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BUSINESS | 20 SPORT | 25 QIC official Kaymer, McDowell, insurer of golf Noren lead strong tournament field in Doha

Tuesday 24 January 2017 | 26 Rabia II 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7051 | 2 Riyals

Rebel group signs Qatar-backed Darfur peace plan

QNA & Anatolia "Emir H H Sheikh Tamim he Sudanese govern- bin Hamad Al Thani was ment signed yesterday following with interest an agreement with Sudan Liberation the peace process in Movement -Second Darfur and is hoping TRevolution (SLM-SR) , in accord- for sustainability and ance with the Doha Document development of the for Peace in Darfur. region as well as all of Qatar's Deputy Prime Minis- Sudan," said Deputy ter and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Prime Minister and Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Minister of State for attended the signing in Doha, Cabinet Affairs H E Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud speaking during the along with Assistant to the Presi- Ahmed bin Abdullah bin signing ceremony in Doha, yesterday. dent of Sudan Musa Mohamed Zaid Al Mahmoud who Ahmed and Jeremiah Kingsley attended the signing Al Mahmoud gave a speech to basis of ending the struggle and is to be signed in the ceremony. achieve peace in Darfur saying, Mamabolo, who is the Joint Spe- mark the occasion and conveyed initiating a rebuilding and devel- Al Mahmoud said that it con- that the aim of the agreement is cial Representative for Darfur and ceremony in Doha. the greetings of the Emir H H opment process in Darfur. He firms the movement's courage to include everyone, providing Head of the African Union-United Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al praised the example set by Liber- and determination to establish stability and well being to the Nations Hybrid Operation in Dar- arms against Khartoum in 2010, Thani. The Minister added that the ation and Justice Movement back peace and start a new beginning people of Darfur. fur (UNAMID). after accusing the government Emir was following with interest then, when it signed the document of stability and development for Al Mahmoud said the Doha The agreement was signed of violating the terms. the developments of peace in Dar- and choose the road of peace, to the people of Darfur. "The Document was ratified by the peo- by SLM-SR leader Abu Al Qasim The Doha Document was fur and is hoping for sustainability help the people of Darfur achieve movement deserves to be ple and supported by the regional Imam and Sudanese Vice-Pres- first signed in mid-2011 by Khar- and development of the region as stability and development. thanked for participating in the and international community cov- ident Amin Hassan Omar. In toum and the Liberation and well as all of Sudan. The Deputy Prime Minister national dialogue that took place ers an all around just solution for 2007, Imam split from the Sudan Justice Movement, a Darfurian The Deputy Prime Minister said that SLM-SR led by Abu Al recently in Sudan in addition to the cause of the conflict and is a Liberation Movement (SLM) led rebel group. The deal, however, said that the Doha Document for Qasim Imam Haj has signed an the Darfur peace agreement, result of the hard work of all the by Abdel Wahid Al Nur and was not signed at the time by peace has crowned the efforts of initial agreement on the Doha which confirms the movements partners with close discussion of signed a peace deal in Libyan Darfur’s two other leading rebel all parties committed to the Document for Peace in Darfur in commitment to achieve peace." the people of Darfur, who are the capital Tripoli with the Sudanese movements, the SLM and the Jus- interests of the people of Darfur. N'Djamena of Chad Republic, The mediation followed cer- most important element. government. His group took up tice and Equality Movement. The document also became the noting that the final agreement tain principles in its quest to → Continued on page 3

Festival attracts visitors 400% increase in daily First day of Syria talks end without container clearance breakthrough ASTANA: A first day of indi- The Peninsula Department at Qatar’s General rect peace talks between Authority of Customs (GAC). Syrian rebels and the regime he single window customs “The system is being of Bashar al-Assad in Kaza- clearance service ‘Al upgraded. By July, electronic khstan's capital Astana ended TNadeeb’, introduced by link between GAC and all min- Monday without any appar- the General Authority of Cus- istries and other organisations ent breakthrough, sources toms (GAC), has attained 400% concerned with customs will be said. increase in number of contain- established. Hamad Port will be "Our delegation's meet- ers cleared each day. Once fully fully functional in July, so that ings are over for today," a established by July, all the min- some of the issues face by a few source close to the regime istries and other allied companies now, will be said, after rebel spokesman organisations will be linked to resolved,” said Al Sahli in a Yehya Al Aridi told reporters the online system, without any statement. the opposition's meetings human interference in the The electronic link will have were also done for the day. clearance procedures. a lot of salient features easing Yesterday's talks, organ- “Clearance of containers custom clearance, enhancing ised by rebel backer Turkey raised from 200 containers per coordination and cooperation and regime allies Russia and day to some 1,000, with the Al with the partners. The link will Iran, could have marked the Nadeeb service. The system has help process the customs dec- first time armed rebel groups eased and sped up the custom laration within few minutes if directly negotiate with People visiting stalls at Souq Waqif as part of the Spring Festival, yesterday. procedures significantly,” said there is no restriction on the Assad's regime since the con- Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula Abdul Hadi Hasan Al Sahli, goods. flict began in 2011. Director of Sea Customs → Continued on page 5 → See also page 7

Yemen army seizes Expatriates hail free e-gate services at HIA Red Sea port city

Fazeena Saleem e-gate service has helped to Goonethillaka, a bank employee wait in long queues. E-gates are “I have been using the e- gate MOKHA: Yemeni govern- The Peninsula speed up immigration proce- said: “ I used the e-gate service last very quick and efficient. The facility for some time because I ment forces captured dures as they are not required to week and it was very fast and use- whole procedure at the e-gate don’t like waiting in queues. But yesterday the port of Mokha any have started bene- wait in queues for the officers to ful. All one has to do is swipe the takes less than two minutes.” the e-gate service was accessible to as they pushed to oust Huthi fiting from the recently manually check their details and Qatar ID, get eye scan and just go. At present 19 e-gates have those who have subscribed to the rebels from the Red Sea Mintroduced free e-gate stamp the passports. It’s a super awesome service and been installed at the departures Qatari smart ID card services for coastline, a journalist said. service for expatriate passengers The e-gate service is accessible everything was completed within terminal and 16 at the arrival ter- which had to pay an extra amount Government forces were at the arrivals and departures to expatriates above 18 years of age, couple of minutes.” minal. “I was not aware of the anually. It’s really good that with the combing the port, a journalist terminal of the Hamad Interna- using their Qatari ID cards. They are “It can be even more helpful e-gate service at HIA and was new facility everyone could exit or accompanying the troops said, tional Airport (HIA). required to scan the ID card on the in situations as when we reach waiting at the regular immigra- enter from the e-gate fast and free almost three weeks after the The Ministry of Interior acti- card reader machine installed at the airport late for a departure, tion queue which was pretty long of charge,” said a Kenyan expatri- loyalists launched an offensive vated the service in December e-gate followed by finger print or because the service is very fast and the airport officials directed ate. Ann Morris, a frequent against the Shia insurgents last year and also a biometric eye scan (retina scan). If data on the and we don’t need to spend any me to the e gate. It was very fast traveller said: “Queues at HIA and their allies on Yemen's data activation centre was set up ID and biometrics/ retina matches, time for immigration formalities. and easy. It saved so much of immigration can be long and southwestern coast. An offi- two weeks ago for e-gate users. the system will open the gate. The e-gate service is one of the time and prevented from stand- take time. I have always used the cial statement said Several expatriates, The These procedures are com- efficient services introduced at ing after a long journey ,” said e-gate facility and found it to be government forces recap- Peninsula spoke to, expressed pleted through e-gate using the HIA,” he added. D'Souza a long time expatriate fast and convenient way to clear tured the whole city, but a happiness over the move, saying automated machines within a A long time Indian expatri- in Doha. Some expatriates who immigration. But on my recent military commander in the the free e-gate service is conven- very short time, according to ate sharing his experience at were using the e-gate service trip I noticed that the e -gate is field said that loyalists were ient and helping them save time. expatriates who have benefitted HIA’s e-gate service said: with a smart Qatari ID said the now very crowded as many peo- still fighting the rebels on the Expatriates claim that the from the e-gate service. Dharshan “Finally, we no longer need to new free service is beneficial. ple still getting used to it.” southern outskirts of Mokha. 02 HOME TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017

Minister of Public Health meets Philippine counterpart Al Attiyah meets GCC military official

Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah with the GCC Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari with the Secretary of Health Assistant Secretary-General for Military Affairs Major-General Khalifa Hamid Al Kaabi, who in the Republic of the Philippines, Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, in Doha yesterday. During the approaches the end of his term in office, in Doha yesterday. Chief of Staff of the Qatari meeting, they discussed means to develop relations in the field of health. Armed Forces Maj Gen (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem also attended the meeting. Katara Winter Festival attracts huge crowds

The Peninsula pleaser at the festival. Diversity While Al-Gannas Association he fourth Katara Win- The festival offers a has organised an interactive ter Festival, which exhibition and workshop on fal- diverse array of opened on Sunday, is conry and Saluki, Katara Souq events and activities attracting hundreds of has put up a display of local visitors to Katara which combine antiques and traditional food. TEsplanade to watch street per- education and The organizers of Al-Galayel formers and traditional shows entertainment. Championship also hosts an as well as participate in games exhibition showcasing collecta- and workshops. Katara Festival for bles and equipment from The festival, which runs until Arabian Atyab, a new previous championships. Thursday, offers a diverse array initiative, also draws In addition, Bin Muftah Med- of events and activities which a large number of ical Centre presents an combine education and entertain- visitors. informative session on prevent- ment catered to all types of ing winter diseases. audience. Many people includ- The Katara Festival for Ara- ing families thronged the festival and interactive competitions on bian Atyab, a new initiative in yesterday taking advantage of the history of Qatar and games Katara launched simultaneously the pleasant weather as they such as giant board games and with the Winter Festival also spend their free time as the fes- crossword puzzles. draws a huge number of visitors tival coincides with schools’ The Qatar Heritage and Iden- interested on Arabian perfumes. spring break. tity Center provides a range of Children take photos with street performers at the fourth Katara Winter Festival. The festival, which runs until Children took part in activi- educational and awareness activ- February 12, features Arabian ties organized by the Childhood ities concerning Qatari heritage and programs for the winter sea- element of the program children their benefits. Acrobatic perform- scents and the history, literature, Cultural Centre comprising a and national identity, as well as son. Environmental awareness know the different plants and ances, ice sculpture and magic folklore and tradition associated range of educational programs theatrical presentations, lectures and appreciation is also a main flowers native to the country and tricks also proved a crowd with oud fragrances. AmCham Qatar hosts final session on US Presidential elections

The Peninsula President of the United States of at NU-Q, who teaches compar- America to the Oval Office and ative and American politics, was he American Chamber of wishes him the best as our new back to share her impressions Commerce in Qatar Commander in Chief. With this, and discuss her thoughts on the T(AmCham Qatar) yester- we are entering a new era of way we will view elections and day hosted the third and final American politics with a signif- gauge public opinion in the installment of its popular “Dis- icant new focus on the private future. tinguished Speaker Series” sector. We look forward to During the previous panel focusing on the US Presidential working with the business com- discussion, panel moderator and elections, this time analysing the munity in Qatar to help offer NU-Q Dean and CEO Dennis often unpredictable campaign guidance and share intelligence warned against a premature and its outcomes through the about the pace of progress under prediction of election results lens of media coverage and the the new Administration.” noting that: “In American elec- significant role played by social Northwestern Qatar (NU-Q) tions, anything can happen and media. Dean and CEO Everette E Dennis sometimes does,” which proved The third session of the “Pres- was back to moderate the panel, prophetic as results began roll- idential Predications Forum” which featured some new faces ing in on November 9th. At the offered an analytical perspective and old favourites. One of the two same time, Professor Mitchell on the historical campaign. As new prominent panelists speak- speculated that outdated poll- members and observers of the ing at the event included Ali ing models would be liable for role media plays in today’s soci- Mustafa, who is a digital journal- erroneous predictions of a Clin- ety, AmCham panelists shared ist for Turkey’s national public ton win — a prediction that their perspectives on President broadcaster’s English content became a key focus of election Trump’s relationship with the service TRT World. coverage and analysis of Elec- press and how that could evolve Another new addition to the tion Day results. “This presents and impact his Presidency and the panel was Craig LaMay, an Asso- an interesting challenge for poll- world’s view of the United States. ciate Professor of Journalism at sters and data analysts to review AmCham Qatar Chairman NU-Q on leave from the univer- how we capture and weigh Robert A Hager said, “The Amer- sity’s home campus in Evanston, opinion, something that we will ican Chamber of Commerce in Illinois. Jocelyn Mitchell, Assist- surely be working on in the Qatar welcomes the 45th ant Professor of Political Science months to come.”

(From left) Everette E Dennis, Jocelyn Mitchell, Ali Mustafa, and Craig LaMay Q at Post Election Predications Forum hosted by American Chamber of Commerce Qatar in Doha yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 HOME 03

Shura Council FameLab launched for second year discusses changes to The Peninsula staged this, tried and tested Brit- Prestigious event ish Council competition in any penal code cience, technology, FameLab is one of Gulf country and the success QNA engineering and math the biggest science that we have had is the fruit of are fascinating subjects communication an outstanding collaboration to learn, but not always with our strategic partner, Qatar he Advisory Council competitions started the easiest of subjects to National Research Fund, and held yesterday its reg- by Cheltenham Stalk about, and that’s the idea our delivery partners the Min- ular weekly session Science Festivals. T behind FameLab, which was istry of Education and Higher during its 45th ordinary ses- launched yesterday for the sec- Education, Qatar University and sion under the chairmanship ond year in Qatar, it was Contestants expected Hamad Bin Khalifa University. of the Speaker H E Moham- announced at a press conference to deliver an original Being able to talk about science, med bin Mubarak Al yesterday attended by officials three-minute talk explain science and make sci- Khulaifi. from the British Council and about any scientific ence relevant to young people At the outset of the meet- QNRF. topic. and to engage their interest is ing, the agenda was read out, FameLab is one of the big- an ability and skill that is so which was approved before gest science communication important in order to ensure the the council ratified the min- competitions in the world initi- props. The talk must be scientif- commitment and success of the utes of its previous meeting. ated by Cheltenham Science ically accurate, but also engaging Officials at the press conference. next generation of young The Council reviewed a Festivals in the UK, and brought to a non-scientific audience. scientists." report by the Legal and Leg- to Qatar by the British Council In preparation for the com- communication training runners up will receive a cash Dr Abdul Sattar Al-Taie. islative Affairs Committee on in partnership with Qatar petition, the participants will (FameLab Master Class) deliv- prize to spend them on science Executive Director, Qatar a draft law amending some National Research Fund (QNRF) receive a science communica- ered by one of the leading projects or research. FameLab National Research Fund (QNRF) of the provisions of Law 11 of and supported by the Ministry of tion skills training in Arabic and communicators in the UK from registration is open for partici- said to the media "We are very 2004 on penal code and Education and Higher Education, English, which will be delivered 11-12 March 2017 as a prepara- pants from 16 to 40 years old as proud of our partnership with decided to submit its recom- Qatar University and Hamad Bin by science communication train- tion for the participants for the of now, until 12 Feb 2017, the British Council to host this mendations thereon to the Khalifa University. ers and will run for a week long national final that will take place Commenting on FameLab international competition for Council of Ministers. Contestants of FameLab are from 19-23 February 2017, but at QNCC. competition this year 2017, Dr the second year running, in The Advisory Council's expected to deliver an entertain- the journey will not stop here, The winner will of the Frank Fitzpatrick, Director, Brit- which Qatar representative was Legal and Legislative Affairs ing and original three-minute after the auditions that will take FameLab Qatar winner will win ish Council Qatar said, “I am one of the runners up in the Committee held yesterday a talk about any scientific topic place on 1 and 2 March 2017. a trip to the UK to represent very pleased about the positive 2016 FameLab international meeting under the chairman- without using PowerPoint or Only 12 finalists will make it to Qatar in FameLab International response that FameLab had competition even though it was ship of its Rapporteur Nasser other electronic presentation the final and will also receive a Competition at the Cheltenham here in Qatar last year, as It was the first time for Qatar to par- Serayea Al Kaabi during the tools and with limited use of 2-day advanced science Science Festivals, while the the first time that we have ticipate in FameLab.” council's 45th regular session. The committee resumed their study of a draft law reg- ulating the work of real estate People in Darfur have started getting GCC education strategy brokerages. They decided to invite Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan bin Lahdan Al benefits of peace: Deputy Premier team to meet tomorrow Mohannadi to attend the next meeting to review the minis- → Continued from page 1 importance of providing a suit- to do. He renewed the invitation QNA form a committee of the GCC try's view on the mentioned able environment for the people for all movements who are yet education ministers. During the draft law. Deputy Prime Minister and of Darfur to start returning to to sign the document to do so in he team responsible to pre- last two meetings the team Meanwhile, Speaker of Minister of State for Cabinet their homes voluntarily. response to the demands of the pare the strategic plan for identified the fields of joint the Advisory Council H E Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah The Deputy Prime Minister people and UN Security Tthe GCC ministers of edu- actions to include in the strate- Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Al Mahmoud stressed that the also stressed that the develop- Resolutions. cation will hold their third gic plan, in addition to Khulaifi met yesterday with Doha Document for Peace is the mental projects agreed upon In concluding his remarks, meeting in Doha on Wednesday collecting all data and informa- Peru's Ambassador in Doha context for peace in the region during the donors conference the Deputy Prime Minister and Thursday. tion about the current higher Carlos Velasco Mendiola. and so cannot be renegotiated. in Doha must be implemented thanked everyone who made The meeting is scheduled education situation in the GCC They discussed parliamentary He maintained that it can to enable the people of the today's signing possible. He to continue working on the including colleges, universities relations and the means to enriched by signing protocols region to rebuild their economy. extended his thanks in particu- strategic plan to or research centers. enhance them further. that develop the document's He added that this was espe- lar to President of Chad Idriss implementation mechanisms. cially important now after the Deby, President of Sudan Omar The Deputy Prime Minister US eased some of the economic Al Bashir, the SLA and UNAMID. noted that the people of Darfur sanctions on Sudan. He also extended his thanks to started feeling the outcomes of Al Mahmoud added that former head of UNAMID Martin peace following years of strug- work continues to end all tribal Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi for his gle after the signing of the disputes in order to revert Dar- role, as well as the current one document. He stressed the fur to the peaceful area it used Mamabolo. Josoor Institute invites Ministry officials detect applications for violations second programme QNA he Ministry of Economy QNA management and leadership and Commerce has capabilities in the sports and Tdeteced three violations osoor Institute is accepting major events industries. The while carrying out a surprise applications for the second programs allow delegates the inspection campaign on shops Jcohort of its professional cer- flexibility to continue with their in the North and Ruwais. tificate and diploma professional careers and ena- The Ministry pointed out programmes that are set to ble them to learn the practical that these violations were for begin in March 2017, it said in and theoretical applications of failing to declare the price, a press release. delivered content. the lack of advertisement in The institute is retaining the "Following the great suc- Arabic and for advertising programme topics for the sec- cess of our first cohort of the without a licence, which is a ond intake following the certificate and diploma pro- clear violation of the provi- success of the first cohort. They grams, we are committed and sions of Law No. (8) of 2008 are "Football and Sports Man- driven more than ever to con- and law No. (5) of 1984 on agement" and "Major Events tinue to grow regional talent selling through sales Management." Scholarships are and develop the human capa- (clearance). also available for delegates who bilities of the MENA region's The Ministry said that it are interested to join and meet sports and events industries," will firmly deal with the neg- the selection criteria. Mushtaq Al Waeli, acting exec- ligent in carrying out their The professional certificate utive director of Josoor obligations under the Con- and diploma programmes are Institute, said. sumer Protection Act and will designed and delivered by Josoor "The graduating delegates step up inspection campaigns Institute, the center of excellence from the first cohort have gone to control such practices, and for the sports and events indus- on to grow their careers and will refer anyone who vio- tries, along with the Supreme developed a network of indus- lates the laws and ministerial Committee for Delivery and Leg- try peers through the decisions to the competent acy (SC) in partnership with connections made at the pro- authorities to take appropri- leading international academic grams. With the launch of the ate action to protect the rights partners, including Georgetown second cohort this March, we of consumers. University, University of Liver- enter the next phase of our The Ministry of Economy pool and Leeds Beckett exciting journey in providing and Trade urged all consum- University. The 12-month pro- the skills and knowledge ers to report any abuses or grams are of the highest required to build sustainable irregularities or suggestions standards and are delivered by sports and events industries through the channels of renowned academicians and across the region and beyond. communication. leading industry practitioners. The learnings gained from the The inspection campaigns Delivered part-time and in programs will empower dele- aimed at monitoring the com- six blocks spread over the year, gates to shape not only their pliance of shops with the certificate and diploma pro- own careers but also the future consumer protection laws grams provide delegates with of the industry creating a leg- and ensure their commitment the knowledge and skills nec- acy for the region for many to the application of laws and essary to develop their years to come. ministerial decisions. 04 HOME TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 Expert presents insight into aspirin overdose

The Peninsula WCM-Q lecture the radar for some time, clini- aspirin has been taken because to improve, the levels of aspi- cians are not as familiar with the of variations in the absorption rin in the body are not he symptoms and Many people overdose symptoms of aspirin rate.” decreasing, there is renal fail- treatment of aspirin accidentally not overdose.” The audience of health pro- ure, or there is evidence of overdose were dis- realising that drug He added, “Many people fessionals from across Qatar severe toxicity. cussed at the latest companies are using accidentally overdose, as they do were informed that to treat Dr Ostrovskiy, who gradu- instalment of Weill aspirin in other not realise that drug companies aspirin poisoning, the patient ated from WCM-Q in 2011, is TCornell Medicine – Qatar’s Grand are using aspirin in a range of should be hyperventilated and assistant professor of emergency medications. Rounds lecture series. different medications. that fluids should be replaced medicine at WCM-Q, and is the The lecture was given by Dr “Patients who have taken too with a sodium bicarbonate first alumni to join the college as Grigory Ostrovskiy (pictured), an — poisoning. Dr Ostrovskiy said, much aspirin may present with solution. Activated charcoal a faculty member. alumnus of Weill Cornell Medi- “From the 1950s to the 1970s, a variety of signs and symptoms, works to some extent in neu- The activity was an Accred- cine – Qatar (WCM-Q) who was aspirin was a leading cause of including rapid breathing, nau- tralising the aspirin but is not ited Group Learning Activity privileged to speak in the pres- overdose death, particularly sea and vomiting, tinnitus, without drawbacks, not least (Category 1) as defined by the ence of his former professors. among children, but then safer hyperthermia and lactic acido- aspiration. Qatar Council for Healthcare He has a particular interest packaging was introduced and sis — whereby lactic acid builds In serious situations, dialy- Practitioners-Accreditation in toxicology and chose the topic new painkillers were developed. up in the body. It may also be dif- sis should be considered, Department and was approved of salicylate — or aspirin Today, because it has been off ficult to ascertain how much particularly if the patient fails for a maximum of one hour. HBKU to hold Graduate Information Sessions

The Peninsula Biomedical Sciences, Cyberse- curity, and Data Science and amad Bin Khalifa Uni- Engineering. CSE’s Executive versity (HBKU) will be Master in Energy and Resources Hhosting a series of Grad- programme is scheduled to uate Information Sessions hold programme-specific ses- through February for its vari- sions at the HBKU Executive ous colleges and programmes. Education Center on February Each event in the series offers 1 and February 22. an excellent opportunity for Finally, the College of Law prospective students to inter- and Public Policy will offer pro- act with HBKU’s faculty and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) building in Doha. spective students the chance to admissions staff and explore prospective students to inves- Social Sciences will be holding explore its first-in-the-region the opportunities on offer. tigate graduate study at HBKU sessions on its MA in Transla- JD graduate law programme at Sessions have been tailored and for them to gain an in- tion Studies and MA in the HBKU Student Center on specifically to encourage pro- depth understanding of the Audiovisual Translation on February 1 and February 21, spective students to ask high-quality learning provided February 15. and at the HBKU Executive questions, explore their study by HBKU faculty. I encourage HBKU’s College of Science Education Center on February options, and get clarifications anyone interested in learning and Engineering (CSE) will host 7 and February 27. before HBKU’s 2017 applica- more about the outstanding an information session at the Prospective students inter- tion deadline. opportunities for study at HBKU Student Center in Edu- ested in attending one or more Those attending will gain a HBKU and thinking about join- cation City on February 6 of the information sessions are thorough understanding of ing our growing body of followed by a second session strongly encouraged to regis- their preferred programme, its talented students to pay us a at the HBKU Executive Educa- ter at hbku.edu.qa/infosessions. eligibility requirements, admis- visit.” tion Center in Tornado Tower Students can also make use of sions process, curriculum, and The College of Islamic Stud- on February 22. CSE is bring- weekly drop-in advice sessions research areas before submit- ies at HBKU is hosting an ing faculty representatives to every Wednesday between 1pm ting their application. information sessions for its MA both locations from the follow- and 5pm at the HBKU Student Dr Khalid B Letaief, Prov- in Islamic Studies and MS in ing programmes: Computer Center. For more information, ost of HBKU, said: “Attending Islamic Finance programmes Science and Engineering, Sus- prospective students should an information session pro- on February 8. Additionally, the tainable Energy, Sustainable check out the HBKU website at vides a great way for College of Humanities and Environment, Biological and hbku.edu.qa. More than 3,000 tonnes of waste removed from beaches

The Peninsula

ore than 3,000 tonnes of waste has been removed during a massive clean-up drive Mwhich continued for two months until Jan- uary 15 and focused on Northwest beaches. The drive started on November 20 last year as per Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s plan to keep beaches clean. The Ministry made available all requirements to accomplish the task because beaches are very important for visitors especially on weekends. Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, recently issued a ministerial decision No (197) for the year 2016 for establishing a special committee for cleaning residual oil from beaches and islands. Waste being removed from a beach during Members of other departments also partici- pated in the campaign including the Environmental the cleaning drive. Protection, Nature Reserves & Wildlife

Department, Fisheries Department and Qatar Petroleum. “The Ministry is giving priority to cleaning beaches and islands and has provided all require- ment for that, which guarantee cleaning of the beaches through the year," said Safar Mubarak Al Shafi, General Cleanliness Project Director. He also said that the cleaning plan was divided into three phases to clean up about 65km of beaches and the department had provided a per- manent place to facilitate the workers until the end of the campaign. The first phase of the campaign, started from Abu Daluf to Al Arish, and the second clean –up drive started from Al Arish to Al Zubara, while the third one covered the stretch from Al Zubara to Um Haish. “During the drive, about 3,151 tonnes of wastes were removed, including 1,952 tonnes of residual oil, 1,120 tonnes of other waste and 80 tonnes of wood” Al Shafi added. Ha also said the process of cleaning didn't affect the marine environment. The Ministry urged people to support its efforts to keep beaches and islands clean by throwing waste in proper places and avoiding careless behaviour which might harm the ecosystem. TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 HOME 05 DFI to screen UAE director's film E-link with Al Milaha to

Hekayat Khaleejiya be completed in July The initiative is Continued from page 1 aimed at Al Nadeeb is an advanced system for customs clearance, ini- strengthening tially used only for customs programmes. Later within an year it appreciation for the was connected with the Ministry of Municipality and Environ- arts and contributing ment, Ministry of Transport and Communications and Ministry of to the evolution of Public Health. Qatar’s rich cultural The declaration submitted by the clearance agent went to afore- fabric. mentioned ministries, who then take decision about releasing the consignment immediately or after putting some restrictions. “Al Nadeeb has now eased and sped up the procedures of cus- The Peninsula tom clearance to be done in record time. The system allows customers and traders, who are even abroad to submit custom oha Film Institute declaration from their offices online,” he said. (DFI) Cinema will Once the electronic link is set up completely, the custom dec- screen Emirati laration could be released within a minute if the goods are not director Humaid A still from Abdullah directed by Humaid Alsuwaidi. restricted. Alsuwaidi’s first The electronic link with Al Milaha (Qatar Navigation) is expected Dfeature film Abdullah on Thurs- into their work and their crea- York Film Academy (NYFA) initiative is aimed at strengthen- to be completed in July. Following this, custom clearance will wit- day and Friday at 7.30pm at the tive process. alumni. ing appreciation for the arts and ness unprecedented growth with no human interference in customs Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Abdullah tells the story of an Alsuwaidi is a former Asso- contributing to the evolution of procedures. Auditorium. Emirati boy (Abdullah) who ciate of Fine Arts (AFA) Qatar’s rich cultural fabric, and The latest technologies and machines have been installed at The screenings, which are develops a fascination for music Filmmaking student. He studied offers audiences in Doha a all ports. The sea customs department is currently providing its part of Hekayat Khaleejiya from an early age, but struggles his first year in Abu Dhabi and unique opportunity to view films services at Hamad Port. The department is also providing serv- series, will be followed by Q&A to hide that over the years from moved to Los Angeles to com- that may not necessarily reach ices at Al Ruwais Port where commercial ships coming from Iran session with lead actor Alaa’ his highly conservative family— plete his second year of the commercial cinemas. and Somalia are anchored. Shaker. where many things are degree programme. Tickets are priced at QR35 The port also receives ships carrying gabbro. The department Hekayat Khaleejiya is dedi- forbidden. Alsuwaidi shot the The DFI Cinema series pro- while students with valid ID can is also dealing with Lafan Port that receives industrial ships and cated to showcasing cinematic film in the Emirate of Ajman, vides cultural and creative avail of tickets at discounted also with Messaid port. voices from the Gulf region, and north of UAE, despite all the dif- discoveries for audiences in Doha price of QR25. Tickets can be The Doha Port has been turned into tourist port to receive presents films followed by ques- ficulties in location and funds. all-year long, making a valuable purchased from the MIA DFI Box tourist ships only. Doha Port is slated to be closed from March 31 tion-and-answer sessions with He directed and produced the contribution to the diversity of Office or online at www.doha- for development and upgrading. Then it will be reopened to receive the filmmakers to gain insight film with the help of his New screen culture in the region. The filminstitute.com. giant tourist ships. Qatar setting benchmarks for tournamentpreparations: Interpol official

QNA hosting the world football's member countries preparing for early but I think so far Qatar has global events," he added. I'm confident the processes are showpiece, Morris had an oppor- major public events. set the benchmark for preparing Morris added that one of the beginning to be put in place to atar's early planning and tunity to learn about plans for the In April 2017, Project Stadia early for such a major tourna- big challenges in terms of secu- enable the team here to address detailed preparations to 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. will host the first International ment," Morris said. rity is trying to imagine what the that challenge." Qhost a safe and secure FIFA While in Qatar, the Interpol Major Event Security Conference "Interpol's Project Stadia is world will look like in 2022. "We "The visit to the Supreme World Cup will set a precedent chief met with Secretary-Gen- in Doha, involving key decision- allowing officials from both organ- know what the security context Committee for Delivery and Leg- for future mega events, accord- eral of the Supreme Committee makers, experts and practitioners isations to prepare for future is today, but in six years' time it acy has helped me understand ing to Tim Morris, Interpol for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan from around the world. challenges, but also to prepare a might be a different question and much more clearly the context of executive director for police Al Thawadi, as well as security "Hosts look at what other body of knowledge that leaves a anticipating that and making the whole project and not just the services. officials to discuss Interpol's hosts are doing and the smart legacy not only for Qatar and the provisions to be able to be flex- tournament. You can see how it is In Doha to discuss Interpol's Project Stadia, which besides ones learn from each other. We region but globally on some of the ible enough to address it in 2022 an important catalyst for growth, Project Stadia, which supports supporting Qatar in its 2022 are seeing more and more that lessons learned in terms of secu- will certainly be one of the chal- development and ultimately, leg- Qatar in its preparations for plans, also backs other Interpol preparations are undertaken rity and running such important lenges. Seeing the preparations, acy," the Interpol official said. 06 HOME TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 Diversion on 22 February Street QNA direction along an 800 metre During this period, trucks QF festival on Islam stretch of 22 February Street. and heavy load vehicles trav- he Public Works Author- The diversion will start elling towards Al Shamal and ity (Ashghal) announced today and last for 11 months in the Industrial Area will be Tyesterday that it will nar- coordination with the Traffic prohibited from using this row all three lanes in each Police Department. route. attracts crowds

Beacon of light Community members of all ages and backgrounds learn and discover fascinating elements about Islam and Islamic history at Education City Mosque.

The Peninsula

undreds of families attended ‘The Bea- Children participate in an Arabic calligraphy workshop held con of Knowledge as part of the ‘The Beacon of Knowledge and Light’ festival. and Light’ festival, which was held at HQatar Foundation’s (QF) Educa- emphasise that the EC Mosque English, included storytelling tion City Mosque during the welcomes all residents of Qatar.” sessions, puppet shows, a live weekend. “This event highlights Qatar calligraphy station, movies The two-day festival gave an Foundation’s efforts to foster under the stars, Qur’anic Botanic opportunity to community social engagement by providing Garden (QBG) discovery activi- members of all ages and back- a diversified educational envi- ties, a kids’ corner, astrology grounds to learn and discover ronment with the objective of workshops, and stories of the fascinating elements about building stronger and more Prophets (MPBUT). Islam and Islamic history. active communities. The event Gamal Al Haidari, a visitor Mohamed Al Ghurbani, has proven hugely popular to the festival, said, "This is a Head of Islamic Affairs, Com- owing to a sincere desire by wonderful initiative, as it helps munity Development Qatar’s residents to visit the EC develop the community’s Department, Qatar Foundation, Mosque, which is one of the knowledge of Islamic history said, "'The Beacon of Knowledge country’s most striking archi- and ancient civilisation. We and Light’ event aims to intro- tectural works.” hope that the officials of the duce all community members, Dr Omar Abdelkafy gave the Education City Mosque will be regardless of their backgrounds, Khutba at the event, and held a inspired to continue organising languages or cultures, to the question and answer session engaging events designed for Education City Mosque. It also before activities commenced. all community members to aims to strengthen friendships, The programme, which was explore their culture and develop public knowledge, and delivered in both Arabic and heritage.” Plant it: 800 seedlings distributed

The Peninsula

ight hundred seedlings have been distrib- uted among winter campers and animal Efarms under the initiative “plant it” which aims at increasing vegetation by supporting camp- ers and animal farms. The seedlings were distributed by Environ- mental Protection Department, Nature Reserves Department and Wildlife Department at the Min- istry of Municipality and Environment in collaboration with the Public Parks Department. The Ministry allowed campers for the first time dur- ing this winter camping season to plant wild trees in the camping areas. One camper can plant a maximum of five trees such as Sidra, Al Ghaf, Al A seedling distributed under the initiative. Gharat. TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Deal to remove Syria rebels vow Israeli outpost in jeopardy to keep fighting Jerusalem AFP

deal to evacuate a hard- line Jewish outpost that if talks fail Ahas become a symbol of Israel's occupation of the West Bank was in jeopardy yester- Astana day ahead of a February 8 AFP Bombing continues deadline to remove it. Rebel spokesman Settlers in the Amona out- yrian rebels vowed yes- Yehya Al Aridi said the post of some 40 families and terday to keep fighting which was built on Palestin- opposition backed out if the peace talks fail ian land accused the of the first round of with the war-torn coun- government of not living up try's government in direct talks in Astana to the terms of a deal reached SKazakhstan, as the two sides because of the in December that would see opened indirect negotiations. regime's continued them moved nearby. Chief Opposition Negotiator Mohammad Alloush (centre) of the Jaish Al Islam (Army of Islam) The talks had been billed as bombardment and Palestinian landowners the first time armed rebel groups attacks on a flashpoint rebel group attends the first session of Syria peace talks at Astana's Rixos President Hotel, also filed a petition to the Israeli would negotiate directly with area near Damascus. yesterday. high court yesterday with fur- President Bashar Al Assad's ther objections to the regime since the conflict erupted apparently divergent ideas on "will reinforce the cessation of mechanism to implement the government's relocation plans, in 2011. their aim. hostilities". He added the gov- consolidation and de-confliction said rights group Yesh Din, "If the negotiations succeed, ceasefire" agreed last month, Chief rebel negotiator ernment was keen to separate ceasefire measures, and to see which is representing them. then we are with the negotiations," hoping that "confidence build- Mohammad Alloush said in his the rebels from the Islamic State what else can be done to build Beyond that, Prime Min- rebel spokesman Osama Abu Zeid ing steps that could be obtained opening statement that the group and former Al Qaeda affil- confidence." ister Benjamin Netanyahu's said. "If they don't succeed, unfor- from Astana talks will contrib- opposition was focused on bol- iate Fateh Al Sham Front. "This is not a replacement for chief of staff Yoav Horowitz tunately we'll have no choice but ute to the political process in stering the nationwide truce, Delegation spokesman Abu the Geneva process," rebel nego- reportedly told ministers from to continue fighting." Geneva." while Assad has insisted rebels Zeid said the rebels were con- tiator Fares Buyush said. his Likud party on Sunday The rebels' announcement Negotiations in the Kazakh lay down their arms in exchange cerned with "more than just a referring to the UN-hosted polit- that the deal could not be came as Russia's defence minis- capital Astana coincide with a for an amnesty deal. ceasefire". ical negotiations set to resume implemented because of legal try said its warplanes had rapprochement between regime "We came here to reinforce "The issue is putting moni- in the Swiss city next month. complications. bombed the Islamic State group ally Russia and rebel backer Tur- the ceasefire as the first phase of toring, investigation and Although Russia and Turkey The lack of a clear solu- in the area around Deir Ezzor in key, who together brokered the this process," Alloush said in accountability mechanisms in back opposing sides, they have tion has once again raised the eastern Syria, where regime current truce in December after comments broadcast online. "We place," he said. "We want these worked hand-in-hand in recent possibility of a forced evacu- forces have been fighting the months of US disengagement in will not proceed to the next mechanisms so that this doesn't weeks to try to secure an end to ation of the Amona settlers by jihadists. the conflict. phases until this actually hap- play out over and over." the brutal war and forged a part- the Israeli government and Rebel spokesman Yehya Al Several rounds of failed talks pens on the ground." Previous pushes for a long- nership likely to be tested in fears that violence could Aridi said the opposition backed in Geneva saw political opposi- Damascus has also called for term ceasefire have faltered, Astana. result. out of the first round of direct tion figures take the lead in a "comprehensive" political solu- with both sides trading accusa- US President Donald Trump's "Right now we're dealing talks in Astana because of the negotiating with the regime. tion to a conflict that has killed tions over violations. administration was invited to with the fact that the govern- regime's continued bombard- But in Astana, the 14-mem- more than 310,000 and dis- Syrian state media said the participate in the talks but did ment and officials lied," said ment and attacks on a flashpoint ber opposition delegation is placed more than half of Syria's regime had met the Iranian del- not send a delegation. Eli Greenberg, an Amona res- area near Damascus. A session composed solely of rebels lead- population. egation as well as UN Syria Washington is instead rep- ident and spokesman for the of indirect negotiations began ing the armed uprising, with The head of the regime del- envoy Staffan de Mistura ahead resented by its ambassador to outpost. after 1200 GMT following a short members of the political oppo- egation, Syria's UN ambassador of Monday's talks, to discuss their Kazakhstan, the State Depart- break in the talks. sition serving as advisors. Bashar al-Jaafari, said in his positions. In his opening state- ment said, while a European A Turkish official told jour- The initiative has been opening comments carried by ment published by the UN, de diplomatic source said France Turkey arrests nalists that "it is necessary to widely welcomed, but the two the country's Sana state news Mistura said it encouraged the and Britain are represented at focus on reinforcing the sides arrived in Astana with agency that he hoped the talks talks' organisers "to create a the ambassador level. over 1,600 terror suspects in week

ANKARA: More than 1,600 Equatorial Guinea oppn denounces arrival of Jammeh terror suspects were arrested in Turkey last week, the Inte- rior Ministry said. They Abidjan presence on the country's soil. team said former strongman Yahya withdrawn" by Jammeh, Mai charged with crimes against included 1,218 suspected Agencies In a statement over the Jammeh plundered the nation's cof- Fatty said. "As we take over, the humanity or other serious members of the Fetullah Ter- weekend, opposition groups said fers before going into exile. government of The Gambia is in offences. Barrow's spokesman rorist Organisation (FETO) quatorial Guinea's opposi- welcoming Jammeh was like Barrow, who was sworn in financial distress." Halifa Sallah said Barrow aimed held responsible for the tion has denounced the welcoming "the waste of Africa." as the new head of state on Jan- "The coffers are largely to set up a truth and reconcilia- attempted coup in July, 372 Egovernment's decision to Obiang's government not yet uary 19 at his country's embassy empty." After 22 years of iron- tion committee, his "preferred PKK suspects and 75 Daesh welcome exiled Gambian Presi- commented on Jammeh's pres- in neighbouring Senegal, has put fisted rule, Jammeh refused to method" of dealing with griev- suspects, according to a state- dent Yahya Jammeh, who flew to ence in Equatorial Guinea. off his return over fears for his recognise the result of a Decem- ances against the regime, though ment. Turkey has been hit by the Central African nation over the Jammeh lost the December safety. His team refused to con- ber 1 election won by Barrow, many Gambians want Jammeh more than a dozen bomb and weekend after 22 years in power. election to Adama Barrow but firm exactly when he expected triggering a weeks-long politi- and his entourage to be gun attacks since July 2015 Andres Esono Ondo, Secre- refused to step down, forcing to return. An aide to Barrow cal crisis. But under the threat of prosecuted. that have resulted in hun- tary-General of the Convergence Barrow to be inaugurated last meanwhile accused Jammeh of a regional military intervention, Sections of the security serv- dreds of deaths. The terror for Social Democracy, said in an week in Senegal. Barrow is now emptying the state's coffers by he chose exile in Equatorial ices were under Jammeh's attacks were usually claimed email yesterday that President planning his return to Gambia. plundering millions of dollars in Guinea, which is not party to the personal control and are respon- or attributed to the PKK or Teodoro Obiang would be Meanwhile, the Gambia yes- his final days in power. International Criminal Court. sible for extrajudicial killings, Daesh. The coup attempt saw responsible "for what might terday awaited the arrival of "Over two weeks, more than That means he cannot be torture and arbitrary detention, at least 248 people occur" as a result of Jammeh's President Adama Barrow as his 500m dalasi ($11mn) were extradited in the event he is rights groups say. martyred. Haniyah in Cairo for talks Cairo Anatolia

ISMAIL HANIYAH, deputy head of Hamas' political bureau, arrived in Cairo on Sunday evening with an accompanying delegation for talks with Egyptian offi- cials, Egyptian sources said. According to a security source at Cairo International Airport, Haniyah and his del- egation will remain in Cairo for several days, during which they will discuss recent devel- Newly graduated police officers attend a parade holding Dome of the Rock model, during opments in the their graduation ceremony organised by the Palestinian Government in Gaza City, yesterday. Israeli-occupied West Bank and the blockaded Gaza Strip with Egyptian officials. Hamas warns US against embassy relocation Haniyah and his delega- tion were received at the Gaza City Moussa Abu Marzouq said: “The embassy from Tel Aviv to Jeru- airport by members of an Anatolia relocation of the U.S. embassy salem despite reluctance to do Egyptian "sovereign author- to Jerusalem will pose an so by past administrations -— ity", the source said, senior Hamas leader has increasing danger.” Republican and Democrat alike. speaking anonymously due warned the new US Abu Marzouq slammed While Israel claims the city to restrictions on talking to APresident, Donald statements by Trump and his as its "eternal capital" after media. Trump, against plans to move aides, saying they “neither occupying East Jerusalem dur- "Haniyah, accompanied the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv serve stability in the region nor ing the 1967 Arab-Israel war, by several Hamas leaders, to Jerusalem, saying it would serve the US itself”. The new the international community arrived in Egypt’s capital on harm regional stability. American president had does not recognize the claim Sunday evening from Qatari In a statement posted on pledged during his electoral and foreign embassies are cur- capital Doha," a source close the Hamas website on Sunday, campaign to relocate the U.S. rently located in Tel Aviv. to Hamas confirmed. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Astana talks

he peace talks between Syrian rebels and the regime of Bashar Al Assad got off to a lacklustre start in Kazakhstan’s capital TAstana yesterday. The meeting, backed by key players Russia, Turkey and Iran, was expected to see, for the first time since the conflict started in 2011, direct negotiations between First days of Trump era signal the rebels and Assad’s regime, but rebels backed out at the last moment accusing the government of continued attacks near Damascus. But the fact that deepening political divide the meeting took place is in itself an achievement. It gave both sides an opportunity to share ideas and put forward their demands to pave the way for a Trump’s inaugural speech on Friday country is a recipe for winning elections solution to the conflict. Scott Malone offered little in the way of unifying mes- but it is not a recipe for successful sages. He appealed directly to his government.” Despite the initial reservations and setbacks, the Reuters Astana meeting can set the stage for more supporters, painting a bleak picture of With Republicans controlling both “American carnage” - a country filled chambers of Congress they will have lit- negotiations if both sides are keen to make with rusted factories and plagued by tle to no need to reach across the aisle. compromises. Though the rivals didn’t talk face-to- crime and vowed, “from this day for- Democrats also may prefer to simply rail face at the meeting, they took part in indirect talks n the blocks surrounding the White ward it’s going to be only America First.” against Republican proposals rather and held a three-way meeting with Russia, Turkey House, signs reading “Love Trumps The grim vision of America the than compromise, to better rile up their and the United Nations. A rebel spokesperson called Hate” and “Build Bridges Not Walls” lit- 70-year-old president often evokes is base supporters for the mid-term elec- the consultations ‘long and productive’. Also, the tered the sidewalks on Sunday, the belied by statistics showing low levels of tions, political observers said. meeting is noteworthy for the representation of detritus of the Women’s March protest- unemployment and crime nationally. “The ideology of congressmen in the Iing the policies of President Donald Trump. But Trump won many votes in parts of Democratic party is to the left of rank- several parties. Turkey’s participation will instill confidence among rebels. The rapprochement Both Trump’s supporters and women and the nation where manufacturing indus- and-file Democrats and the same is true men who took part in the massive march try has been badly hit and people feel on the Republican side, they are to the between Russia and Turkey will have a positive against him in Washington on Saturday con- left behind in the recovery. Republican right,” said Jeffrey Berry, a professor of impact on talks. The US templated the vestiges of protest and domination in Washington suggests par- political science at Tufts University out- was conspicuous by its ruminated about the convulsive first 48 hours tisan divisions will only grow deeper, at side Boston. absence. President The Syrian regime under the Republican president. least over the next two years until the “Congress makes it worse. It is not a Donald Trump is yet to For Mary Forster, who joined her first next congressional elections. moderating force.” and the rebels outline his policy on Syria political demonstration on Saturday, the “There is no question that Trump has Trump supporters questioned the need to focus and the absence of weekend only reinforced her worries that the exacerbated the divisions that already rationale of launching such large on a complete Washington in key talks country was splitting further apart after a bit- existed in the United States, on impor- protests on his first full day in office, ter election. tant issues from national security to civil before he had much time to take policy which can decide the cessation of “I feel like we’re getting driven farther rights to climate actions. hostilities to future of Syria speaks of apart,” said Forster, a 42-year-old environ- change,” said Wendy “They are not giving him any time. pave the way for the dwindling influence mental regulation specialist from Ithaca, New Schiller, a professor of They are just presuming that he is going peace. of the superpower in the York. “There really is no middle any more. We political science at to do a bad job,” said Kimberley Morgan, future of the country. But seem to be losing the middle ground.” Brown University. a 54-year-old laid-off teacher from it’s a fallout of the wrong She has voted both Democratic and “Dividing the Alabama. policies of Barack Obama Republican in the past but was motivated to Morgan had supported Ben Carson in march by concerns over the comments and the Republican primaries but voted for who deliberately ignored all opportunities for Both Trump’s supporters intervention in Syria policies of businessman-turned-politician Trump after the retired neurosurgeon Trump, many of which are seen by the left as and women and men who dropped out. She resolved to wear her The regime and the rebels need to focus on a harmful to women and minorities. Trump baseball cap as she rode the cessation of hostilities. But there is a divergence of took part in the massive Like Forster, millions of women, but- march against him in subway into downtown Washington on opinion on this. Chief rebel negotiator Mohammad tressed by male family members and friends, Sunday morning with her family, a Alloush said the opposition was keen on joined marches throughout U.S. cities in a Washington on Saturday gesture she had decided against on strengthening and widening the ceasefire, while the much larger-than-expected challenge to contemplated the vestiges Saturday due to the march. regime representatives were more focused on Trump. of protest and ruminated “People presume all these things getting the rebels to lay down their arms. “There used to be more things that unified about the convulsive about you because you voted for Trump. As the rebel leaders said, the regime forces must us and now I feel like we are more divided People presume that you are racist. We than we used to be,” Forster said. first 48 hours under the are not racist,” said Morgan. “It’s hard to stop their attacks near Damascus. Assad and his It is a view widely held by Americans. A Republican president. listen to people when they are screaming allies are entering the talks in a position of strength Pew Research Center poll released on Thurs- at you.” and they have the primary responsibility to adhere day showed that 86 percent of Americans to the ceasefire terms. The Syrian regime also has a believed the country was more politically duty to make the maximum concessions to pave the divided than it had been in the past, sharply way for peace. The opposition has vowed to keep higher than the 46 percent who held that view fighting if the negotiations fail. Though they remain eight years ago, just before former President considerably weakened after the fall of Aleppo, the Barack Obama’s inauguration. rebels still have the strength to continue their Democrats and Republicans concurred in their view of the division, a marked change fighting in several parts of the country. from 2009 when more than half of Republi- cans thought the country was becoming more divided, compared to about four in ten Democrats. For many observers, the split is likely to QUOTE OF THE DAY be exacerbated by Trump, who stunned both parties with his Nov. 8 victory and has made his mark in world politics with blunt, often offensive speech. Neither confrontation “Watched protests yesterday but was under the impression that we just had an nor submission to election! Why didn’t these people vote?” the United States in Trump said on Twitter on Sunday morning. renegotiating the two He added a conciliatory note: “Even if I don’t countries’ relations always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.” under new President Most of the dozens of march participants Donald Trump. interviewed by Reuters said they had voted for his Democratic rival, former U.S. Secretary Enrique Pena Nieto of State Hillary Clinton. The largest marches Mexico’s President were in states that had voted for Clinton, like California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts People participating in a Women’s March to protest against US President Donald and the District of Columbia. Trump in New York City. TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 OPINION 09 Gambia: A lesson for African dictators legitimate president of Gambia. Solomon Dersso What ultimately guaranteed the Al Jazeera peaceful end of the crisis was the eventual successful negotiation of the terms for Jammeh’s exit. In exchange for peaceful transfer of power to the new president, he oon after the peaceful transition of power received guarantees of a secure from Barack Obama to Donald Trump in the retirement with full benefits of a US, Gambia’s crisis was also resolved with- citizen, a party leader and a former out a single gunshot. The embattled head of state. President Yahya Jammeh appeared on In this way, Gambia set an Snational TV announcing his decision “to relinquish important precedent for other the mantle of leadership”. authoritarian rulers, who continue Jammeh’s decision to step down was not only to be in power long after losing important to his own people, as he effectively popular support due to their uncer- decided not to push the country into bloodshed to tain future. Gambia’s experience retain power, but it also set an important precedent shows that they can get a dignified in Africa for a peaceful transition of power after a exit, if they allow free and fair decades-long dictatorship. The political turmoil in election. Gambia, was the result of what I call “the curse of an In so doing, not only would they authoritarian electoral defeat”. It is a curse that spare their countries the agonies of plagues any country with long authoritarian rule a violent transition, but also avoid where questions about the fate of the outgoing leader the fate of Ivory Coast’s former during and after the handover of power and about president Laurent Gbagbo, who is the transition from authoritarian to democratic poli- on trial at the ICC after he was tics remain unresolved. forced out of power by a French Jammeh took power in Gambia in 1994 through a military intervention in 2011. military coup and stayed in power for 22 years, get- The clear lesson for opposition ting regularly re-elected in, what were perceived as, parties and the citizenry in coun- unfair elections. On December 1, 2016 Jammeh’s tries with authoritarian leaders is opponent, Adama Barrow, won the elections with a that not only should they forge four percent lead, a defeat that the incumbent ini- unity during elections, but also pre- Gambians awaiting the arrival of President Adama Barrow outside of the Statehouse in Banjul, yesterday. tially accepted. pare to work with regional and The crisis started when, on December 9, Jammeh international bodies for a negoti- rescinded his earlier concession of defeat . Although ensuring peaceful transfer of power, politics of An important factor in the successful resolution ated exit guaranteeing peaceful Jammeh claimed that there were electoral irregulari- vengeance, not uncommon in transitions from of the crisis was that ECOWAS did not limit its actions transfer of power. ties, what really pushed him to change his mind was authoritarian rule, started to creep into the political only to diplomacy, but also backed its efforts with a As Barrow’s plan to convene a his fear of political reprisals against him by the discourse. Members of the opposition started talking credible threat of military action. Apart from its 17 truth and reconciliation commis- opposition. about annulling Gambia’s withdrawal from the Inter- December summit decision to “undertake all neces- sion for dealing with past abuses Instead of seizing Jammeh’s concession of defeat national Criminal Court, refusing immunity to sary action” - a euphemism for use of force shows, Jammeh’s exit does not as an opportunity to negotiate an exit strategy Jammeh, having him prosecuted, and seizing his - ECOWAS member states mobilised their troops and completely preclude the pursuit of assets. prepared to enter Gambia’s territory upon the expiry measures of accountability as part Jammeh was cornered and went on the offensive, of the 19 January deadline they set for Jammeh to of an inclusive transitional process. declaring a state of emergency and pressing the par- leave power. Jammeh took power in liament to extend his rule by three months. The crumbling of Jammeh’s regime from inside Gambia in 1994 through Central to the success of diplomatic efforts to was major internal catalyst for the swift and peaceful a military coup and resolve the crisis was regional leadership. The Eco- end of the stalemate. The string of cabinet resigna- nomic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) tions followed by the departure of long-time vice stayed in power for 22 took the lead both in setting the agenda and launch- president, Isatou Njie-Saidy, forced Jammeh to dis- years, getting regularly ing the diplomatic process which involved five solve his cabinet entirely. Even Jammeh’s military re-elected in, what were rounds of presidential missions to Banjul mobilising chief who stood by him throughout the crisis eventu- perceived as, unfair a total number of six African presidents, including ally announced that he had no plan to fight the D-RING ROAD Nobel Peace Prize laurate, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, ECOWAS troops marching into the Gambia. POST BOX: 3488 elections. On December 1, president of Liberia. Trying to avoid bloodshed, ECOWAS decided not 2016 Jammeh’s opponent, Unlike in other African transfer of power crises, to follow up on its initial threat of ensuring the inau- DOHA - QATAR Adama Barrow, won the where power sharing was the focus of negotiations, guration of Mr Barrow in Banjul and instead opted [email protected] elections with a four ECOWAS decided not to compromise and pushed for for an extraordinary decision to swear Gambia’s new enforcing the outcome of the December 1 elections. president in the Gambian embassy in Senegal’s capi- percent lead, a defeat that Its diplomatic efforts also received firm support tal, Dakar on January 19 . EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE the incumbent initially from international actors such as the African Union, This act sealed Jammeh’s political defeat, paving TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 accepted. which warned Jammeh of “ serious consequences “, the way for the AU and others to withdraw their rec- FAX: +974 4455 7758 the United Nations, and the European Union. ognition of Jammeh and welcome Mr Barrow as the MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Putin wins American minds, if not hearts TEL: 4455 7769

with it. Liberal and traditional Republican pundits with Russia is about as popular among the general electorate LOCAL NEWS SECTION Leonid Bershidsky stressed the differences in values between Putin’s as the notion of a tough response. And among Republicans, it TEL: 4455 7743 Bloomberg authoritarian state and the US, accused Russia of is overwhelmingly the popular choice. Even the ultimate barbarity and war crimes in Syria and called for Russia hawk, Senator John McCain, is leaning toward voting BUSINESS NEWS SECTION tougher action to rein it in. Those calls are largely for Trump’s pick for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, after the TEL: 4462 7535 ignored. former oil executive outlined a flexible Russia policy. ccording to recent data from In days past, such a campaign could have In a sense, this is what Putin has always wanted from the SPORT NEWS SECTION Pew Research, 90 percent of whipped the populace into a frenzy. In his 2010 US He never expected a love affair or — a word US commenta- TEL: 4455 7745 Americans view “Russia’s book, “Crimea: The Last Crusade,” Orlando Figes tors love —a bromance. His goal has been to have a power and influence” as a quoted what the English and French newspapers non-ideological conversation about common interests and ONLINE SECTION threat, and 72 percent believe wrote about Russia in the early 1850s. The quotes mutually enforced red lines. As Sergei Karaganov, an influen- TEL: 4462 7501 RussiaA hacked the Democratic National have a familiar feel. A writer who dared suggest tial foreign policy adviser to the Kremlin, wrote in a recent [email protected] Committee and the Hillary Clinton cam- Russia may have been right in protecting the Balkan article in the official Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Competition with the paign. A Washington Post/ABC News poll people against Turkey was attacked from all sides US won’t go away. It can be acute and even dangerous. But the PUBLIC RELATIONS found 64 percent of Americans believe as a Russian stooge. A French paper called the arrival of a new administration that wants to focus on America that Russia hacked the Democrats. In Impartial editorialised in January, 1854: itself, creates a window of opportunity for the normalisation of TEL: 4455 7613 short, America has been persuaded, no To pretend otherwise is to overturn all notions relations, for rebuilding them on the basis of interests and bal- [email protected] matter how little it trusts its media and of order and justice. Falsity in politics and falsity in ances. It is, however, also something for which Trump appears other institutions. Does this mean, how- religion — that is what Russia represents. Its barbar- to have a mandate from Republican voters. They realise Russia ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT ever, that most Americans are angry with ity, which tries to ape our civilisation, inspires our is not a friendly power, but they lean toward negotiation rather TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 President Vladimir Putin and would like to mistrust, its despotism fills us with horror. than implacable confrontation. FAX: 4455 7870 punish Russia? Polls say no. Like President It went on: “The policies of Nicholas have raised Perhaps it’s generally more difficult today, after all the [email protected] Barack Obama’s Russia sanctions, the a storm of indignation in all the civilised states of devastating wars of the 20th century and the unresolved, attempts to demonise Russia for its inter- Europe; these are the policies of rape and pillage; bloody local conflicts of the last 15 years, to whip people into CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT ference seem to have backfired. they are brigandage on a vast scale.” No wonder the a belligerent mindset. Perhaps Russia’s status as a nuclear TEL: 4455 7857 Pew results show Putin’s favourability kings of England and France had full popular sup- power inspires certain respect, especially since Putin’s mili- [email protected] has slightly increased compared with two port when they declared war on Russia a couple of tary adventures largely have been successful. Perhaps regime years ago — thanks to a significant bump months later. Today, however, similar incantations change in Russia appears to be an unrealistic goal after fail- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION in positive views among Republicans. This fail to drum up majority support even for a re- ures in a series of smaller, weaker countries. And perhaps, by TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 is not love; rather, it is a grudging respect. enactment of the Cold War. Trump’s idea of convincing Americans that Russia successfully meddled in FAX: 44557819 It also comes through in The Washing- negotiating some kind of mutually acceptable deal the US election, the Democrats and the media that has largely ton Post/ABC News results. Overall, a accepted that narrative, bolstered faith in Russia’s power and [email protected] narrow plurality of that poll’s respondents the conviction that treading carefully would be a good idea. — 43 percent — says Donald Trump, who If the latter is true, the US has continued to build up has barely criticised Putin, is too friendly A Washington Post/ Putin’s power. It started with the weak Ukraine-related sanc- All thoughts and views toward Russia, while 40 percent say he’s ABC News poll found 64 tions that helped Putin convince Russians the West was an expressed in these columns taking the right approach. Among Republi- percent of Americans enemy and bought him time while the economy suffered cans, though, 75 percent say Trump is from an oil price decline. It has more recently continued by are those of the writers, not getting it right on Russia. Among white believe that Russia advertising Russia’s hacking and propaganda prowess. As a of the newspaper. voters in general, a 52 percent majority hacked the Democrats. In result, Putin is punching well above Russia’s economic agree with Trump’s approach. short, America has been weight, and many Americans are happy to let Trump legiti- All correspondence Trump’s electoral base has taken on persuaded, no matter how mize it. Perhaps that’s for the better: In the longer term, it regarding Views and board everything that has been said about may be harder for Putin to survive a constructive relationship Opinion pages should be Russia’s increased international assertive- little it trusts its media and with the West than a sharply adversarial one. The Soviet mailed to the ness and its daring in playing on US turf other institutions. Union, remember, fell when its relations with the West were — but not the recommendations that went friendlier than ever in its history. [email protected] 10 ASIA TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 S Korea urges swift THAAD deployment

Seoul K-pop stars from performing on AFP Nuclear programme the mainland and not authoris- Its (North) nuclear ing South Korean airlines to orth Korea's nuclear and missile operate charter flights between and missile capabil- capabilities are the countries. ities are developing at an "There are various concerns accelerating at an unprecedented pace. about economic retaliation from "unprecedented" They are real and THAAD but the relationship Npace, the South's acting presi- between South Korea and China obvious threat: dent said yesterday, urging the did not happen in just one or two Hwang. swift deployment of a US anti- years," Hwang said. missile system that has He took over President Park infuriated Beijing. "A swift deployment Geun-hye's sweeping executive Seoul and Washington of the THAAD system powers after she was impeached Policewomen stand watch as supporters of cleric Habib Rizieq hold a rally outside the police agreed last year to install the "is necessary to in December, becoming the de headquarters, in Jakarta, yesterday. Terminal High Altitude Area protect the lives and facto leader of Asia's fourth larg- Defence (THAAD) system in the safety of our people". est economy. South after a string of North Park is accused of colluding Korean nuclear and missile tests with close friend Choi Soon-Sil Cleric questioned over hate speech -- prompting strong objections to strong-arm companies into from China, which fears it will THAAD system "is necessary to handing over tens of millions of Jakarta some literature remain police spokesman Argo Yuwono. undermine its own ballistic protect the lives and safety of dollars to dubious foundations Reuters outlawed. "We are looking looking further capabilities. our people", he added. which Choi controlled. Habib Rizieq, head of the into his comments on whether Acting President Hwang Within South Korea, voices The case is now being con- ndonesian police yesterday Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the money has the hammer- Kyo-Ahn said the North had opposing the installation have sidered by the Constitutional questioned a cleric over a is being investigated over two and-sickle symbol." conducted two nuclear tests and grown louder, with some oppo- Court -- which has up to six Ihate speech complaint by a separate complaints, as author- The central bank has denied fired multiple ballistic missiles sition candidates pledging to months to reach a ruling -- but civil group following a lecture ities take a tougher stance the new banknotes carry any last year, averaging two per scrap the agreement if they win hundreds of thousands of South in which he said new banknotes against fundamentalist groups communist symbols. month. a presidential election due this Koreans have joined weekly carried the communist ham- in the world's largest Muslim- "What's being seen by some "Its nuclear and missile year. protests calling for Park's imme- mer-and-sickle symbol. majority nation. people as a hammer and sickle capabilities are developing at an The plan has also angered diate departure from office. Communism remains a Rizieq made the comments symbol is actually the Bank unprecedented pace," Hwang Beijing, which has imposed a If the court confirms the highly sensitive issue in Indo- about the banknotes in a vide- Indonesia logo...and it is part of said. "They are real and obvious string of measures seen in the impeachment, a presidential nesia after bloody otaped lecture last month. the security elements in the threat." South as economic retaliation, election will have to be held anti-communist purges in the "This is already a formal notes to prevent counterfeiting," A "swift" deployment of the including effectively barring within 60 days. country in 1965 and symbols and investigation," said Jakarta Bank Indonesia said. One-off abdication law WWII bomb found eyed for Japan Emperor near HK campus Tokyo flood of questions. Japan has had AFP abdications in its long imperial Hong Kong would be barred from entering history, but the last one was over AFP the premises, and residents in apan could pass a one-off bill 200 years ago and there is no the blocked area were urged to allowing its retirement ready mechanism for one under cur- ozens of people were stay indoors and away from Jemperor to step down, a gov- rent laws. evacuated yesterday windows in case of accidents. ernment panel said yesterday, Yesterday, the six-member Dafter a World War II Unexploded wartime in what would be the first abdi- panel, which was tapped to find bomb was discovered at a con- bombs or grenades are fre- cation in over two centuries. the best way forward, said other struction site in Hong Kong, quently found by hikers or The option was one of sev- options include revising the law near a university campus and construction workers in the eral presented by the group of to allow future emperors to staff quarters. southern Chinese city, which experts charged with sorting out resign if they choose, reducing Chairman of a government advisory panel on emperor 67 residents at three blocks was the scene of fierce fighting the thorny issue. They are Akihito's official duties, or let- abdication Takashi Imai and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hold of a university hall were moved between Japanese and British expected to make a final recom- ting him become a regent instead a meeting at the latter's official residence, in Tokyo, yesterday. after the 500-pound US-made allied forces in 1941. mendation in March. of abdicating. aerial bomb was unearthed on US and allied air forces Last summer, Emperor Aki- "This is a very serious issue Some scholars and politi- would not ensure stable future Pok Fu Lam Road, police con- bombed Japanese occupiers hito, 83, expressed a desire to and we need to discuss it care- cians worry the issue could open successions. It has advocated a firmed yesterday. after the then-British colony abdicate after nearly three dec- fully," said Prime Minister Shinzo a can of worms and risk Japan's revision to the permanent law The bomb was to be deto- fell. Last year, police disposed ades on the Chrysanthemum Abe. monarchs becoming subject to that governs imperial family. nated on site yesterday evening of eight explosive devices found Throne, one of the world's old- Abdication is a sensitive political manipulation. Under the Japanese media have previ- and treated with an "abrasive by a hiker. est monarchies, citing his issue in light of Japan's modern constitution they play only a ously reported that the water-cutting system", a bomb In 2014, police defused a advancing age and weakening history of war waged in the symbolic role. government is planning for Aki- disposal expert said. The whole wartime bomb weighing nearly health. name of Akihito's father The leading opposition hito to retire and be replaced by process was estimated to take one ton, the largest yet found The news sent shockwaves Emperor Hirohito, who died in Democratic Party opposes a his eldest son, Naruhito, on Jan- around three hours. in the city. More than 2,200 across Japan and unleashed a 1989. one-off change, arguing this uary 1, 2019. Pedestrians and vehicles people were evacuated. Mauritius PM hands over power to son

Port Louis new prime minister Reuters yesterday. The formal swearing- he son of the outgo- in was due later in the ing Mauritius prime day. Tminister was "Everywhere on the appointed as the new island it can be seen that premier yesterday, the population is against prompting accusations of the 'father and son deal' nepotism and calls for a which has not gone referendum from through an election," said opponents. Paul Berenger, a former Anerood Jugnauth, prime minister and 86, who has been in his member of the opposi- post since 2014, the lat- tion Mauritian Militant est of several terms at the Movement. helm, announced on Sat- "We challenge urday he would step Pravind Jugnauth to down in favour of his son organise a referendum on and Finance Minister this deal. Otherwise, we Pravind Jugnauth, 55, cit- need to call a general ing the need for "a young election," Berenger said, leadership". said after the prime min- President Ameenah ister announced his plan Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, to step down for his son. who holds a largely cer- After the opposition emonial role on the parties met yesterday, Indian Ocean Island, said Berenger said that the Pravind Jugnauth had opponents would dem- been issued with a letter onstrate against the of appointment as the appointment. TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 ASIA 11 Philippines to reaffirm Asean solidarity

Singapore meet Singapore pitting China against several making sure all claimants follow the Philippines has a difficult Reuters Southeast Asian countries has in legal and diplomatic processes balancing act in upholding its As the host to the recent years emerged as a source in settling territorial disputes. sovereignty claims while stay- leaders of the US, he Philippines told of friction in the bloc. Lorenzana said he hoped the ing on the better terms President China, Japan, Russia countries outside Some Asean countries have code would provide the frame- Rodrigo Duterte has established and India, we will Southeast Asia yester- taken positions on the issue in work for lasting solutions to the with historic rival China. have to remind our day not to use the line with China, while others disputes over the waters. Yesterday, China agreed to friends, firmly if region as "a proxy for have been more suspicious of About $5 trillion worth of cooperate with the Philippines necessary, not to use Ttheir rivalry" as it wanted to pre- China's assertiveness, reflecting goods passes through the South on 30 projects worth $3.7bn Asean as a proxy for serve unity and establish a US thinking. China Sea every year. focusing on poverty reduction, their rivalry: mechanism to resolve disputes Philippine defence minister "We want a rules-based, the two countries said after a in the South China Sea. Delfin Lorenzana (pictured) told lasting solution to this issue," he meeting in Beijing. Lorenzana. The Philippines is chairman the delegates from more than said. It marked the first announce- of the 10-member Association 20 countries at a security con- China has built several arti- ment from a two-day visit by a Asean is drawing up a of South East Asian Nations ference in Singapore that outside rivalry," Lorenzana said ficial islands in the exclusive Philippine cabinet delegation to code of conduct in the (Asean) this year and will host its powers should not pursue their yesterday. economic zone of the Philip- China that comes three months hope of making sure annual meetings, some of which competition in the region. "We will reaffirm the unity pines, which an arbitration after President Rodrigo Duterte all claimants follow are joined by outside powers "As the host to the leaders of and solidarity of Asean amidst tribunal last year ruled visited Beijing to pave the way legal and diplomatic including China and the United the US, China, Japan, Russia and this emerging super-power unlawful. for new commercial alliances. processes in settling States. India, we will have to remind our competition." With billions of dollars of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei territorial disputes. The issue of territorial dis- friends, firmly if necessary, not Asean is drawing up a code potential Chinese trade and and Taiwan also have claims in putes in the South China Sea to use Asean as a proxy for their of conduct in the hope of investment at stake, the waters.

Diaspora seeks Modi's help Memorial service Roof collapses in over demonetised currency Afghan refugee camp; six dead New Delhi (Indian Passport holders), IANS allowing them to deposit up to Kabul Rs2,50,000 of Indian currency AP he Global Organisation of in the RBI instead of notified People of Indian Origin amount of Rs 25,000. AN Afghan official says the T(GOPIO) has pointed out The appeal further states roof of a shoddily constructed to Prime Minister Narendra that Diaspora Indians (who are house in a refugee camp in Modi that diaspora Indians are not able to visit the country) eastern Afghanistan col- being turned away by the RBI should also be permitted to lapsed as a family was sleeping from depositing or exchanging deposit money in their bank inside, killing 6 family mem- their demonetised currency and account in India through an bers, including two women appealed that they be allowed authorised agent. and two children. to do so. The GOPIO also said that Attaullah Khogiyani, The GOPIO, which brings since all Diaspora Indians with spokesman for the Nangarhar together the Indian diaspora foreign citizenship, PIO and OCI provincial governor, says four around the world, said in a card holders may not be able to other members of the family statement that Indian diaspora visit India prior to June 30, they were injured in the incident, with foreign citizenship and should be allowed to deposit which took place yesterday. OCI/PIO card holders are being old currency notes at either the The family was among tens turned away by Reserve bank RBI/NRO accounts maintained of thousands of refugees who of India from depositing their with various banks in India up have returned from neighbor- demonetized currencies, to December 31. Members of the public and police attend a vigil in memory of victims who were mown ing Pakistan in recent years. despite the extended deadline The appeal addressed to the There are an estimated 1.5 down by a 26-year-old man driving a car, at Federation Square in Melbourne, yesterday. for NRIs being till June 30, 2017. PM states, "You have repeatedly million Afghan refugees still The GOPIO, in an appeal to acknowledged the role of NRIs/ living in Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PIOs and expatriates in the resur- said that after standing outside gence of India and their record for several hours, Indians with annual remittances to India foreign citizenship were being which is the highest compared told by the RBI that only NRIs to any country in the world. Modi felicitates 25 children with bravery awards with Indian passport can go "We urge you to agree to inside and exchange the the requested concession for New Delhi Scheme was initiated by the awardees, he said: "You must getting, should not become an scrapped Rs500 and Rs1,000 goodwill of 30 million NRIs and IANS ICCW in 1957 to give recognition ensure that this award does not obstacle to the future progress." notes. PIOs and amend the notifica- to children who distinguish become the end of your life's Modi reminded the children The organisation requested tion # RBI/2016-17/2005/DCM/ rime Minister Narendra themselves by performing out- purpose, but rather should only about the significance of the day the Prime Minister that (Plg) No 2170/10.27.00/2016-17 Modi yesterday presented standing deeds of bravery and mark the beginning." -- January 23 which is Netaji Diaspora Indians with foreign dated December 31, 2016," the Pthe National Bravery meritorious service. He said that bravery is a state Subhas Chandra Bose's birth citizenship, and Person of organisation said. Awards to 25 children from dif- "Their deeds of bravery of mind; a healthy body helps, anniversary -- and urged them Indian Origin (PIO) and Over- The Centre had extended ferent parts of the country who show these children's decisive- but the prime moving force is the to read as much as possible. seas Citizens of India (OCI) card for six months the last date for have been selected for the hon- ness and courage," the Prime mind. Women and Child Develop- holders be given the same applying for conversion of PIO our by the Indian Council for Minister said during the felicita- He further added, "we need ment Minister Maneka Gandhi opportunity for depositing old cards to OCI cards to June 30, Child Welfare (ICCW). tion ceremony. to make the mind strong. The was also present on the currency notes as given to NRIs 2017 from December 31, 2016. The National Bravery Award Interacting with the adulation and fame that you are occasion. Filipino rebels still holding 25 hostages Singapore AFP

THE Philippine defence chief said yesterday that 25 hostages are still being held by Islam- ist militants in the southern Philippines but urged that no ransom be paid for their release. Delfin Lorenzana added that President Rodrigo Duterte has been under pressure to declare martial law in at least three southern islands where Policemen remove protesters during a demonstration against the ban on the Jallikattu jihadists operate, but he did not think there was a need. bull-taming ritual at Marina Beach in Chennai, yesterday. The defence minister said the companies which employed two recently freed India lifts ban on bull-taming events Indonesians had paid a ran- som of $400,000. New Delhi government lifted the ban, to go back home immedi- He did not identify the Reuters police firing tear gas clashed ately," said senior police captives but the Philippine with stone-throwing protest- officer P K Kannan in military said two Indonesian awmakers in India's ers who were demanding the Chennai. hostages were freed last Tamil Nadu state resumption of "jallikattu" Thousands of people had month by militants from Abu Lpassed an emergency bullfights, in which men wres- taken part in a week of pro- Sayyaf, which has pledged order yesterday allowing tle with rampaging bulls. tests, which also hit the state's allegiance to the IS group. bull-taming festivals to At least 100 protesters auto industry. The two were among resume after a court ban on were arrested and 22 police Animal rights activists say seven crew seized from a tug- the traditional events led to officials were hurt. that the tradition is cruel and boat off the southern mass protests. "Jallikattu will be cele- have urged the government Philippines in June. Hours before the state brated. We urge the protesters to keep the ban in place. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017

Forlorn in the snow NEWS BYTES May criticised UK spy chief announces for handling of resignation

THE head of Britain's communications spy- Trident report ing agency announced he was resigning yesterday, after just over two years London Grave allegation in the post, for personal Reuters reasons. “I’m regularly briefed Robert Hannigan, ritish Prime Minis- on national security the head of the Govern- ter Theresa May issues, I was briefed ment Communications said yesterday she on successful Headquarters (GCHQ), was briefed about certification of HMS informed Foreign Sec- the successful certi- Vengeance and her retary Boris Johnson of Bfication of a nuclear submarine his decision. crew," May said. as she came under increasing The 51-year-old pressure over her handling of The report triggered said he had been "lucky reports its unarmed Trident fierce criticism about enough to have some missile misfired. extraordinary roles in a perceived lack of Snow and ice crystals in the Olympia Park in Munich, southern Germany, yesterday. The Sunday Times reported public service over the last transparency from a test firing of the missile from 20 years". But he added: a submarine malfunctioned May. "They have all demanded last June, sending it veering off a great deal of my ever in the wrong direction, shortly her crew,” she told BBC tele- patient and understand- before May asked parliament vision, saying the government France investigates report on ing family, and now is to spend £40bn ($50bn) on did not comment on opera- the right time to change new submarines. tional details for national direction". The report triggered fierce security reasons. criticism about a perceived The controversy overshad- food additive that harmed rats lack of transparency from May owed the launch yesterday of Switzerland and prompted lawmakers to May’s “Modern Industrial demand answers from her Strategy”, a central plank of Paris The additive also inhibited agriculture and economy refuge requests defence minister in parlia- her plans to rebalance Britain’s AFP the immune systems of the rats instructed the country's food plunge 31% ment. CNN, citing a US defence economy as it leaves the EU. and "accelerated" the growth of health and safety agency, Anses, official with direct knowledge The so-called “demonstra- rance ordered an inquiry lesions induced for the experi- to investigate whether the addi- SWITZERLAND plunged of the incident, also reported tion and shakedown after scientists reported ment, France's INRA agricultural tive poses a risk for human by nearly a third to around yesterday a missile test involv- operation” happened in June, Fthat a food additive widely research institute, which took health. The agency must report 27,200 last year after ing Britain’s nuclear deterrent shortly before May became used in Europe to whiten tooth- part in the study, said in a its findings by the end of March. authorities closed the failed off the coast of Florida. prime minister. paste and chewing gum could statement. E171 contains nanoparticles Balkan land route used Asked four times during a In her first major speech to cause precancerous lesions in "These results demonstrate of titanium dioxide, a naturally by thousands to flee hot BBC interview on Sunday parliament as prime minister rats. Researchers from France a role in initiating and promot- occurring metal oxide. It is one spots in the Middle East, whether she knew about the the following month, she asked and Luxembourg gave the addi- ing the early stages of colorectal of the five nanomaterials most Asia and Africa, the SEM misfire before the vote in par- lawmakers to approve the tive, called E171 in Europe and cancer formation," it added, commonly used in consumer migration agency said liament, May repeatedly building of four new subma- the United States, to lab rats in though it said no conclusion products, including food, paints yesterday. declined to answer directly. On rines, a vote that was passed their drinking water for 100 could be drawn about later and cosmetics, according to the In December alone, Monday, she again failed to by 472 to 117. days. phases of cancer, or of any dan- study. E171 is commonly used as requests for asylum fell give a clear answer. Lawmakers criticised the In 40 percent of the rodents ger to humans. a whitening and brightening 64 percent from a year “I’m regularly briefed on government’s handling of the exposed, they observed the The results were published agent in candies, chewing gum, earlier, bringing the full- national security issues, I was issue, although several said it development of "preneoplastic in the Nature journal Scientific white sauces and cake icing. The year drop to 31 percent briefed on successful certifi- wouldn’t have changed the lesions" or precancerous Reports. Reacting to the report, US Food and Drug Administra- after the Balkan route was cation of HMS Vengeance and way they voted. growths, the team reported. France's ministers of health, tion approved it in 1966. interrupted in March and Swiss authorities took a tough line on the border with Italy last summer. Artist behind the art Man held in Germany Court toughens Sarkozy aide's for planning IS attack prison term Berlin since a Tunisian man whose bid Reuters for asylum had been rejected A FRENCH appeals court rammed a truck into a Christ- yesterday toughened a 21-year-old man arrested mas market in Berlin on Dec. prison term for a close in Germany on suspicion 19, killing 12 people. aide of former president A of planning an Islamist A spokesman for the Dues- Nicolas Sarkozy over mis- militant attack has admitted seldorf prosecutor’s office said use of public funds. links with a second suspect in the 21-year-old suspect admit- Judges sentenced Vienna who had been in touch ted during questioning that a Claude Gueant, once one with jihadists in Albania, Ger- 17-year Austrian with Albanian of France's most influen- man investigators said roots who was arrested in tial figures, to two years yesterday. Vienna had visited him for two in prison with one sus- German security police weeks at the end of last year, pended, toughening an arrested the man and a woman though the purpose of the visit earlier sentence of two during a raid on a flat in the was not immediately clear. years suspended. western city of Neuss on Satur- Austrian officials initially However under day, the regional Criminal said the Vienna suspect was 18. French law pertaining Investigation Office (LKA) said. A search of the suspect’s to sentences of less than The woman, identified by local apartment in Neuss did not turn two years, the 72-year- Circus artist, Johann Le Guillerm, in front of one of his sculptures, as part of the "Installations" media as the man’s wife, was up any evidence of an immi- old is unlikely to have to exhibition, yesterday, at La Friche Belle de Mai exhibition centre in Marseille, France. later released. German author- nent attack and no weapons or go to prison. ities have been on high alert explosives were found. Dutch PM urges voters AfD party not to expel controversial member not to rock the boat Berlin The AfD leadership said it would Stegner accusing him of making he called a "malicious and delib- AFP review "all legal and political a "hate incitement speech" -- erately slanderous aspects that are relevant" in which is illegal in Germany interpretation". A poll Sunday in The Hague status quo. But in an effort to erman rightwing populist determining what action to take -- that called for history to be the Bild am Sonntag newspaper AFP woo supporters of anti-Islam party AfD decided yester- against Hoecke but ruled out rewritten. showed that 61 percent of Ger- lawmaker Geert Wilders, whose Gday not to expel a leading removing him from the party. Germany's Central Council mans believed the party should utch Prime Minister Freedom Party is currently top- member over a speech criticis- Amid an internal power of Jews also expressed outrage, kick Hoecke out for his speech. Mark Rutte yesterday ping opinion polls, Rutte ing Berlin's Holocaust memorial struggle ahead of a September saying Hoecke was trampling on The AfD started out in 2013 Durged people to vote for warned that "those people who and urging the country to stop general election, AfD leader the memory of six million Jew- as an anti-euro party but has stability in coming elections and refuse to adapt, and criticise our atoning for its Nazi past. Frauke Petry had called Hoecke ish Holocaust victims murdered since morphed into an anti- called on immigrants "to adapt," values" must "act normally or The AfD (Alternative for Ger- a "burden on the party" last by the Nazis. But AfD deputy immigration group attacking seeking to drain support for the leave." He took issue with those many) executive board held a week after his address in which chief Alexander Gauland, who Chancellor Angela Merkel's lib- far right. who "harass gay people, or three-hour telephone confer- he condemned the Holocaust like Hoecke belongs to the hard eral refugee policy, which Bidding for a third term in whistle at women in short ence in which it voted to instead memorial as a "monument of nationalist wing of the party, brought some 890,000 refugees government, Rutte's conserva- skirts." He said he understood impose unspecified "disciplinary shame in the heart of the defended the politician, telling to Germany in 2015 alone. tive liberal VVD party launched why some "people think that 'if measures" against Bjoern capital". national news agency DPA that The party, which also dis- its campaign slogan "Act. Nor- you so fundamentally reject this Hoecke, party chairman in the "We need nothing less than he had "in no manner criticised putes the place of Islam in mally" in an open letter to "All country then I'd prefer it if you central state of Thuringia. a 180-degree shift in the politics the remembrance of the Germany, is polling nationwide Dutch people." leave'." "The board concludes that of remembrance," Hoecke added Holocaust". at around 12 to 15 percent. But At a time of political turbu- "Sometimes it seems that no the statements made by Bjoern in the remarks to chants of "Ger- Hoecke himself Monday an ideological split has threat- lence in Europe and the United one acts normally any more," Hoecke in his Dresden speech many, Germany". The comments blasted the board's conclusions ened its unity, as some leaders States, Rutte positioned him- he wrote in the letter, published on January 17 hurt the image of triggered an uproar, with Social as well as the critical media cov- try to ally the AfD with explicitly self firmly as a candidate of the in two Dutch newspapers. the party," it said in a statement. Democrat vice chief Ralf erage of his comments, which far-right parties in Europe. TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 EUROPE 13 EU sanctions on Russia pointless: Fillon Berlin Trump effect conservative Merkel on a reforms if elected and said his Reuters number of occasions when he plans were “perfectly compati- “I do not want Trump was prime minister in ble” with what Germany uropean Union sanc- to talk with Russia at 2007-2012. expected. Fillon is the only can- tions on Russia are our expense. It Fillon said he and Merkel didate in the April-May pointless, the frontrun- would be damaging agreed on the need not to let the presidential election to be ner in France’s for Europe if Trump United States impose its extra- received by the German chan- presidential election went above our territorial laws that have cost cellor so far, in a sign of support EFrancois Fillon said yesterday in European companies - especially from Merkel. But Merkel looks heads, which is not Berlin, warning Russia and the banks - billions in fines and other unlikely to give him explicit inconceivable," Fillon United States under Donald settlements over violations of backing - the meeting was not said. Trump could forge links that American sanctions against other open to the media and there was exclude the EU. countries. no joint statement afterward. Fillon said he and Speaking after meeting Ger- “French and Germans are on Merkel, up for re-election Merkel agreed on the man Chancellor Angela Merkel, the same page on the fact that herself in September, publicly who has taken a hard line in need not to let the we cannot let those rules - that backed conservative Nicolas favour of sanctions against Rus- United States impose are made for the United States, Sarkozy when he sought re-elec- sia over its support for a its extraterritorial for the US banking system and tion in 2012. He lost. separatist rebellion in eastern laws that have cost Les Republicains party candidate for the French 2017 that are totally negative tools for Asked if Merkel would be Ukraine, Fillon said a gesture European companies. presidential election, Francois Fillon, gives a talk during his Europe - be imposed on us,” he willing to meet the French pres- from Russia would be needed visit at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Berlin, yesterday. said. idential election’s Socialist before sanctions could be lifted. He said: “I do not want (US He also criticised work at the candidate, who is to be nomi- “I am convinced that the eco- President Donald) Trump to talk Ukraine was also not doing economic partnership with Rus- Basel committee on banking reg- nated on Sunday, Merkel’s nomic sanctions are totally with Russia at our expense. It what it needed to do to ensure sia and a Europe-Russia security ulation, which he said was not spokesman Steffen Seibert told ineffective,” Fillon said after would be damaging for Europe peace, said Fillon. Fillon told Le conference, once the conflict in good for Europe. a news conference: “If there is a meeting Merkel. “We must find if Trump went above our heads, Monde daily that in the longer Ukraine was resolved. Fillon said he had promised wish from the French side, then another way to talk.” which is not inconceivable.” term he would aim for a new Fillon met fellow to quickly carry out structural yes”. New leader ahead of N Ireland polls

Belfast O’Neill was 21 when she Reuters began her political career as an advisor at Northern Ireland’s inn Fein named Michelle devolved assembly in 1998, the O’Neill to succeed Martin year the Good Friday peace SMcGuinness and lead the agreement was signed, largely Irish nationalist party into ending the bloody period of Northern Irish elections in “The Troubles”. March, marking a shift towards McGuinness was Sinn Fein’s a generation not directly chief negotiator in the peace involved in decades of talks between Catholic nation- conflict. alists seeking a united Ireland McGuinness, a former Irish and Protestant pro-British Rescue teams working at the avalanche-hit Hotel Rigopiano, near the Republican Army (IRA) com- unionists wanting to remain in village of Farindola, on the eastern lower slopes of the Gran Sasso mander turned peacemaker, the United Kingdom. mountain. bowed out of frontline politics Outgoing Health Minister last week, saying illness and O’Neill, who turned 40 this Northern Ireland’s current month, was the first woman to Three Puppies found alive political crisis had led him to serve as mayor of her local step down several months ear- council area before being lier than planned. elected to the assembly 10 years An Italian firefighter holds a puppy rescued from the He was also deputy First ago. Her father, a former Sinn in Italy avalanche hotel Hotel hit by an avalanche, yesterday. Minister of Northern Ireland. Fein councilor, was jailed dur- “This is the handover of a ing the conflict. Penne it's not an easy working environ- Nine people pulled out alive radar was installed on the slopes primary leadership position Her appointment by the AFP ment," fire service spokesman on Friday had described being to warn rescue teams of any from my generation, from Mar- party’s leadership also raises Luca Cari said as teams worked trapped in tiny spaces, eating fresh slides as snow and rain tin’s generation, to another the prospect that Sinn Fein escuers recovered three feverishly to reach the centre of dirty snow in the pitch black to continued to fall on the moun- generation,” Sinn Fein President could soon be led on both sides puppies from under the the resort, where they believe survive. Burrowing narrow holes tainous area of central Italy. Gerry Adams told a news of the Irish border by women Rrubble of Italy's avalanche many of the missing could be. in the snow and rubble, rescue Investigators in the nearby conference. from a younger generation. hotel yesterday sparking fresh An email sent by the hotel to workers have been painstakingly city of Pescara on the coast hopes some of the 23 people still local authorities pleading for searching each room of the stepped up a probe into the dis- missing after five days could be help just hours before Wednes- lodge. Late Sunday rescuers aster, which could lead to found alive. day's tragedy has gone viral. began attempting to access the manslaughter charges if prose- Fireman Fabio Jerman said Although the email did not wreckage from the left-hand cutors find the luxury spa should the discovery of the three shaggy mention fears of an avalanche side -- a riskier enterprise which not have been built in that area, white Abruzzo sheepdog pups it described the mounting panic could trigger snowfalls but or should have been meant there were still air pock- of guests trapped in the hotel by would ultimately get them more evacuated. ets in the collapsed luxury spa snow as earthquakes shook the quickly to new search zones. The hotel opened in 1972 and resort, "an important sign of life, region. Five days after the huge With shovels, drills and their was transformed 10 years ago which gives us hope". avalanche, which struck with the bare hands, they were also into a four-star hotel with a But as light began to fade, the force of 4,000 trucks driving full working to recover the trapped heated external swimming pool body of a woman was recovered speed, the small, fresh sign of life body of one of the victims, a task and sauna frequented by celeb- from the rubble, bringing the within the concrete tomb expected to take hours. rities including US actor George number of the dead to seven. spurred rescuers on. The other bodies found so far Clooney, according to Italian A new route was being dug The puppies were born in have all been recovered and media reports. Investigators had into the wreck in a last-ditch December in the ill-fated Hotel funerals for two of them -- both launched a probe into the effort to find survivors, as ques- Rigopiano to Lupo and Nuvola employees of the hotel -- were number of building permits tions mounted as to whether the (Wolf and Cloud), who escaped set to take place Tuesday. awarded in the vast Gran Sasso Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill poses with Martin McGuinness disaster could have been when the avalanche hit and were Though the avalanche risk national park amid suspicions avoided. "It's a race against time, found the following day in a was lowered from four to three of corruption, but the case was after being announced as his replacement for the upcoming we know we need to go fast, but nearby hamlet. on a five-point scale, a special dropped in November. elections, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, yesterday. Italy reviews new electoral law as old problems pile up

Rome The prime minister, sworn in emergencies,” said Sergio Fab- propel him back into power. could decide there is nothing Reuters, saying such a scenario Reuters last month after the resignation brini, director of the School of Holding him up is the fact that wrong with the law or spell out would make a snap vote in 2017 of his predecessor Matteo Renzi, Government at Rome’s LUISS Italy has different electoral laws precisely what needs changing. highly unlikely. Some politicians fter a turbulent first month could be forgiven for hoping for university. “The country is not in for the upper and lower houses They could also just make gen- say the battery of emergencies in office, Prime Minister a short tenure following a dra- despair, but the situation is excep- of parliament which President eral suggestions. facing Italy -- the numerous APaolo Gentiloni could learn matic start to his rule, marked by tionally difficult.” Sergio Matteralla says must be “If the court intervenes to earthquakes and aftershocks this week how much longer his a battery of crises and emergency Complicating Gentiloni’s harmonised. change the electoral law, remov- since August—mean this govern- government might last when the heart surgery. position is the lack of clarity over The shape of the new law ing the second round and ment should stay in place. constitutional court reviews the Natural disasters, an inter- whether he is just a caretaker could be determined by the con- essentially leaving a proportional “The problems tied to the validity of Italy’s election law. vention to save the banking prime minister or if he will have stitutional court. It meets on system in place, then the likeli- earthquakes show that we need An unambiguous ruling offer- system, a rating agency down- time to effect meaningful change? Tuesday to decide the legality of hood of an election this year is to make the most of this legisla- ing a simple solution to Italy’s grade, tensions with Brussels and Renzi resigned after a crush- a system that was drawn up in very high,” said Anna Ascani, a ture,” Pietro Grasso, a member of electoral tangle could open the a renewed influx of migrants have ing defeat in a referendum on his 2014 with an eye to providing PD lawmaker close to Renzi. Renzi’s PD, told Corriere della way for an early ballot by June. combined to give Gentiloni one plans to overhaul the constitu- political stability by instituting a “But there’s no consensus in Sera newspaper on Saturday. A more convoluted reading would of the most torrid debuts of any tion, but he remains leader of the two-round ballot guaranteeing a parliament on what kind of elec- The quakes have killed more certainly leave Gentiloni in charge Italian leader. ruling Democratic Party (PD) and majority to the winner in the toral law to write should the court than 300 people and destroyed until the legislature ends in early “We are living through a suc- is pushing for elections before the lower house. The nation’s top only make suggestions to change thousands of homes and 2018. cession of extraordinary summer, hoping for a victory to judges have many options. They the current law,” she told businesses. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017

Trump begins Trump staff & properties 'face terror risk' first week in office with Dubai Law enforcement targeted in overseas violence security at her building is quite sits in an area under an AP before, but they never belonged good, with many guards and intensified security watch after As Trump remains a to a president. That’s the differ- strict restrictions on outsiders Duterte declared a “state of outreach usinesses around the brand overseas, ence. Trump becoming entering the building. “Terror? I lawlessness” following a Washington world bearing US criminal gangs or America’s 45th president don’t think about it. I just hope September bombing. AP President Donald militants could target presents a unique challenge my home prices go up,” Kim said. Even Trump’s soon-to-open Trump’s name face an buildings bearing his given the range of his interna- But other properties are in golf course in Dubai in the United resident Donald Trump is increased risk now name in gold, abduct tional business interests. areas that have seen violence, Arab Emirates could be a target. set to meet with congres- Bthat he is in the White House, workers associated Asked about security issues, like Trump Towers Istanbu. Flags The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi Psional leaders from both security experts warn, especially with his enterprises the Trump Organisation said it and banners around the site bear did not respond to questions parties to discuss his agenda, as as several are in areas previously for ransom or worse, has “extensive protocols in place the president’s name, while about the golf course, which he enters his first official week targeted by violence. security experts say. at our Trump-owned and -man- private security guards man Trump’s children are expected in the White House and works As Trump remains a brand aged properties” in the United X-ray machines and metal to soon visit. to begin delivering on his ambi- overseas, criminal gangs or mil- US brands have been States and abroad. detectors at its entrances, a Away from the properties tious campaign promises. itants could target buildings targeted in overseas “Our team continues to work standard practice in the city. themselves, employees could be Donald Trump promised bearing his name in gold, abduct violence before, but very closely with local law In Bali, Trump’s organisation threatened, robbed or held business leaders yesterday workers associated with his enforcement,” the statement has licensed the president’s captive, experts warn. Under US that he would cut taxes "mas- they never belonged enterprises for ransom or worse, said. “We are also working in name to a planned luxury resort. law, the Secret Service is sively" and slash regulations to a president. That’s they say. tandem with the local developers A Trump-named residential authorised to protect the by 75 percent. He also warned “They may kidnap a Trump the difference. at Trump-branded properties tower is under construction in president, the vice president and the 12 corporate CEOs gath- worker and not even want to nego- worldwide to ensure that all the Indian city of Mumbai. their immediate families. That ered at the White House that tiate,” aiming for publicity instead, residents, guests and associates Another tower is being built in would include his sons Eric and he would impose a "border said Colin P Clarke, a political sci- police, intelligence agencies and remain safe and secure.” Manila in the Philippines. Donald Jr., who will run the tax" on goods imported by entist with the RAND Corporation security experts awake at night That hasn’t worried Kim Ok Philippine police say they Trump Organisation under the companies that move jobs out who studies terrorism and inter- around the world — and, by its very Kyu, who lives in a Trump- haven’t monitored any specific plan announced by the of the United States. national criminal networks. nature, it remains speculative. branded apartment tower in threat toward Trump properties, president at a news conference "What we're doing is we are Predicting an attack keeps US brands have been Seoul, South Korea. She said though a tower rising in Manila last week. going to be cutting taxes mas- sively for both the middle class and for companies, and that's massively," he said. Secretary of State vote "A bigger thing, and that sur- prised me, is the fact that we're going to be cutting regulation a litmus test for Rubio massively." "We think we can cut regulations by 75 percent, maybe Washington would not doom Tillerson’s more, but by 75 percent," he AP confirmation, because the nom- added. ination could go directly to the The outreach effort comes ll eyes are on Senator Senate floor without a positive after a tumultuous first week- Marco Rubio of Florida committee recommendation. end in the White House that Aas a Senate committee is But it would be an embarrass- included lambasting news poised to vote on President ing rebuke to Trump just as his organisations for correctly Donald Trump’s nominee to be presidency gets underway, with reporting on the size of the secretary of state. questions swirling about his ties crowds at his inauguration The nomination of Rex Till- to Russia. GOP party activists and mass protests against his erson got a boost on Sunday would be certain to remember presidency on the following after two influential Republi- Rubio’s defection, although it’s day. can senators — John McCain of impossible to predict how such Trump also announced Arizona and Lindsey Graham a vote might look years from that he’s set up meetings with of South Carolina — offered now if Rubio ever runs for pres- Canadian Prime Minister Jus- tepid endorsements of the ident again. tin Trudeau and Mexican former Exxon Mobil chief. The Ahead of the vote Rubio President Enrique Pena Nieto. focus shifts to the Foreign Rela- was keeping fellow senators “We’re going to start tions Committee yesterday and everyone else guessing. some negotiations having to US President Donald Trump speaks, as Vice President Mike Pence watches, before the afternoon as the members, After Trump was sworn in on do with NAFTA,” he said of his including Rubio, cast their votes Friday, Rubio was tight-lipped, swearing-in of the White House senior staff at the White House yesterday. meeting with Pena Nieto. on Tillerson. saying only that he would make Rubio, whom Trump his decision “certainly before defeated for the GOP presiden- the vote” and that Tillerson’s tial nomination last year, responses to written questions Lawsuit: Trump businesses violate constitution clashed with Tillerson at a com- had addressed some of his mittee hearing earlier this concerns. month. Rubio bridled at his Neither McCain nor Graham New York legal scholars, setting the stage paying your hotel bill was an conflicts that will violate the refusal to label Russian Presi- is on the committee, but their AP for a court fight with the White emolument,” Dillon said at a Constitution. dent Vladimir Putin a “war support could make it tougher House. news conference. “These violations of the For- criminal” or condemn human for Rubio to remain a holdout. lawsuit yesterday alleged White House Director of The liberal-funded watch- eign Emoluments Clause pose rights violations in Saudi Ara- McCain said Tillerson’s that President Donald Strategic Communications Hope dog group Citizens for a grave threat to the United bia and the Philippines in strong responses to his questions, ATrump is violating the Hicks said that “the president has Responsibility and Ethics in States and its citizens,” accord- enough terms. He chided Till- particularly in private, Constitution by allowing his no conflicts,” and referred to Washington filed the lawsuit in ing to the lawsuit. “As the erson over the need for “moral convinced him that the business to accept payments arguments made by Trump law- the Southern District of New Framers were aware, private clarity.” nominee could spearhead US from foreign governments. yer Sheri Dillon at the president’s York. financial interests can subtly But as the committee pre- diplomacy. Trump is violating the so-called news conference earlier this CREW is being represented sway even the most virtuous pares to vote on Tillerson’s “Though we still have emoluments clause in the Con- month. in the lawsuit by two former leaders, and entanglements nomination, Rubio faces a concerns about his past stitution that prohibits him from Dillon has said the framers White House chief ethics law- between American officials and dilemma. He must either back dealings with the Russian receiving money from diplomats did not intend for the Constitu- yers: Norman Eisen, who advised foreign powers could pose a down, which means a retreat government and President for stays at his hotels or foreign tional prohibition to apply to Barack Obama, and Richard creeping, insidious threat to the from a strong stand on Russia Vladimir Putin, we believe that governments for leases of office fair-value exchanges, such as Painter, who worked under Republic.” and human rights, or cross Mr. Tillerson can be an effective space in his buildings, accord- paying for a hotel room or venue George W. Bush. The two have CREW faces several legal Trump in the first days of his advocate for US interests,” ing to the suit filed by a legal space at a hotel. been pushing Trump to divest hurdles, including making the presidency. McCain and Graham said in a watchdog group. The language “No one would have thought from his business to avoid what case that it even has standing to A “no” vote from Rubio joint statement on Sunday. in the clause is disputed by some the Constitution was written that they believe are unprecedented bring the lawsuit.

Hollande in Bogota Texas plea on voter ID law rejected

Washington took the unusual step of issuing Backers of these laws have said Reuters a statement explaining why the they are necessary to prevent case was not taken up, noting voter fraud, despite little evi- that litigation on the matter is dence of such fraud. he US Supreme Court yes- continuing in lower courts. The seven types of govern- etrday declined to hear an Roberts said that although ment-issued identification Tappeal by Texas seeking there was “no barrier to our permitted under the law as to revive the state’s strict Repub- review,” all the legal issues can proof of identity included a driv- lican backed voter-identification be raised on appeal at a later time. er’s license, a concealed requirements that a lower court The law, passed by a Repub- handgun license, a military ID found had a discriminatory lican-led legislature and signed card and a US passport but not effect on black and Hispanic by a Republican governor, had state university ID cards or iden- people. been considered one of the tification issued to obtain The justices let stand a July strictest of its type in the United welfare benefits. 2016 decision by the 5th US Cir- States. It was challenged in court A special 15-judge panel of cuit Court of Appeals that found by the US Justice Department the New Orleans-based appeals that the 2011 Texas statute ran under former President Barack court ruled 9-6 that the Texas afoul of a federal law that bars Obama, civil rights groups and law had a discriminatory effect racial discrimination in elections individual voters. and violated the US Voting and directed a lower court to Critics including the Obama Rights Act. The judges were find a way to fix the law’s dis- administration had said the divided differently on other criminatory effects against Texas law and similar statutes parts of the ruling. minorities. enacted in other Republican- The appeals court directed a There were no noted dis- governed states were tailored federal district court to examine sents from the high court’s to make it harder for minorities claims by the plaintiffs that the law French President Francois Hollande arrives at Catam Military airport in Bogota, Colombia decision not to hear the case including black and Hispanic was actually intended to be dis- yesterday. from any of the eight justices, voters, who tend to support criminatory, rather than merely but Chief Justice John Roberts Democrats, to cast ballots. having a discriminatory effect. TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 AMERICAS 15 Tornadoes leave 19 dead in southeast US

Adel, Georgia Weather experts say tornadoes AP Severe storms can hit any time of year in the South The 15 killed in south — including in the dead of winter. vast storm system Georgia included two Even north Florida was under the that kicked up deaths each in the weekend weather threat. apparent tornadoes, counties of Berrien While the central US has a fairly shredded mobile defined tornado season — the and Brooks. homes and left other spring — the risk of tornadoes destructionA scattered around the “never really goes to zero” for most Weather experts say Southeast has claimed at least of the year in the Southeast, tornadoes can hit 19 lives during its two-day explained Patrick Marsh of the any time of year in assault on the region. Storm Prediction Center in Nor- Authorities said yesterday at the South — including man, Oklahoma. least 15 deaths occurred in south in the dead of winter. He said 39 possible tornadoes Georgia alone, including seven Even north Florida were reported across the South- from an apparent winter twister was under the east from early Saturday into that tore through a trailer park weekend weather Sunday evening — none immedi- before dawn Sunday. Authori- threat. ately confirmed. Of that, 30 were ties reported four deaths on reported in Georgia, four in Missis- Saturday in Mississippi as the Purvis in south Georgia’s Cook sippi, and one each in Louisiana storm system ramped up. It was County confirmed seven people and South Carolina. so big parts of it threatened the died at the mobile home park in January tornado outbreaks are Carolinas and north Florida. the rural community of Adel, rare but not unprecedented, par- In southwest Georgia, where about half of the 40 ticularly in the South. Data from Bridget Simmons along with her homes were leveled. Debris lay the Storm Prediction Center shows parents, her daughter and her about not far from mobile that, over the past decade, the grandson were in their brick homes largely untouched but nation has seen an average of 38 home in the city of Albany when emptied of survivors and cor- tornadoes in January. Cars driving through rain on a flooded street in Los Angeles, yesterday. the sky got dark Sunday after- doned off by police. noon and the wind began to Elsewhere, shredded siding howl. from mobile homes, a house “I was in the den and I heard stripped of exterior walls but left Intense storm pounds Southern California that loud roar and I grabbed the standing, even a piano blown baby and I said, ‘Let’s go guys. outdoors, all bore evidence of This is it.’ We laid down and that the power of the powerful Los Angeles Southern California, a day after record for rainfall. Los Angeles from the car’s passenger was it.” The wind was so loud, storms system that tore across AP nearly 4 inches of rain fell south Airport got 2.78 inches, another window. she added, “you could hear it the Deep South. The 15 killed in of Los Angeles, flooding road- all-time daily record. Residents in rural Santa Cruz beating back and forth.” south Georgia included two he tail end of a punishing ways, toppling trees and raising California has been swamped County south of San Francisco Minutes later, their home deaths each in the counties of winter storm system lashed concerns about damaging during a wet winter that has watched helplessly Sunday as the was largely unscathed, save for Berrien and Brooks. TCalifornia with thunder- mudslides. brought plenty of rain and snow San Lorenzo River spilled over a carport that collapsed atop two In South Carolina, the storms and severe winds Commuters faced a messy after years of drought. its banks for the second time this cars. But trees were down all National Weather Service has yesterday after breaking rainfall drive to work, with rainfall Firefighters in San Ber- month, sending muddy water and around, police sirens wailed and confirmed that two tornadoes records, washing out roads and expected to ease slightly but not nardino County east of Los debris into yards and homes. No authorities would add four more struck over the weekend, injur- whipping up enormous waves taper off until today. Motorists Angeles staged a dramatic swift- injuries were reported. deaths for an overall count of at ing one woman who was over the weekend. were urged to use caution on water rescue of a couple whose Traffic was diverted off inter- least 19. Dougherty County Cor- trapped in a mobile home that A thunderstorm brought mountain passes where heavy pickup truck was trapped in states 110 and 710 south of oner Michael Fowler said early was damaged near Blackville. ashore hail northwest of Los snow fell. surging water west of the Cajon downtown Los Angeles because yesterday that a total of four The weather service says a tor- Angeles in Santa Barbara County, The National Weather Serv- Pass. of water flowing across lanes. people died in the county that nado touched down about where a tornado warning was ice warned that the system could Television footage showed Authorities ordered evacuations includes Albany on Sunday, 3:45pm on Saturday in Barnwell briefly issued. No tornadoes were be among the strongest storms rescue crews sending a raft, near wildfire burn areas in Santa increasing the total in south County and moved into Bam- reported but wind gusts topped in years, and it delivered. which was anchored to a Barbara, Los Angeles and Orange Georgia to 15. berg County. The other occurred 60 mph. Long Beach Airport received firetruck, into rushing brown counties. Potential debris flows Some 60 miles away from in Orangeburg County a few Flood watches and warnings 3.87 inches of rain by 5pm Sun- water so the trapped couple could restrict access for emer- Simmons’ home, Coroner Tim minutes later. remained in place for much of day, breaking the all-time daily could climb aboard, one by one, gency responders, officials said.

Demand for justice 12 bodies found in Protesters Mexican town: Officials take control of border Guadalajara, Mexico The bodies were “mutilated, AFP apparently decapitated, and Tijuana, Mexico one of the victims was a AP dozen bodies—including woman,” the port city’s police seven that were headless chief Carlos Heredia said. rotesters took control of A and mutilated—were On the vehicle was a mes- vehicle lanes at one of discovered over the weekend sage signed by the increasingly Pthe busiest crossings on in western Mexico’s seaside powerful Jalisco New Genera- the US border on Sunday to resort of Manzanillo, apparent tion drug cartel, he said. That oppose Mexican petrol price victims of the country’s epi- cartel is blamed for a surge in hikes, waving through motor- demic of drug violence, local murders in the tiny Pacific state ists into Mexico after Mexican officials said yesterday. of Colima, where Manzanillo is authorities abandoned their It was a shocking turn of located. Yesterday, five half- posts. events for an area popular with naked bodies were found Motorists headed to Mex- American and other foreign dumped in a forested area, a ico zipped by about 50 tourists, which until now had municipal police commander demonstrators at the Otay largely been spared from the said, speaking on condition of Mesa port of entry connect- bloody drug wars wracking anonymity because he was not ing San Diego and Tijuana, A relative hands out flyers to a man with images of her loved one during a protest to other parts of Mexico. authorised to brief reporters. many of them honking to demand justice for their kin who have disappeared and for those who have been victims Seven bodies were found The bodies showed signs of show support. The demon- early Saturday in an abandoned torture and were left with two strators waved signs to of forced disappearances, in Monterrey, Mexico. taxi on the road from Manza- green cards signed by the Jalisco protest gas hikes and air other nillo to the town of Cihuatlan. New Generation cartel, he said. grievances against the gov- ernment of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Other protests closed southbound traffic for hours US lawmakers seek action on Venezuela food corruption at the San Diego-Tijuana San Ysidro port of entry, the bus- iest crossing along the Caracas, Venezuela “When the military is prof- the military, for laundering Marco Torres and his predeces- Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, 2,000-mile border, and AP iting off of food distribution riches from food contracts sor, Gen. Carlos Osorio, as key joined her in calling for those halted southbound traffic at while the Venezuelan people through the US financial system, figures involved in fraudulent involved in food corruption to one of two crossings in enezuelan officials may increasingly starve, corruption the AP learned from four people food imports. Neither official be held accountable. Nogales, Arizona. face US sanctions for has reached a new level of with direct knowledge of the responded to requests for com- In 2014, the Obama adminis- US Customs and Border Vprofiting from food short- depravity that cannot go unno- probes. No charges have been ment, but in the past, both have tration, at the urging of Rubio and Protection and California ages that have exacerbated ticed,” said Democratic Sen. Ben brought. dismissed charges of corruption Menendez, froze US assets and Highway Patrol officers hunger in the South American Cardin of Maryland, the ranking Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, as empty accusations propagated denied visas for top Venezuelan closed southbound Interstate country. The calls by members member of the Foreign Relations said President Donald Trump by political opponents. officials accused of drug traffick- 5 to block access to the San of Congress on both sides of the Committee. should take immediate action to Congresswoman Ileana Ros- ing and of human rights violations Ysidro crossing, diverting aisle come in response to an The AP report published last sanction the top officials named Lehtinen, R-Florida, said she is during a wave of anti-government traffic several miles east to Associated Press investigation month detailed a chain of dirty in the AP report. urging the State and Treasury protests. Maduro responded by the Otay Mesa port of entry. that found trafficking in hard- dealing by the military, including “This should be one of Pres- Departments to apply sanctions calling the US lawmakers “terror- Only a small percentage to-find food has become big kickbacks to generals for food ident Trump’s first actions in to Marco Torres and Osorio, as ists” bent on destabilizing the of motorists entering Mexico business in Venezuela, with the contracts and bribes to move food office,” Rubio, who is chairman well as anyone else getting rich oil-rich nation, and banned them from the US are stopped for military at the heart of the graft. out of the port. Some of the food of the Foreign Relations subcom- off Venezuela’s food shortages. from Venezuela. Venezuelan law- inspection under normal cir- Embattled socialist President is purchased in the US and some mittee that oversees Latin She is also asking that govern- maker Carlos Berrizbeitia, who cumstances, but Sunday’s Nicolas Maduro has given the of the bribes passed through the America, said in a statement. ment agencies ensure US sits on the congressional audit demonstration gave them an military increasingly broad con- US banking system. The Associated Press cited companies are not doing busi- committee, said sanctions or no, open invitation. Guns and trol over the food supply as US prosecutors are investi- documents and testimony from ness directly with any the opposition will do all it can cash from drug sales in the US shortages have led to widespread gating senior Venezuelan business owners who pointed to Venezuelan business owners to stop officials from participat- are often introduced to Mex- malnutrition this year. officials, including members of food minister Gen. Rodolfo fronting for corrupt officials. Sen. ing in food trafficking. ico by car. 16 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS Historical journey of United Arab Emirates FAJR 05.00 am SHOROOK 06.20 am

ZUHR 11.46 am MAGHRIB 05.14 pm ASR 02.51 pm ISHA 06.44 pm

WEATHER TODAY

17oC 22oC Minimum Maximum

People walk past portraits of the founding fathers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they visit the newly opened Etihad Museum in Dubai. The Etihad Museum presents experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the formation of the Union of the Emirates.

'Secrets of the Simpsons' to be revealed in Doha

Expected strong wind at plac- By Irfan Bukhari es. Mild daytime with slight dust two dozen animated films, including to blowing dust at places at times, The Peninsula the Ice Age, Kung Fu Panda, and Des- cold by night. picable Me. he American Chamber of Com- In his fun-filled 70-minute pres- HIGH TIDE 03:30 - 13:00 LOW TIDE 10:30 - 20:15 merce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) entation loaded with cartoon clips in Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Thas planned an exciting event for Doha, Reiss will tell the audience the residents as Mike Reiss, writer, show- stories, secrets and scandals behind runner and producer of famous the show like dealing with network American animated series “The censors, celebrity guests, surprising Simpsons” will be in Doha on March 6 critics (including George HW Bush) and to share his history and showcase some surprising fans. fun-facts about the show with the The topic of the event is “Secrets audience. of the Simpsons” and Reiss will be on Mike Reiss has won four Emmys hand to share his history and show- during his three-decade journey of case some interesting anecdotes about writing for “The Simpsons”. the show. He served as a show-runner, writer This was revealed on the sidelines and producer for the animated series of third session of “Presidential Pred- “The Simpsons” and co-created the ications Forum” hosted yesterday by animated series “The Critic”. the American Chamber of Commerce He is also a contributing writer to in Qatar (AmCham Qatar). The Simpsons (left) and Mike Reiss. Dwarf galaxies shed Bahrain Meditation light on dark matter Centre to hold

Paris galaxies — like the ones we found — reveal a fourth conference AFP possible formation mechanism for larger ones such as our Milky Way," Stierwalt said. he first sighting of clustered dwarf galax- The clusters are between 200 million and The Peninsula ies bolsters a leading theory about how 650 million light years away from Earth. Tbig galaxies such as our Milky Way are "That sounds like a lot, but it is relatively nder the patronage of formed, and how dark matter binds them, nearby given the vast size of the Universe," she Shaikh Khalid bin researchers said yesterday. said. UAbdulla Al Khalifa Theorised but never seen, the bundled gal- The researchers spotted the galaxies by (pictured), Deputy Prime axies were discovered using the largest optical combing through a massive library of star maps Minister of the Kingdom of survey of the night sky ever compiled, they compiled under a project known as the Sloan Bahrain, the Bahrain Medita- reported in the journal Nature Astronomy. Digital Sky Survey, made public in 2008 and tion Centre for Seven clusters of three-to-five galaxies are upgraded regularly since. Self-Development will host each 10 to 1,000 times smaller than the Milky The team then used telescopes — including its 4th conference ‘Creating Way. one at the Apache Point Observatory in New Change’. Unlike our home galaxy, all have long-since Mexico, and the Walter Baade Telescope at the This event will be held at stopped giving birth to new stars. Los Campanas Observatory in Chile — to con- the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry from Feb- "We suspect these groups are gravitation- firm their findings. Dwarf clusters are also ruary 7 to 9, 2017. ally bound and thus will eventually merge to natural laboratories for better understanding The conference aims to empower individuals, organi- form one larger, intermediate-mass galaxy," the mysterious substance known as dark mat- sations and communities to create a better future with said lead author Sabrina Stierwalt, an astro- ter, thought to account for a quarter of the confidence, happiness and clarity. This will be achieved physicist at the National Radio Astronomy Universe, the study found. through the assistance of renowned international experts Observatory in Charlotteville, Virginia. Likely made up of unknown sub-atomic in the field of self-development, healing and leadership. The findings shed light on several big ques- particles, dark matter can only be inferred The ‘Creating Change’ Conference is all about navigat- tions about how structures such as galaxies through its gravitational pull on other objects ing the waves and winds of change, discovering how to formed in the early Universe, she said. in space. remain calm amidst chaos, and learning how to guide our A leading theory predicts that, after the Big Visible matter — everything we can touch thoughts, feelings and actions towards the most positive Bang some 13.7 billion years ago, smaller things and see — comprises about five percent of the outcomes. joined together to form bigger ones. Universe. When we are able, amid the outer waves of change, to But there has been frustratingly little obser- Dwarf galaxies are doubly interesting in the steer the self towards a safe and stable state of mind, then vational evidence of such mergers occurring quest to understand dark matter. we can effectively innovate and generate positive change. on a scale as small as dwarf galaxies, Stierwalt Compared to larger galaxies, "they tend to Throughout the conference, the participants will be using explained. have a lot more dark matter," explained Sti- the tool of meditation to help develop a deeper understand- One reason is that dwarf galaxies are hard erwalt. Its gravitational force holds the clusters ing of the self. People have used meditation as a technique to see. Only two — known at the Magellanic together. And because they are older, these for thousands of years, to develop concentration, regener- Clouds — are visible to the naked eye. dwarf galaxies also have very little "debris" such ate inner power, attain self-mastery, and ultimately initiate As of a decade ago, no more than a dozen as gas and dust, and thus are unobstructed hunt- change for personal and world benefit. had been identified by astronomers. ing grounds for dark matter. Bahrain Meditation Centre for Self-Development has And even as bigger telescopes made their Some astronomers are searching for this invited the public to join them for the few days of experi- discovery commonplace, those found were elusive substance using gamma-ray detecting ential learning from which one will emerge refreshed, either isolated "field dwarfs," or "satellite telescopes, on the theory that dark matter par- rejuvenated, powerful and ready for change. dwarfs" being cannibalised by larger galaxies. ticles may produce gamma rays as they decay For more information please visit www.creatingchange- "Independent groups of only low-mass or annihilate each other in space. bahrain.org or call 00973 17712545.