3rd Best News Website in the Middle East Special Lease Offer MEDINAMEDIINA CENTRALECENTRALE BUSINESS | 22 SPORT | 28 4409 5155 ibq net profit QCCR: Al Attiyah increases bags top by 14% honours Sunday 23 April 2017 | 26 Rajab 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7140 | 2 Riyals

Emir meets US Defence Secretary 11 plots for Road linking building private schools on offer

HIA and Orbital The Peninsula

THE MINISTRY of Economy and Commerce said yester- Highway opens day that it has offered eleven plots of land for private schools to potential Irfan Bukhari investors. The Peninsula The plots are spread The new G-Ring Road over Al Wakra, Al Rayyan n important part of extends over 22km from and Al Khor Qatar's expressway Hamad International municipalities. network—the Airport (HIA) to the Four plots are located in G-Ring Road Orbital Highway with Al Wakra, two in Al Khor, extending over five lanes in each and one each in Umm Qarn, 22Akm from Hamad International Rawdat Al Hamama, Al Ab, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at Al Bahr Palace yesterday with US Airport (HIA) to the Orbital direction and 48km Al Thamid and Smaisma, Highway with five lanes in each lanes for pedestrians Secretary of Defence, James Mattis, and his accompanying delegation. They reviewed said the Technical Commit- direction and 48km lanes for and cyclists. relations between the two friendly countries in various fields, including political, strategic tee to Stimulate Private pedestrians and cyclists — was and military, and means to strengthening them. Talks also covered the latest regional Sector Participation in Eco- opened yesterday. President of the Public Works and international developments, mainly the Palestinian and Syrian issues, as well as the nomic Development Projects The G-Ring Road provides Authority (Ashghal), as well as situation in Yemen and Libya. The two sides discussed the international efforts to combat at the Ministry in a state- additional transportation options a number of senior officials terrorism, violence and extremism. ment yesterday. and connects to the Orbital High- from the ministries, Ashghal, → Continued on page 8 way creating a 50 km direct road the General Directorate of Traf- from Hamad International Air- fic in the MOI. port to Dukhan Road via Salwa Al Rumaihi said that Qatar Road. The new “Umm Beshr was planning new roads con- Interchange”, one of the project’s sidering urban growth, increase UN hails release of Qataris kidnapped in Iraq eight interchanges includes the in population and growing highest bridge in Qatar, which is trade. He said that G-Ring Road 36 metres high. will help absorbing the traffic QNA release of the Qatari citizens. The Emir received phone for their good sentiments. The opening ceremony was burden of new developing sur- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin calls from Emir of Kuwait H H The Gulf Cooperation Coun- attended by Minister of Trans- rounding areas and was enough N Secretary-General Hamad Al Thani received a Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber cil welcomed the release of the port and Communications, H E to serve increased number of Antonio Guterres wel- number of commendations and Al Sabah, H M King Hamad bin Qatari and Saudi citizens who Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, and vehicles over the next thirty Ucomed the release of the phone calls from a number of Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Prime were kidnapped in Iraq more Minister of Municipality and years. He said that new roads Qatari citizens abducted in Iraq leaders and senior officials of Minister of Bahrain, Khalifa bin than one year ago while on a Environment, H E Mohammed were bringing the country and their safe return to the Arab and Islamic countries, who Salman Al Khalifa, and Presi- hunting trip officially licensed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, in the closer as they were making dis- country. In a statement, the UN expressed their sincere congrat- dent of Turkey, Recep Tayyip by the competent agencies in presence of Eng. Saad bin tances short. chief expressed gratitude to all ulations on the safe return of Erdogan . The Emir expressed Iraq. Ahmad Al Muhannadi, → Continued on page 4 who contributed to the safe Qatari citizens. his gratitude for the calls and → Continued on page 4

Crucial French presidential polls begin

PARIS: Polling started in France's far-flung overseas territories for the country's unpredictable presidential election as the 11 candidates in the race observed a ban on campaigning. With voting beginning today on the French mainland, the govern- ment has mobilised more than 50,000 police and gen- darmes to protect 70,000 polling stations, with an addi- Bridges are seen on the newly inaugurated G-Ring Road. tional 7,000 soldiers on Pic: Kammutty V P / The Peninsula patrol. → See also page 15 Personal social media accounts attract business advertisements

Sidi Mohamed advertisement in the form of a branding campaigns. The Peninsula post from their accounts. While The monthly income of a advertisements on accounts of person having a personal any business entities and famous people from abroad usu- account with huge number of advertisers have started ally cost from QR10,000 to followers may reach QR100,000 Musing personal accounts QR30,000,” said the supervisor depending on his/her popular- of popular social media enthu- of a catering company. ity and the value of the client. siasts with massive following The Peninsula has found Mohamed Al Mohannadi, the paying hefty sums to promote that many famous people are owner of "Alkhor Live" Snap- their products and services. earning lots of money from chat account said: “My account Personal accounts on Snap- their personal handles on gained popularity as I always chat and Instagram have become Snapchat and Instagram. In highlighted local issues of more attractive to advertisers. Qatar, these two social media Alkhor. I also run news stories “For personal accounts of local tools are extremely popular of Alkhor and activities going on celebrities, we pay from and therefore advertisers and in this area." QR5,000 to QR10,000 for one clients choose them for their → Continued on page 7 02 HOME SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017

The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques awarded Naif Prize Prime Minister meets Croatian President

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia was awarded the Naif Prize for Arab Security in recognition of his role in maintaining global Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani security and peace. The decision was based on a recommendation by Prime Minister and with President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani who is also the Deputy Doha yesterday. Talks during the meeting covered cooperation between the two countries Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Prize during the 34th session of the Arab Interior in various areas, and a number of issues of mutual concern. Ministers Council held in Tunisia recently. Register accidents via Metrash 2: MoI GCC chief and Arab League

Sidi Mohamed service was to simplify procedures the accidents,” he added. welcome release of citizens The Peninsula Low awareness for motorists getting involved in To reach more people, the → Continued from page 1 Though launched in minor traffic accidents. service is available in six lan- expressed in a statement the he Ministry of Interior August 2016, only a “Many motorists don’t know guages including Arabic, English, GCC Secretary-General Arab League's satisfaction over has urged motorists to small number of that they can register minor acci- French, Spanish, Urdu and extended congratulations to the the release of Qatari nationals report minor road motorists benefited dents through Metrash 2. Also, Malayalam. To register a minor Emir, government and people kidnapped in Iraq more than a accidents through the from the service due some don’t know how to avail of road accident, one of the two of the State of Qatar, and to the year ago and the closure of this Metrash 2 mobile the service. Many motorists, when parties involved in the accident King, government and people file. to lack of awareness. Tapplication. they want to report minor acci- is required to take four photos of the Kingdom of Saudi Ara- On the other hand, the Although the service was dents, send pictures of the vehicles of both vehicles and send them bia, on the safe return of the spokesman pointed out that ter- launched in August 2016, only a Service available in and forget to send pictures of the via Metrash2 to the Traffic Direc- Qatari and Saudi citizens to rorism is a common threat and few motorists have benefited six languages: accident. This makes the job of torate investigation office. their homelands. challenge to the countries of the due to lack of awareness, said Arabic, English, investigators difficult as photos The sender will receive a text He praised the efforts made region, which requires con- Capt. Ali Ahmed Al Binali, Head French, Spanish, don’t provide enough details,” message asking him to wait for a to secure the safe release of the certed efforts to eradicate and of e-Services, Information Sys- Urdu and Malayalam. Capt. Al Binali said in an interview second message. After investiga- abductees and their safe return uproot it. tems Department. with police magazine Al Shurta tion, the party whose vehicle was to their families, and expressed The Organisation of Islamic “Since we launched the serv- number is very less compared Maak (Police with You). damaged due to the fault of the the satisfaction of the GCC Cooperation (OIC) also wel- ice in August 2016, until the to the minor accidents that occur “Due to lack of publicity in other, will receive a text message countries for the end of this comed the release and their safe beginning of this year, we have in the country. Among all road the media, motorists don’t know with instructions to go the insur- harsh crisis, which demon- return to the country. Dr Yousef received only about 2,187 cases traffic accidents, 90 percent are about it and in addition, even ance company while the party at strated the GCC solidarity in bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen, Sec- of minor accidents registered minor incidents,” he said. those who know about it don’t fault will receive a message with dilemmas and crises. retary-General of the through the Metrash 2. The The aim of launching the follow the correct steps to report approval for vehicle repair. Speaker of the Arab Parlia- Organization of Islamic Coop- ment, Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al eration released a statement Salami, welcomed the release expressing his appreciation to of Qatari nationals kidnapped the efforts the Iraqi government Ooredoo offers in Iraq, congratulating Qatar on made in finding and releasing the return of its citizens. In a the Qatari citizens. bonus data statement to Qatar News He added that the OIC mon- Agency (QNA) on the sidelines itored closely the developments The Peninsula of meetings of the Arab Parlia- of the humanitarian issue and ment at the headquarters of the released a number of decisions o reward customers for Arab League, Al Salami wel- regarding it, the last of which topping-up with Data comed and appreciated this was from the 43rd session of the TRecharge Cards and step. Council of Foreign Ministers of ensure everyone can enjoy He pointed out that the Arab the Organization of Islamic the award-winning Supernet, Parliament urged in its previ- Cooperation in Uzbekistan Ooredoo has today ous meetings the release of when they condemned the kid- announced a new ‘More Data’ Qatari citizens and issued a napping as contradicting with promotion for all Hala, Hala decision on this matter during all of Islamic teachings and Go and Shahry customers. the last meeting of the heads of international law. The council Data promotions are reg- Arab parliaments. He stressed also said the kidnapping ularly requested by Ooredoo the importance of enhancing harmed relations between customers via the company’s relations between Arab coun- member countries and called social media pages and call tries, pointing out that this step for guaranteeing the safety and centre, demonstrating the would strengthen relations the release of the kidnapped. growing demand for data between Qatar and Iraq. Meanwhile, Dr Maryam services across Qatar. The Arab League yesterday Abdul Malek, Managing Direc- Thanks to the ‘More Data’ welcomed the release of the tor of Primary Healthcare offer, users have to simply top- Qatari citizens who were kid- expressed her pride about the up with a Data Recharge Card napped in Iraq. The official Qatari leadership and the Emir from QR 10 – QR 200 to get up spokesman for Secretary Gen- on efforts taken to release the to 6GB extra data. The promo- eral of Arab League, Minister Qatari citizens who were kid- tion will end on May 23, 2017. Plenipotentiary, Mahmoud Afifi napped in Iraq.

Awqaf Ministry opens two mosques

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs opened two new mosques in Umm Salal Ali and Umm Al Saneem as part of the Ministry's plan to expand the number of mosques and develop them in all regions, and to keep pace with urban and population growth, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 HOME 03 Expo Turkey by Qatar opens new business opportunities

QNA a number of Turkish visitors, Expo concludes who expressed their admira- he three-day Expo The exhibition, which tion for the high quality Qatari Turkey by Qatar con- concluded on Friday, handicrafts compared to their cluded at the Qatar prices. featured products of National Convention Director General of Qatar some 150 Turkish Center (QNCC). The Chamber (QC), Saleh bin Hamad Texhibition featured products of companies in at least Al Sharqi, renewed QC's keen- some 150 Turkish companies in 10 economic sectors. ness to promote the productive at least 10 economic sectors. families and assist them in The first edition of the exhi- 12 Qatari families developing their products and bition, organised under the exhibited different introducing them in the local patronage of Qatar Chamber Qatari products like market through exhibitions held (QC), has provided the Turkish abayas at the in Qatar, referring in this regard companies an opportunity to Chamber Pavilion. to their previous participation expand their business relations in "Made in Qatar" Expo. with Qatar in order to gain a In this context, he stressed share of Qatar's investments in with the diverse and rich features the support for productive fam- infrastructure projects and the of this culture. ilies as an important part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In addition, some 12 Qatari national economy and a real The event brought together families exhibited at the Cham- nucleus for small and medium a number of Qatari businessmen ber Pavilion different Qatari industries, pointing out that the and their Turkish counterparts products including abayas, per- Chamber will soon organise a to discuss the areas and pros- fumes, sweets, accessories and special exhibition for produc- pects of trade cooperation others. Some of these families tive families. between the two sides. have also entered into partner- Al Sharqi also praised the It also hosted various dis- ships aimed at providing them success of "Expo Turkey by cussion sessions on means to with the Turkish technology in Qatar" and the Summit of Entre- achieve economic gains in light the production process, espe- preneurs, which paved the way of the global changes along with cially in the design and for Qatari and Turkish business- joint investment opportunities manufacture of Qatari fashion. men to hold bilateral meetings between the Qatari and Turkish Commenting on their par- during which they discussed private sectors. ticipation in the first edition of means of enhancing coopera- The exhibition also reflected the "Expo Turkey by Qatar," tion and establishing joint aspects of Turkish culture through they said that the event was an ventures and projects that serve the Turkish Cultural City aimed opportunity for them to display the economies of both at familiarising the Qatari public their products, which attracted countries. Advisory Council to take part in symposium

delegation from the Advi- at the Arab League Headquar- and blocs. The event seeks to pro- sory Council will take ters in Cairo today. vide a platform to push forward Apart in a symposium on The symposium, held at the the joint Arab action from the per- "Arab Economic Integration, initiative of the Arab Parliament, spective of economic integration Legislative Mechanisms and will shed light on the dangers and and the development of a legis- Methodological Approaches of challenges faced by Arab coun- lative system that regulates Arab Implementation" due to be held tries in the age of globalisation economic relations. 04 HOME SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017

Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, and Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, inaugurating the road in the presence of Dr Eng. Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President of Ashghal, and other senior officials. RIGHT: The newly opened road. Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula Minister praises Ashghal for completing projects on time

→ Continued from page 1 the Northern areas through its The total cost of the G-Ring underpasses, as well as loops to 3. Abal Slel Interchange: A and loops to distribute the traf- Al Rumaihi praised Ashghal connection with the Orbital High- Road project is approximately 4 distribute the traffic movement, two-level interchange, with the fic movement. It enhances for completing projects in stip- way, and provides a direct access billion Qatari Riyals. The remain- and they are as follows: East Industrial Road topped by connection of Al Wakra and Al ulated time saying: "Ashghal was with the Logistic Village to and ing works, which comprise parts 1. Al Bahya Interchange: A the bridge of the East Industrial Wukair with Al Thumama and committed to deliver the project from Hamad International Airport, of the eight interchanges of the two-level interchange, with the Street. It will enhance connec- the Northern areas. It also pro- in time." He said that G-Ring in addition to Hamad Port, Bu project, are scheduled to be com- East Industrial Road topped by tion between the Orbital vides alternative roads to reach Road was passing through 14 Samra Border, and the rest of the pleted by the end of July 2017. the bridge of the New Industrial Highway and the Industrial Area, Hamad International Airport important areas of the country. country via the Orbital Highway. The ministers and attendees Area Road; linking the New connecting it with Hamad Inter- without passing through Al Dr Eng. Saad bin Ahmad Al It also serves a large number were briefed through a presen- Industrial Area with the Logistic national Airport, Hamad Port, Wakra Main Road, via a future Muhannadi said that the G-Ring of neighbourhoods and residen- tation on the G-Ring Road Village. It provides an additional and Bu Samra Border. road parallel to Al Wakra Road. Road, which was opened today tial and commercial complexes project. The ministers gave the option to reach the Industrial 4. Al Hafeen Interchange: A 7. Al Thumama Interchange: including all of its lanes and parts in Al Wakra, Al Wukair, Al Thu- sign to open the road, which was Area and the Logistic Village two-level interchange, with the A two-level interchange that of its eight main interchanges, will mama and other areas, especially followed by a parade for classic instead of the currently availa- East Industrial Road topped by enhances connection between ease pressure on Doha's main with the opening of Al Wakra cars and motorcycles passing the ble option from Salwa Road. the bridge of Al Aziziya Street Al Wakra, Al Wukair, the F-Ring roads and shorten travel times to Bypass during the current year. road, which participated in the 2. Bu Sella Interchange: A two- Extension. Road Road, Al Thumama, and the most of the destinations it serves. The G-Ring Road is linked to Al opening through Mawater Cen- level interchange that comprises 5. Jary Mosbeh Interchange: Old Airport. The G-Ring Road also pro- Wakra Bypass at the new “Umm tre and Qatar Center for the East Industrial Road and the A two-level interchange that will 8. Airport Interchange: A two- vides three new vital entrances to Beshr Interchange”, which is a Motorcycles “Batabit” in coordi- bridge of the West Industrial Road. enhance connection of Al Wakra level interchange that enhances the Industrial Area from the South, four-level interchange that nation with the Ministry of It connects between the New and Al Wukair with the North- connection of Al Wakra and Al providing a direct link with Hamad includes the highest bridge in Culture and Sports. Industrial Area and the Logistic ern areas. Wukair with Hamad International International Airport. It also con- Qatar, about 36 metres high. The The G-Ring Road includes Village, and provides an additional 6. Umm Beshr Interchange: Airport, the F-Ring Road Road, nects with Hamad Port, Mesaieed, road also includes 48 km of eight main interchanges, which option to reach the Industrial Area A four-level interchange that and Airport Street to the E-Ring Bu Samra Border, and pedestrian and cyclist paths. comprise 29 bridges and 18 and the Logistic Village. includes bridges, underpasses, Road and the Northern areas. Supermarkets launch promotions to cash in on summer season

Amna Pervaiz Rao summer season. Customers have attractive offers on swimming to QR999. Ice box and water These offers are being availed by slippers for QR20 and QR10. The Peninsula started to rush to avail the offer accessories which consist of coolers for QR35 and QR62. the people going for vacations,” Carrefour City Center, Villa- in different supermarkets. swimming costume for QR39, Talking to The Peninsula he added. The Safari Group has gio, Landmark, Mall of Qatar and s the summer season ‘Beat The Heat’ promotion swimming cap for QR39, swim Sales person at Lulu Hypermar- started its own promotion, which Al Wakra has started attractive begins, several supermar- includes Air Conditioners start- mat for QR15, Water goggles for ket said: “Such promotions have is ‘Hello Summer’. This promo- offers for summers. Summer Akets and brand outlets ing from QR999 up to QR1,549, QR10, Transparent rings for kids made our hypermarket a shop- tion started on Tuesday. Digital Watch for kids for only have started offering attractive Refrigerators starting from for QR6. ping paradise for the visitors. According to the promotion, QR20 and many other products discounts for customers. Lulu QR619 up to QR5,079, Dispens- Toys kids can use in summer This offer has already become a A window AC is worth QR999 which include QR 10 , QR20 and Hypermarket on the D Ring Road ers in the range of QR299 up to season such as Water gun for big success. It comes with attrac- and Water dispenser for QR299. QR30 price range. Carrefour is has launched a ‘Beat the Heat’ QR549, Rechargeable fans for QR15, Beach toy set for QR39. tive benefits.” “Especially people Ice bag for QR35, Men swimming offering amazing offers on RE- ongoing promotion on products QR199, Juicer Blenders at QR69. Swimming pools for children and who are travelling come to shop shorts for QR9, Women swim- USE ECO bags for QR0.5 and the people intend to purchase in This ongoing promotion have families starting from QR59 up before they travel for vacations. ming costume for QR49, Summer QR2.5. HMC organises awareness events for head and neck cancers The Peninsula

comprehensive awareness pro- gramme with a series of Aeducational activities has been launched to raise awareness of head and neck cancers as part of activities highlighting Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Qatar Cancer Registry at the Ministry of Pub- lic Health, in 2015 head and neck cancers accounted for approximately four percent of overall malignant can- cers in Qatar. Of these cases, more than 60 percent were diagnosed as late stage cancers. Most cases occurred in indi- viduals aged between 45 and 49 years. Hamad Medical Corporation The HMC staff at a booth. (HMC), the Qatar Cancer Society and Merck Medicine Company have part- patients and their families, and the “A screening for head and neck nered in the awareness program. With general public. cancer should be included in one’s a focus on both improving the quality Experts report that the most com- annual health checkup. Just like any of care for head and neck cancer mon head and neck cancers form in other cancer, when found early, most patients and decreasing incidences of the nasal cavity, sinus, lips, mouth, sal- cancers in the head and neck can be these cancers, the collaboration ivary glands, throat or larynx. While treated and cured. In other words, the between the three organizations aims these cancers are less common than earlier the disease is detected and to highlight the importance of early others, they are often complex to treat. diagnosed, the more treatment options detection and treatment. Dr Mohammed Ussama Al Homsi, that are available and the chances of The joint initiative encompasses Senior Consultant in the Oncology living longer are increased,” he added. a comprehensive awareness program Department at NCCCR said, “We are Dr Al Homsi added that people with with a series of educational activities. concerned about the lack of awareness certain risk factors have an increased On 17 April, awareness events were of head and neck cancers. Symptoms susceptibility to head and neck cancers. held at HMC’s National Center for Can- may be as simple as a sore throat that “While smoking remains the leading risk cer Care and Research (NCCCR), Al doesn’t go away or a lump or sore that factor for this type of cancer, the human Ahli Hospital, Mall of Qatar, and three doesn’t heal. I take this opportunity to papilloma virus infection is emerging primary health centers. The events stress the significance of frequent as a possible risk factor for certain types targeted clinical and non-clinical staff, screening as a preventive measure.” of head and neck cancer.” SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 HOME 05 Sidra clinical research key in genetic treatments

Fazeena Saleem the physician and the researcher before they develop certain dis- actively working on bringing clin- make key lifestyle changes or The Peninsula While genetic can directly interact with patients eases,” he added. ical research to real life. We are embark on different treatment . In the case of physicians such as Clinical and genetic research working very closely with our plans. This is what the concept of linical research at Sidra research can work to myself – it helps us find new and depends on finding the genotype research division to partner on personalised medicine is built Medical and Research identify the genetic better ways to understand, detect, and phenotype of the disease — clinical research programs,” said on,” said Dr Elawad. Center plays a key role and environmental control and treat the conditions. by matching the clinical disease Dr Elawad. “I am working closely with in supporting genetic causes of diseases, We can consider a customised presentation with the genetic For example, if a patient has our clinical research teams here research as it can help approach to care and medica- make-up of the individual. a specific disease or condition and to apply genetic and clinical Cresearchers learn more about the the clinical research tion,” he told The Peninsula. Putting them together allows us the physicians know the genetic research strategies for the paedi- causes and treatments for genetic component can “Clinical research also allows to get a full description of the make-up and pre disposition of atric patients I am seeing at Sidra. disorders and diseases. help lead to the us to group patients in a way so disease. the disease — they can easily A key advantage at Sidra is that While genetic research can that we can study their condi- Also clinical research play a adopt specific treatments to we can get the genetic diagnoses work to identify the genetic and advancement of tions in a more focused manner significant role in developing per- match the condition. done in Qatar (without having to environmental causes of diseases, disease prevention — it helps give a wider view of sonalised medicine, that will “In many cases, having access send the samples abroad). This the clinical research component and treatment. the problems they are experienc- promote better health for the to genetic information can also saves time and money and is a can help lead to the advancement ing. It also helps to find answers people of Qatar. help with preventative measures big step forward in not only build- of disease prevention and treat- to difficult scientific or health “The area of personalised — and working with patients who ing Sidra’s clinical research ment, says Dr Mamoun Elawad, “Clinical research is very questions. Clinical research medicine is becoming a very we think may be susceptible to capabilities but putting us on the Division Chief of Gastroenterol- important whereby research is today may help doctors in the important tool. One of the main certain diseases and conditions. path to personalised care,” he ogy at Sidra. conducted through which both future screen healthy patients things at Sidra is that we are This allows us to recommend added. QC launches initiative to support children of Syrian refugees The Peninsula impression of brotherhood and refugees’ children who deserve friendship, and encourage ambi- them,” he added. atar Charity (QC) has tious youth initiatives. Tahani Al Marri, the founder launched an initiative Nasser Almogaiseeb, Direc- of Gift initiative, has explained Qcalled 'Gift' aimed at sup- tor of Program Management at the stages through which the ini- porting Syrian refugees’ children. QC assured that QC is honoured tiative has gone and she said, The initiative is in cooperation to launch the initiative for the “The initiative has been just an with Marsal Qatar Network and benefit of Syrian refugees, espe- idea since 2014, and because it Rawaj Advertising Institution cially children, and all QC’s is a creative one, we decided in along with the participation of efforts are dedicated for achiev- 2016 to let it come true. We par- some volunteers, students, par- ing this goal. ticipated in the Volunteer Youth ents and other figures. “QC is proud of this high and Humanitarian Initiatives 'Gift' initiative will distribute humane spirit among the Qatari Award in October 2016. Among 2000 boxes packaged with gifts youth. We will always share their 650 Arab initiatives, we were for the children of 16 schools, and aspirations and work to develop qualified for the 125 initiatives Officials announcing the Gift initiative at a press conference. to deliver them to Syrian refu- their abilities and skills in all that succeeded in reaching the gees’ children who are 5 to 11 aspects of humanitarian work, finals. After that, we luckily were among three groups: school stu- Network, said, "The network has Saleh Al Nuaimi confirmed years old. both in terms of tangible and among the top 11 positions in the dents, university students, public a leading role in supporting cre- that there are many reasons to The initiative’s goal is to pro- moral support, to benefit the Arab world and then we submit- and private sector institutions, ative youth initiatives and it is take part in supporting the initi- mote and strengthen the spirit of society investing the abilities and ted the initiative to QC, which and they will take part in it due our honor today to support QC's ative, and the most important of charitable work among young skills of young people. In coop- honoured us to be the official to the community 'Gift' initiative, which is a part of which is offering support for people, bring joy to the children eration with operations sponsor of it.” responsibility. the network's objectives, inte- charitable work carried out by of refugees, help Qatar's children management at QC, we will She also made clear that the Omar Al Jumaili, one of the grating charitable work with QC, which adopts and supports give their Syrian counterparts an deliver these gifts to Syrian initiative will be implemented founders of Marsal Qatar youth initiatives.” all youth ideas in this regard. 06 HOME SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017

HBKU to host QLC’s alumni entrepreneur Terry Jones for elect council innovation talk

The Peninsula

representatives amad Bin Khalifa Uni- versity (HBKU), in The Peninsula Hcollaboration with the New vision Embassy of the United States atar Leadership Cen- New body set to play of America in Doha, will be tre (QLC) has taken an a key role in delivering hosting Terry Jones – a world- important step in ful- QLC’s vision. renowned entrepreneur and filling its objective to speaker – on Tuesday for a Qbe a platform for lead- lecture on innovation, digital The election is the ership excellence with the relationships, and leadership first in the election of seven alumni to serve in the wired age. Association’s history on its Alumni Association This is part of the Embas- Council. and was undertaken sy’s speaker series, which The election is the first in the following direction H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with other dignitaries at the event. brings out experts on various Association’s history and was from H E Sheikha Al topics to Qatar. The lecture, undertaken following direction Mayassa bint Hamad * Hassan Abdulla Al Emadi Council by being nominated by Al Hitmi, alumnus of the 2012- titled “The Importance of from H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint bin Khalifa Al Thani, The QLC Alumni Association a fellow alumnus or by nominat- 2013 Executive Leaders Program, Innovation and Digital Rela- Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of QLC’s Council will be responsible for ing themselves. helped lay the groundwork for tionships in an Chairperson of QLC’s Board of Board of Directors. organising a range of activities As part of the election proc- the elections. The leadership of Entrepreneurial World,” will Directors. “The formation of the and events and support initia- ess, candidates articulated their QLC expressed their gratitude to be delivered by Jones at the QLC Alumni Association Council will play an important role in tives designed to build ties vision and action plans to voters Al Hitmi and the members of the HBKU Student Center at 2pm. reflects Qatar Leadership Centre’s ensuring that the Centre’s legacy between members, support their by publishing these on QLC’s committee for all they have done Jones, who is also a pro- unwavering and active commit- of education, development and development as business and online portal. Election cam- in managing this important lific writer, venture capitalist, ment to strengthening Qatar’s growth endures. societal leaders and contribute paigns were run by the individual milestone. innovator, and globally rec- leadership capacity, in line with The following candidates to the pillars of Qatar National candidates in order to present Since it was established, ognised speaker, is well the vision of Emir H H Sheikh were elected as members of the Vision 2030. In addition to par- their ideas and raise support nearly 400 Qatari men and known around the world for Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” Council through an e-voting elec- ticipating in these activities, the amongst peers before the voting women holding senior positions his many successful ventures, noted H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint tion process and will fulfil a entire alumni community will deadline. Candidates deployed across sectors have successfully particularly for his pioneer- Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. two-year term: also have the opportunity to con- a variety of approaches includ- completed QLC’s Executive ing work in the travel The QLC Alumni Association * Khalifa Jassim Al Kuwari tribute to the Association by ing social media activity and Leaders, Government Leaders innovations industry. He is Council will work closely with the * AlJazzi Hamad Fetais joining select committees. in-person presentations to can- or Rising Leaders programs. In the founder of Travelocity. Centre’s Management to progress * Khalifa Mohammed Al Sobai Details of Alumni Association vass for support and to help just a few short years, QLC has com, founding chairman of its mission and objectives and * Mansoor Ahmed Al Saadi events and activities will be voters make an educated and made considerable progress as Kayak.com, and chairman of enhance strong existing links * Mishal Jabor Al Thani announced in the near future. informed decision. a platform for leadership excel- WayBlazer, all disruptive between the Centre and its * Ahmed Salman Al Sulaiti All alumni were eligible to A preparation alumni com- lence, in support of the brands in the technology and alumni community. The Council * Abdullah Radi Al Hajri become a candidate for the mittee, chaired Khalid Abdulla development goals of Qatar. travel sector. By hosting Jones’ talk, HBKU is demonstrating its commitment to act as a regional hub for thought- Autism research by WISH presented at global meet leadership, being home and host to several renowned scholars, academics, and The Peninsula a session titled ‘Supported Inde- The conference was jointly “Qatar is quickly becoming a of policymakers at the highest aspiring learners. pendent Living’, one of the core organised by the Ministry of net-exporter of best practice in level worldwide,” said Egbert Also next week, HBKU’s utism research conducted subjects of the WISH 2016 report, Health of the Royal Government healthcare policy. Other countries Schillings, CEO of WISH. College of Islamic Studies will by The World Innovation ‘Autism: A Global Framework for of Bhutan, Ministry of Health & are increasingly looking to Qatar The objective of the confer- host a public lecture titled ASummit for Health (WISH) Action’, co-authored by Dr Azeem. Family Welfare of the Government to learn from its progressive health ence was to provide a platform for “The Prophet Muhammad was presented at the International Dr Azeem said, “Policymak- of the People’s Republic of Bang- policies, with Autism being a per- policymakers to engage with (PBUH) as a Model for Conference on Autism and Neu- ers must focus on educating the ladesh, and World Health fect example. Just last week, Qatar experts and stakeholders in shar- Approaching Diversity in the rodevelopmental Disorders public on Autism Spectrum Dis- Organization (WHO). Health min- joined a small minority of nations ing knowledge and best practices 21st Century” tomorrow that (ANDD2017) in Thimphu, Bhutan, order (ASD) as well as support isters from the South-East Asia globally to launch a comprehen- on autism and neurodevelopmen- will take place at the college’s recently. early detection and diagnosis, region, international experts, indi- sive national strategy for ASD. We tal disorders. It also provided an building within Education Dr Muhammad Waqar Azeem, ensuring that children with ASD viduals with autism and their are delighted that Dr Waqar is car- opportunity to learn ways to align City. The talk will be delivered chair of psychiatry at Sidra Med- and their caregivers have access caregivers, legislators, bureau- rying the message of broad country specific strategies with by Jonathan AC Brown from ical and Research Centre (Sidra), to evidence-based therapies and crats, and representatives from support for people with autism to sustainable development goals, as Georgetown University, who and academic co-chair of WISH other support in the civil society attended the new audiences and that the WISH well as promote cooperation and is a leading American scholar 2016 forum on Autism, moderated community.” conference. report helps inform the decisions partnerships between nations. of Islamic studies and author. QLM honours medical providers for supporting free health check-up

The Peninsula

Life & Medical Insurance Company (QLM) — Qatar’s Qleading Health & Life Insurer —honoured its medical providers, Turkish Hospital, Al Safa Clinic, Abeer Clinic and Naseem Al Rabeeh Clinic, for extending support during the free health check-up for World Health Day. During the ceremony which was held at the QIC Head- quarters, the medical providers were awarded an honor plaque by Salem Al Mannai, Deputy Group President & CEO of QIC Mena region. Al Mannai said, “We are Salem Al Mannai, Deputy Group President & CEO of QIC Mena region, and other officials with representatives from Turkish Hospital, Al Safa Clinic, Abeer Clinic thankful to our medical providers and Naseem Al Rabeeh Clinic, who were honoured at the event. for extending their support for ensuring a successful completion of such a magnanimous event. promoting health awareness and medical providers offered free & Poor’s, QLM differentiates itself has established itself as a pioneer a wide network of medical serv- Besides demonstrating the deep wellness in all the citizens and res- medical check-up on for all Qatari from its peers by delivering in the medical insurance sector in ice providers, QLM is well ties we share with our medical idents of the nation.” nationals and expatriates (whether bespoke and innovative medical Qatar, with its highly experienced positioned to deliver the world providers, it also brings to the fore To commemorate World insured with QLM or not). insurance solutions with in-house team of experts coupled class healthcare services to its our common interest of Health Day, QLM along with its Rated ‘A/Stable’ by Standard unmatched customer service. QLM with innovative technologies and multicultural client base. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 HOME 07 Over 1,000 attend QF’s Teaching and Learning Forum

The Peninsula lenges of tomorrow.” This year’s forum, This year’s forum featured ore than 1,000 presentations from more than 40 teachers, educa- sponsored by schools and organisations from tion leaders and ExxonMobil in Qatar, across the region, including policymakers is further designed to teachers from QF and other local from across Qatar inspire and motivate schools, bringing together a Mand the region attended Qatar diverse range of experiences and Foundation’s fourth annual teachers to reach for innovation led practice. Teaching and Learning Forum the highest level of Sheikha Noof Ahmed Al at the Qatar National Conven- student engagement Thani, Executive Director of EDI, tion Centre (QNCC). PUE, said: “The Teaching and The event organised by the and achievement. Learning Forum strives to lay Education Development Insti- down the foundations for a cul- tute (EDI), part of QF’s ture of excellence, by exchanging Pre-University Education (PUE), The Teaching and Learning expertise, ideas and best prac- aims to showcase the most Forum falls under QF’s year- tices, and encouraging teachers dynamic, innovative and effec- round professional development to enhance their professional tive presentations and program, and is designed to pro- skills continuously. The success workshops from top interna- vide educators with the of this year’s edition will cer- tional education professionals. opportunity to share knowledge tainly contribute to the This year’s forum, sponsored by and discuss industry issues, while amelioration of the standard of ExxonMobil in Qatar, was fur- enhancing the education system education in Qatar, producing ther designed to inspire and by empowering teachers. graduates and global citizens motivate teachers to reach for Commenting on the forum, who will ultimately lead Qatar the highest level of student Buthaina Al Nuaimi, President of to become a more sustainable FROM LEFT: Dr Hassan Al Derham, President of Qatar University; Alistair Routledge, President engagement and achievement. PUE, QF, said: “In just four years, and diverse economy.” and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar; H E Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani; Buthaina Al The forum featured interna- EDI’s Teaching and Learning Additional guest speakers Nuaimi, President, Pre-University Education, QF; and Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad bin J Al tional experts, motivational Forum has become one of the pre- included Katherine Merseth and speakers and authors in the field miere annual teaching Dr Deborah Jewell Sherman, both Thani, Director of Public Health Department, the Ministry of Public Health, and Qatar Academy of education, technology and lead- conferences not only in Qatar, but leading educators at the Harvard Doha Board Member at the Forum. ership, including astronaut Dr Mae throughout the region. This impor- Graduate School of Education; Dr Jemison, who gave the keynote tant forum constitutes an integral Mahmoud Al Batal, a leading Alistair Routledge, President help improve the quality of edu- and societies.” speech at the conference’s open- part of QF’s drive to ensure inno- author and voice in Arabic lan- and General Manager for Exxon- cation in Qatar’s schools by Through the Teaching and ing session. Dr Jemison was the vation and knowledge sharing guage education; and Tom Mobil Qatar said: “We are providing teachers with the tools Learning Forum, EDI, is support- first African American woman to remain central to building crea- Shimmer, an independent educa- delighted to be involved in Edu- and skills needed to inspire stu- ing QF’s mission to promote a travel in space, and Nasa’s first sci- tive educational strategies and to tion consultant from Vancouver, cation Development Institute’s dents to excel, especially in STEM culture of lifelong learning in ence specialist, performing helping our teachers prepare Canada, who is an internationally Teaching and Learning Forum subjects. We believe that quality Qatar and to further advance its experiments in material science, today’s young men and women recognised expert in the areas of 2017 once again as its main spon- education ultimately helps citi- commitment to education in life science and human adapta- with the skills, knowledge, and assessment, grading, RTI, and edu- sor. This important event is in zens work together to create helping shape the future of the tion to weightlessness. tools they need to face the chal- cational leadership. line with our broader efforts to strong, sustainable institutions nation. Toyota celebrates double win at Middle East Car of the Year awards

The Peninsula world. Representative of Middle East What makes the Prius par- and North Africa Representative oyota has once again ticularly innovative is the Office, Toyota Motor Corpora- achieved success in the presence of two power sources tion, said, “We are pleased and T2017 Middle East Car of the in the form of the sophisticated proud to have been honoured Year (MECOTY) awards, the big- electric motor and petrol engine. with two awards at MECOTY gest and most prestigious awards Thanks to the harmonious blend 2017. Toyota Prius, which won Managing programme for the regional of the twin power sources, the the ‘Future of Motoring’ award, automotive sector. car moves off under full electric is an illustration of Toyota’s The Toyota Prius bagged the power right from the start, using belief that hybrids can make a social accounts ‘Future of Motoring’ special cat- no petrol at all, producing zero difference to our future mobil- egory award, while the Toyota emissions and delivering excep- ity and our planet’s wellbeing. requires special Fortuner was named the ‘Best tional performance. The owner At the same time, Toyota For- Midsize SUV’. The winners were does not even need to worry tuner, winner of the ‘Best Midsize skills & network chosen by a jury of 15 independ- about charging the hybrid bat- SUV’ title, has rewritten the rules ent motoring journalists from tery – the smart Prius will take in its class with its rugged and → Continued from page 1 leading automotive publications care of it by charging it through tough styling, abundant family- Mohamed Al Mohannadi throughout the Middle East and the petrol engine or when brak- friendly features and superb (pictured) said that he had North Africa. ing and decelerating. off-road capabilities and the followers from all over Helping to mitigate the envi- The Prius also offers an award further underscores the Qatar and even from other ronmental effects of automobiles impressive fuel economy of 26.1 prominent position it enjoys in GCC countries. has long been a priority for Toy- km/L, which means that when this segment in the region.” "Managing such ota. Based on the stance that you have a full tank (capacity of Yoshitsugu added, “Toyota’s Award-winning Toyota Prius (top) and Toyota Fortuner. accounts are not an easy environmentally-friendly vehi- 43 litres), you can easily drive passion for automotive excel- task as it requires special cles can only truly have a over 1,000km in ideal condi- lence is fuelled by the support year, builds on its heritage of comfortable, but also a more skills and network. To significant positive impact if they tions, making the vehicle and loyalty of our customers. As being a durable sport utility vehi- refined way to get out there and ensure extensive coverage are widely used, Toyota has extremely fuel-efficient. As of we celebrate our success at cle (SUV) with impressive explore. of Al Khor and its issues, I encouraged the mass-market January 31, 2017, Toyota esti- MECOTY 2017, I express my sin- off-road capabilities. With the The MECOTY awards inte- have a team of three persons adoption of hybrid vehicles mated that the use of Toyota’s cere appreciation to our latest Fortuner, Toyota has grates a unique nomination and (I call them hidden assist- across the globe. HVs in lieu of conventional gaso- customers across the region for focused on creating a more dis- scoring methodology and is the ants) because it is difficult Toyota launched Prius — the line-powered vehicles of similar putting their faith in Toyota and tinctive, sleek and powerful biggest and most prestigious for a single person to han- world’s first mass-produced size and driving performance has continuously inspiring us to cre- design while improving per- awards programme for the dle the whole job and cover hybrid passenger vehicle — in resulted in approximately 77 mil- ate ‘ever-better cars’.” formance and adding a wide regional automotive sector, all newsworthy events in Al December 1997. Since then, Toy- lion fewer tonnes of CO2 The second-generation Toy- variety of intelligent features that which is developed, tested and Khor," he added. ota hybrid vehicles (HV) have emissions and saved approxi- ota Fortuner, a 7-seater SUV with increase convenience and safety, implemented by the most expe- Mohannadi said that received tremendous support mately 29 million km of petrol. full-fledged 4WD capability, and that not only make the drive rienced ‘motoring minds’ of the authorities used to support from consumers around the Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief launched in the Middle East last highly enjoyable and industry. him and "provide what I need to make this a success". During summer, most of the advertisements come Aspire Football Festival for Schools kicks off today from resorts. The tariff of these adver- tisement on people's The Peninsula Al-Khattab, Al-Maha Academy, a draw and no points for losing. and students will attend the each adolescent player. personal social media Yarmuk, Khalid Bin Al-Walid, At the end of the group matches, opening ceremony that will take The Academy’s training phi- accounts varies from he Aspire Football Festival Khalid Bin Ahmad, Ussama Ibn the winning school in each group place at 9am. losophy is tailored to the QR20,000 to QR30,000. for Preparatory Schools Zayed, Doha, Al-Razi, Salah Al- will be rewarded as winner, Commenting on the event, capabilities, talents and goals of Some products' advertise- Twill kick off on the Aspire Din Al-Ayoubi, Ali Ibn Abi Talib, qualifying for the final round of Ali Saeed Al Marri, Manager of Qatar as a footballing nation. It ments also carried as low as Academy’s indoor and outdoor Muhmmad Bin Jassim Bin matches. Football Administration at Aspire follows a strategy that is geared QR5,000 to QR10,000. pitches today, with excitement Muhammad, the Islamic Insti- The semi-final matches will Academy, said: “The objective of towards the development of the Responding to a question among the participants and their tute, Imam Shafi, Abu Ubaidah take place on April 24 and will this festival is to discover foot- individual player, who should be on his average monthly families and friends alike build- in Shahaniya, Hamza Ibn Abdul- see six teams compete in two balling talents at this young age able to know what the game income from advertisements ing rapidly. mutalib, Abd Al-Rahman Bin groups. in preparatory schools. We tar- demands in any given Mohannadi said: “I can not The two-day festival features Jassim in Mesaieed, Abdullah Bin Top teams from each group get this age group as we select situation. tell you the exact amount 24 government schools and Ali Al-Misnad in Rawdat Rashed, will compete at their final match talents to join the Academy The Academy’s Scouting because it depends on var- forms part of the Academy’s and Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qais in on the indoor pitch. simultaneously while we work Department combines a team of ious factors and also varies ongoing efforts to both identify Simaisma. The winning teams at group, on identifying and developing international scouts and football according to season." national football talent and At the group stage, partici- semi-final stage, and the winner players who are talented enough analysts that are responsible for In some months of the engage the local community and pating teams will be divided into of the festival will receive cash to represent their country.” talent scouting. This team iden- year, I get many advertise- Qatar’s youth in building a foot- groups of four, competing prizes. The football programme of tifies and monitors players in ments and nothing in some balling generation ahead of the against each other in 20 minute Several QSL football stars Aspire Academy is recognised as clubs throughout Qatar, which other months. And the big- 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. games with no halftime or end and Qatar National Football one of the strongest in the world allows Aspire Academy to be gest amount I earned since The list of participating change. team coaches as well as Aspire in terms of talent detection and closer to the reality of the level I opened the account was schools includes: Ibn Kahldun, Teams will receive three Academy’s officials, participat- selection, as well as training, of players in Qatar throughout QR35,000”. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, Umar Ibn points for winning, one point for ing school principals, parents competition and evaluation of the season. 08 HOME / MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 Qatari charity opens training centre in India

Sanaullah Ataullah for up to 200 students in a year The Peninsula The centre will train in the area with a population of about 500,000. assim and Hamad bin Jas- and qualify technical The centre will train and sim Charitable Foundation, and professional qualify technical and profes- in collaboration with Sar- cadres in four main sional cadres in four main venjan Kokan Foundation, specialisations — specialisations — welding, elec- Jyesterday opened a QR3m tricity, mechanic and diesel worth vocational training cen- welding, electricity, mechanic to help the benefici- tre in Dabhol, in India's western mechanic and diesel aries to get job in big industries state of Maharashtra, to provide mechanic to help the operating in the region. professional education oppor- beneficiaries to get “The centre will help boost tunity to poor students in the the relations between Qatar and Officials during the inauguration of the vocational training centre in Dabhol, India. region. job in big industries India. The countries already The project “ Hamad Bin Jas- operating in the enjoyed historical relations in sim Industrial Training institute” region. various fields — social, cultural the way for a bright future and as Enron. Graduates of the insti- to begin in July according to the is located at a distance of about and trade,” said by Al Khatir, the enhance their job opportunities,” tute will be certified by the academic year of the country," 250km from Mumbai, the finan- Ambassador in his inaugural said Al Hajiri, the CEO of the Indian government and will be Hassan Chougule, Chairman of cial capital of India, in the Minister for Heavy Industries and speech. “Jassim Foundation is Foundation in his speech at the accommodated in existing fac- Kokan Development Society told hard-to-access mountain areas. Public Enterprises, Ramdas playing leading role in provid- event. The project costs nearly tories because of the high The Peninsula on the sideline of A chopper was pressed into Kadam, India's state Environ- ing humanitarian aid across the QR3m and expected to accom- demand for these technical the event. service to carry Qatari officials, ment Minister and Mohamad Al globe and the centre is best modate between 128 and 200 trades. Jassim and Hamad Bin "The candidates holding cer- local government representa- Hajiri , CEO of Jassim and Hamad example of such activities," said students annually. Jassim is a private and self- tificates of grade 8 to 10 could tives and special guests from bin Jassim Charitable Al Khatir. The specific region was funded Charitable Foundation apply for the admission. The Mumbai to Dabhol to participate Foundation. “The centre will prepare gen- selected for the implementation that aims to assist and empower most deserving students with in the opening ceremony. The centre was built in col- erations capable of keeping of the project because of the vulnerable communities through special focus on poor and mar- The event was attended by laboration with a local abreast of the latest professions, presence of a number of major its long-term development ginalised section of the Mohamad bin Khater Al Khater, development society “Kokan including solid knowledge, clear companies and factories. It has projects that focus on sustaina- community will benefit from the Ambassador of Qatar to India, Sarvangin” in three years, wit the vision and use of the up-to-date three of the largest shipyards, as bility and holistic approaches. programmes offered by the cen- Anant Geete, India's Union aim to offer vocational courses technical developments to pave well as energy companies such “The registration is expected tre," he added. Area of Algeria expelled 55 migrants across border: Morocco each plot Rabat in several groups before being reported that the Syrians had groups, without access to water its territory, most of them from AFP "surrounded" by the Algerian been left to their fate in the bor- or food. sub-Saharan Africa. estimated at police amid searing heat in the der region as Morocco prevented In mid-March, a Moroccan Rabat insists its migration orocco has accused Alge- rugged terrain, according to the them from entering its migrant rights group, GADEM, policy is "humane and generous" 15,000 sqm ria of expelling 55 Syrian Moroccan authorities. territory. reported that around 30 sub- — in contrast, it says, with the Mmigrants across the Rabat condemned its North The ministry's statement did Saharan migrants had been policy of its Algerian rival. countries' shared border, criti- African neighbour's "inhumane not say whether they had been arrested in Morocco then left In January 2014, Morocco → Continued from page 1 cising it for "inhumane behaviour" towards the migrants allowed to seek asylum in stranded in no man's land summoned Algeria's ambassa- The area of each plot is behaviour" in the latest row who included "women and chil- Morocco. "This is not the first between Morocco and Algeria, dor to protest its alleged estimated at 15,000 sqm. between the North African rivals. dren in a very vulnerable time that the Algerian authori- having been deported from both expulsion of Syrians across their Potential investors have been The migrants were sent situation". ties have expelled immigrants to countries. common border. invited to present their offers across the frontier near the The expulsion was "contrary Moroccan territory," it said. Morocco adopted a new Algeria responded in kind, by June 18. There is a joint desert town of Figuig, Morocco's to the rules of good neighbour- An NGO official in Figuig, migration policy in 2013. In saying its border guards had committee from the MEC and interior ministry said in a liness advocated by Morocco," it who requested anonymity, said December it launched a new merely refused to allow Syrians the Ministry of Education and statement. added. the migrants were still stuck at campaign to regularise the sta- deported by Morocco to enter its Higher Education to assess They had reached the area The Moroccan media the border yesterday in two tus of clandestine migrants on territory. the offers. The committee has offered the investment opportunities in cooperation with the Ministry of Educa- Taking position tion and Higher Education for 3-year-old orphan of development and operation of private schools. The projects will be man- militancy trapped in jail aged based on Design, Building, Financing and Operation (DBFO) contracts Tunis in February 2016, Tamim has for educational institutions. AP been living among some two The investor who dozen Tunisian women and achieves 70% and higher in lmost the only home this their children in Tripoli's Mitiga the evaluation will be eligible toddler has known is a prison, raised by a woman who and one investor will be ALibyan prison. He already herself willingly joined the IS selected for each plot. If more marked one birthday there and group. The captives are under than one investor has submit- in a few days will reach another, guard by a militia that tightly ted offers for the same plot, turning 3. His parents, both controls access to the group, the one who gets a better Islamic State group members, despite repeatedly claiming they assessment will be given pref- were killed in an airstrike. have no interest in preventing erence, said the committee. Tamim Jaboudi is among their return home. The Technical Commit- hundreds of children fathered "What is this young child's tee had conducted a survey by the IS's foreign fighters or sin that he is in jail with crimi- seeking investors’ views and brought to the self-proclaimed nals?" asked Faouzi Trabelsi, the suggestions on how to invest caliphate by their parents who boy's grandfather who has trav- in these projects, the type of are now imprisoned or in limbo elled twice to Libya trying to educational projects they are with nowhere to go, collateral retrieve the boy and twice planning to establish, target victims as the militant group returned home emptyhanded. group of students (co-educa- Yemeni fighters loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni president hold a hill-top position retreats and home countries "If he grows up there, what kind tion or single-sex), time northwest of the central city of Taiz. hesitate to take them back. of attitude will he have toward needed to develop designs, Since his parents were killed his homeland?" construction and conditions needed to be fulfilled by developers and investors. Seventy six percent of interested investors partici- Tunisia beach massacre case set for May 26 pated in the survey said that there were interested to invest in education serving children Tunis 38 people, including 30 British security to prevent or respond between the age of 4 and 18 AFP tourists and three Irish citizens, to an attack" from the beach, he years (from pre-schools to in a shooting spree at the Riu quoted the Tunisian report given higher secondary schools). A he first public hearing into Imperial Marhaba Hotel. to Britain as saying. total of 45 people participated the June 2015 attack in the The attack was claimed by More than 20 months after in the survey and 87 percent TTunisian resort of Sousse the Islamic State militants group. the massacre, London still of them were companies and that killed 38 foreign tourists has The killings have also been advises against non-essential 51 percent said they would been set for next month, the the subject of an inquest in travel to Tunisia, a restriction introduce British prosecution said. Britain. Tunis would like to see lifted. curriculum. "The trial on the attack at the In February, Judge Nicholas Before the beach attack, The initiative aims to pro- Imperial Marhaba Hotel will Loraine-Smith said after several more than 400,000 British tour- vide quality education by begin on May 26," spokesman weeks of hearings that the Tuni- ists visited the North African improving the infrastructure Sofiene Sliti said. sian police response to the country each year. and also to accommodate A total of 33 people are being massacre was "at best shambolic, Last year, just 20,000 Brit- international students over the prosecuted in the case, includ- at worst cowardly". Tourists lie under the jets inside a swimming pool in the ish visitors were logged, official coming years, the Committee ing six members of the security "Their response could and figures show. The Imperial Imperial Merhaba Hotel in Port el-Kantaoui, Tunis. added.The committee com- forces who are charged with "not should have been more effec- Marhaba Hotel, which had been prises representatives from assisting people in danger". tive," he said. January 2015 on security at lawyer representing 20 victims' closed since June 26, 2015, reo- different ministries and gov- On June 25, 2015, gunman A report by a British embassy hotels was also read out in court families. "There seems to be lit- pened on Tuesday with the new ernment bodies concerned. Seifeddine Rezgui killed staff member conducted in in London by Andrew Ritchie, a tle in the way of effective name of the Kantaoui Bay Hotel. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Iraqi forces retake two more Mosul districts

Mosul Military advances A reporter, standing within Reuters sight of the mosque, saw heavy Iraqi forces have smoke in that area after an air ushing carts loaded taken much of Mosul strike. with bags, babies and from the militants The US-trained Counter-Ter- the elderly, hundreds who overran the city rorism Service (CTS) has retaken of people fled Mosul in June 2014. The the nearby al-Thaura and al- yesterday after Iraqi military now controls Saha districts, statements said. Pforces retook two more districts CTS commander Major Gen- the eastern districts in the west of the city from eral Maan Saadi said his troops and are making Islamic State (IS). were linking up with Iraq’s Fed- After walking for miles, fam- advances in the west. eral Police moving in on the Old ilies were taken by bus from a City from a different position. government checkpoint in the “We are completing the south of the city to camps hous- Old City, are surrounded in the encirclement of the terrorists in ing more than 410,000 people northwest and are using booby the Old City,” he told Reuters. displaced since the offensive to traps, sniper and mortar fire to Hundreds of thousands of retake Mosul began in October. defend themselves. civilians are still trapped in west- “We left with no water, food Yesterday, artillery and gun ern Mosul, where Iraqi forces are or electricity,” said fire could be heard as families making slow progress against 63-year-old Abu Qahtan, the arrived from Hay Al Tanak dis- Islamic State in what is a laby- elder of a group of 41 people trict which they said was still half rinth of narrow streets. from five families. “We left with controlled by the militants. As of April 20, some 503,000 the clothes on our backs.” Troops, backed by helicop- people have been displaced from Iraqi forces have taken much ters, were moving towards the Mosul, of which 91,000 have of Mosul from the militants who al-Nuri mosque where, nearly returned, a spokeswoman for the overran the city in June 2014. The three years ago, Islamic State UN refugee agency UNHCR said, military now controls the east- leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi citing government figures. ern districts and are making announced his self-declared Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest Displaced Iraqis walk near damaged buildings after the battle between the Iraqi Counter advances in the west. caliphate spanning parts of Iraq city, is the militants’ last urban IS fighters, holding out in the and Syria. stronghold in the country. Terrorism Service and Islamic State militants in western Mosul, yesterday.

Uganda charges Missiles damage hospital in Syria: Opposition 13 over death of Beirut missiles, likely fired from land, have also survivors, lifting nine medical staff as a terrorism would not cease as long as there top policeman AP hit the underground center, penetrating search continued for four still missing. is any terrorist "desecrating the sanctity it and causing serious damage to the The Aleppo Today group said three of the Syrian soil." issiles struck a medical center in underground facility. Airstrikes followed, medical staff members were presumed He made the remarks as he presided KAMPALA: Thirteen people Syria's northern rebel-held prov- the Observatory said. killed. over a meeting of the central committee have been indicted includ- Mince, putting the facility built International medical charities say According to Physicians for Human of the ruling Syrian Arab Socialist Baath ing on terrorism charges underground for protection out of serv- Syrian government forces target hospi- Rights, government and allied Russian Party. over the murder of Uganda's ice and killing a number of its staff, tals, clinics and ambulances in forces have killed 727 medical workers in Assad said the US strikes against a Syr- second most prominent opposition activists said yesterday. opposition-held areas. To protect against the course of the conflict. ian military base in the country' center policeman, killed outside his The Britain-based Syrian Observatory the targeting, many opposition-area med- The attacked medical center in Abdin following the Idlib chemical attack were house last month, police for Human Rights reported that airstrikes ical facilities have set up their operations is only a few kilometers (miles) north of in response to the "terrorists'" defeat in said. had seriously damaged the medical center underground. Khan Sheikhoun, the town that was hit the central city of Hama's countryside, Assistant Inspector Gen- in Abdin village, in Idlib. The activist-run The attack against the Abdin medical earlier this month with a chemical attack where they had launched an offensive. eral of Police Andrew Aleppo Today media group also reported center caused fires and killed a person in that left more than 80 people killed. Assad's government, which denied using Kaweesi, who served as the on the airstrikes. the vicinity, the Observatory said. Rescue In Damascus Saturday, Syrian Presi- chemical weapons in the Idlib attack, calls force's spokesman and was But later the Observatory said workers sifted through the rubble to find dent Bashar Assad said his war on all armed opposition groups terrorists. one of the country's most high-profile officers, was killed on March 17 along with two other officers. The suspects appeared Traditional entertainment Anti-Mugabe coalition before a magistrate's court in Kampala on Friday. "The police arraigned 13 suspects takes shape in Zimbabwe before the court. They were charged with terrorism, mur- der and aggravated robbery," Harare But another stumbling police spokesman Asan Kas- AFP block is apathy. ingye said. "The opposition leaders They were remanded in resident Robert Mugabe's must find strategies to get the custody until May 5, when grip on power has faced people to participate," Masepe they will reappear in court, Plittle recent threat from said. "The majority... don't." he said, adding: "Inquiries are Zimbabwe's splintered oppo- On Wednesday, Morgan currently going on to appre- sition, but efforts to forge a Tsvangirai, leader of the Move- hend other suspects who are unified alliance in next year's ment for Democratic Change still on the run." election could test his (MDC), held a joint press con- supremacy. ference with Mugabe's former Any opposition bloc vice president Joice Mujuru, Nigerian police would first have to overcome who has set up the National fierce rivalries within their People's Party. rescue kidnapped various camps, and then hold "This is just the beginning," together in an intense and Tsvangirai said as the two Turkish men often violent political land- signed a pact to work together scape dominated by to try and topple Mugabe in Onitsha Mugabe's ZANU-PF party. next year's poll. Reuters Two deals between oppo- The following day, Tsvan- Members of a traditional music group perform on the medina, the old city of Tunis in sition parties signed this week girai signed another pact to NIGERIAN police have res- Tunis yesterday. represent an embryonic re-unite with the MDC-N, cued two Turkish men attempt to forge an alternative which split away in 2005, and kidnapped earlier this month to Mugabe's rule, which began is led by the influential Welsh- in the country’s southeast, a with independence from Brit- man Ncube. police official said ain in 1980. The MDC has been weak- yesterday. Now aged 93 and in weak ened by repeated splits, and The pair, who worked for Turkey to offer EU new visa proposal health, Mugabe has struggled was badly fractured by Tsvan- a construction company, were to maintain control over ZANU- girai's troubled term as abducted on April 11 in the PF. The party has been hit by Mugabe's prime minister in a town of Eket in Akwa Ibom Anakra the [refugee] deal would be for visa waiver for Turks visit- infighting and public frustra- coalition government from state, in the country’s Niger Anatolia completed in a positive way, ing the EU. tion over the country's 2009 until 2013. Delta energy hub. Kidnapping otherwise it would come to a While the plan successfully economic woes. "We owe it to future gener- for ransom is common in some nkara will present a new standstill,” he said. reduced refugee flows, the The strife presents an ations, we owe it to ourselves parts of Nigeria. document in May on its The EU and Turkey agreed European Commission opportunity to the opposition to do everything that we can to “The two Turkish nation- Avisa-free deal with the EU in March last year on a plan to demanded Ankara to fulfill only if they can unify, accord- make sure that come 2018 we als were rescued by police on which if not accepted would put stop migration through illegal seven outstanding criteria out ing to Alois Masepe, a won't fail," Ncube said. the 19th of April,” said Oke- the refugee deal with the bloc at channels in the Aegean Sea by of a total of 72, including "revis- Harare-based political analyst. In 2008, Tsvangirai pulled chukwu Chukwu, a deputy a standstill, Minister for EU cracking down on human traf- ing legislation and practices on "It is a move in the right direc- out of a run-off against Mugabe superintendent in Akwa Ibom Affairs Omer Celik said fickers and improving the terrorism in line with European tion," he said of steps toward after a wave of deadly violence, state. “No casualty was yesterday. conditions of nearly 3 million standards". the alliance. vote-rigging and voter intimi- recorded during their rescue In an interview with televi- Syrian refugees in Turkey. Ankara has repeatedly ruled "A fragmented opposition dation from ZANU-PF but five suspects were arrested. sion channel CNN Turk, Celik Under the agreement, out any such revision. does not help anyone except operatives. No ransom was paid, and said Turkey was doing its part Ankara agreed to take back Celik said it was Turkey’s ZANU-PF." This week's pacts, however, investigations are ongoing. The in the deal with EU. all Syrians who crossed into right to get a visa-free regime Anything less than unity are fledgling. Turks have been reunited with He said the refugee deal the Greek islands illegally from the EU since Ankara had would mean near-inevitable "More still needs to be done their families.” between the two sides would from Turkey, and the EU done its part of the agreement. victory for Mugabe. to unravel the matrix of cheat- There was an increase in continue if the EU accepted promised to take in the same He added that Turkey res- The going is tough, after ing by ZANU-PF," warned crime in the Niger Delta last Ankara’s fresh offer that would number of Syrian refugees cued the European Union and decades of repression, vote-rig- Takavafira Zhou, a political sci- year that coincided with a be submitted in May. from Turkey. its political map by taking care ging and ZANU-PF violence entist at Masvingo State series of attacks on energy “If they accept our proposal, The agreement also called of millions of refugees. during campaigning. University. facilities. 10 VIEWS SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL A barbaric attack he killing of at least 140 Afghan soldiers on Friday by the Taliban, which has been called the deadliest attack ever on an Afghan military base, brings into sharp focus the ascendancy of the insurgency in Afghanistan. TTaliban has been rising and expanding its presence since the departure of US forces, and despite the best efforts of the government of President Ashraf Ghani, the Emir’s visit to Africa: A militants are nowhere near being defeated. The attack is another stark reminder that the militant group would resort to any heinous and barbaric method to kill their enemies, even trampling step in the right direction on the faith it professes to follow. Around 10 Taliban fighters, dressed in Afghan army uniforms and driving military vehicles, entered the military base in Mazar-i- Reports related to the visit of the Sharif and opened fire on unarmed soldiers eating and Dr Mohammad Saleh Al Misfer Emir to Ethiopia (which was pre- leaving a mosque after Friday prayers. The Peninsula ceded by the visit of the Father Emir It was a cowardly and dastardly attack due to the H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al time they chose to launch it – Friday noon, when every Thani), mentioned that the Emir dis- Muslim, whether he is a soldier or layman, thinks about cussed many issues including bilateral relations and issues of the obligatory prayers. It is clear from the heavy toll that All this is happening while the soldiers hadn’t expected the militants to launch an he recent visit of Emir H H Sheikh Arab and international interest. The attack at that time. For maximum impact, the militants Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to several two parties signed several agree- the Arabs are ignoring used rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, and several African countries was a step in the right ments for cooperation in different the importance of Kenya detonated suicide vests packed with explosive. direction, Africa being an important areas.The call is open for all Arabs and its status. No doubt At the same time, the attack exposes the continent for the Arabs in general and to strengthen their ties with the Tthe Gulf countries in particular. neighboring Ethiopia, and intensify that the Qatari leadership unpreparedness and inefficiency of Afghan forces. Attacks on Friday gatherings and at mosques are Its importance comes from its vitality and the their presence there instead of leav- realises the importance continent is rich with different types of resources ing the African content to Iran to nothing new. The military of this country, and the which are waiting for investors to utilize. implement its agendas. should have ensured the The moment the Emir landed in Ethiopia, the During the visit the Emir visit has come to enhance security of its men and media of General Abdul Fattah Al Sisi’s unleashed instructed to establish loan portfolio the cultural and economic installed the necessary criticism not only against the Emir’s visit to the for supporting small and medium ties. The visit of the Emir The deadliest systems to prevent the Federal Republic of Ethiopia but also his visit to projects aiming to create job oppor- came after the visit of the attack on infiltration of militants. countries in the Horn of Africa including Kenya. tunities for the Ethiopian youth . an Afghan The attack also starkly We know that there is a problem between The Emir also ordered to fund con- Kenyan President, Uhuru military base highlights the struggle by the Egypt and Ethiopia over the Dam of Renaissance struction of a specialty hospital in Kenyatta, to Doha during Afghan government and its which is under construction at the sources of nephrology which is one of the which Qatari and Kenyan by the Taliban international backers to Nile. It is a project which may greatly affect projects the country needs. businessmen signed a shows that the defeat the Taliban which Egypt’s interests if its share from the Nile water is Another important African government in has been expanding its reduced as Egypt and Sudan heavily depend on country visited by the Emir was number of economic Kabul needs a presence and capturing the water flowing through the Nile from the Ethi- South Africa, which concluded his agreements. more land. new strategy opian Plateau. visit to Africa. No doubt there is The militants have Ironically, some of the drum beating journal- similarities between the political to defeat the grabbed a major victory ists in Cairo have gone to the extent of claiming history of the people of Palestine militants. because they have been able that there is conspiracy against the dear country and the people of South Africa. As to strike the headquarters of Egypt. I am not going to argue against the Egyp- Palestinians are still resisting the investment. The two sides signed the Afghan National Army’s tian media, but my hope was that Egyptians white racist regime of Zionism economic agreements aiming to 209th Corps, which is would take advantage the Emir’s visit to Ethiopia which occupied Palestine and dis- increase trade exchange to more responsible for much of to raise their concerns in coordination with the placed its people, South Africans than one billion dollar by 2022. northern Afghanistan. It was a narrow escape for Qatari leadership. Instead of utilising the position have also passed through very simi- Along with Ethiopia and South foreign troops because the Nato-led coalition deploys of Qatar and its reputation in mediating in dis- lar situation of struggle against the Africa, The Emir also visited Kenya, advisers to the base where the attack occurred for putes to resolve the Egyptian – Ethiopian Apartheid regime. which obtained its independence in training of Afghan forces but differences over the construction of the dam, why The hot issues of the Middle East 1963 and has a population of 36 mil- no foreign troops were injured or killed. do they engage in a such media controversies including Palestine, situation in lion. Kenya is one of the most After launching its deadliest attack ever on an which have no benefit for any of us. Libya, Syria and Yemen were on the beautiful African states, rich with Afghan military base, the Taliban will now try to Ethiopia is one of the important counties in top of the agenda during the natural resources and wildlife. ‘improve’ its record. President Ashraf Ghani and his Africa with a population of more than 94 mil- meeting. It is the East African gate to Cen- forces will have to work harder to thwart future attacks lions, 48 million out of this are Muslims (around South Africa is the biggest, the tral Africa and it is the country from an emboldened Taliban. Afghanistan needs a new 55 to 65 percent). most developed and richest country which has the potential to lead the strategy to defeat the Taliban, a strategy which the Unfortunately most of the Arab countries in Africa, with a population of 54 East African states in the near future. government in Kabul cannot devise on its own. Nato are not paying this country the kind of attention millions, livestock estimated at 30 Iran realized the importance of and the rest of the international community need to deserving its status. Arabs have relations with million with a huge agricultural Kenya and its status in East Africa, Ethiopia since the early days of Islam, which is potential as well as minerals includ- therefore established a cultural support Afghanistan in more ways if they don’t want the known with the first migration ( Hijra) of the ing gold. It is a country ranked first center to promote relations. country to slip into permanent chaos and instability. Companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in production of The center conducts weekly cul- from Makkah to Abyssinia, the land which uranium , diamond tural activities promoting Shiism. encompassed the current Eritrea and Ethiopia. and many other Iran is heavily investing in the coun- Iran never get tired of expanding its Persian precious minerals try under the guise of cultural Empire in all directions. The former Minister of where there is relations to control brains of illiter- Foreign Affairs of Iran Mohammed Kharazi vis- scope for ate people in order to make them QUOTE OF THE DAY ited Ethiopia in 2002, and followed by visit of the supporters of Iran in the future. Foreign Minister Ali Akbr Salehi next year and All this is happening while the both the ministers met with the Ethiopian During the visit, the Emir Arabs are ignoring the importance leaders. instructed to establish loan of Kenya and its status. No doubt We truly believe that, as Kharazi presented eight big buses to the Min- that the Qatari leadership realises our allies in the region istry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia as gift from the portfolio for supporting the importance of this country, and China bring that Iranian government. The Irani government has small and medium and the visit has come to enhance pressure to bear, there established cultural centers to promote Shia doc- projects aiming to create the cultural and economic ties. trine, and encourage needy people to embrace job opportunities for the The visit of the Emir came after is a chance that we can Shiism. Tehran is working through its cultural the visit of the Kenyan President , achieve a historic objective attaché with support from the foreign ministry Ethiopian youth . The Uhuru Kenyatta, to Doha during of a nuclear-free Korea which is seeking to open a section for teaching Emir also ordered to fund which Qatari and Kenyan business- the Persian Language in the University of Addis construction of a specialty men signed a number of economic peninsula by peaceful Ababa, which is the largest university in Ethiopia agreements. mean. with over 70,000 students. hospital in nephrology Finally, I hope Arab counties Where are the Arabs while all the Irani move- which is one of the would pay more attention to Africa Mike Pence ments are involved in the Horn of Africa and in projects the country needs. which is a supporter of issues of US Vice-President the content in general? related to justice and human rights. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 OPINION 11 Absurdity is questioning a dictator’s motives

people. So why is it that these Malak Chabkoun activists aren’t expressing any Al Jazeera outrage against the Assad regime, instead choosing to defend it? They do not question the fact Israel is using interna- ashar Al Assad is bad. He has been tionally prohibited weapons on murdering his own people for more civilians when “it clearly has the than six years now. Before that, his upper hand”. father did the same. And not once in Russia and Iran have been the decades the Assad family has held in Syria for years now, both as Bpower in Syria did it need “justification” for its occupiers, and both commit- crimes against humanity. ting crimes against humanity. Thus, a confirmed nerve agent attack on Yet, it is only when the US or Khan Sheikhoun, one of many chemical weap- Israel strikes an Arab nation ons attackscommitted by the regime, is not out that anti-war groups wake up of the ordinary! Pro-Syrian revolution individu- to protest, publishing state- als or organisations who say that Assad ments on the sovereignty of committed chemical attacks on Khan Sheikhoun Syria and protesting while are not calling for World War III — they are holding photos of the Syrian simply naming the aggressor, as they have been dictator Bashar Al Assad. doing for more than six years. And when Syrians against Assad knows, six years in, that the entire Assad, living in the West as refu- international community isn’t willing to take gees, counter their narratives, they concrete steps resulting in his removal. And that are silenced or accused of sup- is why it is completely ridiculous to even enter- porting terrorism. tain questions like: “Why would the regime do This type of selective solidarity Internally displaced children, who fled with others the shelling on the southern city of Deraa, play this?”; “Why would the regime use chemical wastes the time and energy of Syr- weapons?”; “Why would the regime use chemi- outside tents in the surrounding plains of the city in Syria ian journalists and civil society cal weapons on Khan Sheikhoun?” activists who are continually being Dictators kill because they can. They use Khan Sheikhoun Furthermore, the regime and Russia have put on the defensive. chemical weapons because they are simply Located about 90km from the Turkish border, continued to use chlorine to bomb Syrian civil- This dehumanisation of the another tool at their disposal. It is not sur- the town of Khan Sheikhoun falls on the Damascus- ians and Internally displaced people, as well as Syrian people by the very activists prising that a regime which has dropped Aleppo International Highway. Its civilian local napalm, white phosphorus (or incendiary) who say they stand for human countless barrel bombs on its own people council is led by Osama Al Sayadi. No armed fac- bombs, cluster bombs, anti-aircraft missiles rights is incomprehensible. They and invited occupiers into its country would tions maintain a presence in the town after Jund Al and vacuum bombs, among others. Russia has send a clear message: they will use chemical weapons, and it is quite absurd Aqsa tried but failed to capture it earlier this year. even bragged about the weapons it has tested never be convinced of the regime’s that Syrians who have had to physically and Since its liberation from regime forces in on Syrian civilians. brutality, even if they witness it ideologically fight Assad, Russia, Iran, ISIL June 2014, the town has been and continues to Given this, the US’ declaration that its attack on themselves. and Al Qaeda all at once are constantly called be subjected to air strikes by the regime and its Shayrat airbase was a direct response to the use of upon to combat the narratives of these allies, including a strike hours after Trump chemical weapons was quite puzzling. It became The writer is an independent Middle “woke naysayers” when their bigger concern ordered the attacks on Shayrat air base. The even more puzzling when the US admitted it had East researcher and writer based in is surviving whatever the regime and its city is also home to thousands of internally dis- notified Russia, an ally of the regime, that the air the US. allies throw at them next. placed families from surrounding areas such as strikes were coming. rural Hama. But perhaps most puzzling of all is that even Initially, the regime and Russia claimed they had given these facts about Russia’s role as an enabler of carried out an air strike on “terrorist chemical the regime, self-proclaimed analysts still insisted on Since its liberation from weapons stores.” But journalists from the area, as circulating the regime’s official line: Syrians had regime forces in June 2014, well as a journalist from the Guardian, provided orchestrated the Khan Sheikhoun attack, with the the town has been and video and photographic evidence that in fact, what help of Al Qaeda, in order to incite a response from regime and Russian media sources were calling a the US. continues to be subjected to D-RING ROAD chemical weapons storage facility were actually POST BOX: 3488 air strikes by the regime and abandoned silos the regime had destroyed in air Selective solidarity its allies, including a strike strikes months earlier. When the Israeli army bombs Gaza, it is DOHA - QATAR hours after Trump ordered Russia enables the regime, and the US knows rightfully taken to account by both Arab and [email protected] this. Late 2013, the UN Security Council charged western pro-Palestine activists. After Israel’s the attacks on Shayrat air the US and Russia with removing the Assad major assault on Gaza in 2014 (Operation Pro- base. The city is also home regime’s chemical weapons stockpile. After sev- tective Edge), the very same people now EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE to thousands of internally eral delays and missed deadlines, the country questioning whether Assad’s regime was TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 displaced families from was declared to be rid of its chemical weapons responsible for the Khan Sheikhoun sarin attack FAX: +974 4455 7758 by mid-2014. were organising protests at that time and push- surrounding areas such as Mere months later, the UN raised concerns the ing for Israel to be punished. MANAGING EDITOR rural Hama. Assad regime had not fully disclosed all its chemical Assad, with the assistance of Russia and Iran, TEL: 4462 7505 weapons facilities. has been doing the same and worse to his own DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION Avoid rushing on Russia’s election role TEL: 4455 7743

the documents as “central to the Obama administra- levers and those of the intelligence services. So we have to guess BUSINESS NEWS SECTION tion’s conclusion” in January, the officials seem to whether [Trump] will win as he should or there will be falsifica- TEL: 4462 7535 Leonid Bershidsky identify the RISS as the architect of what many con- tion. Most likely, there will be desperate falsification. They will Bloomberg sider one of the most successful influence campaigns drag the grandma in.” SPORT NEWS SECTION in history. But that seriously overestimates the power The general added that the US electoral system had always TEL: 4455 7745 wielded by a group that was out of favor following been rigged to make sure “Trumps don’t get through.” The lines some serious missteps. were perfectly synchronised with Kremlin propaganda: On Octo- ONLINE SECTION n January, the US intelligence commu- RISS is not your run-of-the-mill think tank. ber 30, much of state TV’s main news show, Vesti Nedeli, hosted TEL: 4462 7501 nity accused the Kremlin of aiding Until 2009, it was part of the SVR, Russia’s foreign by Dmitry Kiselyov, was devoted to the ease of falsifying US elec- [email protected] Donald Trump’s presidential campaign intelligence service. Since that year, it’s been a nom- tion results. and refused to reveal the evidence that inally independent structure whose directors have Was the Kremlin directing the propaganda on Reshetnikov’s PUBLIC RELATIONS led to the claim — citing, understanda- been named by President Vladimir V. Putin himself. advice — or was Reshetnikov following the Kremlin? I suspect Ibly, the need to protect sources and At the time of the US election, RISS was run by Leo- it’s the latter, especially considering the RISS’s chilly assessment TEL: 4455 7613 methods. nid Reshetnikov, a superannuated general who had of Trump after he was elected. [email protected] In the coming months, the numerous served as head of the SVR’s analytical center and On November 21, the institute’s Igor Pshenichnikov penned a investigations into the affair could shed Balkans specialist. column for the state-owned RIA Novosti agency predicting ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT more light — they might even produce Reshetnikov is a Russian nationalist, close to the Trump would probably act like a “normal” Republican president, TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 smoking guns, resignations and indict- milieu that provided the volunteers who helped set one that would presumably clash with Russia as others have: “It’s FAX: 4455 7870 ments. But details are spilling out, and they off, and initially run, the pro-Russian rebellion in impossible to rule out that, once he comes into his own at the [email protected] are not bolstering the intelligence commu- eastern Ukraine. Ultimately, he was blamed for fail- White House, Trump will make two or three ritual bows to his nity’s conclusion. Indeed, the most recent ing to predict the Ukrainian revolution of 2014. backers from the American heartland and then take a more bal- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT revelation suggests they don’t understand Though Reshetnikov kept his job, a number of anced stand from the point of view of the American TEL: 4455 7857 who has influence in Moscow. other analysts were fired. One of them, Alexander establishment.” That wasn’t a popular view at the time even in [email protected] On Wednesday evening, Reuters pub- Sytin, poured out his grievances in a 2015 article . the US, and Russian state propaganda was jubilant about lished an exclusive based on interviews with “Signals started coming in from the Kremlin that it Trump’s victory and full of praise for his warm approach to SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION “three current and four former US. officials.” wasn’t prepared to get into a full-scale war with Putin. Why would the RISS design a plan to elect Trump only to TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 These unnamed sources described “two con- Ukraine,” Sytin wrote. “The culpability of the insti- warn against him afterwards? FAX: 44557819 fidential documents” from a Moscow think tute’s experts in adopting or supporting decisions If indeed US intelligence is basing its understanding of Rus- tank, the Russian Institute for Strategic Stud- that led Russia into a serious economic and interna- sia’s role in last year’s election on RISS documents, it should [email protected] ies (RISS), as “providing the framework and tional crisis became obvious.” The Kremlin installed reconsider. Under Reshetnikov, the institute became allied with rationale for what US intelligence agencies a consummate political professional, Vladislav far right forces in Moscow who have little influence over Kremlin have concluded was an intensive effort by Surkov, as eastern Ukraine’s ultimate overseer. policy. Putin might agree with them on some points, and he All thoughts and views Russia to interfere with the November 8 Reshetnikov’s track record alone makes it might use them unofficially to advance certain political goals, but expressed in these columns election.” unlikely that the Kremlin would listen to RISS — or, they are far from the only voice he hears. Indeed, after their mis- The first document, circulated in June, at any rate, to RISS alone — in a matter as important calculations in Ukraine, Putin seemed to distance himself from are those of the writers, not proposed a major propaganda campaign in as a campaign of interference in the US election. them. RISS is now run by a man cut from a different cloth — Mikhail of the newspaper. the US to promote a more Russia-friendly And there was nothing confidential about Reshet- Fradkov, the former prime minister and SVR chief who is more candidate than Barack Obama. The second nikov’s recommendation to “intensify its messaging worldly and whose background is in foreign trade rather than the All correspondence one, from October, warned that Hillary Clin- about voter fraud” that needed to be uncovered by military. Putin has kept him in important jobs throughout his rule, regarding Views and ton was about to win the election and called US intelligence. On November 8 — less than a week and Fradkov may actually turn RISS into more of a Kremlin brain Opinion pages should be for replacing pro-Trump propaganda with after Putin removed him as head of RISS — he said trust. But last year’s “confidential documents” from the institute can suggestions of voter fraud to undermine the something similar to the nationalist website Tsar- only be a footnote to the as yet untold story of what the Kremlin mailed to the US electoral system’s legitimacy. Describing grad TV: “Clinton has all the levers. The financial actually did and didn’t do in the US. [email protected] 12 ASIA SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 Dinakaran faces probe over bribery charges Scandal New Delhi appeared before the investiga- and also confronted with Chan- Crime Branch office and was to get a favourable verdict in the IANS tors in Delhi in the afternoon drasekar to clarify their versions questioned over nine hours," said party's two leaves symbol case. The Delhi Police has after arriving from Chennai and over the issue. a Crime Branch official. Police have said that the duo booked Dinakaran for elhi Police yesterday was questioned till late night. As part of investigation, the High drama was witnessed struck a Rs 50 crore deal to try allegedly attempting questioned side- Investigators said that officers also go through the call late on Wednesday night when and bribe officials from the Elec- to bribe Election lined AIADMK Dinakaran's personnel assistant records of the politician. a Dinakaran follower attempted tion Commission. Deputy General was also interrogated over the Dinakaran appeared before self-immolation when police The poll body has frozen the Commission officials Secretary T T V issue and was asked if he knows Delhi Police's interstate crime arrived at his Besant Nagar res- AIADMK's two leaves symbol through Chandrasekar DDinakaran for allegedly attempt- the alleged middleman Sukesh Branch office in Chanakyapuri idence in Chennai to serve him with two factions -- one led by to get a favourable ing to bribe Election Commission Chandrasekar who was arrested in the capital's diplomatic summons. party General Secretary V.K. verdict in the party's officials in a case related to the from a five-star hotel on April enclave following its April 19 The Delhi Police has booked Sasikala and the other by former two leaves symbol party's poll symbol. 16. summons with yesterday Dinakaran for allegedly attempt- Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam case. Dinakaran, the nephew of They further said that deadline. ing to bribe Election Commission -- claiming it as their own. jailed party chief Sasikala, Dinakaran was questioned alone "Dinakaran reached at the officials through Chandrasekar

Washington meet Congress complains over Cow vigilantes attack family in publication of opinion poll Jammu & Kashmir

New Delhi by print, electronic or any other Srinagar IANS media during "the period of 48 Anatolia hours ending with the hour fixed he Delhi Congress yester- for closing of poll in an election AN alleged group of cow vig- day complained to the held in a single phase." ilantes belonging to a Hindu TDelhi State Election Com- It said the poll panel had group attacked five mem- mission alleging that the Times subsequently laid down stand- bers of a family, including of India's Delhi edition had vio- ard operating procedure for the a minor girl in Jammu and lated the poll panel's guidelines last "72/48/24 hours till Kashmir, according to police by publishing an opinion poll counting." yesterday. within 48 hours of the end of The party urged the state Regional police chief polling for Sunday's municipal election commission to issue an Shesh Paul Vaid said the fam- corporation elections. order "censuring the Times of ily was attacked by "goons" The party alleged that India and Times Now for vio- in Reasi district’s Talwara Times Now news channel had lating guidelines and standard area. also similarly violated the operating procedure." However, the family said guidelines and demanded It also sought an uncondi- a “cow protection” group was action against the newspaper tional apology from the behind the attack. and the channel. newspaper and the news chan- Another police official In its representation, the nel and said "further, necessary confirmed that a vigilante party said the directions of the action must be initiated for vio- group was involved in the US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (right) with India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Election Commission of India lating the ECI directions in attack. The police source, who prior to a bilateral meeting, in Washington, yesterday. state that result of opinion or exit order to extend political bene- spoke on condition of ano- poll should not be disseminated fits to BJP." nymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said six attackers had been identified in the incident in Reasi, which Call to prioritise was about about 80km from Jammu city. Outfits protest ban on coloured scarves at Taj According to victims, the children's rights attackers used iron rods to Agra countries had visited the Taj ignoring the Supreme Court been told that there was no ban beat them up and also took Kolkata IANS Mahal. Some of them wore saf- orders against protests and on scarves and people were away all their livestock. IANS fron scarves which were not marches within 500 metres of free to wear any colour Among the injured was a ven as preparations for allowed and had to be left at the World Heritage scarves. 9-year-old girl who suffered NOBEL laureate Kailash Sat- the annual three-day Urs the gate. Monument. The silence of the tourism multiple fractures. She was yarthi yesterday said the world Eof Mughal emperor Shah This infuriated the saffron Senior police officials and organisations in the city has hospitalised. lacks enough "global political Jahan beginning on Sunday go outfits in the city. For the past the Archaeological Survey of baffled many. Some members Naseem Begam, one of will" to prioritise children and on apace, the controversy relat- four days, members of the Shiv India local chief Bhuvan said the controversy was harm- the survivors, told the Indian adequate budgetary alloca- ing to the entry of visitors with Sena, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Vikram tried to persuade them ing tourism. news channel NDTV: "They tions have not been made for saffron-coloured scarves Hindu Jagran Manch and to give up the protest as there Meanwhile, ASI officials beat us ruthlessly. Somehow, education, health and child threatens to disturb the fragile Bajrang Dal have been protest- was no ban in force. The offi- said entry to the Taj Mahal we managed to flee from protection. communal peace. ing at the gates of the Taj Mahal. cials later accepted their would be free during the three- there. One of our children, a "There is a need of global Officials however said yes- Responding to Friday's call memorandum demanding day Urs. Tahiruddin Tahir, 10-year-old, is still political will to prioritise chil- terday evening that the matter for 'Maha Gherao' of the Taj action against some ASI and president of the celebrations missing." dren and that is not so has been resolved. Mahal by Hindu outfits, a group CISF officials. committee, said a thousand- “They even beat our adequate which is supposed to A few days ago, women demonstrated and entered the The ASI chief in Agra said metre chadar would be offered elders very badly. They be. I always call upon the gov- fashion models from 34 premises of the Taj Mahal, recently that the protesters had on Tuesday. wanted to kill us and throw ernment to protect one our bodies into the river." generation. You need not to worry about next generation. They will protect themselves. "Unfortunately, we do not Religious ceremony have the enough global polit- NITI Aayog meeting today ical will where children are prioritised, the policies are for the betterment of the chil- New Delhi and the three-year action plan, an official statement. dren, laws are properly IANS a government statement said. The Governing Council's first enforced and where adequate "A presentation on the road- meeting led to the Prime Minis- budgetary allocations are roadmap for rapid trans- map of doubling farmers' ter laying down the key made to ensure education, formation of India will be income will be made by Mad- mandates of NITI Aayog, such as health and protection of chil- A presented at the NITI hya Pradesh Chief Minister fostering cooperative federalism dren," said Satyarthi at an Aayog Governing Council's third Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Another through cooperation between the interactive session with Mer- meeting today at Rashtrapati highlight will be a presentation Centre and states, and monitor- chants' Chamber of Bhavan, which will be presided on the Goods and Services Tax". ing important government Commerce and Industry here. over by Prime Minister Naren- Members of the Governing schemes and programmes. Satyarthi, whose organi- dra Modi. Council, including state Chief It was also decided that the sation has been working in NITI (National Institution for Ministers, NITI Aayog's Vice- NITI Aayog will act as a govern- 144 countries across the Transforming India) Aayog's Chairman, its full-time and ment think tank and as a bridge world for child protection and Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagar- ex-officio members, and special between the Centre and states. was as jointly awarded the iya will present the roadmap for invitees, will be present. The first meeting led to the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize with India's rapid transformation "Action taken on decisions formation of three sub-groups Pakistani schoolgirl Malala through the outlining of key of the earlier two meetings of of Chief Ministers and two Task A Sikh 'Nihang' (traditional warrior) poses as he stands Yousafzai, said there is strong aspects of the 15-year vision the Governing Council on Feb- Forces -- one on elimination of beside The Sarovar of the Sikh shrine, The Golden correlation between child document, comprising the ruary 8, 2015, and July 15, 2015, poverty in India and other on Temple, in Amritsar, yesterday. labour and unemployment. seven-year strategy document will be discussed in detail," said agricultural development. 'Total prohibition' ensures development of India

Mumbai across the country. There must are unanimous on prohibition. huge revenue losses to the state percolation of benefits of growth opment," Nitish Kumar said. IANS be total all-India prohibition for "We need to prohibit alcohol due to prohibition. Not only was to the last man in the country. Throughout his nearly the country to progress," the if we want to usher in change and revenue recovered, but also "There is progress in Bihar, 45-minute speech in which he ihar Chief Minister Nitish Janata Dal-United President said ensure all-round development of many lives were saved due to but we are not propagating it. We extolled leaders and historic per- Kumar yesterday proposed while addressing a party rally to India," Nitish Kumar urged. reduction in road accidents in don't feel the need to publicise it sonalities like Mahatma Gandhi, B"total prohibition" across mark its entry into Maharashtra Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Bihar, he said. -- the people have themselves Bhimrao Ambedkar and Chhat- India which he said will put the politics. had imposed total prohibition in Dwelling on his development done it through word-of-mouth rapati Shivaji Maharaj, the JD-U country on the path of quick On this count, he said, peo- Bihar from April 1, 2016. agenda, he said it was 'progress publicity. People are seeing and leader refrained from making development. ple from all religions -- Hindus, He said many were sceptical with justice' and stressed the feeling the difference now. Our comments on Prime Minister "Liquor needs to be banned Muslims, Sikhs and Christians -- about his move and talked of need for all-round progress and work has proved there is devel- Narendra Modi. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 ASIA 13

USS Carl Vinson to arrive in US to honour Australia refugee deal Sea of Japan Sydney Pence visit Seoul AFP AFP The US commitment he US will honour a to take the refugees THE US supercarrier Carl Vinson controversial agree- was "a reflection of will arrive in the Sea of Japan in ment with Australia to the enormous days, Vice President Mike Pence take refugees from importance of the said yesterday, after days of mixed Pacific island deten- historical alliance messages from Washington over Ttion centres, Vice President Mike between the US and the warship's whereabouts. Pence said yesterday -- a deal Australia... whatever The strike group was sup- Donald Trump had previously reservations the posedly steaming towards North criticised. Korea last week amid soaring The vice president was in president may have tensions over the rogue state's Sydney for talks with Australian about the details. apparent ramping up for a sixth Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- nuclear test. bull on a trip aimed at mending Pence also praised But the US Navy, which had fences following a surly phone China's role in the earlier said the aircraft carrier conversation between Trump escalating North would sail north from waters off and Turnbull in January, which Korean crisis but Singapore as a "prudent meas- rattled a long-standing alliance renewed calls for ure" to deter the regime, between the two powers. Beijing to use its admitted on Tuesday the ships Trump reportedly exploded "unique" position to were in fact sent away from Sin- and cut short the telephone call bring Pyongyang to gapore and towards Australia to when he was told about a deal heel. conduct drills with the Austral- to move some refugees from ian navy. Pacific island camps to "The aircraft carrier will America. But he added that this arrive "in a matter of days", "The United States intends to "doesn't mean we admire the Pence said, after the location of honour the agreement, subject agreement". US Vice-President Mike Pence (left) with Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull after a the naval strike group became to the results of the vetting proc- Turnbull thanked Pence for joint press conference at the Kirribilli House, in Sydney, yesterday. contentious. esses that now apply to all the "very important" "We are sending an armada. refugees considered for admis- commitment. Very powerful," Trump had sion to the United States of Pence also praised China's the North may be readying a The vice-president said on programme, pledging weekly tweeted, while Pentagon chief America," Pence said. role in the escalating North sixth nuclear test. Wednesday that the United tests and threatening "all-out Jim Mattis had said the Vinson "The US commitment to take Korean crisis but renewed calls "The steps we're seeing States would counter any North war" if the US took any action was "on her way up". the refugees was "a reflection of for Beijing to use its "unique" China take, in many ways Korean attack with an "over- against it. "The authorities of the the enormous importance of the position to bring Pyongyang to unprecedented steps, bringing whelming and effective" Trump's deputy visited South Trump administration are spout- historical alliance between the heel. economic pressure to bear on response. Korea and Japan before arriving ing a load of rubbish," a North United States and Australia... Tensions between Washing- North Korea are very welcome," His comments came after a in Australia to reassure allies Korean foreign ministry spokes- whatever reservations the pres- ton and Pyongyang have soared Pence said. senior North Korean official fretting over Pyongyang's man said in a statement released ident may have about the recently following a series of "We do believe China can do warned the regime had no inten- nuclear and missile yesterday. details." missile launches amid fears that more." tion of scaling down its missile programmes. China protests Manila defence chief's isle visit Manila seething territorial disputes. Accompanied by military top sound momentum of develop- AP Philippine Defence Secretary brass, Lorenzana and Ano also ment the bilateral relations are Delfin Lorenzana and military met Filipino troops and villag- experiencing, faithfully follow hina has protested the visit chief of staff General Eduardo ers and took part in a flag-raising the consensus reached between by Manila's defence and Ano flew to the island, which Fil- ceremony on Pag-asa, which is the two leaderships, maintain Cmilitary chiefs to a dis- ipinos call Pag-asa on Friday to internationally known as Thitu general peace and stability in the puted island in the South China inspect an eroded airstrip. and is called Zhongye Dao by South China Sea," he said. Sea, but the Philippine govern- "The Philippine government China. The Philippine government ment maintained yesterday that plans to reinforce and lengthen In Beijing, Foreign Ministry replied by saying the island was it owns the territory where Fil- the airstrip and build a dock spokesman Lu Kang expressed part of an island municipality ipino troops and villagers have starting next month to accom- China's displeasure over the under its western province of lived for decades. modate ships with construction high-profile Philippine visits to Palawan. The public argument comes materials," Lorenzana said. the island, saying China was "Our visits there are part of amid a thaw in once-frosty rela- About $32m has been ear- "gravely concerned about and the government mandate to tions between the neighbours marked for construction, dissatisfied" by the island visits ensure the safety, well being, Released policemen walk out from the communal house at after Philippine President Rod- including a fish port, solar and adding that China "has livelihood and personal security Dong Tam commune, My Duc district in Hanoi, yesterday. rigo Duterte took office last June power, water desalination plant, lodged representations with the of our citizens there," Depart- and moved to rekindle Manila's improved housing for soldiers, Philippine side." ment of Foreign Affairs friendship with Beijing, which and facilities for marine research "We hope that the Philippine spokesman Robespierre Bolivar Vietnam land activists has been strained by the long- and tourists. side could cherish the hard-won said in a statement in Manila.

free 20 more hostages Abu Sayyaf Hanoi telecommunications project. Mangrove planting Reuters The release of the final 20 leader among officials came after a visit to the rotesters involved in a village earlier yesterday by dead in clash land dispute near Viet- Hanoi's People's Committee Pnam's capital, Hanoi, Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung, with soldiers released the final 20 officials who spoke with villagers and they had been holding as hos- listened to their complaints. Cebu tages for almost a week after a Chung said the city would AP visit by a senior city official, begin a comprehensive inves- witnesses said yesterday. tigation of the dispute and AFTER a massive manhunt, Villagers in Dong Tam, promised to respond within 45 Philippine forces killed at 40km from the centre of Hanoi, days. He also said none of the least four suspected mili- seized 38 officials, including protesters would be prosecuted tants yesterday in a central police officers, last weekend for taking the officials hostage, resort province where troops after four people were arrested who he also said had been had foiled possible kidnap- in retaliation for protests staged treated well. ping and bombing plots by during the escalating land The released hostages extremists earlier this month, dispute. shook hands and hugged vil- officials said. Fifteen of the officials were lagers, who applauded loudly Army troops and police released on Monday and after hearing Chung's killed ringleader Joselito Mel- another three escaped, while commitment. loria in a gun battle with about authorities also released the Land disputes are common seven militants near Clarin detained protesters. in Vietnam but it is rare for res- town in Bohol province. Mel- A boy plants a mangrove at Ujong Pancu beach in Aceh Besar, Aceh province, yesterday. Dong Tam villagers say they idents to take officials hostage loria's companions fled and have received insufficient com- in the communist state, where The event is part of Earth Day celebration themed Environmental and Climate Literacy, three of them were later killed pensation by authorities who there is little tolerance for which is marked on April 22. by troops, military chief of took over residential land for a dissent. staff Gen.Eduardo Ano said. "They dared to go to an unfamiliar area and they couldn't find any support from villagers in Bohol." Indonesian army rejects coup plot media reports Melloria, a Bohol resident, had guided Abu Sayyaf mili- Tuban The Intercept on Wednesday to ISIS in a campaign that ulti- Wuryanto said: "In the near with me, because this is a sensi- tants from their jungle Anatolia published an investigative report mately aims to oust the country’s future, we will take legal action. tive charge," Wuryanto said. encampments in the country's titled "Trump's Indonesian allies president”. We will report (the online site The Indonesian military has south to his Bohol village to he military has rejected in bed with ISIS-backed militia It went on to add that Indo- Tirto) to the police," according had a long involvement in the carry out possible kidnappings online media reports alleg- seeking to oust elected nesian military and intelligence to detik.com. politics of the country. and bombings. Troops, how- Ting that senior generals, president". officials were involved in the He rejected all allegations in Former President Gen. ever, detected the militants including the army chief is plan- The report said: “Associates coup bid against the president the report. Suharto had allowed the institu- and killed four of them in April ning to overthrow the of Donald Trump in Indonesia “from behind the scenes”. "Before publishing that tion to act both as a security 11 fighting that also left three democratically-elected govern- have joined army officers and a In its response to the report, report, Tirto should have con- guard and to occupy political soldiers, a policeman and two ment of President Joko Widodo. vigilante street movement linked army spokesman Major Gen firmed with the army chief or office. villagers dead. 14 ASIA SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 140 Afghan soldiers dead in Taliban attack Mazar-I-Sharif Attack in disguise "As many as 10 Taliban fight- Reuters ers, dressed in Afghan army As many as 10 Taliban uniforms and driving military t least 140 Afghan sol- fighters, dressed in vehicles, made their way into the diers were killed by Afghan army uniforms base and opened fire on mostly Taliban attackers and driving military unarmed soldiers eating and apparently disguised vehicles, made their leaving a mosque after Friday in military uniforms, way into the base and prayers," according to officials. officialsA said yesterday, in what They used rocket-propelled opened fire on mostly would be the deadliest attack grenades and rifles, and several unarmed soldiers ever on an Afghan military base. detonated suicide vests packed eating and leaving a One official in the northern with explosive, officials said. city of Mazar-I-Sharif, where the mosque after Friday Witnesses described a scene attack occurred, said yesterday prayers. of confusion as soldiers were at least 140 soldiers were killed uncertain who the attackers and many others wounded. Afghan President were. Other officials said the toll was Ashraf Ghani visited "It was a chaotic scene and I Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers keep watch at the gate of an army headquarters after likely to be even higher. the base yesterday, didn't know what to do," said one an attack in Mazar-I-Sharif, yesterday. They spoke on the condition and in a statement army officer wounded in the of anonymity because the gov- online, condemned attack. "There was gunfire and senior Taliban leaders in north- soldiers, including senior train and assist Afghan forces but ernment has yet to release exact the attack as explosions everywhere." ern Afghanistan. commanders. coalition officials said no foreign casualty figures. "cowardly" and the The base is the headquarters Yesterday, the US military "Four of the attackers were troops were hurt or killed. The defence ministry said work of "infidels". for the Afghan National Army's command in Kabul said that an Taliban sympathisers who had "The attack on the 209th more than 100 soldiers were 209th Corps, responsible for American air strike killed a Tal- infiltrated the army and served Corps today shows the barbaric killed or wounded. much of northern Afghanistan, iban commander, Quari Tayib, for some time," Mujahid said nature of the Taliban," the com- The attack starkly high- decade. including Kunduz, a province on April 17. Eight other Taliban yesterday. mander of coalition forces, US lighted the struggle by the Afghan Afghan President Ashraf which has seen heavy fighting. were also killed the strike, That has not been confirmed General John Nicholson, said in government and its international Ghani visited the base yesterday, Taliban spokesman Zabihul- according to a statement by the by the Afghan army. a statement on Friday. backers to defeat a Taliban and in a statement online, con- lah Mujahid said yesterday the command. The Nato-led military coali- German forces have long led insurgency that has gripped demned the attack as "cowardly" attack on the base was retribu- Mujahid said the attack on tion deploys advisers to the base the international mission in Afghanistan for more than a and the work of "infidels". tion for recent killing of several the base killed as many as 500 where the attack occurred to northern Afghanistan.

2 men caught with $90,000 Sharif seeks implementation of Panama case verdict stolen cash Islamabad and Development Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the prime number of party office-bearers Internews Chaudhry, who was among the minister had decided to imple- and parliamentarians visited the in underwear cabinet members and parlia- ment the verdict in letter and Prime Minister House a day after aistani Prime Minister mentarians who called on Sharif. spirit and would participate in the announcement of the verdict Yangon Nawaz Sharif (pictured) He said the prime minister the proceedings of the joint and congratulated him. AFP Phas stopped PML-N lead- had already presented himself investigation team (JIT) to be The sources added that the ers and members from making and his family before the apex constituted in its light. prime minister also held an infor- TWO Georgian men were any adverse comment or show- court and now he wanted to see He claimed that the prime mal meeting with senior party busted in a Myanmar airport ing reservations over any part of complete implementation of the minister was fully “satisfied” leaders in the presence of legal with $90,000 of stolen cash the Supreme Court’s verdict in verdict. with the decision. He said that experts to discuss the course of hidden in their underwear the Panama Papers case. The minister rejected the instead of discussing the Panama action in the light of the court’s which they had swiped from “There are clear directives opposition parties’ demand that Papers case, the prime minster verdict, which had called for set- a local money changer, police from the prime minister that no the prime minister should resign, had mostly kept inquiring from ting up a JIT to investigate the said yesterday. one will make any adverse com- saying that never in history any- those who met him about the money trail of the Sharif family Officers said the middle- ment, express criticism or show one had resigned on the basis of status of the work on various members’ huge businesses and aged men, identified as reservation or concerns over the someone’s dissenting notes. merely because two judges had development schemes in their purchase of property abroad as Janjgava Revas, 64, and Nar- judgement,” said Minister of He said the opposition’s written dissenting notes was constituencies. revealed by the Panama Papers mania Malkhaz, 51, had made State for Capital Administration demand for the resignation unjustified. According to sources, a leaks last year. off with the money from a currency exchange office on Friday in Yangon. "They were found at the Chinese rights Yangon airport with the New Zealand & Australia join March for Science rallies $90,000 in their underwear," lawyer denied said a statement posted on Sydney banners reading "without sci- Yangon police's official Face- AFP ence, it's just fiction" and "we own defence book page. need thinkers not deniers". The duo allegedly duped housands of people ral- While American organisers for trial the money changer into giving lied in Australia and New have said the marches planned them the $90,000 before they TZealand yesterday in sup- there are non-partisan, they Beijing had handed over the equiva- port of science, the first of more admit the Republican admin- AFP lent amount in Myanmar kyat. than 500 marches globally trig- istration under Donald Trump "They told me they would gered by concern over the rise -- who has vowed to slash the PROMINENT Chinese lawyer come back with the Myanmar of "alternative facts". research budgets of top US Xie Yang will not be allowed to kyat," Zaw Win, the owner of The March for Science dem- agencies -- "catalysed" the pick his defence at his upcom- the exchange office,said. onstrations come amid growing movement. ing trial, his former attorney He said the Georgians, left anxiety over what many see as Fears that science is under said, in a move rights groups behind a case that they a mounting political assault on political assault in Australia called a breach of international claimed contained US dollars facts and evidence and fears have likewise grown under its standards. he had doled out for them and that research is being excluded current conservative govern- Xie, who has worked on promising to return shortly. from policy-making. ment and demonstrators also numerous cases considered But when he opened the case Vocal protesters in Sydney turned out in Melbourne, Bris- politically sensitive by the rul- 10 minutes later Zaw Win wearing white lab coats called bane, Perth, Adelaide and other ing Communist party Supporters of science and research gather for the March for realized the men had taken on politicians to support the sci- cities as well as Wellington and including defending Hong off with most of the money. Science protest, in Sydney, yesterday. entific community, carrying Auckland in New Zealand. Kong pro-democracy activ- ists, has been detained since July 2015. He has claimed police have used "sleep deprivation, 27 Australia scholarships for Pakistanis long interrogations, beatings, China's cargo spacecraft death threats, humiliations" Islamabad increasingly important role in 20 of the awardees will par- on him while in custody, and docks with orbiting lab Internews economic growth and job crea- ticipate in a four-week course the EU has voiced concern tion in Pakistan”, Adamson said. in Business Incubation Manage- over his case. ustralian High Commis- “We are glad to support ment at the University of "The court has designated Beijing It made first contact with sioner to Pakistan Pakistan’s innovation trajectory, Queensland, Australia, and a defence lawyer," Xie's AFP the space lab at 12:16pm yes- AMargaret Adamson, yes- through training in Australia’s seven others will participate in former lawyer Chen Jiangang terday (04:16 GMT) and terday hosted a reception for 27 world-class business institu- a regional short course on ‘Sup- said. hina's first cargo space- docking was completed at Pakistani Australia Awards tions, while the courses in porting Energy Security in South "Everything has been craft, Tianzhou-1, 12:23pm. scholarship awardees who will energy management will help Asia Strengthening Cross Bor- done according to the will of Csuccessfully completed The Tianzhou-1 is a tube- shortly depart to Australia to Pakistan harness the energy and der Energy Arrangements’ at the the judiciary -- not the inter- docking with an orbiting like craft which measures undertake short courses in hydropower potential of the Australian National University. ests of Xie and his family'" space lab yesterday, the Bei- 10.6 metres in length and can entrepreneurship and energy Himalayas to enhance energy Australia has been provid- "The trial -- possibly on jing Aerospace Control Center carry over six tonnes of cargo security in Pakistan and the security, regional cooperation ing scholarships to Pakistan charges of "inciting subver- said. as well as satellites, Xinhua region. and trade”. since 1991 and offers around 100 sion of state power" -- will be The Tianzhou-1 was said. The courses aim to build The High Commissioner scholarships annually. held on Tuesday at the launched from the Wen- It will also conduct exper- capacity in innovation and added that some of the courses Australia Awards aim to Changsha Intermediate Peo- chang Space Launch Center iments in space, including one entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s will have a special focus on develop the capacity and lead- ple's Court in southern Hunan in Hainan province Thurs- on non-Newtonian gravita- public and private sectors to increasing women’s participa- ership skills of individuals who province," Chen added. day evening and began to tion, and will dock two more strengthen Pakistan’s energy tion in the public and private can contribute to the develop- Chinese President Xi Jin- approach the space lab, times with Tiangong-2 before security though cross-border sectors to facilitate economic ment of their home country, and ping has overseen a Tiangong-2, yesterday falling back to Earth, Xinhua collaboration. growth, which is a core policy build people-to-people links at tightening of controls on civil morning. said. “Innovation and entrepre- priority for Australia. Half of the individual, institutional and society since assuming power neurship are playing an awardees are women. country levels. in 2012. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 15 French vote today amid ramped up security

Tight race Nearly a quarter of voters are still undecided, and surveys showed until now that the French are more concerned about jobs and the economy than terrorism.

Though the race has four main contenders, a total of 11 are in the running, most in single digits.

Paris AFP

rance was on edge yester- day on the eve of its most Funpredictable presidential election in decades, which will take place under heightened security after the jihadist killing LEFT: Emmanuel Macron, head of the political movement En Marche!, or Onwards!, and candidate of a policeman. for the 2017 presidential election and his wife Brigitte Trogneux walk in the countryside in The shooting on Paris's world-renowned Champs Le Touquet, France, yesterday. LEFT: Women gesture during a rally organised by the "Angry Elysees avenue on Thursday Policemen's Wife" (FFOC) in support of French policemen, near the esplanade of the Champs thrust questions of security to the de Mars, Paris, yesterday. fore of campaigning after nine leader Marine Le Pen. which will come on top of an Adelaide Zulfikarpasic of promised an "iron-fisted" "Several Europes are possi- months of relative calm. In the aftermath of the already major security plan BVA pollsters said: "If it were to approach to Islamist terror, say- ble, it doesn't have to be just Yesterday, police arrested a attack, she called for France to across the country. benefit someone that would ing: "Some haven't taken the full their Europe," said Melenchon, man brandishing a knife at Par- "immediately" take back control "An extra guard or reinforce- clearly be Marine Le Pen who has measure of the evil". a eurosceptic who has pledged is's Gare du Nord station, briefly of its borders from the European ment of staff will be provided to dominated this issue throughout Macron, a 39-year-old to renegotiate treaties with the causing panic as some passen- Union and deport all foreigners any polling station that needs it," the campaign, or Francois moderate whom Fillon has por- bloc. gers rushed out of the way. on a terror watchlist. Paris town hall official Colombe Fillon." trayed as too inexperienced for A BVA poll conducted on France goes to the polls Le Pen and 39-year-old cen- Brossel said. Le Pen moved quickly to the top job, said France was Thursday and Friday showed Le today in an election seen as cru- trist former banker Emmanuel Around 50,000 police and present herself as the strongest paying the price for intelligence Pen and Macron tied on 23 per- cial for the future of a deeply Macron are leading the polls but 7,000 soldiers will be deployed defender against Islamist service cuts made when he was cent, ahead of Melenchon with divided country and the belea- the race has tightened in the final to protect voters around the extremists. premier between 2007 and 19.5 percent and Fillon on 19 guered European Union. days and any one of four candi- country. "This war against us is cease- 2012. percent. Nearly a quarter of voters are dates could reach the runoff on The killing of policeman less and merciless," she said, Describing the Champs Though the race has four still undecided, and surveys May 7. Xavier Jugele by 39-year-old accusing the Socialist govern- Elysees shooting as an attack on main contenders, a total of 11 are showed until now that the Conservative Francois Fillon gunman Karim Cheurfi on the ment of a "cowardly" response democracy, Macron urged vot- in the running, most in single French are more concerned and hard-left firebrand Jean-Luc Champs Elysees was the latest in to the threat. ers: "Do not give in to fear." digits. about jobs and the economy than Melenchon have fought it out for a string of terror attacks in In an angry response, Prime Communist-backed Melen- A clearer picture, meanwhile, terrorism. third place in the campaign, just France that began in 2015. More Minister Bernard Cazeneuve chon, 65, was the only one of the has emerged of the violent past But analysts warned the a few points behind Le Pen and than 230 people have been accused Le Pen of attempting to four not to cancel his final cam- of the gunman in the Champs policeman's shooting could Macron. killed. exploit the killing, "as she does paign event on Friday. Elysees shooting. shift opinions, perhaps hand- In the wake of the shooting, US President Donald Trump after every tragedy". He called for a "Europe of Cheurfi was arrested in Feb- ing an advantage to candidates authorities in Paris have offered tweeted that he thought the Fillon, the 63-year-old rebels", during a rally in Paris ruary on suspicion of plotting to seen as taking a hard line on additional guards for hundreds attack in Paris "will have a big former prime minister who has with Pablo Iglesias, the head of kill police officers but released security, such as far-right of polling stations in the capital, effect" on the election. stressed his previous experience, Spain's far-left Podemos party. because of a lack of evidence. Two members French youth are of IS sleeper cell shot dead political even if in Russia they don't vote Moscow AFP Paris enrolment in just two years. AFP "They say we are not active ussian law enforcers perhaps because of (low) voter have shot dead two hey may not head to poll- turnout rates," Frohn said. R"bandits" from an ing stations for France's "But rather than vote for Islamic State sleeper cell near Tpresidential election people who don't necessarily the volatile North Caucasus today but it doesn't mean they reflect our values, we instead region who were plotting to don't care. project our values ourselves, kill religious leaders, officials "We are called disengaged, through our actions," Frohn said yesterday. depoliticised, but it's just that added. The two men were killed we get involved differently," in a firefight late Friday after said Loic Frohn, 19, who Soaring abstention rates they opened up on officers rejects the cliche that French In France, abstention rates when their car was stopped youth are selfish and are highest among older and during a security sweep near indifferent. younger voters, with the a village in the Stavropol Backing his view, studies younger population counting region in southern Russia, the show high levels of civic the lowest proportion of regis- Hungarians protest against the rightwing government at a rally organised by Two-tailed Dog National Anti-Terrorism engagement among the coun- tered voters. Committee said in a state- Party in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. try's younger population During the last French pres- ment to Russian news despite a tendency to neglect idential election in 2012, nearly agencies. politics. one registered voter out of five "One of them was the Frohn grew up in a work- (19 percent) under the age of 25 head of the cell and had Ironic Hungary demo mocks PM ing-class suburb of Paris and did not vote -- one-and-a-half undergone training in IS says he is motivated by a desire times the abstention rate (13 camps before coming to Rus- to fight for "equality, diversity percent) of the overall sia to carry out terror attacks. Budapest The rally, held days before Mocking Orban, accused of and solidarity". population. The other was an active AFP the planned adoption of a new close links with Moscow, he He works in a civil service Last month, half of 18- to member of the cell," the state- law clamping down on non- congratulated the premier for programme that pays youths 25-year-olds questioned for ment said. housands of Hungarian governmental organisations having "refused the introduc- aged between 16 and 25 around several polls said they plan to "The security agencies protesters brandishing (NGOs), was dubbed "Hungary's tion of the euro," while ¤600 ($640) for a six- to skip voting in the country's have information that these Tsatirical placards staged a funniest demonstration" by the lamenting that it was "not yet 12-month mission. two-stage presidential election bandits intended to conduct humourous but seriously country's media. possible to pay with (Russian) Participants typically make today and May 7. a range of terrorist crimes, intended demonstration yester- Organised by a parodic rubles". home visits to pensioners and "Defiance toward the polit- including killing religious day, pouring scorn on the party calling itself the Two- Orban, regularly lambasted help handicapped people with ical system is overwhelming," figures and other policies of hardline Prime Min- tailed Dog Party (MKKP), the over alleged xenophobic sporting and cultural said Anne Muxel, a sociologist civilians." ister Viktor Orban. protest drew 2,000-3,000 peo- remarks and attacks on the activities. who works on the French part Moscow is fighting a lin- "Down with the press!" ple onto the streets in downtown media and civil society, has Frohn also became an of the European-wide survey gering Islamist insurgency in "Down with education! and Budapest, according to faced a vast protest movement ambassador of the programme, Generation What. the mainly Muslim North "More demagoguery!" chanted estimates. since April provoked by the visiting schools to persuade Among the 20,000 in that Caucasus, a region that has the protesters, demanding that MKKP leader Gergely adoption of a law restricting others to take part. survey, 87 percent do not have provided a steady stream of the government build a direct Kovacs solemnly announced foreign educational institutions Last year nearly 100,000 confidence in politics and 99 fighters for extremist groups train link with Moscow and that "at least 30 million" people including one owned by George people took part in these pro- percent consider politicians battling in Iraq and Syria. North Korea. were in attendance. Soros. grammes, nearly tripling more or less corrupt. 16 EUROPE SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 Clashes at AfD party meet

Cologne German politics But given the long shadow AFP still cast by Germany's Nazi past, The AfD, now Petry has argued the AfD must housands of leftist represented in 11 of make itself more palatable with demonstrators tried to Germany's 16 states, a more moderate-sounding disrupt a party con- aims to sign off on a "middle-class" platform she will gress by Germany's programme for its put to a vote at the congress. right-wing populist campaign that it The stated goal is to become TAfD yesterday marked by fes- Germany's ruling party by 2021. hopes will pave the tering internal rivalries five Denouncing "provocations" way for the party to months before a general by party officials, Petry has enter the national election. called for the ouster of an AfD Around 50,000 demonstra- parliament for the state leader, Bjoern Hoecke, who tors mobilised during the first time in its four- in January sparked outrage by two-day gathering of the anti- year history. slamming Berlin's vast Holocaust immigration Alternative for memorial as a "monument of Germany party in the western Wednesday that she would not shame". city of Cologne, with 4,000 seek to lead the AfD's campaign. Although Hoecke has been AfD leader Frauke Petry at police officers dispatched to The news left the party reeling barred from attending the con- keep the peace. and set the stage for a show- the meeting. gress, some delegates have said But as the 600 delegates down between populist and should it clear the five-percent they will put forward a motion began filing into the congress more radical, hard-right forces. hurdle to representation in the to keep him in the party. venue, a hotel in the city centre, "(Petry) has been unable to September 24 election. Petry's chief rival, 76-year- singing and chanting demon- stop the AfD, which began as a Opinion polls show the AfD old Alexander Gauland, a strators attempted to block them party of euro critics, from at between seven and 11 percent, hardline defector from Merkel's from passing through security becoming more and more a a steep drop from the 15 percent CDU, has said he would back the barricades, leading to scuffles catch-all for racists, right-wing support it drew only late last initiative. Analysts say the vast with authorities. nationalists and the far right," year. majority of the AfD's core sup- One police officer escorting Cologne's daily Stadt-Anzeiger Merkel is seeking a fourth porters are far to the right of the party members into the venue said. term after nearly 12 years in political spectrum. suffered an injury to his face, "The fight within the AfD power and her conservative However they say there is leading to the arrest of a male rages on." Christian Democrats are cur- little appetite among most Ger- protester. Founded in 2013 on a euro- rently leading the polls. man voters for radical change, The AfD, now represented in sceptic platform, the AfD seized particularly after the victories of 11 of Germany's 16 states, aims on Chancellor Angela Merkel's 'Tearing itself apart' Donald Trump in the United to sign off on a programme for decision to let in more than one The telegenic Petry, a States and the Brexit camp in its campaign that it hopes will million asylum seekers since 41-year-old trained chemist who Britain. pave the way for the party to 2015, transforming the German is pregnant with her fifth child, "In terms of its voters, Pet- enter the national parliament for political landscape. has aligned herself with kindred ry's attempt to make the AfD a the first time in its four-year But its fortunes have spirits across Europe, including middle-class mainstream party history. declined as the number of new far-right firebrand Marine Le is a very unrealistic strategy," Demonstrators protest against the party congress of Germany's After weeks of bitter infight- arrivals has dwindled, and all of Pen, one of the frontrunners for Robert Vehrkamp of the Bertels- ing, co-leader Frauke Petry Germany's mainstream parties the first round of French elec- mann Foundation think tank told right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Cologne, made the shock announcement have ruled out working with it tions today. Spiegel Online. western Germany, yesterday. German intel Russia news organisation denies report on US vote meddling agency spied Moscow favour of Donald Trump by get- on social media on Friday. She London said Reuters had erro- already been agreed, but would on Interpol: Reuters ting several state-backed media linked to an article by the RIA neously stated that RT had not not now be signed, RIA reported. outlets to produce positive news agency, which along with responded to a pre-publication When asked to comment on ussian state news organi- reports on Trump. Sputnik, is owned by Rossiya request for comment. The Reu- the matter, the Reuters spokes- Magazine zation Rossiya Segodnya Three current and four Segodnya. RIA quoted Simonyan ters spokesperson said the person said Reuters did not Rhas said it objected to a former US officials said Krem- as saying: “Reuters writes that it agency did send an email discuss clients or the terms of Berlin Reuters article it said had falsely lin-backed TV channel RT and knows of seven guys who swear requesting comment. The RT their contracts. Reuters claimed that Kremlin-backed the Sputnik news agency were that they have seen a secret Rus- spokesman said it was sent to the Russia has repeatedly denied media had tried to influence the among state-backed news out- sian report with their own eyes. wrong email address. US intelligence allegations that ermany’s BND foreign 2016 US election. lets which the Kremlin had Or even two reports. Give Reu- In addition, Simonyan said it tried to meddle in the US elec- intelligence agency A Reuters spokesperson said instructed to weigh in on ters an Oscar for best screen that Rossiya Segodnya would not tion, saying it is the victim of an Gspied on the Interpol the news agency stood by the Trump’s side and to try to under- play, they’ve earned it.” now sign a contract with Reu- organised anti-Russian cam- international police agency story which reported exclusively mine voters’ faith in the Simonyan did not immedi- ters to buy video footage paign designed to ensure that for years and on the group’s on April 19 that a Russian gov- American electoral system. ately reply to a Reuters request “because they lie.” Trump will find it impossible to country liaison offices in doz- ernment think tank controlled Margarita Simonyan, editor- for further comment sent via RT An agreement for Reuters to repair relations with Moscow, ens of countries such as by Vladimir Putin had developed in-chief of Rossiya Segodnya and after business hours in Moscow. supply Rossiya Segodnya with which are languishing at a post Austria, Greece and the a plan to swing the election in RT criticised the Reuters story Separately, an RT spokesman in video footage from May 1 had Cold War low. United States, a German mag- azine said. No comment was imme- diately available from the Ex-Taliban BND, Interpol or Europol. Green concern for bluebells in Belgium Der Spiegel magazine, cit- men may be ing documents it had seen, said the BND had added the Halle in Germany: email addresses, phone num- AFP bers and fax numbers of the Der Spiegel police investigators to its sec- carpet of bluebells bursts tor surveillance list. into flower in Belgium in In addition, the German A a wonder of the natural Berlin spy agency also monitored world — but one that is at risk of Reuters the Europol police agency being trampled by tourists Europol which is based in The drawn to its beauty. housands of former Tal- Hague, the magazine said. For two or three weeks in iban fighters may have Der Spiegel reported in April the ground of the Haller- Tentered Germany over February that the BND also bos wood just outside the drab the past two years among an spied on the phones, faxes capital of Brussels is transformed influx of more than a million and emails of several news into a breathtaking sea of shim- migrants and refugees, Der organisations, including the mering purple. Spiegel magazine reported New York Times and "The scene is like in a fairy- yesterday. Reuters. tale, we're still expecting a little Germany’s Federal Office The BND’s activities have elf or witch to appear from for Migration and Refugees come under intense scrutiny nowhere," says Marie-Rose, who (BAMF) informed security during a German parliamen- is walking through with her officials that thousands of tary investigation into husband. migrants had identified them- allegations that the US They are among tens of selves as former Taliban National Security Agency thousands of visitors from as far insurgents during the asylum conducted mass surveillance afield as India, Finland and application process, the mag- Wild bluebells in Blue Forest, near the Belgian city of Halle. outside of the United States, Japan who flock each year to azine said. including a cellphone used by what had long been one of Bel- It added that at least sev- Chancellor Angela Merkel. gium's best kept secrets. is taking 360 degree photos of numbers coming to visit the for- vulnerable areas being taped off. enty Afghan men were being Konstantin von Notz, a At the start of spring the tall the forest. est have forced Belgian "When there's too much investigated by Germany’s Greens party member who beech trees are still bare enough Bluebells have been growing authorities to set up special trampling the bluebells disap- over-stretched chief federal serves on the investigative to let enough sunlight reach the in Hallerbos for centuries, experts parking lots and shuttle buses, pear and it takes dozens if not prosecutor, though it was committee, described the lat- forest floor and allow the flow- say. The forest was largely cut with visitors finding themselves hundreds of years for them to not clear whether all of them est report about the BND’s ers to bloom. down by the invading German among school parties, groups of grow again," says Bruno Ver- were suspected of spying activities as “scandal- Huge swathes of the army during World War II but tourists and photographers lug- helpen, a guide who organises being active Taliban ous and unfathomable”. 555-hectare (1,370-acre) wood- replanted afterwards with beech ging their equipment. nature walks at Hallerbos. militants. “We now know that par- land are covered in millions of trees and a few Californian "The interest in this forest is Six are being held in liaments, various companies the delicate purple flowers for sequoias, and the fresh cover has Centuries to grow again only going to grow. There are investigatory detention and and even journalists and pub- as far as the eye can see. allowed them to really flourish. More importantly they set up photographers, naturalists, preliminary court hearings lishers have been targeted, as "This place is unique, the But its growing popularity in signs asking visitors to keep off members of the public. So we involving several others are well as allied countries,” von only one like it in Europe, in the recent years comes at a cost. the carpet of flowers and stick have had to take measures to due to start next week, the Notz said in a statement. world I think," says Adrien, who At the weekends, the sheer to the pathways, with especially limit traffic." magazine added. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 17 Chester is hot seat as UK election looms

Chester north-west heartland, is AFP In national opinion deeply vulnerable. "This must be at the top ith Prime polls, Labour is of Theresa May's hitlist of Minister running up to 24 constituencies to win from Theresa points behind May's Labour to boost her major- May's Con- Conservatives — but ity," said Simon Lee, senior servatives politics lecturer at the Uni- Wdominating Britain's opinion Chester MP Chris versity of Hull. polls, opposition MPs are brac- Matheson, who won May called the vote this ing for a fierce election fight the seat with the week, accusing opposition par- — none more so than in Ches- slimmest of margins ties of seeking to disrupt Brexit ter, where Labour's majority and saying that only she pro- is just 93. in 2015, is bullish. vides the "strong and stable The Roman fortress town leadership" needed as Britain in north-west England has long heads into negotiations with been a political bellwether, and we've got a fight on our the EU. "I want Theresa May in going Labour with the rest of hands this time — and we're charge to sort out Brexit," said Britain in 1997 and Conserva- going to win as well," he told Gina Mayne-Flower, a tive in 2010 — and it is now a AFP. 60-year-old in Chester who key battleground for the June His local party says it is used to run her own 8 snap election. ready for the campaign — business. As elsewhere in the coun- while the Conservatives have "She knows what she's try, the outcome will depend yet to even choose a parlia- doing," she said, adding of in part on how the debate is mentary candidate. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn: framed — whether on local Local Tories are playing "I don't think he is up to the issues, party leadership, the down expectations, admitting job." Labour has struggled to government's record, or Brit- they were "bruised" by their define a clear message on ain's looming exit from the defeat two years ago, which Brexit, but says the election is European Union. bucked the national trend -- about change and has prom- In national opinion polls, and also saw them lose control ised to stand up to the "cosy Labour is running up to 24 of the local council. elites" and improve public points behind May's Conserv- "It's not a shoo-in. We've services. atives — but Chester MP Chris got nothing to lose now and we Accusations of underfund- Matheson, who won the seat really hope to win," said city ing in the state-run National with the slimmest of margins councillor Pamela Hall. Health Service (NHS) and in 2015, is bullish. But analysts say that schools resonate with Chester "We had a fight on our Chester, an increasingly voters -- as do the govern- hands last time and we won, affluent pocket of Labour's ment's cuts to welfare. May refuses to rule out personal tax hikes after vote

London May and her chancellor, Conservative 2017 manifesto will “At this election people are under Labour.” Hammond raised of the government to manage the Reuters Philip Hammond, were forced abandon commitments not to going to have a very clear choice, the issue of higher taxes on Fri- economy flexibly,” he said. earlier this year to scrap a raise the rate of value-added tax, between a Conservative Party day when he told reporters on a Polls give May’s governing ritish Prime Minister planned rise in an employment income tax or the national insur- which always has been, is and trip to Washington that he Conservative party a lead of Theresa May refused yes- levy only days after it was ance payroll tax in order to help will continue to be a party that wanted Britain to be a “sensibly around 20 percentage points, Bterday to rule out an announced following criticism reduce the budget deficit. believes in lower taxes. taxed” economy that did not run enough to give her a much big- increase in personal taxes if she that the measure breached 2015 Appearing at a campaign “Or the choice is a Labour a budget deficit. ger majority that she hopes will wins a June 8 election after her party election promises. event in central England, May Party whose natural instinct is “It’s self-evidently clear that strengthen her hand when nego- finance minister said fiscal May’s surprise decision to refused to say whether she could to always raise taxes. That is the the commitments that were tiating Britain’s exit from the pledges had limited his ability to call an election on June 8 has rule out higher taxes when asked choice, lower taxes under the made in the 2015 manifesto did, European Union over the next manage the economy. raised speculation that her three times by reporters. Conservatives or higher taxes and do today, strain the ability two years. Comings and goings in Britain's snap election Spain's Rajoy still

London GOING NOWHERE? Reuters Some are standing for re-election again despite suggestions that they might not. unscathed by ritain’s election on June 8 will mark the departure of some prominent law- Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrat, Sheffield Bmakers, while others are hoping to Hallam, 2005-?) graft scandals return. Clegg was close to tears when he Here is a list of some important moves. resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrats after a 2015 general election result he STEPPING DOWN described as “immeasurably more crushing Madrid region, broke down in tears on and unkind than I could ever have feared”. AFP television while pledging she George Osborne (Conservative, Tatton, The former deputy prime minister did win was unaware of the alleged cor- 2001-2017) in his constituency, however, and has said ith arrests, raids and rupt activities of those once her Osborne served as finance minister when he will stand again. tears, Spaniards this closest advisers. the Conservative Party returned to govern- Wweek watched These are but some of a ment in a coalition in 2010. One of former Eric Pickles (Conservative, Brentwood another episode in a long-run- series of corruption twists and prime minister David Cameron’s chief strat- and Ongar, 1992-2017) ning corruption saga that has turns that have tarnished the egists, he was sacked by Prime Minister The former Conservative Party chair- hit the ruling conservative PP's image over the years. Theresa May following Cameron’s resigna- man previously served as the minister for party... but left Prime Minister But despite the opposition's tion after Britain voted to leave the European communities and local government between Mariano Rajoy unscathed. constant criticism and general Union last year. 2010 and 2015. “Looking forward to #GE2017 On Tuesday, the 62-year- corruption fatigue in Spain, Since being fired, Osborne has been crit- as a canvasser, not a candidate. Thank you old conservative leader was Rajoy himself has only been icised for taking on other jobs alongside his Brentwood and Ongar for your support and summoned to testify as a wit- marginally weakened by the duties as a Conservative lawmaker, includ- friendship over 25 years,” he tweeted. ness in a graft trial involving scandals, analysts say. ing editor of the London Evening Standard former members of his party. Angry voters have flocked newspaper and a part-time role at asset Andy Burnham (Labour, Leigh, While not accused of any- to two relatively new parties -- manager BlackRock. Leading lawmakers will leave the 2001-2017) thing, he will be the first acting far-left Podemos and In a letter to constituents, Osborne said Parliament in Westminster. A cabinet member under Brown and a Spanish prime minister to take centre-right Ciudadanos -- but that he did not “want to spend the rest of my former Labour leadership candidate, Burn- the stand. One defendant has the PP still managed to win a life just being an ex-Chancellor. I want new electoral cycle means that each incumbent ham had said he would stand for mayor of already claimed the party ran general election last year, albeit challenges.” He added that he was stepping has to think again about what’s best for them, the northwestern city of Manchester in May, a slush fund, prompting a sep- without the absolute majority down as a lawmaker “for now” and said “it’s the constituency and the party,” he said in a and resign his seat if he won. He has now arate investigation and it won in 2011. still too early to be writing my memoirs”. letter to voters. said he will not stand in Leigh, regardless of parliamentary probe. As a result, Rajoy now heads the outcome of the mayoral vote. On Wednesday, police up a minority government with Alan Johnson (Labour, Hull West and COMING BACK? arrested 12 people in Madrid -- considerably less power than Hessle, 1997-2017) Vince Cable (Liberal Democrat, Twick- Douglas Carswell (UKIP/Conservative, including the former Popular before. Johnson held a variety of cabinet roles enham, 1997-2015) Clacton, 2005-2017) Party (PP) regional president -- But according to Jose Pablo under the leadership of two Labour prime Cable was a key figure as Business Sec- Carswell became the anti-EU UK Inde- in an inquiry into embezzlement Ferrandiz of polling institute ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He retary in the coalition government between pendence Party’s first elected MP when he of public money. Metroscopia, the most recent last served as Brown’s interior minister from 2010-2015 as a member of the Liberal Dem- won a by-election in 2014, having defected Police a day later raided scandals don't threaten him. 2009-2010. ocrats, junior partners to the Conservatives. from the Conservatives. He has since fallen several companies accused of "He's lucky not to have to A veteran of the trade union movement, He lost his seat to the Conservatives in 2015. out with the UKIP leadership, leaving the bribing the party in exchange fight any elections in the near Johnson said that after 20 years, he did not “I plan to lead fight back to recapture party this year. He said he will support the for contracts. future," he said. want to serve for another five years. Twickenham for Lib Dems,” he tweeted. Conservative candidate in the election in June. And that same day, Esper- "He will go to the end of his “Every day has been a privilege and a “Brexit. Heathrow. School cuts. Social He first represented the Conservatives in Har- anza Aguirre, another former mandate to try and clean up his pleasure but it can’t go on for ever and the care. Plenty to campaign on.” wich in 2005, before winning Clacton in 2010. PP president of the Madrid image." 18 AMERICAS SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 Venezuelans stage silent protest

Caracas unraveling of oil giant Venezue- AFP Peaceful march la’s once-booming economy, Dressed in white, which has left the country mired enezuelans marched protesters marched in shortages of food, medicine in silence yesterday to the Catholic and basic goods. Some protest- against President Church’s episcopal ers silently prayed, others Nicolas Maduro, a carried Christian-themed ban- seats nationwide in a test of his govern- ners or images. quiet show of ment’sV tolerance for peaceful “I’m not afraid,” said pro- protests after three weeks of condemnation of the tester Jessica Muchacho, 33. violent unrest that has left 20 leftist leader’s “We’ve got nothing left to people dead. Dressed in white, government. lose. The government’s already protesters marched to the Cath- taken everything, all possibility olic Church’s episcopal seats The centre-right of living our lives with nationwide in a quiet show of opposition accuses dignity.” condemnation of the leftist lead- the government of The opposition plans to er’s government. repressing peaceful return to a more confrontational People standing with signs in Times Square during the March for Science in New York, In Caracas, the police and protests and sending strategy, when it is calling for yesterday. national guard were out in force armed thugs to Venezuelans to block roads in a along major roads and around attack them. bid to grind the country to a halt. the headquarters of the confer- That is the sort of protest that ence of bishops. has repeatedly descended into Thousands join March for Science “I’m sure they’ll meet us The center-right opposition violent unrest all month, as with the usual (tear) gas, which accuses the government of police fire tear gas, rubber bul- is how they preach peace,” said repressing peaceful protests and lets and water cannon to break Washington importance of science to their chatted, introduced themselves 71-year-old protester Hector sending armed thugs to attack up demonstrators, who fight AFP daily lives. to strangers, or hailed colleagues Urbina. them. It blames Maduro for the back with stones and Molotov At a time when the Earth has they came across in the throng. cocktails. housands of people joined marked three consecutive years Their movement was ech- The last protests, on Thurs- a global March for Science of record-breaking heat, and ice oed in hundreds of satellite day, descended into a night of Tyesterday with Washing- is melting at an unprecedented events across the United States. clashes, riots and looting that left ton the epicenter of a movement rate at the poles, risking mas- Organizers stress their protest 12 people dead in Caracas. More to fight back against what many sive sea level rise in the decades is non-partisan, but concerns pockets of violence erupted Fri- see as an “assault on facts” by ahead, some marchers say it is about the challenges to the role day night. The two sides blame populist politicians. more important than ever for of science in society have spiked each other for the unrest. Vice Hundreds streamed onto the scientists to communicate and under Trump’s presidency. President Tareck El Aissami Washington Mall for a festive day work toward solutions to curb He has proposed deep cuts accused the opposition of spon- of music, speeches and teach-ins fossil fuel emissions. in funding for scientific research, soring a “spiral of terrorism” to by scientists disturbed by the rise “Everything we touch, sci- elevated opponents of climate trigger a coup. of so-called “alternative facts” ence has helped us understand pacts and environmental regu- Senior opposition leader around crucial issues like climate better,” said Ruth Varner, a bio- lations to cabinet-level Henrique Capriles fired back change following the election of chemist from the University of positions, and drawn support that the government’s “savage Donald Trump. New Hampshire. “We’re all busy from conservative Christians repression” was causing the vio- “We have no Planet B,” read every day, so if you’re not sur- who challenge the teaching of lence. Maduro, the heir of the one of the signs carried by dem- rounded by scientists talking evolution in US schools. leftist “Bolivarian revolution” onstrators, many of whom about this you might forget how “If this president has his way, launched by the late Hugo sported “Keep Our Science important it is to you.” science is in danger but I think Demonstrators taking part in a rally to honour victims of Chavez in 1999, says the protests Great” caps as they arrived from Rainy weather did not there will be a lot of resistance violence during a protest against Maduro's government in against him are part of a US- around the country on Earth Day dampen the enthusiasm of the from Congress,” said Elisabeth Caracas, yesterday. backed coup plot. to remind fellow citizens of the Washington crowd, as people Johnston, a retired biologist. SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017 AMERICAS 19 Nine dead in Trump tells ‘dreamers’ to rest easy Brazilian land Washington not appear to have been briefed now are here illegally. But after which would have provided legal row massacre AP Targets criminals on the details of the White the election, Trump started status for young immigrants but The President, who House’s forthcoming plan. speaking more favourably about was never passed by Congress. Rio de Janeiro oung immigrants took a hard line on Trump spoke with the AP ahead these immigrants, popularly DACA also provides work AFP brought to the US as immigration as a of his 100th day in office. dubbed “dreamers”. On Friday, permits for the immigrants and children and now in candidate, vowed He panned that marker as he said that when it comes to is renewable every two years. As razilian police collected the country illegally anew to fulfil his “artificial”. Still, the White House them, “This is a case of heart.” of December, about 770,000 the bodies yesterday of can “rest easy”, Pres- is eager to tout progress on the This week, attorneys for Juan young immigrants had been nine people killed by promise to construct B identY Donald Trump said and litany of agenda items he prom- Manuel Montes said the 23-year- approved for the program. masked attackers in a remote a wall along the told the “dreamers” that they will ised to fulfill in his first 100 days, old was recently deported to On foreign policy, Trump area after what a rights group not be targets for deportation US-Mexico border. despite setbacks including court Mexico despite having qualified said it was “possible” the US will called a massacre by big land- under his immigration policies. bans on his proposed immigra- for deferred deportation. Trump withdraw from the nuclear owners to expel small Trump, in a wide-ranging project, he said, “I just don’t know tion limits and a high-profile said Montes’ case is “a little dif- accord with Iran forged by farmers. A police spokes- interview late on Friday with The yet.” Throughout the campaign, failure in repealing and replac- ferent than the dreamer case,” Obama and five other world woman for Mato Grosso state Associated Press, said his admin- he had firmly and repeatedly ing the current health care law. though he did not specify why. leaders. He said he believes said the toll in the killings in istration is “not after the dreamers, guaranteed that Mexico, not US The President said that he The Deferred Action for Iran’s destabilising actions “all western Brazil had risen from we are after the criminals”. taxpayers, would pay for the wall. spent his first 100 days laying the Childhood Arrivals (DACA) pro- over the Middle East and five to nine and that all vic- The President, who took a Eager to start making “foundation” for progress later gram was launched in 2012 as a beyond” are violating the spirit tims were men. Earlier hard line on immigration as a progress on other campaign in his administration, including stopgap to protect some young of the accord, though the State reports suggested that chil- candidate, vowed anew to fulfil promises, Trump said he would by building relationships with immigrants from deportation Department this week certified dren had also been killed. his promise to construct a wall unveil a tax overhaul package foreign leaders. He cited German while the administration contin- that Tehran is complying with “The bodies are being along the US-Mexico border. But next week — “Wednesday or Chancellor Angela Merkel as a ued to push for a broader the tenets of the deal aimed at taken for post-mortem exam- he stopped short of demanding shortly thereafter” — that would leader he was surprised to have immigration overhaul in curbing its nuclear program. inations and civilian and that funding for the project be include a “massive” tax cut for developed strong chemistry Congress. The President also appeared military police are at the scene included in a spending bill Con- both individuals and corpora- with, given that he has been crit- Obama’s administrative pro- to side with his advisers’ increas- investigating the crime,” the gress must pass by the end of tions. He would not provide ical of her handling of gram offered a reprieve from ingly harder line on Julian spokeswoman said. next week in order to keep the details of rate proposals or how immigration policies. deportation to those immigrants Assange, the founder of WikiLe- The slayings, which police government running. he planned to pay for the pack- As a candidate, Trump in the country illegally who could aks. Attorney General Jeff say were carried out by “I want the border wall. My age but asserted the cuts for strongly criticised former presi- prove they arrived before they Sessions said Assange’s arrest “hooded attackers,” took place base definitely wants the border Americans will be “bigger, I dent Barack Obama for “illegal were 16, had been in the United was a priority for the Justice on Thursday in a deeply iso- wall,” Trump said in the Oval believe, than any tax cut ever.” executive amnesties”, including States for several years and had Department as it steps up efforts lated area of farming country Office interview. Asked whether Congressional Republicans actions to spare from deportation not committed a crime since to prosecute people who leak called Gleba Taquarucu do he would sign legislation that seemed caught off guard by young people who were brought being here. It mimicked versions classified information to the Norte, near the border with does not include money for the Trump’s announcement and did to the country as children and of the so-called DREAM Act, media. Bolivia. The settlement has no cellphone signal and is reached either on foot or by boat. A human rights group said that the incident was the latest in a long series of assaults ordered by ranchers, Republicans revive using heavily armed gangs, to clear out small-scale farm- ers from the lucrative agricultural zone. US health care push Harvard museum Washington operations by next Friday, or including the benefits. They AFP face a government shutdown. could also opt out of the so- marking 150 years Asked whether he would called community rating with new exhibit S lawmakers and the seek to prioritize a vote on health provision, which requires insur- White House braced for care or a government funding bill ers to charge the same for people Cambridge Ua hectic coming week in next week, Trump eagerly regardless of their health status. AP Washington, with Republicans replied: “I want to get both.” The revision is aimed at draw- readying new legislation to In the days following the col- ing enough support from Harvard University repeal Obamacare as Donald lapse of Trump’s initial attempt Republican moderates and core museum is marking its Trump seeks a victory to cap his to dismantle Barack Obama’s conservatives. A150th anniversary with 100th day as president. health care reforms, he signaled The latest changes were a new exhibit showcasing its After an embarrassing health his intention to turn next to his reportedly drawn up by Tom role developing the study of care defeat last month, Trump pledged tax overhaul. That would MacArthur, co-chair of the Tues- anthropology. has suddenly heaped pressure make next week an especially day Group of moderates, with The Peabody Museum of on Republican leadership by busy time in Washington. input from Mark Meadows, leader Archaeology and Ethnology saying he expects a vote on a As the President seeks more of the conservative House Free- is opening “All the World is revived version of the bill “next victories, the White House dom Caucus which spearheaded Here,” a renovated exhibition week or shortly thereafter.” appears keen to take a stab at opposition to the party’s initial bill. gallery featuring more than “We’re doing very well on health swiftly passing an Obamacare Some Republicans expressed 600 objects from Asia, Oce- care. We’ll see what happens,” repeal — something candidate skepticism Friday, including ania and the Americas. Many Trump said on Thursday. “It’s Trump had repeatedly pledged Congressman Rodney Davis of of the items are being dis- evolving.” to do within his first 100 days as the Tuesday Group who said he played for the first time. The Conservative and moderate president. For years, Republi- has had discussions with the exhibit is meant to tell the Republicans were working with cans have promised to overturn White House on how to proceed. story of the museum’s earli- the White House on outlines of a Obama’s reform, describing it as “I’m not going to be for a plan est collections and the role its deal. But with no legislative text government overreach. that’s going to allow for preex- second director, Frederic to sell, it remained unclear Several conservatives wanted isting conditions to not be Putnam, played in develop- whether the plan would receive to see the bill lift burdensome and covered,” he told CNN. ing the academic discipline. majority backing in the House of costly regulations that require Any deal would have to play The museum is one of the Representatives, which resumes insurance companies to keep a the tricky game of winning over world’s oldest museums ded- Tuesday after a two-week recess. standard, minimum package of both conservatives and moder- icated to anthropology. Scheduling a vote next week benefits — such as maternity care ates in the Republican Party to Among the items being fea- would mark sharp changes to and hospitalisation. surpass the 50 percent thresh- tured are the dog sledge of legislative expectations in Wash- The new draft, a copy of old of 216 votes in the House of Arctic explorer Robert Peary, ington, where the administration which was posted online by Representatives, seeing that US President Donald Trump awards a Purple Heart to Army Sgt the collections of 18th-cen- and lawmakers are up against a Politico, controversially would Democrats will almost certainly First Class Alvaro Barrientos at Walter Reed National Military tury ship traders and art from hard deadline of funding federal allow states to opt out of unite against the plan. Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, yesterday. Ohio’s ancient burial mounds. Jail to job: NYC to give jobs to released inmates

New York employment once they do their would be less likely to break the The jobs plan is “like giving “It can be a tough sell,” Rich- than the general population.” AP time. The jobs will last up to eight law again and go back to Rikers, money away” and “a feel-good ards said. “We’re dealing with The 28-year-old Diaz is on his weeks, with hourly wages cov- where the costs of housing each approach that does nothing to fix stereotypes of the formerly third strike. After serving time for eftali Thomas Diaz swears ered by taxpayer money rather prisoner can top $200,000 a the problem,” Kerik said. incarcerated. So what we’re say- his initial 2014 arrest, he violated he’s done with Rikers than coming out of the pocket of year. Another vocal opponent, ing to employers is, ‘We’re his parole and was sent back to NIsland. After being locked the employers. The economics make it “in former police detective and may- concerned about your business, Rikers for another three months up twice at the notorious New The program, expected to be everyone’s interest to do this oral candidate Bo Dietl, puts it because we’re helping to build before being released again on York City jail for stealing a credit in place by the end of the year, because otherwise they pay in even more bluntly: “Why should new lives.’” May 17. So he says he understands card and violating parole, Diaz is part of a broader effort to drive the end,” said supporter Martin we be rewarding people who Though the Fortune Society “why people would say, ‘He had entered a private jobs program. down the city’s inmate popula- Horn, a Department of Correc- commit crimes? I don’t get that.” sees some clients drop out and his chance and he blew it.’” Once he’s back on his feet with tion to the point where the city tion commissioner under former At the Fortune Society — one drift away, many manage to But, after confronting drug a paycheck, Diaz says, “I know could build new, smaller jails to Mayor Michael Bloomberg. of the social service nonprofits break out the cycle of recidivism. and emotional problems, he I’m not ever going back there replace Rikers. The shutdown of But the plan has come under expected to partner with the city Some have held down steady insists he’s ready to “have my — ever.” one of the nation’s largest jails fire by critics that include on the plan and a sponsor of Diaz employment at a large commer- mind occupied with something New York City is betting that could take years, so the mayor is another former city jails boss, — the mission is proving the crit- cial kitchen in Queens shared by productive.” Diaz and other low-level offend- pitching shorter-term remedies Bernard Kerik, who served his ics wrong by training former caterers and bakers. The starting point is noon ers like him are right about the to ease the chronic violence and own prison term for tax fraud state prison and jail inmates on “In the food industry, they Monday, the time he’s supposed salvation in second-chance corruption at the sprawling and lying to the White House how to land and keep jobs. Part want to know if you can cut 50 to punch the clock for a paid employment. facility. during his vetting process for of the focus is on winning the potatoes in five minutes, not internship with a firm that pro- Mayor Bill de Blasio says the Supporters say transitional Homeland Security secretary. He trust of employers who risk hir- whether you served time,” said vides support services for the city will spend $10 million a year jobs — kitchen, construction and says any new spending on reha- ing criminals trying to go straight, Seth Bornstein, who runs the city’s non-emergency 311 hotline. on a “jails to jobs” initiative that other mostly menial work pay- bilitation should go to existing said Stanley Richards, an ex-con- facility as part of the Queens He plans to be there an hour will guarantee all Rikers inmates ing minimum wage — are a good behind-bars programs offering victf who serves as the Economic Development Corpo- early. “I’m free right now,” he serving sentences of a year or investment because research high school educations and voca- organization’s executive vice ration. “A few of them are less said. “So I want to keep it like less a chance at short-term shows that inmates who get them tional training. president. reliable than others, but no more that.” 20 MORNING BREAK SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS 'Hair-raising' spectacle

FAJR 03.45 am Kathryn Bigelow in love SHOROOK 05.05 am ZUHR 11.32 am MAGHRIB 06.02 pm with virtual reality ASR 03.02 pm ISHA 07.32 pm

WEATHER TODAY New York viewers of "The Protectors" will readily AP recognise the same cinematic command o o Bigelow brought to her Academy Award s a filmmaker drawn to the most winner "The Hurt Locker" and her most 26 C 38 C visceral forms of cinema, it was recent film, the Osama bin Laden hunt Minimum Maximum Aprobably inevitable that Kathryn thriller "Zero Dark Thirty." Bigelow's high-adrenaline curiosities "The Protectors" follows the rang- would lead her to virtual reality. ers through the tall grass, on the trail of The Oscar-winning director on Fri- poachers and in an apparent fire-fight day at the Tribeca Film Festival with attackers. In one memorable shot, premiered her first VR experience, "The a helicopter lands right on top of the Protectors: Walk in the Rangers' Shoes," viewer. an eight-minute, 360-degree plunge into Bigelow's virtual reality debut left the lives of the Garamba National Park her excited for its journalistic potential rangers in the Democratic Republic of to inform and foster empathy. the Congo. "I love it," Bigelow said of the Bigelow directed it with Imraan medium. "I think it's all about content, Ismail, a virtual-reality veteran, and the though. It's not tech first; it's content first. two used the nascent, immersive "It opens up corridors to awareness medium to give a full sense of the dan- and information about social geopolit- gers the 200 ragtag rangers face daily ical issues that you would otherwise in guarding the Delaware-sized park, have very little access to," she added. including its hundreds of perishing ele- "That's the beauty of journalism is to phants, from the constant plundering of bring you to environments, stories, pro- poachers and gunmen. files of people that you otherwise have "The most important thing was to put little or no access to. I think what's beau- a human face on this issue," Bigelow said tiful is the piece is that it's very objective. in an interview alongside Ismail in the Here are these men and these are their back room of a Tribeca restaurant. "My thoughts. It's very intimate and yet what hope was that if the eyes of the world they're doing is so profound." realised and recognised the kind of sac- A number of big-name filmmakers Hazy at places at first becomes rela- tively hot daytime and slight dust at rifice they're making, then perhaps not have recently tried their hand at VR, places. only could they be better equipped but including Jon Favreau and Alejandro it also might raise recruitment." Inarritu, who's to debut a virtual reality HIGH TIDE 02:15 - 15:15 LOW TIDE 09:15 - 20:30 National Geographic will release the work next month at the Cannes Film

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department film May 1 on the VR app Within, and on Festival. But Bigelow, 65, may be the YouTube and Facebook360 the follow- most significant of the bunch because A hair-stylist puts the final touches on his creation during a LATEST NEWS ing week. It's a co-production of the VR of her interest in getting as close as pos- hair styling competition at the XV International "Crystal Angel" Festival of Hairdressing, Fashion and Design in Kiev, yesterday. UPDATE company Here Be Dragons and the film sible to her subjects and in combining production company Annapurna Pic- storytelling with journalism. She often Participants from Ukraine, France, Italy, Greece, Belarus, Turkey tures — making it a kind of fusion of both works in tandem with journalist-screen- and other countries are competing in the annual festival in the www.thepeninsulaqatar.com worlds. writer Mark Boal, including on their Ukrainian capital. Even in its brief eight minutes, upcoming feature film, "Detroit."