public Policy, Australian National be cancelled without penalty by the next. To The North, mistakenly concluding that its to regimes that pick fights with America Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan University, and co-convenor of the Asia- China (and Russia), it signalled the futility nuclear deterrent had brought Trump to without having the ultimate weapon. They delivered the North’s furious response: Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non- of falling in line with US demands against the summit, believed it was on the cusp were very conscious of what happened “We do not hide our feeling of repugnance Proliferation and Disarmament.

LEGAL HELPLINE Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 370c Minimum Temperature : 270c

SUNDAY Tax rate for ‘no permanent place’ fi rm Maximum Temperature : 370c Minimum Temperature : 290c By Dr Nizar Kochery any of the parties may terminate the A: According to Article 190 of refuses to collect the rent, what MONDAY Doha contract by notifying the other as penal laws, whoever knowingly and shall we do? Please guide. Maximum Temperature : 370c stipulated under Article 49 of the falsely presents a written or oral TY, Doha Minimum Temperature : 290c Labour Law. Moreover, any condition report alleging a criminal off ence Fisherman's forecast Question: What’s the tax rate in contrary to the Labour Law provisions requiring a judicial penalty, to a A: The landlord has no right to Qatar and what tax adjustments on minimum entitlements shall be public offi cer empowered to act upon interfere with the tenant’s use of WARNING are to be made with regard to null and void, unless they are more the information shall be punished premises. According to Article 597 of Inshore : Nil establishments that have no benefi cial to the employee. Any with imprisonment for a term not the Civil Law, the landlord may not Offshore : Nil permanent place of business or no release, compromise or waiver of the exceeding three years and/or a fi ne not interfere with the tenant’s use of the WEATHER tax card in Qatar? entitlements prescribed for the worker exceeding QR10,000. leased property throughout the term Inshore : Hot daytime with slight TR, Doha by the Labour Law shall be deemed of the lease, or make any change in dust at places and scat- void. the leased property or its annexes in a tered clouds to dusty at Answer: According to Article 11 of Landlord has no way that aff ects or prevents the tenant places by night. WIND the Tax Laws, the tax rate shall be 10% right to interfere from its utilisation. Any interference Inshore : Variable less than 05 of the taxable income of the taxpayer Punishment for by any of the representatives of the KT at first, becomes during the taxable year. Subject to Q: We have entered into lease landlord shall be deemed interference Northerly-Northeasterly false information 5-15 KT the provisions of Tax Agreements, contract with landlord and have by the landlord himself. Offshrore : Northeasterly-North- payments made to non-residents with Q: What will be the action taken rented a portion (ground fl oor) of a The landlord has no right to evict the westerly 3-12/15 KT respect to activities not connected on any person who had given villa. A few weeks ago, the landlord tenant from the premises before the Visibility : 4-8 KM/3 or less at with a permanent establishment in false information or complaint asked us to shift room from ground contract expires as long as the tenant places by night the State shall be subject to a fi nal against any person and which fl oor to fi rst fl oor which is vacant. is paying the due rent amount. If the withholding tax of (i) 5% of the gross is undoubtedly proved that the He wanted to lease the ground landlord refuses to accept the rent, the Offshore : 1-3 FT,Rises to 4 FT at amount of royalties and technical fees; complaint made was false and fl oor to some other parties. When tenant can pay the money to the Rental places at times. and also (ii) 7% of the gross amount baseless? Which law applies and I refused to move, he has asked Committee and inform the landlord of Around the region of interest, commissions, brokerage what is the punishment for such us to vacate the premises. I have a such by registered post. Weather Weather fees, director’s fees, attendance fees acts? Please guide. proper contract. How are my rights today Max/min tomorrow Max/min and any other payments for services OS, Doha protected under the provisions of Please send your questions to Baghdad Sunny 41/27 Sunny 42/28 carried out wholly or partly in the law? Can he evict us legally? If he [email protected] Kuwait City Sunny 39/28 Sunny 43/29 State. Manama Sunny 38/28 P Cloudy 37/28 Muscat M Sunny 37/31 M Sunny 37/32 Company refuses to LEGAL SYSTEM IN QATAR Tehran Sunny 31/19 Sunny 32/20 accept resignation Q: Since 2015, I am working with According to Article 337 Civil and director has a personal interest in a foreign company registered Commercial Procedure law, the the lawsuit; (3) If he or his wife or in Qatar under an unlimited expert appointed by court shall take one of his relatives or in-laws or his employment contract. Last oath before the court to perform attorney or guardian or trustee or year they have amended the his work sincerely and honestly, heir has an interest in the existing employment contract of otherwise the work shall be deemed lawsuit; (4) If he is working with employees and reduced the to be null and void. It shall not be one of the litigants or he used to eat salaries and benefi ts because of necessary for litigants to attend the or live with one of them or received the market conditions. So, after proceedings of an expert taking the a gift from them or there is enmity working for one year again on oath. or intimacy or relationship based the revised salary, I have decided Within five days following the on which it is likely that he will to resign and I submitted my receipt of judgment from the be unable to perform his duties resignation. The company refused court, the expert may request impartially. 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Is it a requirement reasons given by the litigant to or if he or his wife has an existing presence of the person who Cairo Sunny 35/22 Sunny 34/22 that the company should accept be acceptable. If the expert has litigation with one of the litigants, requests the recusal. Otherwise, Cape Town Sunny 18/12 M Sunny 19/13 the resignation? What is the status not performed the duties and he unless this litigation was instituted the request for the recusal of the Colombo T Storm 29/27 T Storm 29/27 of my benefi ts if the company has not been exempted from such by the litigant or his wife after the expert shall be made within three Dhaka S T Storms 31/26 P Cloudy 32/26 rejects my resignation? Please performance, the court which appointment of the expert in order days of notification. The right to Hong Kong S T Storms 30/27 P Cloudy 30/26 advise. has appointed shall order him to to provide a reason for his recusal; request recusal shall not lapse if Istanbul P Cloudy 24/18 S T Storms 22/17 IA, Doha bear all the expenses as well as (2) If he is appointed as an attorney the reasons thereof have arisen Jakarta T Storm 33/25 T Storm 33/25 any damages caused by him. The for one of the litigants in his private after the time specified or if the Karachi Sunny 39/28 Sunny 38/28 A: The employee can approach the court may also order him to pay a business, if he is a trustee or a litigant has produced a proof London S Showers 27/16 S T Storms 26/15 Labour Department for assistance. fine not exceeding QR500 without guardian, if he works for any of the that he has no knowledge of such Manila S T Storms 36/28 P Cloudy 36/27 Acceptance by the employer of prejudice to disciplinary penalties. litigants, or if there is a suspicion reasons except after the expiry of Moscow Sunny 21/10 M Sunny 23/10 the employee’s resignation is not The judgment of a fine shall not be of being an heir to the deceased or the time given. New Delhi Sunny 45/30 Sunny 45/29 required and the employee shall be subject to appeal through any means having a kinship relation or being According to Article 342, the New York S T Storms 31/19 S Showers 20/14 entitled to all his rights, including of appeal. The court may, however, an in-law up to the fourth degree to request by one of the litigants Paris P Cloudy 29/18 S T Storms 28/17 salaries and labour entitlements or dismiss the expert if he offers an a trustee or a guardian of one of the for recusal of the expert who was Sao Paulo P Cloudy 21/13 M Sunny 23/13 other benefi ts. Employer is duty- acceptable excuse. litigants or to one of members of the appointed by them may not be Seoul Sunny 29/14 Cloudy 26/15 bound to repatriate the employee As per Article 339, the litigants may board of directors of the company accepted, unless the reason for Singapore T Storm 31/26 T Storm 31/26 on termination of the employment apply for the recusal of the expert that is party to the dispute or to one recusal has occurred after his Sydney Sunny 19/09 M Sunny 19/11 contract. Regarding termination of in the following cases: (1) If he is of its directors and this member or appointment. Tokyo Clear 26/19 Cloudy 26/18 the unlimited employment contract, Gulf Times 16 Saturday, May 26, 2018 QATAR

Throngs of visitors flock to the Night Market located at the Al Duhail Sports Club parking lot. PICTURES: Peter Alagos Various types of perfumes. Night Market a huge draw for locals, expats

By Peter Alagos Business Reporter

s many as 60 promising business establishments Afrom the food and bever- age (F&B) and retail sectors have been attracting throngs of cus- tomers to the ‘Night Market’ at the Al Duhail Sports Club park- ing lot. Open from 7pm to 3am for the entire holy month of Ram- adan, the market, this early, has been successful in drawing huge crowds not only from the nearby vicinity but also from other com- munities across the country. “This event is an initiative to Many products bear customised designs and Qatari tradition. Jewellery items are popular among shoppers. support Qatari youth by Sheikh Food outlets at the Night Market. Suhaim bin Khalid bin Hamad al- customers would come fi rst for organisers have arranged a ‘fam- but the project, which will be a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Thani, and organised by Cloud e coff ee after Iftar and then leave to ily day’ on Tuesdays and Sundays. permanent establishment, will Career Development (Bedaya for events by Qatari businesswom- attend to other aff airs, and then What also makes the market house restaurants and shops. Centre), said Bedaya Dukhan is an and social media infl uencer Na- they would be back for Suhoor or unique is that the business es- Al-Amri stressed that the age a multi-brand outlet that show- jla al-Shafi ee,” Cloud e marketing to socialise or to just have a good tablishments are housed in con- bracket of the entrepreneurs par- cases several products of Qatari manager Nasser al-Amri told Gulf time,” he continued. tainer vans that were converted ticipating at the Night Market startups. Times in an interview. Al-Amri said the location of the into shops of varying sizes. Al- range between 18 and 35 years “Bedaya Centre, through According to al-Amri, people Night Market is ideal and is near a Amri said the use of container old, most of whom are new in the Dukhan Bedaya, off ers new star- are looking for new and unique residential community of “a lot of vans for the month-long event is business and do not have a brick- tup owners and other entrepre- experiences, especially after the prominent Qataris.” He also noted a fi rst in Doha and a unique ap- and-mortar shop to showcase neurs the opportunity to test the economic blockade was imposed that the Night Market also aims proach to changing the way mar- their products. viability of their products and on Qatar in June 2017. “We have to bring in more commercial traf- kets are being held. Dukhan Bedaya, which is also get a feel of the market, as well conceptualised this initiative to fi c to the Duhail area. The market He said the idea of using con- participating in the Night Mar- as get feedback from customers, off er something diff erent to the also has a spacious play area with tainer vans came from Desti- ket, is showcasing a wide range considering the cost and the chal- public,” he said. “Actually, a lot bouncy castles and other enter- nation Box, an “experimental” of startups and their respective lenges of opening your own shop, of people are coming fi ve to six tainment activities for kids. To initiative that is located at the products. Mahmood al-Mah- so one of our objectives is to moti- times a day to the market, which accommodate the large number other side of the Night Market. mood, Entrepreneurship De- vate entrepreneurs to pursue their Personalised phone covers are among the products available at the is open from 7pm to 3am. Some of families visiting the market, It is still under construction, partment manager at the Bedaya businesses,” al-Mahmood said. Night Market.

Hands-on

Children enjoy a creative activity at Doha Festival City on Thursday. PICTURES: Nasar T K