BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Al Arabi bounce back with Qatar Airways Qatar Cup celebrates arrival of its 250th plane triumph published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11129 March 21, 2019 Rajab 14, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief Sheikha Moza attends opening of new art exhibitions at Mathaf QATAR | Offi cial New law on reconciliation ‘GCC crisis of municipal off ences The Cabinet has taken the necessary measures to issue a draft law on the reconciliation of off ences stipulated in laws related to municipalities and the environment. The move not in the came after the Cabinet reviewed the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the draft law, the off icial Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported. The draft law was prepared to best interest replace Law No 17 of 2005 on the reconciliation of off ences stipulated in municipal laws. Page 2

REGION | Dispute UAE N-plant poses of the world’ threat, Qatar tells IAEA Qatar has called on the International O Pompeo pushes for end to rift at start of ME trip Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to intervene in a dispute over a $24bn O No alternative to peaceful resolution of Gulf nuclear power plant which the United disagreement, says Kuwait FM Arab Emirates (UAE) is building. In a Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the opening of Mathaf: Arab Museum of letter to the IAEA, which was seen by Modern Art’s new exhibitions “M. F. Husain: Horses of the Sun” and “Still More World” as part of Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019. Reuters, Qatar says the Barakah plant HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, also attended the opening. forts to resolve the Gulf crisis and its QNA/DPA full support to the mediation led by poses a serious threat to regional PICTURE: AR al-Baker Page 28 Kuwait City stability and the environment and the Amir of Kuwait. calls for a framework to ensure the Pompeo had discussed the Gulf dis- safe operation of nuclear energy in S Secretary of State Mike Pom- pute at what he called an “excellent” the Gulf. Page 11 peo yesterday called for an end meeting with the Kuwaiti Amir . Uto a long-running row between They “agreed on the need for GCC QATAR | Elections Vodafone Qatar makes region’s a Saudi-led bloc of countries and unity to advance regional prosperity, 94 in fi nal list of neighbouring Qatar. security, and stability, and to stand “It’s not in the best interest of the against the Iranian regime’s destabil- CMC candidates region, it’s not in the best interest of ising activity,” Pompeo tweeted. There are 94 candidates, including fi rst 5G holographic call the world,” the top US diplomat said in He renewed US commitment to Ku- five women, in the final list of Kuwait, the fi rst leg of a three-nation wait’s security. His current trip is also aspirants for the elections of the trip to the Middle East. taking him to Israel and Lebanon. sixth Central Municipal Council By Peter Alagos nity to give sports fans stadium experi- “We all have the same set of Pompeo reiterated that Kuwait was (CMC), it was announced yesterday. Business Reporter ences from virtually anywhere. threats, the threats from Al Qaeda a “strategic partner”, especially when The names of the candidates are Now in its third year, Vodafone Qatar and from [Islamic State], “ he said it comes to counter-terrorism eff orts, scheduled to be announced today said its Innovation Day “has gone from at a press conference with Kuwaiti reaffi rming the United States com- at all electoral district headquarters. odafone Qatar unveiled yester- strength to strength, refl ecting the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign mitment to Kuwait’s safety and sov- The campaign phase will begin day some of the most disruptive company’s continuous commitment to Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al- ereignty. according to the timetable of the Vand transformational technolo- pioneering digital innovation and has Hamad al-Sabah. Pompeo said the discussion covered electoral process. Page 4 gies that Qatar has ever seen by making become a much-anticipated date in the The US Secretary of State started various aspects of bilateral relations the region’s fi rst 5G holographic call. country’s corporate events calendar.” an offi cial visit to Kuwait on Tuesday, including cyber security, fi ghting ter- ARAB WORLD | Confl ict The groundbreaking demonstra- In one of the largest technology show- where he met with the Amir Sheikh rorism, trade, education. tion was part of Vodafone Qatar’s The exchange demonstrated the pos- cases of its kind, customers and partners Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. Pompeo announced the signing Battle for last IS third edition of Innovation Day, held sibilities that 5G technology can bring, were presented with a wide range of Pompeo is leading the US delegation of MoUs for investment promotion enclave nears end in the presence of HE the Minister of highlighting how ultrafast speed and services, solutions, and products rang- for the third US-Kuwait Strategic Dia- in the fi eld of entrepreneurship and The operation to take Islamic State’s Transport and Communications Jas- low latency can enable a diverse range ing from smart manufacturing, smart logue meetings. small and medium enterprises. last enclave in eastern Syria looked sim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and other of applications. environment, smart agriculture, con- In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the Unit- Describing the Dialogue’s agenda close to an end yesterday, with no senior offi cials, as well as a large For sports specifi cally, Vodafone said nected marine boats, cloud and hosting, ed Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and as “ample” with important issues, sign of clashes as US-backed fighters number of leading organisations and the possibilities include remote coach- and virtual landline numbers. Egypt severed diplomatic and trans- Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled noted that 23 said they were combing the area for entities from Qatar’s private and pub- ing and training, as well as the opportu- To Page 11 government bodies with 70 high-level hidden jihadists. Reuters reporters lic sectors. portation links with Qatar, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism, a charge that offi cials from both sides took part in overlooking Baghouz from a hill on The highlight of Innovation Day 2109 the sessions. The offi cials specialised was the region’s fi rst live holographic Doha has denied. the bank of the Euphrates at the in various fi elds such as defence, se- call using 5G technology, marking yet With the exception of Egypt, the Iraqi border said the area was calm. curity, economy, education, customs Page 13 another major communications tech- countries embroiled in the row are and civil aviation. nology milestone for Qatar and further members of the Gulf Co-operation He said that the two sides held talks AFRICA | Weather strengthening Vodafone’s credentials Council (GCC), a US-allied group- as one of the country’s most innovative ing that also includes Kuwait and that discussed ways to enhance bi- Agencies struggle to companies. Oman. Eff orts by the US and Kuwait lateral relations, the most important rescue cyclone victims In the demo, Abdulkarim Hassan, to resolve the Gulf row have made no regional and international develop- Aid workers raced yesterday to defender on the Qatar National Team breakthrough. ments and issues of common con- help survivors and meet spiralling and AFC 2019 Asian Cup winner, ap- But the Kuwaiti foreign minister cern. humanitarian needs in three peared as a live 3D hologram on stage in pledged further eff orts to resolve the “We trust our (American) friends southern African countries battered front of the audience. dispute, one of the most serious be- in contributing ideas for the long- by the region’s worst storm in years. During the call, which was made tween members of the GCC since it awaited peace plan for the Middle Five days after tropical cyclone Idai at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, was created in 1981. East, while taking into consideration cut a swathe through Mozambique, Hassan gave footballing advice and “There is no alternative other than the region’s state of aff airs and con- Zimbabwe and Malawi, the confirmed tips to two members of Qatar’s future completing the resolution of the Gulf cerned parties,” he said in response death toll stood at more than 300 generation athletes training at Aspire disagreement,” al-Khaled said . to a question about an anticipated US and hundreds of thousands of lives Academy - both who were present at The hologram of Qatar National Team defender Abdulkarim Hassan interacts with Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled expressed plan for the stalled Middle East peace were at risk, off icials said. Page 14 the event. young athletes from Aspire Academy. PICTURES: Jayaram. Kuwait’s appreciation for the US ef- process. Rahman to present ‘biggest concert’ in Qatar

By Joseph Varghese and strategic partner LuLu Hypermar- “That is what I think is the fi re for Benny Dayal, Indian fi lm score com- Staff Reporter kets director Mohamed Althaf were me. You jump into that fi re and things poser Ranjit Barot, Rahman’s troupe also present on the occasion. The con- start happening,” he said. singer Dilshad Shabbir Ahmed Shaikh cert is a part of the Qatar-India Year of The musician, during the interac- and Indian-born Canadian singer Joni- lobally acclaimed Indian mu- Culture 2019. tion, also highlighted his journey over ta Gandhi. sic legend and two-time Oscar Talking to Gulf Times, Rahman said three decades. “I do my part through The event is organised in association Gwinner, A R Rahman will per- it was courage that made him experi- music to connect the world. Now I am with Qatar Airways. The strategic part- form for the fi rst-time in Qatar at Kha- ment with conventional music and also into movie production and the fi rst ners include Supreme Committee for lifa International Stadium tomorrow in bring in a variety of genres in his com- movie, ‘99 Songs’ will be released this Delivery and Legacy, Ministry of Cul- what is billed as the biggest concert in positions. year,” he highlighted. ture and Sports, Aspire Zone and LuLu the country. “I think to experiment something Rahman will be joined for the concert Hypermarkets. An estimated 35,000 people are ex- new or diff erent, you need courage. by his sisters, popular Indian playback A two-time winner and fi ve-time pected to attend the concert. “The three- Staying safe following the normal rou- singers Udit Narayan, Shweta Mohan, nominee of the Academy Awards (Os- Globally acclaimed music maestro A R Rahman (second left) at the press conference hour show is sure to mesmerise Doha,” tine is boring and I get bored very eas- Haricharan Seshadri and popular sing- car), as well as two time Grammy Award yesterday along with Dr R Seetharaman, Hussein Fakhri and Mohamed Althaf. event organiser Katara Studios CEO ily. You do something new and people, ers from the South Indian fi lm industry, winner, Rahman is popularly known as PICTURE: Jayan Orma Hussein Fakhri told at a press conference sometimes, follow the trend. Then it Reihana and Isshrathquadhre, playback the man who has redefi ned contempo- yesterday in the presence of the maestro. also becomes boring and you have to singer from the Malayalam fi lm indus- rary Indian music. He shot to interna- dog Millionaire. Rahman also boasts six National Film Awards, 15 Filmfare The event’s banking partner Doha fi nd another path, more refreshing and try Alphons Joseph, Bollywood play- tional fame with his composition for of a Bafta, a Golden Globe, as well as Awards and 17 Filmfare Awards South. Bank Group CEO Dr R Seetharaman more challenging.” back singer Javed Ali, singer and actor the 2009 Hollywood production Slum- a slew of awards in India, including Page 28 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, March 21, 2019 QATAR

Amir issues FM meets Sudanese counterpart decrees

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Cabinet condemns Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the following decrees yesterday: 1. Decree No 11 of 2019 approving Qatar’s membership to the Agreement for the Establishment of the International Anti- ‘heinous attack’ Corruption Academy as an International Organisation. 2. Decree No 12 of 2019 ratifying the agreement between the governments of Qatar and Turkey on avoiding double on NZ mosques taxation and preventing financial evasion with regard to income taxes and the attached protocol QNA motives, expressing its condo- ments of Qatar and the Council signed in Trabzon on December Doha lences to the families of the vic- of Ministers of Ukraine. 18 of 2016. tims and to the government and 5- A draft memorandum of 3. Decree No 13 of 2019 ratifying the people of New Zealand. understanding for co-operation the co-operation agreement in he Cabinet’s regular The Cabinet then approved in the fi eld of exchange of fi - the education field between the meeting, presided over the following: nancial investigations related governments of Qatar and Turkey HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Tby HE the Prime Minister 1- A draft protocol for co- to money laundering and as- signed in Doha on December 2 al-Thani met Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs Dr Dardari Mohamed Ahmed, who is currently Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin operation in the fi eld of at- sociated original crime and the of 2015. visiting Qatar. The meeting discussed bilateral relations and ways of boosting them, in addition Khalifa al-Thani at the Amiri Di- tracting Moroccan educational fi nancing of terrorism between 4. Decree No 14 of 2019 ratifying to issues of common interest. wan yesterday, expressed strong competencies to teach in Qatar, the Financial Information Unit the agreement on mutual condemnation and denuncia- between the Ministry of Educa- of Qatar and the Financial Con- administrative assistance in tax tion of the terrorist attack which tion and Higher Education in trol Unit of Pakistan. matters. targeted worshippers in two Qatar and the Ministry of Na- The Cabinet then listened to the 5. Decree No 15 of 2019 ratifying mosques in Christchurch City in tional Education, Vocational presentation made by the Minister the agreement on cancelling New Zealand last Friday. Training, Higher Education and Culture and Sports on the youth visa requirements for holders Following the meeting, HE Scientifi c research in Morocco. sector, which included a histori- of diplomatic, private and the Minister of Justice and Act- 2- The 7th draft executive cal overview of the youth work off icial passports between the Cabinet okays new law on ing Minister of State for Cabinet programme for co-operation in in the country and empowering governments of Qatar and Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al- the fi eld of higher education and young people to play an active role Argentina signed in Buenos Aires Nuaimi said: The Cabinet con- scientifi c research for the cul- in contributing to the renaissance on October 5, 2018. demned the terrorist attack which tural and artistic agreement be- of the state by promoting the con- reconciliation of off ences caused dozens of casualties in one tween the Ministry of Education cepts of citizenship and identity Instruments of of the most heinous crimes of fa- and Higher Education in Qatar values, in addition to raising their naticism, extremism and hatred and the Ministry of National life skills and leadership abilities, ratification QNA competent departments at the The settlement shall be for that is incompatible with heav- Education, Vocational Training, encouraging them to innovate, Doha Ministry of Municipality and offences provided for in the enly laws and human values, and Higher Education and Scientifi c and motivating them to lead and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Environment may, within their said laws in exchange for the targeted innocents, and called for research in Morocco for the aca- participate in decision-making by Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani jurisdiction, shall “settle of- payment of a quarter of the uniting the eff orts of the interna- demic years (2019-2022). communicating the voice and as- yesterday issued the following he Cabinet has taken the fences stipulated in the laws re- maximum amount of fine due tional community to combat ter- 3- A draft agreement on legal pirations of young people. instruments of ratification: necessary measures to is- lated to municipalities and the for the offence within 15 days rorism and to cleanse the world co-operation between the Min- The minister spoke about 1. An instrument of ratification Tsue a draft law on the rec- environment prior to initiating from the date of recording the of its evils and protect humanity istry of Justice of Qatar and the youth centres and youth work approving the agreement onciliation of off ences stipulated criminal proceedings, or during violation. from its dangers. Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. during the presentation. on mutual recognition of in laws related to municipalities their consideration and before Settlement after the set period The Cabinet reiterated the fi rm 4- A draft protocol between The Cabinet stressed the im- driver’s licence between the and the environment. fi nal dismissal, if the off ence is shall be in return for payment of and resolute position of Qatar the government of Qatar and the portance of upgrading the youth governments of Qatar and The move came after the punished with a fi ne, or with half the maximum amount of the against terrorism and extremism Council of Ministers of Ukraine sector and taking care of them France, signed in Paris on July 6 Cabinet reviewed the recom- imprisonment and a fi ne in the fi ne determined. in all their forms and manifesta- to amend an agreement on air and working to develop their of 2018. mendations of the Advisory event the choice is allowed to be The Cabinet’s regular meet- tions, whatever their causes and services between the govern- skills. 2. An instrument of ratification Council on the draft law, the of- made between them”, according ing was chaired by HE the Prime approving an agreement fi cial Qatar News Agency (QNA) to QNA. Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin between the governments of reported. It is not permissible to settle Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani at Central Food Laboratories renews international certification Qatar and France on co-operation The draft law was prepared to off ences punishable by impris- the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Af- in the cultural field, signed in replace Law No 17 of 2005 on the onment. “The settlement has ter the meeting HE the Minister The Central Food Laboratories of the Ministry of Public Health got its accreditation renewed after Paris on June 23 of 2014. reconciliation of off ences stipu- the eff ect that it is not permis- of Justice and Acting Minister of passing the annual inspection to its analytical units by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). 3. An accession document lated in municipal laws. sible to initiate or close a crimi- State for Cabinet Aff airs Dr Issa The Central Food Laboratories’ Radiation Unit got its accreditation for the first time this year. A total of approving Qatar’s joining of the Under the provisions of the nal case, as the case may be,” the Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi gave five new analytical methods of the Central Food Laboratories were also adopted this year, bringing the International Development Law draft law, municipalities and report adds. details of the day’s proceedings. total number of methods adopted to 34. – QNA Organisation. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 3 QATAR Qatar and Morocco open new chapter in education sector HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi met the Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education & QNA Scientific Research in Morocco, Mohamed Abo Saleh, and his accompanying delegation in Doha Doha yesterday. The meeting focused on co-operation in the fields of education, higher education, scientific research, vocational and technical training, and the means to enhance co-operation, in addition to discussing issues of joint interest. he Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Tthe Moroccan Ministry of Amir sends cable National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education & of congratulations Scientifi c Research signed the to Tunisian leader Qatar calls on Yemen seventh executive programme for co-operation in the fi eld of His Highness the Amir Sheikh higher education and scientifi c Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His parties to strive for research during the academic Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh years 2019-2022. Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani They also signed a co-opera- sent cables of congratulations national reconciliation tion protocol to attract Moroc- to President of Tunisia Beji Caid can teachers to Qatar. Essebsi on the anniversary of his The executive programme country’s Independence Day. QNA missioner for Human Rights on was signed by the Undersecre- Meanwhile, HE the Prime Geneva the situation of human rights in tary of the Ministry of Educa- Minister and Interior Minister Yemen. tion and Higher Education Dr Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Qatar expressed its deep con- Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, Khalifa al-Thani sent a cable of atar has called on all cern at the continuing viola- and Morocco’s Secretary-Gen- congratulations to the Prime parties of the confl ict in tions committed against the eral of the Ministry of National Minister of Tunisia Youssef QYemen to abide by in- people of Yemen and the great Education, Vocational Train- Chahed on the anniversary of his ternational humanitarian and humanitarian suff ering for ing, Higher Education & Sci- country’s Independence Day. human rights law and to protect many years as a result of the entific Research Mohamed Abo the civilians and to strive for na- fact that it has been the victim Saleh. Amir greets new tional reconciliation and move of confl icts and wars that only The programme encourages Kazakh leader forward with the political proc- serve to destroy the country and both sides to exchange students Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, and ess in accordance with the out- displace the people. and to oversee PhD theses of Morocco’s Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education His Highness the Amir Sheikh come of the national dialogue, It also stressed the importance Moroccan and Qatari students. & Scientific Research Mohamed Abo Saleh exchange documents after signing the executive programme Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Gulf initiative and Security of ensuring eff ective, impartial It also encourages the ex- in the field of education in Doha yesterday. His Highness the Deputy Amir Council Resolution No 2116. and independent investigations change of visits between offi cials Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad This came in Qatar’s speech into all violations commit- as well as the exchange of exper- pertise in the fi eld of education. the procedures for the student Secretary-General of the al-Thani have sent cables of delivered by Hamad Mohamed ted against the Yemeni people, tise in the fi eld of education and In a related development, the exchange programme, scholar- Ministry of National Education, congratulations to President al-Suwaidi, political researcher holding all those responsible ac- scientifi c research. joint Qatari-Moroccan com- ships and the equation of uni- Vocational Training, Higher Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the at the Department of Human countable and taking all neces- The co-operation protocol mittee for co-operation in the versity degrees. Education & Scientifi c Research occasion of his swearing-in as Rights at the Foreign Minis- sary measures to ensure that the meanwhile looks to attract Mo- educational fi eld held a meeting They also discussed ways to and his accompanying delega- President of Kazakhstan, wishing try yesterday, during a public victims have their rights, justice roccan teachers to Qatar. yesterday, chaired by both al- attract teachers and the best tion visited Al Hidaya Special him success and prosperity for debate on the oral briefi ng of and equity and ensure that such It also aims to facilitate ex- Nuaimi and Abo Saleh. practices for enhancing co-op- Needs Schools, to benefi t from the people of Kazakhstan. the Offi ce of the High Com- violations are not repeated. change of information and ex- The committee discussed eration in the educational fi eld. its experience in the fi eld. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, March 21, 2019 QATAR

Labour ministry to Kahramaa holds hold month-long Five women among vocational health workshop for and safety events 94 candidates in contractors

QNA a number of companies and QNA Head of the continuous Doha institutions to participate Doha improvement department at in a series of events that fray for CMC polls Kahramaa, Reem al-Nuaimi will take place throughout said the workshop provides he Ministry of Ad- April. atar General Electricity more knowledge regarding ministrative Devel- Dr Asmaa al-Nuaimi said QNA fence, in order to introduce the in meetings, advertisements, leaf- and Water Corporation the procedures and services Topment, Labour, and that the Ministry of Ad- Doha candidates to the rules of electoral lets, electoral posters, other types Q(Kahramaa) organised provided by Kahramaa to ap- Social Aff airs, in co-oper- ministrative Development, propaganda. of writings used in electoral propa- a workshop for its approved proved contractors, start- ation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Aff airs The Public Relations Department ganda, and not off end other candi- contractors on the services and ing with building permits to Public Health and Inter- celebrates the World Day inety-four candidates, in- Director at the Ministry of Interior, dates, challenge their competence procedures provided by the power connections and all national Labour Organisa- for Safety and Health at cluding fi ve women, are in Chairman of the Elections Media directly or indirectly, or stir up sec- corporation. procedures related to elec- tion (ILO), will organise the Work every year on April Nthe fray for the elections to Committee Brigadier Abdulla Kha- tarian strife among citizens or speak Head of planning and quality tricity access. month of vocational safety 28. the sixth session of the Central Mu- lifa al-Muftah, stressed the im- about personal matters. at Kahramaa Engineer Ibrahim She said the workshop also and health in Qatar in April. She said that they agreed nicipal Council (CMC), as per the portance of the electoral campaign As for places where electoral al-Emadi said Kahramaa or- confirms that the early deliv- The event part of the ob- this year to celebrate voca- fi nal list of contestants. stage for all candidates to introduce propaganda is prohibited, it is clari- ganised this training workshop ery service does not require servance of the World Day tional safety and health for An announcement in this regard their electoral programmes. fi ed that places of worship, insti- in order to communicate more waiting for the building com- for Safety and Health at an entire month, in co-op- is scheduled to be made today in tutes, educational institutions, information to all approved pletion certificate to obtain Work, celebrated on April eration with the ILO. all electoral district headquarters, CMC elections will take place public buildings, buildings of public contractors as they are the link electricity, but through this 28 of each year. Dr Asmaa said that April in preparation for the start of the on April 16, according to the bodies and institutions, electricity between Kahramaa, investors service electricity and water The organising par- 2 will see the launch of a campaign stage of the electoral Amiri Decree issued in this and telephone poles and electoral and owners. maybe requested, thus saving ties held a press confer- conference that will mark process. regard. halls are prohibited from carrying He added that the workshop time for the contractor and ence yesterday to discuss the beginning of celebra- Revealing this in a press state- any publicity, in accordance with comes as part of the World the owner and accelerating the goals of holding the tions. ment yesterday, the Assistant Di- He pointed out that campaigning Article 5 of the Minister of Interior’s Bank recommendations espe- the delivery of electricity and event. They said that rais- She added that voca- rector General of Information Sys- will begin on Sunday after the can- Resolution No 7 of 1998. cially those related to electric- water. ing awareness about voca- tional safety and health is tems at the Ministry of Interior, didates obtain the permit. Brigadier al-Muftah added that in ity services and providing the She said the contractors tional health and safety in an important component of Chairman of the Technical Com- He added that the election prop- the event of violation of these rules, full picture to contractors on must apply for the service Qatar was the main goal. the National Health Strat- mittee for CMC Elections, Briga- aganda is guaranteed to the candi- the Ministry of Interior may revoke those recommendations and early. They issued invitations to egy 2018-2022. dier Abdulrahman Ali al-Farahid dates and is exercised in accordance the licence granted to the candidate how to implement them. She added that the work- al-Malki, said that after the fi nal list with Article (29) of Decree No 17 of in accordance with the decision of He said that the workshop shop also raises awareness is announced, the campaign stage 1998 on the system of elections of the Minister of Interior. will introduce the early de- about the World Bank indica- will begin, as per the schedule of the the members of the Central Munic- He pointed out that after the elec- livery service to contractors tors which includes the time electoral process. ipal Council and the rules of which tion campaign period, the candidate which will contribute to re- required to get electricity. He stressed that candidates must were issued by the Minister of Inte- must remove advertisements, post- ducing the power connection She said that after meet- conduct electoral propaganda af- rior’s Resolution No 7 of 1998. ers, electoral leafl ets and any means time. ing with World Bank repre- ter obtaining a special permit and Brigadier al-Muftah pointed out of advertising at his own expense. He called on contractors to sentatives, it was noted that in accordance with the regulations that the rules of campaigning stipu- Brigadier al-Muftah urged all apply for services from Kah- the procedures adopted by the and conditions set by the Ministry late that “slogans, phrases and im- candidates not to conduct electoral ramaa early in order to serve bank are diff erent from those of Interior. ages used in electoral propaganda programmes outside the jurisdic- owners faster. currently used. The Electoral Supervisory Com- should not contradict the religious tion of the Central Municipal Coun- Al-Emadi said the workshop Therefore, the idea of the mittee is scheduled to organise a and social values of the Qatari so- cil stipulated in Law No 12 of 1998. benefi ts both sides and con- awareness workshop was to in- seminar on election campaign on ciety”. CMC elections will take place on tributes to improving Qatar’s troduce the procedures of the Sunday at the Offi cers’ Club of the The rules also prohibit the use April 16, according to the Amiri De- position with regards to power World Bank to the approved General Directorate of Civil De- of the offi cial emblem of the State cree issued in this regard. connection service worldwide. contractors. Dreama initiative seeks to empower children

QNA ity of decision-making. importance of adoption, at Doha Head of Social Care Sec- the community level. The tion, Social Services De- event also target the whole partment at the Centre community aiming at in- he Orphan Care Cen- Shaikha al-Shahwani said troducing Dreama centre tre (Dreama) cele- that the initiative is part of and co-operating with it Tbrated the conclusion events related to supporting to achieve its purposes be- of its event “A Hero Em- Dreama children, achieving cause orphans are not only powerment” initiative, with the goal of enabling them Dreama responsibility, but the participation of many to be self-dependent and everyone’s. Dreama children and foster creating family atmosphere Al-Shahwani pointed out mothers. for them. that Qatari community is The initiative aims to Al-Shahwani stressed philanthropist. Moreover, teach Dreama children that Dreama events tar- Dreama activities are not about dialogue and com- get the entire categories of limited to care, services and munication skills with the the community. She added help, but go beyond that to surrounding people and that the most prominent off ering opportunities and promote self-confi dence participants in the event empowering in Qatari com- and self-esteem, in order to were the orphans and their munity; and that Dreama enable them to integrate in foster families. It sought to will refl ect this trend in the career and take responsibil- raise awareness about the events that follow.

Qatari research team discovers 4 new stars

QNA that the star planets are Doha characterised by the prox- imity between them and Ju- piter in size. Qatari research team He pointed out that these has announced the planets were found by the Adiscovery of four QES, which is situated in new stars in the solar sys- three diff erent geographic lo- tem and named them Qatar cations: New Mexico (USA), 7b, Qatar 8b, Qatar 9b and Canary Islands (Spain), and Qatar 10b. Urumqi (China). Dr Khalid al-Subai, a Dr al-Subai expressed Qatari astronomer at Ha- hope that Arab youth will be mad Bin Khalifa University inspired by these discover- (HBKU), said the discovery ies. of the new stars had raised For its part, Harvard Uni- the stars of Qatar’s planets versity, the research partner to 10 planets in less than in the project, confi rmed 10 years since the launch the validity of these fi nd- of Qatar Exoplanet Survey ings after reviewing all the (QES). studies, analysis and results carried out by the Qatari re- The four new stars are search team from its head- named Qatar 7b, Qatar quarters in Doha, where 8b, Qatar 9b and Qatar it was completed by spe- 10b cialised software at Qatar Foundation. He added that these With the discovery of planets have been formally these four star planets, Qa- recognised by various glo- tar ranks fourth in the world bal astronomical forums, and fi rst among 30 coun- especially the International tries concerned with this Astronomical Union (IAU). type of astronomical dis- Dr al-Subai explained covery.

QMC chief meets China’s envoy

Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) Chairman HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer al-Thani met the ambassador of China to Qatar Li Chen yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed media relations between Qatar and China and ways to develop them. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 5 QATAR Jordan team wins Arabic debating championship he debate team from Princess Sumaya Uni- Tversity for Technology in Jordan has won the fi rst place in the International Universities Arabic Debating Championship 2019, organised by QatarDe- HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani and Machaille al-Naimi with team members of Princess Sumaya bate Centre, a member of Qatar University for Technology in Jordan. Foundation (QF). The boys’ team from Qa- awards to the winners of the “This championship is a way QF; Elite Academy members; Qa- tar University won the second championship which saw 107 to protect and preserve the Ara- tarDebate ambassadors; local and place, while the team from the teams from 51 Arab and non-Ar- bic language,” Dr Maarafi said. international judges; volunteers; University of Amar Telidji in Al- ab countries battling for the top She also asked the partici- and members of the media – includ- geria came third in the competi- position. pants to take a pledge that they ing Reuters – as well as Al Jazeera tion that concluded yesterday. Dr Hayat Abdullah Maarafi , will protect the Arabic language Media Network for serving as the HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad executive director, QatarDebate, regardless of which country they media partner, and Qatar Airways al-Thani, vice chairperson and welcomed guests to the event, are from. She also noted that Ar- for being the offi cial carrier. CEO of QF, attended the closing expressing her pleasure at seeing abic language is the language of The fi ve day competition is the ceremony of the competition such a large crowd “brought to- intellect, elegance, and dignity. largest university debate compe- that took place at Qatar National gether by Arabic language to cel- Dr Maarafi thanked Sheikha tition so far with more than 600 Convention Centre. ebrate their diversity and passion Hind, Machaille al-Naimi, presi- team members and trainers par- Sheikha Hind presented HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani and Machaille al-Naimi with Qatar University boys team. for debate.” dent of Community Development, ticipating in the competition.

Sidra Medicine off ers neonatal respiratory ECMO service

idra Medicine is the only Baby Adam was born with needed the ECMO machine to do right side of the heart, which weeks, he was discharged. hospital in Qatar and the MAS condition at Hamad Medi- the work for his lungs. Without then pumped the blood out to The neonatal respiratory SMiddle East to off er a neo- cal Corporation’s Women’s ECMO, Adam only had a 10% his body. This form of bypass, ECMO programme at Sidra Med- natal respiratory ECMO (extra- Wellbeing and Research Center. chance of survival, but with it, called venovenous, is used in icine provides both ECMO and corporeal membrane oxygena- It was quickly determined that his chances could go up by 85%. conditions when only the lungs renal dialysis. Sidra Medicine has tion) service, it was announced the baby was suff ering from During Adam’s ECMO proc- need support, and if the heart is also launched a mobile ECMO yesterday. severe respiratory issues and ess, blood was taken out of his working properly. unit that can be transported to ECMO works by taking over the that the only option to save his body from the right side via a After four days on ECMO, other hospitals to help save the function of the lungs and some- life and reduce the risk of brain tube and circulated through the Adam was weaned off and lives of babies who may have an times the heart, and allowing the damage, would require the help machine to remove carbon di- supported with a traditional urgent need for it. The mobile organs to rest and recover from a of ECMO. oxide and add oxygen. It was ventilator. Soon afterwards, ECMO unit is able to go to any reversible condition like meco- Since Adam’s heart was still then warmed back up to body his breathing tube was re- hospital in Qatar to immediately Baby Adam, who received neonatal respiratory ECMO (extracorporeal nium aspiration syndrome (MAS). functioning properly, he only temperature and returned to the moved, and in less than three deliver treatment and care. membrane oxygenation) service, with parents.

Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 7 QATAR Qumra concludes with a witty masterclass by Italian director

he fi fth edition of Qum- won the Cannes Grand Prix, and though she has learned some- too many options and it’s easy than the size of the screen is the ra – an annual industry her latest fi lm Happy as Lazzaro thing new during each new fi lm to get carried away. My advice to communal experience of watch- Tevent by the Doha Film (2018) won the Best Screen- project, there is one guiding fi lmmakers is to remember that ing fi lms with a group of people Institute that provides mentor- play Award at the Cannes Film principle that she keeps close stories in fi lm are told through that you don’t know, of sharing ship, nurturing, and hands-on Festival. to her heart: “My mission is to imagery and symbolism – and an experience with strangers. development for fi rst- and sec- Her masterclass brought to make my audience look at the sometimes the simplest images I think that cinema’s ability to ond-time fi lmmakers – con- a close six days of lively dis- world they live in with a dif- are the most powerful.” bring people together in this way cluded with a frank and witty cussions, interactions, men- ferent view after watching my Rohrwacher ended her mas- is incredibly powerful and we Italian director Alice Rohrwacher speaks on stage during a masterclass by Italian director toring sessions and workshops fi lms. I need to connect with terclass with her thoughts on the must make sure that we don’t masterclass yesterday. Alice Rohrwacher about the im- for up-and-coming fi lmmak- them to bring them into the real- rise of streaming services such lose this.” portance of fi lm in connecting ers at Qumra. Using clips from ity of the fi lm and draw out their as Netfl ix, which added Happy The fi fth edition of Qumra screenings in the Qumra Mas- Boutique Hotels was Offi cial Ho- people. her three fi lms, Rohrwacher emotions.” as Lazzaro to its fi lm library last brought together more than 150 ters and New Voices in Cinema tel Partner; and ViRTUOCITY, Rohrwacher has directed three took the audience on her jour- To invoke an emotional re- year. She argued that, although acclaimed fi lmmakers, indus- series. the Middle East’s biggest Gam- critically successful feature fi lms ney through fi lmmaking. She sponse from audiences, fi lm- they help to bring fi lms to a try professionals and experts to Supporting Qumra as Cul- ing Hub, facilitated Qumra’s VR that have earned her an interna- revealed that she had no for- makers should not rely on digital much wider audience, they are nurture 36 projects by fi rst- and tural Partners for 2019 were exhibition. tional reputation as one of the mal training in fi lm before she camerawork or special eff ects, no substitute for watching fi lms second-time fi lmmakers in vari- Qatar Museums, the Museum Extending support as ‘Friends most exciting fi lmmakers today. made Heavenly Body and pre- Rohrwacher continued. She in theatres. She said: “I make ous stages of development. The of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif, of Qumra’ were: Sarajevo Film Her fi rst fi lm, Heavenly Body pared by “reading every book said: “For me, simplicity is key. fi lms for the movie theatre, not event took place at Souq Wa- while the event was supported by Festival, the French Embassy in (2011), screened at the Directors’ I could fi nd about how fi lms The problem with digital camera for people’s iPhones. Films are qif and the Museum of Islamic FNAC. Sony, represented in Qa- Qatar, L’Institut Francais du Qa- Fortnight during Cannes Film were made.” and other new technologies are most beautiful to watch on a Art, and featured Qumra Mas- tar by Fifty One East, was Offi cial tar and Northwestern University Festival, The Wonders (2014) Rohrwacher said that al- that they can give a fi lmmaker big screen. But more important ter Classes, Qumra Talks and Electronics Partner; Souq Waqif in Qatar. Culture ministry to mark Fimmakers praise Qumra for support World Poetry Day today ilmmakers from around initiatives the quality of the the world presenting advice here is very specifi c to he Ministry of Culture mitted to promote poetry in so- Fprojects at Qumra 2019 our project. It has inspired new and Sports will hold today ciety, highlighting that the cele- praised it as a singular event ideas for my script and reassur- Ta cultural forum to cel- bration of World Poetry Day was for supporting their projects’ ance about the strength of my ebrate World Poetry Day. partly in a bid to gather all of the development. central story.” The forum is organised by Qa- country’s poets. The fi fth edition of Qumra Afsaneh Salari, producer of tar Poetry Centre and the Com- For his part, member of the brought together more than 150 The Forbidden Strings – a work- mittee of Poets’ Aff airs (Poetry Poetry Majlis Mohamed al- acclaimed fi lmmakers, industry in-progress feature fi lm, said Majlis) in Katara. Shahwani stressed the impor- professionals and experts to nur- that Qumra’s role in supporting Shabib bin Arar al-Rzmani, tance of the day, saying it refl ects ture 36 projects from around the fi lmmakers from the Middle East director, Qatar Poetry Centre, Qatar’s appreciation of poets. world in various stages of devel- was hugely important. “The fact said that celebrating World Po- He expressed his appreciation opment. Of the 36 projects, 26 are More than 150 filmmakers, industry professionals and experts attended Qumra. that it this initiative is organ- etry Day is part of the Ministry for the Qatar Poetry Centre’s co- recipients of the Doha Film Insti- ised and delivered in the region of Culture and Sports’ vision of operation. tute’s Grants programme. ing lab that I have attended,” Rao Mouhssine El Badoui, the several other interesting narra- makes it special,” she said, add- building a society that is both World Poetry Day was declared Indian director and self- said. “The Qumra fi lmmaking Belgian-Moroccan director of tives.” ing, “The networking opportu- healthy in the body and the by the UN Educational, Scien- taught illustrator Gitanjali Rao mentors arrive well prepared, the documentary Femmetasia, The feedback from the Qum- nities it off ers are also second to mind. tifi c and Cultural Organisation brought her fourth fi lm – the so their advice is very specifi c agreed on the invaluable support ra mentors was also crucial none. Over the last few days we He added that the event will (Unesco) in 1999. Its purpose is animated musical romance and relevant. That, along with to fi lmmakers. “I came to Qumra to French-Tunisian director have met industry professionals support both famous poets as to promote the reading, writing, Bombay Rose. “The support I the amazing access I have to the with one main perspective, but Lofti Achour’s second feature from around the world and have well as aspiring ones too. He publishing and teaching of poetry am receiving at Qumra is un- Qumra Masters has made this a through my exchanges with the fi lm Severed Head, “What dif- generated interest in our fi lm, stressed that his centre is com- throughout the world. (QNA) matched by any other fi lmmak- hugely enriching experience.” Qumra mentors I’ve unlocked ferentiates Qumra from other which is very exciting for us.” Gulf Times 8 Thursday, March 21, 2019 QATAR Ashghal eco-friendly projects MME honours farm owners, take centre stage at EnviroteQ fi shermen for self-suffi ciency QNA ministry, said that the organisa- national community initiative Doha tion of the fi rst Qatar Interna- that contributes eff ectively to he Public Works Author- tional Environmental Exhibition environmental sustainability by ity, Ashghal, is highlight- is in line with the march of the preserving the country’s biodi- Ting its key eco-friendly he Ministry of Munici- State of Qatar under the leader- versity, mitigating the eff ects of projects and initiatives at Qatar’s pality and Environment ship of His Highness the Amir dust storms, preventing deser- First International Environmen- T(MME) yesterday hon- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- tifi cation through soil stabilisa- tal Exhibition EnviroteQ, organ- oured a group of farmers, natives Thani, in adopting sustainable tion, and in reducing the eff ects ised by the Ministry of Munici- and fi shermen for their eff orts development as one of the four of climate change by absorbing pality and Environment at the to support local production to pillars of the Qatar National Vi- carbon dioxide into the air. Doha Exhibition and Convention achieve self-suffi ciency, as well sion 2030. He stressed that the Ministry Centre until tomorrow. as honouring the offi cial spon- Al-Sada added that the event of Municipality and Environ- Ashghal is keen to present a sors of the 7th Qatar Interna- will focus on environmental ment is keen to make the envi- number of initiatives aiming tional Agriculture Fair (AgriteQ) sustainability in all sectors of ronmental exhibition a platform at achieving sustainability of and the fi rst Qatar International the country, in addition to giv- to showcase relevant initiatives projects and environment pres- Environmental Exhibition (En- ing the ministry and the public in Qatar, and friendly countries ervation, according to a state- viroteQ) for making the events and private sectors an opportu- and international and local spe- ment issued yesterday. held at the Doha Exhibition nity to highlight their achieve- cialised companies to showcase Ashghal has showcased green Center a success. ments at the national level and the latest technologies and so- buildings, recycling of demoli- HE the Minister of Munici- through the accompanying lutions that serve environmen- tion, drilling and tyres waste, pality and Environment Abdul- workshops, in order to enhance tal sustainability in the fi elds and their use in the implementa- lah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al- the pace of global developments, of alternative energy, energy tion of road projects, in addition Subaie honoured 23 owners of techniques, brainstorming and conservation in construction, to presenting the use of sewage farms, natives and fi shermen as knowledge dissemination. industrial technologies that treatment for irrigation, beau- well as 15 offi cial sponsors of the He said that the initiative promote cleaner production, re- tifi cation and agriculture, and exhibition. Ahmed Mohammed of planting million trees ini- ducing raw materials, as well as an awareness campaign on deal- al-Sada, Deputy Undersecretary tiative, which was launched on recycling and other technologies ing with sewage water. Ashghal for Environment Aff airs at the the fi rst day of the events, is a in this fi eld. has set up six main and 17 small Air quality and emissions monitoring mobile unit exhibited by Ashghal at EnviroteQ. plants for sewage treatment, using advanced treatment and projects, such as asphalt waste, With around 1.9mn waste complish a 3-star environmental sterilising techniques to provide crumb rubber, steel slag and tyres disposed every two to four level in terms of energy saving clear water that is used for irriga- demolition and drilling waste. years in Qatar, Ashghal’s Road and environment preservation. tion and landscaping. The use of recycled construction Project Department has started During the exhibition, Ashghal The Doha North Treatment materials contributes to reduc- an initiative to grind and process activated the Mobile Unit for Air plant, one of Ashghal’s most im- ing the cost of materials used in them into crumb rubber and use Quality Control and Air Emission portant sewage plants, is con- projects by 15%, while achieving as a modifi er into asphalt con- Monitoring. sidered the largest wastewater the highest quality. crete mixes in road construction The mobile integrated unit is treatment facility in the region, Ashghal started to collect exca- projects, parking lots, and other designed to assess air quality and the fi rst facility developed vation and demolition waste fi ve areas. The benefi ts of crumb within the scope of the author- with a thermal drying plant. years ago and prepared a recy- rubber modifi ed asphalt pave- ity’s projects and to monitor The plant is designed to produce cling plan to eliminate construc- ment are increased resistance to any emissions in order to re- 245,000 cu m of treated water/ tion waste. It succeeded in using rutting, reduction of pavement duce them and their negative day, and is surrounded by more approximately 60mn tonnes of fatigue cracking and pavement impact on the environment than 90,000 trees, 50 picnic ar- demolition waste and using it in noise and increased fl exibility that may affect the health of eas and bird watching ponds. sand layer for some road projects. and durability. workers. In order to achieve sustain- Ashghal also set conditions for Ashghal designs the new The unit includes measuring ability in projects and reduce project contractors in some areas health centre buildings accord- all types of emissions, measur- cost, Ashghal implements the to use certain percentage of recy- ing to the highest standards of ing odours, oxygen content in the most recent practices in road cled construction materials with quality and safety and all the cri- air, noise rate and percentage of construction and pavement, and varying rates ranging from 15% in teria set by Global Sustainability chlorine gas in the atmosphere, has launched a number of initia- asphalt layers to 100% for some Assessment System (GSAS) since in order to maintain the health of tives including the usage of recy- layers of soil fi ll and layers under operational and architectural workers at project sites and re- cled construction materials in its utility lines. considerations were taken to ac- duce air pollution. Owners of farms, natives and fishermen at the ceremony yesterday. Qatar, Oman sign agreement for geographic data sharing

QNA al-Qahtani, Assistant Undersecretary national geographic information in- Doha for Planning Aff airs at the Ministry of frastructures, practices and expertise Municipalities and Environment, and in spatial data, geospatial policies and for Omani side by Mohammed bin Hi- standards, e-transformation projects, he State of Qatar, represented lal bin Saud al-Busaidi, Director Gen- e-government with a spatial dimen- by the Ministry of Municipal- eral of the Directorate General of Ad- sion and the policies and standards of Tity and Environment, and the ministrative Aff airs at the Ministry of addressing systems and uses of GIS in Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Agriculture. population censuses and the conclu- Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, The MoU refl ects the distinguished sion of government licensing agree- have signed a memorandum of under- relations between the two brotherly ments for geographical information The Ooredoo booth. standing (MoU) for co-operation in the countries and their desire to enhance systems programs, national capacity- fi eld of national geographic informa- and develop co-operation in the fi eld building, and mutual training in these tion infrastructures between the two of national geographic information areas. brotherly countries, as part of the 7th structures based on the principle of The two sides may, by virtue of the Qatar International Agriculture Exhi- mutual interests and in the light of the memorandum of understanding, add Ooredoo is diamond sponsor of AgriteQ bition and the fi rst Qatar International discussions that took place between other areas of co-operation through Environmental Exhibition, currently the Qatari and Omani sides. diplomatic channels. The sides will held at the Doha Exhibition Center. The memorandum encourages co- also encourage the exchange of train- oredoo has an- bringing together industry and developments, discover to Ooredoo and is a key part The agreement was signed for the operation between the sides in several ing courses, expert visits and scientifi c nounced that it is the professionals and experts new equipment and industry- of our business strategy. We Qatari side by Eng Fahad Mohammed areas, including the establishment of research in such areas of co-operation. Odiamond sponsor of with the aim of highlight- related products and leverage are delighted to be sponsor- the Qatar International Agri- ing innovation in agricultural business opportunities with- ing the seventh edition of this cultural Exhibition (AgriteQ), techniques and developing in the agriculture sector. valuable industry event and Environment ministry signs agreements with institutions being held at Doha Exhibition a roadmap to achieve food Speaking on the event and look forward to it providing and Conference Centre until security and sustainable de- sponsorship, Manar Khalifa a positive contribution to the The Ministry of Environment and and co-operation in the fields of of capacity building in the agriculture, tomorrow. velopment. At the exhibition, al-Muraikhi, director of PR agriculture sector in Qatar Municipality yesterday signed agriculture, aquaculture, environmental aquaculture, environmental protection The exhibition – being held local and international agri- and Corporate Communica- and the region.” memorandums of understanding protection and waste treatment, in and waste treatment sectors. for the seventh time – is billed cultural stakeholders are able tions at Ooredoo, said: “Sup- More information on the to co-operate with the Ministry of addition to enhancing technical and The memorandums cover co-operation as the “premier platform for to exchange expertise and porting our local industries exhibition can be found at ag- Environment, Food and Rural Aff airs of scientific co-operation, and identifying in the exchange of expertise and Qatar’s agriculture sector”, best practice, explore trends is of paramount importance riteq.com the United Kingdom, Qatar University issues related to agriculture and information, including publications and Al Mana International Holding environment sectors. It also addresses and periodicals, studies, statistics as part of the 7th Qatar International the promotion of scientific co- and data, work in the organisation of Agriculture Conference (AgriteQ) operation in the fields of agriculture, conferences, meetings and training, and the first Qatar Environmental environmental protection and rural formation of joint working committees Conference (EnviroteQ), currently being aff airs between the two ministries, as and holding consultative meetings. held at the Doha Exhibition Center. well as strengthening the bilateral ties The agreement extends for four years, The MoUs aim to promote friendship between the two countries in the field renewable.

Khayr Qatarna initiative showcased at AgritecQ

Khayr Qatarna, an initiative by Your Health First – Sahtak Awalan that teaches secondary school students about food security, agriculture and commerce, has been showcased at AgriteQ, the region’s leading agricultural innovations exhibition. Under the Khayr Qatarna initiative, which launched in 2018, large-scale climate-controlled greenhouses have been installed at 10 secondary schools across Qatar allowing students to learn how to plant, raise and harvest a wide range of crops including strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, coloured peppers, red cabbage and Strawberries grown under the Khayr Qatarna initiative on display at AgriteQ. green beans. All the crops have been granted the eating, agriculture, environmental AgriteQ. Visitors to the exhibition status of ‘Premium Products’ – an awareness, and sustainability issues. were able to speak to Your Health indication of their freshness and quality Students are also learning about key First campaign staff to learn more – by the Ministry of Municipality and business operations, such as logistics, about the initiative, sample produce Environment. The produce is sold to commerce and economics. Additionally, grown in Khayr Qatarna greenhouses the community at local supermarkets, Khary Qatarna is making a positive and discover the importance of food with all proceeds reinvested to expand contribution to Qatar’s food security. security and sustainability. Khayr Qatarna. To share the success of Khayr Qatarna Your Health First – Sahtak Awalan is the The initiative is teaching students with the public, Your Health First – flagship public health campaign of Weill valuable lessons about healthy Sahtak Awalan brought a booth to Cornell Medicine - Qatar.

Gulf Times 10 Thursday, March 21, 2019 QATAR Students get insights into Islamic banking

group of female students He said that QIIB places knowledge as well as the possible from the Audio Education social responsibility at the career paths for students. AComplex paid an educa- top of its priorities and pro- The discussion also dealt with tional visit to QIIB headquarters, vides support to education banking services in general and at which they were briefed on through many means, includ- Islamic banking in particular, the various aspects related to Islamic ing practical visits for school path that students must follow banking and services provided by students, training to school to become bankers, as well as the banks in general. and university students at experiences and qualifi cations QIIB chief executive offi cer Dr the bank and support to many a person needs to secure a bank Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei other nation building projects job. met the students and briefed and community enrichment The female students had a tour them about QIIB since its estab- events. of the Banking Hall at the QIIB lishment in 1991 and its various During the students’ visit, an main building and listened to a stages of development up to now, interactive session was held with detailed presentation from the when it is one of leading banks in QIIB offi cials, during which they branch’s manager, Maher Kayali, Qatar. QIIB chief executive off icer Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei and senior executives with students from the Audio Education Complex. discussed the functioning of a of the services provided by QIIB. The meeting was also attended bank, knowledge that the female The students also visited QI- by Ali Hamad al-Mesaifari, QIIB Abdul Aziz al-Meer, Head (Busi- “great appreciation for the im- this segment of the society and the society and the labour market students acquire from the Audio IB’s IT department and later they Head (Human Resources and Ad- ness Development). portant role played” by the Audio helping them acquire the neces- based on the skills they acquire Education Complex, the impor- expressed interest in the tech- ministrative Aff airs) and Omar The QIIB CEO expressed his Education Complex in serving sary skills in order to engage in from the centre. tance of practical and theoretical niques used by the department. Kids throng Doha Festival City’s Mini Teddy Bear Hospital

oha Festival City continues to wel- come children at the Teddy Bear Mini DHospital to help them learn about healthcare in a fun and innovative way. Parents can bring their children along with their teddy bears until March 30, between 10am-8pm, to visit the hospital set up at Doha Festival City Mall Centre Court on the ground fl oor. Sponsored by Baladna, Toys R Us, Ikea, Mustela, Kulud Pharmacy, Carter’s and The Hamilton International School, the Mini Teddy Bear Hospital at Festival City has witnessed a huge turnout and success dur- ing the fi rst week, creating a fun and educa- tional experience for children to help them overcome their fear of doctors and health checkups, by simulating the process of vis- iting a hospital or a medical centre. The hospital is run with the help of mem- Medical City intersection to be shut for 13 hours bers of Qatar Volunteers. Children can take their toy companions The Public Works Authority (Ash- the General Directorate of Traff ic. development works implemented through a medical screening, followed by a ghal) has announced that it will Traff ic heading towards the at intersections and roundabouts visit to nine diff erent stations that include implement a temporary closure at Medical City intersection from in various part of Doha, which aim a waiting room, a nutrition consultant sta- the Medical City intersection (also all four sides can turn right only to enhance the flow of traff ic and tion, a surgery room, a dentist and ophthal- known as the Bin Omran intersec- and use the next intersection, as reduce congestion in vital areas, mologist clinics, as well as a pharmacy. tion) on the main lanes of the four shown on the attached map. the statement notes. At the end, children can enjoy various sides of the intersection. The temporary closure is being Ashghal has said it will install giveaways from Mustela and Baladna, while Children enjoy an activity at the Mini Teddy Bear Hospital at Doha Festival City. The closure will last for 13 hours implemented with the aim of road signs advising motorists Doha Festival City’s Kids Club members get — from midnight today until after completing the installation of new of the closure and requested all to enjoy fast track access. oral, Kidliz, Cool Club, Idexe, Ziddy Kids, end and the upcoming week. We strive to noon tomorrow, Ashghal has said traff ic signal utilities at the Medi- road users to abide by the speed Doha Festival City is home to more than Petit Beteau and Little Milano. create memorable moments for all of our in a statement. The closure will be cal City intersection. limit and follow the road signs to 50 brands for children, including popular May Marzooq, senior marketing man- visitors and that includes our little ones. We carried out in co-ordination with This comes as part of the ensure their safety. names such as Mamas & Papas, Mothercare, ager, says: “The Teddy Bear Mini Hospital is would like to sincerely thank all of our spon- Riva Kids, Sacoor Kids and The Children’s an amazing success and we look forward to sors and partners for supporting this special Place, as well as debuting ones such as May- welcoming more children during the week- event.”

Ministry recalls Doha Bank announces winners of Dodge RAM model Top offi cials monitor implementation 10th Al Dana savings scheme draw over safety issues he Ministry of Commerce of National Strategy for Traffi c Safety and Industry, in collabora- oha Bank has announced the winners of its Ttion with United Cars Al- 10th Al Dana savings scheme draw of 2018, mana, has announced the recall of QNA discussed a number of issues part of the national strategy D“further strengthening its eff orts to encour- Dodge RAM model of 2019 over a Doha related to the implementation for traffi c safety will succeed. age personal savings”. potential defect in the arm holder of the strategy related to the National Traffi c Safety Com- Forty-fi ve of the bank’s customers took home of the brake pedal. General Directorate of Traffi c mittee secretary-general Briga- prizes worth QR195,000, including 1mn Doha The recall campaign comes he team monitoring the and raised a number of obser- dier Mohamed Abdullah al- Miles, following the raffl e draw, which was held at within the framework of the Min- implementation of the vations and questions about Malki stressed the importance Doha Bank Tower in the presence of VIP invitees istry’s continuous eff orts to pro- TNational Strategy for the challenges that might of follow-up and its necessity and members of the bank’s senior management. tect consumers and ensure that Traffi c Safety yesterday dis- impede the work process and for any progress and success. Winning the grand prize, F A al-Hamar walked car dealers follow up on vehicle cussed the progress of work how to solve them, as well as Al-Malki pointed to the away with 1mn Doha Miles, and A E al-Maalouf won defects and repairs. and the level of implementa- the plans that were postponed team’s visits to a number of con- QR100,000. The Ministry said that it will tion by the General Direc- from the fi rst stage. cerned bodies, which resulted in A M al-Mannai emerged as the Ladies Draw win- co-ordinate with the dealer to fol- torate of Traffi c for its own The Director of Public a number of amendments and ner, while A S Shajra and F R Abualrub scooped the low up on the maintenance and projects, as stipulated in the Health Department at the recommendations in order to Young Saver and Senior Citizen draws, each taking The saving scheme features “the country’s big- repair works and will commu- strategy and the percentage of Ministry of Public Health accelerate the implementation home QR5,000. gest prize pool”, which includes a mega-prize of nicate with customers to ensure completion in those projects and member of the follow-up of the Committee’s plans. Dr R Seetharaman, Group CEO of Doha Bank, QR2mn. Al Dana account holders can enter quar- that the necessary repairs are car- last year. team Dr Sheikh Mohamed bin He appreciated the per- said: “At Doha Bank, we are excited to announce terly millionaire draws and monthly draws to win a ried out. The meeting, attended by Hamad al-Thani, pointed out formance of the General Di- the winners of our latest Al Dana saving scheme range of rewards with a minimum account balance The Ministry urges all custom- a number of offi cials of the that the team’s work is to en- rectorate of Traffi c during the draw and I would like to congratulate them on their of QR5,000. ers to report any violations to its General Directorate of Traffi c, sure that the strategy is in the fi rst phase of the strategy in achievement. The most rewarding banking product In addition, Al Dana savings account holders Consumer Protection and Anti- reviewed a set of indicators right direction to achieve its order to complete plans as- in Qatar signifi es our unrelenting commitment to benefi t from immediate pre-approved loans of up Commercial Fraud Department, for the implementation of the objectives until 2022, stress- signed to it. incentivise customers to save money to secure their to 90% of the initial amount deposited, a free in- which processes complaints, in- Directorate plans of action in ing that follow-up is the se- The follow-up team was future and contribute to the prosperity and well- ternational debit card and online, SMS and mobile quires and suggestions through the framework of the strategy, cret of success in any work. formed based on the deci- being of the community. We will continue to seek banking services. the following channels: Call cen- the level of implementation, In his intervention on be- sions of the meeting of the new ways to foster a culture of saving among our Customers can also enjoy the convenience of tre: 16001, e-mail: info@moci. follow-up and evaluation, the half of the head of the follow- ninth National Committee for citizens and residents alike.” managing their utility bill payments through their gov.qa, Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, most important challenges up team, he pointed out that Traffi c Safety, headed by HE Al Dana Savings and Current accounts enable Al Dana accounts, transferring funds between mul- Instagram: MOCIQATAR, Min- facing these plans and the the General Directorate of Undersecretary of the Minis- Doha Bank’s customers to stand a chance to win tiple accounts and to third parties, and sending istry of Commerce and Industry proposed solutions to over- Traffi c is the most important try of Education and Higher prizes as they save for a rainy day, the bank has said money overseas at competitive exchange rates, the mobile app for android and IOS: come these challenges. part of the strategic plans and Education Dr Ibrahim bin in a statement. statement adds. MOCIQATAR The follow-up team also that it is hoped that a large Saleh al-Nuaimi.

‘World full of adventures’ promises to wow visitors at Aspire Wonderland Festival

spire Zone Foundation AZF said in a press statement. (AZF) has announced that The festival will feature “an Ait is gearing up to host a authentic mix” of folk tales from new themed festival around the the Middle East and the West, shores of Aspire’s lake. as 3D designs will adorn As- Titled Aspire Wonderland pire’s lake with characters such Festival, the event is scheduled as Aladdin, Pinocchio, Peter Pan to take place from March 26 to and Cinderella. March 30. In addition, the event will use “As the sun sets, Aspire Won- advanced light and sound tech- derland Festival will astonish niques to transform Aspire Park AZF’s visitors as it will feature into a fantasy world. animated fantasy characters. It Also, Aspire’s lake will see a will entail an imaginary gate- water fountain transform Aspire way to the world of fantasy and park “into a majestic world with folk tales with the use of state- music”, the statement adds. of-the-art lighting techniques. The festival will be open to the Adults’ childhood memories will public daily from 5pm to 10pm. be revived, and kids will be awed The event is sponsored by Vo- A gigantic 3D lit design. by their favourite characters,” dafone Qatar. Preparations in full swing for the Aspire Wonderland festival. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 11 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD Vodafone Qatar makes region’s 1st 5G holographic call

From Page 1 countries in the world – in line with the Qatar National Vision The annual Innovation Day, 2030.” hosted by technology pre- According to Vodafone Qa- senter and computer scientist, tar, the 5G holographic call also Spencer Kelly, also highlighted marks the latest in a long line Vodafone’s extensive network of firsts that Vodafone has cel- of international technology ebrated during the last 10 years experts, including Marc Ran- of operations. dolph who delivered this year’s This includes being the first keynote address. provider to commercially con- Randolph is a veteran Silicon nect customers to its live 5G Valley entrepreneur, adviser, The Innovation Day was hosted Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh network, bringing to market investor, and co-founder of by technology presenter and Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani advanced technologies, such the online movie and television computer scientist, Spencer Kelly. speaking at the event. as eSim and changing the rules streaming service Netflix. of mobile through exciting new Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh for businesses of all sizes to “This explains our drive to innovations and plans that ca- Hamad Abdulla Jassim al- explore how technology can help build Qatar’s digital fu- ter to customers’ lifestyles. Thani said: “Our Innovation unlock a world of possibilities ture, one that will transform Such developments highlight Day is about connecting to- and accelerate their journey to how we live and work. We are Vodafone’s continued progress day’s ideas with tomorrow’s growth. As a digital first com- committed to play our part in building a complete digital technology. Over the past three pany, innovation runs through to move Qatar towards be- ecosystem in the country, the HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and other dignitaries years it has become a platform our DNA. ing one of the most connected company said. tour the exhibition hall of Innovation Day 2019. Qatar asks IAEA to intervene over Odissi dance performance ‘threat’ posed by UAE nuclear plant at Sheraton Doha today

Barakah, the world’s largest nu- n Odissi dance performance by Rina Jana Reuters “Qatar believes that the lack of any international Paris/Abu Dhabi clear plant under construction, & Group is being organised by the Indian co-operation with neighbouring states regarding should start operations between Aembassy at Al Majlis Hall, Sheraton Grand disaster planning, health and safety and the end 2019 and early 2020. Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, at 6.45pm to- atar has called on the In- protection of the environment pose a serious Barakah is being built by Korea day, while another performance will take place ternational Atomic Ener- threat to the stability of the region and its Electric Power Corp (Kepco), but tomorrow at the Qatar International Food Festi- Qgy Agency (IAEA) to in- environment” problems with training enough val at Oxygen Park (Education City) as part of the tervene in a dispute over a $24bn local staff have delayed the star- Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture. nuclear power plant which the tup of its fi rst reactor several Odissi is an ancient Indian classical dance form United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on desalination plants. safety, security and non-prolif- times and in November Nawah that originated in Odisha, a state in Eastern India. building. “Qatar believes that the lack eration,” Hamad al-Kaabi, UAE signed a deal with French utility It is traditionally a part of the dance-drama Relations between Qatar and of any international co-oper- Permanent Representative to EDF to operate the plant. genre of performing arts. One of the most charac- its neighbour are already strained ation with neighbouring states the IAEA, said in a statement to Since the 1986 Chernobyl ac- teristic features of Odissi dance is the Tribhangi, after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, regarding disaster planning, Reuters. cident, when a Russian-design where the body is bent in three parts like neck, Egypt and Bahrain severed dip- health and safety and the pro- He added that Barakah, the reactor in Ukraine spread radia- torso and the knee and is considered one of the lomatic, trade and transport ties tection of the environment pose Arab world’s fi rst nuclear plant tion over large parts of Europe, most graceful positions. The performances are with Doha in June 2017 over al- a serious threat to the stability of which was originally set to come the potential cross-border im- composed and choreographed by Guru Rina Jana, legations that it supports terror- the region and its environment,” online in 2017, was now expected pact of nuclear accidents has who is a veteran artiste and one of the frontline ism, a charge Qatar denies. the letter from Qatar’s Foreign to begin operation by 2020. led to several disputes between exponents of Odissi. She was trained under the In a letter to the IAEA, which Aff airs ministry to IAEA Director The IAEA, a Vienna-based or- neighbours. Earlier this month, tutelage of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan was seen by Reuters, Qatar says General Yukiya Amano said. ganisation which is the world’s the Barakah plant’s owner Mahapatra and Padma Shri Sanjukta Panigrahi. the Barakah plant poses a serious Qatar also said that the tech- top nuclear safety authority, de- Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp “In all the items, the music is sweet and melo- threat to regional stability and the nology is relatively untested as clined to comment on exchanges (ENEC) said voids had been dis- dious, pure and classical,” the embassy has said in environment and calls for a frame- there is only one other commer- with its member states. covered in the concrete of re- a statement. The troupe consists of fi ve dancers work to ensure the safe operation cial reactor of this type in op- Qatar said regional concerns actors 2 and 3, although it said and six musicians and the performance consists of nuclear energy in the Gulf. eration in South Korea. The UAE about nuclear safety will be am- these posed no safety risk and of six items: an invocation called ‘Mangalachara- Qatar said that a radioactive said yesterday that its nuclear plifi ed when the Saudi Arabian would not delay the start-up. na’, primarily expressing gratitude; ‘Dashavatar’, plume from an accidental dis- energy programme conforms civil nuclear programme comes The repair works on the third a celebration of the triumph of good over evil; charge could reach its capital to IAEA standards and interna- on stream. The Kingdom has in- reactor were due to be completed ‘Basanta Pallavi’ welcomes spring, a pleasing love; and ‘Moksha’, the concluding item, wherein Doha in fi ve to 13 hours and a ra- tional best practices. vited bids from the world’s top by the end of last year, while the season with its blossoms, fragrance-fi lled breeze the performers depict its importance, which lit- diation leak would have a devas- “The United Arab Emirates... nuclear fi rms to build reactors. UAE’s FANR regulator reviews and colourfulness dear to all; ‘Abhinaya I & II’ erally means salvation or emancipation. tating eff ect on the region’s wa- adheres to its commitment to The UAE’s Nawah Energy plans to repair smaller voids in encompasses expressional dance to communi- The embassy has invited all friends and well- ter supply because of its reliance the highest standards of nuclear Company said in May 2018 that unit 2. cate a story or enacting a song that speaks about wishers to join for an evening of Odissi dance. Annual Qafco, Tamuq conclave Essebsi wants to amend constitution sheds light on functional materials Reuters in 2014, despite constitutional Tunis limits. But he has lost influence exas A&M University at 2019 conference was extremely been co-author of more than since Chaded took office as Qatar (Tamuq) and the intriguing, and I hope that all 1,000 publications and holds 62 unisia’s president called prime minister in 2016. Since TQatar Fertiliser Company attendees found the discussions US patents. He is a member of yesterday for changes to then tensions have been build- (Qafco) co-hosted their annual inspiring.” the US National Academy of En- Tthe new constitution to ing up between the two men day-long symposium featuring The 2019 conference focused gineering and the US National give the presidency more pow- and escalated last year when prominent chemists and chem- on functional materials, which Academy of Inventors. Other er, escalating a dispute between Essebsi called on Chahed to ical engineers who shared the have certain desirable proper- speakers were from Korea, Ger- the two highest offices in the resign. But Chahed instead un- latest advances in their fi elds. ties and functions of their own, many and the UK. country. veiled a new cabinet last No- The 2019 Qafco – Tamuq Con- such as ferroelectricity, piezoe- The event also provided a fo- The constitution, adopted in vember together with the mod- ference was the 11th in the se- lectricity, magnetism or energy rum for the exchange of ideas 2014 after the uprising of 2011 erate Ennahda party. ries and focused on functional storage functions. These mate- and opportunities for future that ousted autocrat Zine El Now, with a parliamentary materials. rials are of critical importance collaborations, said Tamuq Abidine Ben Ali, significantly election due in October and a The conference highlighted in energy applications and can dean Dr Cesar Octavio Malave. erodes the previously extensive presidential vote starting in the pressing need for govern- help Qatar as it addresses its re- “Part of the mission of our power of the presidency and November, Essebsi is calling for ment, industry and academia search challenges. branch campus is to be a valued gives the prime minister and an overhaul of the nation’s rul- to work together to develop new The conference featured key- and essential resource to Qatar,” parliament a much bigger role. ing charter. The parliamentary knowledge and create scientifi c note speaker Krzysztof Matyjas- Malave said. “We work to fulfi l But President Beji Caid Es- race is expected to be closely solutions that have direct im- zewski, the JC Warner Univer- this mission in part by hosting sebsi and Prime Minister fought by Ennahda, the more pact on the world around us. sity professor of natural sciences conferences such as this one to Youssef Chahed have been at secular Tahya Tounes party of Qafco CAO, Dr Hamed al- Qafco’s Dr al-Marwani and Tamuq’s Dr Malave at the conference. at the Carnegie Mellon Univer- encourage knowledge sharing loggerheads. Essebsi, a former Chahed and the Nidaa Tounes Marwani described the event as sity. Matyjaszewski discovered a and to build bridges with other parliamentary speaker under party led by Hafedh Caid Es- a key platform in bringing to- “The conference consistently engineering, which opens a dia- polymerisation process that was researchers and research institu- Ben Ali, had been the domi- sebsi, the president’s son. gether research, engineers, sci- manages to highlight trending logue to bridge the gap between commercialised in 2004 in the tions around the world through nant figure in the North Afri- No one has yet declared their entists and the business world. topics in the fi eld of chemical industry and academia. The US, Japan and Europe. He has international collaborations.” can country since his election candidacy for the presidency.

WFP says infested food assistance Eight children killed or injured needs fumigation to feed millions every day, despite Yemen truce: UN AFP the wheat and laboratory tests Red Sea Mills,” he said. “WFP Dubai confirmed it was infested with is awaiting fi nal clearance from AFP But Bachelet said children An estimated 10,000 people insects which has resulted the local authorities for a fol- Geneva were currently living in 31 ac- have been killed since March in some hollow grains,” said low-up operation to the Red Sea tive confl ict zones across the 2015, when Saudi Arabia and the housands of tonnes of spokesman Herve Verhoosel. Mills in order to begin the fu- country, and witnessing “heavy, United Arab Emirates — with the food aid near Yemen’s “The wheat needs to be fu- migation and to restart milling he UN human rights chief war-related violence”, including logistical and political backing Tfl ashpoint port city of migated before it can be milled operations.” warned yesterday that in Taiz, Hajjah and Saada. of the United States — unleashed Hodeidah is infested with in- into flour.” Before the UN lost The mission follows an Tchildren in Yemen contin- The Norwegian Refugee air power against the Houthi sects and must be fumigated to access in September the Red agreement struck in Sweden ued to be killed and maimed at Council said earlier this week rebels. feed millions of people, the UN Sea Mills held 51,000 tonnes in February, in which Yemeni an alarming rate, despite a three- that 348 civilians had been killed Rights groups say the death said yesterday. of grain, which was enough rivals agreed to redeploy their month-old truce in a vital port. United Nations High Commissioner in Hajjah and Taiz alone since the toll could be far higher. Save Last month, a team from the to feed more than 3.7mn peo- fighters outside the ports and “Since the Stockholm agree- for Human Rights Michelle Stockholm accord was signed. the Children has estimated that UN’s World Food Programme ple for a month. However, away from areas that are key to ment on December 13, it is esti- Bachelet delivers a speech The UN rights chief voiced 85,000 Yemenis under fi ve years visited the Red Sea Mills ware- Verhoosel said the WFP an- the humanitarian relief effort. mated that eight children have during the 40th session of particular concern at the recent old may have died of starvation. house for the first time since ticipates the flour yield will be The ports are in the rebel- been killed or injured in Yemen UN Human Rights Council escalation in the northern prov- Bachelet said it was unclear September, when they became “slightly lower” than normal held west of the country, and every day,” Michelle Bache- yesterday at the United Nations ince of Hajjah, where 22 peo- how many children had starved inaccessible due to the con- because of the damage caused the agreement especially set let told the UN Human Rights off ices in Geneva. ple — 12 children and 10 women to death in Yemen but warned flict between pro-government by insects. out free access to the grain Council in Geneva. — were killed, and another 30, that “Yemeni civilians, including forces and the Houthi rebels. “At this stage we cannot con- warehouses at Red Sea Mills, Yemen’s beleaguered Saudi- truce that included a ceasefi re nearly half of them children, children, are now more vulnera- “WFP carried out a full as- fi rm how much fl our we will be under control of the Saudi- backed government and Houthi in Hodeidah, the lifeline port on were hurt in strikes earlier this ble and hungrier than at any time sessment of the condition of able to get from the wheat at the backed government forces. rebels agreed in Sweden on a the Red Sea. month. since March 2015”. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, March 21, 2019 HOL STIC Wellbeing Food Life Lessons: Thanks Mom Exercise an Attitude of Gratitude

how important these subtle, innocent moments in our kitchen were, in shaping my relationship with food. With my mum’s guid- ance, I was unknowingly forming By Erin Ralph my relationship with various foods for the first time in my life, and de- veloping an understanding of the e know by simple law ingredients I was consuming each of attraction, the more breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wyou feel grateful for, In the modern world, we’re less the more you will attract things ‘hands on’ than ever before. It’s to continue feeling grateful for. By Ghanim al-Sulaiti why I remain appreciative to my You can use gratitude as a mood mother for ensuring that I did shifter, and a driver of what can have ‘hands on’ time with food happen next. Sometimes, we are We learn a lot from our mothers, during my childhood. As kitchens only grateful when good things or motherly figures in our lives. have hot stoves, boiling water and happen, which limits the feel- The natural life lessons taught to sharp knives, it is pretty under- ing and its level of attraction to us by moms from an early age standable why parents don’t want few and far between. Same con- plays a very important role in our their children nearby. But studies cept as praying only when one is development, our growth, and suggest that (as with my experi- desperate or needs something. our well-being. From very young ence) involving children in meal Remember, we are supposed to age, we look up to our mothers for preparation is an important first feel good, and life is supposed to guidance in just-about everything. step in getting them to try new fl ow for us all the time. Consider We watch and learn, and much foods, or better understand what gratitude the oil that greases the of what we absorb stays with us they’re eating. wheel and restores your trust. works wonders. If you are in a disa- in your life that you are continu- your senses be grateful-“I am so that you feel deeply grateful for. forever. Researchers at Columbia Univer- With gratitude practices, you greement or experiencing any dra- ously grateful for? grateful for the warm sun upon In this exercise, it is not enough When I was a kid, my mom would sity studied how cooking with gain better understanding how ma, shift the energy by just simply -What would you like to feel my face, the fresh breeze that just to write or speak the words, frequently call me and my siblings a child aff ects the child’s eating to move through life, plus great- feeling what you are grateful for grateful towards that you don’t shifts around air and fi lls my it is more important to really feel into the kitchen — the beating habits. Researchers found that er emotional awareness, kind- in that other person. Speaking it currently have in your life at the lungs, the sounds of the birds, the feelings of joy and gratitude. heart of our home. She’d ask us children who had been involved ness and compassion. transforms everything. There is moment? my capable body for taking me Notice the diff erence in saying to help her prepare dishes, and in cooking their food were more In manifesting, it is not the a theory that replaces the phrase -Can you look at some diffi - here.” Be in utter, overwhelming “I’m grateful for water” versus assign us a small job, perhaps to likely to eat those. words and images that brings “I’m sorry” with “thank you” to cult or uncomfortable situations gratitude for every single thing “I’m so grateful for water! This mix a bowl, or (carefully) whisk On this Mothers Day 2019, let us it in, but the vibration you feel break the “I’m sorry” cycle. Grati- in your life and fi nd gratitude in you pass by. means hot showers, cool hy- ingredients. As a result, we were take a moment to appreciate the when you’re speaking or think- tude can help ‘cancel out’ feelings their purpose? dration, and the beauty of rain, exposed to food in its purest form life lessons we’re taught by our ing in it. Be sure your gratitude is of unworthiness, depression, anxi- Exercise: 21 Days of Grati- oceans and lakes” while visual- from a very young age. We’d mothers — many of which stay not coming from a place of lack. ety, jealousy, anger, and bitterness. Exercise: Gratitude Walk tude ising each sensation. Pure trib- touch, feel and smell ingredients with us throughout our daily lives. Go for the purest appreciation If you are going through some- Take yourself outside of your It is said it takes on average 21 ute drives tremendous positive prior to them being used in a I personally believe in the power possible as to not warp it. For thing ‘negative’, retain power by normal patterns and places, days to create (or lose) a habit. change. Feeling them to the full- dish for that evening’s dinner. We of our own hands, and that when instance, feeling ‘Phew! I’m so having gratitude for the situation go on a walk or a hike or a lit- For the next three weeks, each est extent is the purpose of the would try certain vegetables for you put energy into making your grateful to have this paycheck!’ and the lessons it is teaching you. tle adventure. Tune out of your morning when you fi rst wake up, exercise. Writing them is pow- the first time and treat it like a own food, the food receives heal- comes from a place of relief from mind and into the scenery, into get in the habit of spending 5-10 erful, speaking them aloud with monumental challenge we had ing energy that no one can give scarcity, of fear of it not being as Insight: your senses. Walk gently and minutes writing or recording conviction is even better. been given, pulling faces and it except you. I’m ‘hands on’ with accessible as desired. Versus, ‘I -What are the biggest things with everything that catches three statements around topics As you do the daily work of always claiming “it’s disgusting!” — food today, just like I was in those am so appreciative that money this exercise, you will without before eating more. We’d learn the moments with my mom in the fl ows through me so easily, and a doubt begin to notice signs names of what was in our kitchen, kitchen. is always there when I need it’ and synergies that amplify the and begin to develop opinions, focuses more in the purity of the things you feel grateful for. Be- likes and dislikes towards certain The author is an expert in vegan consistent appreciation. fore long, you will start to ap- food items. wellbeing and health. If you feel like you have noth- preciate what you have before Looking back, it makes me realise Instagram handle: @Ghanim92 ing to be grateful for, start by you even have them, because thinking about your hardwork- you will see how enjoying them ing, always in motion body. How in this vibration creates them is it healthy? How is it function- to be. Try as hard as you can ing? How does it keep you go- to continue this practice for at Wellness Meal Plan ing? Be grateful for ‘basics’ like least 21 days, and see for your- air, sun, water. For a roof over self what happens! your head, for technology, and Receive more insight and em- nature. Be grateful for the op- powerment with the app-based portunity to create your own development programme going reality. No matter how little in, at cocre.co/going-in you think you have, gratitude is within you and all around you. The author can be contacted on In communication, gratitude Instagram @CoCre

Mom your Mind with numerous tasks, fi lling Therefore, emphasising the proves that caring for one’s child ONE interruption. And we all daily planners with ambitious point that looking busy to show isn’t necessarily giving them can shamefully agree that in- schedules and pretty squares off our skills isn’t the same as what they want or what they terruptions while attending to that remain unticked at dusk. focusing to get the work done. like, but off ering them what is tasks are usually in the double I’ve grown accustomed to my To slow down doesn’t mean to unquestionably good for them. digits- so you can do the math. mother’s concerned cheer, reduce pace, on the contrary, it And it is this crucial lesson, we The brain, exactly like a child, ‘Slow down’, as I tackle the day’s means to prioritise that daily list must learn from our mothers enjoys this dopamine-addiction agenda like a footballer play- and focus in a realistic manner. and apply to the nurturing of our feedback loop and convinces you ing a 1 on 11 game. At burnout, We might reward our minds for minds. Multi-tasking, though to reward yourself for losing fo- it’s coach mom that tells me off achieving that huge list of tasks, considered a trend to be ac- cus. It’s these areas of our brain, with research to back up her but in reality it can’t possibly knowledged in this generation, is that help us focus and also get claims. The mind tricks us into process all that information ef- not as healthy as we think it is for easily distracted, that we need to By Sanah Thakur believing it can hold more in- fectively at the speed we want our brains. Cognitive psycholo- train. In my experience, receiv- formation, yet research shows it to. Getting those top three gists have found that switching ing praise from my mother after that our short-term working priority tasks ticked off my list between tasks causes the brain consistently focusing on one I often fi nd myself puzzled at memory is extremely limited. with a steady mind, would make to drain energy and resources on task, for a longer period of time, the irony of my expansive, often Studies reveal that at one time, my mother a lot more content small shifts. One study showed is more fulfi lling than waiting boastful, self-knowledge, with the brain can hold only 7 pieces than tirelessly scoring ten tasks that it took approximately 23 for a pat on the back every two no real eff ort utilising that in- of information in its maximum in the same breath. minutes and 15 seconds to focus minutes. formation for self-care. I know capacity. Motherhood consistently attention on another task after There are innumerable ways myself better than anyone could in which mothers show their physically or cognitively know love, and it’s the uncondition- me, yet I struggle to indulge ality of this love that keeps it in matters of my mental well- strong. It’s time I showered my being with the same passion as mind with this same uncon- my mother does. If my personal ditionality. To allow it to sleep well-being was a course, my when it’s exhausted (even if it is maternal unit would be gracing a 30-minute nap), to reward it the assignments with excellent when it needs it and not when eff ort grades, while my aver- it bullies me into it, to check on age grades stared guiltily at the the load I feed it and the costs fl oor. On this occasion of cel- of overworking it and mostly, ebrating motherhood, I invite to make this self-care a daily puzzled students to take notes practice. I promise to Mom my on how to ‘Mom your Mind’. Mind; what about you? Under the millennial pre- tense, “I always have to be The author can be contacted on productive”, I overload my day Instagram @sincerelysanah

Date and almonds coff ee squares

8-10 kholas dates 1 tbs almond butter Energy speaks louder than words 1 cup oat fl our 1 tbs cashew milk fer to it as ‘personal power’. ergetic state, our vibes can liter- it’s a must to bring high vibes help you stay positive, aligned 1 tbs coff ee When you operate or vibrate ally disrupt the world. But when when you bring your thoughts and happy, and you’ll still be 1 tsp salt on a high frequency with loving we function from a place of pos- to it. I also make a point to set loving, kind and happy and send 1/2 cup crushed almonds energy, you can be sure to re- itive energy, the world around my intention to protect my en- out an intention of trust to the 1/4 cup chia seeds ceive that energy refl ected right us becomes a more positive ergy. In my mind, I say, “I set my world. Once you tap into your back to you. On the fl ip side, place. I make it a point to check intention right now to be loving, personal power and learn how Method: when you vibrate at a low level, in with myself regularly “What to be kind and to be joyful. I am to command your energetic vi- Mix all the ingredients together in a food processor. Top with you become an energetic mag- is the energy that I’m sending a fountain, not a drainer. I’m bration, trust me, you’ll start fresh berries or mix in your favourite dried fruits or chocolate net for scenarios that are also out at this very moment? And also not a sponge. I am not go- to notice changes in your life. chips. Press in a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Cut into bars vibrating at that level. There- how is my energy aff ecting the ing to absorb the negative en- People will want to be around or squares. fore, it’s so important to learn people I come in contact with?” ergy of others.” you, they’ll feel elevated by how to take responsibility for We all know how much our This is especially important your presence. You’ll be more Enjoy the taste of eating right! By Shefa Ali your own energy. words and actions aff ect the if you’re going to be entering a vibrant in all ways, even smiley Personal power lies in our people we interact with, but space with someone who has and glowy. ability to be in control of our what we may not realise is how low level energy or someone You’ll also feel the change; Have you ever noticed that energy at any time no matter much our energy aff ects them. who is constantly negative or you’ll feel energised, joyful, it’s possible to be introduced the circumstances we find our- In fact, your energy aff ects eve- pessimistic. more inspired and more crea- to someone’s energy before you selves in, to ‘own’ our energy. rything in your life, because Setting that intention im- tive. Try it, I dare you, raise actually meet him or her? It’s It might sound impossible, but your energetic vibration at- mediately creates an invisible your vibes and tell me about the just the feeling you get when changing your energetic vibra- tracts its likeness. For example, shield. It doesn’t necessarily results. they enter a room, it’s that tion is much easier than you if you want to fi nd new friends, mean you have a negative at- something that precedes them. think. you’ve got to bring high vibes titude, it simply means you are The author is a consultant and I believe our energy is our great- When we function from a when you go to social events or protecting yourself. coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ est source of power, I like to re- doubtful, fearful, low-level en- if you want to achieve a dream Protecting your energy will shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 13 ARAB WORLD

Sudan raps ‘illegal’ Battle for last IS enclave Egypt oil exploration

AFP edges towards its end Khartoum

Reuters Baghouz, Syria udan warned yesterday against an “illegal” off er- Sing of oil and gas explora- he operation to take Is- tion blocks by Egypt in the Red lamic State’s last enclave Sea area of Halayeb, a territory Tin eastern Syria looked claimed by both countries. close to an end yesterday, with Egypt’s occupation of the no sign of clashes as US-backed Halayeb triangle, which lies in fi ghters said they were combing a mineral-rich border region of the area for hidden militants. the Red Sea, has been a bone of Reuters reporters overlook- contention for years between ing Baghouz from a hill on the Cairo and Khartoum despite an bank of the Euphrates at the overall improvement in ties since Iraqi border said the area was an October summit. calm, and the Syrian Democrat- “This is an illegal operation ic Forces (SDF) militia searched that could face legal conse- for tunnels and landmines, an quences for the parties that are SDF offi cial said. involved in carrying it out,” Su- The SDF on Tuesday cap- dan’s minister of state for oil and tured an encampment where gas, Saad el-Deen el-Bushra, the militants had been mount- said in a statement carried by the ing a last defence of the tiny offi cial SUNA news agency. enclave, pushing diehard On March 10, Egypt’s South fighters onto a sliver of land at Valley Egyptian Petroleum the Euphrates riverside. Holding Company invited bids There was no immediate for 10 oil and gas exploration update from the SDF yesterday blocks in what it said were Egyp- on the fate of these remaining tian territorial waters in the Red militants. Sea. A group of women and chil- It did not specify the exact lo- dren were seen being evacu- cation of the off ered blocks. ated from the Baghouz area. “Announcing four of those Islamic State’s defeat at blocks inside the Sudanese ter- Baghouz would end its terri- ritory of Halayeb is a direct in- torial control over the third of trusion into Sudan’s oil and gas Syria and Iraq it held in 2014 ministry’s authority of granting as it sought to carve out a huge licenses for such explorations in caliphate in the region. this area,” Bushra said. While it would represent a Fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) gather near the village of Baghouz in the countryside of the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, yesterday. “I’m calling on all companies, significant milestone in Syr- consultants and study groups to ia’s eight-year-old war and help of a US-led coalition, His fate, along with other community. The others were stop their activities in this area in the battle against Islamic taking the city of Raqqa after Islamic State leaders, is not the group’s supporters includ- US to leave 400 troops in Syria or else they will face legal conse- State, the militant group re- a months-long battle in 2017. known, though the United ing about 5,000 fi ghters. quences.” mains a threat. The group was also forced States has said it believes In recent days, as the enclave US President Donald Trump has said he will leave 400 troops in Bushra said Khartoum was Some of the group’s fighters into retreat by numerous him to be in Iraq.The group’s shrank, the SDF said hundreds Syria following the defeat of the Islamic State extremist group, ready for joint exploration work remain holed up in the central other local and foreign forces supporters in Baghouz faced more of them started to surren- which he predicted would happen by the end of the day. in that area but only under an Syrian desert and others have roused by its public displays of months of siege, pounded der, or were captured trying to Speaking outside the White House yesterday, Trump said 200 agreement between the two gone underground in Iraqi cit- bloodletting and the attacks it by coalition air strikes. Over escape. Most of those who left troops would remain in the north of the country, where the countries. ies to wage an insurgent cam- plotted abroad. Its enclave at the past two months, some were moved to displacement US has backed a Kurdish-led alliance against Islamic State, and Relations between Cairo and paign to destabilise the gov- Baghouz was the last part of 60,000 people poured out of camps in northeast Syria. another 200 in the south closer to Israel, presumably referring to Khartoum had plunged in early ernment. the massive territory it sud- the shrinking IS territory. The fi ghters were detained, the Al-Tanf base. He said the troops would remain for a “period of 2017 when Sudan’s President For the SDF, it would cap a denly seized in 2014, strad- About half of that number but the SDF has urged foreign time.” Referring to the last sliver held by Islamic State in the north- Omar al-Bashir accused Egypt four-year military campaign dling swathes of Iraq and Syr- were civilians, the SDF has said, countries to take back their east, Trump indicated the territory would soon be seized by the of supporting rebels in confl ict in which its fighters drove Is- ia, where its leader Abu Bakr including some Islamic State citizens, causing a dilemma for US-backed forces, referring to “a tiny spot which will be gone by zones, including Darfur in west- lamic State from swathes of al-Baghdadi declared a new victims such as enslaved wom- some Western states who see tonight.” ern Sudan. northeastern Syria with the caliphate. en from Iraq’s Yazidi religious them as a threat. Sudan in May 2017 banned the import of animal and other agricultural products. But in October, Sudan lifted the ban as ties improved following talks in Khartoum between Bashir and Algerian president’s party announces support for protests against leader his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt has this year repeatedly DPA country to a standstill. “The sons of the map,” he added. The FLN’s move is the candidacy of the ailing president for an attempt to prolong his rule. called for stability in its southern Algiers National Liberation Front (FLN) abso- a new setback to Boutefl ika, who has a fi fth term. “We did not have the cour- On Monday, the 82-year old leader neighbour after protests erupted lutely support this popular movement,” been facing nationwide protests for age to announce our opposition to his seemed to stick to his plan to stay in on December 19 against Bashir’s party leader Moad Bouchareb said in a nearly a month demanding he step candidacy,” Seddik Chihab told local El power and promised comprehensive rule of three decades. lgerian President Abdelaziz meeting with the party’s provincial down. Bilad TV. Last week, Boutefl ika ended reforms and a new political system. “Egypt fully supports the Boutefl ika’s political party an- representatives. On Tuesday, the spokesman for the his bid for a fi fth term in offi ce, but also He said that a national conference security and stability of Sudan, Anounced yesterday that it backs He added that party members “sin- Democratic National Rally (RND) Par- announced an indefi nite delay to presi- tasked with drafting a new constitution which is integral to Egypt’s the weeks of street protests against his cerely advocate it until reaching the ty, a long-time supporter of Boutefl ika, dential polls, originally scheduled for will be conducted very soon and will national security,” Sisi said in rule that have, at times, brought the hoped goals according to a clear road said that they could no longer support April 18, in a step seen by protesters as take decisive decisions. January. Lions, other animals ‘to Two Palestinians killed in West Bank clash be saved from Gaza zoo’ DPA army said in a statement.”As Tel Aviv a result, the two fighters were AFP The organisation con- killed, no IDF (Israel Defence Gaza City demned the declawing, with Forces) injuries were report- almost 150,000 people sign- he Israeli army killed ed.” The incident came hours ing a petition against the two Palestinians who after Israeli forces shot dead a orty animals includ- treatment. T they said hurled explo- Palestinian man suspected of ing fi ve lions are to be The animals would be sive devices at troops near being behind a deadly attack Frescued from squalid treated and sedated, before Joseph’s Tomb in the West in the West Bank that killed conditions in the Gaza Strip, being taken through Israel Bank city of Nablus overnight two people. an animal welfare group said into Jordan, Four Paws said. yesterday. The man was killed when yesterday. “For far too long, the ani- The troops were securing Israeli forces attempted to ap- The animals would be tak- mals of Rafah Zoo have had the entrance of Jewish wor- prehend him, according to the en out of a zoo in the Pales- to live under unimaginably shippers to the holy site. country’s security agency, the tinian enclave and relocated dreadful conditions,” said Jews are infrequently al- Shin Bet. The man had hid- to sanctuaries in Jordan next Four Paws veterinarian Amir lowed entry into the tomb in den in a house in a village near week, the Four Paws organi- Khalil. the Palestinian Authority- Ramallah and was shot dead sation said. “We are happy to finally controlled city under army after he opened fire, the agen- put an end to this horror,” he escort and in co-ordination cy said in a statement. Rafah Zoo in southern said in the statement. with the Palestinian security. On Sunday, a 19-year-old Gaza confi rmed the The animal welfare group The army said the explo- soldier was killed and another agreement, saying they has previously evacuated two sives were thrown from a ve- was seriously wounded in a weren’t receiving any other zoos in Gaza, where hicle and they responded with stabbing and shooting attack funds for the animals and desperate poverty often live fire. in the Israeli settlement of couldn’t provide proper leaves owners unable to as- “Simultaneously, a military Ariel. A 47-year-old rabbi, a care for them in the strip sure adequate conditions. engineering vehicle damaged father of 12 children, died of The mother of Palestinian Raed Hamdan, reacts during his funeral in Nablus, in the occupied West Bank, Israel has imposed a crip- the suspects’ vehicle,” the his injuries on Monday. yesterday. Among the other animals pling blockade on the Gaza to be taken out are a hyena, Strip for more than a decade, monkeys, wolves and porcu- measures it says are neces- pines, the organisation said sary to isolate the enclave’s in a statement. rulers Hamas. Rafah Zoo in southern Gaza Israel and Hamas have UN to hold conference on Libya to pave way for elections confirmed the agreement, fought three wars since 2008. saying they weren’t receiving In 2016, Four Paws helped any funds for the animals and facilitate the transfer of the AFP elections and out of the chaos in the Nato-backed uprising that ticipate in the forum in the cen- have been delayed by Libya’s two couldn’t provide proper care sole tiger in the Gaza Strip, Tripoli which it has plunged since a 2011 ousted longtime ruler Muammar tral city of Ghadames on April rival administrations. for them in the strip. eventually relocating it to revolution. Gaddafi . “We will invite all Lib- 14-16, which has been agreed The UN’s Libya mission UN- The zoo hit the headlines South Africa. The organisa- The national conference ya’s political categories, without following consultations and SMIL said the country’s unity last month when the cash- tion in 2017 rescued a lion he United Nations said aims to fi x dates for legislative exception,” UN envoy Ghassan meetings in 57 towns across the government leader Fayez al-Sar- strapped owner revealed he and a bear from a zoo in Mo- yesterday it will organ- and presidential elections in Salame told a news conference country. The conference will raj and military strongman Kha- had declawed one of the li- sul in northern Iraq, a former Tise an all-party confer- the North African state, which in Tripoli. also try to reach decisions on a lifa Haftar agreed at a meeting in ons there, so that customers stronghold of the Islamic ence next month to draw up a has been torn apart by military, He said between 120 and 150 new constitution and set target Abu Dhabi last month to work could pay to play with her. State group. “roadmap” to lead Libya toward political and tribal feuds since delegates were expected to par- dates for legislative texts, which toward organising elections. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, March 21, 2019 AFRICA Youngest captain, loving son: pilots honoured in death

Reuters Their lives, along with 155 oth- Addis Ababa to honour the 32 Ken- him as the ceremony progressed. He went straight into Ethiopian crash in Indonesia in October – may 5-10 for his legendary 17-hour li- Addis Ababa ers, ended when Ethiopian Airlines yan victims from the crash. Yared visited Meno’s family in Airlines’ Aviation Academy after not have been suffi ciently versed in a brary stints, and received gentle rib- Flight 302 plunged into a fi eld mo- Yared’s mother was Kenyan, Toronto when the young pilot came high school. new automated anti-stall system in bing for the neatness of his room. ments after take-off in a still unex- making him a citizen of two nations. to train on fl ight simulators in Miami “His dream was to be a pilot,” the Boeing 737 MAX series. Even as a student, Ahmednur’s he dreams of the two young plained disaster. “I’m very bitter,” 80-year-old twice in the past two years. said Meno, a corporate lawyer. The middle of three sons of skill earned him some small interior men soared as high as the Yared, 29, was captain; Ahmed- Getachew said, sitting hunched By the time of the crash, Yared “He was diligent, hardworking, a small business owner, friends design commissions, friends said. TEthiopian Airlines planes nur, 25, his fi rst offi cer. with his head in his hand as he re- had amassed 8,100 hours of fl ying he had a consistent work ethic... from the sleepy eastern city of But the dutiful son feared he they proudly fl ew. Yared was a popular and bril- fl ected on Yared’s shattered mar- experience, the airline said, unu- he was a rising star of Ethiopian Dire Dawa remember Ahmednur would not be able to make enough Handsome, cosmopolitan Yared liant student who became the air- riage plans. sual at his age but no surprise to Airlines.” as unusually driven to study when money as an architect to help his Getachew was to marry another line’s youngest ever captain at 27, “At least if he had had a child,” the family. Sitting next to Yared in the others would spend afternoons family, said his father Mohamed plane captain this year. said his father Getachew Tessema, he trailed off painfully as friends They remembered him as a com- cockpit on March 10 was Ahmed- relaxing in the shade, chewing the Omar, a white-haired 60-year-old Studious, serious Ahmednur a retired plastic surgeon and den- nodded in understanding. mitted student who shone at school nur Mohamed. narcotic leaf qat. in a carefully pressed worn suit. Mohamed rented his fi rst apart- tist. Yared’s brother Meno Getachew as a child in his mother’s native Ken- While the pair’s professionalism He spent fi ve years at college So he switched to aviation ment with his maiden paycheque He spoke to Reuters after a cer- Tessema, 39, sat next to his father, ya and as a teenager in his father’s has been lauded, air safety experts studying his fi rst love – architecture school and completed two years of in February. emony at the Kenyan embassy in sometimes putting an arm around home country Ethiopia. fear they – and pilots in a similar – where he earned the nickname training.

Local offi cials helped spark massacre, says Major funding DR Congo

AFP Kinshasa needed to deal emocratic Republic of Congo has acknowledged Dfor the fi rst time that local offi cials played a role in sparking the slaughter of hun- dreds of people last December. with cyclone At least 535 civilians were killed on December 16 and 17 in three villages in Yumbi, a remote territory in western DR Congo on the banks of the Congo River some 350km north of Kinshasa. The ethnic bloodletting went aftermath: UN largely unnoticed at fi rst because it coincided with the run-up to long- AFP Crescent Societies, said. and there is fl ooding, we have awaited presidential elections. United Nations “We are running out of time. several metres of high water,” Days passed before details People have been waiting for said Haga. began to trickle out, and it took rescue for more than three days Beira airport which was par- a month before the scale of the he United Nations said now,” she told AFP in the storm- tially damaged by the storm and killing emerged. yesterday it will be seeking ravaged coastal city of Beira. temporarily shut, had reopened “What happened in Yumbi in Ta “large” amount of fund- “Yesterday we rescued some to become the relief operations December 2018 is not a source ing from member-states to help 167 people from trees and roofs. hub but is proving not large of pride for my country,” DRC deal with the aftermath of Tropi- Today we’ll continue that. Un- enough. Human Rights Minister Marie- cal Cyclone Idai. fortunately we can’t pick up all Air force personnel from Mo- Ange Mushobekwa said in Ge- “This may be one of the worst the people, so our priority are zambique and South Africa have neva on Tuesday. natural disasters to hit southern children, pregnant women, in- been drafted in to fl y rescue mis- “Local political and admin- Africa in living memory and so jured people.” sions and distribute aid which istrative actors manipulated the we will need to do quite a lot,” In the Buzi district of Beira, can only be airlifted as roads out massacre, unfortunately leading UN spokesman Farhan Haq told scores of survivors stood peril- of Beira have been destroyed. to the nightmare we are describ- reporters at UN headquarters in ously on a church rooftop and The UN World Food Pro- ing today,” Mushobekwa said, New York. on terraces of a basketball pitch, gramme (WFP) started dis- characterising the confl ict as Five days after tropical cyclone surrounded by dirty brown fl ood patching more than fi ve tonnes “essentially linked to land”. Idai cut a swath through Mozam- waters. of emergency provisions to the The minister was speaking bique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, Some turned to harvesting aff ected areas, but warned the at the United Nations’ human the confi rmed death toll stood at rainfall rather than have to drink world had yet to appreciate the rights council following the pub- more than 300 and hundreds of the mucky waters around them. scale of the “massive disaster”. lication of a UN investigation thousands of lives were at risk, Mozambican President Filipe It is targeting some 600,000 carried out from January 17 to 26. offi cials said. Nyusi on Tuesday said 202 peo- people “in the coming weeks,” When AFP visited the scene “We do not know yet the scale ple had died, according to the spokesman Herve Verhoosel in late January, local sources said of damage to make a precise esti- latest toll, and nearly 350,000 said. the massacre had been a careful- mate of what kind of numbers we people were risk. “I don’t think that the world ly planned attack on the Banunu are looking at but it will be large,” In Zimbabwe, the death toll (has) realised yet the scale of the community by members of the said Haq. stood at 100 yesterday but was problem.” Batende ethnic group. “We are trying our best to in- expected to surge to 300, while A government worker who The attack was carried out us- form the international commu- up to 15,000 people are estimat- asked not be identifi ed spoke ing military-style tactics, with nity to expect that we need to do ed to have been hit by the storm. from a roadside after he was res- some assailants dressed in army quite a lot.” In Malawi, nearly a million cued by boat in Nhamatanda, uniforms, the sources said. The United Nations on Tues- people have been aff ected and some 60km northwest of Beira, Some of the sources implicat- day released $20mn from its more than 80,000 forced from saying “this is the fi rst time our ed members of the armed forces emergency response fund as their homes, according to the generation has seen something and the local authorities in the agencies raced to help hundreds UN. like this”. massacre. of thousands of people at risk. Aid agencies said they were In Zimbabwe, at least 217 After the bloodshed, the gov- Meanwhile, aid workers raced prepared for the cyclone, but not people are listed as missing in ernment replaced several ter- to help survivors and meet spi- for the massive fl oods that fol- Chimanimani in Manicaland, an ritorial offi cials, including the ralling humanitarian needs in the lowed. eastern province which borders police and intelligence chiefs, three countries. Mozambique bore the brunt Mozambique. army staff and administrative Mozambique, where the mon- from rivers that fl ow down- The district remains cut off personnel. ster storm made landfall early stream from its neighbours. after roads were swallowed by UN investigators last week last Friday, is reeling. “No one was prepared for the massive sinkholes and bridges said they found that the various “We’ve thousands of people... fl oods. The cyclone caused tor- were ripped to pieces by fl ash episodes of violence, which were in roofs and trees waiting for rential rains in Zimbabwe and fl oods, leaving a landscape that preceded by a dispute over the rescue,” Caroline Haga, spokes- Malawi and all the water came Defence Minister Perrance Shiri burial of a Banunu customary This handout picture released by the United Nations World Food Programme yesterday shows an aerial woman for the International here,” said Haga. said “resembles the aftermath of chief, were “strikingly similar”. view of flooded houses near the heavily-populated Mozambican port city of Beira. Federation of Red Cross and Red “Two rivers have overfl own a full-scale war”.

Amnesty says US strikes kill Zimbabwe tobacco several civilians in Somalia output set to dip

Reuters wilted other crops, including Reuters OM said in an e-mailed response Al Shabaab militant group. Harare the staple maize. Nairobi to Reuters. In March 2017, President “Some of the crop was af- Brian Castner, Amnesty Inter- Donald Trump gave the military fected by drought but we are still national’s Senior Crisis Adviser greater authority to carry out imbabwean farmers are conducting an assessment to see he US military may be on Arms and Military Operations, strikes and raids in Somalia, in- expected to sell up to the actual extent of the dam- guilty of war crimes for said the civilian death toll in the cluding without waiting for mili- Z240mn kg of tobacco this age,” said a Tobacco Industry and Tkilling large numbers of small number of air strikes the tants to attack US allies. year, a 5% dip from 2018 due to Marketing Board (TIMB) offi cial civilians in a sharply stepped-up rights group was able to investi- In a statement, AFRICOM, drought, an industry offi cial said who declined to be named. Last campaign of air strikes in Soma- gate suggested that the “shroud of said: “We have processes in yesterday at the start of the sell- year, tobacco farmers delivered lia over the past two years, Am- secrecy surrounding the US role in place to ensure the safety and ing season that could help ease a 252mn kg, an all-time record. nesty International said. Somalia’s war is actually a smoke- protection of the local popula- severe dollar shortage. This season some 40,000 new The rights group said it had screen for impunity”. tion remains a top priority. These The opening of tobacco auc- farmers have taken up growing been able to document 14 civil- “Members of the US gov- procedures, combined with pre- tions traditionally leads to tobacco, Monica Chinamasa, ians killed in investigations of ernment forces who planned cision strike capabilities, safe- improved foreign exchange TIMB chairwoman, said during just fi ve air strikes, a tiny frac- and carried out the air strikes guard civilians and infrastruc- inflows in the southern Afri- the offi cial opening of tobacco tion of at least 110 such strikes may have committed violations ture.” can nation as buyers bring in auctions in Harare. that the US military says it has of international humanitar- A US air strike this week killed dollars from offshore banks to Zimbabwe is gripped by short- launched since June, 2017. ian law, including unlawful kill- four people – an employee of purchase the crop. ages of US dollars, leading to The US military rejected Am- ings, which could amount to war mobile phone company Hor- Tobacco, which is grown shortages of fuel, food and med- nesty’s report. crimes,” Amnesty’s report said. muud Telecoms and three uni- by more than 170,000 mostly icines, especially in state hos- It says it has killed 800 mili- Somalia, one of the poorest dentifi ed passengers – a relative small-scale farmers, is Zimba- pitals, where doctors have said tants in air strikes in Somalia over countries in the world, has been of one of the victims told Reuters bwe’s second-biggest earner of patients are dying due to a lack of that period, but has not wounded in a state of civil war and pro- on Tuesday. foreign exchange after mining basic supplies. or killed a single civilian. found insecurity since 1991. AFRICOM said it had killed and last year brought in $892mn. Last month Harare ditched a “We currently assesses no ci- In recent years, the US three militants in an air strike on Farmers are expected to produce discredited 1:1 offi cial US dol- vilian casualties have occurred military has been support- Monday, adding it was aware of between 220 and 240mn kg of the lar with its quasi-currency bond as a result of any US Africa Com- ing a UN-backed govern- reports alleging civilian casual- crop this year following a drought note and electronic dollars and mand air strikes,” the US mili- ment in Mogadishu fighting ties and would review the infor- that hit yields in some areas. merged them into a transitional tary’s Africa command AFRIC- against an insurgency by the mation about the incident. A woman picks tobacco at a farm outside Harare. The lack of rain has also currency called the RTGS dollar. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 15 AMERICAS

STONE TRIBUTE SAFE NOW EXCESSIVE FORCE ‘BEST’ FRIEND ART TRAP Texas chemical plant Two off icers face charges Labrador retriever bags top Pro-Trump graff iti artist fire extinguished over fatal LA shooting honour for record 28th year nabbed with fake wall

Firefighters yesterday extinguished a raging The Los Angeles Police Commission ruled The loyal and dependable Labrador Retriever President Donald Trump has struggled to convince chemical plant fire that had burned since Sunday late on Tuesday that two off icers violated the hung on for the 28th year in a row to the title lawmakers the US needs a wall along its southern near the US city of Houston, creating a plume department’s use of deadly force policy when of America’s most popular dog in 2018, the border. But in New York, police heeded his advice of black smoke that panicked residents. The they fired their final shots into a man already American Kennel Club said yesterday. The top 10 to catch a pro-Trump graff iti artist: yes, they built a Intercontinental Terminals Company said the shot and prone on a shopping mall floor, media dog breeds in the United States in 2018 remained wall. Transit Chief Edward Delatorre told journalists blaze at its plant on the outskirts of the Texas city reported. The two off icers — Sgt Ryan Lee and unchanged from last year except for the rise of on Tuesday that off icers put up the fake wall to was extinguished at around 3am. The burning Off icer Martin Robles — now face disciplinary the German shorthaired pointer and the decline catch the tagger spraying “#LoveTrump” in a storage tanks filled with chemicals used in procedures and possible criminal charges from of the Yorkshire terrier, which swapped ninth and subway station in the city’s Brooklyn borough. gasoline mixtures and paint thinners left many the LA County district attorney’s off ice, the tenth ranks, said the AKC. After the Labrador, Off icers plotted with New York’s transit authority to residents worried about exposure to the fumes. Los Angeles Times and other media reported. America’s nine most popular dogs in 2018 in put up a plywood wall with a door, which off icers There were no serious injuries reported from the Grechario Mack, 30, who was black, died April descending order were the German shepherd, hid in for a plainclothes operation starting on The Washington Memorial stands behind the fire. Company and government off icials have said 10 from injuries of multiple gunshots after Golden retriever, French bulldog, standard March 12. Three days later, the vandal took the bait. ‘Stone of Hope’ statue at the Martin Luther testing consistently showed air quality remained he brandished a foot-long kitchen knife in a bulldog, beagle, poodle, rottweiler, German Police identified him as Jamie Montemarano, 43, King Jr Memorial in Washington, DC. below hazardous levels throughout the incident. crowded shopping mall, the Times reported. shorthaired pointer and the Yorkshire terrier. and charged him for graff iti and criminal mischief.

Trump lashes out at Deadly Midwest fl oods ‘husband from hell’ in Twitter brawl

Reuters threaten to spill south New York

Reuters resident Donald Trump yesterday refused to row back Valley, Nebraska on his feud with White House aide Kellyanne Conway’s Pspouse, calling George Conway a “husband from hell” and prompting Conway to ebraskans struggled yesterday to renew his accusation that He does not mind if clear the wreckage left by deadly Trump was mentally unfi t public sees Mueller’s Nfl oods that caused an estimated for his offi ce. Russia probe report $1bn in damage, while emergency offi cials “The president seems farther south kept a wary eye on the Mis- determined to prove the President Donald Trump said souri and Mississippi rivers as the disaster point I’ve been making,” yesterday he does not mind if threatened to spread. Conway told Reuters in re- the public is allowed to see the Floodwaters resulting from a late-win- sponse to the president’s report that Special Counsel Rob- ter storm last week and warming spring latest Twitter broadside. ert Mueller is preparing about weather that melted snow quickly this week Of all the brawls Trump his investigation of Russian inundated a large swath of Midwestern has waded into, his back- meddling in the 2016 presiden- farm states Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa and-forth with Conway, a tial election and any possible along the Missouri, North America’s long- lawyer who specialises in links to the Trump campaign. est river. litigation, has been one of “Let it come out, let people States of emergency have been declared the more eyebrow-raising see it, that’s up to the attorney in all or parts of the three states. in Washington. general...and we’ll see what Missouri offi cials stacked sandbags along Trump relied heavily on happens,” Trump told reporters major waterways and closed highways near Kellyanne Conway, a long- at the White House. the rising Missouri River, and Governor time Republican pollster “We’ll see if it’s fair,” he Mike Parson urged residents to be careful and strategist, to help steer added. near the river. his presidential campaign Mueller is preparing to The fl oods have killed four people in to victory in 2016. She is submit a report to US Attorney Nebraska and Iowa since the weekend and a trusted member of his General William Barr on his find- offi cials warned the physical damage toll White House inner circle. ings, including Russia’s role in would rise as receding waters revealed more In a tweet, Trump wrote the election and whether Trump devastated roadways, bridges and homes. that George Conway was unlawfully sought to obstruct More than 2,400 homes and businesses upset that he did not get a the probe. were destroyed or damaged in Nebraska, job in the Trump adminis- Asked if the public should with 322km of roads unusable and 11 bridg- tration. be allowed to see the report, es wiped out, Governor Pete Ricketts told a But the Washington Post Trump said: “I don’t mind.” news conference. quoted Conway — who He said he had no idea when In Valley, Nebraska, outside Omaha, Pete is with New York-based it would be released. Smock was working to clear deep mud that law fi rm Wachtell, Lipton, surrounded his home and construction Rosen & Katz — as saying business. he turned down an off er to head the Justice Department’s Civil “Devastation is everywhere. I haven’t Division. seen anything like this in my lifetime,” said In a morning tweet, Trump wrote, “George Conway, often Smock, 42. referred to as Mr Kellyanne Conway by those who know him, He had rented heavy equipment to fi ll is VERY jealous of his wife’s success & angry that I, with her deep holes cut by the fl oods with gravel and help, didn’t give him the job he so desperately wanted. I barely repair driveways leading to his offi ce and know him but just take a look, a stone cold LOSER & husband garage. “I can’t work a day before I clear this from hell!” up,” Smock said. Asked about George Conway by reporters on the White Mississippi, where some 40 counties House South Lawn yesterday, Trump used colourful language. were still recovering from fl oods early in the “I don’t know him. He’s a whack job. There’s no question month, declared a fresh state of emergency. about it. I think he’s doing a tremendous disservice to a won- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric derful wife,” he said. Administration also predicted major fl ood- Trump has been expressing irritation with Conway since the ing for parts of Kansas, Missouri and Ar- People place sandbags along a road in Nebraska. lawyer’s recent suggestion the president was suff ering from a kansas. mental condition such as narcissistic personality disorder and In Arkansas, emergency offi cials said “I was driving out to get one more load uge, said Kelly Klepper, owner of Wild Bill’s Brownville were engulfed by fl oodwaters was unfi t to serve as president. they were monitoring the situation but did of corn from the bins when the levee broke, bar. from the Missouri, but the facility was still Conway suggested the diagnosis in response to a torrent of not believe fl ooding would reach crisis lev- and there was a wall of water coming at “We’re kind of a tourist attraction right operating safely yesterday at full power. tweets unleashed by Trump last weekend laying bare his griev- els. me,” said Geib, 54, whose farm is near the now,” Klepper said by phone. “People that Off utt Air Force Base near Omaha, which ances with, among other topics, Fox News Channel’s weekend The National Weather Service expects town of Craig. don’t normally come to Rulo have been houses the US Strategic Command, re- anchors and the late Senator John McCain. warm weather in the north-central United “I was on the phone with my son-in-law, coming to Rulo to check out the water.” mained heavily fl ooded, though base of- Conway yesterday posted a brief response on Twitter com- States to continue today and tomorrow, who was driving out to help, telling him, Nebraska’s Ricketts estimated yesterday fi cials said on Twitter the facility was still menting on Trump’s latest tirade: “You. Are. Nuts.” triggering more accelerated snow melt, ‘Stop! Stop! Turn around!’” that the fl oods caused at least $439mn in “mission-capable.” In a telephone interview, Conway dismissed any suggestion meteorologist Rich Otto said in a phone in- Authorities said they had rescued nearly damage to public infrastructure and other The Strategic Command’s mission in- that he and his wife had a book or movie deal about their situa- terview. 300 people in Nebraska alone, with some assets, and $85mn to privately-owned as- cludes defending against and responding to tion. “Zero. Zilch. The suggestion is absurd,” he said. Farmers scrambled to move their har- rivers continuing to rise. sets. nuclear attacks. He also said he was not fearful about his personal safety as a vested grains before fl ooding destroyed The fl ooding killed livestock, destroyed Ricketts also estimated fl ood damage “We’re looking for it to recede by late to- result of his tiff with Trump. “Most of the unsolicited e-mails them. grains in storage and cut off access to farms for the state’s agricultural sector at nearly morrow,” Drew Nystrom, a spokesman for I’ve gotten have been positive,” he said. In northwestern Missouri, where wa- because of road and rail damage. $1bn, with about $400mn in calf losses and the base, said yesterday. Conway declined to comment on the fi ght’s impact on his ters were still rising and rivers had not yet The tiny village of Rulo, Nebraska, across $440mn in crop losses. “It’s gonna take a concentrated eff ort career and refused to say anything at all about his marriage. crested, farmer Howard Geib, 54, had a the Missouri from Craig, has been drawing Roads leading to the Nebraska Public and many months to get everything back to The White House did not immediately respond to a request close call. a small crowd of onlookers to see the del- Power District’s Cooper nuclear plant near normal.” for comment.

Trudeau serves up election year budget treats

By Michel Comte, AFP opinion polls for the fi rst time in the Canada’s economy surged af- There is also cash for cancer Ottawa golden boy premier’s fi rst term. ter the Liberals took offi ce in 2015 and dementia care, anti-hate With only seven months until and unleashed a massive stimu- initiatives and tighter controls at the next election and the econ- lus. the US border. anada’s government doled omy forecast to brake suddenly But growth is forecast to slow Former parliamentary budget out goodies on Tuesday before then, the Liberals desper- to 1.8% this year and 1.6% in offi cer Kevin Page noted more Cfor almost everyone in an ately needed to wow voters. 2020. than 120 budget measures he election year budget that looks In a speech to parliament de- Under the government’s plan, framed as “a lot of sprinkles to to brace a slowing economy and layed by a Tory protest over the the fi scal defi cit would balloon make a lot of constituents as sagging support for Justin Tru- SNC-Lavalin aff air, Finance to C$19.8bn (US$14.9bn), or happy as possible.” deau’s Liberals. Minister Bill Morneau pointed to 0.9% of Canada’s gross domestic “In the context of a two trillion The spending binge appeared past achievements — 900,000 product. dollar economy, that spending is calculated to appeal to the broad- new jobs since 2015 and the low- It includes slightly higher not going to change the economy est number of voters. est unemployment in 40 years — revenues of C$338.8bn, and fundamentally, but could make But pundits said it likely won’t while acknowledging fears that C$355.6bn in program spending people’s lives a little bit better be enough to turn the page on a the best is behind Canadians. and public debt charges. with relatively small amounts political scandal dogging Tru- “There’s a growing sense of Over fi ve years, new spending — that’s the gamble the govern- deau, and lamented a lack of uncertainty taking root around would top C$18bn. ment is taking,” Page told AFP. signature initiatives and no clear the world,” Morneau said. “And The federal debt, meanwhile, In some areas, such as a child path to a balanced budget. Canada is not immune to those is forecast to rise to C$705.4bn, welfare crisis gripping indig- For weeks, the Trudeau gov- worries.” or 30.7% of the economy, and enous communities, “a little ernment has been rocked by “A good job, the ability to make keep rising with no end in sight. money could make a big diff er- accusations it sought to shield ends meet, the chance to build a New initiatives include af- ence. engineering giant SNC-Lavalin life that’s at least as good as the fordable housing for millennials, There could be enough of from prosecution for alleged one your parents had — that’s faster rural internet, arresting those measures throughout the fraud and bribery in Libya. what we all want,” he said. “With the decline of Canada’s 70-plus budget,” Page said. Four senior offi cials quit over this budget we are continuing our indigenous languages, electric “But it’s not a budget politi- Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with Finance Minister Bill Morneau after the scandal, plunging the Liber- proven and successful plan of in- car incentives and boosting sen- cally that is going to change the Morneau delivered the budget in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday. als behind the opposition Tories in vesting in the middle class.” iors’ benefi ts. dial on the current (scandal).” Gulf Times 16 Thursday, March 21, 2019 ASIA Student’s death sparks Detained FIFA offi cial fresh protest in Dhaka freed from jail DPA The protesters have a seven- AFP International demanded Mah- Dhaka point charter of demands that Dhaka fuza’s unconditional release, includes ensuring safety and saying she “was merely exer- discipline on roads, and the cising her to right to freedom housands of students proper application of traffi c FIFA offi cial detained for of expression”. demonstrated in Dhaka rules. allegedly defaming the If she is found guilty, Mah- Tyesterday to demand im- “We don’t want to return ABangladeshi prime min- fuza could be sentenced to a proved road safety after a uni- home until the demands are ister has been freed, her lawyer maximum two years in jail. versity student was run over met,” Fahad Hossain, one said yesterday, in a case closely The arrest of the FIFA of- by a bus, in a city that only re- protester, said. watched by football’s governing fi cial marks the latest attack cently saw protests against poor He noted that similar de- body and rights groups. on freedom of expression in road safety. mands by students a year ago Mahfuza Akhter, a FIFA Bangladesh, Amnesty said. The protesters, many of whom had been forgotten. council member since 2017 and Rights groups have accused wielded placards, blocked inter- In 2018, hundreds of thou- the national chief of women’s the Bangladeshi government of sections at various places in the sands of students took to the soccer, was arrested on Sat- using harsh laws to stifl e dissent. city, causing severe traffi c jams. streets demanding improved urday after a local football or- Scores of people have been They also sat down on the road safety after two people were ganiser accused her of making arrested under strict internet streets under the scorching sun crushed by a bus on Dhaka’s derogatory comments about laws and cases have been fi led and chanted slogan “we want busy airport road. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. against at least 200 people for justice.” The protests lasted from July She was granted bail this making derogatory comments “Won’t let my brother’s blood 29 to August 8. week and released from Dhaka about Hasina online, according to go in vain,” read one of the “We are not pleased only on central prison yesterday af- to a cyber crime prosecutor. placards. assurances, now.” said Hossain. ternoon “after we completed Mahfuza’s arrest came A passenger bus ran over Lax implementation of law, all legal formalities”, said her months after Bangladesh de- Abrar Ahmed Chowdhury, 20, a poor infrastructure, reckless lawyer Liakat Hossain. tained and charged award- fi rst-year student of Bangladesh driving and lack of road aware- Mahfuza in a press confer- winning photographer Sha- University of Professionals, at a ness have all left Bangladesh ence last month criticised hidul Alam with making pedestrian crossing on Tuesday. among the countries with the Hasina for neglecting football “false” and “provocative” The driver had no license to highest road fatality rates. in the cricket-mad country. statements in a televised in- run the bus, said Atiqul Islam, More than 7,000 people were In an e-mail to AFP, a FIFA terview in August. mayor of the Dhaka South City killed and more than 15,000 spokesman this week said the He was jailed for 107 days – Corporation. others injured in road crashes in footballing body was “monitor- the photographer said he was He promised legal action 2018, according to a report by civ- ing this matter with concern”. badly beaten while in custody – against the driver, and the owner ic group Bangladesh Passenger Students hold placards during a protest in Dhaka yesterday, following the death of a student in a road The statement came a day and denied bail four times be- of the bus company. Welfare Organisation. accident on March 19. after rights group Amnesty fore being freed in November. Vietnam Outrage in Vietnam over $8 fi ne for elevator assault activist AFP is widespread but remains a “The fi ne... was a mockery An online petition calling women reported regular abuse In 2017, model and actress Vu Hanoi taboo topic. and humiliation against the for an amendment to the law by their spouses. Thu Phuong said she was har- jailed for Citizens took to social media dignity of Vietnamese women,” gathered steam yesterday. Many are too scared to re- assed by Hollywood producer this week after a man was fi ned said Facebook user Duong Dai Offi cial data on sexual har- port the abuse, said Khuat Thu Harvey Weinstein, but her story ietnamese citizens 200,000 dong, or $8.61, for for- Trieu Lam yesterday. assment is not routinely pub- Hong, director of the Institute failed to spark a wider #Me- Facebook were outraged after a cibly kissing a woman in an el- Offi ce worker Nguyen Trang lished in Vietnam, though 87% for Social Development Stud- Too movement seen elsewhere Vman was fi ned $8 for evator in her Hanoi apartment said: “It’s ridiculous, I can’t ac- of women and girls experienced ies, who welcomed the public in Asia, including in China and forcibly kissing a woman in building. cept this... I’m worried for my sexual harassment in pub- outcry following the elevator South Korea. posts an elevator, a rare public out- CCTV footage showed the kids and myself”. lic, according to a 2014 survey attack. Last year, an intern at a burst in a country where sex- man chatting to the woman Unlike rape, sexual assault is of 2,000 women by the NGO “The reaction is a good sign, major newspaper said she ual assault is scarcely spoken before cornering her and sud- not a criminal off ence in Vietnam, ActionAid. society has shown its support had attempted suicide after AFP about openly. denly jumping on her before she but is considered an administra- The last comprehensive sur- to those who are courageous to she was allegedly raped by Hanoi The #MeToo movement nev- scrambles out of the elevator as tive violation falling under the vey on gender violence in 2010 speak out,” Hong said. her editor, which he denied. er took off in Vietnam, a con- he grabbed her arm. category of “indecent speech and published by the World Health This is not the fi rst time tales The case was reported to the servative communist country The footage quickly went vi- behaviour”. The maximum fi ne for Organisation and the Vietnam- of sexual harassment in Viet- police but no charges have Vietnamese activist was where gender-based violence ral, stoking public anger. sexual assault is $13. ese government said 34% of nam have gone public. been laid. sentenced yesterday to Atwo years in prison for “abusing democratic freedoms” in the conservative communist state that has seen an uptick in Immigration check-point dissident detentions under a hardline leadership. Singapore Le Minh The was convicted for a series of Facebook posts fol- lowing a half-day trial in south- ern Can Tho province, state me- dia reported. rejects Lanka He “deliberately posted and distributed reactionary propa- ganda information online, incit- ing, instigating and instructing others to protest and riot to over- allegation on throw the authorities”, according to Cong An Nhan Dan, the of- fi cial mouthpiece of the Public Security Ministry. He also livestreamed content scam suspect that “defamed the party and the state (and) aimed to undermine AFP state has requested Colombo the unity of the people”, the news Singapore to provide them, the spokes- site added. person said. He was sentenced to two years “To date, Singapore has not in jail for “abusing democratic ingapore rejected yester- yet received the requested sup- freedoms”. day Sri Lankan President porting information and docu- The’s Facebook posts had pro- SMaithripala Sirisena’s ments,” the spokesperson said. tested against a controversial allegation it was sheltering a “We look forward to receiv- cybersecurity law that would former central bank chief want- ing the requested information require internet companies to ed for fraud, saying Colombo from Sri Lanka, so that we can hand over user data and re- failed to provide documents to consider the request further in move content if requested by the support its extradition request. accordance with our laws.” government. Sirisena on Monday ac- Singapore can extradite He had also criticised a draft cused Singapore of sheltering fugitives to declared Com- law to grant foreign investors 99- Arjuna Mahendran, one of his monwealth countries, which People wait to cross the Tak immigration check-point to reach Myanmar in Mae Sot, Thailand, yesterday. year leases in special economic country’s former central bank include Sri Lanka. zones, a bill that sparked rare, chiefs wanted in connection In February last year, Ma- nationwide protests last year. with a high-profi le $74mn in- hendran was named a key sus- Amnesty International sider trading scam. pect in the multi-million dol- slammed the verdict and called Sirisena said he appealed lar bond scam in Sri Lanka. He for all political prisoners to be to Prime Minister Lee Hsien fl ed abroad, failing to appear released. Loong in January to return in court to respond to charges. UN rights chief warns Lanka of fresh confl ict “This is yet another sham trial Mahendran, who is believed to A damning presidential re- of a peaceful activist in Viet- be in Singapore, but claimed port into the scandal accused nam,” a spokesman said. nothing had been done. Mahendran of insider trading AFP Colombo had agreed to en- in setting up a special judicial war criminals, but later retracted Vietnam jailed nearly 60 dis- Mahendran, a Singapore and recommended the state Geneva sure an accountability mecha- mechanism to deal with the and agreed to the government’s sidents last year, several of whom national of Sri Lankan origin, recover its losses from Ma- nism by March 2019, but Sri worst crimes committed during call to buy more time. received sentences of up to 20 was accused in 2015 of pass- hendran and his son-in-law. Lankan authorities have said the 2009 confl ict”. “A contributing factor to years in prison, according to an ing sensitive information to Sri Lanka’s central bank also he UN human rights chief they want another two years to Delays were partly due to a delays appears to be a lack of AFP review. his bond-dealer son-in-law to launched a forensic audit to yesterday warned Sri deliver. power struggle between Presi- common vision among the Observers say the crackdown make millions. ascertain the extent of insider TLanka it could slip back The council is expected to dent Maithripala Sirisena and country’s highest leadership,” is being waged by a conservative The pair are accused of ma- trading during Mahendran’s to confl ict unless it addressed decide on granting an exten- his estranged Prime Minister Bachelet said. leadership in charge since 2016, nipulating bond auctions in tenure at the bank. the “worst crimes” during the sion today, but Bachelet said Sri Ranil Wickremesinghe late last “Deadlock on these impor- which has also led a parallel anti- 2015 and 2016, causing losses The fallout deepened acri- fi nal stages of its ethnic war. Lanka’s failure to address em- year, she said. tant issues is an additional – corruption campaign that has of over $11mn to the state. mony between Sirisena and his Michelle Bachelet told the blematic cases had led to a lack Sirisena sacked the govern- and avoidable – problem, with seen dozens of bankers, busi- A spokesperson for Singa- coalition partner Prime Minis- Human Rights Council that of confi dence. ment and called a snap election, damaging impact currently on nessmen and former offi cials put pore’s Ministry of Foreign Af- ter Ranil Wickremesinghe, who Sri Lanka was yet to set up the “Continuing impunity risks but the Supreme Court restored victims from all ethnic and reli- behind bars. fairs said authorities in the city- handpicked Mahendran to head special judicial mechanism as fuelling communal or intereth- the status quo after ruling that gious groups and on society as a Vietnam has consistently de- state have been co-operating the central bank in 2015. promised four years ago to try nic violence, and instabil- the president had violated the whole,” she said. fended its rights record, even as with their Sri Lankan counter- The pair’s strained relation- war criminals. ity,” she said. “Resolving these constitution. A UNHRC resolution in Oc- it has come under fi re by rights parts on the case since January. ship collapsed entirely in late Sri Lankan government troops cases, and bringing the perpe- Sirisena and Wickremesin- tober 2015 granted Sri Lanka 18 groups and foreign allies – in- However, Sri Lanka’s re- 2018, when Sirisena sacked have been accused of killing at trators of past crimes to jus- ghe are also at odds over ensur- months to establish a credible cluding the US, the European quest to return Mahendran Wickremesinghe, plung- least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civil- tice, is necessary to restore the ing accountability. investigation. The two-year Union and United Nations – over “lacked certain information ing the country into political ians in the fi nal months of the is- confi dence of victims from all Earlier this month, Sirisena extension to that expires this hefty sentences and high-profi le required under Singapore’s chaos as both men competed land’s 37-year guerrilla war that communities.” said he wanted the rights council month and there have been no arrests. extradition laws” and the city- for power. ended in May 2009. She noted a “lack of progress to drop the demand to prosecute tangible results. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 17 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Mourners attend a funeral for a victim of the twin mosque attacks at the Memorial Park cemetery in Christchurch yesterday. New Zealand begins funerals for mosque shooting victims

Reuters Christchurch

he bodies of victims from Mourners carry the first coff ins of victims killed in the March 15 twin mosque massacre during a funeral at New Zealand’s mosques the Memorial Park cemetery in Christchurch yesterday. Tmass shooting were car- ried in open caskets on the shoul- enough on the risk from far-right ders of mourners into a large tent extremists. Ex-Pantera singer’s NZ gigs axed at Christchurch’s Memorial Park As of Tuesday night, 21 victims Cemetery yesterday – the fi rst had been identifi ed, with the re- over past ‘white power’ comments burials of the 50 victims. mainder expected to be complet- The majority of victims from ed yesterday before their bodies Two New Zealand performanc- of performances that year by Friday’s attack in the South Is- can be released for burial, police es by the former frontman of Down, his band at the time. land city were migrants or refu- said. influential metal band Pantera Anselmo later apologised, gees from countries such as Paki- Families of the victims have have been cancelled in the calling his comments an “awful stan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, been frustrated by the delay as wake of the Christchurch mas- mistake”. But that behaviour Turkey, Somalia, Afghanistan under Islam bodies are usually sacre over his past comments from three years ago could not and Bangladesh. The youngest buried within 24 hours. Bush said about white supremacy. Phil be ignored in the aftermath was a boy of three, born in New police had to prove the cause of Anselmo sparked outrage in of the Christchurch massacre, Zealand to Somali refugee par- death to the satisfaction of the 2016 when he gave a Nazi sa- Mulchin was quoted as saying ents. coroner and the judge handling lute and yelled “White Power!” by the New Zealand Herald The fi rst two victims buried, the case. “You cannot convict during a high-profile concert in on Tuesday. “I completely father and son Khaled and Ham- for murder without that cause Los Angeles. agree (we should not forget) za Mustafa, came from war-torn of death. So this is a very com- He was scheduled to perform or ignore Phil’s vile, deplorable Syria. “I cannot tell you how gut- prehensive process that must be with his band The Illegals next actions and words in 2016 nor ting it is ... a family came here completed to the highest stand- week – on March 26 in Christch- his pandering to a crowd in the for safety and they should have Zaid Mustafa, son and brother of mosque victims Khaled and Hamza Mustafa, leaves after their funeral, the ard,” he said. urch and in Auckland the next 1990s... there is no excuse,” he been safe here,” said Prime Min- first funerals of the 50 victims of the mosque shootings, at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Christchurch. Twenty nine people wounded day, less than two weeks after told the newspaper. ister Jacinda Ardern, visiting the in the attacks remained in hos- an avowed white supremacist Anselmo was the frontman city for the second time since stood watch with fl owers tucked powerful indigenous ceremo- following the attack. He was re- pital, eight still in intensive care. allegedly gunned down 50 of Pantera, a band that was the massacre. Wrapped in white in their revolver holsters and at- nial performance, and a crowd of manded without a plea and is due Many have had to undergo multi- people at two mosques. “New formed in the early 1980s and cloth, the bodies were laid to tached to their high powered people sung New Zealand’s na- back in court on April 5, when ple surgeries due to complicated Zealand suff ered a terrible hate rose to become one of the face Makkah, and, after jenazah rifl es. Six victims were buried tional anthem as the sun set. police said he was likely to face gunshot wounds. The gunman crime ... just 5 days ago,” Ben most influential metal bands (funeral) prayers, were carried yesterday, with more expected The Australian National Im- more charges. New Zealand’s po- used semi-automatic AR-15 ri- Mulchin of show promoter of the next decade. He had towards their freshly dug graves. during the week. ams Council has called on Imams lice chief said global intelligence fl es, with large magazines, and a Valhalla Touring told AFP in faced – and denied – allega- “Seeing the body lowered down, Ardern said this coming Fri- to dedicate this Friday’s Khutbah agencies, including the US Fed- shotgun. an e-mail yesterday. “There tions of racism before the 2016 it was a very emotional time for day’s call to prayers for Muslims (sermon) to the Christchurch eral Bureau of Investigation and The attack was broadcast live was nothing positive to come on-stage outburst too. me,” said Gulshad Ali, who had in New Zealand will be broad- mosque mass shooting. “This is a those from Australia, Canada and on Facebook and quickly distrib- from the tour as people are still The scrapping of Anselmo’s travelled from Auckland to at- cast nationally and there will be human and an international trag- Britain, were building up a profi le uted to other platforms, prompt- grieving and it’s just inappropri- gigs comes after organis- tend the fi rst funeral. a two-minute silence on Friday. edy, not only a Muslim and NZ of the alleged shooter. ing Ardern and others to rebuke ate and lacking respect to hold ers, citing the twin-mosque Several mounds of dirt piled “There is a desire to show sup- tragedy. These acts of terror are “I can assure you this is an the technology companies. A these shows so soon.” killings, cancelled the March high marked the site of multi- port for the Muslim community there to divide us ... and we re- absolute international investiga- group of state-run New Zealand A representative for Galatos, 17 Christchurch concert by ple graves which will be used as they return to mosques on Fri- ject this in all its forms and ways, tion,” Police Commissioner Mike investment funds with a com- the venue for the Auckland gig, Slayer – one of the biggest for New Zealand’s worst mass day,” she said. but rather we will stay united and Bush said at a media briefi ng in bined NZ$90bn ($61.5bn) in as- also confirmed the cancella- metal bands in the world. They shooting. Hundreds gathered to The bullet-ridden Al Noor strong.” the capital Wellington. sets said they were putting their tion. The 2016 comments, for did not detail reasons for the mourn, some men wearing a ta- Mosque, where more than 40 Australian Brenton Tarrant, Questions were being asked investment heft behind calls for which Anselmo initially refused move beyond “the safety and qiyah (skullcap), others in shal- people died, was being cleaned 28, a suspected white suprema- about New Zealand’s relaxed gun Facebook, Google and Twitter to to apologise, unleashed a wave well-being of the public”. war kameez (long tunic and trou- and repaired for Friday prayers. cist who was living in Dunedin, laws, which Ardern has promised take action following the lives- of condemnation, accusations Slayer are known for violent sers), while women wore hijabs Near the mosque, members of on New Zealand’s South Island, to tighten, and on whether New treaming and sharing on social of racism and cancellations imagery in their lyrics. and scarfs. Heavily armed police rival gangs did a Maori haka, a has been charged with murder Zealand authorities were focused media of the attack.

Cylcone Trevor causes Australia Australia to decrease migration intake power outages, Indonesia fl ood toll tops set to strengthen DPA settlement. “Migration and those the Gold Coast. Morrison’s an- alone — 3mn others live in Bris- 100, dozens still missing Canberra who have come to Australia to nouncement comes ahead of the bane and the Gold Coast region, A powerful tropical cyclone that make a contribution, not take upcoming federal election in May while Perth has a population of lashed the northeast coast of one, has been an enormous boon with voters expressing frustration about 2mn. The population in Australia, closing ports and caus- AFP number of evacuees has made the ustralian Prime Minister for Australia,” Morrison told re- over congestion in the big cities. Sydney and Melbourne is increas- ing power outages, was expected Sentani shelters very crowded and un- Scott Morrison has an- porters in Canberra. “We want to ing at about 100,000 per year. to strengthen further yesterday. comfortable,” said national dis- Anounced his country will continue to encourage that.” The decision to cut down Most new additions are due to Tropical Cyclone Trevor was a cat- aster agency spokesman Sutopo decrease its annual migration in- The decision to cut down im- immigrants intake and migration, while regional towns egory 3 system — with winds gust- he death toll from fl ash Purwo Nugroho. take and push new arrivals from migrants intake and push new- push newcomers out of have seen their populations de- ing at 165km per hour — when it fl oods and landslides that As teams loaded mud-caked crowded big cities to rural towns. comers out of cities comes just cities comes just days aft er crease signifi cantly. Experts say made landfall on the Cape York Ttore through Indonesia’s corpses into body bags, the search The government will reduce the days after the deadly Christch- the deadly Christchurch the demographic shift is largely peninsula Tuesday evening, hitting Papua region has topped 100 with for survivors was hampered by number of migrants it accepts an- urch mosque attacks, in which an mosque attacks, in which driven by a surge in international small isolated communities. dozens more still missing, the mountains of debris including nually from 190,000 to 160,000 Australian terrorist targeted im- an Australian terrorist students — more than half a mil- The Bureau of Meteorology said disaster agency said yesterday. rocks and fallen trees. Hundreds for the next four years, Morrison migrant Muslims. targeted immigrant lion each year — who contribute it is now tracking slowly west out Nearly 10,000 people have moved of homes, bridges, schools and said yesterday. Morrison has been criticised Muslims about A$21bn (US $16.9bn) annu- to the Gulf of Carpentaria and will to shelters while at least 104 vic- other public facilities were de- Morrison also introduced on the timing and the optics of ally, making education the coun- intensify to a category 4 system tims are confi rmed to have died stroyed. new visa categories which force the announcement, but he ex- The topic of immigration is try’s third largest export. by the weekend before making and 79 are unaccounted for in the More than 2,300 personnel 23,000 skilled migrants to live and pressed “great frustration” that thorny, especially for the con- Latest fi gures show that 20% landfall again. Queensland energy aftermath of the disaster, trig- have been deployed to search for work for at least three years in ru- the debate on population and im- servative government which has of Australia’s migrants come from provider Ergon Energy say they gered by heavy rain on Saturday. the missing victims and to clean ral towns before becoming eligible migration was getting “hijacked been accused of mistreating asy- India, 15% from China and 9% are ready to fly crews in to help Scores have suff ered injuries, up debris. Flooding is common to apply for permanent residency, by those of competing views who lum seekers and refugees. Morri- from Britain. Since Britain occu- restore power with all residents including cuts and broken bones, in Indonesia, especially during and will off er international stu- seek to exploit them for other son’s government has been trail- pied the continent as a penal and in Lockhart River and Coen now while some 40 unidentifi ed bod- the rainy season which runs from dents deals to study outside the causes.” ing behind the opposition Labor settlers colony in the 1770s, Aus- in darkness following the event. ies would be buried in a mass October to April. big cities. “This is a practical problem Party in opinion polls. tralia has had to fi ll skill shortages Spokesperson Emma Oliveri said, grave today, offi cials said. In January, fl oods and land- The government says the policy that Australians wanted ad- Australia has about 25mn peo- in the labour market. In the 19th- “A total of 460 people have lost Many survivors fear more slides killed at least 70 people will help ease the pressure on the dressed, that migrant communi- ple and recent years have seen in- century gold rush period, many power and while those numbers fl oods will rip through hard-hit on Sulawesi island, while earlier infrastructure of cities that have ties wanted addressed,” he said. creasing pressure on highly popu- Chinese immigrants came to may not seem high, every person Papua, which shares a border this month hundreds in West Java struggled to keep pace in recent The areas for 23,000 regional lated east-coast cities. More than work. To develop the railway line in the communities of Lockhart with independent Papua New province were forced to evacuate years due to booming popula- visa spots are outside Sydney, two-thirds of the total population across the country, Afghan came- River, Coen and close to half of Guinea on an island just north when torrential rains triggered tions, mostly because of migrant Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and live in Sydney and Melbourne leers conquered the outback. Aurukun are in darkness.” of Australia. “The increasing severe fl ooding. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, March 21, 2019 BRITAIN

Trump’s plan for new homes in Scotland backed by offi cials

Guardian News and Media omy and recommended that it als ignored the promises made Ford said this reinforced strong risks creating a precedent other been approached for a comment. deenshire because so far it has London is approved by the council next in 2008 when Trump fi rst won suspicions that Trump was get- developers might wish to fol- The council has given Trump refused to include cheaper or month, subject to conditions. permission to build a £750mn ting preferential treatment, and low,” Ford said. a rare dispensation to sidestep rented homes in its plans. But the US president’s oppo- golfi ng and holiday resort on the urged councillors to vote against Planning offi cials have warned rules that require a quarter of the The council’s rules stipulate lanners in Aberdeen- nents furiously accused planners site, overriding legal protections the proposals. Trump’s son Eric the Trump Organisation it still homes in new housing develop- this deal can only be allowed in shire have backed Donald of overlooking more than 20,000 for its rare coastal dunes. visited Scotland last week, a few needed to meet a series of extra ments to be aff ordable to help “rare and exceptional” cases, PTrump’s controversial plans objections, including those from Ford said the 2008 masterplan days before planning offi cers conditions before they fi nally ap- address its signifi cant home- and only as a last resort. to build up to 550 luxury homes the local community council, was being used as a Trojan horse published their report. proved his application. Those in- lessness problems. The council The company will have to pay near his golf course, despite a transport offi cials and 18,722 to allow Trump to build a profi t- “The Trump Organisation clude better fl ood protection, im- had 6,000 people on its waiting an initial £770,000 surcharge record number of objections. people who signed a petition or- able housing estate, without any wants the housing without proved access for non-motorists, list last year. for the fi rst phase of 82 homes The council’s planning of- ganised by the online platform of the extra jobs, amenities and building the resort development redesigned streets, improved tree It has instead allowed Trump and community facilities. Trump fi cers said the scheme, due to 38 Degrees. investment he promised. The it was supposed to fund. That protection and an agreement to Golf Scotland, the business that would then have to pay another be built in phases at a cost of Councillor Martin Ford, housing plans also breached a would be hugely fi nancially ben- pay up to £5mn towards aff ord- runs the golf course, to pay a £4.2mn for the remainder of the around £25mn, had “consider- Trump’s most prominent critic series of conditions in the local efi cial to Trump, but it is surely able housing in the area. 25% surcharge towards aff ord- project, unless it included aff ord- able merit” for the local econ- on the council, said the propos- development plan, he said. not in the public interest and The Trump Organisation has able homes elsewhere in Aber- able housing in future phases.

Anti-Brexit MP reveals Brexit delay facing barrage of threats possible if MPs

AFP London approve deal, rominent pro-European politician Anna Soubry Phas revealed the extent of threatening abuse she and family members — including her elderly mother — have received amid the insists Tusk rancour in Britain over Brexit. Soubry, who quit the ruling AFP have a shorter delay to May 23 needed, and told MPs yesterday Conservative Party last month London — when voting begins in Euro- she had written to Tusk. in protest at its stance on the EU pean Parliament elections — or In a letter starting “Dear Don- and joined the new Independent a much longer one, until at least ald...”, May said that the UK was Group of MPs, said she had been he EU could approve Brit- the end of 2019. seeking “an extension...to June sent bullets as part of the intimi- ain’s request for a short The other 27 EU leaders must 30”. dation. Tdelay to Brexit but only unanimously agree any delay, But she was confronted with a “I had one day which was if British MPs next week vote but commission president Jean- barrage of criticism from Brexit very bad when there were bul- through the withdrawal deal Claude Juncker said it was un- supporters who want to leave on lets and there was a really nasty they have twice rejected, Euro- likely that they decide this week March 29 regardless, as well as death threat,” the lawmaker told pean Council president Donald unless London sets out a clear pro-EU lawmakers who want a a panel discussion on Brexit Tusk said yesterday. plan, suggesting another meet- longer delay to seek a new strat- hosted by The Guardian news- “I believe a short extension ing might be needed next week. egy. paper. will be possible but it will be A spokesman for German May faced shouts of “resign”, “I don’t admit it but I do get conditional on a positive vote on Chancellor Angela Merkel wel- while opposition Labour leader frightened. My great fear is that the withdrawal agreement in the comed London’s “clear request” Jeremy Corbyn accused her of something will happen and then House of Commons,” Tusk told and said she would “make every leading Britain into “crisis, cha- everyone will go ‘Oh my God, reporters, a day before leaders eff ort” to bring about an agree- os and division”. how did that happen?’” were to gather in Brussels for a ment at the Brussels summit. In her letter, May said she in- Soubry said the latest threats crucial summit. But her Foreign Minister tended to bring her deal back to were sent to her home as recent- Earlier yesterday, May had Heiko Maas of the junior coali- the Commons “as soon as possi- ly as Monday. asked the EU to delay Brexit until tion partner Social Democrats ble”, arguing that if it passed, she The MP — who represents a June 30 as she scrambled to con- said May’s letter “only pushes would need the delay until June seat in central England — is one tain a deepening political crisis, the solution further down the 30 to implement the treaty. of the most vocal opponents in but faced warnings that Britain road”. And in Paris, French For- If the text is rejected a third parliament of Britons’ decision could still crash out of the bloc in eign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian time, May said MPs would have to leave the European Union in nine days. had a tough message. to decide what happened next. 2016. The pound plunged on cur- “A situation in which May is “As prime minister, I am not She has called for Brexit to be rency markets as European unable to deliver suffi cient guar- prepared to delay Brexit any fur- reversed through another refer- Union leaders and British par- antees on the credibility of her ther than June 30,” she said, in endum. liamentarians responded with strategy at the European Council comments interpreted as a hint The resulting abuse has had an scepticism to her request. meeting would lead to the request about her own future. She said impact on her family, who have Exactly 1,000 days on from being refused and a preference for delaying any longer would re- also been on the receiving end, Britain’s seismic 2016 referen- a no deal,” he told parliament. quire Britain to hold elections for Soubry said. dum vote to exit the EU, a divorce The parliament has been the European Parliament, which “My mother...she’s 84 and she deal negotiated by May has been deadlocked for months over would be “unacceptable”. got this threat. That really upset blocked in parliament, leaving Brexit, with MPs unable to de- After almost two years of all of us,” she added. the country gripped by uncer- cide how to implement the refer- talks, May and the EU struck a “And they sent an RIP card to tainty. endum result, and voters them- divorce agreement late last year, my partner, saying your treach- She wants to put back the selves are also sharply divided. but MPs have overwhelmingly erous so and so forth is not going March 29 exit date to try one But Britain is now in crisis, rejected it twice. to be anymore. So I’m not going more time to get her agreement facing the potentially cata- Her plan to hold a third home this weekend.” passed, but said any postpone- strophic prospect of leaving its vote this week was dramati- In January dozens of lawmak- ment beyond the end of June biggest trading partner after 46 cally blocked by parliamentary ers wrote to London’s police would undermine voters’ trust. years with no arrangements in Speaker John Bercow, who said chief to warn about a “deterio- However, the European Com- place. May could not keep bringing the rating public order and security mission advised EU leaders that May reluctantly accepted this same deal back to MPs without situation” around parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May leaves from the rear of 10 Downing Street in London yesterday. it would be preferable to either week that a delay to Brexit was substantive changes. Tory MPs vow to quit if NHS plans under Johnson becomes leader no-deal Brexit ‘sick’ Guardian News and Media Kate Husband, whose parents, London both 80, a teacher and an archi- Guardian News and Media Another minister said he knew a household name to put up tect, moved from Cornwall to London of fi ve or six Conservatives who against Labour’s Jeremy Cor- join her and her husband in Brit- were openly saying they were so byn. he government has been tany 25 years ago. opposed to a Johnson premier- “Who outside Westminster described as sick and un- Pensioners will be eligible to onservative MPs are or- ship that they could not stay in has heard of Dominic Raab?” Tcaring by an organisation return to the UK and get treat- chestrating against a po- the party run by him and a group asked one Brexit supporting MP representing more than 10,000 ment on the NHS under the Ctential leadership cam- of “Brexit ultras”. who wants Johnson to deliver British nationals in Europe over contingency plans, the Health paign by Boris Johnson, with Anna Soubry, the former Tory May a message that she must NHS healthcare plans for pension- Minister, Stephen Hammond, several talking of resigning the minister who quit to join the new stand down soon regardless of ers in a no-deal Brexit scenario. revealed in a statement. whip if he were to become party Independent Group, said she whether her Brexit deal passes. British nationals who have “How can pensioners with can- leader. believed “people will leave” if “Boris still has the star qual- retired to EU countries have re- cer, cardiac problems or other ma- With Tories convinced that Johnson were to become prime ity that we would need with the acted with fury to what they jor issues be expected to make or Theresa May’s days in No 10 are minister. electorate to beat Corbyn if there describe as an insulting and of- even aff ord repeated visits to the numbered, MPs are feverishly Johnson could face competi- is going to be an election soon. fensive off er by the government UK for regular vital treatment?” discussing who will seek to re- tion from Dominic Raab, Esther And there is going to be an elec- to cover healthcare costs for up asked Dave Spokes, co-ordinator place her, how organised the McVey, David Davis, Michael tion in 2019 if you look at parlia- to one year if they had applied at Expat Citizens Rights in the teams are and whether a general Gove and Andrea Leadsom ment.” for or are undergoing treatment EU (Ecreu), an organisation with election would be necessary. among the Brexiters when there But anti-Johnson feeling before exit day. 11,000 members across the EU. Johnson is the current favour- is a leadership contest, which among MPs appears to have This is in contrast to the cur- “My wife was rushed to hos- ite of Brexit-backing Tory activ- MPs believe May could be forced risen in recent weeks, espe- rent reciprocal arrangement pital in France the fi rst week in ists, who will pick the leader out to announce soon after passing cially among female Tories whereby the NHS reimburses EU February. She is still there six of a fi nal two candidates. How- her withdrawal bill or if it fails incensed by his comments member states for treatment of weeks later. How could we get ever, the former London mayor comprehensively for a third or suggesting money on historic those who have paid into the UK her to the UK at a moment’s no- would fi rst have to clear the hur- fourth time. Meanwhile, Jeremy child sex abuse cases was be- national insurance system for a tice if she has a repeat problem? dle of convincing Conservative Hunt, Sajid Javid and Liz Truss ing wasted and after he said he qualifying number of years. “This is a sick, uncaring gov- MPs to put him on the fi nal list are among the former Remain- would hold out against voting “So if the person has paid into ernment. To cut citizens adrift of two. ers who are readying their cam- for May’s deal. the system all their lives and re- through no fault of their own One minister said she would paigns. Victoria Atkins, a Home Offi ce tired to an EU country in good when they spent their entire leave the party if Johnson and his Backers of Johnson believe minister, publicly confronted faith, with all the reciprocal ar- working lives paying into the supporters, such as Jacob Rees- MPs could swing behind him if him in parliament to give him a rangements in place, they could system, and when most had no Mogg, took over the Conserva- they believe an election is not dressing down, according to the Pro-Brexit protesters hold banners outside the Houses of be left high and dry if they, say, say in the referendum, is despi- tives. far away, because he is already Spectator. Parliament in London yesterday. get cancer after March 29,” said cable,” he said. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 19

BRITAIN/IRELAND Minister seeks NHS rollout of genetic tests to detect diseases

Guardian News and Media called for a national debate about give less accurate results for peo- that genetic tests could create “I was surprised, and con- had a fairly average risk of pros- plays a quite astonishing level of London the ethical issues around testing ple from diff erent ethnic back- unnecessary stress or confu- cerned,” he said. “But I discussed tate cancer. ignorance about the NHS.” for diseases, some of which could grounds. Using them to guide sion or lead to “genetic fatalism”, what it meant with the doctor “As a result of his misunder- Curtis said the value of genet- not readily be treated. health interventions could en- where people abandon eff orts to and when I realised that dying standing, he fi rst suff ered un- ic testing for common diseases he health secretary is call- He said: “We must get pre- trench health inequalities within maintain a healthy lifestyle on from prostate cancer is highly necessary anxiety and then took had been overstated, since only ing for predictive genetic dictive testing into the NHS as screening programmes. the belief they are genetically preventable, if caught at an early up valuable medical time hav- people at the extremes of the Ttests for common cancers soon as we possibly can. I see it Prof David Curtis, a geneti- destined to get a particular ill- stage and with regular checks, I ing to be counselled about the distribution would have signifi - and heart disease to be rolled out as a game-changer for cancer cist and psychiatrist at Uni- ness. felt hugely relieved. The truth is reality of the situation. Now he cantly higher or lower risk than on the NHS without delay. screening in the NHS and I’m versity College London, who Hancock, 40, recently took a this test may have saved my life.” is going to waste even more of average. Matt Hancock, speaking at the determined that we harness this has previously raised concerns commercial test looking at his As a result, Hancock said, he the NHS’s scarce resources by The company that carried out Royal Society yesterday, revealed technology to save lives.” Howev- about racial bias in genetics, genetic risk of 16 diseases. He has booked an appointment with booking a completely unneces- Hancock’s test, Genomics Plc, he recently took a commercial er, the prospect of a rapid rollout said: “You simply can’t have an was at below average risk for his NHS GP to discuss the correct sary appointment with his GP has developed similar genetic genetic test that showed he was of genetic testing has attracted NHS test that only works for most conditions but said: “My course of action. However, Cur- to discuss a course of action to risk tests for a range of other at heightened risk of developing criticism. The tests, which have white people. How can you con- risk of prostate cancer by age 75 is tis said the health secretary had address a problem which es- common conditions including prostate cancer, saying he was been largely developed using ge- template this?” almost 15%.” The average lifetime “massively misinterpreted” his sentially does not exist,” he said. coronary heart disease, breast shocked by the result. Hancock netic data from white Europeans, Others have raised concerns risk is about 12%. score, which he said revealed he “As a health secretary, he dis- cancer, asthma and diabetes. Home Offi ce Royal visit held ‘illegal interview’ with asylum seeker

Guardian News and Media charities alerted the Guardian to London the fact that the Home Offi ce was working with Zimbabwe’s new government to push ahead with oncerns have been raised the deportation of refused asylum that the Home Offi ce acted seekers despite high-profi le hu- Cillegally when it invited man rights abuses in the country. Zimbabwean government offi cials Zimbabwe’s President Emmer- to interview an asylum seeker at an son Mnangagwa replaced Robert immigration centre. Mugabe after he was forced from The Zimbabwean woman, who power in November 2017. Despite has been in the UK for more than hopes that his government would 16 years and has an ongoing asy- bring political reform, the interna- lum claim, attended Vulcan House tional community has condemned in Sheffi eld in December to find arbitrary arrests, abductions and Zimbabwean offi cials waiting to beatings committed by the coun- speak to her. try’s police and military. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrive in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, yesterday. She is one of scores of Zimba- Blomfi eld said the interview bweans to have been interviewed with Zimbabwean offi cials was an by Zimbabwean embassy offi cials “extremely intimidating experi- at Home Offi ce centres across the ence” for his constituent, which UK over the past few months, had been shared by other Zim- in what has been seen as an ac- babweans in the UK. He said it celeration of the removals proc- appeared to be “part of a general ess since the country’s change of policy in relation to Zimbabwean government. nationals”. The Home Offi ce described “It also obviously puts her at the interviews as routine “re- a greater risk of persecution by documentation interviews” to the Zimbabwean government,” House price growth establish the identity of a re- he said. “The asylum policy in- fused asylum seeker so that travel struction also sets out that, whilst documentation can be issued and information may be disclosed to they can be removed from the UK. other government departments In a letter to Immigration or organisations to help them in Minister Caroline Nokes, Paul their functions, nothing will be Blomfi eld, the MP for Sheffi eld shared that would put the claim- Central, said that as her claim to ant at risk of persecution until hits a six-year low asylum was outstanding, subject- the fi nal decision on the fresh ing her to such an interview con- claim has been made; therefore, Guardian News and Media If the trajectory of sliding er, the Offi ce for Budget Responsi- harder for people whose real wag- fl ation by about 0.3 percentage travened immigration rules. She the presence of the Zimbabwean London prices over the past two years bility, has predicted a fall in prices es are still below pre-crisis levels”. points. However, the headline had submitted her latest claim on offi cials clearly contravenes this continues, the UK is expected to later this year based on a range of He said: “A no-deal Brexit will rate of the CPI was expected to October 5 last year. guidance. suff er its fi rst fall in prices since industry and offi cial fi gures. increase food prices further – and stay near the Bank of England Blomfi eld’s offi ce said they “I am seriously concerned ouse prices grew at the the post-crash property slump of Figures from the ONS showed yet the government has still failed target of 2%, although Tombs ex- had received legal advice that the about the process that has been slowest rate since 2013 2011 before the end of this year. infl ation was stronger-than-ex- to rule this out once and for all.” pects bank offi cials on the mon- Home Offi ce’s actions could have undertaken, which appears to Hin January, according to Most of the slide in prices has pected last month, with the con- Samuel Tombs, the chief UK etary policy committee (MPC) to been illegal. Rules state that no contravene the overarching policy offi cial fi gures that signalled the aff ected London as buyers have sumer prices index rising to 1.9%, economist at Pantheon Macr- come under pressure to increase action should be taken to remove of fair treatment of asylum seek- UK was heading later this year taken fl ight while Brexit uncer- up from 1.8%. It said increases in oeconomics, said food infl ation its main lending rate later in the an individual from the UK until a ers and to engage in a policy of for the fi rst fall in property val- tainty has deepened. London food as well as alcohol and tobac- was likely to increase further over year, assuming parliament ac- decision on their asylum claim has intimidation and repatriation of ues since the fi nancial crash. prices fell by 1.6% over the year co prices were off set by clothing the coming months, in response cepts Theresa May’s deal. been made. asylum seekers.” Average house prices in the UK to January – a bigger slump than and footwear prices rising by less to increasing import prices, “Infl ation likely will remain In his letter, the MP said the in- A Home Offi ce spokesperson increased by 1.7% in the year to the 0.7% seen in December 2018. than they did a year ago. which rose 5.5% in January. close to the 2% target through- terview had put his constituent at said: “Re-documentation inter- January 2019, down from 2.2% in This was followed by the east of John McDonnell, Labour’s In addition, he said the energy out 2019 as the cross-currents greater risk of persecution by the views with offi cials from receiving December 2018 and 5.1% in Oc- England, where prices fell 0.2% shadow chancellor, said the rise regulator, Ofgem, will lift its en- from falling goods infl ation and Zimbabwean government. countries are a standard part of the tober 2017, the Offi ce for National over the year. in prices in the midst of Brexit-re- ergy price cap by 10% in April, rising services infl ation cancel Last month, asylum lawyers and Home Offi ce returns process.” Statistics said. The Treasury’s offi cial forecast- lated uncertainty “makes life even boosting the headline rate of in- each other out.”

Training exercises Body of man who fl ed Rough sleepers to be police found in river off ered stab-proof coats Guardian News and Media Hampshire police and a fi le is be- London ing prepared for a coroner. Police have not confi rmed how Guardian News and Media entry the possessions of home- mingham and Manchester, which near offi cers were to the river London less people in a city centre car charities attributed to welfare he body of a young man when they detained the man and park were set alight. In January cuts, rising rents and shortages who fl ed police more than have not said whether they be- in Coventry, attackers poured of aff ordable homes. There were Ttwo months ago has been lieve he entered the water to evade ough sleepers are to be lighter fl uid over the hands of a 1,283 rough sleepers in London pulled from the bottom of a riv- offi cers or fell in. The death is not off ered stab-proof coats rough sleeper and set it alight, alone, a 13% increase, according er at a beauty spot still wearing being treated as suspicious. Rthat turn into sleeping causing severe burns. to offi cial fi gures published last handcuff s. Hampshire police said yester- bags to keep them safe from at- Merseyside police have said month. Hampshire constabulary has day: “We were called at 6.19pm tacks, amid evidence of growing violence against homeless peo- The data for England as a launched an investigation into on Sunday, after the body of a violence against people living on ple has more than doubled in fi ve whole, based on estimates after a the death of the 22-year-old, man was located in the River Britain’s streets. years, with actual bodily harm, single night’s snapshot in the au- who is believed to have drowned Itchen at Woodmill, Southamp- The garments are made of common assault and grievous tumn, disclosed that 4,677 peo- while on the run from police. ton. Identifi cation has now taken non-fl ammable, slash-proof bodily harm the most common ple bedded down on the streets On January 12, offi cers de- place and we can confi rm that material and can be fi tted with off ences. or in sheds and tents in 2018, up tained the man in Southampton, the body is of a 22-year-old man internal stab-proof panels. They Jo Ashburner Farr, the chief 165% from 2010. It is estimated Hampshire, and placed him in from Southampton. are being trialled and could executive of Red Dragon, said that 597 homeless people died in handcuff s. It is thought he was “We can confi rm that he was be rolled out initially in south the bottom of the coat rolled out England and Wales in 2017 and about to be searched for drugs. handcuff ed, having been de- Wales. to provide a sleeping bag and it a total of 2,627 died in the fi ve The man fl ed the offi cers tained by police in Southampton The coats cost £700 each and allowed wearers to withstand years from 2014. wearing the handcuff s and po- on 12 January. Initial inquiries will be donated to those in need. temperatures down to -30C. Ashburner Farr said she want- lice found no trace of him until suggest the body had been in the They are being developed by Red “The aim is that it is waterproof, ed to raise corporate donations a magnet fi sherman – a hobby- water for some time. The death Dragon, a social enterprise in fi re-proof and pierce proof,” she to fund the heavy-duty coats. ist who searches for objects with is not being treated as suspicious Swansea that employs formerly said. They would then be given to metal on them underwater – at this time. An internal review is homeless people and ex-off end- Frances Beecher, the chief ex- rough sleepers who wanted to discovered his body in the River ongoing and a fi le is being pre- ers mostly to make fl ags, and ecutive of Llamau, said: “Any- use them, and those rough sleep- Itchen at Riverside Park. pared for the coroner.” Llamau, a homelessness charity body who is wearing the roof coat ers would also be supported back Police said initial inquiries Tributes and fl owers have been in Cardiff . is as safe as possible. But this is a into work and housing. suggested he had been in the wa- placed at the river bank close Last month a 17-year-old boy stopgap and must lead to getting “It could be that local authori- ter, next to Woodmill Activities to where the man was found. and four young men were jailed the person into a safer environ- ties or organisations that work Irish Police (Garda Siochana) demonstrate training Outdoor Centre, for some time. A postmortem took place on in Derby for stabbing and kick- ment, which is off the street.” with rough sleepers have them exercises in violent public order offences at an Irish The Independent Offi ce for Sunday and an inquest will be ing a homeless man and shooting Last year there were steep rises and give them out to people that Army camp in Gormanstown, Ireland, yesterday. Police Conduct has agreed the opened when the body has been him with a BB gun, and in Cov- in street sleeping in London, Bir- need them,” she said. death should be investigated by formally identifi ed. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, March 21, 2019 EUROPE

PROTEST SECURITY DIPLOMACY AGENDA POLITICS Kids flee as driver hijacks French soldiers to deploy Warsaw snubs Moscow EU leaders push for Italy’s Senate blocks and sets ablaze school bus for ‘yellow vest’ protest on WWII anniversary net-zero emissions Salvini migrant trial

A bus full of schoolchildren was hijacked French soldiers will be deployed on Saturday to Russia yesterday expressed anger that President European Union leaders are charting a course Italy’s Senate yesterday voted to block the trial yesterday and set on fire by its own driver in an help guard public buildings, allowing police to Vladimir Putin has not been invited to ceremonies toward net-zero global warming emissions but of far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for apparent protest against migrant drownings in focus on dealing with “yellow vest” demonstrators marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of without setting a target date for the goal in a draft allegedly illegally confining migrants rescued the Mediterranean, Italian authorities said. All in case of renewed violence in Paris and other World War II in Poland later this year. The foreign summit statement released yesterday. Climate at sea by an Italian coastguard ship last year. 51 children managed to escape unhurt before cities, the government said yesterday. The troops ministry voiced its “bewilderment” upon learning policy has climbed up the political agenda as A majority of senators voted in favour of the the bus was engulfed in flames on the outskirts will be redeployed from the ‘Sentinelle’ anti-terror of Warsaw’s plan to mark the anniversary of the thousands of students have taken to the streets immunity commission’s recommendation that of Milan, Italy’s business capital. Police named operation, which patrols streets and protects start of WWII only with Poland’s close allies — in capitals across Europe to protest against Salvini, who heads the anti-immigrant Lega the driver as Ousseynou Sy, a 47-year-old Italian airports, train stations, places of worship and members of the European Union and Nato and inaction over global warming. Draft summit party, should not face trial. The case relates to citizen of Senegalese origin. One of the children other sites, said a government spokesman. This several ex-Soviet nations. Russia accused the conclusions for a meeting this week “emphasises the rescue in August of 190 people by Italy’s told reporters that the driver had threatened will allow police forces to “concentrate on crowd Polish authorities of ignoring “historic logic”. the importance of the EU submitting an ambitious Diciotti coast guard ship, who were left stuck to pour petrol over them and set them alight. control, along with maintaining law and order”. “Despite our Homeland’s unquestionably decisive long-term strategy by 2020 striving for climate at sea for five days without permission to dock. One of students managed to call the police, who Last Saturday, more than 5,000 police off icers contribution to the defeat of Hitler’s Reich and the neutrality.” It also underlines that any policy on Thirteen migrants with health problems were rushed to the scene and broke the bus windows failed to stop hundreds of violent protesters from liberation of Poland, there is no place for Russia in combating global warming will take into account eventually disembarked on Lampedusa island to get everyone to safety. rampaging along the Champs-Elysees. this plan,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. the competitiveness of European industry. off Italy’s southern tip.

‘Rule of law’ Srebrenica’s survivors hail life sentence for Karadzic By Rusmir Smajilhodzic, AFP where she lives to join them. “My soul for us this is a very important day due Srebrenica regained serenity now...my pain is a to a growing denial” that it was a gen- bit soothed,” the 74-year-old woman ocide, he said. told AFP. It will “shut the mouth of all Lawyers hold up placards reading ‘The rule of law, I believe it!’ during a demonstration yesterday at the Namur elatives of victims of the Sre- Her husband and a 15-year-old son those...denying what has happened University, at the start of ‘66 Days To Save Justice’ (the days left before next elections) campaign. brenica massacre applauded were killed in Srebrenica. Another son here,” Avdic, 40, said. Ryesterday’s decision to hand a was also killed during the war. Oric agreed. “No one can tell us that life sentence to Bosnian Serb wartime The families gathered next to the is not the truth,” she said. leader Radovan Karadzic for genocide cemetery and before listening to the Many Serbs in Bosnia and Serbia and war crimes during the 1990s. verdict visited the graves where the proper see Karadzic as a hero who A panel of appeals judges in The remains of their loved ones are buried. protected his people. Hague increased Karadzic’s original “We will visit our children,” one Bosnian Serb nationalist Milorad 40-year sentence for the atrocities woman said heading towards white Dodik, who now chairs Bosnia’s tri- Dutch vote in ‘Rutte referendum’ during Bosnia’s inter-ethnic war to tombstones. partite presidency, said on the eve life in prison. Ahead of the verdict, the survivors of the verdict he was convinced that By Jan Hennop, AFP Hague’s seaside suburb of Schevenin- The Utrecht attack, which claimed He was also found guilty over his said they were hoping for such an out- Karadzic never decided to attack ci- The Hague gen, which drew sharp criticism from the lives of three people, and the arrest role in the July 1995 Srebrenica mas- come. vilians. lawmakers. of the Turkish suspect proved the per- sacre of more than 8,000 Muslim men “My hope and my only thought is “I don’t trust the legitimacy of this The young and telegenic Baudet fect fodder for both parties. and boys by Bosnian Serb forces. that (Karadzic) is sentenced to life,” (Hague-based UN) tribunal. It did not utch voters yesterday headed accused Rutte’s government of “na- Baudet’s refusal to stop campaigning It was the worst atrocity in Europe Hajrija Oric, 63, told AFP. fulfi l its task which was to build with to provincial polls billed by the ive” immigration policies and told the on Monday drew bitter condemnation since World War II and deemed geno- Her 17-year-old son Elvir and hus- its verdicts the basis for reconcilia- Dopposition as a referendum on crowd that a “change of course is need- from various MPs including Rob Jetten, cide by international justice. band Sahin were both killed in the tion” in the former Yugoslavia, Dodik Prime Minister Mark Rutte, after a ed, otherwise this is going to happen leader of the left-leaning progressive The three-year war that ended in massacre. said. campaign overshadowed by a deadly more often in the Netherlands”. D66 party — a partner in Rutte’s coali- 1995 between Bosnia’s Croats, Muslims Their remains were found years lat- Yesterday’s ruling was one of the attack on a tram. The head of Dutch socialist party has tion — calling the action “disgusting.” and Serbs left 100,000 people dead. er and buried. last remaining cases from the collapse Hardline right-wing parties pushed called the vote a “Rutte referendum”, Baudet defended his actions, telling “Thank God for this, since another “All I found was a handful of bones of the former Yugoslavia and was the issue of integration to the fore- although Rutte has said he will not step reporters that “many of the reactions verdict would have killed us,” said and a head. I would give everything, handed down by the International Re- front as the country reeled from Mon- down if his coalition loses its major- seemed a bit put-on and don’t seem Bida Osmanovic, whose 22-year-old I would give my eyes, if I could bring sidual Mechanism for Criminal Tri- day’s shooting in the city of Utrecht ity and therefore needs help to drive genuine”. son Faruk was killed in the massacre. them back but it cannot happen.” bunals. for which a Turkish-born man and one through laws. Often seen as relatively minor com- She was among about 50 Srebrenica Nedzad Avdic, a massacre survivor The body deals with cases left over other person have been arrested. Rutte has been in power for eight pared to elections for the lower house mothers, sisters and widows as well as whose father was killed then, stressed from now-defunct courts for the Rutte’s coalition, led by his centre- years, and after playing a key role in of parliament, which last took place in some male survivors of the atrocity, the importance of the verdict as most former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. right VVD party, looks set to lose its Brexit negotiations has been widely 2017, the Dutch provincial elections are who watched the verdict at a memo- ethnic Serbs, including their political Karadzic’s wartime military chief one-seat majority in the upper house tipped to take up a top EU post in Brus- still signifi cant. rial in Potocari, just outside the ill- leaders, still downplay the scale of the Ratko Mladic, dubbed the “Butcher of parliament, according to fi nal opin- sels when the current set-up led by Eu- Voters can elect some 570 represent- fated town. Srebrenica crime. of Bosnia”, is currently appealing a life ion polls. ropean Commission chief Jean-Claude atives to the country’s 12 provinces, Nura Alispahic came from Sarajevo “This verdict comes very late, but sentence on similar charges. That would leave it needing “king- Juncker steps down later this year. who will in turn decide on May 27 who maker” parties to push through new Dutch newspapers predicted that sits in the 75-seat upper house. laws. GroenLinks — the leftist ecological Previously seen as something of a The ballot, in which 13mn people are party led by Jesse Klaver, a politician rubber-stamp body, the Senate in re- eligible to vote, will be widely watched best known abroad for his strong re- cent years has become a political bat- abroad as a bellwether for European semblance to Canadian Prime Minister tleground as it has the fi nal say whether Finland is ‘world’s happiest country’ Parliament elections in May in which Justin Trudeau — was set to make gains to pass laws formulated by MPs in the populist parties are expected to make and become a potential senate king- lower house. broad gains. maker. Polls say Rutte’s coalition partners inland has topped the ranking of cial freedom, generosity and absence The United States dropped one The leaders of the 13 main parties on Meanwhile, Baudet’s party could — D66 and the Christian Democrats the world’s happiest countries of corruption. place to 19th. “This year’s report pro- the fractured political scene had all cast threaten the anti-Islam Freedom Party (CDA) — could drop as many as 10 seats. Ffor the second year in a row, Taking the harsh, dark winters vides sobering evidence of how addic- their votes, including Rutte. of bleached blonde far-right leader Losing the majority would mean the with the Nordic countries taking the in their stride, Finns’ happiness is tions are causing considerable unhap- Following the Utrecht attack, almost Geert Wilders, which has tradition- coalition having to fi nd other opposi- leading spots, an annual survey issued boosted by access to nature, safety, af- piness and depression in the US,” the all parties halted campaigning for the ally attracted hardliners in the Neth- tion partners to get laws passed, open- yesterday showed. fordable childcare, free education and network’s director Jeff rey Sachs said elections — which are for provincial erlands. ing the door to potential kingmaker South Sudan came last in the UN heavily subsidised healthcare. in a statement, adding that they were bodies but determine the composition But in a development that would roles. Sustainable Development Solutions The top 10 was again dominated by referring to addictions in many forms of the Dutch senate or upper house of be watched with alarm across Europe Turnout for provincial polls is tra- Network’s 2019 World Happiness Re- the Nordics, with Denmark, Norway from substance abuse to gambling and parliament. ahead of the European elections, the ditionally low, standing at 56% in 2011 port. and Iceland taking the other leading digital media. Only the populist, anti-EU Forum two hardline Dutch parties could to- and almost 48% in 2015 as opposed to It ranked 156 countries according to spots followed by Netherlands, Swit- Benin saw the largest gain over that for Democracy (FvD), led by Thierry gether form the second biggest block in national elections in 2017, with a turn- things such as GDP per capita, social zerland, Sweden, New Zealand, Can- period, rising 50 places in the rank- Baudet, continued with a rally in The the senate. out of 82%. support, healthy life expectancy, so- ada and Austria. ings. (Reuters)

Erdogan opens giant Ankara theme park

By Tuvan Gumrukcu, Reuters model of a Tyrannosaurus di- ground city in the campaign, Ankara nosaur and a fountain decorated with polls suggesting the main with cat statues, Erdogan said opposition CHP could overtake the park would provide the mu- the AKP due largely to an ail- urkish President Tayyip nicipality with 50mn lira a year. ing economy that is tipping into Erdogan yesterday opened “Ankapark...isn’t just a sym- recession after years of strong Ta giant theme park in An- bol of pride for Ankara, but all of growth. kara as he campaigned ahead of Turkey,” Erdogan told thousands Last month, opinion polls local elections that might see his of gathered supporters. showed that the main opposition AK Party lose control of the capi- The park’s general manager, candidate in Ankara, Mansur Ya- tal. Cem Uzan, said that all its ma- vas, had a 3% to 4% lead over his Construction of the 1.3mn sq chinery had been procured from AKP rival, Mehmet Ozhaseki. m park started nearly six years “the best producers” in the fi eld The park’s opening comes as ago and was completed last year, and would be subject to routine Erdogan is seeking to drum up but the park had not been opened and special inspections. support for his Islamist-root- to the public amid safety fears The park will host 2,117 attrac- ed AKP, which has dominated over some of the rides and games. tions including 14 roller-coast- Turkish politics for more than 16 Melih Gokcek, the former AKP ers, he said in a statement, and is years. mayor of Ankara, was shown expected to attract 5mn visitors Major construction projects stuck at the top of a roller-coast- in its fi rst operational year. have accompanied Erdogan’s as- er shortly after the park, Anka- Erdogan said yesterday that cent to dominance over the past park Wonderland Eurasia, was entrance to the park would 16 years, but a currency crisis last completed at a cost of 1.4bn lira be free until election night on year and soaring prices due to ($256mn). March 31. high infl ation have increased dis- Speaking in front of a towering Ankara is seen as a battle- enchantment among Turks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at the opening ceremony of the Wonderland Eurasia theme park in Ankara. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 21 INDIA New Goa CM Sawant wins assembly trust vote

IANS makers accused Governor Mridula Congress and one Nationalist The 45-year-old chief minister dent Ram Nath Kovind, Prime appearance since then. when his daughter Valanka is an- Panaji Sinha of being partisan and fa- Congress Party) opposed the mo- also said that the philosophy of Minister Narendra Modi and BJP Just before the fl oor test was gling for a Congress ticket for the cilitating “trading of MLAs” even tion. his government would be the An- chief Amit Shah. ordered by Lobo, he allowed Mad- South Goa seat for the Lok Sabha as Congress leader Chandrakant The ‘magic number’ for a simple todaya principle, which involves Speaking about the Lok Sabha kaikar to raise his hand sitting in elections. hief Minister Pramod Sa- Kavlekar said that his party would majority in the 36-member as- reaching out to the most marginal- elections and by-elections, Sa- his chair because of his physical Speaking to reporters after the want yesterday won a trust not try to topple the Sawant-led sembly was 19. The trust vote was ised sections of society. want said: “I believe this is a chal- disability. trust vote, opposition leader Kav- Cvote in the Goa Assembly government but instead wait for overseen by acting speaker and BJP “And for that to work, it is not lenge for me and defi nitely we will Madkaikar raised his hand in lekar said it was the fi rst time in re- and pledged to carry forward his the ruling coalition to “topple un- MLA Michael Lobo. just up to a CM or MLA, but every win this challenge. We will win support of the Sawant-led coali- cent history in Goa that the treas- late predecessor Manohar Parri- der their collective greed”. Addressing the assembly after member of society. For this I would both the Lok Sabha and the as- tion government with the help of ury benches won a trust vote with kar’s vision of “positive thinking”. The 20 legislators who voted winning the trust vote, an emotional the need help of every Goan,” Sa- sembly elections.” an assembly marshal. a count of 20. Twenty of the 36 legislators vot- for the motion included 11 from Sawant said: “Manohar Parrikar had want said. A highlight of the brief session The other signifi cant develop- “Never in the past has the ma- ed for the coalition government led the BJP, three each of Maharash- given a message before passing away Sawant, named the chief min- was the presence of ailing BJP ment was the switchover of NCP jority winning number slipped by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) about being positive. If we go ahead ister on Tuesday, said that portfo- MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, who MLA Churchill Alemao from the below 21. This is the reality of how while 15 opposed the motion. and Goa Forward Party and three with this message, we can build a lios would be allotted later and he suff ered a brain stroke in June treasury to the opposition. ‘popular’ this government is,” After the vote, opposition law- independents while 15 MLAs (14 bright future for Goa.” would head to Delhi to meet Presi- 2018 and had not made a public His decision comes at a time Kavlekar said. Priyanka slams PM, asks who let Nirav Modi fl ee country

IANS the Sita Samahit Sthal temple Varanasi/Chandauli/Mirzapur: in Bhadohi’s Sitamarhi and the Vindhyavashini temple in Vind- hyachal on the second day of her ongress general secretary campaign. Priyanka Gandhi yesterday She reached Ramnagar village, Chit out at Prime Minister the ancestral village of late prime Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, in Janata Party for describing the ar- Varanasi via road from Chunar rest of fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi in Mirzapur, where she had made in London as an achievement, ask- a night halt on Tuesday. Gandhi ing who let him fl ee the country. then went by boat to Assi ghat “Is it an achievement? Who let where she held discussions with them escape from the country?” the fi shermen community. she said in Chandauli after visit- She also paid fl oral tributes ing the family of Awadhesh Ya- to the former prime minister at Sweets featuring election symbols of diff erent political parties are seen inside a sweets making workshop on the outskirts of Kolkata yesterday. dav, one of the 44 paratroopers Shastri Chowk and visited his killed in the February 14 terror residence. attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s A minor scuffl e broke out be- Pulwama. tween Congress and BJP workers She said that her visit was not after the latter raised pro-Modi political. “...I had spoken to the slogans. father of the trooper some days Gandhi later condemned the after the attack. He had said to violence. me that ‘you people come as we “When I was coming to Vara- Modi: Dynastic politics want to meet you’. Thus I had nasi, a few people raised slogans come. My visit to his house is not for the BJP... then people slapped connected to politics.” them. We don’t believe in such In the last leg of her three-day, kind of politics. The Congress 140km-long poll campaign on workers had been beaten by the the Ganes river from Prayagraj Britishers. We took all the pain to Varanasi on a special motor- and didn’t raise our hand (in re- destroyed institutions boat, Gandhi, the Congress in- turn) but only tried to bring the charge for eastern Uttar Pradesh, truth,” she said. IANS “If they (Congress) could do it jor scam. When the authorities epoch-making also because it stitutions above everything also met the family members She also accused Modi of not New Delhi then, they can surely do it now. seek to question them on their was the fi rst time in the history else. of troopers Vishal Pandey and fulfi lling any of the eight prom- Eternal vigilance remains the dealings, they do not even both- of India that a non-dynastic z The Communist Party of Ramesh Yadav who were also ises made to the people of the price of liberty,” he added. er to reply,” he said. party was blessed with a com- India (Marxist) said the gov- among the dead. city, citing the BJP’s manifesto rime Minister Narendra He said India has seen how Modi urged the voters to plete majority,” he said. ernment was bartering away Asked about her river ride cam- for Varanasi in 2014. Modi yesterday attacked the rise of dynastic politics has “stay vigilant” and work hard to Modi also said when a gov- “nothing less than the national paign, she said: “It felt nice. And “This politics of advertise- Pthe Congress for its “dy- forced institutions to take a se- strengthen the intuitions given ernment works with the spirit of sovereignty of the country” by I feel that the organisation will be ments is easy and it can be done nastic politics” and said its big- vere beating. to the country by the makers of “India First” instead of “family bowing to the US over oil im- strengthened here and people will by anyone,” she said. gest casualty were the institu- To prove his point, Modi said the Constitution. fi rst”, it shows. ports from Iran and Venezuela. come to know that we believe in Gandhi, before leaving Chu- tions. one need not go beyond the par- He also listed his govern- “Over the last fi ve years, the “Becoming a strategic ally of strong and new kind of politics.” nar in the morning, also accused Addressing voters in his blog ty to understand it. He pointed ment’s achievement and said in Indian economy has been the the United States is coming with Asked when she plans to kick the BJP of systematically attack- post, Modi urged them to re- at the Congress’ internal de- 2014, the people voted decisive- cynosure of the world’s eyes,” a heavy price,” an editorial in the off the second part of her Lok ing every democratic institution member the Congress’ past mocracy and said if a leader ly for honesty over dynasty, de- he said. CPM journal People’s Democ- Sabha campaign, she said it will in the country and advised the when they vote - “how one fam- dares to dream to head that par- velopment over decay, security “India has made remarkable racy said. be “soon after Holi”. prime minister to “stop thinking ily’s desire for power cost the ty, he or she is shunted out of the over stagnation, opportunities achievements in sanitation cov- The party said that the US Before going to Chandauli, that people are fools and under- nation greatly”. Congress. over obstacles and development erage, banking the unbanked, fi rst ordered that India should Gandhi off ered prayers at the stand that they see through all “From the press to Parlia- “Political parties are vibrant over vote-bank politics. fi nancing the un-fi nanced, stop buying oil from Iran, forc- Kashi Vishwanath temple in Vara- his antics”. ment. From soldiers to free bodies that manifest diverse “Indians were tired of our building futuristic infrastruc- ing New Delhi to drastically cut nasi - Modi’s Lok Sabha constitu- She also said that she was not speech. From the constitution public opinion. Sadly, Congress beloved nation being included ture, homes for the homeless, its imports from Tehran, after it ency - for over half-an-hour. afraid. to the courts. Institutional in- does not believe in internal in the Fragile Five, where cor- providing healthcare for the imposed unilateral sanctions on It was her fourth temple visit “Even if anything is done, and sult is the Congress’s way. democracy. The sense of en- ruption, cronyism and nepo- poor and educating the youth,” Iranian oil trade last year. since March 18, when she kicked we are harassed, we will not feel “Everyone is wrong, only the titlement can be seen in their tism made headlines instead of he added. “Now, the US is back to the off her river ride from Prayagraj. afraid. We will continue our fi ght Congress is correct. As you go conduct towards routine legal anything positive. India voted to The prime minister said business of coercing India to On Monday, she visited the against them. The more we are to vote - remember the past and processes. shed the baggage of the past in reflective of this “paradigm stop buying oil from Venezuela famous Hanuman Mandir in harassed, the stronger will be our how one family’s desire for power “At present, their top leader- pursuit of a better future. shift” is the fact that now there on whom it has imposed illegal Prayagraj, followed by trips to fi ght,” she said. cost the nation ...,” Modi said. ship is on bail vis-a-vis a ma- “The mandate of 2014 was is a government that puts in- sanctions. Social media sites to axe Kamal’s party to fi eld content in three hours doctors and lawyers IANS will stand from Nagapattinam. Chennai Doctors M A S Subramanian, IANS for the whole duration of model As per Section 126 of the Act, S Sudhakar and M Logarangan New Delhi code of conduct, the portion campaigning is prohibited dur- will contest from Puducherry, about taking down posts would ing the 48-hour period before octors, lawyers, a former Dindigul and Tiruvallur, respec- only apply for the ‘silence peri- the voting day. IPS offi cer, a retired dis- tively. ocial media platforms, od’ - that is the 48-hour period The poll panel said that the Dtrict judge, and business- Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief including Facebook and before voting days. online platforms also agreed to men fi gure among the candidates Minister K Palaniswami reiterat- STwitter, agreed yester- Chief Election Commis- create a high priority dedicated fi elded by Tamil actor Kamal ed national security was impor- day to process any request from sioner Sunil Arora said that reporting mechanism for the Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam tant for a democratic country like the Election Commission to formulation of the code augurs Commission and appoint dedi- (MNM) for Lok Sabha elections India and only Prime Minister take down content within three a good beginning but was es- cated teams for taking expedi- in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Narendra Modi has the capability hours during the 48-hour pe- sentially a work in progress. tious action on any reported Releasing the list of 21 candi- to ensure this. riod before voting days. He said the participants need violations. dates and their constituencies, In his address at a poll meeting The agreement was arrived to follow in letter and spirit “Participants have also the actor-turned-politician said in Salem, he said: “India is a big at a meeting between the Elec- the commitments made in the agreed to provide a mecha- the second list will be released on democratic country. Security is tion Commission and Internet three-page model code docu- nism for political advertisers March 24. important for all in this country. companies as part of a “Vol- ment. to submit pre-certified ad- On the same day, the party will It is only Prime Minister Naren- untary Code of Ethics” for the Also taking part in the meet- vertisements issued by Media also release its manifesto and the dra Modi who has the capability staggered Lok Sabha elections ing were Election Commission- Certification and Monitoring list of candidates contesting in to lead the country in a secure starting on April 11, an official ers Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Committee. The Code of Eth- assembly by-elections in Tamil manner while implementing statement said. Chandra, and representatives ics also promises to facilitate Nadu, Haasan said. various schemes for the people.” The code, voluntarily agreed of WhatsApp, Google, Share- transparency in paid political On Tuesday, the MNM an- He hoped the BJP alliance wins upon by the participants, has Chat and TikTok. advertisements... Participants nounced electoral tie-up with the Lok Sabha elections in a big been developed to ensure free, “The platforms have com- have also committed to volun- the Republican Party of India and way to provide a stable govern- fair and ethical usage of social mitted to process any viola- tarily undertake voter aware- allotted it one Lok Sabha seat and ment at the Centre. media platforms to maintain tions reported under Sec- ness campaigns,” it added. three seats in the assembly by- Palaniswami said that his state the integrity of the electoral tion 126 of Representation of The Internet and Mobile As- elections to be held on April 18. government will take steps to link process and it comes into op- People Act, 1951 within three sociation of India (IAMAI) said Retired Indian Police Service Godavari-Cauvery rivers to solve eration with immediate effect, hours as per Sinha Commit- in a statement that it would act offi cer A G Mourya will con- the water problem of the state once the Election Commission said. tee recommendations,” the EC as the liaison between the par- Actor and founder of Makkal Needhi Mayyam party Kamal Haasan test from Chennai North while the BJP-led government comes While the code would apply statement said. ticipants and the poll panel. displays a candidates’ list at a meeting in Chennai yesterday. former district judge K Guruviah back to power at the Centre. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, March 21, 2019 INDIA

PEOPLE INVESTIGATION JUDICIARY TRAGEDY CORRUPTION Indian war hero who set up ED allowed to question Vadra moves court Baby’s head dismembered AAI off icial held for Bangladesh Navy dies Geelani’s son-in-law seeking quashing of FIR during delivery in village allegedly taking bribe

The 1971 India-Pakistan war hero, Captain M N A New Delhi court yesterday allowed the Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress In a tragic incident, a baby’s head got The Central Bureau of Investigation yesterday Samant of the Indian Navy, who helped set up the Enforcement Directorate to question Altaf Ahmad president Rahul Gandhi, yesterday urged the separated during delivery at a primary arrested an off icial of the Airport Authority of foundation of the Bangladesh Navy, died in Mumbai Shah, son-in-law of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani, Delhi High Court to quash a first information health centre in Koovathur village in the India (AAI) for accepting Rs4 lakh as bribe from yesterday following cardiac arrest, an off icial and two others who are in judicial custody on report (FIR) in a money laundering case. Kancheepurm district of Tamil Nadu, officials Bright Shine Services, a Chennai-based airport said. Samant, 89, is survived by his wife Nirmala charges of funding terrorist activities. Additional Vadra’s plea is likely to be heard on March said yesterday. According to officials of the ground handling firm. Ravichandran, who was and daughters Ujjwala, Natasha and Meghna. His Sessions Judge Rakesh Syal said that the ED can 25. A trial court on Monday extended Vadra’s Directorate of Public Health, the baby had died caught red-handed in New Delhi, has been funeral will be held at the Vile Parle Crematorium question Shah, Kashmiri businessman Zahoor interim protection from arrest till March in the womb. During the delivery, the head booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act tomorrow with military honours, a Defence Ministry Ahmad Shah Watali and Dubai-based hawala 25. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has got separated while the torso got stuck in the for demanding bribe for awarding a contract off icial said. After the 1971 war, which saw East operator Naval Kishore Kapoor inside the Tihar Jail questioned him in the case several times. mother’s body. The woman was later shifted floated by the AAI for ground handling at Group Pakistan’s birth as a new country Bangladesh, on any three days between March 25 and April 5. The agency has also requested the trial court to Chengalpattu Medical Hospital where the D airports. The CBI took the action following Samant helped the fledgling Bangladesh Navy to The ED told the court that they want to confront to dismiss his anticipatory bail as it may baby’s torso was removed. Her condition is a March 16 complaint from V Venkatesh, the expand. Decorated with Mahavir Chakra for his role the accused with some documents related to case. require his custodial interrogation in the stated to be normal. She was admitted to the chief executive off icer of Bright Shine Services, in the 1971 war, Samant was the Senior Off icer of a In January 2018, the National Investigation Agency case. The case relates to the ownership of health centre for delivery on Sunday after she a partnership firm which took part in the force comprising vessels which carried out daring charge-sheeted Shah and Watali along with Hafiz £1.9mn overseas assets by Vadra. It pertains developed labour pain. While the woman’s tendering process floated by the AAI. It was and highly successful attacks in Mongla and Saeed, Syed Salahuddin, seven Kashmiri separatist to undisclosed foreign assets and entities to relatives alleged medical negligence, the alleged that Ravichandran visited Chennai on Khulna ports in the erstwhile East Pakistan. leaders and others in a case of terror funding. evade tax. officials denied the charges. March 13 and contacted Venkatesh. Aseemanand among four acquitted in train blast case

DPA, IANS terror attack cases a decade ago, Panchkula, Haryana was accused of providing logistic support to the persons who car- ried out the blasts. our men accused of a 2007 The NIA, which had taken bombing on a train that over the probe in 2010, had said Fruns between India and that the accused were upset with Pakistan were acquitted by a the terror attacks on Hindu tem- court yesterday, a lawyer for the ples – Akshardham in Gujarat, prosecution said. Raghunath Mandir in Jammu The February 18, 2007, blast and Sankat Mochan Mandir on the Samjhauta Express, near in Varanasi – and conspired to Panipat, killed 68 people, mostly trigger the blast in the Pakistan- Pakistani citizens. bound train to avenge the spate The Samjhauta Express runs of attacks on various temples. twice a week between New Delhi The alleged mastermind of the in India and Lahore in Pakistan. attack, Sunil Joshi, was shot dead It is one of two rail connections near his home in Madhya Pradesh’s between the neighbours. Dewas district in December 2007. The National Investigation Aseemanand, linked to the Rash- Indian journalists are seen outside the Westminster Magistrates Court before Nirav Modi appeared, in London yesterday. Agency (NIA) charged eight peo- triya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ple, including Hindu spiritual – the ideological mentor of the leader Swami Aseemanand for ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, was their alleged role in the attack in out on bail. The three others were June 2011. in judicial custody. One of them died before trial. Last year Aseemanand was Three remain on the loose. among fi ve men acquitted in the 2007 blast in Hyderabad’s Mecca “The NIA special court Masjid. In 2017, he was acquitted Nirav Modi arrested in has concluded that the in the Ajmer Dargah blast case. investigating agency Also yesterday, a court set has failed to prove the up at the Sabarmati Central Jail conspiracy charge and in Gujarat sentenced a man to ruled that accused deserve life imprisonment for the 2002 a benefi t of doubt” Godhra train carnage. Judge H C Vora of the Special London, denied bail Four of them, including Aseem- Investigative Team court, con- anand, who heads a Hindu right- victed Yakub Pataliya based on Reuters, IANS London’s Westminster Magis- same court on March 29. The new business was incor- Prakash Javadekar said all the wing organisation, stood trial. submissions made earlier by fi ve London/ New Delhi trates Court accused by India The Interpol had issued a Red porated in May 2018, it said. fugitives would have to come All of them were acquitted by other accused. of two charges of conspiracy to Corner Notice against Nirav PNB shares closed up 3% on back and “return the looted the special NIA court in Pan- Nearly 16 years after being fraud and conspiracy to conceal Modi in July 2018 at the request the news of Modi’s arrest. money to the nation”. chkula in Haryana on grounds booked for the train burning at ugitive billionaire jewel- criminal property. of the Enforcement Directorate Modi left the country before In December, a British court that the prosecution had failed Godhra, in which 59 Hindu ac- ler Nirav Modi, wanted He spoke only to confi rm his (ED) and the Central Bureau of India’s biggest banking fraud agreed that another high-pro- to provide enough evidence. tivists died in two coaches of the Fby Indian authorities over name, age and address, and that Investigation (CBI). came to light early last year. fi le Indian businessman, avia- “The NIA special court has Sabarmati Express in February a $2bn loan fraud at state-run he did not agree to being extra- The businessman’s wherea- PNB, India’s second-largest tion tycoon Vijay Mallya, could concluded that the investigat- 2002, Pataliya was arrested in Punjab National Bank (PNB) dited. bouts were a mystery as he had state-run bank, said in 2018 be extradited to his homeland to ing agency has failed to prove January 2018. was remanded in custody after His lawyer, George Hepburne been spotted in New York, Hong that two jewellery groups head- face fraud charges. the conspiracy charge and ruled Pataliya was accused of being appearing before a British court Scott, said his client would deny Kong and other cities. ed by Modi and his uncle Me- Mallya is currently appealing that accused deserve a benefi t of a part of the mob which torched yesterday. the charges which he believes His arrest came days after hul Choksi had defrauded it by the decision. doubt,” the counsel for NIA, R K the two coaches on February 27, India asked Britain last Au- are politically motivated. the The Telegraph newspaper in raising credit from other Indian Separately, the Enforcement Handa, said. sparking state-wide riots which gust to extradite Modi, 48, Despite off ering to put up Britain claimed that Modi was banks using fraudulent guaran- Directorate (ED), India’s main The verdict came after the lasted for over a month. whose diamonds have sparkled £500,000 ($658,650) security, spotted in London. tees issued by rogue staff of the fi nancial crime-fi ghting agen- judge Jagdeep Singh dismissed In August Vora convicted on famous Hollywood stars, af- he was told he would not be He was said to be living in a bank. cy, said that a court yesterday an appeal fi led by a Pakistani Farukh Bhana and Imran alias ter he was accused of massive given bail. three-bedroom apartment, oc- Modi and Choksi have both issued a non-bailable warrant woman for examining eyewit- Sheru Batik and acquitted Hus- bank fraud, charges he denies. District Judge Marie Mal- cupying half the fl oor of the denied wrongdoing. against Nirav Modi’s wife. nesses from her country, saying sain Suleman Mohan, Kasam The diamond magnate was lon said there were substantial landmark Centre Point tower Prior to his arrest, the oppo- The court also allowed the ED it was devoid of any merit. Bhamedi and Faruk Dhantiya. arrested in the Holborn area of grounds to believe he might not block, the daily reported. sition Congress Party had used to auction 11 vehicles belonging Apart from Aseemanand, The fi ve were arrested by dif- central London on Tuesday af- surrender to bail and no condi- It claimed Modi was involved it as a weapon to target the rul- to Modi - including Rolls Royce, the others acquitted are Lokesh ferent investigative agencies in ter he went into a bank to open tions would satisfy her to grant in a new diamond business, run ing Bharatiya Janata Party ahead Porsche, Mercedes and Toyota Sharma, Kamal Chauhan and 2015-16. Earlier, the special SIT an account and a member of his release. from an offi ce in Soho, just a few of general election. models - and allowed income Rajinder Chaudhary. Aseema- court convicted 31 people in the staff contacted police. He was remanded in custody hundred yards from his apart- BJP leader and Human Re- tax authorities to auction 68 nand, who was charged in three case on March 1, 2011. Yesterday, he appeared at until his next appearance at the ment. source Development Minister paintings owned by him.

Dharwad building crash toll rises to 4 ‘Hundreds of land laws The death toll in the collapse of a multi-storey commercial building under construction in Karnataka rose to four cause confusion, confl ict’ yesterday, police said. Sixty-two people have been rescued, police inspector M I Reuters tabase where someone can eas- decided by religion and custom, Basapur said from Dharwad, New Delhi ily access them,” she told a land said Shipra Deo at land rights about 400km northwest of conference in New Delhi. advocacy group Landesa. Bengaluru. “With so many laws, and with While a 2005 federal law gave Rescuers were still searching he sheer number and the added complication of the Hindu women across India equal for people who may be trapped complexity of India’s land colonial legacy and post-colonial inheritance rights, several states under the debris, he said. Tlaws make them inacces- structure, there are invariably had since amended the law to dis- A 25-member National sible to most people, researchers disputes and confl icts,” said Wahi, criminate against them, she said. Disaster Response Force warned, with many sparking the who is now analysing the land Few women made claims, (NDRF) team flew in from types of confl icts that they are laws of the remaining 21 states. because they were unaware of Lucknow to undertake rescue supposed to help resolve. Matters related to land and the law, or were forced to give operations, Chief Minister H D A study of just eight of India’s property make up about two- up their claims to male rela- Kumaraswamy said. 29 states published by the New thirds of all civil cases in India, tives, said Deo, who recently Building collapses are frequent Delhi-based think tank the Cen- according to a 2016 study by researched inheritance laws in in India, with a string of tre for Policy Research (CPR), Bengaluru-based legal advocacy Indian states. accidents reported in recent showed that there are more Daksh, which found that most In nearly a third of the states – years. Critics say many than 1,200 laws related to land, involved people with low in- mostly in the north – the inher- private builders use inferior alongside about 150 federal laws. comes and only basic education. itance provision for women was construction material to cut The laws largely deal with re- More than 22mn cases are not equal, she told the Thomson corners on costs or bribe form, acquisition, taxation, land pending in India’s district courts, Reuters Foundation on the side- officials to bypass regulations. use and records, said Namita Wahi, according to federal government lines of the conference. Last September five people head of the Land Rights Initia- data. Of these, 7.5mn are civil cases, “In several states, the law does were killed after an apartment tive at the CPR, adding that some and more than 6mn have dragged not necessarily follow the spirit block collapsed in Delhi. dated back to the colonial era, and on for more than fi ve years. of the 2005 law,” she said. Just months earlier a six-storey many contradict each other. Many of the cases are related In Uttar Pradesh, for example, building collapsed on the “We have so many laws but to inheritance, as states have married daughters do not have National Disaster Response Force personnel search for survivors a day after an under-construction outskirts of the capital, killing there is no publicly available da- diff ering laws, with matters also claim over ancestral property. building collapsed in Dharwad district of Karnataka, yesterday. nine. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 23

LATIN AMERICA Brazil drug gang opens fi re on trucks carrying nuke fuel

Guardian News and Media gang members as the trucks car- around 200km from Rio de Janei- workers just a kilometre from the fi ght was taking place, Eletronu- plant, which began operating in of shots, the criminals let a pis- Rio de Janeiro rying uranium continued to a ro. It reached the Angra 2 nuclear two plants, which provide around clear said. The company said the 2001. tol magazine containing 12 9mm nearby nuclear plant. The attack plant less than half an hour later, 3% of Brazil’s power. convoy had happened to pass an However, a spokeswoman for bullets fall, which was seized by is the latest of several violent in- Brazil’s nuclear agency said. Brazil’s government-run nu- area where a gunfi ght was hap- the Federal Highway police in Rio the team.” Marco Antonio Alves convoy of trucks carrying cidents in the area where Brazil The attack happened in the clear agency Eletronuclear said pening and was not attacked. said in a statement the convoy had said the convoy had happened to nuclear fuel came under has two nuclear reactors and has same area and on the same high- in a statement the uranium was Typically, such convoys have come under fi re. pass Frade as a gunfi ght was tak- Aarmed attack on a highway raised concerns about its nuclear way where the British tour- in a “natural state” and would not around fi ve or six trucks and are “During an escort mis- ing place. in Rio de Janeiro state as it drove security in a state struggling with ist Eloise Dixon was shot and have harmed the population as it escorted by regular police and sion near the Frade commu- “There was a confl ict, there past a community controlled by a high levels of violent crime. wounded in 2017 after her family’s had the same level of radioactiv- motorbike outriders from Bra- nity armed individuals opened was a gunfi ght in this community drug gang. Gang members armed The attack happened as the hire car accidentally drove into ity as when it is found in nature. zil’s Federal Highway police, the fi re on Federal Highway Police called Frade, the police took posi- with rifl es opened fi re on the con- convoy passed the Frade com- another gang-run community, Police took position on the edge Eletronuclear spokesman Marco teams, who reacted,” she said. tion and the convoy continued. voy, Rio’s O Globo newspaper said. munity around noon near the Água Santa. Last year an armed of the highway when shots were Antonio Alves told the Guardian. “The escort team continued Some police stayed behind and Armed police escorting the tourist town of Angra dos Reis in gang blew up two cash machines heard at around noon as the con- It was carrying uranium fuel to normally. Nobody was arrested exchanged shots,” he said. “What convoy exchanged fi re with armed the Green Coast (Costa Verde), in a condominium for nuclear voy passed an area where a gun- supply the Angra 2 nuclear power or injured. During the exchange happened was a coincidence.” Hunger stabs at Venezuelans impoverished by political crisis

AFP this before. It’s chaos,” he said. Maracaibo, Venezuela Marcy Chirinos is walking desolate streets in the centre of Maracaibo city, population he fi sh Juan Maurice is 3.6mn. It’s days after the country catching are so small suff ered a nationwide blackout Tthey’re best thrown into a that was the worst in its history. frying pan. Even so, they won’t For fi ve days, darkness descend- fatten this out-of-work builder ed and looting erupted in Marac- who has lost 16kg over the past aibo. two years. More than 500 shops were Impoverished by Venezuela’s emptied. crisis, Maurice, who now weighs “Now, there’s nothing to eat,” 75kg, is trying his luck by casting Chirinos says, her head covered a net with his uncle in the brack- with an old rag to protect her- ish, polluted waters of north- self from the sweltering sun. western Venezuela’s Maracaibo A municipal cleaner, she earns Lake just to have anything to eat. the minimum wage, which to- “One day I might be here, and day means the equivalent of $6 a the next I might be in the moun- month. tain looking for rabbits and igua- “It’s just not possible to live nas,” the 35-year-old explains. like this. My clothes are dirty. We His drawn face looks much don’t even have water to wash in, Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido’s wife, Fabiana Rosales walks next to Chilean first lady Cecilia Morel during her visit at the government palace in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. older than his years. His net has or money to buy detergent,” she 20 fi sh in it. They are of a type says. that can grow up to 30 centime- But her biggest problem is the tres in length but his are less than lack of food. a third of that. Very thin, she tries to do what He also snared a small blue she can to help feed her fi ve crab and three slender, boney grandchildren, but it’s nearly im- catfi sh that usually aren’t eaten. possible. “If something is for sale, Maurice used to live well it’s way too pricey. Rice, fl our — enough as a builder and welder they only sell those for dollars... UN rights chief decries in this region, Venezuela’s in- But where am I going to fi nd dustrial oil hub. “Before, my sal- dollars?” ary was enough to eat, save a lit- The looting has exacerbated an tle, decorate my home,” he says, already desperate situation. plucking the fi sh out. Most of the city’s stores re- But with Venezuela’s economy main shuttered. “These clothes collapsing to half of what it was no longer fi t me,” Chirinos says, Venezuela crackdown in 2014, and with infl ation fore- showing how baggy her worn cast by the International Mone- pants are on her diminished Reuters Bachelet told the UN Human of the armed forces and control to the sale of Venezuelan oil in He denounced measures in- tary Fund to reach 10mn per cent frame. “Whatever we have is for Geneva Rights Council that she had in- of state functions. the US “may contribute to aggra- cluding the blocking of $7bn in this year, work dried up. the children.” formation, without elaborating, US President Donald Trump vating the economic crisis”. shares of PDVSA’s US subsidiary Even oil production, which Ana Angulo is contemplating a that the National Police’s Special said on Tuesday that his admin- Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Citgo Petroleum Corporation in accounts for 95% of the nation- line of closed stores in what used enezuelan security forc- Actions Force (FAES) had execut- istration had held in reserve what Valero said that the real situation January. al budget, has all but stopped. to be the bustling shopping heart es, backed by pro-gov- ed 37 people in January in Cara- he called “the toughest of sanc- in the country had been “distort- Bachelet said that Venezue- Through odd jobs, Maurice tries of Maracaibo, shaking her white- Vernment militias, have cas in illegal house raids in poor tions” to try to cut off revenues ed by the baseless international lan authorities had failed to ac- to earn enough to feed his seven haired head. quashed peaceful protests with areas supporting the opposition. to Maduro. media campaign”. knowledge the extent and sever- children, but “they are all scraw- “Look at this emptiness,” she excessive use of force, killings “My offi ce documented nu- In January, Trump imposed Peaceful protests were al- ity of a health and food crisis that ny,” he says. almost whispers, sad. In her 77 and torture, UN human rights merous human rights violations sanctions on state-owned oil lowed, but not acts of vandalism has driven more than 3mn abroad Maurice is fi shing in San Fran- years she says she can never re- chief Michelle Bachelet said yes- and abuses by security forces and company Petroleos de Venezuela and criminality that were being since 2015. A team of experts cisco, a town next to the vast member such penury. terday. pro-government armed groups, PDVSA, the stiff est economic “promoted by a violent portion from her offi ce is in the country lake. Its shores are blackened “Hunger is giving me head- The country was plunged into including excessive use of force, measure against Maduro and of the opposition, whipped up by assessing conditions, a “positive by oil constantly leaking out of aches,” she says. a political crisis in January when killings, arbitrary detentions, Venezuela to date. foreign funding”, he said. fi rst step”, Bachelet said. wells. A little distance away, Jaime Juan Guaido, head of the oppo- torture and ill-treatment in de- The US is among countries that “The US government has been “It is important that the team “I don’t know if these fi sh are Romero, 31, is pushing his mother sition-controlled congress, in- tention, and threats and intimi- have recognised Guaido as the le- pillaging our economic resources have completely unhindered ac- edible or not. But given the situ- in an old wheelchair. “We came voked the constitution to assume dation,” she said. gitimate head of state. However, and denying Venezuela the pos- cess, with no reprisals against ation we’ll have to risk it, so we’ll out to see if someone had some- an interim presidency, arguing Maduro, a socialist who says Bachelet, a former president of sibility of acquiring the neces- any person who has met, or eat them,” he says. thing to give us to eat,” he says. Nicolas Maduro’s 2018 re-elec- he is the victim of an attempted Chile, said the latest US sanc- sary food and medicines for our sought to meet, with them,” she “I feel awful. We’ve never lived tion was not legitimate. US-led coup, retains the support tions on fi nancial transfers linked people,” Valero said. added.

Anti-govt rally Five-year-old boy rescued Opposition snubs after 22 hours lost in desert talks with Ortega AFP mediators Waldemar Stanislaw Managua Sommertag, the Vatican envoy, Guardian News and Media any more,” Quiroga said later. thinking the worst,” said Quiro- and Organisation of American Buenos Aires In the end, Benjamin walked ga afterwards. Jubilant rescuers States (OAS) special envoy Luis for almost a full day, covering fi nally found the boy lying amid icaragua’s opposition al- Angel Rosadilla to push the gov- 21km of hills, forests, desert and the bushes in a swampy area af- liance said talks with ernment “to show willingness” to fi ve-year-old boy who dangerous swamps. ter a 22-hour search. NPresident Daniel Ortega’s reach an agreement, Solis said. was lost for 22 hours in He was dressed in sneakers, Benjamín was spotted by Al- government cannot resume until The talks were suspended on Aan Argentinian mountain pants and a T-shirt, ideal for berto Ontiveros, who led a team “political prisoners” are released Monday in protest over the “vio- wilderness inhabited by danger- an afternoon out in Argentina’s of 15 motorbikes. “We followed and the repression of anti-regime lence and repression” of demon- ous snakes, cougars and scorpi- summer, but not for a semi-arid the tracks of his sneakers,” said protesters ends. strators. Riot police had used tear ons has been reunited with his desert where the temperatures Ontiveros. “When I saw him I “There aren’t the conditions to gas to stop an opposition protest family. range from 30C during the day didn’t even stop, I just turned continue negotiating” with the on Saturday while temporarily Benjamin Sanchez lost sight to 0C at night (86 to 32F). straight around to alert the heli- government, opposition lawyer detaining 100 people, including of his mother while playing Benjamin found water from copter. The important thing was Azahalea Solis told reporters. two opposition leaders. hide-and-seek on a visit to El a stream and tried to nibble on getting him out of there at once.” On Monday, the opposition The opposition is also angry Salado, a semi-desert region some plants. “I got cold, I got The fi rst person to reach him Civic Alliance for Justice and De- that 150 prisoners released since of the province of San Juan in scared,” he said afterwards. was horse rider Juan Reynoso, mocracy (ACJD) suspended peace the talks started on February 27 western Argentina. His disappearance dominated who rode his mount through talks with the government aimed have been confi ned to house ar- “My mother was chasing me the news in Argentina. Prayer the deep mud to off er Benjamín at breaking the deadlock over a rest, and is demanding their total and I started to run,” he told groups were set up in the prov- water. “It’s a swamp with a lot political crisis that has lasted 11 liberation. The government made the Clarín newspaper after his ince of San Juan. of mud, diffi cult to cross and months. no comment about the latest im- rescue. “I could hear her at fi rst Benjamin’s mother, a doc- animals often get stuck there,” And although the ACJD turned passe in negotiations. but then I got lost. I leaned on a tor, refused to leave the site of Reynoso said. up at the venue in Managua The alliance, which also sus- rock. I started to call her but she his disappearance until he was After alerting the helicopter, where talks have been hosted by pended the talks for three days couldn’t hear me.” He quickly found. Drones, a helicopter, and Ontiveros rode back and found Coca growers from Los Yungas region, attend a protest to the Central American Institute last week until the government got lost in the undergrowth, said 300 volunteers including horse Benjamín. Benjamín was taken demand freedom for Franklin Gutierrez, the leader of of Business Administration, the gave in to a demand to release his mother Andrea Quiroga, 44. and motorbike riders partici- by helicopter to the hospital in growers and against President Evo Morales’ government, in delegation did not meet with gov- prisoners, “energetically con- “It was so quiet I could hear pated in the search. the city of San Juan where he La Paz, Bolivia. ernment negotiators. demned” the weekend crackdown him cry but I couldn’t see him “I was desperate. I started was reunited with his mother. Instead, the opposition asked on dissent. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, March 21, 2019 PAKISTAN Six police killed in Govt targeting political checkpoint raid

AFP Balochistan, which borders Quetta both Afghanistan and Iran, has been beset by ethnic, Islamist, and political insurgencies for opponents: PPP leader t last six Pakistani po- decades along with high levels licemen were killed in of poverty. Reuters both men had been given ques- Aa raid on a checkpoint Its residents have long com- Islamabad tionnaires to be handed back in southwestern Balochistan plained that it does not receive within 10 days. province, offi cials said yes- a fair share of the profi ts made Offi cials have previously told terday, in the latest Taliban- from the province’s abundant he leader of one of Paki- Pakistan’s Supreme Court that claimed attack in the restive mineral wealth. stan’s main opposition the cases were related to corrup- area. China, one of Pakistan’s Tparties, Bilawal Bhutto tion and money laundering. The assault took place in the closest allies, has poured bil- Zardari, accused the govern- The family denies all accusa- mountainous Sanjawi area of lions into the South Asian ment yesterday of deliberately tions of corruption and says the Ziarat district, some 80km (50 country in recent years as targeting political opponents cases have been fabricated for miles) east of the provincial part of the China-Pakistan after an anti-graft agency sum- political reasons. capital Quetta. Economic Corridor (CPEC) moned him and his father for Bhutto, son of assassinated “It was a sudden attack. The – a massive infrastructure questioning. two-time prime minister Bena- attackers came on motorcy- project that seeks to con- Hundreds of angry support- zir Bhutto, said one of the cases cles and killed all six person- nect its western province ers of Bhutto’s liberal, secular he had been questioned about nel on duty,” Qadir Bakhsh, a of Xinjiang with the Ara- Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) dated back to when he was a senior government offi cial in bian Sea port of Gwadar in thronged the offi ce of the an- newly born baby. Ziarat, said. Balochistan. ti-graft agency. Some of them The transfer of the cases to the Bakhsh said the attackers The subject of economic clashed with police, chanting city of Rawalpindi from Karachi, were armed with automatic dividends from CPEC is ex- “Down with Imran Khan!” Khan where his party governs, showed weapons and fl ed after the as- tremely sensitive in some of is Pakistan’s prime minister. bad intentions, he added. sault early Wednesday, adding those areas – particularly in “This isn’t a system of ac- Bhutto’s party rules Paki- that a search operation has Balochistan. countability. This is a system stan’s southern Sindh prov- been launched in the area. Since the beginning of of political engineering. This ince and came third in last The Pakistani Taliban later the project, militants have is a system of the politics of re- July’s general election, which claimed responsibility for the repeatedly attacked con- venge,” Bhutto told a news con- Khan’s Pakistan Move- attack in an e-mail sent to struction sites, blowing up ference after being questioned ment for Justice (Pakistan media. numerous gas pipelines and at the headquarters of the Na- Tehreek-i-Insaf) won. Faisal Agha – another sen- trains, and targeted Chinese tional Accountability Bureau Bhutto’s mother Benazir was PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, centre, waves to supporters as he arrives in the National Accountability ior government offi cial – con- workers. (NAB). assassinated in a gun and sui- Bureau (NAB) in Islamabad yesterday. fi rmed the attack and toll. The Pakistani military has The NAB said in a state- cide attack in December 2007. The incident comes after been targeting insurgencies in ment an investigative team had His father Zardari spent 11 “These things aren’t new to Bhutto says the latest corrup- to the federal government. at least four people were the province since 2004, and quizzed Bhutto and his father years in jail before his release in me. I have seen this all as a little tion campaign against him and Opposition parties say Khan killed and seven wounded has been repeatedly accused Asif Ali Zardari for around two 2004 on corruption and mur- boy along with my mother visit- his fellow party leaders is in- won power with the backing of in a bomb attack on Sun- by international rights groups hours about three cases. It gave der charges, which were never ing these accountability offi ces tended to reverse provincial au- Pakistan’s powerful military, day in the mineral-rich of abuses there. It denies the no details on the cases, but said proved. and these jails,” Bhutto said. tonomy and divert regional funds which he and the army deny. province. allegations. Student kills Ghost schools scam spreads to 19 KP districts

Internews quiry into the scandal and is Documents reveal that the provided with logistics so as to hiring many private schools in Islamabad presently questioning relevant 2018-19 physical verifi cation of constantly monitor the BoS ac- Mansehra.” professor over offi cials. total OOSC of 25 diff erent dis- tivities. The document added that Last week, local media had tricts where this programme was The ESEF carried out 10% following this situation the dis- he enrolment of alarming reported that the KP chief min- launched, out of total 93,300 validation/verifi cation against trict programme offi cers were number of ghost out-of- ister was informed by the out- enrolled students, only 51,798 the data of BoS. However, instructed to carry out 100% Tschool children (OOSC) of-school children enrolled in were physically verifi ed. Almost while physical verifi cation of verifi cation of the 93,300 OOSC mixed reception in ghost schools in the Khyber the targeted six districts of the 43,000 were found ghost. the schools and OOSC in dis- in the private schools. Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has province till 2017, nearly 21,000 In the year 2018-19, for the trict Mansehra was undertaken This verifi cation process turned out to be a huge scan- students were fake, whereas out purpose of credibility, the ESEF by the MD ESEF, it was alleged showed that out of 93,300 only AFP/Reuters “My father then fell down and dal as the offi cial report for the of total 90 schools established in Board approved the agency’s found that the concerned staff 51,708 OOSC were found genu- Islamabad I rushed to him, the student held year 2018-19 shows that scan- just one district for the same pur- recommendation of hiring the of ESEF and BoS had colluded ine in 25 districts of the prov- his knife and started shouting ‘I dal has spread to 19 of the total pose, 70 have been found ghost. KP government’s Bureau of Sta- and in active connivance with ince. In only fi ve out of total 25 have killed him, I had told him 25 provincial districts where the Under Iqra Farogh-e-Taleem tistics to identify 115,000 OOSC one another, have registered districts, no ghost students was Pakistani student was that a gender mix reception is scheme was launched. Voucher Scheme (IFTVS), the under ISTVS programme, in 25 thousands of ghost OOSC. found. In one district, at the arrested yesterday after against Islam’,” he said. Documents reveal that in ad- provincial government has been district of KP, against the target “More information was col- time of verifi cation, the stu- Astabbing his professor to “We took him to hospital but dition to offi cials of Elementary spending millions of rupees on set for academic year 2018-19. lected regarding these elements dents’ number was found more death for organising a mixed- he had already died,” he said. and Secondary Education Foun- “fake” students as well as the Documents show that the and their activities in other than those registered. gender reception at a govern- He said the student dropped dation (ESEF), the provincial “ghost” schools without con- BoS in July 2018 provided data districts and it was shocking As refl ected in the earlier sto- ment college, police said. his knife and the guards arrested Bureau of Statistics (BoS) was ducting any credible audit. Since to ESEF according to which to fi nd that thousands of fake ry in local media, surprisingly Associate professor Khalid him. also allegedly found involved in 2014, when the PTI government 93,300 OOSC were successfully OOSC have been registered in the offi cer – MD ESEF Zulfi qar Hameed was killed yesterday on The Punjab provincial govern- registering ghost students. launched this scheme to address enrolled in 1,500 low cost pri- other districts too. It was found Ahmad – who dug out these the campus of Sadiq Egerton Col- ment said on Twitter that the It was revealed that the Na- the issue of out-of-school chil- vate schools across provinces. that the daily wagers hired by wrongs and sought corruption lege in the southern city of Baha- student had been arrested and tional Accountability Bureau dren, each student was funded During the survey proc- ESEF during 2017-18 follow- cases against the responsible walpur, a local police offi cial said. the chief minister had sought a (NAB) has also initiated an in- around Rs1,100 per month. ess, ESEF district offi cers were ing a survey by BoS, were found was suspended last month. “The professor had organised a report from the police. gender mix reception for the new Egerton College is one of few students and the event was sup- institutions in Pakistan with a posed to take place tomorrow, majority female student popu- on Thursday,” he said. lation, with 4,000 women at- According to the report regis- tending alongside 2,000 male New body for aerial accidents probe Islamabad tered with the police, a copy of students, college principal Wali which was seen by AFP, the stu- Muhammed said. Internews ter the passage of 3 years. of its functioning have been Junaid Jamshed and its in- dent had shouted that he killed Mixed-gender events are not Karachi The new board is said to be outlined and limited time span vestigation report could not hails Beijing the professor because he was uncommon in Pakistan’s educa- autonomous which will report will be given to investigate an be released even after three “spreading obscenity”. tional institutions but they come directly to the Prime Minister aerial disaster. Its duration years upon which the PM ex- “The gender mix reception is with more restrictions in gov- he federal government whereas earlier the investiga- would be 6 months to one year. pressed anger over the board’s support against the teachings of Islam ernment-owned colleges than in of Pakistan has decided tion board used to work un- It is also learnt the inves- performance and on this unu- and I had warned him to stop it,” private ones. Tto replace the Safety der the aviation division. A tigation report will be sent sual delay directed the offi cials Internews he was quoted as saying in the Recently, a government Investigation Board (SIB) that separate budget would also be directly to the PM instead of concerned to disband the safe- Beijing report fi led with the police. university in Punjab issued a was previously tasked with allocated for the board while the aviation division. The new ty board and replace it with a The professor’s son Waleed dress code barring female stu- investigating aircraft disasters the government would not board will not work under the new autonomous board. Khan, who was with him at dents from wearing tops with with a new Aircraft Accident interfere in its operation. aviation division. It must be noted the cur- akistan Foreign Minister the time of the incident, said a deep neckline, sleeveless Investigation Board (AAIB). According to sources, after Prime Minister Imran Khan rent board used to work under Shah Mehmood Qureshi the student was waiting for his shirts, tights, skinny jeans or The decision to form a new the federal cabinet approves was earlier informed a Fokker the aviation division while the Phas reaffi rmed Pakistan’s father. capri pants. investigation board has been the government’s aviation aircraft of the PIA PK-661 proposed new board will re- commitment to China-Pakistan “As my father was about to In many government univer- taken after accident report of policy, the SIB would be dis- that had taken off from Chi- port directly to the PM and will Economic Corridor project say- step into his offi ce, the guy at- sities there is a ban on students Pakistan International Air- banded after which aviation tral to Islamabad had crashed include experts of aerial disas- ing the mega project is contrib- tacked him with a knife, hitting sitting as “couples” and “inap- lines’ (PIA) fl ight PK 661 that experts will be included in the in Hawelian in December 2016. ters who will conduct the in- uting to the country’s economic him at his head and stomach,” he propriate” interaction between crashed in December 2016 new board. There were 45 passengers vestigation and present a fi nal development and prosperity. said. male and female students. could not be released even af- Sources said broad features on board the plane including report to the premier. He was talking to director of the Central Foreign Aff airs Commis- sion Offi ce of the Communist Par- ty of China Yang Jiechi in Beijing yesterday, according to a release. Model jailed for smuggling The foreign minister ex- Chances of ‘super fl ood’ during monsoon pressed satisfaction over the de- liberations in the fi rst strategic dialogue between Pakistan and Internews of major rivers, Syed Mehr age caused by fl ooding in of ‘high to very high fl oods’. China, refl ecting complete con- Islamabad Ali Shah, acting secretary of the country. Kamal stressed the need for vergence of views on issues of water resources, informed Seconding the opinion of the release of Rs15bn at the mutual interest. the NA committee as he Shah, Federal Flood Commis- very minimum for fl ood pro- He appreciated Chinese con- akistan could face a tried to make a case for the sion chairman and chief engi- tection activities before the sistent support for Pakistan’s ‘major’ to ‘super fl ood’ release of at least Rs15bn for neering adviser Ahmad Kamal beginning of the monsoon sovereignty, independence and Pduring the monsoon fl ood protection activities at said that there was a chance of season so that all high priority territorial integrity. season owing to higher than the earliest. a “very high fl ood” this year. projects that have been fi nal- Yang Jiechi stated that Pa- normal snowfall and oth- Briefi ng the NA committee’s He was of the opinion that Pa- ised in consultation with pro- kistan-China relationship was er climatic changes in the meeting presided over by Na- kistan appeared to be facing a vincial governments could be time-tested and an example in country this year, two sen- wab Yousuf Talpur, Shah, who high impact of climate change. completed. interstate relations. He said Chi- ior government offi cials in- also holds the acting charge of Whenever two events si- He said the PC-1 for these na-Pakistan Economic Corridor formed the National Assem- Pakistan’s Indus Water Com- multaneous monsoon rain- projects was submitted to the has injected a fresh impetus to bly’s Standing Committee on mission, said that Pakistan had falls on northern parts of the Executive Committee of the bilateral economic co-operation. Water Resources. suff ered losses worth $19bn country and the entry of west- National Economic Council He assured the foreign minister They said more funds and due to fl ooding over the past erly waves in Balochistan and (Ecnec) a few months ago and of his full support in building clos- eff ective preparedness would 60 years. southern parts of the coun- its approval was awaited. er China-Pakistan Community of be required to minimise dam- The country suff ered $19bn try occur at the same time, Shah said the fourth Flood Shared Future in the new era. age from possible fl ooding in direct losses since 2010 fl oods “we can have a super fl ood Protection Programme was Czech model Tereza Hluskova weeps after the court decision Yang Jiechi appreciated Paki- the country. because of higher population anytime”. approved by the federal gov- to sentence her to eight years and eight months in prison for stan’s role in combating terror- The chances of a big fl ood and currency depreciation He said snowfall con- ernment and the provinces attempted heroin smuggling, in Lahore yesterday. A Pakistan ism and its eff orts for regional were relatively higher this factor, he added. tinued in some parts of the at the Council of Common court sentenced Tereza Hluskova to eight years and eight peace, especially in South Asia. year due to higher than He said funds spent on country even in March a rare Interests (CCI) level in 2017 months in prison after she was found carrying 8.5kg of heroin He also appreciated Pakistan’s normal snow deposits on fl ood protection were very lit- phenomenon and was in- with a total cost of Rs326bn for last year from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. support for reconciliation eff orts mountains and catchments tle when compared to dam- dicative of greater chances implementation in 10 years. in Afghanistan. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 25 PHILIPPINES Quezon City fire displaces 750 families Duterte slams offi cials over water shortage By Catherine S Valente 150 personnel of the agency. & Glee Jalea Lawmakers questioned the Manila Times regulatory capability of the MWSS amid these hefty fees. “To the MWSS Regulatory n outraged President Ro- Offi ce, I think you have failed drigo Duterte berated of- in your regulatory function. We Afi cials of the Metropolitan cannot expect the concession- Waterworks and Sewerage Sys- aires to police themselves,” said tem (MWSS) and its two con- Nueva Ecija Rep. Rosanna Ver- cessionaires, Maynilad Water gara. Services Inc and Manila Water MWSS Chief Regulator Co Inc, for the water shortage in Patrick Ty reiterated to the panel parts of Metro Manila and Rizal. that instead of administrative Duterte also threatened to fi nes, they could only impose fi re the heads of the state-run rate rebasing on the two utilities. MWSS and terminate the con- Rate rebasing is a process of cessionaires’ contracts, Malaca- Duterte: seeking accountability adjusting water rates every fi ve nang said yesterday. years based on performance, and In a statement, Palace spokes- plementing water interruptions is a way for the government to man Salvador Panelo said the in several areas in Metro Manila ensure that utilities do not ac- Residents carry their belongings as they evacuate to a safer place after a fire gutted an informal settlers area in Quezon City, president told MWSS offi cials to and Rizal to ensure that water cumulate profi ts and losses. The suburban Manila, yesterday. Local news reported some 250 houses were destroyed leaving 750 families homeless. “shape up or ship out,” during a supply would last until June or next rebasing is set in 2022. 40-minute meeting in Malaca- the rainy season. For Bayan Muna party-list nang on Tuesday night. MWSS offi cials received an- Rep. Carlos Zarate, the MWSS “The Chief Executive told other long sermon from law- should not wait fi ve years to them he was not going to listen makers yesterday morning after charge Manila Water. to their explanation as to why it was revealed that the agency Buhay party-list Rep. Jose there was a water shortage as was getting about P1bn in annual “Lito” Atienza said Maynilad such would be just plain excuses. fees from water concessionaires, and Manila Water should be They simply did not do their job. partly to repay debts. reminded of their obligation Senator wants creation of During the public inquiry of the of completing its coverage of All they care about is get profi t from the water of the people House Committee on Public Ac- wastewater facilities to address and to their suff erance as well,” counts, panel Chairman Minor- the shortage, before imposing Panelo said. “The president ity Leader Danilo Suarez said the hefty service fees on the public. told them they could have sim- MWSS budget should come from “I demand a refund here of all separate water department the General Appropriations Act that you have paid for. People are ply anticipated such shortage and could have done something (GAA) instead of Maynilad and very angry and I’m delivering the By Bernadette E Tamayo about it. They had to wait for Manila Water, which had been anger of the people in this com- Manila Times him to threaten them with per- paying at least P400mn each year mittee. You have failed…and we sonally rushing to Manila from to the government agency. cannot take your ‘sorry,’” an an- Davao to grapple with the cri- “We have been suggesting gry Atienza noted. The commit- enator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino sis before they moved to end it. that MWSS budget should come tee backed proposals to get water 4th has raised the need to create a De- The Chief Executive bluntly told from the GAA. They perform from the Kanan River Bulk Wa- Spartment of Water and solely address them to ‘shape up or ship out!’” their job as a regulatory offi ce. ter supply and the Sumag River water distribution issues and avoid a repeat he added. The operations and expendi- diversion project to address the of the water crisis that burdened thousands MWSS offi cials were told to tures of MWSS is being paid by shortage. “Why are we going to of Metro Manila residents. submit a report before April 7. the two service concessionaires. compete with the private sector The re-electionist senator fi led Senate Elaborating further on the So the regulator is being paid by just because we have an off er from Bill 2216 seeking the creation of the Depart- meeting, which he described as the regulatee,” Suarez said. the Chinese that they are willing ment of Water, Irrigation, Sewage and Sani- more of a “monologue” by the Maynilad Chief Operating to lend you money?” Suarez said, tation Resource Management. president, Panelo said: “In a Offi cer Randolph Estrellado ex- referring to the China-funded Ka- “The creation of the Department of stern message delivered without plained: “We pay concession liwa Dam in Quezon Province, to Water is a long-term solution to prevent even once looking at the offi cials, fees to MWSS. In my own un- be built by the government start- a repeat of the water shortage, not only in the obviously outraged president derstanding, part of that goes to ing July. Metro Manila, but also in other parts of the threatened to fi re the MWSS of- payment of debts. That is com- Senator Grace Poe, the com- country,” Aquino said. fi cials and terminate the conces- prised of cost of operations of mittee chairman, said she would Aquino said the Department of Water sionaires’ contracts.” MWSS, where their expenses are await submissions of the MWSS would rationalise water, irrigation, sewage A drum is filled with water in Tondo, Manila. He said the president would coming from. It’s now P400mn administrator who vowed to for- and sanitation resource management. decide “whether heads will roll for operations, from Maynilad ward to senators a copy of the fi - Currently, several agencies are responsi- ous units and agencies of the government, ing, fisheries, commercial and industrial or whether the contracts of the and Manila Water per annum.” nancing for Kaliwa Dam, which ble for water, irrigation, sewage and sanita- we are faced with challenges in terms of im- use. Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, concessionaires will be termi- Manila Water Chief Executive was sealed when Chinese Presi- tion management, such as the National Wa- plementing national policies and plans on meanwhile, pushed for the construction nated” after the submission of Offi cer Ferdinand dela Cruz gave dent Xi Jinping visited the country ter Resources Board, Local Water Utilities water, sewage, sanitation, and irrigation,” of more dams. “I think we should pur- the report. “He (Duterte) said a diff erent fi gure and said MWSS in November last year. Administration, Metropolitan Waterworks Aquino said. sue the completion of delayed water dam the offi cials knew of the problem receives P522mn from each of “We will look into that so that and Sewerage System (MWSS), National He said the proposed department projects to address the shortage. The An- leading to the stoppage of the the water concessionaires annu- it could be included in our com- Irrigation Administration, local water dis- would improve water resource planning gat Dam and La Mesa Dam are the only fl ow of water but they did not re- ally, factoring infl ation. mittee report that should serve as tricts and rural waterworks and sanitation to ensure sustainable, fair allocation and sources of water for Metro Manila. Our solve to prevent it from happen- MWSS Corporate Offi ce Dep- a public record that everybody can associations. efficient use of water resources, including population is getting bigger, we must find ing,” Panelo said. uty Administrator Moro Lazo scrutinise,” said Poe, who led an “With regulation and management of our but not limited to domestic and municipal new water sources,” said Ejercito, who is Manila Water, the east zone said part of the concessionaires’ inquiry into the water shortage on water resources currently lodged with vari- use, irrigation, power generation, farm- seeking re-election in May. concessionaire, had been im- fees goes to the salaries of over Tuesday.

Court junks Trillanes’ plea to halt trial Boy’s struggle to feed his family AFP Manila By Jomar Canlas Macaraig are also the regular Manila Times members of the CA’s Ninth Divi- sion. eymark Cavesirano, 13, The appellate court said it leaves before dawn each he Court of Appeals (CA) could not grant the plea for TRO Rweekend day on a peril- has rejected a plea of Sen. of Trillanes because it would ous trip out into Manila Bay to TAntonio Trillanes 4th for touch the merits of the case. make enough to feed his family, a stay order to halt his prosecu- “Given the foregoing state of one of millions of deeply poor tion in connection with a rebel- facts, the ancillary remedies ap- Filipinos who face a daily strug- lion case stemming from the No- plied for may not be granted at gle for survival. vember 2007 Manila Peninsula this time without running afoul Aboard a raft pieced together siege. with the principle that provi- from discarded wood and sheets This means that the Makati sional reliefs may not be granted of styrofoam, he uses his bare Regional Trial Court (RTC) in advance of the main action hands as paddles for the hour- Branch 150 can proceed with a where the provisional relief is long journey to the fi shing boats trial of the case against the sena- the very remedy prayed for in the where he works. tor, in connection with the re- complaint of petition,” it said. About one in fi ve of the Phil- vived rebellion charges against The CA argued that it “may ippines’ 106mn people live in him, after President Rodrigo Du- not temporarily restrain or pre- extreme poverty, getting by on terte revoked his amnesty that liminarily enjoin the prosecution less than $2 per day. was granted by then-President of the criminal action for rebel- Many, including children, Benigno Aquino 3rd. lion at this stage because to do so work long hours as street ven- In a four-page resolution, a would be to grant the principal dors or labourers to make copy of which was obtained by prayer for certiorari, prohibition enough to feed themselves. Manila Times, the CA’s Ninth and/or injunction without the Cavesirano, along with men Division on Tuesday ruled to benefi t of hearing.” at least twice his age, helps dismiss the petition for a tem- It ordered the Department of fi shermen clean their nets by porary restraining order (TRO) Justice (DoJ) and the Offi ce of the removing fi sh stuck in the gear. and/or writ of preliminary in- Solicitor General (OSG) to fi le He keeps the fi sh as payment, junction. their comment within 10 days paddles back to land and then “Accordingly, the application from notice. Trillanes will have sells them to buy food and med- for a temporary restraining order fi ve days to reply to the same. icine for his family. or a writ of preliminary prohibi- The DoJ and the OSG ordered “My back usually aches from 13-year-old Reymark Cavesirano (left) helps crew members with their nets onboard a fishing boat anchored at the mouth of Manila Bay off tory injunction is denied at this the revival of the rebellion case paddling but I cannot stop. I Navotas City in suburban Manila. time,” the resolution, penned of Trillanes, following the rev- have to continue because we by Justice Apolinario Bruselas Jr ocation of his amnesty. need to eat,” Cavesirano said. He is estranged from his But he said ‘Mama, other peo- family for the day, and 300-400 him how to swim, dreams of and dated March 18, 2019, read. In a petition for certiorari The boy, who attends el- mother. Cavesirano’s grand- ple won’t help us in life. So I pesos ($6-$8).The money helps fi nishing school and providing a Justices Myra Garcia Fern- lodged by the senator before ementary school during the mother Remedios Santos said will help you’,” said the 55-year pay for his grandfather’s tuber- better life for his family. andez, the senior member, and the CA and dated March 11, week, lives with his grandpar- she was against her grandson old Santos, who still works as a culosis medicine and cover his “I want to reciprocate my Geraldine Macaraig, the junior 2019, he prayed to stop RTC ents in a shelter pieced together working because of the risks he scavenger. school allowance for the com- grandparents’ kindness. I want member, concurred with the Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alame- from bamboo and plastic sheet- faces on the water but he was On a good day, Cavesirano ing week. The boy, who started them to have a three-storey ruling. da from proceeding with the ing in a squatter community on persistent. can bring home a kilo of rice, working on the boats at the age house made from concrete,” Bruselas, Fernandez and trial of his case. the shore of Manila Bay. “I told him it is dangerous. which is enough to feed his of 10 after his brother taught Cavesirano said. Gulf Times 26 Thursday, March 21, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka 21 -03 -2019 Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Ardern’s response to massacre puts America to shame

Last week, a white nationalist terrorist armed with a semi-automatic rifl e and a shotgun entered two mosques and massacred more than 50 Muslim worshippers during the the weekly Jummah prayer. Americans are used to these kind of horrifying attacks. It was just a few months ago that a domestic terrorists murdered 11 Jewish worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. And Americans were ready for the same old tired script: one politician after another condemning the attack and off ering thoughts and GECF chief: Qatar proved its prayers to the victims and families. But something diff erent happened. Instead of off ering thoughts and prayers, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised action – “I can tell you right now ability in overcoming challenges our gun laws will change.” New Zealand has stricter gun laws than the US. He stated that coal will remain an For example, they require universal background checks QNA Doha important option for Asian countries in but assault weapons are legal for purchase, as they are in meeting future energy needs. the US. There, the majority of civilian owned fi rearms are However, extended eff orts to support not registered. atar has established itself as natural gas, renewables, and energy one of the largest producers effi ciency are expected to mitigate coal For many Americans who have been calling on lawmakers and exporters of natural gas demand growth in the Asia Pacifi c to enact gun control measures for decades, Ardern’s quick Qin the world after it proved region. response is inspiring. It is refreshing to see a leader shaken its ability in overcoming challenges, He pointed out that global policy by a mass shooting and immediately work to prevent such Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting orientations to limit the environmental Countries Forum (GECF) Dr Yury impact resulting from coal-related horrifi c violence from happening again. But Ardern’s Sentyurin has said. emissions. response is the norm. It is the lack of response from In an interview with Qatar News He said, “Under these assumptions, American leaders that is the outlier. Agency (QNA), Dr Yury Sentyurin said we project that global coal In response to a 1996 that Qatar, despite recent challenges, consumption through to 2040 will has continued to be resilient and was remain flat, while natural gas will rise For many mass shooting that left able to secure LNG supplies to its by 1.7% per annum. 35 people dead, Australia partners and clients worldwide through This will enable gas to overtake coal Americans overhauled the country’s providing LNG to remote consumption as the second largest source of energy”. gun laws. Six months after areas and markets, which don’t have The GECF secretary-general said Ardern’s quick access to sustainable and clean sources that energy policies, including those the massacre, Australia had of energy. deriving from the Paris agreement, are response on an automatic and semi- He expects Qatar to continue to play a a key determinant of the future trend automatic rifl es bans in key role in natural gas markets globally of the energy mix, which the Forum gun control is place, required a 28-day and maintain its position as one of believe will naturally call upon natural the largest natural gas producers and gas. inspiring period for gun purchases, exporters in the world. Secretary-General of GECF Dr Yury Sentyurin However, he pointed out that the created a national fi rearm Furthermore, he pointed out that markets witnessed some surprises registry, and bought back and destroyed about 650,000 Qatar has great potential to develop its and stability, as oil and gas projects are new sectors, noting that the total previously. civilian owned fi rearms. The overhaul achieved its goals. natural gas resources and increase its usually very capital intensive and have production growth of the GECF is A few years ago, EU gas demand has LNG exports. a long project life cycle; such long-term mostly comprised of production dropped signifi cantly, when the power According to the Harvard Injury Control Research Centre, Dr Sentyurin added that Qatar’s projects require predictability and low increase from Russia, Iran, Egypt and generation sector lost more than 50 in the 18 years before the 1996 massacre, there were 13 mass recent decision to increase its LNG volatility to be executed and thrive. Nigeria. Bcm on natural gas in favour of more shootings in Australia. In the 11 years after the massacre – production level from 77Mt to 110Mt This is why today’s situation is a He also pointed out that increased polluting energy sources like coal and and the gun control legislation – there were none. The rates will improve the country’s position as great opportunity for the GECF to play a demand for natural gas, along with lignite. one of the main exporters of LNG to the more hands-on role in the gas and LNG the development of new fi elds and the He also pointed out that China, of both fi rearm related homicides and suicide in the years global markets and reinforce its position markets. commissioning of new projects, such despite the ambitious coal to gas following the legislation were basically half what they were as the world’s largest reliable LNG He pointed out that GECF is an as new phases of South Pars gas fi eld in switching policies engaged recently before. supplier. intergovernmental organisation of gas Iran and Zohr fi eld in Egypt, are among to tackle the air pollution issues in The Australia example is the most dramatic one, but it is He pointed out that Doha’s exporting countries, which provides the the main factors contributing to the the cities, has eased these policies announcement can contribute to framework for exchanging experience production boost in GECF member to encourage the usage of coal, not the only one. After a 1989 mass shooting in Montreal, increasing demand for LNG, mostly and information among its Member countries. especially for heating in winter Canada enacted stricter gun control measures. The United from Asia and especially China. Countries, builds a mechanism for Regarding a question about new period. Kingdom made their already strict gun laws even stricter Qatar’s export level will, also, dialogue between gas producers applications by states who want to join This adds uncertainty about the after a 1996 mass shooting in a school. Gunshot deaths in reinforce the position of the GECF as a and consumers for the stability of the Forum, Dr Sentyurin said, “We are near-future energy mix of the country. whole in the global LNG trade. security of supply and demand in gas open to welcome any country exporting He added that China, accounting those places are rare. Dr Sentyurin praised Qatar’s loyalty markets, promotes natural gas as a natural gas that is willing to join our for about 51% of the global coal Some thought that the US was fi nally going to reckon to its clients in the hardest moments, fuel of choice to achieve the United Forum. In line with this, we are proud to consumption, has been increasing with gun violence in 2012’s massacre of 20 children and pointing out that its support of Nations Sustainable Development announce that the Republic of Angola, its natural gas consumption to six adult staff ers in Newtown, Connecticut. Almost 2,000 Japan during the shortage of LNG Goals (UN SDGs) and goals of the one of the major producers of natural curb air pollution through its blue procurement of the country after Paris Agreement, while respecting gas, joined the GECF and that is our 6th sky energy policy, which could be mass shootings followed, and still, action on the federal Fukushima disaster showed how loyal the sovereign rights of its member- African country”. sustained in the long-term with the level is nowhere in sight. Qatar is to its clients. countries over the exploitation of their He was optimistic about the growth engagement towards health issues and The last time major gun control legislation was signed He stated that Qatar recovered natural gas resources. of the GECF, which will reinforce the environmental concerns. into law was 1994. At the end of February, the House its status as the largest annual LNG Dr Sentyurin stressed that at the position of the Forum internationally. The Forum thinks that this trend exporter. GECF has no intention to collectively Regarding how the Forum dealt with could be potentially replicated by passed a sweeping gun control bill. It is unlikely to pass the It loaded around 6.9Mt of LNG with reduce gas/LNG production to balance the decline of demand, in some regions, other economies in Asia, the largest Senate. Congress’ support for protecting the NRA and gun the support of many factors, including the market during any potential in favour of less environmentally consumers of coal worldwide, favouring advocates who value an interpretation of the Constitution the large quantities produced in the oversupply based on its commitment friendly energy sources such as coal, natural gas that is aff ordable, abundant above human life is shameful. North Field, storage capacity, low to the sovereign rights of its member he stated that global energy demand and accessible. production costs, and other factors. countries. Regarding the developments conversely increased. Regarding the future of the gas Maybe New Zealand’s immediate response to this tragedy He stated that the Forum continues in the oil market, Dr Yury Sentyurin From 2000-2017, demand grew industry, Dr Sentyurin said that the will remind American politicians that change is possible, to support and promote co-operation stated, “We’ve seen in the past that gas annually by 2% and reached 14,144 natural gas industry faces a number and they, too, can choose life over guns. among its member states through market has always been able to balance Mtoe. of concerns both on demand side and dialogue between gas producers and itself and we believe this will be the case Furthermore, he said natural gas supply side related to energy policies, consumers and through promoting in the future”. He also placed emphasis consumption grew by 3-4% over the technology shifts, price volatility and the use of natural gas as an aff ordable, on the GECFs active role in gas markets, past two years, and that this upward intra-fuel competition, adding that To Advertise abundant and, sustainable energy as it possesses around 70% of the global trend would continue in the near gas demand is signifi cantly aff ected source. proven gas reserves, leading the exports future, which would be driven mainly by unclear and unstable policies that [email protected] Dr Sentyurin pointed out that the of natural gas by pipeline and in LNG by higher consumption in Asia, often do not recognise the crucial role Display global energy market is becoming more forms worldwide, thus contributing to especially in China, India, Pakistan and of gas in the transition to a clean and and more dynamic, with the interplay the security of supply and stability of Bangladesh and in the United States, as sustainable energy future. 44466621 44418811 of economics and geopolitics getting the market. well as in Europe and the Middle East, Some countries in Asia and Europe more complex. Its marketed gas production particularly Iran and Egypt. still supporting coal despite its high Classified This increased degree of complexity accounted for 45% of the global gas Regarding coal, which is most carbon intensity. 44466609 44418811 and dynamics brings a higher degree of production respectively as of 2018. carbon-intensive and polluting fuel, Furthermore, there are unclear unpredictability, which in turn raises Dr Sentyurin confi rmed that the he said that the Asia-Pacifi c region policies on the future role of nuclear Subscription the volatility of various commodities, GECF member countries continue to represents the largest market in 2017 energy in some countries. including the oil price. be a very important source of natural almost 2,800 Mtoe or 74% of global He clarifi ed that these challenges [email protected] He added that the role of large- gas supply needed, to not only satisfy coal demand was absorbed by Asian contribute to biased intra-fuel scale and institutional players is very their contractual obligations, but also to economies; within the aforementioned competition of coal, renewables and important, pointing out that players like meet their domestic gas requirements, period, coal consumption in this region other fuels with gas, which could © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved the GECF often aim at market balance as well as entering new markets and surged by 5.8% per year. impact the growth in gas demand. Gulf Times Thursday, March 21, 2019 27 QATAR QIFF’s 10th anniversary edition opens at Education City with world’s top chefs z HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and HE Akbar al-Baker attend ceremony ushering in 11 days of culinary delights at Oxygen Park

QIFF 2019 hosts more than 150 food and beverage stalls. PICTURE: Ram Chand

By Joey Aguilar our calendar of curated events, supporting local entrepreneurs Staff Reporter giving more reasons for tourists and upcoming businesses,” HE to visit and revisit Qatar,” said HE al-Baker said. al-Baker, also the GCEO of Qatar Citing that the recently-es- ive cooking demonstra- Airways, who welcomed digni- tablished QNTC is built on col- tions by internationally taries, festival partners and other laboration, unity and empow- Lrenowned chefs, along members of QNTC. erment, he stressed that the with cultural performances, Celebrity chefs Masaharu “festival, which brings together marked the opening of the 10th Morimoto, Dominique Ansel partners from across public, edition of Qatar International and Noora al-Kuwari show- private and semi-government Food Festival (QIFF) yesterday cased their culinary skills as 34 sectors to curate a unique and at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Ox- more chefs will also be taking diverse tourism experience, is ygen park in Education City. the centre stage to wow festi- exactly what that new govern- HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, HE Akbar al-Baker, and Machaille al-Naimi at the opening of QIFF 2019 along with senior QNTC off icials. The start of the 11-day culi- val-goers over the next 10 days. ance model is about.” (Supplied picture) nary event was attended by QF The latest edition of QIFF, “This year being the Qatar-In- CEO and Vice Chairperson HE which will conclude on March dia Year of Culture, we also look The festival, which hosts more holds in the cultural and social that we hope will bring a new, numerous partners represent- Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al- 30, comes as a celebration of forward to seeing a special em- than 150 food and beverage stalls, fabric of Qatar,” QF’s Commu- exciting dimension to their en- ing the aviation, entertainment, Thani, Qatar Museums Chair- its 10 successful years, hosting phasis on the foods and cultural also promises visitors of all ages a nity Development president joyment of this event,” al-Nai- hospitality and F&B sectors in person HE Sheikha Al Mayassa the largest number of celebrity elements of both countries in this series of cultural shows, roaming Machaille al-Naimi said in a mi added. Qatar. These include: Qatar Air- bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Tha- chefs in any one edition, ac- edition,” HE al-Baker added. entertainment, and learning op- press statement. Timings for this year’s festi- ways, beIN, Vodafone, W Doha, ni, and Qatar National Tourism cording to QNTC. QIFF 2019 venue has three portunities of culinary craft and “For those visiting the fes- val are between 3pm and 11pm Torba Farmer’s Market, Kidzania Council (QNTC) secretary- “QIFF has also elevated our dedicated areas: for the main healthy nutrition. tival, Education City may be a (Saturday to Wednesday) and Doha, Aura Hospitality, Qatar- general HE Akbar al-Baker. food and beverage (F&B) in- course specialities and centre “We believe we have a venue new experience, or a familiar between 3pm and 1am (Thursday India Year of Culture, Akly, La “QIFF is a celebration of our dustry by introducing us to fla- stage; for kids-friendly foods that – through its facilities, one. But what all of them will and Friday). Entrance is free. Cantine, Talabat, Uber, Charg- country’s cultural diversity and vours and culinary artists from and activities; and for cafes and its character – befits the find is an open, diverse, inclu- QIFF is organised and deliv- ello Qatar, Wahab, The Cooking has played a key role in enriching all around the world as well as and light food. central place that this festival sive, and vibrant environment ered by QNTC with support of Academy, and Qatar TV. Qatar-Argentina ties reviewed Georgetown research conference renews focus on Islam’s history

eorgetown University in supporting evidence that the Qatar (GU-Q) recently post classical period has a “vi- Gbrought together leading tality that, at times, is compara- scholars involved in research on ble to, and even supersedes in its Islamic intellectual thought be- scope, intensity and quality, the tween the 16th and 18th centu- cultural activities of the classical ries at its annual faculty research period.” conference in Doha. Conference chair and assist- Held under the theme “Trans- Dr Sohaira Siddiqui speaking Dr Ahmad Dallal delivering the ant professor at GU-Q, Dr So- formations and Continuities in during the conference. opening remarks. haira Siddiqui, noted that while Islamic Intellectual Thought,” the conference brings together the two-day conference focused universities from Qatar, the USA, was one of intellectual stagna- scholars from all disciplinary on the period of history when UK, Germany, France, the Neth- tion. fields in Islamic thought and the Muslim world had separated erlands, India, Turkey, Finland, “Today’s conference has the participants from different into three distinct empires: the and Sri Lanka took part, along distinct advantage of providing a parts of the world. “What con- Safavids, the Ottomans and the with the British Library. comparative approach that ques- nects everyone is a shared in- Argentine President Mauricio Macri met HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad Mughals. In his opening remarks at the tions the notion of decline not terest in questions of historical al-Muraikhi, in Buenos Aires yesterday. HE al-Muraikhi conveyed the greetings of His Highness The panel of multidisciplinary conference, the dean of GU-Q, only by examining it in diff erent change, intellectual and cul- the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Argentine president. During the meeting, they experts presented research on Dr Ahmad Dallal described the periods and contexts, but also tural production, and scholarly discussed the bilateral relations and means of boosting them, as well as issues of common concern. topics in social and intellectual literature produced in this time by doing so through the prism of interconnections. We hope that HE al-Muraikhi also met the Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Argentina Jorge Faure. Discussions during history, law and politics, rea- period of Islamic history as “one several intellectual and cultural the presentations and conver- the meeting dealt with bilateral relations and ways of boosting them, in addition to a number of son and ethics, and culture and of the most important legacies traditions,” he said. sations stimulate and generate issues of common concern. literature in the Muslim world of Islamic culture,” challenging The dean, who is also a scholar long-term scholarly engage- across these empires. Leading widespread beliefs that the era in Islamic Studies, presented ment and collaboration.”

Thunderstorm expected by this evening AIDAPrima arrives at Doha Port

nsettled weather and rain tonight until tomorrow morning. The Met department has ad- thundery occasionally. are expected in the coun- Also, the rain may turn thundery vised people to be careful in view The minimum temperature Utry this weekend, the at times, accompanied by strong of the expected conditions, avoid today is expected to be 11C in Me- weather report shows. winds that will cause rising dust going to sea due to unsettled saieed, Al Khor and Wakrah and In line with this forecast, the and low visibility in some areas, the weather conditions, and follow 19C in Doha. The maximum, on Qatar Met department has said a report states. latest updates through its social the other hand, will range from 24C thunderstorm is expected by this The season this time of the media accounts. in Ruwais to 27C in Al Khor, with evening and it may be accompa- year (locally called AlSarayat) Meanwhile, today’s detailed Doha likely to see a high of 26C. nied by strong winds. is known for fast thunderstorm forecast says the wind speed may In an earlier post on social me- The weather offi ce has also is- formations in a short period of go up to 23 knots in some inshore dia, the Met department had said sued a warning for thundery rain, time over a limited area, usually areas and 22 knots off shore dur- the start of spring marks the onset windy conditions and high seas in at evening and night. ing thundery rain, while the sea of the “season of sudden changes” off shore areas today. The prevailing winds during level may rise to 7ft. – AlSarayat – which will continue In a report yesterday, the Met this period will be northeasterly Scattered clouds are expected from now until mid-May. This department said unsettled weather to easterly in nature, moderate inshore and there is a chance of period is marked by continuous conditions would aff ect the coun- to fresh and becoming strong at light rain from the evening, which weather fl uctuations. try from Wednesday evening until times, especially during thunder- may turn thundery at times. It AlSarayat is known to have quick the beginning of Saturday (March storms. This, in turn, will cause will be relatively cold by night. convective cloud formations and 23). The cloud amount is expect- the wave height to rise to 3-6ft Cloudy conditions are likely sudden thunderstorms during the Cruise ship AIDAPrima arrived at Doha Port on its fifth visit during the 2018/’19 cruise season with a ed to increase gradually and the and reach a high of 8ft during offshore, too, along with scat- evening, marked by heavy rain and total of 3,281 passengers and 962 crew members aboard, Mwani Qatar tweeted yesterday. chances of rain will improve from thundershowers. tered rain – which may become sudden downdraft winds. Gulf Times 28 Thursday, March 21, 2019 QATAR

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the opening of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art’s new exhibitions ‘M. F. Husain: Horses of the Sun’ and ‘Still More World’ as part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture. PICTURES: AR al-Baker Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser viewing some of the artworks in the exhibition “M. F. Husain: Horses of the Sun”. Expansive exhibition devoted to works of late artist M F Husain By Joey Aguilar Sheikha Moza attends the opening of two major exhibitions celebrating Indian art at Mathaf Staff Reporter

er Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair- Hperson of Qatar Founda- tion for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), attended the opening of two ma- jor exhibitions at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art (a QF member) yesterday. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, was also present at these shows, which celebrate Indian art and the 2019 Qatar-India Year of Cul- ture. The two unique exhibitions will run until July 31. According to Qatar Museums (QM), ‘M F Husain: Horses of the Sun’ exhibition honours the work of “a renowned artist and con- tributor to modern Indian culture and the history of art in the 20th Century” while Delhi-based Raqs Media Collective’s ‘Still More World’ displays 13 multi-object Ranjit Hoskote shows one of M F Husain’s early works titled ‘Doll’s Wedding’ (1950). Laura Barlow (centre) with Delhi-based artists at the ‘Still More World’ exhibition, which forms part of the and video installations, two of PICTURE: Joey Aguilar 2019 Qatar-India Year of Culture. PICTURE: Nasar T K which were curated for the show in Doha. drawn from QF and QM collec- shaped in the present, or to be modernism, as a member of the contemporary movements of their work examines the shift- QM also announced that en- ‘M F Husain: Horses of the Sun’ tions, as well as from private col- discovered through exploration. vanguard formation known as the people and the way terrains ing state of contemporary life try fees to the National Museum is the fi rst large-scale exhibition lections from the Gulf region and Second: the human adventure of Progressive Artists Group. Ac- change. “Raqs Media Collective and boundaries of visibility,” she of Qatar, Museum of Islamic of his works and I am honoured other regions globally. creativity across societies, peri- cording to Hoskote, M F Husain’s are leading contemporary artists noted. The installations, ranging Art, and Mathaf will be QR50 for to have been chosen to curate it,” The show, Hoskote said, ods, and disciplines,” he added. works were inspired by two World working at an international level, from videos to textiles and sculp- adults; QR25 for students and said curator Ranjit Hoskote, an presents the artist’s creative “Third: a pluralist approach to Wars, the Cold War, Algeria and whose work challenges under- tures made between 2011 and free for children under 16 start- acclaimed Mumbai-based poet, masterpieces across more than the divine and cosmic aspects of Vietnam, South Asia’s confl icts, standings of the world in playful 2019, are being presented in three ing March 28. Qatar nationals art critic, and cultural theorist. six decades, bringing and exam- being, articulated through the and the West Asian wars. and poetic ways,” said Mathaf’s galleries at Mathaf and across and residents with valid Qatar He noted that this exhibition ining three ideas at the heart of symbolism of the world’s reli- Meanwhile, the works in the Curator Laura Barlow, who is also Doha, including two new produc- ID, Culture Pass Plus and Culture showcases over 100 works of the Husain’s body of work. “First: gions and philosophies.” He said second exhibition re-examine the curator of this exhibition. tions, ‘Dohas for Doha’ and ‘To Pass Family Members, as well as artist, which include paintings, the idea of home, as a habitat M F Husain was a foundational human progress and natural re- “Unravelling structures of People,’ developed especially for visitors with disabilities, can visit fi lms, textile works, and drawings remembered from childhood, fi gure in the history of Indian sources through historical and economies, time, and language, this exhibition. these museums for free.

You have to rid negative things off your mind while making music: A R Rahman

By Muhammad Asad loved Bollywood songs, the tomorrow at Khalifa Interna- take more than two months My mother made me realise you do not know is when you Ullah & Mudassir Raja mega music star has also been tional Stadium, considered as to create a sound. that what gift music was. So, know that you have to learn.” Staff Reporters responsible for placing India on the biggest concert Qatar has Now, we are more being in it is better than being For the maestro, music and the cultural map of the world, ever witnessed. comfortable be- in any other job. I realise that. spirituality are two sides of breaking rules of conventional Just before he starts re- cause we have Every time I get love, I feel like one coin. “Whatever makes n our eyes, growing up A R structure of music and pushing hearsing for his show, we amazing world- this is worth being in this (mu- you focused and realise the Rahman disciples, the art boundaries with the orchestral have the two-time Oscar class players. sic). So far so good, with God’s infi nite, the power of God, the Ialways went hand-in-hand melodies to perfection. and Grammy winner seated The crew is real- grace.” unknown, it is something spe- with the artiste, this music From jazz, fusion, romance, cross-legged with us, in a ly cherry picked There is no one track of Rah- cial. We are all hardwired in maestro seemingly of another Bollywood sassy or Quwalis, the grey embossed jacket, purple for an amazing man that he thinks can be said the mind to search for the un- world. From his fantastical maestro has given us tonnes of kurta shirt and all that calm performance. I challenging. He said: “Some- known, search for the answers musical breakthrough in 1990s catchy jams to vibe out to with voice. mean when you time certain things happen we do not know. I think music with Tamil fi lm Roja, to double his haunting, earthy element, A R Rahman talked to Gulf have good people very fast. If what state of mind in a way kind of focuses you Grammy, double Oscar, Bafta, a quality that has become his Times about his more and amazing mu- you are in and what they re- towards that – good music. So Golden Globe, four National signature. Skilled in Carnatic than two decade long sicians, you have quire is same, it is fi ne. that is what I am always curi- Awards and being named as one music, Western classical, Hin- journey, his inspiration to rise up to the Sometime your state of ous about.” of the most infl uential people dustani music and the Qawwali and spirituality with level.” mind is diff erent. You are going About how diff erent it is for by Time Magazine, in recogni- style of Pakistani singer Nusrat music. The music through some internal turmoil him working in Hollywood and tion of his contribution to mu- Fateh Ali Khan, Rahman has Rahman, who began as magician on his but they need something hap- Bollywood, he said: “For me sic, Rahman has scored award- been noted to write fi lm songs a studio musician, is now constant inspi- py. You have to serve what they everything is same. These are winning soundtracks for over that amalgamate elements of at home in performing ration said: “We are asking for but inside you are the commitments. If I get the 100 movies, including Slumdog these music systems and other live. He said: “In the be- have to understand not in tuned. That is where it is right team to work with I am Millionaire, Dil Se, Million Dol- genres, layering instruments ginning, it was very diffi - that there are many diffi cult. You have to take the lucky.” lar Arm, Highway, to name but from diff ering music idioms in cult to create a sound. It different profes- negative things off .” He advises the young and a few. an improvisatory manner. was hard to change the sions. My father was When asked about his most aspiring musicians to be pas- His self-eff ecing personality As the beat drops in most mindset to create blessed with music. signifi cant contribution to mu- sionate and hardworking. “If just compliments the enigmat- of his sound tracks, shivers a sound. It I took forward sic so far, he said: “(laughs) Be- you are at a surface level and ic phenomenon he is. whisking down the spine and might the leg- ing in music. There is too much constantly thinking that you In 1987 Rahman, then still goosebumps on the skin is an acy. distraction. We are distracted have done a right decision to known as Dileep, got his fi rst evidence that his sound tracks in million ways. But there is jump into the world of music, opportunity to compose jin- are masterpieces to cher- the commitment to being in first estimate yourself and see gles for new range of watches ish. Rahman continu- music, to the music educa- where you stand. Can you be being launched by a brand and ally renews himself by tion, and the thirst to learn the best – if not – find some- in 1992, he was approached by drawing strength more. There is a lot more. thing else. To be the best is fi lm director Mani Ratnam to from others – not When you realise what not just (having) blessings. It compose the score and sound- just his collabora- is also hard work – hard work track for Ratnam’s Tamil fi lm tors/fi lms, but his A R Rahman during his towards refinement and excel- Roja, the rest remains the his- audience. interview with Gulf lence. tory. He is here in Times yesterday in “In the end, I would ask the As well as penning and per- Doha to give a Doha. people in Qatar to come and forming some of history’s best- live performance PICTURE: Jayan Orma enjoy the concert.”