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Tuesday 1 November 2016 | 1 Safar 1438 Volume 21 | Number 6967 | 2 Riyals

OPINION 99 new govt Emir receives Sudan President schools by 2030

Mohammed Osman 2030 TARGET Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi The Peninsula Editor-in-Chief The Ministry of Education and o cope with the growing pop- Higher Education has set a plan ulation in the country, the to encourage investors to Ministry of Education and Al Jazeera: Twenty establish more private schools. THigher Education has set a years of leadership plan to open 99 government schools by 2030 and to encourage investors hen Al Jazeera to establish more private schools, Min- started in 1996 245 ister of Education and Higher Private schools with 172,247 Win Doha, there Education H E Dr Mohammed bin students at present. was no diversity in Arab Abdulwahed Al Hammadi said media landscape and the yesterday. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with President of Sudan, Omar TV channel managed to The country has now a total of 535 Over Hassan Al Bashir, at the Emiri Diwan, yesterday. Bashir offered condolences reach audience in differ- government and private schools that ent places and introduced have enrolled over 327,566 students in on the death of HH the Grandfather Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. the ‘opinion and counter- the three levels of education- primary, 327,566 opinion’ for the first time in preparatory and secondary. Students enrolled in 535 the region. Officials in many He was speaking at an event at Four Independent and private countries opposed the pro- Seasons hotel yesterday that marked schools. gramme, and many others the 8th Qatar Population Day 2016. The PM opens Milipol Qatar disagreed with its editorial minister said that there are 191 Inde- Emir to address policies while others ques- pendent schools with a total of 100,319 Education is encouraging Qatari inves- THE PRIME MINISTER and Interior Minister H E Advisory Council tioned the motive behind students on their rolls and 12,940 teach- tors to open more private schools in the Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani its launch. ers, besides 72 kindergartens having country, said the minister. opened yesterday the 11th edition of Milipol Qatar session today Al Jazeera continued its clear 7,730 students and 1,750 teachers. Currently there are 245 private schools 2016, the International Exhibition of Homeland and impartial editorial policy, In light of the rapid population growth, and having a total of 172,247 students. Security at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim offering different opinions the Minister of Education and Higher → Continued on page 4 → Full report on page 2 bin Hamad Al Thani will but in one professional inaugurate this morning media voice. The chan- the 45th ordinary session nel started with a number of the Advisory Council. of well-known and pro- New transit visa scheme from today Passenger train inside HIA launched The Emir will deliver a fessional journalists who speech in which he will made it compete with the THE NEW TRANSIT VISA scheme, which allows passengers with THE DUAL-TRACK passenger train inside Qatar’s iconic Hamad address the most impor- world’s most famous and layovers of five hours or more in Hamad International Airport International Airport (HIA) terminal was officially launched yes- tant features of the well-established channels. (HIA) to request a complimentary transit visa, will take effect start- terday. The state-of-the-art five-car Automated People Movers internal and foreign pol- → Continued on page 3 ing today, Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) (APM), with the capacity to move 190 passengers per train, will icy of Qatar. announced yesterday. → Full report on page 3 start its full operation from today. → Full report on page 5 02 HOME TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016

Emir meets Kuwait Deputy PM Father Emir receives condolences

Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with the President of Sudan Omar Al Bashir at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The President of Sudan offered his condolences on the death of the H H Grandfather Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani.

Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Thani with the Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sultanate Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, who is visiting Doha of Oman Hamud bin to attend the opening of the Milipol Qatar 2016, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Faisal Al-Busaidi at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Al-Busaidi offered his condolences on the death Condolences Emir greets Michel Aoun of the H H Grandfather Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Hamad Al Thani. received yesterday a telephone call from yesterday made a telephone call to Presi- EPresident of the Republic of Ecuador Rafael Edent of Lebanese Republic General Michel Vicente Correa, during which he expressed his Aoun to congratulate him on his election as pres- condolences on the death of H H Grandfather ident, wishing him success in his duties and more Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. prosperity for the fraternal Lebanese people. Prime Minister opens 11th edition of Milipol Qatar 2016

Sidi Mohamed attended by a number of min- The Premier listened to an The Peninsula isters and high-ranking officials explanation about their func- from a across the region and tions and sophisticated he Prime Minister and from international technologies, and the integra- Interior Minister H E delegations. tion of security systems to Sheikh Abdullah bin After opening the three-day strengthen internal security, Nasser bin Khalifa Al exhibition, the Prime Minister prevention and protection of Thani opened yester- toured the various pavilions and crimes before they occur. Tday the 11th edition of Milipol sections of the exhibition, where Speaking on the sidelines of Qatar 2016, the International he was briefed about the latest the exhibition, the Prime Min- Exhibition of Homeland Secu- equipment and devices, and ister said that Milipol Qatar was rity, at Doha Exhibition and innovative services in the field the fruit of collaboration Convention Center. of homeland security and civil between Qatar's Ministry of The opening ceremony was defense. Interior and Milipol France.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other visiting ministers inaugurating the 11th edition of Milipol Qatar 2016.

He mentioned that the size and the high quality of participa- Hi-tech and most modern tion in the current edition reflected the success of Qatar in attracting major international defence gadgets on display companies specializing in home- land security and civil defence services and systems, making the Irfan Bukhari event one of the most prominent The Peninsula Huge response exhibitions at the regional and Hundreds of defence, international level. ilipol Qatar 2016 fea- protection and He also said the participants tures hundreds of security products are presenting their latest prod- Mdefence, protection and from combat boots ucts in the field of homeland security products from combat to armoured vehicles security to meet the needs and boots to armoured vehicles. on display. requirements of security, hoping The very first stall features to achieve more success in the the 'just-launched' bullet-and- coming sessions. radiation-proof vest that can Milipol Qatar Sheikh Mohammed Khaled not only stop bullets but also provides access to Al Hamad Al Sabah, Deputy work as a shield against all security markets in Prime Minister and Minister of kinds of radiation including the entire region. Interior, Kuwait; Sayyid Hamoud alpha, beta, gamma and neu- bin Faisal al-Busaidi, Omani Min- trons. The vest is produced by ister of Interior; Noureddine NucliRay Defence, Denmark. showcasing the latest innova- Badawi, Algeria's Interior and Talking to The Peninsula, a tive products and services and Local Communities Minister; Al representative of NucliRay said for covering all fields of public Hadi Mejdoub, Tunisia’s Minister various government and private and industrial security. of Interior; Dr Mohammed bin Ali organisations were taking a An official of Apolo Engi- Koman, Secretary General of the keen interest in the newly- neering, Bulgaria, said that they Arab Interior Ministers' Council, introduced radiation-proof had brought new range of AP-4 and Police Lieutenant General vest. assault rifles to the exhibition. Aliyev Ismat, Deputy Minister of More than 230 companies “Definitely our potential clients Internal Affairs, Republic of from 35 countries around the are security organisations, not Azerbaijan were present at the world are taking part in the the general public or industry,” opening ceremony, among three-day exhibition set up on he said, adding that the com- others 7,700 square metres. It also pany was receiving very good Al Hadi Mejdoub, Tunisia’s includes five international response. Minister of Interior, said that such pavilions from France, Ger- OTOS, a South Korean com- events are very important and many and the US, China, the UK, pany, is among those attending attracted regional and interna- along with new participating for the first time. “We are here tional participation. countries, namely Algeria, with the personal protection He said the security situation Uganda, Lithuania, Cyprus, products for industrial work- differs from one country to Luxembourg, Pakistan, Belize, ers,” said OTOS representative. another, but the security remains Jordan as well as a large pres- Master Textile from Pakistan is a priority and it is important to ence of local companies. showcasing the military and know about the latest equipment Milipol Qatar provides police fabrics made by the com- and technology in this regard. access to security markets in the pany. “Master Textile, Pakistan A representative of the entire region and enables key participated in Milipol Paris 2015 Turkish minister of interior, industry players to meet in a and got superb feedback,” he said: " We have come here to fast-developing environment said. Qatar International Acad- know about the latest develop- with medium to long-term eco- emy for Security Studies ments and equipment in the nomic and strategic projects. (QIASS) stall was also a centre security field." The event is known for of attraction for many visitors. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 HOME 03

New transit visa scheme Sheikha Moza attends ceremony in Kuwait takes effect from today

The Peninsula collaboration between Qatar Visa rules Airways and QTA to position the he new transit visa Passengers may country as a tourist-friendly scheme, which allows apply for their free destination and to attract more passengers with lay- transit visa through international visitors. overs of five hours or Qatar Airways has restruc- any of Qatar Airways’ more in Hamad Inter- tured its fares for international offices or online. Tnational Airport to request a flights transiting through Hamad complimentary transit visa, will International Airport. This will take effect today, Qatar Airways The system allows allow passengers to have a free and Qatar Tourism Authority transiting passengers stopover in Doha without any (QTA) announced yesterday. of all nationalities to additional charges to their The new system allows tran- enter Qatar and stay ticket, either on the outbound siting passengers of all for up to 96 hours. or inbound journey. However, H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science nationalities to enter Qatar and passengers traveling from the and Community Development (QF), yesterday attended the opening ceremony of Sheikh stay for up to 96 hours in GCC and Middle East on return Jaber Al Ahmed Cultural Centre, which was held in the presence of Emir of Kuwait H H between flights. All visas are the time of arrival in Qatar. A tickets will be able to take a granted at the sole discretion of valid email is also required to stopover in Doha on their out- Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah in Kuwait. the Qatari Ministry of Interior. facilitate the visa process, which bound journey only without Passengers may apply for can be applied for a minimum additional charges. their free transit visa through of seven days (excluding public Qatar Airways Group Chief any of Qatar Airways’ offices or holidays) prior to arrival in Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: UNGA holds special online. To be eligible for the Qatar, and a maximum of 90 “Qatar Airways is proudly com- Al Jazeera's success has transit visa, passengers must days prior to arriving in Qatar. mitted to making Doha a condolence have a confirmed ticket for a Once approved, the transit world-class tourist destination. journey into Qatar, with a con- visa will be valid for 90 days Our collaboration with QTA in session for become subject of study firmed onward journey out of from the date of issuance, and setting the new transit visa ena- Grandfather Emir → Continued from page 1 Qatar on a Qatar Airways-oper- will be valid for a single entry bles our passengers to explore the achievements, because the ated flight. Terms and conditions into Qatar. Passengers must hold country and its hospitality.” Has- reality on the ground and the apply, which can be found at a copy of the pre-approved san Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism QNA It faced huge pressure to media scene emphasizes the qatarairways.com/transitvisa transit visa at the time of board- Development Officer at QTA, said: change its opinions and address facts that Al Jazeera is valued To apply for a free transit ing at their airport of origin, as “We have witnessed remarkable he United Nations Gen- the regional issues from a cer- addition to the media landscape visa, passengers must be hold- well as upon arrival into Qatar. interest in the new transit visa eral Assembly held tain point of view but did not and has made great difference ing a passport that is valid for a The initiative to introduce a scheme from passengers who Tyesterday a special ses- surrender, thanks to the clarity on media used to repeat – minimum of six months from free transit visa is the result of a anticipate a stopover in Qatar.” sion to offer condolences on of its objectives and the support received and left. the death of H H Grandfather provided by our wise leader- Thanks to Al Jazeera for Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin ship who were aware of the opening our minds and enlight- PM meets ministers Prime Minister and Interior Hamad Al Thani. price to be paid for media free- ening us with views and ideas Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Peter Thomson, President dom which the country has and for making audiences note bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani of the 71st session of the UN adopted. the differences in global news General Assembly, opened In the past twenty years, Al coverage. I hope it will continue met yesterday with a number the session to extend condo- Jazeera has become the top its mission of enhancing the of ministers and heads of lences. He also praised the Arabic TV channel whatever concept of media freedom and delegations taking part in the H H Grandfather Emir's role differences you may have, and impartiality in editorial Milipol Qatar 2016. The Prime in the development and pros- you have to acknowledge that policies. Minister met Tunisian Minister of perity of Qatar. it is the channel which ended Congratulations to Al Interior Hedi Majdoub (pictured), Member states' delegates the monopoly of some news Jazeera and all those who made Belarusian Minister of Internal of the UN General Assembly sources and carried exclusive it what it is today and all jour- Affairs Igor Shunevich, and observed a minute of silence stories. Al Jazeera’s experience nalists for the outstanding Azerbaijani Minister of Emergency in memory of H H Grandfa- and success has become a sub- success, in their march towards Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov. ther Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin ject for postgraduate studies. more success and Hamad Al Thani. I am not here to count its advancement. 04 HOME TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 QA starts daily A350 service to Heathrow

The Peninsula Heathrow bound H E Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem Al Nabit, Minister of Development Planning and Statistics, at the opening session of Qatar Population Day in Four Seasons Hotel yesterday. RIGHT: H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, Minister of Education atar Airways’ first Service and Higher Education at the same event. Pic: Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula daily regularly complements the scheduled Airbus existing ‘best of A350 service to Lon- fleet’ on its six daily Qdon Heathrow flights from Hamad arrived in the United Kingdom International 53 new govt schools to open by 2020 on Sunday, as the airline intro- Airport (HIA). duced the state-of-the-art Continued from page 1 aircraft on the route, comple- 53 new government schools at for kindergartens in different during a ceremony organized by menting the existing ‘best of British Airways direct daily all levels by 2020, with a total areas. Permanent Population fleet’ on its six daily flights from flights between London and They include 85 capacity of 33,000 students. The ministry upgraded three Committee of the ministry under Hamad International Airport Doha. kindergartens and 12 new The strategy also includes preparatory schools to the title: general features of the (HIA). Qatar Airways Group Chief schools opened this year, opening an additional 46 schools secondary level and one primary work program of the population The Qatar Airways Airbus Executive Akbar Al Baker said: providing 10,380 additional by 2030 that can offer a total of school to preparatory level. policy of the State of Qatar A350 represents the pinnacle “The Qatar Airways Airbus seats. These schools follow more 28,000 seats, said the minister. The population action (2017-2022). of modern aviation technology, A350 is one of the most than 23 curricula of varying In order to prepare the programme 2017-2020 includes The Minister of offering enhanced benefits for advanced aircraft in our fleet, nature, said the minister. human capital required for goals to improve quality of Development Planning and both passengers and an envi- offering passengers an Al Hammadi said that while implementing the Qatar National education and training of youth Statistics HE Dr. Saleh bin ronment that provides a unique unrivalled level of comfort. It is laying down education policies Vision 2030, the ministry has to enhance their participation in Mohammed Al Nabit, who is also and unrivalled experience. The only right that such an aircraft and training programmes, the provided the Community Collage the sustainable development the Chairman of the Permanent aircraft joins the airline’s Air- serves one of our six daily ministry takes into account with all the necessary facilities plan, said the minister. Population Committee opened bus A380, Boeing 777 and scheduled flights from Doha to factors related to demography to increase its capacity up to There are more than 2400 the ceremony. The Qatar Airbus A330 aircraft currently London, a route further such as population growth, 4,000 students, said the students currently benefiting Population Day aims to focus operating the route. strengthened by our continued number of people, age structure, minister. from the scholarships provided attention on the issues of To mark the occasion, Qatar partnership with British geographical distribution, In line with its annual policy, by the ministry and studying in population, and raise awareness Airways followers on social Airways.” movement of people from place the ministry opened this year different disciplines to obtain on these issues in the context of media were able to follow a live Heathrow Chief Executive, to another, health, among others. two Independent primary Bachelor, Masters and PhD overall development plans and tour of the interior cabin of the John Holland-Kaye, said: “We Based on estimates about the schools in areas with a high degrees, he added. programs, in particular the A350 while on the ground at are delighted to welcome the number of students entering population density, moved three The Ministry of Development Qatar National Vision 2030 and London Heathrow. The video Qatar Airways Airbus A350 to education every year, the schools to new premises and Planning and Statistics marked the National Development is now available at https://www. Heathrow. The A350 is part of ministry has set a plan to open provided seven new buildings Qatar Population Day 2016, Strategy. facebook.com/qatarairways/ the new generation of quieter, The landing of the A350 on cleaner planes, helping us to be Sunday also marked another a better neighbour while milestone for the airline as it achieving our vision of giving took place on the same day as passengers the best airport Rayyan Municipality destroys 333.8kg of infected fish the start of a new joint business service in the world.” The Air- agreement between Qatar bus A350 operates according The Peninsula The municipality sent a circular to all The circular was sent also to all munic- Airways and British Airways. to the following schedule: QR15 outlets selling fish to ensure they don't sell ipalities to carry out inspection and take the The agreement benefits departs Doha at 14.55 and he Health Monitoring Section at Al parasite-infected fish to the public. It sent required measures. Meanwhile, Doha Munic- customers by offering a wider arrives in London at 20.25 QR16 Rayyan Municipality destroyed 333.8kg some samples to central laboratory at the ipality have shut down three violating food choice of flights by code sharing departs London at 21.55 and Tof Sheri (Spangled emperor) after they Ministry of Public Health to know the type outlets for preparing food and selling them on all seven Qatar Airways and arrives in Doha at 06.40. were found infected by parasites. of parasites and their danger. in unhealthy conditions.

Defence Minister meets Chinese counterpart QRCS completes sanitation project in Iraq

The Peninsula

atar Red Crescent Soci- ety's (QRCS) mission in QIraq has completed a sanitation project at Ashti Camp for Iraqi internally dis- placed people (IDPs), Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin in partnership with the United Mohammed Al Attiyah, currently visiting China, met in Nations Children's Fund. The Beijing yesterday with China's State Councilor and Minister purpose of the project was to of Defence Chang Wanquan. They discussed topics of mutual promote personal hygiene interest, especially in the military sphere. and communicable disease control. SDC to launch new visual identity today

he Social Development Center (SDC) is Initiatives”. launching today its new Visual Identity and The new strategy will be announced during T2016-2020 Strategy under a theme “20 years a ceremony to be held at the Qatar of Pioneering Community Development National Convention Center (QNCC).

HMC marks French honour for official Occupational Safety Day

The Peninsula

ore than 100 occupa- tional therapists from MHMC, Shafallah Center for Children with Dis- abilities, Sidra Medical and Research Center and Qatar Foundation recently partici- In the presence of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H pated in a one-day E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, General symposium ‘Professional Director for Civil Security and Crisis Management of the Identity and Advocacy’ to French Republic Laurent Prevost presented Director mark this year’s World Occu- General of Public Security at the Ministry of Interior, Major pational Therapy Day. General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, with the Order of World Occupational Knight, for his efforts in promoting security cooperation Therapy Day was first held at between the two countries. HMC on October 27, 2010. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 HOME 05

QC and ICSS Train service begins at HIA sign agreement The Peninsula

Mohammad Shoeb Airport Train atar Charity (QC) has The Peninsula signed an agreement The five-car train has Qwith the International he dual-track passen- a capacity of 190 Centre for Sport Security ger train inside Qatar’s passengers. (ICSS), under the framework Hamad International of its “Save a Dream” initia- Airport (HIA) terminal tive, to help strengthen and was officially launched A trip between the enhance the role of sport in Tyesterday. The five-car Auto- two stations takes 90 empowering young people mated People Movers (APM), seconds, with a 44 and encouraging social devel- with a capacity to move 190 pas- second waiting time opment and cohesion. sengers per train, will start full at each station. The agreement was operations from today. signed by Qatar Charity CEO The introduction of the new Yusuf Bin Ahmed Al Kuwari service at the airport will not passengers by introducing inno- and ICSS President, Moham- only enhance passenger experi- vative ways to move people med Hanzab at a ceremony ence but also significantly speed around. This will facilitate pas- held at the headquarters of up passenger travel time within sengers to have easy access to Qatar Development Fund the terminal for both arriving the expanded facilities, which (QDF). and departing passengers. should be starting from the The two organisations The passenger trains were beginning of next year,” Al Baker The passenger train being inaugurated by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar work together across a vari- officially inaugurated by Qatar told The Peninsula on the side- Al Baker and Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer of HIA, yesterday. ety of activities and Airways Group Chief Executive, lines of the event. Pics: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula. campaigns to promote sport Akbar Al Baker, and Badr The two trains will shuttle values and to make a positive Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Oper- between the South and North operated simultaneously in a competency and capacity to introduce this latest service at difference to lives of people ating Officer of HIA, in the nodes of the terminal, signifi- synchronised manner 24 hours implement safety systems to our airport with the help and and communities through presence of dignitaries from the cantly reducing travel time a day. Each trip between the two ensure safe railway operations. support of the Ministry of Trans- sport. Ministry of Transport and through the airport for both stations takes 90 seconds, with Al Meer, Chief Operating port and Communications and Communications. arriving and departing passen- a 44-second waiting time at each Officer of Hamad International the New Doha International Air- Ministry recalls “We are making the HIA the gers, which includes transfer station. Airport, said: “We are proud to port Steering Committee.” most preferred destination for passengers. They will be Approximate walking time for the same distance is nine Volvo XC90 minutes. The passenger trains have become operational after The Peninsula the Ministry of Transport and Communications provided HIA he Ministry of Economy with an Operational Safety Cer- and Commerce, in col- tificate. This certificate Tlaboration with Doha establishes that HIA has met the Marketing Services Company railway safety regulation (Domasco), dealer of Volvo requirements, to the satisfaction vehicles in Qatar, has of the Ministry, for commence- announced the recall of Volvo ment of passenger service. XC90, model year 2016-2017, The Ministry has worked over a flaw in the AC drain with HIA over the past few hose fitment. months through the safety cer- The Ministry said the tification process to ensure that recall campaign comes within HIA, the operator of the passen- the framework of its ongoing Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker receiving ger train, achieves compliance efforts to protect consumers the Operational Safety Certificate for the train service from with regulations in Qatar, has an and ensure that car dealers Kristine Ann Fernandez, Director, Technical Affairs Department effective safety management follow up on vehicle defects at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, yesterday. system and the appropriate A view inside the train. and repairs. 06 HOME TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Ministry calls Carrefour celebrates 16th anniversary

The Peninsula for infection ajid Al Futtaim, the lead- ing shopping mall, retail Mand leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the prevention launch of special offers, promo- tions and awards at Carrefour Qatar to mark its 16th The Peninsula anniversary. Fighting infection The special offers will last for The event aims at 13 days, from October 26 to he Ministry of Public November 8, at Carrefour educating health Health (MoPH) Hypermarkets in Doha City care professionals to marked Qatar Infec- Center, Villaggio Mall and Land- tion Prevention and prevent infections as mark Mall. Celebrations will also Control (QIPC) Week well as raise public include cake-cutting ceremonies Tunder the theme "Break the awareness. and other in-store activities and Chain of Infection,” recently. promotions. There will also be The event was held in collabo- The campaign was promotions available at Carre- ration with various healthcare the first QIPC Week four’s other two Qatar locations: facilities and institutions in held at a national Dar Al Salam Mall and Ezdan Mall. Qatar. level. Laurent Hausknecht, Coun- A cake being cut to celebrate Carrefour Qatar's 16th anniversary. Events included awareness try Head for Carrefour Qatar, activities to highlight the improve patient safety. Bahrain and Kuwait, said: “Since and unbeatable value. It is an create great moments for eve- and sophisticated commercial importance of infection preven- “QIPC Week aims to high- its inception 16 years ago, Car- honour to celebrate 16 years of ryone, every day.” chain. tion and control practices in all light the important role that the refour has made great strides to success in Qatar and we would Carrefour continues to offer Whether home electronics, health care facilities. In addi- best evidence-based practices grow its operations and estab- like to thank our loyal custom- a vast array of over 100,000 local and international fresh tion, a public awareness in infection prevention and lish itself as a leading brand that ers who have made this possible products and brands cement- fruits, home appliances or many campaign was organised focus- control play to prevent infec- is able to offer customer satis- by welcoming them to be a part ing its positioning in Qatar and other tools, all of them are ing on preventing infections. tions,” said Huda Amer Al faction, everyday convenience of the celebrations. We aim to the region as the most vibrant available in Carrefour. The event aims at educating Katheeri, Acting Director of health care professionals to Healthcare Quality and Patient prevent infections as well as Safety department, MoPH. raise awareness among the MoPH team visited public on the important role Mesaimeer Workers Health QU graduates intern at Qatar Genome Programme they play to protect themselves Center and participated in var- and others. ious activities including a The Peninsula The three-week internship skills. In addition, it provides Committee, said, “I believe the The campaign was the first lecture on importance and is aimed at developing students’ them with comprehensive internship has been greatly ben- QIPC Week held at a national ways to prevent infection. Offi- group of biomedical and research skills and industry insights into the genomic eficial to the interns who have level. QIPC will be an annual cials urged workers to follow law graduates from Qatar knowledge. research scene in Qatar, with a gained an in-depth understand- event to highlight the impor- infection prevention practices A University took part in The programme is designed focus on the importance of ing of genomic research in Qatar. tance of infection prevention such as washing hands prop- Qatar Genome Programme to help interns improve their related ethico-legal issues. Genomics and Genomic medi- and control practices wherever erly and follow etiquette while (QGP)’s second summer intern- teamwork, communication, Dr Asma Al Thani, Chair of cine are fast becoming a leading health care is delivered to sneezing and coughing. ship programme. leadership and problem-solving Qatar Genome Programme branch of medicine." Woqod installs long hoses at all fuel stations in Qatar

Sanaullah Ataullah are hesitant to utilise it. Instead of mov- The Peninsula ing to a vacant refuelling slot, they would prefer to wait for their turn in a queue atar Fuel (Woqod) said yesterday 19 on the side suitable for their vehicle. that it has completed installation Woqod fuel stations “We repeatedly tell motorists to Qof long hoses at all its 19 fuel sta- drive to any available pumping machine tions across the country. across the country but only few people actually do that. It means, the motorists are no more introduce the facility. They might be unaware of the new sys- required to wait for suitable fuel dis- tem”, an employee at a Woqod petrol penser for refuelling their cars at any station told The Peninsula. Woqod petrol station regardless of the Kuwari, Woqod’s Chief Operating To educate motorists about the new tank filler cap of their vehicles being fit- Officer.” system, Woqod has placed a billboard ted to the left or right. “This will allow our customers to in Arabic and English with a message at “Vehicle manufactures locate their move through our service stations faster the entrances of the petrol stations. The fuel tank filler cap openings on one side and help reduce the waiting time to posters read “station providing refuel- of the vehicle so customers have to fuel”, he added. ling from both sides”. choose the correct side of the pump The move is intended to cut the Fuel stations, especially those in when fuelling," Woqod said in a state- waiting time of motorists at fuel stations Doha downtown, have been witnessing ment yesterday. that witness huge crowds due to short- long queues for refuelling during peak Now, with the longer fuel hoses, age of fuel stations. hours due to the increasing number of motorists can refuel any type of vehicle Although Woqod has expanded the vehicles and closure of many fuel sta- A Woqod fuel station displaying the sign that says it provides refuelling at any pump, no matter where the fuel service to all its fuel stations, many tions for renovation or other from both sides. filler cap is, said Engineer Ibrahim Al motorists are still not aware of it and development purposes. Jumbo promotion offers Ooredoo tv to air major assured gifts on purchase boxing bouts The Peninsula The Peninsula umbo has begun its Mega Promotion and is offering oredoo yesterday Jcustomers an assured gift announced that its with every purchase. Going OOoredoo tv service by the theme “You Shop, We will provide live coverage of Gift”, customers have to buy two highly anticipated fights any product above QR1,000 this November, delighting to be eligible for a free gift. boxing fans across Qatar. Customers shopping from The fights, which include QR1,000 to QR2,000 can Manny Pacquiao vs Jessie Var- choose between any one of a gas for the WBO World Philips Steam iron or Philips Welterweight Championship, Hair Dryer or a Skullcandy and Nonito Donaire vs Jessie headset. Customers shopping Magdaleno for the WBO World between QR2,001 to Super Bantamweight Cham- QR4,000 will get a Thrumm pionship, will be available for smart watch, those buying all Ooredoo tv customers on goods between QR4,001 to pay-per-view channel 426. QR6,000 will get a JBL Flip The bundle price for both 3, QR 6,001 to QR8,000 will Customers with the gift received after purchase. matches will be QR80. get a Zed Air Laptop, QR8,001 The highly anticipated to QR10,000 will get a LG Harman Kardon, Brother, Jumbo Electronics showrooms. competitions will air on Sun- Stylus 2 mobile and QR Forbes, Indesit, Ariston, Vide- In addition, customers can day, November 6, live from the 10,001 and above will get a ocon, Onida, Maytag, Nikai, also earn and redeem Jumbo Thomas & Mack Center in Las LG 43” TV. Oscar, Philips. Digits, Air Miles & Nojoom Vegas at 5am. Mozaic TV and Besides, customers can buy The Mega Promotion is points. Upto 12 months free Ooredoo Broadband custom- products priced competitively running till Nov 19 and offers extended warranty on pur- ers can upgrade for free to among brands like LG, JBL, are valid till stocks last across chase of extended warranty. Ooredoo tv to enjoy the fights. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 HOME 07 Cruise ship docks with Population policy goals need 724 tourists on board to be re-evaluated: Minister

Azamara Club Cruises, the passengers are expected this Mohammed Osman Permanent Population Commit- population assessment study Luxury cruise 181m-long mid-sized Azamara cruise season. The Peninsula tee was keen to engage the carried out by the Permanant Azamara Journey is Journey is an 11-decked R-class Azamara Journey is only the Qatari society in judging the Committee. The assessment also only the second of cruise ship built in 2000 carry- second of the 32 ships sched- compatibility of the objectives indicated population challenges the 32 ships ing more than 400 crew uled to moor in Qatar this cruise everal development and and the specified procedures in related to non-Qataris includ- scheduled to moor in members. It has a range of spa- season which started last month population changes have the approved work program to ing high growth rate, disruption Qatar this cruise cious suites, many of which and ends in April next year. The Soccurred since the launch the aspirations of the country's of demographics, imbalance of feature a private veranda and country’s busiest cruise season of Qatar Population Policy work population and its development population distribution and season which started all offering complimentary but- yet will see over 50,000 passen- programme in 2009, making it goals. imbalance of lobour market. last month and ends ler service. gers marking a three-fold necessary to re-evaluate the The aim of the Population Loay Shabana from the in April next year. The first ship which arrived increase in the number of ships goals of the population policy Policy 2017 -2022 includes regional office of the UNDP this season was The World- the and an increase of over 1,000 as well as its targets and proce- increasing the number of lauded the population policies By Raynald C Rivera largest private residential ship percent in the expected number dures, the Minister of nationals, supporting orienta- of Qatar saying this year Qatar The Peninsula -which docked in Doha Port on of passengers from the previous Development Planning and Sta- tion towards knowledge played outstanding role by host- October 18. season. tistics H E Dr Saleh bin economy and controlling ing several events related to Qatar Ports Management Under the new procedure, Mohammed Al Nabit said recruitment of expatriate work- population. atar welcomed the Company (Mwani Qatar) said in a passenger manifest contain- yesterday. ers, said Captain Abdullah Al On the sidelines of the event second ship this a statement yesterday that joint ing passport details of He added that it has became Mohannadi, a member of the the Regional Office of the cruise season with the efforts among concerned enti- passengers and crew is shared necessary to evaluate the expe- Permanent Committee in his UNFPA in the Arab Region and arrival of luxury ties had contributed to facilitate with immigration officials 48 rience of the Permanent presentation entitled “popula- the Qatar Foundation for Social Qcruise ship Azamara the procedures and provide best hours before the ship’s arrival. Population Committee in the tion and labour forces”. Action, signed a Memorandum Journey in Doha Port early services to the passengers. This allows immigration officials implementation of the afore- Maintaining a balance of Understanding (MoU) for set- morning yesterday. With close collaboration to process all relevant informa- mentioned procedures. between nationalities in job dis- ting a framework for With 724 tourists aboard, the among the Ministry of Interior, tion and clear passengers for The minister was speaking tribution and getting rid of cooperation between the two ship is on a ten-day voyage in Mwani Qatar and Qatar Tour- entry before the ship docks. at event held by the Ministry of redundant work force are also sides. the Gulf region. It came from ism Authority (QTA), Qatar is Due to the short duration of Development Planning and Sta- part of the goals and aims set up The MoU also covers work Manama Bahrain and will be currently implementing new their stay, cruise passengers are tistics to mark 8th Qatar for forthcoming population pol- on issues such as youth, social heading to Abu Dhabi after a procedures to ease the entry of also eligible for transit visas, Population Day 2016. The event icy, he added. system and social protection day’s stay in Doha. cruise passengers arriving at its which further eases their entry marked under the title: general Low birth rate, low fertility and issues related to the use and Owned and operated by ports as huge number of cruise into the country. features of the work program of and increase of the average provision of data through social the population policy of the childbearing age of Qatari networks as one of the core trib- State of Qatar (2017-2022). women are the challenges high- utaries to monitoring Al Nabit pointed out that the lighted by the two-year sustainable development.

Ministry to launch Baby Friendly Hospital Inititaive

The Peninsula Breastfeeding should continue for two years with the introduction of homemade complementary he Ministry of Public Health said yesterday feeding, in order to reach the Millennium Devel- that it is working in collaboration with the opment Goals (MDGs) by reducing the mortality TWorld Health Organization (WHO) to launch rate of infants and children under age five. the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, in all hos- Sheikha Dr Al Anoud bint Mohamed Al Thani, pitals and primary health care centres in Qatar. Director, Health Promotion and Non-communi- The initiative was launched jointly by the WHO cable Diseases said that the ministry is working and Unicef in 1991. It aims to promote exclusive to analyse the situation of hospitals and primary breastfeeding since the birth of the child, and until health care centres, and prepare a training man- Passengers disembarking from Azamara Journey yesterday. he/she reaches the age of six months. ual for implementation of the initiative. 08 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Lebanon gets new president after two years

Beirut Chaotic session repeatedly spilled over into Leb- AP anon on several occasions. Michel Aoun secured "Lebanon is passing through a simple majority of minefields and has been safe ebanon's parliament votes in the house from the raging regional fires, yesterday elected and we will prevent any spark after a chaotic Michel Aoun, an from reaching it," Aoun said in a session that saw 81-year-old former speech shortly after he was army commander and several rounds of elected. Lstrong ally of the militant group voting because extra A rival candidate and strong Hezbollah, as the country's pres- ballots appeared in supporter of Assad, Suleiman ident, ending a more than the ballot box each Franjieh, told reporters after the two-year vacuum in the top post time. He garnered 83 session: "Our alliance has won and a political crisis that brought votes out of 127 whether it is with me or with the state institutions perilously close lawmakers present general." to collapse. at the session. Aoun has a wide support Aoun secured a simple base, mostly among Lebanon's majority of votes in the house educated youth, but is a divisive after a chaotic session that saw erupted in cheers as they figure in Lebanon for his role in several rounds of voting because watched the proceedings on the 1975-90 civil war. Still, there extra ballots appeared in the bal- huge screens set up in the streets. is cautious hope that his election lot box each time. He garnered Brief celebratory gunfire could would breathe some life into 83 votes out of 127 lawmakers also be heard in the capital. state institutions that have been present at the session. He also Aoun's election is seen by paralysed for too long. failed to get elected by a two many as a clear victory for the Lebanon has been without a thirds majority in the first round, pro-Iranian axis in the Middle head of state for 29 months after as had been widely expected. East, giving a boost to Hezbollah President Michel Suleiman Lebanese president-elect Michel Aoun reviewing the guard of honour as he arrives at the Members of parliament and the Shia Lebanese group's stepped down at the end of his Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, yesterday. broke out in thunderous ally, Syrian President Bashar term in May 2014. Since then, 45 applause after Aoun finally was Assad. The election came at a sessions to elect a new leader allied Hezbollah lawmakers boy- an about-face by former Prime president last week — reportedly declared president by Parliament time of great regional upheaval, have failed due to political cotted the sessions because his Minister Saad Hariri, Lebanon's in exchange for Aoun promising Speaker Nabih Berri. His sup- especially in neighbouring Syria, infighting that led to of a lack of election was not guaranteed. Saudi-backed main Sunni leader, him the position of prime porters across the country where the civil war has quorum as Aoun's block and In the end, it took who formally endorsed Aoun for minister.

Battling IS Sirte Iraqi forces move within striking distance of Mosul

Baghdad Tight grip recently took several villages AFP and consolidated their On the northern and positions. raqi forces advanced to eastern sides of To the south of the city, fed- within a few hundred metres Mosul, the extremist eral forces, backed by coalition of Mosul yesterday, moving artillery units stationed in the I group's last major within striking distance of a city main staging base of Qayyarah, bastion in Iraq, they lost to the Islamic State (IS) have been pushing north. group two years before. peshmerga forces They have the most ground Forces from the elite Coun- from the autonomous to cover and are still some dis- ter-Terrorism Service (CTS) Kurdish region tance from the southern limits faced mortar fire as they pushed recently took several of Mosul. Paramilitary forces from the Christian town of Bar- villages and from the Hashed al-Shaabi talla towards Mosul's eastern consolidated their (Popular Mobilisation), an suburbs, a correspondents at the positions. umbrella organisation domi- Smoke rises as fighters of Libyan forces allied with the UN-backed government gather front said. As an aircraft struck nated by Iran-backed Shiite during a battle with Islamic State militants in Ghiza Bahriya district in Sirte, yesterday. a suspected IS mortar position into Mosul," Obeidi said. militia, opened another front in the distance, a convoy of CTS forces also entered the over the weekend. Humvees sprayed gunfire across second village, Gogjali, Staff They are not directly headed the arid plain toward jihadist Lieutenant General Abdelwa- for Mosul, instead setting their positions as they advanced. hab Al Saadi, a senior CTS sights on the town of Tal Afar to Lieutenant Colonel Muntad- commander, said. the west, with the aim of retak- Turkey detains newspaper editors har Al Shimmari said CTS had He denied reports that Iraqi ing it and cutting supply lines recaptured Bazwaya, one of two forces had entered the Al Kar- between Mosul and the Syrian Istanbul Cumhuriyet reported on its not only on the alleged coup IS-held villages that had been ama area inside Mosul, saying border. AP website. Police had warrants for plotters but on all government standing between Iraqi forces they were still about 2.5km Their leadership says pub- the detentions of 16 staff mem- critics. and the eastern edges of Mosul. away. Backed by air and ground licly that they do not intend to urkish police detained the bers, the paper said. A statement from the Istan- "Tonight, if everything is support from a US-led coalition, enter Mosul, which has an over- chief editor and at least 12 The detentions at the left- bul chief prosecutor's office said secured, we will be 700 metres tens of thousands of Iraqi fight- whelmingly Sunni population, Tsenior staff of Turkey's leaning and pro-secular those detained were suspected (yards) from Mosul," Shimmari ers are converging on Mosul on but commanders on the ground opposition Cumhuriyet news- Cumhuriyet — one of Turkey's of "committing crimes" on said. The voice of Colonel Mus- different fronts, in the country's say they want to fight inside the paper yesterday, in a widening oldest newspapers — come amid behalf of the movement led by tafa Al Obeidi came sputtering biggest military operation in city. The Hashed said that they crackdown on dissenting voices. accusations by opposition par- US-based Muslim cleric Fethul- over the radio as his men years. had retaken a series of villages Editor-in-chief Murat ties and human rights groups lah Gulen — accused by the advanced cautiously through On the northern and east- and surrounded others as they Sabuncu, cartoonist Musa Kart, that Turkey's government is government of masterminding Bazwaya, sidling along walls ern sides of Mosul, the extremist advanced to the west, while the paper's lawyer and several using the state of emergency the coup attempt — as well as and scanning the empty streets group's last major bastion in Iraq's Joint Operations Com- columnists were detained, some imposed following a failed mil- the outlawed Kurdistan Work- with their rifles raised. "They're Iraq, peshmerga forces from the mand announced the recapture following raids at their homes, itary coup in July to clamp down ers' Party, or PKK. fleeing, the jihadists are fleeing autonomous Kurdish region of villages north of the city.

UAE jails 7 for Hezbollah links Opposition captures strategic Aleppo village Dubai Reuters Aleppo Apartments district after storm- briefly managed to break the Anatolia ing it Sunday due to fierce regime’s siege on opposition- 84 dead in rebel bombardment: Army A UNITED ARAB EMIRATES regime airstrikes, opposition held parts of the city. court sentenced seven peo- commanders said. Within one week, however, BEIRUT: Syria’s army said on Monday the Nusra Front and what ple to up to life in prison for yrian opposition forces The same sources, who regime forces — with the help of the army called other terrorist groups had killed 84 people, mostly establishing a cell linked to the have captured the village spoke anonymously due to allied militias and Russian air women and children, in Aleppo during the past three days, in a Lebanese Shia militant group Sof Manyan near the security concerns, said clashes power — managed to re-impose bombardment that included chemical weapons and rocket fire. Hezbollah, state media said entrance of the New Aleppo between opposition fighters the blockade. The Nusra Front broke allegiance with al Qaeda and changed yesterday. An Emirati man and district of the besieged city of and regime forces were still Since September of last its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in July. It is one of the main two Lebanese men were Aleppo, opposition sources said ongoing in the vicinity of the year, Russia has been carry- rebel groups taking part in an offensive against government-held handed life sentences and an yesterday. area. ing out extensive air western Aleppo that began on Friday. Syrian state media reported Egyptian woman and another The move comes as part Opposition forces are using operations in Syria with the on Sunday that militants had fired poison gas at the Hamdaniya Emirati man were each jailed of a military operation heavy weaponry against regime aim of supporting the embat- district of government-held western Aleppo. Rebels called that for 10 years, according to state launched last Friday by positions in Aleppo’s Jamaat al- tled Assad regime and accusation a lie. In a statement, the Army and Armed Forces High news agency Wam. opposition factions affiliated Zahraa neighborhood, the "fighting terrorism". Command said rebels had targeted schools and civilians, fired An Iraqi and another Leb- with the Jaish Al Fatah sources said, while clashes con- While the Kremlin says its 20 poison gas canisters, 50 Grad rockets and ignited 48 fires. anese man were each jailed ("Army of Conquest") group tinue to rage near Manyan campaign in Syria targets the The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based for 15 years. The charges aimed at breaking the Syr- village. Daesh terrorist group, some war monitor, said it had recorded 48 deaths since the rebel offen- included “handing over infor- ian regime’s ongoing siege of Last Friday, Syrian opposi- members of the western Nato sive began, including 17 children. Human rights groups and mation about a government eastern parts of the city. tion forces captured the Al Assad alliance believe Russia is tar- Western countries have previously accused Syria’s army, backed department” and “oil produc- Opposition forces taking part suburb, bringing them some 2.5 geting opposition groups by Russia’s air force, of targeting hospitals, bakeries and other tion in the UAE” as well as in the campaign have been kilometers from besieged areas opposed to Assad — including civilian areas in their bombardments of rebel areas, including “maps of a gas field” to Hez- forced to withdraw from Alep- of eastern Aleppo. some that enjoy US and Turk- eastern Aleppo. bollah, Wam said. po’s southwestern 3,000 In August, the Jaish Al Fatah ish support. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 ASIA / AFRICA 09

NEWS BYTES Mali leftist leader declares truce France ends military mission in CAR Bamako south previously considered Mali's government and Burkina Faso in recent weeks. Reuters secure and raising fears the vio- Ceasefire deal northern separatist groups It was the first sign of rec- BANGUI: France yesterday for- lence will spill over into other The application of signed an agreement last year ognition by leaders of Islamic mally ended a peacekeeping regions. ceasefire with good that aimed to end decades of State for the group, which had mission in Central African Repub- he leader of the "I confirm having received faith will allow for the Tuareg uprisings and allow the declared its allegiance in May lic, hailing it a success despite Islamist militant from (Ansar Dine leader) Iyad assurance of the army to focus of fighting Islam- 2015 after splitting from an al outbreaks of violence in its deeply group Ansar Dine has Ag Ghali the cessation of hos- security of people and ist militants. Ag Ghali is a Qaeda faction. troubled former colony. agreed to cease tilities throughout the country," their property (and) renegade Tuareg commander Analysts say the timing The move came hours after attacks in Mali that Mahmoud Dicko, president of and has ties to the separatists, might suggest that the group promote social about 10 people were killed in Thave killed dozens of civilians, the High Islamic Council, said, but Ansar Dine was excluded has proven its worth to the cen- clashes between armed groups soldiers and UN peacekeepers adding that he would soon brief cohesion, the key to from the agreement. tral command. peace and stability. Sunday in the restive Muslim PK5 this year, the president of the Malian authorities. The United States named It also shows Islamic State's neighbourhood of Bangui, accord- West African nation's top In a letter to Dicko, published Ag Ghali a "specially designated growing reliance on foreign ing to local sources. Islamic body said yesterday. on Malian news site malijet.com, Rebel leader did not global terrorist" in 2013. affiliates, as the headquarters The toll had yet to be con- Al Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine Ag Ghali said he agreed to stop confirm how long the He has also been sanc- of its self-declared caliphate and other Islamist groups attacks at Dicko's request. ceasefire would last tioned by the United Nations for comes under attack in Iraq. firmed by the 10,000-strong UN hijacked a Tuareg rebel upris- "The application of this or what he expected his ties to Al Qaeda. The group Ansa Dine seeks force MINUSCA, which will be ing in 2012 to seize Mali's desert cease-fire with good faith will in return from Malian Meanwhile, the Islamic to impose sharia law across alone after France's departure north, but they were pushed out allow for the assurance of the authorities. State news agency Amaq con- Mali, including the Azawad in facing the militia groups ter- by a French-led military oper- security of people and their firmed on Sunday a pledge of region. Witnesses have said rorising civilians. ation a year later. property (and) promote social allegiance from a Saharan mil- that Ansar Dine fighters wear MINUSCA urged the govern- However, they have inten- cohesion, the key to peace and long the ceasefire would last or itant group called Islamic State long beards and fly black flags ment "to prioritise the fight against sified operations this year, stability," Ag Ghali said. what he expected in return in the Greater Sahara, which with the Islamic creed inscribed impunity." attacking parts of the west and Ag Ghali did not say how from Malian authorities. has claimed attacks in Mali and in white. Cargo plane missing in eastern Indonesia

Prosecutor drops fraud JAKARTA: A cargo plane car- rying four crew members went case against Gordhan missing yesterday during a short flight in mountainous eastern Pretoria Indonesia, authorities said, the AFP latest blow to the country's belea- guered aviation sector. The ministry said, operated outh Africa's top prosecutor yesterday dropped by logistics and transport com- fraud charges against Finance Minister Pravin Gord- pany Alfa Trans and owned by han and his co-accused, in a case that has exposed S local authorities, set off from the tensions in ruling ANC party and government. The bombshell charges earlier this month had city of Timika at 7:57am and was driven a wedge between rival camps in the ruling headed to Ilaga, a farming com- African National Congress, rattled the markets and munity nestled amid mountains. led to a fall in the value of the rand. The plane contacted air traf- "I have directed the summons to be withdrawn fic control in Ilaga at 8:23 am with immediate effect," Shaun Abrahams said, say- saying that it was due to land in ing the charges against him would be difficult to prove. a few minutes but never arrived. Announcing the decision, Abrahams said he did Officials say the aircraft sent an not believe Gordhan intended to break the law. emergency signal from an area "I foresee difficulties to prove knowledge of between two mountain passes. unlawfulness". Supardi and Adi Manurung, two of four freed Indonesian sailors who were held hostage for nearly five years by Somali pirates, are reunited with relatives at the Foreign Ministry office in Jakarta, yesterday. 4 fishermen recall kidnap ordeal Ethiopia govt frees 2,000 detainees

Jakarta we're still afraid," said one of the He said the captives were Addis Ababa after undergoing counseling renewed unrest following the AFP captives, 24-year-old Sudirman, usually only fed once a day AP under the state of emergency," deaths of dozens of people in who like many Indonesians goes with spoiled bread or rice and Defence Minister Siraj a stampede during a religious by one name. red beans, and half a litre of Fegessa, who oversees the festival in Bishoftu in early our Indonesian fishermen "We don't know what we are dirty water, leading them to n Ethiopian official said state of emergency, told local October. had an emotional reun- feeling right now. Even as we suffer from constant 2,000 people have reporters on Sunday. Protests have also hit the Fion with their families stand here, we can't believe it. diarrhoea. Abeen detained and later He said authorities col- Amhara region. yesterday after returning home Is this a dream? This must be a Some days the hostages got released under the country's lected more than 1,500 Ethiopia's President, following a kidnap ordeal at miracle -- thank you God." nothing, forcing them to hunt for state of emergency that was firearms that had been looted Mulatu Teshome, said on the hands of Somali pirates, The crew, who also came their own food in the form of declared on October 8, 2016. during the violence in the October 10 that the govern- recalling the horrors they from Cambodia, China, the Phil- rats and cats, he said, but added The remarks came amid country. ment will address some of the endured. ippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, this could be dangerous. local media reports that thou- He declined to say how public's grievances and will Looking skinny, weak and were taken hostage after their "If we got caught our hands sands of people are being many people are still in deten- conduct electoral and politi- tired, the sailors hugged their fishing vessel was seized in and feet would be tied up and detained across some parts of tion but mentioned various cal reforms. sobbing relatives at a ceremony March 2012 south of the we would be hung upside down, the country that have wit- military camps and prison Prime Minister Hailemar- in the capital Jakarta that came Seychelles. it hurt a lot," he said. nessed some of the worst facilities where inmates iam Desalegn is expected to about a week after they were Sudirman said the Indone- Pirates initially took 29 crew violence in the past couple of nabbed under the state of announce a new cabinet on released, along with 22 other sians spent one and a half years hostage, but one person died weeks. emergency are being held. Tuesday (today), Ethiopia's Asian captives following almost on the boat before being taken during the hijacking, and two "About 2,000 people were Ethiopia's Oromia region government spokesman, five years as hostages. ashore and held at a site in the more died from illnesses during arrested and later released has been experiencing Getachew Reda said. "We are still traumatised, wilderness. their captivity. Thailand preparing for Turnbull defends proposal to next month succession permanently bar boat people Sydney made on Sunday, and the gov- Bangkok "But this timeframe also depends Reuters ernment is expected to Reuters on His Royal Highness." introduce the amendment in Prime Minister Prayuth parliament next week. Chan-ocha had said the prince's rime Minister Malcolm "We have taken legal advice hailand is making prepara- formal ascension could be within Turnbull defended yes- and we are satisfied it is within tions for Crown Prince Maha seven to 15 days of the king's Pterday a proposal to ban power and consistent with our TVajiralongkorn to ascend death, or later. asylum seekers who arrive ille- international obligations," the throne on December 1, two Speaking on behalf of the gally by boat from ever Turnbull said. senior military sources with prince hours after King Bhumi- entering Australia again, Turnbull will have to secure knowledge of the matter said. bol's death, Prayuth said the rejecting criticism from rights backing from independent sen- News of the December time- prince wanted to grieve with the lawyers who say it would ators or the opposition Labor frame follows the prince's people and leave the formal suc- Mourners bow at the throne hall at the Grand Palace to pay breach the United Nations Ref- Party for the bill to pass into departure for Germany at the cession until later, when respects in front of the golden urn of late king Bhumibol ugee Convention. law. weekend where he had personal parliament will invite him to The legality of forever bar- Australia's policy of indef- Adulyadej in Bangkok. business to attend to, one sen- ascend the throne. ring people from entering inite offshore detention has led ior military source said, adding His formal coronation, how- Australia after they have been to strong domestic and inter- that the prince would return in ever, cannot take place until establishment, is acting as regent The latest chapter was a May resettled in a third country, national criticism. November. after the king's cremation in a until the new king is named. 2014 military coup which having been officially recog- A resettlement deal could "We are making prepara- year's time. Thailand has weathered removed the government of nised as refugees, has been help Turnbull's approval rat- tions. Everything is being Prem Tinsulanonda, 96, who more than a decade of political prime minister Yingluck Shina- questioned by rights lawyers ings, which this month fell to prepared for December 1," said was head of the powerful Privy upheaval that has pitted the roy- watra and which the military said and refugee support groups. the lowest level since he another senior military source Council and is known as the face alist-military establishment it carried out to end Thailand's Turnbull, however, assumed office in September who declined to be identified. of Thailand's traditional against populist political forces. cycle of political instability. defended the proposal he first 2015. 10 VIEWS TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Wilders in the dock Al Jazeera Media Network utch far-right leader Geert Wilders, more known for his venomous anti-Islam tirades, has gone on trial in the Netherlands on Dcharges of hate speech and discrimination. celebrates 20 years The case has attracted international attention, especially in Europe, where far-right parties are gaining in numbers, and its verdict is awaited keenly because it will have a huge impact on the lives of media institutions. The media landscape readers than the traditional media immigrants in Europe, whether the verdict is against or Thembisa Fakude has become very fluid, it is a place of platforms. Crowd sourcing and multi in favour of Wilders. Al Jazeera constant shifting sands. What existed distribution platforms of content, the The Dutch Freedom Party leader is charged over yesterday is challenged and changed new buzzwords in the business, also his appearance at a local election rally in early 2014 tomorrow. Furthermore the media provide unprecedented space and where he called for fewer Moroccans in the country platforms and their content are now opportunities for journalists. and called them scum. More than 6,000 people filed heavily influenced by constant changing Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) official complaints to the police about Wilders’ hate- he HBO’s Tonight Show with John media consumption patterns. This has has developed innovative ways in filled speech and, nine months later, he was formally Oliver delivered a fascinating necessitated the alterations and tackling these challenges. The charged with racial discrimination and inciting hatred. episode in which the state of modification of news gathering establishment of research, human rights Wilders could face up to two years in jail and a fine of journalism was discussed. Millions processes inside the newsrooms. This and training divisions has proved to be up to $8,100 if he is found guilty, but the far-right have watched and “Liked” the new reality has seen the control of the effective in tackling the challenges of leader remains defiant. He says he has done nothing Tepisode since it was posted on YouTube in the newsrooms tilting towards the new redundancy of talented and experienced wrong, calls the case an attack on freedom of first week of August 2016. The gist of the generation of workers. Older and journalists. They have become useful, expression, and cocking a snook at the legal show was to demonstrate the dangers of experienced generations are finding researchers, mentors and trainers. They procedures, he repeated relegating investigative journalism to the their roles relegated and restricted to the are also very important in filling the void his criticism of Moroccans periphery in the newsrooms. Oliver argued in periphery. Most talented and within the newsrooms, dissemination of yesterday after the episode that there is a danger in experienced journalists have institutional memory and assisting in the announcing the boycott of prioritising stories that are cheap to cover and consequently lost their jobs. preservation of professionalism of Dutch far-right the trial. have high propensity of attracting more Furthermore, the proliferation of journalism. Unfortunately, the fast pace leader is under This is not the first time “Likes” on the new media platforms. He alternative media platforms have given of news and juniorisation of staff have trial for inciting Wilders’ public statements suggests that often these types of stories lack rise to more broadcasting and publishing led in some instances to the neglect of hatred. have landed him in court. substance. He concludes by cautioning “if we opportunities. These platforms come important principles of journalism, the In 2011, he was acquitted of do not pay for journalism, we will pay for it without conditions and are free of experienced journalists play an discriminating against, and later in future”. The consequences of charge. The gatekeepers are gone, now important role of oversight in that inciting hatred towards, neglecting investigative journalism and the anyone can publish and regard. The quality of news content Muslims. closure of newspapers may have a broadcast. Moreover distinguishes and set any media Wilders deserves devastating effect in the long run, broadcast depending on their organisation apart, most media brands punishment for creating discord and stoking anti- journalism as it stands will be the most popularity on the social are dependent on it. Lack of verification immigrant hatred. His vituperative and gravely affected. Most stories that eventually find media, they are most processes may compromise the standing provocative speeches are against the principles of their way into television are first published in likely to attract more and the brand of the organisation, it may equality, secularism and harmony in Netherlands and the newspapers as John Oliver perfectly also results into protracted lawsuits. The Europe. Few leaders in Europe have spilled so much demonstrated in that episode. presence of the right people with poison against Islam and immigrants as him, and his The advent of the new media has The media landscape acumen is essential given the new utterances are nothing but outright abuse and introduced several challenges and realities, particularly the fast pace and incitement to violence than freedom of expression. If opportunities to the media business in has become very fluid, the juniorisation of staff within the he is acquitted, it would be a huge blow to the spirit of general. Everyday new online media outfits it is a place of constant newsrooms. The establishment of fully- harmony prevailing in Netherlands and Europe, and emerge offering innovative, efficient and shifting sands. What fledged research, media rights and would mark a new low in Dutch-immigrant relations. affordable products. However, most training centres at AJMN play an Acquitting him would also embolden far-right parties traditional media institutions have been existed yesterday is effective role in supporting and safe in other European countries where xenophobia and struggling to keep their heads above the challenged and changed guarding the integrity of journalism. anti-immigrant sentiments are soaring to new heights. water since the advent of the new media. tomorrow. Furthermore, AJMN has a strong contingent of There will be no shortage of leaders wanting to follow This has led to the closure of a number of dedicated highly skilled individuals from Gilders in the hope of widening their appeal and garner media institutions over the years and the media platforms and different parts of the world who votes. redundancy of some of the most talented their content are now specialise in wide variety of issues. Most Unfortunately, Wilders’ popularity has been going people in the business. Their departure, heavily influenced by are former members of staff and are up despite being a merchant of hate. He has been the which in most cases is due to their inability to strategically placed within the frontrunner for the Netherlands’ parliamentary recycle their skills and adapt to new realities, constant changing media institution. They continue to contribute elections next March for about a year, and the latest has resulted in the compromise of good consumption patterns. in the development of journalism and opinion polls show him running either neck and neck journalism and professionalism within many training of journalists. or just behind the Liberals (VVD) of the Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Whether he is acquitted or convicted, he will remain a hero in Netherlands, which is a sad commentary on the plight of immigrants in the country.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

France will not abandon CAR. We will retain an ability to intervene at very short notice thanks to our forces.

Jean-Yves Le Drian French Defence Minister TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 OPINION 11 Why all the talk of World War III?

ack in March 2014, just after it support for President Vladimir the Russian invasion of Cri- Anne Applebaum Putin. A ruling clique that stays in There had been a mea, Russia’s most famous The Washington Post power thanks to violence and cor- “radical change” state television broadcaster ruption is by definition nervous, and B in the US-Russian presented the international situation in so it is using its media monopoly to stark terms. “Russia,” Dimitry Kiselyov frighten people: Only Putin’s regime relationship, and told his millions of viewers, “is the only can protect you from US aggression. “Moscow would country in the world that really can turn time around, the language sounds dif- The regime surely wants to scare us, react with nerves (the) USA into radioactive ash.” Against ferent. We are in the middle of an ugly too, and persuade us to abandon Syria. a backdrop of mushroom clouds and presidential election. More important, If the United States and Europe throw of steel” to any throbbing nuclear targets, he spoke we have a Republican presidential in the towel, then Russia will be free to US intervention in ominously of how President Barack nominee who regularly repeats propa- help the Bashar Al Assad regime impose Syria — up to and Obama’s hair was turning gray - “I ganda lines lifted directly from Russian the same kind of “solution” that Russia including a nuclear admit this can be a coincidence” - and state media. Donald Trump has used in Chechnya more than a decade the increasing desperation of a White declared that Hillary Clinton and ago: Kill tens of thousands of people, response. House that truly feared that nuclear war Obama “founded ISIS,” a statement that flatten the landscape, destroy all politi- might break out at any moment. comes directly from Russia’s Sputnik cal alternatives and then start again, Now it’s October 2016, and Kise- news agency. He spouted another with a Russian-backed dictator. lyov, who also heads Russia’s debunked conspiracy theory - “the In the interim, the war has its uses: States. It might not work - but it might state-owned news agency, is at it again. Google search engine is suppressing the It has increased the destabilizing flow pay off big. “Impudent behaviour toward Russia” bad news about Hillary Clinton” - soon of refugees to Europe, broadening There is one more possible motive. has a “nuclear dimension,” he warned after Sputnik resurrected it. political and economic chaos that Rus- Whatever the outcome on Nov. 8, polit- ominously on October 9. In the same Now Trump is repeating Kiselyov’s sia believes serves its interests. ical uncertainty will follow: the months programme, he again featured photo- threat, too. “You’re going to end up in The Russians also have a major of transition, a change of White House graphs of Obama. Kiselyov said that World War III over Syria if we listen to interest in our election. Since last sum- staff, perhaps even the violent backlash there had been a “radical change” in the Hillary Clinton,” he said this last week. mer, when Russian hackers tried to that Trump may incite. This could be an US-Russian relationship, and he added Just like Kiselyov, he has also noted that spoil the Democratic National Conven- excellent moment for a major Russian a threat: “Moscow would react with Russia has nukes and - perhaps if Clin- tion with leaked emails, it’s been clear offensive: a land grab in Ukraine, a nerves of steel” to any US intervention ton is elected - will use them: “Russia is that Russia prefers the Republican foray into the Baltic states, a much big- The increasing in Syria - up to and including a nuclear a nuclear country, but a country where nominee, a man who has repeatedly ger intervention in the Middle East desperation of a response. “If it should one day happen, the nukes work as opposed to other stated his admiration for Putin and his - anything to “test” the new president. every one of you should know where countries that talk.” dislike of US allies. From personal If that’s coming, Putin needs to pre- White House that the nearest bomb shelter is. It’s best to Why is Russian state media using experience, the “political technologists” pare his public to fight much bigger truly feared that find out now,” another television chan- such extreme language? And why is who design the regime’s information wars and to persuade the rest of the nuclear war might nel has advised. Trump repeating it? The Russian campaign know that fear and hysteria world not to stop him. He needs to get break out at any What a difference two years makes: regime’s motives aren’t hard to under- can persuade people to vote for an his generals into the right mind-set, and The US government, and the US public, stand: It wants to scare Russians. The authoritarian candidate. his soldiers ready to go. A little nuclear moment. brushed off Russia’s nuclear narrative economy is much weaker than it was, It costs them almost nothing to try war rhetoric never fails to focus atten- the first time it was presented. But this living standards are dropping and with to create fear and hysteria in the United tion, and I’m sure it has. 2 billion children breathe toxic air worldwide

Katy Daigle AP D-RING ROAD POST BOX: 3488 DOHA - QATAR s Indians awoke yesterday [email protected] to smoke-filled skies from a weekend of festival fireworks, ANew Delhi’s worst season EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE for air pollution began — with dire TEL: 4455 7741 / 4455 7767 consequences. FAX: +974 4455 7758 A new report from UNICEF says about a third of the 2 billion children MANAGING EDITOR in the world who are breathing TEL: 44627505 toxic air live in northern India and neighbouring countries, risking serious DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR health effects including damage to TEL: 4455 7743 their lungs, brains and other organs. Of that global total, 300 million kids are exposed to pollution levels more LOCAL NEWS SECTION than six times higher than standards TEL: 4455 7769 set by the World Health Organization, including 220 million in South Asia. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION For the Indian capital, the alarming TEL: 4462 7535 numbers are hardly a surprise. New Delhi’s air pollution, among the world’s SPORT NEWS SECTION worst, spikes every winter because of TEL: 4455 7745 the season’s weak winds and countless garbage fires set alight to help people ONLINE SECTION stay warm. TEL: 4462 7501 Even days before the city erupted [email protected] in annual fireworks celebrations for the Hindu holiday of Diwali, PUBLIC RELATIONS recorded levels of tiny, lung-clogging particulate matter known as PM 2.5 TEL: 4455 7613 Indian commuters drive amid heavy smog in New Delhi yesterday, a day after the festival of lights. were considered dangerous Friday at [email protected] well above 300 micrograms per cubic meter. By Monday morning, the city ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT was recording PM 2.5 levels above said in the report released Monday. “Millions more suffer TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 900 mcg per cubic metre — more About a third of the 2 from respiratory diseases that diminish their resilience and FAX: 4455 7870 than 90 times higher than the WHO billion children in the affect their physical and cognitive development. [email protected] recommendation of no more than 10 world who are breathing Counting 2 billion children breathing unhealthy air — out mcg per cubic metre. of a total 2.26 billion world population of children — means CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT “My eyes are irritated, I’m coughing toxic air live in northern the vast majority are being exposed to levels of pollution TEL: 4455 7857 and I find it difficult to breathe,” India and neighbouring considered by the WHO to be unsafe. [email protected] said 18-year-old Delhi student countries, risking serious Out of that 2 billion breathing toxic air, the report puts Dharmendra, who uses only one name 620 million of them in South Asia — mostly northern India. SUBSCRIPTION / as is common in India. Because of health effects including Another 520 million children are breathing toxic air in Africa, DISTRIBUTION the pollution, “I don’t go out so much damage to their lungs, and 450 million in East Asia, mainly China, according to the TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 nowadays.” brains and other organs. report, which combined satellite images of pollution and New Delhi residents were advised ground data with demographic patterns to determine which FAX: 44557819 to stay indoors on Monday, with health populations fell into the highest risk areas. [email protected] warnings issued for the young, elderly organisation. Some local studies indicate up to a Since being identified as one of the world’s most polluted and those with respiratory or heart third of Delhi’s children have impaired lung function cities in recent years, New Delhi has tried to clean its air. It conditions. Officials said the high and respiratory diseases like asthma, she said. “This has barred cargo trucks from city streets, required drivers All thoughts and views pollution levels were made worse by really signals health disaster.” to buy newer cars that meet higher emissions standards and expressed in these columns the ongoing burning of spent crops in Children face much higher health risks from carried out several weeks of experimental traffic control, are those of the writers, not agricultural fields in the neighbouring air pollution than adults. Children breathe twice as limiting the number of cars on the road. But other pollution of the newspaper. states of Punjab and Haryana. quickly, taking in more air in relation to their body sources, including construction dust and cooking fires fuelled “Pollution levels every winter weight, while their brains and immune systems are by wood or kerosene, continue unabated. gallop, and we are already beginning still developing and vulnerable. Last week, the city launched a smartphone application All correspondence to see the signs of it,” said Anumita Roy “The impact is commensurately shocking,” called “Change the Air” inviting residents to send photos and regarding Views and Chowdhury, executive director of the with 600,000 children younger than 5 across the complaints about illegal pollution sources, from the burning Opinion pages should be Centre for Science and Environment, world dying every year from air pollution-related of leaves and garbage in public parks to construction crews mailed to the a Delhi-based research and lobbying diseases, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake working without dust control measures. [email protected] 12 ASIA / PHILIPPINES TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Woman in Seoul graft row faces prosecutors

Seoul Political crisis A public apology by Park AFP recently, in which she acknowl- Choi Soon-sil begs edged seeking limited advice forgiveness. from Choi, did little to assuage outh Korean prosecutors public outrage and she has strug- yesterday questioned the gled to draw a political line under Analysts say the woman at the centre of a the crisis. S scandal could paralyse political scandal that has shat- Park carried out a partial tered public confidence in Park's administration, reshuffle of her key aides on President Park Geun-hye, with underlining her lame- Sunday and is considering calls allegations of fraud and med- duck status before from her ruling Saenuri Party to dling in state affairs. presidential elections form a neutral multi-party cab- In the wake of mass street next year. inet to restore public trust and protests in Seoul and other cit- national unity. ies to demand Park's resignation, In a message sent to report- Choi Soon-sil -- who has denied and interfered in government ers, one of her senior advisers any criminal wrongdoing -- sub- policy despite holding no official who stepped down in the reshuf- mitted to prosecutors in Seoul a post and having no security fle described Park as "lonely and day after flying back from clearance. sad". Germany. Suggestions that Choi vetted The main opposition Demo- The media has portrayed the presidential speeches and was cratic Party of Korea has stopped 60-year-old Choi as a Rasputin- given access to classified docu- short of demanding the presi- like figure, who wielded an ments has exposed Park to public dent's resignation, but is refusing unhealthy influence over Park anger and ridicule and, with just to begin cross-party talks until Choi Soon-sil is surrounded by media upon her arrival at a prosecutor's office in Seoul, yesterday. the investigation into Choi has run its course. Analysts say the scandal over a year left in office, pushed "Please forgive me. I have "We hope that the various could paralyse Park's adminis- her approval ratings off a cliff. committed a deadly sin," Choi allegations can be thoroughly tration, underlining her Televised footage of Choi's was quoted as saying by Yonhap verified," presidential spokes- lame-duck status before presi- arrival at the Seoul Central Dis- news agency after stepping man Jung Youn-Kuk said. dential elections in December trict Prosecutors' Office showed inside the building. Choi is the daughter of a late next year. a distraught-looking Choi -- A task force, led by the head shadowy religious leader and And all this at a time of slow- dressed head to toe in black with of the Seoul prosecutors' office, one-time Park mentor called ing economic growth, rising her face covered with a hat and has been set up to investigate the Choi Tae-Min. unemployment and elevated scarf -- as she stepped out of a leak of presidential documents Choi Tae-Min befriended a military tensions with North black sedan to face hundreds of and whether Choi meddled in traumatised Park after the 1974 Korea. reporters. state affairs. assassination of her mother, In his yesterday's briefing, Choi did not say a word as Choi has also been accused whom he said had appeared to presidential spokesman Jung she sobbed and shoved her way of using her relationship with the him in a dream, asking him to stressed that the ongoing politi- into the building past reporters president to coerce corporate help her daughter. He became a cal uncertainty would not be and protesters with placards that donations to two non-profit long-time mentor to Park, who allowed to open even the "slight- People take part in a rally denouncing President Park Geun- read "Arrest Choi Soon-Sil! foundations, and then siphoning subsequently formed a close est crack" in the country's hye over a political scandal. Impeach Park Geun-hye!" off funds for her personal use. bond with Choi Soon-sil. defence readiness.

NEWS BYTES 'No deal' over fishing in Man wrestles giant panda in China zoo disputed shoal: Official

BEIJING: Video footage of a Zamboanga City agreements or rules... And for man who wrestled with a giant Anatolia the record, from October 17 to panda bear after breaking into a 27, there had been only two zoo enclosure in southern China Chinese ships in Bajo de Masin- went viral over the weekend. ays after fishermen from loc, a research ship last 19th and The video, taken last Thurs- the Philippines are a Frigate (navy) on the 20th," reported to have been the Philippine Daily Inquirer day, showed the man sneaking up D allowed by China to return to a quoted Esperon as saying. to Meiling, a 120kg male panda, reef both sides claim in the "That’s compared to a daily and touching the sleeping bear South China Sea, top national average of five People’s Liber- on the head. government officials have said ation Army Navy and four The 12-year-old panda woke that no written agreements Chinese Coast Guard ships in up and grabbed the man's leg, have been made with Beijing. the past." pushing him to the ground. After National security adviser On Saturday, reports wrestling with the bear for more Hermogenes Esperon said that claimed that Filipino fishermen Residents stand near a vandalised Hindu temple in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria. than five minutes, the man broke Filipino fishermen who went to were no longer being inter- free and fled the enclosure. the small but strategic Scarbor- cepted at the shoal for the first Authorities at the zoo in the ough Shoal which China has time in years, following Presi- southeastern province of Jiangxi Hindu shrines vandalised in Dhaka guarded for years "attest that dent Rodrigo Duterte’s meeting said the panda was probably just they were not driven away nor with Chinese counterpart Xi Jin- playing with the man, who dis- were accosted". ping during last week's state Dhaka appeared with only a tear in his black cube-shaped Kaaba in were injured as they tried to “There are no written visit to China. AFP Makkah, Saudi Arabia. resist the attack," Somesh Roy, trousers, state broadcaster CCTV District police chief Miza- a community elder said reported. nur Rahman said two Islamist recently. The giant panda is prized in n angry mob vandalised groups had been demonstrat- Police said they had China and seen as a conserva- at least five Hindu tem- ing to demand the arrest and arrested nine men in connec- tion success story. Aples and attacked execution of the fisherman tion with the violence and property in Bangladesh after when a group of between 100 paramilitary border guards UN wants probe into an alleged Facebook post and 150 men broke away and have been deployed in the mocking one of Islam's holi- attacked the temples. area to prevent further Myanmar violence est sites, police and residents A local Hindu community attacks. said yesterday. leader said at least 15 temples "We have also arrested a YANGON: The UN and rights Scores of people attacked were vandalised and numer- 30-year-old Hindu man for groups are pressuring the Myan- the places of worship late ous Hindu idols were smashed the Facebook post. He'll be mar government to conduct an Sunday in the eastern town of during the hour-long charged with breaching inter- independent probe into allega- Nasirnagar after a local Hindu rampage. net laws," Nasirnagar police A boy walks past the fishing boats that just returned from tions that soldiers are killing and fisherman allegedly posted an "They vandalised 200 chief Abdul Kader said, add- Scarborough Shoal, as they are docked at the coastal village torturing Muslim villagers in west- edited photo on social media Hindu houses and set eight ing the post had already been in Pangasinan, yesterday. ern Rakhine State. of a Hindu deity inside the shops on fire. At least 150 men taken down. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday that satellite imagery shows evidence of fire- related destruction in the villages of Kyetyoepyin, Ngar Sar Kyu and Officials urge calm ahead of Jakarta election protest Warpaik in Maungdaw Township on October 22. It demanded the government Jakarta streets on Friday to protest rivalries exist, but after elec- Protest organiser the thousands of police and mili- to allow the UN to assist in inves- Reuters against the incumbent, who is tions, we must stand together Islamic Defenders Front, a tary personnel to provide tigating the reported destruction a Christian and the first ethnic to build the nation," President small hardline group, is known security on the day of the of villages. Chinese in the job, after he Joko Widodo said, with top for violent protests and attacks protest. “New satellite images reveal op Indonesian officials made comments about the opposition official Prabowo against minorities since it was The post of Jakarta gover- destruction in Rakhine State that yesterday called for calm Islamic holy book, the Quran. Subianto. formed in 1999. nor is a prestigious role that is demands an impartial and inde- Tahead of a planned pro- But political, security, and Earlier yesterday, in It has also frequently pro- sometimes seen as a stepping pendent investigation, something test by hardline Muslim groups religious figures in the world's response to a question about tested against Jakarta governor stone to a higher political the Burmese government has yet that has fuelled concern over largest Muslim-majority nation the planned protest, Widodo Basuki Tjahja Purnama, known office. religious and ethnic tension in have urged demonstrators to said, "Protesting is a democratic locally as "Ahok". President Widodo served as to show it is capable of doing,” the run-up to next year's elec- protest peacefully. right and the government guar- The group made no imme- Jakarta governor for 1-1/2 years said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia tion of the capital's. "I, along with religious and antees the right to express diate comment in response to before running for, and win- director at HRW. Thousands of hardline Mus- political figures, have been opinions, but also prioritises the officials' call for calm. ning, the presidency in the year lims are expected to take to the cooling sentiment...because public order." The government will deploy 2014. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 PAKISTAN 13 Pakistan detains 1,500 opposition activists

Islamabad Massive rally to Khattak if he arrived in the AP capital formally but that he Pakistan Tehreek-e- would be dealt with strictly if he Insaf Party led the protesters. akistani police (Movement of Yesterday, a Pakistani court launched a nation- Justice), led-by barred Khan's followers from wide crackdown cricketer-turned demonstrating on Islamabad overnight, arresting at politician Imran Khan streets, restricting the rally to least 1,500 supporters has called for massive within the limits of a city park, Pof cricketer-turned-politician said government prosecutor Sad- street demonstrations Imran Khan ahead of an oppo- dique Awan. As of last week, the tomorrow, sition rally planned later this government has already week in Islamabad, officials said threatening to lock enforced a two-month ban on yesterday. down Islamabad in a street rallies in the capital. The arrests followed inter- bid to force Sharif to Khan's attorney Babar Awan mittent clashes over the resign. said the party would appeal. The weekend between Khan's sup- party has called for massive porters and riot police in the street demonstrations tomorrow, Supporters of the opposition party Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) clash with police during a march to capital that saw police using tear Nawaz Sharif. threatening to lock down Islam- the capital, in Swabi, yesterday. gas and batons to fight stone- Pakistani Interior Minister abad in a bid to force Sharif to throwing activists. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had resign. were named as holders of off- Panamanian law firm Mossack based on tips and information The violence erupted again warned on Sunday that the gov- Sharif has been under pres- shore bank accounts in leaked Fonseca. about planned violence, said yesterday when police fired tear ernment would extend protocol sure after his family members financial documents from Police have conducted raids government spokesman Zaeem gas on nearly 3,000 supporters Qadri. Those who pledge not to on a main highway some 80km take part in violent actions are northwest of Islamabad. released, while those considered Khan's party rules in the Police personnel trained on how to deal with rioters a threat remain in custody pend- northwestern Khyber ing charges, he said. Pakhtunkhwa province and its Rawalpindi special anti-riot training on how Police Lines Headquarters. City Police Officer (CPO) Israr Two security officials, speak- chief minister, Pervez Khattak, Internews to stay safe and handle rioters During the sessions, the Ahmed Khan Abbasi briefed the ing on condition of anonymity and some cabinet ministers led in case of violence. officials are being trained on participants of a training session because they were not author- the protesters. he Rawalpindi police have Anti-riot experts have how to protect themselves from on Monday. ized to talk to the media, said the Police official Hussain Awan been put on a high alert to been imparting training to the protesters in case the latter The CPO asked the police- number of those arrested over- said the protesters pelted police Tdeal with unruly protest- non-operational staff posted turned violent during the PTI men to show courage and night ranges between 1,500 and with stones and bricks, burned ers as even non-operational at police stations and sub divi- planned ‘lockdown’ of Islama- perform their duty without any 1,800. Punjab provincial law several vehicles and chanted slo- policemen are being given sional police offices at the bad. A police spokesman said fear. minister Rana Sanaullah said 838 gans against Prime Minister supporters were arrested.

4 more Karachi areas under Pakistan upset at property tax net being sidelined in

Lahore Internews talks; warns Taliban SINDH PROVINCE govern- ment has brought residential, Islamabad commercial and industrial AP The Pakistani government properties in four more areas warned the Taliban that of the metropolis under the wo senior Taliban figures unless they consult with tax net and sent challans to said that Pakistan issued Islamabad during the owners. Ta stark warning to the negotiations all top Blocks of Surjani Town, militant group, apparently sur- Taliban leaders will be Gadap (including areas adja- prised and angered over being forced to leave Pakistan cent to Gulshan-i-Maymar, excluded from the insurgents' along with their families. Ahsanabad, parts of Bin secret talks with the Afghan Qasim and Hawkesbay hous- government. ing colonies are the four new They said the Pakistani gov- areas where the provincial ernment warned the Taliban Salam Hanifi and Mullah Jan government had imposed that unless they consult with Mohammed, both former min- property tax from the current Afghan security forces inspect the site of a suicide bombing that targeted a gathering of the Islamabad during the negotia- isters in the Taliban financial year. local tribal elders in Chaparhar district of Nangarhar province, yesterday. tions all top Taliban leaders will government, and Maulvi Sha- Previously, these areas be forced to leave Pakistan habuddin Dilawar, a former were considered as under- along with their families. ambassador to Saudi Arabia developed and, therefore, The Islamabad ultimatum and Pakistan . They arrived the property tax was not Six dead in IS suicide bombing was given last week to a three- from Qatar two weeks ago, enforced there. Declaring person Taliban delegation apparently aiming to smooth new rating areas, a notifi- visiting Pakistan from Qatar, Pakistan's ruffled feathers after cation issued by the Sindh Jalalabad government and civilians as President Ashraf Ghani said in where the militant group's it was revealed that the Taliban government made owners AFP Afghan forces, backed by Nato a statement, condemning the political office is located, said held secret talks with the of the property units in these air strikes, step up anti-IS oper- carnage. "Terrorists will never the two Taliban figures. They Afghan government in Septem- areas liable to pay tax at the suicide bomber yesterday ations in Nangarhar. succeed in their ominous mis- spoke to The Associated Press ber and October. prevalent rate. killed at least six people "Six civilians were killed and sion to destroy the country." on condition of anonymity Under pressure from both Aat a gathering of tribal six others were wounded in the The Syria-headquartered because they were not author- Washington and Kabul to get elders in eastern Afghanistan, suicide attack on a gathering of Islamic State group claimed ised to discuss the talks. the Taliban to the negotiating Minar-e- Pakistan officials said, with Islamic State elders in Jalalabad," provincial responsibility for the attack in a Pakistan's government table, Islamabad has been frus- (IS) claiming the latest direct spokesman Ataullah Khogyani statement, adding the bombing declined to comment on Mon- trated by the refusal of Taliban to get a major assault on civilians. said. A police spokesman con- left 15 people dead and 25 oth- day. It denies Afghan accusations leaders living in Pakistan to facelift The bomber detonated his firmed the toll, adding the ers wounded. Insurgent groups that Islamabad is providing a safe participate in talks. explosives as the elders gath- wounded had been taken to in Afghanistan are known to haven to the Taliban. "We won't The three Taliban repre- ered to seek aid for hospital. The powerful bomb exaggerate battlefield claims. communicate with the Taliban sentatives are now in Quetta, A MAJOR overhaul of Minar- war-displaced families in Jala- ripped through the facade of the Taliban fighters are active through the media. I have no the capital of Pakistan's south- e-Pakistan (the tower of labad, the capital of Nangarhar building, leaving it littered with in Nangarhar, but the province comment to make," said Sartaj west Baluchistan province, to Pakistan) is under way as province which is a hotbed of IS shredded debris. also faces an emerging threat Aziz, a government adviser on brief other leaders of the group part of the Greater Iqbal militancy. "Terrorist groups can give from IS loyalists who are mak- foreign affairs. about their discussions with Park project. Although sev- The group appears to be people nothing other than ing gradual inroads in The three members of the Pakistani officials, said the two eral minor repair works on intensifying attacks against the destruction, death and fear," Afghanistan. Taliban delegation are Mullah Taliban figures. the monument have taken place in the past, work being carried out at present is the greatest effort to restore the original shape and colour of Four civilians dead in Indian cross-border fire: Islamabad Minar-e-Pakistan. The incumbent govern- ment aims to replace the Muzaffarabad province, Pakistani officials said. at 8 am and continued through by carrying out strikes across the was expelling a Pakistani visa decades old elevator installed AFP "At least four people includ- Monday with no break. Adnan heavily-militarised border, official for suspected spying, in the tower, while also pol- ing a woman were killed and six Khursheed, another local offi- although Islamabad denies these with Islamabad responding by ishing white marble of the akistan accused India yes- others were injured when Indian cial, confirmed the firing and took place. Tensions were sending back an Indian diplo- structure, which had turned terday of killing four troops opened fire across the casualties. already high before the army mat in an apparent tit-for-tat yellow over time. Pcivilians and wounding six border in Nakyal sector," local Relations between the two base attack over the July 8 death move. Kashmir has been Habib Construction Serv- others in cross-border fire, amid official Zeeshan Nisar said. countries have plummeted in of a popular militant leader, with divided between India and ices General Manager heightened tensions between the Nakyal lies on the Line of Con- recent months, with India blam- nearly 90 people killed in clashes Pakistan since their independ- Mukhtar Nazir said artisans nuclear-armed rivals. trol, the de facto border between ing Pakistani militants for a raid with security forces in Indian- ence from Britain in 1947. Both and labourers were working The incident occurred near India and Pakistan in the dis- on an army base in its part of administered Kashmir since claim the territory in full and hard to restore the original the border dividing Indian-held puted Himalayan state. He said Kashmir in September that killed then. have fought two wars over the glory of Minar-e-Pakistan. Kashmir from Pakistan's Punjab the cross-border firing started 19 soldiers. India said it responded Last week New Delhi said it mountainous region. 14 INDIA TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Kejriwal alleges judges' phones being tapped

New Delhi "Independence of judiciary IANS Phone tapping is paramount. If true, phone tap- Even if a judge has ping would be the biggest indulged in any assault on the independence of haring the dais with judiciary," he said. Prime Minister Naren- wrongdoing, even On the alleged delay in fill- dra Modi, Delhi Chief that doesn't justify ing up judicial appointments, he Minister Arvind Kejri- phone tapping. said the delay is "giving rise to wal yesterday made a Other means can be rumours". "There are rumours Sstunning allegation — that the used to gather that only because certain min- phones of judges of the Supreme evidence against ister's (preferred) men will not Court and High Courts were be given the opportunity, the being tapped. Union Law Min- them. Centre is not implementing the ister Ravi Shankar Prasad recommendations - and similar strongly denied the allegation. Even 001 percent such rumours. Such rumours are Police and bystanders gathering at the site where eight SIMI activists were killed by Special Kejriwal, in his address at the of executive dangerous for democracy." 50th anniversary celebration of interference is not "Even 001 percent of exec- Task Force police at the hillocks of Acharpura village, near Bhopal, yesterday. Delhi High Court here, said if good for judiciary. utive interference is not good for allegations of tapping were true, judiciary. Since executive is then it would be tantamount to very, very powerful, an inde- 8 SIMI activists shot dead after jailbreak the biggest assault on independ- happen, they said from the pendent judiciary is paramount ence of the judiciary. Supreme Court to the High Court for keeping checks and bal- Bhopal ropes made out of bed spreads Chaudhary said villagers With Modi, Delhi Lt Gover- and District Courts, all of the ances," said Kejriwal. IANS and escaped out of the Bhopal informed them about the pres- nor Najeeb Jung, and Chief judges' phones are being tapped," He also called for a law to Central Jail early in the morning. ence of some suspicious men Justice of India TS Thakur among said the Chief Minister, who has ensure implementation of the olice yesterday shot dead A high alert was immediately washing their faces in a pond. others seated on the dias, Kejri- attacked the Central govern- Collegium's recommendations eight under trial activists sounded through out the state. Chaudhary said police sur- wal, who spoke first, focused ment, especially the Prime within 48 hours after they are Pof the banned Students Police also sealed all state rounded the men and asked most of his around 10-minute Minister, on a number of occa- sent to the Centre, as well as Islamic Movement of India borders as a manhunt was them to surrender. speech on the issue of phone sions for allegedly trying to clip codifying the relation between (SIMI) in an alleged gun battle, launched to nab the escapees, "They fired at us and all tapping. the wings of his government. the executive and the judiciary. hours after they escaped from Home Minister Bhoopendra eight were killed in the cross- He also questioned the Cen- "I don't know if this (phone Jung, who spoke next and has a high-security jail here. Singh said. fire." It was not immediately tre's delay in implementing the tapping) is true, but if it is true, been in a running battle with the Opposition parties, including Four of the inmates were clear how the escapees acquired Supreme Court Collegium's rec- then this is very dangerous. In Chief Minister, did not refer to the Congress, questioned the accused of being involved in firearms. ommendations for filling up such a scenario all the judges Kejriwal's speech during his government's claim, hinting that dacoity, loot and treason. They "These terrorists were not vacancies in the courts. can be influenced. Even if a brief address. the shootout may have been had earlier escaped from only a threat to the state but also Kejriwal said during his con- judge has indulged in any Union Minister Prasad, staged. Police said the members Khandwa Jail and were later to the entire nation. They were versation with some judges he wrongdoing, even that doesn't whose turn was next, categori- of the banned Islamist outfit arrested from Odisha. probably plotting a terror "heard" two judges telling each justify phone tapping. Other cally denied Kejriwal's claims allegedly killed a police head After an eight-hour search, attack," Chouhan said. other not to talk over the phone means can be used to gather evi- of phone tapping and asserted constable with a sharpened police said, the terrorists were The Chief Minister said the "because the phones are being dence against them," said that the Modi government is spoon, took another guard cornered in a village, Achapura, National Investigation Agency tapped". Kejriwal, leading to loud mur- committed towards independ- hostage, broke the gates of their about 30 km north of Bhopal. (NIA) would probe the jailbreak "When I said that this cannot murs among the audience. ence of the judiciary. cell, scaled high walls using Bhopal police chief Yogesh incident. "

Soldier and woman dead in border firing NEWS BYTES

Jammu incidents occurred in Rajouri and Border tense The Uri attack prompted the police officer said. MoU signed for IANS Poonch districts on the LoC that Indian Army to carry out a sur- Heightened border tensions divides Jammu and Kashmir India and Pakistan have gical strike that destroyed seven between the two countries have setting up techno between the two countries. accused each other of terror launch pads and killed an forced many residents of fron- park in Ramallah soldier and a woman were The spokesman said the regularly violating the unknown number of terrorists tier villages to migrate to safer killed yesterday in firing Pakistan Army used 82 mm mor- ceasefire agreement and their sympathisers in Paki- locations. Aby the Pakistan Army tar shells and automatic between them to maintain stan-administered Kashmir, Residents of border villages INDIA and Palestine across the de-facto border in weapons to target Indian posi- peace at the border and across the LoC. close to the IB celebrated a sub- yesterday signed a memo- Jammu and Kashmir, officials tions on the LoC and the soldier the LoC. Earlier yesterday, Pakistan dued Diwali, away from home. randum of understanding said. and the woman were killed in Rangers indulged in shelling and Pakistan troops have been indis- (MoU) for setting up a Pal- Two more soldiers and the Tarkundi sector of Rajouri. firing on the International Bor- criminately targeting their estine-India Techno Park another woman were injured in The deceased woman was violating the ceasefire agreement der (IB) in R.S.Pura, Suchetgarh homes, cattle and crops. in Ramallah, the Exter- the latest violation by the Paki- identified as Towseer Bi, 50. The between them to maintain peace and Hira Nagar sectors of Jammu Authorities have set up tem- nal Affairs Ministry said. stan Army of the 2003 ceasefire identity of the slain soldier was at the border and the LoC. division. porary accommodations — in In a statement here, agreement to maintain peace at not immediately known. Border skirmishes intensi- "Pakistan Rangers fired mor- educational institutions, rural the ministry said that borders and along the Line of The Indian Army retaliated fied after Pakistani militants tars and used automatic development department build- during the visit of Presi- Control (LoC), a police spokes- to the firing "effectively", said the attacked a military base in weapons to target civilian and ings and community halls — for dent Pranab Mukherjee to man said. spokesman. Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, kill- Border Security Force (BSF) hundreds of border residents in Palestine in October last The spokesman said the India and Pakistan have ing 19 Indian soldiers on facilities in R S Pura, Suchetgarh Jammu, Samba and Kathua year, the announcement fresh cross-border firing accused each other of regularly September 18. and Hira Nagar sectors," another districts. for setting up of park was made. According to the statement, India has announced a grant of Run for Unity Andhra & Telangana are most $12m for setting up the park with payment of $3m each on half-yearly basis business-friendly states for two years. Missing JNU New Delhi been competing in implement- "The important lesson of this student's mother IANS ing reforms," Commerce Minister report is how doing business is Nirmala Sitharaman said while getting decentralised and meets Kejriwal releasing the report here. unleashing the economic might ndhra Pradesh and Tel- "Telangana was at 13 last of India," Ahmad said, adding THE mother of missing angana are the new joint year; Haryana (at 6th position this that "Brazil and Russia are the JNU student Najeeb Ahmed Atop-ranked states this year) was ranked 14 and Uttara- other two big countries that are yesterday met Delhi Chief year in terms of ease of doing khand was at 23 (at 9th position also moving at a sub-national Minister Arvind Kejriwal business, even as the north-east- this year)," she said to illustrate level like India". who assured that his gov- ern region continues to lag at the the competition among states. The parameters by which the ernment will use all its bottom of the pyramid, says a "While only seven states states have been ranked are sin- resources to trace her son. report released yesetday. implemented more than 50 per gle-window system for Ahmad, an M.Sc first-year While Gujarat, Chhattisgarh cent of the reforms in question approvals, tax reforms, con- student, has been missing and Madhya Pradesh figure in last year, this time 18 states have struction permits, environment for the last 17 days, follow- the top five, Haryana, Jharkhand, implemented more than that and labour reforms, inspection ing an alleged altercation Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and among the 340 reform items reforms and paperless courts. with some ABVP students. Maharashtra are the other states listed," Sitharaman said. However, the north-eastern "I am with you and among the top 10 this year. "Last year, not a single state states continue to rank at the will do whatever is Prepared by the Centre in had implemented 75 per cent of bottom of the pyramid, scoring required to help trace him. collaboration with the World the reforms listed, whereas this as low as 0.30 per cent in terms It's a very serious mat- Bank, the "Assessment of State year more than 15 states have of implementing reforms for ter and the government Implementation of Business done so," she added. ease of doing business. will not let you down, Reforms, 2016", is based on a At least 32 states and UT "The north-east, Jammu and and use all its resources ranking by the Department of administrations have submitted Kashmir and some union terri- available to help you out," Industrial Policy and evidence of implementation of tories need a lot of attention," Kejriwal told Najeeb's Promotion. 7,124 reforms, a Union Com- Sitharaman said. mother, Fatima Nafees, The report tracks the level merce Ministry release here said. According to the report, who accompanied by Youth taking part in the 'Run for Unity' which was held of implementation of norms by World Bank Country Direc- Tripura scored the highest Ahmed's relatives. to mark National Unity Day and flagged off by Prime states, making it easier to do tor Junaid Ahmad said the latest among the north-eastern states business there. ranking showed that the low- with 16.67 per cent reforms and Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi, yesterday. "This is the second year of the income states have was ranked at 22nd position for report and the states have really outperformed the others. 2016. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 EUROPE 15 New battles loom in Spain as Rajoy sworn in

Madrid —his taxation and spending AFP Back in power plans, he will still face scrutiny from the European Union which Leader of the pain's conservative will want to know how Spain will conservative party is leader Mariano Rajoy reduce its structural deficit to was sworn in yesterday set to spend the next below three percent of GDP for for a second term as three days forming a 2017. But it may prove impossi- prime minister, bring- new cabinet for his ble for Rajoy to secure enough Sing a close to 10 months of minority government. parliamentary support while political limbo. "I swear to faith- Rajoy faces meeting the terms laid down by fully fulfil the obligations of unprecedented Brussels. prime minister and to show loy- opposition as Spain To slash the deficit Rajoy will alty to the king," Rajoy said with either have to cut spending by grapples with painful his hand on the Spanish consti- $6bn angering the left on whose tution, at a ceremony attended economic reforms and support he may depend to get the by King Felipe VI and broadcast resurgent Catalan budget passed — or hike taxes, live on national television. separatism. which could in term anger busi- Rajoy, leader of the conserv- nesses and jeopardise ative Popular Party (PP), is set to reforms and resurgent Catalan investment. spend the next three days form- separatism. When the PP ruled Spain has the second high- ing a new cabinet for his from 2011 to 2015, it enjoyed an est unemployment rate in the EU hard-won minority absolute majority in — second only to Greece — at government. parliament. 18.9 percent, which coupled with A senior party source said he Now, it must govern with 137 a pensions crisis threatens frag- was staying tight-lipped about of 350 MPs, meaning that it will ile growth. his cabinet picks, planning to have to negotiate with the Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (left) takes his oath in the presence of King Felipe VI Alongside the economy, notify ministers of their new jobs upstart centrist Ciudadanos, Rajoy will be forced to grasp the during a ceremony at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid yesterday. "a half-hour before". Basque and Catalan nationalists, thorny issue of Catalonia, Spain's The comeback follows a vic- and the main opposition Social- wealthy northeastern region torious confidence vote in ists on every bill it seeks to pass. coming first. New elections in controversial figure for his after that will be to submit a where an independence move- parliament on Saturday — only Rajoy, 61, has been at the June once again failed to produce efforts to tighten the legal noose budget to parliament for ment has gathered pace since he possible because Spain's Social- helm of a provisional govern- a clear winner. Rajoy is expected on Catalan separatists. approval after a delay of several first came to power in 2011. ists (PSOE) decided to abstain ment without full powers for to name his new cabinet on Defence Minister Pedro months — certain to be a head- Catalan regional president and not vote against him. Still it nearly a year following incon- Thursday, with several ministers Morenes and Foreign Minister ache given his lack of a Carles Puigdemont has vowed is clear that Rajoy faces unprec- clusive elections in December approaching retirement age set Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo parliamentary majority. to press ahead with an independ- edented opposition as Spain 2015 in which the PP lost its to depart, including Interior Min- could also lose their jobs. If Rajoy persuades enough ence referendum next year if grapples with painful economic absolute majority, despite ister Jorge Fernandez Diaz, a Rajoy's first daunting task MPs to back — or not oppose Madrid refuses to negotiate.

Dutch taking more time to Four in fight to end EU-Ukraine lead Britain's UKIP pact row London The Hague AFP Tough fight AFP The four in the race are ominations closed yes- former deputy leader Paul THE Dutch government yes- terday for the leadership Nuttall MEP; Suzanne terday said it needed more Nof Britain's pro-Brexit Evans, a former BBC radio time to negotiate a compro- UK Independence Party, in tur- reporter and an ex-deputy mise over a key EU-Ukraine moil after its previous new chief chair of the party; Peter pact, and will keep up intense suddenly quit and the favour- Whittle, UKIP leader on talks at home and abroad ite to replace her was the London Assembly; and ahead of a December EU hospitalised following a entrepreneur John summit. scuffle. A destroyed house in the village of Norcia yesterday, a day after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake Rees-Evans. Dutch Prime Minister Four candidates are in the Mark Rutte has been walking hit central Italy. running to replace the charis- a political tightrope since an matic Nigel Farage, who stood April 6 referendum — organ- down after achieving his life's leadership contest but quit ised by eurosceptic groups Italy surveys earthquake mission in the June 23 referen- UKIP altogether. — in which 60 percent of vot- dum on Britain's EU The four in the race are ers rejected the cooperation membership, when a majority former deputy leader Paul Nut- accord with Kiev. voted to leave. tall MEP, who leads the party in The Netherlands is the wreckage; 15,000 displaced Diane James won a bitter the European Parliament; only one of the 28-member contest to become UKIP's new Suzanne Evans, a former BBC bloc that has yet to ratify the leader on September 16, but radio reporter and an ex-dep- accord, which aims to boost Rome showed long cracks running reconstruction projects. "Not one dramatically quit 18 days later uty chair of the party; Peter political dialogue as well as Reuters through the surface of Reden- cent will be wasted, and we must — before she had even officially Whittle, UKIP leader on the economic and trade tore Mountain near the show that we know how to do assumed the role — citing a lack London Assembly; and entre- cooperation. ore than 15,000 people epicentre close to the Umbrian public works without waste and of support among colleagues. preneur John Rees-Evans, best Even though it was a non- were staying in hotels walled town of Norcia. without thievery, unlike some Steven Woolfe, who was known for once accusing a don- binding referendum, and Mand temporary accom- Italy's civil protection episodes in the past," Renzi ruled out of that contest after key of raping his horse. voter turnout was very low, modation in central Italy authority said more than 4,500 wrote in a newsletter. submitting his nomination A fifth — Farage's former Rutte has been trying to find yesterday after the fiercest people had been moved to In Norcia, firefighters papers 17 minutes late, became aide Raheem Kassam — pulled a way to amend the pact to earthquake in a quarter of a hotels on the Adriatic Coast and inspected the damage around the new favourite to take over. out just before the deadline. honour the outcome. century struck regions already around Lake Trasimeno, close the 13th century Basilica of St. But following an altercation "I'm pleased to confirm that He is suggesting adding a rocked by repeated tremors in to the university city of Perugia. Benedict, which collapsed leav- with a fellow UKIP member of there were no late, or rejected clause about no-military the past two months. A further 10,000 had been put ing only its facade standing, and the European Parliament, he applications," said UKIP chair- cooperation, and no guaran- No deaths or critical injuries up in emergency centres in the the Cathedral of Santa Maria suffered a seizure and man Paul Oakden, announcing tees for Ukraine's accession have been reported after Sun- Umbria and Marche regions, the Argentea, whose belltower was collapsed. the contenders. to the European Union. day's 6.6 magnitude quake, authority said, adding to thou- severely cracked. "We will try MEP Mike Hookem said Bookmakers have Nuttall as In a letter to parliament, partly because many had fled sands already forced out of their to rescue all the cultural herit- Woolfe launched at him and the the odds-on favourite, with Rutte said "only a legally their homes after a slightly homes by August's quake. age that has survived but we are pair briefly tussled. Hookem Evans deemed his closest chal- binding solution that does smaller quake nearby killed Prime Minister Matteo Renzi right in the centre of seismic denied throwing a punch but lenger. Ballot papers will be justice to the 'no vote' can be almost 300 people in August. pledged to rebuild the stricken activity, the tremors are very, Woolfe later collapsed in the sent to members from Novem- ratified by The Aerial video footage areas and make sure corruption very intense," fireman Domen- parliament. Once he left hospi- ber 11, and the result announced Netherlands." released by the fire department did not worm its way into the ico De Vita said. tal, Woolfe not only left the on November 28. "But this takes time," he stressed, adding it was in the country's "national interests to do our utmost to find a solution." Russian families mark Sinai plane crash anniversary Rutte said he had already been in discussions with his European partners, and Saint Petersburg radar. The central Saint Isaac's crew members when it crashed intended to continue the talks AFP Cathedral also tolled its bells 224 in the Sinai desert. The Egyptian over the next six weeks lead- times, while a memorial concert affiliate of the Islamic State ing up to the December 15-16 elatives of some of the 224 was set to be held in the city later jihadist group claimed respon- summit. people killed in the bomb- in the day. sibility for the attack, saying it "Although no formal com- Ring of a Russian airliner The head of the Russian smuggled a bomb onto the plane mitments have been made, over Egypt attended ceremonies Orthodox Church, Patriarch inside a soda can. The commem- the government believes that yesterday in Saint Petersburg to Kirill led prayers for the victims orations in Russia came after such a solution is feasible," mark a year since the disaster. in Moscow. Egypt on Sunday held a cere- Rutte added. Mourners lit candles at a The Airbus plane operated mony in Sharm el-Sheikh with In a heartfelt plea to memorial service at the north- by airline Metrojet was flying the Egyptian aviation minister opposition parties on Friday, western city's Holy Trinity from the Red Sea resort of and the Russian ambassador Rutte warned without com- Izmailovsky Cathedral and held Sharm-el-Sheikh to Saint present. The attack led to Rus- A woman with a baby mourning in front of the foundation promise the agreement could a minute of silence at 7:14 am Petersburg carrying 217 passen- sia halting all flights to Egypt, fail, and offer Russia a vision (0414 GMT), the exact time when gers, most of them Russian one of the most popular holiday stone for a Garden of Memory commemorating the 224 of a divided Europe. the plane disappeared from the tourists heading home, and 8 destinations for its nationals. people killed in the plane crash outside Saint Petersburg. 16 EUROPE TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Hollande's woes grow Georgia ruling as PM breaks ranks party scores win

Paris Power tussle added on Sunday in an interview in disputed polls AFP with the France 24 television Valls' criticism breaks channel during a trip to Africa. rench Prime Minister with French political "I also have respect for the role." Tbilisi (pic- Manuel Valls tradition — in which Is he seeking to discourage AFP tured), fed up or finally Hollande from standing for re- the prime minister's sensing his opportu- election, a seemingly hopeless Valls, a Spanish painter's son eorgia's ruling party has main job is devotion nity, has turned on endeavour according to the who only obtained French scored a landslide win in FPresident Francois Hollande six to the all-powerful polls? Or is Valls simply distanc- nationality at age 20, has never disputed parliamentary president — and has G months from elections in which ing himself ahead of the hidden his presidential ambi- polls, official results showed his Socialist party faces crush- led to a surge in inevitable crash? tions. In 2011, he ran in the yesterday, as the main opposi- ing defeat. speculation about his "It's essential for Valls to dif- Socialist presidential primary tion cried fraud. The trigger for Valls, unfail- strategy. ferentiate himself to prevent but scored a lowly six percent, "Georgian Dream won in all ingly loyal to Hollande since himself sinking with the presi- eventually throwing his support but two of 50 single-mandate President Francois taking office in March 2014, was dent," analyst Bruno Jeanbart behind Hollande and running his constituencies" where a second a bombshell book on the presi- Hollande faces from the polling group Opinion- campaign communications. round of voting was held on dent published earlier this elections in six Way wrote in Le Figaro When Hollande took office, Sunday, central election com- month whose contents continue months in which his newspaper yesterday. Valls was rewarded with the mission spokeswoman Ketevan to reverberate. In "A President Socialist party faces Within Hollande's camp, the interior minister's post before Dangadze said. "Independent Shouldn't Say That", written by crushing defeat. 54-year-old Barcelona-born becoming prime minister in candidates have won in two two political journalists after a premier is talked of as a possi- March 2014 when Hollande constituencies," she added. series of interviews, Hollande is sixty years. His criticism breaks ble "Brutus", a reference to the moved his government towards In the first round, held on quoted criticising judges, the with French political tradition Roman-era politician who the political centre-ground. October 8, Georgian Dream won Georgian Prime Minister national football team and even — in which the prime minister's famously took part in assassi- "It's the first time there's a just under 49 percent of the vote Giorgi Kvirikashvili speaks his own government's policies. main job is devotion to the all- nating Julius Caesar. breach between the president of in a proportional ballot, while during a briefing on the Valls talked of his "anger" powerful president — and has "The boss, until further the Republic and the prime min- the opposition United National results of the second round and the "shame" in the party last led to a surge in speculation notice, is the president of the ister," one Socialist MP said. "The Movement (UNM) came second of parliamentary elections week, opening up a breach with about Valls' strategy. Republic. He was elected," Hol- question is who will it benefit? with just over 27 percent. in Tbilisi yesterday. his political master who is the "I have respect for Francois lande's spokesman, Stephane Le We'll have to watch the polls in For the first time in Geor- most unpopular president in Hollande, he's a friend," Valls Foll, said acidly on Sunday. the coming days," he added. gia's post-Soviet history, the first round also saw a small authorities. "The elections were anti-Western party, the Alliance held amid all-out falsifications," of Patriots, clearing the five- Georgia's exiled former presi- Dutch anti-Islam percent threshold needed to dent and UNM's founder Mikheil enter parliament. Saakashvili was quoted as say- Georgia's Western allies are ing by Georgian television. MP absent as watching closely to see if the But Prime Minister Giorgi strategically located nation — Kvirikashvili hailed "free, fair, hate trial opens praised as a rare beacon of and transparent elections" as democracy in the former Soviet "yet another step forward for Schiphol region — can cement gains after Georgian democracy." AFP its first transfer of power at the "I congratulate everyone on ballot box four years ago. the successful passing of this THE hate speech trial of Dutch According to the results, important democratic test," he anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders Georgian Dream will now take said in a statement. opened in his absence yester- 115 seats, UNM 27 seats, and International observers day, in a case that will test the Alliance of Patriots six seats in from the OSCE, the European boundaries of free expression the 150-seat unicameral Parliament, and the Council of ahead of parliamentary polls legislature. Europe said in a joint statement next year. The super-majority allows that the vote had been "com- Wilders's lawyer Geert-Jan Georgian Dream to form a new petitive and administered in a Knoops read out a statement cabinet and pass constitutional manner that respected the from his client. "It is a political amendments. Not all has been rights of candidates and voters" process and I have decided not smooth sailing for Georgian — while also noting isolated to be present. It's my right as a Dream, however. irregularities and flaws in Geor- politician to speak out if there is After both the first round gia's electoral legislation. a problem in the Netherlands," ballot and Sunday's runoffs, Politics in Georgia is domi- the statement said. "This is a opposition parties cried foul, nated by Saakashvili and Judges arrive at the courthouse in Schiphol, The Netherlands, yesterday, for the start of the question that should be accusing the government of billionaire ex-PM Bidzina Ivan- addressed in parliament, not in trial of Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders on charges of insulting a racial group and inciting massive vote rigging — a claim ishvili who leads Georgian a court of law." racial hatred after comments he made about Moroccans living in the Netherlands. flatly rejected by the Dream from behind the scenes.

Moldovan UK has foiled 12 terror plots since June 2013 presidential poll

LONDON particular that posed by Islamic appealed for tip-offs from the from street gangs to extremists. mainly to criminals using weap- goes to runoff Reuters State in Iraq and the Levant — public on any illegal firearms in "We want to lessen the harm ons to protect against one ISIL — or Daesh in Syria," Parker circulation, stepping up efforts to our communities and to pre- another or to target one another, Chinsinau olice and intelligence serv- said, according to a text of his to prevent what they described vent the possibility of a but we must be clear that one AP ices have disrupted 12 plots remarks posted on the agency's as a "marauding terrorist attack" marauding terrorist attack in the gun in the wrong hands in a pub- Pto attack Britain since June website. "Together with MI6 (the similar to the Paris attacks a year UK," said Lynne Owens, direc- lic space is all it takes to cause MOLDOVA'S presidential 2013, Andrew Parker, director foreign intelligence service), ago. London and some other tor general of the National Crime devastation," she told reporters. election will go to a runoff general of the MI5 domestic GCHQ (the security agency), and major British cities have experi- Agency, which leads Britain's The threat level in Britain is offi- between the pro-Russian intelligence agency, said yester- the police, MI5 has disrupted 12 enced a surge in gun crime in fight against serious and organ- cially set at "severe", meaning front-runner and a pro-Euro- day. "Today the most visible plots in the UK since June 2013." recent months, raising concerns ised crime. "The UK's illegal that an attack is considered pean candidate who both threat is from terrorism and in Meanwhile, the British police that illegal weapons could filter firearms market is still geared highly likely. tapped into widespread anger about corruption. With almost all ballots counted yesterday, Igor Dodon had 48.3 percent, fall- Paris mayor warns ing short of the majority of votes needed for outright vic- tory in the first round. In the November 13 runoff, he will of migrant woes face Maia Sandu who scored 38.4 percent. Dodon's strong result in Calais ballooning makeshift camp in Sunday's voting reflected AFP the northeast of Paris. widespread dissatisfaction Workers in white overalls with the pro-European gov- rench authorities were yes- backed by a digger began clear- ernment which has been in terday clearing the last ing tents and mattresses from a office since 2009. Moldovans Fshacks in the Calais "Jun- street in the northeastern Stal- are angry about the more than gle", signalling the end of the ingrad district, where around $1 billion that went missing camp, as attention turned to the 2,000 migrants have been liv- from the banking system in thousands of migrants sleeping ing under an overhead metro 2014 and accuse authorities rough in Paris. line. Riot police with shields of covering up the loss. The authorities have said sealed off the area during the Moldova's president that nothing will be left of the operation — a prelude to a big- shapes the country's foreign notorious Jungle, home to ger effort in the coming days to policy and appoints judges but around 6,000 migrants until a clear the area, which is a long- major decisions need approval week ago, by yesterday evening. standing magnet for the from Parliament, where pro- But Europe's refugee crisis homeless in the capital. European politicians have a continues to spill over onto the Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo majority. However, this is the streets of France, with the focus has urged the government to Migrant women walk along a street in the migrant camp in Calais yesterday during an operation first time Moldovans have shifting to the plight of hundreds intervene to give asylum-seek- elected a president by popu- to clear the squalid settlement where 6,000-8,000 people have been living in dire conditions. of migrants living in a ers a roof over their heads. lar vote in 20 years. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 AMERICAS 17 Democrats hit back at FBI head over new emails

Albuquerque/Washington Email firestorm probe of former Democratic US Reuters Representative Anthony Weiner, Trump said the new the estranged husband of Huma email cache could Abedin, who is Clinton’s closest epublican presiden- represent a aide and confidante, sources close tial nominee Donald “motherlode” to the FBI investigation have said. Trump pressed his of emails. The FBI is investigating illicit attack on Democratic text messages Weiner is alleged rival Hillary Clinton’s to have sent to a 15-year-old girl Rintegrity as she struggled to get The FBI is investigating in North Carolina. The Wall Street past a new firestorm over her illicit text messages Journal reported that federal emails with just eight days to go Weiner is alleged to agents are preparing to spend until Election Day. have sent to a 15-year- weeks examining about 650,000 Friday’s announcement by FBI old girl in North emails contained on Weiner’s lap- Director James Comey that his Carolina. top for possible links to Clinton’s agency is investigating more email use. emails as part of a probe into Clin- If Clinton wins the election, ton’s use of a private email server If Clinton wins the the controversy could cast a cloud gave new hope to Trump that he election, the over her White House transition. can make an improbable come- controversy could Trump said the new email cache back and win on November 8. cast a cloud over could represent a “motherlode” The Clinton campaign and its her White House of emails. supporters in the Democratic transition. Cummings said yesterday that Party furiously attacked Comey the FBI’s vague statement on new for releasing information that US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves as she boards her campaign plane emails related to the Clinton raised questions but provided no emails. He said “we don’t know at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, yesterday. investigation made it impossible details so close to the election. the significance of this newly dis- for Clinton to defend herself and Some party leaders accused the covered collection of emails,” “basically gave Donald Trump a FBI of a double standard, saying which were found during an unre- a clear intent to aid one political other,” Cummings told CNN, Democrats have demanded softball to hit over the fence.” On the agency was concealing dam- lated probe into the estranged party over another”. referring to a former senior that Comey and the FBI rapidly Sunday, Clinton campaign chair- aging information about the husband of a top Clinton aide. He said, without providing Trump campaign official, Paul work to make public what they man John Podesta and campaign Trump campaign. But Trump seized on the evidence, that the FBI was keep- Manafort. An FBI spokeswoman know about the new email trove. manager Robby Mook questioned The FBI spent a year inves- news to charge that Clinton rep- ing “explosive information” said: “When we receive the let- A source said the FBI had secured the FBI head’s decision to notify tigating Clinton’s use of a private resents a corrupt political system. under wraps about ties between ter it will be handled through our a warrant to examine the emails. Congress of the email review email server, instead of govern- “When we win on November 8 the Trump campaign and Rus- usual process in responding to Daily tracking polls should before he even knew whether they ment systems, while she was we are going to Washington D.C. sian officials. Democratic members of Congress,” referring reflect soon whether the contro- were significant or relevant. secretary of state from 2009 to and we are going drain the Representative Elijah Cummings to Reid’s accusation. versy is having an impact on the Comey was appointed FBI 2013. Comey concluded in July swamp,” he said at a rally in hammered this accusation yes- The US government has race. Early voting means that director by Democratic President that while Clinton and her staff Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Hil- terday, urging the FBI to release accused Russia of a campaign of millions of Americans have Barack Obama in 2013. Cummings, had been “extremely careless” lary Clinton is not the victim. information on Trump and his cyber attacks targeting the Dem- already cast their ballots. the Democratic representative, said in handling classified informa- You, the American people are the advisers’ dealings with Russia. ocratic Party that has led to the Trump had already nar- Comey was under intense pressure tion there were no grounds for victims of this corrupt system.” “Members of Congress release of thousands of illegally rowed Clinton’s lead in national and scrutiny from Republicans in any charges. US Senator Harry Reid, the including myself, have asked for obtained emails, revealing the opinion polls and gone into the Congress after his conclusion in July But the issue resurfaced Democratic leader in the Senate, months for the FBI to provide us sometimes unflattering inner lead in a small number of the that Clinton had not violated the unexpectedly on Friday when accused Comey on Sunday of “a with information as to whether workings of the party. The Krem- battleground states where the law, so he released the new infor- Comey sent a brief letter to disturbing double standard for Trump, Manafort, other associ- lin has denied this. Trump has election is likely to be decided. mation to stave off any accusations members of Congress to tell them the treatment of sensitive infor- ates and the Russian government declined to implicate Russia in The latest emails were dis- from Republicans that he had with- the agency was looking at new mation, with what appears to be have any connection with each any wrongdoing. covered as part of a separate held information. A walk down memory lane Millions pour into Wisconsin’s Washington AFP US Senate race in final days f Hillary Clinton emerges victorious from the November 8 elec- tion, she will become the first woman president in United States Ihistory. A Clinton win would also give the Democrats control of Madison the White House for a third consecutive term. Here are the results AP of the last four presidential elections, including the winner, age, party and percentage of the national popular vote received. MILLIONS of dollars poured Also detailed are the number of electors won in the Electoral into Wisconsin for the final week College, where a requisite 270 out of a total 538 votes are needed of the election, as jittery Demo- to officially become the next president. crats tried to push Russ Feingold 2012: Winner: Barack Obama, 51, Democrat. Won a second term over the finish line in the US after receiving 51.06 percent of the national vote and 332 electoral Senate race against Sen Ron votes, or 61.7 percent. Johnson, one of the key races Loser: Mitt Romney, 65, Republican. Received 47.21 percent of nationwide that could determine the national vote and 206 electoral votes, or 38.3 percent. whether Republicans retain 2008: Winner: Barack Obama, 47, Democrat. Received 52.93 majority control. percent of the vote and 365 electoral votes, or 67.8 percent. Republican presidential Loser: John McCain, 72, Republican. Received 45.65 percent of nominee Donald Trump and the national vote and 173 electoral votes, or 32.2 percent. Democrat Hillary Clinton’s run- 2004: Winner: George W Bush, 58, Republican. Won a second ning mate Tim Kaine were also term after receiving 50.73 percent of the national vote and 286 elec- both headed to Wisconsin, as toral votes, or 53.2 percent. numerous surrogates including Loser: John Kerry, 60, Democrat. Received 48.27 percent of the House Speaker Paul Ryan, Chel- national vote and 251 electoral votes, or 46.7 percent. sea Clinton and Vermont Sen 2000: Winner: George W Bush, 54, Republican. Received 47.87 Bernie Sanders make closing percent of national vote -- 50,456,002 votes—and 271 electoral arguments and urge backers to votes, or 50.4 percent. vote now or on Election Day. Loser: Albert Gore, 52, Democrat. Received the majority of the Johnson has long been seen national vote with 48.38 percent — 50,999,897 votes — and 266 as one of the most vulnerable electoral votes, or 49.4 percent. GOP Senate incumbents this election cycle, but his campaign has argued the race is tighten- ing and Democrats were Election Day promises to be a marathon spending money late because they were getting nervous. Democrats have been count- Washington months promoting their respective tick- is a good state to watch on the presidency. Ron Johnson is in a close race against ing on a Feingold win in AP ets on their own. It’s a curtain-closer on It tends to be quick-counting but the race former Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold. Wisconsin as they eye retaking one doozy of a presidential election and is also close. On the Senate side, if Dem- • 10pm: Polls close in four states, includ- control of the Senate, They must on House and Senate races that will deter- ocrat Deborah Ross wins her Senate race ing Utah, which is an improbable toss-up pick up four or five seats to do rab some toothpicks to prop open mine which party controls Congress for there, it will help put her party on track this year. That’s because Trump is deeply so, depending on whether they your eyelids because Election Day the next two years. A look at how Elec- to regain the Senate. Currently, the Sen- unpopular with Utah’s Mormons, who are retain control of the White Gpromises to be a marathon. Polls tion Day unfolds, using Eastern time: ate has 54 Republicans, 44 Democrats and giving a serious look to third-party candi- House. Both sides hit airwaves open before dawn on Tuesday (Novem- • 6am.: The earliest polls open in scat- two independents who caucus with the dates Evan McMullin and Gary Johnson. with a late advertising push. ber 8), and it will be Wednesday on the tered states along the East Coast. Already, Democrats. • 11pm: Polls close in five states includ- A super PAC backing John- East Coast before the last votes are cast. though, a few hardy folk in three tiny New • 8pm: Polls close in 16 states and the ing solidly Democratic California with its son releasing a six-figure It will be strictly a spectator sport for Hampshire towns will have gathered just District of Columbia, including New 55 electoral votes. statewide ad that appeared to the estimated 46 million people who are after midnight to win bragging rights as Hampshire, Florida and Pennsylvania. Be warned: It can take a while for the concede a Clinton victory. The likely to vote in advance. People in Colo- the first to cast Election Day ballots. Lots of states crucial to control of the Sen- presidential picture to clarify. In 2012, ad by the Let America Work PAC rado, Oregon and Washington have no • 7pm.: Polls close in Georgia, Indiana, ate are among the 8 p.m. states, too. If Republican Mitt Romney was still ahead argued that Johnson needed to choice but to vote by mail. Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont and Democrats were to win in Illinois, Penn- in the electoral and popular vote at win to provide a check on Fein- The presidential nominees, Democrat Virginia. This will be the first opportunity sylvania, Missouri and New Hampshire, 10:30pm; an hour later, President Barack gold and Clinton. Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald to read tea leaves about how things are as well as Indiana, that would point them Obama was on the brink of re-election. Clinton’s campaign also Trump, are expected to vote the old-fash- going. Watch Virginia for an early indi- toward possible control of the chamber. • Midnight: It could well be Wednes- launched its first Wisconsin tel- ioned way, trooping to their polling places cation in the presidential contest. Watch • 8:30pm. Arkansas chimes in, con- day before it’s clear who will control the evision ads of the campaign in in New York and undoubtedly trailed by Indiana for an early indicator in the Sen- sidered a solid state for Trump. House next year. Democrats would need Milwaukee, Madison and Green cameras. Their running mates, Tim Kaine ate; if Evan Bayh can manage a comeback, • 9pm: Polls close in 14 states, includ- a daunting 30-seat gain to take over the Bay. Clinton’s Wisconsin cam- of Virginia and Mike Pence of Indiana, are that’ll be a good sign for Democrats who ing Arizona, Colorado, Texas and 435-seat chamber. paign director Jake Hajdu said likely to vote at home, later heading for are hoping to retake the Senate. Wisconsin. Among the 9pm states, Wis- • 1am on Wednesday: Polls close in the ads, costing at least New York to team up with their princi- • 7:30pm: North Carolina, Ohio and consin offers Democrats their best chance Alaska, which controls three presidential $100,000, were designed to help pals after spending much of the last three West Virginia polls close. North Carolina to pick up a Senate seat. Republican Sen. electoral votes. Feingold and other Democrats. 18 AMERICAS TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Abortion by medication rivals surgery for US women

NEW YORK The national rate is likely option that was not available in Approved in France in 1988, pills. In March, the US Food and Reuters Healthcare even higher now because of new her state four months earlier “a the abortion pill was supposed Drug Administration changed its federal prescribing guidelines blessing.” to be a game changer, a conven- prescribing guidelines for med- Medication abortion that took effect in March. In three The new prescribing guide- ient and private way to end ication abortion. The agency now merican women are involves two drugs, states most impacted by that lines were sought by pregnancy. In Western Europe, allows the pills to be prescribed ending pregnancies taken over a day or change — Ohio, Texas and North privately-held Danco Laborato- medication abortion is more as far as 10 weeks into preg- with medication two. Dakota — demand for medica- ries, the sole maker of the pills common, accounting for 91 per- nancy, up from seven. It cut the almost as often as tion abortions tripled in the last for the US market. Spokes- cent of pregnancy terminations number of required medical vis- with surgery, mark- In Western Europe, several months to as much as 30 woman Abby Long said sales in Finland, the highest rate, fol- its and allowed trained ingA a turning point for abortion medication abortion is percent of all procedures in some have since surged to the extent lowed by Scotland at 80 percent, professionals other than physi- in the United States, data more common, clinics, according to data gath- that medication abortion now is according to the Guttmacher cians, including nurse reviewed by Reuters shows. accounting for ered by Reuters from clinics, “a second option and fairly equal” Institute, a nonprofit research practitioners, to dispense the The watershed comes amid 91% of pregnancy state health departments and to the surgical procedure. organisation that supports abor- pills. It also changed dosing an overall decline in abortion, a terminations in Planned Parenthood affiliates. Women who ask for the tion rights. guidelines. choice that remains politically Among states with few or no medication prefer it because they In the United States, propo- Planned Parenthood said Finland. charged in the United States, restrictions, medication abor- can end a pregnancy at home, nents had hoped the medication both types of abortion typically sparking a fiery exchange in the tions comprise a greater share, with a partner, in a manner more would allow women to avoid the cost from $300 to $1,000, final debate between presiden- up to 55 percent in Michigan and like a miscarriage, said Tammi clinics that had long been targets including tests and examinations. tial nominees Hillary Clinton and remain, innovative dispensing 64 percent in Iowa. Kromenaker, director of the Red of protests and sometimes The group charges a sliding fee Donald Trump. efforts in some states, restricted Denise Hill, an Ohio mother River Women’s Clinic in Fargo, violence. based on a patient’s ability to When the two medications access to surgical abortions in who works full time and is pur- North Dakota. But Planned Parenthood and pay, regardless of which type of used to induce abortion won US others and greater awareness suing a college degree, is part of Medication abortion involves other clinics remain key venues abortion they choose. approval 16 years ago, the boosted medication abortions to the shift. Hill, 26, became ill with two drugs, taken over a day or for the medication option. Of the Despite a landmark U.S. method was expected to quickly 43 percent of pregnancy termi- her third pregnancy, sidelined two. The first, mifepristone, more than 2.75 million US Supreme Court ruling that abor- overtake the surgical option, as nations at Planned Parenthood by low blood pressure that made blocks the pregnancy sustaining women who have used abortion tion is a woman’s right, access it has in much of Europe. But US clinics, the nation’s single larg- it challenging to care for her son hormone progesterone. The sec- pills since they were approved varies widely by state. Some abortion opponents persuaded est provider, in 2014, up from 35 and daughter. In July, eight ond, misoprostol, induces uterine in 2000, at least 1 million got states maintain restrictions on lawmakers in many states to put percent in 2010, according to weeks in, she said she made the contractions. Studies have shown them at Planned Parenthood. both surgical and medication restrictions on their use. previously unreported figures difficult decision to have a med- medical abortions are effective Many private physicians abortions; others have worked Although many limitations from the nonprofit. ication abortion. She called the up to 95 percent of the time. have avoided prescribing the to increase access.

Top US diplomat heads to Howl'oween parade US should strike back at Venezuela to support talks cyber attackers: Caracas dawn yesterday. Maduro’s AFP adversaries accuse him of cre- Policy report ating a dictatorship by blocking top US diplomat will a recall referendum on his rule Washington travel to Venezuela to and of illegally overriding the AFP Asupport talks between legislature, which was taken the government and the oppo- over by the opposition in a he US government and sition meant to ease an landslide election last year. private sector should escalating standoff amid a The opposition insists the Tstrike back against worsening economic crisis. government allow a recall ref- hackers to counter cyberat- The arrival of Tom Shan- erendum on the unpopular tacks aimed at stealing data non, under secretary of state for Maduro’s rule, release dozens and disrupting important political affairs and an expert of jailed opposition activists and computer networks, a policy on Latin America, may help respect Congressional deci- report said yesterday. spur negotiations between the sions. Maduro, who is struggling A panel of experts assem- two sides, which over the years to control shortages of con- bled by the George have repeatedly held talks that sumer goods and soaring prices Washington University Center generated few concrete results. in an unraveling socialist econ- for Cyber and Homeland “His visit will underscore omy, says he is a victim of Security said policies should our support for the ongoing dia- opposition conspiracies to be eased to allow “active logue process, and our interest overthrow him and of an “eco- defence” measures that deter in the well-being of the Vene- nomic war” led by businesses hackers — differentiating that Dogs dressed in Halloween costumes are displayed during the annual Haute Dog zuelan people,” said the State with the backing of from the idea of “hacking Department. The United States Washington. Howl'oween parade in Long Beach, California. The parade, which claims to be the largest back” to disable systems used has for more than a decade Shannon has helped ease Halloween dog event in the world, sees hundreds of dogs and their owners dressed in by attackers. been at ideological loggerheads long-running tensions between colourful costumes celebrating the festival. The panel envisioned with Venezuela’s socialist Caracas and Washington. He measures such as taking government. helped contain fallout from U.S. down “botnets” that disrupt President Nicolas Maduro sanctions against Venezuelan cyberspace, freeing data from and opposition leaders agreed officials in 2015, and last year “ransomware” hackers and to move ahead in talks that spearheaded an effort to cre- “rescue missions” to recover were organized with support ate informal channels of Kirchner testifies in graft probe stolen data. from the Vatican following a communication between the “The time for action on meeting that began on Sunday State Department and top Ven- the issue of active defence is evening and stretched into ezuelan officials. Buenos Aires and a half years of our govern- alluded to the public works long overdue, and the private AFP ment,” she said on social media. investigation Monday at the sector will continue to be Kirchner was the first of 17 inauguration of a project in Bue- exposed to theft, exfiltration rgentina’s former presi- people summoned by federal nos Aires. of data, and other attacks in dent Cristina Kirchner judge Julian Ercolini to give state- “Public works should never the absence of a robust deter- Aappeared yesterday ments in the illicit enrichment again be synonymous with cor- rent,” the report said. before a judge investigating alle- case of Lazaro Baez, a business- ruption, as we see in the quantity “When private sector gations her government steered man close to Kirchner and her of these open cases,” he said. companies have a capability public works contracts to a busi- late husband Nestor Kirchner, “We want to know what to engage in active defence nessman close to her. who preceded her as president. happened. We all want there to measures, they are building Kirchner said she was being The complaint filed by pros- be no more impunity,” he said. such a deterrent, which will persecuted politically and called ecutors alleges that Kirchner Kirchner said that while she reduce risks to these compa- for an audit of all public works was part of a “criminal organi- was testifying in the Baez case, nies, protect the privacy and contracts under both her gov- zation” with other officials another judge, Claudio Bonaldo, integrity of their data, and ernment and that of her working to benefit Baez, who ordered a search of her house decrease the risks of eco- successor Mauricio Macri. repaid the former president by in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz. nomic and societal harm from Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (centre), UNASUR “We want an in-depth renting rooms in hotels owned Bonaldo is leading another large-scale cyberattacks.” General Secretary Ernesto Samper (right) and Vatican's investigation, without arbitrar- by the Kirchner family in the corruption investigation involv- The report follows a wave pontifical council for social communications, Monsignor iness or political calculation, of southern province of Santa Cruz. ing currency operations by the of high-profile attacks against Claudio Maria Celli, during a meeting between Venezuela's whether there was corruption Macri, a conservative who central bank during Kirchner’s US companies and govern- government and opposition leaders in Caracas. in public works during the 12 became president in December, government. ment databases, and after the Obama administration accused Russia of using cyberattacks to attempt to disrupt the November presi- El Salvador arrests ex-president over graft accusations dential election. US policymakers are San Salvador Saca was a member of the A self-made businessman, wedding of one of Saca’s sons. currently financial officials in the moving too slowly in dealing AFP conservative Nationalist Repub- Saca was a well-known journal- Official sources said the suspects government of leftist President with a “dynamic” threat from lican Alliance (ARENA) while he ist before becoming president. were in custody in the premises Salvador Sanchez. cyberspace, former national olice in El Salvador arrested was president of El Salvador He was seen as a strong ally of the anti-drugs squad in the The suspects could face sen- intelligence director and task the country’s ex-president from 2004 to 2009. of the United States during his capital San Salvador. tences of up to 15 years in jail for force co-chair Dennis Blair PElias Antonio Saca and six He was expelled from time in power. El Salvador is a Central embezzlement and money laun- said. “We are shooting so far other suspects including three ARENA at the end of 2009 after The other suspects arrested American country of six million dering, according to El Salvador’s behind the rabbit that we will serving government officials on the party blamed him for its include former public water- people, bordered by Guatemala penal code. Saca was already only hit it if the rabbit makes Sunday for alleged embezzle- defeat in presidential and legis- works official Cesar Funes, 46, and Honduras. It is stricken by facing charges dating to early another lap and comes back ment and money laundering, lative elections that year. and ex-presidential communi- poverty and violent crime this year, when he was accused to where it was,” he said. authorities said. Saca is accused of embezzle- cations chief Julio Rank, 65. involving drug gangs. of embezzling some $4m. However, the panel did Saca, 51, and six other former ment, money laundering and Police said those two were The other three detained His leftist successor as pres- not recommend hacking back officials from his government links to illegal groups, the pros- detained along with Saca in an suspects are Pablo Gomez, Fran- ident, Mauricio Funes, faces “because we don’t want the were detained in the early morn- ecutors’ office said. It give no exclusive restaurant. Salvadoran cisco Rodriguez Artega and Jorge similar charges. He obtained cure to be worse than the dis- ing “on charges of various further details of the accusations media reported that the three Alberto Harrera. They worked political asylum in Nicaragua in ease,” project co-director crimes,” it said on Twitter. for the time being. were there to celebrate the in Saca’s government and are September. Frank Cilluffo said. TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016 HOME 19

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.24 am QA gets Best Full Service Airline award SHOROOK 05.41 am The Peninsula ZUHR 11.17 am MAGHRIB 04.55 pm ASR 02.29 pm ISHA 06.25 pm atar Airways was recently named Best Full Service Airline in Western Asia for Q WEATHER TODAY the second year in a row at the Future Travel Expe- rience (FTE) Asia Awards 2016 o o ceremony held in Singapore. 24 C 35 C Qatar Airways was recognised Minimum Maximum for its outstanding in-flight experi- ence and dedication to premium customer service. Qatar Airways Senior Vice-Pres- ident of Customer Experience, Rossen Dimitrov, said, “It is an hon- our to have been named Best Full Service Airline in Western Asia for the second year in a row by the FTE’s panel of industry experts. Asia is an Rossen Dimitrov, Senior Vice-President of Customer Experience of Qatar Airways, receiving the award incredibly important market for on behalf of the airline. Qatar Airways and this award under- lines our strong commitment to the leading carrier in Western Asia.” and Best Business Class at the Busi- provide a platform for the industry’s region. We are proud to provide the The accolade follows a string of ness Traveller Awards in London. most innovative solution providers very best passenger experience other awards for Qatar Airways in Qatar Airways was also named across Asia-Pacific to showcase their across all cabins as we go places 2016, including having recently been World’s Best Business Class at the latest products and ideas designed together with our consumers. I’d like voted by travellers as Middle East- prestigious Skytrax Airline Awards to help airlines improve the end-to- to thank the excellent cabin crew for ern Airline of the Year at the Aviation 2016. end customer experiences, reduce this distinguished award and for Business Awards, along with being The FTE Asia Awards form part costs, increase revenues and confirming Qatar Airways as the voted Best Middle Eastern Airline of the FTE Asia Expo 2016 and enhance operational efficiency.

DFI to screen Chinese & Hazy to misty at places at first becomes mild daytime with some clouds. HIGH TIDE 06:00 - 17:15 LOW TIDE 12:15 - 23:30 HK films from Thursday Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department

ONLINE CHART BUST The Peninsula Chuck Norris and Nora Miao. An action comedy, the film is about a www.thepeninsulaqatar.com man who visits his relatives at their oha Film Institute (DFI) restaurant in Italy, where he defends MOST READ will screen award-win- them from some brutal gangsters. ning films from China Also on November 4, 7.30pm is and Hong Kong at the the screening of the compelling his- All Woqod service stations 1 get longer hoses Chinese Film Week torical film Back to 1942 (2012) Dfrom November 3 to 7 at the Museum directed by Feng Xiaogang. Starring novel by Geling Yan, the film is Pakistan court clears way for of Islamic Art auditorium as part of Guoli Zhang, Hanyu Zhang and Wei about a devoted couple, Lu and 2 Imran Khan to hold anti-govern- the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Fan, the film is based on a novel by Feng, who are forced to separate ment protest Culture. Liu Zhenyun about a deadly drought when Lu is arrested and confined The selection includes John that wreaks havoc in China’s Henan to a labour camp as political pris- Bryan Adams to Woo’s A Better Tomorrow, Bruce province during the war against oner during the Cultural 3 rock Doha Lee’s Way of the Dragon, Xiaogang Japan. Revolution. Feng’s Back to 1942, Jia Zhangke’s Jia Zhangke’s Still Life (2006) will Gear up for some high-watt- Still Life, Yimou Zhang’s Coming be screened on November 5, at age action with actor Jackie Chan’s TWEET OF THE DAY @peninsulaqatar Home, Jackie Chan’s Police Story and 4.30pm. Making its premiere at Ven- much-loved Police Story (1985), Ann Hui’s A Simple Life. ice Film Festival, where it won the screening on November 6, at The series begins on November Golden Lion for Best Film, it stars Tao 7.30pm. Playing the lead role of 3, 7.30pm with John Woo’s A Better Zhao, Zhou Lan and Sanming Han. the Hong Kong police detective Tomorrow (1986). Starring Ti Lung, Still Life is an evocative drama that Kevin Chan Ka-Kui, it went on to Leslie Cheung and Chow-Yun-fat, is set in Fengjie county, which is win the Best Film honour at the the film has had a significant impact being gradually flooded to make 1986 Hong Kong Film Awards. on Hong Kong’s film industry, and away for The Three Gorges Dam. The special event concludes has been ranked second in the list of At 7.30pm, discover the marvel on November 7, 7.30pm with the Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures. of the historical drama Coming Home screening of the heart-warming On November 4 at 4.30pm, (2014) by Zhang Yimou. Starring film A Simple Life (2011) by Ann Hui. Venice Film Festival. Tickets are watch legendary martial artist Bruce Chen Daoming, Gong Li and Zhang Starring Andy Lau and Deanie Ip, it priced QAR35, and can be purchased Lee’s directorial venture Way of the Huiwen, the film premiered at has won several honours including in person from the MIA Box Office or Dragon (1972) that stars Lee with Cannes Film Festival. Based on the the Best Actress Award for Ip at online at www.dohafilminstitute.com. Nobu to host culinary journey in Qatar

The Peninsula Pearl Lounge and Rooftop, will include unlimited Nobu cocktails and signature canapés. Adding to our Seasons Hotel Doha, an award-win- the atmosphere, Electric String Duo – an acclaimed ning oasis-like property ideally located musical duo from London who have performed on a private beach in the heart of Doha’s with the likes of Adele, Kanye West and John Leg- cosmopolitan city, is pleased to announce end, will play alongside resident DJ Soma The Art – in partnership with acclaimed chef of Nobu: A Culinary Journey Party Hosted by chef FNobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa (pictured), The Art Nobu is QAR 895 per person. of Nobu: A Culinary Journey Hosted by chef Nobu, Located at the water’s edge along the Hotel’s an exclusive two-day culinary celebration in hon- private marina, Nobu Doha showcases chef Mat- our of Nobu Doha on November 23 and 24. suhisa’s innovative signature new-style Japanese Inspired by last November’s extraordinary “A cuisine complemented by an equally imaginative Night with Nobu and De Niro” fete, which was setting in the 26,000 square-foot Rockwell Group- praised as ‘the night of the year’ by guests, The Art designed contemporary restaurant. Offering a truly of Nobu celebration will feature three distinct exclusive culinary experience, found nowhere else, events allowing guests to sip, savour and social- the tri-level Nobu Doha boasts the largest of its ise with world renowned chef Nobu. kind in the world and is the only Nobu at a Four The Art of Nobu includes the following culi- Seasons in the Middle East. nary experiences. Whether dining at Nobu Doha for the first time, November 23; 11am - 2:30pm. or a weekly connoisseur, experience an epicurean The Nobu Experience – Mastering the Art of 7-course omakase menu, exclusively prepared by journey like no other. Don’t miss what will once Sushi & Sake Hosted by chef Nobu, learn the art chef Nobu. The menu will feature Nobu’s signa- again be coined ‘the night of the year’ at Nobu of sushi making from the world-renowned chef, ture new style Japanese cuisine, combining global Doha. Four Seasons Hotel Doha is currently offer- followed by sake tasting at this exclusive event. flavors. The Omakase Dinner by chef Nobu is QAR ing the Bed and Breakfast package, with rates The experience also includes lunch, selected by 650 per person. starting at QAR 1200 per night. The package chef Nobu, and an autographed Nobu cookbook. November 24; 7pm to 11pm. includes luxurious accommodations and full The Nobu Experience is limited to eight guests and The Art of Nobu: A Culinary Journey Party breakfast at Elements, the Hotel’s premiere new is QAR 1500 per person. Hosted by chef Nobu – Experience an extraordi- restaurant, or through In-Room Dining. To learn November 23; 7pm nary evening, hosted by chef Nobu. The event, more, or to attend the event, please call +974 Omakase Dinner by chef Nobu – Savour a which will take place throughout the stylish Black 44948600 or email [email protected]. 20 HOME TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016