BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 8 Pedroza, Topsy Turvy Europe’s economic shine in Al outlook goes from Wajba Cup bad to worse published in QATAR since 1978

FRIDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11088 February 8, 2019 Jumada II 3, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief PM inaugurates key link road QATAR | Offi cial Amir condoles with zAl Majd Road serves as vital arterial route in the heart of Qatar president of Somalia His Highness the Amir Sheikh z Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and Mesaieed, Hamad Port and Wukair road projects also completed His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- By Peter Alagos radical change in Qatar’s demographic. Thani sent a cable to President Business Reporter Moreover, it will foster colossal invest- of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi ment opportunities, enhance exist- Farmajo, condoling the victims ing commercial activities through the of the explosion that took place he inauguration of Al Majd Road provision of direct access to Qatar’s in front of Mogadishu Shopping yesterday, which is part of four airports, sea, and land ports.” Mall, wishing the injured a speedy Tnew roads spanning 195km, It extends from Mesaieed to Al Khor recovery. highlights a major milestone in the and Lusail, connecting the south with HE the Prime Minister and Minister country’s ambitious infrastructure de- the north, while simultaneously facili- of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin velopment programme led by the Pub- tating connections to the west, centre, Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent lic Works Authority (Ashghal). and east of the country via its links to a cable to the Prime Minister Al Majd Road was inaugurated by HE several arterial and main roads that of Somalia Hassan Ali Khayre the Prime Minister and Interior Min- connect Qatar’s catchment areas. condoling the victims of the ister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Al Majd Road is linked to Al Wukair explosion and wishing the injured a Khalifa al-Thani in a ceremony, which Road, G Ring Road, Salwa Road, Al speedy recovery. also announced the completion of the Sailiya Road, Dukhan Road, Al Rufaa Mesaieed Road, Hamad Port Road, and Street, and Al Shamal Road to Al Khor QATAR | Sport Al Wukair Road. Expressway on one end and Ras Laff an Qatar soars in FIFA’s Joining the Prime Minister at the on the other. ceremony were HE the Speaker of the Ashghal said Al Majd Road has seven fi rst ranking of 2019 Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah lanes of free-fl ow dual carriageway Newly crowned Asian champions bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, HE the Minis- from Mesaieed to Al Khor that will ac- Qatar have climbed to 55th in the ter of Transport and Communications commodate over 14,000 vehicles per latest FIFA World Ranking, gaining Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, HE the hour in each direction. 38 places and reaching their best Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al-Ema- It is considered one of the safest position since 1993 – on the back di, HE the Minister of Municipality and roads in Qatar owing to its unique and of their stunning success in Asian Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz international standard design, which Tournament. The Asian runners-up, bin Turki al-Subaie, Ashghal president strategically provides two dedicated Japan, gained 23 places climbing Dr Saad bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani uses a ceremonial switch to off icially truck lanes and fi ve light vehicle lanes to the 27th, whereas South Korea other senior offi cials and representa- inaugurate Al Majd Road. to signifi cantly reduce accident risks. reached 38th, climbing 15 places. tives from the project contractors. In tandem, the truck routes will pro- Sport Page 1 According to Ashghal, construction the construction of Hamad Port Road for a future road expansion to a pos- dustrial, and agricultural trade, and will vide free fl ow traffi c movement for works of the four new roads started in consisting of four lanes in each direc- sible nine lanes or a potential railway contribute to the development of Qatar. the transportation of commercial and QATAR | Sport 2014. The previous two-lane Truck tion. track, Ashghal said. Al Majd Road, being the core of the industrial goods from and to key hubs Al-Khelaifi elected to Route in each direction was upgraded Additionally, more than 13km of Al The Al Majd Road serves as a vital road network in Qatar, will be a key across the country. to seven lanes in each direction, com- Wukair Road was converted to a free arterial road in the heart of Qatar, and component of the signifi cant transfor- Al Majd Road provides effi cient traf- UEFA executive panel prising a dedicated two-lane truck fl ow road consisting of four lanes in traverses from the south of Qatar to the mation of the land transport network, fi c movement, which will be a key con- Nasser al-Khelaifi, the Qatari route and fi ve lanes for light vehicles. each direction as opposed to the pre- north and east to serve current and fu- Ashghal said. tributing factor to reducing travel time president of French giants The project also included the up- vious one lane in each direction. The ture urban communities on either side “It will be indispensable in devel- up to 50% compared to the required Paris Saint-Germain, was grade of Mesaieed Road from two to median along the full stretch of the of it. These communities, according to oping adjacent areas and creating new time for the same trip via other exist- yesterday officially appointed seven lanes in each direction, as well as project’s highway serves as provision Ashghal, will be hubs for economic, in- residential areas, which may lead to a ing roads, Ashghal added. Page 16 club representative on UEFA’s Executive Committee, at the Congress of European football’s governing body in Rome. The 45-year-old had been elected at the end of January at a meeting Morocco pulls out of Yemen of the Executive Committee of the S Africa gas condensate fi nd European Club Association (ECA) which defends the interests of war; recalls envoy to Saudi big European clubs and is chaired by Juventus president Andrea a major milestone: Al-Kaabi zUS lawmakers renew push for penalties against Riyadh Agnelli. But his candidacy had yet to be ratified and was done E the Minister of State for En- which international exploration forms so during the UEFA Congress ergy Aff airs Saad bin Sherida an important pillar that will enable orocco has stopped taking Bourita also hinted that Rabat had yesterday. Sport Page 1 Hal-Kaabi, who is also Presi- Qatar Petroleum to grow and expand part in military action with serious reservations about Saudi dent & CEO of Qatar Petroleum, has our international footprint.” Mthe Saudi-led coalition in Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman’s QATAR | Weather described the discovery of gas con- Al-Kaabi noted, “I would like to Yemen’s war, and has recalled its am- recent tour of other Arab countries, Rain forecast densate in the Brulpadda prospects, congratulate our partners, and to thank bassador to Saudi Arabia. amid international condemnation located 175km off the southern coast Total for the outstanding performance Qatar-based Al Jazeera channel said of the killing of Saudi writer Jamal from tomorrow of South Africa, as an important that led to this important discovery.” tensions have been rising between Mo- Khashoggi in the Saudi Embassy in Is- The Qatar Met department has said milestone. This discovery has opened up a rocco and Saudi Arabia, amid interna- tanbul. According to one of the sourc- “unsettled weather conditions” are The signifi cant discovery was made new play in South Africa where Qatar tional concerns about Saudi actions in es, Morocco declined to host the Saudi expected to aff ect the country from by QP and its partners, led by Total. Petroleum and its partners are well the Yemen war and other issues. crown prince in an unusual snub, citing tomorrow evening until Tuesday The Brulpadda well encountered a positioned to test other prospects on According to a Moroccan government the Moroccan king’s “busy agenda”. evening “due to the passage of an gas condensate play in Lower Creta- the same block. Block 11B/12B covers offi cial, Morocco no longer takes part Reuters adds from Washington: Re- upper-level low-pressure system”. ceous reservoirs. Following the suc- an area of 19,000 square kilometres, in military interventions or ministerial publican and Democratic US lawmak- Rain is expected in the country cess of the main objective, the well HE the Minister of State for Energy with water depths ranging from 200 meetings in the Saudi-led coalition. ers renewed their push yesterday to during this period, ranging from was deepened to a fi nal depth of 3,633 Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi to 1,800 metres. The Yemen war has killed thousands penalise Saudi Arabia for the murder light to moderate in intensity that metres and has also been successful It is operated by Total with a 45% and displaced over 3mn people. of Jamal Khashoggi and address the may become heavy and thundery in the Brulpadda-deep prospect. in Qatar Petroleum’s international ex- working interest, alongside Qatar Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser humanitarian crisis in Yemen, intro- at times – especially on Monday and On the occasion, al-Kaabi said: ploration ventures. This achievement Petroleum (25%), CNR Interna- Bourita said in an interview last month ducing legislation to bar some arms Tuesday, the Met department has “We are pleased to announce the Brul- is an important milestone that re- tional (20%) and Main Street (10%). with Al Jazeera that Morocco’s partici- sales and impose sanctions on those said. Page 3 padda discovery as the fi rst discovery fl ects the soundness of our strategy, in Business Page 1 pation in Yemen had “changed”. responsible for his death.

Khashoggi murder planned, carried out by Saudi offi cials: UN

Agencies projects and allowing women to drive. extrajudicial summary or arbitrary ex- long mission with her team of three ex- The Saudi government communi- Geneva US intelligence agencies believe ecutions, said in statement. perts to Turkey, said that they had had cations offi ce did not immediately re- Crown Prince Mohamed ordered an “The murder of Jamal Khashoggi and access to part of “chilling and grue- spond to a request for comment on the operation to kill Khashoggi, a critic the sheer brutality of it has brought ir- some audio material” of Khashoggi’s report. United Nations-led inquiry into and Washington Post columnist, and reversible tragedy to his loved ones,” death obtained by the Turkish intelli- A Saudi public prosecutor’s spokes- the murder of Saudi journalist say his body was dismembered and said Callamard. gence agency. man said late last year that 21 Saudis AJamal Khashoggi said yesterday removed to a location still publicly un- “It is also raising a number of inter- Turkey says he was killed by a team had been taken into custody over the that evidence pointed to a brutal crime known. national implications which demand of 15 Saudis who strangled him at the case, 11 of whom had been indicted and “planned and perpetrated” by Saudi Riyadh denies the prince had any in- the urgent attention of the interna- mission, and media reports have said referred to trial. offi cials. volvement in the murder. tional community including the Unit- his body was cut up and dissolved in The prosecutor has said authorities Khashoggi’s killing by a team of Sau- “Evidence collected during my mis- ed Nations.” acid. were seeking the death penalty for fi ve di operatives on October 2 provoked sion to Turkey shows prime facie case Saudi offi cials had “seriously under- After denying the killing for two of the 11 indicted suspects. widespread revulsion and tarnished that Mr Khashoggi was the victim mined” and delayed Turkey’s eff orts to weeks, Riyadh fi nally described it as Callamard said that she had “major the image of Crown Prince Mohamed of a brutal and premeditated killing, investigate the crime scene at its Istan- a “rogue” operation and arrested a concerns” about the fairness of pro- bin Salman, previously admired in planned and perpetrated by offi cials bul consulate for 13 days last October, number of senior Saudi offi cials. ceedings for the 11 Saudis facing trial Agnes Callamard, UN special rapporteur the West for pushing deep changes of the State of Saudi Arabia,” Agnes she said. Khashoggi’s body has still not been and had sought an offi cial visit to the for extrajudicial summary or arbitrary including tax reform, infrastructure Callamard, UN special rapporteur for Callamard, reporting on a week- recovered. kingdom. executions. Gulf Times 2 Friday, February 8, 2019 QATAR

Offi cial

Advisory Council QNRF sessions shed light on takes part in Arab Parliament hearing session on Sudan

A Advisory Council delegation, student research initiatives chaired by HE the Deputy Speaker of the Council tudents from local univer- development expertise to the UREP, participants also learned Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Sulaiti, sities participated in two awarded projects. Participants about other opportunities of- took part in a hearing session Sinformation sessions held in UREP will gain experience of fered through QNRF’s capacity- held by the Arab Parliament on jointly by Qatar National Re- team-based research collabora- building programmes, includ- Sunday at the headquarters of search Fund (QNRF) – a member tion with faculty, postdoctoral ing the Graduate Sponsorship League of Arab States in Cairo, of Qatar Foundation (QF) – and fellows, graduate students, and Research Award (GSRA) and the to remove the Republic of Sudan Qatar Shell to learn about fund- other undergraduates or re- Postdoctoral Research Award from the list of states sponsoring ing opportunities and new ini- search staff in Qatar. (PDRA). terrorism. tiatives designed to support the Hussain al-Hijji, vice presi- GSRA and PDRA target out- The session was held based on next generation of researchers dent, QSRTC, said: “UREP is a standing graduate students and the resolution of the Council of and scientists. very impactful programme that postdoctoral scholars to help de- the League of Arab States at its The sessions outlined the has been executed effi ciently by velop their research-based stud- 29th ordinary session to adopt aims of the recently announced QNRF for more than a decade. ies that address specifi c research the plan of the Arab Parliament partnership between QF and The students accepted for this challenges relevant to Qatar. The to remove the name of Republic Qatar Shell to co-fund the programme will benefi t greatly awards aim to encourage tal- of the Sudan from the list of Undergraduate Research Ex- from our technical expertise ented, Qatar-based students to states sponsoring terrorism. – perience Programme (UREP), where applicable, and our state- pursue careers in research, and QNA QNRF’s fl agship programme for of-the-art R&D facilities. provide them with high-quality developing research infrastruc- At Qatar Shell, we champion training that fosters a research, Qatar, Italy hold ture in Qatar by establishing the open innovation and partner- development, and innovation basis of scientifi c research at ships with locally-based re- ecosystem in Qatar. round of political undergraduate level. More than search institutions and univer- Commenting on the gradu- consultations 3,700 undergraduate students sities. It was great to see so many ate programmes, Dr Aisha have participated in the 23 cy- potential applicants, including al-Obaidly, capacity building cles of UREP, with more than students, interested in propos- director at QNRF, said: “Our A round of political consultations 1,000 projects being awarded ing their ideas.” The two infor- GSRA and PDRA programmes was held yesterday in Rome, Italy funding. mation sessions were held at aim to build human capital by between the foreign ministries Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, ex- Qatar University and Hamad Bin supporting exceptional stu- of Qatar and Italy. The Qatari ecutive director of QNRF, re- Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie and Hussain al-Hijji. Khalifa University, a member of dents to undertake graduate side was chaired by HE the marked: “The main aim of UREP QF. QNRF representatives gave research-based studies that will Secretary General of the Ministry is to support the next generation National Vision 2030. “QNRF – achieving long-term economic tunities and developing a holis- details about the grant’s appli- help them pursue doctoral de- of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed bin of scientists, researchers, think- alongside its partners and Qatar sustainability and prosperity. tic support network for them.” cation procedure and encour- grees at approved institutions Hassan al-Hammadi, whereas ers, and innovators to foster a Foundation – believes that in- Our students are our greatest The collaboration will see Qatar aged students to gain relevant inside or outside Qatar, and gain the Italian side was chaired thriving R&D ecosystem in our vesting in our region’s talented and most valuable resource, Shell Research and Technology research experience to build world-class research experience by Secretary General of the region, and contribute towards and promising youth is the key to and, through our programmes, Centre (QSRTC) off er its dy- essential skills for their profes- to polish their personal and pro- Ministry of Foreign Aff airs and achieving the aims of Qatar overcoming our challenges and we are delivering unique oppor- namic world-class research and sional development. Besides fessional skills.” International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Elisabetta Belloni. During the consultations, they MME conducts inspection tours discussed bilateral relations and ways to boost and develop them in various fields, in addition to Qatar takes part in Arab Council meet in Cairo Al Wakrah Municipality’s amounted to QR90,000, discussing the latest regional and health control section the MME said. The section international developments. – conducted 374 inspection also destroyed 495kg QNA QNA topics on the agenda come as part Arab-African Summit, and prep- hance Arab cooperation with all tours at various food of foodstuff found unfit Cairo of advancing the course of eco- arations for the fi fth session to be partners, in addition to continu- establishments in January. for human consumption. Qatari student nomic and social development in held in Riyadh at the end of this ing the eff orts of the Greater Arab These tours resulted Meanwhile, Al Sheehaniya Arab countries. year, which is important for pro- Free Trade Area, follow up the in the administrative Municipality’s gardens delegation in he 103rd session of the Ministers are discussing the moting co-operation between developments of the Arab Cus- closure of a restaurant section completed a Kuwait fair Arab Economic and Social preparation for the economic and both sides through developing toms Union, the implementation for keeping food unfit for number of works at public TCouncil at the level of the social aspects for the Council of joint work plan. of the sustainable Arab agricul- human consumption, the gardens and parks there Arab ministries of economy be- the League of Arab States at its This will positively refl ect tural development strategy and Ministry of Municipality and and also carried out the The Ministry of Education and gan yesterday at the headquarters 30th session to be held in Tuni- on the development condi- the executive plan of the emer- Environment (MME) said maintenance of green areas Higher Education is participating of the General Secretariat of the sia in March, which is one of the tions in the two regions, and will gency programme for Arab food in a statement. Besides, 12 in January. The section in the 2019 manufacturers’ Arab League chaired by Oman. main topics discussed yesterday, strengthen the common posi- security. violations of Law no 8 for planted 63 local trees at Al international exhibition ‘Maker Qatar is participating with through the recommendations tions in international forums. Also, the need to strengthen 1990 on the regulation of Sheehaniya Park and also Fair’, in its third edition, currently a delegation headed by HE the of the ministerial committees The ministers will also discuss the Arab Council for Population human food control were trimmed the trees in some held in Kuwait. The Qatari Deputy Permanent Representa- and specialised organisation on means of enhancing Arab-inter- and Development as one of the recorded, while 11 affidavits places in co-operation delegation comprises a group tive to the Arab League Ambas- the matter. The session will also national co-operation as one of important Arab initiatives in this were signed by shop owners with Doha and Al Rayyan of high school students and sador Hassan al-Mutawa. The follow up on the decisions of the the complementary items to en- fi eld. to address their violations. municipalities. In addition, two supervisors. A number Also, nine complaints the headquarters of Al of activities and events are received by the section Sheehaniya Municipality scheduled during the exhibition, were dealt with accordingly. was supplied with which will run through February The total amount of fines 18 decoration basins 11, in two sections; technological QU hosts open forum on higher studies collected during this period containing plants. projects, and arts. – QNA

atar University (QU) Research and Graduate QStudies section conduct- Police Canine Section sees ed an open day event for those interested in completing their higher studies. The Admissions Department remarkable achievements provided students with informa- tion about programmes, dates, admission forms and announce- ments. The QU Library familiar- in solving criminal cases ised attendees with resources, books and research that enrich the learning process. QNA over the performance of the sec- didates who were sent abroad to The Ministry of Administra- Doha tion, pointing that MoI attaches study in the fi eld of training and tive Development, Labour & So- great attention to this section handling police dogs, he added. cial Aff airs (MADLSA) provided for its signifi cant contribution to For his part, Director of the students with requirements irector-General of Pub- carrying diff erent security tasks. Criminal Investigation Depart- related to external and internal lic Security Major Gen- ment Brigadier General Jamal scholarships, conditions and Top QU off icials during the open day event. Deral Saad bin Jassim There are a number of Mohamed al-Kaabi expressed sponsorship programmes. al-Khulaifi has affi rmed the candidates who were sent satisfaction over the presenta- Professor Mariam Al-Ali al- lectual development.” A series of career. The research and writing who have the admission require- continuous eff orts of the Min- abroad to study in the fi eld tion, praising the eff orts of the Maadeed, vice president for Re- awareness lectures were held on support section from graduate ments that qualify them to enrol istry of Interior (MoI) to devel- of training and handling offi cers and other staff in pre- search and Graduate Studies, the sidelines of the event, such as studies participated for the fi rst in the programmes they wish. op its diff erent security sections police dogs paring the police dogs to carry said: “The Open Day is one of how to prepare for a personal in- time. The graduate offi ce is always and departments, within the on diff erent security tasks. the most important events held terview through the University’s The Doha Institute for Gradu- supportive and supportive of framework of its strategy for the He pointed out that the Police Head of the Police Canine under the supervision of the Career Services Center. ate Studies and Hamad Bin Kha- students from the moment they coming fi ve years. Canine Section has seen a re- Section Major Hamad Lahdan Graduate Studies Programme, Topics also included aware- lifa University were invited in are accepted.” He praised the achievements markable development through al-Muhannadi reviewed the targeting students both inside ness about scholarships from support of the areas of co-oper- Ghada al-Kuwari, assistant of the Police Canine Section of the use of special dog breeds in most important tasks carried and outside the university. QU MADLSA, QU’s scholarship sec- ation between educational insti- dean for Student Aff airs, added, the Criminal Evidences and In- the detection of crimes, prais- out by the section during the has a large selection of interna- tion and QU admissions section. tutions in the state. “We are always happy to meet formation Department during ing the role of the trainers for past year and early this year, tionally competitive study pro- Professor Mohamed Saadoun Dr Ahmed Elzatahry, dean of with students and listen to them the past year. During a presen- their eff orts in training these pointing out that the section’s grammes that are enriched with al-Kuwari was present to talk Graduate Studies said, “We tar- and to provide assistance in ac- tation on the Police Canine skills dogs to achieve the highest suc- canine branch has succeeded in diverse research, to develop the about his experience in graduate get all those who wish to com- cordance with our terms of refer- yesterday, Major General al- cess rates for security missions. the past period in solving many community and help with intel- studies and how it impacted his plete their higher studies and ence.” Khulaifi expressed satisfaction There are a number of can- criminal cases. QFA, Qatar Shell to organise sport spectacular at Katara

atar Football Associa- ness and nutrition habits of an a healthier population for the said in a statement. A variety related games. Children will take souvenirs Barcelona Foundation’s Fut- tion (QFA) and Qatar entire generation of children future,” said Andrew Faulkner, of football and fitness activities These include Robo Goal- back home in the form of pho- bolNet methodology and pro- QShell will offer an ar- in Qatar,” said Khalid Mubarak managing director and chair- for all age groups will play out keeper, which requires partici- tos as part of the Dive and Save vides children with an extra ray of fun-filled family activi- al-Kawari, director of Commu- man of Qatar Shell Companies. in a fun and non-competitive pants to try and score against activity, where participants are 72 hours of extracurricular ties as part of the Koora Time nication and Marketing, QFA. “It’s great to showcase the environment. a robotic goalkeeper defending photographed as a keeper mak- physical education per year. programme at Katara during “For National Sport Day 2019, programme that contributes the goal in a seesaw motion. ing an amazing last-ditch save. Since its launch in March 2013, National Sport Day. Last year, the Koora Time ‘event’ will take to Qatar National Vision 2030 A variety of football and Other activities include Chip Koora Time was developed by the programme has benefited more than 7,000 people flocked community participation to a to a larger audience during the fi tness activities for all age Shot, where up to four partici- Qatar Shell in partnership with more than 20,000 children to the sporting spectacular and, whole new level, and I am really National Sport Day activities at groups will play out in a pants divided into two teams QFA, and the initiative has won across Qatar, and last year’s this time round, the organisers looking forward to welcoming Katara.” fun and non-competitive must chip a ball into one of sev- eight CSR awards since 2014. programme saw a reduction are confident of surpassing this Qatar’s residents to this out- The Koora Time ‘event’ will environment eral football-sized holes. It is designed to improve the in Body Mass Index of 93% of record with the support of the standing sporting spectacle.” be open from 8am to 6pm on Families will also have the health and well-being of young the participants, the statement local community. “Koora Time promotes an February 12 at Katara, and par- Two football pitches, includ- opportunity to participate in people in Qatar through foot- adds. “We are immensely proud active lifestyle among Qatar’s ticipants are encouraged to get ing one dedicated to children fitness classes that will run ball, and contributes to the So- To find out more about Koora of our Koora Time initiative young people through par- there early to make the most of aged 12 years and under, will throughout the day, promoting cial Development pillar of Qa- Time, or to register your child which, over the past seven ticipation in football and nu- a day devoted to the celebration feature several tournaments in a healthy lifestyle for the whole tar National Vision 2030. for the programme, one can years, has transformed the fit- tritional education, creating of sport, the organisers have addition to six other football- family. Koora Time is based on FC visit www.kooratime.qa. Gulf Times Friday, February 8, 2019 3 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

ENTERTAINMENT PAY PROTEST WARSAW CONFERENCE CRACKDOWN Puppets on a string draw Tunisia, union reach deal to Palestinians slam meeting Ex-customs boss among children’s smiles in Gaza raise public workers’ wages as ‘American conspiracy’ 29 in Jordan graft net

A Palestinian puppeteer is tugging at heartstrings Tunisia’s government reached a deal with The Palestinian government yesterday rejected A former customs chief, an ex-minister and a top in Gaza. At a kindergarten, Mahdi Karera, who the powerful UGTT union to raise the wages a US-led conference on Middle East peace and businessman in Jordan were among 29 suspects describes himself as Gaza’s first marionette- of 670,000 public employees, three sources security due to take place next week in Warsaw, charged yesterday with corruption in a case maker, put on a show about the importance of close to negotiations told Reuters yesterday, branding it an “American conspiracy.” The joint involving fake cigarettes, a judicial source said. reading. An opening song-and-dance number ending months of tension in the North Africa US-Polish conference, which was first announced More than a dozen companies and firms were featuring a clown, a cook, a teacher, a boy and a country. Tunisia is under pressure from the last month by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, also charged in the “tobacco case” which media girl, drew cheers and laughter from the young International Monetary Fund to freeze public- will be held on February 13 and 14 and host reports have said had cost Jordan’s treasury audience. “There has never been a marionette sector wages — the bill for which doubled to ministers from across the globe. The Palestinians hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues. theatre in Gaza,” Karera, 39, told Reuters. “Puppets about 16bn dinars ($5.5bn) in 2018 from 7.6bn were not invited to the meeting, though the The suspects indicted by the prosecutor of the have a role: they entertain people — children in 2010 — to help reduce its budget deficit. On Israeli-Palestinian conflict could be discussed. The state security court, which is a military tribunal, and adults. They promote positive values and Wednesday, thousands of Tunisian teachers Palestinian foreign ministry yesterday labelled the include prominent businessman Awni Mutee, Children look at marionette puppets made by change negative ones.” The self-taught Karera has rallied near the prime minister’s office to meeting “an American conspiracy intended to get ex-customs chief Waddah al-Hamoud and Palestinian artist Mahdi Karera during a show created 30 puppets out of wood, foam, plastic and demand better work conditions and higher the participants to adopt the US views on issues former water minister Munir Oweis, in a 66-page at a kindergarten in Gaza City. metal wire in a workshop on his home balcony. wages. of the region, particularly the Palestine question”. chargesheet seen by AFP.

Rainy days Detained Briton’s friend ahead: Met he Qatar Met department has said a rainy spell is expected Tin the country from tomor- row evening, marked by light to moderate showers which may turn heavy and thundery at times — es- pecially on Monday and Tuesday. refutes UAE claims This will be accompanied by strong winds, dust and low visibility, By Anthony Harwood and there is a forecast for windy con- London Correspondent ditions and high seas in off shore ar- eas, according to the weather offi ce. The Met department has urged friend of a British football fan people to be cautious and avoid go- who claimed he was detained ing to sea during this period in view Ain the United Arab Emirates for of the expected conditions. wearing a Qatar shirt laughed at sug- In a report yesterday, the Met de- gestions the tourist beat himself up. partment said “unsettled weather Student Amer Lokie, 23, spoke out conditions” are expected to af- after 26-year-old Ali Essa Ahmed was fect the country from tomorrow charged with ‘wasting police time and evening until Tuesday evening “due making false statements’. to the passage of an upper-level The UAE embassy in London said low-pressure system”. Ahmed claimed he ‘had been harassed “Atmospheric conditions are ex- and beaten up by the UAE national pected to be favourable for scattered football fans for cheering the Qatar rain inshore and off shore, which team at the AFC club tournament. may become thundery at times in ‘The police took him to (the) hospi- some areas,” the report said. tal, where a doctor who examined him This will be accompanied by concluded his injuries were inconsist- Amer Lokie strong winds, which will result in ent with his account of events and ap- rising dust and low visibility. peared to be self-infl icted’. ishable by up to 15 years in prison or a The winds will be mostly south- But Lokie, who spoke to Ahmed in £105,000 fi ne. easterly to northeasterly, with the a seven-minute phone call after his Lokie, from Ladbroke Grove, West speed ranging from fi ve knots to 15 friend was arrested, laughed at what London, who like Ahmed has dual Brit- knots and going up to 25 knots dur- the UAE authorities were suggesting. ish-Sudan citizenship, said: “Ali told ing thundery rain. “It’s shocking,” he said. “Why would me that as he was leaving the stadium This, in turn, will also cause the somebody go on holiday to enjoy them- he was assaulted by security people wave height to exceed 7ft. selves, watch the football, then injure who came up and said he was promot- Meanwhile, today’s forecast says themselves and go to a police station – ing Qatar. poor visibility is expected in some it just doesn’t make sense.” He said they attacked him when he off shore areas in the early hours of Lokie, a computer science student refused to take off his shirt and ended the day. Misty to foggy conditions at Kingston University, got to know the up getting it off him by force. will prevail in these areas at fi rst, Arsenal fan through playing football “When he went to the police to re- followed by scattered clouds later. together and the pair would sometimes port what had happened they said he Inshore, too, it will be misty in meet up. was lying and put him in a cell for two some places at fi rst, followed by mild He said his friend worked hard at a days. He said he didn’t sleep and was Ali Essa Ahmed poses in front of the Qatar flag. daytime conditions and some clouds. chocolate factory in Wolverhampton very confused because they didn’t tell It will be relatively cold by night. and was not a trouble-maker. him why he was being held. sympathy for Qatar in any way; we The minimum temperature is ex- ‘He’s not political at all’ he said. ‘He ‘He told them: ‘ I have come to ask for know that Qatari football offi cials were pected to be 10C in Dukhan and Abu loves football so much, supports Arse- help. I have been beaten up’. But they barred entry into the country; we know Samra today, 12C in Al Khor, Wak- nal and Real Madrid. He’s a very quiet took him back to the prison and told that Qatari fans were not allowed into rah and Mesaieed, 15C in Ruwais guy, and works all the time’. him to admit making things up – which the UAE to support their team, and that and 16C in Doha. Ahmed was arrested after going to he refused to do. They wanted him to local fans threw sandals at Qatari play- The maximum will range from watch an Asian Cup match last month say nobody beat him up and he wasn’t ers during the matches. 22C to 24C in various places, with between Qatar and Iraq being played holding anyone accountable. “Tensions are running extremely Doha expected to see a high of 23C. in Abu Dhabi, as the UAE were tourna- “I am very worried about him. Ali high; and we know what Ali Issa Ah- Yesterday, the minimum tempera- ment hosts. is a simple person – not someone who mad conveyed to his friends and family ture was 9C in Ghuwairiyah and Ju- He told Lokie that he had been giv- makes trouble’. about having been arrested and beaten. mayliyah, followed by 10C in Al Khor, en two Qatar shirts by other fans, one Radha Stirling, of the campaign If he has been forced to recant those al- Dukhan and Turayna, while Doha saw which he was wearing and the other he group Detained in Dubai, said what had legations, and is now being punished a minimum of 15C. The maximum was carrying, when he was set upon by happened to Ahmed was ‘extremely for having reported them to police in ranged from 20C to 24C around the security guards as he left the Al Nahyan concerning’. the fi rst place, it is extremely concern- country, with Doha recording 23C. Stadium at the end of the game, which ‘This is not the fi rst time an offi cial ing.” Qatar won 1-0. government version of events drasti- Former Leeds United managing di- Since joining a Saudi Arabian-led cally diff ers from that provided by an rector David Haigh, who was impris- boycott of Qatar in June 2017 the UAE expat in UAE custody,’ she said. oned in the UAE, said : ”The Dubai jails has made showing sympathy to the “What we know is that the UAE are a cesspit of torture, injustice, dis- New off er on tiny Gulf state a criminal off ence pun- does prosecute anyone who expresses crimination and abuse.” Ooredoo tv Volvo World Golf Challenge oredoo tv customers can now enjoy premium en- Otertainment with an OSN held at Doha Golf Club add-on of their choice, for three months at no additional cost when oha Marketing Services bled the building and strengthening subscribing to an OSN basic pack- Company (Domasco), ex- of relationships between Volvo and age with Ooredoo tv. Dclusive distributor of Volvo its customers of today and tomor- The basic packages eligible for cars in Qatar, held the Volvo World row.” the off er are: Entertainment Get- Golf Challenge, Qatar Chapter, Among the other special prize win- Started, Pehla Variety, Pehla Prime, on January 18, at the Doha Golf ners of this year were Kenza Gilmour OSN Pinoy Plus Extra, OSN Pinoy Club. for longest drive (ladies), Uzma Mir Plus, and OSN TFC Plus. With the participation of 92 talented for nearest to the pin (ladies), Tho- Available OSN add-ons at no golfers, the event was held in Qatar af- mas Aiden for longest drive (men) additional cost are: Ultimate En- ter fi ve years, Domasco announced in a and Paul Kelly for nearest to the pin tertainment, Movies, Pehla Prime statement. (men). Add-on, Pehla Variety Add-on, and This year’s winner, Dean Lavy, sat The event also showcased all the lat- Pinoy Add-on. atop the leaderboard with 42 points est Volvo car models available in Qatar In addition, OSN subscribers on and will represent Qatar in the World including the XC90, XC40, XC60 and Ooredoo tv can now have access to Final to be held in South Africa from S90. OSN’s online on-demand service, March 24-29, 2019. The Volvo World Golf Programme OSN Play, and enjoy live channels With all expenses paid, an exciting dates back to 1988 with over 1.5mn and over 1,000 hours of premium programme awaits Lavy in Fancourt, customers and prospective clients entertainment anytime, anywhere South Africa’s premier leisure resort, having participated over the years in and on any device. Content in- venue for the tournament. the Volvo Cup, Volvo Masters Amateur cludes movies, series, comedy, talk Coming in second was Thomas Aid- and now the Volvo World Golf Chal- shows, Arabic series, cooking, life- en with 39 points on countback fol- lenge. The winner Dean Lavy with Domasco managing director Faisal Sharif. style programmes and more. lowed by Kenza Gilmour in third place “We know value for money is an with 39 points countback. important factor for our custom- Faisal Sharif, managing director, Do- ers, as is a quality product and reli- masco, said: “This ever-growing, year- able service. We’re delighted to an- round activity hosted by Volvo dealers nounce this new promotion for our all around the world gives golfers the Ooredoo tv customers,” Ooredoo chance to participate in competitive Qatar’s public relations and corpo- but friendly and professionally-run rate communications director Ma- events at a local golf club close to their nar Khalifa al-Muraikhi said. homes. Customers need simply call 111 or “With golf and Volvo’s values serv- visit any Ooredoo store to subscribe ing as the perfect common ground, to the OSN basic package and select this unbroken partnership has ena- The participants of the Volvo World Golf Challenge, Qatar Chapter. the OSN add-on of their choice. Gulf Times 4 Friday, February 8, 2019 AFRICA South Africa coal mine blast toll rises to six

By Shafiek Tassiem, Reuters Michael Elliot, said more than to the mine and we have to restore Several people had entered the yers and offi cials from their firms Middelburg, South Africa 20 people were still stuck under- the ventilation to make it safe and mine on Wednesday afternoon and family representatives could ground at the mine in Middelburg once it’s safe...then we will go and to steal copper wires that supply not be reached for comment about and are presumed dead. recover these people that are miss- electricity for lighting and ventila- the mine incident. he number of people killed “As I’ve been informed, there ing,” he said. tion when a gas pipe exploded, po- The brothers — who headed by a gas explosion in an un- are six deceased people in this The mine is owned by Tegeta lice spokesman Leonard Hlati said. what was one of the country’s Tused coal mine in South Af- point in time that have been taken Resources and Exploration, which “The mine is wired with copper. biggest conglomerates — were rica’s eastern province of Mpuma- to the mortuary,” Elliot told Reu- is undergoing creditor protection They were going for copper,” Hlati accused of unduly infl uencing langa has risen to six, and several ters over the phone. after its owners, the Gupta broth- said. former president Jacob Zuma over others remain trapped, an offi cial Rescue eff orts were hampered ers, found it diffi cult to continue Copper is often stolen from dis- political appointments and win- at the mine said yesterday. by dangerously high levels of toxic doing business in South Africa used mines in South Africa and ning contracts. The representative of the credi- gas underground, Elliot said. following corruption allegations sold for scrap. Zuma and the Guptas deny any tor protection team at the mine, “We fi rst have to restore power against them. The Gupta brothers, their law- wrongdoing. Zimbabwe Student protest churches try to broker dialogue

By MacDonald Dzirutwe, during a prayer meeting with Reuters politicians. Harare “Such a dialogue as initiated by the churches will help us to do some serious introspection imbabwe’s churches yes- as we speak to one another. We terday sought to broker stand committed to this process, Ztalks between the govern- set up by the united church to ment and its opponents over a build peace, unity and prosper- political and economic crisis ity.” they said had left the country Some ruling party offi cials Private security guards prevent students from entering the Great Hall during a protest at Johannesburg’s “angry and traumatised”, after have accused Chamisa and University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). The students tried to shut down the university during the main opposition snubbed a his Movement for Democratic the ongoing protests as they demand that homeless students should be provided with adequate meeting with the president. Change (MDC) of only seeking accommodation and students who have historical debts be allowed to register at the university. The southern African nation talks to be accommodated in had hoped to shake off its divid- government, which the opposi- ed past after a 2017 coup forced tion denies. long time leader Robert Mugabe The last time the MDC held from power, but last year’s dis- talks with the ruling ZANU-PF puted election won by President in 2008 resulted in the forma- Emmerson Mnangagwa only tion of a unity government that deepened political rifts. ushered a period of political and economic stability. 4 killed in troubled A security crackdown on post-election bloodshed in Au- Striking a defi ant tone, gust and another one last month Chamisa said Zimbabwe’s po- against violent protests has crit- litical and economic problems ics saying that under Mnan- would not be fi xed until the is- sue of Mnangagwa’s legitimacy Cameroon region gagwa, Zimbabwe is revisiting the authoritarianism that was was resolved. the hallmark of Mugabe’s re- He backed the church initia- AFP Northwest Region have been in scribed Republic of Ambazonia, gime. tive, saying the clergy were in- Yaounde the grip of an insurgency by anglo- which has never been recognised Mnangagwa skipped yester- dependent mediators. phones demanding independence internationally. day’s meeting after initially in- Chamisa said any dialogue from the majority French-speak- Ransom kidnappings and extor- dicating he would attend. that did not involve Mnangagwa our people have been killed ing country. tion have proliferated, along with He was represented by and himself would not succeed. in fresh violence in south- The two regions were previously attacks on troops and police, plus Defence Minister Oppah He repeated demands for the Fwestern Cameroon, where ruled by Britain as the Southern arson assaults on public buildings Muchinguri-Kashiri. removal of the military from the anglophones have launched an Cameroons. and schools. Main opposition leader Nel- streets and release of hundreds armed campaign for a separate They were folded into Cam- The government has respond- son Chamisa, politicians from of people jailed during the mid- state, sources said yesterday. eroon in October 1961, 22 months ed with a crackdown, deploying smaller parties, diplomats, busi- January protests. Two students were killed by after France granted the country thousands of soldiers. ness leaders and several cabinet “We can’t have dialogue while separatists on Monday in Buea, the independence. More than 200 members of the ministers attended yesterday’s other people are in prison on ac- capital of Southwest Region,”in an The separatists on Tuesday security forces and at least 500 ci- meeting, the fi rst such gathering count of politics. As I come to act of reprisal” for opposing the launched a 10-day “ghost town” vilians have been killed since, ac- since Mnangagwa fi rst came to you I am a leader to members forced closure of schools, said a campaign, aimed at closing down cording to the International Crisis power in November 2017. of parliament who cannot even source close to the authorities. Buea. Group think-tank. Church leaders said they had sleep in their houses on account The same day, a soldier was The goal is to disrupt national According to UN estimates, stepped forward to mediate of politics, on account of accu- killed in the nearby town of Limbe, youth day on February 11 — the an- more than 437,000 people have and reconcile political parties, sations,” said Chamisa. a local offi cial said. niversary of the 1961 referendum fl ed their homes due to the unrest. which would lay the basis for the Chamisa, who sat with two On Wednesday, the body of a that led to the regions’ incorpora- In Johannesburg yesterday, 15 recovery of an economy battling cabinet ministers, snubbed decapitated man was found in tion into Cameroon. civil society groups urged the UN a severe dollar shortage that Wednesday’s talks with Mnan- Buea, where shooting was also The unrest in the two regions to probe alleged rights abuses. has sapped supplies of fuel and gagwa, saying the dialogue must heard. His severed head bore a follows years of stalemate over The signatories, including Ci- medicines. be brokered by an independent military beret, witnesses said. demands to tackle perceived dis- vicus and the Centre for Human “Zimbabwe is clearly a hurt- outside mediator. An army offi cer in Yaounde con- crimination against English- Rights and Democracy in Africa, ing, angry and traumatised na- In a speech read for him by fi rmed the account, but gave no speakers. accused the Cameroon govern- tion,” Bishop Ambrose Moyo, Muchinguri-Kashiri, Mnan- further details. In 2017, the anglophone move- ment of “carrying out a systematic who heads the Ecumenical gagwa said his doors would re- Since October 2017, Cameroon’s ment became radicalised, leading and ruthless military campaign” in Church Leaders Forum, said main open for dialogue. Southwest and neighbouring to the declaration of the self-de- the anglophone regions.

Nigeria’s military told to be impartial during upcoming vote

AFP elections since civilian rule was restored in Abuja 1999 but observers say the 2015 election in which Buhari triumphed was free and fair. This time, Abubakar and his main opposi- igeria’s military was yesterday told to tion Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have remain impartial in upcoming elec- accused Buhari’s ruling All Progressives Con- Ntions, as the main parties traded accu- gress (APC) of trying to rig the vote. sations and tensions mounted about possible The APC has countered by alleging the PDP violence and vote-rigging. is looking to foment unrest. Defence spokesman John Agim told report- Nigeria has had six successful military coups ers the armed forces reaffi rmed “its neutrality, since independence from Britain in 1960, lead- impartiality and strict adherence to profes- ing to decades of army rule that blighted devel- sional conduct” before, during and after the opment and fostered corruption. vote. Buhari is a former army general who ousted He promised “zero tolerance to unprofes- the civilian leader in December 1983 and head- sional conduct”, including fraternising with ed a military government for some 20 months. political parties. As civilian president, he has been accused of “Any military personnel who is not on es- using security agencies to target political op- sential duty that is found on military uniform ponents. on election day will be arrested and face the full Nigeria’s military are offi cially uninvolved wrath of military justice system,” he added. in politics but are deployed across the country Africa’s most-populous country votes on to tackle major security crises, including Boko February 16 in elections that see President Haram Islamists in the northeast. Muhammadu Buhari stand for a second term Allegations persist that Nigeria troops car- against former vice-president Atiku Abubakar. ry out abuses against civilians in the areas in Nigeria’s main opposition party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar greets Fraud accusations and violence have marred which they are deployed. supporters during a campaign rally in Lafia. Gulf Times Friday, February 8, 2019 5 AMERICAS

Diplomats US boyfriend of posted to ‘Russian agent’ Cuba sue Butina charged Trump ‘distrust’

Ottawa AFP tions into possible collusion Washington between President Donald Trump’s election campaign AFP and Russia. Ottawa n American who was In Washington, Erickson of intelligence dating jailed alleged helped Butina gain admis- ARussian agent Maria sion to American Univer- anadian diplomats who Butina has been charged with sity’s graduate school and suff ered from mysterious fraud, adding a new twist in they lived together while she Chealth complaints while the sprawling investigations studied and wove her way they were posted to Cuba in 2017 into Moscow’s meddling in through Washington’s Re- are suing Ottawa for taking too US politics. publican circles. long to evacuate them and pro- Republican and National According to the charges poses risk to US vide them treatment, reports Rifl e Association (NRA) op- against her and her guilty said on Wednesday. erative Paul Erickson was plea last December, Butina AFP Trump says probes should ‘never be allowed’ out of love with us over time,” Fourteen people, including charged with one count of worked for powerful Russian Washington former CIA assistant direc- current and former diplomats fraud for cheating investors central banker and Vladimir US President Donald Trump has blasted the Democrats as they prepare to tor for analysis Mark Lowenthal and their families, are seeking in companies he controlled Putin crony Alexander Tor- step up oversight of the president over his finances and alleged links to said. “But the relationship with C$28mn ($21mn) in damages that purported to be run- shin on an explicit mission to he critical relationship be- Russian meddling in the 2016 election campaign. Trump is diff erent. from the federal government. ning assisted living facilities “establish unoffi cial lines of tween President Donald The US mid-term elections in November gave Democrats a majority in “We have never had a presi- All of them have been back in and building homes in North communications with Amer- TTrump and the US intel- the House of Representatives and thereby new powers to investigate the dent stand up with a foreign Canada for a year but still suff er Dakota. icans who having power and ligence community is irreparably president. leader, let alone a Russian leader, from what has become known as He also allegedly cheated infl uence over US politics”. broken, with high risks for the Trump slammed his political rivals in a tweet yesterday: “PRESIDENTIAL and say I believe him, I don’t be- “Havana syndrome”, a mystery investors in a wheelchair de- “Butina sought to use country in a crisis, former senior HARASSMENT! It should never be allowed to happen again!” lieve US intelligence.” illness with symptoms including sign and production compa- those unoffi cial lines of com- CIA offi cers said on Wednesday. Adam Schiff , a Democrat leading the House Intelligence Committee, said Lowenthal said Trump’s dis- strong migraines as well as visual ny, according to the indict- munication for the benefi t of One week after Trump blasted this week that it “began to pursue credible reports of money laundering trust has been “very debilitat- and auditory disorders. ment. the Russian Federation,” the his spy chiefs as “naive” and told and financial compromise related to the business interests of President ing” for intelligence analysts, According to the CBC, which In all three cases, he took Justice Department said. them to “go back to school” for Trump, his family, and his associates”. potentially aff ecting their judg- interviewed fi ve of those aff ect- hundreds of thousands of Meanwhile, based on challenging his views on Iran He said that he would investigate whether the president “acted in service ment. ed, the fi rst symptoms appeared dollars from investors and the Russian connections and North Korea, the CIA of- of foreign interests since taking off ice”, a serious charge. Paul Pillar, a Georgetown Uni- in the spring of 2017 – but they used some of it for his per- he made through Butina, fi cers said the rift between the versity professor who spent 28 say that Ottawa waited more sonal needs, the indictment in 2016 Erickson off ered to two sides had become extremely years in the CIA, stressed that than a year before helping eve- said. set up contacts between the dangerous. diff erent than if there were no Dan Coats and CIA Director Gina setting US policy is president’s ryone. In addition, he was charged Kremlin and the Trump cam- “When you have that open warning at all,” he said. Haspel to his offi ce over the is- prerogative. Questioned on the subject with seven accounts of mon- paign. warfare, it can aff ect intelli- Beebe and other ex-CIA offi c- sue. However, he said, Trump on Wednesday while she was in ey laundering for transfers he According to US media gence judgments and it can aff ect ers were speaking at a roundtable “The Intelligence people seem needs the intelligence commu- Washington, Foreign Minister made using the fraudulently reports, those actions have policy judgments,” said George discussion at the Centre for the to be extremely passive and naive nity’s input into his policy. Chrystia Freeland said the safety raised funds. raised the possibility that Beebe, former director of Russia National Interest, a Washington when it comes to the dangers of “The biggest concern seems to of diplomats remained a top pri- Erickson opened the door Erickson could be charged analysis at the Central Intelli- think tank, following the newest Iran. They are wrong!” he tweet- be Trump’s overall resistance to ority. to conservative circles for with illegally acting as an gence Agency (CIA). public rupture between Trump ed. “Perhaps Intelligence should ingesting new information, in ei- “I am not going to comment Butina, who built a network agent for Moscow, and with When the intelligence com- and his intelligence chiefs. go back to school!” ther written or briefi ng form, and on the specifi cs, but I do want of high-level Republican and conspiracy for his work with munity needs to deliver a warn- Their annual Worldwide Trump has been at odds with thereby overcoming his igno- to reiterate that I have met with NRA contacts between 2013 Butina. ing to the president of a loom- Threat Assessment presented to the intelligence community since rance about many world events,” some of these diplomats and, as and 2017 before her arrest The indictment on ing crisis, he said, you now Congress on January 29 contra- its public report after his Novem- said Pillar. “He has not really I said to them, their health and last year. Wednesday made no direct have a situation where “the fi rst dicted Trump’s claims that the ber 2016 victory that Russia had been tested with a true interna- safety needs to be our priority With her, he arranged for mention of his relation- thought going through his mind Islamic State (IS) group has been meddled in the election on his tional crisis.” and they have my true sympathy a high-level delegation from ship to Butina, who is in jail is, ‘they are playing some game defeated, that North Korea will behalf. “This is another thing to worry and concern,” she said. the NRA to visit Russia in awaiting sentencing. to try to make some trouble for forego its nuclear weapons, and He branded the report “po- about: that the intelligence input On January 30, Canada an- December 2015, where they However, there were hints me’”. that Tehran is actively seeking liticised” and “fake news”, and would be discredited, it would be nounced it had reduced its staff - met with senior Russian of- of a connection: money “If the intelligence community nuclear weapons. later accepted Russian President seen with suspicious eyes, and ing at the embassy to about half fi cials. transfers to American Uni- warns, but its audience for that Trump blasted back that they Vladimir Putin’s insistence that that would impede an eff ective as a result of the unexplained That visit has come un- versity, and to “M.B.”, which warning won’t hear it, dismisses were wrong, before summoning there was no meddling. and safe response to whatever symptoms. der scrutiny in investiga- could be her initials. it, eff ectively, the result is not Director of National Intelligence “Many presidents have fallen the crisis is.”

Democrats unveil clean energy initiative

Reuters Washington

ising Democratic star Repre- sentative Alexandria Ocasio- RCortez and Democratic Senator Ed Markey have laid out the objec- tives of a Green New Deal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 10 years, setting a high bar for Demo- crats who plan to make climate change a central issue in the 2020 presidential race. The resolution is the fi rst formal at- tempt by lawmakers to defi ne the scale of legislation to create large-scale government-led investments in clean energy and infrastructure to transform the US economy. “The Green New Deal fully tackles the existential threat posed by climate change by presenting a comprehen- Markey speaks as Ocasio-Cortez and other Congressional Democrats listen sive, 10-year plan that is as big as the during a news conference in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC. problem it hopes to solve while creat- ing a new era of shared prosperity,” ac- policy was akin to a “Soviet fi ve-year industries have higher wages and bet- cording to a summary of the resolution plan”. ter jobs available to them to be able to released by the lawmakers yesterday. The non-binding resolution out- make this transition, and a federal jobs Ocasio-Cortez has said that she will lines several goals for the United States guarantee ensures that no worker is immediately begin to work on legis- to meet in 10 years, including meeting left behind,” according to a summary lation that would “fully fl esh out the 100% of power demand from zero- of the plan. projects involved in the Green New emissions energy sources. The Green New Deal was put into Deal”. It also calls for new projects to mod- the media spotlight by a youth coa- Republicans have already criticised ernise US transportation infrastruc- lition called the Sunrise Movement the initiative, waving off any kind of ture, de-carbonise the manufacturing and Ocasio-Cortez, 29, the youngest proposal as heavy-handed. and agricultural sectors, make build- woman to serve in Congress. The Trump administration does not ings and homes more energy effi cient, Markey, a veteran lawmaker from believe action on climate change is and increase land preservation. Massachusetts, introduced sweeping necessary and is focused on increasing The Green New Deal also aims to climate change legislation a decade production of oil, gas and coal on fed- create an economic safety net for ago, which passed in the House but eral and private land. “frontline” communities that will be stopped short in the Senate. Doug Lamborn, a Republican from aff ected by a radical shift away from At least a half dozen Democratic Colorado, said at a climate change fossil fuel use. 2020 presidential hopefuls have said hearing in the House natural resources “We ... need to be sure that work- they would adopt Green New Deal pol- committee on Wednesday that the ers currently employed in fossil fuel icies, without off ering specifi cs.

Execution reprieve granted over imam

AFP lem here is that the state has regularly execution chamber, but only allows Washington placed a Christian cleric in the execu- unauthorised spiritual guides to ac- tion room to minister to the needs of company a condemned prisoner to the Christian inmates, but has refused to door of the room. Muslim man on death row won provide the same benefi t to a devout Ray’s lawyers fi led an emergency a last-minute stay of execu- Muslim and all other non-Christians,” challenge to the ruling last week, but Ation on Wednesday when a fed- the judges said in their ruling. it was denied by a lower court, which eral court ruled that his constitutional The First Amendment of the US argued that Alabama could not allow rights had been violated because the Constitution forbids public authori- “the risk posed by allowing another state of Alabama refused to provide an ties from favouring one religion over cleric into the execution chamber”. imam to accompany him into the death another, or from preventing the free However, the appeals court said that chamber. practice of faith. Alabama had presented no evidence The federal appeals court, head- As his execution date approached, of any such security risk, nor why it quartered in Atlanta, granted the stay Ray, who converted to Islam while in would be a problem to train an imam in of execution to 42-year-old Domineq- prison, demanded the right to be es- prison protocol in time for the execu- ue Ray, who had been scheduled to die corted to the death chamber by an tion. yesterday for the rape and murder of a imam. The state of Alabama announced af- 15-year-old in 1995. The conservative southern state al- ter the ruling that it would take its case “The central constitutional prob- lows a salaried prison chaplain into the to the Supreme Court. Gulf Times 6 Friday, February 8, 2019 ASIA Myanmar parliament approves panel to discuss constitution

Reuters ture from green-glad army ap- told the house, announcing that amendments. “We don’t oppose Yangon pointees, who stood in silence deputy speaker Tun Tun Hein, an constitutional amendment,” said UN expert welcomes move to amend constitution for several minutes to show their NLD lawmaker, would chair the USDP lawmaker Thaung Aye. opposition. new committee. “Suitable sections of the consti- Yanghee Lee, the United favour of the committee on three security-related ministries yanmar’s parliament The move comes as both ci- The constitution guarantees tution should be amended in the Nations’ special rapporteur Wednesday. The move was under military rather than voted to set up a com- vilian and military leaders face the army a quarter of seats in interests of the people at a suit- on human rights in Myanmar, backed by members of the civilian control and bars citizens Mmittee to discuss growing international pressure parliament, as well as control able time. However, it must be in yesterday welcomed ruling National League for with foreign relatives from the amending the country’s con- over an army crackdown on Ro- of key ministries. Change to the line with the law.” the establishment of a Democracy, which is headed by presidency, including Aung San stitution, despite objections hingya Muslims in 2017 that sent charter needs a vote of more than The constitution also blocks parliamentary committee de facto head of government Suu Kyi. by military-aligned lawmakers about 730,000 people fl eeing to 75% of members, giving the mili- Suu Kyi from becoming presi- to amend the country’s Aung San Suu Kyi. Charter “The current constitution is against a move that is likely to neighbouring Bangladesh. tary an eff ective veto. dent, with a prohibition on pres- problematic constitution. “The change was one of her party’s not democratic, and Myanmar challenge the army’s power. In a vote among members of Debating the proposal in par- idential candidates with foreign establishment of this committee main campaign promises before cannot be considered a Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling both houses of parliament, 414 liament on Tuesday, NLD law- spouses or children. is a positive development that they won a parliamentary democracy without it being National League for Democracy out of 611 voting lawmakers were makers said there was public Suu Kyi had two sons with her I hope will aid Myanmar to majority in the 2015 election. amended,” Lee said. (NLD) submitted an “emergency in favour of setting up the com- support for amending the char- late British academic husband, truly transition to democracy,” However, the proposal was Lee has been a harsh critic of proposal” last week aimed at mittee. ter and that the new committee Michael Aris. said Lee. “The people wish the denounced by military Myanmar’s violent expulsion of amending parts of the military- Suu Kyi’s party commands a would allow all parties to have a The NLD has not said what constitution to be amended, lawmakers, who are guaranteed more than 700,000 Rohingya drafted 2008 constitution that large majority in the combined say. provisions of the constitution it and I encourage the new joint a quarter of seats in parliament Muslims from the country since the party deems undemocratic. Union Parliament. MPs from the military-aligned might seek to reform. In the past, committee to carry out their by the current constitution, 2016. In December 2017, the Suu It was the Nobel laureate’s big- “Representatives from po- Union Solidarity and Develop- some members of the party have will.” which was enacted in 2008 by Kyi-headed Foreign Ministry gest challenge to the military’s litical parties and military law- ment Party (USDP) said the pro- called for change to Article 436, Her statement followed a Myanmar’s then-ruling generals. banned her from entering the power in nearly three years, and makers will be involved propor- posal was not in line with the which governs amending the 414-191 parliamentary vote in The constitution also places country. sparked a protest in the legisla- tionally,” speaker T Khun Myat section of the constitution on charter. Villagers fl ee Rakhine violence, enter Bangladesh

Reuters military and the insurgent Ar- non-governmental Bangladesh ill and had no access to medical Yangon akan Army, which mainly re- Human Rights Commission, said care. “There are no blankets at all cruits from the Rakhine ethnic he had visited the refugees, who and it is very cold,” he said. group, have displaced more than are members of the Khumi, Cho Bangladesh summoned My- cores of ethnic minority 5,000 people in parts of Rakhine and Rakhine ethnic groups, in anmar’s ambassador on Tuesday US actress, filmmaker and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, a special envoy for the United Nations High villagers have crossed from and Chin states since early De- their remote jungle camp. to protest over the new arrivals, Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), meets Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her visit Swestern Myanmar into cember. Myanmar’s leaders have They had crossed into Bang- according to a senior Bangladesh in Dhaka. Angelina Jolie said that Myanmar must “show genuine commitment” to end violence that has Bangladesh in recent days amid vowed to crush the rebels, who ladesh on Sunday and Monday foreign ministry offi cial. driven hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into neighbouring Bangladesh. fi ghting between the Myanmar are fi ghting for autonomy for Ra- after fl eeing from two villages Brigadier General Sazedur military and ethnic Rakhine khine state, and blocked most aid in Chin state’s rugged Paletwa Rahman, a BGB regional com- Bangladesh seals off border rebels, Bangladesh border guards agencies from reaching the area, township after they heard gun- mander, said Bangladesh had and an activist said yesterday. raising fears of more civilian suf- fi re and saw helicopters nearby, beefed up security near the bor- Bangladesh has sealed off its meeting with US actress Angelina Muslims after the military Members of 38 families said fering in an area long scarred by he said.Some villagers said they der to prevent more refugee ar- border in the south-east after Jolie in Dhaka. The minister said crackdown in August 2017. Jolie, they fl ed their homes fearing complex ethnic divisions. later witnessed Myanmar sol- rivals. more than 200 Buddhists from he was informed that ethnic a special envoy of the United attack from military helicop- While Rakhine state is major- diers looting and setting fi re to The United Nations refugee Chin state in western Myanmar and religious groups, including Nations High Commission for ters, said Colonel Zahirul Haque ity Buddhist, in 2017 a military homes, he said. Two spokesmen agency in Cox’s Bazar was trying fled intensified fighting between Buddhists and Hindus, have been Refugees, arrived in Bangladesh Khan, the Border Guards Bang- crackdown forced 730,000 Ro- for the Myanmar military and the to gather more information about security forces and insurgents, trying to enter Bangladesh for on Monday to assess the ladesh (BGB) commander in hingya from their homes and government’s main spokesman, the new arrivals, said spokesman off icials said. “We’ve almost sealed safety. “We had kept our border humanitarian response as aid Bandarban district where the into camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Zaw Htay, did not pick up phone Firas Al-Khateeb. “We’ll co-or- off the border to stop further open for adequate people. We agencies prepared to appeal for group of 136 people are now liv- Bazar district, according to UN calls seeking comment yester- dinate with the government so influx from Myanmar,” Foreign won’t take any more,” Momen $920mn to meet the basic needs ing in shelters. agencies. day. Win Thein said some of the we will be able to help them as Minister Abul Kalam Abdul said, referring to the influx of of the refugees sheltered in south- Clashes between Myanmar’s Win Thein, a member of the refugee children were seriously soon as possible,” he said. Momen told reporters, after a more than 700,000 Rohingya eastern Cox’s Bazar district. Philippines hit by deadly Karangetang volcano active measles outbreak, toll rises

AFP rates in the Philippines have part of a public immunisa- Manila been declining for years, but tion campaign. The vaccine’s also pointed to the recent con- maker, Sanofi, set off a panic troversy over the safety of the when it said a new analysis growing measles out- Dengvaxia dengue vaccine. showed Dengvaxia could lead break in the Philippines “The measles vaccination to more severe symptoms for A killed at least 25 people coverage has been in decline people who had not previously last month, officials said yes- in the last five years,” health been infected with dengue. terday, putting some of the undersecretary Eric Domingo Sanofi has unequivocally blame on mistrust stoked by a told a press conference Thurs- said its product is safe, but scare over an anti-dengue fe- day. Manila still halted the cam- ver vaccine. paign and left hundreds of Most of the dead are chil- Authorities said thousands of terrified parents dren and the toll is expected vaccination rates in the wondering if their children to rise as more cases are con- Philippines have been were at risk. firmed of the highly conta- declining for years, but The World Health Organisa- gious disease, which has made also pointed to the recent tion in November 2018 warned a worldwide resurgence in re- controversy over the that measles cases globally cent years. safety of the Dengvaxia had jumped more than 30 per- Figures from the Philip- dengue vaccine cent in 2017 compared to the pines’ national health author- previous year, in part because ities show cases jumped from “In the recent years, it was of children not being vacci- 791 in 2017 to 5,120 last year. the issue of Dengvaxia vaccine nated. There were 1,813 confirmed that contributed,” he added, San Lazaro hospital in the cases in January alone. as the government pushed Philippine capital reported The most recent numbers parents to get children vac- more than 50 deaths from available show measles killed cinated. The scare started measles and over 1,500 pa- 30 in the first eight months of in late 2017, shortly after the tients in January alone, which A picture taken at Pehe port on Siau island, Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province shows Karangetang volcano spewing smoke yesterday. last year, and five in all of 2017. Philippines gave Dengvaxia is subject to health depart- Karangetang volcano has been active and forced dozens of people to evacuate on February 4. Authorities said vaccination to some 837,000 students as ment confirmation.

Thailand to probe disappearance of Vietnamese asylum-seeker

Reuters a Bahraini football player with Nhat is believed to have been abducted groups said Nhat fled to Thai- latest high-profile refugee case is a fugitive who should be re- Bangkok refugee status in Australia who land after receiving a tip that in Thailand this year. Bahraini turned. is now fighting extradition back from the Thai capital around Jan 26 he was in danger of being re- footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, Australia said yesterday it is to Bahrain. after he fled Vietnam fearing arrest and arrested. who has refugee status in Aus- reviewing its Interpol alerting hailand will investigate Nhat is believed to have been “Nhat was in Thailand for tralia, is fighting extradition procedures after its authori- the disappearance of a dis- abducted from the Thai capital applied for asylum with the UN Refugee one reason only, to apply for back to Bahrain after being ar- ties forwarded a “red notice” Tsident Vietnamese jour- around Jan 26 after he fled Vi- Agency (UNHCR), Amnesty said asylum and someone obviously rested in a Bangkok airport to Thailand that Araibi was nalist after a rights group said etnam fearing arrest and ap- didn’t want him to — so now while on vacation. wanted by Bahrain, despite his he may have been abducted from plied for asylum with the UN and what may have happened had gone missing. “Vietnam the Thai government should The Australian government refugee status. Bangkok where he applied for UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to him. “I’ve ordered an inves- has a track record of abducting launch an immediate investiga- has appealed to Thailand to In January, Thai authorities refugee status, a senior immigra- Amnesty International said this tigation into this matter,” Sura- its exiles and refugees abroad. tion to find out what happened release Araibi, saying he faces detained an 18-year-old Saudi tion offi cial said yesterday. week. chate told Reuters. Thai and Vietnamese authori- to him,” said Phil Robertson, torture if returned to Bahrain, woman after she said she was The disappearance of Radio Thai immigration chief Su- Rights groups called for an ties must urgently come for- deputy Asia director for Human where he was sentenced to 10 fleeing family abuse, but Bang- Free Asia contributor Truong rachate Hakparn said there investigation after Radio Free ward with information about Rights Watch. years in prison in absentia on kok halted plans to deport her Duy Nhat comes after criti- was no official record of Nhat Asia reported on Tuesday that Truong Duy Nhat’s disappear- The UNHCR in Thailand said charges related to anti-govern- to Saudi Arabia. cism of Thailand’s detention of entering Thailand, but his of- Nhat, who was jailed in Viet- ance,” Minar Pimple, Amnes- it could not comment on or ment Arab Spring protests. The case of Rahaf Mohamed a Saudi asylum-seeker in Janu- fice was looking into whether nam in 2014-15 for “conducting ty’s senior director for global confirm individual cases. Bahrain has denied allega- al-Qunun ended in her reset- ary, and the separate arrest of he entered the country illegally propaganda against the state”, operations, told Reuters. Rights Nhat’s disappearance is the tions of torture and said Araibi tlement in Canada. Gulf Times Friday, February 8, 2019 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Glimpses of New Year celebrations

People watch lion dance performances during Spring Festival celebrations in Badachu Park marking Lunar New Year in Beijing, China.

Malaysia politician urged to quit over ‘Cambridge degree’

Malaysia’s deputy foreign minis- understood (my credentials). One profile picture of a female ter was urged to quit yesterday I (studied) at the Cambridge faculty member has a water- following allegations he lied International University in the mark that appears to come from about having a degree from US,” Marzuki — a member of an American dating website. Malaysia former Cambridge University, with an Bersatu, a party in the ruling The university did not respond opposition lawmaker accusing coalition — told news portal to requests for comment. Main him of “deceiving the people”. Malaysiakini. opposition party the United Marzuki Yahya’s educational “I was doing logistics (before Malays National Organisation background came under scru- joining politics). So I just took (UMNO) called on Marzuki to tiny after doubts were raised that certificate for my knowl- quit. on social media that he had edge to expand my business.” “How do you (Marzuki) deceive PM Najib gears a distance-learning degree in One of the programmes listed the people with a fake degree business administration from on the US institution’s website and then claim you are fighting the British institution, which is “logistics”. against corruption and propa- was previously listed on his The claim sparked mockery in gating good governance and Wikipedia profile. Malaysia, with many question- ethics?” Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, After initially insisting he would ing the institution’s credibil- the head of UMNO’s youth divi- prove he had the degree, Mar- ity. Cambridge International sion, told The Star newspaper. up for graft trial zuki said late Wednesday that University says on its website The controversy will be a blow he had in fact not studied at the it is not accredited with US to the administration of Prime Reuters build an image as a folksy voice of prestigious British university education authorities, off ers Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Kuala Lumpur working people, especially mem- but at Cambridge International 150 programmes – including which has pledged to fight bers of the ethnic Malay majority. University in the United States. “casino management” – yet lists corruption and improve the Najib, in a viral video last month, “I think they (my critics) mis- only 25 faculty members. government’s integrity. ormer Malaysian Prime crooned a Malay-language ver- Minister Najib Razak has sion of the 1970s hit ‘Kiss and Say Fbeen out in recent weeks Goodbye’, surrounded by a chorus bing elbows and posing for selfi es tion. All of them have pleaded not and other state entities. Seven campaigning as if for an elec- of sombre young singers, criticis- with passersby. Mahathir was not guilty. The prosecution has been of those charges will be the sub- tion, trying to shed the image of a ing Mahathir’s coalition for fail- impressed. He told a news con- recruiting top notch criminal at- ject of Tuesday’s trial, relating to wealthy, elite politician and elicit ing to live up to election promises. ference last week Najib seemed to torneys including former federal transfers totalling 42mn ringgit public sympathy before his cor- “On May 9, 2018, I was ousted. be getting popular on social me- court judge Gopal Sri Ram and ($10.30mn) into Najib’s personal ruption trial begins on Tuesday. All this time, I have been fi ghting dia because “he provides a lot of Sulaiman Abdullah, a lawyer with bank account from SRC Interna- Najib has pleaded not guilty with my life for the people I love. stories”. a background in cases of white- tional, a former 1MDB unit. to charges of criminal breach of But what can I do?” an earnest Harvinderjit Singh, one of Na- collar crime. Prosecutors have handed near- trust, abuse of power and money Najib says of his “saddest day” jib’s lawyers, declined to com- The AGC has also recalled sev- ly 3,000 pages of documents to laundering, in what is set to be the in the introduction to the song. ment on the former premier’s eral prosecutors from state offi ces the defence ahead of the trial, fi rst of many trials over suspected Najib has also been hitting out public appearances but said the to join the team, two lawyers with said Najib’s lawyer Singh. multibillion-dollar fraud at state online. His jibes against ruling 1MDB trials were unlikely to be knowledge of the matter said. The documents include state- fund 1Malaysia Development party politicians on Facebook and aff ected by the hoopla. “The case The AGC did not respond to a ments from 26 witnesses, some Berhad (1MDB). Twitter have some social media is going to be determined by what request for comment. Najib has a of whom were SRC offi cials, who The trial starts nine months af- Najib Razak users referring to him as “King of happens in court, not out of it,” defence team of eight lawyers, led will likely be called to testify. ter Malaysians voted Najib out of Trolls”. he said. While Najib has been try- by Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, Najib, who has not been asked offi ce in a general election domi- $300mn worth of goods and change of image, painting himself A relaxed, casually dressed ing to build public support, the who once represented the gov- to testify in his own defence, nated by public disgust over al- cash at properties linked to Na- as a victim of a vindictive govern- Najib also paid a visit this month Attorney General’s Chambers ernment in a sodomy case against hopes only for a fair trial, Singh legations some $4.5bn was stolen jib soon after the May 2018 elec- ment led by Prime Minister Ma- to Langkawi, Mahathir’s island (AGC) has been building a formi- former deputy prime minister said. “Our client is of the view from 1MDB, and about a quarter tion. But as the trial date nears, hathir Mohamad. The 65-year- constituency, where he pottered dable team to prosecute Najib, his Anwar Ibrahim. Najib could face that if he gets a fair trial, then the of it went into his personal bank Najib – who has maintained his old son of Malaysia’s second around town, visiting markets, wife and a host of other former years in prison. He faces 39 crim- truth will show itself to the pub- accounts. Police found nearly innocence – has sought a radical prime minister is also trying to eating at hawker stalls and rub- top offi cials charged for corrup- inal charges over losses at 1MDB lic,” he said. Billionaire’s ban seen as pushback ‘Australia will easily meet against Chinese foreign infl uence Paris climate accord target’

AFP Australia’s defence and signals dent Xi Jinping met Huang in said. The Chinese authorities Reuters and is expected over the next few researcher, Andrew Blakers, an Sydney intelligence agencies, pointing Sydney in November 2014 dur- have yet to react to news of Melbourne years, emissions will drop sharp- engineering professor. The ad- to Huang’s links to the Chi- ing a state visit. It was Huang’s the ban. Beijing has often dis- ly from the power sector, off set- ditional Australian renewables nese Communist Party. While political infl uence and his links missed claims of meddling as ting possible increases from equate to 250 watts per person ustralia’s decision to ban the 2016 US presidential elec- to the United Front Work De- hysteria and paranoia, but ex- ustralia is on track to meet other sectors, such as transport a year, compared with about 50 a well-connected Chi- tion shone a fi erce spotlight on partment that reportedly set perts expect a muted Chinese its carbon emissions tar- and farms, the ANU researchers watts per person for the Euro- Anese businessman for Russian intelligence agencies’ off alarm bells for the Austral- response, so as to avoid nega- Aget under the Paris Cli- calculated. pean Union, Japan, China and his political activity is being “active measures” to infl uence ian Security Intelligence Or- tive publicity or draw further mate accord well before 2030, Each extra gigawatt of re- the United States, the study said. seen as a potential watershed and subvert events abroad, less ganisation, the country’s main attention to United Front work. thanks to increasing growth in newables displaces about 2mn “Australia is far and away the moment, the start of pushback focus has fallen on China’s op- spy agency. “Any individual is disposable,” wind and solar power, a study tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) renewable energy superstar in against Beijing’s long-running erations in the same area. “Huang was very active in said Shoebridge. has found, contradicting a report equivalent emissions from coal- terms of annual per capita de- operations to buy infl uence According to Shoebridge, promoting United Front Work But offi cials across the Pa- last month calling for sharper fi red power, the study said, im- ployment,” Blakers said. overseas. these are often led by the Unit- and in getting close to poli- cifi c will be looking to see emissions cuts. plying Australia’s pipeline of The study, based on data from In less than a decade, Huang ed Front Work Department, ticians,” said Gerry Groot, a whether it is a precursor to fur- With several big wind and so- renewables would cut emissions Australia’s Clean Energy Regu- Xiangmo went from a new ar- an agency of the Communist China expert at the University ther expulsions or even pros- lar farms opening over the past by about 12mn to 13mn tonnes of lator, was not commissioned rival in Australia to hosting Party, and off shoot groups set of Adelaide. ecutions. Australia’s decision year and rapidly growing instal- CO2 equivalent a year. by anyone, he said. To meet swanky waterside parties with up around the globe, like the His interests included the to ban Huang from the country lation of rooftop solar panels, Assuming other sectors’ Australia’s Paris Climate ac- political elites, to fi nally being Australian Council for the Pro- 2015 Australia-China free trade “sets a precedent”, said Groot, Australia is adopting renewable emissions grow by 2mn tonnes cord commitment to cut carbon kicked out of the country and motion of the Peaceful Reunifi - agreement and a contentious adding it is something of a test energy faster per capita than the of CO2 equivalent a year, the net emissions by 26% to 28% from declared persona non grata — cation of China. bilateral extradition treaty, ac- case. “It will allow the Austral- rest of the world, said a study reduction would be about 10mn 2005 levels by 2030, emissions as a result of his alleged links to While the United Front Work cording to local media reports. ian government to fi nd out how published by Australian National to 11mn tonnes a year, which would have to fall to between China’s Communist Party. Department operates in China In 2017, one-time opposi- Beijing will respond.” University (ANU) researchers. would put Australia on track to 430mn and 442mn tonnes of The 49-year-old Guangdong with close ties to party leaders, tion Labour powerbroker Sam Last year Australia passed The pipeline of new wind and meet its Paris target before 2030. CO2 equivalent. native is currently believed the reunifi cation councils have Dastyari was forced to quit pol- sweeping national security re- solar systems is averaging about “By this time next year it’ll be As of the end of 2017, emis- to be in Hong Kong, after the been established in countries itics amid allegations that he forms via the Espionage and 6.3 gigawatts (GW) a year, the quite obvious to everybody that sions had risen to 553.7mn tonnes same offi cials he long courted from New Zealand to the Unit- informed Huang about moni- Foreign Interference Act, which study showed. Based on the new something really surprising has of CO2 equivalent, according to and bankrolled revoked his ed States. toring by western intelligence broadens the range of activities renewable energy that has start- happened in the greenhouse ac- data from Australia’s National residency, denied him citizen- The lack of a formal link be- agencies and that his offi ce took that would be treated as spying. ed in Australia since last June counts,” said the study’s lead Greenhouse Gas Inventory. ship and prevented him from tween the groups abroad and cash from the billionaire to pay So far that legislation has not returning to his multi-million- the Chinese state allows “deni- legal bills. been used for prosecutions. dollar Sydney mansion. ability”, according to Shoebri- Millions more went to Aus- “Beijing has been surprised Massive bushfire in New Zealand still ‘out of control’ Experts say his case — which dge. “But they certainly imple- tralian political parties of that it has got away with the has prompted a furore in Aus- ment the policy directions of all stripes. Australia’s for- kind of infl uence operations it Firefighters were still struggling “But I would expect by the end of clear there are going to be some tralia over foreign donations to the Chinese state.” eign minister, Marise Payne, has been running for so long, yesterday to contain a huge the day, we’ll be able to say that diff icult times ahead until we get political parties — is a signal Their work also focuses on played down the signifi cance of and have been so eff ective,” blaze that broke out on Tuesday we have containment,” he added. the fire fully under control and that Canberra is ready to curb shaping public opinion and Huang’s de facto expulsion for said Shoebridge. afternoon and was covering 1,900 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, people back to their homes,” China’s ambitious operations policy on contentious issues the broader China-Australia “Australian policymakers hectares near Nelson on New Zea- who visited the region, said seeing she said in a statement. So far to infl uence foreign political like China’s claims on Taiwan, relationship. have woken up late to these ac- land’s South Island. “We don’t have the fire up close was confronting. emergency services confirmed elites. the South China Sea, Tibet and “I don’t expect it to be the tivities, but this is a sign that total control of that area, we’re just “While I’m immensely relieved that one property was destroyed “It’s a very signifi cant on internal issues like the treat- subject of a bilateral discus- the rhetoric now has substance. fortunate it didn’t actually grow there’s been no loss of life and while more than 400 people had thing,” said Michael Shoebri- ment of ethnic Uighurs. In a sion. These are matters that Another big sign of that will be yesterday,” Fire and Emergency want to thank all of those involved to evacuate 183 homes when the dge, former deputy director of sign of their importance, Presi- occur from time to time,” she the fi rst prosecution.” New Zealand’s John Sutton said. in tackling this immense fire, it’s inferno approached. Gulf Times 8 Friday, February 8, 2019 BRITAIN

TRAGEDY ADVICE ACCIDENT DECISION OBITUARY Body recovered from Ban phones from children’s Human remains found after Edinburgh city council Rosamunde Pilcher, author wreck of Sala plane bedroom, parents told fire at Suff olk football club backs plan for tourist tax of The Shell Seekers, dies

Investigators recovered a body from the wreckage Parents should ban mobile phones from the din- Police in Suff olk have discovered what are believed Members of Edinburgh city council voted for a Rosamunde Pilcher, author of the bestselling fam- of a plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala ner table and their children’s bedrooms, the first to be human remains after a fire in a portable plan to introduce Britain’s first tourist tax, a move ily saga The Shell Seekers, has died at the age of in the Channel and transported it to Britain yesterday off icial guidance on social media and ‘screentime’ building near a football club. Off icers were called that it said could produce an estimated £14.6mn 94. Her son, author Robin Pilcher, confirmed the for identification. Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation stated. Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical off icer to the site near Leiston FC. The force said it was annually to fund local services. The full city council news yesterday. “She had been in great form up Branch (AAIB) also said that bad weather meant they for England, warns that the increasing amount of understood that there was a fire there in the early approved the plan for a “transient visitor levy” until Christmas, then suff ered from bronchitis in were not able to recover the plane and it was there- time children spend online risks being ‘detrimental hours of Wednesday, and off icers were called at room charge of £2 per night and will submit the the new year, but was always expected to bounce fore closing down the operation. The light aircraft was to their physical and mental health’. In her off icial 3.37pm on the same day. Suff olk constabulary proposals to Scotland’s devolved government. back as before. However, she suff ered a stroke on carrying the 28-year-old footballer to his new Premier advice to parents, she says phones should be left said: “What are thought to be human remains “Having listened carefully to all of the feedback Sunday night and never regained consciousness,” League team Cardiff City when it disappeared near ‘outside the bedroom’ at night and recommends have been discovered at the scene.” A man who we’ve received from industry partners and the citi- said Robin. He described Pilcher as “a wonderful, the British island of Guernsey on January 21, along ‘screen-free meal times’ so families interact ‘face-to- answered the phone at Leiston Town Athletic zens and businesses of Edinburgh, we’ve refined rather alternative-thinking mother – I think she with 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson. Sala’s disap- face’. She stresses that parents themselves need Association, who did not give his name, said the our proposals and are in a really strong position to might have liked the description Bohemian – who pearance prompted outpourings of grief across the to act responsibly on the Internet – and should portable building that had been “burnt down to the take forward a TVL,” council leader Adam McVey touched and influenced the lives of many of all footballing world, including at his former club Nantes not publish their children’s photographs on social ground” was beside one of three football pitches said ahead of the vote. McVey said the city needs ages, not only through her writing but through in France where the plane was flying from. media without their permission. and belonged to the association. an additional income stream to fund services. personal friendships”. House prices fall in January as Brexit puts off buyers

Agencies ciety, annual growth in house London prices almost ground to a halt in January, declining to 0.1% – the slowest annual rate since Febru- ouse prices in the UK fell ary 2013. 2.9% in January from Mark Harris, the chief execu- HDecember and the an- tive of mortgage broker SPF Pri- nual growth rate slowed sharply vate Clients, said: “Flat growth as Brexit fears put off buyers, ac- is probably the best we can hope cording to Halifax, one of Brit- for, given the current tricky po- ain’s biggest mortgage lenders. litical situation we fi nd ourselves Halifax said the monthly drop in. Brexit has caused a slowdown took the average house price in purchase activity as would-be down to £223,691 and came af- buyers sit on their hands, wait- ter a 2.5% rise in December. It is ing for the outcome before com- the biggest monthly drop since mitting to something as major as last April, when prices declined buying a new home.” He noted 3.1%. Analysts cautioned that that many lenders had reduced the monthly house price changes their mortgage rates to pull in tend to be volatile. customers. Prime Minister Theresa May is welcomed by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker ahead of a meeting on Brexit in Brussels yesterday. In the three months to January, Jeremy Leaf, a north London house prices were 0.8% higher estate agent, said interest from than in the same three months buyers was “very patchy” and did a year earlier. This is down from “not expect any signifi cant im- the 1.3% annual growth rate re- provement at least until the odds corded in the three months to on a Brexit deal improve”. December. Economists also expect the Russell Galley, the managing housing market to stay sluggish director of Halifax, said: “At- this year. May, Juncker agree to tention will no doubt be drawn Hansen Lu, a property econ- towards the monthly fall of 2.9% omist at consultancy Capital from December to January, the Economics, thinks a house price second time in three years that collapse is unlikely, even if the we have seen a drop as a new year UK departs the EU without an starts. However, the bigger pic- agreement. “We therefore ex- ture is actually that house prices pect annual house price growth hold new Brexit talks have seen next to no movement to bump along at its current rate, over the last year, with annual ending 2019 at 1%. AFP “backstop” clause for the Irish win over enough MPs at home to were already modest when, on a plan how to carry it out safely,” growth of just 0.8%. “That is assuming the UK ex- Brussels border. get the deal through parliament. Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk said. “There’s no doubt that the its the EU with a deal. If the UK But Juncker “expressed his She reminded Juncker that Tusk and Juncker torched May’s But even this latest demon- next year will be important for exits without a deal, house price openness to add wording” to the British parliament had man- prospects of winning changes to stration of EU unity did not de- the housing market, with much growth would be even slower, or ritain and the EU yester- a parallel political declaration dated her to seek “a legally bind- the withdrawal agreement. ter Downing Street, which in- of the immediate focus on what even fall gently. But a correction day agreed to hold more laying out ambitions for future ing change to the terms of the Juncker told reporters May sisted May’s top priority on the impact Brexit may have. How- in prices would still be unlikely.” Btalks to try to avoid a ‘no- EU-UK ties if London wants to backstop”, but instead was of- already knows and accepts that trip was to “fi nd a way to guar- ever, more fundamentally it is Construction fi rms were also deal’ Brexit, after a “robust” seek a “more ambitious” closer fered a fresh round of talks. the Union will not reopen talks antee we cannot, and will not, be key underlying factors of supply making a cautious start to 2019 meeting between Prime Minis- relationship after Brexit. EU negotiator Michel Barnier on the deal, while Tusk, who trapped in the backstop”. and demand that will ultimately after slowing their house-build- ter Theresa May and European In a sharp reminder of the will now meet Brexit Minister represents EU member gov- Number 10 said that because shape the market.” ing plans late last year in the face Commission chief Jean-Claude urgency of fi nding a solution Stephen Barclay in Strasbourg ernments as head of the Euro- the British parliament rejected Other surveys and the offi cial of Brexit uncertainty, an industry Juncker. before Brexit day on March 29, on Monday. pean Council, triggered outrage the deal, May must seek mate- data point to a slowing UK mar- body said yesterday. A joint statement issued af- Bank of England governor Mark May herself will meet Juncker across the Channel by damning rial changes to the accord or see ket, with prices declining in Lon- Builders registered plans to ter the talks in Brussels said Carney warned that the econo- again before the end of February, pro-Brexit politicians for — in it fail. don and parts of the south-east build 40,513 new homes between Juncker had again warned that my was “not yet prepared” for a a commission spokesman said. his view — recklessly failing to The impasse in Brussels has because of Brexit uncertainty, October and December across November’s withdrawal agree- ‘no-deal’ departure. A stony-faced May shook plan. deepened fears that Britain stamp duty changes and a lack of the United Kingdom, up 2% from ment could not be renegoti- May came hoping to change hands stiffl y with Juncker as she “I’ve been wondering what could crash out of the EU with- aff ordable properties. the same period in 2017, the Na- ated — after May came hoping the backstop so that Britain arrived at commission headquar- that special place in hell looks out a deal on March 29, disrupt- According to Nationwide, tional House-Building Council to persuade Brussels to agree on cannot be “trapped” in the bloc ters. like, for those who promoted ing trade and supplies to manu- Britain’s biggest building so- said. the need to change the so-called against its will — and by doing so Expectations for the visit Brexit without even a sketch of facturing. Energy bills set to rise ‘Orchid Festival’ Fatal stabbings hit highest level as regulator ups cap Guardian News and Media cides in the year ending March London 2018, the highest since 2008 when 729 were recorded. Reuters nual consumption on the most plans to shed 900 jobs last week. For every million people in London commonly used tariffs used Most are expected to increase atal stabbings in England England and Wales, there were by around 11mn households prices once it is raised. and Wales have reached the 12 killings. More men and young will rise by 10.3% — or £117 to Energy and Clean Growth Fhighest level since records people were killed than any other nergy bills are set to rise £1,254. Minister Claire Perry said peo- began more than 70 years ago, group. For every million men for millions of households Britain’s headline infl ation ple are still expected to be around offi cial fi gures show. there were 17 killings, while there Eafter the country’s energy rate increased at an annual rate £75-£100 a year better off than The homicide rate also rose were eight killings for every mil- regulator gave the green light of 2.1% in December, while av- they would be without the cap. by 15% in one year – the high- lion women. to suppliers to increase bills by erage weekly earnings were up “With over 60 companies and est level in a decade, according to Men were more likely than more than 10% from April 1. 3.4% year-on-year in the three more than 200 tariff s to choose the data from the Crime Survey women to be killed by a friend or Ofgem was tasked by parlia- months to the end of November. from, consumers can always for England and Wales (CSEW) acquaintance – 25% compared ment last year to set a limit after shop around for a cheaper deal and crimes recorded by the po- with 7% of female victims. lawmakers said customers were Ofgem said it needed to and make big savings by switch- lice. Trends in domestic abuse also being overcharged for electricity allow suppliers to charge ing,” Perry said. Between March 2017 and 2018, continued, with women far more and gas. more as wholesale energy Several smaller, independent 285 killings were carried out with likely than men to be killed by a Prime Minister Theresa May contracts were 17% higher energy suppliers such as Bulb a knife or sharp instrument – partner or ex-partner – 33% of had called the tariff s a “rip-off ”. than during the last cap and Octopus Energy have said the highest since Home Offi ce female victims compared with Ofgem, which reviews the period they will not increase prices fol- records began in 1946. 1% of male victims. A separate price cap every six months, lowing the cap rise as their inno- The rates, recorded by police, report from the Offi ce for Na- said it needed to allow suppli- Ofgem calculates the cap using vative technology allows them to marked the fourth consecutive tional Statistics revealed that ers to charge more as wholesale a formula that includes whole- keep prices lower. annual rise in homicides follow- more than half of all violent in- energy contracts, used to help sale gas prices, energy suppliers “This announcement just re- ing a long-term decline. cidents were experienced by re- formulate the cap level, were network costs and costs of gov- inforces the massive gap between Homicides – excluding those peat victims, a trend that was 17% higher than during the last ernment policies, such as renew- these dinosaur companies and committed in terrorist attacks in most common among victims of cap period. able power subsidies. modern retailers,” said Octopus London and Manchester or the domestic abuse. “No consumer wants to see a Several of Britain’s biggest Energy CEO Greg Jackson. recording of events at Hillsbor- Over the past four years, the price rise but these (increases) suppliers, a group known as the Britain’s big six energy sup- ough in 1989 – rose from 606 in level of violent crime has re- are justifi ed,” Ofgem chief execu- “Big Six,” complained the cap pliers are Centrica’s British Gas, Horticulturalist Hannah Butons poses with an orchid the previous year to 695 in the mained fairly static, but inci- tive Dermot Nolan said on a call was initially set too low. SSE, Iberdrola’s Scottish Power, display during a photo call for the ‘Orchid Festival’ at the year ending 2018. dents recorded by police showed with journalists. Innogy’s npower said the cap Innogy’s npower, E.ON and EDF Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, west London, yesterday. When these exceptions are an increase in crimes in which a The cap for average an- was partly why it announced Energy. included, there were 726 homi- higher level of harm was caused. Gulf Times Friday, February 8, 2019 9 EUROPE

European cases of measles France recalls envoy as highest in a decade row with Italy worsens Reuters AFP/DPA/Reuters was encouraging immigration signifi cant” and adding that he London Paris to Europe “because European dealt only with Italian Prime countries, France above all, have Minister Giuseppe Conte. never stopped colonising dozens Conte, a political unknown urope had a record number rance took the exceptional of African countries”. who became prime minister last of measles cases last year, step of recalling its en- And Di Maio also denounced year as a compromise between Ein part due to a growing Fvoy to Rome yesterday to the French government for pro- Salvini and Di Maio, was caught number of pockets where par- protest a series of attacks from tecting the elite and the privi- on video at last month’s World ents are refusing vaccination for the Italian government which it leged, saying “a new Europe is Economic Forum in Davos dis- their children, the World Health described as “unprecedented” being born of the ‘yellow vests’, cussing the dispute with Ger- Organisation (WHO) said yes- since World War II. of movements, of direct democ- man Chancellor Angela Merkel. terday. France’s foreign ministry re- racy”. Italian TV channel La 7 broad- At the same time, the WHO called its ambassador to Rome Salvini also poured fuel on the cast footage a week ago showing said, record numbers of children for consultations after a series of fi re last month with a Facebook the two leaders talking at a bar, are getting the vaccine – off ering increasingly personal criticisms video in which he said: “I hope with Conte telling Merkel that hope that the rise in infections of President Emmanuel Macron the French will be able to free Di Maio was attacking France may not last. by Italy’s two deputy prime min- themselves of a terrible presi- because he was down in the polls “Progress has been uneven isters, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo dent.” ahead of the European elections between and within countries, Salvini. Macron: has described Salvini and Di Maio’s comments as “The opportunity will come and needed an enemy. leaving increasing clusters of “For several months France ‘insignificant’. on May 26 when fi nally the “So they say what are the is- susceptible individuals unpro- has been the subject of repeated French people will be able to sues that can help us during tected, and resulting in a record accusations, unfounded attacks Twitter that “the wind of change the French people,” he said. take back control of their future, the campaign ... in the political number of people aff ected by the and outlandish claims,” a min- has crossed the Alps”. The escalating war of words destiny, (and) pride, which are campaign our friend is Germany virus in 2018,” it said in a state- istry statement said. “This is Paris denounced the matter as began when the M5S and Salvi- poorly represented by a charac- and so we had to do the cam- ment. unprecedented since the end of “an additional and unacceptable ni’s far-right League parties won ter like Macron,” he said, refer- paign against France,” he said, Measles is a highly conta- the war.” provocation”. the elections last summer and ring to the date of the European prompting laughter from Mer- gious viral disease that can cause In 1940, Italy under leader Be- Speaking to AFP, a French of- formed a coalition government. Parliament elections. kel. hearing loss and brain disorders nito Mussolini invaded France, fi cial described the recall as a When the populist govern- Italian Foreign Minister Enzo While rare, the French action in children and, in severe cases, occupying part of the southeast, diplomatic message warning It- ment then began preventing Moavero Milanesi, who was in was not unprecedented among can kill. but they have been allies since aly to “stop playing with Franco- rescue boats with migrants on the Uruguayan capital Montevi- EU members. Vaccination coverage needs and are founding members of Italian friendship”. board from docking at Italian deo for talks on the political cri- In 2016, Greece recalled its to be around 95% to prevent the the European Union. “The measure is exceptional, ports, Macron blasted its “cyni- sis in Venezuela, off ered Paris a ambassador to Austria, and in virus circulating in communities It is the fi rst time since the but it’s not designed to worsen cism and irresponsibility”, com- more conciliatory response. 2017 Hungary withdrew its en- Salvini: We don’t want to row – so-called “herd immunity”. war that France has recalled its or escalate” the situation. paring the rise of far-right na- Diff ering interests and points voy to the Netherlands. with anyone. In many countries, anti-vac- ambassador. Di Maio has defended his tionalism to leprosy. of view, as well as the debate cine campaigners seek to dis- Di Maio and Salvini, who meeting with the “yellow vests”, It has since spiralled into a ahead of the European Parlia- suade parents from getting their formed a populist coalition gov- and drew a distinction between string of tit-for-tat exchanges, ment elections, “cannot and will children immunised, despite ernment last year, have repeat- Macron and the French people. leading to this week’s latest spat. not aff ect the strong relations strong scientifi c evidence that edly criticised Macron, who has “The French people are our “We don’t want to row with that have united us for decades”, vaccines are safe and eff ective. in turn targeted their euroscep- friends and our ally,” he said. anyone,” Salvini said yesterday, he said. In Italy, the co-ruling anti- tic movements ahead of high- “President Macron has re- calling for solutions to problem- Sebastien Maillard, who heads establishment 5-Star Move- stake European Parliament elec- peatedly lashed out against the atic issues such as French border the Jacques Delors think-tank in ment has questioned the safety tions in May. Italian government for political controls on the Italian frontier Paris, suggested there was little of some vaccines and loudly The latest spat erupted on reasons in view of the European and Rome’s demands for the reason for the Italians to call off denounced eff orts to make vac- Tuesday after Di Maio, who elections,” he said, referring to extradition of far-left Italian ac- the fi ght. cinations mandatory. heads the anti-establishment a European Parliament vote in tivists living in France. “I don’t quite see what di Maio In the WHO’s European re- 5-Star Movement (M5S), said he May that is expected to see a Both Salvini and Di Maio also and Salvini could gain by calling gion, which covers nearly met French “yellow vest” anti- surge among populist parties. issued statements saying that off the battle which serves their 900mn people, some 82,600 in government protesters outside “My meeting as the political they are available to talk to Ma- domestic political goals,” he 47 countries contracted measles Paris. leader of the 5-Star movement cron and the French govern- said. last year – the highest number Di Maio said the aim of the with members of the ‘yellow ment. During a visit to Egypt last this decade. meeting was to prepare a com- vests’ ... was fully legitimate. I Last month, Paris summoned month, Macron sought to shrug Of those, 72 cases were fatal. mon front for the European Par- claim the right to talk with other Italy’s ambassador to protest Di off the sparring, calling Salvini Six of the 53 countries did not liament elections, boasting on political forces that represent Maio’s accusation that France and Di Maio’s comments “in- Di Maio: The French people are our friends and our ally. report. In 34 of the countries, esti- mated coverage with a second dose of measles vaccine was be- low 95%. “(Immunisation) gaps at local Dutch students march for climate level still off er an open door to the virus,” the WHO’s European director, Zsuzsanna Jakab, said AFP 16, a student from Hilversum, students have been taking to the in a statement. The Hague near Amsterdam, told AFP. “We streets every Thursday for sev- Professor Arne Akbar, presi- want the government to step up eral weeks. dent of the British Society for and take action against the hor- Dutch Prime Minister Mark Immunology, said that the fi g- housands of Dutch stu- rifi c practices of businesses and Rutte said he thought the pro- ures were “extremely concern- dents skipped classes yes- polluters and everything like tests were “fantastic” but added ing”. Tterday to march for action that.” that his cabinet had already taken Heidi Larson, a specialist in on climate change, following the Pierre Viguier, 16, who is also far-reaching measures on cli- vaccines and public health at the example of young demonstrators from Hilversum, added: “It’s our mate change. London School of Hygiene and in Belgium and other countries generation that is coming so it “Kids, what more do you Tropical Medicine, said that the for the fi rst time. will be up to us to deal with the want?” the NOS broadcaster increase in cases was a “wake- Carrying banners with slo- consequences of what is happen- quoted him as saying. up call on the importance of gans like “Make Our Planet Great ing now. The Dutch government was building confi dence in vaccina- Again”, the children streamed “So if we change now, we will ordered by a Dutch court last tion”. through the centre of The Hague have less to change (in future)”. year to slash greenhouse gases by A report published by the Eu- to urge governments to take ac- Many children skipped school at least 25% by 2020, following ropean Commission last year tion. to take part but some colleges al- a legal challenge by an environ- and compiled by a team led by Dutch media said they count- lowed their students to take part, mental group. Larson found that measles im- ed around 4,000 students tak- Dutch media said. With much of its territory ly- munisation coverage has fallen ing part but organisers said up The Dutch protests are part of ing below sea level, the Nether- in 12 EU countries since 2010, to 15,000 people attended, with a wider network of student-led lands is particularly vulnerable and that seven out of the 10 trains into the city packed full of protest groups that have seen to climate change. countries with the lowest vac- young people. tens of thousands of young peo- However, despite its envi- cine confi dence in the world are “I’m here to be a part of a ple around the world ditch school ronmentally friendly image, the in Europe. movement that shows the gov- to demand action against climate country is in fact heavily reliant ernment that there’s a lot of peo- change in recent months. on gas and has lagged behind on ple that care about our climate, Some of the biggest have been introducing renewable sources of Greeks to vote on Dutch students protest in The Hague yesterday for urgent measures to combat climate change. about our world,” Hugo Kapteijn, in neighbouring Belgium where energy. Macedonia’s accession to Nato The Greek parliament is set to vote this evening on the Berlinale rolls out the red carpet for women trailblazers Nato accession protocol for neighbouring Macedonia, after the former Yugoslav republic AFP Binoche, 54, is leading a six- message beyond the world of France’s Agnes Varda will pre- the reins at a time of growing agreed to change its name to Berlin member panel choosing the cinema. miere a new autobiographical competition from streaming North Macedonia. winner of the prestigious Gold- “I think that’s a good step for- documentary out of competi- services but said he saw scope The ratification of the protocol, en and Silver Bear prizes, to be ward, 10 years ago was not like tion. for cinemas to “co-exist” and which Macedonia and 29 Nato urope’s fi rst major fi lm awarded at a gala ceremony on that,” she told reporters. “Open Acclaimed French direc- thrive. member states signed on festival of the year, the February 16. minds – it’s a good sign.” tor Francois Ozon will present After winning the Golden Lion Wednesday, appears guaranteed, EBerlinale, kicked off yes- Last year, with the #MeToo British producer, director and his controversial new drama By top prize at the Venice fi lm fes- Greek media report. terday, making a statement movement against abuses of actress Trudie Styler, 65, who is the Grace of God based on real- tival in September with Roma, If the vote goes in favour as against entertainment industry power roiling the industry, the also on the jury, said the Berli- life cases of sex abuse allegedly Netfl ix will enter the Berlin race expected, Greece will be the sexism by welcoming an un- innovative docudrama Touch nale had long championed fi lms committed by a French priest. for the fi rst time with gay mar- first Nato country to ratify the precedented line-up of female Me Not about sexual intimacy by underrepresented groups but A cardinal, Philippe Barbarin, riage drama Elisa and Marcela by protocol. directors. by Romania’s Adina Pintilie that this year’s selection was is currently on trial in Lyon on Spain’s Isabel Coixet, based on a Macedonia will fully join the The 11-day event prides it- clinched the top honours. “not only courageous but a big Kosslick: credited with charges he covered up the as- true story. military alliance once all member self on being the most politi- For the fi rst time this year, step forward”. expanding the Berlinale and saults, allegations he denies. In June, Kosslick will be suc- states have ratified it. cally engaged of the A-list cin- seven out of the 17 contenders Denmark’s Lone Scherfi g, boosting its international profile. Kosslick, 70, is credited with ceeded by Carlo Chatrian, the Greek Prime Minister Alexis ema showcases, presenting 400 are women – a more than 40% who made the Oscar-nominated expanding the Berlinale and current head of the Locarno Tsipras struck a deal with his movies from around the world, share that eclipses rivals such coming-of-age tale An Educa- proud her fi lm would be opening boosting its international pro- fi lm festival, and Mariette Ris- Macedonian counterpart Zoran most on hard-hitting topical as Cannes and Venice, which tion in 2009, started the festival the last Berlinale under festival fi le with high-wattage guests senbeek, the Dutch director of Zaev in June to end a 29-year row themes including rising extrem- have come under fi re as chummy with the premiere of her fi lm The director Dieter Kosslick, who ranging from the Rolling Stones German Film, which promotes over the name Macedonia, which ism and economic exploitation. men’s clubs. Kindness of Strangers later in the is passing on the baton after 18 to festival regulars Swinton and homegrown movies abroad. Greece claims for its ancient However, its red carpet prom- The top festivals have long evening. years. George Clooney. For his last edition, Kosslick province of the same name. ises a steady stream of glamour faced pressure to boost their The bittersweet drama stars “It’s a milestone edition so I’m “Our fans have stayed true to has opted to make a parting po- Tsipras has already pushed that too with Christian Bale, Diane female representation as they Zoe Kazan (The Big Sick) as a really looking forward to pre- us and grown so much that we litical statement, off ering to buy name agreement through the Kruger, Tilda Swinton, Cath- serve as gatekeepers to interna- mother of two who has to rely on senting the fi lm there,” Scherfi g can say we’re the world’s big- tickets for leaders of the far- parliament in Athens. erine Deneuve, Jonah Hill, Chi- tional distribution, awards and her fellow New Yorkers for help, told fi lm industry bible Variety. gest fi lm festival in terms of au- right Alternative for Germany After Greece ratifies the wetel Ejiofor, and Casey Affl eck box offi ce cash. in a cast including Andrea Rise- Polish veteran Agnieszka Hol- dience,” Kosslick told AFP, with (AfD) party to a screening of accession protocol, Skopje will all awaited in the frosty German Binoche welcomed the more borough (The Death of Stalin) land will unveil the Stalin-era around a half-million tickets Who Will Write Our History?, a begin to formally implement the capital. diverse selection, saying that and Bill Nighy (Love Actually). thriller Mr Jones starring James sold each year. documentary about the Warsaw name change. French Oscar winner Juliette it was long overdue and sent a Scherfi g, 59, said she was Norton (Happy Valley) while Kosslick will be handing over Ghetto. Gulf Times 10 Friday, February 8, 2019 INDIA

INVESTIGATION CRIME TRIAL OFFBEAT DECISION Man wanted by Punjab School kids fall ill after CM orders appointment of Youth climbs tree to meet Rajasthan hikes freedom police extradited from UAE beating by principal prosecutor in murder case actor, lands in lock-up fighters’ pension to Rs25,000

The Indian government has got a man wanted by Sixteen students of a government-run middle Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal yesterday A die-hard fan of Bollywood actor Akshay Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot yesterday the Punjab police extradited from the United Arab school in Bihar fell ill yesterday after they were asked the Chief Secretary to ensure the Kumar performed stunts to catch a glimpse of announced an increase in the pension of freedom Emirates, off icials said yesterday. A senior Central mercilessly beaten up by the school principal immediate appointment of a special public his favourite actor but ended up in the lock-up, fighters from Rs17,000 to Rs25,000. Gehlot made Bureau of Investigation off icial said that Prabhjot for not sweeping the school floor, police said. prosecutor for the murder trial of journalist police said in Mumbai yesterday. The 20-year- the announcement at a programme organised to Singh, wanted in Punjab for two cases of murder, The incident took place at Pakdi Middle School Soumya Viswanathan. The chief minister gave old Haryana youth Ankit Goswami went to the celebrate the 91st birth anniversary of Gandhian destruction of evidence and under sections of in Vaishali district. Enraged over the incident, the direction after the late journalist’s parents actor’s building near Juhu Beach, demanding thinker S N Subbarao. Speaking on the occasion, Arms Act was extradited yesterday morning. This villagers ransacked the school and demanded pointed to the absence of a public prosecutor to meet Kumar, but was chased away by the he said the pension of freedom fighters will be is the fourth extradition of a high-profile accused in action against the principal Rajesh Kumar. during the past few dates of hearing in the court, security guards. But he returned in the evening increased to Rs25,000 from Rs17,000 per month. the last two-and-a-half-months from the UAE. The “Following the beating by Rajesh Kumar, they the government said in a statement. Calling it and climbed onto a parked tempo near the Also, the medical allowance would increase to government on December 4 last year got Christian fell ill and were taken to hospital,” the police “absolutely shocking”, Kejriwal asked the Chief building, to reach the top of the boundary Rs5,000 from Rs4,000. “The pension of World War James Michel, a British national and alleged said adding that villagers, mostly parents and Secretary to immediately issue a show cause wall and then waited on a tree branch to avoid II soldiers and their widows will also be increased middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper guardians of school children, staged protest notice to the public prosecutor for skipping the detection by the security guards. Around 1.30am to Rs10,000 from Rs6,000,” he added. Gehlot deal case extradited. On January 31, the government at the school. “Other teachers fled the school hearings and not taking the duty seriously. In he quietly got off the tree and attempted to go to also announced that 1.74 crore beneficiaries of the extradited c Deepak Talwar and co-accused in the fearing reprisal from the villagers. Rajesh Kumar 2008, Viswanathan, 25, was found shot dead in the actor’s house, but was caught by the security BPL and ‘Antyodaya’ schemes will be provided AgustaWestland case Rajeev Saxena from Dubai. managed to escape,” the police added. her car in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. personnel who handed him over to the police. subsidised wheat at a cost of Re1 per kg. Assam govt to give gold to brides from poor families

Agencies give it to the benefi ciaries di- Guwahati rectly, Sarma said yesterday. The programme would be lim- ited to two women from each he Assam government family with an income of less will give gold worth about than Rs500,000 a year. TRs38,000 ($530) to every Each bride would get a tola, or bride from a poor family, the 11.66g, of gold. latest budget giveaway ahead of The Assam government’s de- a general election that must be cision has been welcomed by held by May. many families in the state. The northeastern state is run However, the ‘Arundhati’ by Prime Minister Narendra Mo- scheme has also drawn fl ak on the di’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), grounds that it will indirectly en- which is facing a battle for re- courage the dowry system which election because of low farm in- is not prevalent among a majority comes and a lack of jobs that have of the communities in Assam. turned off some of those who “This is an extremely help- Congress president Rahul Gandhi, flanked by his sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaks with the media after attending a meeting at the party’s backed it in the last polls, in 2014. ful scheme. The minister is very headquarters in New Delhi yesterday. The federal government an- true in observing that many poor nounced cash handouts to farm- fathers of the state feel bad at not ers and tax cuts for the lower being able to give gold to their middle class last week. daughters. None of the commu- Yesterday, the Reserve Bank nities in Assam has the dowry of India (RBI) cut interest rates system but it is kind of a social for the fi rst time since 2017, in honour to give a little gold during line with a government demand the wedding of the daughters. as it attempts to stimulate the The scheme will defi nitely help Congress to scrap triple economy. the poor families of the state,” The opposition Congress said Ajit Baruah, a resident of Party has also been forgiving Guwahati. farmers’ loans and announcing it The Krishak Mukti Sangram would provide the unemployed Samiti (KMSS), on the other with cash handouts in some of hand, slammed the government, the states it controls. saying the scheme is actually an talaq law if it wins polls But handing out gold to brides insult to women. is new. “At a time when people are Agencies and some other parties in the religion, caste, Congress Party saging app WhatsApp, or for (AICC) secretaries, they are as The tea-growing state’s Fi- talking of women empower- New Delhi Rajya Sabha, the upper house of will always protect you”. reasons such as poor cooking. important as her. nance Minister Himanta Biswa ment, the Assam government parliament, despite being ap- The BJP, which hopes to win Meanwhile, newly-appoint- Earlier, soon after her appoint- Sarma allocated Rs3bn ($42mn) has brought out a scheme to give proved by the lower house Lok the support of Muslim women ed Congress general secretary ment as the general secretary, for the next fi scal year, from gold to the women for their mar- he main opposition Con- Sabha late last year. by taking on a divorce practice Priyanka Gandhi was yester- Priyanka was allotted a room next April 1, for the gold programme. riage. It’s so shameful,” said the gress Party said yester- Modi has said the action is banned in Muslim-majority day allotted a seat away from to that of her brother Rahul at the That would buy 875kg of gold, Samiti’s Dharjya Konwar. Tday it would scrap a de- necessary to empower women, nations such as Pakistan and the Congress president during AICC headquarters. enough for about 80,000 brides. Indian brides traditionally cree passed by Prime Minister but Congress said it unfairly Indonesia, called the Congress’ an important party meeting in The room was earlier used by “A customary ritual which get gold, which helps make the Narendra Modi’s government punished Muslim men. plan the “height of appease- New Delhi. Rahul when he was the party has been part of Assamese soci- country the world’s second- prescribing jail terms for Mus- “We oppose it because it is ment”. Priyanka, who will be in vice president. ety for centuries is to gift a set of biggest buyer of the metal after lim men seeking an instant di- another weapon devised by “Neither Muslim women charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, However, Scindia was also gold ornaments to one’s daugh- China. vorce if the party wins an elec- Mr Narendra Modi to imprison nor the Indian public will for- was given a seat next to Jyoti- allotted an offi ce in the same ter as a blessing as she leaves her The World Gold Council ex- tion due by May. Muslim men or drag them to give them for such a regressive raditya Scindia, general secre- room, in a way to show that as father’s home to start a new life,” pects India to consume 750-850 Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party police stations,” Sushmita Dev, thought,” BJP spokesman Sam- tary in charge of western Uttar Uttar Pradesh in-charges, both Sarma said in his budget speech tonnes of gold this year. (BJP) in January issued an ex- president of the women’s wing bit Patra told reporters. Pradesh, in the middle of the he and Priyanka are on the same on Wednesday. The Assam government hasn’t ecutive order making the prac- of Congress, said in a speech. The Supreme Court outlawed right side row. pedestal. He said the programme should stopped at gold. tice – which allows Muslim men “I promise to you that a Con- triple talaq in August last year Rahul, K C Venugopal, Ghu- In another gesture, when stop families falling into debt to Sarma said the state would to divorce their wives by saying gress government will come to and asked the government to lam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Rahul arrived from the meet- pay for daughters’ weddings. also give electric bikes to girls the word talaq three times – an power in 2019 and we will scrap introduce legislation to enforce Kharge were seated on the front. ing, security personnel tried to “I feel that it’s my solemn re- who score at least 60% in off ence punishable with up to this triple talaq law,” she said. the court ruling. Political observers say Priya- hold an umbrella over him as it sponsibility to stand with those school-leaving exams, for get- three years in jail. Dev was speaking at a meeting The government fi rst is- nka was deliberately not seated was raining, but he ignored it fathers who cannot aff ord to gift ting to places of higher studies. The order was issued after a of minority members of the party, sued an ordinance against the next to Rahul but away from and walked in the rain to show a set of gold ornaments,” he said. He rejected opposition ac- bill that had sought to make the where Congress president Rahul practice in September, after in- him to give a message to sen- respect towards hundreds of The Assam government would cusations he was making “fake practice a non-bailable off ence Gandhi said to loud cheers that stances of Muslim men divorc- ior party leaders that as the party workers who had gathered buy the gold from the RBI and promises” to win votes. faced resistance from Congress “irrespective of your language, ing their wives over the mes- All India Congress Committee to greet him and Priyanka.

30 Telugu students return from ‘Granny’ elephant dies in Kerala aged 88

US after ‘pay-to-stay’ sting AFP ter tethering place at an elephant Thiruvananthapuram farm in Thiruvananthapuram.” Wildlife conservationists such IANS rolled themselves with the fake “To stay in the US and work, as P S Easa have criticised the Hyderabad University of Farmington fl oat- they took admission in this elephant believed to be practice of keeping elephants ed by the US authorities under university for another MS as the oldest ever in captiv- in captivity, regardless of their a sting operation. More than it lured the students with the Aity has died aged 88 in conditions. t least 30 students from 80% of these students were off er that they need not attend Kerala, offi cials said yesterday. He said yesterday all such ani- Andhra Pradesh and Te- from the two Telugu states. classes,” said Buchiram. Awarded the title of “Gaja mals should be released to their Alangana have returned While eight students, who The students doing MS in Muthassi” (elephant granny), natural habitat, adding that be- from the US. They were not worked as recruiters, were ar- any US university have to attend Dakshayani took part in temple stowing titles on elephants did detained or served notices by rested, 129 were kept under ad- classes for a specifi ed period to rituals and processions for dec- nothing for their well-being. the US authorities in the “pay- ministrative detention in dif- avail Curricular Practical Train- ades, but breathed her last on “All they want, or for that to-stay” scam, according to ferent places. ing (CPT) or to work as intern Tuesday after becoming reluc- matter, any animal would want, Telugu organisations. “Those who had shifted to during the course period. tant to eat, her veterinary sur- is to be in their natural habitat Telugu organisations work- other universities are safe but “Even if a university is off er- geon said. and have enough space to move ing with the students, who had there is no problem for others ing online courses, the students “At 3pm, a sudden shiver around and suffi cient food to enrolled in a fake university in returning home,” Buchiram should fi nd out if it has physical passed through her large frame eat,” he said. fl oated by the US authorities to Kalapatapu, chief co-ordinator presence or not. This particular beginning from the head region. Wildlife experts say some expose an immigration racket, of the Andhra Pradesh Non- university was off ering online After a few minutes she bent her 15,000 Asian elephants – or said returning home was the Resident Telugu (APNRT) So- courses but had no physical forelimbs and lay down. And nearly one in three – live in cap- safest option for those who ciety, told IANS. presence,” said Buchiram. that was it,” T Rajeev told AFP. tivity globally, often in dire con- were not detained or served Those working with the Since many of students had The Travancore Devaswom This photo taken on April 18, 2016 shows Dakshayani, awarded the ditions. notices for violation of immi- “victim” students believe that taken bank loans for the studies Board, which owned Dakshaya- title ‘Gaja Muthassi’, with her keeper and a visitor on the grounds of India has 2,454 elephants in gration laws. there should be no problem for in US, they wanted to continue ni, gave her age as 88. the Chengalloor Mahadeva temple in Thiruvananthapuram. captivity, a survey released last At least 129 students, all from those returning home in fi nd- to stay and work there to repay The oldest elephant in captiv- month said. the two Telugu states, continue ing suitable job opportunities the loans. ity recognised by Guinness World Pineapples and carrots had “For the past three years she Former Travancore Board to remain under “administra- in India. They had already done Each student had paid Records was aged 86 – Lin Wang, been introduced to Dakshayani’s did not take part in any temple president Prayar Goplakrishnan, tive detention” since the racket MS from other universities and $20,000 to $25,000 to enrol in another Asian elephant which diet in recent years to improve programme or public function,” under whose tenure Dakshayani was busted last week. subsequently availed Optional the fake university, which re- died in 2003 in a Taiwan zoo. her metabolism after she began Rajeev said. was awarded the “Gaja Muth- About 600 foreign students, Practical Training (OPT), a cruited students in 26 states Captive elephants have a life to have diffi culty moving around, “And a couple of months back, assi” honour, defended the deci- 90% of them Indians, had en- one-year work permit. across the US. expectancy of 40-plus years. probably due to reduced eyesight. we had even moved her to a bet- sion to keep her in captivity. Gulf Times Friday, February 8, 2019 11 LATIN AMERICA

LEGAL FALLOUT DECISION FORECAST LAW AND ORDER Ex-army chief faces charges Vale loses licence to Brazil central bank Brazil pension reforms Mexico sends police and over Pinochet-era crimes operate dam after disaster keeps key rate at 6.5% ‘to save up to $273mn’ army to murder hot spots

A Chilean court has opened a fresh case against Brazilian mining giant Vale has lost its licence to Brazil’s central bank has kept its key rate steady Brazil’s government predicts it can save up to Mexico has begun beefing up law enforcement the country’s former army chief for the alleged operate the Lanjeiras dam, vital to its biggest mine at a historically low 6.5%, showing caution as 1bn reais ($273mn) over a decade by overhaul- in its most violent districts this week, off icials said, torture of 24 political prisoners following a in southeastern Minas Gerais state, the firm said. President Jair Bolsonaro’s government readied ing its costly pension system, Economy Minister sending the first of 10,200 troops and police to military coup in 1973, according to a court docu- The decision comes two weeks after another dam structural reforms meant to boost the economy. Paulo Guedes said. The amount exceeds the reduce murder rates in 17 hot spots, in the first ment released yesterday. The Court of Appeal storing mining waste collapsed in the village of The decision adopted unanimously by the 800,000 reais previously forecast under the phase of a programme it plans to expand. Homi- in Chile’s northern city of La Serena ordered Brumadinho – 160kms away, leaving at least 150 bank’s monetary policy committee aligned with preceding centre-right government that had cides rose by one-third last year, breaking a record the investigation against Juan Emilio Cheyre, 71, dead and 182 missing. It was the second such forecasts by most analysts. In a statement, the to limit its reform ambitions in the face of for the second consecutive year and underscor- and other former military off icials for allegedly disaster in three years at a mine owned by Vale, committee said that it has seen a “reduction of lawmakers’ resistance. Shaking up Brazil’s over- ing the challenge facing Mexico’s new president to subjecting detainees to beatings, electric shocks, the world’s biggest iron ore producer. “The state inflationary risks” since its last meeting in Decem- generous and unsustainable pension system rein in the violence that has spiralled over the last mock executions, water torture, hangings, rapes secretary for environment and sustainable de- ber. But it said international context remained was a key election promise of far-right President decade amid a military-led war on drug traff icking. and sexual assaults. An order for Cheyre’s arrest velopment...cancelled the provisional operational “challenging” and that obstacles to the antici- Jair Bolsonaro, who has handed its execution Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was issued yesterday and he was taken into cus- authorisation of the Laranjeiras dam,” Vale said in pated reforms could “elevate the inflationary to Guedes, a free-market advocate. “The idea has proposed bolstering the armed forces tody shortly afterwards, a spokesman for Chile’s a statement, adding the decision was due to an trajectory.” The central bank has kept is key Selic is that (savings) will come in at least 1bn reais,” through a new National Guard, while saying the investigative police force (PDI) said. ongoing public civil suit against the company. rate unchanged at 6.5 % since March 2018. Guedes told reporters. war against drug traff ickers is over. Lula given 13 years in new graft conviction

AFP erty as often and that it was used Rio de Janeiro more by Lula’s family. “The accused received these unjustifi ed benefi ts because of Brazilian court handed a his position as president of the near 13-year sentence to republic, of whom exemplary be- ALuiz Inacio Lula da Silva, haviour is demanded,” she said. in a new corruption conviction The value of the renova- for the former leftist president tion work carried out was already serving a lengthy jail put at more than 1mn reais term in a separate case. ($270,000). The two sen- Lula, 73, was found guilty by tences weighing on Lula come a court in the southern city of from “Car Wash,” the name of Curitiba of accepting renova- a sprawling corruption probe tion work by two construction originally overseen by Brazil’s companies on a farmhouse in current justice minister, former People demonstrate in favour of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with a sign reading “No to Yankee intervention” outside the Presidency building in Montevideo exchange for ensuring they won judge Sergio Moro. yesterday where a meeting to negotiate a solution to the Venezuelan crisis is taking place. contracts with the state-run oil The investigation uncovered company Petrobras. a vast graft operation involving He was given a sentence of Petrobras and major construc- 12 years and 11 months by the tion companies and bribes to court in the southern city of politicians of several parties. Curitiba. Lula is the most high-profi le A legal expert, Thiago Bottino of several political and corporate do Amaral of the Getulio Var- fi gures to be brought down by the gas Foundation, said that, under probe. Caracas crisis needs peaceful Brazilian law, prison terms can be Moro handed him his fi rst served one after the other as long prison sentence after fi nding the as the total time behind bars does ex-president guilty of accepting not exceed 30 years. a luxury seaside apartment as a Lula, since April last year, is bribe by a construction compa- already serving a 12-year term for ny, also in exchange for contracts resolution: EU-backed group corruption in a separate case. His with Petrobras. prison is in Curitiba. Hardt took over “Car Wash” at Reuters mately come from the people of ticularly after opposition leader ful solution that will prevent an Slovakia and Italy have also The leftist former leader ruled the end of last year when Moro Montevideo Venezuela. Juan Guaido declared himself “escalation of violence.” refused to recognise Guaido, Brazil between 2003 and 2010. accepted his new post under “This is not only the most interim president last month. “This is based on good faith, defying EU and US eff orts to co- He has denied all the charg- Bolsonaro, who vowed to eradi- desirable result but is the Maduro was re-elected to a where we don’t intervene un- ordinate action on Venezuela. es against him, claiming they cate graft as part of a hard line on uropean and Latin Ameri- only result if we want to avoid new six-year term as president less with dialogue, negotiation, Lined up behind the ICG are are politically motivated with crime. can leaders yesterday more suff ering and a chaotic last May, but the election was communication and a will- the EU and a number of mem- the aim of preventing him Bolsonaro has said he hopes Egathered in the Uruguayan process,” she said alongside widely condemned as a fraud. ingness to contribute,” Mexi- ber states including France, competing in elections last Lula “rots in prison.” capital of Montevideo to discuss Uruguayan President Tabaré A flood of EU nations in- can Foreign Minister Marcelo Germany, Italy, the Nether- year that were won by Brazil’s The president tweeted a news a plan to solve the deepening Vazquez. cluding Germany, France and Ebrard, told reporters in Mon- lands, Portugal, Spain, Swe- new far-right President Jair headline of Lula’s new convic- crisis in Venezuela, while urging The Uruguay meeting comes Britain have joined the US, tevideo on Wednesday, echo- den and Britain. Latin America Bolsonaro. tion and sentence without com- the global community to back on the heels of a separate meet- Canada and a group of Latin ing comments made earlier this members include Bolivia, Costa Defending himself in the lat- ment. away from direct intervention. ing of the harder-line Lima American countries in rec- week. Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and est case, he said the farmhouse The head of Lula’s Workers The EU-backed International Group in Canada, which called ognising Guaido as the right- Mexico was once an outspo- Uruguay. did not belong to him and its ti- Party, Gleisi Hoff mann, tweeted Contact Group on Venezuela for international action to pres- ful interim ruler of the South ken critic of Maduro. The ICG, launched late last tle was in the name of one of his that “the persecution of Lula opened its inaugural meeting sure socialist Venezuelan Presi- American nation. But ties with Venezuela have month, has said its aim is to fi nd friends, Fernando Bittar. continues.” with calls for a more hands-off dent Nicolas Maduro to step But others remain wary about warmed under leftist President a “political and peaceful proc- But the Curitiba judge, Gabri- Last week, Lula asked for per- approach than that advocated down. direct involvement — including Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, ess” within 90 days in which ela Hardt, was not persuaded, mission to leave prison to attend by the US and some other Latin An economic collapse under some participants at the ICG who invited Maduro to his inau- Venezuelans determine their noting that “the family of ex- the funeral of his brother, but the American nations. Maduro, marked by widespread meeting. guration last month. own future through the holding president Lula very often fre- authorisation arrived too late, The European Union’s foreign shortages of food and medi- On the eve of the meeting, Maduro, who retains the loy- of free, transparent and credible quented the farm as if he was the only after the burial. policy chief, Federica Mogh- cine and hyperinfl ation, has Mexico, Uruguay and a grouping alty of Venezuela’s military, de- elections. Some critics, how- owner.” “They didn’t let me say good- erini, said the group was push- prompted some 3mn people to of Caribbean countries present- nounces Guaido as a US puppet ever, say this stance could allow She also observed that Bit- bye to Vava out of pure cruelty. ing for a peaceful and political fl ee Venezuela and forced na- ed a plan for Venezuela, titled who is seeking to foment a coup Maduro off the hook, even as tar had said in 2014 that his own All I can do is stay here and cry,” solution to the crisis, adding tions around the world to clarify the “Montevideo Mechanism,” against him. Maduro is support- pressure builds against him to family did not visit the prop- Lula said at the time. that a resolution must ulti- their stance on the crisis, par- that proposes to fi nd a peace- ed by China and Russia. step down. Bolivia picks China fi rm Five dead as storm for $2.3bn lithium projects lashes Rio de Janeiro Reuters reaching as high as 42 degrees Rio de Janeiro Celsius. Reuters Bolivia has some of the world’s 800,000 tonnes of the metal Yesterday morning, door- La Paz largest reserves of lithium — a per year by 2025 to support its men swept up branches outside key component in batteries that booming electric car industry, io de Janeiro, Brazil’s sec- upscale apartment buildings, power electric cars — but has yet China’s Ambassador to Bolivia ond-largest city, awoke to while street-cleaners fanned out olivia has chosen a Chi- to produce the metal at a com- Liang Yu said at the same event, Rscenes of chaos yesterday across the city. nese consortium to be mercial scale. hailing the deal as “historic.” after thrashing wind and rain In Arpoador, on Ipanema’s Bits strategic partner on The preliminary deal gives There are no estimates yet for whipped through neighbour- world-famous beach, a small new $2.3bn lithium projects, Beijing a fresh chance at lock- how much lithium Coipasa and hoods, falling trees, fl ooding sailboat was washed up on shore. the government said, giving ing in access to Bolivia’s lithium Pastos Grandes hold. streets and sweeping away buses The couple inside managed to China a potential foothold in after German fi rm ACI Systems Bolivia said last month that in a storm that killed at least fi ve escape when it ran ashore, local the country’s huge untapped GmbH was chosen last year as a new study found that Uyuni people. media reported. reserves of the prized electric partner on the country’s largest likely has at least 21mn tonnes of Some of Rio’s most iconic During Wednesday night, battery metal. lithium deposit in the salt fl ats lithium, more than double a pre- neighbourhoods, including many people had been stranded China’s Xinjiang TBEA Group of Uyuni. vious estimate. tourist hot-spots like Ipanema in restaurants and bars when the Co will hold a 49% stake in a Xinjiang TBEA beat six rivals Despite its abundant reserves and Copacabana, were bat- storm hit, watching with fear and planned joint venture with Bo- that also sought to partner with and growing global demand for tered by winds of up to 110kms incredulity as winds tore through livia’s state lithium company Bolivia on Coipasa and Pastos the metal, Bolivia’s state-led per hour on Wednesday night, the streets, fl attening signs and YLB, the Bolivian fi rm said. Grandes, including ACI, Ura- plans to industrialise its lithium with precarious hillside favelas blasting parasols. Together, the companies will nium One — a subsidiary of Rus- have faced repeated delays. hit by mudslides that closed TV images showed one man seek to produce lithium and sia’s state nuclear company Ro- The next steps on Coipasa and roads. being swept away by a raging other materials from the Coipasa satom — and the Irish company Pastos Grandes will be to con- At least fi ve people died, with torrent of water that gushed and Pastos Grandes salt fl ats. Clontarf Energy Plc. duct feasibility studies, YLB said. one more person potentially through the Rocinha favela, Bolivia estimates that devel- “Why China? There’s a guar- “This investment is not go- killed in a bus that was hit by a while other reports displayed opment of the projects will cost anteed market in China for ing to happen in a year. It’s a long mudslide, Rio’s mayor, Marcelo cars succumbing to the fl ow. Cri- at least $2.3bn. battery production,” Boliv- process of several years,” Boliv- Crivella, told local news media. vella noted that Rio was not yet The Chinese fi rm will provide ian President Evo Morales said in ia’s Deputy Minister of High En- “It was a lot of water that end- out of danger, with more rains initial investment and YLB will broadcast comments at a signing ergy Technologies Luis Alberto ed up causing this tragedy,” Cri- due. pay its share with future lithium ceremony in the highland city of Echazu said. vella said. “It was unexpected.” “They will be less intense production, YLB’s executive Oruro. YLB added that it might part- The storm came just days after rains, with less powerful winds,” manager Juan Carlos Montene- China, the biggest global ner with Xinjiang TBEA on a People surround the area where a bus ran off the road due to Rio experienced its hottest Janu- he said. “We ask that people stay gro said by phone. consumer of lithium, will need lithium battery plant in China. heavy rains in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ary in 97 years, with some days in a safe location.” Gulf Times 12 Friday, February 8, 2019 PAKISTAN

PM Imran to kick off spring Pakistan arrests plantation drive tomorrow Internews Islamabad

rime Minister Imran Khan is expected to kick of activists fuel Poff a spring plantation campaign tomorrow, under the “Plant for Pakistan” project, by planting a tree in Balloki in cen- tral Punjab. The government plans to plant 150mn trees as part of the campaign, including extending row with Kabul the drive to illegally occupied government property. Reuters/AFP/Internews terrorism and public order laws, dealing with the case swept the This includes 2,500 acres Islamabad but his supporters say he was claims aside. of government land in Balloki arrested for protesting against Police follow “a proper pro- that was previously encroached Prime Minister Khan: would inaugurate the campaign by planting a abuses by the military. cedure and her claims of an ‘en- upon. tree in Balloki tomorrow. he arrest of a group of eth- Following a series of nation- counter’ are unthinkable”, he told Adviser to Prime Minister on nic Pashtun activists at a wide protests last year, hundreds AFP, referring to extra-judicial Climate Change Amin Aslam including the armed forces, whereas the day set for educa- Trally in Pakistan this week of PTM activists were arrested murders, or “encounter killings” said that Prime Minister Imran police, civil armed forces, local tional institutions is February has rekindled a row with Afghan- and detained across the country as they are commonly known in would inaugurate the campaign bodies, corporations, munici- 16. istan, as Afghan President Ashraf in a large-scale crackdown. Pakistan. by planting a tree in Balloki to- palities, sovereign and semi- Under the drive, the min- Ghani condemned Islamabad’s Dawar and Wazir, founding He accused Ismail and the morrow (February 9), as part of sovereign institutes, industrial istry has set a target of plant- treatment of the protesters. PTM members, were elected to other activists of uttering “anti- its plan to ensure aff orestation states, hospitals, agricultural ing 12mn trees in Punjab, 13mn The members of the Pashtun parliament in July from the Pa- state slogans”. of previously encroached land. farms, Civil Aviation Author- trees in Sindh, 100mn trees in Tahaff uz Movement (PTM) were shtun majority Waziristan region Ismail was briefl y detained in According to him, the cam- ity (CAA), Auqaf Department, KP, 1.2mn trees in Baluchistan, detained during a protest outside bordering Afghanistan, high- October after speaking at anoth- paign will continue after the in- prisons as well as educational around 5mn in Azad Jammu and the Islamabad Press Club against lighting the group’s growing ap- er PTM meeting. auguration in Balloki. institutions. Kashmir, along with 7mn in police violence on Tuesday, the peal among Pakistan’s 35mn Pa- Her brief disappearance “As many as 150mn trees According to available infor- Gilgit-Baltistan. latest in a series of moves against shtuns. this week has infl amed social would collectively be planted mation, the armed forces would Further, diff erent depart- the group, which was founded a Meanwhile, one of the coun- networks, with the hashtag during the campaign,” he said, start plantation on February 12, ments would share their part year ago to protest the death of try’s leading women’s rights ac- #WhereIsGulalai going viral. adding that it was part of the while civic bodies would start in planting trees: 500,000 a Pashtun man killed by police in tivists, Gulalai Ismail, has been She has been freed, but “as a government’s promise for mas- on February 13. trees each would be planted by Karachi. Qureshi: Such irresponsible released from police custody, human rights defender, she is sive countrywide aff orestation. Further, hospitals would par- the Capital Development Au- Islamabad’s crackdown statements are only gross after Amnesty International said still not safe”, said Rabia Meh- A total of 5mn trees are ex- ticipate in the drive on February thority, the National Highway against the group, whose support interference. she and others had been detained mood, a researcher for Amnesty pected to be planted on the in- 14. Authority, and the ministry comes mainly from the north- “arbitrarily” during Tuesday’s International. auguration day. The Auqaf Department, the of defence, while the Pakistan western region of Khyber Pa- A police spokesman said that crackdown on the PTM. “It is really alarming that The drive will see the partici- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Aeronautical Complex has set a khtunkhwa, has drawn criticism Loni died of a heart attack after “It was very painful for my peaceful protests are constantly pation of diff erent institutions, and prisons on February 15, target of 20,000 trees. and protests from over the border clashes between protesters and family, who (suff ered uncertainty targeted by the Pakistani state,” in Afghanistan, where Pashtuns police. for) 30 hours (before fi nding out) she added. are estimated to be the largest PTM leader and member of where I was,” she told AFP, add- Ismail is also the co-founder single ethnic group. parliament Ali Wazir told Reuters ing that she had been freed late of Aware Girls, an NGO that pro- Tuesday’s incident, reopening that 18 activists were still in cus- on Wednesday. motes gender equality. Aff orestation project along longstanding tensions between tody after one of those detained Ismail was separated from the She has received several inter- Kabul and Islamabad, comes as was released this week. other activists, she said, and was national awards. Pakistan has been supporting ef- Rights group Amnesty Inter- not placed under offi cial arrest. Yesterday Ismail thanked forts to open a peace process with national issued a statement say- “They didn’t charge me with Prime Minister Imran Khan “for new highway bearing fruit the Taliban to end more than 17 ing that the authorities “must anything. They didn’t let me ensuring [her] release”. years of war in Afghanistan. immediately and uncondition- contact my lawyer. They just In a series of tweets posted “The Afghan government has ally release protesters belonging kept moving me around,” she hours after she was freed from Internews Encouraged by the success coming into power in the cen- serious concerns about the vio- to the peaceful Pashtun Tahaff uz said. “You cannot arrest citizens Adiala jail, Ismail said: “Thank Islamabad of the campaign, the offi cials of tre, announced the 10bn-tree lence perpetrated against peace- Movement”. and just ‘disappear’ them.” you Prime Minister Imran Khan the forest department launched aff orestation project for the ful protesters and civil activists “It is shocking that the Paki- Talking to local media, Ismail for ensuring my release. These another drive in December to whole country. in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and stani authorities have resorted said that after being arrested on were tedious 30 hours for my n aff orestation project overcome the gaps left in the Under the new project, 1bn Baluchistan,” Ghani, himself a to such heavy-handed methods,” Tuesday, she was fi rst detained family. Please help to bring out on both sides of the previous drive. more trees would be planted in Pashtun, wrote in a tweet. Amnesty South Asia researcher in a women’s police station in Is- our other 17 friends.” Anewly-constructed This time 700kg seeds were Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pakistani Foreign Minister Rabia Mehmood said. lamabad. She also called upon the prime Hazara Motorway is fast be- sown in the same area. recently-merged tribal dis- Shah Mahmood Qureshi rejected The PTM blames the military The next morning, she was minister to hold those “account- coming a success, as the seeds The seeds had been collect- tricts. Ghani’s comment. and other state agencies for what shifted to a women’s hostel, and able who are dismantling our sown just under a year ago have ed by the department without Maani said that special at- “Such irresponsible state- it says are forced disappearances then taken to the Aabpara po- constitutional rights”. now grown to become six-foot spending money on it. tention would be focused on the ments are only gross interfer- resulting in thousands of miss- lice station, from where she was “Only holding those ac- plants. Also, no funds were spent on newly merged tribal districts in ence,” he said in a tweet, adding ing persons’ cases, mainly from taken to Adiala after a fi ve-hour countable who are dismantling Many plants sown during the the sowing drive, which was the new project. that Ghani should focus on the the Pashtun region bordering Af- wait. our constitutional rights can seed sowing campaign launched done voluntarily. Sixty per cent share of the “longstanding grievances of the ghanistan. On Wednesday night, she was bring prosperity to this country. on February 16, 2018 have made “It won’t be wrong to say project would be specifi ed for Afghan people”. The group is viewed with deep brought back to the women’s po- Stronger parliament, stronger seed-to-seed growth, which that not even a single penny has the tribal districts where ag- Tuesday’s protests followed suspicion by the military, which lice station in Islamabad, where Pakistan,” she tweeted. is something next to unbeliev- been spent on the campaign,” gressive plantation would be the death of PTM regional lead- says it undermines Pakistan. she had been initially held, and Ismail also praised Human able for forestry experts, said said Ejaz Qadar. done on all the community er Arman Loni in southwestern The army has said that it does subsequently released. Rights Minister Shireen Mazari Javed Arshad, chief conservator These plants, after becoming land, government properties, Baluchistan province, which the not detain individuals without The rights activist said that for “support and “tremendous forests for the northern region, fully-grown trees, would add to empty patches and roads. group blamed on police. evidence. the police still had not returned eff orts in finding [Ismail]”. during a visit to the site of the the beauty of the area, he said. He said that various experi- Mohsin Dawar, a member of The arrest last month of senior her phone, and were misleading She reminded Mazari that 17 project late last month. Forestry, environment and ments were done during the parliament and founding mem- PTM leader Alamzeb Mehsud in her by telling her she could get activists were still in custody, The seed-to-seed growth wildlife department special aff orestation project and all ber of the PTM, said that police Karachi drew an outcry on social it from one police station or the adding that: “[Their] constitu- means the seeds that had secretary Zariful Maani, who proved a huge success. had singled Loni out and beat media. other. tional rights are getting violating been sown 11 months ago have was present on the occasion, The seed sowing was one of him to death. He was charged under anti- An Islamabad police offi cial at the whim of unknown.” started producing seeds, he ex- said that it was an unprecedent- those experiments, he said. plained, while pointing to some ed project that gave unexpected Another successful segment seed pods on diff erent plants. results. of the project was the introduc- Envisioned by Forests, En- tion of closures. vironment and Wildlife De- Not a single penny was About 5,000 closures were partment Secretary Syed Nazar spent on the project, an established in the province. Govt will protect Bibi if she stays: minister Hussain Shah, the seed sow- offi cial says “By closure, we mean pro- ing campaign has proved to be tection of a certain area from the least expensive and most He added the outcome of the wood cutting and hunting, etc. Internews the state. “People were taken into productive part of the “Billion project is so encouraging that it A negehbaan (guard) is appoint- London custody and put behind bars.” Tree” aff orestation project. would be extended to all other ed on each 40-hectare piece of The minister stressed that the “It was a one-day activity. highways, motorways, and oth- land, and given a monthly salary government’s policy was that The entire staff of the forest de- er government lands. of Rs15,000 to ensure the pro- oreign Minister Shah Meh- the blasphemy law should not be partment in the region, who are It was free of cost as the seeds tection of trees and wildlife in mood Qureshi has told the misused by anyone. 600 in numbers, was used in the were produced by the depart- the area assigned to him,” Maani FBBC that Aasia Bibi is in On the issue of Kashmir, campaign. Some 930kg of seeds ment and the sowing was done explained. Pakistan and a free person. Qureshi said that Pakistan of diff erent species were sown through “Ashar” voluntarily. “These closures bore won- Last month, the Supreme wanted peace in the region but on both sides of the motorway,” “It is very economical and derful results as not only the Court rejected a review petition is concerned about deteriorating stated Ejaz Qadar, the conser- natural. The seeds not only existing trees and wildlife were challenging the top court’s deci- human rights conditions in “In- vator for Forests in Lower Haz- sprouted but also grew up to protected but a number of new sion to acquit Asia Bibi. dian-Occupied Kashmir” (IoK). ara circle. human (height) within a few species regenerated in the clo- Her blasphemy conviction had “The Indians are not manag- The seeds had been selected months,” he remarked. sures. been overturned by the Supreme ing their side well. Based on two in accordance with the nature Offi cials of the forestry de- “The natural habitat was re- Court in October last year in a reports, the UN Commission’s of land and environment in the partment claimed that the “Bil- stored, medicinal plants start- landmark decision, but she had report and the All Party Parlia- area. lion Tree” aff orestation project, ed growing there and honey remained in prison as the gov- mentary Group on Kashmir’s re- The diff erent kinds of seeds which had initially been given bees made these closures their ernment negotiated with pro- port have highlighted the atroci- utilised in the campaign in- the name of “Billion Tree Tsu- abode,” he said. testers from religious groups led ties and human right violations.” cluded Acacia Nilotica, Chir, nami”, proved a tremendous Wood lot, free distribution by the Tehreek-e-Labaik Paki- Responding to criticism on Bakain, Alenthus, Phulai, Sa- success in the fi ve-year term of of plants among farmers and stan (TLP), who blockaded major Pakistan, the minister said “we nata, and Sheesham. the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf bringing waterlogged land and cities and demanded her death. have opened up our side of Kash- The seeds were sown on both (PTI) government in the prov- government land under planta- On November 2, the govern- mir”. sides of the 44km long route ince as 1.2bn trees were grown. tion were some other important ment had agreed in a deal with “Any British citizen who wants This picture taken on February 1 shows protesters marching in between Hassanabdal and Shah It was due to the success of segments of the Billion Tree af- the protesters to follow due proc- to visit our side of Kashmir is Karachi against the Supreme Court decision on the case of Aasia Bibi. Maqsood Interchange. the project that the PTI, after forestation project, he added. ess to impose a travel ban on Bibi, welcome to do so. We have noth- and not to challenge the review ing to hide.” between Pakistan and the US. appeal in the Supreme Court. On Pakistan’s role in the Af- “The Americans have more con- “She [Aasia Bibi] is a free per- ghan peace process, Qureshi said fi dence in this government.” son. The Supreme Court has that Prime Minister Imran Khan When asked about the Direc- found her innocent. They have from the beginning had stated tor of US National Intelligence Sharif taken back to prison from hospital acquitted her,” Qureshi said dur- that there is no military solution telling a Senate Committee that ing the interview. to the confl ict. Pakistan still providing a safe The foreign minister said “What is required is a negoti- haven to terrorists, the minister Internews fused to go to the Punjab Insti- premier was shifted from the ernment for his treatment nor Bibi was free to leave, however, ated political settlement. Now replied: “Come and see for your- Lahore tute of Cardiology (PIC) in La- Kot Lakhpat prison to Services would they do so in the future. the government would protect the Trump administration ex- self the dramatic improvement hore, and insisted on returning Hospital. She further said they also did her for the rest of her life if she press an interest to engage. Paki- which has taken place on our side to Kot Lakhpat jail. A medical board constituted not need any pity from the gov- chooses to stay in Pakistan. “We stan facilitated and we are facili- of the border. ormer prime minister Na- He had maintained that he to monitor Sharif’s health had ernment. have asked friends around the tating and those talks have been “A lot needs to be done on the waz Sharif has been taken was taken to the PIC before recommended that he be shifted Maryam stated that her father world if they want to help her.” constructive.” other side. If there are any safe Fback to Kot Lakpat jail being shifted to the Services to a hospital from prison. had been kept at the Services He added that quiet diplomacy “The Afghan government re- havens, they are on the other from Services Hospital. Hospital, and felt it was not ap- He is serving seven years’ im- Hospital for the last four days, was the way forward if someone alises that there is a considerable side. We have cleared our side.” The former premier, who is propriate for him to be moved prisonment in the Al-Azizia Still which did not even have a car- wanted to help Bibi. part of the country which is not Qureshi also said that Prime currently serving his prison around. Mills corruption case. diac unit. Speaking on the protests which under their control. So new real- Minister Khan is ready to meet sentence in the Al-Azizia Still The Services Hospital’s medi- Speaking to reporters out- She added that the four took place after her acquittal, the ism is setting in and a more real- US President Donald Trump. Mills corruption case, was shift- cal board had on Tuesday rec- side Services Hospital, daughter boards had called for Sharif to foreign minister said that clear istic approach is being adopted.” “Imran Khan will meet anyone ed to Kot Lakhpat jail amid tight ommended that Sharif be shift- Maryam Nawaz said her father be shifted to a cardiac hospital, action had been taken against Qureshi said there was a reset if it’s in Pakistan’s national inter- security. ed to a cardiac health facility. was being humiliated, adding adding that the government had those who challenged the writ of taking place in the relationship est.” On Wednesday Sharif had re- On February 2, the deposed they had never asked the gov- created doubt on his condition. Gulf Times Friday, February 8, 2019 13 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH How to The importance of Tajweed teach he Noble Qur’an is the literal The purpose of Tajweed words of Allah that He re- The Qur’an is the word of Allah, and vealed as an infallible source its every syllable is from Allah. Its reci- Tof legislation for mankind tation must be taken very seriously. our kids to live an organised life by. It contains The purpose of the science of Tajweed, regulations and recommendations in essence, is to make the reciter profi - about all aspects of life and references cient in reciting the Qur’an, observing to the Hereafter. Being so important, the correct pronunciation of every Tawheed the Qur’an must be read, written, and letter with the rulings and character- recited correctly and clearly, so as istics which apply to it, without any not to create any sort of ambiguity or exaggeration or defi ciency. Through hen we want to teach our misunderstanding whatsoever. Allah this, the reciter can recite the Qur’an children Tawheed (i.e. Almighty addressed His Messenger, according to the way of the Prophet, Islamic monotheism) Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sal- sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, who Wshould we have to read lam (may Allah exalt his mention), in received it from Jibreel who received classical texts and books in this regard? the Qur’an, Saying (what means): “… it from Almighty Allah in the Classical No, this is not needed in the early And recite the Qur’an with measured Arabic language. stages of their lives because this recitation.” [Qur’an 73:4] Each Arabic letter has a Makhraj (an requires long hours of attentiveness Listening to the Qur’an being recited exit or articulation point from which and hard work, which is diffi cult for correctly is enough to soften even it originates) and Sifaat (attributes or children. the hardest of hearts. Muslims and characteristics). Knowing the Makhraj Later in life, one can do so when non-Muslims alike fi nd it a deeply and Sifaat of each letter is an impor- their level of comprehension allows moving experience, even if they do not tant part of Tajweed. Sometimes two them to grasp what is being read and understand what is being said. Every letters have very similar exits, which said to them. Initially, one can convey Muslim has to recite Qur’an in prayers, makes mixing them up easy. So, if a what he wants in the form of but many of us do not realise that person does not know the attributes of relating stories of the companions of reciting the Qur’an correctly while each letter, he may change the mean- the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa observing the rules of recitation is not ing of the words in Qur’an recitation. sallam, who gave precedence to their an advanced science for expert reciters Observing the rules of Tajweed in re- faith and to worshipping Allah over alone, rather it is an obligation upon citing prevents the reciter from mak- living in their homelands and amongst each and every one of us whenever we ing mistakes in reciting the Qur’an. their families and tribes, and highlight recite the Qur’an. that this was because the companions The ruling of reading with Tajweed realised that the reason why Allah What is Tajweed? Imaam Muhammad Ibn al-Jazari, created us was for the sole purpose of The Arabic word Tajweed linguisti- may Allah have mercy upon him, who worshipping Him. cally means “profi ciency” or “doing was a great Qur’an and Hadith scholar One may resort to other means of something well”. It comes from the of the 9th Hijri century, stated in his teaching them, such as: same root letters as the word Jayyid, famous poem that details the rules of Utilising Qur’anic study circles: which means “good”. When applied Tajweed: In such a case the parent may stop to the Qur’an, it means giving every “And applying Tajweed is an issue of at certain verses which address a letter of the Qur’an its rights and dues absolute necessity, Whoever doesn’t specifi c aspect of Tawheed and explain of characteristics when we recite the apply Tajweed to the Qur’an, then a it. An example for this is the verses Qur’an, and observing the rules that sinner is he.” addressing the story of Prophet ‘Eesaa apply to those letters in diff erent situ- Hence, applying the rules of Tajweed and that he was not crucifi ed as the ations. We give the letters their rights is an obligation to keep away from the Christians claim, but the parent must by observing the essential character- major mistakes in reciting the Qur’an. choose simple phrases that are within istics of each letter. We give them their The scholars have divided the types the level of the child’s understanding dues by observing the characteristics of mistakes one might fall into when and comprehension. of each letter that are present in them reciting the Qur’an into two: Relating stories of the Prophet some of the time and not present at 1. Clear mistakes: which usually and his companions and other other times. change obvious things and change the heroes in Islam: The Qur’an was revealed with meaning. Children like hearing stories, and Tajweed rules applied to it. In other 2. Hidden mistakes: for which one thus the parents should take advantage words, when the angel Jibreel (Gabri- may need to study Tajweed rules. of this interest in them. One should el), may Allah exalt his mention, re- The majority of scholars agree that not simply relate the story without cited the words of Allah to the Prophet applying the Tajweed rules of the Mistakes related to correct pronun- Mistakes which have to do with • Making light letters sound heavy highlighting certain matters and Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sal- Qur’an such that the clear mistakes ciation of letters so that letters are not perfecting pronunciation and are not and heavy letters sound light (except if emphasising on the lessons one can lam, he recited them in a certain way are avoided is an individual obliga- mixed up in a way that changes their obvious. These are known only by by doing this one changes a letter into extract from these stories. and he showed the Prophet, sallallaahu tion (Fardh ‘Ayn) upon every Muslim meaning. Scholars and ordinary Mus- those who have studied Tajweed rules another; in which case it would be an Commenting on some events: ‘alaihi wa sallam, the ways in which it who has memorised part or all of the lims alike should avoid these. or are experts in this fi eld. Ordinary obvious mistake.) One can remind the children with was permissible to recite the Qur’an. Qur’an, while applying the rules of Muslims may not know such mistakes Among the proofs that the scholars the massacre that took place to the So it is obligatory upon us to observe Tajweed to avoid the hidden mistakes Examples of Clear Mistakes: or perceive them to be so. bring to show the obligation of Tajweed Muslims in Bosnia and the atrocities those rules so that we recite it in the is a collective obligation (Fardh Ki- • Changing one letter into another and its being an established Sunnah is that are currently taking place to the way it was revealed. faayah) upon Muslims. That is, there or a short vowel (Harakah) into another Examples of Hidden Mistakes: that Almighty Allah Says in the Qur’an Muslims in Palestine and other places At the time of the Prophet, sal- must be some students of knowledge (e.g. changing Fat-hah into Dhammah • Not being totally exact with the (what mean): “…And recite the Qur’an and make it clear for them that their lallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, there was who have knowledge of that. This or the letter Qaaf into Kaaf, etc) elongation of letters: (Making the with measured recitation.” [Qur’an suff ering is because of their faith and no need for people to study Tajweed is because the Qur’an was revealed • Not observing the elongations Madd shorter or longer by a 1/2 or even 73:4] because they are Muslims. This will because they talked with what is now with the Tajweed rules applied to it, (Madd) at all. Reciting them quickly 1/4 degree, etc.) There are various Prophetic nar- make the child sympathise with his known as Tajweed, so it was natural for and the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi as if there is no Madd so that they turn • Not observing the attributes of rations also showing us the impor- fellow Muslims. them. When the Arabs started mix- wa sallam, recited it back to Jibreel into the length of a vowel. each letter perfectly: (Slightly rolling tance of Tajweed. Umm Salamah, Exploiting certain situations: ing with the non-Arabs and as Islam in that way and the companions of • Making a Madd letter which out of the Raa’, or exaggerating the ‘N’ sound may Allah be pleased with her, was When the child is ill, the parent can spread, mistakes in the Qur’anic reci- the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa a normal Harakah. in Noon, etc.) asked about the recitation of the instill in him the principle that Allah tation began to appear, so the scholars sallam, read it in that way, so it is an • Stopping or starting at an incor- • Not observing the rules with Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sal- Alone is the One Who can cure and had to record the rules. Now, because established Sunnah (Prophetic tradi- rect place so that the meaning is spoilt, which to pronounce letters when they lam, and she described it as a recita- that medicine is but a means and that the everyday Arabic that Arabs speak tion or practice). like stopping at ‘Laa ilaaha’ (i.e., there are next to each other (like not merging tion: “Clearly-distinguished, letter it is Allah Who made it a cause to cure. has changed so much from the Classi- The list below shows the type of is nothing worthy of worship), without certain letters that should be merged by letter”. Clarify that Allah is The Only One cal Arabic with which the Qur’an was mistakes under each category: completing ‘illallaah’ (except Allah). (Idghaam) and not clearly pronounc- who can benefi t or cause harm, and revealed, even the Arabs have to study ing those which should be clearly Article source: http://www.islamweb. He is the only One to seek refuge in to Tajweed. Clear mistakes: Hidden Mistakes: pronounced (Ith-haar), etc.) net/emainpage/ lift any harm. Parents should exploit all other situations to instill diff erent principles of Tawheed. Setting a good example: Words of Wisdom A parent could be a means to instill certain values and basics of Tawheed „The best knowledge is that which sincerity to Allah brings about through his or her conduct and benefits, and Allah only causes understanding of Allah the Mighty actions. For example, a parent may Qur’an: the way knowledge to benefit a person when and Majestic. praise a person in front of his children he acts upon it once having learnt it „Whoever seeks knowledge in order only because he is a righteous one. and He does not cause it to benefit to act upon it will be humbled by his Likewise, a parent may dispraise the person that leaves it after having knowledge but whoever seeks it for another person because he is a learnt it. other than that, will be increased by it disbeliever. „Knowledge without action is like a in arrogance. This clarifi es to the children one tree without fruit. „The time will soon come, if you live of the principles of faith, and that is to salvation „You are now in the preliminary long, that knowledge will become love and hatred are both done for the world, in front of you are two places a source of beautification, just as sake of Allah and not because so and of abode, out of which you must live a person beautifies himself with a so person deprived us form a job or he Book of Allah is the rain good, hurry to me” vain opinions that contradict the in one of. You have not been given garment.” money that we wanted. Parents should that brings forth true life on It is the caller of faith at the head of Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophet’s assurance of protection, causing „If Allah grants you knowledge, in be careful in front of their children Earth. the straight path, calling (what means): Tradition) that neither replenish it nor you to feel safe. Nor have you been return worship Him and do not make lest the children adopt a bad habit, T Allah revealed the Book “O our people, respond to the caller quench its thirst? So now your heart granted acquittal, causing you to your goal merely narrating to the because it is the parents who have (Noble Qur’an) in order for us to read of Allah and have faith in Him so He does not accept nourishment of the slacken. people. the most eff ective infl uence on the it, and mull over it with care and may forgive your sins for you and may Word of the Lord of the worlds, and the „If I were to know with full certainty „The scholar remains ignorant with children. vigilance; to enrich our souls from its save you from a painful chastisement.” speech of His eminent Messenger! that all of my life was but an hour, regard to what he has learned until Correcting wrong concepts or remembrance; to carry it and construe [Referring to verse 31 of chapter 46] For how will you ever fi nd your way Why should I not renounce it And he acts according to it, and only then words: it in the best of manners; to affi rm it The Qur’an is Allah’s greatest bless- through the darkness of conjectures dedicate it to righteousness and does he become a true scholar. During the child’s daily and strive to establish its commands ing on us. It is the fulfi llment of His and opinions of mortals to the clear obedience. „The knowledge of the hypocrite is activities, they may utter or do and prohibitions; pick the fruits of its promise to Aadam and his descend- distinction of right and wrong when „You are submerged in careless in his speech, yet the knowledge of something Islamically wrong or precious knowledge that is our way to ants, as Allah Almighty Says (what you have closed your eyes to the light hope, the time or death you do not the believer is in his actions. contradicting to Tawheed and it is the Allah and to glean the wisdom from its means): ‘’…There shall come to you of the Book of Allah and the way of the Know of Do not be fooled by good „Act upon your knowledge O man, role of the parents to correct them. gardens and fl owers. guidance from Me, and whatsoever Messenger? health, for it is from the most painful and you will profit, for knowledge The child may swear by other than For it is His Book, and nothing else, follows My Guidance no fear shall Woe unto you, how have you of illnesses. Every soul is by its day, In does not benefit unless one is Allah, and it becomes mandatory upon that can guide His seekers to Him. be on them, nor shall they sorrow’’ adulterated the right opinions with the the morning all hope will be removed. proficient in action. Knowledge is a the parents to clarify that this is a form It is the path that leads the traveller [Qur’an 2:38] sick ones, and the accepted ones with So act with good deeds and work beauty, the taqwaa of Allah being its of disbelief and associating with Allah, to Allah. It is His brilliant Light that It is the only weapon for struggling the rejected ones, and have managed to hard Before you are prevented from ornation, and the pious are busy with and so forth. illuminates the darkness of uncer- against the forces of evil and tempta- incapacitate your souls from receiving acting. the knowledge they possess. Learn, A child may hear at school that tainty and disbelief. It is His mercy of tion in this world. It is the only means to the guidance and knowledge from the „Ibn Mas’ood, radiallahu ‘anhu, said: and then act, as much as you are Santa is a nice man who brings gifts guidance and source of happiness for overpower our fear and anxiety. It is the Book that is immune to falsehood from “Learn, learn, and once you have able to, and do not let amusement and nice things, then the parents all creation. It is the bridge that con- only Light as we grope in the darkness, all directions. learned, act.” [isnaad hasan] nor arguing distract you. Teach must explain that this Santa is a nects His devotee to Him when all else with which to fi nd our way to success Nay, but it is, by Allah, a trial that „Abu Hurairah, radiallahu ‘anhu, the people and always intend to symbol for non-Muslims (namely fails. It is the great door to Him that and salvation. It is the only healing for has blinded the hearts from the sources said, “The example of knowledge not benefit them, and beware! Beware of the Christians) and that he is remains open, when all else is closed. our inner sickness, as well as the social of righteousness and has embezzled acted upon is that of a treasure none weariness befalling you. nothing but a myth made up by It is the straight path that is not tainted ills that may surround us. It is the con- the minds from their goals. of which is spent in the way of Allah „Whoever speaks good things yet them, and that the only One Who by the opinions of mortals. It is the stant reminder of our true nature and The Book of Allah is the coolness of the Mighty and Majestic.” acts unrighteously, Allah does not Has the power to benefit or cause remembrance full of wisdom that is destiny, of our station and our duties. eyes for which the competitors „Az-Zuhree said, “The people will accept his good speech. Whereas he harm is Allah Alone. not swayed by desires. It is the noble But alas! Desires have put out the compete, the fi nality to which the never be pleased with the statement who speaks good things and works Likewise, if the child sees on TV revelation containing wisdom that lamps of the hearts, and opinions of contenders contend. of a scholar who does not act, nor righteous acts, his speech is raised that a certain character controls the sages can never fathom. Its wonders the mortal humans have shut those How can you still be in the dark of a person who acts but has no by his good deeds. That is because wind or the rain, the parents must never end, nor are its clouds barren, its doors of Divine guidance and lost the under a rising sun? knowledge.” [hasan] Allah says: To Him ascend the goodly make it clear that this is association signs are never exhausted, its agree- keys. The hearts are laden with the How can you lose your way under a „Whoever sought knowledge, word, and the righteous action raises with Allah and that these are qualities ments never contradict. rust of their own earning, so much so bright constellation? intending the knowledge alone (i.e. it. [Al-Faatir 35:10] that are exclusive to Allah. The more a soul delves into its that they do not fi nd the realities of the Glory be to Allah, The Exalted! without action) would not benefit by „Knowledge is the tool of action. These were some suggestions of depths, the more it increases in insight Qur’an opening to them. The burdens Article source: http://www.is- it. Yet whoever sought knowledge So if a person spends his whole life simple and important means and and guidance. It is the cure for man- of ignorance have so settled upon it lamweb.net/emainpage/ intending to act upon it, would gaining knowledge, when will he act?! methods through which parents kind from diseases of the heart. It is that its knowledge does not blossom benefit, even by a little knowledge. [From the book Iqtidaa-ul-’Ilmil-’Amal can clarify aspects and principles of life to the hearts and pleasure and bril- into righteous actions. „Knowledge rests upon action, (The Need Knowledge Has of Action) Tawheed to their children. liance to the souls. It is the harbinger Woe unto you, how have you made action rests upon sincerity, and by al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee] Article source: http://www.islamweb. that calls night and day: “O seekers of the nourishment of your heart those net/emainpage/ Gulf Times 14 Friday, February 8, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Campaign for second Brexit vote takes a hit Only a few months ago, crowds of protesters marched through London to demand a second Brexit referendum. But just weeks before Britain is due to leave the EU, the momentum has stalled. Those who hope to reverse Brexit through a new vote know that without the support of opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, they have little chance of succeeding. But Corbyn, a socialist and lifelong eurosceptic, has now off ered to help Prime Minister Theresa May get her Trump revs up his base EU divorce deal through the House of Commons. She has repeatedly rejected his main demand — that she negotiate a new EU-UK customs union — but pro- European Labour MPs have furiously accused him of facilitating Brexit. EU leader Donald Tusk, who has always made clear trying to reach beyond it his support for those seeking to keep Britain in the bloc, suggested this week it was a lost cause. By Janet Hook “Sometimes because of his style, Trump was elected with less than a overtakes the political scene. One year from now, Iowa Democrats “I have always been with you, with all my heart,” he told Washington people forget as a matter of policy there majority of the popular vote in 2016, are a lot of areas where Trump can fi nd and has not made a concerted eff ort to will have held the fi rst presidential a Brussels press conference. bipartisanship,” Surabian said. expand his base in the two years since. caucuses, and California’s ballots will “But the facts are t was an awkward match of man Tuesday morning, for example, even He is the fi rst president in modern be in the mail to Democrats in advance unmistakable. At the and mission: US President Donald as the White House was billing the political history to never crack 50 % job of the state’s March 3 primary. “I have always moment, the pro- Trump aspired to be a unifying speech as a call for conciliation and approval during the fi rst two years of his The speech was surrounded by political leader on Tuesday cooperation, the president was tweeting presidency. Democratic presidential buzz. Brexit stance of the I been with you, night in his second State of the Union criticism of Senate Democratic Leader The 2018 midterm elections sent the Senator Kamala Harris of California UK prime minister, address, but he was also a candidate for Charles E Schumer of New York and GOP a blunt message about the limits of gave a response to Trump’s speech via with all my heart” and the leader of the re-election in 2020 whose campaign issuing an urgent bulletin about the the Trump coalition. Facebook before he delivered it. opposition, rules out almost surely will set records for need for a wall — the signature Trump According to exit polls, Republicans “We’re in store not for a speech that will division. campaign promise that led last month lost among female voters by 19 points seek to draw us together as Americans, but this question.” In his 1 hour, 22 minute speech to a to the longest partial government and among independents by 12 in one that seeks to score political points by Things were already looking rocky for the referendum joint session of Congress — one of the shutdown in history. congressional balloting. driving us apart,” she predicted. campaign after last week’s Commons votes on how to longest on record — Trump addressed “Tremendous numbers of people are As he prepared the speech, Trump In the end, the speech contained a proceed following MPs’ rejection of May’s Brexit deal. two audiences and tried to accomplish coming up through Mexico in the hopes was still absorbing the implications of little of both, but with diff erent levels of two goals at odds with each other. of fl ooding our Southern Border. We his party’s losses. intensity. A cross-party group decided not to put forward their Even as he exhorted members of have sent additional military. We will Since then, the Republican position Trump advocated at length for the plan for a new referendum, conceding that it had no Congress to come together on an build a Human Wall if necessary. If we has worsened as Trump absorbs the border wall, devoting several pages of chance of passing. agenda of shared legislative interests, he had a real Wall, this would be a non- lion’s share of the public’s dismay over his text to what he described as a crisis But campaigners insist it was only a temporary provoked Democrats on immigration, event!” he said in a morning tweet. the shutdown. on the border. abortion and investigations of his While the bulk of the speech was less Trump lost two power struggles By contrast, his olive branches were setback, even as the clock ticks down to Brexit day on administration. pointed in its attacks on Democrats with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who off ered almost in a cursory fashion and March 29. The pomp and grandeur of the speech than is typical of Trump, his advisers insisted the government be reopened on issues of indiff erence to his hard- They argue that the closer Britain gets to leaving gave Trump an opportunity to relish privately encouraged surrogates and before negotiating over border policy, core supporters. the EU without a deal, the more likely MPs will back a the trappings of traditional power, allies to attack Democrats afterwards on and who denied Trump access to the Infrastructure, for example, has been honouring heroes invited to listen from taxes and abortion. House chamber for his State of the on his wish list for years, but did not referendum as the only way out. the House gallery, waxing nostalgic “If he’s going to go a little high, we’ve Union address until the government move an inch in Congress even when it Labour party policy says it should support all options about past examples of American unity got to go a little low,” reopened. was controlled by Republicans. on Brexit, including campaigning for a public vote. in World War II and laying out a long list one said after a pre-speech In what may have been an oversight, Despite a pre-speech buildup on More than 100 of the 256 Labour MPs now back a of proposals, few of which he devoted discussion at the White House for the but could also have been a deliberate the issue, Trump devoted only one much time to defending or explaining. president’s most prominent supporters. slight at the beginning of the speech, paragraph to it, with no new proposals. second referendum, with more said to be privately But at the same time, “this is a The speech came as Trump tries Trump did not give Pelosi the But some Republicans are doubtful supportive. campaign kickoff speech,” said Scott to cope with what may prove to be a traditional opportunity to introduce that Democrats would co-operate with Talk of a second referendum began almost as soon as Jennings, a Republican consultant in pivotal moment in his presidency. him to the chamber. him on any matter, lest it contribute to the fi rst one delivered its shock result in June 2016, but Kentucky and former political adviser In November’s midterm elections, The high-profi le speech, which his chances of being re-elected. to president George W Bush. Republicans suff ered widespread defeats Trump agreed to postpone in order to “They’ve basically decided that their the formal campaign only launched last year. It was barely 15 minutes into the and lost their majority in the House. deliver it with all the traditional pomp job in the new majority is to make this Several groups moved into shared offi ces near address when Trump pivoted from “At this point, the recognition has of the House chamber, gave Trump a presidency irrelevant and make it go parliament, backed by some generous donors, notably US unity to confrontation, attacking occurred in the White House that the chance to regain momentum and to away as soon as possible,” Jennings said. billionaire George Soros. “ridiculous partisan investigations” Republican base is not large enough address a broad audience about his “That doesn’t achieve what they think of his administration and saying that to win an election,” said GOP pollster agenda for perhaps the last time before is their highest mission.” – Los Angeles His Open Society Foundations has donated £1.387mn to the country must choose “peace and David Winston. the campaign to unseat him in 2020 Times/DPA the main Best for Britain group in the past two years. legislation” or “war and investigation.” It contributed an additional £330,815 to two other Immigration was the one topic pro-European groups, according to figures obtained by on which he delivered a sustained argument, but he off ered no AFP. concessions on his hard-line policies They have successfully turned a once-marginal idea or his demand for a wall along the into something widely debated, which May frequently southern border. addresses — if only to argue against it. “I will get it built,” he pledged. “Walls work, and walls save lives.” Public support for a second referendum varies widely Judging by the eff ect of Trump’s past depending on whether it is made clear that one option speeches, this address probably did might be to stay in the EU, according to polling expert more to inspire his allies than to win John Curtice, a professor at Strathclyde University. converts. Democrats and even some In general, around two-thirds of pro-Europeans back a Republicans were skeptical of the call second vote, compared to between one-eighth and one- for unity from a polarising leader who quarter of those who want to leave. built his political career by provoking adversaries on Twitter and in raucous political rallies. “He has no credibility on this issue,” To Advertise said Democrat Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans who is [email protected] considering a possible run for president Display in 2020. “He hasn’t walked one step in the direction of national unity. Most 44466621 44418811 everything President Trump has done has been purposely divisive.” Classified Even some of Trump’s supporters 44466609 44418811 acknowledge that his pugilistic approach can interfere with calls for Subscription unity on his part. Andy Surabian, a GOP strategist and [email protected] former Trump White House offi cial, said that sometimes the president’s personality gets in the way of people US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address, alongside Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved seeing potential for co-operation. Vice President Mike Pence, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. Gulf Times Friday, February 8, 2019 15 COMMENT What Vietnam-style reform would mean for N Korea

By James Pearson Kiem told Reuters, referring to So far, economic changes, which Hanoi Vietnam’s era of opening up. have been officially communicated When Vietnamese revolutionary in state propaganda as Kim- and founding president Ho Chi Minh’s led initiatives to improve living estled in a leafy park health was failing during the Vietnam standards, have come with little between a rusting Soviet War, his right hand man in the Party, political liberalisation. fighter jet and the old East Le Duan, took over and ruled as a North Korea is still officially NGerman embassy, a lonely strongman until his death in 1986. tax-free and, despite the fact many statue of Lenin stands in the centre Duan’s demise ended Vietnam’s North Koreans rely on the markets of Hanoi as a symbol of the Rus- “strongman era”, and helped instead of the state for food, sian revolutionary’s inspiration to facilitate economic and then political Pyongyang still professes to have Communist-ruled Vietnam. reforms, said Le Hong Hiep, a fellow a functioning public distribution In 1986, one year after the statue at Singapore’s ISEAS Yusof Ishak system. was erected, Vietnam embarked on Institute. In Vietnam, such rationing its comprehensive programme of “doi “Le Duan was a hardcore was abandoned as reforms were moi” reforms which transformed the communist, an old guard of the embraced. country from a war-torn agrarian Leninist political and economic Today, the Vietnamese economy basket case into one of Asia’s fastest- system,” said Hiep. has become so open the “subsidy growing economies. “After his demise, no single era”, when Vietnam went through its Today, Hanoi’s “Lenin Park” is politician could command such a most literal iteration of communism, popular, not for Vietnamese paying level of control. is remembered mainly as a “vintage” homage to their communist roots but Instead, the politburo took over and design trope in novelty coffee shops for a dedicated crew of skateboarders became the most important decision and restaurants. aping their Western cohorts. maker, albeit on a consensus basis”. In North Korea, such imagery is As Vietnam prepares to host North North Korea, by comparison, has sanctified. Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US only ever known its strongman era. “It feels more nostalgic than the President Donald Trump’s second Kim Jong-un officially derives his more modern coffee shops,” said summit later this month, the political legitimacy from his father university student Nguyen Hoang Vietnamese model of reform is being and former leader, Kim Jong Il, and Phuong Ngan as she sipped a coconut widely touted as the economic path his grandfather and founding leader, latte at Cong Ca Phe, a popular cafe for impoverished and isolated North Kim Il Sung. chain which uses communist-era Korea to follow. Together, they form the “bloodline propaganda in its branding. Vietnamese reforms have seen per of Mount Paektu,” a reference to a The road to change in Vietnam capita GDP soar almost five-fold legendary volcano on the border of hasn’t always been so relaxed, since 1986 and kept Vietnam’s ruling China and North Korea, where the however. Communist Party, which tolerates eldest Kim is said to have co-ordinated In 1996, 10 years into the reform little dissent, firmly in power. his guerrilla war against colonial Japan. programme, government officials But it has necessitated political North Korea’s “Juche” ideology of staged the public destruction change and levels of individual self-sufficiency officially replaced Customers are seen inside Cong Ca Phe, a popular cafe chain which uses communist-era propaganda in its branding in of foreign video cassettes and freedoms that would require major Marxism-Leninism in 1972. Hanoi, Vietnam on January 31, 2019. pornographic posters at Lenin Park to reforms in North Korea, where While Juche has its roots in rid Vietnam of “social evils”. Kim Jong-un exercises almost the Soviet ideology, references to activists say has led a brutal this is huge — so much further under pressure from international Now, while the Lenin statue still total control and is revered by state Marxism-Leninism and communism crackdown against dissent and than under previous leaders,” said sanctions over its weapons casts a shadow over the square, propaganda as a living deity. have been slowly phased out. defectors, some progress on Andray Abrahamian, a Korea expert programmes, the bank said. skateboarders there are mostly “When all the power is in the hand The ruling Kims are afforded economic reforms has been made. at Stanford University’s Asia Pacific “North Korea is embracing markets amused or ambivalent about his of a single person, decisions are godlike status in the country. Kim has allowed some markets in Research Centre. to an unprecedented degree, but presence. prone to mistakes,” said Cao Si Kiem, Even the official exchange rate North Korea to develop, introduced By 2016, four years after Kim there are still some key limitations,” “This is a street sport from the the former governor of Vietnam’s for the Korean People’s Won was, more Special Economic Zones and came to power, the rate of economic said Abrahamian, citing the need for West, so the fact I’m doing it right here state bank who enacted sweeping until 2001, pegged at 2.16 won to called for factories to expand their growth in North Korea hit a 17-year offi cial systems of property ownership in front of the Lenin statue is really reforms of Hanoi’s monetary policy the dollar, because of Kim Jong Il’s product ranges to cater for diverse high, according to South Korea’s and land use and a loosening of something,” said 27-year-old jazz from 1989-1997. February 16 birthday. consumer tastes. central bank. surveillance on visiting foreigners to pianist and skateboarder Nhat Huy Le. “We had to accept power dilution,” But under Kim Jong-un, who “In the North Korean context, That growth contracted last year encourage off shore investment. “It’s fun.” – Reuters

What racist people can learn from Liam Neeson Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 230c Minimum Temperature : 160c By Carla Hall anecdotes (and that word seems Ireland, but he kept a lot of details be so off ended by his story that they Los Angeles Times too lighthearted for all this) seems out of his story) in search of any black won’t go see the movie. SATURDAY to have much in common beyond man. Was he a racist or just a tightly Maximum Temperature : 240c centring on a white man of uncertain The Independent quotes him saying: wound man capable of vindictive Minimum Temperature : 190c irst, we had Virginia Governor age who should have known better “I went up and down areas with a violence? Or was he both? Of course, SUNDAY Ralph Northam confessing than to do what he did when he cosh, hoping I’d be approached by he was a racist. He was roaming Maximum Temperature : 240c to being in either blackface did it. And as reprehensible as somebody – I’m ashamed to say that the streets trying to fi nd a random Minimum Temperature : 190c or a Ku Klux Klan robe in a costuming yourself in blackface is, – and I did it for maybe a week, hoping black man to kill. And he gave F Fisherman's forecast photo on his medical school yearbook it’s not as dangerous as hunting for some ... ‘black (expletive)’ would come every indication of being capable of page. Then he denied doing so, but a black man to beat up. But they’re out of a pub and have a go at me about violence. That’s a pretty explosive something, you know? So that I could combination. And his revelation about WARNING volunteered that he did slather on both about some unsettling racist Inshore : Nil some shoe polish to imitate Michael urge that seems to be tattooed ... kill him.” himself is deeply disturbing. The Offshore : Expected poor visibility Jackson. Now we have movie star under the skin of far too many white He says now that “it was horrible, question is, how much has he changed at some places at first Liam Neeson dropping his bombshell people in the modern era – and by horrible, when I think back, that I did since then? WEATHER Inshore : Misty at places at first confession that he once wandered the that I mean by 1984, the year that that.” He apparently hurt no one and Frankly, I wish he would talk more becomes mild daytime streets, armed with a club, wanting to Northam’s yearbook photo came out. eventually realised what he was doing about what he’s learned from this – with some clouds. kill a random black man years ago. The diff erence here is that Northam, was awful. Not that Twitter is giving and whether he’s dealt with whatever Relatively cold by night Offshore : Misty to foggy at some A website’s expose forced Northam, for all his liberal politics and his black him much of a pass. Was he moved racism he still harbours. No doubt, places at first, becom- 59, to confront his past or, at least, his church-going, has just acted like a dolt in the moment of the interview to he will be given more opportunities ing sctd clouds later yearbook version of his past. Neeson, trying to explain himself. Neeson, on confess this (as the Independent story to talk about this as he continues his WIND 66, unearthed his past practically the other hand, confessed that what he suggests)? Or was this a calculating press tour. He should take them. He Inshore : Southeasterly 03-12 KT unbidden in a 17-minute hotel room did was horrible. And it was. ploy on his part to gin up even more shouldn’t shy away from the subject Offshrore : Southeasterly-South- interview with writer Clemence The actor brought it up as a publicity for his new fi lm? now. He put this in play. He started a westerly 03-13 KT Michallon for Britain’s Independent cautionary tale about the perils of Neeson has become hugely popular conversation about violence and about Visibility : 4-8/3 KM newspaper. Neeson is energetically seeking revenge in real life. Years ago, as the everyman avenger in a spate of racism. The way he conducted himself promoting his new fi lm, “Cold when a friend told Neeson that she had successful action movies, starting 10 years ago was despicable. But having Offshore : 1-3 FT Pursuit,” a tale about a man seeking been raped by a man she did not know, years ago with “Taken” and its sequels. a conversation about what he’s still learning from his actions is something revenge for the death of his son at the he asked her what race the rapist was He doesn’t really need to relate this Around the region hands of drug dealers. and then, fi lled with rage, he wandered story to get people into theatres to see that could benefi t us all.— Tribune Weather On the surface, neither of these the streets (presumably England or it. And he runs the risk that people will News Service Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Baghdad Cloudy 21/12 S Showers 18/08 Kuwait CityM Cloudy 21/15 P Cloudy 21/14 Manama Sunny 23/17 M Sunny 24/18 Muscat Sunny 24/16 Sunny 26/17 Live issues Tehran P Cloudy 13/07 S Showers 13/06 Growing human organs in animals

AFP develop kidneys on their own. technique was not without problems. and complex ethical issues that must be Tokyo The embryos were then injected While the rats developed appar- discussed and solved before producing with pluripotent stem cells from mice ently functional kidneys, including human organs in animals,” he added. and implanted into rat wombs so they with proper connections to the ureter In the short-term, additional cientists said yesterday they could be carried to term. – tubes that link the kidneys to the research is likely to focus on ways to Around the world have successfully used mice Pluripotent stem cells are a kind of bladder – they died shortly after birth genetically modify host rats without Weather Weather stem cells to grow kidneys in “master” cell that can develop into any of because they did not suckle properly. lethal side eff ects. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Srat embryos, using a technique the cells and tissue that make up the body. Removing the genes that allow If successful, researchers will then Athens P Cloudy 13/04 M Sunny 13/05 that could one day help grow human The researchers found that the mice kidneys to develop in utero appears to want to run more tests on the stem Beirut P Cloudy 17/13 Showers 16/13 kidneys for transplant. stem cells produced apparently func- have also removed their sense of smell, cell-derived kidneys, and try to trans- Bangkok Sunny 34/27 Sunny 34/28 But the researchers cautioned that tional kidneys in the rats. so the newborns failed to detect milk plant them from the hosts to other Berlin M Cloudy 08/06 S Showers 10/06 their success was only a fi rst step and But the same did not hold when rat and died. animals. Cairo Sunny 21/09 P Cloudy 19/09 that “serious technical barriers and stem cells were injected into similarly Their short lives meant limited Eventually, tests could involve try- Cape Town P Cloudy 24/18 Cloudy 24/18 complex ethical issues” remain before modifi ed mice embryos. testing could be done on their kidney ing to grow human organs. Colombo S T Storms 30/24 S T Storms 29/23 the process could be used for human “Rat stem cells did not readily dif- function, but Hirabayashi said the Pigs are usually considered the best Dhaka M Cloudy 31/20 P Cloudy 28/17 organs. ferentiate into the two main types of organs appeared functional “based on hosts for human organ regeneration, Hong Kong P Cloudy 22/17 M Cloudy 20/17 The technique has previously been cells needed for kidney formation,” anatomical observations.” but pig embryos only develop for 16 Istanbul S Showers 08/06 M Cloudy 08/03 used to grow mice-derived pancreases said Masumi Hirabayashi, an associate There are other concerns: growing a weeks, unlike the 40 weeks that hu- Jakarta S T Storms 31/25 S T Storms 31/25 in rats, but the new study is the fi rst professor at Japan’s National Institute kidney in a host from another species man babies grow, meaning the species Karachi Sunny 24/12 Sunny 24/12 evidence that it could one day provide for Physiological Sciences, who super- could lead to “contamination” of the might not be suitable for growing London Rain 11/07 Cloudy 11/06 a solution to the massive shortage of vised the study. organ with cells from the host. organs in embryos. Manila M Sunny 32/22 M Sunny 33/23 donor kidneys for people with renal Conversely, “mouse stem cells ef- And the process of growing human Cattle, with a 40-week gestation, Moscow M Cloudy -1/-4 Cloudy -2/-7 disease. fi ciently diff erentiated forming the organs in animals poses an ethical could be another option. New Delhi Fog 19/08 Fog 19/08 The research, published yesterday in basic structures of a kidney,” he said. conundrum because human stem cells Hirabayashi said he was hopeful New York S Showers 13/-3 Sunny 03/-4 the Nature Communications journal, The reason for the difference could develop into brain or reproduc- he would see human organs grown in Paris Cloudy 10/07 M Cloudy 12/08 began with the development of a suit- is still not entirely clear, but the tive organ cells in the host. animal hosts in his lifetime. Sao Paulo P Cloudy 28/18 P Cloudy 31/19 able “host” in which the kidneys could researchers believe “environmental “The main ethical concerns are the “I don’t know exactly the end of my Seoul P Cloudy -1/-9 M Sunny 00/-11 be grown. cues” inside the mice are likely to risk of consciousness and/or gamete lifetime – tomorrow? Thirty years? Singapore S T Storms 33/26 T Storm 32/26 The researchers collected rat blame, rather than the stem cells or (reproductive cell) production,” said But I very much expect to hear news Sydney P Cloudy 29/21 P Cloudy 31/18 embryo structures that had been technique. Hirabayashi. regarding the practical application of Tokyo Clear 10/04 Cloudy 03/01 genetically modifi ed so they would not But even in the rat embryos, the “There are serious technical barriers animal-hosted organs.” Gulf Times 16 Friday, February 8, 2019 QATAR

HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani is joined by several ministers and other senior off icials and representatives The Qatar flag highlights a parade held yesterday along ‘Al Majd Road’. from the project contractors during yesterday’s inauguration ceremony. Al Majd Road delivered 4 years before FIFA World Cup: Ashghal president

By Peter Alagos access and trade points in Qa- ernment is committed to provid- ty and Environment Abdullah bin Business Reporter tar. ing the dedicated funds to deliver Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie Al Majd Road connects directly and develop various infrastruc- elaborated on the signifi cance of to Hamad Port in the south and ture projects, especially the road Al Majd Road and explained that l Majd Road, which will be will provide effi cient access to network that will facilitate access the name of the road came after the main artery of Qatar’s Ras Laff an and Al Ruwais Port to to 2022 FIFA World Cup stadi- ‘Tamim the Glorious’, the symbol Aroad network, will facili- the north. ums. of pride and resilience in facing tate access to 2022 FIFA World It will also facilitate access to HE the Minister of Municipali- the blockade imposed on Qatar. Cup stadiums and has been de- Hamad International Airport, he livered four years in advance, the noted. Public Works Authority (Ash- Al-Sulaiti said Al Majd Road ghal) top offi cial has said. serves many economic areas, Ashghal president Dr Saad bin such as the Industrial area, Eco- Ahmed al-Mohannadi said Al nomic Zones Company (Man- Majd Road forms a major part of ateq), and the Mesaieed Indus- the integrated road network be- trial Area. ing constructed by Ashghal and In addition, it is connected will serve the 2022 FIFA World to Lusail City from one side and Cup. facilitates access to the business “It provides direct connectiv- hubs in West Bay. ity to both Al Rayyan and Lusail He added that the new road stadiums and facilitates access will not only reduce travel time to all other stadiums, namely Al by up to 50% but will also help Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Al Wak- reduce traffi c congestion on rah Stadium, Al Thumama Sta- highways and local roads. dium, Ras Bu Abboud Stadium In addition, it will also reduce south, Education City Stadium, noise and carbon emission so as and Khalifa International Sta- to achieve economic and envi- dium,” al-Mohannadi said. ronmental balance in infrastruc- He also stressed that on- ture projects. schedule completion of Al Majd ture, which will be a key factor in HE the Minister of Transport to the country’s land transport HE the Minister of Finance Ali Road, despite the unjust block- achieving the required economic and Communications Jassim and a boom in the internal and Sherif al-Emadi said the strategic ade on Qatar, proves that the and sustainable development in Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti said the external trade.” He said it will leadership allocated an adequate country is fast progressing in de- line with Qatar National Vision inauguration of Al Majd Road allow free-flow movement of budget to complete this “critical livering world-class infrastruc- 2030. “will be a major contributor goods and people across key project.” He added that the gov- Infographic on how the road will serve the FIFA 2022 stadiums. Ashghal opens upgraded 11km Mesaieed Road Al Majd Road will he Public Works Author- serve 30 residential ity (Ashghal) has opened Road network in Tto traffi c the upgraded southern Qatar 11km Mesaieed Road, which areas, tourist facilities links Hamad Port and the Eco- The road network serving nomic, Industrial and Logistic the southern areas of Qatar zones. underwent “immense he newly-inaugurated Al ternational Airport, or Doha. The road was converted from transformation, leading to Majd Road will serve ap- As for the residential areas, two lanes to four lanes in each a quantum leap in traff ic Tproximately 30 residential residents of Al Wakrah, Al Wu- direction, which now accom- improvement,” according to areas, according to the Public kair, or Doha South can use the modates about 8,000 vehicles the Public Works Authority Works Authority (Ashghal). G-Ring Road to easily reach Al per hour both ways. (Ashghal). These communities include Majd Road towards Al Khor, Lu- It serves as a major link be- Whether for individuals Mesaieed, Al Wakrah, Al Wukair, sail to the North, and Dukhan to tween Al Wakrah and Mesaieed travelling to and from Hamad south of Doha, including Ain Kha- the West, Ashghal said. City to connect many economic International Airport or for lid, and Umm Al Seneem, as well as Al Majd Road is connected facilities, such as Hamad Port, various companies transporting the Al Waab, Al Aziziya, Al Murra, to Salwa Road at the Mesaieed Mesaieed Industrial Zone. materials and commodities Abu Nakhla, Mekaines, Muaither, Interchange. Road users com- It also connects to number through Hamad Port, the Al Sailiya, and Al Mearad areas. ing from areas adjacent to Salwa of important routes, such as Al network was instrumental It facilitates access to Al Wa- Road, such as the Industrial Area Wakrah Road, Al Wakrah Bypass in overcoming the eff ects of jba, Al Rayyan, Al Sheehaniya, or residential areas such as Ain Road (the southern part of Doha the unjust blockade on Qatar, Dukhan, Al Kheesa, Umm Slal Khaled, Umm Al Seneem, and Expressway), Hamad Port Road Ashghal said. Mohamed, and Umm Slal Ali Al Murra, among others, can use and Al Majd Road. At present, it is estimated areas, all the way to Lusail and Al Majd Road to travel south to- Mesaieed Road includes two that the new and upgraded the Pearl. Moreover, it connects wards Mesaieed, north towards three-level interchanges, pro- roads attract over 2,500 to areas in the north such as Al Al Khor, or west towards Dukhan. viding free traffi c fl ow in all di- vehicles a day coming from Khor, and Ras Laff an. Al Majd Road intersects with Al rections. the port heading to Doha, the Ashghal also said Al Majd Road Sailiya Road at the Al Mearad In- The fi rst interchange is Umm Industrial Area, and other key will serve many economic and terchange, facilitating traffi c for Al Houl, which connects Hamad trade hubs in the country. tourist facilities, enhancing traf- areas such as Al Waab, Muaither, Port and the northern entrance While Al Wakrah Road was fi c fl ow towards as Hamad Port, Al Sailiya, and Al Mearad. of Hamad Port via Mesaieed, previously the main access Hamad International Airport, the To the north where it intersects providing safe access for trucks to Al Wakrah, Al Wukair, Industrial Area, and Logistic Area, with Dukhan Road, Al Majd Road heading to the Industrial Area and Mesaieed, Ashghal had such as the Manateq and Logistics is split into two: one towards Lusail away from the residential areas, constructed three alternative Village. intersecting with Dukhan Road at such as Al Wakrah, Al Wukair roads parallel to Al Wakrah Furthermore, it will facilitate ac- Umm Al Juwashin Interchange, and Mesaieed. Road namely, the southern cess to popular malls and markets, and anther towards Al Khor in- The second is Hamad Port part of Doha Express Highway, such as Mall of Qatar and Whole- tersecting with Dukhan Road at Interchange, which connects Al Hamad Port Road, and Al Majd sale Market, and connects to rec- Umm Al Afaei Interchange. Majd Road to Mesaieed Road and Expressway towards Mesaieed. of the Doha Express Highway, Industrial Area through the tun- Road. reational and tourist destinations, Al Majd Road intersects with Hamad Port Road. It allows effi cient access to Al Mesaieed Road provides easy nel at Street 33 Interchange East, Furthermore, Ashghal such as the Pearl, Katara – the Al Rufaa Street at the Al Themaid It facilitates smooth traffi c Wakrah, Al Wukair, Al Mashaf, access to 2022 FIFA World Cup (previously known as Al Watan connected the four new roads with Cultural Village, Al Rufaa and Al Interchange and with Al Shamal movements from the southern Al Kharrara, and Al Afj a, among Al Wakrah Stadium. Roundabout) to create a free G-Ring Road and Al Wukair Road. Daayen Celebration Hall Complex, Road at Al Mazrooah Interchange areas of the country to western other residential areas. Ashghal also said the Hamad fl ow route between Hamad Port, Also, Ashghal recently and several beaches such as Sealine, towards Lusail, serving the resi- areas, such as Al Shahaniya, Mesaieed Road continues to Port Road, which extends for Hamad International Airport, started construction for the Al Wakrah, Al Khor, and Simaisma. dents of Umm Slal, Al Kheesa, Dukhan, and northern areas like serve the Sealine area and the Al 14km connecting Hamad Port and Salwa Road. upgrade of Al Wakrah Main Also, Al Majd Road is con- and Al Khuraitiyat. Al Khor, and areas that lie to the Ena project. with G-Ring Road, has three Once completed, the inter- Road and the first two phases, nected to G-Ring Road via Bu Al In addition, Al Majd Road in- east, such as Lusail. The new upgrade has not only interchanges and a main car- changes on Hamad Port Road which comprised a new Yawabi Interchange. Both roads tersects with Al Shamal Road at Al In addition to Hamad Port, increased vehicle capacity but riageway with four lanes in each will link the new expressway underpass and 3.5km of main are regarded as key arterial roads. Khor Intersection on one side and Mesaieed Road serves the Qa- its features have placed it among direction that accommodates road to surrounding local areas carriageway opened for public In addition, Al Majd Road is con- with Umm Esmaira Interchange on tar Petroleum (QP) Industrial one of the safest in the area. 8,000 vehicles per hour both and other expressway roads in use in December 2018. nected to Al Wukair Road, which the other side, serving the residents City, Umm Al Houl Free Zone, Coupled with other roads ways. close proximity, Ashghal said. passes through Al Wakrah and Al of Al Khor and northern areas. and other areas like the Logis- constructed by Ashghal, such Based on previous and current Ashghal said the 13km Al Wu- Wukair at Bu Jood Interchange. Al Majd Road intersects with tics Village, Industrial Area, and as Al Majd Road, G-Ring Road, travel time comparisons, use of kair Road is an important com- multi-level interchanges pro- This connection creates Al Khor Expressway towards Lu- Mesaieed Industrial Area. Hamad Port Road, and the Hamad Port Road reduces jour- ponent of the project, which was viding free fl ow traffi c in all di- smooth traffi c movement to and sail, which facilitates the access Mesaieed Road is a major link southern part of the Doha Ex- ney time by up to 15%. signifi cantly upgraded to pro- rections. from the south of Qatar towards to and from Qatar’s eastern ar- in the southern area, enabling press Highway, campers to the Hamad Port Road extends vide dual four lanes capable of Al Wukair Road connects the Hamad International Airport. eas: Lusail City, The Pearl-Qatar, traffi c fl ow coming from Doha Sealine area can enjoy free fl ow from Umm Al Houl Interchange accommodating 8,000 vehicles Industrial Area and Al Wukair to Furthermore, it eases the journey Katara – the Cultural Village, via Al Wakrah Road and through and pleasant journeys. on Mesaieed Road to G-Ring per hour in each direction. Al Kharrara and Al Majd Road, to and from Mesaieed towards West Bay, Qatar University and the southern part of the Doha Used with the southern part Road, which connects with East The road consists of several intercepting Hamad Port Road. the Industrial Area, Hamad In- Community College of Qatar.