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Friday 23 March 2018 | 6 Rajab I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7474 | 2 Riyals Freedom to roam with Bill Protection! Terms & conditions apply Qatar provides full support Emir holds discussion with CEO of Royal Dutch Shell to persons with disabilities

THE PENINSULA The Prime Minister the level of services offered to honoured a number this category. DOHA: Prime Minister and The Minister of Culture and Interior Minister H E Sheikh of Their Excellencies Sports said all the sports facil- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa the Ministers for ities in Qatar are designed to Al Thani attended yesterday the their contributions accommodate persons with dis- closing ceremony of Qatar and support to the abilities, adding that the Ministry Autism Families Association started to allocate compre- (QAFA), held under the slogan activities of Qatar hensive sports facilities for the “Together We Make Difference”. Autism Families disabled, and to provide spe- The Prime Minister hon- Association (QAFA). cialised trainers and the latest oured a number of Their Excel- equipment. The Ministry is also lencies the Ministers for their developing a number of estab- contributions and support to the Dr Al Nuaimi reiterated lishments in Qatar Club and Al activities of the Association. Qatar’s increasing attention to Ahli club to accommodate larger Talking to QNA, on the side- persons with disabilities of all numbers of persons with disa- lines of the ceremony, the Min- categories, especially those with bilities. He said that there is ister of Administrative Devel- autism. He said there is direct great cooperation between the opment, Labor and Social Affairs, guidance from the Prime Min- Ministry and the Qatar Olympic H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al ister on the need to take into Committee (QOC) to provide all Nuaimi and Minister of Culture account these categories, and sorts of support to prepare and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem overcome all the difficulties Olympian athletes and increase Al Ali reiterated Qatar’s increasing before them and provide all their number and participation importance given to persons with support to them. in international competitions. disabilities of all categories, espe- The Minister praised the role During the event Chairman of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday at his office in Al Bahr Palace with Chief cially those with autism. They played by QAFA in integrating QAFA, Fatima Al Shaheen Al Sulaiti, Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell, Ben van Beurden, who called to greet His Highness on the confirmed that there are direc- them in the society and raising handed over a commemorative occasion of his visit to Qatar. The meeting dealt with aspects of cooperation and means to promote them. tives to provide the needed awareness on their capabilities shield to the Prime Minister and support to all the activities and by extending help and support Interior Minister for his unlimited events which work to integrate to them and their families con- and remarkable contribution and persons with disabilities, espe- firming the Ministry’s full support to autism families and the cially those with autism into support to the association in all activities of the Association. Agricultural society, and to raise awareness of its contributions and participa- QCB raises deposit their potential and abilities. tions which works on elevating CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 production to cover interest rate to 1.75% 50% of needs QNA QNA lending rate for banks operating in Qatar. QCB’s decision to raise DOHA: The Central Bank of interest rates in line with the DOHA: The sixth edition of Qatar (QCB) announced decision of the US Federal Reserve, Qatar International Agricul- yesterday that it has raised its announced on Wednesday, to tural Exhibition (Agritech) QCB Deposit Rate (QCBDR) by raise interest rates by 25 basis concluded at Doha Exhibition 25 basis points to 1.75%., based points in a move that coincided and Convention Center, on local and international with market estimates and ana- yesterday. The Minister of economic data. lysts. US Federal Reserve said it Municipality and Environment The central bank said in a had raised its key interest rate H E Mohammed bin Abdullah statement obtained by Qatar to a range of 1.5% to 1.75%, this Al Rumaihi honoured the News Agency that it had main- is the first increase in the US sponsors and the companies tained the QCB lending Rate interest rate this year after three participating the event (QCBLR) at its current level of increases approved by the US including Qatari farms and 5.00% and QCB Repurchase Central Bank last year 2017. livestock breeders. rate (Repo) at its current level The Qatari riyal has been The Minister stressed on Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with Ministers of 2.50%. The price of repo linked to the US dollar at a fixed the importance of achieving and officials at the closing ceremony of Qatar Autism Families Association (QAFA), yesterday. agreements is the central bank rate since 1980. food security, noting that the difficult summer conditions might not enable a 100-percent production of the local needs. He Qatar continues support in maintained however, that agri- Kahramaa aims to cut electricity cultural production could combatting human trafficking increase by multiples, rising from 20-30 percent to 50 percent of local market needs. THE PENINSULA and water consumption The Minister said that the sixth SANAULLAH ATAULLAH the inaugural ceremony of edition of the exhibition gained DOHA: The Minister of Administrative Development, THE PENINSULA the Carnival. more prominence due to the Labor and Social Affairs, H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al “Under Qatar Devel- interest of the Emir H H Sheikh Nuaimi, who is also chairman of National Committee for opment Strategy 2018-22, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Combatting Human Trafficking honoured participants DOHA: Qatar General Elec- Tarsheed program targets the Prime Minister and Interior in the two workshops on combatting human trafficking. tricity and Water Corpo- to reduce per-capita elec- Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin The award ceremony took place in the closing of ration (Kahramaa) opened tricity and water con- Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani in the workshop to support the capacity of national judicial yesterday the “Second sumption to eight percent the agricultural sector and food and prosecutorial agencies in combating human traf- Tarsheed Carnival” under its and 15 percent respec- security. ficking and the other workshop on identifying human Tarsheed program that tively,” said Al Hammadi. The Minister expressed trafficking to journalists and media personnel and media targets to reduce per-capita He said that the target his satisfaction at the out- students, reported QNA. electricity and water will help to save money, comes of the exhibition for all Speaking at the event, Head of the Human Rights consumption to eight reduce gas consumption the participants. His Excellency Department in the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Faisal percent and 15 percent, and carbon emission added that all participating bin Abdullah Al Henzab, who is also Deputy chairman of respectively during next five allowing Qatar to pursue companies met with one National Committee for Combatting Human Trafficking, years. The opening of the Second Tarsheed Carnival at the Paris Agreement on another and gained an said that Qatar continues its support in the field of com- The event that began Kahramaa Awareness Park yesterday. Climate Change. Many important outlet by being part batting human trafficking which is related to the State’s yesterday at Kahramaa PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA steps are being taken to of this year’s event. His Excel- international agenda, and is important to the global Awareness Park (KAP) achieve the target lency noted that there were community. aims at creating awareness conscious generation”. The rationalisation of electricity including adopting latest plenty of deals made between It is not limited only to Qatar and the region alone, and about the conservation of Carnival will continue until and water consumption, technologies to make businessmen and farmers, it is not limited only to human trafficking, however it works electricity and water. March 29. The Carnival is said Abdulaziz Ahmed Al electric appliances more highlighting that foreign com- on promoting and protecting labor rights, starting with the The event is being hosting school students in Hammadi, Director of Kah- energy efficient and panies also benefitted greatly great developments achieved by Qatar on this matter in organised by Kahramaa’s morning from from 8am to ramaa’s Energy Efficiency installation of low-flow from participating as their rep- the recent years through the technical cooperation with National Program for Con- 2pm and general public and Rationalization taps to save the water, resentatives met with those in the International Labor Organisation, he said. servation and Energy Effi- from 4pm to 10pm. Department while said Al Hammadi. touch with the agricultural ciency (Tarsheed) under a The event aims at edu- speaking with the media sector as a whole and got all CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 theme “to create a cating people about persons on the sideline of CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 the information they needed. 02 HOME FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018

Speaker of Advisory Council, Foreign Minister meets French counterpart delegation leave for Geneva QNA DOHA: Speaker of the Advisory Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and his accompanying dele- PARIS: Qatar’s Deputy Prime gation yesterday afternoon left Doha for Geneva to partic- Minister and Minister of Foreign ipate in the 138th General Assembly of the Inter-Parlia- Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin mentary Union (IPU) and associated meetings during the Abdulrahman Al Thani met here period March 24 to 28. yesterday with French Foreign According to the information provided by official sources, Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, This session discusses a number of key issues, such as strength- during his visit to France. ening the parliamentary contribution to the Global Charter Discussions during the on Migration, sustaining peace as a means of achieving sus- meeting dealt with bilateral rela- tainable development, addressing the underrepresentation of tions, and ways of enhancing women in politics, engaging the private sector in renewable prospects of joint cooperation as energy development, building sustainable and flexible soci- well as a number of regional and eties and other issues. international issues of common concern. Al Rumaihi meets Iran Minister DOHA: The Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi met yesterday with H E Ali Akbar Mehrfard, Deputy Minister of Agricultural Jihad for Trade and Development of Agricultural Industries of the Islamic Republic Ties with Mauritius, Senegal discussed of Iran. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran in areas of QNA sector which represents 13.9 Minister said. On his part, QC in various fields. QC Vice- mutual interest. percent of the GDP. Vice-Chairman, Mohamed bin Chairman said the State of Qatar DOHA: Qatar Chamber (QC) held The Minister revealed that Ahmed bin Towar Al Kuwari, said is witnessing a leap in the con- yesterday two separate meetings Mauritius achieved significant there is a large number of Qatari struction, industry, tourism and Al Kuwari meets Kuwait Minister with delegations from Mauritius economic development especially businessmen who are interested other fields, and is seeking to and Senegal to discuss on ways to in the tourism sector, which now to know about available recruit skilled labour to help in the DOHA: Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari strengthen cooperation in various attracts more than 1.5 tourists investment opportunities in Mau- country’s development, which is met with Minister of Health in Kuwait, Sheikh Dr. Basel Hamoud fields including finance, tourism annually, as well as the banking ritius, which was able to achieve what the Senegalese community Al Sabah, who is currently vising the country to attend the Middle and attracting trained labor. sector which comprises more than prosperity in the finance and is doing, with regards to contrib- East Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, which begins Minister of Financial Services 22 banks, locally and interna- exchange sectors, over a short uting to the renaissance seen in today and runs for three days. and Good Governance Dhar- tionally, in addition to Islamic period of time. He added that the Qatar in all fields and is seen to be According to the information available from sources, during mendar Sesungkur of Mauritius banks. State of Qatar and Mauritius may efficient by employers. The Vice- the meeting, they reviewed fraternal relations between the two called on Qatari investors to The Minister valued the complement one another in the Chairman added that Qatar spares brotherly countries and means of enhancing them, specially in review the investment opportu- meeting with the Qatari business Islamic banking industry, espe- no effort to save the rights of the fields of health. nities in his country and to discuss men to review the investment cially since Qatar has considerable workers, noting in this context to with their Mauritian counterparts opportunities, which is provided experience in this sector. the issuance of regulating the to establish mutual partnerships by financial services operators, The chamber also met with a entry and exit of expatriates law Al Muraikhi receives copy of that benefit both sides. accounting and law firms in Mau- labour delegation from Senegal and residence, which achieves a The Minister also presented ritius and to explore the option of to discuss cooperation on balance between the interests of credentials of Mongolia envoy his country’s investment advan- establishing partnerships with attracting trained labour from the employer and the worker. He tages in the financial sector which Qatari private sector companies. Senegal, which comes as part of also pointed to the existence of DOHA: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad is ranked second in its contri- This will contribute to promoting the visiting agenda of the joint coordination between QC and Al Muraikhi received yesterday a copy of the credentials of non- bution to the gross domestic trade exchange between the two Qatar-Senegalese committee, labor recruiting offices to resident Ambassador of the Republic of Mongolia to Qatar, Chin- product GDP, representing 12.1 countries and is beneficial to the which aims to developing the overcome any obstacles in this tushig Zorigt. percent, following the industrial economy of both countries, HE the relations between both countries way. H E the Minister wished success to the new Ambassador in his mission, stressing to provide all support for the promotion of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries to a closer cooperation in various fields. The Minister met yesterday with Head of the Office of the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Enkh-Amgalan. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and means of supporting and devel- oping them, in addition to matters of mutual interest. A-G meets Spanish Minister

MADRID: Qatar’s Attorney-General H E Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, who is on a visit to Madrid, met here yesterday with Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Spain, Rafael Catala. During the meeting, they discussed issues related to interna- tional efforts in the field of combating corruption, combating ter- rorism and ways to strengthen these efforts as well as the inter- national mechanisms to do so. As per the information available, the two sides also discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the legal and Graduation ceremony judicial fields. Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom As many as 493 personnel graduated in a ceremony held yesterday at a training institute. The graduates passed basic training course of Spain, Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, and the Kingdom of Spain’s number 89. The ceremony was attended by Staff Major General, Rashid bin Nasser Al Fahid Al Hajiri. Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Ignacio Escobar, attended the meeting. ‘Cloud Computing Exhibition showcases art works of students RAYNALD C RIVERA integral to Qatar THE PENINSULA DOHA: A wide collection of works by art students of various ages featured at the annual National Vision’ exhibition at the Arts & Crafts Center launched by Lebanese Ambassador to Qatar Hassan THE PENINSULA overall recognition of the tech- Najm on Wednesday. DOHA: C-level executives and nology’s possibilities is at an From painting and calligraphy to sculpture business leaders in Qatar over- all-time high. Decision-makers and pottery, the pieces on display were some whelmingly agree on cloud in the region see the cloud as a of the best works produced by the students at computing’s positive and trans- business priority. Firms that the various workshops conducted by the cen- formative impact, according to continually innovate and build tre’s highly qualified instructors in the past new findings released a sustainable cloud strategy year. yesterday. will increasingly stand out from “This is our annual exhibition showcasing Commissioned by security their competitors, meet inten- of all our participants. It is divided into two and cloud experts F5 Networks, sifying compliance targets, and sections namely under 15 years old and 16 and and conducted by research be better able to substantively above,” Lina Lotfi Moabi, Executive Director Hassan Najm (right), Ambassador of Lebanon to Qatar, with Lina Lotfi Moabi, Executive agency Think Positive, the contribute to major gov- of Arts & Crafts centre, told The Peninsula. Director of Arts and Crafts, at the opening of annual fine art exhibition at Arts and Crafts study is one of the most in- ernment-backed transfor- One of the highlights of the show is 48 por- depth of its kind to involve mation projects,” he said. traits and landscape paintings depicting dif- Center on Wednesday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA board-level decision-makers. Although the GCC is rela- ferent subjects executed in a variety of The results are the most tively early in its multi-cloud mediums and style. of its offerings, said Jobaili. From painting and calligraphy up-to-date gauge on current embrace compared to mature “We want to showcase the broad range “We cater to all ages. We have regular to sculpture and pottery, the attitudes to the cloud, drawing markets, such as the USA and of art workshops we offer, such as painting, classes and private sessions for beginners and pieces on display were some on the views c-level executives parts of EMEA, there is wide- pottery, calligraphy and sculpture. We also advance students,” he said. of the best works produced and business owners from spread and enthusiastic recep- want people to know about the standard of Though painting is still the most popular across the region1. tivity for the technology’s our workshops and qualifications of our art form evident in the number of work on by the students at the various “Cloud computing has sig- potential. instructors,” said Moabi, adding the centre cur- display at the exhibition, three-dimensional workshops conducted by nificant potential to radically All of the Qatari executives rently has over 100 students. art including sculpture and pottery are also the centre’s highly qualified alter how businesses and believe the cloud can have a “Our students are a mix of nationalities. gaining popularity. instructors in the past year. organisations run in the GCC,” positive impact on market We have a lot of Qatari people, and expatriate- “More and more people are getting into said Diego Arrabal, VP – Middle share and help to displace wise we get a lot of students who come for a sculpture and pottery which we have started East, Turkey & Africa, F5 competitors while 97 percent chance to show and hone their skills while they lately and through which we want to Networks. also stated it can improve adapt living in a new country,” said Hassan emphasize that art is not just painting,” he the centre. “We have around three artists a “This new study shows that, brand perception, improve Jobaili, CFO of Arts & Crafts centre. added. week that come and teach classes. They share while the region still has plenty innovation and have a positive Since it was founded, has built a good rep- Also this year, Arts & Crafts launched Res- their passion for art to students that they will of room to ramp up cloud impact on the customer utation in the field of art education and has ident Artists programme wherein professional be able to learn from it and become better deployment projects, the experience. seen increase in the number of people availing artists can come and produce their work in artists in the future,” added Jobaili. FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 HOME 03 Fashion festival wows crowd at MoQ Ooredoo RAYNALD C RIVERA expands Award-winning throughout the mall. THE PENINSULA Spanish fashion On the choice of Resta to network in designer, Alejandro open the festival, Hage- DOHA: Following his Chahine said “He is talented Myanmar successful Doha debut at Shop Resta, showcased and young, and we want to Qatar’s International Fashion 10 looks comprising support young rising talents.” THE PENINSULA Show in January, award- demi-couture designs Resta was one of the winning Spanish fashion celebrating spring and famous international designers designer, Alejandro Resta, whose designs featured at a DOHA: Ooredoo Myanmar, stunned fashion connoisseurs summer with their fashion show which served as the widest and the strongest at the opening of the first-ever delicate floral designs a highlight of the second 4G network provider in Spring/Summer Fashion exuding the feel of the edition of the month-long Shop Myanmar, has expanded its Festival at Mall of Qatar (MoQ) seasons. Qatar presented by Qatar 4G Plus network in another last night. Tourism Authority. 21 townships in Myanmar. Resta showcased 10 looks In his Doha debut, Resta Ooredoo 4G Plus network comprising demi-couture have three daily fashion shows presented 15 of his designs continues to lead as the designs celebrating spring and from more than 20 of our from his ‘Candy’ collection widest 4G network in summer with their delicate brands as well as international inspired by his late grand- Myanmar to offer the best floral designs exuding the feel designers. The idea is to mother whom he considered a data experience to its of the seasons. showcase Spring/Summer col- great influence to him getting customers. “We welcome everyone to lection to our visitors,” he said. into the world of fashion. The new towns which the opening of Mall of Qatar’s The fashion shows will Earlier, Resta revealed have been added to the first-ever Spring/Summer display some of the visitors’ plans of launching a Spanish- network are Kyone Pyaw, Fashion Festival. Tonight we favourite brands at Mall of style collection of abayas, Zalun, Tharbaung, Yegyi, are hosting Alejandro Resta, an Qatar and exquisite Spring/ which have made a good and Kyaiklat and Mawlamyaing- amazing fashion designer from Summer collections from inter- lasting impression on him, as kyung in Ayeyarwaddy Spain because we want to national designers such as Ali well as opening a boutique in Region, Yesagyo, Seikphyu create an international feel to Al Khechen and Nizar Roumani Doha, where he has a growing and Minhla in Magway this festival,” Patrick Hage- from Lebanon; Alejandro Resta client base. Region, Salingyi , Khin-U, Chahine, PR and Events and Daniel Oporto of Los Apart from Resta, last Kanbalu, Pinlebu and Manager at MoQ told local Angeles as well as Qatar-based night’s show also featured Tigyaing in Sagaing Region, media at the launch event. Qlabel. stunning collections by Sacoor Hopong and Mongmit in Shan The mall is hosting three There will also be other Brothers and Qlabel. State and Thaungtha and fashion shows per day dedi- activities running alongside the Vero Moda, River Island, Myitha in Mandalay Region, cated to women’s, men’s, and fashion shows until March 31 Riva, Giordano, Bugatti, Levi’s, Toungup in Rakhine State, children’s collections along in different rotundas including TopShop and Armani Exchange Gyobingauk in Bago Region with a variety of interactive a kids’ mini catwalk, a are some of the other brands and Thongwa in Yangon A unique design on display at the opening of the first-ever and fashion focused make-up tutorial booth, and which will take to the runway Region. Now 221 townships Spring/Summer Fashion Festival at Mall of Qatar (MoQ) last night. activities. womenswear, menswear, and at the upcoming shows at the are under Ooredoo 4G Plus PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA “For over ten days, we will children’s clothing displays festival. network. Daw Pwint Oo Swe, Mar- keting and Communication Director of Ooredoo Myanmar said, “We would Qatar provides full support to persons with disabilities like to support Myanmar people to increase the effi- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Excellency’s continuous said that the family alone, no priority in the next stage, and QAFA for what should be the ciency and gain the benefits support for their right to inte- matter how much effort to to accommodate the newly situation for this beautiful for education, lifestyle and Fatima Al Sulaiti , Chairman grate in the society and their achieve the desired devel- diagnosed. group of children. economic development of Qatar Autism Families Asso- positive participation in opment of their children, they The Chairman presented She called on official insti- through Ooredoo superfast ciation (QAFA), expressed her society, life and its broad remain unable to face a the recent achievements of the tutions including ministries 4G network”. Ooredoo is not and members of the associ- horizons. number of tough challenges. association confirming that and governmental entities to only offering the widest and ation’ happiness with the She highlighted the impor- She added that an autistic these achievements are a result promote areas of assistance in strongest 4G network in attendance of the Prime Min- tance of cooperation between child needs joint work from of constructive participation of the field of specialized services Myanmar but also it offers the ister, which provides the the different governmental different entities, in addition the members of the society and on educational, health and best value data packs “Data needed care and support to the entities and centers for people to the pivotal role of the family, its institutions, and that what rehabilitation levels through Lite Pwel” with the longest autistic and their families. She with disabilities especially stressing the need to consider has been achieved does not increasing channels of dialogue validity data bonus for the added that this confirms His autism, to better their lives. She improving their status as a reflect the aspirations of the and systematic work teams. people to enjoy the internet. QA congratulates Kahramaa aims to HIA on being ranked cut consumption CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Tarsheed lessons through 5th best airport various awareness program at Abdulaziz Ahmed Al schools and Kahramaa THE PENINSULA experience in itself”. The award Hammadi, Director of Kah- Awareness Park. recognise HIA’s innovative ramaa’s Energy Efficiency and Various pavilions have been DOHA: Qatar Airways has facilities, five-star customer Rationalization Department, said set up at the Carnival to high- congratulated its home and service and state-of-the-art that awareness campaign will light the role of a number of gov- hub, Hamad International terminal, which accommodates run to educate people about the ernment and private sectors Airport, (HIA) on being ranked more than 30 million pas- important of conservation of including the Ministry of the fifth ‘Best Airport in the World’ sengers each year. HIA offers a resources adding that necessary Interior represented by Civil at the Skytrax World Airport world-class experience rede- rules and regulations will be also Defence, the Qatar Foundation Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Hammadi (second right), Director of Kahramaa’s Awards 2018 that took place at fining what passengers expect framed to meet the target. represented by the Qatar Green Energy Efficiency and Rationalization Department, with other officials the Passenger Terminal Expo from an airport. It is one of the Energy Efficiency and Building Council, the Bedaya in Stockholm, Sweden on world’s most technologically Rationalisation Department of Centre represented by Qatar and guests at the Opening of 2nd Tarsheed Carnival at Kahramaa March 21. advanced airports with Kahramaa is coordinating with Development Bank and the Awareness Park yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA The award-winning airport expansive retail options, the Ministry of Education and Behavioral Health Support moved up one place from last leading dining facilities, Higher Education to include the Center among many others. A “Connect with the Earth” in sol- lights and unnecessary electrical year, having received the title exclusive lounges, and a hotel Tarsheed lessons in school cur- number of recreation activities idarity with the World Cele- appliances for an hour. of sixth ‘Best Airport in the and wellness centre including riculum, said Mohamad Ali Al for children including pony bration on Saturday, which is To observe the Earth Hour, World’ at the Skytrax World a gym, squash court, swimming Muhannadi, Director of Public riding, magic shows are being one of the largest global envi- unnecessary lights and electric Airport Awards in 2017. HIA is pool and spa. Relation Department at Kah- held at Carnival. ronmental initiatives in which equipment will be switched off the only airport in the Middle HIA was certified as a ramaa. He said that school stu- The carnival will celebrate millions of people gather around from 8:30am to 9:30am on East in the world’s top 10 air- ‘5-Star Airport’ in January 2017 dents are already receiving Earth Hour with the theme the world by turning off the Saturday. ports of 2018. by Skytrax, and is one of only At the annual awards cer- six airports in the world - and emony, HIA also took home the the only airport in the Middle title of ‘Best Airport in the East - to have earned this title. Qatar continues support in combatting human trafficking Middle East’ for the fourth year International air transport CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in a row, ‘Best Staff Service in rating organisation Skytrax is combatting human trafficking, being in law obstacles to development. The Ambassador the Middle East’ for the third renowned globally for con- enforcement authorities or media professionals confirmed that the Committee has ambitious year in a row and was ranked veying the passenger’s voice in The workshops were organised by the is very important, to gain skills in dealing with plans for this field, which is not only limited to fourth ‘Best Airport for airport and airline rankings. National Committee for Combatting Human human trafficking cases which is a phenomena Qatar but through international partnerships Shopping’ in the world, up one The Skytrax World Airport Trafficking in cooperation with United Nations that is an enemy to the world. aimed at eliminating this scourge and place from last year. Awards are the most prestigious Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) within The first priority of the National Committee phenomenon. Qatar Airways Group Chief accolades for the world airport the Arab initiative to build national capacity in for Combatting Human Trafficking, was to set He said cooperation with UNODC through Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: industry, voted for by air trav- combating human trafficking in the Arab coun- a strategic yearly plan that is revisited annually its GCC regional office is not the first of its kind, “I am extremely proud to see ellers in the largest, annual tries, which was launched in 2010 with the on three main axes, he explained. The first axis where in the past series of workshops have our home and hub, Hamad global airport customer satis- support and sponsorship of Qatar. is related to directed awareness to media been held, and there is a strong relations International Airport, achieve faction survey. The Skytrax The first workshop was attended by 20 outlets, training along the lines of the workshop between both parties through the Arab initi- another significant milestone World Airport Awards are national personnel in the judiciary, public pros- to train personnel in the judiciary, prosecution ative which was supported and sponsored by in its journey, and continue to based on 12.85 million customer ecution, police and legal affairs at the Ministry and police, and finally cooperating with Qatar with $6m. There will be another be recognised for its excellence nominations across 110 nation- of Justice, whereas the second workshop was regional and international organizations workshop in the future for the national per- on a global scale. At HIA, we are alities of air travellers, and attended by 20 media specialists. through the regional office of the UNODC, Al sonnel in Qatar, he said. The national capacity committed to ensuring that our include 410 airports worldwide. Al Henzab said both workshops aimed to Henzab said. training program on human trafficking comes passengers’ experience is as The survey evaluates customer build the specialist national capacities in the He said human trafficking is a phenomena as part of the close and extended partnership exceptional on the ground as it satisfaction across 39 key per- field of combatting human trafficking, which of variable patterns, transnational, threatens between (UNODC) and the Government of the is in the sky. Being ranked fifth formance indicators for airport comes as part of the continuous program to the global community and is not limited to one State of Qatar, represented by the National Best Airport in the World truly service and product, from support the national competencies in the Arab state. Hence the National Committee for Com- Commission for Combating Trafficking in inspires us to continue to check-in, arrivals, transfers, countries, which was launched in 2010 with batting Human Trafficking’s plan is one of the Human Beings, where the program aims to innovate, ensuring that this out- shopping, security and immi- the support of Qatar. ambitious plans to end the issue especially develop the national system for the prevention standing facility is not just an gration, through to departure He added that training the Qatari personnel humans are a main pillar in the development and control of the crime of human trafficking, airport, but truly a destination at the gate. to build their competencies in the field of of Qatar, where human trafficking is one of the UNODC GCC representative Hatim Ali stated. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 Syrian rebels leave eastern Ghouta town AP The departure of opposition fighters from the powerful Ahrar Al Sham group could BEIRUT: Hundreds of Syrian serve as a blueprint for other rebels in other opposition fighters and their relatives began evacuating a key towns, bringing President Bashar Assad’s besieged town in eastern Ghouta government closer to recapturing the yesterday, marking the first such entire territory following years of siege and rebel surrender from the relentless bombardment. bombed-out region east of Damascus. The departure of opposition gunmen. More are expected to deeper into the rebel-held fighters from the powerful Ahrar leave in coming days. enclave, while some 50,000 Al Sham group could serve as a As rebels prepared to depart others have crossed the front- blueprint for other rebels in the town of Harasta, thousands lines, to government other towns, bringing President of civilians streamed out of authorities. Syrian regime forces stand near buses as rebel fighters wait to embark, at the entrance of Harasta in Bashar Assad’s government other areas in eastern Ghouta The government’s air and Eastern Ghouta, on the outskirts of Damascus, yesterday, after a deal was struck with the rebels in the closer to recapturing the entire that were still being bombed by ground assault, which escalated territory following years of siege the government. They included Feb. 18, has seen the once area to evacuate the town. and relentless bombardment. dozens of civilians who sprawling territory at the doors syrian TV broadcast footage appeared to be wounded, some of the capital shrink to three dis- according to the Britain-based Crying in relief, they thanked God, government is threatening to showing dozens of white buses hobbling on crutches, another connected rebel-held islands. syrian Observatory for Human the syrian army and President move on them if they do not also that had been parked along a with an eye injury. The evacuation by Ahrar Rights monitoring group. But that Assad for their freedom. The deal agree to depart. main highway for hours, with The government’s assault al-Sham rebels from Harasta, if territory includes several densely for Harasta will see 1,500 rebels State-affiliated al-Ikhbariya opposition fighters and civilians has sparked a tide of dis- it goes through Thursday, could populated residential zones and 6,000 civilians leave to a TV cast the deal as a victory for on board, start to drive out in a placement in the Damascus serve as a blueprint for other including Douma, the largest rebel-held province in northwest the country. Its correspondent long convoy. It said among the suburbs as civilians try to escape rebels in other towns, bringing town in eastern Ghouta. syria, according to the state-affil- Rabieh Dibeh said the gov- 1,580 evacuees were 413 the violence. Some have moved President Bashar Assad’s gov- The Observatory said some iated Military Media Center. ernment would restore its ernment closer to recapturing 4,000 people evacuated Douma Monther Fares, a spokesman authority over Harasta once the the entire territory. since Wednesday. The Russian for the rebel faction Ahrar Al Sham, “terrorists” left the town. He said 22 dead in air strike at market in Idlib The international medical military said more than 5,000 confirmed that his group’s fighters defectors from the army would charity Doctors Without Borders people left eastern Ghouta. Rebels were preparing to depart. Fares be ordered to rejoin the service. BEIRUT: Air strikes, likely to be Russian, yesterday killed 22 said the advancing government and the government exchanged said the rebels agreed to leave Critics say it is a formula for civilians in a market in the northwestern province of Idlib, which forces had captured or 18 prisoners ahead of the Harasta because of “civilian pressure” displacement that legitimizes the is largely controlled by jihadists, a monitor said. destroyed 19 of the 20 hospitals evacuation, according to pro-gov- resulting from intensive airstrikes government’s brutal siege tactics The strikes hit the area of Harem, which is controlled by the group was supporting just ernment media. The 13 men and “warplanes that do not leave that have deprived hundreds of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group led by Syria’s former Al-Qaeda one week ago. It said medical released by the syrian rebels iden- the sky,” adding that residents of thousands of civilians of food and affiliate, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. staff were fleeing the tified themselves to the media Harasta have spent the last three medicines and subjected them to The Britain-based monitor says it identifies who carried out approaching front lines. outside Harasta as soldiers and months inside shelters. a half-decade of violence. air strikes based on flight patterns, munitions used, and Rebels hold just 20 percent civilians attached to the syrian But the arrangement leaves Numerous, top UN officials have aircraft. of the eastern Ghouta territory army, who were captured by other fighters for the Failaq al- likened the tactics to war crimes they held one month ago, rebels in the fighting for Harasta. Rahman group still inside. They and crimes against humanity.

Kenyan woman wins $25,000 in damages Gaddafi’s cousin calls Sarkozy’s woes ‘God’s punishment’ after giving birth on AP presidential campaign. Sarkozy, however, when Libyans took to Dam, said when asked about are being held by Libyan militias, hospital floor who was questioned this week the streets in early 2011 in an Sarkozy’s legal woes. “This is including former prime minister CAIRO: Muammar Gaddafi’s by anti-corruption police, faces uprising inspired by the Arab God’s punishment because he Baghdadi Mahmoudi and former REUTERS cousin said yesterday that the preliminary charges of illegally Spring. Gaddafi responded by was the first to start airstrikes in intelligence chief Abdullah Al corruption allegations against funding the campaign, passive sending troops and tanks to the Libya.” Senoussi. NAIROBI: A woman who was former French President Nicolas corruption and receiving money eastern city of Benghazi, which Speaking from his luxurious Gaddafi’s son and onetime verbally and physically Sarkozy are “God’s punishment” from Libyan embezzlement. had been seized by the rebels, apartment overlooking the Nile heir apparent, Seif Al Islam, is facing abused after giving birth on for his role in the Nato-backed He has repeatedly denied and vowing to hunt them down in Cairo, Gaddaf Al Dam said charges of crimes against humanity the floor of a state-run uprising that toppled and killed any wrongdoing. house by house. most of the Libyans involved in for his role in trying to put down the hospital in Kenya won a the longtime Libyan leader. Gaddaf Al Dam said Libya Fearing a massacre, Sarkozy the money transfers are 2011 uprising. He was pardoned by landmark 2.5m shillings Ahmed Gaddaf Al Dam, a wanted France’s support for the and other Western leaders imprisoned, dead or in hiding, the Libyan parliament and released ($24,789) in damages. close aide to Gaddfi based in creation of a so-called United launched a Nato-led air cam- fearing assassination. in June. He has not been seen in Josephine Majani Cairo, said that he was aware of States of Africa, a dream Gaddafi paign against Gaddafi’s forces in He listed names mentioned public since then. delivered her baby on the the millions of euros Gaddafi’s promoted in public speeches up March of that year. The cam- in media reports, such as Gadd- Earlier this week, associates floor of Bungoma District government allegedly gave to until 2010. “We needed a friend paign intensified over the next afi’s onetime treasurer Al Bashir announced that he intends to Hospital in 2013 because all Sarkozy. in the Elysee,” Gaddaf Al Dam seven months, eventually Saleh, who survived a shooting run in upcoming elections. the beds were occupied. Investigators are examining said. “Fifty million euros are not allowing the rebels to overthrow in South Africa last month, and Gaddaf Al Dam said Seif Al Islam When nurses found her lying allegations that Gaddafi’s regime too much for Africa.” the government. The rebels later Shukri Ghanem, the former oil has the right to run for president on the ground, she said she secretly gave Sarkozy ¤50m Sarkozy’s support for the hunted down Gaddafi and killed minister who was found dead in but has not expressed a will- was slapped and insulted for ($62m) for his successful 2007 government failed to materialise, him. “Thank God,” Gaddaf Al the Danube River in 2012. Others ingness to do so. dirtying the hospital floor. Bungoma High Court Judge Abida Ali Aroni said the hospital had violated her right to health and dignity, Gaza bomb suspect, two Hamas adding that the authorities have failed to dedicate ade- security officers dead in raid quate resources for maternal AFP healthcare across the from Gaza from crossing the border into country. Israel. A small number of Gazans are given “I was neglected, abused, NUSEIRAT: The man Hamas called the permits to enter Israel, despite the Jewish and shamed during my time main suspect in a bomb attack against the state’s crippling blockade of the enclave. at Bungoma District Hos- Palestinian prime minister in Gaza was Islamists Hamas rules Gaza but Ham- pital,” said Majani in a killed in an arrest raid yesterday that also dallah leads the rival Palestinian gov- statement. left two members of the Islamist move- ernment based in the West Bank under pres- “I’m hopeful that the ment’s security forces dead. ident Mahmud Abbas. The two have been court’s judgment today will One of chief suspect Anas Abu Koussa’s at odds since Hamas violently seized control force the government to do alleged accomplices in last week’s attack of Gaza in 2007 and Abbas on Monday the right thing and ensure was also killed in the raid, according to accused Hamas of carrying out the attack. The that all women can get the Hamas. The raid came after Hamas, which bomb occurred during a rare visit by Ham- maternal healthcare they runs the Gaza Strip, launched a manhunt dallah to Gaza as the two sides discuss a fal- need with respect and to search for the perpetrators of a roadside tering peace deal. Palestinian Authority intel- dignity.” bomb that left prime minister Rami Ham- ligence chief Majid Faraj, who was accompa- Kenya is one of the dallah unhurt on March 13. nying Hamdallah, also escaped injury. world’s 10 most dangerous But Hamdallah’s government, which The bomb, believed to have weighed countries for a woman to give Medal winner has already accused Hamas of carrying around 15kg, exploded a few hundred birth, with 488 women dying out the bomb attack, immediately labelled metres (yards) from the border with Israel, of pregnancy-related causes A sheep wears a medal during a three-day auction that gives prizes to the winning the Islamist group’s version of events shortly after Hamdallah’s convoy entered per 100,000 live births, says sheep in Misrata, Libya, yesterday. illogical. Hamas’s interior ministry in Gaza the territory. A second bomb failed to the United Nations. earlier announced the deaths and said a explode, officials said. On Monday, Abbas third suspect was under arrest, but did not accused Hamas of being behind the blast say what motivated Abu Koussa. and said he would take new measures in It named the two members of the response, without specifying details. Just 1 schoolgirl left in hands of Boko Haram: Nigeria security forced killed as Hammad Abu Abbas has previously taken a series of Swerah and Ziad Al Howajri. They were measures, including reducing electricity pay- AP yesterday, with no word on Wednesday. Freed girls and added that he looked killed when dozens of Hamas security ments for Gaza’s two million residents, in five girls still unaccounted parents have said Sharibu forward to meeting with the force members raided the area of Nuseirat, what analysts said was an attempt to punish LAGOS: Just one Nigerian for who are said to be dead is Christian and still captive girls who were freed. south of Gaza City, to search for Abu Hamas. Hamas fiercely denied the allega- schoolgirl is still held by and buried. “because they want to Also yesterday, the Koussa. A bloody firefight ensued, leaving tions and on Wednesday announced they Boko Haram after the The president’s convert her to Islam.” father of one of the five the four men dead and a number of others had identified Abu Koussa as the chief extremists released 104 statement calls Leah Buhari’s statement says schoolgirls still unac- wounded, officials said. suspect. They did not say what motivated classmates seized in a mass Sharibu “the only Dapchi “true followers of Islam all counted for said he has Dozens of new checkpoints were him, but a Hamas security source said abduction and she “will not schoolgirl still in captivity” over the world respect the been told his daughter and erected throughout the Palestinian enclave Wednesday investigators had arrested and be abandoned,” President after the extraordinary injunction that there is no others are dead and with armed security forces searching cars, were questioning three people, including two Muhammadu Buhari said release of the girls on compulsion in religion.” He buried. while Hamas prevented all Palestinians members of the PA-run intelligence services. FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 ISLAM 05 Prophet’s lessons in leadership JOHN ADAIR and approachable Bedouin style of lead- ership. Numani, the authoritative biog- uring his hidden years in rapher of Umar, emphasises his Makkah working with mer- unbending integrity: chant caravans, probably as Here, we must note that all the Cal- a caravan leader, iph’s efforts in this regard would have Muhammad (peace be upon counted for little if he had not himself Dhim) acquired a new name: Al Amin, the led by example. He stressed repeatedly Trustworthy One. The same root, inci- that, as regards the Law, he stood on an dentally, gives the English word amen, equal footing with any other individual. often used at the end of prayers, an He claimed no special privileges or expression of hearty approval. We can exemptions as caliph. He proclaimed, only guess What it was about the char- instead, that his powers were limited acter or conduct of Muhammad (PBUH) and his exercise of them subject to that gave rise to this attractive sobriquet, scrutiny and criticism. but there is a clue. In 622 CE, while Regarding public funds, Umar said: making ready for his migration from ‘I have no greater right on your money Makkah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) [ie public funds] than the guardian of an — in danger of his life — delayed long orphan has on that orphan’s property. enough to dispose of some moneys that If I am wealthy, I shall not take anything. had been deposited at his house. If I am needy, I shall take for my main- For centuries the whole life of tenance according to usage. You people Makkah centered on its caravan trade. - you have many rights on me which Everyone in Makkah, rich and poor great, for allegiance to truth is tested as you should demand of me. One of those alike, including women landholders (of much by small things as by those that rights is that I should not collect rev- whom there were a number), was are more important. enues and spoils of war unlawfully; the anxious to have a stake in this lucrative Notice the centrality of the value of second is that the revenues and spoils business. The powerful families grew truth, as evidenced by a firm adherence of war that come into my possession richer and more influential with each to truth in all things - in the concept of should not be spent unlawfully; another annual expedition; and the poorer fam- integrity. Khadija, you recall, mentioned is that I should increase your salaries ilies saved every available dinar in order Muhammad’s (PBUH) ‘truthfulness’ - that and protect the frontiers, and that I to share in these commercial ventures. he habitually spoke the truth - as well as should not cast you into unnecessary The merchants of Makkah formed them- name of Khadija bint Khuwaylid more de Tocqueville about his wife may well his ‘trustworthiness’, but in fact these two perils.’ selves into a syndicate, pooling their than once entrusted her investment express what Muhammad (PBUH) felt virtues go hand in hand. If you tell the capital to equip the caravan, and then money interest in a caravan into the about his wife: ‘She softens, calms and truth, people will trust you; if you lie and Integrity Reflects the Oneness of God shared proportionately in the returns keeping of one of her cousins - strengthens me in difficulties which the other person finds out, then trust will This is a further reflection especially from their joint enterprise. Usually a Muhammad (PBUH). She was so disturb me but leave her serene.’ be diminished if not lost for ever. for Muslim readers. The simple message single person would be asked to con- impressed by him professionally, and of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in stitute himself the banker for the attracted to him personally, that fol- Meaning of Honesty and Integrity Importance of Honesty in a Leader Arabic tawhid, the oneness of God: occasion, receiving deposits from eve- lowing a custom allowed among the Clearly, then, Muhammad (PBUH) Why does truth or veracity, honesty Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; ryone interested in a particular expe- Arabs - the sexes were much more equal was a man with a reputation for and high principle, matter in a leader? Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He does not dition, and then administer the funds as than in other societies - she sent him a integrity. That word, from the Latin The reason is simple. Leaders who are beget, nor is He begotten; And there is economically as possible. Most probably proposal of marriage which included integer whole, is especially appro- true, and always speak the truth, create none like Him. (Quran 112:1-4) it was Muhammad’s (PBUH) consistency the words: ‘0 son of my uncle’ [Arabic priate for Muhammad (PBUH) as far trust. And trust is vital in all human rela- For believers, God has self-evidently and scrupulous honesty in this role that has no word for cousin], she wrote in as Muslims are concerned, for in its tions, professional or private. many qualities or attributes, or ‘names’ earned him his reputation for her letter, ‘I like you because of our rela- primary meaning integrity implies You can see why Prphet Muhammad as they are called in the Islamic tradition. trustworthiness. tionship and your high reputation unity that indicates interdependence (PBUH) insisted upon integrity in those Encouraged by the Quran (Q7:180; A young widow in Makkah by the among your people, your trustwor- of the parts and completeness and per- who were chosen to be leaders in the Q17:110; Q20:8), Muslims selected 99 of thiness and good character and fection of the whole. Human beings Umma, the growing Muslim community. these attributes of God describing this “I will stand surety truthfulness.’ are like stones, some Muslims say, and There was to be no place for any form perfection, from the Quran and tradi- Muhammad (PBUH) accepted her Muhammad (PBUH) is as the only ruby of bribery or corruption: not that this tions. Referred to as ‘the most beautiful for Paradise if proposal. It was one of the wisest deci- among them. prohibition was - or is - easy, for man names of God’, they describe a range of you save yourself sions he made. She was his only wife for Honesty means a refusal to lie, steal is ‘Violent... in his love of wealth’ (Quran characteristics that balance the power 25 years until her death (620 CE), she or cheat in any way. Integrity goes a mile 100:8). of God (the Creator, the Sovereign and from six things: bore him Fatima and sons (none sur- beyond honesty: it implies trustwor- Prophet Muhammad (peace be the All- Knowing) with His love and Telling untruths, vived) and other daughters. And she was thiness and incorruptibility to a degree upon him) said: I will stand surety for mercy (the All-Loving, the Most Gracious the first person to believe in Muham- that one is incapable of being false to a Paradise if you save yourself from six and the All-Forgiving). The names are violating promises, mad’s (PBUH) prophethood. trust, responsibility or pledge. A leader things: telling untruths, violating frequently memorized and used in dishonouring trust, No man is a prophet in his own with integrity is like the English poet promises, dishonoring trust, being prayers. One name that has been hidden land, said a proverb already ancient William Wordsworth’s ‘Happy Warrior’: unchaste in thought and act, striking by God is Ism Allah al-a’zam, ‘The being unchaste in in Muhammad’s (PBUH) day. He would Who comprehends his trust, and to the first blow, taking what is bad and Greatest Name of Allah’. Yet all this know the truth of it, for he had to the same unlawful. unfathomably rich diversity is encom- thought and act, endure years of rejection and even Keeps faithful, with singleness of Perhaps of all Prophet Muhammad’s passed in an essential unity: ‘Say: He is striking the first hostility from most of his fellow aim; (PBUH) successors it was the second Allah, the One...’ townsfolk. Through all these trials and And therefore does not stop, nor lie caliph, Umar, who is the chief exemplar Integrity, you could say, Within this blow, taking what is tribulations in Makkah, Khadija was in wait of integrity in Islam. Although he lacked tradition is the counterpart of tawhid in bad and unlawful.” Muhammad’s (PBUH) chief stay and For wealth or honour, or for worldly Prophet’s (PBUH) humour and charm, a person’s life and character. If man is support. She knew her man and state. Umar matched him in scrupulous made in the likeness of God’, then per- Prophet Muhammad believed him as only a woman in love This integrity extends through the honesty and uprightness in matters sonal integrity reflects the oneness of (peace be upon him) can. Perhaps these words of the French entireness or wholeness of the character. financial, his passion for impartial justice God. historian and political scientist Alexis It is found in small matters as well as and his adherence to the simple, open www.islamicity.org

Rajab is declared Rajab: The month of peace and pluralism a sacred month, hence all hostilities ASLAM ABDULLAH It is believed to have been features. Conflicts and hostilities not to indulge in anything that ascension to heavens was first must come to an followed by the Mi’raj, his must come to an end to attain can lead to conflicts either at taken to Jerusalem. Why was this ajab is the seventh month ascension to heaven. According peace and commitment to divine home or in the world at large. a one stop flight? Why was it not end in this month. of Islamic Lunar Calendar. to some of the Hadith scholars guidance. This type of thinking would be direct? This is a very significant Although divine RThis month is a prelude to this journey is believed to have Human beings have the enough to enable people to live issue as it emphasises the unity Ramadan, the ninth month in the taken place just over a year capacity to reach the peak of peace throughout the year of all monotheistic religions and guidance has Islamic calendar in which before Prophet Muhammad their existence by learning about ensuring that the message of the underscores the commitment of Muslims are commanded to (PBUH) migrated to from the hereafter. sanctity of human life is all religious communities to always encouraged observe fasting from sunrise to Makkah to Madinah, on the 27th Islam is the continuation of preserved. respect each other. humanity to refrain sunset. It is also one of the four of Rajab. the divine guidance and the main There was no Muslim place sacred months besides, Muslim scholars have often objective of the faith is to revere, Peak of Humanity of worship in Jerusalem at that from executing Muharram (Islamic month 1), focused on recommended acts respect and deliberate the From an Islamic perspective, time. There were symbols of their anger into Dhūl Qa’dah (Islamic month 11), of worship during this month. diversity of the divine guidance. the experience of Isra and Miraj, Jewish and Christian faiths. Dhul Hijjah (Islamic month 12) However, some of these rec- journey to Jerusalem and then There were Sabians also unfavourable and. During these four months ommendations are the subject Path to Peace ascension to heavens in one present. The presence of the actions, there is a hostilities and conflicts have of debate and scrutiny. The Rajab is declared a sacred night is a significant event in the Prophet in the holy lands estab- been forbidden and have to come spectrum of opinion range from month, hence all hostilities must history of humanity. For the first lishes the principle of religious special emphasis to an end or halt. Additionally, it attaching no specific value to come to an end in this month. time, a messenger was invited to pluralism and unity of mono- is also the month remembered any special act of worship in Although divine guidance has heavens to experience the worlds theistic faiths. Rather than made during the for one of the most sacred events this month to sanctifying events always encouraged humanity to that are yet to emerge and then engaging in conflicts these four sacred months to take place in the history of and particular acts of worship. refrain from executing their report it back to the believers. faiths should work hand in Islam when a human being was For instance some scholars anger into unfavourable actions, Whether it was physical or spir- hand to ensure that people as it provides chosen by the Creator of the uni- have presented some ahadith there is a special emphasis made itual, is beside the point. What is develop a better understanding a month long verse to visit the world reserved (sayings of the Prophet) recom- during the four sacred months significant is that a human of their relations with the for the life hereafter. mending fasting at least once as it provides a month long reached a peak of incomparable divine. reminder. The event known as Al Isra’ in the month of Rajab, while the reminder. The focus helps them proportions that is still beyond These were the essential wal Miraj which took place on others have rejected those to recognise and control their human comprehension. Obvi- messages that the month of the 27 day of Rajab with its mys- ahadith declaring them weak. egos and desire and to refrain ously, it is implied that only truly Rajab highlights. Some of the ommended doing zikr (remem- terious dimensions still incom- Unfortunately, few scholars from hateful acts of taking a blessed human being with recommended acts of worship bering God). prehensible to the human mind. have presented the significance revenge especially if it inflicts minimal flaws was allowed to include an emphasis on worship 3. Finally the Prophet (PBUH) Israa is an Arabic word referring of the month for a plural society harm on other. The idea is simple have this experience. The event which are generally accepted to always asked his followers to to Prophet Muhammad’s (peace beyond its relevance for that for four months in a year, a connects humanity with the increase a person’s spirituality. give to the poor and the needy be upon him) miraculous night Muslims. This has shifted the universal understanding in the hereafter and gives assurance to For example: all the time. journey from Makkah to Jeru- focus from the real significance sense of an ethical framework the believers that it is within the 1. The Prophet (PBUH) fasted These acts of worship salem – specifically, to the site of the month. that people agree to self-restrain reach of every human being. every Monday and Thursdays as prepare one to welcome the of Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem In essence the month of and work towards peace in a documented in many authentic month of Ramadan. — as referred to in Surah Al Israa Rajab and the events occurred committed and dedicated Path to Pluralism ahadith. in the Quran. therein highlight three important manner. People are encouraged Prophet Muhammad in his 2. The Prophet (PBUH) rec- www.islamicity.org 06 ASIA FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 India successfully tests BrahMos air version

IANS the armed forces and the seeker guides the missile to its venture between the DRDO of effectiveness, deflects automat- the electromagnetic pulse of a defence industry for the success target. BrahMos ALCM (Air India and NPO Mashinostroy- ically and allows high angle-of- nuclear blast. Along with the air- NEW DELHI: India yesterday of the test. “Formidable Super- Launched Cruise Missile), eniya of Russia. The Su-30, con- attack flights. craft, the missile was also mod- successfully test-fired a sonic Cruise Missile BrahMos weighing 2.5 tonnes, is lighter sidered the most potent fighter The integral aerodynamic ified to make it carry a reduced BrahMos missile from a fighter was successfully flight tested at than the land and sea versions jet with India, was the choice for configuration combined with booster and fins for stability. aircraft using an indigenous 8.42am at Pokhran test range, of the missile which weigh fitting the Brahmos missile, as thrust vectoring results in prac- The missile can be released seeker for the first time. Rajasthan,” the Minister around 3 tonnes, but is also the it has a airframe of titanium and tically unlimited manoeuvra- from a height of 500 to 14,000 The test was carried out at tweeted. heaviest weapon to be deployed high-strength aluminium alloys, bility and unique take-off and metres (1,640 to 46,000 feet). the Pokhran test range. “The precision strike on India’s Su-30 aircraft. fit for a high-speed terrain fol- landing characteristics. After release, the missile falls Defence Minister Nirmala weapon with Indian-made So, the aircraft has been lowing profile. According to informed freely for 100-150 metre, then Sitharaman congratulated the seeker flew in its designated tra- modified by the Hindustan Aer- The fighter jet’s aerody- sources, the modification to the moving into a cruise phase at Defence Research and Devel- jectory and hit the target with onautics Ltd (HAL) to carry the namic configuration increases fighter includes hardened elec- 14,000 metre and finally the ter- opment Organisation (DRDO), pin-point accuracy,” she said. A weapon. BrahMos is a joint the aircraft’s lifting tronic circuitry to shield it from minal phase at 15 metre. BJP, Congress fight escalates on Cambridge Analytica

IANS Rahul Gandhi accused K.C. Tyagi said on Thursday that the company had only “pro- NEW DELHI: The political the Modi government fessional links” with the CA and slugfest over links with the of seeking to divert that the government could controversial data consultancy attention from its investigate these links. firm Cambridge Analytica (CA) past “lies” about 39 Prasad questioned the escalated yesterday with the BJP “silence” of Congress President claiming that the firm was Indians killed in Iraq for more than five months over involved in Rahul Gandhi’s by inventing story media reports that claimed his social media campaign and of data theft on party had roped in CA as ‘Brah- Congress rubbishing the charge Congress. mastra (ultimate weapon)’ to and asking if the government counter Prime Minister will lodge an FIR against the Narendra Narendra Modi in company and its India partner Irani “follows” Cambridge Anal- 2019. “The report in this regard Oveleno Business Intelligence tytics on Twitter and BJP’s was first published on October (OBI). former Information Technology 9, 2017 and the party maintained Law Minister Ravi Shankar head, who now runs Indian gov- silence until I raised the issue on India-Germany diplomacy Prasad, who had stirred a ernment’s biggest portal (mygov. Wednesday. They denied the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier (centre) walks with an entourage after visiting the political firestorm on in), Arvind Gupta had termed CA allegations when they found Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple at the Dhamekh Buddhist Stupa in Sarnath, some 12km from Wednesday with his allegations a “pwerful tool”. themselves in trouble after the that the Congress was using the Rahul Gandhi accused the issue was brought to the fore,” Varanasi, yesterday. services of the London-based Modi government of seeking to Prasad said at a press political data analytics firm, divert attention from its past conference. fired fresh salvos at the Congress “lies” about 39 Indians killed in “The Congress cannot run on Thursday claiming that the Iraq by inventing story of data away from this fact. If the Con- firm was involved in Congress theft on Congress. “Problem: 39 gress maintains a conspicuous President Rahul Gandhi’s social Indians dead; Government on silence on such an important Relief for kin of Iraq victims promised media campaign and there had the mat, caught lying. Solution: news of the involvement of a IANS been meetings too in this regard. Invent story on Congress and dubious social media company occurred overseas. The Chief Dismissing as false the alle- Congress leader Randeep data theft. Result: Media net- and does not counter it, then I Minister, on compassionate gation made by Akali leader Singh Surjewala termed Prasad works bite bait; 39 Indians am sorry. They don’t have any CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief grounds, also ordered imme- Bikram Singh Majithia that the as a “minister of lies”, and asked vanish from radar. Problem right to run the country,” he said. Minister Amarinder Singh diate release of Rs20,000 as families of the victims had not the BJP if “Cambridge Analytica solved,” Gandhi said in a tweet. Prasad also claimed that the yesterday promised adequate monthly pension to each of the been paid compensation for the was involved in stealing data, CA’s India partner Oveleno Congress took the services of CA compensation for the families bereaved families for February past six months, the Chief Min- then why did it take its services” Business Intelligence (OBI) lists in Gujarat Assembly polls. of those abducted and killed by and March this year, waiving off ister said payment had been and “whether an FIR would be the BJP, the Congress and the “They used CA in Gujarat the Islamic State in Iraq’s Mosul. the condition of quarterly made till January 31. registered against CA and OBI”. JD-U as its clients. The India and it was clear from the Con- He also reiterated his payouts. The Deputy Commis- With the release of the next He said that Information and partner is Amrish Tyagi, son of gress’s pattern of contesting the demand for the central gov- sioners have been asked to dis- two months’ pension, the Broadcasting Minister Smriti senior JD-U leader K.C. Tyagi. election,” he said. ernment to also recompense burse the pension amount payment was now completely them since the tragedy had immediately, he said. up to date, he added.

Maldives lifts 45-day state of emergency India court AFP jails 11 over impeachment. “Though there political crisis in the Indian He also arrested the chief crisis” created by the two judges. still exists a diminished threat to Ocean archipelago of 340,000 justice and another Supreme It added that they had “con- ‘beef’ murder MALÉ, MALDIVES: Maldives national security... in an effort to Sunni Muslims. Court judge. spired with political actors... (to) AFP President Abdulla Yameen lifted promote normalcy, the President The dissidents’ release would The remaining judges overthrow a lawful government, a 45-day state of emergency has decided to lift the state of have paved the way for former revoked an earlier decision to and whose actions constituted yesterday, a day after senior emergency,” Yameen’s office leader Mohamed Nasheed to reinstate 12 MPs who had been an imminent threat to national NEW DELHI: An Indian court political opponents were locked said in a statement. return from self-imposed exile sacked for defecting to the oppo- security”. has sentenced 11 men to life up indefinitely for allegedly He initially declared the state in London and contest presi- sition while Yameen also Yameen had been widely in prison for killing a Muslim trying to topple him last month. of emergency for 15 days after dential elections later this year. stripped parliament of its power expected to let the tough laws meat trader they suspected Yameen chose not to extend the country’s top court ordered Yameen refused to carry out to impeach him. lapse yesterday after authorities of transporting beef, in the the draconian laws he had him to free high-profile dissi- the court order and instead Thursday’s statement charged former president first convictions over invoked on February 5 following dents from jail. invoked the emergency which defended the emergency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and so-called “cow vigilantism”. a Supreme Court ruling that It was later extended for curtailed the powers of the judi- measures, saying they had been several senior judges with “ter- The men, including a threatened to lead to his another 30 days, deepening the ciary and the legislature. precipitated by a “constitutional rorism” this week. worker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party, were found guilty of killing Alimuddin Ansari in the eastern state of Jharkhand in June 2017. Myanmar elects ex-militia It was one of a series of attacks related to cows, which are considered sacred by leader to chair parliament Hindus. The men were charged with murder and ANATOLIA the parliament as a deputy Solidarity and Development rioting, among other offences, speaker before he was elevated Party (USDP) in late 2017 along under India’s penal code and YANGON, MYANMAR: The to the post of speaker to replace with Thura Shwe Mann, a former a court in Jharkhand’s parliament yesterday elected Myint after Thursday’s election. general (until 2010), who is now Ramgarh district delivered its former militia leader Tin Khun Lawmakers also elected a close confidante of Suu Kyi. verdict on Wednesday. Myat, who was accused by some National League for Democracy - Drug trade allegations In a “The fast-track court local media outlets of being a (NLD) Central Executive Member report titled “Drug lords in Par- handed them the life sentence drug lord in the country’s restive Tun Tun Hein as deputy house liament” published in 2011, the yesterday,” Rajesh Kumar, a Shan state, as its new speaker. speaker. Shan Herald Agency alleged that senior police officer in The move came as the ruling The ethnically Kachin Myat the 600-strong Kutkai militia led Tin Khun Myat and Tun Tun Hein leave the parliament after they Ramgarh said. party prepared for a major used to be chief of the Kutkai by Ti Khun Myat had been got elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lower House “It is the first case in Cabinet reshuffle following the militia that allied with the responsible for transporting of Parliament respectively, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, yesterday. which a court has convicted resignation of President Htin Myanmar military against com- drugs through Kutkai Township. and punished (perpetrators) Kyaw — a loyal and longtime munist insurgents and ethnic The report added that while Kutkai militia. Moreover, he was he “handed it over to one of his for cow vigilantism.” The aide to State Counselor Aung San armed groups in northeastern leading the militia, he also par- never charged for the alleged family members in 2011 when police officer said a dozen Suu Kyi — on Wednesday, who Shan state bordering with China, ticipated in the commission crimes and never faced any he was elected as lawmaker”. men were arrested over the cited a need to take rest. according to private news outlet, established for drafting the 2008 action by the country’s courts. “He consistently denied the murder but the court deferred Former lower house Speaker Shan Herald Agency. constitution as well as the com- Sai le, an independent reports of his involvement in its decision on the twelfth Win Myint is tipped to become He was elected as a lower mission that organized the analyst based in Taung Gyi -- drug trafficking. But without his accused who is said to be a the country’s next president; he house lawmaker following national referendum to approve capital of Shan state, said that no involvement, how can Kutkai minor. resigned from his parliamentary general elections in 2010 and it. However, the newly-elected one in the country could deny area become the drug trade hub A number of people, par- post soon after Kyaw’s resig- 2015, and was elected as deputy speaker has always denied all that militias were involved in the in Shan state?” he said. ticularly Muslims and low- nation. The parliament will make speaker of lower house in 2016. drug-related accusations against drug business. “How can he claim he is caste Dalits, have been tar- a presidential nomination Friday. He was reportedly sacked him even though he accepts He accused Myat of being clean? He is also linked to May geted for allegedly killing Myat was already serving in from the pro-military Union being a former leader of the involved in the illegal trade until Flower Bank,” he added. cows or consuming beef. FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 ASIA 07

Sharif’s request Pakistan, Russia to travel concerned abroad denied AP

ISLAMABAD: The anti-graft over IS threat tribunal trying Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz INTERNEWS The concern was Sharif yesterday rejected his request to travel to London to ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and expressed at the see his ailing wife, who has Russia have expressed “grave seventh meeting of been in treatment there since concern” over growing threat the Pakistan-Russia last year. of the militant Islamic State (IS) Joint Working Group Sharif, along with his group in the region. daughter, who is also accused The concern was expressed on Counter-Terrorism of corruption, had appeared at the seventh meeting of the held in Islamabad, before the judge and sought Pakistan-Russia Joint Working official sources said. permission to travel abroad Group on Counter-Terrorism for a week. Sharif’s political held here, official sources said party said the court’s ruling yesterday. Afghanistan. Lavrov had on that Elite training was “disappointing.” Sharif Noting their “grave occasion criticised the US and and his family have been Members of the elite police force take part in training in Nowshera, Pakistan, yesterday. concern”, the two sides Nato for failing to provide facing investigations and legal observed that “the returning IS explanations about the flights proceedings since July, when fighters from the conflict zones of unmarked helicopters to the Supreme Court disqual- to countries of origin or third areas having IS presence. ified the thrice-elected countries constitute a major Asif, meanwhile, sharing the premier from office over security threat to various parts concern had said: “Some of the undisclosed assets. of the world, including this IS terrorists have been relocated Abbasi to visit Kabul next week Sharif has denied any region”. They emphasised the or have relocated themselves wrongdoing and has blamed need for regional cooperation from the Middle East to Afghan- “hidden hands” for his INTERNEWS to counter the threat. istan, particularly its north- Prime Minister Office on President Ghani who extended dismissal. Last month, Foreign Min- eastern parts. This is very Wednesday. The decision has invitation for Abbasi. isters of Pakistan and Russia alarming.” According to Afghan ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime added significance in the Sources here say that Afghan Khawaja Asif and Sergey Lavrov media, IS carried out 60 deadly Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi backdrop of Prime Minister ambassador who is also packing Philippines had at their meeting in Moscow attacks in Afghanistan last year. will undertake a visit of Afghan- Abbasi’s last week meeting with up shortly discussed with Abbasi expressed deep concern over The bilateral dialogue istan next week for a summit US Vice-President Mike Pence the prospects of his visit to shoots dead 13 presence of IS in Afghanistan covered the counter-terrorism meeting with Afghan President in Washington where the Afghan Afghan capital soon and subjects and criticised the US and Nato situation at the regional and Ashraf Ghani. issue was sfigured that could come up for drug suspects for ineffective handling of the global level, actions taken by The schedule of the visit is prominently. deliberations. AP situation. The two stopped short both countries to tackle the being worked out through dip- Prime Minister’s National Abbasi strongly condemned of accusing the US and Nato of menace of terrorism as well as lomatic channels, official sources Security Adviser (NSA) retired suicide blast at a shrine in Kabul allowing IS’s proliferation in bilateral cooperation on the said here yesterday. General Nasser Janjua dashed to on Wednesday. He expressed MANILA: Philippine police Afghanistan, whose terrorists issue. The decision came during a Kabul last week where he had Pakistan’s solidarity with the said yesterday they killed 13 are now camped on the borders Relations between Pakistan meeting when Afghan Ambas- interaction with prominent government and people of drug suspects and arrested of Pakistan and Central Asian and Russia have been improving sador to Islamabad Omar people including Afghan Chief Afghanistan over the acts of more than 100 suspected Republics neighbouring for years now. Zakhilwal met with Abbasi at the Executive Abdullah Abdullah and terrorism. dealers and criminals in one day of raids in a province with a record of bloody crack- downs. The suspects were killed Powerful Afghan province governor agrees to go in gunbattles with police in a city and eight towns in Bulacan province just north REUTERS rally of supporters in the city, the Taliban and fuelled fears of of Manila, said police Senior adding that he would stay in civic violence. The U.S. Embassy Superintendent Romeo AFGHANISTAN: Months of Mazar and remain active in pol- welcomed the accord “for putting Caramat Jr. More than 70 wrangling that have undermined itics, preparing for presidential the interests of the people of raids were launched in the the authority of Afghan President elections next year. Afghanistan first”. province on Wednesday, Ashraf Ghani’s Western-backed Under the agreement, a new Balkh is one of the richest and leading to the arrests of 109 government ended yesterday police chief in Balkh acceptable most stable provinces in Afghan- people, including 92 sus- when the powerful governor of to Atta Noor was also confirmed istan, sitting on lucrative trade pected drug dealers and Balkh province agreed to step yesterday, while he was also crossings into neighbouring users, he said. aside following a deal over his expected to be allowed to name Central Asian countries and with The violence raises the successor. the new education minister in the far less Taliban activity than death toll in President Atta Mohammad Noor, who national government as well as adjacent provinces. Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug has defied Ghani’s attempts to the ambassador to Kazakhstan. Ghani’s office announced in crackdown to 4,239 since it remove him from office for The deal ends a damaging December that the president had was launched in July 2016, months, said he would step aside, standoff that highlighted deep accepted a previously signed res- with more than 131,500 allowing Ishaq Rahgozar, a divisions in Ghani’s government ignation letter from the governor others arrested, the national member of parliament from his as well as his struggle to impose but the move backfired badly The outgoing governor of northern Afghan province of Balkh, Atta police said. The United States, own Jamiat-i Islami party, to his authority on the powerful when Atta refused to go, Mohammad Noor, gestures after delivering a speech to supporters EU and other governments move to the governor’s palace in regional leaders who dominate declaring that Ghani had reneged in Mazar-i-Sharif, yesterday. have expressed alarm and the provincial capital, Mazar-i Afghan politics outside the on the terms of an agreement called on the Philippines to Sharif. capital. between the two. curb the bloodshed. “Now that our demands have Western diplomats had been At his office in Mazar, he lazy and corrupt” government in next year, in which he is likely to Rights groups have cited been met, I have decided to step alarmed at the crisis, which drew received a stream of delegations, Kabul and building his profile play a key role either as can- much higher death tolls and down,” Atta Noor told a packed focus away from the fight against defying what he called the “weak, ahead of presidential elections didate or powerbroker. called for probe.

Google warns Court gives nod to arrest former S Korea president Manila to build marine Singapore AP against ‘fake base to boost defence REUTERS SEOUL: A South Korean court be stationed on the island, also news’ law yesterday approved an arrest known as Y’Ami, about 80 kil- AFP warrant for ex-president Lee MANILA: The Philippines will ometres (50 miles) distant from Myung-bak over a range of start building a marine base Taiwan, to increase the military corruption allegations, making next month on its northernmost presence and improve infor- SINGAPORE: Internet giants him the latest in a series of uninhabited island, near mation gathering. Facebook and Google leaders embroiled in scandals Taiwan, to boost defence He did not give details of the yesterday testified before a and other problems after leaving arrangements and discourage size of the unit, but added that parliamentary committee in office. poachers from its fishing the structures on the island Singapore as they warned the The decision by the Seoul grounds, a military spokesman would also afford shelter to city-state against introducing Central District Court means said yesterday. fishermen. new laws to combat “fake prosecutors can immediately The two nations’ coast The base will help monitor news”, saying that existing detain Lee for up to 20 days guard ships have confronted ships passing through the Bal- legislation is adequate to before formally charging him. each other in the rich fishing intang Channel, an international address the problem. Prosecution officials are waters where their exclusive trade route in the northern Phil- Their warnings were expected to visit Lee’s Seoul res- economic zones overlap, and ippines used by vessels crossing Former South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak, gets in a car as made to a parliamentary idence soon to move him to a the neighbours nearly cut ties from the busy waterway of the he is transferred to a detention centre, at his residence in Seoul, committee which is exam- detention center. in 2013, after a Philippine vessel South China Sea to the Pacific ining possible measures, Prosecutors accuse Lee of South Korea, yesterday. fired on a Taiwanese fishing Ocean. including legislation, to tackle taking a total of 11 billion won boat, killing a fisherman. Taiwan and the Philippines false online information ($10 million) in bribes from his scandal that touched off months strengthened anti-graft drives, “We need to have a also have overlapping claims in which the government says own intelligence agency, of massive street protests. Pros- but saw themselves, families or presence there,” said Lieu- the South China Sea, along with could threaten national business groups and others. They ecutors have requested a key aides entangled in bribery tenant-Colonel Isagani Nato, Brunei, China, Malaysia and security. Executives from allege he also used a private 30-year prison term for Park, scandals at the close of their spokesman of the Northern Vietnam. Facebook, Google and Twitter company as a channel to and the Seoul court is to issue a terms or after leaving office. Luzon Command of the Philip- More than 20 years ago, appeared before the com- establish illicit slush funds ruling on her on April 6. Lee has denied most of the pines, adding that building work Philippine defence officials said mittee yesterday, and are totaling 35 billion won ($33 High-profile corruption allegations against him. He on Mavulis island would start Taiwan had proposed to lease among scores of experts, aca- million), embezzled its official scandals often take place in accuses the current liberal gov- next month. the uninhabited island as a demics and activists called to funds and evaded taxes. South Korea, Asia’s fourth largest ernment of President Moon “It’s still uninhabited, that is gunnery range for its military, testify over eight days. Lee’s arrest comes about one economy, which achieved a Jae-in of trying to retaliate over why we are going to put up a promising to donate a sec- The financial hub is year after his conservative suc- genuine liberal democracy in the the 2009 death of Moon’s friend, facility to guard our maritime ondhand fighter as part of the among several countries cessor, Park Geun-hye, was late 1980s following decades of liberal ex-President Roh Moo- domain, and against poaching deal. Nothing came of the looking at legislation to rein ousted from office and put into military-backed dictatorships. hyun, who leapt to his death during the fishing period.” Nato agreement as Manila recognises in fake news. jail over a separate corruption President after president during an investigation. said a small marine unit would Beijing’s one-China policy. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Boosting production atar has been strategically working to increase food production over the years to Qachieve self-sufficiency in some agricultural sectors by 2022 as per the Qatar National Vision Minister of Culture underscores Qatar’s 2030. This effort received a strong impetus following the illegal blockade imposed in June 2017 by some of the neighbouring countries. interest in poetry as part of heritage The growth seen in agricultural sector is tre- QNA mendous as production of vegetables, meat, fish, bridges of intercultural cooperation. Center, who is also in charge of the poultry, eggs and animal feed has increased by more Director of the Qatar Poetry poetry battles said that “It will be than 400 per cent compared to the same period last Center, Shabib Al Nuaimi said that concerned with celebrating all year. inister of Culture and the celebration of World Poetry Day, national events.” This stupendous growth, achieved by harmo- Sports H E Salah bin which was organised in cooperation Al Marri added that Qatari youth nious coming together of ministries, other gov- Ghanem Al Ali stressed with the Qatar Centre for Cultural from the secondary schools had been ernment bodies and local farmers, will benefit all Mthe State of Qatar’s keen and Heritage Events, is an open- prepared in cooperation with the the people residing in Qatar. The farmers increased interest in poetry as part of Qatar’s ended poetry oasis for all poets, Ministry of Education and Higher their capacity exponentially as various government national heritage. widened for all the spectra of the Education, where a group of students bodies helped with technical knowhow, transparent In remarks on the sideline of the poetry and its various types, where had been selected from where they policies and friendly handholding, if required. celebration of World Poetry Day, H E many of the numbers presented have undergone intensive training Qatar pumped in QR70m to promote local agri- the Minister were poetry-based in addition to by veteran poets at the Centre to cultural sectors with various said that the citing diverse poems of national develop their talents. schemes, policies and State of character as well as contributions by World Poetry Day is a global exhibitions. Qatar, like poets from the Sudan, Syria, Pakistan event celebrated by the world’s One such event which the rest of and India. nations because poetry is one form really benefitted the industry the Arab Among the numbers that of expression and communicates to Ministry of was the 6th Qatar Interna- The Ministry countries, attracted public attention were the human values shared by all Municipality and tional Agricultural Exhibition of Culture and has a long “poetry puzzles” presented by poet peoples and where poetry trans- Environment is also & Conference (AgriteQ) held Sports has a keen history with Ali ben Erhama Al Marri, who forms the words of simple poems stepping in and at the Doha Exhibition & Con- interest in poetry poetry but it explained that the art of the poetic into a great catalyst for dialogue helping farmers vention Centre. outstood by puzzle, which was popular in social and peace. The exhibition, which con- of all kinds, H E the great gatherings, an art that tests the par- March 21 of each year was set to set up a marketing cluded yesterday, had around the Minister said number of ticipants poetry knowledge, pointing be World Poetry Day and at its thir- company to promote 313 exhibitors and 31 interna- adding that all of poets com- out that this art has a wide audience tieth session it was held in Paris in the local products. tional pavilions from more the types were pared to its even of young people. 1999, as General Conference of The first three months than 36 countries and was an population. During the ceremony, Qatari UNESCO adopted it. of the year has excellent opportunity to stim- represented in There is also poetry battles “Ranks of the Diwan For the first time, on March 21, already seen Qatar ulate the agriculture, livestock Diwan Al Arab’s a strong Al Arab” was inaugurated, in which World Poetry Day was designed to and fisheries sectors as latest celebration of presence of two teams of poets stand in two support linguistic diversity and to galloping towards technology and methodologies poetry at all facing lines and battle by impro- give endangered languages more self-sufficiency in from all over the world were World Poetry social and vising poetry verses till one of the opportunities to be used in many food items like showcased. Day, at local and national teams win. expression. fish, dairy and certain The government has set up foreign levels, as events in The opposing row than respond World Poetry Day is an oppor- vegetables. three centres to conduct the celebration Qatar, such to the poetry line. tunity to honor poets and to revive research on poultry, fish and as weddings, Poet Saeed bin Erhama Al Marri, the oral tradition of traditional houbara bustard production, featured poems national advisor at the Diwan Al Arab verbal poetry session. which will contribute to the from various events and quality and help increase production. Arab and foreign even social Agriteq also showcased Qatar’s local products countries. gatherings. and was a platform for people to learn about the He said farm sector and introduce them to the local products the Minis- which are inherently of better quality and more fresh try’s keen as they have to travel much less from the farm to attention to poetry and the estab- the table. lishment of a dedicated poetry center The success of the exhibition can be vouched for (Diwan Al Arab) stems from the deep from the stream of visitors throughout the day and relation between relation and the evening. The expo helped consumers to know about Qatari society, adding that people local products available in the market and it helped have always been affected by poetry farmers gain access to latest technology and inter- in a way or another. national best practices. Responding to a question from Ministry of Municipality and Environment is also Qatar News Agency (QNA) about the stepping in and helping farmers set up a marketing share of the poetry books in the pub- company to promote the local products. lications of the Ministry of Culture The first three months of the year has already and Sports, H E the Minister said that seen Qatar galloping towards self-sufficiency in the State of Qatar has been inter- many food items like fish, dairy and certain vege- ested in the printing of various tables. Summer will kick in soon and these com- books, including poetry, and the bined efforts are surely to see fruit and keep the generations that preceded us have production zooming ahead. done their part in this regard, and had many poetry books printed. Now we build on that and move to a new stage by supporting the emerging QUOTE OF THE DAY publishing houses in Qatar to publish poetry. On the Ministry’s sponsorship for Turkey is seriously young poetry talents, His Excellency looking into looting said: “The role of Diwan Al Arab World Poetry Day is a global event celebrated by Center is to discover talents and claims in Syria’s support them.” the world’s nations because poetry is one form of Afrin town center. The Ministry of Culture and expression and communicates to human values shared We — the Turkish Sports has a keen interest in poetry by all peoples and where poetry transforms the words of all kinds, H E the Minister said of simple poems into a great catalyst for dialogue nation, state and adding that all of the types were government — are represented in Diwan Al Arab’s and peace. March 21 of each year was set to be World against everything celebration of World Poetry Day, Poetry Day and at its thirtieth session it was held at local and foreign levels, as the in Paris in 1999, as General Conference of UNESCO inhumane. celebration featured poems from adopted it. For the first time, on March 21, World Poetry various Arab and foreign Day was designed to support linguistic diversity and to Mevlut Cavusoglu countries. Turkey’s Foreign Minister “We see this international event give endangered languages more opportunities to be is an opportunity for Qatari and res- used in expression. ident poets to come closer and build FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 OPINION 09 Battle for America’s foreign policy hen President Donald splashes and dominate news cycles, rally in Virginia had resulted in the along Trump’s policies, especially on Trump appointed Rex Tillerson preferred to remain silent and killing of a young American woman, Iran. Hence, the US president’s Tillerson, America saw nuanced. In fact, it took Tillerson Tillerson refused — in a TV interview — foreign policies will not carry more Wthe incoming Secretary of several weeks, after his appointment, to to endorse Trump’s statements. When weight than they do now, that is, State as the embodiment of Trump’s give his first statement as secretary of pressed, Tillerson said that he disagreed more weight than the weight of his foreign policy: Like Trump, Tillerson state. with Trump on the rally. tweets. was a Washington outsider who was Tillerson’s style therefore brought Chemistry had been lost between Those who know Washington HUSSAIN ABDUL HUSSAIN determined to shrink the State him closer to the “adult-in-the-room” Trump and Tillerson a few weeks before agree that US presidents have much ANATOLIA Department and its footprint around faction within the Trump administration, the US president fired his Secretary of bigger influence on foreign affairs the world. which consisted of Vice President Mike State, in a humiliating way, over Twitter. than domestic ones. Hence, Trump Tillerson had also won the highest Pence, Secretary of Defense James While Trump’s timing remains puzzling, has found it much easier to decree Russian medal, and enjoyed strong con- Mattis, US Representative at the UN some American commentators have new tariffs or the relocation of the US nections with the Kremlin, which Nicky Haley, National Security Advisor H suggested that Trump created a wave to embassy in Israel, but has been seemed in line with Trump’s unwill- R McMaster and, to a lesser extent, White overshadow his humiliating defeat at a unable to enforce a memorandum as ingness to ever criticize Moscow, House Chief-of-Staff John Kelly. The special Congressional election in Penn- mundane as banning the entry of despite the ease with which the US only difference, however, between Till- sylvania, where the Republican can- Muslim travelers into the US. president attacked all of America’s erson, on the one hand, and Pence, didate — whom Trump and his family Yet no matter how influential friends and allies. Mattis, Haley, McMaster andKelly, on the had endorsed and campaigned for American presidents are on foreign Tillerson lived up to his fame. He other, was that he was the only Wash- heavily — lost to his Democratic issues, their power does not give left senior positions at his department ington outsider. Tillerson did not play by opponent, in a district that Trump had them the ability to run the world as vacant, and pushed dozens of senior the rules of Trump’s clumsy playbook, carried in 2016 with a twenty-point whimsically as Trump wants to. career diplomats out. And unlike how but unlike others in the Trump team margin. Like in domestic policy, foreign Pompeo’s secretaries of state traditionally lobby who did not, Tillerson had no allies Meanwhile, Mike Pompeo, the policy also has its players — inside appointment as Congress to maintain, or even expand, inside Washington, and was, as a result, former Congressman whom Trump had the US and outside of it. Even when their spending levels, Tillerson fought serving solely at the discretion of Trump. appointed director of the Central Intelli- former President George Bush was Secretary of State Congress to shrink the budget of the And with people who are as gence Agency (CIA), has proven his riding on a tide of popular and Con- should not be State Department by shutting down dependent on him, like Tillerson, worth for the US president. When US gressional approval after 9/11, he had expected to cause many of its programs. Trump usually likes them to be “yes intelligence agencies insisted that they a hard time taking the US to war with drastic changes in All of this behavior made Tillerson men,” or officials whose sole role is to were in consensus that Russia had Iraq, and his team had to spin some seem like a perfect fit for Trump and his parrot what Trump said and defend it. intervened in America’s elections in stories about WMDs and Saddam US Foreign Policy. team. However, there is one important Tillerson was not a “yes man”. He broke 2016 in favor of Trump, Pompeo said Hussein’s non-existing connection to Trump will continue detail: Tillerson and Trump did not see with Trump at least twice on issues that that Russian intervention did not Al Qaeda to drag America to a war to make his own eye-to-eye on how to deal with the were irrelevant to America’s foreign influence the elections, a false that never won popular approval. whimsical foreign word’s problems. Coming from the policy: When the media reported that statement that made the CIA rebut its Like Bush discovered, the hard private sector, where problems are Tillerson had called Trump a moron in own director, publicly, in a rare way, it might take Trump some time policy, sometimes tackled according to plans and solved in private, the Secretary of State refused to statement from the agency. to realise that what stands between even surprising his incremental ways, Tillerson clashed deny the claim publicly like the White Like Trump, Pompeo enjoys giving him and his “bold” ideas on foreign closest advisors. with Trump’s chaotic government style. House requested. And when Trump inaccurate statements that cause news policy will take more than replacing Where Trump wanted to make news defended White Supremacists, whose splashes, or even result in stock markets Tillerson with a more acquiescent tumbling. And like Trump, Pompeo Secretary of State like Pompeo. Until seems to have little appreciation of how further notice, established policies words coming out of the mouths of US and institutions will maintain the officials affect the world. upper hand in US foreign policy, even But, for all his bluster, Pompeo’s with a president as “loud” as Trump. appointment as Secretary of State should not be expected to cause drastic The writer is a Washington-based changes in US Foreign Policy. Trump political analyst. He has written for The will continue to make his own whim- New York Times, The Washington Post sical foreign policy, sometimes even and Kuwaiti daily Al Rai, among others. surprising his closest advisors like when he approved meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, thereby catching McMaster — who was sitting in the room at the meeting with South Korean officials – off-guard. Apart from meetings and state- D-RING ROAD ments, and even with the more hawkish POST BOX: 3488 Pompeo at the helm of the State DOHA - QATAR Department, Trump will still find it hard [email protected] to shape America’s foreign policy the way he exactly wants. US Generals will not go to war on a whim, while US EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE allies, especially in Europe, will not go TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR he theme of this year’s World findings of various recent scientific studies. Washington Post article on the aforemen- TEL: 4462 7505 Water Day — marked annually is Last year, for example, scientists dis- tioned World Economic Forum report, “Nature for Water”, which, as the covered microplastic contamination in plastic production “accounts for 6 percent DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 Twebsite of the United Nations tap water around the world. The Guard- of global oil consumption (a number that Environment Programme informs us, ian’s environment editor noted some of will hit 20 percent in 2050)”. LOCAL NEWS SECTION “explores nature-based solutions (NBS) to the tragicomic details: “The US had the In short, on World Water Day, it might TEL: 4455 7743 the water challenges we face in the 21st highest contamination rate, at 94 percent, be helpful for the world to ponder how century.” with plastic fibres found in tap water water fits into larger contexts of corporate BUSINESS NEWS SECTION The challenges are clearly dire; as the sampled at sites including Congress plunder and environmental spoliation — BELEN FERNANDEZ TEL: 4462 7535 AL JAZEERA UN notes, 2.1 billion people currently buildings, the US Environmental Pro- particularly when a certain imperial “lack access to safely managed drinking tection Agency’s headquarters, and superpower has been known to wage SPORT NEWS SECTION water services,” while an estimated 1.8 Trump Tower in New York”. wars for corporate profit in oil-rich lands, TEL: 4455 7745 billion “use an unimproved source of Now, a new study has additionally unleashing all manner of human and drinking water with no protection against found microplastics in 93 percent of environmental calamity. ONLINE SECTION contamination from human faeces.” worldwide samples of popular bottled Speaking of war, the capitalist order TEL: 4462 7501 In theory, of course, nature-based water brands — leaving humanity with conveniently provides all sorts of nifty [email protected] solutions are the obvious answer to the question of what, exactly, we are sup- opportunities for the effective weaponi- posed to drink. In other uplifting water sation of water. PUBLIC RELATIONS The state of Israel comes to mind, news, new research suggests that the TEL: 4455 7613 where the Zionist tradition of usurping earth’s oceans are severely more polluted [email protected] with plastic than previously thought. Palestinian water supplies has only exac- Even before this revelation, a report erbated the suffering of Israel’s Pales- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT World Water Day for by the World Economic Forum had indi- tinian victims, who are forced to pay dis- TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 cated that, if we continue with business as proportionate sums of money for portable FAX: 4455 7870 usual, there will be more plastic than fish water while Israel blissfully waters its [email protected] a plastic world in the oceans by 2050. lawns, fills the swimming pools of illegal The precise effects of ubiquitous Israeli settlers, and demolishes water cis- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT plastic contamination on the human body terns used by Palestinian farmers. TEL: 4455 7857 are as yet unknown — but it’s safe to In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli blockade [email protected] problems in nature. The UN advises assume we’ll find out soon enough. and periodic bombing of relevant infra- planting more trees, restoring wetlands, In the very least, plastic itself is a fine structure have left the population to SUBSCRIPTION & and reconnecting rivers to floodplains. symbol of the soulless consumerism and contend with raw sewage on the beach DISTRIBUTION But while the whole “NBS” campaign overconsumption the forces of capitalism and other delights. A January 2018 TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 will no doubt generate handsome rev- would have us believe constitutes “life”. headline in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz FAX: 44557819 enues for a UN system that specialises in In her 2013 book A Human Rights proclaims: “Ninety-seven Percent of Gaza [email protected] Acccording to UN self-enrichment, no solution to water or Manifesto, Julie Wark discusses the mon- Drinking Water Contaminated by Sewage, 2.1 billion people related challenges is possible within a etisation (read: neoliberal theft) of Salt, Expert Warns”. global capitalist system that is itself resources and rights, highlighting the role Naturally, none of this has prevented currently “lack destroying nature. of the bottled beverage industry in envi- Israel from being marketed as a brilliant All thoughts and views access to safely And even if water is considered a ronmental destruction — none of this pioneer in the field of water technology expressed in these columns managed drinking basic human right under international damage will be reversed by planting trees and a veritable oracle on how to quench are those of the writers, water services,” law, there isn’t much room for “rights” in or restoring wetlands. The annual pro- global thirst — which means loads of a neoliberal milieu of comprehensive duction of tens of billions of plastic bottles money for Israeli firms and a total not of the newspaper. while an estimated commodification and the eradication of in the United States alone, writes Wark, whitewash of Israel’s ethnic 1.8 billion “use any sort of terrestrial harmony in favour “uses 17 million barrels of oil per year and cleansinghabit. All correspondence an unimproved of the financial tyranny of an elite making the bottle takes three times more On World Water Day, it might be nice regarding Views and source of drinking minority. water than that which fills it”. to pretend that there existed some possi- Let’s start with the 2.1 billion people Oil production, for its part, also bility of hope in a system predicated on Opinion pages should be water with no reportedly lacking access to “safely requires large quantities of water - to say economic disparity and a permanent send to editor-in-chief protection against managed drinking water services”. Horri- nothing of the “wider water and acid rain division between haves and have-nots. office or mailed to the contamination. fying as this figure is, it would appear to be pollution” that attends the process. But the only nature-based solution to an egregious underestimate in light of the Meanwhile, according to a 2016 capitalism is to get rid of it. [email protected] 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 Britain seeks European help against Russian spy networks REUTERS May accused Russia involvement in the attack, has Reluctance from countries — participation in the World Cup, “Russia has shown itself as a stra- of the first known taken retaliatory steps. Greece and Hungary among them but nobody has the right to insult tegic enemy, not a strategic BRUSSELS: Britain is asking offensive use of a nerve Lithuanian President Dalia — means a draft joint statement the Russian people, who defeated partner,” said another official, other European states to crack Grybauskaite said she was by EU leaders now says only that Nazism and lost more than 25 who stressed however that Britain down together on Russian spy toxin in Europe since already considering expelling they take “extremely seriously” million people, by comparing our was not seeking new economic networks that could be preparing World War Two after Russian spies from her territory. London’s assessment that it was country to Nazi Germany,” Yak- sanctions. similar attacks to the nerve agent Sergei Skripal, a former “Britain says there are these net- highly likely Russia was respon- ovenko said. May will stress to EU govern- assault on a former Russian spy Russian double agent, works that organise such things sible for the attack. In Moscow, President ments that all Western countries in England, diplomats said. like Salisbury, that these net- But May will push fellow EU Vladimir Putin discussed Britain’s are vulnerable to such attacks. But, Britain’s Prime Minister and his daughter were works exist across our borders leaders to blame Moscow directly “unfriendly and provocative” with the bloc traditionally split on Theresa May will urge “coordi- found unconscious on and that it would be good to go for the poisoning of the Skripals policy at a session of the national how to handle Moscow, she will nated action” among European a public bench in the after them together,” a senior EU who British authorities say have security council, RIA news agency face reluctance from the Russia Union states at a summit here, English city on March 4. diplomat said. “They have been been critically ill since the attack quoted the Kremlin as saying. doves in the EU. Britain was where she would try to persuade approaching EU states on that by a Soviet-produced military- European Council President speaking to Greece directly, dip- the bloc’s leaders to condemn bilaterally and today May will tell grade nerve agent called Nov- Donald Tusk, who has sided with lomats said, to convince Athens. Russia squarely over the attack nerve toxin in Europe since EU leaders more.” Diplomats ichok. Russia’s ambassador to Britain, said: “It is clear we should Ties between Moscow and the in Salisbury. “Russia staged a World War Two after Sergei stressed May was not seeking a London, Vladimir Yakovenko, improve our preparedness for West plummeted over Moscow’s brazen and reckless attack against Skripal, a former Russian double formal EU strategy. yesterday said that, had Novichok future attacks.” He wants the bloc 2014 annexation of Crimea from the United Kingdom,” May told agent, and his daughter were “There is movement among been used, the Skripals would to discuss how to better protect Kiev and support for rebels in reporters on arriving at the summit. found unconscious on a public several willing states to do some- have died. itself from chemical and biological east Ukraine, which have trig- “It’s clear that the Russian bench in the English city on thing together in reaction to Yakovenko rebuked British attacks, including in cooperation gered sanctions by the EU. threat does not respect borders and March 4. Skripal,” said another EU dip- Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson with Nato, as well as to how to beef French President Emmanuel indeed the incident in Salisbury In the worst crisis between lomat, adding that this would be for comparing Russia’s hosting up counter-intelligence capabil- Macron, German Chancellor was a pattern of Russian aggression the two powers since the Cold done bilaterally outside the EU of the soccer World Cup this ities to combat hybrid threats. A Angela Merkel and US President against Europe and its near War, May has expelled 23 Russian so as not to press too hard those summer with Nazi Germany’s British official confirmed London Donald Trump have already said neighbours.” diplomats whom she says were members of the bloc who are hosting of the Olympics in 1936. was seeking to work with groups in a joint statement with May that May accused Russia of the spies working under cover. more worried about their ties “The British government is of countries on intelligence- they “share” Britain’s assessment first known offensive use of a Moscow, which has denied with Moscow. free to make a decision about its sharing over spy networks. of Russian culpability. Asylum seeker Sarkozy protests jailed for life in Germany his innocence in for murder Libya cash scandal AFP AFP emerged, Sarkozy said. He went as far as to blame FREIBURG: An asylum seeker PARIS: French ex-president “the controversy launched by claiming to be from Afghan- Nicolas Sarkozy angrily Gaddafi and his henchmen” for istan was yesterday sentenced protested his innocence his failure to win re-election in to life in jail in Germany for the yesterday after he was charged 2012, when Francois Hollande, a rape and murder of a student with corruption over explosive Socialist, took the presidency. that stoked a public backlash claims that late Libyan dictator Sarkozy will have six against a mass influx of Muammar Gaddafi funded his months to appeal the charges, migrants. 2007 election campaign. and judges will have to make a Hussein Khavari, of The 63-year-old right- further decision about whether uncertain age and origin, was winger said in his court they have sufficient proof to found guilty of the deadly statement, published by the take the case to trial. night-time attack on medical Figaro newspaper, that he had Since 2013, investigators student Maria Ladenburger, been through “hell” since the have been looking into claims 19, in October 2016 in the uni- allegations emerged in 2011. by several figures in Gaddafi’s versity town of Freiburg. “I stand accused without ousted regime, including his son Members of the public pay their respects on Westminster Bridge on the anniversary of the terror Khavari pushed her off any tangible evidence,” he said, Seif Al Islam, that Sarkozy’s attack in London, Britain, yesterday. her bicycle as she was riding demanding he be treated as a campaign received cash from home alone from a party, witness rather than a suspect. the dictator. A few months after then bit, choked and “In the 24 hours of my his 2007 election Sarkozy gave repeatedly raped her and left UK marks first anniversary of detention I have tried with all my Gaddafi the red-carpet her on the bank of a river might to show that the serious treatment during a state visit where she drowned. corroborating evidence required which critics denounced as an Presiding judge Kathrin Westminster Bridge attack to charge someone did not exist.” attempt to rehabilitate an inter- Schenk condemned the The allegations that Sarkozy took national pariah long accused of AFP extreme “lack of empathy” of group claimed responsibility, but love, Sandy”, in tribute to US money from Gaddafi — whom he human rights abuses. Khavari, who was handcuffed investigators have said they found musician Kurt Cochran, who helped to topple in 2011 — are the In 2011, as Nato-backed and wearing a black hooded LONDON: Britain yesterday no evidence of an association. died in the attack. most serious out of myriad inves- forces were driving Gaddafi out jumper, before reading out marked the one year anniversary The incident mirrored truck “It’s very moving,” Mick tigations dogging him since he left of power, Seif Al Islam told the the verdict and sentence, of the terror attack on West- attacks in Europe, including the Hodges, 67, who had travelled office in 2012. Euronews network that Sarkozy which were greeted with minster Bridge, the first in a 2016 Bastille Day assault in Nice from the East Midlands to pay Judges decided they had must “give back the money he applause in the courtroom. series of assaults in the UK in that killed 86 people, and a his respects, said. “Our thoughts enough evidence to charge the took from Libya to finance his She handed down the 2017 that killed dozens of people similar attack months later on a are with the families and also the combative one-term president electoral campaign”. maximum sentence of life in and left scores injured. Christmas market in Berlin that people that acted so bravely that on Wednesday after five years of Sarkozy has dismissed the prison, which under German On March 22 last year, claimed 12 lives. day, trying to revive the people.” investigation and two days of allegations as the rantings of vin- law means 15 years behind Khalid Masood, a 52-year-old Britain endured a tumul- In the House of Commons, questioning in police custody in dictive Gaddafi loyalists who bars, with no chance of parole British convert to Islam, drove a tuous period following the March Prime Minister Theresa May the Paris suburb of Nanterre. were furious over the French-led and the possibility of “security car at pedestrians on the bridge 22 rampage, with four further praised the “exceptional bravery Sarkozy, who served as military intervention that helped detention” afterwards if the over the River Thames in the terror attacks, including three in of our police and security president from 2007 to 2012, end Gaddafi’s 41-year rule and convict is still deemed to pose heart of the London, before the capital at London Bridge, services”, while MPs yesterday was charged with corruption, ultimately led to his death. He has a threat to society. fatally stabbing a policeman on Finsbury Park and Parsons held a minute’s silence. interior illegal campaign financing and also sued the investigative Khavari had been guard outside Parliament. Green tube station. minister Amber Rudd and concealment of Libyan public website Mediapart for publishing arrested seven weeks after The attack left five people Mourners left flowers at the Leader of the House of Commons money, a judiciary source said. a document allegedly signed by the murder, following a huge dead and around 50 injured, and scene yesterday, with one note Andrea Leadsom attended a “I’ve been living the hell of Libya’s intelligence chief showing manhunt in the town near the only ended when police shot reading; “Kurt, taken too soon, commemorative event in par- this slander since March 11, that Gaddafi agreed to give French border. Masood dead. The Islamic State but never forgotten — RIP Much liament’s Westminster Hall. 2011,” when the allegations first Sarkozy up to €50m. Russian media boycott Parliament AFP But on Wednesday, the par- sexes,” chief editor Alexei Ven- liamentary ethics commission ediktov wrote. The Vedomosti MOSCOW: Top Russian media said it had found no violations business daily said it would outlets launched a rare boycott of in the behaviour of the 50-year- boycott Slutsky and the ethics Parliament yesterday after it old lawmaker from the nation- commission’s members. dismissed claims from several alist Liberal Democratic Party. Journalists have the constitu- journalists that a senior lawmaker The commission questioned tional right to safety and dignity, had sexually harassed them. the motives of BBC Russian it wrote. “The State Duma should Influential media including Service journalist Farida Rus- adopt all measures including leg- popular radio station Echo of tamova, deputy editor at the US- islative ones so that such things Moscow, RBC media group and based RTVi Yekaterina Kotrikadze do not happen within its wall or Dozhd (Rain) independent tele- and Dozhd producer Darya Zhuk, outside them.” Popular inde- vision said they would no longer saying their claims had appeared pendent online news site Meduza send journalists to cover the in the run-up to last Sunday’s urged readers to share on social lower house of parliament, the presidential election. media a picture of the lawmaker State Duma. Top opposition news- The journalists broke their with the words, “I believe that paper Novaya Gazeta joined the silence on a subject that is still Slutsky must quit the State Duma”. boycott, saying it was pulling its largely taboo in Russia as the The Russian Special Forces parliamentary reporter. “#MeToo” movement swept newspaper joined the campaign, The joint action comes after across the globe. The boycott is a with editor Alexei Filatov shaming several reporters for Western rare campaign of solidarity in a lawmakers. Some media groups and Russian independent media country where all major television such as Kommersant business Wading through floods accused Leonid Slutsky, head of channels are state-controlled. daily did not pull their parlia- A woman carries boxes in the flooded area in Shkodra, Albania, yesterday. the State Duma’s foreign affairs “Echo of Moscow now con- mentary correspondents but said committee, of making lewd siders the State Duma an unsafe they would no longer be asking sexual comments and groping. workplace for journalists of both Slutsky for comments. FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 EUROPE 11

French riot police use water cannons during clashes with masked protesters attending a demonstration during a national day of strike against reforms in Paris yesterday. RIGHT: Police use tear gas against demonstrators in Paris. Seven trade unions have called on public sector workers to strike, including school and hospital staff,civil servants and air traffic controllers. Trains, flights grounded as strikes challenge Macron

REUTERS It was the first time not OK,” said 65-year old pen- percent of inter-city trains, while About 14.5 percent of teachers Edouard Philippe said the gov- public sector workers, sioner Françoise Rauch, a 30 percent of flights to and from walked off the job, the education ernment would change tack for PARIS: Tens of thousands of ranging from air-traffic former SNCF rail operator who Paris airports were cancelled. ministry said, closing many the poorest 100,000 out of 7 nurses, teachers and other controllers to civil said he was also protesting tax “It’s a real mess,” said Didier primary schools. Electricity gen- million pensioners concerned by public sector workers joined hikes on pensions. Samba, who missed his morning eration dropped by more than a tax hike, in a sign that a gov- forces to march against French servants, had joined In Paris, protesters commuter train to Paris’ suburbs three gigawatts, the equivalent ernment that prides itself on President Emmanuel Macron’s with rail workers and denounced Macron’s proposals and had more than an hour’s wait of three nuclear reactors, as those being firm on reforms can make reforms yesterday, causing pensioners to protest to trim some retirement benefits, for the next. workers joined the strike in exceptions. widespread travel disruption over the economic overhaul unemployment Public sector workers are sympathy. “What we need to avoid is and bringing brief clashes with insurance and shake up the angry with plans to cut the public Opinion polls show a that all the grievances fuse police in some cities. reforms Macron has highly indebted state-run rail sector headcount by 120,000 by paradox: A majority of voters together, as was the case in 1995,” While the vast majority of sought to introduce company SNCF, with many 2022, including via voluntary back the strike but an even bigger a government official said, around 180 demonstrations since he took office chanting: “Together, let’s derail redundancies, and oppose the majority back the reforms, referring to France’s biggest nationwide were peaceful, Macron!” But only about one in introduction of merit-based pay. including cutting the number of strike in decades, which forced scuffles erupted between police last May. ten central government workers Railway workers are worried public sector workers and intro- the government at the time to and hooded young protesters in walked off the job, down from 13 by government plans to scrap ducing merit-based pay. withdraw reforms after striking Paris and the western city of protest over the economic percent in an October strike, a job-for-life guarantees and auto- That has led the government, public and private sector workers Nantes, where security forces reforms Macron has sought to government source said, in a sign matic annual pay rises. which overhauled labour laws received huge popular support. fired tear gas and water cannon. introduce since he took office that unions may still be struggling While rail workers have last year and is crafting other Government officials may It was the first time public last May. to raise the street against the planned a three-month rolling reforms, to say it will stand by its also have in mind the fact that sector workers, ranging from “We’re here against the young president. strike starting April 3, public plans, while keeping a close eye what would turn into the May air-traffic controllers to civil government, which is only Turnout was much stronger sector workers have no plans yet on protests. 1968 revolt — throwing France servants, had joined with rail helping the rich. What this amid railway staff, who grounded for further action, but they will On Tuesday, following a into turmoil for weeks — started workers and pensioners to government is doing is simply sixty percent of fast trains and 75 meet next week to consider it. retirees’ march, Prime Minister 50 years ago to the day.

Croatia moves to Madrid accuses Catalan adopt disputed treaty to shield separatists of ‘foul play’ AFP government spokesman, Turull women is the third separatist candidate BARCELONA: Spain’s justice to be proposed following failed AFP minister accused Catalan sepa- bids by Catalonia’s ousted pres- ratists of “foul play” yesterday as ident Carles Puigdemont and ZAGREB: The Croatian they prepared to appoint as new jailed pro-independence activist government yesterday sent a regional leader Jordi Turull, who Jordi Sanchez, who withdrew disputed treaty safeguarding is under probe over the inde- Wednesday. women for ratification by its pendence drive and risks jail. Turull is under investigation parliament, despite resistance Speaking on Spanish radio, over Catalonia’s secession drive from Catholic Church-backed Rafael Catala accused Catalo- but so far remains free under groups who plan to protest in nia’s separatists of seeking “a bail. This, however, may change the capital at the weekend. clash with the rule of law, with today as the 51-year-old and The Council of Europe institutions” as the region five other separatist leaders convention — the world’s first remains without a fully-func- under probe are summoned in binding instrument to prevent tioning government after Madrid before a Supreme Court and combat violence against months of turbulence over judge who will tell them what women, from marital rape to attempts to secede from Spain. they are charged with. female genital mutilation — The Speaker of Catalo- The judge will also decide has split the country. nia’s majority separatist par- whether or not to remand them The Balkan nation’s con- Royal visit liament Roger Torrent said in custody pending a trial. News servatives supported by the he was calling a session of the summons prompted Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, meet wheelchair basketball players, powerful Catholic Church, where lawmakers would vote Torrent to call the express par- some of whom hope to compete in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, during their along with hardliners from for the only candidate for the liamentary session faced with the ruling HDZ party, oppose visit to the Copper Box in the Olympic Park in Stratford, London, yesterday. presidency, Turull. what he dubbed the “inter- the ratification. A former Catalan ference” of the Supreme Court. They argue that under the guise of protecting women the so-called Istanbul Con- vention promotes what they call a “gender ideology” Danish coroner says journalist likely strangled on submarine which would undermine the traditional family. AFP In a bid to calm down coroner replied: “No.” Madsen, to interview him for a profile she sharpened screwdriver — to get in or out,” she said. tensions, conservative Prime who is charged with premedi- was writing of the eccentric occurred before, during, or after Peter Madsen, who was argu- Minister Andrej Plenkovic, COPENHAGEN: A coroner tated murder, sexual assault, and inventor, who is well known in death. “The level of blood accu- mentative and obstinate during representing moderates testified yesterday that Swedish desecration of a corpse, has Denmark. mulation indicates, that they the prosecution’s questioning on within HDZ, said a bill rati- journalist Kim Wall, who died on changed his version of events mul- But the prosecution has occurred around the time when Wednesday, kept his head down fying the treaty was amended Danish inventor Peter Madsen’s tiple times but has maintained her painted a picture of Madsen as a there was still blood circulation, during the coroner’s testimony with a statement that should submarine, was probably death was accidental. sadist who murdered Wall as part or just after. We are probably not yesterday. dismiss “concerns of certain strangled or had her throat cut, On the first day of his trial on of a sexual fantasy. talking hours,” she testified. Known in Denmark as groups in society”. and was not killed in an accident March 8, he told the court that Wall’s dismembered body Madsen testified a day earlier “Rocket Madsen”, a self-taught The statement said as Madsen claims. Wall, a 30-year-old freelancer, parts, weighed down in plastic that he had stabbed Wall’s body engineer fascinated by space and notably that the treaty does Christina Jacobsen told the died when the air pressure sud- bags with metal objects, were several hours after her death to the bottom of the ocean, the not imply the need to Copenhagen district court there denly dropped and toxic fumes recovered from waters off let out gases that accumulate 47-year-old is described by his “introduce gender ideology” was no conclusive evidence to filled his vessel on the night of Copenhagen in the weeks fol- inside a decomposing body so she friends as authoritarian, unpre- in the country’s schools or prove the cause of death beyond August 10, 2017, while he was up lowing her disappearance. would sink to the seabed. “There dictable, and prone to angry change the constitutional def- doubt. “What we think hap- on deck. The coroner testified yes- is nothing sexual in the stabs outbursts. inition of marriage as a union pened is that the airways were He has admitted dismem- terday about numerous lesions hitting her vagina,” he said. On Wednesday, the prose- between a man and a woman. totally or partially cut off. That bering her body and throwing it found on Wall’s torso and head, He has previously explained cution showed the court three “There are no hidden would be due to either strangu- overboard, but denies premedi- with much of the questioning that he chopped her up because videos found on Madsen’s hard intentions (of the gov- lation, throat cutting or tated murder and sexual assault. focused on the 14 stab wounds to he panicked and wanted her drive. On one, a real woman had ernment)... but an intention to drowning,” she said. The coroner disputed Mad- her genital area. dead body off the submarine but her throat slit; another was an resolve the problem,” of vio- However, when asked by sen’s claim though, testifying: Presenting sketches to the couldn’t lift her out in one piece. animated film of a woman having lence against women, Madsen’s lawyer Betina Hald “The air seems not to have been court, prosecutor Jakob Buch- But the coroner said his her throat slit and being decapi- Plenkovic said. In the past four Engmark whether Wall’s autopsy able to leave the lungs, which is Jepsen tried to determine explanation for the stab wounds tated; a third was an animated years 91 women were mur- showed typical signs of strangu- not the case with lack of oxygen whether the stabs — believed to didn’t hold up. film depicting a woman having dered in Croatia, including 41 lation (blood accumulation in the or inhalation of gases.” Wall had be inflicted with several instru- “As the stabs are superficial, her throat slit before being by their partners, he added. eyes, abrasions on the neck), the gone out for a sail with Madsen ments, including a 50cm gases would not have been able decapitated and impaled. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 US House approves government spending bill REUTERS The Republican-led Wednesday. White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said the WASHINGTON: The US House chamber backed the White House did not get every- of Representatives yesterday measure 256-167, thing it wanted in the massive approved a $1.3 trillion spending sending it to the spending package but the pres- bill to avert a government Senate ahead of a ident planned to support it. shutdown and fund federal Trump said on Twitter the bill agencies through September 30, midnight deadline will allow him to start building a despite a revolt by fiscal conserv- today. But 90 of wall on the US border with atives worried about what they the 238 House Mexico. “Got $1.6bn to start Wall called runaway spending. Republicans ignored on Southern Border, rest will be The Republican-led chamber forthcoming,” he wrote. But backed the measure 256-167, pleas for support Democrats argued the added sending it to the Senate ahead of from House Speaker funds will help build or restore a a midnight deadline today. But 90 Paul Ryan and voted range of other barriers, including of the 238 House Republicans existing fencing, and would not ignored pleas for support from against it. pay for a concrete edifice that House Speaker Paul Ryan and Trump originally said would be voted against it. Coupled with funding but scales back spending financed by Mexico - a claim the recently enacted tax cuts, the bill requests on some of his other pri- Mexican government has is projected to lead to budget def- orities. Passage of the spending denounced. icits of more than $800bn for this bill would end several months of Trump at one point wanted year. Conservatives balked at the intense bickering between Repub- $25bn included in the bill to fully deficit spending and warned it licans and Democrats over fund construction of his proposed could create problems for Repub- spending priorities, which led to US-Mexico border wall, but nego- licans running for re-election in two short government shutdowns tiations with Democrats on that November. earlier this year. fell apart early this week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accompanied by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, speaks “This omnibus doesn’t just It also would include setbacks according to congressional aides. at a news conference about the omnibus spending bill moving through Congress on Capitol Hill in forget the promises we made to for Trump, who did not receive all Instead, Trump would get Washington, yesterday. voters - it flatly rejects them,” of the funding he requested at one nearly $1.6bn more for border Representative Mark Meadows, point in the negotiations for the security this year. More border head of the conservative House southern border wall and whose patrol agents could be hired, but new money for infrastructure counter-intelligence efforts to on developing a universal flu Freedom Caucus, said after the proposals for severe cuts to the there would not be the significant improvements and combating fight Russian cyber attacks in vaccine and $17m more for anti- vote. “This is wrong. This is not the Environmental Protection Agency, increase in immigration agents Russian election hacking. 2018, when US mid-term congres- biotic-resistance bacteria research limited government conservatism State Department and other working the interior of the In response to public anger sional elections will be held, and — all at the National Institutes of our voters demand.” federal agencies also would be country. and frustration over mass $380m for grants to states to Health. Other components of the The Senate is expected to vote scaled back. The Department of Homeland shootings, the bill also contains secure their election systems. bill include $10bn in infra- on the measure by today, before Democrats complained that Security had sought a big buildup modest improvements to back- Among the spending increases structure spending for highways, current government funding in the rush to pass the bill, few if in those officers to boost depor- ground checks for gun sales and for non-defence programs are airports, railroads and broadband, expires at midnight today. The any lawmakers had time to read tation of undocumented immi- grants to help schools prevent gun substantial healthcare invest- and a $2.8bn increase to fund White House said President through the 2,232-page tome to grants. Besides the $80bn boost violence. The bill will provide a ments, including a $414m treatment and prevention of Donald Trump will sign the bill, see what it actually contained. The in military spending, the largest $307m increase above the admin- increase for Alzheimer’s disease opioid addiction and research into which significantly boosts defence bill was unveiled late on in 15 years, the measure includes istration’s request for research, $40m more for research the subject.

Heavy rains Police shoot dead California raise mudslide man with iPhone in backyard risk in southern AFP after by “Gun, gun, gun!” The California officers opened fire, with each WASHINGTON: Police in shot appearing as a flash on the REUTERS Sacramento shot dead an helicopter’s infrared footage. African American father of two “At the time of the shooting, LOS ANGELES: Heavy rains in the backyard of his grand- the officers believed the suspect in Southern California parents’ home fearing that he was pointing a firearm at them,” yesterday threatened to was carrying a weapon. He was Sacramento police said in a cause dangerous mudslides actually holding an iPhone. statement. in the hills northwest of Los Body camera and surveil- “After an exhaustive search, Angeles, after thousands of lance helicopter footage scene investigators did not people evacuated their released late on Wednesday locate any firearms. The only homes in a region where shows how police chased and items found near the suspect slides killed 21 people in then fired 20 rounds at Stephon was a cellphone.” Hearing the January. Clark, killing him on the spot. gunshots, Clark’s grandparents Officials in Ventura Following an uproar in the called 911, without realizing that County, northwest of Los case, the Sacramento Police police were shooting. Angeles, ordered dozens of Department said it “recognizes “They finally told me, hours people to evacuate their the significance of this incident later, that there was a victim dead homes near areas where last and the impact it has on our in my backyard,” Sequita year’s wildfires burned away community,” and that it was Thompson told FOX40 television. grass and shrubs that nor- Fight against opioid epidemic “committed to providing timely Thompson ignored police orders mally hold soil in place and information and communicating to refrain from looking out the baked a hardened level of openly with our community.” The window — and was horrified that US Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) (second right) speaks to reporters during a news conference with earth that keeps precipitation incident was triggered by an the man who was shot dead was (from left) Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) in near the surface. emergency 911 phone call late her grandson. So far more than 60,000 the US Capitol in Washington, DC, yesterday. In an attempt to fight America’s opioid epidemic, Sunday stating that a man was “He was right there, dead,” residents of Ventura and Cotton and Graham are introducing legislation that would increase the punishment for fentanyl smashing car windows in the she said. “And I told the officers, Santa Barbara counties have distribution and trafficking. neighbourhood. ‘You guys are murderers, mur- been asked or ordered to Clark, 22, appeared to fit the derers.’” Thompson later told leave their homes since the suspect’s profile, and police The Sacramento Bee news- rains began. The storm could chased after him, backed by a paper: “He was at the wrong drench mountainsides with helicopter equipped with place at the wrong time in his up to 10 inches of rain before infrared cameras. The videos own backyard? “C’mon now, it weakens, said National Troopers to patrol at Florida school caught by the helicopter and by they didn’t have to do that.” The Weather Service specialist the officer’s body cameras officers involved in the shooting Stuart Seto. showed Clark running through were put on leave pending an “The storm has a lot of where massacre happened the neighborhood, then entering investigation. intensity behind it and has the backyard of his grand- The latest shooting has the potential to be life- parents’ home, where he lived. revived a recurring debate over AP threatening,” said Amber district-wide effort to require all while riding his skateboard on The officers then burst into police abuses against African Anderson, a spokeswoman school visitors to enter through campus. the backyard with their Americans, who account for an for the Santa Barbara Fire PARKLAND: Already heightened a single door. Zachary Cruz, 18, is being weapons drawn and confront overwhelming share of the Department. security was being bolstered The troopers will be sta- held on $500,000 bond and Clark, shouting out: “Show me number of suspects killed by “The public, for the most yesterday at the Florida high tioned at the school indefinitely Broward County Judge Kim your hands!” followed soon law enforcement each year. part, has heeded the school that became the scene of along with Broward County dep- Theresa Mollica has approved a warnings for evacuations.” a massacre last month, with uties, leaving an armed guard at search of his home for weapons. In January, heavy rainfall Governor Rick Scott ordering every campus entrance point, The Broward Sheriff’s Office caused a mudslide that killed eight highway patrol troopers to Scott said in a statement. Before wants him barred from pos- 21 people and destroyed or help secure the grounds. The the shooting, the school was sessing firearms and also invol- Mexico’s Obrador extends lead damaged hundreds of homes, move came after the shooting patrolled by one armed deputy untarily hospitalized for a mental REUTERS mostly around the wealthy suspect’s brother was arrested and unarmed guards. An unspec- health evaluation under a state Montecito enclave, which is on campus, two students were ified number of deputies, some law passed after the February 14 about 137km northwest of Los caught carrying knives and armed with rifles, were added shooting spree that killed 17. MEXICO CITY: The opposition leftist leading the race to win Angeles and is home to celeb- another made online threats. after the school reopened. Zachary and Nikolas, 19, both Mexico’s July 1 presidential election has extended his advantage, rities such as Oprah Winfrey Also, Marjory Stoneman “Parents, students and attended Stoneman Douglas. They while the government’s candidate is now nudging into second and Ellen DeGeneres. Douglas High School students teachers have recently endured shared the same biological mother place, a newspaper poll showed yesterday. The latest storm flooded will be given clear backpacks one of the worst tragedies in but had different fathers. Both Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a former Mexico City mayor, some streets in Montecito but they’ll be required to use when Florida history,” Scott said. “They were adopted at very young ages saw his effective lead rise to 42 percent support, according to the has not resulted in major they return from spring break must be assured that every nec- by Roger and Lynda Cruz. Lynda survey in business newspaper El Financiero, up from 38 percent damage, Anderson said. This on April 2. Broward County essary step is being taken to Cruz died in November and their in from the paper’s prior poll in February. storm, with combined school district Superintendent increase safety and ensure no father died some years earlier. Meanwhile, backing for former finance minister Jose Antonio moisture flows from Hawaii Robert Runcie told parents in a unauthorized people are allowed Nickolas Cruz’s attorney has said Meade, candidate of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party and southern tropical regions, two-page letter that metal on campus.” The strengthened he will plead guilty to 17 counts of (PRI), increased by two percentage points to 24 percent, the survey was more intense than Janu- detectors also may be installed security comes three days after murder and 17 counts of of 1,200 voters conducted from March 9-14 showed. ary’s rains in Southern Cali- soon, and he outlined other suspect Nikolas Cruz’s younger attempted murder if prosecutors Support for Ricardo Anaya, the former chairman of the con- fornia, the National Weather security upgrades including brother, Zachary Cruz, was will waive the death penalty, servative National Action Party (PAN) who leads a right-left coa- Service’s Seto said. student ID badges and a arrested on trespassing charges which they have refused to do. lition, fell by four percentage points to 23 percent. 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For advertisements, call: 44557857 Pen.Mag Every Sunday - Thursday FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 HOME 15 QU-CENG names winners of ChemE Car Competition THE PENINSULA schools to guide them on com- guiding and supporting their petition guidelines, rules, and efforts. We like to extend our DOHA: Qatar University College safety regulations in addition to gratitude to the principals and of Engineering (QU-CENG) has the main phases they need to go administration of the eighteen announced the winners of the 3rd through to accomplish their car participating independent ChemE Car Competition for High designs and calibration tasks. schools and we look forward to Schools. Commenting on the compe- seeing them back again next Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al tition, CENG DChE Head Prof year”. Mana Independent Secondary Majeda Khraisheh said: “The Oryx GTL Qatar Acting Public School, Hamad bin Abdullah bin ChemE Car Competition provides Relations Manager Thamer Al Jassim Independent Secondary high school students with the Kaabi said: “Our support for the School, and Ali bin Jassim Sec- opportunity to gain chemical 2nd ChemE Car Competition for ondary Independent School were engineering knowledge and the second year in a row is to named first, second and third expertise from experts to make confirm the commitment of Oryx place winners in their category. the best use of chemical engi- GTL in supporting the importance The competition was neering principles and to improve of educational initiatives in the organised by CENG Department their skills and capacities in this State of Qatar. This is in the of Chemical Engineering (DChE) field”. context of the ongoing strategies in collaboration with its AIChE CENG DChE Associate Pro- and efforts to support the major (American Institute of Chemical motivate them towards studies small car that is operated through competition. This year the load fessor Dr Fadwa El Jack said: “It educational institutions in the Engineers) student chapter and in chemical engineering. A total chemical processes and carrying was 125g and the target distance is exciting to see that over 130 country in order to qualify and was sponsored by Oryx GTL of 18 independent high schools a load of water (0-500g) for a dis- was 12.5 meters. students participated this year prepare a new generation of Qatar. It aims to encourage cre- in Qatar participated in this year’s tance of between 15-30 meters. In the lead-up to the compe- from high schools in this event. industry leaders, business and ativity and innovation among edition. Teams were given information tition that started in December It was nice to see the students other disciplines, which will lead DChE students and also to reach The competition required of the load amount and distance 2018, DChE team offered several deeply engaged in the compe- to achieve all the goals and also out high school students to participants to design and race a about two hours before the sessions for the participating tition and to see their teachers Qatar National Vision 2030”.

BPS holds KG graduation ceremony THE PENINSULA felicitation of students of KG I & International Women’s Day, KG II, who maintained a full Vice-Principal Shirly Rappai DOHA: Birla Public School’s attendance without absence from spoke, followed by the felicitation batch of 2017-2018 kindergarten class the whole year and con- of the students of KG II. students graduated with flying tinued with the felicitation of the The Chief Guests congratu- colours. The ceremony honoured graduates. lated the students on the occasion 587 students, which was held on The second day, wherein stu- of achieving an important mile- two days. dents of sections J to S, was pre- stone and encouraged them to The first session, wherein stu- sided by Chairman Lukose K continue their journey of aca- dents of divisions A to I grad- Chacko. Other dignitaries who demic achievements. uated, was presided by Director attended the program were The students thanked their CV Rappai. Other dignitaries Chindhu Antony Rappai, Man- teachers for being there for them. present on this day were school agement Representative, Prin- They mentioned in their speeches ‘Doha kutumbam’ hosts ‘Ugadi Utsavalu’ Principal A P Sharma, Vice-Prin- cipal A P Sharma, Vice-Principal that they had learnt phonics, THE PENINSULA cipal Shirley Rappai, Vice-Prin- Shirly Rappai, Vice-Principals numbers, rhymes, stories, action March 16. On the occasion of their cultural values, which represent cipal George Edison, Headmis- George Edison and Radhika Rele, songs, about taking part in sports traditional festival ‘UGADI’ (Telugu the identity of Telugu Community, tresses of various sections and and Kindergarten Coordinator day and Founder’s Day function, DOHA: ‘Doha kutumbam’ an New Year) which is a very popular their culture in Qatar as well as Kindergarten Coordinator, Suja Suja Tharoor. and apart from academics they active group of Telugu community festival in some southern parts of support the community’s needs in Tharoor. The program started with the also mentioned about the visit to members from Andhra Pradesh the India. Qatar. The program started with an Principal welcoming the Chief jungle zone they had. have successfully conducted During these events, the com- The response from com- address by our Chief Guest C V Guest and the parents, advising The program concluded with several get-togethers covering munity members express and munity members was over- Rappai, Principal A P Sharma, parents about good parenting, a feeling of happiness as well as their cultural programs since the exchange their traditional values whelming and several members and Vice-Principal George followed by an address by our sadness, having to bid goodbye last 5 years including the program among themselves and pass on to came forward to become part of Edison, followed by, the Chairman. March 8 being to the little one. ‘ugadi utsavalu’ conducted on their to children their heritage and this group for their cultural needs.

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Pacific Rim: Uprising 10:30, 11:30am, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 3:30, 4:30, 6:00, Sherlock Gnomes (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 5:45pm 7:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00pm & 12:00midnight Tall Tales (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 4:00pm Sherlock Gnomes 3D 10:00am, 2:00 & 6:00pm 2D 12:00noon & Raid (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm Tomb Raider (Action) 4:45pm 4:00pm Red Sparrow (2D) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 12:45, 3:30, 6:00, Pacific Rim: Uprising (2D/Action) 3:30, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm 6:15, 8:00, 9:00 11:00, 11:45pm & 12:00midnight Hichki (2D/Hindi) 5:30pm Red Sparrow (2D/Thriller) 7:00pm Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 10:30, 11:30am, 1:00, 2:00, 3:30, 4:30, 6:00, Midnight Sun (2D/Romantic) 7:45pm 7:00, 8:30, 9:30, 11:00pm & 12:00midnight The Forgiven (2D/Thriller) 9:30pm The Forgiven (2D) 10:30am, 2:40, 6:50 & 11:00pm Journey’s End (Drama) 9:30pm IRA (2D/Malayalam) 11:30pm Midnight Sun (2D) 12:40, 4:50 & 9:00pm Johnny Franks Garrett’s Last Word (2D/Horror) 11:30pm Black Panther(2D) 10:00am, 3:00 & 8:00pm Bilghalat (2D) 12:40, 5:40 & 11:00pm Pacific Rim: Uprising (3D IMAX) 11:00am, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:15 & 11:50pm ASIAN TOWN Hichki (Hindi) 1:00, 6:00 & 11:00pm MALL MLA (Telugu) 12:15 & 5:15pm Raid (Hindi) 3:30 & 8:30pm IRA (Malayalam) 12:30, 1:30, 3:15, 4:15, 6:00, 7:00, 8:45, 9:45, IRA (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:30pm Raid (Hindi) 2:30pm 11:30pm, 12:30, 01:15 & 02:00am Captain (Malayalam) 2:45pm Tall Tales (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 4:30pm Sherlock Gnomes (2D/Animation) 4:00 & 6:00pm Aami (Malayalam) 8:00pm Tomb Raider (Action) 5:45 & 9:30pm Pacific Rim: Uprising (2D/Action) 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm AL KHOR Journey’s End (Drama) 5:00pm Hichki (2D/Hindi) 7:45pm Pacific Rim (Action) 11:00am, 1:30, 6:30 & 11:30pm Red Sparrow (2D/Thriller) 7:00 & 11:45pm Sherlock Gnome (Animation) 11:00am, 3:00 & 7:00pm The Strangers: Prey At Night (Horror) 10:00pm Hichki (Hindi) 10:40am & 4:00pm MLA (Telugu) 9:15pm Gnome Alone Animation) 1:00 & 5:00pm Tomb Raider 4:00 & 9:00pm LANDMARK Red Sparrow 1:15, 6:30 & 12:00midnight Sherlock Gnomes (2D/Animation) 2:15, 5:30 & 7:15pm IRA (Malayalam) 9:00 & 11:45pm Tall Tales (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:00pm Hichki (2D/Hindi) 3:00 & 11:30pm Raid (Hindi) 4:00pm ROXY Tomb Raider (Action) 5:00pm IRA (2D/Malayalam) 6:30 & 11:00pm Pacific Rim: Uprising (2D/Action) 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00pm Sherlock Gnome 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30pm The Strangers: Prey At Night (Horror) 9:00pm Pacific Rim (Action) 10:30am, 12:50, 6:00, 8:20 &10:40pm Red Sparrow (2D/Thriller) 9:00pm Tomb Raider (Action) 10:30am, 3:50, 6:20 & 8:50pm IRA (Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 9:50pm & 12:30am FLIK Mirqab Hichki (Hindi) 6:30, 9:20pm & 12:10am Red Sparrow (Action) 1:00, 3:00 & 11:20pm Black Panther 4:00pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 3:25pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. Hichki (Hindi) 1:30, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15 & 11:50pm Midnight Sun 9:25 & 11:20pm RED SPARROW Pacific Rim: Uprising 1:40, 3:00, 5:20, 7:40, 8:25, 10:00pm & 00:20am 3D 2:00, 4:20, 6:40, 9:00 & 11:20pm Red Sparrow 4:00, 7:20 & 10:50pm Sherlock Gnomes 1:50, 2:20, 5:15 & 6:20pm Tall Tales 1:30 & 4:25pm The Strangers Prey At Night 9:40, 11:30pm & 12:25am Tomb Raider 2:40, 4:00, 6:20, 8:40, 10:05 & 11:00pm

Ballerina Dominika Egorova is recruited to ‘Sparrow School,’ a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon. Her first mission, targeting a CIA. agent, threatens to unravel the security of both nations. 16 MORNING BREAK FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS 600 invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding FAJR 04. 19 AM AFP SHOROOK 05. 35 PM Highness The Prince of Wales... requests the pleasure of the company ZUHR 11. 41 AM MAGHRIB 05. 48 AM LONDON: Some 600 people have been of... at the marriage of His Royal ASR 03. 08 PM ISHA 07. 18 PM invited to the wedding of Britain’s Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Ms Meghan Markle at St George’s Markle, Kensington Palace announced Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday WEATHER TODAY yesterday. 19th May, 2018 at 12 Noon followed by The invitations were posted earlier a reception at Windsor Castle.” The this week, Harry’s official residence names of the invited guests were added said — without revealing who had in later by a calligraphy printer. made the guest list. The invites indicated that the dress Harry and his US actress fiancee code is uniform, morning coat or are set to tie the knot at Windsor Castle, lounge suit, or day dress with a hat. west of London, on May 19. The 600 Harry, a former soldier who also invitees will attend the service in the holds ceremonial military roles, is castle’s St George’s Chapel, followed therefore likely to be wearing his by the lunchtime reception hosted by highest-ranking uniform for the Harry’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth wedding. The prince and his bride-to- II at St George’s Hall. be have been increasingly busy this Later, around 200 guests are being month in the build-up to the big day. Invitations for the wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan invited to a private reception at On Tuesday, the couple announced Markle are pictured, after they have been printed at the workshop of Barnard Frogmore House given by Harry’s they had chosen London-based US father Prince Charles, the heir to the pastry chef Claire Ptak to make a lemon and Westwood in London yesterday. throne. The venue for the evening party, elderflower wedding cake, to be in the park outside Windsor Castle, is covered with buttercream and deco- Harry, 33, is fifth in line after his Queen Elizabeth, accompanying Harry where Harry and Markle posed for their rated with flowers. father Charles, brother Prince William to a Commonwealth Day service at official engagement photos. Queen Elizabeth published her and William’s children Prince George London’s Westminster Abbey. The invitations, issued in Charles’s formal consent to the marriage on and Princess Charlotte. Markle, 36, was baptised by the name, were on thick white card gilded March 15. By law, the monarch must He will be bumped down to sixth leader of the Church of England along the edge, which were die- give consent for the marriage of the place when William’s wife Kate gives earlier this month out of respect for stamped in gold and then burnished. first six people in line to inherit the birth next month. On March 12, Markle the sovereign’s role as head of the The invitations read: “His Royal throne. took part in her first official event with denomination. 22oC 33oC Minimum Maximum YouTube follows Relatively hot daytime with slight dust at Lights out for world’s landmarks times and mild by evening. Amazon into

HIGH TIDE 08:00 – 22:00 LOW TIDE 03:15 – 14:30 movie theatres Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department in nod to nature this weekend AFP AFP stronger air controls. And in Singapore, where the average person goes through LOS ANGELES: YouTube said PARIS: World’s landmarks from the Eiffel 13 plastic bags each day, WWF plans a late on Wednesday that it is Tower to the Empire State Building will go plastic-free festival to raise awareness making a movie in-house to be dark this weekend to support the fight on waste. released in theatres, in a devel- against climate change and highlight the Divers in Greece will meanwhile opment being seen as a step dangers mankind poses to nature. undertake a unique underwater mar- towards the model of new- The 11th edition of Earth Hour, an athon in a lake near Athens that contains media innovator Amazon. annual bid to raise awareness about several threatened species. “Vulture Club”, which is climate change caused by burning fossil And in the United States, which last in post-production, stars fuels, will see iconic structures cut the year under President Donald Trump sen- Oscar winner Susan Sarandon lights at a time when global tempera- sationally announced he would pull out (“Dead Man Walking,” tures are the highest on record. of the Paris climate accord, the WWF said “Thelma and Louise”) as an “Climate change is a major threat to it would appeal to younger people to call emergency room nurse the stability of the planet and our live- on the government to support the fight whose son is been kidnapped lihood and society, but climate change against global warming. by terrorists. is only a component of the broader eco- “Right now, deforestation, pollution, Directed by Iranian- logical crisis,” Marco Lambertini, general extinction, are only impacting people on American Maryam Keshavarz secretary of Earth Hour organisers WWF, a sentimental level,” said Lambertini. (“Circumstance”), the thriller said. This year’s aim is building support “People are sad about nature loss and also stars Edie Falco (“The for biodiversity by focusing on forests, animal extinction... actually we need to be Sopranos,” “Nurse Jackie”) oceans and wildlife conservation. worried about it. Being sad is not enough.” and Matt Bomer (“Magic “Biodiversity and climate change are Apart from the striking gesture of Mike,” “American Horror two sides of the same coin of the eco- some of the planet’s most iconic struc- Story: Hotel”). logical crisis we are facing,” said Lam- tures going dark, Earth Hour has “’Vulture Club’ follows the bertini. In Australia, where Earth Hour achieved tangible environmental feats singular journey of a woman was first held, the WWF will raise since its first edition in 2007, including abandoned by her gov- awareness on the four so-called “hero a ban on plastics in the Galapagos Islands ernment who finds com- species” — green turtles, koalas, rock and planting 17 million trees in Kaza- munity in the most unex- wallabies and penguins — while the pollution causes more than 14,000 pre- khstan. Earth Hour events begin pected places,” Keshavarz Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge mature deaths each year, activists will tomorrow in Sydney at 8.30pm (1130 said in a statement. will join the blackout. be encouraged to make their own GMT) and will follow the path of sunset “It’s an honor to work In South Korea, where coal dust masks to push the government towards across the globe. with Susan Sarandon, Edie Falco and Matt Bomer who are the incredible talents and an innovator like YouTube to tell this timely story.” Anime and Transformers: Truck art thrives in Thailand Online entertainment magazine IndieWire hailed the move by YouTube Red — AFP can also be useful when you have the Google-owned company’s accidents or technical issues on 10-a-month streaming BANGKOK: Music pounds from the roads,” he added, of a job that service — as “a significant the speakers and LED lights is often lonely and also prone to strategy shift.” It moved into ripple across the customised cabs be targeted by criminals in theatrical distribution with at a “truck party” hosted by proud remote areas. sci-fi comedy “Lazer Team” Thai drivers showing off their At a vast warehouse near in January 2016, but that was lorries with swag. Bangkok, dozens of workers cut a low-budget project with an They own 20-wheeler behe- stickers and spray on designs unknown cast that failed to moths that turn heads on the ranging from traditional flower make a dent at the box office. roads with lurid graphics and patterns to Japanese robot anime “Vulture Club”, with its paint-jobs of everything from craze Gundam. all-star cast, belongs in a unicorns to “Transformers” and It belongs to Sirintra Phichit- different league alongside Disney characters on their cabs phajongkit, managing director of two other recent YouTube and containers — while large Soonchai Industry, one of Thai- Red acquisitions — Michelin Man dolls often add to land’s largest truck assemblers that Eminem’s satirical hip-hop the visual assault. has recently devoted one section drama “Bodied” and Morgan Thailand is a major logistics to painting the trucks. “I think it’s Spurlock’s “Super Size Me 2: hub and long-haul truck routes about psychology” Sirintra said. Holy Chicken!” While the connect goods from Myanmar When the trucks are “nicely dec- Eminem movie is also bound and Laos to the North, Cambodia orated, drivers are motivated to be for theatrical release, to the east to Bangkok and extra careful and not to leave any YouTube dropped the A man standing next to his custom-painted truck at a fancy truck party in the Thai coastal province Malaysia in the south. scratches on them.” Spurlock sequel after the of Rayong. Music pounds from the speakers and LED lights ripple across the customised cabs at a Like their South Asian peers, Thailand’s lavish vehicle dec- filmmaker admitted to Thai truck owners are enthralled oration originated with bus “truck party” hosted by proud Thai drivers showing off their lorries with swag. sexual misconduct and har- by decorous vehicles -- with new paintings — and the Michelin Man. assment in the past. designs spinning out across social The tubby white mascot known as mirrors. Though decorating the sides of trucks. “That reflected for a Bangkok construction site. YouTube Red said principal media and the best artists “Bonhomme Michelin” in French vehicles is prohibited by Thai law the tough guy lifestyle of people The unicorn on his truck -- photography on “Vulture charging up to $1,600 for their are given by the Lyon-based tyre over safety concerns, drivers who endure long drives on the designed by his daughter -- aims Club” was complete. work. company to customers who buy a mostly get away with small fines roads,” said Suphot Saengow, to attract admiring eyes and deter Netflix has shown little “These trucks are used in real certain number of tyres. and sympathy from admiring leader of The Artistic Mind thieves, who sometimes siphon regard for the perceived life,” said Teerasak Inklom, while Many drivers say they then police officers. Truckers Club of Thailand. off fuel from parked trucks. sanctity of cinema, annoying controlling the state-of-the-art use the figurines for decoration That wasn’t always the case. “I think now we look more “It’s been a dream to create some filmmakers, notably sound system on his heavily dec- as a way to show off their wealth. The community was long per- polished and friendly.” That is my own fancy truck,” Wichukorn Christopher Nolan, and orated 10-wheeler at the party But truckers today are adding ceived as led by shadowy, drug- certainly the case for Wichukorn said. “What do I get out of it? I get sparking calls for bans from in a disused field in Rayong, on wackier local designs to the mix ridden machos who idolise “bad Wongdara as he drives a bright the feeling of pride when people film festivals by debuting its Thailand’s eastern seaboard. and installing accessories like boy” icons from Che Guevara to green truck carrying rocks from come to look at my trucks and movies online only or at the “The relationships it creates loudspeakers and extra wing Saddam Hussein with stickers on an out-of-town quarry destined praise how beautiful they are.” same time as in theaters. BUSINESS Friday 23 March 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19

China accuses QSE DOW FTSE100 BRENT US home prices US of abusing 8,825.70 24,414.98 6,952.59 64.40 surge as listings trade practices -47.68 pts -267.33 pts -86.38 pts -0.77 grow scarce 0.54% 1.08% 1.23%

Qatar & UK to boost ties in healthcare sector MOHAMMAD SHOEB and their extent of operations in THE PENINSULA Qatar, she added: “There are 622 Qatari-British companies in DOHA: Prominent Qatari Qatari market with a total capital business leaders and represent- The UK is one of of QR14.5bn, and out of that 135 atives of leading companies from the biggest trading are fully British.” Qatar and the United Kingdom partners of Qatar. Highlighting Qatar’s signif- (UK) yesterday held a meeting The volume of trade icant achievements in the field of with the visiting members of a healthcare sector, Ibtihaj said that trade mission representing UK’s exchange between the country has made a quantum healthcare sector. Qatar and the UK leap and mega transformation in During the meeting, both stood at $3bn (about its health system in recent Qatar, Turkey to enhance economic cooperation sides discussed ways of decades. Enormous progress in QR10.92bn) last year, expanding trade relations terms of both increasing capacity The Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani (right) met with the between the two friendly and advancing the quality of care head of Qatar-Turkey Business Council and member of directors’ board at Foreign Economic Relations nations, and also explored On the investment side, UK has been made. In the past few Board of Turkey (DEIK) Ethem Sancak (left) and his accompanying delegation in Doha, yesterday. During business and investment oppor- is a very safe and attractive years, new hospitals and private the meeting, they discussed aspects of joint cooperation, especially in the field of economic, trade and tunities in new areas, with investment and tourist desti- clinics have been opened to investment, and means of developing them. Bilateral trade volume stood at QR4.9bn in 2017, which is special focus in the field of nation for Qatar and Qatari provide world-class and dis- expected to jump significantly in coming years. Turkey’s Ambassador to Qatar Fikret Ozer was also present. healthcare. investors. There are mega Qatari tinctive healthcare services for The meeting was held at investments in the UK. all patients. Qatar Chamber headquarters. “Qatar and the United “Despite the unfair siege The UK side was presided over Kingdom enjoy profound and imposed on Qatar, country’s by the Deborah Kobewka, Man- distinct relations. Both sides are primary healthcare services aging Director of HealthcareUK, making very tremendous efforts remain unaffected. Moreover, it and head of the trade mission, to develop economic and trade has helped us to become self-suf- QSE index closes at 8,825.70 points and Qatari side was chaired by relations for the advantage of the ficient in our programmes,” she THE PENINSULA Qatar Chamber board member friendly people of the countries. said. She also expressed her accounted for 14.80 percent and accounted for 14.54 percent of Ibtihaj Al Hmadani. The strong historical ties optimism that the meeting would DOHA: Qatar Stock Exchange Telecoms sector accounted for the total traded value. QNB The UK is one of the biggest reflected positively on the com- provide a good opportunity for (QSE) main index lost 22.09 9.71 percent. accounted for 11.52 percent and trading partners of Qatar. The mercial and investment sectors,” both sides to enhance cooper- points, or 0.25 percent, last week Banking and Financial Vodafone Qatar accounted for volume of trade exchange noted Ibtihaj in her address at ation in this vital sector and to when the bourse closed at Services sector led traded 7.46 percent. between Qatar and the UK stood the meeting. benefit from the UK expertise in 8,825.70 points. volume last week with 29.98 When compared on daily at $3bn (about QR10.92bn) last Commenting on the this regard. Trading value during last percent of the total traded basis, the QSE index dropped year, which is growing fast. presence of the UK companies → CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 week decreased by 40.39 volume. Industries sector 47.68 points, or 0.54 percent. percent to reach QR1.65bn com- accounted for 21.58 percent. Tel- The volume of shares traded pared to QR2.77bn at the closing ecoms sector accounted for 19.41 increased to 16.38 million from of previous week. percent and Real Estate sector 11.73 million on Wednesday and Trading volume decreased accounted for 12.63 percent. the value of shares increased to by 14.57 percent to reach 76.70 Banking and Financial QR281.03m from QR278.50m on million shares, as against 89.78 Services sector led traded Wednesday. million shares, while the number number of transactions last week Out of the 46 companies, of transactions fell by 15.02 with 30.46 percent of the total shares of 42 saw trading yes- percent, to reach 24,688 trans- number of transactions. Indus- terday. From these, 13 com- actions as compared to 29,051 tries sector accounted for 20.11 panies gained, 27 companies transactions. percent. Real Estate sector closed lower, two remained Market cap rose by 0.99 accounted for 14.60 percent and unchanged. percent to reach QR485.44bn as Telecoms sector accounted for Indices of three sectors compared to QR480.67bn at the 11.28 percent. ended in red and four sectors end of previous week. Out of the 46 companies ended in green yesterday. QSE Banking and Financial listed at QSE, 24 companies Total Return Index dropped 0.18 Services sector led traded value ended last week higher, while 18 percent to 15,502.91 points and last week with 35.58 percent of fell and three remained QSE Al Rayan Islamic Index lost Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, board member of Qatar Chamber; Deborah Kobewka, Managing Director of the total traded value. Industries unchanged, reports QNA. 0.18 percent to 3,655.60 points. HealthcareUK and head of the trade mission, with other officials during the meeting with British business sector accounted for 19.61 Qatar Insurance led trading QSE All Share Index decreased mission at Qatar Chamber headquarters in Doha yesterday. percent. Insurance sector value during last week 0.05 percent to 2,602.39 points. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA Oil retreats after hitting six-week highs near $70 a barrel

REUTERS Oil prices have risen nearly bigger gains. But I think it is too ING said the drawdown was But the confident mood in LONDON: Oil prices fell 10 percent in the last two weeks, early and today is really just a partly due to a drop in imports the oil market has been tem- yesterday as investors booked boosted by a weaker US dollar reality check,” Saxo Bank senior of about 500,000 barrels per pered by US crude production, profits after this week’s rally, but and tensions between Iran and manager Ole Hansen (pictured) day (bpd) to an average 7.08 which climbed to a fresh record losses were limited by the Saudi Arabia that raised concern said. million bpd last week and an of 10.4 million bpd last week, ongoing efforts of Opec and its about Middle East supplies, “We have come within half 86,000 bpd rise in exports to an putting US output ahead of Saudi allies to curb supplies. which are already restricted by a dollar of key resistance on May average 1.57 million bpd. Arabia and closing in on Russia’s Brent crude futures were an Opec-led supply deal. crude and that is attracting some The dollar, which last month 11 million bpd. US production down 61 cents at $68.86 a barrel Prices recorded their biggest profit-taking,” he said. hit a three-year low, has also rises have been countered by the by 1247GMT after rising to a one-day gain since November The US Energy Information helped push up oil prices deal to cut output by the Organ- session peak at $69.70, near on Wednesday after an unex- Administration said on towards the $70 mark, as ization of the Petroleum their highest level since the start pected drop in US crude Wednesday US crude inventories weakness in the US currency Exporting Countries, Russia and of February. US West Texas inventories. fell 2.6 million barrels to 428.31 tends to encourage holders of their allies. The agreement has Intermediate (WTI) futures fell “The bulls are back in town million barrels in the week other currencies to buy dollar- run since the start of 2017 and is 57 cents to $64.60. and they’re all looking for much ending March 16. denominated assets. due to expire at the end of 2018. 18 BUSINESS FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 China accuses US of abusing trade practices

REUTERS China as a cost of doing business Jacob Parker, Beijing-based Center for China and Globali- there. Vice-President of China opera- zation (CCG), a Beijing-based BEIJING: China accused the Trade wars are ‘good’ and tions at the US-China Business think tank. United States of ‘repeatedly ‘easy to win’, said Trump, having Council said the group wanted to The measures planned by abusing’ trade practices, as The US tariffs on made election campaign know what action the US admin- Washington so far are expected Beijing braced yesterday for an Chinese imports worth promises to get tough with China istration wants China to take to to have a limited impact on imminent announcement from as much as up to over its huge surplus with the improve protection for intel- China’s economy, which is far less US President Donald Trump $60bn were unveiled United States. lectual property, and over forced dependent on exports than it was slapping more tariffs on Chinese China has repeatedly said it technology transfer. a decade ago. imports. yesterday. has no wish to fight a trade war, “It’s really important for them “Most Chinese corporates The US tariffs on Chinese but warned that it is ready if to lay that out so that we have a seems to be quite resilient against imports worth as much as up to remedy measures, which has needed. strategy going forward and it’s a potential trade war given the $60bn were unveiled yesterday, seriously damaged the fair and “With regards to the Section not just tariffs for tariffs’ sake.” high share of domestic revenue,” raising fears that the world’s two just nature of the international 301 investigation, China has Parker said China needs to adopt said Alicia Garcia Herrero, Chief largest economies could be trade environment, and expressed its position on many a tougher deterrent against coun- Economist for Asia Pacific at sliding towards a trade war. weakened the stability of the occasions that we resolutely terfeiting and IP theft, and do Natixis. On Wednesday, the World multilateral trading system,” oppose this type of unilateral and at Trump’s support base, away with joint venture and “However, there are certain Trade Organization ruled that China’s commerce ministry said protectionist action by the US,” including levies targeting US agri- business licensing requirements sectors which will be relatively Washington had not fully com- late on Wednesday. the Commerce Ministry said in a cultural exports. that can be used to mandate tech- more affected, such as infor- plied with a 2014 ruling against The tariffs Trump is set to fresh statement yesterday. US Trade Representative nology transfers to gain market mation technology and consumer its anti-subsidy tariffs on various announce will be imposed under “China will not sit idly by Robert Lighthizer (pictured) said access. durables.” In a possible sign of Chinese products ranging from Section 301 of the 1974 US Trade while legitimate rights and on Wednesday the tariffs would “At the moment, it’s very dif- what is to come, Best Buy Co Inc, solar panels and wind towers to Act, following an intellectual interests are hurt. We must take target China’s high-technology ficult for the two sides to sit down the largest US consumer elec- steel cylinders and aluminium property probe launched in all necessary measures to firmly sector and there could also be and talk because the Trump tronics retailer, has decided to extrusions. August last year. defend our rights and interests.” restrictions on Chinese invest- administration seems determined stop buying smartphones from The WTO ruling proves that Trump is accusing Beijing of The Wall Street Journal reported ments in the United States. to go this way regardless of Chinese telecom equipment the US side has violated WTO compelling US firms to transfer that Beijing has already prepared Other sectors like apparel China’s manoeuvres,” said He maker Huawei, a source familiar rules, repeatedly abused trade their intellectual property (IP) to to strike back with tariffs aimed could also be hit. Weiwen, a senior fellow at the with the matter said.

Facebook investors fret over costs as Mark Zuckerberg apologises REUTERS party who demanded this week said they had written down a list the billionaire testify before of 60 questions they pledged to WASHINGTON: Facebook Inc Congress. answer, the aides said. Chief Executive Mark Zucker- Facebook was expected to Zuckerberg on Wednesday berg’s apology for mishandling brief two additional congres- promised tougher steps to restrict user data and some limited sional committees yesterday. developers’ access to user infor- proposals for change at the social Executives met with staff for the mation, his first response to alle- network drew mixed responses House Energy and Commerce gations that London-based Cam- yesterday, while Wall Street Committee on Wednesday for bridge Analytica improperly analysts worried about costs and nearly two hours to discuss the accessed data to build profiles on a loss of trust. allegations of improper use of American voters that were later Another pair of major bro- data on 50 million users by used to help elect US President kerages cut price targets for a political consultancy Cambridge Donald Trump in 2016. stock that has shed around Analytica. Wall Street analysts $50bn in value since Monday. Facebook Deputy Chief expressed relief that there were Shares in the company fell as Privacy Officer Rob Sherman and no signs in the chief executive’s The International FinTech Conference much as 2.5 percent in heavy other executives were unable to status update or in subsequent trading. answer many questions at interviews of a more funda- Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond (left) and Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison In Washington, Zuckerberg’s Wednesday’s meeting, according mental shift in the company’s tour the exhibition at The International FinTech Conference 2018, in central London, yesterday. media rounds did little to satisfy to two aides who were present. advertising-driven revenue lawmakers in either political The Facebook executives model. Qatar & UK to UK retail sales jump in February Cryptocurrency in Mexico to let boost ties in buyers invest in Habanero peppers REUTERS healthcare sector Gilmartin, a banker at Barclays expects the consumer squeeze BLOOMBERG who focuses on the retail sector. to ease in 2018 as inflation cools of Cancun. “Agrocoin allows us to Continued from page 17 LONDON: British retail sales Sterling rose slightly against the and wage growth ticks higher. have a new investment product For her part, Deborah said: jumped in February, further US dollar immediately after the Capital Economics said yester- MEXICO CITY: A cryptocurrency backed by agricultural goods.” “We intend to bring the adding to the case for the Bank figures to touch a fresh seven- day’s figures suggested retail was called Agrocoin is giving buyers The small peppers are an integral expertise that we have of England to raise interest rates week high. likely to drag on economic a chance to invest in some of the part of Mexican cuisine -- partic- developed in the UK to organ- in May even if March’s heavy Still, looking at the three growth over the first three world’s spiciest peppers. ularly in the Yucatan Peninsula isations and health systems in snowfall is likely to take a chunk months to February, which months of 2018 but other Mexico’s Amar Hidroponia, where Quintana Roo is located. overseas. It is an absolute out of growth in the first quarter smoothes out monthly volatility measures of spending were which grows only habanero chilis, Agrocoins can be bought on delight for me today to leading of 2018. in the data, sales fell 0.4 percent turning a corner. started selling digital tokens in the company’s website, and -- the delegation of 16 organisa- British consumers have been - the weakest growth in nearly The data showed retail September as a way to raise after a year-long lockup period tions that have expertise across squeezed for the past year by a a year - after a big drop in sales prices rose in February by 2.5 capital from smaller investors. -- exchanged on a cryptocurrency a broad range of areas.” big rise in inflation. But Febru- in December. percent year-on-year, the Each 500 peso ($27) Agrocoin is trading platform. The company She added: “We have ary’s data suggested a turning There is a risk of a further smallest increase since January backed by a square meter of has sold 50,000 of the 1 million organisations that represent point was near as the cost of downturn in March, when snow 2017. hydroponic production in it’s planning to issue. clinical services, public health goods in stores rose at the storms brought widespread dis- Most economists polled by Quintana Roo state. The company This isn’t the first vegetable- and oncology, skills in digital slowest pace in over a year. ruption across Britain. Britain’s Reuters think the BoE will raise says it expects to pay a yearly div- related blockchain enterprise. In services, pharmaceutical Retail sales volumes rose 0.8 economy under performed its interest rates in May for only the idend equal to about 30 percent August last year, startup company industry, education and percent from January, the Office rivals last year as higher inflation second time since the financial of the cost, depending on output Ripe began tracking tomato training. They are representing for National Statistics said - caused by the fall in the pound crisis, spurred partly by a and demand. quality using the technology. entities that have developed yesterday. since the Brexit vote in June 2016 recovery in pay growth. Official “We had a lot of people who Louis Dreyfus Co., one of the and acquired great range of Sales in January dropped 0.2 - hurt consumers’ spending data published on Wednesday wanted to invest, but with less world’s biggest foodstuffs traders, capabilities with years of expe- percent. “Not a sparkling result power. showed overall wages rose at the money,” company President used a blockchain platform to sell rience.” Deborah also noted for Britain’s retailers in February, The Bank of England, which fastest annual pace since mid- Rodrigo Domenzain said in an a cargo of US soybeans to China’s that the UK is very keen to con- but a marked improvement from is due to announce its March 2015 during the three months to interview from Leona Vicario, a Shandong Bohi Industry Co in tinue to expand its historic the start of the year,” said Ian policy decision at 1200 GMT, January. town about 25 miles southwest January. trading relationships with Qatar. “It is something the British government has made its priority, and is supported very strongly by our Prime Minister Theresa May.” BoE keeps rates unchanged; hints at rise in May AP tightening could mitigate the As in February, the minutes “It now looks increasingly risks from a more sustained showed that the ‘best collective likely we’ll see a rise to 0.75 Toyota suspends LONDON: The Bank of England period of above-target inflation judgment’ of the rate-setting percent at the bank’s May kept its interest rates unchanged that might necessitate a more panel was that ‘an ongoing tight- meeting,” said Ben Brettell (pic- self-driving car tests yesterday but appeared to hint abrupt change in policy and ening of monetary policy over the tured), senior economist at that another rate hike in May was hence a greater adjustment in forecast period would be appro- stockbrokers Hargreaves TOKYO: Japanese auto- possible as inflation remains growth and employment.” priate to return inflation sus- Lansdown. In February, when the maker Toyota said yesterday high. Despite resisting an immediate tainably to its target at a more bank published its quarterly eco- it was suspending tests of its The minutes to the meeting hike, a majority in the committee conventional horizon’. nomic projections, Carney indi- self-driving cars so staff showed that two of the nine is ready to back another interest Rate-setters also said future cated that a hike in May was could ‘emotionally process’ members on the Monetary Policy rate increase soon, the minutes increases were likely to be likely. Economic figures since after an autonomous Uber Committee backed an immediate indicated. In November, the bank ‘gradual’ and ‘limited’. In then, according to yesterday’s car killed a pedestrian in an quarter-point increase in the raised rates for the first time in a financial markets, investors have minutes, were ‘broadly con- accident. bank’s main interest rate to 0.75 decade to clamp down on high price in 80 percent of another sistent’ with those views. Ride-sharing giant Uber percent. The other seven, inflation even though higher bor- rate rise and yesterday’s minutes Official figures this week has already suspended use including Governor Mark Carney, rowing rates have the potential did nothing to alter that view. The showed inflation in the year to projections, the Bank of England of self-driving cars after one preferred to keep it unchanged to weigh on the economy, which recently resurgent pound February fell - to an annual rate said it expects inflation to remain of its vehicles struck and at 0.5 percent. had already slowed in the face of remained firm, trading 0.1 of 2.7 percent - though that’s still above target for another year or killed a pedestrian Sunday in Ian McCafferty and Michael uncertainty related to the exit percent higher after the rate above the bank’s target of 2 two, supporting predictions for at the US state of Arizona. Saunders argued that a “modest from the European Union. decision at $1.4150. percent. In its February’s least one more rate hike this year. FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 BUSINESS 19

Deloitte hires Europol chief German business morale down to help lead cyber business REUTERS Ifo said. Firms were also less readings of the PMI survey also BLOOMBERG upbeat about the coming months. suggested that Germany’s BERLIN: German business confi- A sector breakdown of the Ifo upswing is likely to continue. dence deteriorated for a second figures showed the main drag “We’ll probably see a strong LONDON: Europol Executive straight month in March, dropping German managers came from retailing and manu- first quarter with a growth rate of Director Rob Wainwright to its lowest level in nearly a year, were less satisfied facturing. Business sentiment around 0.7 percent,” Williamson (pictured) is leaving the EU as managers in Europe’s largest with their current improved in construction. said. This compares with a intelligence agency he’s led for economy became more business situation, The Ifo data chimed with HIS growth rate of 0.6 percent on the almost a decade to help run concerned about the rising threat Markit’s latest survey among pur- quarter in the last three months Deloitte LLP’s cybersecurity of protectionism. which nevertheless chasing managers, which showed of 2017. Economic advisers to the practice, as companies wake up The Munich-based Ifo eco- remained at a high growth in Germany’s private German government on to the growing ‘systemic’ threat nomic institute said yesterday that level. sector lost a little steam in March Wednesday raised their 2018 of cyber crime. its business climate index, based as factory output slowed. growth forecast to 2.3 percent but The 50-year-old MI5 on a monthly survey of some HIS Markit economist Chris warned that protectionist veteran will join the 7,000 companies, fell to 114.7 is dampening the mood in the Williamson said that the outlook measures could limit the upswing. Amsterdam-based unit in June, from 115.4 in February. German economy,” Ifo Chief for exporters had been clouded The Ifo institute is even more according to Deloitte, which oversee a number of high- The reading, an 11-month low, Clemens Fuest said. by US President Donald Trump’s optimistic, with its researchers shared an advanced copy of its profile stings. He played a key undershot the expectations of German managers were less decision to impose import tariffs confirming their forecasts - orig- announcement. Deloitte is role in last year’s takedown of analysts polled by Reuters, whose satisfied with their current on steel and aluminium, as well inally made in December - of 2.6 planning to add 500 people to AlphaBay and Hansa, dark-web consensus forecast was 114.8. business situation, which never- as the recent appreciation of the percent German growth this year its European cyber practice to markets that sold everything “The threat of protectionism theless remained at a high level, euro. However, the overall high and 2.1 percent in 2019. meet growing demand from from drugs to hacking tools. corporate clients anxious to AlphaBay was more than 10 prevent hacks. times the size of Silk Road, “I spent a lot of the last few which the US closed in 2013. Businesses in years encouraging private- More companies are waking sector leaders to take cyberse- up to the ‘systemic’ threat of Slovenian urge free curity more seriously, to invest cybercrime, Deloitte UK Chief more,” Wainwright said in an Executive Officer David Sproul movement of interview at Europol’s head- said. Hiring Wainwright adds quarters in The Hague on ‘”a further stamp of authenticity labour from Croatia Tuesday. “So now I will go and seriousness to what we’re directly in there and try to help doing,” he said. REUTERS them do it myself.” Wainwright It’s a propitious time for has spent 28 years working for Wainwright to join the private LJUBLJANA: Slovenia’s the UK government, including sector. European spending on Chamber of Commerce and more than a decade at the MI5 computer security is forecast to Industry urged parliament domestic intelligence service, rise 25 percent to $35.5bn over yesterday to reject a draft law where he specialised in the next three years, according proposed by the government counter-terrorism and to Gartner Inc, a US advisory that would delay the free organised crime. After stints as firm. movement of workers from head of the UK liaison bureau His departure from Europol neighbouring Croatia to for Europol and running the comes at a critical moment for Slovenia until mid-2020. international department of the UK, which is preparing to Croats should be able to what is now called the National leave the 28-member European work in Slovenia without Crime Agency, he returned to Union. special permits from July this Europol as director in 2009. Prime Minister Theresa May year, in line with European Starbucks annual meeting During his time at Europol, has pledged to unconditionally Union rules. But weeks ahead which acts as an intermediary continue security and defense FROM LEFT: Colgate-Palmolive Company retired Vice-Chairman, Javier Teruel; Hearsay Systems Inc of a general election, the for 1,000 global law cooperation with the EU after Chief Executive Officer Clara Shi; Microsoft Chief Executive Officer, Satya Nadella and Pepsi-Cola centre-left government is enforcement bodies and coor- Brexit and proposed a new seeking a delay to prevent Company retired Chief Executive Officer, Craig Weatherup enjoying coffee during an audience tasting dinates major investigations treaty to continue the data what it calls potential labour the Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders at McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington. involving terrorism and money sharing and other forms of col- market disruption. laundering, Wainwright helped laboration Europol oversees. The Chamber said in a statement that local labour could not meet rising demand for workers in Slovenia, and “therefore we are and will be US home prices surge BlackBerry to help Jaguar develop dependent on employing for- eigners if we want to retain as listings grow scarce economic growth and new automotive technology development”. BLOOMBERG “Prolonging limitations for Even where growth was BLOOMBERG Croatian workers is therefore less dramatic, gains accel- Inc and Nvidia Corp. Working entirely contradictory to the BOSTON: If you’re hunkered erated. In New England, for with Jaguar could open the door needs and expectations of the down in California or Colorado, example, prices were up 7.1 NEW YORK: BlackBerry Ltd will to other partnerships within economy and particularly this chart of US home prices percent from January 2017. help Jaguar Land Rover develop Tata’s massive empire. companies on the Slovenian- might just make your day. If Back then, they were up only new automotive technology, The agreements with high- Croatian border,” it added. you’re house-hunting there, it 4.6 percent from a year earlier. adding another major brand to profile companies has helped Parliament is expected to might spoil it. The month-to-month its web of partnerships on car push BlackBerry’s stock up debate the draft law before the That’s because home-price increase was hefty as well. software. about 90 percent since the end election, which is expected in gains in the US in January, US home prices rose 0.8 Jaguar, owned by Indian of 2016. late May or early June. which surged past expectations, percent from December, on a conglomerate Tata Motors Ltd, Though car software is still The government said on were driven by huge increases seasonally adjusted basis, the will license BlackBerry’s tech- a relatively small part of Black- Wednesday that Croatia’s geo- in the West and Southwest as FHFA said. nology and host some of the Berry’s business, it’s becoming graphic and cultural ties to listings grew scarce, the Federal That’s twice the 0.4 percent former smart phone maker’s an important growth area. Slovenia meant ‘the levelling Housing Finance Agency said average estimate of 11 engineers to work on a new info- After jettisoning the smart of Croatian citizens with in a statement yesterday. economists. tainment system. phone unit due to shrinking domestic workers could have While prices nationwide The US housing market -- The deal is the latest Black- sales, Chen has worked to shift a significant negative effect on jumped 7.3 percent from a year and the hapless buyers in it -- Berry has trumpeted over the Chief Executive Officer John the Waterloo, Ontario-based the Slovenian labour market’. earlier, they were up 10 percent are suffering from a worsening last year as it seeks to expand its Chen (pictured) has used QNX’s company’s focus onto secure Slovenia’s jobless rate was 5.8 in the Mountain region, supply crunch, partly because QNX car software unit from network of customers in the car software for a range of different percent in the last quarter of including Colorado, Nevada and builders haven’t kept up with in-car entertainment systems to industry and BlackBerry’s library businesses, as well as taking 2017, the lowest level in 8.5 Arizona. The Pacific area, which demand and many seniors are other realms of auto software, of wireless tech to sign new deals other tech companies to court years. includes California, Washington choosing to stay in their homes including self-driving with companies including Ford for allegedly using BlackBerry’s and Oregon, rose 9.4 percent. rather than down size. technology. Motor Co, Qualcomm Inc, Baidu old wireless patents. Zimbabwe signs $4.2bn platinum mine & refinery deal

REUTERS Harare, where Impala Platinum Zimbabwe. The landscape of and platinum operations in years of Mugabe’s reign. Ana- Holdings has operations, the Zimbabwe’s mining industry will South Africa’s Bushveld, has lysts say the outlook is still HARARE: A Cypriot investor project will include a coal mine never be the same.” made clear its interest in the uncertain, but interest is strong signed a $4.2bn deal yesterday and power station to produce Zimbabwe’s government did potential of Zimbabwe, which in a country that has rich, under to develop a platinum mine and electricity for the smelter, and not give details of the source of holds the world’s second-largest explored resources. refinery in Zimbabwe, an should employ 15,000 people funding for such a big platinum deposits after neigh- An investment conference investment that President when fully implemented, Karo investment. bouring South Africa. on Zimbabwe in London last Emmerson Mnangagwa head Loucas Pouroulis said. Industry sources, who asked The company, however, has week was heavily (pictured) said showed the Keen to revive the mining not to be named, said there was a market capitalisation of only oversubscribed. country was ‘open for business’. sector after years of reticence by no obligation to provide any cash 5.5bn rand ($464m), although it On Monday, Mnangagwa’s Signing the agreement with foreign investors during Robert until firmer plans for the devel- is well regarded by many city government amended the Cyprus-based Karo Resources, Mugabe’s rule, President Mnan- opment were in place. analysts and its share price has Mugabe-era Indigenisation and Mines Minister Winston Chitando gagwa said the deal showed Cyprus-born Pouroulis spent rallied 15 percent this year. Economic Empowerment Act, said work would start in July, things had changed since his his early career with industry HSBC initiated covered of which aimed to increase black with the first output of platinum ascendancy after Mugabe’s giant Anglo American in South the stock yesterday, rating it a Zimbabweans’ ownership of group metals expected in 2020, ousting in November. Africa, branching out on his own buy. mines by preventing foreign aiming to reach 1.4 million “Zimbabwe is open for to establish more niche oper- It predicted it would have a entities holding majority stakes. ounces annually within three business and whoever stands in ators such as Petra Diamonds, net cash position of $185m by The revised law removed that years. the way, hurting business in this back by government red tape Eland Platinum and Tharisa Min- the end of 2022 and said stipulation for most types of It was unclear, however, country, will fall. It is not and ‘”other unnamed vested erals, according to his profile on platinum prices should benefit mining, but not diamond and where all the funding would business as usual anymore, interests, which are corrupt Tharisa’s website. from continued supply cur- platinum mines. come from and analysts said the things have to change,” Mnan- interests,” he said. As well as heading Karo, tailment in South Africa because Chitando said Karo Resources project start date of July looked gagwa said at the signing Mines Minister Chitando Pouroulis is chairman and of regulatory and funding was expected to comply with the very ambitious. ceremony. added: “This is the largest founder of Tharisa, in which his uncertainty. empowerment law by giving up Located in the Mhondoro- The project was first mooted investment structure in the family has a 45 percent stake. Foreign investment stalled majority ownership in the project. Ngezi platinum belt, west of six years ago but had been held country’s mining industry in Tharisa, which has chrome in Zimbabwe during the later He did not elaborate. 20 BUSINESS FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018

QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE

QE INDICES SUMMARY QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON WORLD STOCK INDICES EXCHANGE RATE

QE Index 8,825.70 0.54 % 22-03-2018 Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low Currency Buying Selling QE Total Return Index 15,502.91 0.18 % Index 8,825.70 US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 All Ordinaries 6043.2 -9.9 -0.16 6256.5 5887.3 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index Change 47.68 UK QR 5.1219 QR 5.1934 - Price 2,280.87 0.58 % % 0.54 Cac 40 Index/D 5185.48 -54.26 -1.04 5567.03 5051.21 Euro QR 4.4588 QR 4.5207 YTD% 3.55 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,655.60 0.18 % CA$ QR 2.8061 QR 2.8614 Volume 16,386,492 Dj Indu Average 24682.31 -44.96 -0.18 26616.71 20379.55 QE All Share Index 2,602.39 0.05 % Swiss Fr QR 3.8214 QR 3.8758 Value (QAR) 281,034,307.58 Hang Seng Inde/D 31071.05 -343.47 -1.09 33484.08 29129.26 Yen QR 0.03418 QR 0.03484 QE All Share Banks & Trades 4,591 Financial Services 2,885.67 0.15 % Up 13 | Down 27 | Unchanged 2 Iseq Overall/D 6569.03 -32.67 -0.49 7257.41 6469.04 Aus$ QR 2.7905 QR 2.8454 QE All Share Industrials 2,959.45 0.07 % Ind Re QR 0.0554 QR 0.0565 21-03-2018 Kse 100 Inx/D 45032.41 386.46 0.87 45494.52 40169.62 QE All Share Transportation 1,874.91 0.02 % Index 8,873.38 Pak Re QR 0.0311 QR 0.0319 QE All Share Real Estate 1,911.56 0.77 % Change 104.47 S&P 500 Index/D 2711.93 -5.01 -0.184399 2872.87 2532.69 Peso QR 0.0689 QR 0.0703 QE All Share Insurance 3,321.54 0.40 % % 1.66 SL Re QR 0.0231 QR 0.0236 GOLD AND SILVER QE All Share Telecoms 1,096.24 1.97 % YTD% 4.11 Taka QR 0.0435 QR 0.0444 Volume 11,730,609 Nep Re QR 0.0346 QR 0.0353 QE All Share Consumer GOLD QR156.0733 per gramme Value (QAR) 278,506,455.02 Goods & Services 5,375.89 0.25 % SA Rand QR 0.3055 QR 0.3116 Trades 5,732 SILVER QR1.9421 per gramme

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

Aarti Drugs-B/D 527.4 -2.7 4364 Dai-X/D 402.55 -13.1 5647 India Glycol-B/D 450 -17.65 55841 Nagreeka Ex-T/D 27.6 -0.95 5897 Aban Offs-A/D 165.4 3.9 453342 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 211.05 -11.95 12324 Indian Hotel-A/D 128.9 0.4 139116 Nagreeka Ex-T/D 27.6 -0.95 5897 LONDON Acc Ltd-A/D 1546.4 -7.95 7738 Dhampur Sugar-/D 147.65 -8.95 45880 Indo-A/D 85.7 -3.95 183863 Nahar Spg.-B/D 88.65 -2.65 13037 3I Group/D 880.8 -5.2 317574 Ador Welding-B/D 385.9 -9.85 1962 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2107.7 -34.2 40791 Indusind-A/D 1756 24.5 40189 Nation Alum -A/D 68.95 4.1 2040347 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2438 21 462117 Aegis Logis-A/D 250.75 -0.65 10417 E I H-B/D 165 0.05 577861 J.B.Chemical-B/D 290 -2.65 2240 Navneet Edu-B/D 141.15 -2.65 109643 Barclays/D 208 -3.45 9548183 Alembic-B/D 55.95 -3.45 146738 E.I.D Parry-A/D 276 -0.5 12207 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 98.7 4.7 5953 Neuland Lab-B/D 709.9 -7.4 4490 Bp/D 470.75 -1.95 6878794 Alkyl Amines-B/D 603.5 -6.5 6130 Eicher Motor-A/D 27944.6 -9.9 1311 Jagson Phar-B/D 27.85 -0.05 7593 Nrb Bearings-B/D 154.45 -0.6 6311 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3825 -49.5 1753988 Alok Indus-T/D 3.05 0.05 1509040 Eimco Elecon-B/D 415.95 -14.05 2080 Jamnaauto-B/D 79.95 0.85 149072 O N G C-A/D 179.75 4.3 570874 Bt Group/D 219 -2.95 4349338 Apollo Tyre-A/D 259.4 -3.55 74604 Electrosteel-B/D 26.25 -0.75 99587 Jbf Indu-B/D 104.3 -2.6 40550 Ocl India-B/D 1311 -11.45 6021 Centrica/D 131.8 -0.7 2261538 Asahi I Glass-/D 334.85 1.4 126843 Emco-B/D 10.6 -0.25 99635 Jct Ltd-X/D 2.91 0.02 187682 Oil Country-B/D 33.8 -2.5 267689 Gkn/D 429 0 694746 Ashok Leyland-/D 141.95 -5.65 2250930 Escorts Fin-Xt/D 3.99 0.19 1829 Jindal Drill-B/D 164.5 12.25 366826 Onward Tech-B/D 91 -2 134726 Hsbc Holdings/D 683.4 -10.6 4884662 Ballarpur In-B/D 12.94 -0.39 255250 Escorts-A/D 810.4 -15.4 44253 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 146.45 -2.6 104648 Orchid Pharm-M/D 12.5 -0.65 82304 Kingfisher/D 294.8 -6.8 5073758 Bannari Aman-B/D 1600 -0.05 13427 Federal Bank-A/D 90.85 -0.15 350415 Jmc Projects-B/D 554 1.7 15478 Orient Hotel-B/D 42.8 -0.1 8179 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Bharat Heavy-A/D 81.6 -1.75 484432 Godfrey Phil-A/D 816.4 -18.1 6491 Kilburnengg-X/D 75.3 -0.45 5526 Reliance Indus/D 438.65 -8.45 94029 Rank Group/D 218 3.5 2141 Bharatgears-B/D 168.6 -7.55 9106 Goodricke-X/D 323.25 -0.15 7632 Kinetic Eng-Xt/D 69.75 1.35 3856 Ruchi Soya-B/D 17.8 -0.15 201550 Rentokil Initi/D 275.8 1.9 2965158 Bom.Burmah-X/D 1155.45 -32.8 30506 Goodyear I -B/D 1165.2 -13.95 3286 Kopran-B/D 59.4 -1 34846 Samtel-T/D 1.8 0 5000 Rolls Royce Pl/D 884.6 -7.6 567959 Bombay Dyeing-/D 249.9 -8.85 473557 Hcl Infosys-A/D 51.75 -1.8 381819 Lakshmi Elec-X/D 619 2.5 1749 Saur.Cem-X/D 70.9 -1.25 19491 Rsa Insrance G/D 629.6 -7 338755 Canfin Homes-A/D 511.2 -10.05 31272 Him.Fut.Comm-A/D 26.25 -0.6 1170987 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 42.05 0.55 298774 Savita Oil-B/D 1422 44.65 3242 Sainsbury(J)/D 230.4 -1.6 1259874 Caprihans-X/D 83 -1.5 9542 Himat Seide-X/D 345 8.8 9273 Lgb Broth-B/D 1088 34.2 1917 Sterling Tool-/D 359.7 -9.85 11297 Schroders/D 3303 -83 54601 Castrol India-/D 200.1 -3.3 52774 Hind Motors-T/D 7.63 0.11 88662 Lloyd Metal-X/D 14.5 -0.1 334313 Tanfac Indu-Xt/D 118.25 -2.5 5793 Severn Trent/D 1714 -11.5 125536 Century Enka-B/D 304.6 -0.85 5055 Hind Org Chem-/D 25.35 -0.5 60844 Lupin-A/D 759.05 -8.75 114832 Thirumalai-B/D 1784.15 -52.3 5700 Smith&Nephew/D 1308.5 -10.5 236776 Century Text-A/D 1148.05 -5.3 25242 Hind Unilever-/D 1312.25 -2.05 49812 Lyka Labs-B/D 48.35 -0.65 46757 Til Ltd.-B/D 445 0 1392 Smiths Group/D 1546 -15.5 265450 Chambal Fert-A/D 169.8 0.5 56530 Hind.Petrol-A/D 342.7 -10.8 200580 Mafatlal Ind-X/D 269.55 2.4 2310 Timexgroup-T/D 44.5 -1.15 54499 Standrd Chart /D 730.8 -16.3 1479561 Chola Invest-A/D 1426.5 -24.4 8566 Hindalco-A/D 216.25 1.85 374615 Mah.Seamless-B/D 443.1 -4.9 6292 Tinplate-B/D 198.25 -6.45 177755 Tate & Lyle/D 536.2 -3.2 234558 Chowgule St-Xt/D 13.8 0.05 3225 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1808.55 -10.3 120562 Mangalam Cem-B/D 308.45 -2.75 3514 Ucal Fuel-B/D 251.5 -2.25 9951 Tesco/D 204.6 -1.2 4933476 Cimmco-T/D 80.55 -4.2 8215 Idbi-A/D 76.55 0.65 2826902 Maral Overs-B/D 31 -1.75 13566 Ucal Fuel-B/D 251.5 -2.25 9951 Unilever/D 3730 -4 446467 Cipla-A/D 540.55 -8.9 76905 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 1267.6 -10.05 1576 Mastek-B/D 560.75 -18.45 295375 Ultramarine-X/D 295 3.35 17220 United Util Gr/D 674.4 -4.4 432168 City Union Bk-/D 174.5 -2.1 21113 Ifci Ltd-A/D 20.15 -0.2 949377 Max Financial-/D 437.5 2.65 46263 Unitech P -B/D 5.96 -0.11 4144882 Vodafone Group/D 192.96 -3.86 26506074 Colgate-A/D 1042.65 1.45 12222 India Cement-A/D 140.65 -4.15 190502 Mrpl-A/D 111.4 -1.6 303010 Univcable-B/D 124.05 -4 9373 Whitbread/D 3679 -18 61581 FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 SPORT 21 We’ve got to sit down and have a good chat about it (the batting collapse). Is it CRICKET CRICKET a mental approach? Is it something in England coach our preparation? Are we good enough at Trevor Bayliss England vs New Zealand South Africa vs Australia working out how to actually play when 3rd Test - Day 2 1st Test - Day 2

we do lose one or two early wickets? ACTION at Newlands, Cape Town at Eden Park, Auckland (d/n) TODAY’S Over 450 athletes to take part in Esrar Race 2018

THE PENINSULA honourary member this year, alongside Omani teams will then qualify for the Round of 16 national team and Fanja FC footballer, Amad Al tomorrow. DOHA: More than 347 individual participants Hosni; acclaimed TV personalities Mohammed AZF has increased the number of obstacle and 108 team relay participants will vie for Saadoun Al Kuwari and Ali Al Meslemani and courses from 14 to 21 this year, all set up along honours when the second Esrar Race 2018 kicks former Middle East champion in obstacle a distance of five kilometres in Aspire Park. All off today at Aspire Park. courses, Kuwaiti Yousef Al Shatti. obstacles were designed and built in-house by The two-day obstacle course race will kick The event’s popularity last year prompted Aspire’s Logistics team. off at 8.00am. AZF to add an additional category for men and Some of the materials used were originally Qatar’s celebrity athlete, World Champion women’s relay teams to last year’s individual purchased for the 2006 Asian Games at Khalifa and the 2018 IAAF Athlete of the Year, Mutaz races, extending the duration of the compe- International Stadium, demonstrating AZF’s Essa Barshim will be participating as an tition to two days instead of one. commitment to sporting legacy. Individual races and team relays will kick The 2nd Esrar Race 2018 is organised in off on the first day of the competition. After partnership with Diverse – a Qatari business everyone has run once, the winners of the men that specialises in sports events management, and women’s individual races will be the Qatar Tourism Authority, Ooredoo and Al announced. Meanwhile, the fastest 16 relay Mosak, a fitness food company.

Aussies fight back Boult leads the way as after Elgar heroics England skittled for 58 AFP CAPE TOWN: Australian fast REUTERS SCOREBOARD England’s Ben Stokes is bowled by New Zealand’s Trent bowler Pat Cummins trans- ENGLAND Boult during the first day of the first cricket Test match formed the first day of the third AUCKLAND: New Zealand Alastair Cook c Latham b Boult ...... 5 at the Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday. Test against South Africa with captain Kane Williamson was in Mark Stoneman c Watling b Southee ...... 11 a devastating four-wicket spell sight of his 18th Test century as Joe Root b Root ...... 0 at Newlands yesterday. the ball dominated the bat on the Dawid Malan c Watling b Boult ...... 2 Despite an unbeaten 121 opening day of the two-match Ben Stokes b Boult ...... 0 from Dean Elgar, South Africa series with England dismissed for Jonny Bairstow c and b Southee ...... 0 were on a shaky 266 for eight Moeen Ali b Southee ...... 0 a record low score of 58 at Eden Chris Woakes b Boult ...... 5 at the close in a pivotal match Park yesterday. Craig Overton not out ...... 33 in the bad-tempered four-Test Williamson was 91 not out Stuart Broad c Williamson b Southee ...... 0 series. The teams are locked with Henry Nicholls on 24 as New James Anderson c Nicholls b Boult ...... 1 at 1-1. Zealand advanced to 175 for three Extras (1lb) ...... 1 The hosts looked in at stumps, a lead of 117 after TOTAL (all out) ...... . command when they reached England had been bowled out in Overs: 20.4. Batting time: 95 minutes. 220 for two, with Elgar and AB the first 90 minutes of play fol- Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-6, 3-16, 4-18, 5-18, 6-18, de Villiers scoring at better than lowing a Trent Boult and Tim 7-23, 8-23, 9-27, 10-58. four runs an over in a third Bowling: Trent Boult 10.4-3-32-6, Tim Southee Southee seam onslaught. 10-3-25-4. wicket stand of 128. Boult and Southee struck NEW ZEALAND It all changed when early and often after Williamson Cummins came back into the Jeet Raval c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 3 South African batsman Dean had won the toss and opted to Tom Latham c Woakes b Broad ...... 26 attack in the 63rd over and with Elgar celebrates after scoring bowl with the pink ball in the first Kane Williamson not out ...... 91 his fifth delivery induced a false day-night Test in New Zealand. Ross Taylor c Woakes b Anderson ...... 20 shot from De Villiers, who drove a century against Australia Boult finished with a career- Henry Nicholls not out ...... 24 him to mid-off after scoring 64. yesterday. best six for 32 after he had ripped Extras (6lb, 5w) ...... 11 It was the start of a superb TOTAL (for three wickets) ...... the top off England’s batting with Overs:69. spell in which Cummins took SCOREBOARD 4-9 from his first six overs. four wickets for 12 runs in eight Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-92, 3-123. SOUTH AFRICA, first innings Southee finished with 4-25. Bowling: James Anderson 13-4-32-2, Stuart overs to finish the day with four D. Elgar not out ...... 121 While England’s fans buried Broad 15-4-24-1, Craig Overton 15-4-43-0, Chris for 64. A. Markram c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 0 their heads in their hands and Woakes 15-5-36-0 (5w), Moeen Ali 11-1-34-0. Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell H. Amla c Cummins b Hazlewood ...... 31 voiced their frustration over social Starc followed up with two late A. de Villiers c Warner b Cummins ...... 64 media, it could have been much four wickets falling to catches wickets. When Keshav Maharaj F. du Plessis c Smith b Cummins ...... 5 worse had bowler Craig Overton behind the wicket. drove Starc to cover, South T. Bavuma c Smith b Cummins ...... 1 not produced a counter-attacking England captain Joe Root Africa had lost six wickets for Q. de Kock c Paine b Cummins ...... 3 33 not out. (nought), Ben Stokes (nought) and 37 runs -- and lost control of the V. Philander c Paine b M. Marsh ...... 8 After slumping to 23-8, Chris Woakes (five) were all also match on the best batting pitch K. Maharaj c Bancroft b Starc ...... 3 K. Rabada not out ...... 6 Overton hit a boundary to push bowled by Boult, while Moeen Ali of any of the Tests South Africa Extras (b8, lb11, nb3, w2) ...... 24 his side past the lowest score in failed to clamp down on a have hosted against India and Total (8 wickets, 87 overs) ...... 266 Test history -- the 26 scored by Southee yorker. delivery to Woakes at mid-wicket ENGLAND’S LOWEST Australia this season. To bat: M. Morkel New Zealand against England at England’s bowlers appeared on 26 to give him his 400th Test TEST TOTALS Opening batsman Elgar had Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Markram), 2-92 (Amla), Eden Park in 1955. angry at their sensational collapse victim. scored 106 when De Villiers was 3-220 (De Villiers), 4-234 (Du Plessis), 5-236 Overton then ensured they -- their lowest score against New Despite becoming just the dismissed and batted with more (Bavuma), 6-242 (De Kock), 7-254 (Philander), surpassed their own lowest score Zealand and sixth worst overall second England bowler to reach 45 - Vs Australia, Sydney, fluency than usual. 8-257 (Maharaj) -- the 45 they limped to against -- and strangled the hosts’ the milestone -- new ball partner 1887 He reached his century off Bowling: Starc 21-3-81-1 (2nb), Hazlewood 18- 46 - VS West Indies, Port 4-37-2, Lyon 19-6-39-0, Cummins 21-4-64-4 Australia in Sydney in 1887. batsmen for long periods of the Jimmy Anderson has 525 wickets 178 balls with 16 fours and a six (1w), M. Marsh 7-2-26-1 (1nb, 1w), Smith 1-1-0-0 Prior to his innings, England’s remaining two sessions. -- Broad’s celebrations were of Spain, 1994 but opted to go back on the 51 Australia: S. Smith, C. Bancroft, D. Warner, U. batsmen had looked totally lost. Tom Latham and Williamson, muted as he raised the ball to the - Vs West Indies, Kingston, defensive as wickets fell around Khawaja, S. Marsh, M. Marsh, T. Paine, P. Cum- While Boult and Southee bowled however, stoically wore the applauding crowd when they 2009 him. By the close he had faced mins, M. Starc, N. Lyon, J. Hazlewood between a good and full length, bowlers down and took their side were informed of the milestone. 52 - Vs Australia, London, another 75 balls after reaching Toss: South Africa the ball was not swinging wildly to a 30-run lead entering the final An aggressively-minded Ross 1948 his hundred and only added one or seaming markedly. session under lights. Taylor was the only other wicket 53 - Vs Australia, London, more boundary. Too many of their batsmen, The 31-year-old Stuart Broad, to fall under the lights when he 1888 It was Elgar’s 11th Test helmet during a sustained spell starting with former captain however, broke through in the misread an Anderson bouncer 58 - VS New Zealand, century and his second against of fast, short-pitched bowling. Alastair Cook, failed to move their first over of the evening session, and was caught by Woakes at Auckland, 2018 Australia. On 61 he reached De Villiers, the leading feet and were crease bound, with with Latham clipping a full mid-wicket for 20. 3,000 runs in Tests. batsman in the series, looked Elgar and Hashim Amla (31) comfortable from the start and stabilised the innings with a made his 64 runs off 95 balls second wicket partnership of 86 with ten fours. off 174 balls after Josh Cummins then had both Faf ‘Many years’ later, IPL to adopt DRS Hazlewood had Aiden Markram du Plessis and Temba Bavuma caught at second slip by Aus- caught at second slip by Smith tralian captain Steve Smith for for five and one respectively AFP gets underway next month. “Yes, this idea has finally adopted it in 2016, becoming the last nought. before Quinton de Kock got a been going around for many years,” Shukla Test nation to do so. Hazlewood struck again bottom edge to an attempted NEW Delhi: This year’s Indian Premier League told reporters on Wednesday, according to In the upcoming IPL, which runs from when Amla was caught at fine pull and was caught behind for will feature the Decision Review System (DRS) the Press Trust of India news agency. April 7 to May 27, each team will get one leg soon after lunch. He also had three. for the first time, organisers have said. DRS is used by match officials to check review per innings. The IPL’s adoption of DRS Elgar dropped at backward Vernon Philander was IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla confirmed umpires’ decisions, using slow-motion replays, comes after the Pakistan Super League point by Nathan Lyon when the caught behind off Mitchell that the technology will be used when the microphones and thermal imaging. became the first T20 franchise league to use batsman was on 53 and four Marsh before Maharaj fell to eleventh edition of the cash-rich tournament India resisted the technology for years but the technology last year. runs later hit Elgar on the Starc. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 Hamilton yet to peak as he chases fifth title

AFP to be more consistent than I was last MELBOURNE: Defending champion year. I think consistency was the reason Lewis Hamilton said yesterday he I won the world championship.” hadn’t yet reached the peak of his I’m sure there is a peak for Hamilton, who showed little powers as he embarks on the week- interest in elaborating on his answers end’s Australian Grand Prix in search a driver when his fitness to media questioning at his conference, of a fifth Formula One crown. levels get harder to reach, said he was focused on racing. Hamilton, who is reportedly about when your interest and “I’m definitely not tired, this is the to sign a new contract with Mercedes, drive starts to decline. I 12th season I’m doing the press con- says he is ready to break down new guess that’s when you’re ferences,” he said. barriers at the age of 33. “I’m definitely not the most excited While appearing disinterested for over your peak, but I about this section of the season and Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton greets his fans ahead of the Formula large parts of the drivers’ news con- definitely feel I’m not at the race weekend, but I’m looking One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne yesterday. ference ahead of Sunday’s Melbourne that (stage): Hamilton forward to getting in the car.” opener, Hamilton said he was definitely He had words of praise for his rival ready to take on all-comers in the “In my mind I’m trying to break Vettel, sitting alongside him at the 21-race season. down new barriers, push the envelope media conference. The British driver was asked if he and see how far I can take (it) -- firstly, “The ultimate goal to be the best is Rosberg trying to get had reached his peak. “I hope not,” said the opportunity that I have and obvi- that you’re going to have to go up Hamilton. ously the ability I have to realise my against the best,” he said of Vettel. “I’m sure there is a peak for a driver full potential,” he said. “He’s got the four world titles, had ‘headlines’: Hamilton when his fitness levels get harder to “I don’t know what that is and the most of any other driver at the time reach, when your interest and drive that’s what I’m discovering.” and I think this is an exciting year for REUTERS the case last year,” champion Hamilton starts to decline. Hamilton said inconsistency issues Formula One fans that we have two told reporters at the pre-race news con- “I guess that’s when you’re over were now in the past as he seeks his four-time world champions battling it MELBOURNE: Lewis Hamilton has ference yesterday, referring to his nine your peak, but I definitely feel I’m not fourth world title in five years after out.” dismissed criticism from former wins on the way to the 2017 title. at that (stage).” winning his first one with McLaren in Hamilton has won twice in Mel- Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg “I think there’s a lot of people who The Englishman, who beat Ferrari 2008. bourne, in 2008 and 2015, and has won as the product of someone seeking need to get headlines and that’s one arch-rival Sebastian Vettel to win last “I think there are a lot of people 62 of his 208 GPs. “headlines”. way of doing it. year’s world title with two races to that need to get headlines, so that’s one He already holds the record for Rosberg, who beat Hamilton to “The goal this year is to be even spare, said he is eyeing new highs this way of saying it,” he said. most pole positions with 72 ahead of the 2016 world championship before more consistent than last year. I think year. “But, I think the important issue is Michael Schumacher’s 68. retiring, told Sky Sports this week that consistency is the main reason I won the Briton was “almost unbeatable” the world championship last year.” when on song but his “weakness” was Hamilton conceded the early a “bit of inconsistency”. running in the 2017 title race to Fer- Hamilton, whose long-standing rari’s Sebastian Vettel before the Ger- relationship with Rosberg grew man’s challenge fell away in the strained during their four years second half of the season. together at the Silver Arrows, viewed The Briton is favourite to win a Vettel seeks ‘ultimate the German’s remarks dimly three fifth title and draw level with Juan days before Sunday’s season-opening Manuel Fangio, who is second on the Australian Grand Prix. all-time list behind Michael Schu- satisfaction’ of F1 crown “I think I’ve proved that that’s not macher’s seven championships. AFP MMercedes world champion Hamilton in last year’s Mel- F1 start lights moved to LLewis Hamilton as they chase bourne GP, has won 47 of his MELBOURNE:MELBOURNE: SebastianSebastian 11950s Argentine legend Juan 199 GPs going back to his F1 VettelVettel (pictured)(pictured) says hehe is MManuel Fangio’s mark of five debut with Toro Rosso in 2007. compensate for halo searching for the “ultimate wworld titles -- second only to “It’s a long season. If it’s REUTERS satisfaction”satisfaction” ofof winningwinning hishis MMichael Schumacher’s seven one race that’s a different “We’ve also put a repeat set of fifthfifth FFormulaormula OOnene wworldorld ttitleitle iin the all-time list. story, but there are a lot of lights, in this case off to the left, over drivingdriving fforor Ferrari aheadahead ooff Vettel, who finished races,” Vettel said. MELBOURNE: Formula One has the verge.” thisthis weekend’s season rrunner-up behind Hamilton in “Based on winter testing I changed the positioning of race start The repeat set were introduced openeropener in AustraliaAustralia.. llast year’s world champi- would say we are in good lights to ensure drivers can see clearly around 2009 when higher rear wings TheThe single-mindedsingle-minded oonship, is confident he has the shape and could be in better around the new halo head protection made it harder to see the lights, but German, whowho strunstrungg ccar to take down the Eng- shape, but it’s always like that.” system that debuts in Australia this aerodynamic changes have now fixed togethertogether ffourour worworldld cchampi-hampi- llishman and said it would be Vettel said it was far too weekend. that problem. onshipsonships with Red Bull before eeven more special to do it with early to talk about equalling The halo, a titanium structure “Now the wings have been switchingswitching to Ferrari in 2015, is FFerrari. Fangio’s five world crowns fixed at three points with a central lowered, there’s no need for those lookinglooking for his third Australian “After you’ve won a little heading into the first of the upright in front of the driver’s vision (lights) halfway up the grid so I’ve GrandGrand Prix win in MelbourneMelbourne bbit it becomes a bit special to 21-race season. and an overhead loop, has been intro- decided to utilise them somewhere on Sunday.Sunday. wwin against the best,” Vettel “Certainly, if it did happen duced to protect against the risk of else,” said Whiting. Vettel,Vettel, 30, is in a ddueluel ttold a media conference then you would start to bouncing wheels and other debris. “Pole position seems to be the thisthis season withwith yyesterday. realise, but now I don’t see the Some drivers have expressed worst case scenario with the halo defendingdefending “Now I am searching for point of thinking ‘what if?’,” concern about seeing the start lights, there -- maybe the driver can’t quite tthe ultimate satisfaction to win he said. depending on where they line up on see the lights, or see only half of them, wwith Ferrari, which is the “I think nowadays the the grid. and he might have to move his head ggreatest team in history.” times are different, they are “With the halo, what we’ve asked too much.” “That’s my ultimate target very different times to what every circuit to do is to make the lights The new arrangements will be nnow...(to) win for Ferrari and Fangio achieved. Every era has at a standard height above the track,” tried out today after the two practice wwin against the best, which its own challenges, certainly the governing FIA’s race director sessions at Albert Park, with drivers arguablya Lewis is one of them.” they were different back then. Charlie Whiting told reporters allowed to rehearse starts on the Vettel, who trumped It’s not in my mind now.” yesterday. grid. Portugal stick to winning formula from Euro 2016 AP including Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (left) attends a training session with team-mates at the training Moutinho fighting for a spot to most regular starters from that camp in Oeiras in the outskirts of Lisbon yesterday, on the eve of a friendly football match between play closer to the attack along ZURICH: Portugal has few unan- tournament. Portugal and Egypt in Zurich. with Bernardo Silva, who was swered questions going into the From the team that started in not in France two years ago. World Cup, with coach Fernando the final against France two years DEFENSE Santos sticking to most of the ago, only Nani and Renato Santos is likely to keep his squad that won the European Sanches were not included in starting central defenders from Championship two years ago. Santos’ list for the upcoming Euro 2016, with veterans Pepe Santos hasn’t finalized his friendlies. and Bruno Alves in charge. 23-player list, but he will be Here’s a closer look at Por- The right back will probably keeping the core of players who tugal three months before the remain with Cedric Soares, but helped Portugal win its first major World Cup: there could be a change in the title in France. ATTACK left back position because Fabio Santos will make a few final Portugal’s attack again will Coentrao is set to make the tests in the friendlies against be carried by Ronaldo, who was squad for Russia. Egypt today in Zurich and against key for the team’s success in GOALKEEPER the Netherlands on Monday in France and has been in top form Rui Patricio was in goal Geneva, but there won’t be many with Real Madrid. during the tournament in France changes to the final squad. The forward had a slow start and is set to start at the World “We have 70 percent of the to his season but has scored 21 Cup as well. final list (playing in these goals in his last 11 matches in all Portugal conceded five goals friendlies),” Santos said. “And competitions. He has scored at in its seven matches at Euro some players were not available, least one goal in his last eight 2016, but none in the semifinals so if we consider the previous list matches and is back in the race attacking partner from two years Quaresma, Nani and Eder, whose MIDFIELD or the final. as well, then we are very close for top-scorer in the Spanish ago for the World Cup, though, extra time goal in the final against Raphael Guerreiro and The reserves will likely be (to that final list).” league with 22 goals, three with Gelson Martins and Goncalo France helped Portugal clinch William Carvalho are expected Anthony Lopes and Beto, the More than 15 players from the behind Barcelona forward Lionel Guedes gaining space up front. title. Quaresma is the only to anchor Portugal’s midfielder only one who was not in the Euro 2016 squad are practically Messi. During Euro 2016, the for- forward from that squad who is again, with Joao Mario, Andre winning squad in France two guaranteed to make it to Russia, He will likely have a different wards included Ricardo likely to make it to Russia. Gomes, Adrien Silva and Joao years ago. FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018 SPORT 23 Osaka knocks out Sprint king Bolt gets his Dortmund trial today Williams in Miami REUTERS REUTERS BERLIN: Multiple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will train with Borussia MIAMI: Naomi Osaka continued Dortmund today as the retired Jamaican her stunning run of form with a 6-3, sprinter fulfils his ambition to workout 6-2 victory over 23-times grand with a major professional soccer team, slam champion Serena Williams in the German club said yesterday. the first round of the Miami Open The training session will be open to on Wednesday, the latest big win the public, with the world record holder for the 20-year-old Japanese in the 100 and 200 metres, who retired player. last year, a major crowd puller. Osaka backed up last week’s Dortmund, who share the same Indian Wells title triumph with a sponsor in Puma as Bolt, expect a large brilliant display in the eagerly- crowd to attend the session. However, anticipated showdown on a day they warned fans that there was only when former number one Victoria limited space. Azarenka also triumphed, while The 31-year-old Bolt, an eight-times American Amanda Anisimova Olympic gold medallist and a big football withdrew with an ankle injury. fan, had announced his intention to train The match, their first career with Dortmund in January. He confirmed meeting, remained on serve in the on Thursday he would be taking part. first set until the world number 22 “BVB, get ready for Friday,” he said forced break point opportunities on Twitter. at 3-3 and took advantage when Bolt is a Manchester United supporter the American was unable to deal and jokingly said after a charity match on Retired Jamaican Olympic and World champion with a blistering backhand at her Thursday that he hoped his Dortmund sprinter Usain Bolt takes part in an exhibition feet. appearance would lead to a contract with Osaka was able to break Wil- the Premier League club. football match in Basel, Switzerland on Wednesday. liams again after a back-and-forth deuce battle to take the first set, with her big serve and relentless return game proving even stronger in the second as she broke to move World Cup at risk from 3-1 ahead and never looked back. Naomi Osaka of Japan serves The end of the contest was anti- to Serena Williams during the climatic when an ugly unforced Miami Open at Crandon Park match-fixing: Experts error by Williams, who hit a wide Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, open forehand long, sent Osaka Florida on Wednesday. AFP into a second round showdown against world number four Elina Svitolina of Ukraine. unseeded Williams, an eight-times Three-times Miami champion LONDON: The World Cup is not immune “I was extremely nervous champion at the tournament, to Azarenka, in just her second tour- from the threat of match-fixing, experts have coming on to the court. I don’t play Osaka in the first round. nament since taking an eight- warned, with sophisticated monitoring know if anybody knows this but “Serena should have a special month break to focus on a custody systems in place to identify suspicious The vulnerabilities are Serena is my favorite player,” seeding, but also the (women’s gov- battle, showed good form in activity during the tournament in Russia. there even though they are Osaka said in an on-court erning body) WTA should use the beating American Catherine Bellis Jake Marsh, head of integrity at digital international sides so quite interview. most current ranking,” tennis com- 6-3, 6-0. media group Perform, which supplies live rightly (world governing body) The 36-year-old Williams, mentator and former world “I’m happy that I’m playing,” sports video to bookmakers, said there was playing her fourth match since the number one Lindsay Davenport the Belarusian said. “I don’t want no room for complacency despite the global FIFA have monitoring in place birth of her first child in September, said on the Tennis Channel. to be over-the-moon happy, nature of the event. at the World Cup: Jake Marsh is still working her way back into “The men do it. It’s too big a because I’m still in the tour- He said factors such as national pride and form and although she demon- tournament to have something like nament, and I want to continue the impression -- sometimes false -- that all strated her trademark power, she this happen.” to reach any heights and new the players are well-paid, did not mean the Betting companies have plans in place struggled to move smoothly around Osaka’s win was her latest goals.” World Cup would not be targeted. in the event of suspicious betting patterns the court. against one of the biggest names in Anisimova injured an ankle “We have had World Cup qualifiers that related to any of the matches in the tour- Osaka looked fresh despite the sport, coming hot on the heels during her first-round win on have been proved as fixed,” said Marsh, who nament, which runs from June 14 to July 15. having played seven matches in of victories over former grand slam Tuesday and the 16-year-old was was speaking at the Betting on Football con- “What is special during every big event Indian Wells to capture her first champion Maria Sharapova, fifth unable to front up again a day ference at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground like the World Cup is that our activity takes career title on Sunday. seed Karolina Pliskova and world later for her scheduled match on Wednesday. “So why wouldn’t they go place at a national level,” said Maillet. Some felt it was unfair that the number one Simona Halep in against third seeded Wimbledon into the main tournament? “Before every event we have a meeting Miami Open allowed the now Indian Wells. champion Garbine Muguruza. “We looked at a friendly match last year specifically to identify potential risks, and between two international sides, one of every third day a conference call between whom couldn’t afford to pay their hotel bill key members exchanging information and and might be featuring at the World Cup.” of course feedback as to what the organising “The vulnerabilities are there even body has determined as potentially bearing Johnson, McIlroy lose on though they are international sides so quite a risk. This is exactly how we worked during rightly (world governing body) FIFA have the last Winter Olympic Games, every third monitoring in place at the World Cup,” day we would have contact with the IOC added Marsh, who has been involved in (International Olympic Committee) checking first day of Match Play fighting corruption for more than a decade. what has happened, what are the betting Gilles Maillet, sport integrity director of trends in the market both online and retail, REUTERS least. I made the scoreline a little more respectable,” La Francaise des Jeux (FDJ), which operates where behaviour can be different.” McIlroy told reporters. the French national lottery, said it is a fallacy Eric Konings, sports betting integrity TEXAS: World number one Dustin Johnson and four- “I got down early and he didn’t make a bogey all to think fixers always pick events that could officer at online gambling company Kindred time major winner Rory McIlroy suffered surprise day. So it was hard to sort of claw my way back.” be below the radar. Group, said most responsible betting firms defeats on Wednesday as the WGC-Dell Match Play McIlroy and the other Wednesday losers will get “It is very clear and a point worth would have prepared well in advance. got off to a typically unpredictable start in Texas. a chance to make amends over the next two days as making that many people think most fixers “If you have to set up all kinds of proc- Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, seeded 52nd at the the tournament no longer uses a knockout format focus on low-level competitions because it esses and implement ad hoc solutions tournament, beat defending champion Johnson 3&1, until the weekend. is easier to fix and involves less expense to because the World Cup is coming then I while Peter Uihlein (57th) defeated McIlroy (sixth) 2&1 The 64 players are divided into 16 groups of four, them,” said the Frenchman. think there is something wrong with how at Austin Country Club. with everyone in each pod playing each other over “On the other hand, with the amount of you approached your topic,” said Konings. In another surprise, American Julian Suri, the the first three days. The winner of each group advances transactions you have at large events it can “You have your risk management, your lowest ranked of the 64 men in the field, beat Aus- to the final 16 and the elimination stage. be more difficult to detect the fix, which can financial risk management and internal tralia’s world number 15 Marc Leishman, seeded 11th, Wiesberger said he played more freely without be hidden behind the large amounts of awareness. It is all set up and it is just a case 3&2. any burden of expectation against top seed Johnson. money that are bet.” of rolling it out again and take it as it comes.” McIlroy’s defeat came three days after he won the “I thought it was the easiest game I could have,” Arnold Palmer Invitational with a barnstorming final said the four-times European Tour winner. round. “I’m the underdog playing the defending champion, The Northern Irishman said he had been a “little so it was just go out there and see what happens. flat” early on, though rallied late with five consecutive “We both didn’t have a great day. He gave away Williams wanted to retire birdies to make it close a couple of holes quite unexpectedly.” before a relieved American Suri was another who revelled in the Uihlein closed it out underdog role. with a par at the “I like to think I play my best with a little chip on after World Cup failure 17th. my shoulder,” said Suri, who plays mainly on the “I made him European Tour where he won the Made in Denmark REUTERS reporters. “I spoke to the earn it at tournament last people closest to me, I didn’t August. LONDON: Wales captain want to retire or anything like Second Ashley Williams (pictured) that. and fourth says he considered retiring “But I felt like it was seeds Justin from international football something that I should’ve Thomas and after their failure to qualify for thought about and seen where Jordan Spieth won this summer’s World Cup I was at with club and inter- their contests while third seed Jon Rahm halved finals in Russia. national football and life in with Keegan Bradley. The 33-year-old defender general. Two-times Masters champion Bubba Watson played in October’s 1-0 home “I did give that a thought, made a hot start to beat South African Branden Grace defeat by Ireland in the qual- but then I decided I wanted 5&3. ifiers which left Wales third to keep doing it anyway.” in Group D and ended their Williams said that he had World Cup hopes. met with new Wales manager Bernd Wiesberger of Austria plays his shot from “It was just so disap- Ryan Giggs and his backroom the 12th tee during the first round of the World pointing missing out on that I staff earlier this month to help Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at Austin had to think about them get familiar with the Country Club on Wednesday in Austin, Texas. retirement,” Williams told team. SPORT Friday 23 March 2018 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 New Zealand bowl Hamilton yet to peak Bolt’s coming! out England for 58 in as he chases fifth F1 Star to train with first Test title Dortmund

Ruoteng shines as Uchimura fails again at FIG World Cup

FAWAD HUSSAIN A gymnast in action FINALS LINE-UP THE PENINSULA Qatar's Mosa Ahmed during the FIG Artistic celebrates after performing Individual World Cup at Aspire Dome yesterday. Women’s Floor Exercise DOHA: World champion Xiao qualification round 1. Taeja James (GBR) 13.533 points Ruoteng made a strong comeback yesterday. while Japanese superstar Kohei 2. Rune Hermans (BEL) 13.500 Uchimura endured another 3. Elisa Meneghini (ITA) 13.466 disappointing day in Doha as the 4. Nagi Kajita (JPN) 13.433 final qualification rounds of the 5. Jinru Liu (CHN) 13.266 FIG Artistic Individual World Cup concluded yesterday. 6. Lara Mori (ITA) 13.266 As many as 10 gold medals 7. Su Jong Kim (PRK) 13.200 will be up for grabs during 8. Axelle Klinckaert (BEL) 13.133 two-day finals beginning today 8. Marine Boyer (FRA) 13.133 at the Aspire Dome. It was another bad day for Women’s Balance Beam three-time Olympics gold med- 1 -Melanie de Jesus dos Santos (FRA) allist Uchimura as he failed to 13.733 points qualify for any of the four finals 2. Marine Boyer (FRA) 13.666 he competed for. Returning from an injury he 3. Nina Derwael (BEL) 13.500 suffered six months ago in Mon- 4. Aneta Holasova (CZE) 13.200 treal, Uchimura, also famous as 5. Yuki Uchiyama (JPN) 13.166 ‘King Kohei’, failed to qualify for 6. Nagi Kajita (JPN) 12.900 pommel horse and rings finals on the first day. 7. Adela Sajn (SLO) 12.866 Although he showed some 8. Nora Feher (HUN) 12.800 confidence in vault and hori- Men’s Vault zontal bars qualifying rounds 1. Igor Radivilov (UKR) 14.649 points yesterday, his performance was not enough to give him a place 2. Mingqi Huang (CHN) 14.616 among top eight athletes who 3. Ruiyang Qu (CHN) 14.533 advanced to the finals. 4. Ferhat Arican (TUR) 14.416 In his second attempt in vault, 5. Chih Kai Lee (TPE) 14.249 the 29-year-old managed to get 6. Carlos Edriel Yulo (PHI) 14.183 13.600 points which gave him just the 9th spot. In horizontal bars, 7. Takumi Sato (JPN) 14.183 he finished on 10th spot after a 8. Konstantin Kuzovkov (GEO) 14.116 tally of 13.433 points. Men’s Parallel Bars “It’s disappointing, as I 1. Jingyuan Zou (CHN) 16.266 points wanted to qualify for the finals,” said Uchimura. 2. Ruoteng Xiao (CHN) 15.133 “As I said before this was not 3. Andrei Vasile MUNTEAN (ROU) 14.533 hundred percent from me. I was excellent, but I wasn’t in the best and horizontal bars following rings will be held while women’s 4. Yuya Kamoto (JPN) 14.433 not fully fit. I just wanted to of my mood. But, I am hopeful an impressive performance. The will compete for top honours in 5. Aleksandr Chicherov (RUS) 14.366 return to action after injury but that I will regain my form soon,” world champion won the quali- vault and uneven bars. my leg was paining. I didn’t want the Japanese star added. fication round for horizontal bars Meanwhile, the Secretary- 6. Ferhat Arican (TUR ) 14.300 to push it hard.” In contrast, Uchimura’s after a flawless show that lent I will check all the General of the Kazakh Federation 7. Ryohei Kato (JPN) 14.166 “I will check all the footages Chinese rival Ruoteng made a him 14.833 points, ahead of of Gymnastics, Igor Dikenbayeva, footages of my 8. Marvin Kimble (USA) 14.133 of my performances when I get strong comeback after failing on Frenchman Edgar Boulet (14.533 hailed the Qatar Gymnastics Fed- Men’s Horizontal Bar back to Japan. I need to work on the horse on first day, storming points) and compatriot Shudi performances when eration for hosting the World Cup my weaknesses. Training was into the finals of parallel bars Deng (14.500). in a befitting manner. 1. Ruoteng Xiao (CHN) 14.833 points I get back to Japan. “This is the 10th time for me 2. Edgar Boulet (FRA) 14.533 Japanese superstar Kohei Uchimura competes I need to work on and I see improvement every 3. Shudi Deng (CHN) 14.500 at Aspire Dome yesterday. year,” she said. 4. Tin Srbic (CRO) 14.333 my weaknesses: “The arrangement are great Kohei Uchimura and world class facilities at Aspire 5. Ryohei Kato (JPN) 14.300 deserve praise. Qatar will also be 6. Marvin Kimble (USA) 13.633 Qatar’s rising gymnast Mosa hosting the World Champion- 7. Noah Kuavita (BEL) 13.566

Ahmed also impressed with his ships this year and I am confident 8. Alec Yoder (USA) 13.533 skills in horizontal bars. they will do it successfully,” she Ruoteng stood second in par- added. allel bars with 15.133 points behind another compatriot Jin- gyuan Zou who won the quali- fying round with 16.266 points. Romania’s Andrei Vasile took third spot. The vault qualifying round saw Ukraine’s Igor Radivilov dominating his opponents for a first place with Mingqi Huang and Ruiyang Qu occupying the next two spots respectively. Britain’s James Taeja topped A gymnast in in women’s floor exercise while action during de Jesus dos Santos of France the FIG Artistic won the qualifying round of Individual World balance beam. Cup qualification Today, the finals of men’s round yesterday. floor exercise, pommel horse and