www.thepeninsula.qa Saturday 15 February 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8168 21 Jumada II - 1441 2 Riyals
BUSINESS | 13 SPORT | 20
Fiscal stimulus Doha will host likely after UK amazing 2023 finance minister FINA Worlds, says Javid quits Wellbrock
Qatar underlines efforts Amir holds telephone talk to implement 2030 with President National Vision goals of Somalia QNA — DOHA QNA — NEW YORK The goals stated in Qatar National Vision Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin The State of Qatar underscored 2030 included coherent Hamad Al Thani held yesterday its great efforts to implement via telephone a conversation the goals stated in Qatar strategies in which with President of the Federal National Vision 2030, which development projects Republic of Somalia, H E included coherent strategies in and strategies are in Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. which development projects line with the goals of the The call focused on and strategies are in line with reviewing bilateral relations the goals of the Commission for Commission for Social and the means to enhance Social Development in Development in particular them, in addition to discussing particular and the United and the United Nations Foreign Minister participates in Munich Security Conference a number of issues of joint Nations in general. in general. interest. This came in a statement Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al made by the Assistant Under- Thani, participated yesterday in the opening of the 56th Munich Security Conference which saw Amir greets secretary for Social Affairs, a wide participation of high-level international decision makers. The three-day conference will Ministry of Administrative the law to sudden periodic discuss current international challenges, future security policy challenges, and other important Chancellor Development, Labor and Social inspection by the Labor regional and international issues. On the sidelines of the conference, the Prime Minister of the Affairs, H E Ghanem Mubarak Inspection Department at the State of Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, met with Deputy Prime Minister and of Austria Al Kuwari, at the 58th Session Ministry. He pointed out that Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The meeting dealt of the UN Commission for Qatar is building several resi- with reviewing bilateral cooperation, in addition to discussing issues of joint interest. `P3 QNA — DOHA Social Development, which dential cities for workers that started its work on Monday. comply with these requirements Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin H E Al Kuwari stated that per advanced strategies. Hamad Al Thani held Qatar is seeking, through the The Assistant Undersec- Erdogan named most popular Muslim leader yesterday afternoon a conver- competent authorities, to retary continued that the sation via telephone with provide adequate and appro- primary goal of the population ANATOLIA — KARACHI French President, Emmanuel Chancellor of the Republic of priate housing for all, as the policy adopted by the State of Macron at 40%, Russian Pres- Austria, H E Sebastian Kurz, housing law, which regulated Qatar for 2017-2022 is Turkish President Recep ident Vladimir Putin at 36%, during which H H the Amir the use of the appropriate achieving a balance between Tayyip Erdogan (pictured), is US President Donald Trump at congratulated him on swearing- housing, covers all segments of population growth and the the most popular Muslim 31% and Erdogan of Turkey at in for a second term, wishing society, where the law regu- requirements of sustainable leader in the world, according 30%. Erdogan shares this him success, and the friendly lates the use of the right to development, in a manner that to an international index. position with British Prime Austrian people further progress housing in terms of “housing guarantees a decent life for the The annual popularity Minister Boris Johnson who and prosperity. with a loan” for those who can residents of the State of Qatar, index of world political leaders also scored 30%. During the call, they also pay off the scheduled loan, and raises their capabilities, was released by Gallup Inter- Within the Muslim world, reviewed cooperation rela- accommodate those in need for expands their options, and national on Thursday. Erdogan is at the top with 30% tions between the two coun- those covered by the social raises the levels of their par- Erdogan ranked fifth most followed by Saudi King Salman tries and the prospects for security program. ticipation in the progress of popular leader in the world, bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at 25% their development in various He also pointed out the Qatari society. according to the index. Chancellor Angelina Merkel and Iranian President Hassan fields, in addition to the most advantages of the housing law, On protecting and pro- The index shows German leading with 46%, followed by Rouhani at 21%. prominent regional and inter- including long-term financing moting the rights of women, national issues. in comfortable installments, children, the elderly, and persons the provision of lands intended with disabilities, he noted the for construction without cost, recent decision of the Council of Measures to reduce food waste stepped up drawing approved engineering Ministers to establish the plans, providing basic services National Committee for Woman, such as electricity and water, Child, Elderly and Persons with SANAULLAH ATAULLAH recycle or use them for other (MoTC) is also being utilised to strongest pillar because it and demolishing and Disabilities Affairs. THE PENINSULA purposes. reduce the food wastes in the achieved remarkable growth to rebuilding old homes and He said the National Com- The Food Security country, said the report. keep pace with the executive maintaining them for citizens mittee has granted wide powers The Food Security Department Department in coordination TASMU oversees the devel- plan of food security strategy at no cost. to protect and promote the at the Ministry of Municipality with Social and Economic opment and implementation of of the country. Al Kuwari praised the min- rights of these groups, including and Environment (MME) has Survey Research Institute at smart technologies in five pri- The progress of internal isterial decision on specifying monitoring their conditions, stepped up efforts to reduce Qatar University is currently ority sectors across the nation; food supply chain is satis- the conditions and specifica- proposing the necessary ways food waste in different stages conducting a study on the Transportation, Healthcare, factory, the report suggests tions for suitable housing for to promote and follow up the of supply chain with the help subject of food waste in the Logistics, Environment, and adding that the marketing pro- workers, as this decision achievement of the goals con- of smart technologies and country. The study is expected Sports. grammes made great contri- included all specifications tained in international agree- research works for ensuring to complete by the end of The National Strategy for bution in marketing locally pro- related to providing a suitable ments and covenants ratified by food security in the country. 2020, said a report of National Food Security is based on four duced food items in large housing for expatriate workers Qatar related to their rights, The initiative ‘Food Wast Strategy for Food Security pillars — local food production, quantity. in accordance with recognised studying the legislation related Management Programme’, was 2019 issued by the MME internal supply chain, interna- Mahseel, the marketing arm international standards, set the to them, and proposing to launched by the Food Security recently. tional trade and logistic services of Hassad Food has also helped minimum and necessary health amend them to comply with Department to reduce food The TASMU Smart Qatar and strategic reserve. boost marketing of local food requirements for workers’ international agreements rat- wastes and make policies to program of the Ministry of The report says that the products and maintaining housing, which is subject per ified by Qatar. `P3 collect the organic wastes and Transport and Communications local food production is the internal supply chain.`P3 China virus toll nears 1,400; six health workers among victims Six Qatari inventors to take REUTERS — BEIJING part in IIFME in Kuwait The death toll from China’s QNA — DOHA globally by the testimony of virus epidemic neared 1,400 the international organiza- yesterday with six medical Qatar Scientific Club will tions concerned with workers among the victims, participate in the 12th Interna- inventions. underscoring the country’s tional Invention Fair of the The IIFME contributes to struggle to contain a deepening Middle East (IIFME) in Kuwait building and supporting cre- health crisis. from tomorrow until February ative thinking and cultivating Nearly 64,000 people are 19, under the patronage of HH the talents of innovators and now recorded as having fallen the Amir of the State of Kuwait, an opportunity for Arab ill from the virus in China, with H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al inventors to come into contact officials revealing that 1,716 Jaber Al Sabah. with their foreign counterparts health workers had been The IIFME, which will be to learn about the world of infected as of Tuesday. held under the slogan invention, the method of pre- Egypt’s health ministry yes- “investors meet inventors” and senting inventions, and the terday announced the first includes many scientific and ways of convincing investors confirmed case of the novel social activities, is an oppor- to transform the invention into coronavirus in Africa. The suf- tunity to provide all aspects of a product that competes in the ferer was not Egyptian, the support to inventors, build and markets. It is also a distinct ministry said in a statement, support creative thinking, and opportunity that benefits the without specifying the cultivate the talent of inno- society, the inventor, and the nationality. vation and innovators. investor. Meanwhile, the US will It also is an important Six inventors will represent begin testing people identified Passengers wave their towels as they are about to leave MS Westerdam, a cruise ship that spent two opportunity for inventors to the State of Qatar in the IIFME by local health authorities as weeks at sea after being turned away by five countries over fears that someone aboard might have show their innovations at to display five inventions, having flu-like symptoms for the coronavirus, as it docks in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, yesterday. one of the most important where Qatari inventors will the novel Coronavirus, a exhibitions for international compete with more than 100 senior official said yesterday, epidemic. anger erupted over the death silenced by police after raising inventions, especially that it inventors from different coun- a significant expansion of the The grim figures come a of a whistleblowing doctor who the alarm about the virus in is considered the first in the tries of the world representing government’s response to the week after grief and public had been reprimanded and December.`P5,6 &12 Middle East and the second more than 40 countries. 02 HOME SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020
PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY
FAJR04.52 am SUNRISE 06.09 am o o Misty at places at first becomes moderate temperature daytime 14 C 24 C with some clouds and slight dust at times, cold by night. ZUHR 11.48 am ASR 03.03 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 08:26 – 23:09 LOW TIDE 03:36 – 16:23 MAGHRIB 05.30 pm ISHA 07.00 pm W ALRUWAIS: 17o↗20o W ALKHOR: 14o↗22o W DUKHAN: 14o↗21o W WAKRAH: 09o↗25o W MESAIEED 09o↗25o W ABUSAMRA 09o↗20o QU celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2020
THE PENINSULA — DOHA the QNCECS Dr. Hamda Al present the experiences that prominent research projects Sulaiti; QU Vice-President for woman researchers have and conducted by female students, Coinciding with the Interna- Research & Graduate Studies share expertise with one and organizing and hosting a tional Day of Women and Girls Professor Mariam Al Maadeed, another, in order to know and number of conferences and ini- in Science 2020, Qatar a number of researchers and understand the challenges we tiatives designed to spread the University (QU) organised an students from Rawda Bint face and learn how to solve culture of science among young event aimed at celebrating Mohamed Independent Sec- them.” girls.” women’s achievements in ondary School for Girls and Secretary-General of the Professor Mariam Al science. It also encouraged Zubaidah Independent School QNCECS Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti Maadeed confirmed Qatar’s role present and future generations for Girls. spoke about the Qatar’s role in in the support of women in of girls to face modern scien- Director of the Unesco supporting women and girls in science. tific challenges, to contribute Office for the GCC and Yemen science, saying, “The State of “Through various laws, leg- to the United Nations Dr. Anna Paolini opened the Qatar places great emphasis on islations, plans and strategies, Sustainable Development event saying, “Women the strengthening the position Qatar has continued to Goals (SDGs) and Qatar researchers still represent a of the Qatari women in science encourage women as equals to National Vision 2030. small percentage in STEM fields. and scientific research and men in society and has opened The event comes as part a According to the Unesco developing a foundation of con- the doors for women to work cooperation with the Unesco Institute for Statistics (UIS), structive scientific thinking. The and find opportunities to reach Office for the GCC and Yemen females constitute only 28.8 country offers a number of spe- top centres and leadership as well as the Qatar National percent of researchers in the cialized programs and grants to positions. Qatari women also Committee for Education, world, although that number is study the latest in technological play a vital role in achieving Culture and Science (QNCECS). constantly increasing. So we are developments and to be at the the Qatar National Vision It was attended by QU keen to hold annual events such forefront of scientific develop- 2030.” President Dr. Hassan Al as this one, in collaboration ments. Qatar also allocates sci- Sh also pointed out the QU’s Derham; Secretary-General of with Qatar University, to entific awards to the most role in encouraging women, commenting that Qatar Uni- versity female students make Foreign Minister’s Special Envoy up over 76 percent of the student body. meets OSCE Secretary-General The event included a keynote address by Dr. QNA Buthaina Ali Al Mulla (from Sidra Medical and Research H E the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Special Envoy for Counterter- Center and Hamad Medical rorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Corporation), who spoke of the Al Qahtani met with H E Secretary-General of the Organization for important role that women play Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ambassador Thomas in society in general, as well as Greminger, on the sidelines of the Regional High-Level Conference the role they play in the field of held in Vienna in cooperation with the United Nations Counter- science in particular. Terrorism Office (UNOCT) from February 11 to 12, under the title The event also included a “Foreign Terrorist Fighters: Addressing Current Challenges.” number of presentations that The Secretary-General of OSCE appreciated the good offices highlighted a number of success of the State of Qatar in resolving many regional and international stories including QU’s Al-Bairaq conflicts and its pioneering role and efforts in combating terrorism program and QU’s Empower and extremism in cooperation with allies and international partners, Generations Consortium especially in conflict areas, stressing the importance of coordi- project. nating regional and international efforts in this regard. The event featured a panel H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani underlined that the various discussion on empowering problems and crises are resolved by the convergence of views future generations of female through meetings and conferences, stressing the importance of scientists led by QU female OSCE and the aspiration of the State of Qatar to enhance bilateral QU President, Dr. Hassan Al Derham with other officials during the event. students. relations and partnership with it in the future. HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies QF’s Doha Debates unveils new podcast concludes information session THE PENINSULA — DOHA to international student trips to series at Sundance film festival study regional architecture or THE PENINSULA — DOHA 148 nations and territories since mid-January, with the largest engage with international institu- audience being based in the US. Doha Debates will unveil new The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) tions, opportunities for students to Doha Debates’ new podcast series, Course Correction, made episodes weekly through till the end of April, when the Sun- at Hamad Bin Khalifa University participate in international confer- its live audience debut at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. dance bonus episodes will debut. (HBKU) recently concluded ences, and joint projects and col- Each episode unpicks a pressing global problem through Doha Debates, a production of Qatar Foundation, launched outreach activities to attract new laborative initiatives. the lens of an expert or opinion leader who is actively working Course Correction as part of Doha Debates’ revitalisation and students to its degree programmes. CIS plans to have its next infor- to make a difference. expansion, which includes a live event debate series, digital In keeping with the wider mation session on Wednesday, Feb- In a special episode of Course Correction, host Nelufar videos, blogs, and a Doha Portal facilitating live video con- HBKU network, the CIS sessions ruary 26. Applications to its pro- Hedayat spoke with a Time Person of the Year 2018, Maria versations with people around the world. provided key information and grams remain open until March 15, Ressa and filmmaker Ramona Diaz, whose documentary about Since its relaunch last year, the revitalised Doha Debates study options for prospective stu- 2020. Ressa, A Thousand Cuts, had its world premiere at the has resonated globally, with hundreds of millions of video dents from Qatar, the Middle East The college was founded to be renowned film festival. views and millions of social media followers among 228 nations and further afield. a contemporary home for Islamic The documentary chronicles Ressa’s courageous and truth- and territories. Prospective students were discourse, bringing high-caliber telling journalistic enterprise despite death introduced to CIS’ six pioneering faculty and academically grounded threats and government-instigated master’s and PhD programmes, and students under one roof, to engage criminal charges against her. the opportunities they bring to stu- with topics that impact Muslim com- The film’s director and producer, Diaz, dents enrolled in them. The session munities around the world. is an award-winning Asian American film- included presentations which high- For more information on CIS, maker best known for her compelling char- lighted the unique aspects of each and to apply to its programmes, acter-driven documentaries. program, including but not limited please visit cis.hbku.edu.qa. The podcast calls on its listeners to “Challenge yourself to change the world.” Hedayat does her part by tackling the world’s most pressing problems in engaging, hands-on ways on topics ranging from climate change to the gender pay gap — like trying to live for a week on only 50 liters of water a day. Hedayat believes Course Correction can be a changemaker. “I’m hoping through this powerful and emotional podcast series people can see that individually and col- lectively we can change things, overcoming enormous challenges,” she said. The podcast has garnered listeners in Generation Amazing wraps up week of activities celebrating sport & football THE PENINSULA — DOHA motivate the children in the Gener- finals stage during Qatar 2022. ation Amazing programme, some- Children aged 8-12 from two local Generation Amazing hosted a range of thing he is obviously very passionate schools were invited to take part in the activities this week to mark Qatar about.” Cahill said he was excited to activities and engage with Generation National Sports Day and the be embarking on a new journey with Amazing master coaches. The sessions onboarding of new ambassador Tim Generation Amazing. focused on teamwork, organisation Cahill. “I am very excited about being and communication. The Qatar 2022 legacy programme involved with Generation Amazing and A number of SC ambassadors, organised a training session for local inspiring kids to follow their dreams. including Qatari football legends schoolchildren at Aspire Dome to I’m inspired by the work Generation Khalid Salman and Ibrahim Khalfan, welcome new Supreme Committee for Amazing is doing in Qatar and around supported the activities. And, in a sur- Delivery & Legacy (SC) ambassador the world.” prise visit, Algerian football legend Tim Cahill. Meanwhile, on Qatar National Rabah Madjer also turned up to provide During the event, the Australia Sports Day, Generation Amazing a pep talk to the participants. football legend took part in several hosted football for development activ- Generation Amazing has reached exercises before reading some of his legacy programmes, including Gener- & Communications Director, Moza Al ities for staff and the public at the half a million beneficiaries around the Tiny Timmy children’s book to the par- ation Amazing, in the run-up to the Mohannadi said: “We’re thrilled to newly opened Al Bayt Sports Park, in world since being launched in 2009. ticipants, the SC said on its website. FIFA World Cup. have Tim Cahill joining our team as the precinct of Al Bayt Stadium – which The programme aims to reach 1 million Cahill will support a number of SC Generation Amazing’s Marketing an ambassador and doing his part to is set to host matches up to the semi- beneficiaries by 2022. SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 03
Deputy PM meets Foreign Ministers of Canada and Kyrgyz Republic Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met separately with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, H E Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, H E Chingiz Aidarbekov, and a number of officials and heads of companies and institutions on the sidelines of the opening of the 56th Munich Security Conference which saw a wide participation of high-level international decision makers. The meetings reviewed cooperation relations, in addition to issues of common concern.
Qatar underlines efforts to implement 2030 National Vision goals MME programme to reduce food waste FROM PAGE 1 bilitation for the vulnerable segments. pioneer in the field of protecting the live independently and to have equal FROM PAGE 1 To increase the effectiveness of rights of persons with disabilities, their opportunities in education, work, and The Assistant Undersecretary for social capital, the State of Qatar relies full integration into society, and their independent living, in addition to Social Affairs, Ministry of Administrative on doubling the range of services of rel- involvement in the development making the most of technology, as Regarding international Development, Labor and Social Affairs evant civil society institutions, and pro- process. He pointed to the inclusion of assistive technology in education and trade and logistic services, the Ghanem Mubarak Al Kuwari expressed moting voluntary social work and com- this matter in the Qatar National Vision skills acquisition has become a feature report suggests that the current the aspiration of the State of Qatar to munity participation by increasing the 2030 and the national strategy for of development in this era. situation requires to diversify build an effective social protection number of private sector institutions public and mental health. He pointed to the interest of the sources of import of food system for all Qataris that takes into and active civil society organisations, He stressed that the State of Qatar’s State of Qatar in providing the necessary products to avoid any sudden account their civil rights, appreciates he pointed out. interest in persons with disabilities is care in the field of sports for persons disruption in supply chain in their effective participation in the devel- In the field of family protection, he represented in providing care for them with disabilities, to unleash their ath- case of any crisis at the exporting opment of society, and provides them said that the strategy aims to provide in various aspects, including educational letic capabilities, and this role was countries. with sufficient income to maintain the necessary ingredients for family care, comprehensive health care, work, reflected in the distinguished results A working team on interna- dignity and health. care, which this is achieved through the affordable housing, public and private achieved by persons with disabilities in tional trade and logistic services Al Kuwari stressed that social pro- development of all policies related to facilities, and organising cultural and the international sports forums. was set up following the minis- tection in the State of Qatar is an the family and children by 2022 and sports activities. He explained that this Within the framework of the State terial decision No. 73 of 2019 to essential component of an integrated raising the level of achievement in eco- care starts from diagnosing disability of Qatar’s keenness to contribute to the bring about a proper solution in methodology for sound social devel- nomic and social empowerment and its degree, through due medical, international efforts to advance social this regards. To maintain the opment aimed at achieving devel- projects and family cohesion projects. educational and social care, to devel- development in all its fields at the global strategic reserve of food items in opment for its citizens, and building a He added that the State seeks to oping the capabilities of persons with level, he pointed, at the conclusion of the country, necessary measures safe and stable society. raise the level of achievement in pre- disabilities and unleashing their his statement, to the Doha Declaration have been taken to increase the He explained that the framework of vention and protection against violence energies, helping them to the degree of issued by the Doha International Con- strategic reserve of basic food the social protection strategy is based and to achieve these goals several self-reliance and success in the educa- ference on Disability and Development items according to the National on three pillars on which the basis of projects have been established to tional and academic path, and providing held in December 2019, which aimed Strategy of Food Security. the strategic priorities was determined: develop a national strategy to enhance appropriate employment opportunities at supporting international efforts aimed The working team of strategic social welfare, social capital, and the family cohesion and develop indicators for them. at linking the United Nations Con- reserve of food security set up by family. for measuring family cohesion, child Also, Al Kuwari pointed out the role vention on the Rights of Persons with the ministerial decision No. 81 of He stated that social welfare in the welfare, and orphan care. of the State of Qatar in the field of edu- Disabilities on the one hand, and the 2019, is working in full swing to State of Qatar is based on the estab- Concerning the field of caring for cation for persons with disabilities by United Nations’ Sustainable Devel- serve the purpose.The issuance lishment of an integrated, effective, and persons with disabilities, Al Kuwari said supporting schools, involving all rel- opment Goals, on the other hand, to of Law No. 24 of 2019 to regulate sustainable social welfare system that that the State of Qatar is one of the first evant institutions to supply schools with develop social policies capable of the management of strategic works to develop social protection countries to ratify the Convention on medical and educational supplies, and achieving inclusive equality in society reserve of food items and con- systems and legislation and enhance the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishing specialised educational that is formulated in various govern- sumable goods is a major step in opportunities for career and social reha- in 2008, and it is thus considered a centres, to enable them to mental, private, civil sectors. this regards, said the report. Students from Audio Education Complex for Boys join tree planting campaign
THE PENINSULA — DOHA During the event, Engineer educate them about the impor- Amna Al Bader, Secretary tance of preserving the envi- The Public Works Authority General of the Supervisory ronment and beautifying Qatar. (Ashghal) has participated with Committee of Beautification of The students of the Audio students from Audio Education Roads and Public Places in Education Complex expressed Complex for Boys in tree activ- Qatar, demonstrated some their happiness in participating ities at Arab League Street information about the planting in this campaign. A student, Ali Development Project – Phase works in the project as well as Muhammad Abdullah said: “I 1, as a continuation of ‘Qatar the importance of preservation love to have a role in the devel- Beautification and Our Kids of the environment, planting opment of Qatar, and I am Planting Trees Campaign’. trees and increasing green delighted to be involved in tree- The campaign was launched areas. planting activity that helps in recently by the Supervisory On this occasion, Ali Khalaf preserving the environment.” Committee of Beautification of Al Kubaisi, CMC Member - Con- Another student, Mohamed Roads and Public Places in stituency 3 said: “I am happy to Hamdy Hegazy said: “Planting Qatar, which aims to ‘Plant participate in planting trees trees has many benefits, and we Million Trees’ in coordination with students from Audio Edu- are participating in the initiative with the Ministry of Munici- cation Complex, and I wish to of Plant Million Trees in Qatar pality and Environment. increase the green areas in the to beautify our beloved country. out this campaign in coordi- protecting and preserving the As part of the campaign, Arab League Street Devel- 3rd Constituency.” As for student Turkey Youssef, nation with MME, with the aim environment is the duty of eve- weekly events will be carried opment Project – Phase 1, which Salman Nasser Al Naggar, he said: We are capable of of raising awareness among ryone in the community, thus out with the participation of is implemented by Ashghal, Public Relations Department keeping our beloved country school students about the encouraging students to partic- many students from different includes planting 31,750 m2 of Manager at Qatar Voluntary beautiful and green.” importance of planting trees. ipate in achieving the goals of levels of education to plant trees green areas, in addition to about Center pointed out that it is The Supervisory Committee The campaign also helps the country and carry out vol- throughout Qatar. 11km of pedestrian & cycle paths important for our children to of Beautification of Roads and instilling environmental values untary work to preserve the The campaign will continue and 50 Bike Racks. participate in these activities to Public Places in Qatar carries in them, and emphasizing that environment in Qatar. until the end of 2021. Qatar Calendar House Teachers, students and parents celebrate Sport Day at SIS dismisses reports THE PENINSULA — DOHA importance of wellness and hap- asteroid will hit Earth piness across all age groups. Parents, students, teachers and In Badminton, Payal Das and QNA — DOHA administrative staff displayed Anniliya Mathew teamed up to immense sportsmanship and emerge as winners in the women’s Qatar Calendar House has dismissed news and passion to participate in Football, category. social media rumours that an asteroid will hit Badminton, Table Tennis and In men’s category, Zakarya M P earth on Saturday. Athletics organised to celebrate and Ameen Shariathi emerged as Qatar Calendar House Astronomer Dr. Basheer Qatar National Sports Day at the winners. Marzouq said that the asteroid PZ39 2000 has a Shantiniketan Indian School In Table Tennis, the men’s title diameter of 589 metres and is moving at a speed (SIS). was won by S Chandrasekar while of 57,240 kilometres per hour. Competitions were Carol Francis Gonsalves, bagged He said that Nasa said the asteroid will organised between parents, stu- the women’s title. approach earth on February 15, but the distance dents and staff to develop and Principal Dr. Subhash Nair; will be 15.1 bigger than the one separating earth strengthen a congenial envi- Senior Vice-Principal Shihabudeen and the moon, or more than 5.5 million ronment of sportsmanship, Pulath and Vice-Principal Dudley kilometres. spreading the message of the O’Connor felicitated the winners. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 Turkish-backed fighters down Syrian copter in Idlib REUTERS — ISTANBUL/BEIRUT Israeli attack kills 7 in Damascus Turkish-backed Syrian fighters shot down a government heli- AFP — BEIRUT copter west of Aleppo in Syria’s northwestern Idlib region, Israeli strikes on Damascus airport killed seven pro-regime where violence and fighters, a war monitor said yesterday, the latest in a string of displacement has spiked in attacks targeting Iran’s military presence in Syria. recent weeks, Turkish and Syrian state media said only that its air defences intercepted Syrian state media said missiles over the capital overnight while Israel did not imme- yesterday. diately comment on the strikes. A rebel military source and Israel routinely fires missiles at what it says are Iranian eyewitnesses said Russian jets targets in Syria, where elite Iranian forces and allied militia had been targeting areas in the play a key role. countryside west of Aleppo According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the earlier yesterday, but they strikes launched late Thursday hit military targets in the area evacuated back to the city after of the international airport. the helicopter was downed. Rami Abdel Rahman, the director of the Britain-based “One of our military heli- Observatory, said the dead were three Syrian soldiers and four copters was hit by a missile in members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. the western countryside of A Syrian army source quoted by Sana said the attack took Aleppo...where armed organi- place at 11:45 pm (2145 GMT), when a correspondent in Damascus sations supported by Turkey heard loud blasts. are deployed, and this led to the “Our air defences intercepted hostile targets over the skies fall of the helicopter and death of Damascus,” Sana said. of its crew,” Syrian state news It said the “missiles were launched from over the occupied agency Sana cited a military Golan Heights”. Syrians inspect the wreckage of a military helicopter belonging to government forces after it was shot source as saying. Several missiles were intercepted before they could reach down over the western countryside of Aleppo province, yesterday. Turkey’s military has sent their targets, said the agency, which rarely admits to casualties additional arms and troops to among army or Iranian ranks. some 1,900 military vehicles downed another government has been a focal point of Pres- Idlib, on its southern border, to He said a vehicle had also been hit on the road towards since early February. helicopter on Tuesday near the ident Bashar Al Assad’s latest confront a push by Russia- central Damascus in what seems to have been an attempt to The helicopter was struck town of Nairab, to the south. military campaign. backed Syrian government stop a weapons delivery. as it flew over the front lines Syrian state-run Al Ikhbariya Ikhbariya said the Damascus forces to retake the country’s after leaving Aleppo, which is TV meanwhile broadcast what to Aleppo roadway that runs last major rebel stronghold controlled by the government, it said was its crew driving for through Idlib province was fully after nearly nine years of war. monitor said that Turkey had to reinforce existing units in Turkish state-owned Anadolu the first time into Aleppo via the under the control of Syria’s The Syrian Observatory war deployed around 6,500 soldiers northwest Syria, as well as news agency said. Fighters M5 international highway that army.
Kuwait, Iraq FMs Nato to resume training mission in Iraq soon discuss bilateral AFP — MUNICH The Nato mission -- led by relations a Canadian and with a strict Nato will resume its training non-combat mandate -- is seen QNA — BERLIN mission in Iraq in the coming as more acceptable to the Iraqi days or weeks, the alliance’s top authorities than the US-led Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh military commander said coalition. Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al Mohammad yesterday, after activities were “We will subsume some of Al Sabah and Iraqi Foreign suspended following a US drone those train and advise activities Minister Mohamad Alhakim strike on Baghdad. that existed with Operation discussed ways to enhance US General Tod Wolters said Inherent Resolve and bring bilateral relations at all levels. the 500-strong mission would those over to Nato mission Iraq During the meeting, which restart its work after receiving duties, those consultations took place on the sidelines of assurances from the Iraqi gov- about that activity are ongoing,” the 56th session of the Munich ernment. The mission was put on said Wolters, Nato’s Supreme Security Conference, discussed hold on January 4, and some Nato Allied Commander Europe. various regional and interna- troops moved out of Iraq, amid Exactly how many troops tional issues, Kuwait’s Kuna fears of reprisal attacks after the will move and what activities reported. US killing of top Iranian general they will do are matters still Qasem Soleimani in the strike on under discussion, though Spain Omani, British Baghdad. has already said it is willing to “As a result of the letter of transfer personnel. armies conduct joint response from Iraq over the Nato Secretary-General Jens military exercise course of the last 36 hours, we Stoltenberg briefed a meeting will now recommence the Nato of the anti-IS coalition at QNA — MUSCAT Mission Iraq,” Wolters told Munich on the plans for the Iraq Iraqi men, who support Muqtada Sadr, perform the Friday Prayer at Sadr region in Baghdad, Iraq. reporters at the Munich Security mission. The Royal Army of Oman Conference. Asked when this Further down the line, Nato (RAO) and the British Army would happen, Wolters replied: critical,” he added. currently run by the US-led parliament voted to kick foreign plans to look at what more it today conducted a joint “Soon. Days to weeks.” The news comes after Nato multinational coalition against troops out of the country, but can do help fight terrorism and exercise codenamed “We want to get to it as fast defence ministers agreed to the Islamic State group. after weeks of backroom build stability in the wider “Mountain Storm”. as we possibly can but force expand the Iraq mission by Outraged by Soleimani’s diplomacy they have now Middle East, responding to a call The event was presided protection for the troops is taking on troops and activities killing on its soil, the Iraqi agreed to Nato staying on. by US President Donald Trump. over by RAO Commander Major General Mattar bin Salim Al Balushi. The practical dem- onstration was carried out at Houthis drop ‘tax’ threat Ethiopia parliamentary polls on August 29 the RAO’s training range at Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman News REUTERS — ADDID ABABA account of weather. Ethiopia’s 109 million Agency (ONA) reported. that jeopardised aid “Looking at parts of the people are experiencing Such regular exercises Ethiopia’s election board country which will be affected unprecedented political and come within the framework of yesterday set a date of August by the rainy season, pushing the economic change, but Abiy’s the RAO’s plan to maintain AFP — DUBAI “The cancellation of the tax 29 for parliamentary elections schedule a little further will reforms have also unleashed high performance and combat is a positive development for that will be a first test of voter ease our burden,” board chair- ethnic rivalries that have spilled preparedness of RAO per- Yemen’s Houthi rebels said sure,” he said, noting however support for Prime Minister Abiy woman Birtukan Mideksa said into violence. sonnel. It is a link in a chain of yesterday they have dropped that other issues that still need Ahmed, who has eased political at a conference on election Plans to hold the par- annual programs carried out a threat to impose a tax on aid, to be dealt with relate to restrictions since he took office preparations taking place in liament and regional council in cooperation with armies in a significant step towards “access and bureaucratic in 2018. Addis Ababa. elections in May were post- from other countries to resolving a crisis that has impediments”. The date is two weeks later Less areas will have rain poned as neither authorities nor achieve national goals and jeopardised the world’s Yemen has been driven to than the electoral board had compare at the end of the parties would be ready, exchange military expertise biggest humanitarian oper- the brink of famine during five previously indicated, on month, she said. Mideksa said in January. and warfare skills. ation. years of fighting between the United Nations leaders and Houthis and the internationally aid groups held crunch talks in recognised government which Nigeria’s military Brussels on Thursday to con- is backed by a Saudi-led mil- Algerians step up protests a sider scaling back or sus- itary coalition. razed villages in pending the delivery of vital The Brussels meeting heard war on insurgents: supplies to million of people at that, while both sides have year after demonstrations began risk of starvation. made trouble for humanitarian Amnesty Humanitarian agencies and UN agencies, the Huthi REUTERS — ALGIERS old ruling elite remains in place. 40% according to official sta- have complained of a deteri- attempts to tax shipments trig- REUTERS — ABUJA The leaderless protest tistics. Even without the political orating situation in the Huthi- gered the latest crisis. Thousands of Algerians movement, known as “hirak”, unrest, his new government now controlled north, with aid “It cannot continue, the Nigeria’s military burned down marched yesterday, a year is demanding more conces- faces a difficult economic year workers facing arrest and biggest lifeline on earth is at villages and forcibly displaced since the start of weekly sions, including the release of with energy revenues rapidly intimidation, as well as stake. There are 20 million hundreds of people in its fight protests calling for a complete more activists and the sinking, hitting state finances obstruction and bureaucracy people in need in Yemen,” Jan against Islamist insurgents in overhaul of the ruling elite, an departure of more senior hard. Chabi, who is studying that hampered their work. Egeland, head of the Norwegian the country’s northeast, rights end to corruption and the figures from positions of power. law, said he has no expectation In a letter confirmed by the Refugee Council, said on group Amnesty International army’s withdrawal from “Our hirak is tireless. We of finding work after he grad- Houthis, the head of their aid Thursday. alleged yesterday. politics. are ready to keep marching for uates. “Algerians have been body SCMCHA wrote to the “We cannot pay donated Nigeria’s military, which “We will not stop,” chanted months more,” said Yazid getting only promises. Nothing UN’s undersecretary general aid money to one of the parties has frequently been accused a crowd in the centre of the Chabi, a 23-year-old student on has improved in recent years for humanitarian affairs Mark to the conflict. So that is one of of human rights abuses in its capital Algiers, despite a large the central Didouche Mourad because corruption is still Lowcock informing him of a the many red lines that we are decade-long fight against Boko police presence. street in central Algiers. there,” he said. decision to “suspend the 2% fearful of having to cross. We Haram and more recently Over the past year the pro- However, since Decem- Two former prime min- and not apply it for this year cannot do it,” he said. Islamic State’s West African testers have changed the face ber’s presidential election the isters, several ex-ministers and 2020”. The European Commission branch, said in a statement of Algeria’s power structure, number of protesters has fallen prominent businessmen have Abdul Mohsen Al Tawoos and the government of Sweden that Amnesty’s report had causing the fall of a veteran according to people attending been jailed after anti-graft said the levy “was only to cover who called the Brussels been falsified. president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the marches each week. investigations that followed basic expenses so we can meeting said that the dire sit- Three residents inter- and the arrest of dozens of Hirak opposed the election, protests demanding the pros- deliver all the assistance to our uation may still require aid to viewed by Reuters confirmed leading figures including a once regarding as illegitimate any ecution of people involved in humanitarian partners” and be scaled back. Amnesty’s findings. Previous untouchable former intelli- vote that took place while the corruption. Prime Minister that they hoped to find “alter- “We are deeply alarmed at allegations have sparked gence chief. old ruling elite was in power Abdelaziz Djerad this week said native solutions that will enable the rapidly deteriorating investigations by the Interna- However, while the new and while the military was corruption and mismanagement everyone to fulfil their humanitarian space all over tional Criminal Court in the president has released people involved in politics. resulted in a “delicate” economic obligations”. the country. It has reached a Hague and hampered Nigeria’s detained in the protests, set up Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a situation for Algeria, an OPEC A UN official in Sana'a con- breaking point where delivery ability to purchase arms, a a commission to amend the former president seen by the member country that is also firmed the rebels had backed of life-saving assistance is at source of frustration for its constitution and offered talks protesters as part of the old elite, facing a negative impact from away from the levy. risk,” they said in a statement. military’s leaders. to the opposition, much of the was elected, but turnout was only falling global crude oil prices. SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 ASIA 05 Japan lets some passengers leave ship for quarantine AFP — YOKOHAMA Malaysia to announce stimulus Japan yesterday began allowing elderly passengers who test package to counter virus outbreak negative for the new corona- virus to leave a quarantined REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR cruise ship and finish their isolation in government-desig- Malaysia will announce a stimulus package on February 27 to nated lodging. mitigate the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, Japan’s government has the finance minister said yesterday. given passengers aged 80 or Assistance will be given to affected sectors, Minister Lim older in poor health or confined Guan Eng said. The government said on Tuesday the stimulus to windowless inner cabins on package would be earmarked for the aviation, retailing and tourism the Diamond Princess the industries. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will announce the chance to move from the ship stimulus programme on February 27, Lim said. to accommodation on land. But only those who test negative for the virus that has official Gaku Hashimoto with the virus have been taken so far infected more than 200 boarded the ship last morning off the boat, along with some people on board the ship have to announce that all passengers people suffering other health the option to move. “who are considered to be high conditions requiring medical Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (second left) and Health Minister Katsunobu Kato (left) attending a The first of them departed risk in general health” would attention. Ten of those hospi- meeting of the new COVID-19 control headquarters at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo, yesterday. the massive cruise ship last now be tested for the virus. talised are now in serious con- afternoon, travelling in buses “Those who test positive dition, Health Minister Kat- with blacked out windows. will be transferred to the hos- sunobu Kato said. Excluding been diagnosed with the virus. 60s. She is likely to have had infection”, governor Yoshinobu At the wheel, one driver was pital. Those who test negative the cases on the ship, and an The Tokyo government contact with passengers of the Nisaka told reporters. He said offi- dressed in a head-to-toe white will — at the request of the indi- infected quarantine officer, Jap- announced yesterday two Diamond Princess when the ship cials were asking people in the area protective suit, complete with vidual — disembark and be anese authorities have so far people who were at a new year stopped by at an Okinawan port, “to report suspicious cases of pneu- goggles and mask. A government transferred to accommodation diagnosed 39 people with the party the taxi driver attended the prefecture said. monia so that we can immediately official said 11 people had left, but provided by the government,” newly named COVID-19. The are also infected with the virus. A doctor in Wakayama pre- conduct tests”. The hospital has declined to say whether more he said in a statement in English newly diagnosed cases include One of the two had contact with fecture and a patient treated in been closed to visitors and would depart yesterday or offer read out by the ship’s captain a woman in her 80s whose pos- tourists from Hubei, the Chinese the hospital where the doctor medical staff are now being tested further details. The move comes in a public broadcast. itive test result emerged after province where the virus worked have also been diag- for the virus, Nisaka added. a day after the number of infec- There were more than she died in hospital. emerged, the government said. nosed. Officials in the region said Despite the new infections, gov- tions diagnosed on the ship rose 3,700 people on the ship when The woman was reportedly A new case was also con- they were still not sure if the doctor ernment officials sought to play to 218. it arrived off the Japanese coast the mother-in-law of a taxi firmed in southern Okinawa had infected the patient. “It is dif- down concerns about the spread Senior health ministry last week, but those diagnosed driver in Tokyo who has also islands with a taxi driver in her ficult to trace the route of the of the virus in Japan. US blacklists Sri Lankan Indian court questions interrogation army commander, cites killings and abuses of children in anti-government play REUTERS — BANGALURU At least 25 people have been said Thouseef Madikeri, chief headmistress Begum and the REUTERS — WASHINGTON killed in protests against it. executive of a foundation that mother, according to Kesha- An Indian court yesterday Students at a school in the runs the Shaheen English varao Srimale, a lawyer for the The United States has imposed ordered a state government to southern state of Karnataka Primary and High School, and foundation that runs the school. sanctions on Sri Lanka’s army explain why police interrogated performed a satirical play on Narayan Ganesh, a lawyer for The women were expected to chief, Lieutenant General Shav- children who performed a play January 21 in which references the two accused women. be freed from jail today, he endra Silva (pictured), for critical of a new law, a lawyer were made to “dictators” and Karnataka’s top court yes- added. alleged human rights violations said, in a case that has raised dialogue against the Prime Min- terday gave the state gov- According to an initial including extrajudicial killings questions about freedom of ister Narendra Modi. ernment, ruled by Modi’s police report, the complainant in 2009 during the country’s speech. Police, lawyers and school Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accused school officials of civil war, US Secretary of State Parliament in December officials said that following a until next Wednesday to raising “ill-will and fear among Mike Pompeo said yesterday. passed a law, championed by complaint from a member of respond to a rights group’s alle- communities” by staging the “The allegations of gross Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s the public, the headmistress of gations that police illegally play. human rights violations against ruling Hindu-nationalist party, the school, Farida Begum, and questioned the children, said The two women have been Shavendra Silva, documented aimed at facilitating citizenship the mother of one of the Nayana Jhawar, a lawyer for the charged under a colonial-era by the United Nations and other for migrant members of non- children who took part in the group. sedition law that rights groups organizations, are serious and the final phases of the island Muslim religions from India’s play were arrested on January A senior police official, Bas- have long argued stifles credible,” Pompeo said in a nation’s 26-year-long brutal Muslim-majority neighbours. 30. weshwar H., said the incident freedom of expression. statement. civil war, which ended in Critics say the law violates Police later questioned was being investigated. He “It’s a silly case. Lam- The sanctions imposed yes- 2009. India’s secular constitution and children as young as nine, some declined to comment further. pooning political leaders is not terday by Washington bar Silva His victory, however, was discriminates against Muslims. of them as many as five times, The court granted bail to sedition,” said Madikeri. and his family members from highly controversial. Thou- entering the United States. sands of civilians were killed Silva’s appointment as in the last phases of the armed President appoints army commander of the island conflict, including in areas nation in August drew sharp declared by the government to Kejriwal as Delhi criticism from the United States be a ‘no fire zone,’ which came and the United Nations, which under sustained army shelling, Chief Minister in September suspended the Sri including hospitals. Lankan army from its peace- A United Nations panel has IANS — NEW DELHI keeping operations after he accused Silva’s division of sus- was named army chief. pected extrajudicial executions President Ram Nath Kovind Silva is credited with of unarmed rebels in the final yesterday appointed Arvind leading an army division week of the war and systematic Kejriwal as the Chief Minister against Tamil Tiger rebels in torture of people in custody. of Delhi with effect from tomorrow. Kovind also appointed the Cabinet Ministers— Manish Sri Lanka arrests former envoy Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Imran to Russia over MiG deal Hussain and Rajendra Pal AFP — COLOMBO Gautam. They all will take oath Sri Lanka arrested a former ambassador to Russia after he was as ministers along with extradited from Dubai to face money laundering charges over a Kejriwal tomorrow. controversial MiG aircraft purchase, police said. Udayanga Weer- President also accepted the atunga was taken before a magistrate in Colombo who remanded registration of Kejriwal and his him in custody till Monday pending a further hearing. Cabinet from the last term. Police said Weeratunga, who is also closely related to Pres- The Aam Aadmi Party ident Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s family, was arrested in connection bagged 62 of the 70 Assembly with an investigation into the Sri Lankan military’s 2006 pur- seats in Delhi and will be chase of four second-hand MiG-27 aircraft from Ukraine. forming the government again. There had been an international warrant for his arrest. At the Protest in Colombo Kejriwal is retaining all his time of the purchase, President Rajapaksa was the secretary to Cabinet Ministers in the new the ministry of defence. Weeratunga was Sri Lanka’s ambassador Women hold the portraits of their relatives, who disappeared at a protest, as they demand an term. to Russia from 2006 till former president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s investigation for those who went missing, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. election defeat in January 2015. Minister to to assess coronavirus impact Malaysian jailed NEW DELHI in Singapore for 48 Rohingya arrested off Myanmar coast IANS — AFP — PATHEIN, MYANMAR escape sprawling refugee more remain in Rakhine, living measures. Twenty-two were Finance Minister Nirmala Sith- chicken theft camps in Bangladesh and under tight restrictions with imprisoned for two years, araman will on Tuesday assess Nearly 50 Rohingya Muslims oppressive conditions in little access to healthcare, edu- nearly 200 were sent back to the impact of Coronavirus, ANATOLIA — SINGAPORE have been detained at sea by Rakhine. cation or livelihoods in condi- camps in Rakhine while 95 presently endemic in China, on Myanmar’s navy, a local official Village administrator Myint tions Amnesty International more are waiting to hear the Indian trade and industry, the A Malaysian citizen in said yesterday, the latest from Thein said the navy had picked brands as “apartheid”. outcome of a lengthy trial. Finance Ministry said. Singapore has been given a the persecuted minority to be up 48 Rohingya men, women The group detained at sea The minority garner little The Finance Minister 16-month jail term for stealing caught trying to flee camps in and children, as well as five this week is just the latest in a sympathy within Myanmar, would be meeting industry thousands of chickens from a Bangladesh and Myanmar’s “traffickers”, at sea on series of arrests in recent where many people buy the associations on Tuesday along company he was employed at restive Rakhine state. Wednesday evening. months as seasonal calmer official line they are illegal with Secretaries in the Min- in the island city-state. It was not immediately clear “We don’t know how waters tempt more Rohingya immigrants from Bangladesh, istry, the ministry said in a The 33-year-old convict, Au where the group started their authorities in Pathein town will to put their lives in the hands of even though many trace their tweet, retweeted by her. Yong Seh Ennm, was an opera- boat journey but they were proceed,” Myint Thein said. traffickers. On Tuesday, at least roots in the country back Sitharaman has cancelled tions manager at Hy-Fresh Indus- likely aiming for Malaysia or Some 740,000 Rohingya 15 Rohingya refugees drowned generations. her engagements in Bengaluru tries, a chicken distribution Indonesia, predominantly fled Myanmar’s Rakhine to when an overloaded boat car- Amnesty’s Laura Haigh said scheduled on Tuesday for the company, according to Malay Mail Muslim countries with large Bangladesh to escape a brutal rying mostly women and Rohingya will continue to meet but her programmes in newspaper. He stole more than Rohingya diasporas. military crackdown in 2017 and children sank as it tried to reach undertake such risky journeys Hyderabad and Bengaluru on 10,000 whole chickens as well as Thousands of Rohingya now languish in sprawling Malaysia from Bangladesh. unless their rights are restored Sunday and Monday respec- five cartons of chicken wings have taken to the sea over the refugee camps. Local authorities have so and full accountability for mil- tively remain as scheduled, the amounting to over $21,000. years in high-risk attempts to Hundreds of thousands far responded with various itary atrocities is assured. tweets said. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 Turkey to oppose Pakistan blacklisting at FATF meet
REUTERS — ISLAMABAD Imran Khan hails Erdogan’s speech Turkish President Tayyip ANATOLIA — ISLAMABAD Erdogan yesterday said he would help Pakistan stay off a Pakistan’s premier applauded Turkish president’s speech at the terrorism financing blacklist at joint session of parliament in the capital Islamabad. a meeting of a global finance “Today, Mr. President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan) made a his- watchdog, a move he suggested toric speech in the Pakistani parliament and I can say you can would counter “political win the next election in Pakistan after this address,” Imran Khan pressure” from Islamabad’s said in a lighter mood at the Pakistan-Turkey Business and critics. Investment Forum. The Financial Action Task Khan said Erdogan won the hearts of Pakistani people with Force (FATF), which tackles his speech. money laundering, told The Pakistan Prime Minister noted that all parliamentarians Islamabad late last year that it — including those in the opposition — appreciated Erdogan’s could face blacklisting if it con- speech. tinued to apply inadequate con- “It’s a great tribute to you, Mr. President. It shows the love trols over terrorism financing. and affection of people have for you in Pakistan,” Khan added. The FATF is meeting next Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting week in France, and support Pakistan at the Financial The FATF is meeting between Pakistan and Turkish delegations in Islamabad, yesterday. from Turkey and longtime allies Action Task Force meetings, next week in France, like China and Malaysia could where Pakistan is subject to had fully complied with only Islamic State group, al-Qaeda, mastermind of the 2008 help Pakistan remain off the political pressure,” Erdogan and support from one, largely complied with nine, Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Lashkar- Mumbai attacks in India, which blacklist. A minimum of three told Pakistan’s parliament a Turkey and longtime partially complied with 26, and e-Taiba and Jaish-e- killed 166 people. votes are required for any day after he arrived in totally missed four parameters, Mohammad (JeM), which con- In a move praised by Wash- country to escape the Islamabad. allies like China and which were mandatory if tinue to raise funds openly. ington as an important step blacklisting. The FATF already has Malaysia could help Islamabad wanted to be Pakistan says it has made a forward, Saeed was jailed for 11 If it joined the blacklist Pakistan on its “gray-list” of removed from the gray-list, a significant improvement on the years on Wednesday on ter- alongside Iran and North Korea, countries with inadequate con- Pakistan remain off review by the group last year requirements since the last rorism financing charges. Islamabad would face sanctions trols over curbing money laun- the blacklist. said. review. Pakistan remained com- and economic setbacks at a time dering and terrorism financing. The FATF says Pakistan Islamabad says it has seized mitted to the earliest com- when its economy is struggling But its arch-rival India, should adequately identify, the groups’ assets and put the pletion of its FATF action plan, with a balance of payment which came close to war with blacklisted. assess and understand risks militants on trials, like the entire Minister for Economic Affairs crisis. its nuclear-armed neighbour Of 40 recommendations associated with militant groups leadership of the JuD, including Hammad Azhar tweeted on “We will be supporting last year, wants Pakistan made by the watchdog, Pakistan operating in Pakistan such as its chief Hafiz Saeed, the alleged Wednesday.
Bodies of 12 US and Taliban reach Afghan truce agreement: Official soldiers in Indonesia
AP — MUNICH between the United States and Esper’s meeting as did Gen. copter crash found the Taliban is imminent. Scott Miller, the commander of Afghan forces claim killing AP — JAYAPURA A senior US official said Pompeo and Esper met the US-led international force yesterday that the United States Ghani on the sidelines of an in Afghanistan. Search teams in Indonesia and the Taliban have reached international security forum in People familiar with the senior Taliban commander yesterday found the bodies of a truce agreement that will take Munich as officials said a plan’s outlines say it calls for the ANATOLIA — KABUL in the airstrike. a dozen soldiers killed when effect “very soon” and could “reduction in violence” successful conclusion of the The Taliban rejected the their helicopter crashed eight lead to withdrawals of agreement is on the table and weeklong truce to be followed Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry claim, calling it a “propaganda months ago in the country’s American troops from Afghan- could be announced as early as within 10 days by the start of yesterday claimed to have killed by the enemy.” easternmost province of Papua istan. the weekend. all-Afghan negotiations to set a top Taliban commander along In a Twitter post, Zabihullah where separatist rebels are The official said the President Donald Trump the road map for the country’s with his eight companions in the Mujahid, the group’s spokesman, active, officials said. agreement for a seven-day has agreed in principle to the political future. country’s north. said six Afghan service members The cause of the crash “reduction in violence” to be deal, which could lead to the US officials have brushed In a statement, the ministry were killed by the Taliban in the remains under investigation. followed by the start of all- start of significant US troop aside claims that a Taliban ulti- said Maulvi Sardar Mohammad, Khas Balkh district yesterday. Teams from the army’s Afghan peace talks within 10 withdrawals from Afghanistan, matum forced their hand. And member of the Taliban’s “Mil- Earlier this week, Afghan elite troops found the days is “very specific” and according to US officials. they noted that, despite Trump’s itary Commission” was killed President Ashraf Ghani wel- wreckage of the Russian-made covers the entire country The final details were ham- campaign pledge to withdraw with his companions in an air- comed “notable progress” made Mi-17 on a steep slope at an including Afghan forces. mered out in recent days by US American troops from Afghan- strike in the Chamtal district of in the ongoing peace talks elevation of about 3,800 US Secretary of State Mike special envoy for Afghanistan istan and elsewhere, the the Balkh province bordering between the US and the Taliban. metres. They were able to Pompeo and Defense Secretary Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban Republican president has nixed Uzbekistan. “Our primary objective is to reach the remote and difficult Mark Esper met yesterday with representatives. previous deals that appeared According to the statement, end the senseless bloodshed,” terrain the following day, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Khalilzad was in Munich close in response to attacks on a huge cache of arms and the Afghan president had said Papua military spokesman Ghani amid signs that a truce and attended Pompeo and US forces. ammunition were also destroyed on Twitter. Dax Sianturi said. He said nine bodies had been identified by their Philippines lifts uniforms. Cruise passengers disembark in Cambodia after 2 weeks at sea Local military commander coronavirus travel Binsar Sianipar, who led the AFP — SIHANOUKVILLE Westerdam, the remaining mission, said bad weather hin- cruise-goers waved and dered the retrieval of the ban on Taiwan Passengers on a cruise ship that cheered. All will be allowed to bodies using ropes and it will AFP — MANILA was turned away from ports disembark, Hun Sen said, after resume today. around Asia over fears they no cases of the coronavirus The helicopter lost contact The Philippines yesterday lifted could be carrying the new coro- were found aboard. five minutes after takeoff from a coronavirus travel ban on navirus finally began disem- Passenger Christina Kerby Oksibil, the capital of the dis- Taiwan after Taipei threatened barking in Cambodia. — who has been posting light- trict of Bintang Mountain on retaliation. Cambodia’s strongman hearted updates from the ship June 28. It was traveling to the Taiwan had hit out at coun- premier Hun Sen welcomed since the ordeal started — said provincial capital, Jayapura. tries that “confuse” it with China around 100 tourists who were she was “in tears” over the The army helicopter was and included it in travel restric- handed flowers as they stepped warm reception. taking troops and supplies to a tions for Chinese territories ashore after an uncertain two “The show of support is border post in Okbibab near against the virus that has claimed weeks at sea. overwhelming,” she tweeted. Papua New Guinea and had nearly 1,400 lives. The Westerdam was sup- Cambodia receives billions refueled at Oksibil before it was Taiwan foreign ministry posed to be taking its 2,257 pas- of dollars in soft loans, infra- reported missing by the control spokeswoman Joanne Ou told sengers and crew on a 14-day structure, and investment from tower, the military said. reporters earlier yesterday that cruise around east Asia, China, which dispenses it with The search had resumed the island had drawn up certain beginning in Hong Kong on no questions asked over human after residents of the village of “response measures” while February 1 and ending today in rights abuses in the country. Oksop told authorities last waiting for a reply to its demand Yokohama, Japan. Hun Sen, Asia’s longest week that they had seen the to lift the travel ban. But the vessel was barred serving leader, has been vocal wreckage in an area con- President Rodrigo Duterte’s by Japan, Guam, the Philippines, A jubilent passenger reacts as he disembarks from the Westerdam in his praise of Beijing’s han- sidered sacred, about 12km spokesman Salvador Panelo later Taiwan and Thailand over fears cruise ship in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, yesterday. dling of the epidemic, which from Oksibil. announced in Manila the imme- it was carrying someone with began in the Chinese city of Flying is the only practical diate lifting of the travel ban on a new virus that has now killed attention to human rights... we provided by cruise operator Wuhan late last year. way of accessing many areas Taiwan. around 1,400 people and respect the rights of the more Holland America — were gar- Unlike most western in the mountain and jungle- Health Secretary Francisco sickened 64,000, mostly in than 2,000 people on the boat,” landed with jasmine and tradi- nations, he refused to evacuate clad easternmost provinces of Duque cited “the absence of local China. Hun Sen said yesterday as he tional Cambodian scarves. citizens from the epicentre, Papua and West Papua where transmission” of the virus there Cambodia — a staunch welcomed tourists. “We’re very happy to go insisting that Cambodians military helicopters recently and the “relatively low volume of Beijing ally that receives huge “We don’t have wealth like home, we’re so happy that should show their support for have become a target of sep- travellers from Taiwan to Manila”. sums of Chinese money every a rich country but we have sym- Cambodia has made this pos- the Chinese. aratist rebels. Some 150,000 Filipinos work year — announced this week pathy for the passengers sible,” a Danish passenger who Last week, he travelled to Papua, a former Dutch in Taiwan, enjoying visa-free that the boat could dock in stranded on the ship.” gave her name only as Lina Beijing to meet with premier Li colony in the western part of entry that reports said could have Sihanoukville. The first 100 people — said. Keqiang and President Xi New Guinea, was incorporated been withdrawn in retaliation. “Cambodia pays more whose flights home have been From the deck of the Jinping in a show of solidarity. into Indonesia in 1969. Watchdog slams new social media measures in Pakistan
AFP — ISLAMABAD this week would pave the way with their sources,” said Steven “Now we have a regulation speech and expression in the for dissent has shrunk further for allowing Pakistani author- Butler, Committee to Protect to control the harmful content country”. in Pakistan, with the gov- A leading media rights ities to ask for the removal of Journalists’ Asia programme on social media, but it has The approval of the new ernment announcing a watchdog has slammed new content, disable encryption, and coordinator. nothing to do with the political rules follows accusations by crackdown on social networks regulatory measures targeting demand companies open offices “The cabinet should imme- content,” the minister said opposition parties that Prime and traditional media houses social media platforms in and host data centres inside the diately reverse course and seek yesterday. Minister Imran Khan’s gov- decrying pressure from author- Pakistan where the media have country. broad consultations with legis- “If anyone has a better sug- ernment has sought to intim- ities they say has resulted in been subjected to growing Companies that do not lators and civil society, gestion for this mechanism and idate and silence its opponents widespread self-censorship. censorship and pressure comply with the rules risk being including the media, on how to to support freedom of and allegations of media Pakistan has a long history following the election of Prime blocked online. proceed with any such expression, we will listen.” censorship. of targeting social media sites, Minister Imran Khan in year “These stringent but vague regulations.” Pakistani legal expert Yasser Facebook declined to including famously blocking 2018. rules approved by Pakistan’s Pakistan’s science and tech- Hamdani however described comment on the new measures, Facebook for two weeks in 2010 According to a draft of the federal cabinet threaten the nology ministry Fawad the measures as “unconstitu- while Twitter and YouTube did over blasphemous content and law seen by AFP, the new ability of journalists to report Chaudhry defended the tional”, saying the law was not respond to inquiries. barring YouTube from 2012 to measures announced earlier the news and communicate measures. “designed to curb freedom of In recent years, the space 2016. SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 EUROPE 07 World defence spending rises as rivalries heat up AFP — MUNICH Speaking in Munich, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned of a “disturbing erosion” Global defence spending saw its biggest jump in a decade in of arms control limits that had “kept the 2019, driven by the US and world safe for decades”. “Irresponsible China, a study said yesterday, governments are accelerating their pursuit as rivalries and conflicts stoke military investment. of nuclear power and missile capability. The The International Institute world can ill afford an arms race,” she said. for Strategic Studies (IISS) said the four percent rise, compared to a year earlier, was fuelled by Trump has railed at capability. The world can ill competition between major European allies, particularly afford an arms race,” she said. powers, new military technol- Germany, for not living up to a China’s programme of mil- ogies and rumbling warfare 2014 Nato pledge to spend two itary modernisation — described from Ukraine to Libya. percent of GDP on defence. by the IISS as “striking for its Beijing’s military moderni- The mercurial president’s scale, speed and ambition” — has sation programme — which anger over spending has fuelled also unsettled Washington as well US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas shake hands at a bilateral includes developing new hard- concern about his commitment as its allies in the Pacific. In meeting during the annual Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, yesterday. to-detect hypersonic missiles to the transatlantic alliance, cul- October, Beijing showed off new — is alarming Washington and minating in an explosive 2018 technologies including its DF-17 helping drive US defence summit where he launched a hypersonic glide vehicle — spending, the IISS said. blistering public attack on designed to deliver warheads at World less safe as US retreats, Its annual “Military Balance” Germany in a televised meeting huge speeds so as to avoid report said the increase alone with Chancellor Angela Merkel. interception. in US spending from 2018 to Giving the opening address Russia, pursuing its own 2019 — $53.4bn — was almost at the annual security gathering, modernisation project, has warns German President as big as Britain’s entire defence German President Frank-Walter already announced the entry budget. “Spending rose as econ- Steinmeier warned that Trump’s into service of its own hyper- AFP — MUNICH between major military powers. of not spending enough of omies recovered from the “America First” strategy had sonic missile system. Dubbed In a nod to Trump’s “Make defence and freeloading on the effects of the financial crisis, but shaken up the international order Avangard, the system has been German President Frank- America Great Again” and US. Steinmeier said Europe increases have also been driven and fuelled insecurity. tested at speeds of Mach 27, or Walter Steinmeier yesterday “America First” mantras, Stein- needed to take more control of by sharpening threat percep- Key elements of the inter- roughly 33,000km per hour, warned that President Donald meier said the current US its own security, including tions,” IISS chief John Chipman national order that developed according to Moscow. Trump’s “America First” administration was signalling through higher military said, launching the report at the after the Second World War Hypersonic missiles are strategy had shaken up the that every country should act spending. “Only a Europe that Munich Security Conference. have come under increasing worrying Western officials, international order and fuelled solely in its own best interests is able and willing to credibly Both the US and China challenge. The collapse last year because they are so fast and so insecurity in an unstable world. — a set-up that tends to benefit protect itself, will keep the US increased spending by 6.6 of the Cold War-era Interme- manoeuvrable that they make “We are witnessing today an only the mighty. in Nato”, he said. percent, the report said, to diate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) existing defence systems useless increasingly destructive “As if everyone is taken care Steinmeier also said Russia’s $684.6bn and $181.1bn respec- treaty and the doubts sur- and give almost no warning of momentum in global politics,” of if everyone only thinks of 2014 annexation of Crimea from tively. Europe — driven by rounding the renewal of the New attack. A senior Nato official Steinmeier said in a speech to themselves. ‘Great again’, even Ukraine had brought the use of ongoing concerns about Russia START arms reduction treaty, warned that in a hypersonic kick off the Munich Security Con- when necessary at the expense military violence for political — stepped up by 4.2 percent, but which expires in 2021, have con- missile strike, it may not even ference, an annual gathering on of neighbours and partners.” gain back to the European con- this only brought the continent’s tributed to the mood of insta- be clear what the target is “until global security challenges. Like other European countries, tinent, leading to geopolitical defence spending back to 2008 bility, the IISS report said. there’s a boom on the ground”. “Every year we are getting Germany has watched with “insecurity” and a “loss of trust”. levels, before the global financial Speaking in Munich, US Elsewhere, spending in Asia further and further away from growing alarm as the decades- Among those attending this crisis saw budgets slashed. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has grown more than 50 our goal of creating a more long reliance on America’s pro- year’s Munich Security Con- European Nato members warned of a “disturbing erosion” percent in a decade, rising from peaceful world through inter- tection and its commitment to ference, which runs until Sunday, have been seeking to increase of arms control limits that had $275bn in 2010 to $423bn in national cooperation.” He the Nato military alliance is are French President Emmanuel spending to placate President “kept the world safe for decades”. 2019 in real terms as the conti- singled out the United States, called into doubt. Macron, US Secretary of State Donald Trump, who has “Irresponsible governments are nent’s economic success has Europe’s “closest partner”, for Trump has been particularly Mike Pompeo, Russian Foreign repeatedly accused them of accelerating their pursuit of allowed countries to invest retreating from the multilateral critical of Nato ally Germany, Minister Sergei Lavrov and his freeloading on the US. nuclear power and missile more in their militaries. stage just as tensions are rising accusing Europe’s top economy Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Outrage as Macron loses his mayoral candidate in Paris Fake news AP — PARIS A grim-faced Griveaux makes disease announced the withdrawal Rivals from across France’s himself yesterday morning, outbreaks political spectrum joined in a saying he’d been targeted by chorus of alarm and dismay “vile attacks” on the Internet worse: Study yesterday and warned that and social media. A Russian French democracy is in danger performance artist noted for REUTERS — LONDON after an online leak of private macabre, politically charged images led an associate of actions reportedly claimed The rise of “fake news” — French leader Emmanuel responsibility the posts. including misinformation and Macron to pull out of the race The newspaper Liberation inaccurate advice on social to become mayor of Paris. said Pyotr Pavlensky called the media — could make disease Rapid expressions of daily on Thursday night and outbreaks such as the support for Benjamin Griveaux, said he obtained the video from COVID-19 coronavirus epi- even from political rivals, were an unnamed source who had a demic currently spreading in a striking reminder of the long- relationship with Griveaux. China worse, according to standing and widely held view Liberation quoted Pav- research published yesterday. in France that public servants’ lensky as saying that he wanted In an analysis of how the private lives are largely off to denounce Griveaux’s spread of misinformation limits. A Russian performance “hypocrisy”. “He is someone affects the spread of disease, artist claimed responsibility for This December 30, 2017 file picture shows French President Emmanuel Macron (right) with the then who is always playing up family scientists at Britain’s East posting the explicit videos that spokesperson of the government, Benjamin Griveaux, at the Elysee Palace in Paris. values, who says he wants to be Anglia University (UEA) said apparently prompted Griveaux the mayor of families and any successful efforts to stop to end his bid for Paris City Hall. “We’re not trying to elect support, saying Griveaux was was the victim of an attack that always cites as examples his people sharing fake news Politicians warned that saints,” said Sebastien Chenu, the victim of score-settling and posed “a serious threat for our wife and children. But he does could help save lives. people will no longer want to a spokesman for the far-right that French public life must not democracy”. the opposite,” Liberation quoted “When it comes to stand for elected office if they National Rally party, normally become prey to voyeurism. Griveaux previously served Pavlensky as saying. COVID-19, there has been a lot run the risk of their private an unforgiving political “The publication of intimate as a spokesman for Macron’s Paris is the most coveted of of speculation, misinformation affairs becoming public, and opponent of Griveaux’s centrist images to destroy an adversary government. His sudden with- France’s municipalities and a and fake news circulating on the that the leaking of explicit camp. Chenu was speaking on is odious,” Melenchon tweeted. drawal from the mayoral race political fiefdom that has been internet - about how the virus material to take Griveaux out BFM-TV. Lawmaker Cedric Villani, left Macron’s centrist party used in the past, notably by originated, what causes it and of the municipal elections was On the far-left, former pres- who split from Griveaux’s party without a candidate in the former French President how it is spread,” said Paul a threat to France’s proud dem- idential candidate Jean-Luc to stand against him in Paris, French capital for the municipal Jacques Chirac, as a springboard Hunter, a UEA professor of ocratic traditions. Melenchon also expressed warned in a tweet that his rival elections next month. for higher office. medicine who co-led the study. In their research, Hunter’s team focused on three other infectious diseases - flu, mon- German police officer among Billie Eilish drops James Bond track keypox and norovirus - but said their findings could also arrests in far-right terror swoop AFP — LONDON undergo minor ankle surgery after be useful for dealing with the an injury on set, is expected bow COVID-19 outbreak. “Fake AFP — BERLIN officer previously suspended Teenage pop iconoclast Billie out after eight years as agent 007. news is manufactured with no over suspicions he had links to Eilish (pictured) dropped her Trailers feature the Bond respect for accuracy, and is Police in Germany arrested 12 the far-right, a source at the James Bond theme tune yes- staples that have made the often based on conspiracy the- men, including one of its own interior ministry in North-Rhine terday, racking up 2.2 million franchise so successful over the ories,” Hunter said. officers, in a nationwide probe Westphalia state said, though it views in just six hours as the decades: car chases, gun fire, For the studies, the into an extreme-right group was not immediately clear if he teenage prodigy continues her gadgets and femmes fatales. researchers created theoretical suspected of planning attacks was one of the prime suspects. stunning rise. The biggest globally simulations of outbreaks of on politicians, asylum-seekers From its founding in September Sharing the same name as renowned musician to emerge norovirus, flu and monkeypox. and Muslims, state interior 2019, the group’s ultimate aim the upcoming movie “No Time from Generation Z, the candid They also took into account how ministry sources and prose- was “to shake the state and social To Die”, the ballad features the O’Connell. Her Facebook page Eilish draws young fans with a lower trust in authorities is cutors said yesterday. order in Germany and in the end grungy melancholic feel that said Eilish would perform the personal social media presence linked to tendency to believe The arrests followed raids, to overturn it,” investigators has propelled Eilish to star world premier of the new track and internet-speak fluency. conspiracies, how people some by heavily-armed special believe. status and caps a remarkable at next Tuesday’s Brit Awards At just 13, she unveiled her interact in “information units, which hit 13 locations in In order to plan their attacks, few weeks for the teenager. in London alongside O’Conner, debut bedroom-produced bubbles” online, and the fact six German states. The four the group allegedly held regular Last month Eilish was the movie score maestro Hans single “Ocean Eyes” on Sound- that “worryingly, people are prime suspects planned to spark meetings which were coordi- breakout star at the Grammys, Zimmer and former Smiths Cloud, the do-it-yourself more likely to share bad advice “a civil-war-like situation... via nated and organised by two of sweeping five awards including legend Johnny Marr. The 25th streaming platform that has on social media than good as yet undefined attacks on pol- the main suspects, named only the “big four” prizes: Album of instalment of the British spy also brought a generation of advice from trusted sources,” iticians, asylum seekers and as Werner S. and Tony E. The the Year, Song of the Year, saga, due out in April, sees Bond young rappers to fame. Hunter said. people of Muslim faith,” federal suspects, all of whom are Record of the Year and Best drawn out of retirement in Last year she dropped a The researchers found that a prosecutors said in a statement. German citizens, also commu- New Artist. The Los Angeles- Jamaica by his old friend and number one album entitled 10% reduction in the amount of A further eight suspects nicated using messenger apps. born singer, who only turned CIA agent Felix Leiter. “When We All Fall Asleep, harmful advice being circulated were alleged to have agreed to Investigators launched 18 in December, is the youngest Rami Malek, who won a best Where Do We Go?”, led the hot has a mitigating impact on the “financially support the group, raids to determine whether the artist to record a Bond track. actor Oscar for his depiction of songs chart with her single “Bad severity of an outbreak, while provide it with weapons or take suspects already had weapons The song was written with her Queen frontman Freddie Mercury Guy” and played a set on a making 20% of a population part in future attacks”. or other supplies that could be primary creative collaborator in “Bohemian Rhapsody”, plays the prime stage at the Coachella unable to share harmful advice The twelve included a police used in an attack. — and brother — Finneas villain. Craig, 51, who had to music festival. has the same positive effect. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020
Established in 1996
CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]
ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]
DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]
A file picture of US President Donald Trump talking with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during the gala dinner marking ASEAN’s EDITORIAL 50th anniversary in Manila.
Community wellbeing Duterte tests Trump with move PARKS not only provide vegetative buffers to devel- opment but also connect people with nature bringing fitness and wellbeing in their lives. They also improve to unravel decades-old alliance the quality of air we breathe and are the best places for outdoor recreation for families. “I really don’t mind, if they into and sunk a Filipino fishing Qatar government through the Ministry of Munic- would like to do that, that’s fine,” boat within its own interna- ipality and Environment, in recent years, has opened Trump told reporters at the tionally recognized exclusive many new parks while the work is underway on many White House. “We’ll save a lot of economic zone. others. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment money. You know my views are Saying he was “invoking the is set to reopen Al Khor Family Park tomorrow which different from other people. I mutual defense treaty,” Duterte remained closed for development and maintenance view it as, ‘Thank you very much, was quoted as saying in a local work that lasted for 100 days and entailed a cost of we’ll save a lot of money.’” television interview “I would like PHILIP J HEIJMANS & ANDREO QR32m. Duterte’s Over the decades, the Philip- America to gather their Seventh CALONZO — BLOOMBERG The renovated park will have several new features administration pines has been the recipient of Fleet in front of China. I’m asking including, a museum, an open theatre and new vari- billions of dollars in US foreign them now.” eties of animals and birds. The entry fee is now QR15 on Tuesday Over the years, Rodrigo Duterte’s aid, including $278.9 million in Duterte has repeatedly ques- for adults and QR10 for children up to the age 10 years. notified the regular rants about the US total distributed funds in 2018, tioned whether the US would The Ministry expects that the park is likely to attract appeared to amount to little second only to Indonesia among defend the Philippines if China around 500,000 visitors annually. US it would more than bluster. This week the 29 countries in East Asia and seizes disputed shoals and reefs No doubt, the public parks play an important role terminate the Philippine leader finally moved Oceania, according to data from in the South China Sea -- skep- in community health and wellbeing. A study by Penn to dismantle an alliance that has the United States Agency for ticism that has persisted for State University showed significant correlations to Visiting Forces endured since World War II. International Development. Phil- decades. Speaking to reporters reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure, and per- Agreement, Duterte’s administration on ippine Defense Secretary Delfin on Thursday after Trump’s ceived physical health to the length of stay in visits to which has Tuesday notified the US it would Lorenzana said last week his remarks, Duterte spokesman parks. terminate the Visiting Forces country has received $1.3 billion Salvador Panelo said “we didn’t Seven new sections have been added to the Al governed Agreement, which has governed in military assistance since 1998. know exactly whether he was Khor Family Park that house new varieties of animals military military cooperation between The US deploys an average of very serious on that.” and birds. Al Khor Family Park is considered one of the two countries since 1998. It’s 500 to 600 troops in the Philip- “You must remember that the the most important and largest parks in Qatar, and a cooperation key to implementing a mutual pines on a continuous basis, perceived enemies of the US are breather for all residents of the State, and it features between the two defense treaty signed in 1951, according to California-based very near this country, hence green spaces and large trees, in addition to a play shortly after the Philippines think tank RAND Corporation. they need us,” Panelo said. ground area for children. countries since achieved independence from They’ve helped to reduce the Despite Trump’s remarks, The Park includes a Roman theater that can accom- 1998. It’s key to the US. number of attacks from insur- other arms of the US government modate 400 people to hold parties and events, and a The move, spurred by the gents and Islamic State-linked sought to mend the damage. The museum consisting of a showroom and a number of implementing Trump administration’s refusal groups on the Muslim-majority US Embassy in Manila called halls, in addition to restaurants, cafeterias, fountains a mutual to give one of Duterte’s political island of Mindanao, where withdrawal notice “a serious step and two children’s play areas fully covered with a defense treaty allies a visa, triggered a six- Duterte is from. The two nations with significant implications for rubber floor spread in an area of about 4000 square month notification period before have also conducted joint naval the US-Philippines alliance.” metres. signed in 1951, it expires. Now the question is patrols in the South China Sea to Pentagon chief Mark Esper called Recently, the Supreme Committee for Delivery shortly after whether the Philippine leader counter China’s growing mar- it “a move in the wrong & Legacy (SC) also opened three public parks. The will go even further in shunning itime ambitions. direction.” parks are located at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Janoub the Philippines the country’s main security On Wednesday, Philippine If he follows through on Stadium and the former Al Ersal Station training achieved partner, or if he’s simply using military chief Felimon Santos scrapping the agreement, sites cluster, which is located in Onaiza, near West this as a negotiating tactic to get told lawmakers the withdrawal Duterte may then end two other Bay. independence a better deal from Trump. “will affect our rescue opera- military pacts with the US, Each park features tennis and basketball courts, from the US. While Duterte has often tions, definitely,” even as he said including the 1951 Mutual children’s play areas, jogging and cycling tracks, open questioned the benefits of the US the armed forces had drawn up Defense Treaty that forms the spaces and workout equipment. Opening the parks alliance while heaping praise on contingency plans. foundation of the security rela- illustrates Qatar’s legacy commitment to harness the China and Russia, he’s thus far “Once it’s out of the tionship. His administration has power of hosting the FIFA World Cup to inspire health stopped short of formally ending agreement, the Philippines will already announced a review of and fitness throughout the population. it. The Philippine population has have few tools left to push back the treaty, which is ongoing. a much more favorable view of against Chinese pressure on Phil- Whether it stays or goes the US than China, and the mil- ippines’ navy, fisheries and oil largely depends on the sway of itary has worked with American and gas development,” said the Philippine defense estab- counterparts to counter Beijing’s Murray Hiebert, a senior asso- lishment. Richard Jacobson, a expansive territorial claims in the ciate of the Southeast Asia retired diplomat who served No matter what, South China Sea. Program at the Center for Stra- with the US Embassy in Manila, D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR “It’s a very unpopular tegic and International Studies in said Duterte’s announcement US-Philippine decision,” said Rommel Banlaoi, Washington. “This will allow shows he has won enough EMAIL: [email protected] military ties who teaches international China to become even bolder support within the military ranks studies at Miriam College in and more aggressive in pushing -- thanks in part to a large EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 under Duterte Manila and has written about its claims in the disputed sea.” budget allocation -- to finally FAX: +974 4455 7758 are set to get foreign policy in the Philippines The Philippines has periodi- fulfill a longstanding goal of piv- for three decades. He saw cally reassessed its relationship oting the country away from the MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 much weaker. Duterte’s move more as a way to with the US, which ruled the US and toward China. And that only win concessions. Southeast Asian nation as a ter- “He appears to be building his DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 “The president is just con- ritory for nearly 50 years after it legacy with two-plus years left in benefits China, veying his desire to redefine the was ceded by Spain. After World his term,” said Jacobson, who is LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 which has Philippines’ relationship with the War War II, Clark Air Base and now a risk consultant. US -- in other words, he wants a Subic Bay Naval Base, near Others aren’t so sure. Collin BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 long sought better deal,” he said. Manila, were the largest US mil- Koh, a research fellow at the S. to unravel If that’s the case, Duterte has itary outpost in the Western Rajaratnam School of Interna- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 the American a stiff challenge on his hands. Pacific. Philippine lawmakers tional Studies in Singapore, said President Donald Trump has voted to close them down in the there would be enough ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 alliance pressured allies around the globe early 1990s. But it’s struggled to resistance in the Philippine email: [email protected] system in Asia, to pay more for their defense, maintain a consistent position Congress and security appa- stoking tensions with Europe, under Duterte. ratus to prevent Duterte from PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 particularly as it South Korea, Japan and other In July, Manila’s envoy to the totally withdrawing from the email: [email protected] pushes deeper long-time American security US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, said alliance. partners. the two nations were working to No matter what, US-Phil- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 into the South When asked about Duterte’s strengthen a 2014 defense ippine military ties under Duterte FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] China Sea. move to scrap the Visiting Forces agreement that included the pos- are set to get much weaker. And Agreement on Wednesday, sibility of more US-backed mil- that only benefits China, which CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Trump said “that’s fine” while itary structures on Philippines has long sought to unravel the email: [email protected] adding he had a good rela- bases. The negotiations came American alliance system in Asia, tionship with the Philippine after an incident a month prior particularly as it pushes deeper SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 leader. when a Chinese vessel “rammed” into the South China Sea. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]
www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar
/ThePeninsulaQatar Cambodia pays more attention to human rights... we respect the rights of the more than 2,000 people /Peninsula_Qatar on the boat. We don't have wealth like a rich country but we have sympathy for the passengers stranded /ThePeninsulaNewspaper on the ship. +974 6698 6188 Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Hundreds of billions of locusts are swarming East Africa
crisis looms. Locusts can dec- descend en masse on cro- what it calls “cultural imate cropland, crippling pland. The locusts moved into methods” of fending off the farms and leaving markets Uganda this week and may swarms, like the ones Elema empty and livestock with move into South Sudan, the described. They also have nothing to eat. Around 19 “We cannot sit United Nations warned. positioned scouts on the top million people already face “Our resources are not of prominent hills to keep a high levels of food insecurity idle. If we did, enough,” said Zebdewos lookout for swarms and send MAX BEARAK in East Africa. the whole region Salato, director of plant pro- text messages to regional offi- THE WASHINGTON POST “Our only option is to try tection at Ethiopia’s Agri- cials about their movements. to kill them all,” said Bayeh would be infested. culture Ministry. “Soon we But spraying malathion, an Mulatu, a pest control expert It would become a may see the locusts passing insecticide, is the only way to The pests breed From a distance, it looks like at the United Nations’ Food huge, huge crisis,” over the whole country, into kill entire swarms. freely in areas billowing smoke. But as it and Agriculture Organization the major crop-growing The pilots can effectively nears, the swarm of locusts (FAO) in Addis Ababa, Ethio- said Bayeh, the regions.” Years of drought spray swarms only when the outside government comes into focus: Billions pia’s capital. A similar surge of have led to widespread insects are on the ground. control in conflict- upon billions of them, thick as locusts in northern Ethiopia in FAO expert. “The dependence on food aid in the Because locusts are cold- ravaged Yemen and a blizzard, uncountable as 1954 devoured nearly 100 conditions are region, and sudden rains have blooded, they have little Somalia, and they raindrops, a jaw-dropping percent of green-leaf plant perfect for them; sparked deadly flash floods. energy before the day warms procession of the ravenous cover and, along with a In a cruel twist, an unusual, up, and the best spraying time reach their voracious creatures of biblical infamy, drought, caused a year-long 2020 - it is the year prolonged rainy season has is early in the morning. Unfor- adolescence while flailing and flapping in the air, famine, Bayeh said. of the locust.” alleviated some of the tunately, frequent early- migrating west blocking out the sun like a bad Despite technological pressure on food supplies but morning rain often prevents toward the feeding omen. improvements, the prospects also provided the ideal condi- spraying missions, and pilots The pests, known and of control remain slim. Hun- million is needed immediately tions for locust reproduction. reach the swarms when they grounds of lusher feared by the world’s most dreds of swarms have to increase spraying capacity. Farmers in southern are already in the air, spread inland Africa. ancient civilizations, are hatched in the sandy soil of The funding is “required Ethiopia were lucky that the out over miles and miles. Unseasonable rain, invading southern Ethiopia Yemen and Somalia’s coastal by, actually, now,” said FAO biggest swarms didn’t show up “They ride up on thermals linked to a climate- and neighbouring parts of plains, where little to nothing chief Qu Dongyu at a recent here until January, after the [or updrafts] as high as 3,000 Kenya in numbers not seen in is being done to control them. news briefing. “If after April harvest season. But now new feet,” said Andrew Van Zyl, a change-driven event generations. Ethiopia has only three oper- the money has come, it’s seeds of corn and wheat are in South African who flies a in the Indian Ocean, They breed freely in areas ational planes to spray insec- somehow useless.” Ethiopia is the ground - as are hundreds spraying plane called an Air has turned the region outside government control in ticides, and Kenya has five. likely to be hit the hardest by of billions of locust eggs. Tractor for a private company into a buffet for conflict-ravaged Yemen and Meanwhile, the biggest of the the infestation, which began The weather anomaly is contracted by the Ethiopian Somalia, and they reach their swarms are getting closer last June but is only now caused by an El Niño-like event government. “The swarms are locusts. voracious adolescence while every day to Ethiopia’s bread- reaching epic proportions. in the Indian Ocean that once thick enough that they block migrating west toward the basket in the Great Rift Valley, While giant swarms have occurred about every 10 years the plane’s air intake. The feeding grounds of lusher where smaller swarms are been reported in Kenya, and but that studies show has conditions are actually quite inland Africa. Unseasonable already stripping some farms. smaller ones in Djibouti, become more frequent, as well dangerous.” On a recent day, rain, linked to a climate- “There is no such thing as Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia, as more intense. The events Van Zyl returned from a change-driven event in the containment of locusts,” Ethiopia is the only country lead to heavy rainfall in East spraying mission and his Indian Ocean, has turned the Bayeh said. “There is only among them where ado- Africa - which saw eight plane was covered with region into a buffet for locusts. control. Only killing.” The lescent or “gregarious” cyclones off its coast last year - greasy locust guts, so much so A major humanitarian United Nations says $76 swarms are expected to and dry conditions in Australia, that he could barely see exacerbating bush fires there. through his windshield. Rainy conditions are The Ethiopian government expected until at least June, and the United Nations are setting the stage for those agitating for more money to swarms-in-waiting to devour stave off the nightmare sce- the coming harvest. nario: A plague that sweeps “In our culture, we cele- across the heartland, leaving brate the locusts because their decimated fields in its wake. arrival means rain,” said With the aid of wind, locusts Haphi Elema, a farmer and can travel 100 miles in a day. rancher who lives on an iso- That means they are already lated homestead in southern well within striking distance Ethiopia and belongs to the of vast amounts of farmland Borana community. “But we that feeds Africa’s second know that if they stay longer most-populous country. than the rain, then they will “We cannot sit idle. If we eat everything and we will did, the whole region would starve.” Elema’s family relies be infested. It would become on the surrounding shrub land a huge, huge crisis,” said for food for their cattle and Bayeh, the FAO expert. “The goats. With continued rain, conditions are perfect for the leaves and grass regen- them; 2020 - it is the year of erate quickly, but every day is the locust.” still a fight against the Max Bearak is The Wash- appetite of the swarms. ington Post's Nairobi bureau “First we used my gun to chief. Previously, he reported scare them with the sound,” from Afghanistan, Bang- he said. “Then we made big ladesh, India, Somalia and fires. Now we spend all Washington, DC, for The morning chasing them off the Post, following stints in Delhi plants, but they are too and Mumbai reporting for the New York Times and A youngster runs making noise in order to scare away from their homestead a swarm of desert locust, in the zone of Borena, Ethiopia. many.” The Ethiopian gov- ernment has encouraged others. Germany is one of the biggest Brexit losers
became the EU, they needed have always had clashing minority of 36.8%. Without were dominated by it. As the France. The French, however, economic traditions. The the UK, that share has writer Thomas Mann memo- especially under President French one, called dirigisme, dropped to 27.8%, too small rably put it, the continent is Charles de Gaulle, saw is based on state intervention for a veto. Even when Austria forever condemned to “Europe” differently: as rec- and looks askance at free and the Baltics are included, choosing between “a German onciliation with Germany, markets and free trade. The the north can now be Europe” or “a European yes, but also as a new vector German one, called ordoliber- overruled. Germany.” ANDREAS KLUTH to project French power, the alism, is based on restricting Other fault lines criss- Having the UK in the EU BLOOMBERG better to keep the mightier the state to narrow functions cross this political geog- mitigated that dilemma. Brexit means that “Anglo-Saxons” at bay. (such as antitrust) and oth- raphy that are just as Britain was weighty enough - the center of gravity A somber feeling is spreading Those Anglo-Saxons were erwise leaving markets and treacherous for Germany. economically, demographi- among Germany’s elites as the of course the US and the UK, trade pretty free. They run not only between cally, militarily - to balance in the EU has now long-term implications of the other two powers the The Germans thus saw the north and south but also Germany, France and the shifted southeast, Brexit sink in. Of the West Germans needed. The Brits, like the Dutch, as more between west and east. For continent. European Union’s 27 member US protected them against the naturally aligned in values example, the Visegrad four And nobody was happier in the European states, Ireland obviously has Soviets, and kept interna- than the French. Having the (Poland, the Czech Republic, about being balanced than the Parliament but above the most to fear from the UK’s tional order generally. And UK in the club meant that the Slovakia and Hungary) have Germans, for the last thing departure. But Germany may the Brits were basically a “north” could gang up in the joined to reject the EU’s they want is to be forced to all in the Council. be second. That’s because smaller, more familiar - and Council of Ministers (the body migrant policy, which they lead, knowing that this will With the UK, the Brexit changes not only the European - version of the in Brussels where member see as dictated by Germany invariably rekindle old north (defined as remaining EU but also Americans, and thus a states decide policy). And it after the refugee crisis of resentments against them. Germany’s role within it - and welcome counterweight did. 2015, and they’ve rallied Brexit means that balance is Germany, Sweden, in ways the Germans have for against the French. A fluid “Nordic” bloc has support from Germany’s gone again. The German Denmark, Finland, half a century been trying to In fact, German Franco- usually had enough votes to traditional partners, such as Question is back. avoid. philia was always less a phe- veto “southern” ideas it didn’t Austria. Depending on the The Brits shouldn’t have Ireland and the European integration, nomenon than a policy, like, even as the European issue, other alliances are been surprised that Germany Netherlands) had a starting in the 1950s, was for imposed top-down; by con- club expanded its mem- constantly taking shape, wasn’t more forthcoming West Germany a way of trast, German Anglophilia bership. Projects driven pri- often aimed against the during Brexit negotiations; for blocking minority of atoning for its own nationalist spread from the bottom up marily by the Brits and largest member state, Germans, the cohesion of the 36.8%. Without the and belligerent past. Its cit- (even if it wasn’t often recip- Germans include the single Germany. EU, and the relationship with izens were eager to subsume rocated). It helped that the market, rigorous competition Geographically and politi- France, simply takes prece- UK, that share has part of their identity in a Brits after the war compe- policy and liberal trade deals. cally, Germany thus finds dence. Nonetheless, many dropped to 27.8%, “post-nationalist,” rules- tently ran and rebuilt north- Projects they successfully pre- itself, once again, squeezed in Germans have regrets. Some too small for a veto. based, non-militarist and western Germany - the vented (at least until now) the uncomfortable middle. are pushing for a German- largely mercantile entity, in ancestral homelands, as include a European “indus- Historically, this tension is British Friendship Treaty to Even when Austria return for being accepted Germans noted tongue-in- trial policy,” which tends to be known the German Question complement whatever deal and the Baltics again by their neighbors. cheek, of the Anglo-Saxons French code for coddling and has repeatedly led to the EU and the UK come up Occupied by three of the and the Hanoverian kings of national champions. troubles. Owing to its with. Unspoken is an almost are included, the Allied Powers, they didn’t England. Once the Beatles Brexit means that the “awkward scale,” as one primal plea: Dear Brits, please north can now be have full national sovereignty, showed up in Hamburg, it was center of gravity in the EU has former West German chan- don’t leave us continentals to so they didn’t worry about basically love all the way. now shifted southeast, in the cellor put it, Germany was ourselves. overruled. ceding more of it to Brussels. The West Germans also European Parliament but always either too weak (in the Andreas Kluth is a To move this European had political motivations for above all in the Council. With 17th and 18th centuries) or too member of Bloomberg's edi- project forward, the Germans wanting to hug the UK inside the UK, the north (defined as strong (in the late 19th and torial board. He was previ- relied on different kinds of the European club, against the Germany, Sweden, Denmark, early 20th) for the continent ously editor in chief of Han- support from the Allies. To stubborn resistance of de Finland, Ireland and the Neth- to be stable. Other powers delsblatt Global and a writer build the structures that later Gaulle. Germany and France erlands) had a blocking either ganged up against it or for the Economist. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020
Russian woman Putin urges faces court for fleeing virus Zelenskiy to quarantine AFP — SAINT PETERSBURG
A Russian hospital yesterday stick to peace filed a lawsuit against a woman for escaping her coro- navirus quarantine, com- plaining of being forcibly held and given inedible meals. agreements The head doctor of the Botkin hospital in the north- AFP — MOSCOW Putin and Zelenskiy western city of Saint Petersburg also discussed took the highly unusual action Russian President Vladimir against Alla Ilyina to force her Putin yesterday urged a further troop to return and undergo medical Ukrainian leader Volodymyr pullback in eastern observation, the city’s court Zelenskiy to stick to peace Ukraine and demining service said. agreements to de-escalate the A hearing has been five-year conflict between Kiev operations. scheduled for next Monday. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson chairs his first meeting of the cabinet the day after a reshuffle forces and Moscow-backed According to Russian laws, that saw Chancellor Sajid Javid quit and was replaced with rising-star Rishi Sunak, at 10 Downing separatists, the Kremlin said in leaving quarantine is pun- Street in central London, yesterday. a blunt statement yesterday. Ukraine in the presence of ishable by a fine. The woman Putin and Zelensky dis- “illegal armed” groups and arrived from Hainan, a cussed the settlement of the without Kiev controlling the Chinese resort island popular conflict, the Kremlin said, borders in the east. with Russians, by plane on adding that Putin stressed the Yermak, a close Zelensky Johnson’s meeting with Trump February 1. importance of the “complete ally, has led talks on Russia and She was examined several and unconditional implemen- a source in the Ukrainian pres- times and eventually diag- tation” of Western-brokered idency has said that he will postponed until June: Report nosed with “acute virus illness” peace agreements. remain the main negotiator which did not rule out that this “Vladimir Putin has posed with Moscow. Zelenskiy won a could be the new coronavirus, a direct question — does Kiev landslide victory in Ukraine last REUTERS — LONDON mobile network, a proposed generation communications. the local branch of the state intend to implement Minsk year on pledges to end the con- digital services tax, and the Iran The allies have also been health watchdog said. agreements in earnest,” the flict and improve ties with British Prime Minister Boris nuclear deal. increasingly at odds over Brit- They confined her on Feb- Kremlin said. France and Russia. He and Putin met for Johnson has postponed a trip Johnson was expected to ain’s planned digital services ruary 6 for 14 days but Ilyina Germany helped broker the so- the first time during a Western- to the United States to meet U.S. visit Washington early this year. tax, the US government’s fled from the hospital after two called Minsk agreements in the mediated summit in Paris in President Donald Trump so he This has now been postponed threats of more tariffs on goods days, which “could lead to the Belarusian capital but they are December. can stay at home to focus on until June when a summit of G7 and the fate of the Iranian spread of a dangerous infec- poorly observed and the peace Yesterday, Putin and Zel- delivering his domestic agenda, leaders is due, according to the nuclear deal - all areas in which tious disease” in the city, the process has essentially ground enskiy also discussed a further the Sun newspaper reported newspaper. Downing Street did Britain has been more aligned watchdog said. Ilyina gave her to a halt. troop pullback in eastern late on Thursday. not have any immediate with European nations. version of events in videos on The 2015 deal calls for the Ukraine and demining opera- The decision to delay the trip comment. The dates for John- British media reported late her Instagram account. The withdrawal of heavy weapons, tions, the Kremlin said. would be a further blow to rela- son’s trip to Washington had in December that Trump had account has since been the restoration of Kiev’s control “Readiness was expressed to tions between the close allies never been finalised, according invited Johnson to visit him in switched to private mode but over its borders, wider continue efforts aimed at the who are set to begin discussing to one British official. the White House in the new the videos have been reposted autonomy for separatist-held release and exchange” of people a trade deal, which Britain hopes One of the biggest strains year. Trump had said Britain on social media and on local regions of Donetsk and held by Russia and Ukraine, the will be one of the biggest prizes between the two countries and the United States were now news site Fontanka. Lugansk and the holding of Kremlin added. Kiev for its part from its departure from the came to the forefront last free to strike a “massive” new In one video, Ilyina says local elections. said the talks with Putin focussed European Union. month after Britain granted trade deal after Brexit. the doctors told her the tests But Ukraine’s newly- on preparations for a new The countries are divided Huawei a limited role in Brit- A possible trade trip to Aus- came back clear and promised appointed chief of Zelenskiy’s summit, adding the two leaders on several issues, including ain’s 5G mobile network, frus- tralia and New Zealand by to discharge her after one day. staff, Andriy Yermak, this week agreed to ramp up the work of Britain’s decision to allow the trating a global attempt by the Johnson has also been “They lied to me,” she says. She cast doubt on the possibility of negotiators to implement the Chinese telecoms company United States to exclude the scrapped, the Sun reported on also gave details of her escape holding elections in eastern existing agreements. Huawei a limited role in its company from the West’s next- Thursday. from her isolation room. “There is an electromag- netic lock on the door. I picked the box apart and short- Renzi boycotts cabinet meet, challenges PM to find a new govt circuited the wires. The door opened, I packed my things REUTERS — ROME support is crucial in parliament cheer you on, but we’ll never be impossible to reach a definitive markets were little changed in and went to the lift,” she says. and particularly in the upper- the ones who give up an idea to verdict for a multitude of early trade, with the spread “I got lucky,” she adds. Former Prime Minister Matteo house Senate, where the gov- keep a seat”, he added. Renzi’s financial crimes within the pre- between Italian BTPs and safer While in quarantine, she Renzi said Italy’s government ernment majority is very thin. party had threatened to present scribed time frame. German Bunds at 134 basis complained of lack of neces- could collapse after his small On Thursday, the cabinet a no-confidence motion against One notable beneficiary of points from 132 on Thursday. sities such as shampoo and party boycotted a cabinet approved a reform of the statute justice Minister Alfonso Bon- the statute of limitations has “In theory, such tension bland meals. “I am going to meeting over a contested of limitations, which disbands afede, a prominent member of been former prime minister might eventually lead to a col- lose weight here, because this justice reform and the prime trials if a verdict is not reached the 5-Star movement. Silvio Berlusconi, who has seen lapse of the government, is not food,” she said, zooming minister suggested he was within a set limit. “If this happens, I would act more than 10 trials against him however we do not think that in on a plate of mashed ready to resign. Renzi, who opposes the consequentially,” Conte said, collapse because of time we are there yet, and we expect potatoes and canned peas. She Renzi’s centrist Italia Viva reform, challenged Prime Min- suggesting he could resign if constraints. yesterday’s tension to ease,” also complained a lack of air party is in the coalition with the ister Giuseppe Conte to put Renzi presented such a motion. A survey this week by the Unicredit said in a report. circulation. anti-establishment 5-Star together a new coalition after “We don’t want to replace Ipsos agency showed just 8% of The bank added that a gov- Fontanka reported that Movement and the centre-left Conte appealed for unity among Italia Viva in the coalition with Italians think Renzi is acting for ernment crisis would not lead three other young Russians Democratic Party, but he has the feuding ruling parties. another party but they must be the good of the country, com- to a dissolution of parliament later fled quarantine at the constantly taken centre stage If Conte “wants to set up a clear on what they want to do.” pared with 85% who said he and to snap elections, at least same hospital on February 11. in coalition bickering since it new ruling coalition we won’t Time limits for prosecutions was driven by self-interest. until a referendum on a consti- The national health watchdog was formed last September. oppose it”, Renzi said on have been at the centre of fierce However, the market did tutional reform scheduled for did not mention this in its daily While opinion polls give his Thursday in a videomessage political debate for years, with not react to the disputes within the end of March has taken dispatch about measures to party only about 4% of votes, its posted on Facebook. “We’ll magistrates saying it is all but the coalition. Italian bond place. contain the COVID-19 virus. New baby among French Oscars academy 87 rescued off Canary Islands promises reforms AFP — MADRID after Polanksi row A baby born on a rickety boat AFP — PARIS organised to honour the up-and- bound for the Canary Islands coming actors. Despentes and was one of 87 migrants picked France’s Cesar Academy, which Denis are outspoken feminists. up by rescuers overnight, Spanish awards its version of the The academy came under rescuers said yesterday. Oscars, was in crisis yesterday fire again at the end of January The migrants, all of them after its entire board resigned, after Roman Polanski’s film “An from sub-Saharan Africa, were overwhelmed by a series of Officer and a Spy” topped the travelling on three boats which rows that have infuriated both list of nominations for this were picked up just south of women’s activists and industry year’s Cesar awards, due to be the island of Gran Canaria, a insiders. handed out on February 28. spokeswoman for the Salva- The mass resignation came Polanski is already persona mento Maritimo rescue service two weeks ahead of the their non grata in Hollywood over the said. “A new-born baby was gala awards ceremony and just 1978 statutory abuse of a rescued and it seems that the days after more than 200 13-year-old girl. More recently mother gave birth in the boat leading film actors, producers he denied new abuse allegations just beforehand,” she said, and and directors demanded “pro- from photographer Valentine added both mother and baby Snowfall in Moscow found reform” of the industry. Monnier, who says he violated were “doing well”. “To honour those men and her at his Swiss chalet in 1975. There were 54 people in the A food delivery courier on a bicycle and a woman with a stroller cross a street during a snowfall in women who made cinema France’s equality minister, first two boats which were Moscow yesterday. happen in 2019, to find calm women’s groups and some film picked up on Thursday about and ensure that the festival of critics condemned the inclusion 60 nautical miles south of Gran film remains just that, a festival, of Polanski’s film on the Cesars’ Canaria, and rescuers came the board... has unanimously shortlist. But president of the across another vessel carrying Russian soldier rolls out tanks to propose decided to resign,” the academy academy Alain Terzian said it 33 people as they were just off said. “This collective decision could not be expected to take the island, she said. AFP — MOSCOW position on the Alabino training test of time and distance. Marry will allow complete renewal of “moral positions” when eval- Among those rescued were ground outside Moscow. me!” he said as his girlfriend the board,” it added. uating films. 30 women, six babies and four A Russian soldier has pulled out Lieutenant Denis Kazantsev nodded silently. He then put a The move, which has been The open letter from leading other children, while the rest all the stops to propose to his led his long-term partner Alex- ring on her finger. welcomed by feminist groups, film industry figures called for were men, with all taken to the girlfriend, with his fellow andra Kopytova into the centre “I still don’t understand what’s follows weeks of controversy reform of the academy’s statutes, southern port of Arguinerin, officers manoeuvring 16 tanks as she held her hands over her going on,” Kopytova told a tele- over the academy’s attitude to “which have not changed for a she said. to surround the couple in a eyes, the defence ministry’s TV vision reporter. “It’s very unex- women and its lack of trans- very long time”. It protested that In early January, another heart shape. channel Zvezda reported. pected.” The tanks used for the parency. In mid-January there its 4,700 members had no say baby born aboard a makeshift The high-octane romantic Kazantsev, a platoon com- romantic manoeuvre also take was anger after the academy on how the academy, or even its boat carrying 43 migrants did stunt was filmed in a video pub- mander, went down on bended part in the annual Victory Parade refused to let two young awards ceremony, was run. not survive the journey and lished by the defence ministry knee, holding a bunch of red on Red Square, Zvezda reported. actresses invite their mentors, It attacked its lack of trans- was declared dead on arrival yesterday. As snow fell, the roses. “We’ve been together a No one has ever seen such a large- film-makers Virginie Despentes parency and the under-repre- on the island of Lanzarote. T-72B3 tanks rolled into very long time. We’ve stood the scale proposal,” its reporter said. and Claire Denis, to a dinner sentation of women. SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAS 11 Justice chief flays Trump for making job ‘impossible’
AFP — WASHINGTON Unlike any President McConnell told Fox News. before him, Trump White House spokeswoman US Attorney-General Bill Barr Stephanie Grisham said Trump delivered a highly unusual public frequently uses social had “full faith” in Barr. “The rebuke of Donald Trump, saying media to broadcast president wasn’t bothered by the President’s tweets were his opinions the comments at all,” she said making his job at the Justice in a statement. That message Department “impossible”. and decisions was amplified by Trump’s “I have a problem with without going National Security Advisor who some of the tweets,” Barr said through traditional insisted the president has “tre- in an interview with ABC News. mendous confidence” in Barr. “I cannot do my job here at the statements to the “He’s a fantastic member of department with a constant media. the cabinet, he has a very strong background commentary that relationship with the president,” undercuts me.” “I think it’s time Robert O’Brien told reporters at to stop the tweeting about president was helped by a the White House. Department of Justice criminal Russian influence campaign Unlike any President before cases,” said Barr. during the 2016 election. him, Trump frequently uses His interview came as The two men are so close social media to broadcast his Trump stands accused of inter- that there was immediate spec- opinions and decisions without fering with the sentencing rec- ulation that Barr’s television going through traditional state- ommendation for his former interview may have been more ments to the media. adviser, Roger Stone — about managing public opinion Grisham indicated that Barr’s prompting four Justice than a real outcry against comments would not change Department prosecutors to Trump’s alleged interference in that, referring to the White resign from the case this week. judicial affairs. House’s frequent claim that pro- The outburst was all the The controversy comes fessional media organizations A September 9, 2019 file picture shows US President Donald Trump (left) and Attorney-General more remarkable as Barr has about a week after the Senate misrepresent Trump and William Barr arriving to present the Medal of Valour and Heroic Commendations to officers and emerged as a powerful defender acquitted Trump of therefore need to be bypassed. civilians who responded to mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas, in the East Room of of Trump, earning the nickname impeachment charges of abuse “President Trump uses of the “president’s attorney” of power and obstruction of social media very effectively the White House in Washington, DC. from critics. Barr has been at the Congress related to pressure on to fight for the American center of allegations that he Ukraine to announce investi- people against injustices in our Stone was convicted in reduced by more than half — recommendations in the Stone decided — allegedly under gations, including into Trump’s country, including the fake November of last year of lying amounted to political inter- case, Barr replied: “Never.” “I’m pressure from Trump — to political opponent Joe Biden. news,” she said. Trump uses to Congress, tampering with a ference. Chief Judge Beryl happy to say that in fact the overrule his own prosecutors Another staunch Trump ally, Twitter in particular to make witness and obstructing the Howell, of the DC District Court president has never asked me and seek a lighter prison sen- Senate Majority Leader Mitch instant, high-impact interven- House investigation into the in Washington that will sen- to do anything in a criminal tence for Stone. McConnell, supported Barr’s tions, often reacting to events Russia 2016 election affair. tence Stone, said in a statement case,” said Barr, who is due to He has previously been crit- comments about the tweets. “If in real time. Trump has denied that his that “public criticism or testify next month to Congress, icized by Democrats and legal the attorney general says it’s In the latest case, he used tweets attacking the original pressure is not a factor” in sen- where Democrats have voiced experts for seeming to assist getting in the way of doing his his Twitter pulpit to speak out sentence of 87 to 108 months tencing decisions. deep concerns about his Trump during the independent job, maybe the president should in defense of veteran Repub- recommended for Stone — and When asked whether he had conduct in legal matters investigation into whether the listen to the attorney general,” lican consultant Stone. in support of Barr after it was spoken with Trump about involving the president.
Bernie Sanders to online trolls: Fake flyers & face-mask Stop ‘ugly fear: California fights personal attacks’ virus discrimination REUTERS — WASHINGTON REUTERS — LOS ANGELES urged residents to report crimes to a special 211 number. Democratic presidential con- A flyer in Los Angeles’ Carson Existing prejudice against tender Bernie Sanders urged area, with a fake seal of the Asians has combined with media an end to online “bullying or World Health Organization, images from China to create ugly personal attacks” after a tells residents to avoid Asian- fears that Asian-Americans are powerful hospitality-industry American businesses like more likely to be virus carriers. union in Nevada accused his Panda Express because of a The discrimination could get supporters of harassment. coronavirus outbreak. A Los worse given chances the virus The Culinary Workers Angeles middle schooler is may spread in US communities Union said supporters of beaten and hospitalized after in the weeks and months ahead, Sanders, a front-runner in the students say he is as an Asian- said Robin Toma, head of the Los Democratic White House race, American with coronavirus. Angeles County Human Rela- “viciously” attacked the organ- And over 14,000 people sign tions Commission. ization via Twitter, text, a petition urging schools in the Face masks commonly voicemail and direct mes- Alhambra area to close over worn by Asians to protect saging after the union criti- coronavirus risks, even though against germs or prevent their cized the senator’s universal there is only one case of the virus spread have become a flash- healthcare plan on Tuesday. A kind gesture in Los Angeles County, with its point, with wearers insulted or Sanders, a progressive who population of 10.1 million. attacked out of fears they have bills himself as a champion of First Lady Melania Trump visits the Childrens Inn at National Institutes of Health yesterday in Bethesda, These are some of the the virus, he said at the news organised labour, did not Maryland. hoaxes, assaults and rumors Los conference. “We need you to acknowledge his own sup- Angeles authorities spoke out step up and speak out when porters’ alleged abusive against on Thursday to stamp out you see it happening to others,” behavior specifically and anti-Asian bigotry bubbling to he said. applied his call for an end to 'Weinstein abused his power' the surface in California, where Anti-Asian sentiment harassment to all campaigns’ over half of the 15 US corona- emerged in 2003 during the out- backers, but said members of virus cases are located. break of Severe Acute Respi- his movement must be REUTERS — NEW YORK roughshod over the dignity and in his home in 2006. Mann tes- Bullying and assaults of ratory Syndrome, or SARS, which “respectful”. the very lives of these wit- tified that Weinstein violated Asian-Americans are being also originated from China. The “Harassment of all forms New York prosecutors told nesses, but he also underesti- her in a Manhattan hotel room reported from New York to New issue is not isolated to California. is unacceptable to me, and we jurors that Harvey Weinstein mated them,” she said. early in what she called an Mexico, sparked by unfounded New York City designer Yiheng urge supporters of all cam- abused his power and lacked Weinstein has pleaded not “extremely degrading” rela- fears that they are somehow Yu works in an office where paigns not to engage in bul- empathy in a closing argument guilty to assaulting former pro- tionship with him. linked to a virus that originated many colleagues have recently lying or ugly personal attacks,” yesterday at the former movie duction assistant Mimi Haleyi in Jurors heard from four other in China. With by far the largest returned from China and where he said in a statement. producer’s weeks-long abuse 2006 and violating Jessica Mann, women, including actress Anna- Asian-American population of she and others wear face masks In an interview on “PBS trial, a milestone of the #MeToo a onetime aspiring actress, in bella Sciorra, who testified that any US state, officials in Cali- as a precaution. NewsHour” , Sanders added: movement. 2013. Since 2017, more than 80 Weinstein came into her fornia are aggressively trying Manjusha Kulkarni, head of “Anybody making personal Setting the stage for the jury women have accused Weinstein apartment one winter night in to get ahead of such hate A3PCON, which represents Los attacks against anybody else to begin deliberating next week, of misconduct. Late on Thursday, 1993 or 1994 and violated her. crimes before they spread. Angeles County’s more than 1.5 in my name is not part of our Assistant District Attorney Joan Donna Rotunno, one of Wein- Justice James Burke was “We’re not going to stand million Asian-American and movement. We don’t want Illuzzi said Weinstein, 67, had stein’s lawyers, assailed Wein- expected to give the jury legal for hate,” Los Angeles County Pacific Islander residents, saw them. And I’m not so sure, to counted on his victims never stein’s accusers as unreliable. instructions on Tuesday Supervisor Hilda Solis told an urgent need for information be honest with you, that they coming forward. Haleyi testified during the morning, after which they will reporters, flanked by law to separate coronavirus fact are necessarily part of our “The defendant not only ran trial that Weinstein forced her begin deliberating. enforcement officials. She from fiction. movement.” Sanders won the most votes in Democratic nomi- nating contests in Iowa and Record temperatures spark fresh concern for Antarctic ice New Hampshire this month. AFP — PARIS at the Argentinian Esperanza tures could mean for the con- “What we know for certain rests on the sea bed and so is The next contests in the state- research base on February 7. tinent’s vast ice sheets. is that not stopping the burning extremely vulnerable to tem- by-state battle to pick a can- As Antarctica became the latest “We can’t use this to anticipate One published in the Earth of coal, oil and gas will drive up perature rises. didate to face Republican place on Earth to smash its high climatic changes in the future. System Dynamics review found the risks for coastal metropo- “The melting was likely President Donald Trump in temperature record, new It’s a data point,” said Schaefer. that Antarctic melting could lises from New York to caused by less than 2°C ocean November’s election are in studies are alerting humanity “It’s simply a signal that raise sea levels up to 58 centi- Mumbai, Hamburg or warming -- and that’s some- Nevada on February 22 and to the risks of continuing to something different is hap- metres by the end of this Shanghai,” said Levermann. thing that has major implica- South Carolina on February 29. warm the continent that is pening in that area.” While it century — constituting a tre- A second study by Aus- tions for the future, given the Sanders’ opponents have home to enough frozen water can be tricky to definitively link bling of last century’s pace. tralian researchers published ocean temperature increase frequently criticized his legion to lift global sea levels dozens climate change to individual “The ‘Antarctica Factor’ Wednesday in the PNAS and West Antarctic melting of online supporters for of metres. weather events there is little turns out to be the greatest risk, journal, looked into the deep that’s happening today,” said engaging in attacks, including On February 9, a team of doubt that such high tempera- and also the greatest uncer- past to predict future sea-level Chris Turney, professor in Earth those aimed at female candi- researchers on Seymour Island, tures aren’t good news for Ant- tainty, for sea-levels around the rises. They studied the last of and Climate Science at UNSW dates such as his 2020 rival part of an archipelago curving arctica. And they fit a long- globe,” said lead-author Anders Earth’s interglacial periods, Sydney and lead author of the Senator Elizabeth Warren and off the northern tip of Ant- term trend of global warming. Levermann from the Potsdam between 129,000 and 116,000 study. former Secretary of State arctica, measured 20.75 The last decade was the hottest Institute of Climate Impact years ago. The United Nations Inter- Hillary Clinton, who defeated degrees Celsius (69.35 Far- in recorded history, and the last Research. The team behind the Measuring isotopes from governmental Panel on Climate him for the 2016 Democratic enheit), the first time anywhere five years have been the five study said that rapid cuts to volcanic ash in ice samples, the Change says that melting ice nomination. on the continent had broken hottest on record. greenhouse emissions in line team identified a gap in the ice sheets have already con- The 60,000-member the 20-C barrier. “We’d never January 2020 was the with the Paris Agreement on sheet record that indicated tributed 15 centimetres to sea Nevada union said that it seen a temperature this high in hottest January scientists had climate change could help limit mass sea-level rise as temper- levels since the start of the 20th would not endorse a presi- Antarctica,” Brazilian scientist ever witnessed, and Earth’s the ice-sheet loss. atures warmed. At the time, Century. As a consequence, by dential candidate, but Carlos Schaefer said. poles are warming quicker than But with emissions creeping Earth’s oceans were roughly 2C mid-century more than one warned its members that That record came hot on much of the rest of the planet. higher every year, the world is hotter than currently, and the billion people will live in areas Sanders’ Medicare for All the heels of an already Two studies this week likely to have to grapple with team estimated the effect that particularly vulnerable to storm proposal, could put their alarming temperature peak, sounded the alarm on what significant disruption to coastal had on Antarctica’s vast surges made worse by higher hard-won union health cov- with the mercury hitting 18.3C rising land and sea tempera- communities by 2100. western ice sheet. The sheet seas. erage at risk. 12 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 15 children dead in Haiti orphanage fire AFP — KENSCOFF, HAITI The fire was ignited usable exit door, witnesses saw. by candles that the “The children’s living con- Fire swept through an unli- ditions are truly, truly neglected: censed orphanage outside children had lit in all we see are children living Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, their rooms because like animals,” Antoine said, killing 15 children, a judge said the electricity was adding that there were no fire yesterday. extinguishers to be found. The building — which had out. Only three adults were not been authorized to operate present at the time of the fire. as an orphanage since 2013 — “This orphanage does not housed about 66 children, said cause of the fire and identify the have permission to run,” con- magistrate Raymonde Jean people responsible for the firmed Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, Antoine. The fire in Kenscoff — orphanage. Antoine entered the the director of the Haitian office a town of 50,000 south of the Orphanage of the Church of of children’s welfare (IBESR). capital — began shortly after Bible Understanding yesterday “It’s an organization that, I 0200 GMT yesterday, she said. morning to report the death of believe, receives money from Two children died in the the two victims in the building the religious sector, foreign mis- blaze and 13 others died at a itself. Their ages have yet to be sionaries, I don’t know exactly, Civil protection workers stand outside an orphanage after it was partially destroyed in a fire, in Port- hospital as a result of smoke determined. She also will doc- but therefore illegally.” At the au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday. inhalation, said Judge Antoine. ument the damage caused by start of 2019, IBESR had found According to one of the the fire. that only 35 of the 756 juvenile children, the fire was ignited by The two-storey building accommodation centers iden- working to “recover the surviving In 2017, Lumos, an NGO founded the orphanages in Haiti. The candles that the children had lit was in a state of complete dis- tified throughout the impover- children, who are traumatized by the writer JK Rowling of Harry estimate was produced after the in their rooms because the elec- repair, with bunk beds — some ished country had the necessary after the tragedy, and place them Potter fame to reunite orphanage sole analysis of foreign NGOs’ tricity was out, she said. in deplorable condition — operating permits. with the IBESR’s transition center kids with their parents, reported budgetary reports, as the accounts An investigation is under crammed into small rooms, a In addition to the judicial where they will receive psycho- that at least $70 million are of religious missions were not way to determine the exact cramped staircase and only one investigation, the government is social support,” Villedrouin said. received yearly by just a third of made available. US will test Brazil’s Bolsonaro militarises his inner Cabinet people with flu REUTERS — BRASILIA Bolsonaro tweeted the wants to have, that he is not with the small party he piggy- of a program responsible for symptoms for announcement of the long- allied to any political group,” backed on to get elected and drawing investment for the pri- Brazil’s far-right President Jair awaited ministerial shuffle that said Leonardo Barreto at Vector launched his own movement vatization of state assets. coronavirus Bolsonaro said that he had removes Lorenzoni as the last Analysis political consultancy. called the Alliance for Brazil. Among the most active mil- picked Army General Walter politician in his inner Cabinet. Distrust of politicians likely The replacement of itary cabinet members is Infra- AFP — WASHINGTON Braga for his chief of staff, The appointment of Braga, was another reason Bolsonaro, Lorenzoni, one of the first politi- structure Minister Tarcisio cutting links to political parties the second active-duty general a former Army captain, pre- cians to back Bolsonaro’s presi- Freitas, a retired Army engineer, The US will begin testing people in his closest circle of advisors in the Cabinet, raises to seven ferred to rely on military dential 2018 bid, was expected who is heading efforts to mod- identified by local health that are now all military men. the number of military men in advisors to help run the gov- since last year. He failed to ernize Brazil’s roads, ports, authorities as having flu-like Braga, currently the Army’s the 20-member Cabinet, not ernment, Barreto said. mobilize political support for the railways and airports. A third symptoms for the novel coro- chief of staff and its second counting Vice President Ham- Bolsonaro took office last government’s agenda in Con- active-duty officer in the gov- navirus, a senior official said highest-ranking officer, will ilton Mourao, a retired general. year on a wave of conservative gress, a job that went to Army ernment is Air Force Lieutenant yesterday. take office on Tuesday, “This militarization, espe- sentiment by Brazilians fed up General Luiz Eduardo Ramos in Colonel Marcos Pontes, Brazil’s “CDC (Centers for Disease replacing Onyx Lorenzoni, who cially of the inner circle of min- with corrupt politics and vowed June. The chief of staff post also first and only astronaut and now Control and Prevention) has will move to head the Citi- isters in the Planalto Palace, to break away from traditional lost power with the recent minister of science and begun working with five public zenship Ministry. reinforces the image Bolsonaro parties. He has since broken transfer to the Economy Ministry technology. health labs across the US to tap into their ability to conduct community based influenza surveillance, so that we can Florida still reeling begin testing people with flu- Over 85,000 marijuana convictions like symptoms for novel coro- navirus,” said Nancy Mes- two years after sonnier, a senior CDC official. to be dismissed in California The testing will initially be carried out by labs in Los Parkland shooting AFP — LOS ANGELES with their lives and more easily find Silva said the program developed Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, AFP — PARKLAND jobs and housing in a state that by Code for America had helped Chicago and New York, but More than 85,000 marijuana con- legalized recreational marijuana in speed that process and urged other more sites are planned. The Two years after 17 students and faculty members victions, some going back decades, 2018. communities to use the technology announcement came as the were gunned down in one of the worst mass will be dismissed in California “This is a clear demonstration that can scan the records of 10,000 number of confirmed US cases shootings in US history, survivors from Marjory thanks to a pilot program that will that automatic record clearance is people in a matter of seconds. rose to 15, and about 600 people Stoneman Douglas High School remembered the mostly help minorities dispropor- possible at scale, and can help to “Looking forward, Code for remained quarantined. slain victims yesterday. tionately targeted by law right the wrongs of the failed war on America stands at the ready to help There have been almost Families attended ceremonies near the site of enforcement. drugs,” said Evonne Silva, a senior all California counties provide this 1,400 deaths — all but three in the massacre in Parkland, Florida, as schools across “The dismissal of tens of thou- official with Code for America. much needed relief in advance of China, where the pathogen the country observed a minute of silence at 1517 sands of old cannabis-related con- The non-profit partnered with the July 1, 2020 deadline,” Silva said. originated and where nearly GMT for the 14 students and three staff murdered victions in Los Angeles County will California prosecutors to develop a According to a 2016 study, even 64,000 people have fallen ill. by an ex-pupil. “Two years ago at approximately bring much-needed relief to com- computer algorithm that can quickly though African Americans account The US has enacted a tem- 7am, I sent my two children to school. I was so busy munities of color that disproportion- identify cases eligible to be cleared for six percent of California’s popu- porary travel ban on foreign rushing them out the door so that they would not ately suffered the unjust conse- under Proposition 64, which in 2016 lation, they represented nearly one nationals who have recently be late that my final words were not ‘I love you,’” quences of our nation’s drug laws,” legalized the possession and purchase quarter of those jailed for marijuana visited China, and quarantine tweeted Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was Los Angeles County District Attorney of small amounts of marijuana. offenses across the state. measures for its own citizens among the dead. Jackie Lacey said. The law also allowed for people In Los Angeles County, of the returning from the province at “Jesse came home that day. Jaime did not.” The The other counties taking part to grow up to six plants of cannabis 53,000 people who will receive its epicenter. Messonnier added shooting actually began around 2.20pm on Feb- in the so-called Clear My Record for personal use. Under legislation conviction relief thanks to the that those suspected of being ruary 14, 2018 but organizers chose 10.17 am, with program are San Francisco, Sacra- signed in California in 2018, prose- Clear My Record program, nearly exposed to the virus required the minutes past the hour representing the 17 mento, San Joaquin and Contra cutors were required to clear the 32 percent are black, 45 percent repeated testing over a 14-day victims. The shooting inspired Parkland survivors Costa. Officials say clearing the con- records of people eligible under are Latinos and 20 percent are period, in case an early test to lead the March for Our Lives movement in victions will help people move on Proposition 64 by July of this year. white, Lacey’s office said. returned a false negative. support of legislation to prevent gun violence, chronicled in the documentary “Us Kids,” which debuted at last month’s Sundance Film Festival. Director Kim A. Snyder said the Parkland sur- vivors were not “unlike a lot of amazing young people” that have started up high-profile social justice campaigns. The documentary is told from the perspective of the students, whose fury, pain and frus- tration can be seen “transforming... into sheer action and determination and hope,” Snyder said. March for Our Lives helped organize nationwide protests for gun regulations, but the federal gov- ernment has taken few steps to strengthen gun control laws. There were a record 417 mass shootings in the US in 2019, according to the research group Gun Violence Archive. Death toll in Peru tanker explosion rises to 30
AFP — LIMA
The death toll from the explosion of a gas tanker in Lima last month has risen to 30, Peru’s ministry of health said. Two women and a man were the most recent to succumb to burns from a fireball that occurred when the tanker truck carrying 10,000 litres of liquefied gas exploded on January 23. Initially only two people were killed and 50 injured, but the death toll has continued to rise due Pen.Mag to the severity of their burns. Investigators believed the explosion was caused when a fuel hose became detached as the truck Every Sunday To Thursday passed over a speed bump. It ignited a major fire that destroyed several houses and vehicles in the For Advertisements capital’s Villa El Salvador district. “Our deepest con- dolences to the relatives,” Defence Minister Walter Martos said, pledging to visit all of the dozen still- Please call: 44557857 hospitalized victims.