QATAR | Page 6 SPORT | Page 1 Sheikha 13 - 06 -2019 Warner Al Mayassa century sets supports up Aussie #BlueFor win over Sudan Pakistan campaign published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11213 June 13, 2019 Shawwal 10, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief

QATAR | Offi cial Amir gets invitation Qatar tops Mena to visit Pakistan His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday region in Global a telephone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. The conversation reviewed bilateral relations and ways to boost them. During the call, Khan invited the Amir Peace Index to visit Pakistan, which he welcomed. atar has come on top of the domain, Qatar was ranked the 20th Amir congratulates Mena region with a rank of 31 best in the world and best in Mena. Qin the Global Peace Index (GPI) At the global level, the Safety and Kazakhstan president released yesterday. Security domain improved on average, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim With a score of 1.696, Qatar rose 25 with 85 countries showing gains and 74 bin Hamad al-Thani held a phone places from the previous year to leave deteriorating. The largest improvement conversation with Kazakhstan behind other countries in the Gulf re- occurred on the Political Terror Scale President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gion as Kuwait was ranked 43, the UAE indicator, which had 41 countries im- yesterday evening. During the 53 and Oman 69. The UAE dropped prove and 27 deteriorate. Every region in conversation, the Amir congratulated 8 points in the new assessment year the world, bar South America, recorded Tokayev on his inauguration as while Saudi Arabia retained its posi- an improvement or no change on this president of Kazakhstan, wishing Debris is seen at Saudi Arabia’s Abha Airport after it was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi group yesterday. tion at 129 as of last year. Bahrain was indicator, with the largest improve- him good luck and the people of ranked 124 and Egypt 136. ments occurring in Costa Rica, Guinea- Kazakhstan further progress. The two The GPI captures the absence of Bissau, Qatar, Somalia and The Gambia. sides also exchanged visit invitations. violence or the fear of violence across Qatar was also ranked fi rst in the three domains: safety and security, Middle East and North Africa region Houthi missile hits Saudi airport, 26 hurt ongoing confl ict, and militarisation. from 2009 to 2017, according to earlier Amir sends greetings The GPI report is produced by the In- reports. Global peacefulness has im- to Russian president Yemeni rebel missile attack on border in recent weeks. carried by the offi cial Saudi Press Agency. stitute for Economics and Peace and proved for the fi rst time in fi ve years, but His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim an airport in southwestern Sau- Yesterday’s missile strike hit the The missile reportedly caused some developed in consultation with an in- the world continues to be less peaceful bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness Adi Arabia wounded 26 civilians civil airport in the mountain resort of damage to the airport’s arrivals lounge ternational panel of peace experts from than a decade ago, the survey has found. the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin yesterday, drawing promises of “stern Abha, which is a popular summer get- and fl ights were disrupted for several peace institutes and think-tanks. The average level of global peaceful- Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables action” from the Saudi-led coalition away for Saudis seeking escape from hours before returning to normal. Overall, Qatar had the third largest ness improved very slightly last year on of congratulation to Russian President fi ghting the rebels. the searing heat of Riyadh or Jeddah. At least one Indian and a Yemeni improvement in the Mena region in the 2019 GPI. This was the fi rst time Vladimir Putin on his country’s National Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have Eight of the wounded were admitted were among three women wounded terms of score change, based on reduc- that the index improved in the last fi ve Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister faced persistent coalition bombing to hospital, coalition spokesman Turki along with two Saudi children, said al- tions in political terror, the homicide years. The average country score im- of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser since March 2015 that has exacted a al-Malki said. Malki, adding the “terrorist attack” on rate, the intensity of internal confl ict proved by -0.09%, with 86 countries bin Khalifa al-Thani sent a similar cable heavy civilian death toll, have stepped The other 18 were discharged after re- a civilian target could be considered a and the impact of terrorism. improving and 76 recording deteriora- to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. up missile and drone attacks across the ceiving fi rst aid, he added in a statement “war crime”. Page 8 In the Societal Safety and Security tion. To Page 7 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, June 13, 2019 QATAR PM chairs Cabinet’s Four latest titles of HBKU Press win 2019 regular meeting International Book Awards QNA testation, after it reviewed the the provisions of referred to Law during the period from 1st Octo- Doha recommendation of the Shura No 24 for the year 2017; ber 2018 to 31st March 2019. n a landslide win, four of Ha- Council thereon; Fourth. 2.Memorandum of HE the mad Bin Khalifa University Second. Approving a draft memo- Minister of Administrative De- IPress’s latest titles have been E the Prime Minister Approving Draft Amiri Deci- randum of understanding for velopment, Labour and Social named winner in the 2019 In- Sheikh Abdullah bin sion abolishing Amiri Decision co-operation in the fi eld of Is- Aff airs on the outcome of the ternational Book Awards (IBA), HNasser bin Khalifa al- No 14 of 2002 establishing steer- lamic Aff airs and Endowments 16th meeting of Ministers and with several others named fi nal- Thani chaired the Cabinet’s ing committee of the Hamad In- between the Government of the Heads of Civil Service and Ad- ist as well. regular meeting held yesterday ternational Airport Expansion State of Qatar and the Govern- ministrative Development in Among the winning titles morning at the Amiri Diwan. Project; ment of the State of Kuwait. the GCC States (Muscat — April include: Gardening in Arabia: Following the meeting, HE Third. Fifth. 2019). Fruiting Plants in Qatar and the the Minister of Justice and Act- Approving Interior Minis- The Cabinet reviewed the fol- 3. Memorandum of HE the Arabian Gulf by Shuaa Abdul- ing Minister of State for Cabinet ter’s Draft Decision specifying lowing topics and took the ap- Minister of Administrative De- lah al-Sada in the category of Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al- implementation mechanism of propriate decisions: velopment, Labour and Social Home & Garden; Bloodstone by Nuaimi stated that the Cabinet Law No 24 of 2017 on National 1- Letter from the Ministry Aff airs on the outcome of the Tim Mackintosh-Smith in the reviewed topics on its meeting’s Address. of Transport and Communica- 63rd session of the Commis- category of Fiction: Multicul- agenda as following: The preparation of the draft tions regarding a report on the sion on the Status of Women of tural; The Light of Hope, written First. decision comes within the committee for co-ordination the United Nations Economic by Basma El-Khatib, illustrated Taking the necessary meas- framework of completing the between the bodies operating and Social Council (New York — by Bilal Bassal and translated by ures to issue a draft law on at- necessary decisions to activate at Hamad International Airport March 2019). Ghenwa Yehia, in the category of Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit; and Alphabet City, written by Amir greets Omar Khalifa and illustrated by Four HBKU Press books win in 2019 International Book Awards. Fabiola Colavecchio, in the cat- Philippine FM sends message to Bulgarian counterpart egory of Children’s Novelty & dening in Arabia: Ornamental won this year at the 2019 Inter- president Gift Book. Trees in Qatar and the Arabian national Book Awards,” said Ba- This year, which marks the Gulf by Shuaa Abdullah al-Sada char Chebaro, executive director His Highness the Amir Sheikh Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime award’s 10th year, there were in the category of Home & Gar- of Hamad Bin Khalifa University Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister in Charge of the over 2,000 entries from all over den; Bloodstone by Tim Mack- Press. “We pride ourselves on His Highness the Deputy Amir Judicial Reform, and Minister the world in various categories. intosh-Smith in the categories publishing quality books with Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- of Foreign Aff airs The IBA, which is sponsored by of Fiction: Historical and Fic- both written and illustrated Thani and HE the Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva, the American Book Fest, high- tion: Thriller/Adventure; Lost in content that highlights HBKU and Minister of Interior Sheikh yesterday received a written lights a wide variety of out- Thyme by Lilas Taha in the cat- Press’s values and our commit- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa message from HE the Deputy standing literary fi ction and egory of Fiction: Inspirational; ment to showcasing a variety of al-Thani sent yesterday cables Prime Minister and Minister non-fi ction works that are the After Coff ee written by Abdel- important narratives from the of congratulations to Philippine of Foreign Aff airs, Sheikh best in their categories. A distin- rashid Mahmoudi and translated region. For these books to be rec- President Rodrigo Duterte on Mohamed bin Abdulrahman guished panel of industry judges, by Nashwa Gowanlock in the ognised internationally is a mile- the anniversary of his country’s al-Thani, pertaining to who brought to the table their category of Fiction: Multicul- stone achievement for us all.” Independence Day. bilateral ties and means to extensive editorial, PR, market- tural; Alphabet City written by Jeff rey Keen, president and develop them. Qatar’s ing, and design expertise, nar- Omar Khalifa and illustrated by CEO of American Book Fest, Real estate ambassador to Bulgaria, rowed down the 2,000 entries to Fabiola Colavecchio, in the cat- said, “The 2019 results repre- Rashid bin Ali al-Khater, the winners and fi nalists. egory of Children’s Educational; sent a phenomenal mix of books transactions delivered the message HBKU Press’s list of fi nalists and A Recipe for Home written from a wide array of publish- during a meeting with include: The Gulf Crisis: The by Ghenwa Yehia and illustrated ers throughout the world. With The trading volume of Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime View from Qatar, edited by Rory by Inna Ogando, in the category a full publicity and marketing registered real estates between Minister in charge of the Miller and authored by faculty of Children’s Picture Book: Soft- campaign promoting the re- May 26 and May 30 at the Judicial Reform, and Minister members from HBKU and QF cover Fiction. sults of IBA, this year’s winners Ministry of Justice’s real estate of Foreign Aff airs, in Sofia. partner universities, in the cat- “HBKU Press is extremely and fi nalists will gain additional registration department stood at egories of Multicultural Non- proud of all of the authors, il- media coverage for the summer QR291,223,068. Fiction and Social Change; Gar- lustrators, and translators who season.” QRCS project strengthens Palestinian medical sector

QNA which benefi ts about transparency, receiving It treats more than Doha 120,000 people directly bids from 11 local com- 120,000 patients annually and 600,000 indirectly, is panies, forming a central through emergency serv- to improve the quality of technical committee to ex- ices, medical imaging, CT atar Red Crescent medical services provided amine them, selecting the scan, MRI and laboratory Society (QRCS) in the hospital, the rapid winning bids of the con- services of all kinds. Qis carrying out a response in the treatment tract and signing the sup- As a result of the short- project to support Jenin of patients, and the neces- ply agreements with the age of equipment needed Hospital in the West Bank by sary diagnostics in the sec- companies. to operate the internal and supplying medical equip- tions of boarding and incu- The hospital’s procure- emergency departments, ment to the Al-Batiniyah bators, as well as increasing ment procedures have al- Qatar Red Crescent Soci- and Al-Hadaen hospitals, in rehabilitation eff orts in ready started, with 5 devices ety, through its represent- co-operation with the Pal- Palestinian hospitals in received so far. ative mission in the West estinian Red Crescent and general. The Jenin Hospital, a Bank and Jerusalem, initi- the Palestinian Ministry of The statement noted general hospital for inter- ated the project to iden- Health. that 85% of the project nal and surgical diseases, tify the deficiencies and A statement issued yes- has been completed by is the only governmental provide the two sections terday by the Qatar Red streamlining the procure- hospital in the governorate to improve the quality of Crescent Society, said that ment procedures through serving more than 350,000 health services provided to the aim of the project, a public tender to ensure people. the sick.

Second semester exams begin Second semester exams in Qatar’s cultural heritage secondary schools for the academic year 2018/2019 began yesterday. A total of 11,329 students, including experts take to global stage 5,788 male and 5,541 female pupils, are sitting for the exams. The Ministry of QNA Leadership and the Role of from UCL Qatar were Education and Higher Doha Women in the Museum and among the 200 conference Education has made all Cultural Sector in Qatar”. attendees to present their preparations for the exams She has presented her research around the theme which will conclude on oha-based academ- fi ndings in Vancouver, Can- of bibliodiversity. June 23. It is noteworthy ics and research- ada, and next month will UCL Qatar has said that that of the total number of Ders are increasingly present them at the Muse- this growing cross-border secondary school students taking to the global stage to ums in Arabia Conference in dialogue on cultural herit- giving the exams for the showcase the cutting-edge London, UK. age and knowledge manage- second semester, 9,236 academic and research work Another example of UCL ment is in keeping with the are ‘day’ students, of which being done in Qatar and in- Qatar’s vast and unique re- Qatar National Vision 2030 4,521 male and 4,715 female, ternationally. search initiatives, is the re- and is set to get stronger in while 1,830 are in the adult University College Lon- search Dr Frederick Nesta, the coming years, as the re- education programme. Of don (UCL) has supported Senior Lecturer in Library search skills in the country those 1,035 are males and 795 a signifi cant number of and Information Studies, continue to develop. are females. In addition, 136 faculty to present at in- who is currently working on Speaking on the impor- technical students; 71 banking ternational conferences about the marketing of 19th tance of academic research students; and 56 students and lecture at some of the century British novels. in Qatar and its growing from the religious institute world’s leading universities, A substantial part of the reputation Director of UCL are giving the second including the University of research will be conducted Qatar, Dr Sam Evans said: semester exams. The second Nottingham, University of between Qatar and special “This is a great example of semester exams for the 10th Aegean and University of collections of the British Li- how the research sector in and 11th grades also started Amsterdam. brary in the UK. Qatar is getting the recog- yesterday and will conclude UCL said in a state- Associate Professor in nition it deserves. on June 23. The second round ment today that among Library and Information UCL Qatar is proud to be exams for the academic year the research projects cur- Studies Dr Milena Dobreva- contributing to the knowl- 2018/2019 and for grades 1 rently being carried out by McPherson recently chaired edge-based economy in through 12 will start on July UCL Qatar’s academics is this year’s International Con- Qatar by showcasing the 21 through July 29, while the a project by Dr Catharina ference on Electronic Pub- community’s academic in- academic year 2019/2020 Hendrick, Lecturer in Mu- lishing in Marseilles, France. volvement in research on will begin on August 20 for seum Studies whose re- Additionally, two stu- cultural heritage to a wider academics and on August 25 search is titled: “Cultural dents and one alumnus audience.” for the students. - QNA

Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 13, 2019 QATAR

Foreign Ministry spokesperson takes part in IFRI round table HMC treats 700 patients

QNA Paris with multiple sclerosis inistry of Foreign amad Medical Cor- stroys the fatty substance depression, and problems could lead to complications Aff airs spokes- poration’s (HMC) that coats and protects focusing or remembering,” such as muscle stiff ness Mperson HE Lolwah Hneurology depart- nerve fi bres in the brain and added Dr Deleu. or spasms (spasticity), pa- Rashid Alkhater partici- ment currently delivers ad- spinal cord (myelin). Myelin He noted that for indi- ralysis in the extremities, pated in a round table at the vanced care to 700 patients can be compared to the in- viduals with the disease, problems with the blad- French Institute for Inter- with multiple sclerosis. sulation coating on electri- symptoms can worsen with der, bowel, or sexual func- national Relations (IFRI) in With two weekly clinics, cal wires. When the protec- time, and living with MS can tion, cognitive changes Paris, on “Inclusiveness in the department provides tive myelin is damaged and aff ect many aspects of their such as forgetfulness or the Middle East: How does Ministry of Foreign Aff airs spokesperson HE Lolwah highly-specialised care nerve fi bre is exposed, the daily lives, including their mood swings, and depres- the West respond’’. Rashid Alkhater along with other off icials. to patients with diff erent messages that travel along health, well-being, relation- sion. While there is no cure IFRI executive chairman forms of the long-lasting, Dr Dirk Deleu that nerve may be slowed or ships, and careers. According for MS, there are eff ective Thierry de Montbrial mod- comprehensive historical of French Parliament and auto-immune disease which blocked. The nerve may also to Dr Deleu, the exact cause medications and therapies erated the session, which and political reading of the chairman of the Qatari- aff ects the brain, spinal cord, become damaged and scar become damaged itself,” of multiple sclerosis is un- that modify the disease out- witnessed the participa- roots that led to the current French Friendship Group and optic nerves in the eyes. tissue may form. said Dr Deleu. known and it isn’t clear why come. Dr Deleu says treat- tion of a group of European situation in the region. in Parliament, and Jerome Multiple sclerosis, or Dr Dirk Deleu, director, “Once the nerves are dam- MS develops in some people ment plans for MS are in- ambassadors, politicians, She responded to the ques- Lambert, Socialist Party’s MS, can cause problems MS programme at HMC, aged in an individual aff ected and not others but a combi- dividualised and designed researchers, opinion lead- tions and inquiries of the IFRI member of French Parlia- with vision, balance, mus- explained that the damage by multiple sclerosis, the nation of factors such as age, around the patient. ers and delegations from chairman and French and Eu- ment and secretary of the cle control, and other basic to the nerves caused by MS nerves will not work as they gender, family history, cer- Last month, in recog- the ministries of foreign ropean dignitaries on politi- Qatari-French Friendship bodily functions. In MS, the means that the brain cannot should. As a result, they may tain infections, climate, vi- nition of World MS Day aff airs of Qatar and France. cal issues of common inter- Group in Parliament. During body’s own immune sys- send signals throughout the have symptoms like diffi culty tamin D defi ciency, obesity, on May 30, HMC held a During her chairmanship est, such as the situations in the meetings, they reviewed tem mistakenly attacks and body correctly. walking, feeling tired, muscle certain autoimmune diseas- number of events to raise of the round table, Alkhater Syria, Libya, and Sudan. the bilateral relations be- damages the fatty material “With MS, the body’s weakness or spasms, blurred es, and smoking are thought awareness about the invis- reviewed the situation in In addition, Alkhater met tween the two countries and – called myelin – that sur- immune system attacks its or double vision, numbness to be factors. ible symptoms of MS and the Middle East through a Pascal Brindeau, member topics of mutual interest. rounds nerve cells. Without own tissue. This immune and tingling, poor blad- According to Dr De- the impact the disease has this outer shell, the nerves system malfunctioning de- der or bowel control, pain, leu, MS is rarely fatal but on quality of life.

UN welcomes Qatar’s hosting of LDCs in 2021 United Nations Economic and Social Developing Countries and Small Island QU faculty wins Council (ECOSOC) expressed appreciation Developing States, had earlier expressed and welcome for Qatar’s hosting of the deep appreciation to the Government of fifth United Nations (UN) Least Developed Qatar for its generous off er to host the fifth at inaugural Countries (LDCs) Conference in UN Least Developed Countries Conference Doha in 2021. in Doha. This was stated in a resolution unanimously In turn, HE the Permanent Representative of Medical Education adopted by the ECOSOC. Qatar to the UN, ambassador Sheikha Alya A number of heads of state and government Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, underlined Qatar’s are scheduled to participate in the hosting of this conference and the series Research Forum conference. of international conferences and meetings Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, UN under- hosted by Doha, reaff irms the commitment faculty member from secretaries-general and high representative of Qatar to support the least developed Qatar University for UN Off ice of the High Representative for countries and to continue its role in the A College of Pharmacy the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked international community. (CPH) has won the second place in the Poster Award at the inaugural Medical Education Research Forum, organised by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. Jeryan Nejaima Street closure Dr Alla El-Awaisi, CPH assistant dean for student he Public Works aff airs and QU Health chair Authority (Ashghal) for Interprofessional Edu- Dr Alla El-Awaisi Thas announced a cation (IPE) Committee, temporary closure from made a poster presentation CPH dean, said, “The award today to the end of October entitled: “Exploring health- highly refl ects on the quality on a part of Jeryan Nejaima care facilitators’ perceptions and skills of our faculty, be- Street in both directions in delivering interprofes- ing able to compete nation- from its intersection with sional activities in Qatar: a ally and internationally and Awjab Al Dakhla Street qualitative study”. harvest awards. It also re- to its intersection with Al This study aimed to ex- fl ects on the College focus in Tarfa Street. plore facilitators’ percep- supporting the professional The closure initiated in tions and experiences in development of its faculty co-ordination with the Gen- delivering IPE in Qatar, and which is in alignment with eral Directorate of Traffi c is to identify the enablers and Qatar National Vision for to allow development works told to turn left into Awjab networks, installing inter- barriers faced during the human development.” of Al Tarfa Intersection. Al Dakhla Street, then right lock, landscaping and pro- implementation of IPE. Dr El-Awaisi said, “Fac- During the period of clo- to Umm Al Megareen Street tecting Ooredoo and Kah- Knowledge, skills, and pre- ulty IPE development and sure, eastbound traffi c on Al and to Al Tarfa Street. ramaa lines under the roads. vious exposure to IPE were facilitator training with ef- Tarfa Street to Jeryan Nejai- The development works In order to minimise the perceived to enable student fective preparation and ma Street will have to turn of Al Tarfa Intersection impact of construction works and facilitator participa- orientation are critical for right into Umm Al Mega- are aimed at increasing on traffi c movement on Al tion. The project was con- eff ective implementation reen Street, then left to the intersection’s capac- Tarfa Street, Ashghal will ducted with QU PharmD of IPE.” Awjab Al Dakhla Street and ity through providing ad- later close only one lane of the graduate Saba Sheikh Ali, The inaugural Medical then reach Jeryan Nejaima ditional lanes as well as im- street at each stage of con- QU BSc graduate Aya Abu- Education Research Forum Street. Road users heading proving the street lighting, struction within the project Nada during their fi nal year drew participation of a large from Jeryan Nejaima Street upgrading the stormwater after co-ordination with the of studies. The research was number of healthcare facul- to Al Tarfa Street have been and treated sewage effl uent General Directorate of Traffi c. under the supervision of Dr ty and professionals across El-Awaisi with QU CPH as- Qatar and provided a venue sociate professor Dr Ahmed for knowledge transfer and Awaisu and QU CPH clinical showcasing evolutionary lecturer Dr Daniel Rainkie as pedagogical innovations in co-supervisors. teaching and learning across Dr Mohammed Diab, the medical education. Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 5 QATAR CNA-Q IT programmes get Canadian re-accreditation

he College of the North Atlantic – Qa- Ttar (CNA-Q) yes- terday announced inter- national re-accreditation of its four Information Technology programmes as certifi ed by the Canadian Information Processing So- ciety (CIPS). CNA-Q’s IT programmes have been awarded a three- year CIPS re-accreditation for 2018 – 2020, according to a statement. This desig- nation acknowledges that the college’s educational programmes help students meet the demands of the Computing and Informa- tion Systems profession in- ternationally. Completion of the ac- credited computer informa- tion systems programmes will assist graduates in pursuing the Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation. CNA-Q’s Dr Samah Gamar receiving the re-accreditation plaque from CIPS’ Gerald Caissy. “The accreditation is an affi rmation of the quality of “As our IT programmes and Systems Administra- ership in information sys- CNA-Q’s curriculum, the experience impressive en- tion and Web Developer di- tems and technologies since soundness of its pedagogy rolment growth, over 30% ploma credentials. the 1950s. CIPS provides and delivery, the calibre of in the past three years, this Gerald Caissy, chair of a code of ethics for mem- CNA-Q’s faculty, and the re-accreditation is yet an- CIPS’s Information Systems bers, upholds standards of physical, human and insti- other testament to CNA- and Technology Accredita- certifi cation of members, tutional supports in place Q’s unique diff erentiators tion Council, visited Doha and encourages educational to ensure a successful pro- – concise, high quality, in to celebrate the college’s programme accreditation. gramme and exceptionally demand programs that lead success and bestow the re- The CIPS accredita- prepared IT professionals to real profession,” the vice- accreditation. He said that tion was fi rst granted to who are ready to meet Qa- president added. curriculum is at the heart CNA-Q in 2015 after rig- tar’s information and com- The School of Informa- of an accreditation review orous reviews of curricu- munication technology tion Technology off ers four and CNA-Q’s curriculum is lum, assessments of faculty needs,” said CNA-Q vice programmes that are cus- exceptionally designed and credentials and deployed president, academic, Dr Sa- tomised to meet the needs excellently executed through infrastructure, and inter- mah Gamar. of employers in Qatar. The experiential methods. “The views with students, alum- Receiving the CIPS inter- fi rst two-year diploma pro- CNA-Q learning community ni, and industry stakehold- national accreditation pro- grammes in Information benefi ts from both a strong ers. vides an objective verifi cation Systems – Hardware and faculty and a resource infra- There are a total of 27 that CNA-Q delivering qual- Software, were designed in structure that is supportive programmes at CNA-Q ity programmes that meet the consultation with industry of a positive cultural, social, that are internationally ac- needs of Qatar’s workplace stakeholders in 2008. An and academic environment,” credited in the IT, Business and also prepare students for additional year of study was he said. Studies, Health Sciences, the next stage in their educa- introduced in 2012, adding CIPS is a professional as- and Engineering Technol- tional journey, she said. two new three year Network sociation providing lead- ogy fi elds. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 13, 2019 QATAR Sheikha Al Mayassa supports #BlueForSudan campaign E Sheikha Al Mayassa profi le picture to blue before his Sudanese protesters, not only changing his profi le picture on to reopen in Sudan’s capital bint Hamad bin Kha- death. Mattar. Twitter into blue. yesterday after demonstrators Hlifa al-Thani, Chair- Mattar, a 26-year-old engi- Sabah al-Haidous, CEO of “The Blue Nile people have agreed to new talks, though person of Qatar Museums, and neer and graduate of London’s Doha-based international so- suff ered for years at the hands many residents remained in- a number of prominent people, Brunel University, was shot cial development organisation of the Sudanese regime and the doors after last week’s deadly in Qatar and beyond, yesterday by the Rapid Support Forces Silatech, expressed support for thugs,” he wrote. crackdown. pledged support to a new cam- on June 3, reportedly as he at- the initiative by changing her The campaign intends to The apparent breakthrough paign, #BlueForSudan, to show tempted to shield two women profi le picture on Instagram to draw global attention to Su- in the standoff between the solidarity with the people of from harm, Middle East Eye blue. dan, where the military council military rulers who toppled Sudan seeking civilian rule. reported. Similarly, several Qatari ac- continues to commit numerous veteran leader al-Bashir and They joined hundreds of After he died, Mattar’s fam- tivists and social media users abuses against Sudanese rebels protesters demanding civilian thousands of people within and ily members and friends sought also announced their support and civilians. rule followed mediation led by outside Sudan in changing their to remember and honour him for the campaign by changing Sudan has been led by a mili- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy social media profi les to the col- through the colour blue. their profi le pictures on Twitter tary council since the generals Ahmed, according to AFP. our blue in support of the ini- It has now emerged as a sym- and Instagram into light blue. ousted veteran leader Omar al- Diplomatic eff orts to resolve tiative. bol of Sudanese unity and the According to reports, activist Bashir on April 11 after months the crisis — triggered by the The Sudanese people have spirit of the martyrs, helping Safar al-Hajri, football player of nationwide protests against June 3 crackdown — got a boost launched the campaign in view draw the world’s attention to Hilal Mohamed al-Said, Sheikha his three-decade rule. as the US Assistant Secretary of of the events taking place in the Sudanese people’s cause al-Haidos, Khalifa bin Abdullah After al-Bashir’s fall, pro- State for African Aff airs Tibor their country, and one can ex- and revolution. al-Khulaifi and a large number testers remained encamped Nagy arrived in Khartoum yes- press solidarity with them and The campaign rapidly gained of activists and social media us- outside the military headquar- terday, offi cials said. their cause by changing the momentum and saw a huge re- ers also joined the initiative and ters in Khartoum for weeks to Also, the US State Depart- profi les on Twitter, Instagram sponse from social media us- more people were continuing to demand civilian rule, until se- ment nominated experienced and Facebook to light blue. ers and activists from various do so around the world. curity and paramilitary forces Africa hand Donald Booth as a On her part, HE Sheikha Al countries. A journalist with Al Jazeera, moved in to disperse them on special envoy to Sudan yester- Mayassa tweeted: “Stand with Those pledging support to Haitham Abu Saleh, showed June 3. day, hoping he could help craft humanity, stand with Sudan — the initiative include prominent support for the people of Su- Around 120 people have been a “peaceful political solution” show solidarity by turning your offi cials, media professionals dan by changing his profi le and killed since the crackdown be- between the military rulers and profi le to the colour blue!” and intellectuals from around tweeting: “Stand with human- gan, according to doctors close groups seeking civilian rule. The campaign comes amid the world, and #BlueForSudan ity, stand with Sudan.” to the protesters, news agency State Department spokes- the media blackout imposed by soon became a major trending Ramiz Mahjoub Khalil, a AFP reports. person Morgan Ortagus said the military council in Sudan topic online. Sudanese-American activist, The health ministry has ac- Booth was already at work, following the violent break- Instagram’s story feature has said: “The Internet has been knowledged 61 people died na- travelling with Nagy to Sudan up of a sit-in, leaving scores of been a key tool in raising aware- shut down in Sudan and closed tionwide. “to engage with the parties”. people dead and wounded. ness, with many people sharing by the government to hide its The forces of the Declaration Earlier, an Ethiopian envoy The colour blue was chosen details of the protests, particu- massacres and crimes against of Freedom and Change in Su- sent by Abiy had announced as a mark of respect for a man larly as Internet access has been civilians. Please change your dan suspended the civil diso- on Tuesday that the protest named Mohamed Mattar, who intermittent in parts of Sudan profi le picture and let the world bedience and the temporary leaders and the ruling military was martyred during the sit-in since the protests started. know what is happening, we political strike, which they had council had agreed to resume massacre and whose favourite Both the profi le pictures and cannot be silenced.” called seeking the handover of talks and that a three-day civil colour was reportedly blue. the hashtag are being used as Activist Thomas Van Linge, power to civilians. disobedience campaign was In fact, he had changed his a symbol of solidarity with all too, expressed solidarity by Shops and restaurants began ending. Page 10 A Twitter profile supporting the campaign. Rescue experts come together at Doha meet

QNA Doha

conference of the Interna- tional Search and Rescue ASatellite Aided Tracking Organization (Cospas-Sarsat Program) started on Tuesday in Doha in the presence of HE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieu- tenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem. The meeting, organized by the Doha Joint Rescue Co-ordination Center, is witnessing the partici- pation of 46 member states as well as representatives of relevant in- ternational organisations. HE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Doha Joint Rescue Co-ordina- Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem tours the exhibition on the tion Center Commander Briga- sidelines of the conference. dier-General Mohamed Hamad al-Shahwani thanked the organ- The commander pointed out of the State of Qatar to host the isation for agreeing to hold this that the high level of safety en- 2022 FIFA World Cup. meeting in the State of Qatar, for couraged the use of aviation and Later, the Chief of Staff and the fi rst time in the Gulf region maritime transport, which are participants toured the exhibi- and the Middle East. essential factors for growth and tion accompanying the activities Al-Shahwani said the meeting the promotion of the national of the meeting, where they were comes in the context of the interest economy. briefed on the exhibitors and in providing a safe environment for He explained that it also helps listened to an explanation from aviation and maritime navigation in promoting Qatar as a safe and their representatives about the and upgrading the level of safety in attractive commercial and tour- companies’ technological solu- accordance with the recommended ism destination in the Gulf re- tions related to satellite search HE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem with some of the delegates at the inauguration. international standards. gion and stresses the readiness and rescue activities.

ICBF medical camp for Ahlibank picks Mozoon as newest Ooredoo invites patrons for fishermen tomorrow ndian Community Benevolent Fo- rum (ICBF) is organising its 38th credit card Pearl Rewards partner 10th anniversary celebrations Ifree medical camp specially for fi shermen and workers in association with the Ministry of Public Health hlibank has announced of Nojoom loyalty programme tomorrow from 7.30am to 11.30am at that Mozoon, Abu Issa Aster Medical Centre, Al Khor. AHoldings’ leading lifestyle The camp, to be inaugurated by In- loyalty programme, will be the oredoo has an- points’ and exciting virtual huge priority for us to ensure dian ambassador P Kumaran, is sup- latest Ahlibank credit card Pearl nounced that it is commerce off ers – ‘Scan and our customers are generous- ported by Qatar Tamizhar Sangam, Rewards programme partner. Ocelebrating the 10th Get.’ ly rewarded for their loyalty according to a statement. Ahlibank credit card hold- anniversary of its Nojoom For its virtual commerce to us. Complete customer ICBF regularly conducts camps ers can now redeem their Pearl mobile banking application. hensive rewards programme.” loyalty programme this ‘Scan and Get’ off ers, Oore- satisfaction is our mission, providing free medical assistance to points for Mozoon points and To qualify for redeeming Pearl Abu Issa Holding chairman month with some exciting doo has three Nojoom part- and we’re proud of both our workers from various labour camps also enjoy Mozoon Azure tier points for Mozoon points, Ahl- Ashraf Abu Issa said: “We are ex- off ers and promotions. ners participating on each products and services and and companies in Doha and Indus- membership if he/she is an Aqua ibank credit cardholders should cited to launch this partnership To take part in the cele- day: Edible Arrangement, of this amazing reward pro- trial Area. tier member or not a member al- be a member of Mozoon Loyalty between Mozoon and Ahlibank brations and take advantage Kulud Pharmacy, and Village gramme that ensures cus- Thousands of people benefi t from ready. Programme. in line with our constant eff orts of the deals and offers, cus- Markets. tomers get great rewards for such camps. Abu Issa Holdings’ loyalty pro- What’s more, Ahlibank credit to innovate our loyal customers’ tomers will need to make Every partner will be of- using these products and This time, the camp aims to ex- gramme is one of Qatar’s leading cardholders will automatically shopping experience. This part- sure they have the latest fering special discounts on services. We hope everyone tend medical assistance to fi shermen luxury loyalty programme with qualify for an Azure Card mem- nership is a major milestone in version of the easy-to- their products. enjoys the celebrations as community in Al Khor area. over 100 stores in Qatar, such as bership. our strategy to strive for enhanc- use, efficient Ooredoo app Manar Khalifa al-Mu- much as we will.” Spot registrations will be accepted Blue Salon, Nespresso, Godiva, Ahlibank Deputy CEO for Busi- ing our customer experience and installed on their smart- raikhi, director, PR and Cor- Customers who do not al- on the camp day. and Breitling, among others. ness Support Services Mohamed rewarding our loyal members phone. porate Communications, ready have the Ooredoo app A team of dedicated doctors and Earning Pearl points and re- al-Namla said: “We are pleased with a suite of exclusive privi- The telecommunications at Ooredoo said: “We’re can download it from the paramedics from Indian Doctors Club deeming them for Mozoon points to announce Mozoon as the new- leges and rewards. leader confi rmed that cus- delighted to be celebrating App Store and Google Play, will take part in the camp. is very simple. est credit card Pearl Rewards Pro- “Mozoon has grown from one tomers can expect some gen- 10 years of our incredibly- and those with an earlier Wellcare group will be providing Ahlibank credit cardholders gramme partner. With the addition shop in 2016 to more than 100 erous off ers and promotions, popular reward programme, version of the app will simply pharmaceutical support. have multiple ways to redeem, of Mozoon, Ahlibank credit card- shops in 2019. This is a testament including ‘Walk 10,000 Nojoom. Since we launched need to download the latest As an added benefi t to attendees, including digitally. holders can choose from a plethora to our commitment to delivering steps and get 1,000 Nojoom the programme, it’s been a update. Indian embassy Help Desk and the They can redeem their Pearl of luxury brands to exchange their unparalleled service and cover- Labour Section representatives will points by fi lling the Pearl Re- Pearl points for, including Godiva, age in our programme.” be present at the location to attend wards Redemption form at their Breitling, Blue Salon, Nespresso, Details on Ahlibank’s Pearl Re- to the fi shermen’s concerns and que- nearest Ahlibank branch or by Montegrappa, and Bugatti, mak- wards Programme are available ries. calling +974-4420-5222 or dig- ing Ahlibank’s Pearl Rewards Pro- online at ahlibank.com.qa or by ICBF is an apex body under the ae- itally through Ahlibank online or gramme a very rich and compre- calling +974-4420-5222. gis of the Indian embassy. Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 7 QATAR

Commercial Bank’s technology Qatar tops Mena region Tap N’ Pay reaches over 1mn taps in Global Peace Index

ince the launching of its From Page 1 tion as the most peaceful region last 10 years. A wide range of new contactless technol- Iceland remains the most in the world, which it has held factors drove the fall in peace- Sogy a year ago, Commercial peaceful country in the world, a for every year of the GPI. Mena fulness over the past decade Bank has successfully reached position it has held since 2008. remained the least peaceful re- including increased terrorist over 1mn taps from customers It is joined at the top of the in- gion for the fi fth year in a row, activity, the intensifi cation of using their contactless cards at dex by New Zealand, Austria, although it did become more confl icts in the Middle East, their favourite local and interna- Portugal, and Denmark. peaceful last year. rising regional tensions in East- tional outlets. Bhutan has recorded the ern Europe and northeast Asia, The contactless feature was largest improvement of any Bhutan has recorded the increasing numbers of refugees, well-received by the bank’s cus- country in the top 20, rising largest improvement of and heightened political ten- tomers and it took approximately 43 places in the last 12 years. any country in the top 20, sions in Europe and the US. six months for the bank to an- Afghanistan is now the least rising 43 places in the last Mena remained the world’s nounce a milestone of 100,000 peaceful country in the world, 12 years least peaceful region. It is home taps in August 2018. replacing Syria, which is now to four of the ten least peace- Tap N’ Pay, a contactless pay- the second least peaceful. While most of Russia and ful countries in the world, with ment service provided by Com- South Sudan, Yemen, and Iraq Eurasia remains less peace- no country from the region mercial Bank, is a much simpler, comprise the remaining fi ve ful than the global average, it ranked higher than 30th on the faster, and convenient method of least peaceful countries. showed the largest regional GPI. However, despite ongoing payment by merely tapping debit This is the fi rst year since improvement. Central America armed confl ict and instabil- or credit card against the reader the inception of the index and the Caribbean had the larg- ity in the region, it did become in order to complete payments that Yemen has been ranked est regional deterioration. marginally more peaceful last and transactions. What makes simple, fast, and convenient, but of customers adopting this new, increase further this year. amongst the fi ve least peace- Despite the improvement year. The bulk of the improve- this feature even more excep- Tap N’ Pay is also a safe payment simple, and fast technology, This achievement would not ful countries. Four of the nine this year, the world remains ment occurred in the Safety and tional is that it does not require method thanks to the multiple while steering away from cash have been possible without the regions in the world improved considerably less peaceful now Security domain, with average the card PIN for purchases worth security layers the contactless to contactless debit and credit trust of our loyal customers. The in peacefulness in 2019: Russia than a decade ago, with the improvements in score for the less than QR100. cards are equipped with. cards. “We are delighted to see future awaits and we are surely and Eurasia, Asia-Pacifi c, Eu- average level of peacefulness homicide rate, incarceration Nevertheless, a PIN code is “Contactless is the future of how interested customers are on the right path,” said Com- rope, and the Middle East and deteriorating by 3.78% since rate, terrorism impact, Political required whenever the amount card payment. Day by day, we are in this technology, and excited mercial Bank’s AGM and head of North Africa (Mena). 2008. Global peacefulness has Terror Scale, and violent crime exceeds QR100. Not only is it witnessing an increased number about watching this number Cards & Payments Roya Khajeh. Europe maintained its posi- only improved for three of the indicators. QNTC announces lineup of summer camps to educate, entertain

series of summer camps and Qatar Foundation will off er a between June 29 and August 8. at Qatar Diabetes Association mer Camp will run at Recreation Science, are running at Awsaj such as exclusive discounts on off ering entertainment Summer Camp at Education City Children can be registered by from the end of July until Au- Centre, Education City between Academy from June 23 to July 18, tourism products, outdoor, mall Aand education in the form from June 30 to July 25 where phone on 55227000 or 77858877. gust 3. Those interested in an a la June 16 and August 8. Second- Qatar Academy in Al Wakrah and activities, and family entertain- of sports, culture, and art are boys and girls between eight and Parents can ensure their chil- carte menu of activities can enrol ary school students can get an Al Khor (July 7-18). For more ar- ment, as well as discounts at ready to take off this season as 12 years old can enjoy various dren’s football talent is nur- in the Education City Summer early start on preparing for their tistic endeavours, Qatar Museum Qatar Museums’ gift shops. An part of Summer in Qatar (SiQ). indoor sports and fi eld trips to tured at the Paris Saint-Germain Membership Programme, which careers with Qatar Career Devel- off ers Calligraphy Workshops, exciting array of indoor and out- The camps, which include ex- theme parks. Academy’s fi ve-day summer provides access to their various opment Centre (QCDC) camp at a Treasure Hunt, and Saturday door activities adds to a packed citing activities for children and Aspire Summer Camp for kids camp in West Bay, Al Waab, and recreation facilities. Multaqa (HBKU students centre) Colouring at the Museum of Is- SiQ schedule, including family- youth, are off ered by Qatar Na- aged between six and 13 years old Al Wakrah for boys and girls aged Children and adults alike can from June 30 to July 11. lamic Art throughout summer, as friendly entertainment and live tional Tourism Council’s (QNTC) will run from July 7-31 allowing 5-16 from June 30 to August 8. also exercise their minds at sev- Qatar Petroleum will also of- well as art lessons and an Educa- entertainment shows with inter- partners in the public and private them to experience world-class Budding basketball players can eral camps off ering hands-on fer a fi ve-day summer camp from tional Summer Camp at Mathaf nationally-renowned artists. sectors. sports facilities fi rst-hand. To- learn from a pro with LA Lakers’ learning opportunities this sum- July 7 to August 8, where students in July and August. For a complete summer expe- A range of camps off er sports morrow’s Offi cers off ers Qatari Lonzo Ball at a Basketball Camp mer. Fusion Camps will take place can gain a better understanding Members of Qatar Museum’s rience, residents and visitors can and other activities to keep nationals aged 8-12 years the at HBKU from July 18-20 for at diff erent locations throughout of energy and sustainability. Culture Pass Plus and Culture also tap into discounted airfares, children moving this summer. opportunity to take advantage participants aged six-17 years. summer, off ering an array of ac- Mukhayamna Summer Camps, Pass Family will be able to avail as well as hospitality and retail QNTC, the Ministry of Inte- of police summer training pro- Health is wealth this summer, tivities in science, sport, and in collaboration with Geek Ex- of discounts on various summer off ers, which continue until Au- rior’s Police Sports Federation vided by Qatar’s Police College with a Diabetes Prevention Camp exploration. Community Sum- press, BK Sports, and Molecular classes, in addition to benefi ts gust 16. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, June 13, 2019 QATAR/REGION Ta’heel initiative proves a success in aiding local fi rms’ growth

By Shafeeq Alingal Staff Reporter

he Qualifi cation of Small- Scale Contractors Initia- Ttive by the Public Works Off icials with representatives of companies that were honoured at the event. Authority (Ashghal) is turning vate Ta’heel. The initiative was contracts for drainage projects out to be an ideal way to ensure launched as part of the second worth more than QR620mn were material availability while it has edition of QDB’s forum Buy Na- also signed. On April 23, 2019, helped local companies get the tional Product that was aimed tender of four contracts for road best environment to grow in Qa- to encourage Small and Medium improvement projects at a total tar. Enterprises (SMEs) to expand value of about QR100mn was Jaidah Automotive and ACDelco Better known as Ta’heel, the their local business in diff erent announced by Ashghal. initiative has helped Ashghal to industry sectors. The scheme allows these com- make use of products by Qatari The qualifi ed products in- panies to participate in projects and Turkish companies for vari- clude fi re fi ghting equipment, even if they have no previous ex- host customer appreciation event ous works. pipes and accessories, ready perience in the fi eld. It has enabled these compa- mix concrete, air handling units, The initiative is also aimed at nies become part of develop- aluminium profi les, autoclaved imparting training to the new aidah Automotive, together director of Jaidah Automotive; cess would not have been pos- In addition, Fernandes — ment projects including build- aerated concrete, cable man- contractors and introducing with ACDelco – Qatar’s as well as Rohan Fernandes, re- sible without the support of together with his colleagues ing construction, grading works, agement system, cables and ac- them to the best practices in Jpremier automotive bat- gional manager of General Mo- Jaidah Group’s professional Nighat Fakhri and Bill Wu road pavement, drainage facility, cessories, cement, waterproof project implementation. tery provider – recently hosted tors. sales and aftermarket teams — gave a product overview construction of pedestrian lanes membrane and liquid, welding To get qualifi ed, the compa- an appreciation event to hon- Rao thanked the loyal cus- and access to such high-quality presentation covering the key and works to enhance traffi c rods, GRP pipes, traffi c signs and nies need to complete the reg- our customers, suppliers and tomers, experienced profes- products. As part of the event, features and benefits of the safety. traffi c fl ow devices. istration process through Ash- partners in recognition of their sional sales teams and suppliers Jaidah Automotive and ACDel- ACDelco brand. According to the latest fi gures In January 2018, fi ve projects ghal’s website and meet certain support in helping develop the present for their continuous co hosted an awards ceremony Owned by General Mo- with Ashghal, Ta’heel initiative that include Roads Improvement prescribed requirements in ACDelco brand in Qatar. support in establishing and honouring the top fi ve custom- tors, ACDelco is a renowned certifi ed products by 107 man- Works (RIW) were announced terms of quality. More than 150 customers at- growing ACDelco’s brand pres- ers. automotive parts brand spe- ufacturers while a total of 152 for small-scale contractors. Ashghal has also plans to tended the event, which coin- ence in the market, empha- The honoured customers cialising in automotive main- contractors were qualifi ed. The The projects included works in launch few more projects that cided with a major sales mile- sising that their eff orts have were Marhaba International tenance-free batteries and initiative also helped 16 Turkish various areas of Great Doha, Al will be implemented with the stone as ACDelco has now sold helped achieve market leader- Trading & Transport Co, Ali In- has been active in the spare companies become part of de- Rayyan Municipality, Al Shamal, participation of local companies nearly 1.8mn batteries in Qatar, ship in the automotive battery ternational Trading Est, Doha parts business globally for 102 velopment projects by Ashghal. Al Khor and Al Thakhira. as part of its eff orts to ensure the further cementing its leading industry and by successfully Motors & Trading Est, Al Fajer years. ACDelco is one of the Ashghal and Qatar Devel- In December 2018, Ashghal involvement of the private sector market share, Jaidah Group said growing ACDelco Parts in Qatar Auto Spare Parts and Khalid world’s most reputable brands opment Bank (QDB) signed a signed four contracts for road and increase investments in the in a press statement. for many years. Saif Auto Spare Parts. in terms of manufacturing Memorandum of Understanding improvement projects at a total implementation of public sector The event featured keynote Dolinek also gave a special Jaidah Automotive also an- vehicle spare parts and offers (MoU) on July, 25, 2017, to acti- value of about QR59mn. Two projects. speeches by senior execu- thanks to the customers for nounced a special promotion- brakes, filters, wiper blades tives from Jaidah Automotive, providing quality products and al offer to customers to further and various other items. It ca- including KT Rao, manager helping build consumer confi - showcase the brand’s appre- ters to a wide range of Ameri- of Jaidah Automotive Parts; dence and brand trust. ciation for their loyalty and can, Korean and Japanese ve- Bernhard Dolinek, managing He emphasised that this suc- support, the statement noted. hicles. Difi takes part in Jordan Japan’s Abe urges Iran to forum on ‘parenting support’ he Doha International Family Institute (Difi ), learnings and insights into current approaches and a member of Qatar Foundation, participated key features of parenting interventions, imple- Tin the regional consultation on ‘Parent- mented in diff erent contexts, across the Mena re- ing Support in the Mena Region’, organised by the gion and globally.” Difi participated in the second play ‘constructive role’ Unicef Middle East and North Africa Regional Of- session of day one of the consultation, focusing fi ce and Unicef Jordan in collaboration with Maes- on ‘Global and Regional Experiences on Parent- tral International, in Amman, Jordan. ing Support’, where Dr Anis Ben Brik, director of AFP The regional consultation is part of a wider Family Policy Department, Difi, presented find- Tehran consultancy project geared towards the provision ings of Difi’s regionally groundbreaking report of strategic and technical guidance to Unicef and ‘Parenting Programmes in the Arab Region’” partners relating to the eff ective and scalable im- The event provided a platform for stakehold- apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged plementation of evidence-based parenting inter- ers, NGOs, and organisations to gain common Tehran to play a “constructive role” for ventions for children and adolescents in the Mena understanding of key evidence on effective, scal- JMiddle East peace yesterday during a rare region. able, and sustainable parenting interventions diplomatic mission to the Islamic republic Dr Sharifa Noaman al-Emadi, executive direc- designed to improve multiple child outcomes aimed at defusing US-Iran tensions. tor, Difi , said, “In light of increased interest in ev- across various developmental stages, from in- Iran has been locked in a bitter standoff idence-based parenting programmes in the Arab fancy to adolescence. with the United States since US President region and around the world, this is an excellent Difi is a global policy and advocacy institute Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark opportunity to contribute to the development of working to advance knowledge on Arab families 2015 nuclear deal in May last year. the regional strategy, roadmap, and practical guide through research and promote evidence-based Washington has since reimposed crip- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe give a joint around parenting support and cross-sectoral pro- polices at a national, regional, and international pling unilateral sanctions — which have press conference at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran yesterday. gramming for the Mena region. level. The institute has special consultative sta- forced Tokyo to halt its once-substantial “The event is an opportunity for Difi to meet re- tus with the United Nations Economic and Social purchases of Iranian oil — and launched a positive change” in the Middle East and the stable in order to ensure the fl ow of cheap gional and international stakeholders, and share Council. military buildup in the Gulf. world if the United States stops its econom- hydrocarbons to fuel its economy. “It is essential that Iran plays a construc- ic pressure on Iran through sanctions. Rouhani said he saw “Japan’s interest in tive role in building solid peace and stability “If there are some tensions, (their) roots continuing to buy oil from Iran and fi xing in the Middle East,” Abe told a joint news stem from America’s economic war against fi nancial issues” as a “guarantee” for the Saudi crown prince’s sister faces Paris trial: legal source conference in Tehran with Iran’s President Iran.Whenever it stops we will witness a ongoing development of bilateral ties. Hassan Rouhani. “Today, tension is rising very positive change in the region and the The Iranian president also underlined The sister of Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin photograph, accusing him of wanting to sell it to in the Middle East. Some experts point out world,” Rouhani said. a convergence of views with his visitor on Salman is to be put on trial in Paris next month the media. He alleges the princess, said to be in that the confl ict might be triggered acci- “We will not initiate a confl ict in the re- the issue of nuclear weapons, which he said for allegedly ordering her bodyguard to beat up a her 40s, then ordered the bodyguard to beat him dentally, said Abe. gion, even against the US, but if a war starts “both of us are against”. Abe, for his part, workman in the French capital, a legal source said up. Le Point magazine reported that the prin- An armed clash “must be avoided by all against us we will then give a crushing re- expressed his “deep respect to the fact that yesterday, AFP reported. cess shouted at him. The workman says he was means”, the premier stressed. sponse,” the Iranian president added. the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei The case against Princess Hassa bint Salman punched in the face, his hands were tied. The “peace and stability of the Middle Abe began his visit to Iran yesterday, reiterates the fatwa which says ‘nuclear stems from an alleged assault in her apartment on His tools were confiscated before he was allowed East is indispensable for the prosperity not the fi rst by a Japanese prime minister in 41 weapons and other weapons of mass de- the ultra-expensive Avenue Foch in west Paris in to leave. AFP reported at the time of the incident only of this region but of the entire world. years, with the stated aim of defusing ten- struction are against religion’”. The Japa- September 2016. The trial is due to be judged on that his injuries were so severe that he was ordered “Japan wishes to play an utmost role in sions between Tehran and Washington. nese premier is expected to meet Khame- July 9, the source said. off work for eight days. The bodyguard was its capacity to ease the tension. This is the Japan stopped importing Iranian crude nei today morning. Abe discussed “the The alleged victim has said he was hired to carry charged on October 1, 2016 with armed violence, one single thought that brought me to Iran,” oil in May to comply with US sanctions situation in Iran” in a telephone call with out refurbishment work at Princess Hassa’s apart- theft, issuing death threats and holding someone he added. Addressing the same news con- against the republic. The Asian powerhouse Trump on Tuesday, a Japanese government ment and that she became angry after he took a against their will. ference, Rouhani said he expected a “very has an interest in keeping the Middle East spokesman said. Yemen rebels hit Saudi airport, coalition vows action

AFP the border in recent weeks. disrupted for several hours be- a threat to regional security and Sanaa airport and the rejection intensifi ed coalition strikes on Saudi state media reported the Riyadh Yesterday’s missile strike hit fore returning to normal. undermine the UN-led political of a political solution make it in- rebel strongholds on the other coalition was intensifying its air the civil airport in the mountain At least one Indian and a Yem- process in Yemen”. evitable for our people to defend side of the border. raids on rebel positions in the resort of Abha, which is a popu- eni were among three women France also condemned the themselves,” Houthi spokes- On Monday, Saudi air defenc- northern Yemeni province of Yemeni rebel missile at- lar summer getaway for Saudis wounded along with two Saudi strike and called on “all parties man Mohamed Abdulsalam said es intercepted two rebel drones Hajjah. tack on an airport in seeking escape from the searing children, said Malki, adding the to refrain from any escalation in a statement reported by the headed for Khamis Mushait. In May, the Houthi rebels also Asouthwestern Saudi Ara- heat of Riyadh or Jeddah. “terrorist attack” on a civil- that could further destabilise the rebels’ Al-Masirah television. The city, not far east of Abha, carried out twin drone attacks bia wounded 26 civilians yester- Eight of the wounded were ian target could be considered a region”. A rebel military spokesman houses a major airbase that has on the kingdom’s strategic east- day, drawing promises of “stern admitted to hospital, coalition “war crime”. The rebels said they had threatened to attack the airports been one of the main launchpads west oil pipeline, forcing a two- action” from the Saudi-led coa- spokesman Turki al-Malki said. Malki said the coalition would launched a missile at Abha air- of “countries of aggression”, re- for the coalition’s bombing cam- day closure of the main diver- lition fi ghting the rebels. The other 18 were discharged “take stern action” to deter the port but insisted they had the ferring to Saudi Arabia and the paign in Yemen. sionary route for Saudi exports Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who after receiving fi rst aid, he added rebels and protect civilians. right to defend themselves in the UAE, and warned the public to Last month, the Saudi air force avoiding the Gulf. have faced persistent coalition in a statement carried by the of- The attack was condemned face of years of Saudi-led bomb- stay away from them. shot down a rebel drone that tar- The uptick in violence comes bombing since March 2015 that fi cial Saudi Press Agency. by the United Arab Emirates and ing, and an air and sea blockade. There has been a spate of geted Jizan airport, on the Red as a UN-led peace push falters has exacted a heavy civilian The missile reportedly caused Yemen. “The continuation of the ag- cross-border attacks by the Sea coast close to the Yemeni despite the rebels’ unilateral death toll, have stepped up mis- some damage to the airport’s The European Union said gression and siege on Yemen rebels in recent weeks which border, the coalition said. withdrawal from the lifeline Red sile and drone attacks across arrivals lounge and fl ights were “such provocative attacks pose for the fi fth year, the closure of have coincided with reports of The rebel attacks come as Sea port of Hodeidah last month. Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 9 HOL STIC Wellbeing Vegan Alternatives Push your limits and boost of flavour to almost anything. Avocados can be added increasing the blood flow to de-stress as the prayer move- to favourites such as pesto sauce, those areas is critical to reduc- ments are basically stretches and is great when whipped up as ing stress. So, imagine if you if done thoroughly. Yoga is the a spread. have physically put your body Hindu discipline that is based Cashews, Almond, and Rice milk through stress such as a good on stretching, but then adds the are the best alternatives to dairy workout, then it is necessary to spiritual element and medita- milk. They are lower in fat and can stretch after as it supports mus- tion. Both examples referenced be used interchangeably in any cle recovery and reduces that in spiritual beliefs confirms its recipe, from chocolate milkshakes next day soreness. potential to ease the body AND to creamy soups. mind. In the world of vegan baking, Injury prevention and There is no excuse, you can vinegar is a great egg replace- physical fitness: Stretching practically stretch anywhere By Ghanim al-Sulaiti ment, especially for cakes. When should really be a daily ritual and anytime, so go on and liter- combined with baking soda, vin- By Reem Abdulrahman Jassim if you are a dedicated athlete. ally push your own limits. egar acts as a binding agent and al-Muftah By adding up all the benefits, In my previous columns, I’ve creates a moist texture — easily we can conclude that if we What are the basic guide- often spoken about switching eliminating the ‘need’ for eggs. stretch, we are able to poten- lines to stretching? diff erent food products to vegan The great thing about various Ve- f you stretch that makes me tially strengthen our muscle alternatives in a bid to improve gan alternatives is that traditional really happy, but I hope it’s and joint health, leading to in- 1- Only stretch when your health and quality of skin, while dishes are able to be transformed Ion a continuous and con- jury prevention and an overall body is at least a bit warm, not introducing more vitamins and into healthier, vegan versions sistent manner. If you don’t, improvement in physical fitness when you are cold minerals into your overall diet. — and many a times they’re per- then I hope you will change your and performance. 2- Hold each stretch for as Today in 2019 — declared as ceived as tastier than the original mind in a few minutes. long as you can until you work ‘The Year of the Vegan’ by major dish. At my 100% vegan restau- Focus: As we stretch, we are up to the minimum of 15 sec- publications — the beauty of even rant in The Pearl (Doha, Qatar), we Why is stretching impor- focusing on the physical act of onds ‘considering’ making the switch serve Shakshouka for breakfast tant? stretching and feeling that mus- 3- The stretch session should to Vegansim is that we have more — a signature Arab breakfast dish. Flexibility, range of mo- cle’s pull releasing all that ten- range from 5-10 minutes (full substitute and alternative prod- However, our Shakshouka con- tion and posture: Stretching sion. While we are feeling that body) ucts than ever before. In fact, the sists of chickpeas, cumin panisse, helps increase your flexibility rush of blood circulation, we are 4- You should stretch daily, vast supply of alternatives mean Sumac cream, Arabian Gomasio, and the range of motion of your one with our bodies and are one but to start, stretch 2-3 times a there’s virtually no excuse to eat Argula, Parsley and Cilantro. It’s movements and joints, simulta- in that feeling. Our minds take a week animal products. light, fluff y and a modern, vegan neously increasing your overall mental break as we listen to our 5- Do not stretch if you are With the obvious alternatives to twist on a traditional Arab family strength and stability. With an bodies and help it unwind. injured or have any disability in one side or a moment (mush- favourite. increase in your range of mo- During stretching, breathing that area room burgers, or tofu instead of Some parts of the world, specifi- tion, you might possibly be is extremely important. For ex- 6- Do not stretch until pain, chicken) let’s take a closer look cally in Asia, are fast adopters of open to do activities that your ample, when lifting weights, we only until you feel the pull at the vegan alternatives that en- vegan alternatives. ‘Seitan’ in low flexibility limited you to not all probably know to breathe out 7- Do not overstretch able you to continue to eat your its natural form, this stuff is partake in before. Daily stretch- as we ‘push’ in the exercise and 8- Do not add bounce to the favourite dishes or desserts, this incredibly protein rich and low in ing also encourages bone align- breath our as we ‘pull back’ in to stretching movement time in a plant-based, vegan way. carbohydrates and fats, making ment, helping support your the position. The same applies 9- Stretch for a maximum of Canned coconut milk is nature’s it a great high-protein substitute posture and body positioning. in stretching, before we stretch 30 seconds substitute for cream. Chocolate for meat. It’s similar to meat in its we should breath in and as we 10- Beware of partner mousse, ganache, and whipped texture (and even taste) and due Blood flow, muscle recov- move into a stretch and then stretching cream can all be made vegan with to the fact that seitan is pretty ery, and tension: Through slowly breathe out as we push 11- Be sure to change up the this simple replacement. Similarly, much entirely protein, it’s great to stretching, you improve your our muscles. This is why I would types of stretches as to not pure dark chocolate is rich in combine it with grains and veg- body’s blood circulation and recovery. Through this, you de- der pain and/or body aches, but like to refer two maybe not so overstretch a particular muscle antioxidants and is a great milk etables that are rich in vitamins more importantly, to your mus- crease tension in those areas of this is usually due to high stress obvious examples of stretch- in a particular manner chocolate replacement for non- and minerals for a balanced, nu- cles. This increase of blood and your body and in turn, relieve on the mind as well. Our bod- ing: Muslim prayers and yoga. dairy desserts. tritional Vegan meal — all derived oxygen helps prevent muscle the stress as well. We all com- ies react to emotional stress by Praying five times a day, the The author is a wellness advocate In addition to this, avocados are from alternatives. discomfort and aids in muscle plain of back, neck and shoul- tensing our muscles, therefore, body is given the opportunity to and infl uencer @keys2balance. incredibly versatile in their ability to act as a vegan alternative in The author is an expert in vegan several dishes. The nutrient-dense wellbeing and health. fruit can add a creamy body Instagram handle: @Ghanim92 Discover the therapeutic nature of music, art and movement

its ability to impact people with a soothing and calming eff ect. The basic co-rrelation between music Wellness Meal Plan and healthcare has been made in relation to its ability to reduce anxi- ety and restore emotional balance. This is biologically evidenced by brain scans displaying changes in neural activity (calmer in nature) when music is played. This calming eff ect in turn aids restoration in ef- fective functioning of the immune system via the emotional hub of the brain; the amygdala. Research By Sanah Thakur into music therapy has also focused on the use of music in the control of chronic cancer pain. The patients New to the collection of therapies feel they have a better sense of researched into, is the engage- control, it promotes wellness in ment in arts; specifically visual their lives, reduces pain, increases arts, music engagement, move- immunity and decreases anxiety ment based creative expression related to the disease. An additional and writing. There has been an study investigated the use of music abundance of research into the therapy in combination with other psychological and physiological creative arts mentioned above on benefits of art-based interven- self-reported degrees of anxiety, tions specifically with regards to self-esteem and depression in depression, chronic stress and women who had been assaulted various cardiovascular diseases. by their partners. Though the While these benefits are pub- sample size was considerably small, lished widely, people still remain every participant, with consistent sceptical and weary of their belief certain experiences that they find Movement success of healing with movement sessions over 3 months, revealed a in the healing power of the arts. difficult to translate into words. There has been a growing inter- is the synchronisation of our breath significant decrease in anxiety and This week’s column hopes to Cancer patients were seen to est in the benefits of dance and with each move we make. Moving depression. These findings are cru- shed some light and divert these explore the meanings behind movement as tools of healing. with an awareness, initially guided cial in proving the benefits of the beliefs. their past, present and future Movement-based creative expres- by a conscious tracking of inhale arts in healing, not just from physi- using art therapy, which helped sion involves non-verbal physical and exhale counts, transforms cal diseases but even emotional Visual Arts construct a positive identity as forms of expression usually seen movement into a form of medita- and psychological distress. Visual art in its real sense has they dealt with their experience. in the structure of dance, yoga, tion. The concepts of balance, slow been used for expression of one’s A researcher (Guillemin) analysed tai-chi, chi-gong and multiple motion and moving in circles helps I would advise that we segregate identity, yet today we are forced 32 middle-aged women and found more. Throughout history, we to consolidate the need for this the profession from the pure art to narrow our definition and that they understood their heart have constantly revisited the use form of therapy. form and engage in a little of each engage in more technical forms of condition much better when they of movement to celebrate, pray, consistently. It’s important to dis- the practice. were asked to ‘draw’ their disease. connect and express ourselves. Music cover our body and minds’ natural Keto Friendly Turmeric Flatbread However, when left alone, even a Art is also seen as a cathartic Using correct movements helps Auditory stimulation has been way of expression, by providing Makes one medium sized flatbread trained artist listens to the flow of experience, allowing individuals stimulate automatic systems of empirically researched for benefits constant access to the arts and let- their identity while decorating a to transfer their intense emotional the body that generate a natural in abolishing pain and eff ectiveness ting our inner expression have fun. Turmeric is linked to improving brain function and lowering the paper. Case studies in Psychologi- feelings on to materials such as healing response within the body as a strategy for achieving control Go out and play with the arts! risk of brain diseases; it is an anti-inflammatory and is a strong anti- cal research, particularly in the moulding clay, which often reveal which alleviates pain and stiff ness over pain. Music is one of the most oxidant. To experience the full aff ect and health benefits of turmeric use of arts in healing, revealed unconscious symbols that are and creates positive emotional researched mediums of art and The author can be contacted on you should add black pepper as it activates and enhances absorp- that art helps people express missed in verbal expression. changes. What’s integral to the healing, with a primary focus on Instagram @sincerelysanah tion of turmeric in the bloodstream.

Ingredients: 1 egg 1 cup almond flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp chilli flakes The Beauty Myth 1 tbs olive oil or coconut oil 1 tbs shredded cheese age. When I was 21 and in university, “I hate the way I look” at least once the Instagram hot-shots seem to thing that is contagious is the temp- 1 tsp turmeric I was slightly chubby, but for the a day? As if being fitting in with be considered failure or weakness tation to turn it into self-hate. We 1/2 tsp baking powder last few years I guess I have had the today’s beauty standards will solve these days. need to stop passing around these Pinch of black pepper kind of figure that a lot of people all our problems. As if complying to I learned to like myself more when toxic messages. We need people would say they want. Even though those standards will make people I started yoga. It is a beautiful and to know that their bodies exist for Method: my confidence hasn’t been high all like us and bring us self-worth. As empowering practice. I began them to use, not simply for others Mix the egg, almond flour, oil, salt, turmeric, baking powder, and the time, I am also often told that if looking like that gives us control. to look at my face and body as to look at. black pepper together. Pour the mixture on a flat surface forming a ‘you are so skinny’ or ‘your face And you know how fiercely we something with a use and purpose, No one can convince you that you circle. Sprinkle the chilli flakes and the shredded cheese on top and looks so thin.’ Add to that, I am quite will grab any opportunity to be in something created to do things, not look perfectly fine. Body image can microwave for one minute. Allow the flat bread to cool before you pale in a time where the cultural control of our lives. just something that existed to be feel like a battle we all wage to some slice. ideal is to be full and bronzed. Social media may not create new looked at and critiqued. degree at some point in our lives. I Enjoy the taste of eating right! I used to be very self-conscious problems for women, but it does I believe we should find something think it’s a generational thing, you By Shefa Ali about my flaws and wasted so much certainly intensify the existing that our body likes and do it regu- reach an age where you are liber- time on caring what people think. ones. Social media has made a larly. When you are feeling down or ated from caring what other people Over the years, I have come to real- constant ability to critique and insecure about yourself, remember think. Mould your own standards This month I was asked to be a ise that I am so much more than a analyse bodies in such a way that that you have a good body that of beauty, instead of letting society, part of an international magazines’ face and body and that I am the one promotes body dissatisfaction, allows you to perform so many the advertising and cosmetic indus- feature on beauty, sharing my who gets to set my own standards constant body surveillance, and activities. Try to conquer negative tries set them for you. thoughts on beauty and its mean- of beauty, which I base on attitude, disordered thoughts — all of these thoughts by replacing them with ing. confidence and character. factors that can potentially lead to something positive. The author is a consultant and The subject got me thinking about What kind of world do we occupy very serious eating disorders. Be- Being over-weight is not a disease coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ my own relationship with self- im- when most people admit to thinking ing over-weight or not looking like and is not contagious. The only shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times 10 Thursday, June 13, 2019 ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Algeria’s ex-PM, Shops reopen as Sudan former minister protesters agree to talks detained AFP an Ethiopian diplomat who Reuters Khartoum mediated talks on behalf of Algiers Abiy, told reporters on Tues- day. hops and restaurants be- “Both sides have also agreed lgeria’s Supreme Court gan to reopen in Sudan’s to resume talks soon.” yesterday ordered former Scapital yesterday after The protest movement Aprime minister Ahmed demonstrators called off a na- called on its supporters to Ouyahia be held in custody after tionwide civil disobedience resume work from yesterday. he faced a judge over a corrup- campaign and agreed to new The generals have not yet tion investigation, state TV re- talks, though many residents commented on this develop- ported, sending some Algerians remained indoors after last ment. onto the streets in celebration. week’s deadly crackdown. The UN Security Council The court later also detained The apparent breakthrough on Tuesday urged all sides “to former transport and pub- in the standoff between the continue working together to- lic works minister Abdelghani military rulers who toppled vet- wards a consensual solution to Zaalane after a hearing over al- eran leader Omar al-Bashir and the current crisis” and voiced leged involvement in corruption, protesters demanding civilian support for African-led diplo- the channel said, without giving rule followed mediation led by matic efforts. more details on his case. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy It also called for an imme- Ouyahia and Zaalane are the Ahmed. diate halt to attacks against most senior politicians to be de- Diplomatic eff orts to resolve civilians and stressed the im- tained since mass protests broke the crisis — triggered by a June portance of upholding human out earlier this year demanding 3 crackdown on protesters that rights — a week after Russia the removal of the ruling elite killed dozens — got a boost as and China blocked a similar and the prosecution of people Washington nominated expe- draft statement on the crisis. demonstrators see as corrupt. rienced Africa hand Donald Washington meanwhile Hundreds of people celebrated Booth as a special envoy to Su- nominated Booth as a special outside a prison where promi- dan to help craft a “peaceful envoy to Sudan. nent businessmen are also be- political solution” between the Booth was already in Khar- ing held over corruption allega- generals and protesters. toum travelling with US As- tions, private television channels This came after an Ethiopian sistant Secretary of State for showed. envoy sent by Abiy announced Sudanese vendors sell vegetables in the central market of Khartoum. African Affairs Tibor Nagy. Ouyahia, who left the govern- on Tuesday that the protest The two are expected to hold ment in March as part of a cabinet leaders and the ruling military taurants reopened and street pickup trucks fi tted with heavy said as he stepped out of a bank gan, according to doctors close several meetings with the gen- reshuffl e, is under investigation council had agreed to resume vendors came back to work. machine guns. in Khartoum. to the protesters. erals and protest leaders, and over cases including “awarding talks and that a three-day civil But the main gold market in Other residents said that they Sudan has been led by a mili- The health ministry has ac- also intend to visit Addis Aba- illegal privileges”, state TV said, disobedience campaign was central Khartoum remained stayed at home because Inter- tary council since the generals knowledged 61 people died na- ba to discuss the Sudan crisis without giving details. ending. shut, and many residents stayed net services — heavily cut in re- ousted Bashir on April 11 after tionwide. with Ethiopian leaders and the He is the leader of Algeria’s Negotiations collapsed last indoors. cent days — were still not fully months of nationwide protests The protest movement had African Union. second largest party, the Demo- month because the two sides “I’m still staying at my home restored, making offi ce work against his three decade rule. initially threatened to pile more The African Union sus- cratic National Rally (RND). disagreed about whether a ci- because I’m worried about the diffi cult. After Bashir’s fall, protest- pressure on the generals by pended Sudan’s membership Neither men’s lawyers could be vilian or soldier should head a presence of security forces car- Street sweepers cleared piles ers remained encamped out- publishing a list of proposed on Thursday. reached by phone for comment. new governing body. rying guns on the streets,” said of trash, while long queues side military headquarters in members of a new ruling body Yesterday, the Sudanese Boutefl ika stepped down on Yesterday morning an AFP Samar Bashir, an employee of a at bank cash points returned Khartoum for weeks to demand — the key point of dispute be- foreign ministry summoned April 2 under pressure from the correspondent who toured private company. across the capital and other civilian rule, until security and tween the two sides — before British ambassador to Khar- army and protests that broke out parts of the capital saw buses The paramilitary Rapid Sup- towns. paramilitary forces moved in to backing down. toum, Irfan Siddiq, for airing on Feb 22. waiting for passengers at their port Forces — accused of play- “I went to the bank with a disperse them on Monday last “The Alliance for Freedom what it said were his “unbal- Zaalane had been named cam- stations, while shops in some ing a leading role in last week’s cheque and they said there’s no week. and Change agreed to end the anced positions” on Twitter paign manager for Boutefl ika for districts re-opened. crackdown — continued to pa- money. It seems all the money is Around 120 people have been civil disobedience (campaign) regarding developments in an April 18 presidential election, Later in the day several res- trol districts in their trademark just fi nished,” Faisal Suleiman killed since the crackdown be- from today,” Mahmoud Drir, Sudan, state media reported. which was cancelled.

CRIME Ghana forces free two kidnapped Syria claims Israeli strikes Palestinians urge Jordan, Egypt to Canadian women Ghanaian security forces yester- on hilltop near Golan day freed two young Canadian reconsider going to US-led conference women who had been kidnapped Reuters helping Damascus beat back at a golf club in the city of Kumasi Cairo rebels. Israeli media said Hez- last week, a government off icial bollah was suspected of having Reuters They primarily blame a halt said on Facebook after US of- nance ministers, as well as busi- said. “National Security Opera- positioned surveillance equip- Ramallah in US aid and Israeli restrictions fi cials announced the two na- ness leaders from the region and tives in the early hours of June 12 srael carried out a missile ment on Tal al-Hara. for an economic crisis in the tions, along with Morocco, around the world to Bahrain to completed an operation which attack on a strategic hill in “We are denying the fi ght- occupied West Bank and Gaza would attend. discuss investment in the Pales- successfully rescued the two Ca- ISyria overlooking a fron- ers’ capabilities in advance,” alestinians urged Egypt Strip. Melhem urged “all brotherly tinian territories. nadian women recently abducted” tier zone between the coun- Israeli Prime Minister Ben- and Jordan yesterday to The participation of Egypt and friendly countries to with- Addressing a conference in in Kumasi, Ghana’s second city, tries early yesterday, the Syr- jamin Netanyahu said in a Preconsider their attend- and Jordan at the Bahrain meet- draw”, adding that participation Geneva yesterday, Palestin- Information Minister Kojo Oppong ian state news agency SANA speech yesterday, in an appar- ance at a US-led conference on ing is considered particularly “would carry wrong messages ian Prime Minister Mohamed Nkrumah said in a statement. said. ent allusion to such operations June 25-26 in Bahrain, voicing important because they have about the unity of the Arab posi- Shtayyeh said Israeli control “Citizens and travellers are once It said damage was caused in Syria. “In a methodical and concern it would weaken any historically been key players in tion” on rejecting Trump’s plan. of West Bank land had turned again assured that Ghana remains to Tal al-Hara, in the Daraa consistent manner, we are Arab opposition to Washing- Middle East peace eff orts and While the precise outlines Palestinian farmers into “mere safe,” he added. The Canadian governorate near the occupied acting to prevent our enemies ton’s coming peace plan. are the only Arab states that of the draft plan have yet to be vassal workers” and blocked charity volunteers aged 19 and 20 Golan Heights, and that Syrian from setting up bases close to The United States has billed have peace treaties with Israel. revealed, Palestinian and Arab development. Only a political were abducted June 4, in Kumasi, air defences shot down several us, for attacks upon us.” the gathering as a workshop to Israeli and US offi cials say Is- sources who have been briefed agreement, he said, could resolve Ghana’s second-largest city, some missiles.Israel used “electronic ACCESS REFUSED boost the Palestinian economy rael has yet to be formally invit- about it say it has jettisoned the what he termed a fi nancial and an 200 kilometres northwest of the warfare” to disrupt radars dur- Meanwhile, Syrian offi cials as part of a broader diplo- ed, given discussions between two-state solution. unemployment crisis. capital Accra. They had been ing the attack, SANA added. have refused access to a new- matic eff ort widely referred to Washington and Bahrain over The plan faces possible delays Israel cites security concerns travelling in an Uber with a third Israeli offi cials declined to ly-created chemical weapons as President Donald Trump’s what might be an appropriate due to political upheaval in Israel, for restrictions it imposes in the Canadian woman. When they comment on the incident. investigation team formed to “deal of the century” to address makeup of an Israeli delegation. where Prime Minister Benjamin West Bank, where it has expand- reached their destination, the pair They have acknowledged identify culprits behind at- the Israeli-Palestinian confl ict. “The Palestinian Authority Netanyahu must fi ght another ed Jewish settlements — viewed got out of the taxi first and were past strikes in Syria targeting tacks with banned munitions, Palestinian leaders, who are urges Egypt and Jordan not to election after failing to form a by the United Nations and many taken. what they said were deploy- the organisation’s top offi cial boycotting the meeting, say attend the Bahrain conference,” government. countries as illegal — and along ments or arms transfers by said in remarks published yes- the still unpublished plan falls Ibrahim Melhem, a spokesman US offi cials have said they the border with Gaza, an enclave Iranian and Hezbollah forces terday. short of their goal of statehood. for the Palestinian government are inviting economic and fi - ruled by Hamas. POLITICS Buhari defends poll outcome Nigerian President Muhamadu Bu- hari yesterday formally launched his second term in off ice with a Boy dies of Ebola in Uganda as virus spreads from DR Congo defence of the contested out- come of elections that returned him to power. Buhari, 76, in a long AFP ously because the outbreak was he added. “As soon as they continue providing assistance speech, declared that “all parties Kampala contained to one part of DRC. crossed, we contacted the to Uganda, saying it had full have agreed that the elections Uganda’s health ministry Ugandan authorities,” he said in confi dence in the government’s were free, fair and peaceful.” He confi rmed yesterday that a child an interview yesterday. ability to respond to the out- vowed to “consolidate the achieve- fi ve-year-old boy in had died from the virus, and East Africa has been on high break. Eff orts to tackle the cri- ments” of his first four-year term, Uganda has died of Eb- that his three-year-old brother alert since the outbreak was de- sis in DRC have been hampered pushing ahead with diversification Aola, the health minister and their grandmother were clared in the eastern DRC prov- both by militia attacks on treat- of the country’s oil-dependent said yesterday, as his grand- also infected. inces of North Kivu and Ituri ment centres and by the hostil- economy. The off icial launch of mother and younger brother “We have three cases of Ebola last August. According to the ity of some local people to the his second presidential term was also tested positive for the virus confi rmed. Unfortunately, we WHO, Uganda has vaccinated medical teams. also the occasion for the annual after the family visited relatives lost the boy who was fi rst tested nearly 4,700 health workers in Five workers have been killed, celebrations of Democracy Day, in epidemic-hit neighbouring and was found positive,” Aceng 165 facilities. Uganda has ex- according to an AFP tally, which this year was celebrated for DR Congo. said, adding eight other people perienced several outbreaks in and important preventative the first time yesterday. The date Health Minister Ruth Aceng who had been in contact with the past, most recently in 2012, work, such as vaccination pro- marks the country’s first free elec- confi rmed Uganda had recorded the family were being moni- while in 2000 more than 200 grammes and burials of Ebola tions, on June 12, 1993, after a long three cases of Ebola infection, tored in an “isolation ward.” people died in an outbreak in the victims, has been delayed. period of military rule. the fi rst known cross-border The health ministry said a north of the country. But the WHO, in October and spread since an outbreak began woman of Congolese origin, South Sudan has also de- again in April, held off declaring in eastern Democratic Republic who is married to a Ugandan, Ugandan medical staff are seen as they inspect the Ebola clared a state of alert and vac- the DRC epidemic an emergen- CORRUPTION of Congo (DRC) last August. had gone to the DRC with her preparedness facilities at the Bwera general hospital near the cinated health workers. cy of international concern. SA president under More than 2,000 cases have mother, two children and one border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, yesterday. The Red Cross said it was For the committee to make been recorded in DRC — around other family member to take scaling up eff orts to contain the the emergency call, it must probe over graft two-thirds of them fatal. care of her father, who later died The fi ve-year-old was buried against the virus. While they spread of the virus since it was determine that the epidemic The South African President Cyril The World Health Organisa- from Ebola. Upon their return late yesterday in Kasese dis- were still in the DRC, the family detected in Uganda. “carries implications for pub- Ramaphosa is under investigation tion announced an emergency to Uganda, the fi ve-year-old trict, in Uganda’s west, health were identifi ed as having been “This is a worrying develop- lic health beyond the aff ected by the country’s anti-corruption committee would meet tomor- was vomiting blood and taken ministry spokeswoman Emma in contact with an Ebola patient ment, but we have been pre- State’s national border and may watchdog over a 500,000 row to determine whether to to hospital. Ainebyoona said. and placed under quarantine, paring for this day for months require immediate international rand ($35,000) donation to his upgrade its assessment of the Lab tests revealed he had They, and frontline health Congolese Health Minister Oly now,” Robert Kwesiga, Uganda action”. If such a declaration is campaign fund from a company situation to “a public health contracted the haemorrhagic workers, are due to be vac- Ilunga Kalenga said. Red Cross secretary-general, made tomorrow it will repre- facing extensive graft allegations, emergency of international virus and the family were quar- cinated tomorrow with a new But they left the isolation said in a statement yesterday. sent a major shift in mobilisa- the presidency said yesterday. concern”, having held off previ- antined, Aceng said. drug designed to protect them ward and crossed into Uganda, The United States pledged to tion against the disease. Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 11 AMERICAS

FINANCE WARNING TECHNOLOGY TOXIC MIX CAUSE FOR CONCERN Federal government posts CDC: Infected bats pose Ford launches tests on new DDT lingers in Canada Zuckerberg may have known $208bn deficit in May highest rabies risk in US self-driving fleet in Detroit lakes 50 years after ban of privacy breaches: WSJ

Washington posted a $208bn budget deficit in Infected bats are the leading cause of rabies Ford Motor Co’s majority owned autonomous The potent insecticide DDT (dichlorodiphenyl- Facebook Inc has uncovered e-mails that appear May as a modest increase in revenues failed to deaths in the United States, according to a vehicle subsidiary, Argo AI, yesterday trichloroethane) still lingers in Canadian lakes to show chief executive off icer Mark Zuckerberg’s make up for higher spending on the military report released yesterday by health authorities launched its new fleet of self-driving test nearly 50 years after it was banned, according to connection to potentially problematic privacy and social welfare programmes like Medicare, which found the risk posed by dogs had vehicles — Ford Fusion Hybrid — in Detroit, a study published yesterday that highlighted its practices at the company, the Wall Street Journal according to data released yesterday by the significantly fallen. Bats were responsible expanding its presence to five US cities. The harmful impact on micro-organisms at the bottom reported yesterday, citing people familiar with the Treasury Department. The deficit was the highest for 70% of rabies deaths in the US between new cars are equipped with upgraded sensors, of the local food web. From 1952 to 1968, planes matter. Within the company, the unearthing of the ever for the month of May and wider than the 1960 and 2018, a striking figure because they including radars and cameras with higher sprayed more than 6,280 tons of DDT on forests e-mails in the process of responding to a continuing average forecast of $185.5bn in a Reuters poll of account for just a third of the 5,000 rabid resolution and range, the company said. The in the Atlantic coast province of New Brunswick federal privacy investigation has raised concerns analysts. Government spending rose to $440bn, animals reported each year. “Bats play a critical No 2 US automaker is in talks with German car to control pest outbreaks in commercial forests, that they would be harmful to Facebook, at least up 21% from May of 2018. Receipts increased to role in our ecosystem and it is important people maker Volkswagen AG to develop self-driving according to Environment Canada. But researchers from a public-relations standpoint, if they were to $232bn, up 7% from the same month last year. know that most of the bats in the US are not vehicles as its autonomous vehicles unit led by Joshua Kurek at Mount Allison University become public, the WSJ reported. The report said Tariff s provided a modest boost to government rabid,” said Emily Pieracci, the lead author of competes for investment and engineering in New Brunswick recently found traces in lake it could not be determined exactly what e-mails the coff ers, with customs duties taking in $5bn during the report for the Centers for Disease Control talent with peers as well as technology sediments that “still exceeded levels considered Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested the month, up from $3bn in May 2018. and Prevention (CDC). companies. safe for aquatic organisms,” they said. and how many of them relate to Zuckerberg.

Clearing the air on climate change President shields census documents from US Congress

Reuters Russian interference in the 2016 election to Washington boost Trump’s candidacy. Trump’s assertion of executive privilege drew further criticism from Democrats, in- resident Donald Trump yesterday cluding from Oversight Committee chairman asserted executive privilege to keep Elijah Cummings at a meeting he convened to Punder wraps documents on adding a vote on holding Ross and Barr in contempt. citizenship question to the 2020 US census, “This does not appear to be a good faith Demonstrators shout slogans in front of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in defying a House panel’s subpoena in anoth- eff ort at negotiation,” Cummings said at the Washington, DC, during a Greenpeace rally to call for a presidential campaign climate debate. er move to stonewall Democratic lawmak- committee meeting. “Instead it appears to DNC chairman Tom Perez rejected a request from Democratic presidential candidate Washington ers’ investigations. be another example of the administration’s Governor Jay Inslee to host a 2020 presidential debate focused solely on climate change. Despite Trump’s assertion of the le- Trump ... executive previlege blanket defi ance of Congress’s constitu- gal doctrine, the House of Representa- tionally mandated authority....This begs the tives Committee on Oversight and Reform Democratic-leaning areas where many immi- question: what is being hidden?” pressed forward with its plans to vote on grants live in order to gain seats in the House. Cummings said the committee will vote holding two members of Trump’s Cabinet — The census population count is used to later in the afternoon on holding Ross and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and At- allot seats in the House and to guide distri- Barr in contempt for refusing to comply torney General William Barr — in contempt bution of billions of dollars of federal funds. with a committee subpoena seeking the Canadian Senate demands a fi rm of Congress over the census matter. The Oversight Committee is looking into documents related to the decision to add the Asked about the issue, Trump told re- how the Trump administration devised its citizenship question. porters at the White House: “When you plan to add a citizenship question. Representative Jim Jordan, the commit- stand on Arctic sovereignty have a census and you’re not allowed to talk The committee has said that Ross, whose tee’s top Republican, accused Democrats of about whether or not somebody’s a citizen department runs the census, told the panel using the contempt charge in a bid to infl u- or not, that doesn’t sound so good to me.... that he added the question “solely” at the ence the Supreme Court’s pending ruling. By Michel Comte, AFP Most Senate amendments to bill rejected by govt It’s totally ridiculous that we would have a request of the Justice Department. Democratic Representative Stephen Lynch Ottawa census without asking.” However, committee Democrats have said called Jordan’s claim “absolutely ridiculous.” Canada’s Liberal government has Last week a Senate committee The fi ght over adding a citizenship question documents show that Ross “began a secret The administration has argued that the rejected most of the amend- voted to approve the legislation, to the census presents high stakes for both campaign” to add the citizenship question to question would help better enforce a voting Canadian Senate com- ments proposed by Conserva- but with 187 amendments. Trump’s fellow Republicans and the Demo- the census questionnaire shortly after tak- rights law, a rationale that critics have said mittee yesterday called tive senators to a bill that will In a motion posted overnight crats, with the 2020 US elections looming. ing offi ce and months before being formally masks the move’s political motivation. Afor a stronger defense of overhaul how major projects like on Tuesday, the government said The US Supreme Court is due to rule by asked to do so by the Justice Department. Immigrant groups that sued the govern- the country’s sovereignty in the oil pipelines are assessed, a move it will accept 62 amendments, the end of this month in the Trump admin- The committee has said that documents ment alerted the Supreme Court last month of Arctic as retreating ice brings criticised by Canada’s main crude- most of which were proposed istration’s appeal of a judge’s ruling blocking and testimony also showed that discussions newly available documents from a Republican increased foreign interest in far producing province, Alberta. by independent senators. It will the addition of the question as a violation of about the matter between Ross and former strategist that they said shows the question was north resources and navigation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s modify another 37. Nearly all the federal law. Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach were aimed at boosting Republican electoral power. In a report, the committee government introduced Bill C-69 amendments proposed by Con- The judge’s ruling came in a lawsuit by “orchestrated” by Steve Bannon, a former Citizenship has not been asked of all said Ottawa must regulate ship- to fulfil a 2015 election pledge to servative senators were rejected. group of states including New York and close adviser to Trump. households since the 1950 census, featuring ping and enhance maritime and streamline and restore trust in “The Conservative changes immigrant rights organisations arguing Executive privilege is only rarely invoked since then only on questionnaires sent to a aerial surveillance in the Arctic, Canada’s environmental approval would take us backwards, that the inclusion of a citizenship question by US presidents to keep other branches of smaller subset of the population. as well as improve the Canadian process for major projects. increase polarisation and ironi- would frighten immigrants and Latinos into government from getting access to certain On the importance of the census, Dem- Coast Guard’s icebreaking ca- The legislation in its original form cally, make it harder to get good abstaining from participating in the decen- internal executive branch information. ocratic Representative Alexandria Oca- pacity, and equip Inuit Rangers was fiercely opposed by the oil projects built,” Canada’s Minister nial national population count because of Trump last month also invoked executive sio-Cortez said at the meeting: “This de- with marine capabilities in order industry and a number of provincial of Environment and Climate fear of immigration enforcement. privilege to block a Democratic-led House termines who is here (in Congress). This to project its authority over the governments including Alberta, Change Catherine McKenna said. Critics have said Republicans want to en- panel from getting an unredacted copy of determines who has power in the United vast and rugged region. which argued it would deter invest- “That is why we rejected 90% of gineer a deliberate population undercount in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on States of America.” The committee also warned ment and kill new projects. the Conservative amendments.” that simmering geopolitical con- fl icts risked spilling into waters surrounding the expansive Arctic Canada says the boundary with Russian and Danish submis- archipelago claimed by Canada. should run along the 141st me- sions, but concludes that Russia According to the latest estimates, ridian, while the US has argued is unlikely to challenge Canada’s Near-record ‘dead zone’ forecast Canada’s Arctic is warming at three for the use of the equidistance claim to the Northwest Passage times the global average rate. principle, which more closely re- as it would undermine its hold on The 3.5mn sq km region, which fl ects the direction of the respec- the Northern Sea Route. off Gulf coast threatens fi sh the US Geological Survey thinks tive coast lines. China has sidestepped issues could hold vast amounts of undis- The US also disputes Canada’s of Canadian Arctic sovereignty, covered oil and natural gas reserves, control of the Northwest Pas- while its investment and ship- A near record-sized “dead zone” of oxygen- that die, decompose and deplete the water of Scientists with the National Oceanic and At- is home to only 100,000 people. sage, connecting the Davis Strait ping activities have largely been starved water could form in the Gulf of Mexico oxygen, the Louisiana scientists said. mospheric Administration predicted a slightly But melting ice is opening a and Baffi n Bay in the east to the in the Russian Arctic. this summer, threatening its huge stocks of “When the oxygen is below two parts per smaller 12,700sq km spread. shorter shipping route between the Bering Strait in the west. But Beijing is not likely to want marine life, researchers said. mn, any shrimp, crabs, and fish that can swim The record was 14,123sq km set in 2017. Pacifi c and the Atlantic — connect- As recently as last month, US the US and Russia to “have safe The area could spread to about 20,577sq away, will swim away,” Louisiana State Univer- “A major factor contributing to the large ing markets in Europe and Asia. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sanctuary in the Arctic,” and so km, scientists at Louisiana State University said sity ocean ecologist Nancy Rabalais told the dead zone this year is the abnormally high The Senate report, titled called Canada’s claim to the wa- is likely to add Arctic capabilities earlier this week, or about the size of the state National Geographic magazine. amount of spring rainfall in many parts of the ‘Northern Lights’, was released terway “illegitimate.” to engage both in the far north, of New Hampshire, and larger than the 5-year “The animals in the sediment (that can’t Mississippi River watershed,” the agency said as Ottawa is updating its Arctic Canada in May fi led a conti- Arctic expert Robert Huebert average of 10,000sq km. swim away) can be close to annihilated.” in its annual “dead zone” forecast. policy framework. nental shelf submission to the told the committee. Experts blamed unusually high rainfall The problem might get even worse if any A solution would be to keep fertiliser and It notes only one dispute over United Nations to establish its International law professor across the US Midwest this Spring that washed more significant tropical storms wash out sewage run-off from getting into the rivers, land in the Arctic — tiny Hans Arctic claim under the UN Con- Suzanne Lalonde noted that the farm fertilisers along streams and rivers more farm-fed nutrients, the scientists said. NOAA said. A Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Island, which both Canada and vention for the Law of the Sea. fi rst Chinese vessel to navigate through the Mississippi River Basin out into Sewage run off , caused by the spring floods, Watershed Nutrient Task Force has been Greenland claim. The US, however, has not ratifi ed the Northwest Passage in 2017 the Gulf. also add to the problem, National Geographic monitoring the problem and has set goals to Canada and the United States the Unclos treaty. did not ask Canada’s permission, The nutrients in the fertilisers feed algae reported. reduce run-off . are also at odds over a maritime The report notes that some but Canadian scientists were in- boundary in the Beaufort Sea. parts of Canada’s claim overlap vited onboard the Xue Long.

Trump Jr says ‘nothing to correct’ after closed interview with US Senate committee

Reuters thing of what I said because there inquiry into whether the Trump president and his company were The senators also were expect- Washington was nothing to change,” Trump campaign colluded with Moscow chasing a lucrative business deal ed to question Trump Jr about a Jr told reporters after the Senate and possible obstruction of jus- in Moscow while the Russian June 2016 meeting he and cam- interview. tice by the president. government, according to US paign advisers Paul Manafort onald Trump Jr, the eld- “I’m glad that this is fi nally The appearance by Trump Jr, intelligence agencies, was con- and Jared Kushner held at New est son of US President over. We were able to put some fi - who now heads the Trump Or- ducting a hacking and propagan- York’s Trump Tower with a Rus- DDonald Trump, appeared nal clarity on that and I think the ganization with his brother Eric, da campaign to boost his candi- sian lawyer. yesterday for a closed-door in- committee understands that.” was expected to cover a wide dacy. The lawyer had promised to terview with the Senate Intelli- Asked if he was worried about array of subjects, including the Trump initially denied he had share damaging information on gence Committee and then told potentially perjuring himself, he Moscow Trump Tower project. any business links to Russia at Trump’s 2016 opponent, Hil- reporters his responses were the said: “Not at all.” Trump Jr had previously testi- the time. lary Clinton, although in fact, same as during a 2017 appearance The Senate committee, which fi ed in front of a diff erent panel, Cohen, who is currently serv- little useful information was before the committee. is chaired by Republican Senator the Senate Judiciary Committee, ing a prison sentence after plead- shared. The interview had been ex- Richard Burr, is conducting a bi- that he was only “peripherally ing guilty in two federal cases, Trump Jr agreed to appear for pected to focus on a Moscow partisan investigation into Rus- aware” of the project. also told Congress that Trump the committee interview after Trump Tower project and a sian interference in US politics, But Michael Cohen, the presi- Jr and the Trump Organization’s the panel issued a subpoena for meeting with a Russian lawyer including the 2016 US presiden- dent’s former lawyer, contradict- chief fi nancial offi cer signed his testimony. who claimed to have informa- tial election. ed Trump Jr’s testimony. some reimbursement checks for The subpoena was criticised tion helpful for Trump Sr’s 2016 The Senate investigation con- The Russia project never came hush-money payments made to by some of the president’s most presidential campaign. tinues although Special Counsel to fruition but is considered sig- an adult actress who said she had vocal defenders within his Re- Donald Trump Jr speaks to the media after being interviewed by the “I don’t think I changed any- Robert Mueller has concluded his nifi cant because it shows the an aff air with Trump. publican Party. Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, June 13, 2019 ASIA

Over 650 Easter bombers on Lanka climbers summited Mt Everest payroll: former governor DPA Kathmandu AFP police worked closely with the “The former government However, parliament warned at the church, where thousands Cardinal Ranjith said the ex- Colombo Thowheeth Jama’ath,” Salley of Mahinda Rajapakse in civil servants that they risked up of people - including leading tremists who staged the suicide said, according to a transcript of offi ce until 2015 funded to 10 years in jail if they ignored politicians - attended a special attacks against three churches total of 659 climbers sum- his remarks. Thowheeth Jama’ath summons. trilingual service yesterday. and three luxury hotels were mited Mount Everest this he extremists behind Sri Salley said the former gov- through military Broadcasts of proceedings “What we need is a leadership misguided youth who will have A spring season, Nepal’s Tour- Lanka’s deadly Easter ernment of Mahinda Rajapakse intelligence, a practice have however been halted. that will work for the country no place in heaven. ism Department said yesterday. Tbombings received fund- in offi ce until 2015 funded continued by the new Sirisena has repeatedly rather than themselves. A lead- “The innocent victims who In a release, the department ing from state intelligence serv- Thowheeth Jama’ath through administration” denied he was aware of an er with a backbone who will not died while in church are now said that 378 high altitude work- ices, a top Muslim leader told a military intelligence, a prac- impending threat. protect the guilty. A leader who angels in heaven. Those who ers, most of them Sherpas, parliamentary investigation. tice continued by the new receiving precise warnings of an He suspended police chief is not afraid to punish wrong- carried out the attacks are in the guided 281 climbers to the top of The comments by Azath Sal- administration. impending attack. Pujith Jayasundara and dis- doers,” said the Archbishop of hell of hells,” Ranjith said. the world’s tallest peak from the ley, who quit last week as gover- Salley said that the funding Sirisena sacked his national missed his top defence offi cial Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm St Anthony’s - which dates Nepali side from May 15 to May 27. nor of Western Province, added was to spy on other groups. intelligence chief Sisira Mendis Hemasiri Fernando after the Ranjith. back to 1740 - is venerated Hundreds of climbers attempt to to evidence of massive security Salley also said that a week after he told the PSC that the bombings. “There is some doubt, both by non-Catholics too and as climb Mount Everest, which straddles failings before the April 21 at- before the attacks, he met with attacks could have been averted. Church Reopens: The here and abroad, whether we its restoration was nearing Nepal and Tibet, and other Himalay- tacks that killed 258 people. top defence offi cials to warn Mendis also said the presi- bombed Catholic church reo- have a strong leadership that completion. an peaks during the spring climbing The bombings were led by them about the activities of Is- dent had failed to hold regular pened yesterday with a prayer will deliver us from this crisis,” Sri Lanka has been under a season between May and June. Zahran Hashim, a radical who lamic radicals and impending security meetings to assess the for a strong national leader to he added. state of emergency since the as- This year, Nepal’s government broke from the Sri Lanka Thow- dangers. threat from Islamic radicals. punish those responsible for the His remarks came as Presi- saults, giving the police and se- issued a record 381 individual heeth Jama’ath (SLTJ) to form “If the police had taken action His defence secretary and Easter attacks. dent Maithripala Sirisena faced curity forces sweeping powers permits. The previous record an extremist group, the Nation- on the information I provided at police chief have suggested that Speaking at the newly re- serious criticism that he, as to arrest and detain suspects for was 373 in 2017. al Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ). the time, we would have been the president, who is also de- stored St Anthony’s in Colom- minister of defence and Law and long periods. While about 5,000 people Salley told the Parliamentary able to avoid this disaster,” he fence minister, did not follow bo, the head of Roman Catho- Order, failed to act on advance The authorities have said they have successfully reached the top Select Committee (PSC) that said. proper protocols in dealing with lics in Sri Lanka said there were warnings of the Easter attacks. have killed or arrested all those of Everest, more than 300 have he repeatedly told President The PSC has already heard intelligence warnings about the doubts whether the island could Prime Minister Ranil Wick- responsible for the Easter Sun- died in their attempts. Maithripala Sirisena to take from several top defence and bombings. pull itself out of crisis after the remesinghe has publicly apolo- day attacks that were blamed on Deaths spiked during this year’s action against the group. police offi cials that the authori- Sirisena has refused to coop- coordinated suicide bombings gised for the security lapses a local jihadi group, the National April-May climbing season amid “The defence ministry paid ties failed to implement an ef- erate with the PSC and told his on April 21. that allowed suicide bombers to Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) and concerns of overcrowding, with 11 the Thowheeth Jama’ath. The fective security plan even after senior offi cers not to testify. At least 54 people were killed stage the assaults unchallenged. claimed by the Islamic State. people losing their lives. Vietnam ramps up Australia’s FM visits Vietnam Dhaka urges pressure on pressure on Google’s Myanmar angladesh is urging the in- ternational community to Bincrease pressure on My- YouTube advertisers anmar to create an atmosphere conducive for the repatriation of Rohingya Muslims who fl ed a Reuters foreign companies, including and some company offi cials crackdown in 2017. Hanoi Samsung Electronics, Huawei have privately expressed con- Foreign Minister Abul Kalam Technologies, Yamaha Motors cern it could allow authorities Abdul Momen communicated and ride-sharing app Grab, to more easily seize customer the request during a meeting ietnam has asked com- which were found to have data and expose Vietnamese yesterday with foreign diplomats panies not to advertise advertised on videos con- employees to arrest. stationed in Dhaka. Von videos hosted by taining “illegal and malicious In the months before intro- “We told them to raise pressure Google’s YouTube that con- content,” it added. duction of the law, Facebook on Myanmar,” he told reporters. tain “anti-state propaganda,” Vietnam’s information increased curbs on content by He said the diplomats responded state media said yesterday, as ministry has identifi ed about more than 500% in Vietnam, positively to Bangladesh’s call. the Southeast Asian country 55,000 YouTube videos it the social media giant said Momen’s comments come ramps up pressure on global deemed “harmful”, or in vio- last month. three days after Prime Minister tech giants. lation of Vietnamese law, the In January, days after the Sheikh Hasina cast doubt on My- Despite economic reforms agency said. Of these, 8,000 new law took eff ect, Vietnam Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne, left, shakes hands with her Vietnamese counterpart anmar’s sincerity in taking back and increasing openness to were deleted at the request of said Facebook had violated Pham Binh Minh before a meeting in Hanoi yesterday. the refugees. social change, the ruling Com- Vietnamese authorities. it by letting users post anti- Bangladesh has been host- munist Party retains tight me- “In the near future, the government comments. ing over 1mn Rohingya Muslims dia censorship in Vietnam and authorities will ask YouTube Vietnam’s information driven away from their homes does not tolerate dissent. to identify Vietnamese chan- ministry has asked business- in the northern Rakhine state of “Google was found to nels, and only certifi ed ones es to “actively review” their Myanmar. loosely manage its content, will be considered for ad advertising on social media, Despite Dhaka and Naypyidaw allowing users to buy ads revenue sharing,” it added, VNA said. 4 students killed after toilet roof falls signing an agreement for the return directly from YouTube and without elaborating. “The (information) min- of the refugees in November 2017, Google without the involve- A controversial law on cy- istry will work with the State IANS The incident took place when ies of children from the incident the repatriation process has stalled, ment of domestic ad agents,” bersecurity took eff ect in Jan- Bank of Vietnam and relevant Kathmandu the roof of the toilet at the Ganesh site,” a police offi cer said. with Bangladesh blaming Myan- the Vietnam News Agency uary that requires companies agencies to closely manage Secondary School collapsed in The victims were between mar’s reluctance to take them back. (VNA) said, referring to a to set up offi ces in Vietnam ad revenue fl ows on YouTube Naugadh rural municipality of the fi ve years with 10 years old, the Myanmar has failed to cre- June 7 announcement by the and store data there. and Google,” it said. our students died when the district, some 500 km west of the offi cial said. ate an environment in Rakhine Ministry of Information and Global technology fi rms Reuters could not im- roof of a school toilet col- capital city Kathmandu, reported It took at least three hours to in accordance with the bilateral Communication. and rights groups have mediately reach a Google Flapsed in Nepal’s Darchula Xinhua news agency. conduct the rescue operations, agreement for the repatriation, The ministry listed several pushed back against the law, spokesman to seek comment. district, authorities said yesterday. “We have recovered four bod- the offi cial added. said Momen. (DPA) Thailand charges crew of Vietnam imprisons stranded Rohingya boat shipbuilding magnate

Reuters and are still working to deter- Bangkok mine whether they are victims or not,” Suchart said. in graft crackdown Many Rohingya Muslims have hai authorities have boarded boats in recent months to AFP Yesterday a court in Ha- ruption - including its former charged the captain and try to reach Malaysia, part of what Hanoi noi jailed Nguyen Ngoc Su, director, who was sentenced Tcrew of a boat carrying 65 authorities fear could be a new wave the former board chairman of to death for embezzlement Rohingya Muslims with assist- of people smuggling by sea after a state-run Vietnam Shipbuild- in 2017. ing illegal immigration after the 2015 crackdown on traffi cking. Vietnam shipbuilding ing Industry Group (Vinashin), Vinashin was once a crown group was found stranded on a “Based on what we know so magnate has been sen- for “abusing position and jewel in Vietnam’s state-run southern Thai island, police said far, these Rohingya are from the Atenced to 13 years in jail power to appropriate assets”, enterprises but has fallen yesterday. border area between Myanmar for embezzlement, according according to state press. from grace thanks to a series The 29 men, 31 women and and Bangladesh and they were to state media, the latest victim Former director Truong Van of misguided investments and fi ve children were discovered on travelling to Malaysia,” said Jaru- of an unprecedented anti-cor- Tuyen was jailed for seven years controversies. Rawi island in Satun province wat Kliangklao, governor of Sa- ruption drive in the communist on the same charges, while It nearly collapsed in 2010 where their boat had beached tun province. country. an ex-deputy director Pham before the state stepped in to due to engine trouble, police Myanmar regards the Ro- Scores of bankers, business- Thanh Son got six years. save it, and today runs at a said on Tuesday. hingya as illegal migrants from men and current and former The men were convicted for fraction of its former might. The crew - fi ve Myanmar the Indian subcontinent and has offi cials have been jailed in the depositing Vinashin capital Vietnam’s conservative nationals and the Thai captain confi ned tens of thousands to crackdown that has gathered into to Ocean Bank without the president and communist par- - were charged with assisting sprawling camps in Rakhine state steam since 2016 when a con- prime minister’s approval, as ty leader, white-haired appa- foreign nationals to enter the segregated from the Buddhist servative administration came required by law. ratchik Nguyen Phu Trong, has country illegally, an off ence that Rakhine population since vio- to power vowing to stamp out The court said they col- vowed to scrub out corruption can carry a prison term of up to lence swept the area in 2012. graft. luded with the bank to at every level. 10 years. The unrest prompted tens of Endemic corruption is pocket $4.5mn. Observers say the anti-cor- “We have charged the Thai thousands of Rohingya to fl ee rampant in Vietnam - one of “The defendants’ acts were ruption drive that he has spear- and Myanmar suspects with Myanmar by sea, an exodus that Southeast Asia’s fastest grow- very serious,” said Cong An headed - which echoes China’s assisting illegal entry for mi- peaked in 2015 when an estimated ing economies - with graft cas- Nhan Dan, the offi cial mouth- campaign - is unprecedented in grants,” Police General Suchart 25,000 people crossed the Anda- cading from everyday business piece of the Ministry for Public its scope and scale. Thirasawat said. man Sea for Thailand, Malaysia, deals to the upper echelons of Security. Critics also say it is politi- The Rohingya are being cared and Indonesia, many drowning in government. Ocean Bank is already em- cally driven, aimed at stamping for while authorities try to de- unsafe and overloaded boats. The current administration broiled in a scandal of its own. out his foes. termine if they are victims of More than 700,000 Rohingya has widened its drive to target Dozens of bankers and ex- Vietnam ranks 117 out of 180 human traffi cking, he said. fl ed into Bangladesh in 2017 after Rohingya people are seen detained in a police station after a fishing mismanagement in the oil in- ecutives from the privately- on its corruption perceptions “We have not pressed charges a crackdown by the Myanmar’s boat carrying more than 60 Rohingya refugees was found beached dustry, the security services owned lender have been jailed index, worse than Thailand, the against the Rohingya passengers army, according to UN agencies. at Rawi island, Thailand, yesterday. and the banking sector. for mismanagement and cor- Philippines and Malaysia. Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Extradition clashes plunge Hong Kong into historic violence

AFP Hong Kong

ong Kong was rocked yesterday by the worst Protesters face off with police after they fired teargas during a rally against a controversial extradition law Hpolitical unrest since proposal outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong yesterday. its handover to China, as police fi red teargas and rubber bullets Beijing will not be targeted. But to disperse protesters who tried it is deeply unpopular, with fears to storm parliament and blocked people will become entangled in roads in the fi nancial hub. The the mainland’s opaque courts, violent protests were the latest leaving them vulnerable to a jus- expression of widespread pub- tice system seen as acting at the lic anger over the government’s behest of the Chinese Commu- controversial Beijing-backed nist Party. plan to allow extraditions to Opposition to the bill has unit- China. ed an unusually wide cross-sec- Clashes broke out hours af- tion of the city in recent weeks, ter tens of thousands of people from infl uential businessmen seized key arteries in the morn- and lawyers, to religious groups, ing rush hour and surrounded student unions and workers. On the city’s parliament, forcing Sunday record crowds of around lawmakers to postpone a debate one million marched against the on the proposed law. Hong Kong law. Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who That rally, however, failed to is championing the law’s pas- move pro-Beijing Lam, who has sage, described the protests as rejected calls to withdraw the bill A protester is helped by medical volunteers after being hit by teargas “organised riots” and called for and vowed to fast track it through fired by the police. calm to be restored. “The rioting the legislature. actions that damage peaceful so- “The protest today took place But Amnesty International lawmaker Fernando Cheung. ciety, ignoring law and discipline solely because Carrie Lam ig- said police “took advantage of “I will keep fi ghting,” protester is unacceptable for any civilised A protester throws a teargas canister during a demonstration in Hong Kong. nored the voice of 1.03mn peo- the violent acts of a small minor- Kevin Leung, 20, told AFP late societies,” she said in a video ple, and refused to withdraw the ity as a pretext to use excessive yesterday. “Until our goal is statement. determined not to let protest- Hong Kong has been con- “Today’s events refl ect a huge Extradition Bill,” the Civil Hu- force against the vast major- achieved, we will keep going.” Police earlier used tear gas, ers hold any ground while the vulsed by political unrest in re- gap in the confi dence Hong Kong man Rights Front protest group ity of peaceful protesters.” Hong Many western nations have rubber bullets and batons to bat- young demonstrators responded cent years as fears surge that people have towards the govern- said late yesterday, accusing the Kong’s stock market sank nearly criticised the bill, while Beijing tle crowds of black-clad demon- in kind, hurling projectiles in- Beijing is trying to stamp on the ment. They increasingly believe police of being overly aggressive 1.8% yesterday in the city-wide has voiced support. Under the strators – most of them young cluding metal poles, bottles and city’s unique freedoms and cul- the Hong Kong government are a and halting people’s ability to turmoil while the parliament handover agreement with Brit- people and students – demand- bricks. Teargas sent the crowds ture. But yesterday’s violence bunch of puppets serving the in- protest. cancelled the scheduled debate. ain, China allowed Hong Kong ing authorities scrap the Beijing- scattering, but riot police con- was an unprecedented escalation terests of Beijing,” he added. The Police chief Stephen Lo de- But authorities are determined to to retain the freedoms and an backed law. The scenes echoed tinued to fi ght cat and mouse of the confl ict. “In terms of the proposed law would allow Hong fended his offi cers, saying they have the law on the books as soon independent judiciary that were the pro-democracy “Umbrella battles with their opponents into level of violence, today has been Kong to send suspects to other had shown restraint until “mob- as possible. integral to its economic success Movement” of 2014 where pro- the evening, pushing them down the most serious since the 1997 jurisdictions around the world sters” tried to storm parliament. Protesters have vowed to keep for 50 years. testers calling for greater demo- towards the city’s commercial handover,” political analyst Dix- – including China. Hong Kong’s “These violent protesters kept hitting the streets until the bill is But there are fears China is re- cratic rights shut down swathes centre and bringing it to a stand- on Sing told AFP, citing the sus- leaders say it is needed to plug charging at our line of defence, shelved. “The only responsible neging on that deal, a slide that of the city for two months and still. Authorities said 22 people tained use of tear gas, rubber bul- loopholes and to stop the city and used very dangerous weap- thing to do now is for Carrie Lam critics say has worsened since battled police, but won no con- were injured, with wounded po- lets and bean bag rounds, as well being a sanctuary for fugitives. ons, including... throwing metal to withdraw the evil bill, or at President Xi Jinping’s ushered in cessions from Beijing. lice and protesters seen being as the willingness of protesters to They say safeguards are in place barricades at us and throwing least to shelve it in order to solve an era of more authoritarian rule This time police appeared carried away. take on the police. to ensure that political critics of bricks,” he said. the crisis,” said pro-democracy on the mainland.

Dwindling New Zealand kakapo population threatened by disease

DPA The chubby, the remote Codfi sh Island, or Wellington Whenua Hou, and Anchor Is- flightless land, also known as Puke Nui. parrot has A team of more than 100 sci- fter a bumper breeding entists, rangers and volunteers season for New Zealand’s previously come had worked tirelessly to make Acritically endangered dangerously this year the biggest breeding nocturnal parrot, the kakapo, season on record. The remain- a fungal disease is threaten- close to ing 50 females produced 249 North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong delivers a letter of condolence from Kim to South Korean presidential national security ing the species’ survival. Seven extinction eggs, of which 77 live chicks director Chung Eui-yong at the northern side of the border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone, North Korea, yesterday. kakapo have succumbed in re- hatched. cent months to respiratory dis- kakapo recovery programme, Five of these chicks have so ease aspergillosis, said Auck- said on social media. The chub- far died of aspergillosis, land Zoo, where on Tuesday a by, fl ightless parrot has previ- along with two adult birds. 100-day-old chick died. ously come dangerously close to “Despite a record-breaking Kim sends fl owers for former S Korean fi rst lady “At this time 16 birds have extinction. number of chicks born this year, been diagnosed with aspergil- In the 1990s, there were only the kakapo population has been losis, so this chick is highly un- around 50 of the ground-dwell- struck by aspergillosis — a dis- Reuters Korean offi cial said. Lee died in Hee-ho’s resolve for reconcilia- Those talks have since stalled likely to be the last one we lose,” ing, nocturnal birds left. ease that is ubiquitous in the en- Seoul the South Korean capital, Seoul, tion and co-operation between and inter-Korean engagement has Andrew Digby, science advisor Currently there are just 142 vironment, is hard to diagnose on Monday. Kim Dae-jung tried to the people,” South Korea’s na- dwindled. Kim Dae-jung, presi- for the New Zealand Depart- adult kakapo alive, the have all and even harder to treat,” Auck- promote better ties on the divided tional security adviser, Chung dent from 1998 to 2003, is known ment of Conservation’s (DOC) found refuge from predators on land Zoo said in a statement. orth Korean leader Kim Korean peninsula and became the Eui-yong, told reporters. for championing a so-called Sun- Jong-un’s sister met fi rst South Korean leader to meet “Today, she focused on cher- shine policy of engagement with NSouth Korean offi cials North Korea’s then-leader, Kim ishing the deceased and sharing North Korea. Last year’s detente Australian pleads guilty to murder of Arab-Israeli student on their heavily defended border Jong-il, in 2000. condolences.” between the two Koreas was seen yesterday to deliver fl owers and South Korean offi cials said Kim Moon’s press secretary told a as a revival of that policy. A 20-year-old man pleaded attacked on her way home early October. Thousands of her brother’s condolences over Yo-jong, who has emerged over separate briefi ng that Kim Yo- Reclusive North Korea and the guilty yesterday to raping and while she was speaking on the protesters took to the streets the death of a former South Ko- the past 18 months as a top aide to jong also said her brother had a rich, democratic South are tech- killing a young Arab-Israeli phone with her sister in Israel. calling for an end to violence rean fi rst lady. her brother, did not have any par- “special feeling” towards Lee. nically still at war because their student in Melbourne, one of Codey Herrmann was arrested against women after Maasarwe’s The sister, Kim Yo-jong, vis- ticular message or letter for South Kim Yo-jong’s visit came exactly 1950-53 confl ict ended in a truce, a spate of attacks that sparked and charged by police with the killing. ited the border village of Pan- Korean President Moon Jae-in. a year after her brother and US not a peace. fears about women’s safety in attacks several days later. There have been several violent munjom in the demilitarised zone The two sides talked for about 15 President Donald Trump agreed Last year saw a number of high- Australia’s second biggest city. He pleaded guilty to one attacks against women in Mel- separating the two Koreas to pay minutes. at the fi rst US-North Korea sum- level meetings between South and The body of Aya Maasarwe, 21, charge of rape and one charge bourne in recent years, fuelling her respects to Lee Hee-ho, the “She said she hopes the South mit in Singapore to work towards North, including three summits was found by passers-by near a of murder in the Supreme Court concerns that authorities are widow of former South Korean and the North will continue co- the denuclearisation of the Kore- between Kim Jong-un and South tram stop on an early January of Victoria state. His sentencing not doing enough to improve president Kim Dae-jung, a South operation, upholding Ms Lee an peninsula, easing fears of war. Korea’s President Moon. morning, hours after she was hearing is due to take place in safety in Australia’s major cities. US, allies accuse N Korea of violating UN cap on fuel imports

Reuters legal deliveries of fuel this year the DPRK,” read the report to the past year has repeatedly praised diate halt to deliveries of refi ned nuclear and ballistic missile pro- two years. While the latest US United Nations and concluded that the country committee. him. They have held two summits petroleum to North Korea. grammes, banning exports in- complaint that North Korea has — offi cially known as the Demo- The accusation, dated Tues- as Trump tries to convert what However, the 15-member com- cluding coal, iron, lead, textiles breached the UN cap does not cratic People’s Republic of Korea day, coincided with US President he feels is a warm personal rela- mittee operates by consensus and and seafood, and capping imports name who it believes is supplying he United States and doz- (DPRK) — had breached an annual Donald Trump announcing he tionship into a diplomatic break- Pyongyang allies China and Rus- of crude oil and refi ned petroleum refi ned petroleum for the transfers ens of allies have accused cap of 500,000 barrels imposed in had received a “beautiful” letter through. sia placed a similar US request products. at sea, former US ambassador to TNorth Korea of breaching December 2017. from North Korean leader Kim The North Korean mission to in limbo a year ago, saying they Under UN sanctions, countries the UN Nikki Haley accused Rus- a UN sanctions cap on refi ned “The restriction on the DPRK’s Jong-un. Washington is seeking the United Nations did not im- needed more details on Washing- are required to report to the Secu- sia in September of “cheating” UN petroleum mainly through illicit refi ned petroleum imports is to rebuild momentum in stalled mediately respond to a request for ton’s accusation then of 89 illicit rity Council North Korea sanctions sanctions on North Korea. transfers between ships at sea, critical to maintaining pressure talks with Pyongyang, aimed at comment on the US accusation fuel imports by North Korea in the committee monthly sales of refi ned Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Af- according to a document seen by on the DPRK, including those getting North Korea to dismantle that Pyongyang has breached UN fi rst fi ve months of 2018. petroleum to North Korea. fairs rejected the US accusations. Reuters yesterday. parties responsible for its WMD its nuclear weapons programme. sanctions. The United States and The UN Security Council has According to the committee Reuters has also reported that The US-led complaint to the (weapons of mass destruction) After exchanging insults and some two dozen countries asked unanimously boosted sanctions website, only Russia and China Russian tankers had supplied fuel UN Security Council North Korea programme, to achieve the fi nal, war-like rhetoric with Kim early the Security Council sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid have reported legitimate sales to North Korea by transferring sanctions committee listed 79 il- fully verifi ed denuclearisation of in his presidency, Trump in the committee to demand an imme- to choke funding for Pyongyang’s to Pyongyang during the past cargoes at sea. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, June 13, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND

Tory MP sent This Is Going to Hurt as reminder of Hunt’s record

Guardian News and Media needs in the Conservative party minister Johnson, I can’t sit leading a misinformation cam- his 2017 memoirs with an open work. I strongly suggest you you do differently?’” Kay wrote London leadership race, arguing that he back and watch Hunt’s record paign when they fought against letter to Hunt, challenging him seek a second opinion.” in the Mirror. “He insisted he is the best negotiator to deliver on health go somehow unmen- it – that led me to dig out my to work a shift alongside junior After This is Going to Hurt wouldn’t change anything he Brexit. Kay said he was send- tioned.” junior doctor diaries and have doctors. hit the top of book charts, and did at all, so I guess we have dam Kay is sending a ing his memoirs to MPs because Hunt, who was health sec- them published,” said Kay, lam- “Palliate a cancer patient; readers began sending copies rather different ideas about ‘re- copy of his bestsell- he “wanted to remind those retary between 2012 and 2018, basting Hunt as “the biggest watch a trauma victim have their to Hunt, the then health secre- gret’.” Aing memoir about life as ‘honourable friends’ with any clashed with junior doctors in villain of them all” for “hack- leg amputated; deliver a dead tary invited Kay in for a meet- On the staffing crisis, Hunt a junior doctor, This Is Going honour quite what those in the 2015 and 2016 over a new con- ing back at NHS funding, driv- baby,” Kay writes. “Because I ing, at which the pair discussed denied to Kay that there had to Hurt, to all 330 Conserva- health service actually thought tract that sought, among other ing overworked staff to break- defy any human being, even you, the junior doctors’ dispute, the been a significant increase in tive MPs ahead of their vote on of those ‘negotiation skills’ things, to extend doctors’ nor- ing point, leaving us with over to know what the job really en- number of junior doctors leav- junior doctors leaving the pro- the new Tory leader, to remind Hunt has been boasting about’. mal working week hours to in- 100,000 vacancies, then watch- tails and question a single doc- ing their jobs and the rise in in- fession. “I offered the latest them of how leading contender Speaking yesterday, Kay said: clude Saturdays and weekday ing unfl inchingly as his actions tor’s motivation. If you knew, fant mortality. It did not go well. official statistics showing only Jeremy Hunt “left the NHS in “If a week is a long time in poli- evenings from 7pm until 10pm. saw every imaginable waiting you would be applauding them, “He admitted he’d failed to half of them now continue af- tatters” after his stint as health tics then the 11 months since The bitter dispute led to strike time soar, from ambulance call- you’d be proud of them, you’d be communicate properly and ter their first two years, a huge secretary. Hunt left the NHS in tatters action across the NHS. outs to oncology appointments.” humbled by them, and you’d be said how deeply he regretted change from past years. ‘I don’t Hunt, who is now foreign must be a generation ago. Much “It was his actions – forcing A former junior doctor, Kay eternally grateful for everything that strikes ever took place. My recognise those figures.’ he secretary, has pitched himself as I don’t want to be complicit an unfair and unsafe contract left medicine in 2010 and is now they do. The way you treat junior turn. I asked him: ‘If you could said. About official figures,” as the “serious leader” the UK in a world where we have prime on the junior doctors and then a comedian and author. He ends doctors demonstrably doesn’t go back in time, what would wrote Kay.

Motion seeking to block Johnson bids no-deal defeated for leadership

Guardian News and Media London

Ps seeking to take steps with Oct 31 to prevent a no-deal MBrexit have lost a Com- mons vote by 309 votes to 298 – a majority of 11 – in a boost to Conservative leadership con- tenders such as Boris Johnson who are hoping to force the UK’s Brexit pledge exit from the EU by October 31. The cross-party motion would Reuters “Indeed it is astonishing that us to focus on in this campaign, if have given MPs time to begin to London anyone could suggest dispensing I may say so, is what we can do for pass legislation that may have with that vital tool in the negotia- them and what our plans are for signifi cantly constrained a fu- tion.” this great country of ours.” ture prime minister, but Labour oris Johnson kicked off his May’s premiership crumbled As in the 2016 referendum on sources said they feared would- campaign to succeed Prime after she repeatedly failed to con- EU membership, Johnson’s mes- be Tory rebels had preferred BMinister Theresa May yes- vince parliament to ratify the di- sage is clear: any more Brexit de- to hold their fi re until they see terday with a commitment to lead vorce deal she negotiated with the lays and the Conservative Party which candidate was installed. Britain out of the European Union EU. risks opening the door to a gov- The vote followed a debate on October 31, warning his di- Supporters of Brexit said May’s ernment led by opposition La- in the House of Commons led vided Conservative Party “delay deal would have kept the UK far bour leader and veteran socialist by the shadow Brexit secretary, means defeat”. too closely tied to the bloc. Jeremy Corbyn. Keir Starmer, who urged MPs Johnson, 54, favourite for the Johnson, whose unconven- “We will simply not get a re- to back the cross-party eff ort, top job nearly three years since he tional style has helped him shrug sult if we give the impression that calling it a “safety valve”, so MPs led the referendum campaign to off a series of scandals in the past, we want to go on kicking the can can begin legislation to stop a leave the EU, praised the strength has won over many in his party by down the road and yet more de- new prime minister suspending of the British economy, promised arguing that only he can rescue lay,” Johnson said. “Delay means parliament. to deliver Brexit by the end of Oc- the Conservatives by delivering defeat, delay means ruin.” Speaking before the crunch tober and tackle despair across Brexit. “Around the country there is vote on giving MPs control of the the country. For many, the contest for a feeling of disillusion and even parliamentary agenda on June To a packed room where some prime minister is his to lose — he despair at our ability to get things 25, Starmer said MPs had to seize supportive lawmakers were has the most declared Conserva- done. The longer it goes on, the the opportunity to grant them- forced to stand, Johnson drew tive supporters in parliament worse the risk that there will be selves time to stop a no-deal on his past as a former London and is widely popular among serious contamination and a real Brexit. mayor to try to persuade Con- the party’s members, the people loss of confi dence.” The motion proposed giving servatives that only he could take who will ultimately choose May’s The United Kingdom could be MPs control of the parliamen- the party to election victory, ex- successor. heading towards a constitutional tary agenda in a fortnight’s time. plaining away some of his well- In a room full of Conservatives crisis over Brexit as many of the That day could then potentially documented gaff es as his desire to loyal to his campaign who groaned candidates vying to succeed May be used to begin legislation to “speak as directly as I can”. when journalists brought up lists are prepared to leave the EU on prevent the UK from leaving the “After three years and two of past indiscretions, including October 31 without a deal but par- EU without a deal – though it is missed deadlines, we must leave a report he had taken cocaine, liament has indicated it will try to still uncertain what form that the EU on October 31,” he said as Johnson repeatedly sidestepped thwart such a scenario, concerned would take. a heckler repeatedly shouted from questions, using his trademark about the potential economic and Starmer said MPs were forced outside the Royal Academy of colourful metaphors and lan- other disruptions. to act because of suggestions Engineering, just off The Mall in guage to change the subject. The Conservatives suff ered from leadership candidates in- central London. Asked if he could be trusted, their worst result in centuries in a cluding Johnson and Dominic “I am not aiming for a no- Johnson said he could. European Parliament election last Raab that the UK will leave – deal outcome,” said Johnson, a On drugs, which has become month. come what may – on October 54-year-old former foreign min- a campaign issue after rival, Opinion polls indicate a snap 31, with Raab even suggesting he ister. “I don’t think that we will Michael Gove was forced to admit election would produce a hung would be prepared to prorogue end up with any such thing, but it he had taken cocaine when he was parliament, with neither the parliament to stop MPs eff orts to Conservative Party leadership candidate Boris Johnson speaks at the launch of his campaign in London, is only responsible to prepare vig- a young journalist, Johnson said: Conservatives nor Labour win- thwart no deal. yesterday. orously and seriously for no-deal. “I think what most people want ning a majority.

Brexit Party ‘at high risk’ UK set for ‘terrible’ Brexit miscalculation of taking illegal donations Reuters think the failure of the House of Dublin Commons to ratify the agree- ment automatically means they Guardian News and Media on raising small sums through critics – among them the former will get a better agreement. That London online payment systems. PM Gordon Brown – have said reland’s prime minister is a terrible political miscalcula- “Our visit to the Brexit party there is no way of telling whether warned British lawmak- tion.” has enabled us to make specifi c those smaller amounts come Iers against making “a ter- Ireland has insisted that the igel Farage’s fl edgling po- recommendations to the party from British or foreign sources, rible political miscalculation” backstop remain a central part of litical party is at high risk that will support it to meet its and that the system may be being of thinking their rejection of the the withdrawal deal that Varad- Nof receiving and accept- legal responsibilities when it abused. Brexit divorce deal negotiated kar described as a fi nely balanced ing illegal donations, a watchdog comes to receiving funds,” she Brown suggested the party with the European Union means compromise that was the best has concluded. said. “Should it fail to meet those was getting round the declara- they will get a better one. deal Britain could have reached, The Electoral Commission responsibilities, this will be con- tion rules by accepting many Several candidates vying to given the limited leverage of a visited the headquarters of the sidered in line with our enforce- untraceable donations directly replace Prime Minister Theresa departing country. Brexit party in May and studied ment policy.” through PayPal. May have pledged to renegotiate Outgoing European Com- the way in which the party takes Donations of £500 or above The commission said parties the withdrawal agreement May’s mission president Jean-Claude gifts through online payment must be made by a “permissible had a legal duty to check every government struck with the EU, Juncker also reiterated that the systems including PayPal. donor” under UK law – some- payment they obtained online to only for it to suff er three crush- stalled divorce treaty — includ- A report released yesterday has one who is listed on the electoral ascertain the source of the dona- ing defeats in parliament. ing the backstop — will not concluded that the “fundraising register or a company registered tion and not to accept any that How to manage the land bor- change with the arrival of a new structure adopted by the party in the country which is “carry- they were not entitled to. They der between EU-member Ireland prime minister in London. leaves it open to a high and ongo- ing on business”. Parties have 30 should request as much infor- and British-run Northern Ire- “They made some miscalcu- ing risk of receiving and accept- days to return donations if they mation as possible to ensure all land — including an emergency lations along the way,” Varadkar ing impermissible donations”. are unsure of their origin. money was from a permissible “backstop” solution to prevent said of the steps Britain had tak- The party could face penalties The Brexit party said dona- source, it said. the return of extensive controls en since voters decided to leave unless it overhauls its fundrais- tions of £25 or less accounted Asked about the issue during — has proven the most conten- the bloc in a referendum almost ing system to ensure all dona- for 90% of its total funding dur- the campaign, Farage said the tious element of the divorce deal. three years ago. tions above £500 come from the ing the European election cam- party’s website “says very clear- “Like everyone in this House, “Some of them thought that UK, as the law requires. paign. It raised more than £2mn ly, do not donate unless you are I am a little concerned about po- when push came to shove, Ire- The commission’s director of from small donors, thousands of on the electoral roll or eligible to litical developments in London land would be abandoned and regulation, Louise Edwards, said whom paid £25 each to become vote”. at present,” Leo Varadkar told EU unity would break. They were it was legitimate for any political registered supporters. Labour and the Conservative Ireland’s parliament. wrong about that. I hope they are party or campaigner to adopt a Amounts below that do not also have the option to donate via Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his house in north “I am a little concerned that not making a further political fundraising strategy that focused have to be declared, but some PayPal on their websites. London yesterday. some people in London seem to miscalculation.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 15

BRITAIN Record delays for NHS cancer treatment ‘costing lives’ Daily Mail It warned that a key 18-week emergency surgery such as hip 84% in 2014. condition to deteriorate. over the past eight years. search UK, said: “For anyone London target for planned operations replacements now stands at Meanwhile, the six-month MPs said: “When waiting The number of NHS beds has waiting for a cancer diagnosis for other ailments has eff ective- 4.2mn – an increase from 2.7mn target for planned operations times are longer, patients may also fallen by 7% since 2010–11, or the all-clear, it’s an incred- ly been scrapped, adding that in 2013. has not been met for more than experience additional pain, anx- a total of 8,000 beds. This means ibly anxious time, and delays ancer waiting times are “more and more patients are be- Patients have a right to ac- three years, leading to fears it iety and inconvenience.” doctors regularly have to cancel can make that worse. Workforce stuck in a ‘downward ing let down by the continued cess services within maximum will be abandoned in an upcom- They warned the crisis will routine operations because beds shortages also make it harder to Cspiral’ and are costing failure of the NHS to meet wait- waiting times, but it has been ing review of NHS goals. continue to escalate unless more are taken up by emergency pa- spot cancers at an earlier stage, lives, a damning report revealed. ing times”. six years since the NHS met the The PAC report said NHS doctors and hospital beds are tients. which would give patients more Delays are at their worst level Surgeons told MPs on the 62-day target from urgent refer- England had “gradually removed brought in and said the NHS Labour MP Meg Hillier, of the treatment options and a better on record – with one in fi ve can- committee that millions of pa- ral for suspected cancer to treat- fi nancial sanctions and penal- could not give a commitment committee, said: “It is unac- chance of long-term survival.” cer patients forced to wait more tients were being left “in pain and ment. ties” against trusts for failing as to when the cancer waiting ceptable that the proportion of A department of health and than the target of 62 days to start in limbo” because of delays – and In the report, MPs warned to meet the 18-week targets times will be achieved again. patients being treated within spokesman said: “We’re provid- hospital treatment. with their conditions deteriorat- that fewer than four in 10 NHS – implying it is “no longer im- The ageing and growing NHS waiting times standards is ing an extra £33.9bn a year by A report by the Public Ac- ing. And experts warned that de- trusts currently meet targets for portant”. It added that national population has been blamed continuing to spiral downwards; 2023-24 through the NHS Long counts Committee said waiting lays dramatically reduced cancer cancer waiting times. Figures health bodies “have a very lim- for a dramatic increase in the NHS England and the depart- Term Plan which will see the times have “steadily worsened patients’ chances of survival. for January this year show that ited understanding” about the demand for surgery and treat- ment of health & social care health service grow the amount in recent years” for both cancer Figures show that the number only 76% of cancer patients got impact on patients of longer ment – with referrals for sus- must regain control.” of planned surgery year on year treatment and routine surgery. of people waiting for non- treatment on time – down from waits, which often cause their pected cancer rising by 94% Matt Case, of Cancer Re- and reduce the waiting list.” Whirlpool forced to recall 500,000 tumble dryers

Daily Mail can touch the heating element – London causing a fi re. Business Minister Kelly Tol- hurst revealed details of the re- hirlpool faces a poten- call to the House of Commons. tial £100mn bill after Her remarks came after Andrew Wbeing forced to recall Griffi ths, a Tory former min- 500,000 tumble dryers. ister, questioned Whirlpool’s Ministers gave the unprec- ‘straightness’ on the issue. edented order amid fears that the In April, the government’s appliance giant has failed to take Offi ce for Product Safety and eff ective remedial action over fi re Standards published a report risks. that told Whirlpool to improve Whirlpool fi rst admitted to a its risk management and com- problem in 2015 – by which point munication with customers re- there had already been at least garding the dryers. 750 blazes. Griffi ths asked in the Com- Prime Minister Theresa May visits Imperial College in London yesterday where she was shown machinery which converts carbon dioxide into oxygen after her announcement Engineers were dispatched to mons: “Can the minister update that the UK is to set a legally binding target to end its contribution to climate change by 2050. carry out modifi cations but – us on what’s happening in rela- four years on – 500,000 of the tion to Whirlpool?” 5.3mn faulty machines are still in Tolhurst replied: “We have homes. kept Whirlpool’s actions under Sold under the brands Hot- review and I can tell the House point, Indesit, Creda, Swan, Pro- we have informed Whirlpool of line, they remain a risk to life and our intention to serve a recall property. notice as a next step of the regu- The government has told latory process. This is unprec- Government pledges Whirlpool to fi nd the appliances edented action.” and either replace them or off er Offi cials in the department cash for a new one. for business said the recall was Assuming a £200 cost each limited to 500,000 appliances. time, the bill would come to Whirlpool has 10 days to chal- £100mn. However Whirlpool is lenge the notice. It can also seek unlikely to be able to trace all the arbitration to limit its liabilities. zero-emission by 2050 machines. Faulty kitchen appliances are Consumer experts at Which? responsible for more than 3,700 Reuters and faster to safeguard the en- en about one degree Celsius since erendum, the new target earned “Fiddling the fi gures would put criticised the recall, saying it fi res every year, wrecking lives London vironment for our children,” she pre-industrial times. her praise from climate specialists a huge dent in our ability to avoid should have covered dryers that and destroying homes. said in a statement. Scientists warn further in- heartened by any sign of greater catastrophic climate change,” en- have already been modifi ed. David Chaplin of Which? said: “Reaching net zero by 2050 is creases risk triggering tipping ambition from a major economy. vironmental group Friends of the They said this was because the “For years we’ve been raising se- ritain has announced it an ambitious target, but it is cru- points that could render swathes “It’s momentous,” said David Earth said in a statement. machines were still a fi re risk. rious concerns about Whirlpool’s will enshrine a new com- cial that we achieve it to ensure we of the globe uninhabitable, dev- Reay, professor of carbon man- Britain’s independent climate There have been cases where fi re-risk tumble dryers as well as Bmitment to reach net zero protect our planet for future gen- astate farming and drown coastal agement at the University of Ed- advisers, the Committee on Cli- machines have triggered fi res the cynical tactics – such as the greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 erations.” cities. inburgh. “Achieving net zero by mate Change, recommended last even after they were said to have reported use of non-disclosure into law, marking a fi rst among G7 Britain’s existing target is to cut May, who is due to step down 2050 will change all our lives. It month that the country move been made safe. agreements – that the company nations facing increasingly severe greenhouse gas emissions by 80% this summer after her political ca- will transform the ways we travel, to the new target, which implies Whirlpool paid a fi ve-fi gure has used to put its corporate rep- impacts from the climate crisis. from 1990 levels by 2050. reer became a casualty of the tur- the homes we live in and the food sweeping changes in energy, sum to Jemma Spurr following a utation ahead of public safety. With global carbon emissions The new target is in line with moil over Brexit, said legislation we eat.” transport and agriculture. fi re in a machine that had sup- “People’s lives have been put at at record highs despite decades the 2015 Paris climate agreement would be put before parliament to However, campaigners criti- For example, new petrol and posedly been fi xed. The Hamp- risk for far too long, so it’s a huge- of talks aimed at bringing them which calls on countries to reduce incorporate the new target into an cised the government’s continued diesel cars might need to be shire mother-of-four was told to ly signifi cant step that these ma- within safe limits, outgoing Prime carbon emissions to net zero by existing climate change act. reliance on international carbon phased out by at least 2035, the sign a non-disclosure agreement chines are set to be recalled. But Minister Theresa May said the mid-century to try to keep the Although May had staked her credits to help meet the target — a committee said. Households in return for the cash. there will be serious questions goal was ambitious but essential global temperature rise as close to legacy on delivering an orderly move some see as a loophole that would also need to be weaned off The faulty design of the ma- if this recall only addresses the for protecting Earth’s future. 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible. exit from the European Union to will allow polluters to stay in busi- natural gas heating and switch to chines means fl uff from clothes 500,000 unmodifi ed machines.” “Now is the time to go further Temperatures have already ris- respect the result of a 2016 ref- ness. low-carbon alternatives.

Palace reopening Nurse’s fi re-eating US fi rms sued over stunt backfi res

Daily Mail the performer. Wishing her a London speedy recovery.” Grenfell Tower fi re Frances Douglas added: “This horrendous moment will be dif- Reuters pliance maker Whirlpool ignited and both said they were co-oper- nurse was left with seri- fi cult to forget. We are all still Washington the blaze, and the fl ames were ating with investigations by Brit- ous burns after her fi re- in shock, but hope she recovers swiftly spread by highly combus- ish authorities into the tragedy. Aeating act at an NHS tal- from her trauma.” tible materials in the American- Whirlpool told owners of its ent show went wrong. The talent show will now be efects in products made by designed insulation and exterior products “that they are safe and An audience of more than 200 re-scheduled so each of the acts US companies ignited and cladding that encased the struc- they can continue to use them colleagues watched in horror as get the chance to perform and Dfuelled the catastrophic ture. as normal.” It said that a probe Kristy Cullum set herself alight raise money for the Winchester 2017 Grenfell Tower fi re in Lon- Those materials “turned the by British regulators and its own while performing on stage. Hospice Appeal. Alex Whitfi eld, don that killed 72 people, accord- Grenfell Tower into a cylinder of internal investigation “found no Fortunately, since many of chief executive of the Hampshire ing to a lawsuit fi led in Philadel- fi re,” Jeff rey Goodman, an attor- evidence of any fault” with the those in the audience were quali- Hospitals NHS trust, said in a phia on behalf of injured victims ney for one of two law fi rms that refrigerator model in question. fi ed doctors, Cullum was able to statement: “Sadly there was an and families of those killed. brought the case, told a news con- Arconic said it would “respond receive immediate medical at- accident during the NHS’s Got Attorneys for the plaintiff s said ference in Philadelphia. to this litigation in court.” tention before being taken to Talent show on June 8. they represent the estates of 69 of In addition to Whirlpool, based Celotex could not immediately hospital for specialist treatment. “One of the performers, a the 72 people who perished in the in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the be reached for comment. But the annual NHS’s Got Tal- member of staff from our trust, residential high-rise fi re, and 177 suit names as defendants clad- Last month it said that it was ent show, which was held at the suff ered serious burns. A number survivors who suff ered life-alter- ding supplier Arconic, headquar- “co-operating fully with the pub- Theatre Royal in Winchester, of our clinicians were present at ing injuries. tered in Pittsburgh, and insula- lic inquiry regarding Grenfell Tow- Hampshire, on Saturday, was the time and able to help imme- The 420-page lawsuit demands tion maker Celotex Corporation, er.” Fire safety experts found that swiftly abandoned. diately but the performer is cur- a jury trial but did not specify the a US subsidiary of French mul- the blaze started on the fourth It is understood Cullum rently being treated at Salisbury amount of compensation it was tinational Saint-Gobain, based fl oor of the 24-fl oor building on slipped over during her dramat- District Hospital’s specialist seeking. outside Philadelphia. June 14, 2017, ignited the exte- ic performance. She was being burns service.” The plaintiff s’ attorneys said “This case is fi led in America to rior cladding and raced up the treated in the specialist burns A spokesman from the New the case marks one of the highest hold the American corporations structure’s facade to the top fl oor unit at the nearby Salisbury Dis- Theatre Royal added: “The Hamp- number of individual wrongful responsible for the devastation within half an hour. trict Hospital in Wiltshire. shire Hospitals NHS Foundation death and personal injury claims and tragedy that they caused,” The cladding was made from Audience member Liz Baldwin Trust hired the Theatre Royal ever brought in a single product Goodman told a news conference. a product called Reynobond PE, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, meets staff and volunteers described her horror at seeing Winchester on Saturday night to liability lawsuit stemming from Two of the companies, Whirl- panels of aluminium with a pol- during a visit to attend a reception to mark the reopening the nurse surrounded by fl ames. present their NHS’s Got Talent one incident. pool and Arconic, issued state- yethylene plastic core that the of Fulham Palace following the completion of a restoration She posted on Facebook: “It show once again this year. This The suit says fl ammable plastic ments expressing their “deepest lawsuit describes as highly fl am- project, in London yesterday. was very distressing and we time it was a fundraising event for parts in a refrigerator from US ap- sympathy” to the fi re’s victims, mable. haven’t stopped thinking about the Winchester Hospice Appeal. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, June 13, 2019 EUROPE

GORY DISCOVERY REMEMBERED REFORM JUSTICE CLEAN ENERGY Remains of another victim Former classmates celebrate Romania opposition files Hungary boat tragedy France to double off shore of Cyprus ‘serial killer’ found Anne Frank’s 90th birthday no-confidence motion captain out on bail wind projects as costs fall

Cypriot authorities yesterday recovered what they Two former school friends yesterday celebrated the Romania’s main opposition party yesterday filed A Hungarian court yesterday ordered the release France will double its target for developing believe are the remains of a six-year-old Filipina memory of Anne Frank in the home where she once a no-confidence motion against the government on bail of a river cruise captain suspected of off shore wind generation to one gigawatt (GW) child from the bottom of a lake, the seventh and lived, on what would have been her 90th birthday. over its controversial justice reforms. The motion causing a collision with a sightseeing vessel per year from around 500 megawatts previously last victim of a suspected serial killer. A 35-year- The old friends visited the apartment where the by the National Liberal Party (PNL) against the in Budapest last month which left at least 24 as costs are falling, Prime Minister Edouard old Greek Cypriot army off icer is in custody after Jewish family lived in Amsterdam, according to the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) will be voted on dead. The Mermaid, carrying mostly South Philippe said yesterday. France aims to rapidly confessing to murdering five foreign women and Anne Frank Foundation. Albert Gomes de Mesquita, next Tuesday. The PNL has the support of several Korean holidaymakers, capsized and sank May boost power generation from renewable wind, two of their daughters in a string of killings that have 89, and Jacqueline van Maarsen, 90, were in the smaller parties, but would still need to peel away 29, seconds after colliding with the much larger solar and other green sources as it seeks to curb left the holiday island in shock. Police spokesman same class as Anne at the Jewish Lyceum. They votes from lawmakers with the ruling coalition Viking Sigyn on a busy stretch of the river in its dependence on nuclear power and phase Andreas Angelides said a “small human body” in visited her apartment in Merwedeplein to celebrate in order for the motion to pass. Romanians the centre of Budapest. The Sigyn’s captain, a out coal-fired generation to reduce its carbon a state of decay was found in the lake at Xyliatos, her 13th birthday on June 12, 1942, just three handed the PSD a heavy defeat in last month’s Ukrainian national identified only as Yuriy C, was emissions. In its long-term energy plan presented southwest of Nicosia, at a depth of 6m. Investigators weeks before the family went into hiding. It was EU elections over the reforms. The driving force charged on June 1. The 64-year-old, who has last year, the government had said it would boost believe the remains are of six-year-old Filipina girl on that birthday that Anne received her first red- behind the judicial measures was the PSD’s party denied causing the accident, was released on France’s off shore wind capacity from zero today Sierra-Graze, whose mother, Mary Rose Tiburcio, chequered diary, which she wrote in while hiding leader Liviu Dragnea, who was sentenced to bail of 15mn forints ($53,000), the Metropolitan to 2.4GW in 2023 and about 5GW in 2028, at a was the first victim to be found on April 14. from the Nazis between 1942 and 1944. prison for corruption last month. Regional Court said in a statement. rhythm of around 500MW a year.

Austria to shut Over 400 detained at Moscow Saudi-backed religious centre police abuse protest: monitor in rights protest Reuters By Theo Merz and Vienna Anna Smolchenko, AFP Moscow ustria’s government said yester- day it plans to shut a Saudi-funded ussian authorities yesterday Acentre for religious dialogue in sought to crush a new protest Vienna after parliament urged it to try to Rwave, arresting more than 400 prevent the possible execution of a teen- people at a Moscow march, a day after ager in Saudi Arabia over acts committed police suddenly dropped trumped- when he was a minor. up drugs charges against a respected The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz In- journalist. ternational Centre for Interreligious and Among those detained on Russia Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), which Day, a public holiday, were opposition was opened in 2012, has long been a light- leader Alexei Navalny, who faces up to ning rod in Austria for criticism of Saudi 30 days in jail, teenagers and Russian Arabia’s human rights record. and foreign journalists. Austria’s parliament backed a motion As police beat up the protesters and calling on Vienna to quit the treaty on even detained random passers-by, which KAICIID is based and to revoke an President Vladimir Putin congratu- agreement that bases it in the Austrian lated the nation, saying he would do capital. everything to promote the country’s The motion also called on Austria’s “further prosperity and develop- provisional government and the Foreign ment.” Ministry to “use all political and diplo- Many Russians had hoped to har- matic means available” to prevent the ex- ness the widespread outrage over last ecution of Murtaja Qureiris, an 18-year- week’s arrest of respected reporter old who rights groups say is on trial, Ivan Golunov on trumped-up drugs accused of off ences related to taking part charges to press for genuine reform of in anti-government protests. Russia’s tainted law enforcement and KAICIID and the Saudi embassy in Vi- justice systems. enna were not immediately available for But a much smaller crowd of pro- comment. testers had turned up in central Mos- “This is a signal for human rights in cow amid fi erce divisions among lib- Saudi Arabia, which hopefully will be erals. copied by many, not just in Europe,” law- Police in riot gear moved in against maker Peter Pilz, author of the motion, the unsanctioned march at which said on Twitter. some protesters chanted anti-Putin The Foreign Ministry said it planned to slogans. act on the motion. Police brutally manhandled some “There is a clear decision of parliament protesters and beat others with trun- which must be implemented,” it said in a cheons amid shouts of “you are crimi- statement, adding that “all legally neces- nals” and “stop police terror.” sary steps” would be examined. As police dragged protesters into The motion, which was backed by the vans the crowd yelled: “Shame, on Social Democrats, the far-right Freedom Russia Day, this is our country’s day! Party and the liberal Neos, also called on Have you forgotten the constitution?” Austria to work to secure the release of OVD Info, which tracks arrests, said Russian police off icers detain protesters during a march in central Moscow yesterday to protest against the alleged impunity of law enforcement agencies. Qureiris, who rights groups say has been more than 420 people were detained. held since he was 13. Moscow police said earlier around headache for Putin who has in recent ready to retreat and make conces- “The authorities are very much burg, around 100 people gathered, “A fundamental human right, namely 1,200 took part in the march and more months been struggling with low ap- sions,” he wrote. scared of the fantastic and unanimous urging authorities to release respected taking part in a demonstration, is enough than 200 people were arrested. proval ratings amid economic trouble Before Golunov’s release 25,000 display of solidarity in the Golunov historian Yury Dmitriyev and others. for the Saudi Arabian government to ex- Some of the demonstrators were and rising poverty. people had expressed interest in the case,” Navalny said on Twitter. “We should not lull ourselves into ecute a juvenile,” Pilz said in a separate later released. His arrest sparked a public outcry solidarity march on Facebook. Amnesty International accused the complacency,” said local lawmaker statement. The protesters said senior offi cials and triggered unprecedented soli- But in a controversial move, Medu- Russian authorities of “contempt for Maksim Reznik. Pilz, an environmentalist who split behind Golunov’s case should be pun- darity among media, with three top za’s top editors and several other jour- solidarity and rights,” saying police After Golunov’s release many said from the Greens, has long been a critic of ished and called for broad reform of newspapers publishing the same front nalists urged Muscovites to call off the arrested even children. they would not march and some ex- Saudi Arabia. police and courts. page: “I am/we are Ivan Golunov” in protest after Golunov’s release, trig- Many protesters said the journal- pressed anger over raging divisions, Riyadh paid for the baroque palace that Many called for the release of vic- giant letters on Monday. gering a storm of criticism. ist’s case had struck a nerve because saying the authorities had once houses the centre, located near the head- tims of police abuse and political pris- Yesterday’s march was initially A large crowd of Muscovites in- nearly everyone could fi nd himself in again managed to split dissenting quarters of the Organization of the Petro- oners including Ukrainian fi lmmaker called to press for the release of Golu- cluding a number of prominent Rus- his place. Russians. leum Exporting Countries’ (Opec). Oleg Sentsov. nov who was then suddenly freed on sians turned up regardless. “What happened to Ivan Golu- During his two decades in power, It has footed KAICIID’s budget, though Golunov, who investigated corrup- the eve of the rally. Some of the protesters wore T- nov happens every day all across the Putin has silenced most of his critics. it is a shared project, based on a treaty tion at Meduza, an independent Rus- Many saw Golunov’s release as a shirts in support of Golunov. country. A lot of drug cases happen The few independent media that signed by Austria, Spain and Saudi Ara- sian-speaking website, was framed in Kremlin attempt to avert the new pro- One detained activist brandished a like this,” said 15-year-old Yegor, who still operate in Russia are under huge bia. what was seen as punishment for his test wave. placard saying, “I am Ivan Golunov” wore an “I am Golunov” T-shirt. “We pressure, Kremlin critics say. The Vatican is a founding observer of work. Analyst Andrei Kolesnikov called in the window of a police van. were lucky that Ivan was freed but it Rights activists say authorities KAICIID and has representation on its Two senior policemen are expected the lifting of charges against the jour- A number of journalists were de- was a small victory — we haven’t won routinely use trumped-up drugs, ex- board, which by treaty must include three to be dismissed. nalist a sop to critics. tained including a producer for the the war.” tremism and other charges to silence Christians, three Muslims, a Jew, a Hindu Golunov’s case presents a major “This does not mean the state is German news magazine Der Spiegel. In the second city of Saint Peters- critics with jail sentences. and a Buddhist. Catalan separatists’ rebellion trial closes in Madrid

By Diego Urdaneta, AFP litical crisis since its transition to Some of the key fi gures in On May 26, Junqueras was also is a serious off ence that implies a Madrid democracy in the 1970s. Catalonia’s independence drive elected to the European Parlia- violent uprising. Surveys indicated that around have been behind bars for more ment and he says he hopes to keep Defence lawyers and inde- 47% of people in Catalonia fa- than a year and a half pending the that post, although how that will pendence supporters insist there he four-month trial of vour independence for the trial. happen remains to be seen. was no violence. Catalan separatist lead- wealthy northeastern region. Catalonia’s former president “No matter what it is, the sen- The charges rest on “an account Ters accused of rebellion or Nine of the defendants are Carles Puigdemont, the main tence will be interpreted by the of events that does not correspond disobedience for trying to make charged with rebellion, including protagonist of the secession at- independence movement as an to the reality of what happened,” their region independent from Catalonia’s former vice-presi- tempt, was conspicuously absent element to hold on to, to try to one of the defence lawyers, Marina Spain ended yesterday. dent Oriol Junqueras, who risks after he fl ed Spain. mobilise its camp again,” said Roig, said yesterday. The 12 defendants have been 25 years in jail. In Puigdemont’s absence, his politics professor Oriol Bar- Prosecutors say the defend- in the dock in Madrid every week In his last comments to the former deputy Junqueras, 50, has tomeus. ants “fomented, favoured and since February, in a case that rat- court yesterday, Junqueras was been the lead focus of the case. He said the sentence could sought direct confrontation be- tled the Spanish state and laid bare defi ant. “I am being prosecuted for my push Catalonia’s separatist-led tween the crowds of citizens and bitter divisions in the country. “Voting...and defending the ideas and not for my actions,” government into calling snap re- police,” particularly during the The Supreme Court has scru- republic from a parliament can Junqueras told the court in Feb- gional elections or even “a reac- banned independence referen- tinised their role in organising an not be a crime,” he said. ruary. tion like disobedience”. dum on October 1, 2017, which illegal referendum on secession The three other defendants Prosecutors retorted that the Bartomeus added however was marred by police violence. and a short-lived declaration of face lesser charges of disobedi- defendants were on trial for hav- that the trial did not appear to People applaud after watching the final hearings on the trial of On Tuesday, Junqueras’s law- independence in October 2017. ence and misuse of public funds. ing broken the law, not for their have swayed opinion in either 12 Catalan separatist leaders on a big screen located under the yer Andreu Van den Eynde said The court is not expected to Catalan pro-independence opinions. camp in Catalonia. Triumphal Arch in the city of Barcelona. there may have been disobedi- pronounce its judgement until protesters in Barcelona called a Despite being in detention, “The trial will have been useful ence but never rebellion. later in the year. demonstration to mark the end Junqueras was elected as a law- to strengthen an independence tinue to impact national politics. had refused to back it, partly in He accused prosecutors of Their supporters say they are of the trial. maker in the national parliament movement that had been left Earlier this year, Spain’s Prime solidarity with those on trial. “bias and exaggeration.” “political prisoners” repressed “This trial is a democratic in an April general election along without much horizon or road Minister Pedro Sanchez was One of the most controversial The trial’s chief prosecu- by the Spanish state. anomaly,” said one, 25-year-old with four other fellow defend- ahead” months after the seces- forced to call a snap election on elements of the trial has been tor Javier Zaragoza, however, Their opponents say they broke student Abel Vila, carrying a red ants. sion bid, he said. April 28 after his 2019 budget the charge of rebellion levelled at has said the secession bid was a the law and put Spain’s unity in and yellow pro-independence They were later suspended Still, the trial and the broader failed to be voted through. nine of the defendants. “coup d’etat” aimed at “wiping peril in the country’s worst po- fl ag. from parliament. secession crisis in Catalonia con- Catalan separatist lawmakers Under Spanish law, rebellion out the Spanish constitution.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 17 INDIA

Modi to avoid Pakistan airspace despite getting permission

Agencies in Jammu and Kashmir led to today, Indian and Pakistan the longer travel because of the there is little chance of a thaw in Vladimir Putin and Chinese “Would it not have been bet- New Delhi aerial bombing missions on each sources said. tensions between the nuclear- ties even though Pakistan said it President Xi Jinping. ter for government to show other’s soil and a fi ghter dogfi ght The Indian foreign ministry armed rivals. hoped to revive talks after elec- At the summit, Modi is expect- solidarity with common travel- over Kashmir. said the government had consid- “The Government of India tions in India ended in May. ed to highlight the dangers posed lers, including the great number rime Minister Narendra Commercial and cargo airlines ered the routes for Modi’s travel had explored two options for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran to the world by state-sponsored of workers who live in the Gulf Modi will avoid fl ying over using Indian airspace have been and decided he would take the the route to be taken by the Khan will also be attending the terrorism. countries and make signifi cant PPakistan during an offi cial forced to take costly and time- longer passage to Central Asia VVIP Aircraft to Bishkek. A SCO meeting, but Indian offi cials Vivek Katju, a former top In- contributions to India’s econo- trip to central Asia today, the for- consuming detours because they instead of the direct route over decision has now been taken said there were no plans for a bi- dian diplomat who dealt with my?” he said. eign ministry said, even though cannot fl y over Pakistan. Pakistan. that the VVIP Aircraft will fly lateral meeting between him and Pakistan ties, said in a newspaper Pakistan announced last Pakistan has granted overfl ight But Pakistan had cleared The move follows calls in lo- via Oman, Iran and Central Modi. column on Tuesday that he was month that the airspace closure access. Modi’s flight to Bishkek in cal media that Modi shouldn’t Asian countries on the way to However, Modi will have bi- disappointed the Modi govern- on its eastern border with India Pakistan closed its airspace in Kyrgyzstan to attend the be securing an exception for Bishkek,” the foreign ministry lateral talks with other leaders ment had initially sought over- would be extended to June 14. February after a suicide attack by Shanghai Co-operation Or- himself while thousands of or- tweeted. of the eight-nation SCO group- fl ight permission from Islama- The country lies in the middle a Pakistan-based militant group ganisation summit beginning dinary travellers were enduring Modi’s move also suggests ing, including Russian President bad. of a vital aviation corridor. India to launch second moon mission on July 15

Agencies media yesterday. Bengaluru The agency said variations in lunar gravity, terrain and dust could all cause problems. ndia said yesterday it will The Indian mission would be launch its second lunar mis- the third attempted lunar land- Ision in mid-July, as it moves ing this year after China’s suc- to consolidate its status as a cessful Chang’e-4 lunar probe leader in space technology by and Israeli spacecraft Beresheet, achieving a controlled landing on which failed and crashed onto the moon. the moon in April. The mission, if success- “It is the most complex mis- ful, would make India only the sion Isro has ever undertaken”, fourth country behind the Unit- Sivan said. ed States, Russia and China to “The aim is to use space tech- perform a “soft” landing on the nology for the benefi t of the moon and put a rover on it. common man.” China successfully landed a Chandrayaan-1, India’s fi rst lunar rover in January. lunar mission in 2008, cost The unmanned mission, called $79mn and helped confi rm the Chandrayaan-2, which means presence of water on the moon. “moon vehicle” in Sanskrit, will The Chandrayaan-2 was origi- involve an orbiter, a lander and a nally planned as a collabora- rover, which have been built by tion with Russia’s Roscosmos the Indian Space Research Or- space agency, but in 2013 India ganisation (Isro). scrapped the tie-up due to tech- The mission is scheduled to nical diff erences with the Rus- Waves crash against the jetty at a fishing harbour ahead of the expected landfall of Cyclone Vayu at Veraval, Gujarat, yesterday. launch from Sriharikota space sian programme. centre on July 15 aboard Is- In 2014, India launched an un- ro’s Geosynchronous Satellite manned Mars mission at a cost of Launch Vehicle Mark III. $74mn, or less than the budget It will cost about Rs10bn of the Hollywood space block- ($144mn), the space agency said. buster Gravity and a fraction of After a journey of more than 50 the $671mn the US days, Isro’s lander will attempt a space agency Nasa spent on its Cyclone Vayu heading “soft”, controlled landing on the MAVEN Mars mission. lunar surface on September 6. Prime Minister Modi, who re- Once it touches down, the cently won his second term in of- rover will carry out experiments fi ce, has been aggressive with his while being controlled remotely space policy. by Isro scientists. In March, India said it shot “The last 15 minutes to the down one of its own satellites, for Gujarat strengthens landing are going to be the making it one of only four coun- most terrifying moments for tries in the world to possess this AFP offi cial from the Gir-Somnath egory one or two hurricane. berthing of vessels from yester- water and communications. us,” Isro chairman K Sivan told technology. Ahmedabad district where Vayu was due to The IMD also forecast waves day. But authorities won praise make landfall today afternoon. of 3.5-5.3m over the next two Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the United Nations and Offi cials said that more than days, with fi shermen told not to who comes from Gujarat, said the others for evacuating more than cyclonic storm barrelling 225,000 people had been moved venture out to sea. central government was “closely a million people and averting towards western India to safer locations as of yesterday The Indian Air Force, Coast- monitoring the situation”. what could have been a much Ahas strengthened with evening. guard and Navy have all been “Praying for the safety and higher death toll. gusts of up to 180kmph expect- “I urge people to please co- put on high alert, with 36 teams well-being of all those aff ected Improved forecasting mod- ed when it hits land today, fore- operate and move from low lying from the National Disaster Re- by Cyclone Vayu,” Modi tweeted. els, public awareness campaigns casters said. areas and from near sea coast,” sponse Force (NDRF) deployed Cyclones are relatively rare in and well-drilled evacuation Authorities in Gujarat where Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay in coastal areas. Gujarat. plans - backed up by an army Vayu, now classed as a very se- Rupani said. In the system’s path is the The worst was in 1998 when of responders and volunteers - vere cyclonic storm, was due to “This is for your own good. coastal town of Verval, a major more than 4,000 people per- helped the eastern state of Odi- hit were scrambling to evacuate As we do not know when the hub of India’s fi sheries industry ished, according to offi cial num- sha prepare well. close to 300,000 people living in cyclone will strike,” Rupani told exporting to Japan, South East bers. In 1999 Odisha was hit by a coastal areas. reporters at the State Emergency Asia, Europe, the Gulf and the Vayu is the second cyclone to super-cyclone that left nearly “Many people living near the Response Centre in Gandhina- United States. hit India this year. 10,000 dead. coast are not willing to shift and gar. The Gujarat coast is also home In May Cyclone Fani pack- The latest weather system was leave their homes. Our offi cers The India Meteorological to two major ports, Deendayal ing winds up to 200kmph also expected to draw moisture are trying to convince them,” lo- Department (IMD) said winds and Adani in the Gulf of Kutch, killed around 80 people in away from much-needed annual Scientists work on various modules of lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 at cal offi cial Ajay Prakash said. of between 155 and 165kmph as well as the Jamnagar oil refi n- eastern India and Bangladesh, monsoon rains, with almost half the Isro Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE) in Bengaluru “Hopefully, we will be able were expected with gusts up to ery, the world’s largest. damaging half a million hous- of India hit by drought and many yesterday. to shift them in time,” said the 180kmph, equivalent to a cat- All ports in Gujarat halted the es and knocking out power, areas suff ering a heatwave.

Kashmir detention law Man jailed for life violates justice: Amnesty over hijack threat AFP Special judge M K Dave said Ahmedabad the actions caused mental stress Agencies cases of 210 detainees between - its use has widened. and unimaginable trauma to pas- Srinagar 2012 and 2018. India has long defended the sengers and crew and fi ned Salla In 70% of the cases, impris- PSA as essential to maintain law businessman who mock- Rs50mn. oned persons faced both PSA de- and order in the state where sep- ingly threatened to hi- This will be distributed among aws in Jammu and Kashmir tentions and criminal proceed- aratist militants have been bat- Ajack a plane to persuade a those on board, with the 116 pas- allowing imprisonment for ings in parallel on the basis of tling the security forces since the woman to quit her airline job and sengers receiving Rs25,000, the Lup to two years without the same or similar allegations, late 1980s. settle with him has been sen- pilots Rs100,000 and cabin crew charge or trial violate national Amnesty said. “There is a judicial system tenced to life by an anti-terror- Rs50,000. and global justice, Amnesty In- Prominent activist Masarat in place where there are checks ism court. Salla, who was already married ternational said yesterday. Alam remains in jail under the and balances,” chief secretary of The court in Ahmedabad at the time, secretly wedded the Since an anti-India Insurgen- law despite courts quashing 38 Jammu and Kashmir state, B V R found Birju Salla guilty on Tues- airline stewardess from Delhi and cy erupted in the heavily mili- detention orders against him. Subrahmanyam, said in defence day of planting a threat letter in wanted her to shift to Mumbai tarised state three decades ago, “The police appear to use the of the law. the toilet of a Jet Airways fl ight but she had refused. thousands of people have been PSA as a safety net, using it to Amnesty had been due to hold between Mumbai and Delhi in He planned the mock hijack in detained under the Public Safety secure the detention of suspects a press conference to publish the October 2017. an apparent attempt to defame Act (PSA). who are released, or likely to be report in Srinagar yesterday, but The note claimed hijackers the airlines and shut down their Amnesty said in a new report released, on bail,” said Zahoor cancelled after police, citing se- and bombs were on board and Delhi-Mumbai operations, which that the PSA “circumvents the Wani, who led the research. curity concerns, said the group demanded that the plane be di- could have left the woman jobless. criminal justice system in Jammu “Conversations with local did not have permission. verted to Kashmir. An investigator said that al- and Kashmir to undermine ac- lawyers suggest that the state Amnesty nonetheless circu- Pilots landed the plane in though Salla did not commit a countability, transparency and police do not favour criminal lated the report to journalists and Ahmedabad where the 38-year- hijack, placing a letter threaten- respect for human rights”. proceedings as they involve a put it up on its website. old, a regular business class cus- ing one qualifi es as an attempt It “violate(s) Indian and inter- higher standard of proof and a Patel said that copies of the re- tomer with the now-defunct Jet and a threat to do so. national human rights laws” and presumption of innocence.” port had been shared with police Airlines, was detained. Salla’s lawyer Rohit Verma in contributes to infl aming tensions The PSA law was initially and the state government ahead He was the fi rst person to be Ahmedabad said that he was yet between the state authorities and brought in more than four decades of its scheduled release, but they convicted under new stringent to receive a copy of the court order. locals, said Aakar Patel, head of ago to deal with timber smugglers, had not responded. anti-hijacking laws that carries “We will be fi ling appeal in the Amnesty International India. but since 1989 - when an armed Yesterday there was no immedi- Paramilitary troopers stand guard in Srinagar yesterday following a minimum of life in prison and a higher court against the court The 44-page report analyses rebellion against Indian rule began ate comment from the authorities. an attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrol. maximum penalty of death. order,” Verma said. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, June 13, 2019 INDIA

ACCIDENT POLITICS CRIME INVESTIGATION One killed, three injured as Rajnath Singh named UP Bar Council chief Madrassa chief held hoardings crash in Mumbai deputy leader in LS shot dead in Agra court over triple talaq row

A man was killed and three women injured in The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) yesterday The first woman president of the Uttar Pradesh The director of a madrassa in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, two separate incidents of billboards crashing constituted the parliamentary party executive Bar Council, Darwesh Yadav, was shot dead in has been arrested after his in-laws approached in Mumbai yesterday, off icials said. A cement committee appointing Prime Minister Narendra Agra Civil courts yesterday allegedly by her Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s off ice with a hoarding sheet uprooted by gusty winds Modi as the leader and Defence Minister Rajnath colleague Manish Sharma, police said. Sharma complaint that he had used triple talaq against crashed on a pedestrian outside Churchgate Singh as the deputy leader in the Lok Sabha. The pumped three bullets, and later shot himself. his wife besides beating her up and demanding station, injuring the man seriously, off icials said. party has appointed Minister of Social Justice The two were rushed to hospital, where doctors dowry. Zikru Rahman was arrested on Tuesday The 62-year-old man was rushed to hospital and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot as declared Yadav dead. The condition of Sharma evening on the basis of a complaint lodged by his where he died. In the second incident, a heavy leader and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal as his remains critical. The body of Yadav has been wife Tarranum, off icials said. Initially, the police acrylic hoarding was ripped off a skywalk deputy in the Rajya Sabha. Parliamentary Aff airs sent for postmortem, a police off icer said. Yadav showed no interest in the case and were trying to and crashed on three women pedestrians in Minister Pralhad Joshi has been made the was elected president of the Bar on June 9 at pressure Tarranum, a mother of three, to reach a Bandra west at around 1.30pm. Their condition government chief whip, according to an off icial Prayagraj. She was the first woman president of compromise. The victim’s brother Javed Ali then was described as ‘stable’. Over the past three statement. Minister of State for Parliamentary the Bar Council. Sharma was her close associate. complained to the chief minister’s off ice which days, owing to cyclonic conditions building Aff airs Arjun Ram Meghwal will be the party’s The two were meeting lawyers in their chambers promptly intervened and Rahman arrested. Javed, up in the Arabian Sea, Mumbai witnessed pre- Workers remove a cement hoarding uprooted chief whip in the Lok Sabha, and Minister of to thank them for their support. Some eye in his complaint, said Rahman and his family monsoon thunderstorms that have claimed at by gusty winds outside Churchgate Station in State for External Aff airs V Muraleedharan chief witnesses said the two had heated arguments members had beaten up his sister, demanded least six lives. Mumbai yesterday. whip in the Rajya Sabha. before Sharma shot Yadav dead. dowry and then her husband divorced her.

Patients suff er as BJP supporters, doctors strike in police clash in W Bengal

IANS Kolkata over Kolkata

ealth services in West Bengal’s state-run hos- Hpitals were severely paralysed yesterday as juniors political killings doctors continued their strike protesting against an attack on Agencies used water cannons on us and movement by using her police a colleague at the NRS Medical Kolkata lobbed tear gas shells without force,” state BJP leader Jay Pra- College and Hospital in Kolka- any provocation. Chief Minister kash Majumdar said, adding the ta. Mamata Banerjee is throttling days of the state government Relatives of patients at the housands of supporters the democratic space in Bengal. were numbered. state-run SSKM Hospital start- of the Bharatiya Janata There is a complete breakdown “The police used brutal force ed a simultaneous protest by oc- TParty clashed with police of the law and order situation to stop us from going to Lalba- cupying the streets outside and yesterday as they marched in here,” state BJP president Dilip zar, but our workers acted in a blocking traffi c on the AJC Bose Kolkata to protest against weeks Ghosh said. disciplined and peaceful man- Road demanding treatment of of political violence that has “Many of our leaders have ner. I want to say that today the their kin. claimed at least 12 lives. taken ill due to tear gas shell- BJP has won, and the Trinamool “We are trying to attract the The BJP and West Bengal’s ing. As many as 50 party workers has lost,” BJP leader Rahul Sinha chief minister’s attention as ruling Trinamool Congress have were arrested by the police, who said. most of the patients have come accused each other of instigat- were released later. We are end- He said his party did not want from far off places. We want the ing weeks of violence during and ing our protest programme for President’s rule imposed on OPD services to resume so that since recent national elections. the day, but our agitation against West Bengal but added that Ban- general people do not suff er,” Police fi red teargas and water the Mamata Banerjee-led gov- erjee’s “misrule” was pushing said a protesting family mem- cannon to disperse more than ernment would continue,” the state in that direction. ber. 20,000 BJP demonstrators as Ghosh added. “We do not want President’s Earlier, the Doctors’ Forum they attempted to march to po- The police, however, said that rule to be imposed on Bengal. ceased work at the outpatient lice headquarters in Kolkata, the only fi ve BJP Mahila Morcha That is not our intention. We departments (OPDs) of all state- state capital. (women’s wing) members were want to oust Mamata Banerjee run hospitals in the state. The BJP supporters waved arrested. and her government from pow- “We want some sort of assur- party fl ags and chanted slo- “We cannot provide the exact er. But Mamata’s misrule and ance as whenever any incident gans as they went through the fi gure yet. However, fi ve women atrocities by her government are occurs, the security and admin- cramped streets of the city. BJP supporters have been ar- pushing Bengal in that direc- istration people are untraceable. Police used batons to clear rested for demonstrating out- tion,” Sinha said. It is us (junior doctors) who are protesters blocking an arterial side Lalbazar where Section 144 “Murders are happening in beaten up or manhandled,” one road near their headquarters and of the CrPC has been imposed,” the state every day. There is a of the protesting doctors at NRS arrested six women supporters Javed Shamim, joint commis- complete breakdown of law and Hospital said. trying to sneak into the building. sioner of Kolkata Police, said. order situation here. Mamata is Disturbances erupted at the “We want an end to the Trina- The protesters started the failing to run the government. If state-run NRS Hospital on mool Congress misrule in West rally from central Kolkata’s Su- Article 356 is imposed here, then Tuesday morning bringing the Bengal,” one shouted before be- bodh Mullick Square at around she would be solely responsible,” regular services to a standstill ing arrested. 1.30pm and broke a barricade in he said. after a junior doctor was alleg- The latest protest comes a day Ganesh Chandra Avenue, about The BJP, which has tradition- edly beaten up by the kin of a after police said three political 200m from the entry gate of Lal- ally held sway in the Hindi- 75-year-old patient who died activists had been killed since bazar. The police fi red two water speaking belt in the north, has there late on Monday night. the weekend – including two cannons to disperse the crowd. been trying hard to pick up sup- The family members of the BJP members whose bodies were Parts of Central Avenue re- port in West Bengal. patient alleged medical negli- found hanging from a tree. sembled a war zone with Rapid In the elections that ended gence. A Trinamool member was Action Force (RAF) personnel last month with a big nation- The intern named Paribaha killed in a bomb attack late Mon- lobbying tear gas shells and re- al victory for Prime Minister Mukherjee sustained serious day. sorting to minor baton charge Narendra Modi, the BJP in- skull injury in the attack and Both parities have accused to stop the protesters from re- creased its tally of seats in the has been admitted in the inten- each other of the violence. organising the rally. state to 18 from just two at the sive care unit of the Institute of The BJP claimed that 50 of Several BJP leaders and activ- last vote in 2014. Neurosciences in Kolkata’s Park their activists were arrested by ists sat on the street to demon- The party is now focusing Circus area. His condition is re- police before being released. The strate against the police action. on upcoming state elections, portedly stable. party also accused the state ad- “We will continue our pro- including one in West Bengal Later, junior doctors locked up ministration of throttling their test in a peaceful manner. The scheduled for 2021 when it hopes the hospital gates, stopped work democratic protest. streets of Kolkata do not belong to unseat the government led by at the OPD and staged a protest Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists chant slogans during a rally in Kolkata to protest against the “We were conducting the to Mamata Banerjee alone. She the fi rebrand Trinamool Con- against the attack. recent killings of party workers, in Kolkata yesterday. march peacefully but the police cannot throttle a democratic gress chief.

Rahul is, and will remain the Zomato drone tests Congress chief, says Surjewala food packet delivery

IANS conducting experimental Be- IANS the Lok Sabha polls. The off er Besides Antony, Venugopal New Delhi yond Visual Line of Sight op- New Delhi was rejected by the CWC. and Surjewala, it members in- erations (BVLOS) of Remotely Surjewala told reporters that cluded Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Piloted Aircraft Systems there was no core group of the Chidambaram, Ashok Gehlot, nline ordering and (RPAS)/Unmanned Aircraft embers of the erstwhile party at present “as the term of Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Pa- food delivery platform Systems (UAS). core group committee all the panels formed ahead of tel and Jairam Ramesh. OZomato yesterday said “The only possible way to Mof the Congress met in the Lok Sabha polls had ended Meanwhile, Congress lead- it has successfully tested its reduce the average 30 min- New Delhi yesterday and dis- with the conclusion of the polls”. ers from 40 districts in Uttar maiden drone delivery tech- utes to 15 minutes is to take cussed the party’s preparations “Contrary to speculation, Pradesh have asked the party nology using a hybrid drone the aerial route. Roads are not for the forthcoming assembly there is no core group. The leadership not to opt for alli- that covered a distance of 5km effi cient for very fast deliver- elections in Haryana, Mahar- members of the erstwhile core ances with other parties in fu- in about 10 minutes with a ies,” Deepinder Goyal, founder ashtra, Jharkhand and Jammu group met informally and dis- ture. peak speed of 80kmph. and CEO of Zomato, said in a and Kashmir. The meeting was cussed preparations for the as- Party leaders, who met Sonia “The drone was tested last statement. headed by senior Congress lead- sembly polls,” he said. Gandhi and Congress general week at one of the remote sites “We have been working to- er A K Antony. Surjewala said Congress gen- secretary Priyanka Gandhi in approved by the DGCA. Such wards building sustainable Talking to reporters after the eral secretary in charge of or- Rae Bareli yesterday, said that tests are done at very remote and safe delivery technology meeting, spokesman Randeep ganisation K C Venugopal would the party should make an eff ort sites which are especially de- and with our fi rst successful Singh Surjewala said: “Rahul convene a meeting of its general to stand on its own feet. signed to conduct such tests,” test, food delivery by drones Gandhi was, is and will be the secretaries “to prepare for the Former MP Dr Sanjay Sinh, Zomato told IANS. is no longer just a pipe dream,” Congress party chief and none of assembly polls.” who was present at the meeting, However, the food aggrega- he said. us have any doubt about it.” He said United Progressive Al- told reporters, “All those present tor did not reveal the location “While regulatory hurdles He was replying to a question liance chairperson Sonia Gandhi were of the unanimous view that where the drone delivered the are not trivial, and the govern- on Gandhi’s insistence to step would take a decision on it before we should move ahead without package. ment’s concerns need to be down as party chief. the start of parliament session. forging any alliances. We need According to a notifi cation looked at from various (valid) At the Congress Working The nine-member core group to strengthen the Congress and issued by Director General of points of view, the tech is Committee (CWC) meeting last committee was formed in Au- motivate the workers.” Civil Aviation (DGCA) on May ready to fl y and I am confi dent month, Gandhi off ered to step gust last year as part of Con- Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka 13, companies have been asked that drone delivery will be down taking responsibility for gress’ preparations for the Lok Gandhi were in Rae Bareli yes- Newly-elected Congress MP from Rae Bareli, Sonia Gandhi, being to submit an Expression of In- commonplace sooner rather the party’s poor performance in Sabha polls. terday on a thanksgiving visit. welcomed by a supporter yesterday. terest (EOI) to the DGCA for than later.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA

LEGAL CRIME FALLOUT CLAIM Martinelli granted Police reporter shot dead Brazil off icial fired amid push 17 held, charged over pre-trial house arrest outside home in Mexico to develop reservation land anti-Maduro ‘coup’

A Panamanian court granted house arrest to A journalist has been shot dead outside her The head of Brazil’s indigenous aff airs agency Venezuelan authorities said that 17 people have the country’s former leader Ricardo Martinelli home in southern Mexico, her newspaper said he was fired due to pressure from the been charged with attempting a “coup” since a yesterday, allowing him to leave prison while he reported yesterday. Norma Sarabia, a police agriculture ministry which under President failed April 30 uprising against President Nicolas awaits trial for an espionage case stemming from reporter for Tabasco Hoy, was talking to a Jair Bolsonaro is seeking to open reservation Maduro. “There are 34 people being investigated, his 2009-2014 presidency. Martinelli, 67, had been relative outside her home in the municipality lands to commercial agriculture and mining. of whom 17 have been detained and charged” in jail ahead of his trial on charges of spying on 150 of Huimanguillo when a man got out of a Franklimberg Ribeiro de Freitas, head of the said attorney general Tarek William Saab. Fifteen people, including politicians, union leaders and car and opened fire at her, the newspaper National Indigenous Aff airs agency Funai, opposition lawmakers have been stripped of their journalists. Pre-trial arguments are already being reported. According to the Committee to Protect was removed from the post by the ministry of immunity by the regime-dominated Constituent heard. The supermarket magnate was extradited Journalists (CPJ) non-profit organisation, Sarabia women, family and human rights, which oversees Assembly for having supported the attempted from the US to Panama a year ago. “The trial court is the seventh journalist to have been killed Funai, the ministry confirmed. In remarks to uprising led by Juan Guaido, who heads the Panama’s former president Ricardo Martinelli revoked the provisional jail order, which had been in Mexico this year. Mexico is one of the most agency employees, Freitas blamed Luiz Antonio National Assembly. Guaido’s deputy Edgar waves from his house upon being released one imposed on June 11, 2018. After one year of being dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Nabhan Garcia, secretary of land aff airs in the Zambrano was one of those arrested and charged year after he was extradited from the US to face in eff ect, the order is replaced by a house arrest According to the CPJ, 10 journalists were ministry of agriculture, for his dismissal. Freitas while the other 14 have either sought refuge in corruption charges in Panama City yesterday. order,” a statement from the Supreme Court said. murdered there last year. said Bolsonaro was “very poorly advised.” diplomatic missions or fled the country.

Argentina’s Seeking asylum Macri names Court dodges surprise VP candidate debate on Lula

AFP Buenos Aires release after resident Mauricio Macri surprised Argentines by Pnaming a former ally of his arch-rival Cristina Kirchner as his vice-presidential candidate in October’s general election. Miguel Angel Pichetto, a document leak 68-year-old lawyer, has a long history of association with the AFP from the revelations in a country company get lucrative deals with same political coalition as Kirch- Rio de Janeiro where many people are fed up state oil fi rm Petrobras. ner, who was president from with corrupt leaders and strong- The judges said nothing about 2007-15, and her late husband ly support the Car Wash probe when they might discuss the re- Nestor Kirchner, whom she suc- razil’s Supreme Court un- that has claimed scores of politi- quest. ceeded in the presidential palace. expectedly avoided debat- cal and business scalps since it They scheduled debate on an- Macri came to power in 2015 Bing a request for the early began in 2014. other Lula appeal — seeking the at the head of the Cambiemos release of leftist icon Luiz Inacio While Twitter has been fl ood- annulment of his conviction on (Let’s Change) coalition trum- Lula da Silva, as social media ed by supporters and opponents grounds that Moro is biased, for peting the need for renewal af- fury intensifi ed over leaked doc- of Bolsonaro’s government, June 25. ter three successive presidential uments showing a conspiracy to there have been no signifi cant Lula, who led Brazil through terms led by Kirchners. keep him out of the 2018 election street demonstrations over the a historic boom from 2003 to “We need to build agreements race. claims of unethical behaviour 2010, earning him the gratitude with great generosity and patri- The court had placed this is- by Moro and the Car Wash pros- of millions of Brazilians for re- otism where all Argentines who sue on its docket, but after four ecutors. distributing wealth to haul them share these values contribute hours the fi ve judges retired Calls for Greenwald, who was out of poverty, has denied all the from their side,” said Macri in without addressing it. part of the team that fi rst in- corruption charges against him. a message on social media. Pi- Explosive reports published by terviewed Edward Snowden in He has long argued they were chetto was an ally of the centre- The Intercept investigative web- 2013, to be kicked out of Brazil politically motivated to prevent right Carlos Menem, president site on Sunday also ignited calls are growing with #Deporta- him from competing in the 2018 from 1989-99, and then again of for its American co-founder Greenwald widely shared on election. Nestor Kirchner from 2003-07. Glenn Greenwald to be deported Twitter. “He was quite impacted by the But he fell out with Cristina from Brazil and for Justice Min- “There is a general appre- content of the material, but on Kirchner during her second term ister Sergio Moro — who is at the ciation of wrongdoing and that the other hand it wasn’t new,” and switched allegiance to the centre of the growing scandal ethical boundaries were crossed, said Cristiano Zanin, a member opposition coalition led by Macri. over the Car Wash anticorrup- but it is unlikely to generate the of Lula’s defence team. Menem and the centre-left tion investigation — to resign, same levels of indignation as In the leaked group chats, Car Kirchners are considered Peronists underscoring the country’s in- other corruption scandals,” said Wash prosecutors expressed “se- in Argentina despite their diff er- creasing polarisation. Robert Muggah, research direc- rious doubts whether there was ent political stances as they are Telegram chats provided to tor at the Igarape Institute, a suffi cient evidence to establish members of the Justicialist Party The Intercept show Moro — the think tank in Rio de Janeiro. Lula’s guilt,” The Intercept said. founded by the late president Juan judge who handed Lula his fi rst “All this could change if more The material also shows Peron (1946-55 and 1973-74). conviction in 2017, eff ectively damaging evidence emerges, as “prosecutors spoke openly of The centre-right Macri is ending both his election hopes is likely.” their desire to prevent the PT seen as a liberal but his popular- and decades of centre-left rule Bolsonaro, normally quick to (Workers Party) from winning ity plummeted last year after he in Brazil — improperly collabo- denounce critics on Twitter, will the (2018) election and took implemented austerity measures rated with Car Wash prosecutors refrain from commenting on the steps to carry out that agenda.” agreed with the International to convict and jail the popular case until he meets with Moro, And Moro repeatedly “over- Monetary Fund to secure a $56bn ex-president. his spokesman said. stepped the ethical lines that bail-out loan. Their aim, according to The Despite the attacks on social defi ne the role of a judge” by Argentina suff ered two curren- Intercept, was to prevent Lula media, a defi ant Greenwald has off ering prosecutors advice and cy crises last year and is in reces- contesting the 2018 presidential promised Sunday’s reports were tips for “new avenues of investi- sion, with many ordinary Argen- election, which he was widely “just the very beginning.” gation,” the site said. tines having seen their spending expected to win. On Tuesday, the Supreme Car Wash chief prosecutor power diminish substantially. Far-right President Jair Bol- Court had been expected to re- Deltan Dallagnol posted a video Cristina Kirchner, 66, also sonaro — who appointed Moro view a petition for Lula’s release on Twitter on Monday defend- caused a shock last month by an- to his Cabinet after taking power from prison where he is serving ing his team’s contact with nouncing she would stand for the Migrants from Guatemala stand on the banks of the Rio Bravo river before crossing in January — was the eventual eight years and 10 months after Moro, saying it was normal for vice-presidency rather than the illegally into the US to turn themselves in to request asylum in El Paso, Texas, US winner. being convicted of accepting a prosecutors and lawyers to speak top job, even though she is leading as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Some analysts have down- seaside apartment as a bribe for with a judge in the absence of the in opinion polls ahead of Macri. played the potential fall-out helping the OAS construction other party.

Abdo Benitez in Bolivia Chile draws up plans to 30 Venezuela migrants lift lithium industry output ‘missing’ as boat sinks AFP total of 80 people now missing. Caracas The previous two boats were Reuters Chile´s existing policy to- our errors and we think now is heading for Trinidad and To- Santiago ward lithium has been criticised the moment to correct them,” bago. as confusing and uninviting to Terrazas said. t least 30 Venezuelan Another opposition law- newcomers. The new projects, Terrazas migrants are missing maker, Robert Alcala said on hile´s mining ministry Despite prime production con- said, would help Chile maintain Aafter the speedboat they May 19 that 29 people had said it would release in ditions and upward of 50% of the its share of global lithium pro- were travelling in sank on its gone missing when their boat C“the coming weeks” a world´s reserves, according to duction amid a sharp increase in way to Curacao, an opposition sank in open water on its jour- plan to clarify rules around its United States Geological Survey global demand. Chile has recent- lawmaker said. ney to Trinidad and Tobago lithium industry to maintain its data, the country has not permit- ly lost ground to competitors. The vessel left from a vil- from northwestern Venezuela. global share of output amid spi- ted a new lithium mine since the Australia in 2017 surpassed lage in the northwest on Friday It was Alcala as well who re- ralling demand for the coveted boom for the metal began in 2014. the south American nation to with 30 to 35 people on board, ported on April 25 that a boat battery metal. Chile now requires private become the world’s top lithium deputy Luis Stefanelli said carrying 33 migrants taking At a gathering of lithium in- miners to partner with the state supplier. Neighbouring Argenti- quoting family members. the same route disappeared, vestors in Santiago, Mining or obtain a special permit known na is also positioned to gain fast, “No one has been in touch although nine people were res- Minister Baldo Prokurica said as a CEOL to mine lithium on with at least a dozen projects in with their families, which cued that time. the administration of centre- their own. the pipeline. makes us fear the worst,” said “These are desperate people right President Sebastian Pin- The problem, would-be min- Prokurica emphasised Chile´s Stefanelli. Authorities have who sell all their belongings era would push both state and ers say, is that the government geological advantages, citing the not commented on the report. and leave with nothing,” Ste- private investment to double has yet to provide guidelines for country´s 45 salt fl ats. The body of a man wearing fanelli said. Chile´s production to 230,000 obtaining a CEOL. Currently, the Atacama salt a life jacket was found near He said that according to tonnes of lithium carbonate It also has not announced a fl at, one of the world´s richest Bullenbaai bay in Curacao, ac- the families, the migrants had equivalent per year by 2023. uniform royalty or tax scheme known sources of lithium, ac- cording to a coast guard state- paid $400 each for the cross- “This government is not par- that would help investors gauge counts for all of Chile´s produc- ment published by media on ing — in a country where the tial to either the private or public the risks. tion of the ultralight metal. the Caribbean island. minimum wage is now around sector when it comes to the de- Pablo Terrazas, Chile´s vice Top producers SQM and Albe- However, it was not clear if $6.50 a month because of hy- velopment of lithium,” Prokuri- minister of mining, told partici- marle operate there. he had been aboard the speed- perinfl ation. ca told the Fastmarkets Lithium pants of the lithium conference The ministry said it was also Bolivian President Evo Morales and his Paraguayan boat that left clandestinely Venezuela is suff ering from Supply and Markets Conference. that the soon-to-be-released working on a database to de- counterpart Mario Abdo Benitez attend the commemoration from the Venezuelan village of an economic crisis and has Lithium is a key ingredient new rules would fi ll these voids scribe the resources available in of the 84th anniversary of the end of the Chaco War Aguide in Falcon state. been in recession for fi ve years, in the rechargeable batteries and add safeguards for the envi- Chile´s salt fl ats, to help guide (1932-1935), at the Plaza de Armas square in La Paz, It’s the third such boat car- with its people suff ering from that power everything from cell ronment and local communities. investors and newcomers seek- yesterday. Abdo Benitez is on an off icial visit to Bolivia. rying Venezuelan migrants to shortages of basic necessities phones to electric vehicles. “We´ve learned much from ing to develop new mines. capsize in the last month, with a such as food and medicines. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, June 13, 2019 PAKISTAN Borrowing by past govts Curbs on property to be probed: PM Khan purchase Internews The prime minister said he He said he would work closely Islamabad would continue to carry for- with the FBR chairman to collect ward the process of account- taxes by removing procedural ability without being pressured and regulatory bottlenecks. He removed akistan Prime Minis- or blackmailed by his political appealed to the nation to pay ter Imran Khan has an- adversaries. taxes and avail a tax amnesty Pnounced to constitute a He said his government had scheme that will lapse at the end Internews erably lower than the actual high-powered commission to obtained information from of the month. Karachi market values. probe large volumes of foreign abroad after reaching agree- Meanwhile, in a tweet yester- It is, therefore, intended and domestic borrowing by ments with diff erent countries day the prime minister said it is that FBR’s rates of immov- previous governments. on the basis of which they had time the nation stopped glorify- he Pakistan government able properties would be taken In a televised address late on traced out private accounts of ing money launderers who have has lifted the morato- closer to or about 85% of the Tuesday, he said the commis- non-resident Pakistanis with caused damage to the country. Trium on the purchase of actual market values. sion will include representatives about $10bn in them in unex- “Time for nation to stop glo- property worth over Rs5mn by “As the increase in FBR’s of Federal Investigation Agency plained money. rifying money launderers who non-fi lers of tax returns but values of immovable property (FIA), Intelligence Bureaus (IB), The prime minister said when have damaged our nation and has closed the window of le- is going to raise the incidence Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), his party came to power, the impoverished our people and galising black money through of tax on genuine buyers and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) current account defi cit stood now seeking refuge behind ‘de- investment in real estate in sellers, it is proposed that the and Securities exchange Com- $19.5bn and the country was on mocracy’. No protocol should order to welcome only genuine rate of withholding tax on mission of Pakistan (SECP0. the verge of default and the de- be extended to them. Why are buyers. the purchase of the immove- Imran said the foreign debts of valuation of rupee could have plunderers of public wealth giv- “The previous government able property may be reduced Pakistan jumped to Rs30,000bn plunged the whole economy into en such special treatment? Time had imposed a restriction on from 2% to 1%.” from Rs6,000bn in the last 10 turmoil. However, the economy to treat them as criminals,” he the registration or transfer of At present, the withholding years. had been made stable now. added. Imran Khan: “Time for nation to stop glorifying money launderers...” property exceeding Rs5mn to a tax on the purchase of prop- non-fi ler. It has been observed erty is levied only if the value that the restriction has not of the property is more than achieved the desired goal of Rs4mn. There is a tendency to increasing the number of tax avoid this tax by breaking the return fi lers, rather such re- transaction into amounts of Defi nition striction has been legally chal- less than Rs4mn whereas the Tax relief to salaried class lenged in courts on the point actual value of the property is of jurisdiction,” said Minister more than Rs4mn. of resident of State for Revenue Hammad “In order to stop the misuse, Azhar while presenting the the withholding tax on pur- federal budget for 2019-20 in chase is proposed to be col- individual withdrawn in new budget the National Assembly. lected irrespective of the value “Therefore, the restriction of the property,” he said. placed on the purchase of the Pakistan had introduced changed Internews the tax rate would be zero. but stays under Rs5,000,000, cent of the amount exceeding immovable property may be capital gains tax (CGT) years Islamabad Now, where taxable in- there will be Rs370,000 plus Rs50,000,000. Where taxable withdrawn,” he told lawmakers. ago. Capital gain is the dif- he defi nition of a resident come is over Rs600,000, 20% of the amount exceeding income exceeds Rs75,000,000, He pointed out that “if a ference between property individual in Pakistan has but less than Rs1,200,000, Rs3,500,000. there will be Rs21,420,000 plus purchaser of an immovable purchase and sale prices, Tbeen changed in the fed- he Federal Board of Rev- there the income tax will be Where taxable income exceeds 35% of the amount exceeding property pays 3% tax on the meaning profi t. eral budget 2019-20. enue (FBR) of Pakistan 5% of the amount exceeding Rs5,000,000 but does not go be- Rs75,000,000. diff erence between DC (old There were three slabs un- Presently, a resident individ- Taims to get Rs50bn closer Rs600,000, while in case of yond Rs8,000,000, there will For non- salaried class, where and lower) value and the Fed- der the CGT regime, meaning ual for a tax year is defi ned as an to its overambitious revenue col- an income over Rs1,200,000, be Rs670,000 plus 22.5% of the taxable income does not ex- eral Board of Revenue’s (FBR, if a buyer sells property within individual who is present in Pa- lection target by squeezing the but under Rs1,800,000, amount exceeding Rs5,000,000. ceed Rs400,000, there will be current market) value of prop- the fi rst year of purchase, he kistan for a period of, or periods pockets of the infl ation-stricken the individual will have to Where taxable income is over zero tax, while where it over- erty, then he is not required to was liable to pay 10% CGT, amounting in aggregate to, 183 salaried and non-salaried class pay Rs30,000 plus 10% Rs12,000,000, but does not go steps Rs400,000, but not be- explain the source of invest- 7.5% on sale of property after days or more in the tax year or further as it has proposed taxes of the amount exceeding past Rs30,000,000, there will yond Rs600,000, there will be ment of the said diff erential the fi rst year but within two is an employee or offi cial of the on earnings exceeding taxable Rs1,200,000 as income tax. be Rs2,345,000 plus 27.5 per 5% of the amount exceeding amount at present”. years, 5% CGT on more than federal or provincial government income ceiling of Rs600,000 Where taxable income is cent of the amount exceeding Rs600,000. “This is a permanent tool two years but less than three posted abroad in the tax year. and Rs400,000 respectively. above Rs1,800,000, but not over Rs12,000,000. Where taxable income sur- for whitening the undeclared years and no CGT on sale of Now the defi nition of the resi- The FBR has proposed tax rate Rs2,500,000, the tax to be paid Where taxable income tops passes Rs600,000, but does not money, which is against inter- property after three years. dent is being amended to include an of 5 to 35% on 12 diff erent slabs will be Rs90,000 plus 15% of the Rs30,000,000 but does not exceed Rs1,200,000, there will national tax norms. Therefore, Azhar said capital gains individual present in Pakistan for a of salaried class through Finance amount exceeding Rs1,800,000. go over Rs50,000,000, there be Rs10,000 plus 10% of the it is proposed to withdraw the would be charged 100% at period of, or periods amounting in Bill 2019-20. The government Where taxable income over- will be Rs7,295,000 plus 30% amount exceeding Rs600,000. tax at the rate of 3% on the normal tax rate if the prop- aggregate to, 90 days or more in the has withdrawn increased limit of steps Rs2,500,000, but does of the amount exceeding Where taxable income diff erential amount.” erty was sold within a year of tax year and who, in the four years taxable ceiling to Rs0.6mn from not pass Rs3,500,000, there will Rs30,000,000. is more than Rs1,200,000, Azhar said the FBR had in- the purchase. However, three- preceding the tax year, has been in Rs1.2mn per annum. be Rs195,000 plus 17.5% of the Where taxable income ex- but less than Rs2,400,000, troduced valuation tables for fourths of capital gains would Pakistan for a period of, or periods The Finance Bill 2019 had pro- amount exceeding Rs2,500,000. ceeds Rs50,000,000, but does there will be Rs70,000 plus immoveable properties in ma- be charged at normal tax rates amounting in aggregate to, 365 days posed that where taxable income Moreover, where taxable in- not exceed Rs75,000,000, there 15% of the amount exceeding jor cities. The rates notifi ed if the property is sold in the or more. (Internews) does not exceed Rs600,000, come surpasses Rs3,500,000, will be Rs13,295,000 plus 32.5% Rs1,200,000. by the board are still consid- second year of purchase.

Elections in tribal Moored on storm warning areas next month Shahbaz writes letter The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) yesterday postponed polls in the merged to prime minister over tribal districts for 18 days. According to ECP spokesperson Altaf Khan, the election commission ECP appointments postponed the election on the 16 seats of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in tribal districts till Internews will not be fulfi lled,” read the July 20 after a government by the Islamabad letter. provincial government. Shahbaz added, “You [PM Polling was scheduled to be Imran Khan] levelled false held on 16 seats of Khyber eader of the Opposition and baseless accusations on Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in tribal in the National Assem- the previous nominations and districts on July 2. Lbly Shahbaz Sharif sent gave an opinion against them. The provincial government in its revised names to Prime Min- In the letter of your foreign letter to the ECP had said, “The ister Imran Khan for appoint- minister, you disqualifi ed the current unwarranted situation and ing the members of the Elec- nominated candidate later.” threats of serious nature from across tion Commission of Pakistan “Therefore, I have decided to the border and some developments (ECP), it was learnt yesterday. refrain from giving an opinion within newly merged districts may In a letter written to the that could hurt others. I have sabotage the whole process of premier, Shahbaz recom- considered the names nomi- holding of forthcoming elections.” mended names of senior law- nated by you in detail and now It had further requested the yer Khalid Javed, Justice (retd) request you to seriously con- ECP to postpone the election Abdul Rasul Memon and Jus- sider the modifi ed names now,” for 20 days which is within the tice (retd) Noorul Haq Qureshi Shahbaz wrote in the letter. constitutional limit of 25 July 2019 from Sindh. Consultations are underway for holding the elections in the From Balochistan, Sheh- between Prime Minister Imran merged tribal districts. baz recommended Salahud- and the opposition leader for This is the first ever election in tribal din Mengal, Shah Muhammed months. areas for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Jatoi and Rauf Atta. Under the constitution, the Pakistan’s fishing boats are seen moored at the fish harbour in Karachi yesterday, following a warning from Pakistani authorities as assembly and will help the tribal “To select members, mutual ECP comprises a Chief Elec- a cyclonic storm barrels north of the Arabian sea. people resolve their problems at and detailed consultation is tion Commissioner (CEC) and the provincial level. (Internews) needed over every candidate. four members - one from each To reach a consensus, realistic, province. sincere and serious consulta- The ECP was incomplete tion should be done. With- after its members from Sindh out realistic consultation, the and Balochistan retired on constitutional responsibility January 26. Women fi nd way in male-dominated Punjab police Internews walnagar and Shaista Nadeem in en members of the force holding She cites lack of transporta- drastically since those times, Lahore Bhakkar. Athar had the honour these positions do feel privi- tion as one of the main issues she says. “Now, well-educated of being the fi rst woman to be leged. Woman constable Moona that is amplifi ed for women dur- girls are joining the department appointed as a DPO in Punjab. Aslam says the uniform brings ing odd duty hours or security and that is a very good sign.” She Court approves t goes without saying that the The highest rank of a woman po- with it a sense of confi dence. duties. stresses on the need for more Punjab police is overwhelm- lice offi cer in Punjab is 19 and that “Even when they are out of Sub-inspector Shamim women to join the department. Iingly male dominated and this is of the offi cial appointed as addi- uniform, the female offi cers are Akhtar, 52, has been serving the “In all these years, I have played remand of Hamza is substantiated by the statistic tional director computers (BS-19). alert and more sensitised com- police since 1991. “I joined as a diff erent roles.’ Akhtar has served that just 2.66% of a total force of As matters stand, 13 women pared to other women.” In her re- constable after being inspired by as a head clerk and even an inves- n accountability court Sugar Mills and money laun- 160,000 people consists of women. are serving as superintendents sponse towards harassment, she Hema Malini in a fi lm. I was the tigation offi cer (IO). In her time as yesterday granted the dering cases was presented by The imbalance can also be of police (BS-18), six as assist- believes policewomen are capable blue-eyed child of my father and an IO, she has led raiding teams to ANational Account- the accountability watchdog gauged from the fact that just ant superintendents (BS-17), of dealing with such a situation in requested him to allow me.” arrest suspects from far fl ung ar- ability Bureau (NAB) a 14-day team yesterday. 1.43% of the total 4,269 offi cers 17 as DSPs (BS-17), one as as- a more eff ective manner. Akhtar says that when she eas. “This has been a sensational physical remand of opposition NAB had requested for 15- are women. Of all the female po- sistant director (BS-17), seven “I have been serving in the joined, the situation in the force experience,” she adds. leader in the Punjab Assembly day physical remand of the lice offi cials, 75% are serving at as psychologists (BS-17), 29 as department for over a decade. was quite diff erent. “People did In conclusion, Akhtar advises Hamza Shahbaz. Pakistan Muslim League-N a rank no higher than constable. inspectors (BS-16), 380 as sub- Of course there are a few issues not like women doing jobs. Do- the department to take more Hamza who was arrested leader. The court has or- At the moment, there are just inspectors (BS-14), and 228 as that need to be addressed on an ing a job for the police depart- steps to encourage women; es- by NAB on Tuesday after the dered Hamza to be pre- two women police offi cers ap- lady traffi c wardens (BS-14). immediate basis.” However, her ment was thinking completely pecially at a time when attitudes Lahore High Court rejected sented before the court on pointed as district police offi cers Despite this skewed propor- overall experience and perform- out of the box.” towards working women are his interim bail in the Ramzan June 26. (Internews) (DPOs); Ammar Athar in Baha- tion of representation, the wom- ance has been exceptional. The mindset has changed changing for the better. Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 21 - PHILIPPINES

Chinese fi shing boat crew criticised for collision

Reuters Manila

he Philippines yesterday denounced the crew of a TChinese fi shing boat that collided with a Philippine ves- sel and left 22 Filipino fi sher- men abandoned in the disputed South China Sea. The collision took place near the Reed Bank on Sunday, the defence ministry said, adding that a Vietnamese fi shing boat rescued all the fi shermen. “We denounce the actions of the Chinese fi shing vessel for immediately leaving the inci- dent scene, abandoning the 22 Filipino crewmen to the mercy of the elements,” Defence Secretary Delfi n Lorenzana said in a state- ment. Reuters could not independ- ently verify the Philippine ac- Vice President Leni Robredo salutes during a wreath laying ceremony as part of the Independence Day celebration at the Rizal monument in Manila, yesterday. Right: A general view of a Philippine national flag count of the collision. being raised during the Independence Day celebration. China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to re- quests for comment. China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea, has been ac- cused of using thousands of fi shing boats as a militia and de facto extension of its foreign policy. The Reed Bank contains off shore gas reserves that both Duterte’s call to honour countries claim ownership of, despite it being located within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Both countries say they are seeking ways to jointly tap those sacrifi ces of martyrs deposits. Romero is richest By Catherine S Valente Manila Times House member

Rep. Michael Romero of the s the nation marks its 1-Pacman party-list group 121st Independence Day, remained the richest lawmaker in APresident Rodrigo Du- the House of Representatives last terte yesterday urged Filipinos year, with P7.858bn to his name, to aspire for a “truly independ- Manila Times reported. Romero ent Philippines.” was followed by Negros Occidental In his Independence Day Third District Rep. Alfredo Benitez message, Duterte called on the who had P1.016bn, based on a public to never forget the les- summary report of House mem- sons of history and honour the bers’ declared assets, liabilities and sacrifi ces of the forefathers who net worth. Ilocos Norte Second fought for the country’s free- District Rep. Imelda Marcos was dom. third with P923.8mn. Rounding “I am one with the Filipino out the top 10 were Quezon City people in commemorating the Fourth District Rep. Feliciano anniversary of the Proclamation Belmonte Jr (P864.752mn), Manila of Philippine Independence. A Teachers party-list Rep. Virgilio hundred and twenty-one years Lacson (P793.871mn), Marikina City has passed since our forefathers Duterte: call to honour martyrs A giant Philippine flag made of 5,000 puto (rice cakes) takes centre stage at Southwoods Mall in Binan, First District Rep. Bayani Fernando bound their fates, their lives and Laguna, as the country commemorated its 121st Independence Day, yesterday. (P748mn), Davao del Norte Second their fortunes to proclaim the prosperous society — will be of subservience but we also re- District Rep. Antonio Floirendo independence of the Filipino achieved within our lifetimes,” solved to determine the course heroes and martyrs,” he said. said, about Duterte’s decision to in protecting the country from (P714.6mn), Batangas Sixth people,” Duterte said. he added. The president de- of our own destiny as a nation,” Duterte is expected to honour spend Independence Day with communism and terrorism dur- District Rep. Rosa Vilma Recto “Let us commit ourselves to scribed the historic occasion Duterte said. “But the freedom the country’s heroes who fought government troops. ing his visit. (P555.324mn), Leyte First District ensure that their sacrifi ces have marked every June 12 as the “the we achieved back then was not for the nation’s liberty. Duterte has been going Last year, the president ob- Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez not been in vain and that their most signifi cant event in our without cost. The tree of lib- “There must be some spe- around military camps since served the country’s Independ- (P487.6mn) and House Speaker dream of a truly independent country’s history.” erty blossomed on these lands cial reason, and I’m sure he will he assumed offi ce in 2016. He ence Day celebration in Kawit, Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Philippines — whose people live “Not only did we put an end because it was nourished by the say that in his speech,” Palace is more likely to talk about the Cavite, where hecklers disrupt- (P479.5mn). freely in a secure, stable, and to more than three centuries sweat and blood of our patriots, spokesman Salvador Panelo sacrifi ces of Filipino soldiers ed his speech.

Former PhilHealth US coast guard boosts presence in disputed waters offi cials ‘tolerated’ scams By Dempsey Reyes Manila Times

By Jaime Pilapil “I still have a copy of my re- Manila Times port containing the alleged indi- he United States Coast viduals and companies involved Guard (USCG) is moni- in the corruption,” she said. Ttoring the movements tate-owned Philippine Garin claimed to have insti- of Chinese vessels in the West Health Insurance Corp tuted reforms when she was Philippine (South China) Sea as S(PhilHealth) continues to appointed Health chief, includ- part of an eff ort to help Ameri- be hit by irregularities because ing the “sacking of frontline ca’s allies in the Pacifi c enforce previous offi cials did nothing and managerial employees” and sovereignty in contested waters. but fi ne erring fi rms, former stopping payments to “abusive Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, Health secretary Janette Garin health providers and doctors.” USCG Pacifi c Area Command- claimed yesterday. She urged President Rodrigo er, told reporters in a telecon- Garin, who held the Health Duterte to ask incumbent Health ference that “we obviously are portfolio from February 2015 to Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd to aware and have been following June 2016, said she exposed cor- temporarily head the agency. the (Chinese) militia and some ruption in PhilHealth when she Duque formerly helmed Phil- of the activity.” was still Iloilo’s representative in Health before being named For the most part, she said the Congress. Health secretary during the Ar- USCG was deploying training This involved payments for royo administration. It was also teams to help nations in fi sh- fake surgeries and false claims, during this time that Garin was eries enforcement and guard including those for “ghost di- Iloilo’s First District representa- against incursions. alysis” treatments that have cost tive in Congress. The USCG cutters Stratton incumbent PhilHealth Board Under the law, the Health sec- and The Bertholf are part of members their jobs. retary is also chairman of the the training initiative, with the “Actually, aside from ghost Board of PhilHealth. former taking over the latter in dialysis corruption at Phil- In a related development, Jus- being deployed to the Western Health, other irregularities were tice Secretary Menardo Guevarra Pacifi c. discovered in other claims like said the whistleblowers involved The Bertholf, Fagan noted, pneumonia, cataracts and even in the latest dialysis scam could had made stops in the Philip- Activists and progressive legislators raise clenched fists as they march towards the Chinese consulate in Manila yesterday, in a protest against dengue, where patients were fi c- be enrolled in the Witness Pro- pines, Hong Kong, Japan and the Asian superpower’s growing sway in the Philippines and as tensions rise over Beijing’s presence in the disputed South China Sea. titious” she said. tection Programme. South Korea. Instead of fi ling criminal “These whistleblowers may “I just met with some of the The Bertholf has helped bol- think, all the way around, cer- ing up its naval presence in the tration’s pivot to Beijing at the charges, Garin alleged the “Phil- of course apply, but the DoJ (De- Stratton crew…and I can tell ster the US presence in the re- tainly for us, and we are looking Pacifi c amid China’s continued expense of Washington, the US Health Board at that time only partment of Justice) will evalu- you, they are really looking for- gion, recently transiting the forward to Stratton’s deploy- military expansion and insist- has said it would come to the meted fi nes to the erring health ate their applications very care- ward to their upcoming patrol disputed Taiwan Strait. ment here shortly,” Fagan said. ence on its territorial claims. Philippines’ aid if tensions turn providers.” fully,” he added. in the region,” she added. “It’s been a great benefi t, I Washington has been ramp- Amid the Duterte adminis- into an armed confl ict. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, June 13, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka 13 - 06 -2019 Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Injustice of Central Park Five case should give Florida pause There are 340 people on Florida’s death row. Without a thorough investigation into the state’s criminal justice system and a full review of every capital conviction, the next execution could be of an innocent person. Many state leaders seem OK with that. Those leaders, like Governor Ron DeSantis, should binge watch some television. When They See Us, a four- part series on Netfl ix dramatising the infamous case of the Central Park Five – fi ve young black and Latino boys falsely accused and wrongfully convicted of the brutal rape of a New York jogger in 1989 – vividly demonstrates Summer in Qatar festival how badly fl awed the justice system in America can be. It took more than a decade for the boys’ unjust convictions to be overturned, but the damage to their lives and reputations can never be repaired. It could have been worse, though. The oldest boy was tried as an adult. supports tourism, economy He could have received the death penalty – and he could have been executed before he was exonerated. One of the most compelling arguments against the QNA According to the national strategy, variety of new products and activities more than 160 destinations worldwide Doha total tourism spending in Qatar is that suit all ages, interests and budgets between 30 May-16 August. death penalty is that an execution cannot be undone expected to reach QR40bn, compared and further develop Qatar as a year- This year’s activities include many if it turns out an inmate was wrongly convicted. That with QR17.3bn in 2016. round tourism destination. entertainment, music and comedy potential should be especially concerning in Florida, his year’s summer season in This spending will achieve 4% as a To ensure the success of the festival, shows in the parks and malls. where more death-row inmates have been exonerated Qatar is an important boost to direct contribution to the country’s QNTC has brought together more Meanwhile, Souq Waqif and Katara eff orts to develop the domestic GDP compared to 3.5% in 2016. than 30 partners from the public and Cultural Village will also bring vibrancy than in any other state. Ttourism industry and is a The hotel occupancy rate recorded private sectors, including the Ministry to the summer with family fun and In March, Cliff ord catalyst for the country’s economic more than 70% compared to 65% in of Commerce and Industry, Ministry entertainment shows during both Eids. Williams Jr became the growth, with a programme of summer 2016. of Municipality and Environment, Nine participating malls across Qatar There must 29th person exonerated activities, shopping shows and various The national strategy for the Qatar Museums, Qatar Airways, Katara will be off ering special entertainment entertainment events. tourism sector included many tourism Cultural Village, Qatar Foundation and shows, exhibitions and free activities be absolute from Florida’s death The annual summer festival, which attractions, especially after Qatar the Private Engineering Offi ce. for diff erent age groups throughout row since the 1970s. its current edition was launched last became the most open country in the This year’s summer season ‘Summer in Qatar’. There will also be confi dence that Prosecutors now say he week under the title “Summer in region, thanks to a series of policies promises to attract visitors from sales and promotions along with raffl e didn’t commit the crime Qatar” and will lasts till 16 August, has aimed at simplifying visa procedures, across the globe showcasing Qatar draws. the system is fair, been developing over the past years including visa-free entry to citizens of as a destination for its unparalleled A wide range of hotels and hotel he was convicted of – to diversify tourism products and 80 countries. hospitality and authentic experiences, apartments will off er discounts of just and devoted after he spent 42 years in promote retail and hospitality sectors The country has also issued a free as the festival comes in line with up to 25%, valid for stays between prison. by stimulating the country’s domestic 96-hour transit visa, which has led to expectations that the number of 4 June-16 August 2019 along with to the truth Florida has, almost tourism. an increase of more than 40% of the visitors to Qatar will increase by several additional incentives and It is one of the most important number of travellers who decide to stop 10% during the first quarter of 2019 promotions at facilities. Qatar Airways certainly, executed festivals in Qatar. in Qatar. compared to the same period last year. passengers can also take advantage of innocent men. Leo Jones might have been one of them. Qatar summer festival aims to Summer in Qatar festival this In this context, the National +Qatar, a unique stopover package, He was executed in 1998 for the murder of a police offi cer support domestic tourism, revitalising year is characterised by a variety of Tourism Council has benefi ted in partnership with QNTC, designed even though one of the main witnesses against him had the country’s economy by stimulating indoor and outdoor activities that from its representative offi ces in to give travellers transiting through Qatar’s private sector and supporting meet the aspirations of the whole several countries for marketing the Qatar the opportunity to discover the recanted and there were allegations that his confession the various tourism sector partners by family, as well as a wide participation programmes of this important tourism country with free luxury hotel stays and came only after a brutal beating by the police offi cers who promoting retail sales and increasing of stars and artists from both inside event, focusing on the role of cultural complimentary transit visas. interrogated him. occupancy rates in hotels and restaurant and outside Qatar, in addition to the institutions in enriching the country’s The event witness a huge public Given that there appears to be no political will to end reservations. accompanying sports and educational domestic tourism. turnout with its various elements that The festival is a promising platform activities, shopping offers and Through the joint eff orts under meet the aspirations of family members. the death penalty in Florida – one of only about five for the private sector to activate its role hospitality that aim to promote the umbrella of the summer festival, Recognising the importance of states that still regularly executes prisoners – restoring as the main engine of the economic tourism in Qatar. the aviation and tourism sectors are the tourism sector and its direct and confidence in the integrity of the system that puts process in the country. Thanks to the collaborative eff orts working hard to enhance their co- signifi cant impact on the recovery of people on death row is paramount. Governor DeSantis, It contributes to the promotion of by partners in public and private operation to ensure the success of the economy, Qatar has strengthened its goods and services and stimulates the sectors, Summer in Qatar festival this season by off ering discounts on eff orts and capabilities and has laid solid a death penalty supporter who recently signed a bill competitiveness between various local off ers visitors all kinds of tourism fl ights, launching travel promotions and foundations and made great strides making it harder for ex-felons to vote, should order a and foreign companies to provide the experiences, including cultural tours off ering exceptional travel experiences in the promotion of this sector, which review of death-row exonerations and other wrongful best off ers and services in the summer. and entertainment in its various forms. at Hamad International Airport. has witnessed great achievements convictions. Summer in Qatar festival is part In this summer, the National Tourism Qatar Airways will off er a discount in the fi eld of policies, products and of the National Tourism Council’s Council’s (QNTC) stakeholders off er a of 25% on all fl ights to Doha from promotion. But instead of doing that, he has appointed three strategy to enrich and diversify conservative justices to the Florida Supreme Court the country’s tourism offers by who might lead the court in reversing a decision about highlighting the elements of domestic retroactively resentencing death row inmates. The issue tourism in the country, meet the needs of all segments of society and attract arises from a 2016 US Supreme Court decision that found international tourists and visitors that allowing judges – not juries – to decide if the facts travelling on Qatar Airways as well as warranted a death sentence violated the accused men’s to a wide audience in nearby countries right to trial by jury. The state therefore began reviewing such as Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, Pakistan, and India. death sentences back to 2002, but that state Supreme Qatar summer festival is also a part Court justices seem poised to stop that. of the country’s aspiration to further When the state executes a convict, it is acting on behalf growth in the tourism industry, as of every resident of Florida, and if the state is wrong, it defi ned by the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2018-2023. stains all. Such an act must rest on a fi rm, unassailable It is planned that diff erent activities foundation. There must be absolute confi dence that the will attract 5.6mn visitors per year by system is fair, just and devoted to the truth. 2023, compared with 2.9mn in 2016, There can be no such confi dence in the current system. more than 65% of whom visited Qatar for entertainment. — Tribune News Service As part of promoting tourism sector in the country the Amiri decision was issued to establish the National To Advertise Tourism Council chaired by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister [email protected] Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Display al-Thani. It aims to achieve the best conditions 44466621 44418811 for the implementation of the national strategy of tourism and its subsidiary Classified programmes, in order to enhance 44466609 44418811 the plans for the comprehensive development of tourism and its Subscription organisation and promotion internally and externally. [email protected] The Council also works to improve the tourism experience in the country and to show the cultural, artistic, and Visitors queue for a taste of Turkish ice cream at the Summer Entertainment City inside the Doha Exhibition and Convention © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved tourist features of Qatar. Centre. PICTURE: Jayaram Gulf Times Thursday, June 13, 2019 23 COMMENT Europe’s silent majority has spoken in the polls

By George Soros to produce a dream team. French London President Emmanuel Macron, who is opposed to the Spitzenkandidat system as a matter of principle, is largely ast month’s elections to responsible for this development. At the European Parliament a dinner with Spanish Prime Minister produced better results than Pedro Sánchez, the winner of Spain’s Lone could have expected, and national general election, which for a simple reason: the silent pro- preceded the European Parliament European majority has spoken. What vote, the two leaders agreed to support they said is that they want to preserve two Spitzenkandidaten who would be the values on which the European ideal for the Commission and for the Union was founded, but that they also Council. want radical changes in the way the Germany is the main supporter of EU functions. Their main concern is the Spitzenkandidat system. If Weber climate change. loses out, Germany will be pushing This favours the pro-European for Jens Weidmann, president of the parties, especially the Greens. Bundesbank, to become president of The anti-European parties, which the ECB. He would hardly be ideal. In cannot be expected to do anything fact, he is disqualifi ed by the fact that constructive, failed to make the gains he testifi ed before Germany’s Federal that they expected. Nor can they form Constitutional Court against the ECB the united front that they would need in a case seeking to invalidate the in order to become more infl uential. Bank’s so-called outright monetary One of the institutions that needs transactions, a policy that was crucial to be changed is the Spitzenkandidat to overcoming the eurozone crisis system. It is supposed to provide earlier this decade. I hope this fact will a form of indirect selection of the become more widely known. EU leadership. In fact, as Franklin Any other qualifi ed candidate would Dehousse has explained in a be preferable to Weidmann as ECB brilliant but pessimistic article in president. As things stand now, France the EU Observer, it is worse than will not have any of the top jobs. It no democratic selection at all. Each would be a good thing if Germany member state has real political parties, didn’t have one either, because it but their trans-European combination would leave more room for other produces artifi cial constructs that countries. serve no purpose other than to There are many EU institutions promote the personal ambitions of aside from the Spitzenkandidat system their leaders. A woman walks past an advertising board for the EU elections at the Schuman railway station near the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, in this May 22 photograph. that require radical reform. But that This can best be seen in the can wait until we fi nd out whether, and European People’s Party (EPP), which for Weber, because Orbán has American university. not based on an intergovernmental The reform that would require treaty to what extent, the promise held out has managed to capture the presidency openly fl outed European norms and Fidesz failed to comply. Even so, agreement, so it could easily be changes is justifi ed by the increased by the parliamentary election results of the Commission since 2004. The established what amounts to a mafi a the EPP did not expel Fidesz, but changed. It would be much better democratic legitimacy conferred by is realised. This is not yet the time to EPP’s current leader, Manfred Weber, state. Nearly half the national parties merely suspended it so that it could if the president of the European the European Parliamentary elections. declare victory, relax, and celebrate. who has no experience in a national constituting the EPP wanted to expel be counted as part of the EPP when Commission were directly elected from Turnout in the recent election There is a lot of work to be done to government, appears willing to enter Orbán’s party, Fidesz. Instead of the president of the Commission is a carefully selected list of qualifi ed surpassed 50%, up sharply from turn the EU into a well-functioning into practically any compromise in following through, however, Weber chosen. Orbán is now trying to re- candidates, but that would require 42.6% in 2014. This is the fi rst time organisation that fulfi ls its great order to remain in the parliamentary managed to convince the EPP to make establish Fidesz as a bona fi de member treaty changes. The president of the that turnout has increased at all since potential. - Project Syndicate majority. That includes embracing a relatively easy demand on Fidesz: of the EPP. It will be interesting to see European Council could continue to be the fi rst election in 1979, when 62% of Hungary’s autocratic prime minister, allow the Central European University if Weber fi nds a way to accommodate elected by a qualifi ed majority of the eligible voters participated. z George Soros is Chairman of Soros Viktor Orbán. (CEU, which I founded) to continue him. member states, as the Treaty of Lisbon Strangely enough, on this occasion, Fund Management and of the Open Orbán has posed a serious problem functioning freely in Hungary as an The Spitzenkandidat system is prescribes. the Spitzenkandidat system promises Society Foundations.

Unconventional thinking about monetary policies Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 440c Minimum Temperature : 320c By Barry Eichengreen Thus, when the next recession the post-crisis recession would or debt monetisation and inflation Konstanz hits, central banks will again be have been more severe. What will inevitably result from populist FRIDAY forced to resort to quantitative would the critics have said then? It profligacy. Maximum Temperature : 440c easing. QE4, if we can call it that, seems unlikely that central-bank It is better, the implication Minimum Temperature : 330c he policy interest rates will elicit howls of protest from independence would have survived follows, for central banks to resist SATURDAY of advanced-country the critics of previous rounds of the even more damning accusation, the siren song of QE. Governments Maximum Temperature : 440c central banks are stuck at QE, who warned that central banks justified in the event, that monetary will then feel pressure to live within Minimum Temperature : 320c uncomfortably low levels. were exceeding their mandates. policymakers were asleep at the their means. If populist leaders T Fisherman's forecast And not just for the moment: a By purchasing mortgage-backed switch. nevertheless implement their growing body of evidence suggests securities and corporate bonds, the Another criticism of QE, characteristically irresponsible WARNING especially prevalent in Europe, fiscal policies, financial markets Inshore : Strong wind expected that this awkward condition is likely detractors complained, central banks at some places during to persist. Inflation in the United were distorting financial markets. is that it creates moral hazard will take them to task. If investors daytime States, Europe, and Japan continues By engaging in maturity-extension for governments. Central banks’ sell off massively on the populists’ to undershoot official targets. operations, they were destroying purchases of government securities watch, their political support will Offshore : Strong wind with high sea on some places Measures of the “natural” rate of the information content of the artificially depress the cost of collapse. interest consistent with normal yield curve. By expanding their borrowing. Normally, governments Again, however, one must Inshore : Very hot daytime with economic conditions have been balance sheets, they were exposing issuing additional debt see their consider the alternative. If slight dust to blowing dust at some places. trending downward for years. themselves to the risk of capital borrowing costs rise, which central banks shun QE in the next Estimates of the natural rate for losses. discourages them from overdoing downturn, the resulting output Offshore : Slight dust the US currently put it in the range Disapproving politicians it. In particular, market discipline collapse will be more severe. WIND Inshore : Northerly-Northwester- of 2.25-2.5% – in other words, just questioned whether central bankers in the form of higher interest Populist politicians, arguing ly 12-22/30 KT where the Federal Reserve’s policy could be entrusted to carry out this rates will cause a government like that mainstream leaders and rate is lodged. This means that the expanding range of transactions Italy’s, tempted to increase deficit their appointees are not reliable Offshrore : Northwesterly 12-22/30 Fed has little scope for tightening without “adult supervision” by the spending, to think twice. Not so, stewards of the economy, will KT without missing its inflation target public’s designated representatives, however, when the central bank acts have more evidence to invoke and Visibility : 4-8/3 KM and endangering economic growth. namely themselves. It followed, as as bond buyer of last resort and is more anger to channel when they And what is true of the Fed is truer sure as night follows day, that central prepared to purchase government campaign for office. With populists Offshore : 4-7/10 FT securities without limit. In such heading more governments, budget still of the European Central Bank banks’ independence came under Around the region and the Bank of Japan. increasingly hostile political attack. circumstances, market discipline will deficits will be larger, not smaller. Weather This ceiling on the feasible level of The lesson drawn by those who be incapacitated. Instability will be greater, not less. Weather tomorrow Max/min interest rates means that when the set great store by central-bank Populist leaders predisposed The critics of QE are right to warn today Max/min Sunny 44/27 next recession hits, central banks independence is that QE should to ignore budget constraints and of unintended consequences. But Baghdad Sunny 43/26 Sunny 44/31 will have little scope for reducing have been avoided last time and is promising lavish transfers to their shunning QE may have unintended Kuwait CitySunny 45/32 Sunny 42/34 them. To be sure, certain creative best avoided in the future, because constituents will then have more consequences as well. The critics Manama Cloudy 41/34 Sunny 41/33 members of the central banking it opens the door to political room to run. The economy will should be careful what they wish for. Muscat M Sunny 39/32 M Sunny 35/22 community have experimented with interference with the conduct of experience an immediate sugar high - Project Syndicate Tehran Sunny 36/23 negative interest rates. But scholarly monetary policy. as a result of the additional public post-mortems suggest that negative But QE’s opponents should spending, solidifying support for z Barry Eichengreen is Professor rates adversely affect commercial consider the alternative. Absent this the political incumbents. But, as the of Economics at the University of banks’ profitability and weaken the support from advanced-country American economist Herbert Stein California, Berkeley. His latest book banking system. It follows that risk- central banks following the global famously observed, something that is The Populist Temptation: Economic averse central bankers will be loath financial crisis, a debilitating can’t go on forever ultimately won’t. Grievance and Political Reaction in to repeat these experiments. deflation might have set in, and In the long run, either debt default the Modern Era.

Live issues Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Athens P Cloudy 32/22 Sunny 34/23 Mental illness aff ects a fi fth of people living in war zones Beirut P Cloudy 26/21 M Sunny 27/22 Bangkok S T Storms 32/27 S T Storms 33/21 Berlin M Sunny 27/16 M Sunny 32/21 By Kate Kelland “Given the large numbers of active war zone, according to United as either mild, moderate or severe. Cairo M Sunny 35/23 P Cloudy 34/23 London people in need and the humanitarian Nations fi gures. Since World War Two, Natural disasters and public health Cape Town Sunny 14/09 Sunny 17/09 imperative to reduce suffering, there almost 69mn people globally have emergencies, such as Ebola, were not Colombo T Storm 30/26 T Storm 30/26 is an urgent need to implement been forced to fl ee war and violence. included. Dhaka P Cloudy 35/27 T Storm 32/27 ne in fi ve people in war scalable mental health interventions The WHO’s confl ict mental health Overall in war zones, the average Hong Kong T Storm 29/24 S Showers 29/25 zones has depression, to address this burden,” the research study, published in The Lancet prevalence was highest for mild mental Istanbul Sunny 30/21 Sunny 29/21 anxiety, post-traumatic team said. medical journal, was carried out by a health conditions, at 13%. Around Jakarta P Cloudy 34/26 I T Storms 34/26 Ostress, bipolar disorder Mark van Ommeren, a mental health team of researchers from the WHO, 4% of people living amid armed Karachi P Cloudy 38/31 M Cloudy 39/31 or schizophrenia, the World Health specialist at the WHO who worked Australia’s Queensland University, confl ict had moderate mental health London Rain 16/12 P Cloudy 19/12 Organisation said on Tuesday, with on the team, said the fi ndings “add and the Institute for Health Metrics illness, and for severe conditions the Manila T Storm 33/28 S T Storms 34/28 many suff ering severe forms of these yet more weight to the argument for and Evaluation at the University of prevalence was 5%. Moscow M Sunny 22/09 M Sunny 27/17 mental illnesses. immediate and sustained investment, Washington and Harvard University in The study also found that rates of New Delhi P Cloudy 43/31 Sunny 44/32 The fi ndings highlight the long- so that mental and psychosocial the United States. depression and anxiety in confl ict New York Rain 18/16 P Cloudy 22/16 term impact of war-induced crises in support is made available to all people It analysed research from 129 settings appeared to increase with age, Paris P Cloudy 21/12 Cloudy 23/15 countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, in need living through confl ict and its studies and data from 39 countries and depression was more common Sao Paulo P Cloudy 27/16 P Cloudy 27/16 South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, the UN’s aftermath”. published between 1980 and August among women than men. Seoul M Sunny 28/16 Cloudy 27/16 health agency said, and the numbers are In 2016, the number of ongoing 2017. The study was funded by the Singapore T Storm 31/27 S T Storms 31/27 signifi cantly higher than in peacetime armed confl icts reached an all-time Regions that have seen confl ict in WHO, the Queensland Department of Sydney Showers 21/09 P Cloudy 17/09 populations, where around one in 14 high of 53 in 37 countries and 12% the last 10 years were included and Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Tokyo Clear 26/14 Cloudy 25/19 people has a mental illness. of the world’s people are living in an mental illnesses were categorised Foundation. - Reuters Gulf Times 24 Thursday, June 13, 2019 QATAR MoI, UDC sign pact to improve traffi c safety in Pearl-Qatar n a bid to promote road of vehicles to The Pearl Qatar safety across The Pearl-Qa- stood at 13mn. It was explained Itar, the Ministry of Interior in a statement that UDC has so (MoI) yesterday signed a memo- far launched a number of initia- randum of understanding (MoU) tives during recent years to im- The General Directorate of Traffic director general Brigadier Mohamed bin Saad al-Kharji and UDC with United Development Com- prove its off erings and provide president and CEO Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman and other officials at the opening of the Control and pany (UDC). residents and visitors with ef- Operations Centre at The Pearl-Qatar yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil The General Directorate of fortless and time-saving access Traffi c director general Brigadier to the island. Mohamed bin Saad al-Kharji Single window services and UDC president and CEO Ib- ‘Khadamati’ were announced rahim Jassim al-Othman were in 2017 in order to facilitate the signatories at a ceremony at processing of selected transac- The Pearl-Qatar. tions for investors, retailers and As per the MoU, the Traffi c residents of the island. Department will assign units to The services included facili- conduct round-the-clock pa- tation of passport- and immi- trols across The Pearl-Qatar. gration-related services, traffi c The function also marked the The Control and Operations Centre of the General Directorate of department paperwork, com- opening of the Control and Op- Traffic at The Pearl-Qatar. pany registration and licensing, erations Centre that will off er medical institution licensing residents and visitors of the is- fi c Department for the smooth results,” he said. Al-Othman and medical commission serv- land. As per the plan, the centre implementation of the plans. A said UDC is proud to join hands ices, civil defence services and will monitor traffi c violations, workstation along with commu- with the MoI to improve the customs clearance. investigate accidents and proc- nication facilities will be set up public services for residents and UDC functions with a mission ess vehicle registration and li- in Medina Centrale. tenants of The Pearl-Qatar as to identify and invest in long- censing applications. While addressing the func- well as the visitors to the islands. term projects in a bid to con- These are in addition to other tion, Brigadier al-Kharji said “The agreement is a result of tribute to Qatar’s growth and services that are aimed at eas- Qatar gives due importance to the eff orts of all entities con- provide good shareholder value. ing traffi c congestion and en- traffi c safety and pointed out cerned and it will further en- UDC activities cover a multi- suring road safety across The that state-level eff orts in this re- hance services for citizens,” he tude of vital investment sectors Pearl-Qatar. UDC, which is the gard have resulted in remarkable said. As per fi gures with the including real estate develop- master developer of The Pearl- reduction in road fatalities and MoI, The Pearl-Qatar continues ment, property management, Qatar and Gewan Islands, is a serious injuries. “The second to witness an increasing number infrastructure and utilities, leading Qatari public sharehold- phase implementation of the of visitors. Number of vehicles maritime- and hospitality-re- ing company. It will provide Road Safety Strategy 2018-2022 entering the island increased by lated businesses, the statement necessary support to the Traf- has helped Qatar to achieve good 17% in 2018 while total number added. Off icers rendering services at the Control and Operations Centre. QU Foundation English Programme achieves 10-year re-accreditation

atar University’s (QU) successfully complying with the of the CEA standards. He added Foundation Programme international standards, to ensure that the CEA standards cover not Q(FP) at the Deanship of the quality of learning outcomes.” only mundane areas such as cur- General Studies recently celebrat- FP associate director for Aca- riculum, faculty qualifi cations ed the 10-year re-accreditation of demic Aff airs Dr Nadeem Hashem and testing, but also planning, its Foundation Programme, De- said, “This re-accreditation by administration, student services partment of English (FPDE). CEA indicates the high-quality and educational facilities at Qatar The event was attended by the educational standards of the pro- University. dean of General Studies Prof Ib- gramme off ered at Qatar Uni- The initial accreditation was rahim al-Kaabi, director of the versity and emphasises the pro- granted in 2010 before the restruc- Foundation Programme, Dr He- fessionalism of the Foundation ture of the English in 2012 into a zam al-Awah, FP faculty and Programme management and ef- one-academic-year programme. administrative staff . The re-ac- forts of faculty and staff in fulfi ll- As a result, CEA conducted a new creditation was granted by the ing with the international stand- comprehensive self-study and American Commission on English ards. a site visit of the new structure Language Accreditation (CEA). The FP English courses pre- where FPDE and English courses Director of the Foundation pare Qatar University students were subsequently granted a sec- Programme Dr Hezam al-Awah for bachelor degrees that include ond term of re-accreditation for said, “The re-accreditation of the sports science, secondary educa- fi ve years in 2013. Foundation English Programme tion, medicine, pharmacy, in ad- In 2018, another new compre- endorses the credibility of the dition to science and engineering hensive self-study was ready, and FPDE and it indicates the quality through the medium of English.” the CEA was invited for the re- of its courses. We are proud of this Dr Mohammad Manasreh, head accreditation site visit in January achievement, which was the fruit of FPDE, reiterated that it had 2019, which resulted in a 10-year of the tremendous eff orts of the taken painstaking eff orts to bring re-accreditation that lasts until FP Accreditation Committee for the programme up to the level 2029. The Foundation Programme faculty and staff .

MME on the move The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s (MME) Public Gardens Department has placed water containers for birds at all public gardens and parks across the country to protect birds from the heat. The department will maintain these watering points regularly and ensure they are clean. This initiative is also expected to increase the number of birds visiting such places. Al Daayan Municipality’s Health Control Section conducted an inspection campaign on the restaurants, cafeterias, sweet shops, meal preparation outlets and other related shops and facilities during the Eid holidays and spotted a number of violations. The relevant legal procedures were taken against the violators. In addition, some warnings were issued during the inspection campaign and some outlets had to sign aff idavits to amend their situation in order to maintain the guidelines.

Inspection in progress at an eatery. A water container for birds is seen hung from a tree in a park.