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Wednesday 5 June 2019 | 2 Shawwal 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7913 | 2 Riyals 98 D) Eid Mubarak Amir performs Eid prayer, receives well-wishers

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other dignitaries performed Eid Al Fitr prayer at Al Wajba praying area yesterday morning. After the prayer, H H the Amir received well-wishers at the Al Wajba Palace. `P2, 3

QNA Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, Shammari, who led the prayer, erment of humans on earth. Shura Council members, and Qatar and its people, as well as to DOHA and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa delivered the Eid sermon in H H the Amir received scores citizens. the Arab and Islamic world. Al Thani took part in the prayer. which he thanked God for his of well-wishers on the advent of H H the Amir also received H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Speaker of the Shura Council grace on Muslims as they com- Eid Al Fitr at Al Wajba Palace heads of diplomatic missions Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Al Thani performed yesterday H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid pleted the fast and highlighted yesterday morning. accredited by the State of Qatar, Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Per- morning Eid Al Fitr prayer with Al Mahmoud along with a group the benefits of fasting. He called His Highnesses received after as well as army and police sonal Representative of H H the citizens at Al Wajba praying area. of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, on the Muslims to stay com- Eid prayer Prime Minister and officers, and heads of national Amir, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ministers, members of the Shura mitted to good deeds in respect Interior Minister H E Sheikh institutions and departments. Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Councils, ambassadors, and cit- of the orders of Allah. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa The well-wishers expressed Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Per- izens also performed the prayer. He also called for promoting Al Thani, H E Speaker of the Shura their sincere congratulations and H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al sonal Representative of H H the Court of Cassation Judge and forgiveness and cooperation, as Council and his deputy, Their blessings to H H the Amir, praying Thani, and a number of Their Amir, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Supreme Judiciary Council well as reform, saying it was one Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers, to Allah that it brings goodness Excellencies Sheikhs attended Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh member Dr Thaqeel Sayer Al of the reasons of the empow- Ministries’ Undersecretaries, and prosperity to the State of the reception. Municipal Minister Qatar triumphs against all stresses importance of odds under 2 years of siege reducing air pollution

THE PENINSULA countries, continued with its THE PENINSULA existence of all on earth to live DOHA expansion plans and expanded its DOHA in a healthy manner and to work network to several destinations glo- together, hand in hand, at the Qatar’s grit and determination has defeated bally, making it the fastest growing Minister of Municipality and international, regional and two years of siege. The unjust siege, which airlines in the world. Hamad Inter- Environment H E Eng. Abdullah national levels to protect the was imposed during Ramadan on June 5, national Airport also maintained its bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al environment. 2017, has entered in its third year on the growth momentum and launched Subaie has said that the Ministry He added that the partici- second day of Eid Al Fitr. several new initiatives and project to spares no effort to reduce air pation of Qatar in the cele- These two years have been the period of further increase travellers conven- pollution and its causes in a bration of the World Envi- Qatar’s triumph against all odds. The country ience. Qatar Airways and Hamad statement issued on the occasion ronment Day aims to started and completed many world-class International Airport have won many of World Environment Day emphasise the importance of projects successfully, showing that Qatar’s global awards and recognition in the which falls on June 5. the environment for all, in the indomitable spirit and strong determination last two years. The Minister said that spirit of joint action to pre- is far more stronger than the evil intentions Qatar General Electricity and reducing air pollution is one of serve the planet and reduce of blockading countries. Water Corporation (Kahramaa) the top priorities of Ministry’s air pollution of all kinds and The intention of blockading countries opened the Water Security Mega Res- strategic plans, as well as the sources. behind imposing the siege was to create crisis ervoirs Project, which is the largest of national strategic development He pointed out that the for Qatar, but it turned into an opportunity. its kind in the world, in Umm Salal Ali plans with the participation of adoption of “fight air pollution” During the last two years all the sectors in December 2018. In March this year, the concerned ministries and as a slogan for the celebration of Qatar’s economy boomed and many ambi- Qatar Electricity and Water Company authorities to achieve environ- of this year 2019, has clear tious mega project became reality. The multi- opened Umm Al Houl Power Plant, mental sustainability, as one of indications on the need to alert billion dollar project Hamad Port, one of the in Umm Al Houl with the capacity of the pillars of Qatar National everyone that the air we largest ports in the region, played a crucial generating 2,520 megawatt of elec- Vision 2030, under the wise breathe has become a chal- role in breaking siege. The port, opened in tricity and 136.5 million gallon leadership. lenge to live a healthy life, due 2017, emerged as Qatar’s main gateway to drinking water per day. He said that joint work to high rates of pollution the world trade and ensured uninterrupted Qatar’s economy became between government and caused by the phenomenon of supply to the residents and all the sectors. resilient and kept moving on growth private sector has contributed climate change due to mis- The 40,000-seater Al Janoub Stadium, trajectory. Over 32,000 new com- in reducing air pollution and its conduct of individuals, groups the first brand new stadium built by Qatar, panies have been established in sources in accordance with and countries. was officially opened last month, making it Qatar during the on-going blockade, environmental standards, He called upon all indi- a memorable moment in the country’s registering a 34 percent growth through best environmental viduals and sectors to complete sporting history. The opening ceremony compared to the two years before friendly practices, converting what has been initiated through came exactly two years after Qatar unveiled the siege. to clean energy and green joint action and concerted Khalifa International Stadium was unveiled Qatar has made significant economy and reducing energy efforts to change practices into in front of 50,000 fans who turned at the November last year, making it first new progress in food production in the past two consumption, to achieve envi- positive actions in reducing air venue for the 2017 Amir Cup final. national library to open anywhere in the years as local production of agricultural, fish, ronmental sustainability and pollution, stressing the impor- The whole world watched in awe as Qatar world in this millennium. The library offers animal, and dairy products has jumped by 400 preserve biodiversity in Qatar. tance of collective efforts, and opened the iconic National Museum of Qatar residents access to nearly one million books, percent since 2017. Country’s self-sufficiency The Minister said that this their impact on maintaining a in March this year. The museum grabbed the periodicals, and special collections, including in food production jumped up after blockade annual environment event is sustainable environment to attention of global media which described it its famed Heritage Library. rising fresh chicken to 124 percent and fresh meant to remind the world of ensure a decent and healthy as an immersive and experiential museum. Qatar Airways, which was denied to milk to 106 percent to meet the local demand. the most important global envi- living for us and for next gener- Qatar National Library was opened in access to the airspace of by the blockading `P4, 5, 6 ronmental risks that threaten the ations. `P7 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 03. 15 AM SHOROOK 04. 43 AM Amir performs Eid Al Fitr prayer

ZUHR 11. 32 AM MAGHRIB 06. 24 PM ASR 02. 56 PM ISHA 07. 54 PM

WEATHER TODAY

30oC 38oC Minimum Maximum

Misty at places at first becomes hot day- time with slight dust and some clouds at times. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani performed yesterday Eid Al Fitr prayer with citizens at Al Wajba praying area. H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani; H H

HIGH TIDE 04:26–18:25 LOW TIDE 1:09 – 12:09 Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani took part in the prayer. H H the Amir also received scores of well-wishers on the advent of Eid Al Fitr at Al Wajba Palace.

Amir exchanges Eid Al Fitr greetings with leaders of Arab and Islamic countries QNA /DOHA of the Arab and Islamic countries, on the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Abdullah Faramajo of the Federal Republic of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani occasion of the blessed Eid Al Fitr, in telephone exchanged greetings with President Barham Somalia, and President Ilham Aliyev of the exchanged greetings with a number of leaders conversations yesterday. Salih of the Republic of Iraq, Mohammed Republic of Azerbaijan. WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 HOME 03 Amir receives well-wishers on Eid Al Fitr

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani performed yesterday Eid Al Fitr prayer with citizens at Al Wajba praying area. H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani; H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani took part in the prayer. H H the Amir also received scores of well-wishers on the advent of Eid Al Fitr at Al Wajba Palace. H H the Amir received after Eid prayer Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and his deputy, Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers, Ministries’ Undersecretaries, Shura Council members, and citizens. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 Qatar beats siege  Qatar emerged victorious  HIA added feathers to its crown In short, the unjust siege imposed by the  Qatar’s self-sufficiency in food production jumped neighbouring countries was a blessing in disguise. In fact, it boosted the willpower and HIA among top airports in world self-confidence of various Qatari bodies and THE PENINSULA home carrier Qatar Airways to faster passenger movement process more than 25 percent of within the terminal, while com- thus in turn helped the nation to simply amad International its passengers using self-service plying with the highest standards Airport (HIA) remained check-in and bag-drop facilities. for service quality, security, and overcome the crisis with a smiling face. Qatar Hunfazed by the siege and This was accomplished by com- safety. The airport explored the emerged as world-class airport missioning 62 next-generation potential use of augmented has shown the world its mettle through siege. driven by various proactive steps self-service check-in kiosks and reality and virtual reality for taken in the last two years. 12 self-service bag drops spread various operations. Last month HIA was named across the departures check-in HIA’s Smart Airport program the ‘Best Airport for Passenger hall. A first of its kind in any was inaugurated by Qatar Prime Experience’ for the second con- major airport worldwide, mobile Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin secutive year in a study by Automated Visa Document Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, AirHelp, the world’s leading air Check has also been imple- during a visit to HIA in April passenger rights specialist. mented in the five-star terminal 2016. The key benefits the self- HIA has also started the to enable ground services agents service programme delivers for second phase of its terminal to check passengers visa airlines, airports and passengers expansion plans to accom- documentation. include increased check-in and modate 53 million passengers HIA is now launching the bag drop capacity to deal with annually at the airport by 2022. second phase of its innovative the forecast airport and Qatar The airport will see the con- Smart Airport program through Airways growth and enhanced struction of an Airport City facial biometric recognition passenger experience by offering which will provide significant across all key passenger touch choices/options for check-in and future investment opportunities, points. Currently under trial, the bag drop, – either traditional Qatar Airways flies including a free trade zone, an system is a central piece of the check-in counters or self- office and business complex, and airport’s digital strategy and service. It also empowers pas- hotels among others. HIA will combines passengers’ flight, sengers to ‘take control’ of the also see the construction of a passport, and facial biometric check-in and bag drop activities high despite siege new cargo terminal. This will information in a single electronic which reduces travel stress asso- increase the capacity handled to record at the self-check-in kiosk ciated with queuing and long THE PENINSULA Turkish gateway. In the same charging USB port. The air- 3 million tons per year and will or mobile app. HIA is also main- wait times. In February, 2018 month, Qatar Airways’ first line’s new in-flight dining help accommodate the expected taining its ISO/IEC 20000 certi- HIA and QA successfully com- atar Airways has suc- flight from Doha to Rabat experience ‘Quisine’, truly surge in freight traffic. HIA is set fication, provided to entities with pleted the International Air cessfully overcome landed at Rabat–Salé Airport, redefines Economy Class to begin the construction of the the highest global standard for Transport Association’s (IATA) Qunjust siege imposed marking the airline’s third service, with all new retail- expanded terminal. IT Service Management. The Electronic Bag Tag (EBT) read- Hamad Port became Qatar’s by blockading. In the gateway to Morocco. The style tableware, a menu After the successful com- airport will continue investing ability tests, making HIA the first last two years, since siege was airline also launched service offering more choices, 25 pletion of the first major phase in the best of breed technology airport in the Middle East and imposed, Qatar’s national to Gothenburg, Sweden, in percent larger main courses, of its Smart Airport program in and innovative solutions in the North Africa (Mena) region con- gateway to world trade airline has not only continued January and Da Nang, Vietnam 20 percent larger appetisers, 2018, HIA enabled the 5-star terminal to continue facilitating firmed ready to accept EBTs. to expand its network, but it in December 2018. and 50 percent larger THE PENINSULA Ministry of Transport and Communi- as storage units, mosques, rest areas, also has many international The airline will add a desserts. cations celebrated the handling of over medical clinics and the offices required Sheikha Moza stressed commitment awards. number of new destinations Economy Class passengers pening of Hamad Port, entailing two million TEU and five million for port operation. Additionally, as The award-winning airline to its extensive route network will also be able to enjoy investment of QR27.5bn, tonnes of cargo at Hamad Port until part of Qatar’s major steps toward of Qatar to promote global education has planned to increase its in 2019, including Malta; improved connectivity, Oplayed a key role in breaking the end of October 2018. increasing its non-petroleum exports reach to around 220 destina- Davao, Philippines; Lisbon, including up to 10 times faster the blockade as it ensured normal Spread over 28.5 square kilo- and building manufacturing industries, THE PENINSULA tions by 2022 from the current Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia broadband, as well as more supply goods in the country. Amir metres, Hamad Port’s basin is 4km a free zone has been established development through her initiatives at the count of over 160 destinations. and Langkawi, Malaysia. than 4,000 entertainment H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al long, 700 metres wide and 17 metres adjacent to Hamad Port. nited Nations Secretary General local and international level. Education Above Adding the expansion for its In March this year, Qatar options on Qatar Airways’ Thani patronised the official inaugu- deep — specifications that enable it to Hamad Port has been designed in António Guterres re-appointed H H All Foundation, of which H H Sheikha Moza new destinations for its air Airways unveils its Enhanced Oryx One in-flight enter- ration of Hamad Port in Umm Al Houl receive the world’s biggest ships. a way that makes it expandable. Its USheikha Moza along with 16 influential is the chairperson – reached 10 million out of cargo, the total number of des- Economy Class Product at ITB tainment system. In March, on September 5, 2017. The capacity of Hamad Port is to infrastructure has been designed cre- public figures, as part of the 2019-2020 class school children. EAA’s Educate a Child pro- tinations will reach around Berlin 2019. Qatar Airways’ Qatar Airways celebrated the Hamad Port witnessed com- reach 7.5 million TEU annually on atively using latest technologies to of Sustainable Development Goals’ Advocates. gramme together with international partners 250 destinations. new Economy Class expe- arrival of its 250th aircraft, an mencement of new services in 2018, completion of all construction phases. guarantee infrastructure will always H H Sheikha Moza has been selected for a succeeded in its objective of helping 10 million Last month, Qatar Airways’ rience features a seat with an Airbus A350-900 from Tou- which further strengthened the port’s It has a general cargo terminal with a be resilient and developable in a way second time to be an Advocate of the Sus- of the most marginalised out-of-school first flight from Doha to Izmir innovative 19-degree recline louse, France, the latest connectivity to Asian and European capacity of 1.7 million tonnes annually, that contributes to reducing expansion tainable Development Goals, in recognition children to receive quality, primary education. landed at Izmir Adnan Men- system, additional legroom, addition to the group’s destinations with representation from a terminal for cereals with a capacity cost in the future. of her leading role in providing quality edu- H H Sheikha Moza has also pledged to help deres Airport, marking the dual trays, 13.3-inch 4 K wide- growing fleet of passenger, all major global lines. It was the first of one million tonnes annually, a ter- After the blockade was imposed, cation, youth empowerment, and human 335,000 children across 11 countries by 2021. addition of airline’s seventh screens and type ‘C’ fast Cargo and executive aircraft. year that a port in Qatar handled 1 minal to receive vehicles with an the Ministry of Transport and Com- million (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) annual capacity of 500,000, a terminal munications and the Qatar Ports Man- TEU landmark and came in the ranks for livestock, a terminal for coastguard agement Company (Mwani Qatar) of the select container terminals vessels and a terminal for marine responded by launching new shipping around the world handling this support and backup. routes, connecting Hamad Port Self-sufficiency in food attained by boosting local food production volume. Hamad Port has a uniquely directly with several marine destina- In March 2018, Hamad Port cele- designed port control tower at a height tions. Mwani Qatar in cooperation THE PENINSULA brated handling of its first one million of 110 metres, a customs inspection with its partners launched a number local demand. Immediately after the a total of 34 agricultural projects in the country. All three projects of fish TEUs containers. The Port achieved area for rapid cargo clearance (5,600 of new direct shipping lines between atar has made significant blockade the government came in coming years to increase the pro- farming on floating cages will help this feat in less than 14 months, which containers per day), a ship inspection Hamad Port and various ports of the progress in food production in action paving way for private sector duction of vegetables in the country. increase the self-sufficiency rate to 90 is well ahead of its expected schedule. platform and multiple maritime facil- region and beyond in the last three Qthe past two years as local pro- to launch new projects to increase the Qatar is producing 280 tonnes eggs percent. Regarding fodder, Al Marri Later in November last year, the ities, in addition to other utilities such months. duction of agricultural, fish, animal, self-sufficiency of the country in food in a year. Four new projects will help said that the Ministry planned to and dairy products has jumped by 400 production. According to the Ministry increase the production of eggs to 70 launch 10 projects for producing green percent since 2017, according to a in March 2019 the local production of percent by 2023 fodder which will help increase the report released by the Ministry of vegetables in Qatar reached 66,000 Each of first two projects will add self-sufficiency 63 percent. Qatar Foundation’s determined moves Municipality and Environment in tonnes in a year accounting 24 percent 20 million eggs in a year and other The Ministry of Municipality and March 2019. of total demand in the local market. each two projects will be launched Environment plans to launch many raised nation’s pride to new horizons Qatar’s self-sufficiency in food The new agricultural projects will with the capacity of 30 million eggs projects to increase food production production jumped up after blockade help increase self-sufficiency in veg- annually. Qatar produces 15,000 including fish, vegetables, red meat, THE PENINSULA research. Sidra Medicine is a beacon of learning, dis- QNL opened doors rising fresh chicken to 124 percent and etable production to 70 percent by tonnes of fish in a year which is 74 eggs and shrimps aimed at reaching a covery and exceptional care, and aims to rank among fresh milk to 106 percent to meet the 2023. The Ministry planned to launch percent of total consumption of the level of sufficiency by 2023. atar Foundation (QF) has showed remarkable the top academic medical centers in the world. THE PENINSULA achievements in the past two in areas of edu- QF has also relaunched Doha Debates, a platform Qcation, research, health and community devel- for global dialogue and diverse perspectives on the he inauguration of Qatar National Library opment. The achievements have immensely contributed world’s biggest issues. The new concept for Doha invoked a great sense of historical pride and Healthcare remained uninterrupted Water security until 2026 ensured by opening largest reservoir to QF’s journey from a carbon economy to knowledge Debates, a series that will bring powerful voices and belonging to the Arab world. Last month, economy by unlocking human potential, for the benefit thoughts tighter on pressing global issues. The launch TQatar National Library celebrated first year THE PENINSULA annual prosperity index, placed behind Sin- THE PENINSULA water demand even after the of electricity and 136.5 million the country. The plant is This project, despite all of not only Qatar, but the world. of the innovative series seek exciting new solutions to anniversary of the official inauguration by the Amir gapore, Luxembourg, Japan and Switzerland. year 2036 by adding addi- gallon drinking water per day. capable of generating 2,520 challenges, has been com- Since June 2017, QF has established two new schools global challenges through lively debates. H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on April 16, he Ministry of Public Health and Improved life expectancy, better health out- o ensure the water tional reservoirs. Umm Al Houl plant is one megawatt of electricity and pleted on time and within the and brought another under the umbrella of its Pre-Uni- QF brought together more than 250 young inno- 2018. healthcare providers continue to deliver comes, and investment in health infra- security in the country, The project increased the of the most important power 136.5 million gallon drinking estimated cost of about versity Education (PUE). With the new schools QF’s PUE vators from Qatar and beyond for the first two editions Qatar national Library is the first public library Tall services to the public without inter- structure have resulted in Qatar being ranked TQatar General Elec- desalinated water storage to projects in Qatar and an water per day, which meets QR11bn, using the highest has enrolled 5,400 students and have more than 4000 of the Arab Innovation Academy, a groundbreaking to open in this decade and the opening ceremony ruption since June 2017 and Qatar’s health fifth. While, H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al tricity and Water Corporation 2,400 million gallons per day, addition to the long list of 30 percent of the country’s technical and international alumni. regional entrepreneurship program developed through was testimony of how the world is open to Qatar as system has been internationally recognized Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, has been (Kahramaa) opened the which is enough to meet the projects that the State has needs of power and 40 standards and taking into QF continues to attract more local and international a collaboration between QF member Qatar Science & many leading policy makers, diplomats and several for its outstanding services. awarded the Pioneer Leadership Award in Water Security Mega Reser- basic needs of the State for implemented to support com- percent of its desalinated account the least impact on students to its including the homegrown Hamad bin Technology Park and the European Innovation others. With more than one million books borrowed Services provided by the health sector Healthcare for 2019 by the Arab Hospitals voirs Project, which is the several months under dif- prehensive development in water. the environment. Khalifa University and international partner univer- Academy. since its opening, the Library registered 139,551 new have not been affected and the Ministry con- Federation during its 21st annual forum. largest-of-its-kind in the ferent operating conditions. sities within the flagship Education City. QF has grad- Meanwhile, WISH 2018, the biennial summit of QF members. tinues to implement all health projects that Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) won the world, in Umm Salal Ali in The project is located in uated 1,564 students from its nine homegrown and inter- initiative the World Innovation Summit for Health drew In a short span of time, the Qatar community aim to maintain sustainable development of Distinguished Arab Healthcare Organization December 2018 brushing five strategic sites: Umm national partner universities within the past two years. more delegates from more countries than ever before. has embraced the Library as a beacon of knowledge, health services and increase the potential and Award for 2019 at the forum. aside the blockade imposed Birka, Umm Salal, Rawdat Making huge leap in health care of the country QF, It brought together almost 2,200 delegates representing guiding their individual journeys of personal dis- capabilities of the health sector. HMC opened new state of art healthcare on Qatar. Rashed, Abu Nakhla, and Al opened Sidra Medicine, a world-class hospital for 116 countries from around the globe to discuss the most covery. The Library has given the community access In a remarkable achievement Qatar’s facilities including the officially opened the The QR14.5bn project has Thumama and each site women and children and a center for pioneering medical challenging health issues the world face. to a wealth of resources, including books, journals, health system has been ranked 5th best in the Hazm Mebaireek Hospital dedicated for a total water storage capacity covers roughly 1sqkm. The electronic resources, and a full program of over 900 world and the first in the Middle East, workers; the new trauma and energy centre of about 1,500 million gallons. project consists of 15 of the curated events. Designed by renowned Dutch according to Legatum Institute, a London- has reached the final stages of construction ; It is the largest in the world’s largest concrete res- architect Rem Koolhaas, the iconic Library building based think tank. Qatar is the only country in have received international accreditation for world and contains a huge ervoirs. Each reservoir is welcomed 738,636 visitors. the region to score in the top five on the hospitals across the HMC. strategic reservoir that raises 300M long, 150M wide, and The growing demand for membership has also the country’s water storage 12M high, at a capacity of contributed to the popularity of the Library’s by about 1,500 million around 100 million gallons. dynamic programs, with more than 21, 000 people gallons, which is an increase In March, 2019, Qatar registering to attend the year’s events. of 155 percent. He pointed out Electricity and Water The library’s collection includes one million that this phase of the project Company opened Umm Al books in English, Arabic, and other languages, com- will ensure water security for Houl Power Plant, in Umm plemented by a dedicated Children’s Library and the State until 2026, followed Al Houl with the capacity of Young Adults collection. by future stages that will meet generating 2,520 megawatt 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 Qatar beats siege Qatari economy shrugs off blockade impact

THE PENINSULA The Qatari economy not only 1.9 percent, compared to QR14.1bn trade surplus reported t has been two years since remained resilient despite the in February 2018. When com- the Arab Quartet imposed an adverse impact of the blockade, pared on monthly basis, Qatar’s unjust blockade on Qatar trade surplus in February wit- Iand has miserably failed to rather it transformed the challenges nessed a decrease of nearly achieve any of their objectives. QR2.1bn, or 13.1 percent, com- This day, in 2017, the four Arab into opportunities in its favour. pared to January 2019. countries—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, In terms of infrastructure Bahrain and Egypt — severed all blockade, registering a 34 percent nificant role in achieving the self- development programme, relations with Qatar imposing a growth compared to the two years sufficiency strategy. including those major projects land, sea and air blockade on the before the siege. In terms of the production of being developed as part of the country and abruptly stopped The number of factories has many goods, Qatar has not only preparations for the 2022 FIFA export of all kinds of goods, increased by 17 percent reaching achieved 100 percent self-suffi- games and Qatar National Vision including essential supplies, in the 823 in 2019 compared to 707 fac- ciency but has also started 2030, are progressing in full Holy Month of Ramadan. This was tories in 2016, with 116 new fac- exporting to other countries. Qatari swing, and in fact many of them aimed at creating panic, crippling tories established. The number of companies are expanding their have been delivered much ahead account surplus will be averaging assumptions factor in broadly Qatar’s impressive economic permits for establishing factories footprints to global markets. As a of their scheduled completion 4.5 percent of GDP in 2019-2022, stable gas production, cautious progress and to undermine its reached 613 with total invest- result Qatar’s non-oil exports grew date. For instance Al Janoub assuming lower hydrocarbon business activity and confidence, sovereignty. ments of QR34bn compared to by 35 percent from QR18.05bn in Stadium (formerly Al Wakra prices from 2021. and reduced private-sector con- However, the country, under 466 permits in 2016 with invest- 2017 to QR24.4bn in 2018. Stadium) is fully completed and Among the other key rating sumption,” said the S&P report. its wise leadership coupled with ments worth QR31bn, he added. Qatar has managed to hosted the Amir Cup final, and factors the agency noted that The report also said that gov- the firm determination of gov- Also, the total number of fac- overcome the repercussions of Doha Metro’s Redline South, increasing nonresident deposits ernment’s infrastructure pro- ernment entities and private sector tories, including existing and the siege in a very short time due which began operations, recently. demonstrate strengthening gramme remains supportive of proved that the blockading coun- those under construction has to the rapid steps adopted by the The Public Works Authority investor confidence in the financial economic growth, as does tries failed in their move. The increased by 23 percent (263 fac- government and the strength of (Ashghal) implemented infra- sector, but this largely short-term investment related to expansion Qatari economy not only tories up) to 1,436 factories in the private sector which proved structure projects worth external funding worsens Qatar’s of the North Field gas project. At remained resilient despite the 2019 from 1,173 in 2016. high potentials in dealing with QR21.8bn in 2018, and 90 external liquidity position. an estimated 45 percent of GDP, adverse impact of the blockade, New factories started pro- great challenges. percent work on main roads The agency said that Qatar will about one-third of which is public- rather it transformed the chal- duction during the siege which Qatar’s international trade leading to 2022 FIFA World Cup continue to effectively mitigate the sector funded, Qatar’s investment lenges into opportunities in its contributed to achieving self-suf- policy of export promotion and stadiums are completed. economic and financial fallout of spending is among the highest of favour. Official data suggest that ficiency in many sectors, espe- import substitution has started It’s not only Qatar’s official the siege, and the country will con- all the sovereigns we rate. almost every sector of the Qatari cially fresh milk, dairy products bearing positive results. The data that highlights about the tinue to pursue prudent macr- Qatar’s current account economy has become more and other kinds of foodstuffs imports of goods in February robust economic foundations of oeconomic policies that support balance, according to S&P estimate, robust, diversified and sustainable which Qatar traditionally sourced 2019 amounted to around the economy despite the siege, large recurrent fiscal and external is expected to remain in a surplus over the last couple of years, as if from Saudi Arabia and other QR8.5bn, showing on a month- event international and inde- surpluses over 2019-2022. of around 4.5 percent, in view of its the blockade came as a blessing countries. Qatari consumers on-month decrease of 3.8 percent pendent agencies such as IMF “We expect economic growth oil price assumptions (at $60 per in disguise for the country. today have more options, better compared to January 2019. and global credit rating agencies will remain relatively steady at 2 barrel for 2019 and 2020). As the country immediately quality more affordable prices Qatar’s trade balance, which have confirmed the solid macr- percent-2.5 percent in 2019-2022. In 2018, Qatar Stock activated its plans to diversify its than two years ago. represents the difference oeconomic fundamentals of the The government plans to increase Exchange (QSE) emerged as the sources of imports and boosting In addition to public sector between total exports and Qatari economy. gas exports by about 40 percent world’s best performing market its domestic production to achieve organizations, the Qatar imports of goods, showed a Global rating agency S&P, in to 110 million tonnes annually with about 21 percent returns, self-sufficiency, over 32,000 new Chamber, which is the country’s surplus of QR13.8bn in February its latest report, projected that (approximately 987 millions of supported by an increased inflow companies have been established oldest and largest private sector 2019, registering a year-on-year Qatar’s GDP is expected to grow barrels of oil equivalent) by 2023- of international funds, especially in Qatar during the on-going representative body, played sig- decrease of about QR300m, or by 2.8 percent and the current 2024. Until then, our growth from the US and Europe.

As Qatar reflects on the illegal blockade imposed on it by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on June 5, 2017, the reality is that the FIFA World Cup hosts are confidently marching ahead with its preparations to host the biggest sporting event after the Olympic Games in 2022.

track and field star Mutaz Barshim produced a seven-match was also in the stands to watch winning streak on way to lifting what turned out to be an the title for the first time. Qatar’s enthralling encounter between Almoez Ali won the Golden Boot the country’s top two teams. for his 7 goals and team mate SPORTS SUCCESS, Spanish football hero Fernando Saad Al Seeb was declared the Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff, Sabri ‘best keeper’ in the 24-team Lamouchi, Nasser Hamdan and tournament that ended with Al former Real Madrid president Annabi’s 3-1 win over three-time ON AND OFF THE PITCH Ramon Calderon were also winners Japan in the title clash. present on the occasion. Last October, Doha hosted Besides rapidly improving its the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics sports infrastructure in the last World Championships at Aspire No stopping Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host two years of the regional Dome. Having already hosted the blockade, Qatar continues to grab 2010 IAAF World Indoor Cham- the headlines for achieving sports pionships, the 2011 AFC Asian THE PENINSULA inaugurate the brand new Al Janoub Stadium overcome the physical limits imposed by rare glory on the field of play. In March Cup, the 2015 AIBA World Boxing by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Caudal Regression Syndrome which impaired last year, Qatar topped a three- Championships and the 2016 UCI s Qatar reflects on the illegal Thani was truly a memorable moment in the the development of his lower spine, delivered nation football tournament Road World Championships, last blockade imposed on it by Saudi country’s sporting history. The 40,000-seat a speech to loud cheer from the packed stadium organised to celebrate the return year’s gymnastics gala was one Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt venue was officially unveiled and used to host Al Janoub Stadium has now become the of football in war-torn Iraq. The of the most followed global Aon June 5, 2017, the reality is that the Amir Cup final between football giants Al first brand new stadium built by Qatar. Al victory in Iraq was well applauded sports events staged by Qatar. In the FIFA World Cup hosts are confidently Duhail and Al Sadd. With the Amir in Janoub Stadium took six years to build and by the fans, less than two months all, over 600 gymnasts from 78 marching ahead with its preparations to host attendance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly cost $575m. The opening cer- after Qatar’s Olympic squad countries featured in the 10-day the biggest sporting event after the Olympic joining in scores of foreign dignitaries at the emony came exactly two years after Qatar clinched the third sport in the AFC event. Later this year, the iconic Games in 2022. Al Bayt Stadium near Al Khor opening ceremony of the new stadium, Al unveiled the iconic Khalifa International Asian U-23 Cup in China. Khalifa International Stadium is getting its final touches and is expected to Duhail beat Al Sadd 4-1 to lift the Amir Cup Stadium was unveiled in front of 50,000 fans Fast forward to January and will host the IAAF World Athletics be unveiled later in the year. Al Thumama crown. who turned at the venue for the 2017 Amir February this year, Qatar rocked Championships Doha 2019. On Stadium is halfway through its construction A beautifully scripted opening ceremony Cup final. Within two years, Qatar has the continent by winning the Monday it was announced by with the futuristic Education City also not far replete with music and a laser show launched unveiled and used the two state-of-the-art Asian Cup, the biggest football FIFA that it’s popular Club World away from completion. The Al Rayyan the proceedings on May 16, 2019. A little later football venues for high profile matches in tournament for national teams Cup event will also be held in Stadium and Losail Stadium – the proposed fireworks lit up the night sky over Al Janoub front of a collective number of almost 90,000 in the world’s most populous Qatar in 2019 and 2020. venue for he 2022 FIFA World Cup final – Stadium. A short video detailing Qatar’s pearling fans a millions of TV viewers. continent. With coach Felix Blockade or otherwise, are easily ahead of schedule in terms of history was also played on the new ground’s Scores of former football stars also joined Sanchez marshaling troops in a Qatar’s sporting ambitions con- meeting their construction deadlines. two big screens. Ghanim Al Muftah, often in the celebrations including Roberto Carlos, hostile environment in host tinue to grow and that too in Last month’s spectacular ceremony to dubbed the Qatari “miracle child” for having Cafu, Ronald de Boer and Ruud Gullit. Qatar’s country the UAE, Qatar spectacular fashion. WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 HOME 07 QA inaugural flight touches down in Malta

THE PENINSULA Operated by an Airbus travellers alike on board so that DOHA A320 aircraft, flight they may experience this QR383 was welcomed charming destination for Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight themselves.” from Doha to Malta landed at with a celebratory Malta International Airport Malta International Airport water cannon salute Chief Executive Officer, Alan yesterday, marking the launch upon arrival at the Borg, said: “We are delighted to of the airline’s newest gateway historic Mediterranean welcome this award-winning to Europe. flag carrier to our airline family Operated by an Airbus A320 island’s international and to grow our route network aircraft, flight QR383 was wel- airport. further with the addition of comed with a celebratory water Doha. “The convenient flight cannon salute upon arrival at the schedule which will be operated historic Mediterranean island’s addition to Qatar Airways’ by Qatar Airways throughout the international airport. This was rapidly expanding European year, will certainly strengthen followed by a welcome cer- network. Set against the our connections to the rest of the emony attended by the Charges incredible backdrop of the Med- world and allow tourists from Officials cutting a ribbon to mark the arrival of the inaugural flight to Malta. d’Affaires of the State of Qatar to iterranean Sea, Malta, with its new markets outside Europe to Malta, Abdulla Khalid A A Al stunning natural attractions and discover Malta’s rich history, Derham; Malta’s Minister of breathtaking architecture, is one unique traditions and spec- travelling to Malta will also have launch of flights to Izmir, Turkey, was named ‘World’s Best Tourism, the Honourable Dr. of Europe’s most historic and tacular underwater world.” access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ and Rabat, Morocco, in May; with Business Class’ by the 2018 Konrad Mizzi; and Qatar Airways culturally significant The new direct services to in-flight entertainment system, Davao, the Philippines, and World Airline Awards, managed Senior Vice-President Europe, destinations. Malta will be operated by an offering the latest blockbuster Lisbon, Portugal, joining the by international air transport Sylvain Bosc. “With the flexibility of sea- Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 movies, TV box sets, music, games network later in June; followed rating organisation Skytrax. It Qatar Airways Group Chief sonal daily flights in summer, seats in Business Class and 132 and much more. by Mogadishu, Somalia, on 1 July; was also named ‘Best Business Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: and four-times-weekly services seats in Economy Class. As well as Malta is the third new desti- and Langkawi, Malaysia, on Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the “We are delighted to launch in winter, we look forward to enjoying the award-winning in- nation to be introduced by the October 15. A multiple-award- Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best direct services to Malta, the latest welcoming business and leisure flight service on board, passengers airline this summer following the winning airline, Qatar Airways First Class Airline Lounge’0. Municipal Minister stresses importance of reducing air pollution FROM PAGE 1 Municipality and Environment is quality in Qatar using the best For his part, Assistant Under- working seriously through its technology. The Ministry also secretary for Environment Affairs tasks, strategic plans, programs monitors the effects of air pol- at the Ministry of Municipality and and projects of the national devel- lution causing climate change and Environment Eng. Ahmed opment strategy to reduce air pol- works to reduce it with the par- Mohamed Al Sada, said that the lution for the preservation and ticipation of the concerned State of Qatar’s celebration of sustainability of the environment, authorities in accordance with the World Environment Day under- which are consistent with Qatar international conventions on scores the importance of high- National Vision 2030 and the climate change ratified by the lighting the most important envi- directives of Qatar’s leadership. State of Qatar, the latest of which ronmental challenges worldwide, Al Sada pointed out that the was Paris Agreement. which have a serious impact on ministry is also working on The Ministry of Municipality life on Earth. reviewing and evaluating the and Environment will organise He added that this year’s environmental status of projects events on this occasion with the slogan marks the current chal- and development projects of all aim of developing environmental lenge of air pollution and its con- kinds to ensure that they follow awareness among the various seg- sequences for global warming, best environmental practices, and ments of the society, directing which in turn causes climate the ministry has also established attention to environmental issues Faithful offering Eid prayers change and its immediate chal- a network of air quality moni- and problems and activating pos- lenges to health and environment toring stations in cooperation with itive participation in protecting the Faithful offering Eid prayers organised by Qatar Indian Islahi Centre at Abu Bakr Siddiq Independent and its sustainability. the concerned authorities, noting environment and facing its School in Doha, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA He said the Ministry of that these stations assess air problems and challenges. Large turnout at Katara Eid festival Qatar condemns Israeli move THE PENINSULA on construction of 805 DOHA housing units in East Jerusalem The Cultural Village Foundation- Katara was a hotspot destination QNA its historical and legal status, during the first day of Eid Al-Fitr DOHA which is based on the interna- celebration offering an array of tional consensus. It also calls for fun activities for its visitors. All The State of Qatar has condemned the immediate cancellation of facilities at Katara were prepared the announcement by the Israeli this move and all steps that con- to receive the large numbers of authorities, on May 30, 2019 of a travene Security Council Reso- visitors who also enjoyed a day at tender for the construction of 805 lution No. 2334, to stop the con- the Katara beach doing all kinds housing units in two settlements struction of settlements and the of watersports and swimming. in East Jerusalem, and considered illegality of all settlements estab- Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al them a flagrant violation of inter- lished since 1967. Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, national law and relevant Security The State of Qatar appeals to said that Katara like every year Council resolutions. the international community to seeks to provide a joyful and In a statement yesterday, the assume its responsibilities in a unforgettable Eid festival for its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said just and objective manner visitors and all the special national that the State of Qatar rejects any towards the Palestinian cause occasions. “Our festivities this year attempt to change the identity of and its constants, including the include an array of programmes Visitors participating at various activities at Katara. the Holy City of Jerusalem and status of Al Quds Al Sharif. that besides fun and enter- tainment, there is an educational side where the children’s play “The cake vendor” is on show and the Al Thuraya Planetarium is screening the “Dawn of the space age” film”, he said. The children’s play “The cake vendor” started at 7pm at the Katara drama hall in building 16 and will continue till June 9 at 5pm and a second show at 7pm. Besides, the Al-Thuraya Plane- tarium will be screening the “Dawn of the space age” film today which will be screened on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of Eid fes- tival in different times: 1st show 5pm (English), 2nd show 6pm (Arabic) while the 3rd show will be at 7pm (English). Dr Al Sulaiti assured that Katara has made all the measures to avoid congestions by expanding the car parking capacity and increasing the number of club car shuttle service to transport the vis- People watch fireworks at Katara yesterday. PIC: RAJAN/THE PENINSULA itors, in addition to ambulances and security patrols to ensure more exposure on our facilities Playgrounds all along the concluded the activities at the safety of visitors. “It is also an and activities”, he added. Katara esplanade were allocated Katara esplanade. The Eid festival opportunity for the visitors to see To ensure residents conven- for the children to have fun and in Katara runs until June 7 offering A performance during the Eid Al Fitr celebrations at Hyatt Plaza Mall, our galleries and art exhibitions ience, Katara has created 5,000 enjoy the different competitions all fun activities everyday starting yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA in the premises of Katara to have free parking spaces for visitors and activities and a laser show at 5pm until 10pm. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 #BlackoutEid: Celebrating ESTABLISHED IN 1996 being black and Muslim 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]

EDITORIAL Faithful offering the morning prayers of Eid al-Fitr, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday.

ethnic, and cultural diversity of the at ease. It has been disheartening to Muslim world. #BlackoutEid, a hashtag constantly have my guard up in my Weathering all odds that specifically highlights black own religious community and feel that Muslim fashion, has sought to remedy I have not been fully embraced. atar has successfully entering the third year of unjust that. Before Aamina started the hashtag, siege imposed on the nation by some countries, which Created by Aamina Mohamed, a I was a regular contributor to #Black- Qare contrary to all international conventions, laws and producer and screenwriter based in outDay, a selfie-day and quarterly call- norms. Those countries tried their level best to succumb the NENA BEECHAM Minnesota, #BlackoutEid encourages to-action which began on Tumblr. Like enthusiasm of this nation and its people with all kinds of unjust AL JAZEERA black Muslims to share selfies of their #BlackoutEid, #BlackoutDay was a tactics. Instead Qatar made all adversities in to successes and Eid outfits and festivities. The hashtag, movement to celebrate and redefine amid all those hurdles, Qatar managed to climb greater heights esterday, celebrations started inspired by #BlackoutDay, was born blackness. Four times a year, social during the last two years in all spheres. The country has for the three-day Eid Al Fitr out of a realisation that the clothing, media timelines flooded with vibrant attained self-sufficiency in several sectors. Its infrastructure holiday, marking the end of celebrations, and traditions of black images of black youth embracing their work continued without any hindrance. the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims were not being shared with blackness, and as one of the partici- Y pants, I was able not only to make con- Qatar has earned several international appreciations from Muslims around the world are com- the same frequency and enthusiasm as many quarters for the way it handled the blockade and several memorating the holiday with a variety those of non-Black members of the nections with other black creatives but international agencies and think tanks around the world praised of special traditions, including my per- community. also to curate my own relationship to efforts of the leadership of Qatar in the economic field. sonal favourite - the Eid selfie. Despite representing a fifth of my blackness. The recent report by the International Monetary Fund The Eid selfie and the myriad of Muslims in the US alone, black Muslims Despite having this opportunity, I (IMF) is the latest testimony of how Qatar’s plans are paying hashtags that go along with it emerged are often invisible in customary repre- longed to incorporate my faith with the off. Qatar’s economy has proved to be resilient in the face of as a way for sentations of the Muslim community. At celebration of my identity. In a similar an embargo by its neighbours and lower oil prices, the IMF Muslims to the same time, they are constantly way to the Muslim spaces I have tried said on Monday. “Economic performance improved in 2018. showcase challenged to negotiate their blackness to navigate, predominantly black Qatar’s economy has successfully absorbed the shocks from their Eid and their faith when specific black spaces, such as cultural and student the 2014-16 drop in hydrocarbon prices and the 2017 diplo- fashions and clothing styles, such as the turban, organisations, were not entirely aware matic rift,”the IMF said in a celebrations. forms of art and cultural expressions of the nuances and challenges that statement. Social media In many are declared “un-Islamic”. black Muslims face. Connecting to my “Real GDP growth is estimated platforms have Muslims Black Muslims in the US often find blackness through my faith was not at 2.2 percent, up from 1.6 percent been quick to communities, themselves having to fight on two only something that was missing in my in 2017.” respond to the it is a tra- fronts. Outside of the Muslim com- life but something I desperately The IMF, after concluding its dition to dress munity, they battle with Islamophobia. needed, given the Islamophobia and The recent latest Executive Board consul- growing popularity up in your Inside of the Muslim community, they anti-blackness that I have often faced. report by the tation with Qatar, noted the coun- of the Eid selfie. best outfit for wrestle with anti-Black racism. Every #BlackoutEid was one of the first International try’s banking sector remains Snapchat, for Eid. so often, the two fronts merge and they spaces I entered that did not make me Monetary Fund healthy, reflecting high asset example, has Social are left without a resting place, con- choose between being black and being quality and strong capitalisation. media plat- stantly on their guard against forces Muslim. Although my participation in (IMF) is the latest At end-September 2018, banks special stickers forms have which threaten their mental and #BlackoutEid was purely digital, it testimony of how had high capitalisation and main- and filters for the been quick to physical wellbeing. made up for the lack of healthy and Qatar’s plans tained strong profitability, low holiday, while respond to It is, therefore, hardly surprising supportive relationships I had faced in are paying off. non-performing loans, and a rea- the growing that #BlackoutEid has had such reso- other communities. I felt connected to a sonable provisioning ratio of 83 Twitter adds Eid popularity of nance. In fact, it has come to represent larger black Muslim community that Qatar’s economy percent. Banks are comfortably selfies to its Holiday the Eid selfie. more than a hashtag: It is now a cata- was invested in both my joy and the has proved to liquid, with a liquid-asset-to- Moment when Snapchat, for logue, a community and a space, which appreciation of my blackness. be resilient in total-asset ratio of 29.7 percent. hashtags such as example, has reaffirms that being black and Muslim #BlackoutEid has shed light on the Strong credit growth that out- special are not mutually exclusive. need for spaces that focus on the expe- the face of an paced deposits resulted in the #EidMubarak and stickers and For me, #BlackoutEid has been a riences of black Muslims, and since its embargo by its system-wide loan-to-deposit #HappyEid start filters for the rare opportunity to engage with my inception, several other digital and neighbours and ratio of 103 percent which is trending. holiday, while faith without the burden of separating offline spaces of reaffirmation have lower oil prices. higher than the guidance of 100 Twitter adds or mitigating my blackness. I have been emerged. #BlackinMSA, for example, percent. Eid selfies to an active member of the Muslim com- started as a hashtag by the Muslim The IMF has observed that the its Holiday Moment when hashtags munity, going to mosques, joining Anti-Racism Collaborative to highlight prudent fiscal policy, an appropriate monetary anchor, sound such as #EidMubarak and #HappyEid Muslim student associations, etc. But in and process the discrimination and financial regulation and supervision frameworks and con- start trending. these spaces, I have often felt I have exclusion faced by black Muslim stu- siderable buffers continue to underpin strong macroeconomic While the growing popularity of the had to contain my blackness or explain dents in Muslim student associations. performance. Increased gas production, a slower pace of fiscal Eid selfie has contributed to promoting it in order to fit in. I would often deal The hashtag received many responses consolidation, infrastructure programs and adequate credit a positive image of Muslims in the with an onslaught of microaggressions on social media and eventually led to growth will underpin growth over the medium term. The fixed United States and elsewhere, it has not or pressure to prove my faith in places discussions on college campuses across exchange rate regime remains appropriate, as it has provided really been able to capture the racial, that I am supposed to feel accepted and the US. a clear and credible monetary anchor, although the external position is weaker than implied by fundamentals and desired policy settings. Fiscal consolidation over the medium term would help close the estimated current account gap. Lower than-envisaged hydrocarbon prices constitute the main risk Internet shutdowns don’t make anyone safer to the macro-financial outlook. Nonetheless, Qatar is in a position to weather such a shock, given significant buffers BLOOMBERG widely seen as corrupt, the gov- countries combined, sometimes for and prudent policies, the IMF said. ernment of the Democratic Republic bizarre or trivial reasons. This recognition from an international agency reiterates round the world, govern- of the Congo blocked all internet And the drawbacks are severe. that country has weathered all storms with its well-planned ments are hitting on a modish access for nearly three weeks. The Done rashly, Internet blockages can and well-crafted policies and achieved greater acclaim for new idea: Turn the Internet stated goal - which cost the impover- impede vital communication, hinder its efforts. Aoff. Sometimes they mean it ished country roughly $3m a day, the work of emergency workers, literally. according to one calculation - was to induce public panic, and encourage Methods vary, but the trend is clear prevent “chaos.” the spread of rumors in the absence of enough. Countries are increasingly Even in democracies, such bans reliable news coverage. They might ordering telecoms and other com- can be tempting. When terrorists killed even encourage violence. Unsurpris- QUOTE OF THE DAY panies to block network access, shut more than 250 people in Sri Lanka in ingly, they’re also expensive: By one down messaging services, or oth- April, authorities shut down access to estimate, India’s shutdowns have cost The strategic erwise restrict digital applications or multiple social-media services for more than $3bn over five years. websites, usually citing public order or more than a week. That might have In general, then, such restrictions course of Ukraine to national-security concerns. In extreme seemed justified in the moment: Mes- should be avoided. When deemed achieve fully-fledged cases, internet access can be “blacked saging apps can accelerate the spread necessary in an emergency, they membership in the EU out” entirely. Worldwide, such shut- of disinformation, and further violence should by law be temporary, limited to downs rose to 188 last year, up from 75 appeared imminent. a specified purpose, and subject to and Nato ... remains in 2016. The problem is that there’s no evi- judicial review. They should also be unchanged. This is Expect that regrettable figure to dence such bans work. They do narrowly targeted: Shutting down the the priority of our rise. For autocrats, the appeal is nothing to moderate the anger that whole of a country’s internet - news foreign policy. obvious. They can use such restric- might lead to violence, and dedicated sites, email and all - is never defen- tions to suppress inconvenient news troublemakers can evade them with sible. Defining those limits, moreover, or unwanted opinions, censor political VPNs and other technology - or simply should be a job for legislatures and not Volodymyr Zelenskiy rivals, prevent activists from organ- by spreading rumours the old-fash- unelected officials. In authoritarian Ukrainian President izing, and stifle talk of government ioned way. Shutdowns also tend to countries, where total blackouts are misdeeds. For instance, after voters become a habit: They are imposed in becoming more common, the outlook cast ballots last year in an election India more often than in all other is bleak. WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Iran will not abandon missile programme AGENCIES “In the missile President Hassan Rouhani, who the Arabian Sea. However, after LONDON programme, US has taken a softer stance, sug- decades of American aircraft knows we have gested last week that Iran might carriers sailing through the Strait Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah be willing to hold talks if the of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of Ali Khamenei said yesterday that reached a point United States showed it respect the Persian Gulf through which Tehran would not be “deceived” of deterrence and and lifted sanctions. a third of all oil traded at sea by US President Donald Trump’s stability. They want US Secretary of State Mike passes, the US Navy’s decision to offer of negotiations and would to deprive us from it, Pompeo said on Sunday the keep the Lincoln away is striking. not give up its missile United States was prepared to “You don’t want to inadvert- programme. but they will never engage with Iran without pre- ently escalate something,” Capt. Iran and the United States succeed,” Khamenei conditions about its nuclear pro- Putnam Browne, the com- have been drawn into starker said, speaking at a gramme. Iran dismissed the offer manding officer of the Lincoln, confrontation in the past month, ceremony marking the as “word-play”. said. a year after Washington pulled Meanwhile, reports came out The White House in May out of a deal between Iran and 30th anniversary of recently that the US aircraft deployed the Lincoln and B-52 global powers to curb Tehran’s the death of Ayatollah carrier ordered by the White bombers to the Arabian Gulf. The nuclear programme in return for Ruhollah Khomeini, House to rapidly deploy to the US also plans to send 900 addi- lifting international sanctions. Mideast over a perceived threat tional troops to the Mideast and founder of the Islamic Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a Trump has condemned the from Iran remains outside of the extend the stay of another 600 ceremony in Tehran. nuclear deal, signed by his pred- Republic of Iran. Arabian Gulf, so far avoiding any as tens of thousands of others ecessor Barack Obama, as flawed confrontation with Iranian Rev- also are on the ground across the for not being permanent and for leadership. We’re not looking for means they do not seek regime ceremony marking the 30th olutionary Guard forces amid region. not covering Iran’s ballistic regime change. I just want to change... But this political trick anniversary of the death of Aya- efforts to deescalate tensions But amid the escalation, the missile programme and its role make that clear. We’re looking will not deceive Iranian officials tollah Ruhollah Khomeini, between Tehran and US alleges without offering evi- in conflicts around the Middle for no nuclear weapons.” and the Iranian nation.” founder of the Islamic Republic Washington. dence that four oil tankers off the East. He has called on Iran to Reacting to those comments, “In the missile programme, of Iran. Officers aboard the USS coast of the United Arab Emirates come to negotiating table to Khamenei said in a speech they know we have reached a Khamenei said US sanctions Abraham Lincoln repeatedly said were attacked with limpet mines. reach a new deal. broadcast on state television: point of deterrence and stability. have created hardship for Ira- they could respond rapidly to any Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iranian- Trump said last week that “The US president recently said They want to deprive us from it, nians and called on the gov- regional threat from their backed Houthi rebels have Iran “has a chance to be a great Iran can achieve development but they will never succeed,” ernment to make improving eco- position, at the time some 320km launched coordinated drone country, with the same with its current leaders. That Khamenei said, speaking at a nomic conditions its top priority. off the eastern coast of Oman in attacks on Saudi Arabia. Four soldiers Ebola cases in DR Congo break 2,000 mark dead in attack AFP an update issued late on Monday. groups, which means health matter how effective treatment significantly in recent weeks to KINSHASA “In all, there have been 1,346 workers have “recovered some is, if people don’t trust or under- between 15-20 new cases per near Baghdad deaths (1,252 confirmed and 94 of the lost time to contain the stand it, they will not use it.” She day,” it said in a press release. ANATOLIA DR Congo’s health ministry said probable) and 539 people have spread of the epidemic,” it said. added: “Our teams are still It called for a “reset” of the BAGHDAD it had recorded more than 2,000 recovered.” The ministry said it The epidemic was first meeting people on a daily basis response, combining scaled-up cases of Ebola, two-thirds of was important to retain the declared in North Kivu province who don’t believe Ebola is real... aid with a greater role for local Four soldiers were killed and a which had been fatal, since the overall perspective, despite the on August 1 and then spread to many cases are going unnoticed people in carrying it out. Efforts number of others were injured disease broke out in the coun- breaching of the symbolic neighbouring Ituri, although because people with symptoms have been hampered both by in an attack by IS gunmen in Al try’s east 10 months ago. threshold of 2,000 cases. there have not been any cases in have been avoiding treatment.” militia attacks on treatment Tarmiyah, a Sunni-majority “Since the start of the epi- “In recent weeks, the trend neighbouring countries. The International Federation centres and by the hostility of district north of capital demic, the total number of cases has been positive, although vig- Oxfam’s Director for the of Red Cross and Red Crescent some local people to the medical Baghdad, a local security source stands at 2,008, of which 1,914 ilance is still necessary,” it said. DRC, Corinne N’Daw, said, “It is Societies also voiced its concern. teams. The outbreak is the 10th said yesterday. have been confirmed [by lab test] There have been fewer clear the current response to “Worryingly, the number of in Congo since the disease was Baghdad Police Captain while 94 are probable,” it said in attacks on Ebola teams by armed tackle Ebola isn’t working. No Ebola cases has increased identified in 1976. Ahmad Khalaf said a vehicle affiliated with the army’s 59th Brigade struck a roadside bomb late on Monday night while on Sudanese oppn rejects patrol in the district, injuring several soldiers. “When rein- military’s transition forcements arrived to evacuate the wounded, gunmen opened plan after day of violence fire on them from a nearby orchard, leaving four soldiers REUTERS was very tense yesterday, with dead and several more injured,” KHARTOUM many roads barricaded by pro- Khalaf said. Four IS terrorists, testers, many shops shut and he said, were also killed in the Sudan’s opposition yesterday streets mostly empty. Security exchange. In mid-2014, the IS rejected a plan by its military forces were trying to clear the terrorist group overran roughly rulers to hold elections within barricades, a witness said. one-third of Iraq, including the nine months, a day after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) northern city of Mosul. worst bout of violence since vehicles were patrolling the By late 2017, the Iraqi army, Omar Al Bashir was removed as streets in Omdurman, on the with the help of a US-led mil- president in April. other side of the River Nile from itary coalition, had managed to At least 35 people were Khartoum, and firing into the air. recover almost all lost territory killed on Monday when security Leaders of the protests that from the notorious terror group. forces stormed a protest camp forced Bashir from power after IS in Iraq continues to carry outside the Defence Ministry in three decades of authoritarian out sporadic attacks. central Khartoum, said doctors rule have demanded prepara- linked to the opposition. tions for elections during a tran- The Transitional Military sitional period led by a civilian Lebanon’s Interior Minister Raya Al Hassan visits the scene where a militant attacked a security forces Malawi oppn Council (TMC) that has ruled administration. The military patrol on Monday night, in Lebanon’s northern city of Tripoli, yesterday. since Bashir’s removal then can- council has also been under both supporters celled all agreements reached domestic and international with the main opposition pressure to hand over power to protest over alliance. Madani Abbas Madani, civilians. It had previously Attacker blows himself up after a leader of the Declaration of agreed to a three-year transition poll results Freedom and Change Forces period with the DFCF. (DFCF) opposition alliance, said “We believe that the matter killing three troops in Lebanon REUTERS an open-ended civil disobe- is now in the hands of the LILONGWE, MALAWI dience campaign would con- Sudanese people,” said Khalid AP attacker, who was tracked down gunman as Abdul-Rahman tinue to try to force the council Omar Yousef, a DFCF leader. BEIRUT to an apartment, the army said. Mabsout, but gave no other Opposition supporters in from power. “What happened “This regime will fall, no matter It said members of an elite mil- details. LBC said Mabsout was a Malawi stormed a complex (on Monday) — the killing and what.” The SPA rejected the A lone gunman using a motor- itary intelligence force stormed former member of the IS group housing presidency and injuring of protesters, the humil- establishment of a governmental cycle fired on police and army the apartment early yesterday who fought with the extremist government offices yesterday iation — was a systematic and committee to investigate Mon- vehicles in different parts of the and opened fire at the suspect, movement in Syria. It said he had to press demands for President planned attempt to impose day’s deaths, spokesman Amjad northern city of Tripoli, killing who then set off an explosive belt been detained when he returned Peter Mutharika to resign after repression on the Sudanese Farid said, adding that the TMC two police officers and a soldier he was wearing. to Lebanon in 2016 and was an election they say was rigged. people,” Madani said. was accused of targeting pro- and wounding several others on “The operation is over,” an released a year later. Mutharika narrowly won The main protest organisers, testers. Council spokesman Monday night before blowing army officer told local LBC tel- The attack occurred on the re-election last month, the Sudanese Professionals Lieutenant General Shams El Din himself up later when evision. Troops and plainclothes eve of Eid Al Fitr. The Lebanese launching another five-year Association (SPA), called for an Kabbashi denied this charge and confronted by troops, Lebanon’s security agents surrounded the army announced earlier that it term for his Democratic Pro- international committee to said security forces had pursued army and the state-run National area and prevented anyone from has increased security around gressive Party (DPP) in the investigate the deaths in what it “unruly elements” who fled to News Agency said. entering the building. There was the country because of Eid Al southern African country. branded a “massacre”. The the protest site and caused Troops were deployed in no claim of responsibility for the Fitr, when people go out to But opposition parties are mood in the capital Khartoum chaos. areas of the city to search for the attack. The army identified the celebrate. challenging the state electoral commission’s May 27 decla- ration of Mutharika as the victor despite complaints of Baghdad’s Green Zone reopens to the public after 16 years irregularities including results sheets with sections blotted out AP houses the US Embassy and Iraqi inside the Green Zone for the first him, after it was seized by US to traffic over the past years have or altered with correction fluid. BAGHDAD government offices, is now open time in his life yesterday. He said military forces. In later years, the failed to materialise, because of Protesters, among thou- “twenty-four hours a day his generation didn’t know any- walled off area surrounded by persistent security concerns. sands who hit the streets of the Baghdad’s Green Zone area, the without any exceptions or con- thing about the Green Zone and cement blast walks became a Earlier this year, the gov- administrative capital heavily fortified strip on the west ditions.” The 4-square mile with felt that people there lived in hated symbol of the country’s ernment began easing restric- Lilongwe, broke into a com- bank of the Tigris River, its palm trees and monuments another country. inequality, fuelling the per- tions in the area. Prime Minister pound containing offices of the reopened to the public yesterday has been off limits to the public “Now there is no difference, ception among Iraqis that their Adel Abdul Mahdi said the Green president and government after 16 years — a move meant since the 2003 US invasion of and this is beautiful,” he said. government is out of touch. Zone will be fully open to the departments and told civil to portray increased confidence Iraq to topple dictator Saddam The area was home to Only Iraqis with special public on Eid Al Fitr, the holiday servants to leave. in the country’s overall security Hussein. Saddam Hussein’s palaces before security badges could enter the that marks the end of Ramadan. Police in Lilongwe, an situation after years of war. “I feel that Baghdad is bigger the war. It then became known area. Various attempts and Ali said authorities removed opposition stronghold, took no Maj. Gen. Jassim Yahya Abd than before,” said Assir Assem, as “Little America” following the promises by the Iraqi gov- 12,000 concrete walls from the immediate action to remove the Ali said that the area, which a 25-year-old who drove his car 2003 US invasion that toppled ernment to open the Green Zone area. protesters, witnesses said. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 ED to tighten noose around Vadra as aides’ statements differ

IANS A senior ED official only he can explain the content NEW DELHI said that the of the emails as these are addressed to him,” the official The Enforcement Directorate is statements made said. all set to tighten the noose by Vadra during The official said during ques- around Robert Vadra, brother- various sessions of tioning, Vadra denied he knew in-law of Congress President questioning between Vipul Beriwala. Rahul Gandhi, as there are “While Arora’s mobile has discrepancies in his and his asso- February-March the contact number of Briwala ciates’ statements. 2019 contradict the saved in it,” he said. A senior ED official said that statements produced The official then said that the statements made by Vadra by his associates and during questioning on March 8 during various sessions of ques- this year, Vadra denied he knew tioning between February- counsels. Sanjeev Varma, while again the March 2019 contradict the state- mobile phone of Arora has the Last Iftar of this Ramadan ments produced by his asso- contact of Verma. ciates and counsels during the statement of Thampi on April 6 Pointing out to another dis- Muslim shopkeepers break their day-long fast at a market on the eve of Eid Al Fitr in Siliguri, yesterday. questioning in the case. this year. crepancy, the official said when Muslims in India are preparing to celebrate the Eid Al Fitr holiday, today. The official said, “When he Pointing out another contra- Vadra was asked if RV stands for appeared for the first time on diction, the official said Vadra his name in emails, he has stated February 6, Vadra had said that was asked whether he has any that “he is not known as RV and he could not categorically say he knowledge about 12 Bryanston people do not refer to him as RV”. No trace of missing An-32 plane knew Puja Chadha. While on Square (BSQ) property in London. “While the mobile phone of March 8, he told the officials that “Vadra during questioning on Arora on January 31 said that the IANS Landing Ground in Arunachal The Navy aircraft departed he did not know Chadha. February 7, replied that he has contact of MRV in his phone ITANAGAR Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district bor- from INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu “The official said when Vadra never stayed there. While Thampi stands as Mr Robert Vadra,” he dering China. and shall carry out the search was asked whether he knows in his statement on April 6 said said. More than 24 hours after it The aircraft lost contacted with Electro Optical and Infra Sumit Chahdha, a relative of arms that Vadra did stay at 12 BSQ in The official then said that disappeared while on flight, an with the ground staff at 1.30pm. Red sensors in the thickly for- dealer Sanjay Bhandari, he said London,” the official said. when on February 6 Vadra was Indian Air Force (IAF) An-32 “There is no sign of the air- ested areas between Jorhat and he has not met Sumit Chadha. Another contradiction was asked if he knows Jagdish aircraft with 13 people on board craft. Search and rescue oper- Mechuka where the An-32 dis- “Meanwhile, one of his asso- raised on emails of Vadra from Sharma, he told the agency that remained untraced in Arunachal ation is on full swing,” IAF appeared, a Navy official said. ciate said that Vadra knows Sumit Chadha and Puja Chada. Sharma hovers around him, Pradesh yesterday even as a spokesman Wing Commander The ISRO has pressed into Sumit Chadha,” the official said. The official said that on February follows him and tries to associate massive search operation Ratnakar Singh said in Shillong. service its RISAT series of radar “To a question whether he 6, Vadra agreed that a particular with him and has never worked continued. Air Officer Commanding-in- imaging satellites to look for the knows Dubai-based busi- email ID belonged to him. for him. The Navy’s Long Range Mar- Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air missing aircraft. nessman C C Thampi through However, the very next day he “On the other hand, on itime Reconnaissance aircraft Marshal R D Mathur is at the Jorhat On Monday, C-130 and whom the ED suspects kickbacks denied that these mails were December 8 last year, Sharma P8i and Indian Space Research Air Force Station monitoring the An-32 aircraft, two Mi-17 (IAF) were routed in a petroleum deal written to him. during his questioning stated Organisation (ISRO) satellites search and rescue operations. He and Army ALH helicopters were in 2009, Vadra stated that he had “On the contrary, the close that he is close to Gandhi family were pressed into service to also interacted with the families launched to locate the plane. met him on board an Emirates aide of Vadra, Manoj Arora, who but he is closest to Vadra,” the locate the plane but without any of the missing IAF personnel. No wreckage has been flight,” the official said, adding, was also questioned by the ED official said. success, officials said. Mathur was briefed about sighted so far, spokesman Singh “while Thampi stated that he met on January 16, told the investi- “He said he does political On Monday, the Russian- the coordinated efforts by the said. The administration of Shi- Vadra through Madhavan, per- gators that “email appears to profiling of Vadra and also origin An-32 trasnporter took off Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Yomi district in Arunachal sonal assistant of Sonia Gandhi.” have been sent by Sumit Chadha advises him on various matters,” from Assam’s Jorhat at 12.27pm Border Police and other civil Pradesh is also being assisted by The ED has recorded the on the email ID of Vadra and the official said. for the Mechuka Advanced agencies. villagers.

NIA crackdown on Kashmiri Unrest in Rajasthan Congress after election rout IANS the 25 Lok Sabha seats. for the Congress defeat. six months earlier in the state. the dead man’s family. separatists, 3 JAIPUR In an interview to a news A Congress leader said yes- Congress MLA and ex-DGP Cabinet Minister Lalchand channel, Gehlot said that Pilot, terday: “The faction fighting has Harish Meena went on hunger Kataria stunned everyone by more in custody Infighting in Rajasthan’s ruling the state Congress President, was come out in the open, which strike against his own gov- resigning on social media but the Congress has come out in the quite confident that Vaibhav speaks volumes about the future ernment for failing to act after a government first denied IANS open after the party was wiped Gehlot will win from Jodhpur of the party.” Publicly, however, tractor driver died after being receiving any such resignation NEW DELHI out in the Lok Sabha battle in the and “so I think he should take the Congress is trying to show a allegedly thrashed by police. letter. state, with Chief Minister Ashok responsibility for at least this united face. He promptly found support Two days back, Gehlot said Continuing its crackdown on Gehlot blaming his deputy seat”. Even on Monday, Chief Min- from BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Kiro- he had rejected the separatists in Kashmir, the NIA Sachin Pilot for his son’s humil- Vaibhav Gehlot lost to Union ister Gehlot invited everyone in rilal Meena who shared the resignation. yesterday took custody of iating defeat. Minister of State Gajendra Singh the party, including his protest site with him. Then Tourism Minister Vish- Masarat Alam Bhat, the alleged And many Congress Min- Shekhawat by over 3 lakh votes detractors, to the Iftar party. Harish Meena called off his wendra Singh also lashed out at kingpin of stone pelting, along isters and MLAs are upset too and though the Chief Minister had The Congress washout in the hunger strike on Monday when the police and the administration with Shabir Shah, chief of the have gone public blaming the campaigned in Jodhpur for days. Lok Sabha battle is doubly the government acted against the for increasing crimes in his con- Jammu and Kashmir Demo- police and bureaucracy after the Gehlot said he was ready to humiliating because the party guilty police personnel and gave stituency. His Twitter posts gar- cratic Freedom Party and Asiya party failed to win even one of take “collective responsibility” had formed a government only a job to one of the dependants of nered support from BJP workers. Andrabi, the head of women’s secessionist group Dukhtaren- e-Millat, to question them about their role in terror funding. Kerala braces to fight The National Investigation Agency brought Bhat, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Nipah and fake news Muslim League, to Delhi on Monday night from a prison in IANS Kochi. Their inputs will also Jammu and Kashmir where he KOCHI include efforts against Nipah out- was lodged under the Public break. Together, we overcame Safety Act (PSA). With a youth in Kerala testing the battle against Nipah in 2018,” Yesterday, he was produced positive for Nipah virus (NiV), he said and added, “The news of before Additional Sessions Judge fighting misinformation confirmation should not be a Rakesh Syal who sent him to surrounding its spread and cure reason for panic.” 10-day custody of the NIA. has become a major issue for the Following the outbreak, Bhat was under detention state government. experts also warned against fake for his role in triggering protests In a Facebook post yesterday, news on social media claiming and serial stone pelting in Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi a homeopathic pill can protect Kashmir Valley in 2010 for Vijayan warned of stringent people from the deadly virus. several months in which 110 action against those who spread Research by neuroscientist protesters were killed. misinformation and urged people Sumaiya Shaikh, who is asso- Along with Bhat, the court to follow the instructions of the ciated with fact-checking website also remanded Shah and health department. Alt News, found that Gelsemium Andrabi to NIA custody till June “We are in constant contact 200 has no effective role in Nipah 14 in connection with a terror A medical staff wearing protective clothing and a policeman walk after preparing isolated wards at with the Union Health Ministry. Virus therapy and such infor- funding case. a hospital in Kochi. A team of experts has arrived in mation should not be spread. Their custody was sought for interrogation in connection with a terror funding case which the agency registered in Australia Minister in Sri Lanka stresses ‘tough’ asylum policy May 2017. Prior to this, the NIA had brought JKLF leader Yasin REUTERS government’s policy of returning reach Australia by sea are inter- and women who were attempting said in an emailed statement Malik here in connection with COLOMBO boats carrying asylum seekers cepted and sent for processing to reach Australia. The passengers referring to Dutton’s trip. the case. to their origin point. to camps in Papua New Guinea were returned to Sri Lanka. Since The UN refugee agency, a fierce In the preceding months, A senior Minister restated “If you seek to come to Aus- and the tiny South Pacific island then up to six more vessels orig- critic of Australia’s policy, said on the anti-terror investigating Australia’s tough border policy tralia by boat you will not be suc- of Nauru — a policy that has inating from Sri Lanka have been Monday it was seeking clarification agency had arrested separatist on a visit to Sri Lanka yesterday cessful,” Dutton told reporters at support at home but is criticised intercepted, Australian media from Canberra on the return of leaders including Aftab Hilali amid reports that the Australian the Australian High Commis- internationally. reported last week. asylum seekers to Sri Lanka. Shah alias Shahid-ul-Islam, navy had intercepted and sioner’s residence in Colombo. “We have very tough border Dutton’s spokeswoman “We were neither notified of Ayaz Akbar Khandey, Farooq returned several boats carrying Dutton was set to meet Prime protection in Australia and that declined to comment on the the arrival of the asylum- Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, asylum seekers from the Indian Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will not change,” Dutton said. reports. “The purpose of the visit seekers, nor of their subsequent Nayeem Khan, Altaf Ahmad Ocean island. later yesterday to discuss Aus- Australia’s government said is to prosecute ‘Operation Sov- removal,” said Babar Baloch, a Shah, Raja Mehrajuddin Kalwal Home Affairs Minister Peter tralia’s policy known as “Oper- last week the navy had stopped ereign Borders’ interests and to spokesman for the United and Bashir Ahmad Bhat alias Dutton declined to comment on ation Sovereign Borders”. a vessel originating from Sri engage Sri Lankan authorities on Nations High Commissioner for Peer Saifullah. the reports, but reiterated his Asylum seekers trying to Lanka that was carrying 20 men counter-terrorism matters,” she Refugees. WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 ASIA 11 Top judge accuses Arif Alvi of ‘violating his oath’

ANATOLIA Amanullah Kunrani, violated even before the (supreme The government, for its parts, erence was not withdrawn. section of law enforcing agencies KARACHI President Supreme judicial) council has issued me a said it had sent the reference to “Justice Isa is a man of for their patronage and failure. Court Bar Association notice and I have had an oppor- the supreme judicial council after integrity. He has not violated any Analysts view the move as A senior judge of Pakistani (SCBA), warned the tunity to submit my reply to the a state-run Asset Recovery Unit of the clauses pertaining to alarming for an already Supreme Court yesterday reference,” Justice Isa stated in his established proof of undisclosed superior court judges”, Kunrani embattled government itself as accused President Arif Alvi of government of “dire five-page letter to the president. overseas properties owned by said demanding that President the lawyers have threatened to “violating” his oath by leaking consequences” if the He charged the federal min- the judge in question. Alvi resign or the parliament launch a countrywide movement selected judiciary-related docu- reference was not isters and other government offi- “No one is above the law”, impeach him for violating his if any unlawful action is taken to ments to media with an intent to withdrawn. cials with carrying out a char- Information Minister Firdous oath. remove the independent judges tarnish his image. acter assassination campaign Ashiq Awan quoted Prime Min- “He (Justice Isa) has exposed from judiciary. Justice Qazi Faiz Isa — against him on the basis of ister Imran Khan as saying at a terrorism and “people who do Headed by Chief Justice Asif known for his independent judg- President Alvi asking him as to leaked documents by the Pres- press conference while not speak against terrorists are Saeed Khosa, the supreme ments and remarks in cases why he had allegedly leaked par- ident, and in the name of so- defending the move that has facilitators of terrorism”, the judicial council- the only consti- against the government and the ticular parts of reference against called accountability. drawn a nationwide criticism, SCBA President opined. tutional authority mandated by powerful army — is currently him to the media with a clear “Mr President, is this mainly from lawyers. He was referring to the two the country’s constitution to facing a reference in the supreme intent to malign his and his fam- behaviour appropriate and in Amanullah Kunrani, Pres- particular cases, a violent sit in conduct inquiries into allegations judicial council for allegedly con- ily’s reputation, according to accordance with the law,” the ident Supreme Court Bar Asso- by a religious group in Islamabad of incapacity or misconduct cealing his assets. local broadcaster Geo News. letter reads, adding “spreading ciation (SCBA) — the main body last year and killing of scores of against a judge of the Supreme Justice Isa, who is going to be “Mr. President my due selective content and speaking of the country’s all bar associa- lawyers in a suicide attack in or a High Court- is slated to hear the chief justice of Supreme process and fair trial constitu- about was not a violation of the tions — warned the government southwestern Quetta city in 2016. reference against Justice Isa on Court in 2023, penned a letter to tional protection has been oath”. of “dire consequences” if the ref- In both cases, Justice Isa held a June 14.

Australia shooting Afghan President to leaves four dead

visit Pakistan, hopes AFP/SYDNEY

Four people are dead and two to improve relations injured in Australia after a gunman opened fire late AP including Khan and the powerful yesterday in the city centre of KABUL army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. Darwin, police said. Khalilzad is looking to press A 45-year-old man has Afghan President Ashraf Ghani forward on efforts to find an end been taken into custody and yesterday said he will visit to America’s longest running police said there are no further Pakistan on June 27 to open a conflict. Pakistan has promised public threats. new chapter in his country’s to aid the peace process and has “The active shooter threat uneasy relationship with its so far pressed Taliban, many of has dissipated,” superintendent neighbour and mend ties that whom have families living in Gavin Kennedy, from the are often characterised by Pakistan, into talks. Khalilzad, Northern Territory police, said. mistrust and tit-for-tat accusa- who has already held several Kennedy said police were tions. rounds of talks with the religious investigating at least five crime Ghani said he agreed to visit militia will meet again with their scenes in the city. Police had Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran leadership later this month in earlier shut down parts of the city Khan after the two leaders met Doha . and alerted the public an armed last week on the sidelines of the In his address to the nation, offender was on the loose. Organization of Islamic Coop- Ghani urged the Taliban to again Prime Minister Scott Mor- eration meeting in Saudi Arabia. mark Eid with a ceasefire as they Eid prayer rison said the attack was not “I hope the visit will be pos- did last year, but the militia has believed to be terror related. Pakistani Muslims offering prayers for the Eid Al Fitr holiday in Peshawar, yesterday. Muslims around itive,” Ghani said in his message already refused, saying there “Our advice is that this is not a the world celebrate the Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. to mark Eid Al Fitr, the Muslim will be no end to fighting while terrorist act.” holiday that caps the fasting US and Nato troops are still in month of Ramadan. Afghanistan. Kabul routinely accuses Taliban leader, Maulvi Hibat- Pakistan of harbouring its ullah Akhunzada, in his Eid Meat supplies scam costs Afghan police budget millions Taliban enemies, yet in recent message to insurgents issued yes- months Islamabad has lent its terday, again rejected a ceasefire REUTERS identified discrepancies in order identified in a recent report as a to some $7.5m due to “systematic support to US efforts to broker while repeating a Taliban promise KABUL forms that showed contractors major risk to the US-backed and organised corruption” and an end to Afghanistan’s long- that they have no ambitions to were both claiming for inflated reconstruction effort in a failure of internal controls. running war. Ghani said he held monopolise power in post-war A scandal involving inflated quantities of meat and billing at Afghanistan. In one case, in Nangarhar out hope that years of mistrust Afghanistan. contracts for police meat rations hugely inflated prices in a multi- It said logistics centres were province, the company con- can be replaced with a new rela- Meanwhile, in northern underlines the abuse Afghan million dollar scam. “focal points of corruption” tracted to supply 57,413kg of tionship that will allow peace to Baghlan province, a remote- authorities are struggling to stop The meat contract scandal, where “ammunition, uniforms, mutton for the month of October flourish in the region. controlled mine hidden in a in logistics centres, where which saw 23 officials arrested and other commodities are easily but by the time the contract was Washington’s peace envoy motorcycle parked outside a corrupt officials and contractors along with the contractor, is only pilfered and sold”. submitted to the finance ministry Zalmay Khalilzad was in mosque exploded, killing two have skimmed fortunes from the one example of abuse at logistics According to documents se, in Kabul for payment, the Islamabad on the weekend worshippers and wounding government and foreign donors. centres which the US Congres- total overbilling on meat supplies quantity had been inflated to meeting with senior officials, eight. Earlier this year, investigators sional watchdog SIGAR for the year to March 2019 came 92,648kg.

China issues US travel alert over US, Philippines to ‘interrogations launch new plan to and harassment’ AP BEIJING counter extremism AP jihadists to gain a foothold in the China issued a travel warning MANILA region. for the US, saying Chinese “We are focusing on how to visitors have been interrogated, US and Philippine officials prevent further and future inci- interviewed and subjected to discussed a new programme to dences of violent extremism and other forms of what it called thwart efforts by extremists to radicalization from occurring so harassment by US law recruit and mobilise followers that we don’t have another enforcement agencies. in the country’s south after a Marawi ever again,” Natali said. The warning urges Chinese bloody siege by jihadists aligned The State Department citizens and Chinese-funded with the IS militant group. bureau and the Philippine gov- bodies in the US to step up their The three-year programme ernment are finalising details of safety awareness and prevent- involves helping local officials the programme to help pro- ative measures and respond identify issues that foster vincial governments and non- “appropriately and actively.” It extremism and find ways to government groups design and was issued by the foreign min- address them, said US Assistant enforce effective projects to istry, as well as the Chinese Secretary Denise Natali of the counter extremism, Natali said. Embassy and consulates in US. State Department’s Bureau of Natali emphasised the China’s Ministry of Culture Conflict & Stabilization importance of basing such and Tourism issued its own 30th Tiananmen anniversary Operations. projects on facts and evidence travel alert for US, noting the Pro-democracy activists raise up candles during a candlelight vigil to mark the 30th anniversary of American and Australian sur- instead of assumptions, citing a high frequency of shootings, the crackdown of pro-democracy movement at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, at Victoria Park veillance aircraft helped Filipino five-month survey commis- robberies and theft in the in Hong Kong, yesterday. troops quell the disastrous 2017 sioned by the US last year in four country. siege by hundreds of mostly local southern Muslim provinces that militants in southern Marawi city, showed which issues were where the commercial and res- helping spark extremism and idential centre remains in ruins radicalisation the most. Pakistan army rejects report on human rights abuse and off-limits to the public. The Philippines has been Despite the militants’ defeat, one of Washington’s strongest ANATOLIA Pakistan’s secret human rights story is exposed from the fact that coordinate and execute terrorists Philippine officials said surviving Asian allies in the fight against ISLAMABAD abuses” said that tens of contrary to published claim” Inter activities across the country. “On militants have continued efforts terrorism since September 11, thousand of people have been Services Public Relation (ISPR), the average six to eight terrorist to recruit new followers and plot 2001, terrorist attacks in the US. Pakistan army yesterday has killed during the war against media-wing of Pakistan army incidents per month were taking new attacks. Duterte, who has been a strongly reacted on a story terror and many of them were said in a statement. “The story is place across Pakistan targeting More than 1,100 militants vocal critic of US security pol- published by BBC on human murdered and tortured by sol- pack of lies and in violation of children, women, schools, were killed and hundreds of icies, said after taking office in rights violation in northwestern diers and insurgents. journalistic ethos.” churches and markets. People thousands of residents were dis- mid-2016 that he wanted US parts of the country and termed “The story carries conjec- The army spokesman said were being slaughtered in North placed in the five-month siege counterterrorism forces out of it “pack of lies”. turing implicating Pakistan Army that North Waziristan was Waziristan and terrorists were in the city, which renewed fears the southern Philippines while On Sunday, BBC published a without any proof. The angling, stronghold of the militants which playing football with heads of that the IS group was stepping he rebuilt frayed relations with story with titled “uncovering spinning and creditability of the they were used to plan, their victims”. up collaboration with local China. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019

Danube boat Trump renews attack on London mayor accident toll ANATOLIA was “very disappointed” by LONDON Trump’s attack on Sadiq Khan. reaches 11 Trump said Corbyn asked to US President Donald Trump meet himself today or tomorrow AFP yesterday renewed his attack on but “I said no”. BUDAPEST London Mayor Sadiq Khan, “I don’t like critics as much describing him “a negative as I respect people who get Hungarian police confirmed force”. things done,” he said, also yesterday the discovery of two In a news conference fol- describing Corbyn as a “negative more South Korean victims of lowing his meeting with British force.” a sightseeing vessel which sank Prime Minister Theresa May, A Labour statement later in Budapest last week, raising Trump said Khan should focus confirmed that Corbyn requested the toll to eleven tourists killed on dealing with the problems he a meeting with the US president with 17 still missing. faces instead of targeting a rep- to talk about issues including “A (male) body was found resentative of the US. climate issues, peace and in the window of the boat The visiting US president had immigration. wreck and brought to the tweeted as he was landing in the Corbyn boycotted a state surface,” said a statement by UK on Monday that Sadiq Khan banquet organised for Trump on Hungarian counterterror police was a “stone cold loser.” Monday night. TEK. A war of words between the Trump met May yesterday Later, police confirmed a duo had reached a new low yes- on his second day of a three-day- male body found in the Kulcs terday as Trump said that Sadiq long state visit to discuss future area some 70km south of Khan “who by all accounts has trade arrangements between the accident scene was also a done a terrible job as Mayor of two country and various security victim. London, has been foolishly issues. The Mermaid boat carrying “nasty” to the visiting President May started paying tribute to A pro-US President Donald Trump supporter is pushed by anti-Trump demonstrators during a rally, mainly South Korean tourists of the United States, by far the those who died in D-Day in the in London, yesterday. overturned and sank last most important ally of the United joint news conference held in the Wednesday seconds after col- Kingdom.” Foreign and Commonwealth nations working together to underlined the special bond would be good for the UK. liding with the Viking Sigyn “He is a stone cold loser who Office and underlined the special address Iran’s destabilising between the two countries and Tens of thousands people cruise ship on a busy stretch of should focus on crime in London, relationship between the UK and activity in the region and to the alliance cemented in D-Day protested the US president the river in the heart of the not me[…],” the US president said. the US. ensure Tehran cannot acquire a during the World War II. outside the government offices Hungarian capital. Meanwhile, Labour leader “I have always believed that nuclear weapon,” she added. Trying not to intervene with while he was holding a meeting Only seven of the 35 people Jeremy Corbyn, while addressing cooperation and compromise are The prime minister said she Britain’s domestic issues — as he with May. His motorcade on board have survived so far, anti-Trump protesters at the the basis of strong alliances, and also spoke with Trump “about has received criticism as he avoided Trafalgar Square and leaving 17 missing with the Parliament Square, said Trump’s nowhere is this more true than China, recognising its economic made statements in support of most of the Whitehall where prospect of finding any more policies on immigration, human in the special relationship,” May significance and that we cannot some Conservative party lead- large crowds filled before his passengers alive seen as prac- rights, trade and climate change said. ignore action that threatens our ership hopefuls including former visit to May due to top-level tically zero. Those missing were divisive. “Today we have discussed shared interests or values.” Foreign Secretary Boris Jonson security measures. include a six-year-old girl as The Labour leader said he again the importance of our two The visiting president also — Donald Trump said Brexit well as the Mermaid’s captain and a crew member. Divers and experts con- Cyprus police tinued yesterday to assess how Ukraine accuses Russia of failing to stop ‘terrorism’ to hoist the submerged boat find third suitcase from 9 metres under the surface AFP On Monday, Russia argued Hundreds of people have been BUK surface-to-air missile or search for bodies presumed with body inside THE HAGUE that Ukraine had failed to killed or wounded, thousands system used to shoot down the to be stuck inside. present any new evidence have been intimidated,” she flight, something Russia has According to the Hungarian AP Ukraine accused Russia against it and called on the court added. repeatedly denied. authorities the high water level NICOSIA yesterday of doing nothing to to dismiss the case. The destruction of flight On Monday, Russia argued — swollen by heavy rain in prevent what it called pro- Zerkal responded yesterday MH17 killed all 298 people on that the ICJ had no jurisdiction recent weeks — and speed of Divers have dragged a suitcase Moscow separatists’ “acts of by blaming Russia for failing to board the civilian airliner. in the case. the river current makes containing decomposing terrorism” in eastern Ukraine, prevent deadly violence in Ukraine launched the case Zerkal argued: “Russia entering the boat potentially human remains from a toxic including the 2014 downing of a Ukraine. against Russia in the year 2017 denies what the whole world lethal. lake, a Cyprus police Malaysia Airlines flight. “Did it stop the financing of under international laws on the knows. It is seeking to clear itself “The visibility is in effect spokesman said yesterday, the Ukraine’s deputy foreign terrorism in Ukraine? No. Did it financing of terrorism. of its responsibility.” zero, we don’t know how much third such discovery in the east minister Olena Zerkal made the help us find the authors of ter- It is seeking damages for Hearings in the case will the ship is damaged, and what Mediterranean island nation’s claim before judges at the Inter- rorist acts? No,” she said. attacks against civilians it says continue until Friday. traps may be inside,” said Hun- serial killer case. national Court of Justice in The “Result? Flight MH17 was the separatists have carried out The conflict in eastern garian interior minister Sandor Andreas Angelides said the Hague on the second day of shot down. There have been in eastern Ukraine, including the Ukraine started five years ago Pinter. “We don’t want more discovery is a “major devel- arguments in a case brought by bomb attacks, rockets have downing of flight MH17. and has so far claimed 13,000 deaths, so the goal is to safely opment” in the unfolding inves- Kiev against Moscow. fallen in residential districts. It says Moscow supplied the lives, according to UN lift the wreck.” tigation of a Cypriot army captain who has confessed to the killing of seven foreign women and girls. Prosecutor says secession bid Angelides said coroners examined the latest discovery in Catalonia was ‘coup d’etat’ at the scene while more spe- cialised tests will be carried out AFP “We’re not going after to determine the person’s MADRID political opinions,” he said. identity. “We proceeded with The defendants are on trial our search keeping two key Catalonia’s 2017 secession bid for “having tried to wipe out the factors in mind, the degree of was a “coup d’etat” aimed at Spanish constitution of 1978” by difficulty and the level of “wiping out the Spanish consti- using “violence when it was nec- danger involved.” tution,” a prosecutor said in his essary,” he added. This is the third suitcase closing statement at the trial of In a document published last containing a body retrieved 12 separatists in Madrid. week, prosecutors maintained the from the lake following a six- Javier Zaragoza told the charge of rebellion against the week search. Supreme Court this “coup d’etat” nine defendants, a controversial The 35 year-old suspect had was an attempt “to substitute a offence that implies “rising up in said that he disposed of the legal order by another via illegal a violent and public manner”. bodies of a Filipino woman and means”. They also confirmed they a Romanian mother and The Catalan separatist would be seeking the same sen- daughter in lake after placing leaders have been on trial since tences they had asked for before their bodies in suitcases. February 12 over their role in the trial started. The body in the latest find organising a referendum on Catalonia’s former vice- is believed to belong to Maricar secession, despite a court ban, president Oriol Junqueras risks Valtez Arquiola, 31, from the which was followed by a short- up to 25 years in jail, the heaviest Philippines. lived declaration of inde- sentence. The case came to light on pendence in October 2017. The Defence lawyers, however, April 14 when the bound body trial is due to end on June 12. maintain their clients never took of 38-year-old Mary Rose Nine of the 12 are in jail, con- up arms and waged no violence Tiburcio, also from Philippines, Preparing for D-day anniversary sidered “political prisoners” by during the secession bid. was discovered by chance supporters of independence in Those who did, they say, People sit in a jeep during the preparations for the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day down a flooded shaft near the the northeastern region — a were the police who tried to stop landings, on the beach of Arromanches-les-Bains, also known as Gold beach, in France, yesterday. toxic lake that was part of what claim categorically rejected by the illegal referendum from is now a disused copper mine. Zaragoza. going ahead on October 1, 2017. Blood tests recommended Italy’s Salvini warns of government crisis over Notre-Dame lead risk AP tinue working on the gov- fragile government pact a year agreement on launching large- ROME ernment program. ago. scale public works. But that was AP Salvini insisted he wanted Conte is a lawyer by training just one of the key economic PARIS Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister to move forward with the gov- and his skills as a mediator were measures the partners disagree Matteo Salvini warned ernment agenda, adding that widely touted when he was on. Paris’ regional health agency is recommending that children under seven yesterday that a government a breakthrough is needed tapped to head the coalition of Italy’s expensive budget and pregnant women who live near Notre Dame Cathedral take a blood crisis will be unavoidable if his soon. two unaligned populist parties. plans have already raised the test over concern the fire that ravaged the monument caused lead pollution. League party cannot start “If we realise that in 15 days’ His resignation would pave EU Commission’s worries and The April 15 blaze sent tonnes of toxic lead from the cathedral’s burnt- working constructively with the time we’re back here saying the the way to a government crisis, may lead to an excessive deficit out roof into the air, later sinking to the ground as dust. The agency said 5-Star Movement, its coalition same things, with the same leading the country to new elec- procedure as soon as this week, it has identified a child from the area with “a blood lead level above the partner, within two weeks. delays and the same postpone- tions, likely in the fall, just with Rome facing fines for up regulatory threshold.” Soil samples and some administrative buildings The warning came a day ments, then it would be a ahead of a critical budget law to 3.5 billion euros. nearby tested positive for high levels of lead. after Prime Minister Giuseppe problem,” Salvini said. that needs approval by the end The Commission warned The agency said yesterday however recent samples show there is “no Conte threatened to resign The right-wing League and of the year. that, rather than shrinking, risk linked to air quality.” Paris authorities have begun a cleanup of lead unless the two populist parties the anti-establishment 5-Star In a sign of peacemaking, Italy’s debt has been on the rise dust in the remaining cordoned-off parts of Notre Dame’s forecourt with in the coalition government set Movement have been fighting the uneasy coalition allies yes- this year and will continue to a vacuum-style machine. aside their differences and con- constantly since they sealed a terday managed to reach an expand next year. 13 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 US puts new restrictions on Cuba travel REUTERS The tightening of the decades-old US embargo HAVANA on the Caribbean’s largest island will further The Trump administration wound its crippled economy, as well as hurt yesterday imposed heavy new US travel companies that had built up business restrictions on US travel to Cuba, with Cuba during the brief 2014-2016 detente including a ban on cruises, in a between the old Cold War foes. further bid to pressure the island’s Communist government to reform and end its support for Venezuela’s embattled President of US President Donald Trump regime’s access to US dollars.” Nicolas Maduro. had announced the new restric- Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno The tightening of the tions in April as part of its Rodriguez denounced the move decades-old US embargo on the rollback of the US-Cuban detente as an attempt against interna- Caribbean’s largest island will of former President Barack tional law to asphyxiate the further wound its crippled Obama and its broader battle economy in order to extricate economy, as well as hurt US against socialism in Latin “political concessions.” “Once travel companies that had built America. Cuba experts say the again they will fail,” he said on up business with Cuba during the Trump administration appears Twitter. This is the second time brief 2014-2016 detente between to be partly eyeing the presi- the Trump administration has the old Cold War foes. dential elections next year, with tightened US travel restrictions The State Department said the key swing state of Florida on Cuba. While the measures are the United States will no longer home to many Cuban-American designed to hit government permit visits to Cuba via pas- exiles who welcome the harder coffers, they are also hurting senger and recreational vessels, line on Havana. Cuba’s fledgling private sector, Tourists ride inside a vintage car as they pass by the Norwegian Sky cruise ship, operated by Norwegian including cruise ships and yachts, “The Administration has which the United States has said Cruise Lines in Havana, Cuba. as well as private and corporate advanced the President’s Cuba it wants to support. aircraft. policy by ending ‘veiled tourism’ “This is another hard blow,” The country will also no to Cuba and imposing restric- said Miguel Ángel Morales, Cuba keep the economy afloat that will likely dampen future source of travellers to the island longer allow so-called group tions on vessels,” said a tweet owner of La Moneda Cubana, a even as it has faced declining foreign investment. after Canada, with a majority people-to-people educational from Trump’s national security restaurant in Old Havana. Venezuelan aid and exports in Meanwhile, US travel to Cuba arriving on cruises ships. travel, one of the most popular adviser John Bolton, who has led “Around 50 percent of our recent years. had boomed in recent years after According to the Cuban gov- exemptions to the overall ban on the US campaign against what business comes from the cruise Last month, the adminis- Obama loosened restrictions, ernment, 257,500 US citizens, US tourism to Cuba. Travel he has called the “troika of ships.” The Trump adminis- tration allowed US lawsuits allowing the re-establishment of not including those of Cuban experts said groups may instead tyranny” of Cuba, Venezuela and tration is hitting the two areas of against foreign companies for the regular commercial flights and origin, visited Cuba from January use one of the 11 other categories Nicaragua. “We will continue to the economy, tourism and use of property confiscated after cruise services. The United States through March, with 55% arriving still allowed. The administration take actions to restrict the Cuban investment, that have helped Cuba’s 1959 revolution, a move became the second-largest on cruise ships.

Peru Congress US, Mexico hold talks, Trump demands action debates ahead AFP officials and US trade represent- this week that Trump’s threat is WASHINGTON ative Robert Lighthizer, Foreign serious. US lawmakers including of confidence Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he Republicans have warned that Mexico made a last-ditch push predicted an “80 percent” the tariff plan could scuttle the vote on govt yesterday to avoid the punishing chance of success in negotiating massive free trade agreement import tariffs Donald Trump has a way out. being finalized between Mexico, REUTERS threatened to slap on his But after stepping up the the United States and Canada, LIMA southern neighbour, as the US pressure with a Monday tweet that is set to replace the long- president demanded it put an saying Mexico should “immedi- standing NAFTA. Peru’s Congress was headed end to a migrant “invasion.” ately” stop the flow of migrants The new deal, called USMCA, toward a confidence vote on the Mexico’s President Andres and drugs towards the southern is currently in the process of rat- government yesterday that was Manuel Lopez Obrador shrugged border, Trump doubled down ification by the legislatures of the summoned by President Martin off Trump’s combative rhetoric during his state visit to Britain. three countries. Vizcarra in a bid to pressure and said he was prepared to Even as Ebrard spoke of The Washington Post lawmakers to pass his anti-graft meet with the US president to hopes for reaching “common reported that US Republicans proposals. defuse the crisis. ground,” Trump bluntly told were discussing whether they Debates began yesterday, Top members of his team reporters in London it was “more would have to block Trump’s with a vote expected soon. If were gathered in Washington for likely” than not that the tariffs Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures during planned new tariffs, a move that Peru’s opposition-controlled talks with key administration go into effect next week. a news conference at the National Palace in Mexico City yesterday. would trigger the most dramatic Congress votes “no confidence,” officials in a bid to get Trump to “Mexico should step up and act of defiance from within the Vizcarra could invoke a consti- shelve his threat to impose stop this onslaught, this invasion In Mexico City, Lopez adding he preferred to let nego- president’s party since he took tutional measure that would punitive five percent duties on into our country,” Trump said at Obrador, who has sought to tiations run their course first. office in 2017. authorise him to dissolve Con- Mexican imports beginning June a joint press conference with avoid a confrontation, remained The US leader’s shock tariff Trump brushed aside the gress and call new legislative 10. outgoing British Prime Minister upbeat. announcement pummelled the threat, saying he did not believe elections. With pressure boiling, Theresa May. “It’s likely we will reach an Mexican currency and sent Republicans would follow “It is urgent to save our members of Trump’s Republican Trump has said the tariffs agreement, and we are going to markets in both countries tum- through. democracy from corruption. It party were reportedly consid- would rise steadily to 25 percent continue insisting that talks are bling over fears of a sharp “If they do, it’s foolish,” he is urgent to prevent people who ering a brazen legislative move by October if Mexico does not the way to go,” said the leftist slowdown in trade and high said. “There’s nothing more are guilty of criminal offenses to block the president’s tariffs, substantially stem the flow of leader, who took office in prices for imported goods on important than borders. I’ve had from representing us. It is something Trump himself undocumented migrants, mainly December. both sides of the border. tremendous Republican urgent to promote the strength- warned would be a “foolish” act. from Central American coun- Asked if he would meet Mexico has said the tariffs support.” But several of Trump’s ening of political parties,” Prime Speaking before a high- tries, arriving at the US southern Trump personally, he said, “If would be “counterproductive,” allies were insistent that Trump Minister Salvador Del Solar, a stakes meeting between Mexican border. necessary we would do it,” but the White House reiterated pull his tariff threat. Vizcarra ally, said at the start of the debate. Under Peru’s constitution, El Chapo’s request if Congress fails to grant a vote Deaths from falls among Biden unveils $1.7 of confidence in a government for better jail twice, the president can dis- older Americans rise conditions rejected solve Congress. The current trillion climate plan Congress has already issued a AP psychiatric medications that can vote of no-confidence once CHICAGO cause drowsiness and vision REUTERS REUTERS rivals and green activists who during this government — in problems has increased sub- NEW YORK WASHINGTON claimed he was not taking global 2017, when Vizcarra was vice- New research shows fatal falls stantially in recent years. warming seriously enough, and president. The heightened ten- have nearly tripled in older The new analysis included A US judge has rejected Joaquin Former Vice-President Joe Biden would rely too heavily on sions between Congress and the Americans in recent years, rising 16 years of US vital statistics data “El Chapo” Guzman’s request released a plan yesterday to Obama-era ideas. A campaign president have ushered in a to more than 25,000 deaths on adults aged 75. Fatal falls for better conditions at the address climate change that adviser said last month Biden new period of political uncer- yearly. increased from 8,600 in 2000 Manhattan jail where the would pour $1.7 trillion of was seeking a “middle ground” tainty in one of Latin America’s The findings highlight the to 25,190 in 2016. Separate CDC convicted Mexican drug lord investment into achieving 100% approach that he hoped would most stable economies. importance of fall prevention. A data show they climbed even awaits sentencing, after pros- clean energy and net-zero emis- please environmentalists Vizcarra’s threat triggered separate study bolsters evidence higher in 2017, to almost 26,440 ecutors said the request might sions by 2050, in part using without turning off the blue- immediate cries of “coup” from that programmes focusing on fatal falls in Americans aged 75 be part of an effort to escape. revenues from reversing Trump collar voters who swept Pres- allies of opposition lawmakers improving muscle strength and and older. The rate in the study US District Judge Brian administration corporate tax ident Donald Trump to power in and could stir some debate over balance can help achieve that more than doubled, from 51 fatal Cogan said he would not cuts. 2016.. “I’m calling for a Clean its legality, potentially dis- goal. Both studies were pub- falls per 100,000 people to 122 second-guess the “special The front-runner for the Energy Revolution to confront tracting the government from lished yesterday in the Journal falls per 100,000. The results administrative measures” that 2020 Democratic presidential this crisis and do what America efforts to mediate disputes over of the American Medical Asso- echo studies of fatal fall trends the US government imposed on nomination unveiled the plan does best - solve big problems mining and oil operations and ciation. Circumstances weren’t in the Netherlands and other Guzman, who had escaped after weeks of pressure from with big ideas,” Biden said. to pass a labor reform package. included in the data, but trau- European countries. Mexican custody twice before matic brain injuries and hip Weight-bearing exercise being extradited to the United fractures leading to steep health such as walking; balance exer- States in 2017. The Brooklyn declines are among causes of cises; and resistance exercises judge rejected changes, Virginia governor seeks new gun controls death in older adults who fall. to strengthen muscles can also including giving Guzman at “Deaths from falls may have reduce risks for falls, said Dr. least two hours of exercise on REUTERS proposed legislation. Northam said he wanted to ban assault- increased because older people Marco Pahor of the University the roof of the Metropolitan VIRGINIA has previously faced resistance style rifles, to require people to are living longer, living longer of Florida’s aging and geriatric Correctional Center, where from the legislature to increase report lost and stolen guns and independently, and are living research department, who wrote another inmate unsuccessfully Virginia’s Democratic governor, restrictions on guns. to expand local authority to reg- longer with chronic conditions,” an accompanying journal edi- attempted an escape in 1981. He Ralph Northam, called yesterday A Virginia Beach city ulate guns, including in gov- said Elizabeth Burns, a study co- torial. The programme studied also rejected Guzman’s for the state’s Republican- engineer shot dead 12 people at ernment buildings. author and health scientist at the in the second study involved argument that his confinement controlled legislature to a municipal building on Friday “None of these ideas are US Centers for Disease Control exercises three times a week at amounted to cruel and unusual reconvene in a special session in one of the deadliest workplace radical,” he told reporters. and Prevention’s injury center. home for a year, with five ses- punishment. “I agree with to consider new gun control laws shootings in the United States. Northam said earlier efforts She noted that some medi- sions led by a physical therapist. defendant that his conduct was following a massacre of 12 The gunman used two at passing similar legislation had cations also make older adults These include seated and and remains exemplary, but people last week. handguns, purchased legally, died in committees under prone to falls. That includes pre- standing leg lifts, knee bends that conduct is a direct conse- “I will be asking for votes that he reloaded with extended political pressure. He said he scription drugs affecting and backward walking, plus quence of the strict conditions and laws, not thoughts and ammunition magazines and had wanted the proposed legislation balance. Burns said research walking half an hour at least of confinement in which he prayers,” he said at a news con- a silencer on one of the weapons, to be put to the entire General shows their use of certain twice weekly. finds himself,” Cogan wrote. ference announcing his according to the police. Northam Assembly.