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Wednesday 24 July 2019 | 21 Dhul-Qa'da 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7962 | 2 Riyals

Amir greets H M Sultan Qaboos of Oman Qatar’s foreign policy stresses QNA/DOHA Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent stability and prosperity: GCO yesterday cables of congratulations to H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said of the Sultanate of Oman on the occasion of the anniversary of his accession to the throne. Amir congratulates UK PM-Designate I respect the credibility and opinions of @NYTimes Somalia Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad recognizes @ddknyt @ronenbergman. The statement QNA/DOHA Qatar’s statement which refutes a story by @nytimes shared on 9 July was not highlighted in the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H alleging complicity in Bosaso terror attack back in May, article. The individual mentioned does not Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Interior “Somalia is satisfied with Qatar’s statement” he confirmed represent the Gov in any capacity and will be Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent in an interview with journalist Harun Maruf @HarunMaruf held accountable for his comments. yesterday cables of congratulations to Boris Johnson on the occasion of his election as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, wishing him success in his duties. “Somalia is an acting on behalf of our gov- ernment. In Somalia, the UAE has important partner pursued a foreign policy that for the State of seeks to manipulate and control, Our foreignforeign policypolicy isis built on principles that QP signs pact to in exchange for financial aim for stability, prosperity & peace and are Qatar, but we support.” committed to support the people in this region, do not interfere “Khalifa Al Muhannadi is not, incl. Somalia, to reach their full potential, through enter 3 exploration in their internal and has never been, an advisor bilateral agreements, carried out with full of any sort to the government of transparency. affairs.” the State of Qatar. He does not blocks in Kenya represent the State of Qatar and he had no right to comment on QNA Affairs, President & CEO of Qatar THE PENINSULA/QNA behalf of the government. We DOHA Petroleum, H E Saad bin Sherida DOHA will be investigating this indi- Al Kaabi, said: “We are pleased vidual and he will be held @ddknyt @ronenber@ronenbergmangman lookinglook forward to Qatar Petroleum (QP) has to sign this agreement to partic- The Government Communica- responsible for his comments, our next meeting. @nytimes see you as usual entered into an agreement with ipate in exploring these frontier tions Office (GCO) of the State of which we reiterated do not rep- during UNGA where we’ll have more important Eni and Total to acquire a 25 offshore areas in Kenya and to Qatar said that the State of resent our principles.” matters to discuss & address.We are transparent percent participating interest further strengthen our presence Qatar’s foreign policy has always “Somalia is an important in our policies as you have witnessed during (13.75percent from Eni and 11.25 in Africa.” been one of creating stability and partner for the State of Qatar, the many roundtables you hosted us in New percent from Total) in blocks H E Al Kaabi added: “We prosperity and non-interference but we do not interfere in their York since 2014. L11A, L11B and L12 located hope that the exploration efforts in the internal affairs of internal affairs. Our rela- offshore Kenya. are successful, and we look sovereign countries, stressing tionship with Somalia is built The agreement is subject to forward to collaborating with that the Qatari national, whose on mutual respect and shared York Times and will not be taking represent the Gov in any capacity customary regulatory approvals our valuable partners Eni and comment the New York Times, interests. We hope for the best further action in this regard.” and will be held accountable for by the government of Kenya. Total, and the government of is not, and has never been, an for its government and its Sharing the statement of the his comments.” Following such approval, the Kenya in these blocks. I would advisor of any sort to the people. Our support to them GCO, Chairman of Qatar Media “Our foreign policy is built partners comprising the con- like to take this opportunity to government of the State of Qatar. will continue till stability is City and Director of Qatar’s GCO, on principles that aim for sta- sortium will consist of affiliates thank the Kenyan authorities In a statement issued yes- maintained.” H E Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed Al bility, prosperity & peace and of each of Eni (the operator) and our partners for their terday, the GCO said: “The State “The GCO requested the Thani, tweeted yesterday: “I are committed to support the with a 41.25 percent partici- ongoing and continued support.” of Qatar’s foreign policy has recordings from the New York respect the credibility and people in this region, incl. pating interest, Total with a The three offshore block always been one of creating sta- Times to support its investigation opinions of @NYTimes @ddknyt Somalia, to reach their full 33.75 percent participating (L11A, L11B and L12) are situated bility and prosperity — we do not into the allegations. Due to their @ronenbergman. The statement potential, through bilateral interest, and Qatar Petroleum in what is considered to be a meddle in the internal affairs of editorial policies, this request has shared on 9 July was not high- agreements, carried out with full with a 25 percent participating frontier and largely unexplored sovereign countries. not been granted. The GCO lighted in the article. The indi- transparency,” he said in interest. area in the Lamu basin east of "Anybody doing so is not respects the policies of the New vidual mentioned does not another tweet. Minister of State for Energy Kenya. `P2 Manpower agencies to recruit domestic workers through QVCs

THE PENINSULA Major Abdullah Al announced yesterday by the Visa collaboration with the Ministry recruitment agencies can com- DOHA Muhannadi, Director of Visa Support Services Department of of Administrative Development, plete the recruitment process and Support Services Department at the Ministry of Interior during a Labor and Social Affairs and the various steps through the QVC The Visa Support Services the General Directorate of Pass- seminar on the authorisation of attended by representatives of abroad including enrollment of Department of the Ministry of ports said: “This measure is a con- manpower agencies to bring in manpower companies and biometric data, contract singing Interior has launched a new tinuation of the project to com- domestic workers through QVCs agencies. and medical examination. service which allows Qatari plete work visa procedures for abroad. Authorisation can be done Major Al Mohannadi added citizens, residents and companies expatriate workforce in their own “The service allows Qatari cit- through Metrash2 and MoI that this service aims to guarantee to authorise manpower agencies home countries and in order to izens, residents and companies website electronically or at MoI the rights of applicants and to complete the recruitment simplify recruitment procedures to authorise manpower agencies Services Centres manually by ensure the ratification of their Boris Johnson procedures of domestic workers in general while protecting the to complete the recruitment pro- selecting one of the listed contracts by the competent through Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) rights of expatriates and ensure cedures of domestic workers recruitment office or agency in authority in the State of Qatar, in to replace May abroad. The service will begin by their safe and smooth entry into through Qatar Visa Centers some simple and quick steps, he addition to reducing the effort the mid of August 2019, after Eid Qatar.” abroad,” Al Muhannadi said. said. and time on both the applicant as British PM ` Al Adha holidays. The new service was The event was organised in After the authorisation, the and the expatriate. P3 REUTERS LONDON

85 farms taking part in Boris Johnson (pictured), the ebullient Brexiteer who has Local Dates Festival promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or SANAULLAH ATAULLAH a major programme of the Min- without a deal by October 31, will THE PENINSULA istry to provide platforms to replace Theresa May as prime local farms to market their minister after winning the lead- The Ministry of Municipality and produce so they could get ership of the Conservative Party Environment and Souq Waqif appropriate return for their yesterday. opened yesterday the 4th Fresh investments and hard work. His victory catapults the Local Dates Festival 2019 with “The Ministry of Munici- United Kingdom towards a Brexit the participation of 85 local pality and Environment has set showdown with the EU and farms in a large air-conditioned target to sell over 250 tonnes of towards a constitutional crisis at tent at Souq Waqif. fresh dates during the festival,” home, as British lawmakers have The most famous local fresh Adil Al Yafai, Deputy Director of vowed to bring down any gov- dates including Khalas and Agricultural Affairs Department, ernment that tries to leave the Khanizi were offered yesterday also Deputy Head of Organising bloc without a divorce deal. at very attractive prices QR10 Committee of the Festival, said. Johnson, the face of the 2016 per kg. The dates are showcased Al Yafai said that the Festival Brexit referendum, won the votes in special boxes of 1-2kg. is expected to attract more cus- of 92,153 members of the Con- The 12-day festival will be tomers compared to the pre- servative party, to 46,656 for his A display of fresh dates and flowers during the opening of 4th Fresh Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif, open from 4pm to 10pm until vious festival where 205 tonnes rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy yesterday. PIC:BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA August 3. The initiative is part of of fresh dates were sold. `P2 Hunt. `P11 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS Al Hammadi meets ministers of Romania, Nicaragua OFFICIAL NEWS FAJR 03. 31 AM SHOROOK 04. 57 AM Minister of Foreign Affairs receives ZUHR 11. 40 AM MAGHRIB 06. 26 PM phone call from ASR 03.02 PM ISHA 07. 56 PM French Minister DOHA: The Deputy Prime WEATHER TODAY Minister and Minister of For- eign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received yesterday a phone call from Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Jean- Yves Le Drian. During the phone call, they reviewed the bilateral coop- eration relations between the two countries, as well as issues of mutual inter- est. QNA General Command announces date of activation of maritime The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shooting range H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met yesterday with the Minister for Business Environment, Commerce and Entrepreneurship of Romania, Stefan-Radu Oprea; DOHA: The General Com- Minister of Communications and Information Society of mand of the Qatari Armed Romania, Alexandru Petrescu, and Romanian Secretary Forces announced that the of State for Global Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of maritime shooting range Foreign Affairs, Monica Dorina Gheorghita, during their (O.T.D - 28) will be effec- o o current visit to the country. Bilateral relations and issues tive during the period from 33 C 38 C of common concern were reviewed during the meeting. today to July 31, from 6 am to 12 noon, local time Minimum Maximum RIGHT: H E the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also met yesterday with the Minister of Health of in Doha. The General Com- Misty to foggy at places by early morning mand called on those who the Republic of Nicaragua, Sonia Castro Gonzalez, who is becomes relatively hot daytime with some frequent the area to take currently visiting the country. During the meeting, bilateral clouds at times, humid by night. precautions for their own relations and topics of mutual interest were reviewed.

HIGH TIDE 11:54 – 20:39 LOW TIDE 04:30 –15:16 safety. The maritime shoot- Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department ing range is located 40km east of Mesaieed at a 105 degrees east of Mesaied Local Dates Festival opens at Souq Waqif port near Fasht Al Hadid and extends all the way to the FROM PAGE 1 Over 205 tonnes of fresh 15,000 saplings of palm trees in a year. south of Shuraawa island. dates worth QR1.7m were Last year, we distributed 7,000 saplings QNA “The popular varieties of fresh local sold out during the festival to citizens and this year by December the dates including Khalas, Al Shishi, Al in 2018 which attracted number will be doubled,” said Al Khanizi, Al Barhi, Al Irqi, Al Silji, Al Saqai, Shammari QP signs pact to Nabt Saif, Al Lulu and Al Razizi will be about 54,000 visitors. Ali Over 205 tonnes of fresh dates worth offered during the festival,” said Al Yafai. Ahmad Al Kaabi, owner of a QR1.7m were sold out during the festival enter 3 exploration Director of Agricultural Research local farm ‘Global Farm for in 2018 which attracted about 54,000 vis- blocks in Kenya Department, Hamad Sakit Al Shammari, itors. Ali Ahmad Al Kaabi, owner of a local Agricultural Supplies’ who FROM PAGE 1 said that the increasing number of par- farm ‘Global Farm for Agricultural Sup- ticipating farms reflects the success of pre- is participating the Festival plies’ who is participating the Festival with The blocks have a total area vious editions, noting that the role of with large quantity of fresh large quantity of fresh dates lauded the of approximately 15,000 square department complement the role of the dates lauded the Ministry for Ministry for its initiatives to support the kilometers, with water depths agriculture sector in providing food local farmers. ranging from about 1000 security in the State and finding solutions its initiatives to support the He said the festival like other mar- meters to 3,000 meters. to the technical problems facing palm local farmers. keting platform will encourage local farms In line with its growth growing and date production. to increase their produce. “I am partici- strategy, this opportunity Adel Al Yafie, Assistant Director of He said that the Department is He said that the Department dis- pating in the festival with fresh dates strengthens Qatar Petroleum’s Agricultural Affairs Department, during working on a project to increase number tributed over 30,000 saplings of palm which were harvested from the palm trees position in the exploration of the opening of Qatar Dates Festival at of palm trees in the country by providing trees to citizens during past five years provided by the Ministry of Municipality frontier basins with significant Souq Waqif yesterday. best quality saplings of palm trees to since the beginning of the project. and Environment six years ago at nominal hydrocarbon resource potential. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA farmers. “The Department produces about prices,” said Al Kaabi. QP is an integrated national oil corporation responsible for the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry in the State of Qatar and beyond. Qatar safe from measles outbreak: Official Qatar Petroleum’s activities encompass the entire spectrum FAZEENA SALEEM measles vaccination for all Diseases Division, Medicine reaches a community in the US world experiencing sustained of the oil and gas value chain THE PENINSULA children in the country based on Department at Hamad General where groups of people are rises in cases. Current outbreaks locally, regionally, and interna- national immunization strategy,” Hospital unvaccinated,” said Dr Al include Congo, Ethiopia, Georgia, tionally, and include the explo- Qatar is safe from the growing she told The Peninsula. Regarding measles outbreak Maslamani. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mada- ration, production, processing, measles outbreak in the US and “We have only sporadic in the US there is an increase in According to the World gascar, Myanmar, Philippines, marketing and sales of oil and some other countries, according cases, around four cases, this numbers from January 1 to July Health Organization (WHO), Sudan, Thailand and Ukraine, gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), to a senior official. The disease year and most likely they were 18, a total of 1,148 individual measles cases have continued to causing many deaths – mostly natural gas liquids (NGL), gas to has been controlled in the imported from travellers coming cases of measles have been con- climb into 2019. Preliminary among young children. liquids (GTL) products, refined country as result of the strong to the country. So we recom- firmed in 30 states and this is global data shows that reported Over recent months, spikes products, petrochemicals, fer- national immunization mended implementing national most likely due to majority of cases rose by 300 percent in the in case numbers have also tilizers, steel and aluminum. programme, said Dr Muna Al children and adult vaccination people who got measles were first three months of 2019, com- occurred in countries with high Qatar Petroleum is com- Maslamani, Medical Director of schedule to protect community unvaccinated. pared to the same period in 2018. overall vaccination coverage, mitted to contributing to Communicable Disease Center. from serious diseases and also “Measles is still common in This follows consecutive including the US as well as building a better future by “In Qatar we don’t have prevent the spread of those dis- many parts of the world, trav- increases over the past two Thailand and Tunisia, as the meeting economic needs, pre- measles outbreak in 2019 eases to others,” said Dr Al ellers with measles continue to years. Many countries are in the disease has spread fast among serving the environment and because of the strict implemen- Maslamani, who is also the bring the disease into the US, midst of sizeable measles out- clusters of unvaccinated people, natural resources for future tation of recommended routine Assistant Head of Infectious measles can spread when it breaks, with all regions of the said a WHO report. generations. HBKU mentors undergraduate research scientists

THE PENINSULA pated in educational and team- Among the highlights of the QEERI’s Water Center, said, DOHA building activities including sem- internship program, according “This internship has been of inars and software training. to the students, was the oppor- immense value to me. In the Qatar Environment and Energy Dr Marc Vermeersch, exec- tunity to work in the exceptional labs, my mentors taught me the Research Institute (QEERI), part utive director, QEERI, said: “We facilities at QEERI and contribute actual process of desalination of Hamad Bin Khalifa University were delighted to have worked to multidisciplinary projects and treatment of brackish (HBKU), has concluded its inau- with a group of such capable and alongside QEERI scientists, water; and we also worked on gural Summer Undergraduate enthusiastic students over the which offered real insight into several software programs. I am Research Opportunity (SURO) summer. Education and capacity the world of research. thrilled to have had this oppor- internship programme, as part building fall within our core Mustajeb Rana, pursuing tunity to work alongside some of its student outreach initiative mission areas at QEERI, and we mechanical engineering at excellent scientists in world- for the year. recognize it is important to George Mason University in Vir- class laboratories.” Over the course of eight identify, teach, and nurture stu- ginia, United States, worked on The SURO program is in line weeks, local and international dents interested in science, a project related to Phasor with QEERI’s mission to inspire participants had the opportunity research, and technology. Measurement Units with the an interest in science and to develop their research and Through the SURO program, we energy management team at research among the youth. technical skills in a hands-on hope to help undergraduate stu- QEERI’s Energy Center. He said: QEERI provides opportunities for environment, under the men- dents identify academic “What I really enjoyed about students to be mentored by their torship of QEERI researchers and pathways to reaching their pro- interning at QEERI is the real- scientists throughout the year. Researchers examine a project during the recently concluded Summer scientists. In addition to con- fessional goals and ambitions in life experience of getting to For school students, QEERI pro- Undergraduate Research Opportunity internship programme by ducting research on ongoing these fields, and thereby con- work with highly-qualified sci- vides sustainability related activ- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute of HBKU. projects that address critical tribute toward developing the entists and engineers in these ities while a number of PhD stu- national priorities related to next generation of scientists to world-class facilities. All the sci- enthusiasm to help me learn and student from Inti International dents from across Qatar conduct water security, energy, and envi- help solve the critical challenges entists here are very accessible grow.” University, Malaysia, Asmaa research under the guidance of ronment, the students partici- facing Qatar and the region.” and showed their eagerness and A mechanical engineering Ashraf, who was placed at QEERI’s researchers. WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 HOME 03 Qatar takes part in meet to follow HIA witnesses Messages sent to ministers increase in of Costa Rica and Sri Lanka up political situation in Sudan operations

QNA peaceful resolution to Sudans importance for the Sudanese QNA / DOHA BRUSSELS current challenges. The partici- parties to ensure the proper pants affirmed their com- implementation and monitoring Hamad International Airport The State of Qatar took part in a mitment to support the civilian- of the transitional agreements (HIA) is witnessing an increase meeting chaired by the European led transition and look forward reached, stressing readiness to in operations in Q2 of 2019, as Union in Brussels for a broad to the swift establishment of support and to play a role in this it has reportedly served a total group of international partners transitional authorities with context. of 9,387,314 million passengers, to follow up the political situ- clear and transparent responsi- The meeting also underlined compared to 7,892,456 during ation in Sudan. bilities as well as a genuine that the formation of a civilian- the same period last year, an Special Envoy of the Minister ability to deliver on the aspira- led government and the prin- increase of 18.9 percent, of Foreign Affairs for Combating tions of the Sudanese people for ciple of progress on commit- according to statistics by Qatar Terrorism and Mediation in peace, stability and economic ments agreed by the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Dispute Resolution H E Dr. recovery. parties remain essential in facil- HIA handled 56,452 aircraft Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani They considered the political itating the provision of economic movements during the second headed the delegation of the declaration signed between the and technical support to Sudan. quarter of 2019, compared to State of Qatar to the meeting. parties on 17 July as a positive The group also shared a 53,517 movements during the The meeting was attended step, and underlined the impor- common commitment to follow same period last year, a rise of by representatives of several tance for the parties to sign a coordinated approach in order 5.5%. Cargo and Mail at HIA also countries friendly to Sudan as promptly the expected constitu- to ensure an effective and trans- increased by 0.3 percent, with well as representatives of the key tional declaration and to begin parent support to the transition 550,336 shipping movements international financial institu- its enormous task of delivering as well as full accountability recorded, compared to 548,917 tions. The meeting discussed the on the needed political and eco- towards the Sudanese shipping movements during the current efforts to support a nomic reforms. They noted the population. same period in 2018. Al Shamal Park only for women and children: MME

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Costa Rica, The Ministry of Munici- Manuel Ventura Robles, has received a written message from the pality and Environment represented by the Public Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Parks Department and Al Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, pertaining to bilateral relations Shamal Municipality has and means of supporting them. The message was handed over announced to dedicate Al by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Costa Rica, Mohammed Shamal Park to women; bin Kurdi Taleb Al Marri, during a meeting with Vice-Minister for and children below 12 years Foreign Affairs of Costa, Rica Lorena Aguilar Revelo, in San Jose. throughout the week. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic However, only children of Sri Lanka, Tilak Marapana, also received a written message from below 15 year are allowed H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E in the playground of Al Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on bilateral relations Shamal Park. The and means of boosting them. The message was handed over by announcement was made Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Sri Lanka, Rashid bin Shafea following the recommen- Al Marri, during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of dation made by the Central the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Tilak Marapana Municipal Council to Public in Colombo. Parks Department. Al Shamal Park Real estate trading QVCs to handle visa procedures volume reaches over for domestic workers QR1bn last week FROM PAGE 1 and evaluating them Mohammed Ali Al according to specific pro- THE PENINSULA sale included land space, Meer, Director of Labour fessional standards to DOHA housing, residential buildings Inspection Department of ensure the best and multi-use land space and a the Ministry of Adminis- recruitment mechanism. The volume of real estate multi-use building as well as trative Development, “This service facilitates the trading in the sales contracts at commercial building. Sales were Labor and Social Affairs recruitment of domestic the Ministry of Justice’s Real concentrated in the municipal- said that the Ministry of workers whereas Estate Registration Department ities of Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Administrative Devel- employment contract will during the period from July 14 Daayen, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, opment, Labor and Social be signed through Qatar to 18, 2019 stood at Al Khor and Al Dhakhira, as well Affairs is working on the Visa Centre in their own QR1,108,101,433. as the Municipality of Al Shamal. classification of country thus protecting The monthly real estate The volume of real estate The officials of the Visa Support Services Department of the Ministry of Interior recruitment agencies the workers’ rights”, Al analysis data showed that the trading during the period from announcing the details of the new visa service. operating in the country Meer said. list of real estate traded in the July 7 to 11 was QR961,411,614. SJC launches HMC surgeons perform complex brain surgery web portal The completion of the then to an MRI or angiography complicated surgery suite to determine whether a with new procedure was successful. is significant as it Having ready access to the services marks the first time highest quality imaging the operation has equipment during surgery QNA been performed on decreases the need for follow- DOHA up surgeries and lessens the a paediatric patient amount of time the patient is The Supreme Judiciary using Hamad General under anesthesia, which Council (SJC) launched its Hospital’s hybrid shortens the patient’s recovery e-services portal beta version, operating room. period and the overall time spent with a number of new and in the hospital,” said Dr Belkhair. advanced services. The launch “All of these steps were is within the framework of the saved by having the hybrid oper- THE PENINSULA Dr. Siraj Belkhair, Interim Head of digital transformation plan ating room. We were able to do DOHA the Neurosurgery Department at launched by the Council in line an angiogram while we were with the digital government Hamad General Hospital. resecting arteriovenous malfor- strategy. A team of surgeons at Hamad mation to make sure that we had The launch of the portal Medical Corporation’s (HMC) 2017 as a result of a congenital completed the re-sectioning of aims at activating the plan to Hamad General Hospital vascular condition in the brain the arteriovenous malformation. develop the judicial system performed a complex brain that is usually diagnosed after it The surgery was done in three The team of surgeons of Hamad General Hospital performing a that seeks to achieve justice, surgery on a ten-year-old girl causes bleeding or seizure. She hours and the child was dis- complex brain surgery on a ten-year-old girl from Bahrain, recently. which includes a number of from Bahrain, recently. was initially treated with charged home after two days. developmental initiatives The completion of the com- endovascular embolisation, Today she is a completely aimed at achieving the stra- plicated surgery is significant as which is a procedure that started to open again and it He said Hamad General Hos- healthy ten-year-old,” added Dr tegic objectives of the it marks the first time the oper- involves putting a catheter was determined there was a pital’s hybrid operating room, Belkhair. Supreme Judiciary Council. ation has been performed on a through the groin to reach the risk of re-bleeding in her which is the first of its kind in Since opening in December The e-portal is constantly paediatric patient using Hamad brain to inject a glue-like brain. We consulted with her Qatar and one of only a few in 2016, around 19 patients have under development and mod- General Hospital’s hybrid oper- material that will occlude parents and the decision was the region, puts diagnostic benefited from Hamad General ernization during the three- ating room. abnormal collections of blood made to remove the arteriov- imaging and radiology services Hospital’s hybrid operating month trial period during Dr. Siraj Belkhair, Interim vessels that causes bleeding,” enous malformation,” added next door to an operating room, room facility. Dr. Belkhair said which the services provided Head of the Neurosurgery said Dr. Belkhair. Dr. Belkhair. allowing multistage procedures the use of the hybrid operating will be assessed. Department at Hamad General “Interventionists from the Dr. Belkhair, who is also the that were previously performed room for pediatric patients is Through the portal, the SJC Hospital, said the hybrid oper- Endovascular Department Program Director of HMC’s Neu- in separate locations and at sep- significant as it means children provides a range of services ating room enables real-time injected glue material to close rosurgery Training Program, arate times to be completed in are spending less time under including receiving comments navigation and immediate eval- the arteriovenous malfor- said the patient had a condition one scheduled appointment time anesthesia and their exposure and suggestions that will con- uation of a procedure’s success, mation in her brain and to called cerebral arteriovenous and location. to radiation for treatments is tribute to the development of both of which improve patient prevent further brain bleeding, malformation (AVM), which “Traditionally, patients minimized, which all translates services and adding other care and health outcomes. but on follow-up angiogram, causes an abnormal connection undergoing this procedure are to safer care and a better expe- services to meet users “Our patient had experi- it was discovered that the arte- between the arteries and veins moved from the operating room rience for patients and their expectations. enced a brain bleed in November riovenous malformation had in the brain. to the intensive care unit and families. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 Sasol, S African Embassy celebrate Mandela Day THE PENINSULA DOHA “Mandela Day is an international day of honour celebrated in South Africa and around the Sharing the spirit of Nelson world. This historic day is a special date to Mandela by giving back to celebrate and cherish the incredible personality society through simple and meaningful acts of kindness, of Nelson Mandela who inspired millions of Sasol, the South African interna- people around the world and to reflect on his tional integrated chemicals and life and carry his legacy forward by working energy company, in cooperation as a united community,” said Faizel Moosa, with the Embassy of South Africa celebrated the Mandela Day at Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar. Sidra Medicine, a women and Faizel Moosa, Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar, shares a light moment with children and officials children hospital in Doha. including senior attending phy- The game was developed by during the activity organised to celebrate Mandela Day at Sidra Medicine. The team visited the pedi- sicians from the Endocrinology Sasol and QDA, to support atric endocrinology outpatient division. children and families living with ward at Sidra Medicine and dis- The Diabetes Activity Book, type 1 diabetes in Qatar and the day is a special date to celebrate come together. As a diabetes Mandela Day was launched tributed activity books and developed by Sasol and QDA, is region. It was designed to raise and cherish the incredible per- centre, we are ready to adopt the in 2009 to commemorate Nelson games to children with diabetes a fun-filled activity book packed awareness about healthy eating sonality of Nelson Mandela who initiatives that educate and Mandela’s birthday and his 67 in the presence of Faizel Moosa, with information and games that habits and food groups that inspired millions of people empower our children living years of public service. This day Ambassador of South Africa to test kids’ knowledge on diabetes, children and their families around the world and to reflect with diabetes while bringing calls members of civil society to Qatar; Jack Saba, General encourage them to embrace a should incorporate to their on his life and carry his legacy delight, joyful moments and spend at least 67 minutes during Manager of Public Affairs at healthy lifestyle and lifestyle. forward by working as a united beautiful experiences. This Dia- the month of July, a minute for Sasol; Dr. Abdulla Al Hamaq, behaviours. Commenting on the visit, community”. betes Activity Book which we tai- every year Mandela worked, Executive Director, Qatar Dia- The visit also included inter- Faizel Moosa, said, “Mandela Day Dr. Abdulla Al Hamaq, Exec- lored for the kids with type I dia- doing significant actions that will betes Association (QDA), a active games where children had is an international day of honour utive Director, QDA said: betes, will definitely have a sig- drive a positive global change, member of Qatar Foundation, fun with the ‘Health Park with celebrated in South Africa and “Mandela Day is a wonderful nificant impact on the kid’s impacting the world we live in and Sidra Medicine officials Salem and Sarah’ board game. around the world. This historic opportunity for organisations to health and lifestyle”. today. Dana Al Fardan’s musical to debut in Lebanon QC to provide 55,000

THE PENINSULA DOHA Qurbani cattle during

Broken Wings, a new major musical written Eid Al Adha campaign by acclaimed Qatari musician and composer Dana Al Fardan and Lebanese actor and THE PENINSULA be held in different malls, from composer Nadim Naaman based on the novel DOHA which more than 4,000 people by Kahlil Gibran, will mark its Middle East will benefit from it. Outside debut at the 35th Anniversary of the pres- Qatar Charity (QC) has Qatar, the campaign targets 29 tigious Beiteddine Festival from today until announced the launch of Eid Al countries in Asia, Africa, and Friday. Adha campaign, entitled Europe. It aims to provide more Based in Lebanon, the Beiteddine Fes- ‘Qurbani Gifts’, marking the start than 50,000 Qurbani cattle and tival, one of the leading arts festivals in the of the Eid Al Adha season. benefit about 964,000 people. Middle East, is home to both Gibran and The campaign aims to This year, QC will focus on Naaman and takes place within the grounds provide over 55,000 Qurbani countries going through hard of the magnificent 19th Century Beiteddine cattle (sheep and cows), in 30 times, targeting the distribution Palace, a hotspot for tourists in The Chouf countries throughout Asia, of over 3,000 Qurbani in Yemen. Mountains, less than an hour’s drive from Africa, and Europe and is Over 2,000 will be delivered to Beirut. expected to benefit more than Syrian refugees in Turkey, 875 The West End production, which itself is one million people. in Chad, as well as 1,750 in Pal- a piece of Gibran’s life, talks about love, The cast of the London production of Broken Wings which will mark its Middle East debut The campaign includes the estine and 475 in Iraq. family and duty in the 20th Century Lebanon. in Lebanon. distribution of Qurbani in Qatar Faisal Rashid Al Fehaida, The events in Broken Wings highlight key and abroad for those in coun- Assistant to the CEO Operations social issues of the time: the fight for gender Drawing on her cultural heritage, and co-writer. Broken Wings’ acclaimed West tries of asylum, the 10/10 cam- and International partnerships equality, tradition versus modernity, wealth influenced by a love of world music, Al End cast is led by Naaman as Gibran, Nikita paign, Eid clothes, and orphan’s Sector at QC, said: “Qatar Charity versus happiness, immigration and the Fardan’s work is Arab-influenced, contem- Johal (Spring Awakening) as Selma and Ben- gifts, inside and outside Qatar. attaches great importance to the importance of ‘home’; themes that are porary classical in style which she brings to jamin Purkiss (Bat Out of Hell) as Gibran’s QC has extended its sincere Qurbani project outside Qatar becoming increasingly relevant today, over the musical. teenage-self. The Cast is completed by Adam wishes to the people of Qatar because it brings joy to vul- a century later. “We have never stopped working to Linstead (Fiddler on The Roof) as Farris, and the Islamic Ummah on the nerable families, orphans, Al Fardan, who wrote the music and refine and improve this material. Now we Soophia Foroughi (Spamalot) as Mother, occasion of the auspicious Eid widows and those with special lyrics for the musical, said: “After the work are ready to take Broken Wings to the people Nadeem Crowe (School of Rock) as Karim, Al Adha, stressing the impor- needs on Eid day.” we have done in London, the show’s creative who care for Gibran more than anyone - the Karl Seth (Bend It Like Beckham) as Bishop tance of promoting charity and Al Fehaida said this year the home, it will be a huge moment for us, to Lebanese. I’m especially proud because of Bulos Galib, Sami Lamine (Laila: The Musical) advocating the rights of the less focus is on the categories of ref- take Gibran back to his homeland this my Lebanese heritage, and what this project as Mansour Bey Galib, Bethany Weaver privileged. The campaign in ugees whose circumstances summer, and to the people who know him means to fans of both Gibran and theatre in (Oklahoma!) as Leila, Robert Hannouch Qatar aims to distribute 5,500 have forced them to move away best.” the Middle East as a whole,” added Naaman, (Don’t Look Away) as Ensemble, Jake Stewart Qurbani cattle benefiting over from their home countries, such as Dance Captain/Ensemble and Hannah 65,000 people. The ‘Qurbani’ as Syrian refugees in Turkey, Qureshi as Ensemble. will be delivered to low-income Lebanon and elsewhere, Somalis Produced by Ali Matar (AM Management families, widows, orphans and in Dadaab camps in Kenya and and Productions), Broken Wings is directed their families, as well as foreign Rohingya in Bangladesh. To con- by Bronagh Lagan and features orchestra- farmworkers. The orphan’s gifts tribute to the ‘Qurbani Gifts’ tions and musical direction by Joe Davison. will also be distributed to 390 campaign, donors can reach QC Further exciting news follows as Katara children, while 600 people will via its website (QCH.QA/ADHA), Cultural Village partners up with the West benefit from the ‘Eid clothes’. the QC mobile app, SMS to End musical Broken Wings, and further infor- Alongside the ‘Qurbani Gifts’ 92652, hotline: 44667711, QC’s mation about the show in Doha is coming Campaign, several recreational stands in malls across Qatar, or soon. and educational activities will QC offices and branches. QRCS launches QR6m Adhahi project

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has announced the launch of an Adhahi Project for the year 1440 A.H., with the aim of facilitating the obser- vation of Islamic Udhiya sacrifice ritual. The theme of the project is ‘Udhiya Is the True Eid’. Under the QR6m project, sacri- ficial animals (Adhahi) will be dis- tributed in the form of food aid to a total of 184,000 beneficiaries in Qatar and 23 African and Asian countries. QRCS Secretary-General, Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, congratulated The volunteers of QRCS arranging food aid for distribution for people in Qatar the Qatari people and the Muslim and other Asian and African countries as part of its QR6m charity project. Nation for the approach of the Eid Al Adha. “For the second year in a row, QRCS launches the Adhahi Project. sheep within the legal and health reg- Ethiopia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, To make it easy for everyone to ulations. Then, QRCS’s personnel and Bangladesh, Yemen, Syria, Gaza, observe the ritual, we will undertake volunteers will distribute the meat Togo, Mali, Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, the whole process on behalf of the to the needy families registered with Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Sudan, participating public. All you have to social assistance programs. Burundi, Rwanda, Eritrea, and do is to choose your animal, specify At the same time, QRCS partners Ghana). To choose animal and pay where it will be used, and pay the with Islamic Relief and Munazzamat the price, people can go to QRCS’s price. After that, we will do every- Al Da’wa Al Islamiyya to distribute agents at malls and Al Meera stores, thing for you”. QR 5,586,500 worth of Adhahi food visit QRCS’s website (www.qrcs.org. In Qatar, Widam Food Co. will aid to 176,000 needy persons in 23 qa), contact the hotlines (66644822 provide and slaughter 800 heads of countries (Chad, Mawali, Somalia, – 66666364 – 16002). WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 HOME 05 QA is National Airline Partner of IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019

THE PENINSULA The competition will feature 3,500 elite IAAF Vice President and DOHA athletes and officials from 213 countries with Director General of IAAF World an estimated 10,000 international guests. Athletics Championships Doha Qatar Airways is set to bring the 2019, Dahlan Al Hamad, said: world of athletics together in Qatar Airways will provide sports fans across “Qatar is blessed with a central Doha after signing an agreement the globe with exclusive discounted airfares to location that makes the cham- to become the National Airline visit Qatar during the event to enjoy watching pionships easily accessible to Partner of the 17th IAAF World fans from all over the world. The Athletics Championships, which the world’s top athletes compete at the highest partnership with Qatar Airways takes place from September 27 level. will allow more fans to attend to October 6 at the air-condi- the elite athletics event and tioned Khalifa International exclusive discounted airfares to region’s biggest ever sporting cheer on their sporting heroes.” Stadium. visit Qatar during the event to event, especially as this will be “Fans are at the core of any To be held in the region for enjoy watching the world’s top the first time the championships major sporting event, and thanks the first time, the competition athletes compete at the highest are held in the Middle East. At to Qatar Airways’ impressive and Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar competes in the Men’s High Jump will feature 3,500 elite athletes level. Qatar Airways we believe in the ever-expanding list of destina- qualification at the Olympic Stadium on August 14, 2016 in Rio de and officials from 213 countries Qatar Airways Group Chief importance of sport as a means tions, this partnership means Janeiro, Brazil. with an estimated 10,000 inter- Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: of bringing people together. This more fans can be part of the IAAF national guests, making it the “Qatar Airways is delighted to be partnership will serve to further World Athletics Championship biggest sporting event the Middle the National Airline Partner of establish our commitment to Doha 2019,” added Al Hamad. packages to choose from and To enjoy Qatar Airways East has ever hosted. the IAAF World Athletics Cham- sports with other events in our Discover Qatar, provides enjoy the Championships with exclusive discount to attend the Qatar Airways will provide pionships Doha 2019. It is my home country such as the 2022 Qatar Airways’ passengers with ease at: https://www.discover- tournament, visit: https://www. sports fans across the globe with pleasure to see us support the FIFA World Cup.” a comprehensive range of travel qatar.qa/events/iaaf/ qatarairways.com//IAAF For Jooza Al Marri, librarianship is about empowering people THE PENINSULA with desire. I always wanted the them so they could learn about achievement and it’s an indi- DOHA library to be a more engaging our plans and how to register to cation of the impact we are place, and it occurred to me that access our digital resources.” making. This is confirmed by the Jooza Al Marri, a Qatari profes- I would need to be a librarian to Reflecting on her role as a comments we receive, the sional librarian, always had the make this change in my country,” professional Qatari librarian, emails, and positive feedback,” aim to make libraries more said Jooza. Jooza said, “The three aspects of said Jooza. engaging places. She works at Equipped with a master’s being a librarian that I love most “Libraries are not only an Qatar National Library as degree in librarianship, Jooza is how the staff here are serving environment for learning, but collection development joined Qatar National Library at the people. We empower them also for social networking; places manager. a nascent stage of its when we provide accurate infor- where you can enhance your At the Library, her efforts development. mation and references. We are skills through different programs have fallen on fertile ground, “I “I have worked for the not doing this for a profit. It is or initiatives. Qatar National am proud of being part of a team Library for almost eight years simply to serve the needs of all Library can be considered as a changing the library culture here now. One of our earliest achieve- the people living in Qatar and leading example in the country, in Qatar,” she said. ments, even before we had the enrich their leisure time.” fully implementing the highest “I began working at Edu- amazing building we are using “Before we opened to the library standards. I would advise cation City Central Library (as it today, was to focus our efforts public, I found myself wondering anyone from Qatar who is was then known) in 2011 after on outreach. We went out to whether these wonderful books deciding their future career path returning from the UK with my meet different institutions and we were purchasing were going to look to Qatar National Library. master’s degree in librarianship universities across Qatar to to meet the users’ expectations. I am very proud to be part of the from the University of Sheffield. promote the Library’s vision, the Now I’m proud to share with you team changing perceptions about At that time, the Library used to giving basic responses to satisfied with many of the library collections, services and the that since opening its doors, the libraries in Qatar, and I be seen in the traditional mold enquiries with little support or services. “We always hear of Digital Library we were starting Library has checked out more encourage our whole com- as a place for shelving books, encouragement.” librarians saying they didn’t plan to develop at that time. Soon eve- than a million books! Reaching munity, especially the youth, to transacting library patrons by Even as an undergraduate to become a librarian. However, ryone took a deep interest in our such a high circulation within be part of this change,” she checking out their books and student, Jooza was not fully for me I chose librarianship filled work, and asked our team to visit just over one year is a big added. Healthcare partners promote prevention and early detection of skin cancer THE PENINSULA/DOHA amongst the most common if you can spot it you can stop it!”. cancers in males and females The risk factors for skin The Ministry of Public Health respectively according to 2015 cancer include an excessive sun along with Hamad Medical Annual Report of the Qatar exposure which is harmful to the Corporation (HMC), Primary National Cancer Registry in skin. Health Care Corporation (PHCC) MOPH. The best way to protect and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), Catherine Gillespie, Director against melanoma is to avoid partnered once again to of the National Cancer Pro- getting too much sun. This does strengthen their existing efforts gramme, said, “As we move into not mean that you can’t ever go to raise awareness of skin cancer the summer months, the skin out in the sun again, it just means throughout the summer months cancer awareness activities serve that you need to be careful to starting June. as a good reminder of the steps avoid burning. You can do this by Skin cancer is the uncon- we can all take to reduce our risk covering yourself up, spending trolled growth of abnormal skin of developing this disease”. time in the shade and using sun cells. It occurs when unrepaired Dr Nazeeha Ahmed M. H. protection products. DNA damage to skin cells (most Alhayki, Chair, Skin Cancer The joint efforts of Qatar’s often caused by ultraviolet radi- Multidisciplinary Team, HMC said healthcare partners focus on ation from sunshine or tanning that prevention of melanoma and encouraging the public to limit beds) triggers mutations, or non-melanoma skin cancer needs their sun exposure between genetic defects, that lead the skin to begin in childhood by reducing 10am and 4pm; protect their skin cells to multiply rapidly and form sun exposure, tanning and the with clothing (including hats and malignant tumors. There are two regular use of sun block. Per- UV protective sunglasses); keep main kinds of skin cancer: forming a regular self-exami- babies and young children out melanoma and non-melanoma. nation can alert you to any of direct sunlight. These will In Qatar, non-melanoma skin changes in your skin and aids in reduce their risk factors and aid cancer is ranked 6th and 9th early detection of skin cancer; as in leading a healthier life. Ooredoo transforms Qatar’s businesses with Business Collaboration Solution THE PENINSULA/DOHA reliable, secure and can easily be customised and scaled up as business expands. Ooredoo, the region’s leading enabler of digital Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating business innovation, announced yesterday it is Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Ooredoo is Qatar’s seeing strong success on transforming business only service provider that can deliver end-to-end collaboration with the most advanced unified unified communication solutions to business cus- communications solutions. tomers. We are seeing strong success on our Qatar organisations are rapidly adopting Oore- Business Collaboration Solution, helping our cus- doo’s Business Collaboration Solution instead of tomers to become more efficient and to optimise sourcing their communication services from mul- their monthly costs, and fostering their employees tiple providers. As a result, they can benefit from to be more productive and innovative.” an all-in-one solution offering IP Telephony at the Business Collaboration Solution, is a cloud office, collaboration applications and devices, and unified communications service based on Cisco’s a host of features that can boost productivity. With Collaboration platform and hosted in Ooredoo this solution, collaboration and communication Qatar’s Data Centre. For customers requiring to can also happen anytime, anywhere through have the unified communication infrastructure unique mobility features, such as audio-video con- hosted in their premises, Ooredoo is also offering ferencing from smartphones and having the fully managed On-Premise Unified Communication business landline number linked to the mobile, and Collaboration solutions. Ooredoo’s hosted and which enables employees to make and receive on-premises unified communication solutions come calls on the go as if they were in the office. with Service Level guarantees. Ooredoo also offers Meeting Qatar’s business needs, Ooredoo pro- convenient monthly billing options under its Lease- vides organisations with industry-leading unified to-Buy Programme for buying any hardware required communication solutions, which are easy-to-use, for these solutions including devices. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019

Seven civilians UK gets European dead in regime support for Hormuz strikes in Syria AGENCIES/BEIRUT

naval mission Regime bombardment on northwestern Syria killed at REUTERS/BRUSSELS The backing at a meeting least seven civilians including of EU envoys in Brussels children yesterday, a monitor France, Italy and Denmark gave contrasts sharply with the said, a day after dozens were initial support for a British plan for a lukewarm response shown killed in raids targeting the European-led naval mission to ensure by European allies to a opposition bastion. safe shipping through the Strait of similar American call first The Syrian regime and its Hormuz, three senior EU diplomats Russian ally have stepped up voiced at Nato in late June, said yesterday after Iran’s seizure of their deadly bombardment of a British-flagged tanker. when countries feared the Idlib region and adjacent The backing at a meeting of EU they could make US-Iranian areas in Aleppo and Hama envoys in Brussels contrasts sharply tensions worse. provinces since late April. with the lukewarm response shown Three children were by European allies to a similar British foreign ministry and among seven civilians killed American call first voiced at Nato in defence officials have also discussed in Tuesday’s air strikes and Smoke rises following airstrikes towards residential areas in Idlib’s Maaret Al Numan town, late June, when countries feared they a possible mission, which would artillery fire in Aleppo and yesterday. could make US-Iranian tensions likely involve not just ships but air- Idlib provinces, the Britain- worse. craft too, directly with their Italian, based Syrian Observatory for than 700 civilians, including almost three months ago,” he Jordanian cooperation. “Britain’s request, rather than Spanish, French and German Human Rights said. more than 170 children, said in a Monday statement. Minister of Foreign Affairs Washington’s, makes it easier for counterparts. It came a day after regime according to the Observatory. Syria’s war has killed and Expatriates Ayman Safadi Europeans to rally round this,” one A senior German diplomat in and Russian air strikes killed More than 330,000 people more than 370,000 people and his Turkish counterpart senior EU diplomat said. “Freedom Berlin said Foreign Minister Heiko 50 people in northwestern have fled violence in the area and displaced millions since Mevlut Cavusoglu also of navigation is essential, this is sep- Maas was in close contact with his Syria. Thirty-eight of them over the past three months, it started in 2011 with a brutal reviewed the latest regional arate from the US campaign of British and French counterparts, Hunt perished in raids on a vege- according to the United crackdown on anti-gov- developments, foremost of maximum pressure on Iran.” and Jean-Yves Le Drian, to “con- table market and surrounding Nations. ernment protests. which is the Palestinian issue Britain tested the idea to senior tribute to the security” of the Gulf areas in the town of Maaret Al Mark Cutts, UN deputy Meanwhile, Jordan and which both ministers empha- EU diplomats at a meeting in Brussels, including on maritime security. Numan in Idlib province. regional humanitarian coor- Turkey yesterday pledged to sized as the Arab and Muslim saying it would not involve the The Netherlands is also assessing The rebel-run Idlib region dinator for the Syria crisis, deepen bilateral ties and coor- worlds’ top priority. They European Union, Nato or the United the British proposal. They aim to have is home to some three million described a worsening dination on a number of stressed that the two-state States directly, the diplomats said. It further meetings with Madrid and people and is supposed to be “nightmare” unfolding in Idlib. Middle East issues. The solution is the only to resolve was the first formal European Stockholm, the diplomats said, while protected by a months-old “Today saw one of the foreign ministers of both the Palestinian-Israeli conflict meeting since British foreign min- at the EU meeting in Brussels, international truce deal. deadliest attacks on civilian countries held talks in and bring about regional sta- ister Jeremy Hunt outlined the plans Sweden, Poland and Germany also The spike in violence areas that we have seen since Amman focusing on steps bility, Jordan News Agency to parliament on Monday. showed interest. since late April has killed more the upsurge in fighting began needed to expand Turkish- (Petra) reported.

General: US may have brought down Former Israeli PM apologises for deaths of Arab protesters second Iranian AP stones thrown at his car. JERUSALEM Hummus, in the south east of Jerusalem,” they Barak was responding to an drone last week Britain, Germany condemn said. “In all but the most exceptional of circum- op-ed written by Esawi Frej, an Former Israeli Prime Minister demolition of Palestinian homes stances, demolition in occupied territories is con- Arab parliament member from REUTERS Ehud Barak apologised yesterday trary to International Humanitarian Law and to the left-wing Meretz party, who WASHINGTON for the killing of 13 Arab AFP/LONDON UNSC resolutions,” the statement added. called on him to apologize for the protesters by Israeli police in The EU countries said demolitions cause October 2000 killings. Frej’s A US Navy ship may have 2000. Britain and Germany added their voices to “unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians party Meretz, which earned brought down a second Iranian Ehud Barak’s statements on growing international condemnation of Israel and is harmful to the peace process.” crucial support from Arab voters drone in the Strait of Hormuz Israeli public radio addressed a yesterday over the demolition of Palestinian Israel said that a total of 12 Palestinian in April’s election, is viewed as a last week, the head of US point of friction between him homes near Jerusalem, saying the destruction buildings it considered illegally constructed were possible electoral partner for Central Command said and Israel’s Arab minority. The was “particularly egregious”. demolished in Monday’s controversial operation. Barak. Both parties are consist- yesterday. comments were made as Barak The five European Union members of the UN But the five EU countries —plus Estonia which is ently hovering around the elec- The United States said on tries to make a political Security Council, which also include France, a forthcoming EU member of the Security Council toral threshold needed to enter Thursday that a Navy ship had comeback that appears to largely Belgium and Poland, released a statement fol- —described the demolitions as “particularly egre- parliament in polls for upcoming “destroyed” an Iranian drone hinge on uniting liberal parties, lowing a council meeting on the Middle East. gious.” They noted that several of the buildings September elections. in the Strait of Hormuz after the some of whom depend on Arab “We as member states of the European Union were located in areas meant to be under Pales- Ahmad Tibi, a veteran Arab aircraft threatened the vessel, voters. strongly condemn the demolition by Israel of Pal- tinian Authority civilian control under the Oslo lawmaker, said Tuesday on but Iran said it had no infor- “There is no place for pro- estinian buildings in the district of Wadi al accords of the 1990s. Israeli TV “those who apologize mation about losing a drone. testers to be killed by their coun- are preferred to those who do “We are confident we try’s security forces,” said Barak, not, but it is hard to shake off the brought down one drone, we the leader of the newly formed over several days in solidarity uprising. The protesters blocked minister at the time. impression that this is an elec- may have brought down a Democratic Israel party. In early with Palestinians in the West roads and hurled firebombs and A total of 13 Arab protesters toral apology that is related to second,” General Kenneth October 2000, Arab citizens of Bank and Gaza Strip at the outset stones at police, who responded were killed, along with a Jewish the elections and him (Barak) McKenzie told CBS News in an Israel staged a series of protests of the second Palestinian with live fire. Barak was prime Israeli civilian who was killed by wanting to merge with Meretz.” interview. A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the Hamas delegation meets with warship Boxer may have brought down a second drone Iranian officials in Tehran last week, though they were still working to confirm it. ANATOLIA TEHRAN Tensions in the Gulf region are high, with fears that the A senior delegation from Palestine’s Islamic Resistance Movement United States and Iran could (Hamas) held talks with advisor of Iran’s supreme leader and the stumble into war. The United head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to States has blamed Iran for a Iranian local media reports. series of attacks since mid-May During a meeting with Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas deputy leader, on shipping around the Strait Iran’s Supreme National Security Council President Ali Shamkhani of Hormuz, the world’s most described the U.S. Mideast compromise plan dubbed the Deal of important oil artery. the Century as “a failed plan” ruling out that it can come true, Iran’s Tehran rejects the allega- state-run Irna news agency reported. tions. Iran in June shot down a Shamkhani also referred to some Arab states, which he did not US military surveillance drone name, saying they have tried to divide the Palestinian resistance in the Gulf with a surface-to- movement as well as Palestine’s main supporters. air missile. Iran says the drone “But it turned out that their rulers are in contact with the Zionist was in its airspace, but Wash- enemy, and are receiving the Israeli military advisors for killing ington says it was in interna- Muslims,” he added. For his part, Iran’s advisor to the Supreme Tunisian military officers inspecting a Libyan L-39 Albatros warplane belonging to forces of Khalifa tional skies. Leader in International Affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati, said the ‘’Deal Haftar, after it made an emergency landing in the southeastern town of Medenine, about 120km of the Century” has not been formed yet, expecting its failure. away from the Tunisian-Libyan border, yesterday. 12 dead in rebel “Your last day’s talks with the Supreme Leader were very stra- tegic and important, and a milestone in the relations between Iran attacks in Congo’s and Palestine, and the relationship of the Republic Islamic of Iran Ebola outbreak region Tunisian army defuses bombs with the Palestinian people is a deep-rooted, and deep-seated that is getting stronger every day,” he was quoted by Irna as telling the AP/BENI, CONGO from Haftar’s warplane Hamas delegation in reference to Monday’s talks with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A local official says rebels have AFP/TUNIS to a statement from a parallel its embassy in Tunis to discuss killed a dozen people in an area administration based in eastern the fate of the plane. Houthis claim drone attack on Saudi airbase of eastern Congo where an The Tunisian army has defused Libya, backed by Haftar. The rival administration in Ebola virus outbreak has bombs carried by a Libyan A photographer at the scene eastern Libya has meanwhile ANATOLIA/SANA’A persisted for nearly a year. warplane that made an emer- on Monday had said the plane said it is in contact with Tunis to The administrator for the gency landing in Tunisia the day was transporting two bombs. ensure the safe return of the air- Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed a drone attack on the King Khalid Beni territory, Kasereka before, the defence ministry said. The defence ministry said craft and its pilot. airbase in southern Saudi Arabia yesterday. Kibwana Donat, confirmed on The aircraft belonged to the forces the jet has since been taken from “The question of which In a statement, rebel spokesman Yahya Sarei said the attack Tuesday that the rebels had of commander Khalifa Haftar, its landing site near Medenine entity this plane should be targeted radars and military sites at the base in the city of Khamis killed nine people in Oicha and who controls the east of Libya and city, some 100km from the returned to will be at the centre Mushait. “The attack was in response to Saudi-led coalition raids three others in Eringeti in over- much of the country’s south. Libyan border, to a Tunisian of the question of restitution”, in the past 24 hours,” he said. night attacks. Haftar’s self-styled Libyan storage facility. The warplane’s said Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, an The Saudi-led coalition, meanwhile, said it had shot down drones Hundreds of people in the National Army launched an pilot, a colonel who was the sole expert on international law. fired from Yemen toward the southwestern Asir region. Beni area have been killed in offensive in April to try to seize person on board according to the “Tunisia, if it has maintained “Coalition forces intercepted unmanned aircraft launched by rebel attacks in recent years, Tripoli from the UN-recognised ministry, is being questioned by a neutral position towards the the Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militia,” coalition spokesman Turki angering a population that asks Government of National Accord Tunisian security forces. conflict in Libya, is particularly Al Malki said in a statement. He described the Houthi attacks as “a why authorities in the faraway (GNA). The jet made an emer- The GNA foreign ministry keen to respect the status of the brazen violation of international humanitarian law”. capital of Kinshasa have not gency landing after it “suffered said on Facebook that a “liaison GNA recognised by international In recent months, Houthi rebels have claimed several drone done more to protect them. a technical problem”, according commission” had been set up by institutions”, he added. attacks on Saudi airports near the country’s border with Yemen. WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 ASIA 07 Karnataka: JD-Congress government loses trust vote, BJP to stake claim IANS “The Chief Minister Kumaraswamy has lost the BENGALURU floor test, as 99 votes were in favour of the Beleaguered Karnataka Chief confidence motion and 105 against it,” Assembly Minister H D Kumaraswamy Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar told the members of yesterday lost the trust vote in the ther House after the trust vote. Assembly by 6 votes in the floor test held after a four-day long meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala, now,” the Speaker said in marathon debate on the confi- state BJP leader R Ashoka said. Kannada. In the division of votes, dence motion he moved on July 18. Governor Vala on Tuesday 99 were for the motion and 105 “Chief Minister Kumar- accepted the resignation of against it. aswamy has lost the floor test, as Kumaraswamy as the Chief Min- Of the 20 legislators who 99 votes were in favour of the ister of the 14-month-old JD(S)- were absent from the floor test, confidence motion and 105 Congress coalition government 15 were rebels of the Congress- against it,” Assembly Speaker K.R. and asked him to continue as the Janata Dal (Secular) coalition, two Ramesh Kumar told the members caretaker CM till alternative Congress members who are Chief Minister of Karnataka and Senior Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy addressing of ther House after the trust vote. arrangements were made. admitted to the hospitals in Ben- the state legislative assembly session before the trust vote, in Bengaluru, yesterday. Of the 225-member Kar- “Kumaraswamy moved the galuru and Mumbai, two Inde- nataka Assembly, 20 legislators motion for trust vote. As per the pendents and one BSP member. were absent for the floor test, procedure, voice vote was con- The political crisis gripped the reducing the House strength to ducted first, followed by division fledgling government in the state 204 with 103 as the halfway mark of voters after opposition leader after 13 Congress and 3 JD-S Congress leaders taunt BJP over for simple majority. The Bharatiya B S Yeddyurappa of the BJP rebels resigned between July 1 Janata Party (BJP) will stake claim pressed for division. I will vote and July 10 in protest against horse-trading in Karnataka to form the next government in only if there is a tie. To save the decisive leadership and lack of Karnataka on Wednesday after dignity of the chair, I will not vote development across the southern IANS Venugopal said in a statement. Maharashtra and Central BJP state. Senior Congress lawmaker NEW DELHI Venugopal, who is also the leadership.” and former minister R. Ramalinga in-charge of Karnataka and had He alleged that the BJP Mayawati suspends lone Reddy, however, withdrew his As the Congress-Janata Dal- been camping in Bengaluru carried out this political drama resignation and voted in favour Secular government in since the 17 MLAs of the Con- by offering huge amounts of BSP MLA for indiscipline of the motion on Tuesday. Karnataka lost its trust vote gress and the JD-S resigned, said black money and ministerial IANS/LUCKNOW Though the BJP sought yesterday, the Congress accused the “sabotage of a duly elected berths to MLAs to defect, as well Kumaraswamy’s resignation for the Centre, the BJP’s central government in Karnataka as “misusing central agencies Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati suspended the party’s lone losing majority in the Assembly leadership, the Karnataka carried out by the BJP is one of like Enforcement Directorate Karnataka MLA for indiscipline as he did not participate in the crucial after the rebels refused to Governor and the Maharashtra the most heinous and subversive and Income Tax for black trust vote in the state Assembly despite having clear instructions to withdraw their resignations and government of acting together instances of blatant political mailing and coercing MLAs”. vote in favour of the H D Kumaraswamy government. “BSP MLA N. two Independents, who were min- to enable the coalition’s fall. horse-trading the country has Senior Congress leader and Mahesh, who was instructed to vote in favour of the Kumaraswamy isters in his 34-member cabinet, “Political morality and basic ever witnessed”. former Union Minister Shashi government in Karnataka remained absent from the House during withdrew support, a defiant out- democratic values got defeated “The coalition government Tharoor took a swipe at the BJP the trust vote which is a clear case of indiscipline and the party going CM moved the confidence by the unscrupulous political was brought down by the over the horse-trading saying has taken it seriously. And thus Mahesh has been suspended from motion to prove majority in the horse-trading of the BJP in Kar- nefarious joint efforts of the the party that banned cattle the party with immediate effect,” Mayawati tweeted. hope that the rebels will return to nataka,” Congress General Sec- Central government, the Gov- auctions had conducted one the coalition fold. retary, Organisation, K C ernor, the state government of successfully in Karnataka. Opposition uproar in Parliament; govt denies Trump claim

REUTERS & IANS Jaishankar (pictured), who was part of had requested him to mediate on over trade. Jaishankar said there could NEW DELHI the Indian delegation at the G20 meeting Kashmir,” said Congress leader Anand be no third-party involvement in India’s where Trump and Modi met, told agi- Sharma. Meanwhile, the matter was problems with Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tated lawmakers that Modi did not seek raised in the Lok Sabha by Congress floor “I also reiterate that it has been never asked US President Donald Trump any help from Trump over Kashmir. leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury followed India’s position that all outstanding to help mediate with Pakistan in their “The US president made certain by slogans by other opposition members. issues are discussed only bilaterally. I dispute over the Kashmir region, the remarks to the effect he was ready to Chowdhury said, “India has bowed before further underline any engagement with government said yesterday, after Trump’s mediate if requested by India and the US. We are not weak. The PM must Pakistan would require an end to cross- comments set off a storm of criticism. Pakistan. I categorically assure the house reply.” Pakistan has long pressed for the border terrorism.” In Washington, offi- Trump told reporters on Monday that no such request has been made by implementation of decades-old UN res- cials played down the prospect of an that Modi had asked him during a the prime minister, I repeat, no such olutions calling for a ballot for the region active US role in mediating on Kashmir. meeting in Japan last month if he would request was made,” he told parliament. to decide its future. India says the United Soon after Trump’s remarks, the US like to be a mediator on Kashmir. The The matter was raised in both the Nations has no role in Kashmir, where State Department said in a post on territory is at the heart of decades of Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya separatists have been battling Indian Twitter that it supported any dialogue hostility between India and Pakistan. Sabha (Upper House) when the Houses forces for years. Trump’s comments between India and Pakistan but that Trump was speaking at the White assembled for the day. The opposition Birla after Question Hour. risked further straining political ties with Kashmir was a matter for the two House just before holding talks with Paki- demanded a clarification from the Prime The Congress and the Communist India, which are already under pressure countries. stani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan Minister but the government chose min- Party of India (CPI) reacted sharply welcomed the US effort to intercede, ister Jaishankar to reply. This led to an to the US President’s claim, saying he would carry the hopes of more uproar in both the Houses - the Rajya demanding an explanation from the than a billion people in the region. Sabha faced an adjournment and in the Prime Minister on the issue in the But the comments triggered a Lok Sabha all the opposition parties Upper House. “The entire country political storm in India, which has long walked out. was shocked last night to hear US bristled at any suggestion of third-party The minister read out his statement President Donald Trump tell Pakistan involvement in tackling Kashmir, that first in the Rajya Sabha and then in the Prime Minister Imran Khan that, at it considers an integral part of the Lok Sabha where the matter was the G20 Summit held recently in country.Foreign Minister Subrahmanyan allowed to be raised by Speaker Om Osaka, the Prime Minister of India

India moves to overhaul labour laws in bid to boost job creation

REUTERS/NEW DELHI

India moved yesterday to overhaul decades-old labour laws, some dating from British colonial rule, by introducing two key measures in parliament that aim to make it easier for industry to meet labour standards and create more jobs. Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar introduced the bills, cov- ering safety, working conditions and wages, in the lower house of par- Kargil anniversary liament, saying they would promote the ease of living and doing business. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) soldiers paying homage to slain soldiers who “A historical step for ensuring stat- lost their lives in Kargil War, at ITBP headquarters in Amritsar, yesterday. utory protection for minimum wages and timely payment of wages to 500 million workers... has been taken,” Gangwar said as he sought Air Canada to resume India flights lawmakers’ support. REUTERS/NEW DELHI controlled Kashmir led to clashes The Code on Wages is the first between the nuclear-armed powers. Air of four proposed labour bills long Air Canada yesterday said it would Canada had suspended flights to India envisaged to replace 44 archaic resume its flights to India, a week after in February, as the airspace closure labour laws. It aims to set Pakistan reopened its airspace for inter- forced long detours that cost airlines standards of minimum wages national civil aviation. The country had millions of dollars. The airline said it across industry, including small closed its airspace after an attack by a would resume its daily, non-stop businesses, which employ nearly Pakistan-based militant group in Indian- Toronto-Delhi flights on October 1. 90% of India’s work force. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 What to expect from Prime ESTABLISHED IN 1996 Minister Boris Johnson? CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] NICK DEARDEN AL JAZEERA ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] oday, Boris Johnson will become Britain’s Prime Minister. It is a moment which has loomed for DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Tyears, which Brexit made all but MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI inevitable. Yet it still feels somehow [email protected] unreal, impossible. What is the reality of this decisive moment? Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson is British establishment through and through. As an historian and journalist, Supporters of Boris Johnson in London. he models himself on the populist politi- cians of the late Roman Republic. He is a EDITORIAL patrician who, in his unquenchable what Boris Johnson will actually do. But interests” of Britain. thirst for the highest office, distracts, we have glimpses. He is seen as the Unlike Trump, Johnson isn’t a entertains and whips up the plebs by great Brexiteer, which is why he has climate change denier, but nonetheless, feigning ignorance and breaking the been elected by an increasingly extreme the UK’s former special representative Qatar stands with Palestinians political rules. Conservative Party base. He has for climate change, David King, Johnson made his reputation as a promised to leave the EU on October 31 expressed alarm at a Johnson gov- s part of its policy of extending its geographical journalist whose distortions and mis- come hell or high water, even if that ernment because of his record in mar- reach, Israel is once again employing the tactics truths shaped the British right-wing atti- means leaving with no deal. Even if it ginalising the issue as foreign secretary. Aof demolition of Palestinian homes by force, giving tudes towards Europe in the 1990s. Last means taking the extraordinary step, He has pledged to cut taxes on the lame excuses. Israeli forces demolished scores of apart- week he was at it again, waving around without precedent, of suspending par- highest earners. And he wants to ments that belonged to Palestinians on the outskirts of a fish that symbolised the great injus- liament and acting by decree. introduce the Australian points-system Jerusalem on Monday in the face of protests from the tices of EU regulations. It was later He is desperate for a closer rela- on migrants, ensuring Britain only helpless Palestinian people. pointed out that said regulation had tionship with the US. He says he wants creams off the most brilliant and useful The State of Qatar was the first country to denounce actually been introduced, as so often, by to meet Trump as a priority and talk migrants for big business based here. the heinous crime committed by the Zionists in the town Britain. But that doesn’t bother Johnson. trade. Only last week we got another Will any of this come to pass? It is of Sur Baher, southeast of the occupied Jerusalem. The The distortion is more interesting than indication of what that trade deal would difficult to tell because Johnson is delib- Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the reality, and in the age of “fake news”, the mean. Leaks from the secret talks going erately impossible to pin down. Nothing demolitions violate the historical rights of the brotherly damage is done, the lie becomes the on showed that US officials were des- he says can be trusted, and his lying Palestinian people and is a crime against humanity that truth. perate to prise Britain away from seems pathological. But what is clear is reflects the Israeli government’s disregard for interna- There’s a theory that Johnson never Europe and towards US-style standards that, like Trump, he is a politician tional laws and resolutions of international legitimacy. even wanted us to Brexit. He became the and regulations. They made it pretty without the normal constraints or red The statement stressed that this crime calls for urgent leading Brexiteer during the EU refer- clear that a special tax on the BigTech lines. He will do anything to hold onto international intervention to oblige the Israeli entity to endum, breaking companies like Amazon and Facebook, power. And with Nigel Farage’s new stop the demolitions and to provide protection to the with his school something already proceeding in France Brexit party threatening to split the Tory Palestinian people. friend David and proposed by the British gov- vote, that means tacking hard right. Add It reiterated Qatar’s full support for the Palestinian Cameron, ernment, would likely not be possible to this Johnson’s right-wing credentials cause and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people probably tipping under a US trade deal. We also know and history, and his desire to align until all their legitimate rights There’s a theory the narrow vote there will be no US trade deal unless the himself with the “hard men” of the new are restored, foremost of that Johnson never in favour of UK accepts US-style food standards and world order, and everything is in place which is the establishment of even wanted us to leave. But his the undermining of public services like for Britain’s slide into the politics of their independent state on Brexit. He became rationale, so the the NHS. authoritarian populism to continue. the borders of 1967 with East theory goes, was But for the right-wing Brexiteers this What’s more Johnson’s historical Qatar’s position Jerusalem as its capital. the leading that the EU ref- is no problem - after all a trade deal on beliefs can be easily adapted to the wave will remain firm The occupational force of Brexiteer during erendum would these terms would drive forward the of authoritarian populism sweeping the and permanent Israel is pursuing the policy the EU referendum, surely result in deregulated, liberalised economy they planet. The rise of Trump, Bolsanaro, in supporting of land grabs, ejection of Pal- breaking with his us remaining in have always wanted. As former British Duterte, Modi and their ilk is not simply estinians from their legit- the EU, and on Chancellor Nigel Lawson said, “Brexit about the “left behind” being whipped the Palestinian imate homes and demolition school friend David the back of the gives us a chance to finish the Thatcher up by racists and populists. It is that this cause and the of buildings relentlessly to Cameron, probably Brexit-sup- revolution.” While Brexit creates the model of capitalism has become incom- steadfastness of expand the territory of Israel tipping the narrow porting Conserv- political and economic vacuum to push patible with the preservation of liberal the Palestinian and in a bid to obliterate the ative Party’s this free-market dream forward, a US democracy. The radical action needed to Palestinians from the world. vote in favour of anger with their trade deal can lock it in place for the tackle climate change requires a funda- people will The occupying state has leave. leader David foreseeable future. mentally different economic model. The endure till all taken advantage of the inter- Cameron, the Earlier this year, Johnson supported immense difference which new tech- their legitimate national laxity and is trying prime minister a report that could effectively spell the nology will make to our society (think to implement policies of would be deposed, and Johnson would end of international development as we mass automation of jobs) will likewise rights are Judaisation and settlement step in. understand it. The proposals called for have a huge effect on our society and restored. in the occupied Palestinian Johnson’s rule-breaking gets still an end to an independent department of economy. We either need to move away territories, including East darker. The bigotry he has used is now international development, subsuming from market mechanisms and the profit Jerusalem through the con- notorious. In the 1990s, he was even aid spending into a mega department motive and share the burdens and ben- struction of settlements and the expansion of existing recorded discussing getting someone to including international trade and the efits of these developments much more ones through land confiscation, demolition, expulsion crack the ribs of a journalist who would foreign office. It also proposed watering equally. Or we need to dispense with the and construction of bypass roads to serve the be investigating his activities. But the definition of “aid” down to the point idea of democracy altogether, and settlement. Johnson laughs it off. Says he “didn’t where it could be spent on ... more or maintain this deeply unequal system by Israel, through the demolition, has cancelled the clas- mean it like that”. It was a joke. And he less anything the government feels like. whipping up social division and nation- sification of the territories and its obligations to the Pal- gets away with it. All the while he enter- More aid would flow into profit-making alism. As a leader of an increasingly estinian Authority. It is trying to impose a claim contrary tains the masses, and somehow con- finance, to the ministry of defence, or to extreme political party, who has shown to international law through legitimisation of settlements, vinces them, “I’m really just like you, bribe countries to do trade deals with his ability to “think the unthinkable”, theft of natural resources, violation of human rights and always getting into trouble for offending the UK. In his foreword to the proposals, Johnson could easily swing to an racism. the liberal establishment”. Johnson said future aid should “do more increasingly populist and authoritarian If the international community, led by the United This evasion means we do not know to serve the political and commercial position. Nations, continue to turn a blind eye towards the suf- ferings of the Palestinians, the legitimate lands of the Palestinians will be wiped off from the world map, which should not be allowed to happen. Uncertain future for Ugandans facing eviction from wildlife reserve Qatar’s position will remain firm and permanent in LIAM TAYLOR tell you: ‘Keep away from encroachment,” he said in his In the 1990s, communities supporting the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness REUTERS here because there is a office in Kampala, the capital. were uprooted again, this of the Palestinian people will endure till all their legit- forest.’” Hangi denied that rangers time by war. The government imate rights are restored and the establishment of their he landscape is The disputed land, called burn huts which are still in herded most of the population own independent state on the borders of 1967 with their bucolic: shoulder- the East Madi Wildlife use but confirmed that “we into camps as it fought a flag fluttering in East Jersusalem, their capital. high grass, patches of Reserve, is home to thousands pull the huts down after rebellion led by Joseph Kony woodland and the of people and covers about people have left”. The evic- and his Lord’s Resistance T Army. From 2008, residents occasional homestead, all 830 square km (320 square tions sometimes turned sloping down to the east bank miles), an area more than half violent: The wildlife authority said that people began of Uganda’s River Nile. the size of greater London. has acknowledged that one trickling back onto the land, QUOTE OF THE DAY But the charred ruins of In a conflict that has man was shot dead by a stray but were told that it had been burned huts tell of long- rumbled on for about a bullet during evictions in declared a wildlife reserve. I believe that this war running tensions in the area decade, more than 840 2012. Although the Ugandan in Yemen is eminently surrounding Apaa village, homes were destroyed Residents and Anthony constitution recognises own- resolvable. Both parties northern Uganda, where fam- between late 2017 and June Akol, a member of par- ership of customary land, ilies who claim the area as 2018 alone, according to liament, also said another which is passed down continue to insist that ancestral land are pitted research by Human Rights man was shot by soldiers last through families and held they want a political against the government, Focus, a Ugandan non-profit. year, which the army denies. without a title deed, the dis- solution and the military which has declared it a “It is true we have chased Apaa has a long history of ruption caused by the war solution is not available. wildlife reserve. Local resi- people from the reserve,” forced displacement, made land claims difficult to dents said park rangers and Bashir Hangi, spokesman for stretching back to colonial prove, say land rights They remain committed soldiers had repeatedly the state-run Uganda Wildlife times, when British author- advocates. to Stockholm agreement attacked their homes, stolen Authority (UWA), told the ities ordered people to move “Is it right to gazette land in all its different aspects. animals and uprooted crops Thomson Reuters from the area, ostensibly to that was previously occupied to drive them from the area. Foundation. control “sleeping sickness”, a by people in their absence?” “If they get you, they can “As an agency of gov- tropical disease affecting sub- asked Lucy Akello, a local MP Martin Griffiths cane you,” said one man, who ernment, we have a responsi- Saharan African countries. who opposes the project, UN Special Envoy to Yemen asked not to be named for bility of ensuring that these The land was later used for adding that the army has “bru- fear of retaliation. “They can protected areas are free of hunting. talised” the area’s residents. WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 ASIA 09 Imran says will convince Taliban to meet Afghan govt Pakistan Premier says a Taliban delegation had wanted to meet him a few months back but he did not meet them because of opposition from the Afghan government.

AP WASHINGTON

After years of tension between Washington and Islamabad, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan insisted yesterday that the two are now on the same page and said he will do his best to convince the Taliban to open negotiations with the Afghan government to resolve the war. The US has been engaging US President Donald Trump presents a cricket bat to Pakistan with the Taliban, but so far they Prime Minister Imran Khan along with a picture of President have refused to talk directly to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, holding a meeting at Eisenhower who is the only US President who witnessed a Test the Afghan government. Imran the residence of the Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington, DC, yesterday. Match in Pakistan. Speaking with the media, President Trump said the Taliban need to partic- referred to PM Imran as “a great athlete and very popular Prime ipate in the next Afghan presi- Minister of Pakistan”. dential election in September. returns to Pakistan. He met Trump went well and that he cut it to about $70m in the “It’s not easy. It’s not going Monday with President Donald believes the US and Pakistan are current fiscal year. to be easy,” Imran said about Trump. now “on the same page”. Imran said he didn’t ask Pakistan PM surprised at Indian getting the Taliban and the “Now, I will meet the Taliban “We loved our meeting with Trump to restore the aid, which Afghan government to the nego- and I will try my best to get them President Trump yesterday,” he said had created a reaction to Kashmir mediation offer tiating table. to talk to the Afghan gov- Imran said in a morning meeting “dependency syndrome” in He said the Taliban dele- ernment,” the prime minister with Secretary of State Mike Pakistan. ANATOLIA/ISLAMABAD gation to the US negotiations said at the US Institute of Peace Pompeo. “I told the president, I The premier said he wants asked to meet with him a few in Washington. “The election in said ‘I’ve been a public guy for Pakistan to have a “dignified” Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday expressed surprise months ago probably because Afghanistan must be an inclusive 40 years, and so when you go relationship with the US based at an Indian reaction to US President Donald Trump’s offer of the prime minister has main- election where the Taliban are meet someone who is high- on “mutual trust.” mediation to resolve Kashmir dispute. Taking to Twitter, the tained there is no military also participating.” profile you get a lot of advice,’ Imran said he never felt premier, while appreciating Trump for “his understanding of solution to the war in Afghan- Imran insisted that Pakistan Never have I gotten so much more humiliated than when the Pakistan’s point of view”, said generations of Kashmiris have istan. He said at the time that he was changing. “It is the intent of advice.” US carried out the raid on al- suffered and there was need to end the conflict. “Surprised by didn’t do it because the Afghan Pakistan that we do not allow Warming relations would Qaida leader Osama bin Laden’s reaction of India to Pres Trump’s offer of mediation to bring Pak government didn’t want him any armed militias in our mark a turnaround for Imran compound inside Pakistan & India to dialogue table for resolving Kashmir conflict which meeting with the Taliban. country,” he said, acknowledging and Trump, who has been without giving Islamabad a has held subcontinent hostage for 70 yrs. Generations of Kash- But Imran said he’s spoken that they still reside in the sharply critical of Pakistan. The heads-up. miris have suffered & are suffering daily and need conflict reso- with Afghan President Ashraf country, but that the army was Obama administration increased “Our ally didn’t trust us,” he lution,” the prime minister tweeted. Ghani and he will reach out to working to disarm them. military and economic aid to said. “For every Pakistani, it was the militant group when he Imran said his meeting with around $3bn a year, but Trump humiliating.” Pakistani intelligence led CIA to Bin Laden: Imran Trump accepts invite to AFP because Shakeel Afridi in WASHINGTON Pakistan is considered a spy,” he visit Pakistan: Qureshi told host Bret Baier, referring to Pakistan’s main spy agency the doctor. INTERNEWS increase by 20 percent. provided the US with a lead that “We in Pakistan always felt WASHINGTON He said that previously helped them find and kill Al that we were an ally of the US Pakistan-US ties took a cold Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, and if we had been given the Pakistan’s Foreign Minister turn but now they have Prime Minister Imran Khan said information about Osama bin Shah Mehmood Qureshi said improved, and the government on Monday. Laden, we should have taken yesterday that US President is serious to re-establish better Pakistan has until now offi- him out.” To a question, Imran Donald Trump had accepted ties. Qureshi said that Pakistan cially denied having any replied: “And yet it was ISI that the offer to visit Pakistan upon has created confidence knowledge of the terror chief gave the information which led the invitation extended by regarding putting an end to until he was shot dead in a night to the location of Osama bin Prime Minister Imran Khan. terror-financing and money time raid by US special forces on Laden. Qureshi was addressing a laundering. May 2, 2011, an incident that was “If you ask CIA it was ISI press conference, where he Earlier, during the meeting a major national embarrassment which gave the initial location said that the matters pertaining between US President Trump and caused ties between the two through the phone connection.” to the US President Trump’s and PM Imran, a journalist countries to plummet. General Joseph Dunford (right), US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of It was not immediately clear visit will be agreed upon soon. asked the US president if he Imran, who is visiting Wash- Staff, salutes alongside Pakistani Chief of the Army Staff General what Imran was referring to and In his address in Wash- would like to visit Pakistan. ington on his first official trip, Qamar Bajwa, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. he did not provide more detail. ington, the foreign minister Trump jibed that PM Imran made his claim in an interview The 9/11 mastermind was said that the trade volume had not extended the invitation with Fox News when he was tracked down after a 10-year between the two countries is but if given he would definitely asked whether his country would fake immunisation drive helped in 2011. manhunt to Abbottabad, north not sufficient and it should accept it to visit Pakistan. release a jailed doctor whose the US track and kill bin Laden “This is a very emotive issue, of Islamabad. Kabul seeks clarification Sri Lanka to return smuggled British garbage Eight dead, two AFP missing in on Trump comments COLOMBO Nepal mudslide REUTERS cannot determine Afghanistan’s Sri Lanka customs yesterday KABUL fate in absence of the Afghan ordered the return of container AP leadership,” it said in a loads of hazardous mortuary and KATHMANDU, NEPAL Afghanistan called yesterday for statement. clinical waste illegally imported an explanation of comments by It called for clarification of into the island from Britain A mudslide buried houses in US President Donald Trump in Trump’s statement. under the cover of metal recy- two remote mountain villages which he said he could win the In his comments in Wash- cling. in Nepal yesterday, killing Afghan war in just 10 days by ington, Trump said Pakistan was Customs officials said the eight people and leaving two wiping out Afghanistan but did helping the United States racket dating back to 2017 was others missing, officials said. not want to kill 10 million “extricate” itself from Afghan- uncovered after the Colombo Government Adminis- people. istan, where the United States port complained last week that trator Yadhunath Poudyal said Trump’s remarks followed was acting as a “policeman” an importer had abandoned 111 the mudslide at dawn yes- a meeting with Pakistan Prime rather than fighting a war. containers which were ema- terday buried at least five Minister Imran Khan at the “If we wanted to fight a war nating a huge stink. houses while residents were White House on Monday at in Afghanistan and win it, I could A total of 241 containers had sleeping. which Trump voiced optimism win that war in a week. I just been imported since 2017 and Villagers pulled out alive that Pakistan could help broker don’t want to kill 10 million 130 of them had been taken to a two people who were buried Sri Lankan customs officials inspect the load of a container at a a political settlement to end the people,” Trump told reporters free-trade zone ostensibly for by the mudslide, while the port in Colombo, yesterday. nearly 18-year-old war in at the White House. recycling and re-export, customs search was continuing for two Afghanistan. “I have plans on Afghanistan spokesman Sunil Jayaratne said. more who were still missing. The remarks drew a stiff that, if I wanted to win that war, “We are taking immediate who imported the containers since 2017,” said the official, The villages in Gulmi dis- response from Afghanistan’s Afghanistan would be wiped off action to order the re-export of would be liable for criminal speaking anonymously because trict, 200km (125 miles) west presidential palace, which has the face of the Earth. It would be the 111 containers abandoned at prosecution if he failed to re- he was not authorised to talk to of the capital, Kathmandu, are been excluded from talks gone,” he said. the port,” Jayaratne said. export them to Britain, from the media. remote and it takes hours on between the United States and “It would be over in — lit- “The other 130 which had where they originated, Jayaratne The 111 containers are foot to reach them. the Taliban. erally, in 10 days. And I don’t already been cleared from the said. An official at the finance believed to contain mortuary Continuing rainfall was “The Afghan nation has not want to do — I don’t want to go port will be dealt under environ- ministry, which is responsible for waste including human organs making it difficult for rescuers and will never allow any foreign that route.” Senior Afghan pol- mental and other laws.” He said the customs department, said it and had been unloaded and to reach the area. power to determine its fate,” the iticians largely refrained from the 130 containers were stuffed would take up the issue with exposed to the elements for the Monsoon rains had already presidential palace said. comment, but commenters on with used mattresses and plastic British authorities for exporting past two years. killed around 90 people in “While the Afghan gov- social media were infuriated. and clinical waste imported in hazardous cargo without first The 130 containers taken to Nepal since July 12, mostly by ernment supports the US efforts “The statement was embar- violation of international laws checking if Sri Lanka was willing a free-trade zone near Colombo flooding waters in the for ensuring peace in Afghan- rassing and an insult to all governing the shipping of haz- to accept it. International Airport were con- southern plain area and mud- istan, the government under- Afghans,” said Shakib Noori, an ardous material. “This is a well-organised taminating water and polluting slides in the mountainous scores that foreign heads of state entrepreneur based in Kabul. A Sri Lankan businessman racket that has been going on the air in the area, he said. terrain. 10 ASIA / EUROPE WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 S Korea fires shots as Russia, Indonesian couple carried China conduct first patrol out Philippine REUTERS Seoul and Tokyo, who The Russian and bombing: Police MOSCOW/SEOUL Chinese bombers had both scrambled jets to entered the Korea Air AP Russia carried out what it said intercept the Russo- Defence Identification JAKARTA was its first long-range joint air Chinese mission, Zone (KADIZ) together patrol in the Asia-Pacific region accused Russia and early yesterday, the South Police said yesterday they with China yesterday, a mission Korean defence ministry believe an Indonesian husband that triggered hundreds of China of violating said. The separate Russian TOP: A Chinese H-6 bomber flies over East China Sea, yesterday. BELOW: and wife carried out the suicide warning shots, according to South their airspaces, an A-50 airborne early A Russian A-50 military aircraft flies near the disputed islands called bombing of a cathedral in the Korean officials, and a strong allegation Moscow and warning and control air- Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, yesterday. southern Philippines in January protest from Japan. Beijing denied. craft later twice violated that killed more than 20 people. The flight by two Russian South Korean airspace over Indonesia’s National Police Tu-95 strategic bombers and two Dokdo — an island that is spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told Chinese H-6 bombers, backed up within our all-encompassing controlled by Seoul and a news conference that a mil- according to Korean and Jap- partnership, of further increasing claimed by both South itant arrested in East Kali- anese officials by a Russian A-50 cooperation between our armed Korea and Japan, which mantan last month had con- early warning plane, marks a forces, and of perfecting their calls it Takeshima — just fessed that he’d recruited Rullie notable ramping-up of military capabilities to carry out joint after 9am (midnight GMT Rian Zeke and his wife, Ulfah cooperation between Beijing and actions and of strengthening Monday), according to the Handayani Saleh, for the Phil- Moscow. global strategic security,” the South Korean military. ippine bombing. That is something likely to ministry said in a statement. Russia’s Defence Min- The militant, identified only worry politicians from Wash- Seoul and Tokyo, who both istry said it did not rec- as Yoga, and the couple he ington to Tokyo and could com- scrambled jets to intercept the ognise South Korea’s recruited for the bombing were plicate relations and raise tension Russo-Chinese mission, accused KADIZ, while the Chinese path of the Russian bombers and of reckless behaviour, but said all part of Jemaah Anshorut in a region that has for years been Russia and China of violating their Foreign Ministry said the area not communicating with them. that South Korea had never said Daulah, a banned extremist overshadowed by hostility airspaces, an allegation Moscow was not territorial airspace and “It was not the first time that the Tu-95 bombers had violated group in Indonesia that allies between the United States and and Beijing denied. that all countries enjoyed South Korean pilots tried unsuc- its airspace. itself with the Islamic State North Korea. South Korean warplanes fired freedom of movement in it. cessfully to prevent Russian air- Separately, Japan, which said group, according to police. Yoga While troops and naval ships hundreds of warning shots South Korean fighters did not craft from flying over the neutral it had also scrambled fighter air- also had contacts with IS mili- from Russia and China have taken towards the Russian A-50 mil- fire any warning shots toward waters of the Sea of Japan,” the craft to intercept the Russian and tants in Afghanistan. part in joint war games before, itary aircraft, defence officials in Russia’s two bombers, the Russian ministry said. Chinese planes, lodged a com- The Indonesians’ they have not, according to Rus- Seoul said, saying it had entered Russian defence ministry said in If the Russian pilots had felt plaint with both South Korea and involvement in the cathedral sia’s Ministry of Defence, con- South Korean airspace. a statement, which made no any threat to their safety, their Russia over the incident, Chief attack was initially suspected ducted such air patrols in the It was the first time a Russian mention of any A-50 aircraft. response would have been swift, Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga from the interrogations of five Asia-Pacific region together until military aircraft had violated It accused the two South it added. said. Tokyo criticised South Korea militants caught by authorities yesterday. “The joint patrol was South Korean airspace, an official Korean F-16 fighter planes of car- A South Korean defence min- for taking action against a Russian in the Philippines after the carried out with the aim of deep- at the South Korean Ministry of rying out “unprofessional istry spokesman did not directly plane over what Japan says is its bombings who described their ening Russian-Chinese relations National Defence said in Seoul. manoeuvres” and of crossing the address the Russian accusation airspace. accents and habits, Prasetyo said.

China’s former premier Beijing tells US to remove Manila refloats Li Peng dies at 90 ‘black hands’ from Hong Kong tourism plans REUTERS for disputed BEIJING AFP solidarity with Hong Kong’s pro- in the semi-autonomous ter- BEIJING democracy movement. ritory after its handover from island Former Chinese Premier Li “China will not tolerate any Britain in 1997. Peng, reviled by rights activists China yesterday slammed the US foreign forces intervening in “Everyone can see very AFP for his role in the 1989 and Britain for interfering in Hong Kong affairs, nor will it clearly that the current develop- MANILA Tiananmen Square crackdown, Hong Kong affairs after the two allow any foreign forces to ments are by no means issues has died, state media reported countries voiced concerns about disrupt Hong Kong,” Foreign linked to freedom of speech and The Philippines is aiming to yesterday. a vicious assault on pro- Ministry spokeswoman Hua assembly,” Hua said yesterday. strengthen its claims in the Li, who was 90, died on democracy protesters. Chunying said at a regular “It is a problem of extreme South China Sea by potentially Monday night in Beijing, Xinhua The savage beating of the briefing. illegal violence. It not only building hotels for tourists on said, more than three decades Along with then-paramount Hong Kong protesters by a mob “We advise the United States directly impacts the legal foun- its biggest island in the disputed after his government authorised leader Deng Xiaoping, Li was of suspected gangsters on to take back their black hands dation of Hong Kong... but also waterway, officials said a bloody suppression of student- seen as an unapologetic hard- Sunday has deepened fears in Hong Kong as early as pos- seriously challenges the bottom yesterday. led pro-democracy protests in liner responsible for ordering about the use of shadowy hired sible.” Hong Kong has been line of the ‘One country, Two Manila has administrative the early hours of June 4, 1989. the assault that crushed weeks muscle to defend China’s plunged into its worst crisis in systems’ policy.” Hong Kong control over Thitu — the Xinhua said Li died following of demonstrations by protesters interests. recent history by weeks of enjoys liberties unseen on the second-largest naturally unsuccessful treatment for an in central Beijing. At least 45 people were hos- marches — which drew millions mainland including freedom of occurring landmass in the illness, which it did not specify. Li remained premier until pitalised after Sunday’s attack, of demonstrators to the streets speech, unfettered access to the Spratly archipelago — and His death comes as China 1998, as China navigated its way causing fear and outrage in the — and sporadic violent confron- Internet and an independent wants to bolster its sovereignty grapples with a widening through the international oppro- Asian financial hub. tations between police and judiciary. by adding new infrastructure. political crisis in Hong Kong, brium and sanctions imposed by The incident has also drawn pockets of hardcore protesters. The UK has said it “will be In doing so, it will be fol- where violent protests in the Western countries after the vio- criticism from both the UK and The demonstrations were keeping a close eye” on Hong lowing in the footsteps of China, Chinese-controlled territory lence. Xinhua called Li a “sea- the US, who have expressed con- triggered by a controversial Kong’s investigations into the which also stakes ownership over an extradition bill have pre- soned and loyal soldier of com- cerns over eroding freedoms in extradition law but have evolved bloody assault on protesters. claims to the Spratlys — along sented Beijing with the most munism, a distinguished revo- the city. into a call for wider democratic “During the British colonial with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan serious popular challenge to its lutionary and statesman, and an But Beijing has reacted reforms. period did Hong Kong residents and Vietnam — and has even governance since the outstanding leader of the party angrily to other governments China had promised to have the freedom to march on built artificial islands to serve Tiananmen demonstrations. and country”. and foreign officials expressing respect the territory’s freedoms the streets?” asked Hua. as military outposts. “In the future we will be building structures for our Probe opened troops there; maybe some Spain PM loses first vote to remain in power hotels for Filipinos who would in Paris over like to go there as tourists,” AFP once an arch-rival. Defence Secretary Delfin radioactive MADRID Sanchez is currently care- Lorenzana told a press con- taker premier after coming first ference, without giving a water rumours Spanish caretaker prime in the April general election but timetable. minister Pedro Sanchez lost a without the majority he needed President Rodrigo Duterte AFP/PARIS first parliamentary confidence with just 123 seats, forcing him has previously been criticised vote yesterday as he seeks to to look for support. for failing to protect the Philip- After the panic, the prosecution remain in power after an incon- If he manages to form a coa- pines’ claims in the region in investigators in Paris have clusive general election. lition government, it would be favour of improved relations opened an enquiry to track A total of 124 lawmakers in the first in post-dictatorship with China. But National down the source of false reports the 350-seat parliament voted Spain. In debates on Monday and Security Adviser Hermogenes last week that drinking water for the Socialist premier, leaving yesterday ahead of obligatory Esperon said yesterday that the in the French capital had been him well short of the absolute post-election parliamentary Philipinne government rejected contaminated. majority he needed. votes this week, Podemos and these attacks. “We have not In a viral message spread Another 170 MPs voted regional parties that could back abandoned any island,” he said, on the WhatsApp messaging against and 52 abstained. Four Sanchez accused him of not speaking at the same press app last week, a woman pre- remaining votes belong to sus- reaching out to possible allies briefing. “No islands were taken Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (centre), who is running senting herself as a nurse from pended lawmakers. despite needing their help. from us since 2016 and we are for a second term, attends the second day of the parliamentary a hospital in Paris can be heard A second, decisive vote has The second vote requires strengthening our position and telling people not to drink water been scheduled for tomorrow, only a simple majority. investiture debate at the Spanish Congress in Madrid. possessions.” The government from the tap because of the before which Sanchez needs to With the support of far-left built five lighthouses in the presence of radioactive reach a coalition deal with far- Podemos’s 42 lawmakers, and a parties, he could get through. But allies, that support looks Philippine-held portion of the “titanium”. Other rumours left Podemos, a party that was few others from small regional given the anger of these potential uncertain. Spratlys last year. spread that authorities were asking people to stop drinking from the tap. Alarm reached such levels Haradinaj heads to war crimes court after quitting as Kosovo PM that hospitals and public health AP bodies were inundated with PRISTINA, KOSOVO as “not to be questioned as the aligned with justice & the to be questioned this week by the of war crimes and crimes against calls, while the water authority country’s leader” by the Kosovo righteous cause!,” Haradinaj special tribunal. humanity charges in 2008. in Paris put out a public The former prime minister of Specialist Chambers, which is tweeted. The court, which is part of The appeals chamber of the message on social media at the Kosovo left yesterday for The looking into crimes against At the time of the war, the Kosovo judicial system International Criminal Tribunal weekend reassuring Parisians Hague to be questioned by a ethnic Serbs allegedly committed Kosovo was a Serbian province despite being based in the Neth- for the Former Yugoslavia con- that “drinking water poses no special court investigating during and after Kosovo’s and Haradinaj was a top com- erlands, started questioning cluded in 2010 that witnesses threat”. “There is no problem alleged war crimes by members 1998-99 war. “Today, as Ramush mander for the Kosovo Liber- former Kosovo fighters this year. had been intimidated. It sent the with the water, it is excellent for of the separatist Kosovo Liber- Haradinaj, as a citizen of Kosovo, ation Army. A former parlia- Haradinaj was prosecuted case back for a partial retrial. everyone,” the head of the ation Army two decades ago. I travel to the Hague for the third mentary speaker, a presidential for alleged war crimes and Haradinaj and two other former health body for the capital Ramush Haradinaj resigned time, to prove that the Freedom adviser and other former KLA acquitted twice before. A United KLA commanders were region, Aurelien Rousseau, said. as prime minister a week ago so Soldiers of Kosovo were always commanders also are expected Nations tribunal first cleared him acquitted in November 2012. WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 EUROPE 11 Boris Johnson wins UK premiership race

AFP “We’re going to The main opposition Labour LONDON get Brexit done on party is not expected to force a October 31,” Boris confidence vote this week -- but Boris Johnson won the race to Johnson declared some in his own party have become Britain’s next prime already tried. minister yesterday, heading in a speech to party Junior foreign minister Alan straight into a confrontation over members in London, Duncan quit this week, revealing Brexit with Brussels and after winning 66 he had sought to force a vote on parliament, as well as a tense percent of almost Tuesday but was blocked by diplomatic standoff with Iran. Commons Speaker John Bercow. The former London mayor 160,000 votes cast. Other colleagues who do not easily beat his rival, Foreign Sec- agree with Johnson are willing retary Jeremy Hunt, in a vote of the incoming leader to get a deal, to give him a chance to get a members of the governing Con- with the director general of the Brexit deal, at least over parlia- servative party. Confederation of British Industry, ment’s summer recess. He is expected to be con- Carolyn Fairbairn, saying he But if “no deal” looks likely firmed as prime minister today “must not underestimate the in September, many MPs have when his predecessor Theresa benefits of a good deal”. vowed to stop him — a move that May formally tenders her resig- Johnson insisted he would could trigger an early election. nation to Queen Elizabeth II. find a way through the deadlock: Labour has condemned It is a triumph for a man who “Like some slumbering giant we Johnson, who was elected by has always wanted the top job. are going to rise and ping off the party members representing just But Johnson, known for his jokes guy ropes of self-doubt and 0.3 percent of the electorate, as and bluster, is taking over at a negativity.” “out of touch”. time of immense political Johnson said he would Labour leader Jeremy upheaval. announce his top team in the Corbyn challenged him to call an New Conservative Party leader and incoming prime minister Boris Johnson leaves his campaign office Three years after the refer- coming days but Westminster is election. in central London, yesterday. endum vote to leave the watching for an early challenge “Boris Johnson has won the European Union, Britain remains to his leadership. support of fewer than 100,000 “But he hasn’t won the Tories are struggling to appeal pro- and anti-Brexit protesters a member amid continued wran- May’s government has a unrepresentative Conservative support of our country,” he said to a public deeply divided over gather daily, reaction to John- gling in a divided parliament on majority of just two in the 650- Party members by promising tax on Twitter. “The people of our Britain’s future, facing a pincer son’s win was mixed. how to proceed. seat House of Commons, even cuts for the richest, presenting country should decide who movement from Nigel Farage’s Johnson’s domestic battles Johnson led the 2016 “Leave” with an alliance with Northern himself as the bankers’ friend, becomes the Prime Minister in a eurosceptic Brexit Party and the might have to take a backseat campaign and — after May Ireland’s Democratic Unionist and pushing for a damaging No General Election.” pro-EU Liberal Democrats. during his first days in office as delayed Brexit twice — insists the Party (DUP). Deal Brexit,” Corbyn said. But both Labour and the Outside parliament, where he manages tensions with Iran. latest deadline must be kept, with or without a divorce agreement with the EU. “We’re going to get Brexit World leaders react to Britain’s next PM done on October 31,” he declared in a speech to party members in AFP the European Union. on a new partnership in line with French President Emmanuel Does he have the courage to London, after winning 66 LONDON EUCO guidelines.” Macron said. deliver for the country?” percent of almost 160,000 votes ‘Challenging times ahead’ Outgoing European Com- “I want very much to work cast. Britain’s main allies congratu- “Congratulations to Boris mission president Jean-Claude with him as quickly as possible ‘Down to business’ However, Brussels says it will lated Boris Johnson yesterday Johnson for being nominated as Juncker also sent his congratu- and not just on European sub- “The new prime minister not renegotiate the deal it struck after he won a party leadership prime minister,” the incoming lations and said he wants to jects and the continuation of must not underestimate the ben- with May to ease the end of a vote that will see him become head of the European Com- work with Johnson “in the best negotiations linked to Brexit, but efits of a good (Brexit) deal,” said 46-year partnership — even after Britain’s next prime minister, but mission, Ursula von der Leyen way possible”, according to a also on international issues on Carolyne Fairbairn, director MPs rejected it three times. the EU warned of challenging said in Paris. “I am looking spokeswoman. which we coordinate closely general of the Confederation of EU negotiator Michel Barnier times ahead over Brexit. forward to having a good with Britain and Germany... like British Industry. said yesterday he wanted to Here are some of the initial working relationship with him. Iran warning the situation in Iran.” “The message to Boris work with Johnson “to facilitate reactions from home and abroad “There are many different “I congratulate my former Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Johnson from business commu- the ratification of the withdrawal to Johnson’s victory: and difficult issues to tackle counterpart, @BorisJohnson on Matteo Salvini added: “All the nities around the UK couldn’t be agreement and achieve an together. We have challenging becoming UK PM,” Iranian best Boris Johnson. The fact that simpler: the time for cam- orderly #Brexit”. ‘He will be great’ times ahead of us,” said von der Foreign Minister Mohammad the left describes him as more paigning is over — and we need Although parliament dislikes “Congratulations to Boris Leyen, who takes office a day Javad Zarif tweeted amid a dangerous than (Salvini’s far- you to get down to business,” May’s deal, Johnson faces signif- Johnson on becoming the new after Brexit is due to take place standoff over the seizure of oil right party) The League makes said British Chamber of Com- icant opposition from MPs to his Prime Minister of the United on October 31. tankers. him all the more likeable to me.” merce boss Adam Marshall. threat to leaving with no deal, Kingdom. He will be great!” US “We look forward to “Iran does not seek confron- including from Conservative President Donald Trump tweeted. working constructively with PM tation. But we have 1500 miles ‘Do or die’ ‘United Kingston’ colleagues. Trump has declared himself Boris Johnson when he takes of Persian Gulf coastline. These “I wish Boris Johnson well Ivanka Trump was perhaps Several ministers said they a big fan of Johnson. office, to facilitate the ratifi- are our waters & we will protect as prime minister with his ‘do or too quick to react, tweeting will not serve under Johnson, Last week he predicted cation of the Withdrawal them.” die’ pledge to deliver Brexit on “Congratulations @BorisJohnson warning that severing ties over- Johnson would fix what Trump Agreement and achieve an October 31,” Britain’s Brexit on becoming the next Prime night with Britain’s closest called the “disaster” that out- orderly Brexit,” EU negotiator ‘Coordinate closely’ Party leader Nigel Farage said Minister of the United Kingston.” trading partner is deeply going Conservative Prime Min- Michel Barnier tweeted. “I congratulate Boris on Twitter. “It is ‘do or die’ not Her gaffe was quickly corrected, irresponsible. ister Theresa May had triggered “We are ready also to Johnson and I will call him when just for Brexit but for the future but not before being noticed by Business leaders called on in trying to lead Britain out of rework the agreed declaration he is officially prime minister,” of the Conservative party too. thousands. Dutch-born IS France, Germany refuse militant convicted of war crimes to open ports to migrants BLOOMBERG French officials said Luxem- REUTERS PARIS bourg, Netherlands, Portugal , AMSTERDAM Lithuania, Croatia and Ireland France and Germany widened had committed to accepting Dutch judges yesterday the group of countries willing to asylum seekers. And they convicted an IS militant of war accept asylum seekers arriving pledged financial and technical crimes in Iraq and Syria and by boat across the Mediter- assistance to facilitate the swift sentenced him to 7-1/2 years in ranean, but made no move to return of migrants not entitled prison after he posed with a accept demands by Italy’s to asylum protection, without crucified body and shared Matteo Salvini that they accept providing details. images of dead victims online. migrant ships directly in their But France has refused to Netherlands-born Oussama ports. waver from the principle that Achraf Akhlafa, 24, was found Salvini, in his capacity as those saved at sea should be guilty of membership of a ter- Italian interior minister, said on taken to the nearest safe port, rorist organisation. He fought Monday’s meeting of European which is almost always Italy or alongside IS militants in Mosul interior ministers was a “flop” Malta for boats leaving North in Iraq and in Raqqa, Syria, that “basically said Italy must Africa. Nor has it agreed to share between 2014 and 2016. continue to be the refugee camp the majority of migrants who do Prosecutors had sought a of Europe,” according to a not qualify for asylum sentence of 7 years, 8 months. statement. protection. The court said Akhlafa had France and Germany had “We must respect humani- Officials inspecting burnt tents in a children camp after a fire that broke out the previous night, in posed smiling next to the cru- organised the informal meeting tarian and maritime law, which Solnechny district of Khabarovsk Territory (Russian Far East), yesterday. cified body of a man who had in Paris to try to improve means that once a boat is in been executed by IS, and had Europe’s ad-hoc system for international waters it must find posted the picture on Facebook. dealing with humanitarian aid refuge in the nearest safe port,” “He violated the personal Four kids die in Russia tent camp fire ships that collect migrants from French President Emmanuel dignity of the deceased, thereby rickety boats leaving North Macron told reporters after the breaching the Geneva Con- AFP said. “Four children have not know about the existence Africa and attempt to deliver meeting. “This a legal and prac- vention”, the court said, in a ref- MOSCOW become victims of the fire,” the of the private camp. them to Europe. tical necessity. The only way to erence to the treaties protecting Investigative Committee said in “What kind of statement is Salvini has largely shut handle this is through the rights of war victims. Four children died after a fire a statement. that? If no one knew, that Italian ports to humanitarian cooperation.” Akhlafa was tried under so- ripped through a summer camp A spokeswoman for the means that they didn’t carry ships, meaning that each Salvini, who didn’t attend called universal jurisdiction, in the Russian far east in the regional authorities, Nadezhda out their duties properly. And approach of a migrant-laden Monday’s meeting, had asked which enables war crimes to be early hours of Tuesday, the Tomchenko, said the children’s if they knew, why did they boat has set off negotiations without success for other EU prosecuted regardless of where regional authorities said. “injuries were incompatible with allow it?” Medvedev said. across Europe that eventually countries to agree to rotate they were committed, in the The blaze tore through a life”. Investigators launched a result in the boat being allowed arrival ports throughout Europe first trial in the Netherlands private children’s tent camp near The camp was being manslaughter probe, and two to dock in Malta and sometime for migrant vessels, arguing that dealing with war crimes com- the city of Komsomolsk-on- attended by 189 children and people including the director Italy, but only once other coun- maritime laws about nearest mitted by an IS militant. Amur in the Khabarovsk region, teenagers aged between seven of the tent camp were tries, mostly France and safe ports were written for ship- A second defendant, Dutch- destroying 20 tents and killing a and 15. detained. Germany, have signed up to wrecks, not migration flows. born 24-year-old Reda Nidalha, girl on her 11th birthday. Prime Minister Dmitry Fires are common in accept asylum seekers. Boats The Italian government esti- was sentenced to 4-1/2 years in Two other girls and a boy Medvedev publicly berated the Russia and often kill the most have spent weeks at sea while mates it spent $5bn aiding prison for membership of a ter- suffered extensive burns and regional governor for appar- vulnerable due to negligence these agreements are hashed migrants in 2017, while receiving rorist organisation. later died in hospital, officials ently saying that officials did and disregard for safety rules. out. only 77 million euros in EU aid. 12 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 US govt moves to end food stamps for 3 million BLOOMBERG restrictions on the food stamp been repeatedly rejected on a receive food stamps as long as child care, Lipps said. WASHINGTON programme last year when Con- bipartisan basis.” their income is less than double The proposed restrictions gress renewed it but were “This rule would take food the poverty level. would eliminate food stamps for The Trump administration is We are changing the rebuffed in the Senate. away from families, prevent Brandon Lipps, an acting 3 million people at an average moving to end food stamp The proposed change in rules children from getting school deputy undersecretary in the annual savings of $2.5bn, Lipps benefits for 3 million people with rules, preventing for the Supplemental Nutrition meals, and make it harder for Agriculture Department, said said. A final regulation will be proposed new regulations abuse of a critical Assistance Program — often states to administer food that in some cases states enrol issued after a 60-day public curtailing the leeway of states to safety net system, so called by its former name, food assistance.” residents for food stamps even comment period. automatically enrol residents those who need food stamps — would deliver on the The Trump administration though they are receiving federal As of April, 36 million Amer- who receive welfare benefits. goal as the administration has rule would rein in states’ ability to welfare benefits of minimal icans received food stamps, with Agriculture Secretary Sonny assistance the most agreed to a deal to lift caps on enrol recipients earning more than value — including brochures. an average monthly benefit of Perdue said state governments are the only ones who federal spending. 130% of the federal poverty guide- The proposed regulations $121 per person, according to the “have misused this flexibility.” receive it,” Agriculture Debbie Stabenow of lines — in most cases capping eli- would only allow automatic Department of Agriculture. “We are changing the rules, Michigan, the top-ranking Dem- gibility to an annual income of enrolment of people who receive Enrolment has declined as the preventing abuse of a critical Secretary Sonny ocrat on the Senate Agriculture $32,640 for a family of four. welfare benefits worth at least economy has improved and was safety net system, so those who Perdue said. Committee, said the Agriculture Forty states and the District $50 a month on an ongoing basis down 2.5 million from a year need food assistance the most Department’s action “is yet of Columbia currently use alter- for at least six months. Other earlier. The federal government are the only ones who receive another attempt by this admin- native eligibility criteria that than cash, the only welfare ben- pays the cost of food stamp ben- it,” he added. assistance programme for the istration to circumvent Congress allow participants in some fed- efits that would qualify are sub- efits. But states administer the Conservatives have long poor and disabled. House Repub- and make harmful changes to erally funded welfare pro- sidized employment, work sup- programme and determine eli- sought cuts in the federal food licans tried to impose similar nutrition assistance that have grammes to automatically ports such as transportation, and gibility of applicants.

Missing men in Russia intent on Canada become interfering with US murder suspects AP TORONTO vote: FBI Director Two young men thought REUTERS committee chairman. “All the missing are now suspects in the WASHINGTON sanctions, all the talk, they’re still murders of an American at it?” woman and her Australian Russia is determined to interfere “Yes. My view is until they boyfriend as well as the death in US elections despite sanctions stop they haven’t been deterred of another man in northern and other efforts to deter such enough,” Wray responded. British Columbia, Canadian actions before the next presi- Mueller’s investigation dis- police said yesterday. dential election in 2020, FBI closed an elaborate campaign of The Royal Mounted Police Director Christopher Wray said hacking and propaganda during had said on Monday that they yesterday. the 2016 presidential race and were searching for 19-year-old “The Russians are absolutely resulted in indictments that Kam McLeod and 18-year-old intent on trying to interfere with charged 25 Russian individuals Bryer Schmegelsky, whose our elections,” Wray said during and three Russian companies. burning car had been dis- a Senate Judiciary Committee The United States has covered south of Dease Lake. hearing. imposed election-related sanc- During that investigation, Wray appeared at an over- tions on Russian oligarchs and they found the body of an uni- sight hearing a day before Robert military intelligence officials and dentified man roughly about Mueller, the former special there is a push for legislation 2km from the car. counsel, was due to testify pub- threatening tougher sanctions in FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on “Oversight It’s about 500km along licly before Congress about his the US Congress. of the Federal Bureau of Investigation” on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, yesterday. remote highways from the spot two-year investigation of The Russia investigation cast where 24-year-old American Russian interference to sway the a shadow over Trump’s White Moscow over US intelligence he said, “Don’t meddle in the political sentiment or discourse. Chynna Deese and 23-year-old 2016 presidential race toward House tenure and the president agencies. election, please.” Wray told senators the FBI Australian Lucas Fowler were President Donald Trump. has repeatedly downplayed the In his most recent meeting Wray includes efforts to was working with private sector found shot dead over a week “Everything we’ve done Kremlin’s role in trying to help with the Russian leader, in June, interfere in US elections in a platforms about “different forms ago. against Russia has not deterred him win. At last year’s summit Trump appeared to make light broader category of foreign of foreign influence messaging, RCMP Sgt Janelle Shoihet them enough?” asked Senator with Russian President Vladimir of the issue, wagging his finger influence campaigns in which whether it’s propaganda and said yesterday that McLeod and Lindsey Graham, the Republican Putin in Helsinki, he sided with at the laughing Russian leader as foreign governments to affect US fake news.” Schmegelsky left British Columbia and have been trav- elling in northern Sas- katchewan in a grey 2011 US immigration raids snared just 35 Toyota Rav 4. “The RCMP are now con- REUTERS visible to the public. advised people not to answer the immigration, a signature policy sidering Kam McLeod and Bryer WASHINGTON The raids, originally door to agents without a warrant objective of his administration. Schmegelsky suspects in the scheduled for June for a dozen and not to talk or sign any docu- He has pushed Guatemala, Dease Lake suspicious death A scant 35 people were taken major US cities, were highly pub- ments without a lawyer present. Mexico and other countries in the and the double homicide of into custody during a long- licised, likely prompting many Trump signalled the region to act as buffer zones and Lucas Fowler and Chynna threatened US series of raids that who believed they were targeted impending enforcement in a take in asylum seekers who Deese,” Shoihet said targeted more than 2,100 immi- by Immigration and Customs June tweet, saying officials would would otherwise go to the US. Shoihet said they are con- grants who had been ordered Enforcement officials to leave soon “begin the process of Trump said on Twitter yes- sidered dangerous and urged deported, the New York Times their homes or hide, the report removing the millions of illegal terday that he is now considering the public not to approach them reported, citing federal figures. said. aliens who have illicitly found a “ban,” tariffs and remittance and to call 911. Police released President Donald Trump As word spread about the their way into the United States.” fees after Guatemala decided to surveillance photos of the two Senate confirms described the raids over the possible ICE raids, immigration Facing a re-election battle not move forward with a safe- in Saskatchewan. July 13 weekend, dubbed rights groups circulated “know next year, Trump has wanted to third-country agreement that The separate discoveries of Mark Esper as US “Operation Border Resolve,” as your rights” materials in immi- show his supporters that he is would have required the Central three bodies and a burning car defence secretary “very successful” even though grant communities and on social delivering on campaign promises American nation to take in more with missing occupants shook much of the activity was not media while local activists to crack down on illegal asylum seekers. rural northern British Columbia. REUTERS WASHINGTON

The US Senate yesterday A-G says encryption Widespread blackout hits Venezuela confirmed Army Secretary Mark Esper (pictured) to be a REUTERS secretary of defence, ending the creates security risk CARACAS longest period by far that the Pentagon has been without a AP He described a transnational At least 14 Venezuelan permanent top official. NEW YORK drug cartel’s use of WhatsApp states lost power The Senate backed Esper, a group chat to specifically coor- yesterday, according to former soldier and lobbyist for Attorney-General William Barr dinate murders of Mexico-based the witnesses and reports weapons maker Raytheon Co, said yesterday that increased police officials. on social media, the first to be President Donald Trump’s encryption of data on phones Gail Kent, Facebook’s global nationwide blackout to second confirmed leader of the and computers and encrypted public policy lead on security, include the capital Pentagon by 90-8. messaging apps are putting recently said that allowing the Caracas since March. Esper, 55, received strong American security at risk. government’s ability to gain Venezuela suffered a bipartisan support despite some Barr’s comments at a cyber- access to encrypted communi- series of blackouts in sharp questioning during his security conference mark a con- cations would jeopardize cyber- March, the worst in confirmation hearing by Dem- tinuing effort by the Justice security for millions of law- decades, that left millions ocratic Senator Elizabeth Department to push tech com- abiding people who rely on it. of people without running Warren about his ties to panies to provide law WhatsApp is owned by water and telecommuni- Raytheon and his refusal to enforcement with access to Facebook. cations. That exacerbated extend an ethics commitment encrypted devices and applica- “It’s impossible to create any an economic crisis that he signed in 2017 to avoid deci- tions during investigations. backdoor that couldn’t be dis- has halved the size of the sions involving the company. “There have been enough covered, and exploited, by bad economy. Warren, a 2020 presidential dogmatic pronouncements that actors,” Kent said. “Allowing The Information Min- People charging their phones in a community power generator during a hopeful, was the only member lawful access simply cannot be government access to encrypted istry did not respond to a nationwide blackout in Plaza Venezuela, in Caracas, yesterday. of the Senate Armed Services done. It can be, and it must be.” devices also wouldn’t prevent request to comment on Committee to voice opposition The attorney-general said people from switching to any the latest outage. to Esper’s confirmation during law enforcement is increasingly new services that may crop up “It terrifies me to think we buy food just to lose it,” she said. after years without investment the hearing. unable to access information on around the world that US are facing a national blackout The oil-rich country’s hyper- and insufficient maintenance, Raytheon is the third- devices, and between devices, agencies can’t access.” again,” said Maria Luisa Rivero, inflationary economic crisis has according to the opposition and largest US defence contractor. even with a warrant supporting Barr’s remarks also acknowl- a 45-year-old business owner led to widespread shortages in power experts. There has been no con- probable cause of criminal edged the need for encryption to from the city of Valencia. food and medicine, prompting Without providing evidence, firmed defence secretary since activity, adding that, terrorists ensure overall cybersecurity that “The first thing I did was run over 4 million Venezuelans to socialist President Nicolas Jim Mattis resigned in and cartels switch mid-commu- has enabled people to bank rel- to freeze my food so that it does leave the country. Maduro has blamed the December over policy differ- nication to encrypted applica- atively securely online and not go bad like it did like the last Venezuela’s national power blackouts on sabotage coordi- ences with Trump. tions to plan deadly operations. engage in e-commerce. time in March. It costs a lot to grid has fallen into disrepair nated by the United States. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 13 PAGE | 14 PAGE | 15 Novo Cinemas UK business opens new leaders urge Multiplex at Johnson to get Tawar Mall Brexit deal

Qatargas delivers first QIC Insured offers SME business insurance for F&B sector THE PENINSULA Q-Flex LNG cargo to DOHA aspect of Qatar’s economic growth and diversification.” He added: “We understand QIC Insured, the retail arm of that most entrepreneurs are busy Revithoussa Terminal Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) and find it difficult to make time has announced that it is offering to visit branches to buy business business insurance to the Food insurance. We are therefore & Beverage (F&B) segment of delighted to extend our online Qatar’s Small and Medium-sized product offering to cater to this Enterprise (SME) sector. important customer segment. In response to the rising With the convenience of number of restaurants, cafeterias shopping for business insurances and other entrepreneurial ven- online, entrepreneurs will now tures in Qatar, QIC Insured offers be more empowered to manage business insurance that aims at Fahad Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO, QIC risks effectively while focusing facilitating entrepreneurs in on growing & nurturing their growing their restaurant or caf- in today’s world involves businesses. eteria business and playing a plethora of risks. Our packaged Qatar is experiencing a pivotal role towards developing Business Insurance product steady increase in the number the F&B segment of Qatar’s SME caters to all the insurance of SMEs and this trend is sector. Customer can simply visit requirements for F&B business expected to continue as the qic-insured.com to purchase the so that entrepreneurs can nation prepares itself for hosting ‘Al Gharafa’ at Greece’s Revithoussa Terminal 7 product online or call the Call allocate more time on nurturing the 2022 Fifa World Cup. We Centre at 8000742 for further and growing their businesses. It wish to facilitate this growth by THE PENINSULA The Revithoussa Head of LNG at ENGIE said: “We details. also highlights our consistent making it easier for SMEs to get DOHA LNG Terminal is the are very proud to be able to co- Commenting on this, Fahad efforts in facilitating the growth their business insurances and only LNG terminal in operate closely with Qatargas and Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO at QIC and development of the bustling support the anticipated growth Qatargas Operating Company Greece and is located further build upon our long said: “Running F&B businesses F&B segment, a significant of the country.” Limited (Qatargas) has safely and standing relationship whilst sup- successfully delivered the first in the Gulf of Megara, plying our Greek and Spanish cargo of Liquefied Natural Gas west of Athens. It counterparties with competitive EU has €35bn (LNG) on a Q-Flex vessel to was completed in gas and LNG”. IMF downgrades Greece’s Revithoussa LNG 1999 and is operated The Revithoussa LNG Ter- list if US hits its Terminal. This is for the first time minal is the only LNG terminal in that a Q-Flex LNG vessel has called by Greece’s National Greece and is located in the Gulf cars, says world growth, warns at the terminal ever since it Natural Gas System of Megara, west of Athens. It was underwent an expansion drive late Operator (DESFA) S.A. completed in 1999 and is operated trade chief of ‘precarious’ 2020 last year. The cargo, which was by Greece’s National Natural Gas REUTERS/BRUSSELS loaded at the Ras Laffan Terminal System Operator (DESFA) S.A. AFP some of this is self-inflicted,” in Qatar on 3rd July 2019, arrived said: “This significant delivery is The terminal has lately WASHINGTON IMF chief economist Gita at the Revithoussa Terminal on aligned with Qatargas’ strategy to undergone a substantial The European Union will Gopinath told reporters. board the Q-Flex vessel, ‘Al continue growing the ever expansion drive which increased retaliate with extra duties on Global trade tensions, “Dynamism in the global Gharrafa’, on 20th July 2019. increasing number of terminals its storage capacity up to 225,000 €35bn ($39.1bn) worth of US continued uncertainty and economy is being weighed The Q-Flex cargo is part of yet that our Q-Flex and Q-Max vessels cubic meters and upgraded its goods if Washington imposes rising prospects for a no-deal down by prolonged policy another multi-port delivery exe- can deliver into. Achievements jetty to accommodate up to Q-Flex punitive tariffs on EU cars, the Brexit are sapping the strength uncertainty as trade tensions cuted by Qatargas. It is being such as this, coupled with multi- size vessels. Up until this point, bloc’s trade chief said of the world economy, which remain heightened despite the undertaken in co-operation with port deliveries on Q-Flex vessels Qatargas only delivered cargoes yesterday. faces a “precarious” 2020, the recent US-China trade truce... the European utility ENGIE, which and a global reputation as a safe to Greece on board smaller con- We will not accept any International Monetary Fund and the prospects of a no-deal will see the second cargo being and reliable supplier, reinforce ventional-size LNG vessels. Al managed trade, quotas or vol- warned yesterday. Brexit have increased,” she delivered at the Cartagena LNG Qatargas’ position as the World’s Gharrafa is a Q-Flex class LNG untary export restraints and, if Trade conflicts are under- said at a briefing in Santiago, terminal in Spain later this month. Premier LNG Company in an vessel with an overall cargo car- there were to be tariffs, we would cutting investment and weak- Chile. Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, increasingly dynamic LNG rying capacity of 216,000 cubic have a rebalancing list,” European ening manufacturing, and the Gopinath warned that the Chief Executive Officer, Qatargas market.” Gordon Waters, Global meters. Trade Commissioner Cecilia IMF urged countries to avoid recovery seen next year “is Malmstrom told a committee of using tariffs to resolve their precarious” because “close the European Parliament. differences. to 70 percent of the increase “It is already basically pre- In its quarterly update of relies on an improvement in Oil slips, Brent around $63 pared, worth 35 billion euros. I its World Economic Outlook the growth performance in do hope we do not have to use the IMF trimmed the global stressed emerging market REUTERS / HOUSTON Libya’s Sharara oil field 17 cents at $56.05. “The situation that one,” she continued. forecast issued in April by 0.1 and developing economies returned to normal production with Iran seems contained for US President Donald Trump percentage point this year and and is therefore subject to Oil edged down, with Brent at yesterday, pressuring prices that now, and Libya’s full supply is declared in May that some next, with growth expected to high uncertainty.” However, around $63 a barrel yesterday rallied a day earlier on fears the coming back,” said Bill Baruch, imported vehicles and parts hit 3.2 percent in 2019 and 3.5 the United States, which is at under pressure from weaker tanker capture could disrupt president at Blue Line Futures pose a national security threat. percent in 2020. the center of most of the global demand forecasts and supplies in the heavily trafficked LLC in Chicago. In the Middle But he delayed for six months But the report sounded the trade tensions, saw one of the the full restart of Libya’s largest Strait of Hormuz. East, “tensions are ever-present a decision on whether to alarm, saying things could rare upgrades in the report, oil field despite continuing Brent crude fell 22 cents to but it hasn’t moved the market impose tariffs to allow time for easily go wrong. as it got a short-term boost supply worries stemming from $63.04 a barrel by 10:29 a.m. much because everyone is trade talks with the EU and “Global growth is sluggish from strong economic Iran’s capture of a British oil CDT (1529 GMT). US West Texas waiting on US supply data,” Japan. That six months ends in and precarious, but it does not growth in the early part of tanker. Intermediate crude was down Baruch said. mid-November. have to be this way because the year. `P14 Aggregator companies thrive in m-commerce space

LANI ROSE R DIZON “People want service aggre- Currently, EButler has downloaded for free and users THE PENINSULA gators. It’s basically the change already had about 10,000 pay for the services without of behavior. People are using downloads, and 70 percent of extra fees or markup, said Aggregator companies are apps more, and that’s why eve- this are registered users. Ashour Ashour. He added that the thriving in Qatar’s growing rything is going to be booked added: “We’ve been growing startup company has over 100 mobile commerce that way. But in reality nobody about 65 percent average local service providers from (m-commerce) industry. wants to download 30 different month-on-month growth. Our various industries enrolled in its M-commerce, which is the apps for 30 different services. I target market started with expa- platform and is adding more buying and selling of goods and had that frustration, I didn’t triates, but it quickly turned into every week. services through smartphones want to cluster my phone. That Qataris as well and people from Urban Point, which provides and tablets, is a form of whole process is a lot of hassle all over the world. We’re a local mobile-based incentives for life- e-commerce. And while some and time consuming,” said Omar startup with global goals. We style experiences in Qatar, is Saif Qazi, Co-founder and Omar Ashour, Co-founder and food aggregators such as Talabat Ashour, Co-founder and CEO of want to represent Qatar on the another m-commerce startup Managing Director at Urban Point CEO of EButler and Zomato are already making EButler, in an interview with global stage as one of the that is proving to be a hit among strides not just in Qatar but The Peninsula recently. success stories of startups. And the residents. This lifestyle regionally and internationally, Dubbed as Qatar’s first one- your car taken to Fahes for reg- m-commerce startup which was we’re aiming to grow in other savings app was awarded Mobile several Doha-based product and stop app for any service needed; istration renewal, as well as per- launched in January, promises countries as soon as next year. App of the Year by Entrepreneur service aggregators are also from home services like sonal services like fitness to connect users with vetted and We’re looking at expanding to Magazine, and has been selected quickly catching on to gain their cleaning and maintenance, to training, legal services and even quality local service providers Kuwait, Turkey, and Oman”. by the World Economic Forum market share. car services including having personal shopping. This ‘with the tap of a button’. The EButler app can be as a top Mena startup. `P14 14 BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019

IMF downgrades MARKETWATCH QIB named Islamic Bank of world growth, warns of the Year and Best Islamic ‘precarious’ 2020 QSE FTSE100 DOW CRUDE FROM PAGE 13 10,511.25 7,571.41 27,257.58 $56.19 Retail Bank in Qatar The IMF raised the US -30.99 PTS +56.48 PTS +85.68 PTS -0.03 GDP forecast by three-tenths 0.29% 0.76% 0.32% Dow & Brent before going to press THE PENINSULA of a percentage point to 2.6 DOHA percent for 2019, but weak- ening demand, in part due to Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), has the trade conflicts and tariffs, been named “Bank of the Year” points to “slowing momentum Aggregator companies and “Best Retail Bank of the over the rest of the year.” US Year” in Qatar, at the 2019 economic growth is expected thrive in m-commerce space edition of Islamic Finance to slow to 1.9 percent in 2020. FROM PAGE 13 Awards bestowed by the Asset China, which is the main commerce in every country in Magazine, a leading financial target of US trade actions, was To date, the company has which we operate,” Qazi added. publication in Asia Pacific. already experiencing a over 100,000 members. It also Similarly, Getit Group, a 100 Both awards were presented slowdown. But “the negative has over 300 partners from percent Qatari multivendor online to QIB for being the leading effects of escalating tariffs and various industries such as food & market platform which is referred Islamic Bank in Qatar, reflecting weakening external demand drink, beauty & health, fun & to as the best online shopping QIB’s continuous efforts to have added pressure,” the leisure, and retail & services. And portal in the country, has also develop its existing product suite report said. A sudden its partners have so far made over recently launched its mobile app. and to also create innovative slowdown in China is a key QR12m through the various mar- The company’s web store offers financial solutions to meet the risk to the world economy. keting strategies implemented every type of groceries, foodstuffs, ever-changing needs of its cus- platforms that allow the Bank to innovative, highly secure, end- The report downgraded under the digital platform. mobile and electronic goods, tomers in Qatar. The awards better serve its customers. The to-end digital solution that Chinese growth by a tenth of Saif Qazi, Managing Director fashion apparels, home appli- reflect QIB’s successful growth successful implementation of allows our customers to obtain a point this year and next, to at Urban Point, said that the com- ances, industrial products and strategy which is built on focusing this strategy has contributed to personal financing within 6.2 percent and 6.0 percent. pany’s partnership with Ooredoo services and more. on customer’s needs and working the Bank’s leading position in minutes through our mobile The IMF cautioned that was a key factor to its growth, in As part of its long-term plans, to meet them through a flexible Qatar and the region. banking app and recently we there is an abundance of addition to providing users with the company is targeting to reach and easy banking experience. “These prestigious awards have enabled new to bank cus- “potential triggers” for the sit- unique benefits and strategy. He 40 percent of the market share in The Bank’s strategy is closely are another acknowledgement tomers to open a new bank uation to turn negative quickly, added: “Qatar is a great market Qatar’s e-commerce industry tied with Qatar’s National Vision of our continuous efforts to account instantly through the including the possibility of for m-commerce startups to which is estimated at over QR2bn. 2030 and the Government’s implement a successful business App.” Bassel added. more US tariffs on China or on quickly test, pivot and scale. It has Globally, mobile commerce sales commitment to investments in strategy in providing best in- The Asset Triple A Islamic European autos, as well as a one of the highest telco and is predicted to make up for 53.9 the country’s infrastructure, the class banking services to all of Finance Awards are considered no-deal Brexit and high debt internet penetrations in the world percent of all e-commerce sales diversification of the economy our clients in Qatar.” said, QIB’s one of the most prestigious levels in many countries. and excellent government by 2021, according to market esti- and the development of a strong Group CEO Bassel Gamal. awards in Asia, as Islamic “While the tensions abated support programs for tech mates. Smartphones are expected private sector. Over the past few “we are leveraging tech- banking is quickly growing to be in June, durable agreements startups. There are a number of to be the main contributor to years, QIB’s leadership has been nology in ways that meet, if not one of the most promising niches to resolve differences remain successful m-commerce appli- overall m-commerce growth. working on a business strategy exceed, the requirements of our in global finance. Through a rig- subject to possibly protracted cations that are heavily used by A PwC study on 2019 Con- to build a long-lasting compet- growing retail and corporate orous, selective approach, the and difficult negotiations,” the the mass population in Qatar. The sumer Insights in Middle East also itive advantage by introducing customer base. Our Bank has awards are built upon stringent report said. Gopinath repeated market appetite for mobile stated that the biggest growth in new products and services, become a pioneer in offering methodology along with a the IMF calculation showing products already exists in Qatar mobile payment was experienced boosting service performance, digital products and services; we benchmark research team that the combined effect of and startups just need to make in the Middle East, with a 45 developing the Bank’s risk man- were the first Islamic Bank in the whose surveys provide accurate tariffs imposed last year and sure that they provide a quality percent increase in mobile agement framework, and world and the first Bank in Qatar quantitative and qualitative data potential tariffs threatened in product that fulfils a need”. payment usage over the period migrating to new technology to launch ‘Instant Finance’, an on management decisions. May between the United States Urban Point has already of one year. That is almost double and China could reduce global expanded to Kuwait and will soon the rate of Western markets. GDP in 2020 by 0.5 percent. be launching in a few other coun- For the first time in the 10 The latest forecast was tries. “We focus on developing years that PwC has conducted the once again full of downgrades, long term relationships and survey, consumers surveyed are with small downward revi- provide continuous and unique using smartphones over other sions for Germany and Japan, value to our partners, and this has mobile devices to shop online, but much larger cuts for Brazil, helped us not only sustain our with smartphone growth esti- Mexico, Russia, India and growth but also to use that growth mated at a 54 percent CAGR from South Africa -- countries that and success as a validation to 2016 to 2019 in the Middle East. were the engine for global form partnerships in new About 24 percent of the consumers growth in the wake of the markets. We envision Urban Point surveyed are also using a smart- 2008 financial crisis. to be the starting point of local phone to shop online weekly. QC participates in GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre meeting in Oman QNA Board Of Directors of GCCCAC be presented to the Board of MUSCAT Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al-Thani, Directors of the Center at the discussed a number of items and next meeting in Kuwait next Qatar Chamber participated in proposals aimed at improving September. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa (second right), CEO of Qatar Development Bank, formally opening the meeting of the GCC the Center’s work. Chairman of GCCCAC and Novo Cinemas’ new Multiplex at Tawar Mall. Commercial Arbitration Centre The meeting referred to the representative of the Sultanate (GCCCAC), held at the Oman need to review the regulation of of Oman at the meeting Ridha Al Chamber of Commerce and the work of the Board of Saleh praised the presence and Novo Cinemas opens new Industry. Directors and the draft personnel participation of the GCC Member The meeting, which was regulations of the Center, pro- States and their efforts to support Multiplex at Tawar Mall attended by H E Member Of The vided that the final subjects will the Center’s march. THE PENINSULA cinema in Tawar Mall. Abdulaziz business in Qatar and strengthen DOHA bin Nasser Al Khalifa and Jassim our position as the market leader bin Jabr Sultan Tawar Al Kuwari in providing an unparalleled Tawar Mall, one of the largest did the honor of ribbon-cutting entertainment experience. With shopping malls in Qatar, cele- in the presence of their distin- this opening; Novo Cinemas will brated the ground-breaking guished guests and media now have 48 screens in Qatar ceremony of Novo Cinemas last members, where the invitees which are equipped with the evening in the presence of were taken on a special tour of latest technology to provide Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, the cinema. exceptional cinematic experi- CEO of Qatar Development Bank Jassim bin Jabr Sultan Tawar ences for our guests.” Novo and Chairman of Novo Cinemas Al Kuwari commented: “It is a Cinemas at Tawar Mall features and Jassim bin Jabr Sultan pleasure and an honour to 9 Premium Theatres that include Tawar Al Kuwari, Chairman of launch Tawar Mall Novo a luxury 7 Star theatre with per- Tawar Mall. Cinemas”. sonal butler service, fine dining Tawar Mall has partnered Khalid Al Muraikhi, ELAN menu selection and fully with Novo Cinemas, the Middle Group Chief Support Officer, reclining automated seats. The East’s most innovative cinema said: “We are delighted to open cinema is also equipped with the and a subsidiary of ELAN Group Novo Cinemas in Tawar Mall, latest Dolby Atmos Surround Officials of Qatar Chamber and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the meeting. to open a new state-of-the-art which will further expand our sound technology. Doha Festival City hosts the Mawater Centre Auto Show

THE PENINSULA can discover award-winning Tiffany car, a Skyline GTR 1973 Robert Hall, General DOHA motor vehicles. Coupe offering an engine is RP Manager, said, “We are incredibly The Mawater Centre, which 25 with the same characters as excited to have collaborated with Doha Festival City, Qatar’s was established by the Ministry the car in the Fast and Furious the Mawater Centre and their unique, world-class retail, enter- of Culture and Sports, specialises movies, which has won national classic and modified cars for our tainment and dining destination in modern classic and modified and international awards. The guests to view. The exhibit is a collaborated with the Mawater classic car enthusiasts. Porsche 911 Turbo (1992 model) perfect opportunity for families Centre to bring classic and Displayed in different areas featured in the Bad Boys movie and automobile lovers to visit and modified cars for guests to view of the mall, the exhibit will starring Will Smith will also be embrace the craftsmanship as part of Festival City’s host of feature a total of 12 cars, six at on display. The Acura NSX Type involved in assembling these summer activities. The event the start of the period, and then R model 1992 will be on show luxury cars as we continue to began on July 22, 2019 and will replaced with another 6 in the while the Skyline GTR V1999 look for new and exciting ways last until August 11, 2019 and is second half of the event. Cars on with rise rings top security RP 26 to support young Qatari enthu- available for guests to experience show include the orange Skyline twin Turbo will also be on siasts and entertain our A classic car showcased at the Auto Show. during mall hours where guests GTR Hakosuka with 4 doors, the display among many others. visitors.” WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 BUSINESS 15

UBS Group CEO UK business leaders urge warns of ‘huge change’ as rate Johnson to get Brexit deal reversal hits banks AFP morning losses after Johnson LONDON won the leadership contest. BLOOMBERG Ahead of the news, sterling ZURICH British business leaders dipped as low as $1.2418 on fears yesterday urged incoming prime of a dreaded “no-deal” split that UBS Group AG Chief Executive Officer minister Boris Johnson to avoid severs trade ties abruptly. That Sergio Ermotti joined Wall Street peers taking the country out of the was not too far from last week’s warning that income from lending will European Union without a Brexit two-year low of $1.2382. come under more pressure after a sudden deal. The European single cur- reversal in expectations for interest rates Johnson has said he will seek rency meanwhile rose to just globally. a new divorce agreement with over 90 pence. That compared Even as Switzerland’s largest bank Brussels but will leave without Johnson from business commu- with last week’s peak of 90.51, yesterday posted its best quarterly result one if that is the only way to nities around the UK couldn’t be which had been the euro’s in almost a decade, lower net interest keep to the latest October 31 exit simpler: the time for cam- highest level since income already weighed on its key wealth deadline. paigning is over - and we need mid-January. management unit. The investment banking “The new prime minister you to get down to business,” But the pound then business, meanwhile, was dragged down must not underestimate the ben- said BCC Director General Adam recovered its losses for the day by a continued slump in trading. efits of a good deal,” said Carolyn Marshall. to make gains against the dollar Net interest income “will come under Fairbairn (pictured), director “Companies need to know, and euro. pressure, not only because rates had a general of the Confederation of in concrete terms, what your TheCityUK, which represents complete u-turn in respect of expecta- British Industry, Britain’s biggest government will do to avoid a the financial services firms in the tions,” Ermotti said in an interview with employers’ organisation which messy, disorderly Brexit on City of London, urged Johnson Bloomberg Television’s Manus Cranny represents some 190,000 October 31, which would bring to set out his plans quickly. in Zurich. In addition to the impact on US businesses. pain to communities across the “Ongoing Brexit uncertainty bonds, “we also had headwinds from the “It will unlock new UK and disruption to our trade is depressing business activity, euro and the Swiss franc rates. At the end investment and confidence in around the world.” Johnson was but the financial and related pro- of the day, if you sum it up, this is a huge factories and boardrooms across elected leader of the governing fessional services industry change.” With global growth slowing, the country. Business will back Conservative Party yesterday remains very clear that a no-deal central banks have been forced to reverse you across Europe to help get and will take over as prime min- Brexit is still the worst of all out- course after spending much of last year there.” The British Chambers of ister today. comes,” said chief executive leaning toward tightening monetary Commerce, which also repre- He replaces Theresa May, Miles Celic. policy. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome sents thousands of firms, urged who quit after trying and failing “We hope the new prime Powell and his colleagues look primed Johnson to spell out how he to get her deal with Brussels minister can find an economi- to cut interest rates by a quarter per- would avoid a chaotic no-deal through the British parliament, cally viable way through the centage point later this month, and the Brexit. forcing her to delay Brexit twice. ongoing political impasse in par- European Central Bank is also on the “The message to Boris The pound erased its liament and with the EU 27.” verge of more stimulus. Huawei unit cuts more than 600 jobs following US sanctions AFP database. “Decisions like this are never easy to met China’s Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 SHANGHAI make. Eligible employees will be offered severance summit in Osaka last month, the US president said packages, including both pay and benefits,” the he would ease the punitive measures on Huawei Chinese telecom giant Huawei said yesterday that statement said. as long as equipment sold to it did not pose any more than 600 jobs would be lost at a US unit as The Trump administration has put Huawei risk to national security. a result of “curtailment of business operations” on its so-called Entity List, which means US com- The Washington Post reported this week that caused by Washington’s sanctions on the firm and panies need a licence to supply it with US tech- Huawei secretly helped North Korea build and 68 of its subsidiaries. nology. Huawei - a leader in next-generation 5G maintain the country’s commercial wireless The layoffs will come at the Chinese com- wireless technology - remains barred from devel- network. The Post, citing internal documents it pany’s US-based research and development arm, oping 5G networks in the United States, and the obtained and people familiar with the Futurewei Technologies, which is incorporated Trump administration is trying to convince its allies arrangement, said Huawei has partnered with a in Texas, an email statement from Huawei said. to do the same. Washington accuses Huawei of Chinese state-owned firm Panda International Futurewei employs more than 750 people, working directly with the Chinese government, a Information Technology on projects in North according to Bloomberg’s corporate information claim the company denies. After Donald Trump Korea over at least eight years.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

iSmart Shankar(Telugu) 2:00pm; The Lion King (2D/Drama) 2:15, 4:30, 6:45 & 9:00pm; Toy Story 4 (2D/Animation) 2:15pm; Aadai (2D/Tamil) 2:15pm; iSmart Shankar(Telugu) 2:30 &11:30pm; The Lion King (2D/Drama) 2:30, 4:45, 7:00 & 9:30pm; Toy Story 4 (2D/Animation) 4:45pm; Sathyam Paranja Vishwasikkuvu (2D/Malayalam) Ardaas Karaan (2D/Punjabi) 5:00pm; 2:30, 5:00 & 9:15pm; The Kid (2D/Drama) 9:30pm; Kadaram Kondon (2D/Tamil) 6:30 & 11:30pm; Kadaram Kondon (2D/Tamil) 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm; Spider-Man: Far From Home 7:30pm; Pathinettam Padi (2D/Malayalam) 11:30pm; Super 30 (2D/Hindi) 8:45pm; A.M.I (2D/Horror) 9:45pm; Jhootha Kahin Ka (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm; Pathinettam Padi (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm

LANDMARK FLIK Mirqab Mall

Pathinettam Padi (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:00pm; Aladdin (2D/Comedy) 10:45am, 3:40 & 8:30pm; The Lion King (2D/Drama) 2:15, 4:45, 7:00 & 8:45pm; Anna (2D/Action) 11:00am, 1:20, 3:05, 5:20, 8:20 & 10;35pm; Toy Story 4 (2D/Animation) 4:30pm; Annabelle Comes Home (2D) 11:45pm; Sathyam Paranja Vishwasikkuvu (2D/Malayalam) 6:15 & 9:15pm; Spider-Man: Far From Home 4:00pm; Crawl (2D/Horror) 11:40, 1:35, 3:30, 5:25, 7:25, 9:20pm & 12:20am; Kadaram Kondon (2D/Tamil) 2:15, 9:15 & 11:30pm; Finding Steve McQueen (2D/Drama) 11:10am, 3:00 & 6:55pm; iSmart Shankar(Telugu) 4:30 & 11:30pm John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum (2D) 11:15am; Kadaram Kondon (2D/Tamil) 9:50, 10:45pm & 12:00am; The Lion King (2D/Drama) 10:25, 11:55am, 12:50, 1:15, 2:20, 3:15, 4:45, 6:107:10, 9:35, 10:30 & 11:00pm; The Extractors 10:55pm; AL KHOR Pathinettam Padi (2D/Malayalam) 5:40pm; Spider-Man: Far From Home 10:50am, 1:25, 3:20, 4:00, 5:50, 6:35, 8:20 & 9:10pm; The Lion King (2D/Drama) 10:45am, 1:15, 3:45, 6:15, Toy Story 4 (2D/Animation) 10:35, 11:20am, 12:35, 1:20, 2:35, 8:45 & 11:15pm; iSmart Shankar (2D/Telugu) 4:15pm; 4:35pm; The Kid (2D/Drama) 1:00, 4:55 & 8:45pm Kadaram Kondon (2D/Tamil) 11:15am, 1:45, 7:00, 9:30pm & 12:00midnight; Pathinettam Padi (2D/Malayalam) 11:45am, 5:30, 8:30 & 11:30pm; Sathyam Paranja Vishwasikkuvu ASIAN TOWN (2D/Malayalam) 2:15pm Pathinettam Padi (2D/Malayalam) 5:30, 8:00, 11:00pm; Kadaram Kondon (2D/Tamil) 4:30, 5:30, 6:45, 7:45, 9:00, 10:00 & 11:15pm; Sathyam Paranja Vishwasikkuvu (2D/Malayalam) 3:00, 8:30 ROXY & 11:00pm

Spider-Man: Far From Home 12:30 & 10:30pm; Crawl (2D/Horror) 1:00, & 3:10pm; Kadaram Kondon (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00 & 10:30pm; Pathinettam Padi (2D/Malayalam) 1:00, 4:30, 7:40 & 11:00pm; The Extractors 3:00 & 11:00pm; Shubha Rathri (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:10, 3:10, Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. 6:00, 6:30, 11:40pm & 12:30am; The Lion King (2D/Drama) 1:00, 3:30, 5:00, 6:00, 7:30, 8:00 & 8:30pm; Toy Story 4 (2D/Animation) 5:10pm

KADARAM KONDAN

A car hijacker learns the woman whose car he has stolen is in danger, and he has to save her. 16 CLASSIFIEDS WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 AL ASMAKH LISTINGS CALL CENTER: 4448 5111 / 4041 0757 We also offer our RICS regulated International valuation service VALUATIONS & RESEARCH [email protected]

Email: info@alasmakhrealestate/com Website: www.alasmakhrealestate.com

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has been in really good order. ACTION Pont du Gard to Gap (Swimming, Diving and Water polo) TODAY’S

Garver shines in Thiem beats Cuevas to Twins’ 8-6 win over Yankees advance in Hamburg AP MINNEAPOLIS

AP Also, fourth-seeded fifth-seeded Paire struggled Mitch Garver hit two of Minnesota’s five HAMBURG Nikoloz Basilashvili beat qual- on serve in the deciding set, home runs, and the Twins held on for an ifier Hugo Dellien 6-4, 6-3 in racking up six double faults 8-6 victory over the New York Yankees after French Open finalist Dominic just over an hour, and will and only one ace. a tone-setting triple play in the first inning Thiem beat Pablo Cuevas 6-3, next face Juan Ignacio Chardy next plays either of a series opener between AL division 7-6 (3) yesterday to reach the Londero. fellow Frenchman Richard leaders Monday night. second round of the Hamburg Seventh-seeded Jan- Gasquet or Indian qualifier Jorge Polanco, Nelson Cruz and Max European Open. Lennard Struff had 10 aces as Sumit Nagal. Kepler also went deep, giving the Twins The top-seeded Thiem he eased past Thiago Mon- Eighth-seeded Christian their eighth game with five or more homers broke Cuevas in the Uru- teiro 6-1, 6-3. Garin had reached the final in this season. All but Garver’s second solo shot guayan’s first service game of On Monday, Jeremy three of his last seven clay- came off starter CC Sabathia (5-5), who each set, but struggled to press Chardy needed five match court tournaments but was lasted only four innings. his advantage before closing points to beat fellow beaten 6-4, 7-6 (5) by Andrey Martín Pérez was hit just as hard, out the match in 1 hour 42 Frenchman Benoit Paire and Rublev. serving up home runs to Gio Urshela, Luke minutes. reach the second round. Marton Fucsovics Voit, and AL batting leader DJ LeMahieu, a It was Thiem’s 250th Chardy finally converted defeated German veteran two-run drive. career tour-level win and set match point to win 6-7 (4), Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, Nine of the last 13 batters against Pérez up a second-round meeting 7-5, 6-3 against Paire, who at 6-0, and Martin Klizan dis- Top seed in Hamburg, reached, with 14 total bases, and he left after with Hungary’s Marton 28th in the world is ranked 49 missed wild card Daniel Alt- Dominic Thiem in action failing to get an out in the fifth. LeMahieu Fucsovics. places higher. The maier 6-2, 6-2. in this file photo. went 3 for 4 to raise his batting average to .338, and the Yankees hit multiple homers for the 20th time in 29 games. Rookie Lewis Thorpe (1-1) got his first TENNIS RESULTS major league win by working 2 2/3 scoreless innings. ATP TOURNAMENT IN Taylor Rogers earned his 15th save. The Twins had lost four of their first six ATLANTA, GEORGIA games on this homestand. 1st Round Elsewhere, J D Martinez homered and Bradley Klahn (USA) bt Marius drove in four runs, including an RBI double Copil (ROU) 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in the ninth inning following Tampa Bay’s Cameron Norrie (GBR) bt Jordan curious decision to put a position player on Thompson (AUS x7) 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, the mound, and Boston beat the Rays. 6-3 Meanwhile, Mike Clevinger pitched Alexei Popyrin (AUS) bt Denis seven innings to win his third straight Kudla (USA) 6-3, 6-4 decision, Oscar Mercado homered and tripled, and Cleveland beat Toronto to improve to 13-3 in July. JURMALA WTA Elsewhere, Gerrit Cole pitched seven TOURNAMENT strong innings and Aledmys Diaz, Yordan 1st Round Alvarez and Yuli Gurriel homered as Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) bt Ana Houston jumped on Homer Bailey for nine Bogdan (ROM) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) runs early and sailed to a win over Irina Maria Bara (ROM) bt Margarita Oakland. Gasparyan (RUS x5) 6-4, 4-6, 4-0 Paul Goldschmidt hit his fifth career - retired New Zealand’s players perform the Haka before the start the Rugby Championship match against Argentina on Saturday. grand slam in the top of the 10th and right fielder Jose Martinez threw out the tying Diana Marcinkevica (LAT) bt Kamilla run at the plate to help St. Louis beat Rakhimova (RUS) 6-4, 6-3 Pittsburgh. In Chicago, Ivan Nova pitched a four- PALERMO WTA All Blacks seek mental edge in hitter that led home side to defeat Miami. TOURNAMENT 1st Round Arantxa Rus (NED) bt Amandine Cup rehearsal against Boks Chicago White Sox Hesse (FRA) 6-1, 6-3 AFP Paula Badosa (ESP) bt Pauline The Rugby Championship clash endured a 57-0 mauling in their previous WELLINGTON appearance in New Zealand. debut extended Parmentier (FRA x5) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) is a dress rehearsal for the “It was important for SA rugby to be Tamara Zidansek (SLO x4) bt Lara global showpiece in Japan, safety netting All Black lock Brodie Retallick predicted where New Zealand and South honest... it built a lot more confidence in Arruabarrena (ESP) 6-2, 6-3 a fireworks against South Africa in South African rugby,” he said. Giulia Gatto-Monticone (ITA) bt Wellington this Saturday, as the southern Africa will face each other in Marx said another win in Wellington AFP Antonia Lottner (GER) 6-2, 1-1 hemisphere rivals both seek a mental their opening Pool B match. could give the Springboks a similar boost CHICAGO - retired edge ahead of the Rugby World Cup. ahead of the World Cup but it was a feat Gabriela Ce (BRA) bt Georgina The Rugby Championship clash is a easier said than done. The Chicago White Sox played their first Garcia (ESP) 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4) dress rehearsal for the global showpiece winning every time, so I guess it’ll be a “I wouldn’t say we’re underdogs, home game since extending protective in Japan, where New Zealand and South big one. Wait and see.” we’re focusing on ourselves and where netting at Guaranteed Rate Field to the foul GSTAAD ATP TOURNAMENT Africa will face each other in their Assistant coach Ian Foster confirmed we can improve, not on them,” he said. poles on Monday, joining the Washington 1st Round opening Pool B match on September 21. the All Blacks were fired up as they “I think it might bring a bit of Nationals as the first Major League teams to Adding further spice to this week- prepare to chase their third straight momentum, obviously, but we have to take the safety step. Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) bt Sandro end’s fixture, the Springboks upset the World Cup and fourth overall. focus on (the match) first.” The netting is some 30 feet high at the Ehrat (SUI) 6-4, 7-5 world champions 36-34 a year ago when “It’s on everyone’s mind, you can’t Assistant coach Matt Proudfoot said end of the dugouts, and climbs to as high as Jirí Veselý (CZE) bt Ernests Gulbis they last played in the New Zealand deny that,” he said. “That brings out a the Springboks could not afford to think 45 feet approaching the poles. (LAT) 7-5, 7-5 capital. real hunger, particularly in your top ath- too far ahead. That will protect fans in the stands from Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) bt Retallick noted that New Zealand and letes who have been eyeing the prize for “When you’re playing the world’s line drives, but will still allow some balls Corentin Moutet (FRA x8) 6-4, 6-4 South Africa both rested key players for a long, long time. best team in their own backyard you pay popped up to drop into the stands. Pablo Andujar (ESP x7) bt Dennis their victories over Argentina and Aus- “There’s no doubt there’s an edge in respect to that and prepare yourself for “People understand that the ballpark Novak (AUT) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 tralia respectively last weekend with the the group.” that challenge,” he said. experience has changed from just a few years Wellington showdown in mind. Hulking South African hooker Proudfoot said his forwards were rel- ago,” said Scott Reifert, senior vice president Roberto Carballés (ESP x6) bt “I think it’s going to be a fiery one... Malcolm Marx said the Springboks would ishing the prospect of testing themselves of communications for the team. Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, there’s going to be some fresh bodies, so not be taking a backward step in against the All Blacks. “Pitchers throw harder, balls come off 6-2 no doubt there’s going to be plenty of Wellington. “We want to deliver ball to our team bats harder, people are spending more time Stefano Travaglia (ITA) bt Daniel energy,” he said. He said last year’s victory was pivotal that we can play off and set our game looking down at their phones. We’re all guilty Galán (COL) 7-6 (9/7), 6-3 “They won here last time in Wel- in rebuilding a side that had slipped to plan down... we really want to put our of that, or at the scoreboard.” lington and obviously we want to be seventh in the world rankings and standard down.” He said reactions have been largely pos- itive, although some baseball fans have com- plained that the netting detracts from their enjoyment of the game, hindering their view and making it harder to collect a foul ball as Wizards to offer Beal $111m extension a souvenir. White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez hit a AGENCIES careful consideration would be given to any Monday, also noting that Will Hardy joined foul ball into the seats on June 10 that hit a WASHINGTON extension offer. head coach Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff. woman who had to be hospitalized. Beal scored a career-best 25.6 points Duncan, 43, played 19 seasons with the Spurs On Sunday in Cleveland, a drive off the The Washington Wizards are expected to per game with 5.5 assists last season. In and won five NBA championships playing bat of the Indians’ Francisco Lindor struck offer All-Star guard Bradley Beal (pictured) seven seasons with the Wizards, the former for Popovich from 1997-2016. a three-year-old boy who was a three-year, $111m extension this week, No. 3 overall selection in the 2012 draft “It is only fitting, that after I served loyally hospitalised. although there are no indications he will has averaged 19.8 points and 3.7 assists. for 19 years as Tim Duncan’s assistant, that A toddler in the stands was also struck accept immediately, ESPN reported. He was an All-Star in each of the past two he returns the favor,” Popovich joked. at the Astros’ park in Houston this season, Beal, 26, still has two years and $55.8m seasons. A 15-time All-Star and two-time Most and a woman who was hit by a sharp ball remaining on his current contract. He will be Meanwhile, Tim Duncan will return to Valuable Player, Duncan is the Spurs’ all- off the bat of Cody Bellinger at Dodger able to receive an extension offer on Friday the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach time leader in games (1,392), points Stadium in Los Angeles needed treatment. and then would have until Oct. 21 to sign it. in 2019-20. (26,496), rebounds (15,091) and blocked Last season a 79-year-old woman died Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN that The team made the announcement shots (3,020). after being hit in the head by a foul ball at Dodger Stadium. 18 SPORT WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019

West Indies recall Narine and Pollard for the T20s against India

AFP ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA

West Indies have turned to experience with the recall yesterday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month. Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November. Spinner Narine’s last appearance in a T20I for West Indies came against England almost two years ago at Chester-le-Street. He opted out of the 50-over A general view of the nets at Lord’s yesterday. World Cup because of a finger injury. “We felt that players like Narine and Pollard, who have played well in T20 leagues around the world, once they are England’s Roy, Stone to make fit and mentally ready to play, we must give them the oppor- tunity to represent the West Indies again,” said interim chairman of selectors, Robert Test debuts against Ireland Haynes. Wicketkeeper/batsman REUTERS be himself, express himself and injury. Jack Leach has struggling with injury ahead of Anthony Bramble, who will LONDON trust his instincts as much as pos- also been called up the five-Test Ashes series against understudy Nicholas Pooran, is sible,” England captain Joe Root for the Ireland test Australia. the only newcomer in the Opening batsman Jason Roy and told a news conference giving England the Fast bowlers Mark Wood and 14-member squad which is cap- fast bowler Olly Stone will make yesterday. option of two Jofra Archer, part of the World tained by Carlos Brathwaite. their England Test debuts in a “He brings something dif- spinners in the lineup Cup-winning one-day team, Andre Russell, who is still one-off match against Ireland ferent to our Test batting side, with Moeen Ali also were not available for selection recovering from a knee injury starting at Lord’s today. he’s a proven performer in inter- named in the team. for the Ireland Tbecause both that saw him leave the World Surrey batsman Roy national cricket and fully capable “Olly’s got good have suffered side strains. Cup early, also returns. becomes the latest player to have of making big contributions. pace, that’s one thing Wood has been ruled out for The first two T20s against a crack at England’s problem “There were occasions in the A picture posted on he brings to this four to six weeks, while Archer India will take place on August position of opener in the longest World Cup when he had to trust @englandcricket shows squad, and it’s a good will have a period of rest before 3 and 4 at the Broward County format, having racked up an his defence and he might have Joe Root sporting the opportunity to see being considered for Ashes Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, impressive 443 runs in his coun- to draw that out a bit longer in new jersey to be worn him play this week,” selection. with the third to be held in try’s triumphant 50-overs World Test cricket - but he can put by England players. The Root added. Having been awarded Test Guyana. The two sides will also Cup campaign. pressure back on the opposition, new jersey will have a “Lewis is the status in 2017, Ireland are contest three ODIs and 2 Tests. Roy is poised to bat at the top he’s one of the best in the world number and the name unfortunate one to chasing their first win in the West Indies: Carlos of the order with Surrey team at that.” of the player on the miss out, along with longest format after losses to Brathwaite (capt), Anthony mate Rory Burns in a four-day Warwickshire paceman Jimmy, (but) it gives Pakistan and Afghanistan. Bramble (wk), John Campbell, back side. match against Ireland and will Stone will make his debut having us good balance and England team v Ireland: Joe Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron have an opportunity to impress recovered from a back injury plenty of options with Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Rory Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Sunil the selectors ahead of the Ashes that forced him to return home Somerset’s Lewis Gregory in the the ball.” Burns, Sam Curran, Jonny Narine, Keemo Paul, Khary series against Australia starting from England’s tour of West battle to deputise for the expe- Anderson, England’s leading Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Joe Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas on Aug. 1. Indies earlier this year. rienced James Anderson, who wicket-taker in Tests, is one of Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, “With Jason, we want him to The 25-year-old edged out failed to recover from a calf several England bowlers Olly Stone, Chris Woakes Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas

Mani to head ICC’s Financial Vote for Williamson, England’s Committee Stokes tells New Zealanders

AP REUTERS ISLAMABAD LONDON right”. “I feel the whole country should align their support to New Zealand captain Kane Pakistan Cricket Board Williamson. He should be revered as a Kiwi chairman Ehsan Mani has been England all-rounder Ben Stokes says he was legend. He led his team in this World Cup appointed as the head of the flattered to be nominated for New with distinction and honour,” Stokes said. ICC’s financial and commercial Zealander of the Year but the country’s “He was the player of the tournament affairs committee. beaten World Cup cricket captain Kane and an inspirational leader of men. He The committee is one of the Williamson should win it. shows humility and empathy to every sit- cricket body’s most powerful Stokes, 28, was born in New Zealand uation and is an all-round good bloke. as it looks after the budgets for but moved to England at the age of 12 when “He typifies what it is to be a New Zea- ICC events and distributing his father Gerard took a rugby league lander. He would be a worthy recipient of money to its member countries. coaching job. this accolade. New Zealand, fully support It will be Mani’s second stint as A man-of-the-match performance in him. He deserves it and gets my vote.” chairman of the committee. He England’s dramatic super over victory Nominations for the award opened on held the post from 1996-2002 against New Zealand in this month’s World July 1 and close on September 15. when the ICC secured broad- Cup final earned Stokes some early nomi- A shortlist is confirmed in December, casting rights worth $550m. nations for New Zealander of the Year, with the winner named next February. The appointment of Mani according to the nation’s media. The last sportsman to win the award was made by ICC chairman In a statement issued through his man- was former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw England’s Jonny Bairstow during Shashank Manohar during last agement yesterday, Stokes said that while in 2016 after he led the side to their second nets at Lord’s yesterday. week’s annual conference in he was proud of his New Zealand and Maori successive Rugby World Cup title in late London, and announced heritage the nomination “would not sit 2015. yesterday. Oldest slinger in town: SL to farewell shaggy-haired Malinga

AFP eventual champions in the group stage. “We need to find the bowlers who Cricket chief Ashley de Silva hailed him Mashrafe has a hamstring injury COLOMBO Malinga, 35, is Sri Lanka’s third- can take wickets in the middle part and as “one of the most outstanding players while Shakib, who scored 606 runs and highest ODI wicket-taker with 335 the early overs. Those are the areas. I Sri Lanka has ever produced”. claimed 11 wickets in the World Cup, is Sri Lanka will start looking to replace wickets from 225 matches, behind only need some good youngsters, we need Apart from the search for new fast being rested. key wicket-taker Lasith Malinga when Chaminda Vaas (399) and Muttiah Mura- to groom some youngsters for the next bowlers, Sri Lanka also has to contend Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, the shaggy-haired fast bowler calls it litharan (523). World Cup.” with a coaching exodus. interim captain for the series, said Bang- quits after the first one-day international Malinga needs three wickets to Malinga said yesterday he hoped to Coach Chandika Hathurusingha and ladesh’s younger players will get a against Bangladesh on Friday. overhaul Anil Kumble’s 337 for ninth play T20 cricket and had his sights on his assistants will be shown the door chance to impress. Both teams go into the three-game place on the international list. the 2020 World Cup in Australia. after the Bangladesh series because of “I think that whoever plays the first series nursing a World Cup hangover, Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karu- “I hope to be able to take Sri Lanka their sixth-place finish in England. one-day match, they need to cash in on with Sri Lanka facing an especially tough naratne said finding a replacement for to the next T20 World Cup,” he said. Meanwhile Bangladesh, who fin- the opportunity,” he said. rebuilding task with the loss of the Malinga is just one of many challenges “I hope I will have an opportunity ished eighth of the 10 teams, are entering Bangladesh are the first foreign instantly recognisable Malinga. ahead following a disappointing World to play in that tournament, but if there a new era after they sacked coach Steve sports team to visit Sri Lanka since the The blond-highlighted bowler with Cup. are better players than me, I don’t mind Rhodes following the World Cup. Easter Sunday suicide attacks this year, the distinctive sling action proved his “I think if you take the World Cup, being left out.” The visitors are also without key which killed 258 people. enduring worth when he tormented we did fairly good. In patches we did The country’s cricket board con- players, including skipper Mashrafe “I think the security has been fan- England during the World Cup, taking really well and sometimes we didn’t do firmed Malinga would be available for Mortaza and inspirational vice-captain tastic. All the facilities they have given four for 43 as Sri Lanka stunned the very well,” he said. selection for the T20 squad, as Sri Lanka Shakib Al Hasan. to us have been top notch,” said Tamim. WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 SPORT 19 Abdulla targets top show in Spain with eye on FIA title FIA WORLD CUP FOR THE PENINSULA TERUEL, SPAIN CROSS-COUNTRY BAJAS T3 TROPHY STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 3: Qatar’s Adel Abdulla knows the 1. Michele Cinotto (ITA) 52pts importance of a top result when 2. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS) 51pts he resumes his challenge for 3 . A d e l A b d u lla (QAT ) 33pts honours in the FIA T3 category of 3. Santiago Navarro (ESP) 33pts the FIA World Cup for Cross- 5. Abdullah Al Zubair (OMN) 26pts Country Bajas at this weekend’s 6. Dmitrii Ponomarenko (RUS) 15pts fourth round of the series in Spain. 7. Alexey Shm otov (RUS) 12pts Baja Spain Aragón is based at 7. M ichal Goczal (PO L) 12pts the northern town of Teruel and 9. Michel Fadel (ARE) 10pts 9. Frederic Chavigny (FRA) 10pts is renowned for its high summer Adel Abdulla temperatures, dusty and abrasive 9. Aleksandr Dorosinskiy (POL) 10pts special stages, a challenging route and a strong entry in all the FIA Toyotas in the T2 category for Adel said: “I am in Spain for – the Baja Northern Forest. Things categories. series production cross-country the Aragón round. I like this race. go like this. Still the championship Adel Abdulla and French co- vehicles. He is again set to chal- It is a good race and you really is on and we will focus to be in a driver Jean-Michel Polato cur- lenge for honours in a Can-Am feel the challenge on the stages. good situation.” rently hold equal third position in Maverick X3 prepared by the FN We already did this rally before Scrutineering checks take Adel Abdulla in the FIA T3 category with Spaniard Speed Team and running with in the same area. It is going to be place in Teruel tomorrow and the action in Italy during Santiago Navarro, but both rivals support from Ooredoo, the Qatar a tough challenge with the other timed action gets underway with are 19 points adrift of the Italian telecommunications company. drivers. They are all fast. It will two selective sections on Friday. an earlier leg of the early season leader Michele The Qatari faces a fierce chal- not be easy for any of us. The shorter of the two stages FIA World Cup for Cinotto, who heads Russia’s Fedor lenge from all his title rivals, in “We will do our best to be in begins proceedings on Saturday Cross-Country Bajas Vorobyev by a single point. addition to young Belgian Ghislain a good position. If you look at the morning and the 170km timed in this file photo. Doha-based Adel switched to de Mevius and the Russian driver difference between me and the section is repeated at lunchtime the T3 section this season after Aleksandr Dorosinskiy in an drivers in front, it is the fact that before the return to Teruel for the several years running Nissans and impressive 10-car T3 field. I missed the first round in Russia ceremonial finish podium. Ewan wins again as Alaphilippe keeps Tour lead

AFP NÎMES, FRANCE

Caleb Ewan sprinted to his second victory on the Tour de France yesterday as Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe kept the overall lead after stage 16, where Geraint Thomas fell but finished with all the main contenders. As France experienced a heatwave defending champion Thomas mis-timed a curb and was left with a gash on his left leg after Sun Yang of China on his way to hitting the tarmac hard on the 177km run win the men’s 200m freestyle around the southern city of Nimes. event during the 2019 World After his third fall during this Tour, Team Championships in Gwangju, Ineos’ sports director Nicolas Portal said South Korea, yesterday. Thomas felt fine. Thomas remains 1min 35sec behind Alap- hilippe in the overall standings ahead of three challenging days in the Alps. He also tumbled after flying over a barrier Sun wins again as podium drama in the wild atmosphere in Brussels on the opening day, and again on the road to Saint- Etienne on stage eight. This time the 33-year-old had no problem getting back to the pack on a flat stage with shakes World Championships no wind to split the peloton. Ewan meanwhile was following up his REUTERS Chinese star wins 200 victory on stage 11 at Toulouse and with Nimes GWANGJU freestyle but British bronze melting under 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahr- medallist Duncan Scott enheit) the Australian was favourite for a There was more podium drama at the repeat performance, this time edging Italian World Swimming Championships refused to shake hands on Elia Viviani on the line. yesterday as British bronze medallist the podium. Some fans stayed away due the extreme Duncan Scott refused to shake hands afternoon heat on this southern French route, with Sun Yang after the Chinese swim- Australian Mack Horton but the conditions failed to slow the peloton mer’s victory in the 200 metres free- refused to share the as it sped past the celebrated regional vine- style. yards and olive groves. With unwell American Katie podium with Sun after the One of the great pre-race favourites Jakob Ledecky sitting out the 200 freestyle Chinese swimmer won the Fuglsang, the Criterium du Dauphine heats in the morning, and later con- 400 freestyle on Sunday. champion, pulled out with 25km to go after firming she would skip her 1,500 title falling and hurting his hand. defence, yesterday’s calm early session Dehydration was a major issue as team gave no indication of the fireworks to Unwell American Katie cars were carrying an average of 200 water come. Ledecky sits out 200 heats, bottles, many of them with added minerals Sun, who is swimming under a skips 1,500 title defence. and saline with riders expected to drink 15 of cloud in Gwangju with the Court of the half litre bidons each. Arbitration for Sport (CAS) set to hear American King beats a doping case against him in Sep- Gold medallist China’s Sun Yang (left) shakes hands with bronze medallist Russian Efimova in 100 tember, came home second in the 200 Martin Malyutin of Russia as joint third, Britain’s Duncan Scott (right) refuses but got the win when Lithuanian to shake hand after the final of the men’s 200m freestyle event. breastroke. Danas Rapsys was disqualified for a false start. At the medal ceremony, Scott Sun was livid, yelling and gesturing hanging in the balance a year out from swim in the 1,500 I didn’t know if it shook hands with fellow bronze med- at the 22-year-old Scott, and later con- the Tokyo Olympics. was a good thing or a bad thing,” said allist Martin Malyutin of Russia, who fronting him as the medallists walked American Lilly King has never Quadarella, who added that claiming finished with the same time as the off the podium towards the stairs shied away from voicing her opinions gold was “a dream”. Briton, but then completely cold shoul- leading to the pool deck. about doping in sport, particularly con- Ledecky had been gunning for four dered Sun, refusing to make eye “You loser, I’m winning, yes,” he cerning her rival Yuliya Efimova, but individual golds at the worlds but saw contact and not offering a spat at the Glasgow-born Scott, who after winning the 100 breaststroke yes- her run of three straight 400 titles handshake. ignored the taunt and kept walking terday there was little sign of any ani- ended by Australian Ariarne Titmus on with his hands behind his back. mosity between the two. Sunday. FINA WORLD SWIMMING The incident comes after Australian King accepted a handshake in the While there was no news on CHAMPIONSHIPS - MEDAL TALLY Mack Horton refused to share the pool from the Russian, who served a whether the 22-year-old will defend podium with Sun after the Chinese 16-month doping ban in 2013, and they her 800 crown, the American may RANK COUNTRY G S B TOTAL swimmer won the 400 freestyle on embraced on the podium -- a far cry leave these championships without 1 China 16 10 3 29 Sunday. from the tense news conferences of adding to her haul of 14 world titles. 2 Russia 9 8 2 19 Sun, who served a doping ban in Rio 2016 after the American had called Both 100 backstroke defending 3 Australia 4 2 4 10 2014 and was labelled a “drug cheat” her rival a drug cheat. champions retained their titles with 4 USA 3 4 7 14 by Horton before the Rio Olympics Ledecky’s absence from the 1,500 Canadian Kylie Masse (58.60) winning 5 Germany 2 2 3 7 final, got the green light to compete in final, which she won at the last three the women’s race and China’s Xu Jiayu 5 Canada 2 2 3 7 Gwangju after being cleared by a FINA worlds, opened the door for Simona the men’s (52.43). 7 Brazil 2 0 1 3 panel of breaching the governing Quadarella, the Italian taking gold in Britain’s Adam Peaty, who won the Caleb Ewan (left) of Australia winning the 8 Hungary 2 0 0 2 body’s rules earlier this year. 15:40.89 -- more than nine seconds 100 breaststroke gold on Monday, was 17th stage of Tour de France ahead of Dylan 9 Italy 1 4 4 9 However, the World Anti-Doping outside the American’s winning time fastest in the semi-finals of the 50 and 10 France 1 3 1 5 Agency is seeking to overturn the two years ago. will look to complete a third straight Groenewegen of The Netherlands in Nîmes, decision at CAS, leaving Sun’s career “When I knew Ledecky wouldn’t 50/100 double today. France, yesterday. WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Top seed Thiem England’s Roy, beats Cuevas Stone to make Test to advance in debuts against Hamburg Ireland Jassim Bin Hamad and Al Janoub Stadiums to host first five rounds Bale will not leave Real on Al Sadd set to kick off QSL season loan: Agent REUTERS LONDON

Gareth Bale’s agent has ruled out with Al Wakrah clash on Aug 21 any loan deal for the Real Madrid forward as the Spanish RIZWAN REHMAT side seek to offload the Wales THE PENINSULA international. The 30-year-old is out of Defending champions and Doha FIXTURES: ROUND 1 favour with Real and manager giants Al Sadd will host Al August 21 Zinedine Zidane has said the Wakrah in the new season’s first Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah club are “working on his football match on August 21 at Al Sadd Stadium (17:20) departure”. “There will be no Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, it was Qatar SC vs Al Duhail makeshift deals to get him out announced yesterday. Al Janoub Stadium (19:30) of the club,” agent Jonathan On the same day, last year’s Barnett said yesterday. runners-up Al Duhail will play “Gareth is one of the best August 22 Qatar SC at Al Janoub Stadium. players on the planet. I can guar- Al Gharafa vs Al Shahania Al Sadd, now coached by antee you he will not be going Al Janoub Stadium (17:20) their former skipper and ex-Bar- on loan to any club.” Al Sailiya vs Al Khor celona star Xavi, last year domi- Bale has won four Cham- Al Sadd Stadium (19:30) nated the QNB Stars League with pions League titles since joining top results under coach Jesualdo Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur Ferreira. August 23 in 2013 for a then world record Also yesterday, Qatar Stars Al Arabi vs Al Ahli transfer fee of €100m ($111.79m) League (QSL) confirmed that two Al Janoub Stadium (17:20) but struggled to hold down a Al Sadd’s Spanish skipper Xavi Hernandez, coach Jesualdo Ferreira, players and officials hold the 2022 FIFA World Cup venues - Al Rayyan vs Umm Salal starting spot last season. Falcon Shield after winning the 2018/19 QNB Stars League (QSL) title at the Al Sadd Stadium in Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and Al Sadd Stadium (19:30) The interest of European the new Al Janoub Stadium - will this April 4 file photo. clubs in a permanent deal for be used for the first five rounds Bale is likely to depend on his of the regular football season. QSL said match venues for most popular national team event Hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Gharafa will take on Al Sha- willingness to accept a salary cut. Both these venues will use round six and beyond will be - the Gulf Cup - from November Cup, Qatar will now look forward haniya on August 22 while on the Chinese Super League clubs state-of-the-art cooling tech- determined ‘after coordination 27 to December 9, it was to hosting UEFA champions Liv- same day Al Sailiya face Al Khor. Jiangsu Suning and Beijing nology that allows football action with the Ministry of Culture and announced during a meeting of erpool and six other continental The next day, Al Arabi take on Al Guoan have been linked to the under any weather condition. Sports following periodic main- the Executive Committee of the champions for the two-week Ahli and Al Rayyan face Umm player in media reports. Al Janoub Stadium was inau- tenance of the stadiums’. Arab Gulf Cup Football Feder- football festival. Salal. “Gareth is a Real Madrid gurated with much fanfare by the “The early start to the season ation (AGCFF) last week. The early start to the season All of the QNB Stars League player and for now he’s staying Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin has been planned keeping in view Early last month, world gov- will also allow Asian champions outfits are currently camped as a Real Madrid player,” said Hamad Al Thani when the Amir the busy football season in Qatar erning body, FIFA gave the Qatar to assemble and play 2022 across various places in Europe Barnett. “If something comes Cup final was played between Al where the 24th Gulf Cup and the hosting rights of the annually- FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian for pre-season training. Most of along that suits us then things Duhail and Al Sadd on May 16. FIFA Club World Cup will be held staged Club World Cup to Qatar Cup qualifying matches set to be the sides will return to Doha in could change and he could be FIFA President Gianni Infantino this year,” a post on QSL’s website for the next two years. The event begin in September this year. the second week of August with gone in a day or a week. Or he was also present to watch the said yesterday. will be staged in December with In other matches of round 1 a few scheduled to land in Qatar could still be a Real player in three match won by Al Duhail. Qatar will host the region’s exact dates yet to be confirmed. of the QNB Stars League, Al in the third week. years when his contract ends.” Jae-ik joins Al Rayyan Al Sadd, Al Ahli continue to train in Europe

Young South Korean star Lee Jae-ik holding an Al Rayyan team jersey with a club official during an unveiling ceremony held Al Sadd players taking part in a pre-season training session in Olot, Spain yesterday. in Doha, yesterday. The national under-20 team defender will The training camp that started last Sunday will continue until July 29. RIGHT: Al Ahli today join his new team-mates who are currently taking part players in action during their training camp in the Dutch city of Eindhoven, yesterday. in a pre-season training camp in Spain. beIN SPORTS’ AFCON coverage breaks viewership records THE PENINSULA Over 800 million watch action on the leading global sports Total Africa Cup of Nations Egypt DOHA channel during biggest African tournament in history. 2019 featured several exclusive interviews and programs, with 12 The Total Africa Cup of Nations special documentaries produced Egypt 2019 came to a close as fans competitive Africa Cup of Nations at beIN Media Group, Jonathan exclusively by beIN dedicated to the and viewers witnessed the biggest to date. Whitehead said: “We are final alone. A total of 75 hours of Africa Cup of Nations in history live Viewers and fans also visited extremely pleased that our programs were shown on beIN and exclusive on beIN SPORTS, the beIN SPORTS official social media viewers have enjoyed the biggest SPORTS for the final – as fans in leading global sports channel. accounts for the latest news and African football tournament MENA witnessed non-stop African A record of over 800 million discussions – using the hashtag exclusively on our channels. With football content. people tuned in to beIN SPORTS to #beINAFCON which was used more than 800 million viewers beIN has secured continued watch the Total Africa Cup of throughout the competition. Videos and fans experiencing the Africa growth in viewership across the Nations Egypt 2019 and cheer for posted on beIN SPORTS’ Facebook Cup of Nations on beIN SPORTS Middle East and the world, estab- their favourite national team as the and Twitter accounts were viewed – we have already started working lishing itself as a household name world witnessed Algeria lift its by over 34 million fans and impres- hard to make sure the next tour- with the exclusive broadcast of second ever Africa Cup of Nations sions of the Total Africa Cup of nament is even more successful. some of the world’s top sporting trophy. Nations Egypt 2019 on Facebook As the regular football season gets and entertainment properties, The final itself saw over 90 and Twitter reached more than 300 underway, we look forward to including the FIFA World Cup, million viewers and fans tune in to million. welcoming more viewers from all UEFA Champions League, FIFA Algerian players and officials celebrate with the beIN SPORTS to watch Riyad On the success of the Total over the world to witness our Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of trophy after winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Mahrez take on Sadio Mane in one Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 world class content.” Nations as well as other sporting title on Friday. of the biggest and most on beIN SPORTS, Sports Advisor beIN SPORTS’ coverage for the and entertainment channels.