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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11079 January 30, 2019 Jumada I 24, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Qatar erupts in joy after Qatar and Japan humbling arrogant UAE agree to step up strategic alliance Amir and Abe hold talks, attend signing of MoUs

Qatar fans celebrate after their national team defeated UAE to qualify for the final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, at Souq Waqif yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam

Agencies the fi nal, it’s revenge for everything Doha/Abu Dhabi bad they (the Emiratis) have said.” Amir of Kuwait His Syrian friend Hattim agreed. “This is history. Qatar has God with congratulates Qatar oha erupted in celebration yes- it. Qatar always acts the right way,” he terday as jubilant Qataris and said. Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Dexpatriates fl ooded the streets Meanwhile, Qatar coach Felix al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah after their team’s victory over bitter Sanchez said his team handled the congratulated Qatari Amir His sporting and political rivals the United pressure well. Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Arab Emirates. “It wasn’t an easy situation,” admit- al-Thani after the Qatari football Qatar punished the unwelcoming ted Sanchez. “The players were aware team qualified yesterday for the hosts 4-0 in a politically charged clash there was going to be a lot of pressure Asian Football Cup’s final match, marred by disgraceful behaviour from but they managed their emotions quite held in the United Arab Emirates shoe-throwing Emirati fans to reach well - I’m very proud of them.” (UAE). He said this achievement their fi rst Asian Cup fi nal where they was a victory for the Gulf and will face Japan on Friday. Arab football, commending the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo yesterday. The Qataris, whose national anthem spirit shown by the two competing was booed by many uncivilized spec- teams. Crown Prince Sheikh tators before the game, scored through Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Boualem Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Hasan also congratulated His Highness al-Haydos and Hamid Ismail in Abu Sheikh Tamim for the Qatari team’s Dhabi. advancing to the AFC’s final. Prime As they celebrated a famous win Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak and record sixth clean sheet at a single al-Hamad al-Sabah sent a similar Asian Cup, plastic bottles rained down cable.-Kuna from angry local fans - as they had for each Qatari goal, with midfi elder Sa- lem al-Hajri even hit on the head after A match bristling with regional Qatar exacted swift retribution eight their third. tension over the long-standing Gulf minutes before the break, however, Ali Traffi c along Doha’s Corniche was blockade of Qatar quickly burst into smashing home a right-footed shot jammed bumper-to-bumper with life as a meaty tackle from Bandar al- from the edge of the box to equal Ali exultant fans celebrating the thump- Ahbabi on Akram Afi f put the Qatari Daei’s 1996 record of eight goals in a ing 4-0 Asian Cup semi-fi nal victory, midfi elder up in the air. single Asian Cup. many honking horns or waving Qatari But Qatar drew fi rst blood after 21 As Ali celebrated, more bottles and fl ags from car roofs, and others show- minutes when Khoukhi’s shot squirted even shoes - a deeply insulting provo- ing four fi ngers to emphasise the em- under UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, cation in Arab culture - were thrown at phatic victory. much to the horror of a hostile crowd . the players. The Amir and Abe hold delegation-level talks at the Prime Minister’s Off ice in Tokyo. “I am so happy, of course, because Afi f was then targeted by bottle- UAE almost pulled a goal back after now we will play in the fi nal,” Ahmed, throwing Emirati fans as he tried to the interval when Ali Mabkhout forced QNA port between the Ministry of Trans- The Japanese Prime Minister pointed 24, said as he watched the celebrations take a corner, appealing desperately to Saad al-Sheeb into a fi ngertip save Tokyo port and Communications of Qatar and out that the 50th anniversary of the es- smoking from the side of the match. the referee as he stepped away from the before Ahmed Khalil also tested al- the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, tablishment of diplomatic relations be- “But for us this match is better than kick. Sheeb’s refl exes. To Page 24 Transport and Tourism of Japan envis- tween the two countries will be marked atar-Japan bilateral relations ages developing co-operation in trans- in 2021. are poised to become stronger port. Abe praised Qatar for hosting the Qafter the two countries issued a The Amir and Abe also witnessed FIFA 2022 World Cup. joint declaration and signed a number the signing of the fi rst executive pro- He also expressed sincere thanks and of memorandums of understanding gramme for the MoU of co-operation gratitude to the Amir for Qatar’s help (MoUs). in the fi eld of youth and sports between in getting Japanese journalist Jumpei The signing ceremony was attend- the Ministry of Culture and Sports in Yasuda arrested in Syria released. ed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Qatar and the Ministry of Education, The Amir expressed his happi- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ja- Culture, Sports, Science and Technol- ness at his second visit to Japan, and pan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in To- ogy of Japan. his meeting with the Prime Minister, kyo yesterday. MoUs were also signed in the fi eld of and wished further development of The joint declaration was on the legal and judicial administration be- relations between the two countries, establishment of a strategic dialogue tween the Ministry of Justice of Qatar stressing the importance of this visit mechanism between the two coun- and the Ministry of Justice of Japan, in enhancing progress and develop- tries aimed at strengthening relations and in the fi eld of waste treatment be- ment to include areas other than the and encouraging co-operation in all tween the Ministry of Municipality and existing fi elds of energy and co-oper- fields. Environment of Qatar and the Ministry ation. An MoU was signed in the fi eld of of the Environment of Japan. The Amir also expressed confi dence culture between Qatar’s Ministry of The signing ceremony was also at- that the 2020 Olympic Games to be Culture and Sports and the Ministry tended by members of the offi cial del- held in Tokyo will be a successful and of Foreign Aff airs of Japan to enhance egation accompanying the Amir and a perfect tournament. the bilateral relations and co-operation number of Japanese ministers and sen- Qatar is looking forward to the co- in the fi eld of culture, and promoting ior offi cials. operation from Japanese friends in or- understanding and good relations be- The Amir and Abe later held offi cial ganising such events, the Amir added. tween the peoples. talks at the Prime Minister’s offi ce in Sheikh Tamim said the two sides A second MoU was on co-operation Tokyo yesterday evening. agreed to co-operate in the fi eld of in economy, trade and technical co-op- At the outset, Abe welcomed the sports and in organising international eration between the Ministry of Com- Amir and the accompanying delega- sporting events. merce and Industry of the two coun- tion, recalling his last visit to Japan four The offi cial talks focused on tries. It seeks to strengthen the bonds years ago and the subsequent meetings. strengthening bilateral relations to of friendship in the respective fi elds He said Japan attaches the highest level enhance the comprehensive strategic Footwear thrown by Emirati fans are seen on the pitch during the semi-final football match between Qatar and UAE at the and achieve mutual benefi ts. of confi dence in Qatar as a gas export- partnership between the two friendly Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sport Pages 1, 2 and 3 Another MoU in the fi eld of trans- ing country. countries. To Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 QATAR

Amir accorded ceremonial welcome in Tokyo

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, accompanied by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, reviewing a guard of honour witnessing the signing of a joint declaration and MoUs between the governments of Qatar and at the off icial reception ceremony in Tokyo yesterday. Japan in Tokyo yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani receiving His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono at his residence in Tokyo receiving Qatari students and trainees in Japan yesterday. yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attending a dinner banquet hosted by the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani exchanged views with the students and trainees about their fields of study, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo yesterday. scientific disciplines and their fields of work. Qatar and Japan agree to step up partnership

From Page 1

The two sides discussed the latest regional and in- ternational developments, especially the situation in Syria and Yemen, as well as the Gulf crisis. They also agreed on the importance of dialogue and political and peaceful solu- tions to diff erent confl icts and crises. Earlier, the Amir was ac- corded an offi cial reception upon arrival at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Offi ce. Earlier yesterday, Sheikh Tamim met with the Japa- nese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. They reviewed bilat- eral relations and develop- ments on the regional and international arenas. Also yesterday, the Amir met with Qatari students His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani receiving Qatari students in and trainees in Japan. He Tokyo. exchanged views about their fi elds of study, scien- ister. In his welcoming Japan in the fi nals of the tion to include besides en- tifi c disciplines and fi elds of speech, Abe said the day’s tournament on Friday. ergy, tourism and health for work and about the impor- talks were fruitful, and The Amir congratulated mutual benefi t. The Amir tance of taking advantage of called for deepening the the Prime Minister and the appreciated the strategic this learning and vocational friendly relations in various Japanese people on the vic- partnership with Japan, de- training to serve their com- fi elds. tory of the Japanese team scribing it as “the fi rst part- munity and homeland. He also praised the ef- and their outstanding per- ner” and looked forward to The students and train- forts of the Amir in sup- formance, while also prais- strengthening and develop- ees thanked the Amir for porting and enhancing ing the Qatari team who ing it. the opportunity to meet relations between the two showed a very good level of The banquet was attend- him and said it refl ected his countries, wishing him performance. ed by a number of senior encouragement to them. health and happiness and The Amir thanked the offi cials, politicians, econ- They also stressed their for the further development Japanese Prime Minister for omists, cultural fi gures, determination to continue and progress of relations his kind words and feelings, businessmen and heads of their academic excellence between the two countries. adding that the talks were the boards of major Japa- to service their homeland. Abe also made a refer- constructive and positive. nese companies and insti- The Amir also attended ence to the Asia Cup be- Sheikh Tamim hoped that tutions, as well as a number a dinner banquet hosted by ing held in the United Arab the two countries would of businessmen and heads the Japanese Prime Min- Emirates. Qatar will meet expand areas of co-opera- of companies from Qatar.

Qatar ranks 33rd in TI’s Corruption Perceptions Index

QNA points, maintaining its strongly linked to the and international organisa- Doha second place in the index levels of human develop- tions worldwide. amongst the Arab countries ment, effective public ad- The CPI draws on 13 sur- and the Middle East, while ministration, high levels veys based on expert as- atar has ranked 33rd more than two-thirds of of GDP, health and educa- sessments and business out of 180 countries countries got less than 50 tion. opinion, and its outcome is Qglobally in Trans- points in the index for this The CPI is issued annu- based on a number of sub- parency International’s year. ally by Transparency Inter- indicators issued by inter- Corruption Perceptions In- The Transparency In- national and its announce- national organisations such dex (CPI) for 2018. ternational (TI) said that ment is always the focus of as the World Bank and the The country scored 62 Qatar’s high ranking is many countries and local World Economic Forum. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 3 QATAR

PM meets head of IPU group

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met the chair of the Twelve Plus Group, European countries, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco and his accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed aspects of co-operation between Qatar and the parliamentary group and means of supporting and developing them in various fields. The meeting was attended by HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud.

Amir congratulates king of Malaysia Minister meets French envoy His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani have sent cables of congratulations to Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, on the occasion of his selection as King of Malaysia. Minister receives envoy’s credentials

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi received yesterday HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met the copies of the credentials of the ambassador of France to Qatar, Franck Gellet, in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to they discussed bilateral relations and means of boosting them as well as enhancing Qatar Dr Sisi Abdul Karim, in co-operation prospects, in addition to issues of common concern. Doha yesterday.

Forum calls for reviewing Family Law

he Third Annual Matters, in order to ensure sions to ensure that parental It further called for im- Family Policy Forum, prompt decision on dis- education programmes are posing deterrent penalties Tat the conclusion of putes concerning persons compulsory. on those who hamper or are its activities yesterday, rec- with disabilities. The Forum called for giv- reluctant in implementing ommended expediting the The Forum also called for ing more attention to the the verdicts and decisions procedures for the issu- reviewing the Family Law, right of the child to stay related to children under ance of the Law on Litiga- to consider the possibility of where its best interests are the custody of one of the tion Procedures in Family amending some of its provi- achieved. parents. – QNA Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 QATAR QIB holds blood donation campaign

atar Islamic Bank (QIB) shortages whenever supplies are chief executive offi cer Bassel our responsibility to contrib- Bank Street during the event yesterday organised a needed. The campaign showcas- Gamal and other QIB senior ute to such initiatives that hours to donate. Qblood donation cam- es QIB’s continued commitment executives. encourage humanitarian co- “Without a doubt, this un- paign, in association with Ha- to engage with the community Gamal said, “We are very hap- operation among community derlines the high values and mad Medical Corporation and strengthen its involvement py to continue this annual tradi- members and increase the ethics enjoyed by the citi- (HMC), at the QIB headquarters in initiatives that benefi t the tion of the QIB Blood Donation well-being of the people of zens and residents of Qatar, as on Bank Street. Qatari society. Campaign, which aims to raise Qatar.” shown through their support QIB said its blood donation Customers and employees awareness on the importance He added: “QIB’s Blood Do- for such initiatives. We are campaign aims to help replen- from all of QIB’s departments of blood donation and its role in nation Campaign has found very pleased with the turnout ish the supplies of the HMC at the bank donated blood saving lives. great responsiveness from the and I would like to express my Blood Bank and to ensure that during the event, which was “As a leading national in- bank’s employees and cus- gratitude to every person who the blood bank does not face any also attended by QIB Group stitution, we believe that it is tomers, who showed up at contributed.” Bassel Gamal and other QIB senior executives.

Ooredoo announces new promotion on Dawli

oredoo announced our customers, and we’re Customers simply need yesterday an excit- delighted to be able to of- to dial *120# once they Oing new promotion fer this exciting promotion have activated their card, for Dawli international so they can chat for longer. then specify their favour- calling card customers, Providing value for money ite and they will then get which gives them extra utes; Bangladesh 65 min- relations and corporate is a key focus for Ooredoo, the extra calling minutes to calling minutes to a cho- utes; Pakistan 65 minutes; communications at Oore- and we hope our customers the country of your choice. sen favourite country, so and Indonesia 50 minutes. doo, said: “We know how enjoy staying in touch with Terms and conditions ap- they can keep in touch with With Dawli QR 20, cus- important staying con- friends and family back ply. Promotion is valid until friends and family back tomers can convert their nected with loved ones is to home for less.” March 5. home for longer. standard 38 international Standard Dawli QR10 minutes to international cards provide 18 minutes’ minutes to their favourite calling time to a list of country by dialling *120# countries valid for seven after activation. days, while Dawli QR20 They can choose from cards provide 38 minutes’ any of the below countries, calling time valid for 30 and extra minutes will be days. valid for 14 days: India 250 With Dawli QR10, ex- minutes; Nepal (NTC & tra minutes will be added Ncell) 135 minutes; Philip- to the customer’s account pines (Globe & Smart) 200 instantly upon recharge minutes; Bangladesh 135 and will be valid for seven minutes; Pakistan 135 min- days. Dawli QR10 off ers the utes; Indonesia 110 min- following – India, 110 min- utes; and Sri Lanka (Dialog) utes; Nepal (NTC & Ncell) 50 minutes. 65 minutes; Philippines Manar Khalifa al-Mu- (Globe & Smart) 65 min- raikhi, director, public

Ooredoo renews sponsorship of Al Galayel Championship Ooredoo announced yesterday its sponsorship renewal for the annual Al Gayalel Championship for a fifth year. Set to be held from February 3 to March 1, 2019, the championship is a regional hunting tournament testing the traditional hunting skills of 24 teams through a series of contests that will take place in the southern nature reserves of Qatar. Ooredoo will ensure all 24 teams stay connected 24/7, even in the most remote parts of the Qatari desert. The telco operator will provide Tetra radio communications, Automatic Vehicle Location/Automatic People Location – dedicated map applications for logistics and operation centres to control and manage radio subscribers, groups and alarm centres – and the Tetra voice recording solution to log radio system calls, all designed to ensure teams remain safe and connected throughout the event. Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, director of PR and Corporate Communications at Ooredoo, said: “We place great emphasis on supporting events that promote and preserve Qatari culture, and we are delighted to be sponsoring this valuable event for another year. It’s vital we do everything we can to ensure traditional Qatari activities such as hunting remain a part of our culture, and sponsoring community events such as these fits perfectly with our corporate social responsibility strategy and commitment to our community and country.”

Council team to attend Kuwait workshop An Advisory Council delegation left yesterday for Kuwait to attend a regional parliamentary workshop on the goals of sustainable developments and ways to activate the role of parliaments in supporting national eff orts. The workshop will be held on January 30 and 31, being organised by the Arab Region Parliamentarians Against Corruption organisation. The workshop aims to highlight the goals of sustainable development, in compliance with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The delegation includes Mohamed bin Mahdi al- Ahbabi and Dr Hind bint Abdulrahman al-Muftah, both members of Advisory Council. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 5 QATAR Customs launching Al Nadeeb 2 he General Authority of trade between Qatar and other Customs yesterday cel- countries. Tebrated International He pointed out that the aver- Customs Day under the slogan, age time of release in the Gen- “SMART borders for seamless eral Authority of Customs, is Trade, Travel and Transport”, less than one hour in about 85% and reviewed its achievements of the unrestricted goods; but of the past year in the presence for the goods restricted to the of HE the Minister of Transport government bodies, the average and Communications Jassim release is three hours, indicat- Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti. ing that if the goods need more Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Gam- documents or laboratory tests it mal, chairman, General Author- will need more time. ity of Customs, said that the As for the new strategy, al- Authority has taken many steps Gammal noted that the new to keep abreast of the economic strategic plan was launched in expansion in the country, stress- December on the basis that it ing that the role of the Authority covers four years until 2022, is to strengthen, stimulate and during which the Authority complement the processes at adopted a results-based plan- A off icial being honoured. ports and borders in the country, ning approach. The strategic especially Hamad International plan includes 14 projects and initiative of imported air cargo. the movement of trade and Port as it is now launching the programmes related to the de- Al-Gammal pointed out that shipping procedures. project Al Nadeeb 2. velopment of the internal envi- the system has been unifi ed with For outstanding customs du- “The second phase of the ronment of the Authority and the partners in air cargo customs ties, which is an import regime HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti at the International customs clearance single win- the development of systems and through co-ordination with 53 whereby importers of certain Customs Day celebrations. dow Al Nadeeb 2 was supposed procedures and mechanisms major companies in addition to sectors are allowed to import to be launched last year, but af- of action, including seven pro- courier companies whose im- goods for the purpose of re- companies operating in the state. customs as a main focal point for growth of the State under the ter evaluating the situation, the grammes which the Author- ports account for 80% of the export, with a delay in the col- Al-Gammal said that cus- communication and co-ordina- conditions of the unjust blockade Authority only re-engineered ity indirectly contribute in co- volume of imports by air cargo lection of customs duties, al- toms bodies in the world are cel- tion among all government agen- that has been going on for over a the fi rst phase of the project,” ordination with ministries and in co-operation with Qatar Air- Gammal said that companies ebrating this year International cies in ports and borders. year and a half, and Customs has he added, expressing the hope government agencies. ways and Hamad International interacted with the Authority, but Customs Day under the slogan, Al-Gammal said that the most an important role in facilitating that there will be a signifi cant During the ceremony, al- Airport, through which the ex- the Authority aspires to have a “SMART borders for seamless important eff orts exerted by the the procedures of importing the shift in the programme to en- Gammal announced the launch change of documents is done greater interaction, especially as Trade, Travel and Transport”, Authority in 2018 were to con- basic goods and commodities hance the movement of foreign of the electronic shipping electronically, which enhances this initiative was asked by many which emphasises the role of tinue to support the economic needed by the local market.

‘US, Qatar to cement ties to fight terror’

US Senator Joe Wilson said that promoting relations to deepen Qatar weathered storm of blockade: FT the United States and Qatar are co-operation for the benefit of determined to strengthen their both countries. QNA after the blockade. Gulf expert at Chatham House The Gulf expert added that grapples with a fiscal crisis, he partnership in achieving security, The Senator said the US welcomed London The newspaper said in an article Neil Quilliam said, “They are during the first year of the added. combating terrorism and violent the Qatari generous off er to published yesterday under the starting to be punchy again,” blockade, Doha focused on Qatar’s media attache in extremism and eliminating them. expand the vital facilities used by title: “Qatar Seeks to Muscle adding “There will still be redlines stemming an economic crisis, as the UK Sheikh Thamer bin During his speech to Congress, the US in Qatar, which allows the British newspaper Financial its Way Back on to Diplomatic about where they go, but they it repatriated more than $30bn Hamad al-Thani said, “Qatar Wilson said the US and Qatar have expansion of Al Udeid Air Base. Times said yesterday that Qatar Stage” that Doha welcomed have weathered the storm of the held overseas by the Qatar is playing an active role in the completed their second strategic He reaff irmed that the US support has been able to overcome the two foreign leaders (Sudanese blockade and they are certainly Investment Authority to stabilise mediation because we believe dialogue this month. “The US will continue to maintain the storm of the blockade and feel President Omar al-Bashir and feeling confident.” He pointed out the financial system, sought the diplomacy is the only way Department of State announced unity of the GCC and create a confident, as it is seeking to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran that “the swirl of diplomacy” is out new trade partners and to address security challenges the achievements made by US safe and prosperous future in the reassert itself on the regional Khan), off ered $500mn to buy also signalling that Qatar feels it used its force to build relations. in the region,” adding, “The Secretary of State Mike Pompeo region. “The US allies in the GCC stage by wielding its financial bonds in Lebanon, and hosted is over the worst of the financial Qatar last week announced that stability of Qatar and the on the matter,” he added. must work together to resolve clout and launching a flurry of talks between the Taliban and impact of the blockade, which it planned to buy $500mn in stability of the region are Wilson said the strategic dialogue their diff erences in order to diplomatic activity 18 months the US. began in June 2017. Lebanese bonds as that country interconnected.” between the US and Qatar has achieve success and safety in the highlighted the strength of region,” he added. (QNA) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 QATAR QU College organises orientation for students

atar University’s (QU) College of Health Sciences (CHS) hosted an orientation session by the Offi ce of Student QAff airs on the requirements of the common year for un- dergraduate general health students. The common year is a requirement for QU students apply- ing for the colleges under QU Health, Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The orientation gave students a vital overview of the re- quirements of the common year, divided into two semesters. Assistant dean for Student Aff airs Nada al-Qubaisi, clarifi ed Hyundai vehicles in the Color Run. that students who pass the requirements of the fi rst semes- ter — which tackles general chemistry, experimental general chemistry, biostatistics, medical education, human structure and function as well as a core course — can successfully be- come entitled to declare their majors. Hyundai concludes fi rst participation in The Color Run Acceptance into the diff erent programmes of the College of Health Sciences is based on the academic performance in the fi rst semester of the common year as well as the availability of kyline Automotive, the of- Johan Madarasz, marketing man- These include a wireless charging seats in the chosen programme. The common year was intro- fi cial distribution partner of ager at Skyline Automotive, said: device, remote control to start and duced to support interdisciplinary teaching among the colleges SHyundai Motor Company “The Color Run is a fun sport- unlock the car, Google-powered of QU health. It will also facilitate major transfer if required, in in Qatar, has concluded its fi rst ing event that brings families to- Destination Search option, and between the three colleges. participation as the Offi cial Car gether, and encourages people of CarPlay entertainment feature. Students were also briefed by representatives from the de- Sponsor for ‘The Color Run’. all ages to lead happy and healthy The 2019 Veloster’s beautiful partments of human nutrition, public health, biomedical sci- The event, presented by Sahtak lifestyles, in line with Hyundai’s interior is a mixture of practicality ences and physical therapy and rehabilitation on the require- Awalan: Your Health First, a fl ag- and Skyline Automotive’s visions. and elegance. ments for the undergraduate programmes off ered by their ship public health campaign of As such, it’s an honour for us to The car comes with sunroof and departments and on possible career paths and employment Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, take part in this memorable event seat warming option. The Color opportunities for CHS graduates. took place on January 26 at the until 2020 and help make this race Run is the largest running series The meeting was attended by Hala Mussa, director of Aca- Qatar National Convention Cen- more enjoyable for the people tak- in the world, in which participants demic Counselling at the CHS, which comprises four aca- tre. A record-breaking over 10,000 ing part,” he added. are covered with diff erent colours demic departments: The Department of Biomedical Sciences, ‘Color Runners’ participated. The all-new 2019 Veloster is throughout the course. the Department of Nutrition, the Department of Public Health As part of its sponsorship, a playful, fun-to-drive car. The They can choose to run, walk, as well as the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilita- which will extend until 2020, game-changing 2019 Veloster jog or skip around the fi ve-km tion. It off ers internationally calibrated academic programmes Skyline Automotive revealed represents Hyundai’s bold and course with their family and at the undergraduate and graduate level. the All-New 2019 Veloster. The athletic design. friends. After completing the race, car was undoubtedly one of the The Veloster comes with a two- participants also got to enjoy a highlights of the ‘Happiest 5K on door or four-door options. The super-charged Finish Festival that the Planet.’ 2019 Veloster is equipped with the included a DJ, MC and plenty of Commenting on the occasion, latest cutting-edge technology. games and activities for all. Color Run participants celebrate at the event.

Qeeri pilot project for sustainable solutions in farms

Doha Festival City hosts Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has launched a pilot project to provide advanced technological solutions for the supply of greener and more sustainable solutions to commercial farms in Qatar. Fashion & Beauty Month As part of the initiative, Qeeri has partnered with a farm located to the south-west of Doha. The project aims to build an integrated solar photovoltaic system to supply the required electrical energy to the farm for irrigation, lighting and cooling. atar’s ‘largest shop- The first phase of the programme saw the installation of 120 solar panels, which will ping, family, dining produce 30 kilowatts of electricity, while ensuring that energy requirements are met in Qand entertainment an eff icient and sustainable manner. destination’, Doha Festival Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive director of Qeeri, said, “Qatar has an abundant supply City, will become a fashion of solar energy and, as a research institute with a national mandate. Qeeri is focused on The orientation gave students an overview of requirements of and beauty utopia, this Feb- enabling the nation to harness its sustainable energy resources for various purposes, the common year, divided into two semesters. ruary. including industry, agriculture and households. With this pilot project, we hope to make The fashion event ‘Fash- a positive impact on this farm by building an energy system powered by the sun.” ion & Beauty Month at Fes- Salem Fahad Alahababi, the owner of the farm where solar panels are installed, said, tival City’ will bring styl- “We are fortunate to have been selected by Qeeri for the pilot phase of their project, ists, beauty enthusiasts and which will change how farmers across the country use electricity on their farms. Using fashion trendsetters togeth- solar panels, we are able ensure the supply of suff icient energy to meet our needs, er for the month, focused and minimise the impact on the environment. We look forward to assisting Qeeri in on fashion shows, beauty developing optimum energy solutions for agriculture in Qatar.” classes, skincare consulta- Qeeri is committed to providing tangible solutions to Qatar’s energy, water and tions, abaya galleries and environmental challenges. Its scientists will continue to build on the partnership to other exciting events, to cre- The fashion event ‘Fashion & Beauty Month at Festival test the technologies for use on desert farms, which will in turn support Qatar’s food ate memorable moments for City’ will bring stylists, beauty enthusiasts and fashion security goals. its visitors. trendsetters together during February. Fun-fi lled weeks await shoppers, as they get to try treatment focus on a weekly across the mall as part of the out a diff erent fashion and basis for a well-rounded activities planned for the beauty themed activity each beauty experience. month. week. Fashion shows will Doha Festival City retail- Doha Festival City’s sen- take place by the fashion ers will provide free make- ior marketing manager May forward retailers at Doha up sessions in the fi rst two Mazrooq expressed her ex- Festival City, during the weeks, followed by skincare citement about the Fashion weekends, to exhibit their treatment in the 3rd week, and Beauty Month stating: latest collections, with new while Virginia Common- “We are thrilled to bring our designs of abayas on display wealth University will pro- visitors fashion and beauty throughout the fi rst week of vide instructions and advice month activities by our re- the month. during the Fashion Design tailers.” Visitors and shoppers will, Workshops, which will take “Doha Festival City is the also, be treated to free hair, place in the last week of Feb- one-stop haven for all fash- skin, and nails treatments at ruary. ion enthusiasts. We have the station inside the fashion In addition, Grazia maga- joined hands with the best bubble located by the Main zine will work with social stylists, makeup artists and Entrance Luxury node. The media infl uencers to design brands to put the whole station will off er a diff erent fi ve fashion pods displayed month together,” she said. Qeeri installs solar panels at farms to provide sustainable energy. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 7 QATAR Qatar Museums hosts Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture launch event in India

Performance of the iconic Monsoon Wedding Musical marks off icial opening

atar Museums (QM) kick-started this year’s exciting array of events Qorganised as part of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture with a showing for the hugely-successful Monsoon Wedding Musi- cal in New Delhi. Representing the offi cial launch of the Year of Culture festivities, the event was at- tended by Qatar’s ambassador to India Mo- hamed bin Khater al-Khater and QM acting CEO Ahmad al-Namla, among other VIPs. The Monsoon Wedding Musical, popularly viewed as the anthem of modern India, orig- inally premiered as a fi lm in 2001 winning a Golden Lion, as well as a Golden Globe Award nomination. The film was directed by Mira Nair and written by Sabrina Dhawan who played key roles in bringing the musical to life in 2016. The performance was organised by QM and sponsored by the Offi cial Airline Part- ner of the Year of Culture programme, Qatar Airways. “We are proud to be the exclusive sup- porter of the new stage musical version of Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding. The Man- soon Wedding Musical is a beautiful and res- onant expression of India’s vibrant diaspora, a community that has long been part of Qa- tar’s diverse makeup and our two countries The staging of Monsoon Wedding Musical marked the start of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture in India. have long enjoyed a close partnership,” Aisha Ghanem al-Attiya, head of Years of Culture Upcoming initiatives include a special and educational exchanges between the two Section at QM. exhibition of contemporary art from Qatar countries. “Our aspiration is that the Year of Culture in India, a multi-disciplinary Festival of In- The Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture was programme will further strengthen these dia and an exhibition by the innovative Raqs also planned in collaboration with leading ties and spur creativity and curiosity about Media Collective, both in Qatar. institutions in Qatar and India. our cultures, peoples and traditions. In 2019, India will also be the guest of honour at These include the Qatar embassy in the Year of Culture will be a feast of theatre, the annual Doha International Book Fair. New Delhi, the Indian embassy in Doha, literature, music, dance, cinema, and the Further events include a health and edu- Qatar’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, visual arts, as India and Qatar share cultural cation initiative in collaboration with Qatar Qatar Foundation, the National Tourism experiences,” she explained. Foundation, and more. Council, and Doha Film Institute, among Events, festivals, workshops and pres- Since its launch with Qatar-Japan 2012 others. entations have been specially designed to under the patronage of QM chairperson HE A VIP ceremony will take place at Katara promote mutual understanding, recognition Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa – the Cultural Village on February 4 to mark and appreciation between India and Qatar. al-Thani, the Years of Culture programme the offi cial launch of this year’s edition in The expansive programme will encourage has been building bridges between Qatar and Qatar. audiences in Qatar and India to explore their the world. The stunning show titled ‘Ticket to Bol- Qatar’s ambassador to India Mohamed cultural similarities, as well as celebrate The focus for most of the 2019 will be on lywood’ will also be open to the public on bin Khater al-Khater and QM acting CEO their diff erences. exploring and celebrating cultural, artistic February 5 from 7pm. Ahmad al-Namla at the event.

Specialised court soon for investment and commerce

he Supreme Judicial Council has formed a commit- tee to prepare for the launch of a court of invest- Tment and commerce, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported. The committee is working on previews of the new court to implement the directives of HE Dr Hassan bin Lahdan al-Mohannadi, the chairman of the council. A source told the daily that the new court, set to be in- augurated soon, would have jurisdiction in implementing fi nancial and commercial laws, in addition to expediting the related procedures in this regard to help investors with timely processing of their legal needs. Dr al-Mohannadi had recently unveiled a permanent project to develop the mechanism of the various justice sys- tems in the country, with special focus on integration and co-ordination with the other entities concerned in the coun- try, aiming at enhancing the independence of the judiciary. He also pointed out that one of the main components of the project is to create a specialised court for investment and commerce to speed up the litigation process and help inves- tors with easily accessible services in this regard. The court is also expected to create an investment friendly environment in the country and attract more foreign investments as well. The plan includes developing the related laws, legis- lation and regulations taking into consideration the vast technological advancement, Arrayah added.

Sky Jewellery unveils Valentine’s Day collection ky Jewellery has announced the launch of its Valen- tine’s Day collection. “It’s full of ‘Love Expressions’ Severywhere. And Sky Jewellery once again leads the season with various ranges of products as well as off ers, luring everyone who wants to gift a loved one with a per- fect value- for-money piece of jewellery,” the jeweller said in a statement. As part of this, Sky Jewellery is off ering 17 designs priced from QR599 to QR1,049, and has invited all catego- ries of customers to be part of the gifting season. “While all designs have been priced at a fi xed level, every Valentine’s diamond pendant is to be accompanied by a free gold chain. Besides, any Valentine’s purchase will entitle customers to two lucky coupons – giving them the chance to win 201 gold bars (including the Doha region). As such, Valentine’s Day is all the more exciting and re- warding with Sky Jewellery,” said Babu John, managing director, Sky Jewellery.

Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 9 QATAR QNRF and Tamuq join hands to launch STEM Hub to promote skills

atar National Research nology and specialised learn- issues our world is facing.” Fund (QNRF), in collab- ing modules, the laboratory is Dr Cesar O Malave, Dean, Qoration with Texas A&M designed to help students learn Tamuq, said: “As engineering University at Qatar (Tamuq), STEM skills in a creative way, educators, we feel privileged to yesterday launched the STEM and off ers unique professional help young people understand (science, technology, engineer- development opportunities for how they can be part of the ex- ing, and mathematics) Hub, a fa- teachers. citing engineering and science cility that aims to promote crea- It is also a platform for K-12 advances that impact the world tive applications of engineering students to build and exchange around us. and science. scientifi c ideas, and learn about “Our STEM programmes aim The opening ceremony, held the funding opportunities of- to light that spark of discovery in at Tamuq – a QF partner uni- fered by QNRF throughout their Qatar’s schoolchildren, and the versity – was attended by HE education, and into the early STEM Hub is essential for that the Minister of Education and stages of their careers. goal. We are grateful to Qatar Higher Education Dr Mohamed Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, ex- National Research Fund for its Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi; ecutive director, QNRF, said, vision and partnership in join- Qatar General Electricity & Wa- “The future success of Qatar lies ing us in this eff ort, and for its ter Corporation president Essa in the hands of our education support and collaboration in this bin Hilal al-Kuwari; QF’s Pre- system and especially the stu- and other important initiatives University Education president dents emerging with degrees in in Qatar.” Buthaina Ali al-Nuaimi; QF science, technology, engineering Students will receive special Research, Development and In- and math. A strong STEM foun- mentoring from researchers and novation vice president Dr Rich- dation will create the next gen- faculty members, designed to ard O’Kennedy; Qatar Research, eration of critical thinkers and provide a hands-on-learning Development and Innovation innovators who can sustain our experience and strengthen in- Council secretary general Omar economy. ventive and innovative thinking Ali al-Ansari, as well as mem- “Along with being an excellent skills. The STEM Hub’s resourc- bers of the research and aca- resource for students, the STEM es are supplemented by central demic community in Qatar. Hub will also provide unique laboratories and workshops at The collaboration will see professional development op- Tamuq, which house an array QNRF, a member of QF, and portunities for teachers, who of advanced scientifi c research Tamuq combine their resourc- HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi with other dignitaries at the launch event. certainly have a paramount role equipment. es and insights to advance the in the success of this initiative. At the opening ceremony, development of initiatives and schoolchildren in Qatar. ity. As one of the fi rst educa- aim is to equip the next genera- Challenges, which include water I am confi dent that STEM Hub students from schools in Qatar academic enrichment pro- The STEM Hub has been de- tion programmes of its kind to tion of researchers, scientists, security, energy security, cyber will nurture leaders and scien- displayed prototypes of their grammes that drive interest veloped to instill and develop advance STEM education for and engineers with the tools to security, and healthcare. tists that will help Qatar reach engineering design projects to in STEM disciplines among STEM skills as a national prior- students of all ages in Qatar, its address Qatar’s Research Grand Featuring cutting-edge tech- its goals and tackle the pressing guests.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds unveils special ‘Heart to Heart’ collection

alabar Gold & Diamonds has announced the Mlaunch of a special col- lection of diamond and 18K gold jewellery, named ‘Heart to Heart’, to celebrate the season of love. The ‘Heart to Heart’ jewellery collection “showcases exclusive jewellery to symbolise the best way to express your love”, the jeweller has said in a statement. As the demand for heart- shaped jewellery increases during this season of love, the jewellery retailer said it has launched the exclusive collection to cater to From the collection. customer demand. “This unique jewellery collec- outlets in the Middle East, Far tion is a perfect gift to express true East and US. emotions to your loved ones. With Malabar Gold & Diamonds prices starting from QR650, there is also showcasing a collection Some of the participants in the workshop. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil is something to fi t everyone’s of “unique designs in gold and budget,” the statement noted. diamond jewellery from Italy, Apart from pendants in dia- Singapore, Turkey, India, etc to monds and 18k gold, customers suit the tastes and budget of its can choose from heart-shaped diff erent customers”. bangles, bracelets, rings and an- Besides, customers can also Ministry initiative aims to klets to gift loved ones. free” with this limited-edition choose gifts for their loved ones The company has also diamond jewellery. These pro- from the branded jewellery seg- launched a special ‘2 in 1’ locket motional sets will be available at ment that includes Era – uncut that can be worn in two diff erent their outlets in Qatar until Feb- diamond jewellery, Ethnix – ways. To add more delight to this ruary 16. handcrafted designer jewellery, cut sugar, fat and salt intake occasion, customers can also The collection is available at Mine – diamonds unlimited, avail of a branded Kenneth Cole all Malabar Gold & Diamonds Precia – gem jewellery and Di- or Giordano watch “absolutely and MGD Lifestyle jewellery vine – Indian heritage jewellery. By Joseph Varghese tance on the fi eld of nutrition and physical Staff Reporter activity. The workshops aim to review the current situation in Qatar for policies and programmes to reduce the consumption of he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) saturated and hydrogenated fats, sugar and has begun an initiative to reduce fat, salt and to develop an action plan to imple- Tsugar and salt content in the food ment the objectives of the initiative. Awqaf ministry opens items produced in the country as well as the The eff orts of MoPH are based on the im- imported items. plementation of WHO recommendations to “We have organised a workshop for ex- reduce the consumption of fat, sugar and perts in the food sector from both the public salt to support healthy lifestyles and pre- and private sector with two international vent the risk factors for chronic non-com- three new mosques experts in nutrition from the World Health municable diseases. Organisation (WHO),” said Dr Kholoud al- Dr Ayoub al-Jawaldeh, WHO regional of- Mutawaa, senior consultant, community fi cer for nutrition, and Dr Karen McCall, in- QNA medicine and head of non-communicable ternational adviser nominated by the WHO Doha disease, MoPH. will review what has been applied in reduc- The three-day workshop is being held for ing the consumption of saturated and hy- public entities for the fi rst two days and on Dr Kholoud al-Mutawaa drogenated fats, sugar and salt in food and he Ministry of Awqaf and the third day, the private entities will take beverage products in Qatar and examine the Islamic Aff airs has opened part in the deliberations. the directives for restaurants. Through this challenges facing the producers and fi nding Tthree new mosques with “As for the reduction of salt and sugar in initiative we want to prevent the non-com- appropriate solutions. residences for the imams and the imported food items, we will take the municable diseases to the maximum possi- The WHO recommends reducing salt the muezzins, located in the Aba opinion of the experts, considering the in- ble,” said the offi cial. consumption to fi ve grams per day and re- Al-hiran, Librethat and Al-Seej ternational practices. We have also a session The initiative comes under MoPH’s on- ducing the consumption of sugar to a maxi- areas. for the private entities. going eff orts to promote awareness among mum of 35gm per day for adults and 25gm The mosques can accommo- Depending on the outcomes and recom- various segments of the society about for mothers and children. date about 1,400 worshippers. mendations from these workshops, we will adopting healthy lifestyles. It also advises to reduce the intake of hy- This comes as part of the plan our future strategies,” explained Dr al- It is also part of the implementation of the drogenated fats by less than 1% of the daily ministry’s plan to increase the Mutawaa. “We want to know the best inter- Nutrition and Physical Activity Action Plan needs of energy and reduce consumption of number of mosques and develop national practices and recommendations to and in line with the National Health Strat- saturated fat by less than 10% of the daily them in all areas, and to keep One of the newly-opened mosques. implement in Qatar. We will also look into egy 2018-2022 which places great impor- energy needs. pace with urban and population growth, in line with the Qatar Al-Seej Area mosque has a the Ministry of Awqaf and Is- National Vision 2030. main hall for prayers that can lamic Aff airs is concerned with Aba Al-hiran mosque has a accommodate 500 men and an- identifying the needs of the main hall for prayers and a to- other hall for 48 women wor- mosques in all areas across the tal area with a capacity for 500 shippers, with two residences for country. National Service Academy holds tactical drills men and 75 women worshippers, the imams. It prepares the annual plan including residences for the im- A centre for memorising the for the maintenance of mosques ams. Holy Qur’an is also attached to and the houses of the imams in QNA its recruits. The exercise will The participants will carry out and physical exercises related Librethat mosque can accom- the mosque. co-ordination with competent Doha continue till February 6 at the a number of individual and col- to the fi eld and battle, such as modate about 268 worshippers The three mosques include authorities, taking into account Southern Area, behind Duhaili- lective exercises aimed at pro- night patrols and reconnais- with a main prayer hall for 220 ablution areas, as well as pub- the requirements of green and yat Camp. viding them with military skills sance, preparation of ambushes men and 48 women, and with lic car parking spaces, some of sustainable buildings, and pres- he National Service A total of 800 recruits of the and achieving maximum military and night guard, shooting using residences for the imam and which are dedicated to people ervation of heritage aesthetics in Academy of the Armed National Service Academy, readiness of the recruits. Britta rifl es with diff erent cali- the muezzin, along with other with disabilities. the mosque designs, refl ecting TForces kicked off the tac- members of the course No 11, are The exercise includes a bre and the use of smoke and amenities. The Mosques Department of Qatari and Islamic heritage. tical exercise “Miqdam 2” for taking part in the exercise. number of skills and strategic acoustic bombs and lightings. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 QATAR/REGION Qatar, China plan new partnerships to promote bilateral trade

atar and China are con- Qatar and China enjoy close fi elds of commerce, construc- important networking platform also highlight Qatar’s attractive It will also pave the way portunities available to Chi- templating new part- trade and economic relations, tion, information technology, that brings together Qatari and legislative environment, as well for the ratification of new nese companies. Qnerships as part of which refl ected positively on furniture and engineering con- Chinese businessmen and of- as amended laws and new legis- agreements and memoranda The sessions will also shed strengthening joint co-oper- the volume of bilateral trade sultancy. Moreover, China had fi cials of the private sector in lations adopted by the state to of understanding that will light on opportunities and ation and promoting bilateral that amounted to $13.5bn in established Qatar Renminbi both countries. attract and encourage foreign strengthen bilateral co-op- challenges relating to Qatari- trade, investments and indus- 2018. Currently, China ranks as Centre, the fi rst RMB clearing It will familiarise attendees direct investments. eration and contribute to the Chinese co-operation and trial relations between the two Qatar’s third largest trade part- centre in the Middle East, at the with the characteristics of the The forum will outline in- development of innovative in- joint ventures. Discussions countries. ner, accounting for 11.7% of the Qatar Financial Center. business environment in Qatar, vestment opportunities in vestment areas. will also focus on infrastruc- In this regard, the Minis- total foreign trade. The forum brings together a which represents an attractive priority sectors to pave the The forum will feature four ture projects associated with try of Commerce and Industry More than 14 fully-owned large number of Qatari and Chi- destination for foreign invest- way for foreign investments in sessions that will touch on Qatar’s preparations to host (MoCI) is organising the Qatar- Chinese companies are cur- nese offi cials and businessmen, ment given the country’s sig- Qatar, particularly the coun- several key topics, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, China Business Forum, which rently operating in Qatar in decision-makers, investors and nifi cant assets, open economy, try’s food industries as well as the evolving legislative frame- successful joint ventures and will kick-off tomorrow in Bei- addition to 181 Qatari-Chinese executives from major com- strategic location and advanced the industrial, tourism, edu- work in Qatar in addition to the success stories of Chinese jing. joint ventures operating in the panies. The forum provides an infrastructure. The forum will cation and sports sectors. business and investment op- companies in Qatar. DFI’s 2017 annual Chief of Staff meets Iranian military attache E the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed H Forces, Lieutenant- General (Pilot) Ghanem bin report highlights Shaheen al-Ghanem met yes- terday with Iranian Military Attache to the State of Qatar Colonel Habibollah Alizade, on the occasion of ending his achievements tenure in the country. During the meeting, the QNA task of nurturing a new generation of fi lmmak- Chief of Staff thanked the Doha ers and creative professionals who are passion- military attache for his ef- ate about the medium and push their boundaries forts and wished him success in storytelling. In 2017, Sheikha Al Mayassa said in his future assignments. oha Film Institute (DFI) has issued its an- that the Doha Film Institute placed emphasis on The meeting was attended by nual report for the year 2017, providing a what it has been doing all the past years, but with Head of International Mili- Dcomprehensive overview of a year full of greater conviction and a stronger sense of urgency tary Co-operation Authority achievements through 205 pages. because we believe that honest storytelling is the Brigadier-General (Pilot) Fa- The report, entitled “When Art Overcomes only antidote to the current climate of misinfor- had Hamad al-Sulaiti. Off icials at the meeting. Diffi culties”, published in Arabic and English, mation spreading globally. provides a complete summary of the Insti- “We helped empower our emerging talents with tute’s activities, highlighting its most important the tools for creating captivating storytelling from achievements and events during the year. providing an understanding of the fi nest in world The report begins with a speech of HE Sheikha cinema through our year-round educational ini- Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, tiatives to sharpening their skills through dedicated chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Doha Film workshops led by experts. This included a wide Laderach’s store opens at HIA Institute, in which she said that the year 2017 de- range of training and development programmes fi ned Qatar’s strong will to be self-reliant and re- that covered key subjects such as developing serial- silient in the face of an increased number of global ised content across all platforms, strengthening the amad International challenges, where Qatar’s creative community ex- creative fi nancial and strategic skills of fi lm produc- Airport (HIA) has an- pressed their solidarity with the country through ers based in the Middle East and youth animation Hnounced the opening of art, with fi lm taking on a central role. amongst others,” Sheikha Al Mayassa noted. an outlet of the world renowned HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said that the relevance “We also continued to support 81 emerging and Swiss chocolatier Laderach in of fi lm in today’s times cannot be overlooked as a established fi lmmakers through our Grants Pro- the terminal. compelling medium that connects people through gramme, co-fi nancing support and most impor- Chocolate lovers and con- the power of storytelling, “That is why 2017, at the tant of all, the Qatari Film Fund for local talents,” noisseurs travelling through HIA Doha Film Institute, our focus was on drawing on she added. can indulge in a variety of high- the power of fi lm to communicate our stories to “Given their honest approach to storytelling, quality handmade chocolate and the world on the one hand, and to bring global the fi lms we put forward come as a response, from confectionary specialties, at the stories to our region on the other in order to create a cultural perspective, to our detractors and in the 40sqm boutique. a world of shared narratives”. context of the current political climate, they ful- Attendees at the inaugura- “But fi lms do not happen by chance,” Sheikha fi l the words of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin tion of Laderach at the terminal Al Mayassa stressed. A culture of fi lmmaking Hamad al-Thani on the unjustifi ed siege: “The included HIA’s Marketing and needs nourishment, guidance and care. Building crisis has driven Qatari society not only to explore Corporate Communications a fi lm industry here in Qatar has been one of the its human value, but also to draw on its sources of vice-president Abdulaziz al- founding goals of the Doha Film institute, and strength, which lie in its unity will and determi- Mass, Laderach managing part- since its inception, it has done the commendable nation,” she said. ner Mohamed Yousuf al-Jabir; and general manager, Taymour Mershad. The chocolatier, already op- erating from two stores in Qatar, is off ering traditional chocolate Campaign to support Palestinian boxes along with promotional discounts and off ers exclusively for HIA passengers. women kicks off in Doha Travellers can choose from a “diverse range of delectable of- ferings, including 47 flavours QNA (QU), Hamad University, Doha The second level is at the cul- of praline chocolates, 25 types Doha Institute for Graduate Stud- tural, social, academic and in- of fresh chocolates and nine ies, Community College, Arab stitutional level. kinds of ‘Choco Bijoux’”, HIA Off icials at the inauguration of the Laderach store in HIA. Center for Research and Policy At the fi rst event of the cam- has said in a statement. he international cam- Studies and others. paign, Assistant Professor of Be- Al-Mass said, “We are celebrated for its skilled crafts- proud to launch a restaurants, responding to the paign to support Jeru- Representative from Interna- havioral Sciences at the College thrilled to welcome Laderach to manship, creativity and fresh- Laderach boutique at HIA.” diverse needs of the modern Tsalem #weareallmary, tional Union of Al-Qods Culture of Medicine in QU Suhad Nashif our portfolio of retail and F&B ness.” “HIA fosters a culture of hos- traveller,” the statement added. which initiated from Turkey, Education and Research (UKE- touched on the diffi culties Jeru- offerings at Hamad Interna- Swiss Chocolate Trad- pitality across all operations The Swiss chocolatier boasts kicked off in Doha as part of its AD) Israa Saleh said on Monday salem women face during labour. tional Airport. The addition of ing general manager Taymour and brings a new dimension to of more than 60 locations ongoing eff orts to support the that the campaign focuses on She also spoke about the Laderach brings another level Mershad added, “‘The Fresher travel through unique shop- worldwide, including both Palestinian cause. highlighting what the women women who lose their children of sophistication and diversity the Better’ is our motto. As a ping, dining and leisure expe- Frankfurt and Zurich airports, The campaign will run un- of Jerusalem are going through by death or who are kept away to our offerings, allowing pas- pioneering Swiss chocolate riences across 40,000sqm, of- and is known for its fresh choc- til March 8 in Doha, which will while raising awareness about from seeing their children. sengers to experience a world- brand, we believe in innova- fering over 90 shops to browse olates free from any artificial coincide with the International the suff ering, arrest and depor- She added that there are class standard of chocolate tion and freshness. We are very and more than 30 cafes and preservatives. Women’s Day, in order to shed tation they suff er. In addition to many women who get arrested light on the women of Jerusa- depriving them of their most ba- by Israeli forces such as the lem who face various kinds of sic rights, such as living in peace 33-year-old Israa Jaabis who injustice and coercive policies. with their families, they are de- was arrested after explosion of The campaign will include prived of their children, taxes are a gas cylinder in her car, on the many cultural and social events imposed including harassment at pretext of trying to carry out Yemen rebels release fi rst prisoner in swap deal that adopt the issues of Jerusa- checkpoints and others. a bombing, and she was later lem women. A number of insti- The campaign will be done at sentenced to 11 years in prison tutions and centres are partici- two levels by including media for attempting to kill an Israeli AFP tions said. “The special envoy tee of the Red Cross, overseeing on their Al-Masirah TV. pating in the campaign in Qatar, and partnering with all tradi- policeman, and to pay compen- Sanaa welcomes the unconditional the prisoner swap, confi rmed It said the Saudi was freed which off er diff erent activities tional media including televi- sation of approximately $5,500. release...of the sick Saudi pris- the Saudi soldier had been trans- “without collateral as a humani- depending on their specialties. sion programmes, news, reports Investigations later proved that oner,” the offi ce of UN envoy ferred from Sanaa to Riyadh. tarian gesture”. Awaji is the fi rst The organisations are Al and modern means. the charge against Israa was in- emen’s Houthi rebels yes- Martin Griffi ths tweeted. It posted a video of a man in prisoner to be released under a Jasrah Cultural Club, Qatar There is also a digital campaign correct and that she now needs terday released the fi rst “The special envoy hopes to a stretcher being carried onto a deal agreed between the Saudi- Red Crescent Society, the Fo- covering Twitter, Facebook and more than eight operations to Yprisoner under an agree- see more similar humanitarian Red Cross jet. backed government and rebels rum for Arab and International Instagram being held in Arabic, regain her health, although she ment with the government bro- gestures from the parties.” The Houthis named the sol- at UN-brokered peace talks in Relations, Qatar University English and Turkish languages. is still in detention. kered last month, the United Na- The International Commit- dier as Musa al-Awaji in a report Sweden last month. CMC’s call to increase awareness on energy drink risks

tandard specifi cations of consider the possibility of pre- ings. The council approved the energy drinks should be paring relevant scientifi c studies response and decided to follow Sstricter and more defi ned and researches about the pos- up on the updates. by the Ministry of Commerce sible harmful eff ects of energy The CMC hosted Safar Mu- and Industry (MoCI) in co-op- drinks on human health. barak al-Shafi , chairman of Joint eration with the entities con- At the bi-weekly regular ses- Committee for Combating Rain- cerned, the Central Municipal sion, the CMC members re- water Emergencies and Risks, Council (CMC) recommended viewed the responses of the and members. He gave a brief yesterday. Ministry of Municipality and presentation on the work plans The council urged that the Environment on some of the of the committee and its key ef- MoCI should increase related council’s previous recommen- forts in the fi eld. Also, a delega- awareness campaigns through dations, including the regula- tion from Qatar University Social various media to instruct the tion of road signs and billboards and Economic Survey Research targeted audience about the po- at the outskirts of the country, Institute visited the council as tential risks of energy drinks. and the allocation of commercial part of preparing a “Survey on The CMC recommended that spaces at residential apartment the Central Municipal Council The CMC session in progress yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Ministry of Public Health should buildings or commercial build- Elections”. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 11 AFRICA

Two DRC Crackdown worse than under soldiers killed by Mugabe: main opposition Ebola virus wo soldiers in eastern DR AFP Congo have died after Harare Leading activist freed on bail Tcatching Ebola in an out- break that has killed hundreds Leading Zimbabwean activist three times a week. in the region, army and health imbabwe’s main opposi- and pastor Evan Mawarire The prosecution had opposed sources said yesterday. tion said yesterday a vio- was freed on bail yesterday Mawarire’s bail application, “Two of our soldiers have died Zlent crackdown on civil- after being detained for 13 claiming he was likely to from the Ebola virus in Beni. ians by the new government was days following violent anti- abscond. Three others are under observa- worse than anything in recent government protests. After yesterday’s ruling, tion,” army spokesperson Major years under ousted leader Rob- “I’m persuaded in the case... lawyers said he should be Mak Hazukay said. ert Mugabe, accusing Harare of that the interest of justice will released on Wednesday from “All measures have been taken escalating “terrorism”. be served by the admission of Chikurubi maximum security to stop the troops from being Movement for Democratic the applicant to bail,” Judge prison on the outskirts of contaminated,” he added. Change (MDC) leader Nelson Tawanda Chitapi told the Harare. The deaths of the soldiers Chamisa said state repression courthouse in Harare. The pastor became a brought the total toll to 459 re- had reached new levels follow- Mawarire was arrested on prominent voice during corded deaths, according to of- ing scenes of “terror” when se- subversion charges at his protests of 2016 when he fi cial fi gures, and highlighted the curity forces crushed protests home on January 16. He faced posted videos on social media challenge of controlling the epi- over fuel price rises. charges of incitement to criticising the government demic in the strife-torn east. “This is now 14 months af- commit violence for posting while wearing a Zimbabwean Doctor Michel Tosalisa, in ter Mugabe exiting the political videos on social media flag around his neck. charge of the aff ected Beni re- stand, but what we are seeing supporting the national strike His posts inspired the gion, confi rmed two soldiers were is actually an escalation, not called by trade unions. #ThisFlag movement that led Zimbabwe opposition leader Nelson Chamisa (centre, right) addresses a press conference in among the latest Ebola victims. only of the Mugabe type of ter- The outspoken pastor was mass protests against former Harare yesterday. In eastern and northern parts of ror, but we are actually seeing granted bail on condition that President Robert Mugabe, the DR Congo, 682 confi rmed cases of something that makes Mugabe he surrenders his passport ousted in November 2017 after in a move condemned by hu- supposed to fl ow on the streets sible is none other than Mnan- Ebola have been recorded and 54 prob- look like a baby in terms of ter- and reports to a police station a military takeover. man rights groups who accused of Harare before the SADC does gagwa who announced a 150% able cases, the health ministry said. rorism,” Chamisa told a news security forces of employing something,” he said. increase in fuel prices without From the 459 Ebola deaths re- conference. “systematic torture”. “I don’t know how many any due notice, without any jus- corded, 405 were confi rmed and He addressed the media in being beaten up,” he said. Nationwide demonstrations Chamisa, 40, said he had women are supposed to be raped tifi cation. He is the one who in- 54 probable. the gutted lobby of his party At least 12 people have been erupted after Mnangagwa an- written to regional body the before we begin to see the inter- stigated the citizens’ response,” Medics have managed to save headquarters which was fi re- killed and hundreds wound- nounced on January 12 that fuel Southern African Development vention of our regional bodies.” he said. 257 people, the ministry said. bombed during the protests. ed – 78 of them with gunshot prices were being more than Community (SADC) to inter- Chamisa, who narrowly lost Mnangagwa on Monday said DR Congo, formerly Zaire, has “At night, people are no wounds – during the crack- doubled in a country suff ering vene, but had not yet received a to Mnangagwa in a disputed he was “appalled” by a televised seen 10 outbreaks of the highly longer enjoying their free- down over the past two weeks. spiralling infl ation and regular response. presidential election last July, report showing security forces contagious haemorrhagic dis- dom, they are dragged out of Chamisa said his party had shortages of necessities. “I don’t know how many blamed his rival for the wave of repeatedly beating a detained ease since it was fi rst identifi ed their places of joy and enter- recorded 844 cases of human Security forces instigated a bodies are supposed to be killed, chaotic protests. civilian, and ordered the arrest in 1976 near the Ebola river in the tainment, restaurants ... (and) rights violations. crackdown to crush the protests I don’t know how much blood is “The person we hold respon- of those responsible. northwest of the country. (AFP) Cameroon Fear of Boko Haram attack sees opposition 30,000 fl ee Nigerian town: UN

AFP Boko Haram, most recently on But they were sent back, as who would no doubt launch an nearly 40km (25 miles) away. Kano January 14, when the jihadists Cameroon deployed troops attack,” he said. “The terrorists set fi re to most leader held targeted a military base. to reinforce the town as part Abadallahi said the remaining houses in the town and have tak- UN refugee agency spokes- of the regional military re- Nigerian soldiers also withdrew en strategic positions in antici- AFP claim he was the rightful win- ore than 30,000 people man Babar Baloch told report- sponse against the Islamist “because their number was too pation of military operations to Yaoundé ner, won 14.23% of the vote to have fl ed the northeast ers in Geneva that recent fi ght- militants. small to face Boko Haram when push them out,” he added. place second, according to the MNigerian town of Rann ing in Borno had forced more “It was a bit peaceful but as they attacked”. News from Rann came as offi cial fi gures, but his party and across the border to Cam- than 80,000 people to fl ee their far as we understand now, that His account was supported the UN in Abuja launched an ameroon opposition has held sporadic protests since eroon in recent days because of homes. multinational taskforce has left,” by an aid worker who left Rann appeal for $848mn to fund leader Maurice Kamto, then to dispute the result. fears of renewed Boko Haram “Nigerian refugees continue said Baloch, adding that refu- after the January 14 attack but projects in Borno and two Cwho claims to have been On Saturday, 117 people attacks, the UN, civilian militia to arrive in very remote and gees had told aid workers Boko remains in contact with those other northeast states over the cheated out of the presidency in were arrested during protest and residents said yesterday. impoverished communities in Haram “promised to return”. in the area, and a civilian militia next three years. elections last year, was arrested marches in several towns. The latest mass movement neighbouring countries,” he Walid Abdallahi, who was source. An additional $135mn was re- in the country’s economic capi- The MRC was holding a comes as the world body voiced added. among those who fl ed, said there “There were over 35,000 IDPs quired to help the 228,500 Ni- tal Douala on Monday, a senior crisis meeting late Monday in renewed concern about the ef- “All the population seems to was now “not a single resident in (internally displaced people) in gerian refugees who have fl ed to party member said yesterday. response to the arrests, Simh fect of the bloody confl ict on be panicking and they are on the Rann” and that Boko Haram had Rann and all of them have fl ed neighbouring Cameroon, Chad The arrest is the latest po- said, adding that Dzongang civilians and launched a longer- run as a preemptive measure to been “in control” of the town to Cameroon,” the aid worker and Niger, it said. litical turbulence to hit the West and Christian Penda Ekoka, an term plan to help those made save their lives.” since Monday. added. Nigeria’s government has said African country and comes af- economist, were also arrested homeless by the fi ghting. Humanitarian organisations “We all left the town as soon The civilian militia source said Boko Haram has been virtually ter several recent eruptions of in Monday’s police raid. Rann, in northern Borno state, working in Rann said the attack ear- as the Cameroonian soldiers Cameroonian soldiers with- defeated, despite persistent at- violence over the October vote, Kamto’s former election near the border with Cameroon, lier this month forced some 9,000 withdrew because we knew we drew on Sunday and Nigerian tacks against the military and which saw Kamto come second campaign head Paul-Eric has been repeatedly attacked by people to fl ee into Cameroon. were vulnerable to Boko Haram troops were now based in Ngala, civilians. behind Paul Biya, who has ruled Kingue and rapper Valsero for more than three decades. were among those detained “Kamto was arrested at the over the weekend. home of (supporter) Albert The Cameroon government Dzongang,” said Emmanuel has looked to dissuade Kam- Simh, vice-president of the to’s party from demonstrating, UN slams ‘brutal murder’ opposition Movement for the claiming that the opposition Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC), leader was an “outlaw” for not confi rming information from accepting the election results. a source in Douala. In France dozens of pro- of Tanzanian children Following Kamto’s arrest, testers broke into Cameroon’s around 300 people gathered Paris embassy on Sunday, outside Dzongang’s house, vandalising portraits of Biya, AFP two and 10 years old had been sue,” said Alvaro Rodriguez, From left: Terror suspects Osman Abdi Dagane, Sahal Diriye, Hassan according to an AFP reporter, according to witnesses. Nairobi found dead since the beginning the UN’s resident co-ordinator Aden Hassan and Mohamed Ali Abdikar, charged with carrying out a fl anked by about 50 police of- Police forced them out of of the month in the southern in Tanzania. terrorist attack at Garissa University College four years ago, stand in fi cers. Shots were fi red into the the building two hours later Njombe region. According to the Mwananchi the docks in a Nairobi court yesterday. air to disperse the crowd. and onto the street, where he United Nations yes- “The United Nations in Tan- paper, the children had their The authorities did not re- they continued their protest terday condemned a zania off ers its deepest con- ears, tongues and sexual organs spond to an AFP request for outside the embassy. Twave of murders of young dolences to the families and removed, with the murders information. Biya has ruled the West Af- children in southern Tanzania, communities of children who linked to “superstition”. Veteran leader Biya won a rican country since 1982 with which local media reported have been brutally murdered In Tanzania, albinos are of- One freed, 4 to present seventh consecutive term in support from the army, gov- were ritual killings in which in Njombe over the last few ten kidnapped and their body the October election, which ernment administrations and body parts were removed. weeks,” read a statement. parts hacked off for use as was blasted by the MRC as an the Cameroon People’s Dem- The private newspaper “As the UN, we stand ready charms and magical potions defence over Kenya “electoral hold-up”. ocratic Movement (RDPC) Mwananchi reported that at to support the government in in the belief that they bring Kamto, who has continued to that he created in 1985. least 10 children aged between their eff orts to address the is- wealth and good luck. university attack

Six animals die in SA AFP Magistrate Francis Andayi Nairobi ruled yesterday that there was no park accident evidence linking one of the men, 3 DR Congo rebel chiefs surrender A white rhino, two lions, a giraff e Osman Abdi Dagane, a Kenyan and two hyenas have died in a freak Kenyan court yesterday citizen, to the attack. accident after a power line collapsed acquitted one suspect However the others, Mohamed AFP ed display of surrender was a cal development organisation also handed in their weapons in in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Aand ruled four others have Ali Abdikar, Hassan Aden Hassan, Kananga boost for Tshisekedi who was based in the central Kasai town Tshikapa, the regional capital. The six dead animals were discovered a case to answer for the 2015 Sahal Diriye and Rashid Charles sworn in last Thursday and fac- of Luebo. The Kamwina Nasapu upris- over the weekend when technicians slaughter of 148 people at a uni- Mberesero – a Tanzanian national es numerous challenges at the Another was Mubiayi De- ing began when a tribal chief from South Africa’s electricity versity. – will present their defence. hree militia leaders, in- helm of this vast unstable na- wayi, who stands accused of who opposed the central gov- provider went to investigate the The fi ve suspects went on trial Their next appearance is on cluding a man accused tion following bitterly disputed numerous atrocities including ernment in Kinshasa was killed source of a power failure, Ike Phaahla, in January 2016 for their involve- February 13. Tof murdering 39 police elections. publicly beheading the wife of a in August 2016, sparking an a spokesman for South African ment in the deadly attack at Gar- Earlier this month, Andayi offi cers, surrendered yester- The move came just days former administrator in Luebo uprising that raged until Octo- National Parks, said yesterday. issa University in northeastern ruled that three suspects have a day in a show of support for after 600 other Kasai rebels territory the same year. ber 2017, leaving at least 3,000 “It seems heavy rain and wind caused Kenya which was claimed by case to answer for their alleged DR Congo’s new President also laid down their weap- Describing the moment De- people dead as well as two UN a power line to collapse and that is Somalia’s Al Qaeda-linked She- involvement in an attack on the Felix Tshisekedi, local offi cials ons, saying they were end- wayi turned himself in, Luebo experts. how a giraff e, white rhino, two lions baab insurgents. Westgate shopping mall in Nai- said. ing their uprising as they administrator Joseph Mut- The violence also displaced and two hyenas were electrocuted,” It was the east African nation’s robi in 2013 in which 67 people All three, who belong to the turned themselves in - also shipayi said the rebel leader another 1.4mn people. he said. deadliest attack since the 1998 died. One man was acquitted. Kamwina Nsapu (Black Ant) as a sign of support for “came out of the bush with 60 Tensions in the central Ka- Phaahla said off icials think “maybe bombing of the US embassy in Their trial will continue on militia which has been accused Tshisekedi. militiamen.” sai region and fi ghting in the the giraff e or rhino fell first,” and then Nairobi. March 21. of a host of bloody atrocities, Lokondo Luakatebua, one “He gave us four AK 47 rifl es war-torn east had complicated the lions and hyenas came to feed on Four gunmen involved in the Two weeks ago Kenya was hit laid down their weapons along of the three who turned them- and ammunition,” he said, add- December’s disputed election their carcasses. massacre were killed, but fi ve by its worst attack since Garissa, with more than 100 men in the selves in yesterday, is accused ing that they had expressed a to choose a successor to Joseph He said it was possible “the lions others were prosecuted for ter- when Shebaab gunmen targeted restive central Kasai region, a of leading a 2017 operation that desire to work in the army. Kabila, who ruled the coun- came for a free meal but the wire was rorism and conspiracy to com- the Dusit hotel and offi ce com- stronghold of Tshisekedi. trapped and killed 39 police- Separately, another 43 mili- try for 18 years before being still live,” and then the “hyenas came mit an attack, with 22 witnesses plex in the capital, killing 21 The apparently coordinat- men, according to ODL, a lo- tiamen from a diff erent group replaced by Tshisekedi. and it cost them their lives.” (DPA) testifying. people. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 AMERICAS

POLITICS CRIME TRAPPED JUSTICE NATURE’S FURY Trump, Pelosi agree on Feb 5 2 suspects killed in Woman rescued after Sacramento sued over death Insurers lost $11.4bn in for State of the Union address Houston gunfight being stuck in elevator of unarmed black man California wildfires

President Donald Trump will deliver the annual State Four undercover Houston police off icers were shot An employee of a New York billionaire’s family Family members of an unarmed young black man The deadliest and most destructive California of the Union address next week after accepting an on Monday as they attempted to serve a warrant spent the weekend stuck in the elevator of the slain by two Sacramento policemen last year sued the wildfires in a century caused insurers more than invitation from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had in a narcotics investigation and two suspects were family’s Manhattan townhouse before she was off icers and the city on Monday for wrongful death, $11.4bn in losses, the state’s insurance regulator postponed it due to the partial shutdown of the US killed when police returned fire, police said. Houston rescued on Monday, off icials said. The homeowners claiming racial profiling and use of excessive force. said Monday. The total amount of insured losses government. The nationally televised address from Police Chief Art Acevedo said two of the off icers spent the weekend away and discovered the The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Sacramento for the November Camp Fire, which destroyed the chamber of the US House of Representatives, were shot in the neck and were undergoing surgery. woman was trapped when they arrived back home by the parents, grandparents and children of most of the town of Paradise in northern now set for February 5, presents Trump with a Acevedo told reporters they were in critical but on Monday, according to the New York Times. The shooting victim Stephon Clark, 22, seeks damages California, jumped 25% since December, powerful opportunity to appeal directly to the stable condition. The off icers were shot when they townhouse is owned by Warren Stephens, the head in excess of $20mn. Representatives for the city of California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara American public to support his policies, including tried to enter a home in southeast Houston to serve of the Little Rock, Arkansas-based financial firm Sacramento could not immediately be reached for told reporters in Sacramento. More than 13,000 his demand that Congress fund a wall along the US a warrant shortly before 5pm, Acevedo said. A SWAT Stephens Inc, who according to Forbes is worth comment on Monday. It was not clear if the two police insured homes and businesses were destroyed border with Mexico. The speech had originally been team sent in two robots to check the home. Images an estimated $2.6bn. Firefighters who rescued off icers named in the lawsuit had retained attorneys. out of more than 46,000 claims reported by scheduled for January 29, but Pelosi cancelled it last from the robots showed two suspects had been the woman stuck between the 2nd and 3rd floors Clark was gunned down on March 18, 2018 in his insurers. The wildfires drove total 2018 insured week, saying it should not be delivered until a partial struck by return gunfire from police. They were learned from people at the scene that she had been grandparents’ backyard by police responding to a losses to $12.4bn. A total of 89 people died in the government shutdown was over. pronounced dead at the scene. stuck in the elevator since Friday. report that someone was breaking windows. Camp Fire and thousands were left homeless. Spy chiefs break with Trump on threats to US

Reuters about the No 2 world economy’s business Washington practices as well as its growing interna- tional infl uence. “The Chinese counterintelligence hina and Russia pose the biggest threat is more deep, more diverse, more risks to the United States and are vexing, more challenging, more compre- Cmore aligned than they have been hensive and more concerning than any in decades, US intelligence leaders told counterintelligence threat I can think of,” senators yesterday, in testimony that re- FBI Director Christopher Wray said. peatedly contradicted President Donald Senator Richard Burr, the committee’s Trump’s statements on global threats. Republican chairman, said the govern- While Beijing and Moscow seek to ex- ment must work with private companies pand their global reach, Director of Na- to foster innovation, while balancing con- tional Intelligence Dan Coats said, some cern about security risks. American allies are pulling away from Many lawmakers have blasted technol- Washington in reaction to changing US ogy companies over the past two years for policies on security and trade. doing too little to fi ght the spread of false “China, Russia, Iran, and North Ko- news reports and other misinformation. rea increasingly use cyber operations to Coats said intelligence offi cials have threaten both minds and machines in an been travelling around the United States expanding number of ways — to steal in- and meeting with corporate executives to formation, to infl uence our citizens, or discuss espionage threats from China. to disrupt critical infrastructure,” Coats Yesterday’s testimony came just a day said. after the United States announced crimi- People walk on a cold winter day in Montreal yesterday. The frigid cold blanketing much of the country, from Manitoba in the western Prairies region to He testifi ed with the directors of the nal charges against China’s Huawei Tech- Atlantic Canada, has prompted a rare ‘hazardous’ cold warning from Environment Canada. CIA, FBI and other top intelligence offi - nologies Co Ltd, escalating a fi ght with cials at the Senate Intelligence Commit- the world’s biggest telecommunications tee’s annual hearing on worldwide threats. equipment maker and coming days before “Moscow’s relationship with Beijing trade talks between Washington and Bei- is closer than it’s been in many decades,” jing. Coats told the panel. Coats also said US adversaries likely are The intelligence chiefs’ assessments already looking to interfere in the 2020 US broke with some past assertions by their election, refi ning their capabilities and Midwest, Canada brace boss, including on the threat posed by adding new tactics. Russia to US elections and democratic in- He said Russia’s social media eff orts stitutions and North Korea’s determina- will continue to focus on aggravating so- tion to denuclearise. cial and racial tensions, undermining trust Coats said North Korea is unlikely to in authorities and criticising politicians give up its nuclear weapons. perceived to be anti-Russia. for deadly Arctic chill Trump has said the country no longer Senator Mark Warner, the panel’s top poses a threat. Democrat, said he was particularly con- By Nova Safo, AFP US, spreading to the east coast,” the Wind chill would make the air feel which had already arrived in Canada. The intelligence offi cials also said Iran cerned about Russia’s use of social media Chicago NWS said yesterday. closer to -40 to -50 degrees in the The frigid cold blanketing much of was not developing nuclear weapons in “to amplify divisions in our society and to “Wind chills of -30 to -60 (Fahr- windy city, offi cials said. the US’s northern neighbour, from violation of the 2015 nuclear agreement, infl uence our democratic processes” and enheit) can be expected over por- More than 1,000 fl ights were can- Manitoba in the western Prairies re- even though Tehran has threatened to the threat from China in the technology illions of Americans braced tions of the northern Plains and celled Monday at two Chicago air- gion to Atlantic Canada, prompted a reverse some commitments after Trump arena. yesterday for a dangerous Great Lakes region.” ports. rare “hazardous” cold warning from pulled out of the deal. The Senate Intelligence Committee is Mpolar vortex which began Michigan and Wisconsin declared Minneapolis, Minnesota opened Environment Canada. Senators expressed deep concern about one of several congressional panels, along to settle over a broad swath of the statewide emergencies in advance of warming centres in government President Donald Trump used current threats. with Special Counsel Robert Mueller, that United States, threatening to set the frigid temperatures. buildings and libraries, a 24-hour the occasion to voice scepticism of “Increased cooperation between Russia have been investigating whether there new records for cold as schools and Americans were heeding warnings emergency shelter, and allowed resi- global warming, saying on Twitter: and China — for a generation that hasn’t were any connections between Trump’s businesses closed and authorities to stay home if possible even today, dents to stay on public buses and “What the hell is going on with Glo- been the case — that could be a very big 2016 and Russian eff orts to infl uence the warned of frostbite. when temperatures are expected to trains for warmth. bal Warming? (sic) Please come back deal on the horizon in terms of the United election. Temperatures in almost a dozen be at their coldest. Meanwhile the northeast and fast, we need you!” States,” said Senator Angus King, an inde- Coats declined to respond when Demo- states stretching over 1,900km from Scores of schools, businesses and parts of the south were contending Scientists say climate change is pendent who caucuses with Democrats. cratic Senator Ron Wyden asked whether the Dakotas to Ohio were forecast to government agencies announced with a snow storm, which had previ- causing more extreme weather, and Coats also said some US allies are seek- Trump’s not releasing records of his dis- be the coldest in a generation, if not closures in multiple states. ously dumped up to 30cm of snow in one theory is that arctic air currents ing more independence, responding to cussions with Russian President Vladimir on record. “People exposed to extreme cold the Midwest over the weekend and usually trapped around the North their perceptions of Washington’s chang- Putin put US intelligence agencies at a The National Weather Service are susceptible to frostbite in a mat- still lingered yesterday in some areas. Pole are weakened and dislodged by ing policies on security and trade, and disadvantage. (NWS) forecast temperatures be- ter of minutes,” warned the NWS. White-out conditions were re- a warming climate. “are becoming more open” to new part- “To me from an intelligence perspec- tween -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit Lawrence Gottlieb of the Univer- ported in Grand Rapids, Michigan, “When the polar vortex is weak or nerships. tive, it’s just Intel 101 that it would help (-23 to -40 Celsius) by today, with sity of Chicago Medical Center said with morning traffi c snarled for ‘perturbed,’ the fl ow of air is weaker “The post-World War II international our country to know what Vladimir Putin wind chill making it seem as cold as the threat was signifi cant “when hours on a major interstate. and meanders north and south,” cli- system is coming under increasing strain discussed with Donald Trump,” Wyden -65 degrees Fahrenheit in one area of temps fall below zero, especially “Not only is brutal cold invading matologist Judah Cohen of the fi rm amid continuing cyber and WMD prolif- said. Minnesota. when there is a strong wind.” the central parts of the country, ac- Atmospheric and Environmental Re- eration threats, competition in space and Trump denies colluding with Russia, The culprit was a lobe of arctic air More than 70 warming centres cumulating snow and freezing road- search told CBS News. regional confl icts,” Coats said, using the and Russia denies attempting to infl uence that has broken away from the po- were opened in Chicago, America’s ways all the way into the deep south “This allows a redistribution of air acronym for weapons of mass destruction. US elections. lar vortex that usually encircles the third city, where temperatures were could make travel dangerous,” the masses where cold air from the Arc- The offi cials painted a multifaceted pic- The intelligence offi cials are to continue North Pole. forecast to potentially rival or exceed NWS said. tic spills into the mid-latitudes and ture of the threat posed by China, as they testifying to the committee at a classifi ed “A record cold air mass will con- the all-time record of -27 degrees The snow was expected to make the warm air from the subtropics is car- were questioned repeatedly by senators hearing later. tinue into the central and northern Fahrenheit. arctic air feel even colder, the eff ects of ried into the Arctic.” Stone pleads not guilty to Russia probe charges

By Sarah N Lynch, Reuters knowledge of plans by the WikiLe- other people showed their support damaging information” WikiLeaks Washington aks website to release damaging for him. had about Clinton’s campaign but emails about Trump’s Democratic Stone had held an impromptu do not disclose the identity of the opponent, Hillary Clinton, that news conference after being re- person who gave the order. resident Donald Trump’s US intelligence agencies have con- leased from custody after his ar- Stone, who is free on a $250,000 longtime political ally Roger cluded were stolen by Russia. rest and gave interviews during the bond, has accused Mueller of “a PStone yesterday pleaded not The indictment did not indicate weekend but he did not speak to the raw abuse of power.” guilty to making false statements whether Stone knew that Russians media after the brief arraignment Trump has called the investiga- to Congress and other charges had stolen the e-mails by hack- in Washington. tion a witch hunt and denied any brought in the investigation into ing into computers used by Clin- The charges against Stone collusion. Russia’s role in the 2016 presiden- ton’s senior campaign adviser John marked the fi rst time Mueller’s Russia has denied US intelligence tial election. Podesta and the Democratic Na- team has publicly tied the Trump community’s fi nding that Moscow Stone, a self-proclaimed “dirty tional Committee. campaign to WikiLeaks, and raise interfered in the US political arena. trickster” and Republican political Stone, 66, could face about 50 questions about what Trump may Thirty-four people have been operative for decades, also plead- years in prison if found guilty on have known prior to the public re- swept up in the Mueller investiga- ed not guilty in a federal court in all the charges but he is unlikely to lease of the stolen e-mails. tion. Washington, DC, to obstructing receive such a harsh sentence, sen- Mueller last year charged 12 Rus- Those charged include Trump’s an offi cial proceeding and witness tencing experts say. sians accused in the hacking as part former campaign chairman and tampering. Stone, a Republican operative of his investigation of Russia’s role deputy campaign chairman, former He is the latest member of since the days of the Watergate in the election, whether Trump’s national security adviser and his Trump’s inner circle charged in scandal that forced his former boss campaign conspired with Moscow former personal lawyer. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s President Richard Nixon to resign and whether the president has un- It remains unclear whether any Russia investigation and was ar- in 1974, smiled as he passed yester- lawfully sought to obstruct the in- further charges have been fi led. rested on Friday in an early-morn- day through a gauntlet of reporters vestigation. Acting US Attorney General ing raid on his home in Florida. upon arrival at the courthouse. The charging documents said a Matthew Whitaker on Monday said Prosecutors say Stone told mem- A small group of protesters senior campaign offi cial “was di- Mueller’s investigation was close to Roger Stone, a longtime adviser to President Donald Trump, arrives at the Prettyman United bers of Trump’s 2016 presiden- waved Russian fl ags and a plac- rected to contact Stone about any wrapping up and that a report was States Courthouse in Washington, DC yesterday. tial campaign that he had advance ard that said “Dirty Traitor” while additional releases and what other expected soon. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Nearly 5,000 garment workers sacked over Bangladesh strikes

AFP out of factory fl oors across the cused of looting and vandalism Unions say the real number fi re is tories,” he told AFP. Police would a bid to break the strikes, which ing to intimidate workers and Dhaka country in days-long protests during the protests have been much higher, closer to 7000, and not comment on allegations of only ended when the govern- squelch any attempt of workers that disrupted the $30bn indus- fi red, but unions have accused that nearly a hundred more have widespread arrests. Bangladesh ment agreed to a paltry pay rise to organise.” The strikes spurred try — and saw police fi re rubber the industry of intimidation and been arrested in roundups. is home to 4,500 clothing facto- —as little as a few cents a month demonstrations outside Bang- early 5,000 low-paid bullets and tear gas at demon- a crackdown. Salauddin Shapon, general ries employing 4.1mn workers, for some workers. “The fact re- ladeshi embassies and consu- Bangladeshi garment strators. “So far the factories have dis- secretary of industry body In- and is the second-largest export- mains that, even after recent lates around the world, and came Nworkers stitching clothes One worker was killed and missed 4,899 workers due to the dustriAll Bangladesh Council, er of garments worldwide after amendments, workers in Bang- just weeks after Prime Minister for global brands have been more than 50 injured in clashes unrest,” a senior police offi cer said many workers were afraid to China. ladesh still earn poverty wages,” Sheikh Hasina was re-elected. sacked by factory bosses for join- in Ashulia, a key industrial town told AFP on condition of ano- return to work. Roughly 80% of Bangla- said Ben Vanpeperstraete, from Hasina — who won a landslide ing strikes over wages this month outside Dhaka where clothes are nymity. More than 1,200 gar- “Cases have been fi led against desh’s export earnings come the Amsterdam-based activist victory disputed by the opposi- that turned violent, police said sewn for retail giants H&M, Wal- ment workers — whose wages 3,000 unidentifi ed workers, from clothing sales abroad, and movement Clean Clothes Cam- tion — has been accused of in- yesterday. mart and many others. Police say start at $95 a month— were dis- which has created panic. Many the industry wields considerable paign, on Monday. “The govern- creasing authoritarianism in the Thousands of labourers walked thousands of factory workers ac- missed from a single factory. have opted to stop going to fac- power. Police were deployed in ment of Bangladesh is undertak- South Asian nation of 165mn.

Hazy day in Bangkok North Korea says it wants peace, normal ties with US

Reuters full disclosure of North Korea’s more defi nite and epoch-mak- Geneva nuclear and missile facilities, ing steps,” he said. Han told Re- before agreeing to key goals of uters that he had no information Pyongyang — easing interna- on a possible second summit orth Korea said yester- tional sanctions and declaring between Kim and Trump, which day that relations with an offi cial end to the 1950-53 the White House has said would The sunset is seen during a poor air quality day in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Nthe United States will Korean War that ended with an be held in late February without develop “wonderfully at a fast armistice. saying where. pace” if Washington responds The summit had brought “As we open a new year, we are to its eff orts on denuclearisation about a dramatic turn in rela- determined to seize this hard- with trustworthy measures and tions that had been “the most won unprecedented window practical actions. hostile on earth” and contrib- of opportunity of diplomacy,” North Korea’s ambassador to uted to ensuring peace and se- South Korea’s deputy ambassa- Rare durian on sale in Indonesia for $1,000 each the United Nations in Geneva, curity on the peninsula, Han dor Lee Jang-Keun told the Ge- Han Tae-song, told the UN- said. neva forum yesterday. sponsored Conference on Disar- He referred to the two lead- “The recent announcement DPA the news website Kompas. taste akin to peanut butter and each tree only having 20 duri- mament that Pyongyang would ers’ joint statement issued after by the US of holding a second Jakarta com. is round in shape, unlike the ans at most. A durian farmer in continue working to establish a their meeting in Singapore and US-DPRK summit meeting in This has made the fruit the regular durian, which is usu- the central Java district of Ken- “permanent and durable peace Kim’s New Year’s Address, add- late February is another harbin- talk of the town in Tasikmalaya, ally oblong. Aka, a 32-year- dal said he had never heard of mechanism on the Korean pe- ing: “Accordingly we declared ger of hope,” he said. rare variety of durian, a where the minimum wage is old psychology graduate, said J-Queen. ninsula”. that we would neither make and South Korea’s foreign minister pungent-smelling fruit 2mn rupiah ($142) per month. J-Queen’s uniqueness results “The most expensive vari- The landmark summit be- test nuclear weapons any longer Kang Kyung-wha told Reuters at A popular in Southeast Visitors to the mall took turns from the crossbreeding of two ety is Kumbokarno, which sells tween North Korean leader Kim nor use and proliferate them and Davos last week that North Ko- Asia, is being sold for $1,000 taking selfi es with the fruit, ac- superior durian varieties in In- for 15,000 to 200,000 rupiah,” Jong-un and US President Don- we have taken various practical rea must make concrete pledg- each at a shopping mall in an cording to local media. donesia. Amrozi told Kompas.com. ald Trump last June produced measures. es toward curbing its nuclear Indonesian town. “I’d rather buy a motorcycle “I’m the only one who owns “We have Kumbokarn and a promise to work towards the “If the US responds to our ef- weapons programme, such as The supermarket in Tasik- and I can use it for 10 years,” the trees, and the saplings are it’s the best and rare,” he add- complete denuclearisation of forts with trustworthy measures dismantling its main nuclear malaya managed to sell two of said a Twitter user who goes by not for sale,” Aka was quoted as ed. Durian is a popular fruit in the divided peninsula. Progress and corresponding practical ac- complex and allowing interna- the fruit, named J-Queen, the the name R Balqis. saying by Kompas.com. Southeast Asia, but many say since then has been patchy. tions, bilateral relations will de- tional inspections to confi rm the day it went on sale despite its Aka, the man who discov- He also claimed that J- it is an acquired taste. Its smell Washington is demand- velop wonderfully at a fast pace process, when leader Kim meets steep price tag of 14mn rupiah ered the version of the King Queen also could only be har- has been compared to rotten ing concrete action, such as a through the process of taking Trump as soon as next month. (about $1,000), according to of Fruits, said it has a unique vested every three years, with meat and gym socks.

Australian researchers test shark-bite resistant wetsuit

An Australian university is test- declined to identify – aims to to the beach taken in Aus- have severe physical, mental, so- ing new materials designed to reduce cuts and punctures from tralia every year, shark attacks cial, and economic consequences. lessen the impact of shark bites, a shark attack, thus lessening are extremely rare, but each It is therefore important to keep ‘Hundreds of thousands’ researchers said yesterday, in blood loss for victims. “We are incident sets off public debate developing new means of reduc- a project aimed at reducing cognisant that it will not prevent about beach safety. There were ing shark bite risks and ensure the fatalities and easing the nerves all injuries as it will not prevent 27 shark attacks in Australian eff icacy of such new products.” of swimmers. fractures or crushing injuries,” waters last year, according to The new neoprene will be tested of fi sh dead in Australia Researchers at Flinders Univer- associate professor Charlie data compiled by Sydney’s against standard materials com- sity in Adelaide have received Huveneers told AFP. Taronga Zoo, including one monly used by surfers and divers, government funding to test a “However, most shark-bite fatali- fatal incident in popular tourist with findings to be released later AFP new neoprene – a synthetic rub- ties are due to blood loss, and destination Whitsunday Islands, this year. There were 18 attacks in Sydney ber commonly used in wetsuits the ability to reduce such blood near the Great Barrier Reef. “Al- 2017 and 26 in 2016, Taronga Zoo – against the force of a bite from loss along with rapid emergency though the risk of shark bites is recorded. several species, including the responses will hopefully de- extremely small, a lot of people Many experts point to the Hundreds of thousands” of great white shark. crease fatalities and injuries due are still worried about sharks,” increased number of people go- fi sh have died in drought- The new material – provided by to shark bites.” Huveneers added. ing into the water as a reason for “stricken Australia in the last manufacturers the university Despite tens of millions of trips “When a shark bite occurs, it can any increase in attacks. few days and more mass deaths are likely to occur, the authorities warned yesterday. Locals around the Darling River were confront- ed with a sea of white, as dead fi sh carpeted the waters near the southeastern Outback town of Suu Kyi’s party, army clash over Menindee. Just weeks after up to a mil- lion were killed – with scientists pointing to low water and oxygen proposal to reform constitution levels as well as possibly toxic algae – another mass death oc- curred in the key agricultural Reuters constitution comes as both ci- starting to infl uence politi- late British academic husband region. Inspectors from the New Naypyitaw vilian and military leaders face cal calculations in Myanmar, it Michael Aris. South Wales Department of Pri- Scores of dead fish floating on the Darling river in Menindee. growing international pressure is not surprising that the NLD For nearly three years, she has mary Industries have visited over an army crackdown on Ro- wants to show progress on one ruled from “above the presi- the site and said they found that the federal government has anyone has off ered up,” Blair yanmar’s ruling party hingya Muslims in 2017 that sent of its key manifesto pledges,” dent” by creating a new posi- “hundreds of thousands of fi sh blamed the deaths on a severe said. “The only thing that will clashed with military about 730,000 people fl eeing to said Yangon-based political tion of state counsellor. have died”. drought, experts and locals say really change these conditions at Mlawmakers yesterday neighbouring Bangladesh. analyst Richard Horsey. The move to create that po- “Further fi sh deaths in the they stem from the systemic de- the moment is fresh water com- as it proposed steps towards Constitutional reform was “But it is also aware that this sition sparked a similar protest Darling River are anticipated as pletion and pollution of the river. ing through the system and there changing the constitution, a central pillar of the NLD’s is a sensitive issue for the mili- by military MPs. The charter a signifi cant number of fi sh have The inspectors added that the is just no possibility of that at the its biggest challenge in nearly platform ahead of the 2015 gen- tary. Establishing a committee also gives the military control been observed under stress,” the latest bout of kills were likely moment.” three years to the army’s power eral election, but little progress is a much relied-on way to sig- of ministries responsible for department said in a statement. linked to “critically low levels Australia’s eastern inland over politics as enshrined in the has been made as leaders have nal intent without immediately security, including defence and Some 700kg of dead fi sh were of dissolved oxygen” caused by regions have been hit by a pro- charter. proved reluctant to confront the forcing the issue,” he said. home aff airs. removed from the river Monday, a sharp drop in temperatures longed drought, with extreme Military members of parlia- military. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi’s par- The NLD has not said what with similar amounts expected to after an extended period of hot heatwaves in recent weeks exac- ment, clad in green uniforms, With another election loom- ty commands a large majority in provisions of the constitu- be collected yesterday, it added. weather. erbating conditions. rose to their feet and stood in ing in 2020, analysts see yes- the two houses of parliament. tion it might seek to reform. In The Darling River is part of New South Wales Regional The late arrival of the mon- silence as parliament voted to terday’s move as an eff ort to But the 2008 constitution, the past, some members of the the Murray-Darling River sys- Water Minister Niall Blair, who soon season in northern Aus- approve the fi rst stage of a pro- shore up support for Suu Kyi’s drafted during military rule, party have called for change tem that stretches thousands of visited Menindee yesterday, told tralia has also contributed to posal to form a committee on party and deliver on election guarantees the army a quarter to Article 436, which gives the kilometres across several states. national broadcaster ABC his heatwaves in some regions. The amending the constitution. pledges.”It is the election prom- of seats and change to the char- military the eff ective veto over Fisheries offi cials were also in- government was out of options, wet season eventually kicked off The proposal could foment ise,” Ye Htut, an NLD member of ter needs a vote of more than constitutional reform. vestigating reports of another with installing aerators in rivers in mid-January, with record- tension between the army and parliament told Reuters ahead of 75% of members, giving the NLD lawmaker Aung Kyi Ny- fi sh kill further south in the Mur- only a “band-aid solution”. breaking fl oods hitting the tropi- Aung San Suu Kyi’s National the vote. In recent weeks Suu Kyi army an eff ective veto. unt, submitting an “emergency rumbidgee River, which fl ows Six aerators were installed cal top end of the vast continent, League for Democracy (NLD), has also toured ethnic minor- The constitution also blocks proposal” to discuss a commit- into the Murray-Darling system. along parts of the Darling River cutting communities off and who have been at loggerheads ity areas, where support for her Suu Kyi from becoming presi- tee that could propose amend- With temperatures expected to give surviving fi sh localised stranding farmers in recent days. over the charter since the par- party is weakest, and on Monday dent, with a prohibition on ments, said the constitution was to rise and no rain forecast, there oxygenated water. “It’s not a Queensland’s major Daintree ty’s historic landslide election touted Myanmar’s potential to presidential candidates with “not in line with the democratic remained a “high risk of further case of not being able to spend River rose to 12.60m — a level not win in 2015. global investors. foreign spouses or children. system” and the “desires of the fi sh kills over the coming days money on something, there just seen in over a century — over the The surprise bid to reform the “As the 2020 elections are Suu Kyi had two sons with her people” should not be ignored. and week”, offi cials said. While isn’t any other alternative that weekend. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 BRITAIN NHS memo reveals two patients died waiting for A&E care

Guardian News and Media looked after both patients before established that while the pa- essary because “these forms are the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare sity NHS foundation trust, in- Each handover delay repre- London they collapsed. tient at the Margate hospital did documented evidence that you NHS trust, including East Surrey, cluding the hospital in Margate, sents a breach of NHS rules, The memo was sent last on die in a corridor, the patient at are monitoring your patient and so far this winter, 974, or one in 1,141 out of 9,535 ambulance ar- which require ambulance-borne January 22. It says: “In the last East Surrey hospital – an elderly if anything does happen, it may fi ve, have had to wait at least half rivals, or one in eight, have had to patients to be put into the care wo patients have died this week we have had two incidents woman – became seriously ill in highlight any early deterioration an hour with paramedics until wait at least 30 minutes. of A&E staff within 15 minutes month after having to wait where patients have died in hos- a corridor near A&E and died in occurring”. they could start their A&E care, Across England between De- of arrival in order to ensure their Tin hospital corridors with pital corridors.” the unit’s resuscitation area de- It adds: “Incidents like this and 225 had a delay of more than cember 3 and January 20, a total safety. paramedics because staff in A&E Full details have not yet spite eff orts by medical staff to are classed as serious incidents hour. of 75,419 patients had to spend Dr Nick Scriven, president of units were too busy to care for emerged, but it is known that the save her. and are investigated by both the The trust has had very few at least 30 minutes being looked the Society for Acute Medicine, them, the Guardian revealed. deaths occurred in the week be- The Secamb circular tells hospital and Secamb, so we need empty beds recently, reaching after by ambulance personnel said: “These reports of deaths The deaths have come to light ginning January 14 at Queen Eliz- crews to ensure they fi ll in “de- to ensure that we are doing our 98.5% occupancy at one point either in a corridor near an A&E occurring in hospital corridors in a memo, seen by the Guardian, abeth the Queen Mother hospital layed handover forms” as soon bit and that it is not our fault.” this month, well above the 85% unit or in the crew’s vehicle out- are tragic cases and represent the that the South East Coast am- in Margate, Kent, and East Surrey as they have been waiting 15 Figures show that of the 4,795 limit that the NHS considers side because the A&E was too risks ever present in our chroni- bulance service (Secamb) sent to hospital in Redhill. minutes to hand a patient over patients who have arrived by am- safe. busy to accept them, NHS fi gures cally overstretched A&E depart- its crews last week. Its personnel Inquiries by the Guardian have to A&E staff . It says this is nec- bulance at the hospitals run by At East Kent Hospitals Univer- show. ments and hospitals.” Labour MP jailed for lying to avoid speeding ticket

Guardian News and Media edly lied after her car was caught London by a speeding camera driving at 41mph in a 30mph zone. Her sentencing will also n MP has been given a prompt a formal inquiry by the three-month jail sentence Solicitors Regulation Author- Afor lying to avoid a speed- ity, which could lead to her being ing ticket, automatically trigger- struck off . ing a recall petition in her Cam- Onasanya has vowed to carry bridgeshire seat. on as an MP. Fiona Onasanya, the MP for All major political parties, in- Peterborough and a former La- cluding Labour, have said they bour whip, was sentenced for will campaign for Onasanya to be perverting the course of justice kicked out of parliament. following a retrial. In remarks made before sen- She appeared at the Old Bailey tencing, Stuart-Smith said that yesterday to be sentenced along- in similar prosecutions for per- A car is driven on a snow-covered road on Mam Tor near Castleton, central England, yesterday. side her brother, Festus Onas- verting the course of justice, anya, who pleaded guilty to three those found guilty would expect a similar charges. custodial sentence. Justice Stuart-Smith jailed the “If she wasn’t an MP and wasn’t MP for three months and sen- in a position of responsibility and tenced her brother to 10 months power, she would go inside. There in prison. is not one rule for those who are He said: “It’s a tragedy that you in a position of responsibility and have found yourselves here and in power, and another for those who this predicament but it’s a tragedy are not,” he said. However, he add- Snow and ice shut that you have brought on your- ed that she was of previous good selves.” character. “She went into politics Under laws introduced in 2015, on a principled basis with a strong any prison term, even a sus- agenda for social justice,” he said. pended sentence, leads to a recall Christine Agnew QC, counsel petition, which will be open for for Onasanya, said: “This is not six weeks and can force a byelec- just a fall from grace, it is a very tion if signed by 10% of voters in a public fall from grace. She will schools, hit travel constituency. inevitably be struck off as a solici- Because Onasanya, 35, has ap- tor. Her life as a politician and her Guardian News and Media pected to fall at higher levels in National Park, were closed be- A police spokesman said: fice’s chief meteorologist, said: pealed against her conviction, life as a solicitor will come to an London Scotland and Wales, with 1-2cm tween Cock Bridge and Tomin- “Winter has been biting for most “As the moist air from a weath- this may not happen for several end,” she said. expected on lower ground. Tem- toul from Monday afternoon. of us this week, which means it er system bringing storms to months. The recall petition can- She argued that Onasanya, who peratures dropped to around -7C Despite overnight snowfall, is more important than ever that France clashes with the cold air not be opened until the appeals has been diagnosed with multiple emperatures have plum- (19F) across the Highlands over- flights to and from Aberdeen your vehicle is suitably prepared sitting over the UK, it brings process has concluded. sclerosis, would not be able to re- meted across the UK, as night. airport have been operating for the roads. Unfortunately not the chance of wintry showers The sentence represents the ceive the necessary physiothera- Tsnow showers and icy Highland Council closed 13 as usual, although the airport everyone follows this advice. It and snow disruption to most end of Onasanya’s short political py treatment inside prison. conditions swept the country, primary schools and nurseries cautioned travellers to leave is important before you set off parts. career. “She has also had to come to closing schools and disrupting yesterday morning because of extra time on their way to the to make sure your windows are “It’s not possible at this stage A trained solicitor and former terms with an MS diagnosis … travel. the weather, while pupils across terminal and take care on the clean, properly demisted and to be certain where exactly will councillor, she was selected by It is clear that she is likely to suf- With Scotland, northern north Wales were also told to roads. clear of all snow and ice before see the worst impacts of any Labour in 2017, shortly before fer from further attacks given the England and Wales the worst remain at home as cars became In the far north of Scotland, a you drive.” snow, but people need to be the general election. Her subse- nature of the diagnosis.” The Old aff ected, the Met Offi ce has is- trapped in snowdrifts along the motorist was issued with a fi xed A further warning, for the prepared for the possibility of quent victory over the incumbent Bailey heard evidence the MP was sued four yellow warnings for A487, the main road that borders penalty notice after being caught south-east of England, the Mid- disruption and make sure they Stewart Jackson by 607 votes was texting as well as speeding on the snow and ice. Wintry showers Snowdonia National Park near driving a snow-covered car with lands, and East Anglia, contin- check the forecast regularly. unexpected. When she was inter- evening of July 24 last year, during were predicted across Wales, Machynlleth, Powys. only a small square of wind- ues into today, and the Met Offi ce “Areas of higher ground are viewed shortly afterwards, Ona- the summer recess. The prosecu- northern and western England There had already been sig- screen cleared. Police Scotland expects rain and snow to move in most likely to see signifi cant sanya said she would like to be- tion alleged she went on to collude into today morning, as well as nifi cant snowfall in parts of the released photographs of the car, from the south-west, moving snowfall, so it’s particularly im- come Britain’s fi rst black female with her brother Festus to avoid a over north-west Scotland and Highlands and the snow gates on which was stopped on the A9 at across England and Wales, to- portant to take extra care when prime minister. speeding ticket in a series of ex- Northern Ireland. the A939, the Old Military Road Thurso, Caithness, as a warning morrow and into Friday. planning and travelling in those The jury heard she had repeat- changes with the police. Up to 10cm of snow is ex- in the heart of the Cairngorms to other drivers. Paul Gundersen, the Met Of- places.” Rail passenger satisfaction Royals visit museum Victims lose £1mn at lowest level since 2007 in pension scams Daily Mail ingly. It’s a tragedy for the indi- Guardian News and Media operator with the least satisfi ed the system to reform itself. London viduals concerned.” London customers. “A better value for money and Introduced in 2015, the pen- Scotrail recorded its lowest more reliable railway must arrive sion freedom changes gave sav- score since 2002, with just 79% soon for passengers.” ension scam victims ers much more fl exibility over ail passenger satisfaction satisfi ed, in a year marked by The proportion of journeys are losing an average of how to use their retirement pot. has fallen to the lowest cancellations and the late deliv- rated satisfactory value for the P£91,000 each in a wave of Before then, the vast majority Rlevel in more than a dec- ery of new trains. fare was 46% overall and 31% fraud sparked by reforms made spent their savings on a guaran- ade, according to the offi cial na- Only two operators, Heathrow among regular commuters. by former chancellor George Os- teed income for life called an an- tional survey. Express and Chiltern Railways, Passengers on Northern were borne. nuity. Transport Focus, the passen- improved markedly on their au- most dissatisfi ed with how the At least £23mn was stolen A £91,000 pot would buy the ger watchdog that conducts the tumn 2017 score in the national train company dealt with de- from 253 savers after they fell typical pensioner an annuity of biannual survey, said the results rail passenger survey, which lays, with 38% actively express- prey to criminals in 2017, offi cial around £3,200 a year, rising in showed the need for fundamen- records the satisfaction of more ing dissatisfaction and only 31% fi gures show. line with infl ation. A £1mn pot tal change in rail services as over- than 25,000 passengers with happy with the service. Two victims lost nest eggs would buy around £35,000 a all satisfaction with journeys fell their latest journey. TransPennine Express pas- worth more than £1mn. year according to Tom McPhail, to 79%, meaning more than one The overall ratings in the sur- sengers were by some margin the The fi gures are thought to be a pension expert at savings fi rm in fi ve passengers were not satis- vey were the lowest since spring least satisfi ed with the amount just the tip of the iceberg, with Hargreaves Lansdown. fi ed. 2007, and the worst in the direct- of space onboard, with 35% un- the real number far higher as But pensioners are now free to In a year marked by cancel- ly comparable autumn survey happy with the level of crowd- many cases go unreported. invest their money in whatever lations and chaos after the in- since 2004. ing. It comes after con artists they like, or even take it out as troduction of new timetables, Anthony Smith, the chief ex- The Rail Delivery Group, spotted an opportunity in the cash in a lump sum. as well as numerous strikes, ecutive of Transport Focus, said: which represents the indus- so-called Pension Freedom re- Campaigners fear this fl ex- passenger satisfaction declined “The government and the indus- try, said it agreed fundamental forms introduced by Osborne, ibility has opened the fl oodgates signifi cantly on seven opera- try must continue to focus on reform was needed to “fi x the which give retirees more con- for fraudsters promoting bogus tors: Great Northern, Northern, performance. In the longer term railway for the future”, includ- trol over what they do with their investments. TransPennine Express, Greater the government’s rail review ing overhauling the fares sys- savings. These typically promise Anglia, Thameslink, ScotRail must bring about fundamental tem. Jacqueline Starr, the RDG’s Independent MP Frank Field, huge returns through unusual and London North Eastern Rail- change. managing director for customer chairman of the pension com- schemes such as hotel develop- way. “Passenger irritation at poor experience, said: “Punctuality mittee, said: “What this shows ments in the Caribbean or farms Great Northern has now re- performance erodes their most is the bedrock of satisfaction for Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess is that the defences against fraud to grow truffl es. placed Southern, its sister com- basic trust in the industry. Pas- our customers and at the mo- of Cambridge, arrive at the “V&A Dundee” museum in haven’t kept pace with the ex- But in reality, victims’ money pany in the Govia Thameslink senger frustration at continual ment in too many places we are Dundee, Scotland, yesterday. tension of the freedoms, and the is never invested and is spent by Railway franchise, as the train fare increases saps confi dence in not getting it right.” government should act accord- the scammers instead. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 15 BRITAIN/IRELANDBRITAIN BRITAIN/IRELAND Agency protecting key environmental sites at ‘crisis point’

Guardian News and Media ing and monitoring sensitive cuts and understaffi ng, Natural decade, from £242mn in 2009- One 11-year veteran of the The Prospect union has in- es to do the things they need London sites, including sites of special England employees and other 10 to £100mn for 2017-18. Staff agency reported low morale and vestigated the agency and con- to do,” said Garry Graham, the scientifi c interest (SSSIs) and interested parties have told the numbers have been slashed from increasing diffi culty in manag- cluded it is “at crisis point”, with deputy general secretary of nature reserves, and advising Guardian. 2,500 to an estimated 1,500. ing workloads, with sites left staff overstretched and under Prospect. housands of environ- on the environmental impact of “These are fantastically pas- Conservation work on sites of unmonitored for years. They stress after eight years of a 1% “If we are to be able to regu- mentally important sites new homes and other develop- sionate staff who are worried special scientifi c interest is be- said: “Our work brings econom- pay cap. The union launched a late our own environment prop- Tacross England are com- ments in the planning stages. that the environment is being ing cut, while farmers are fi nding ic benefi ts, environmental ben- report yesterday with a call on erly after Brexit, it is vital that we ing under threat as the govern- Its work includes overseeing na- aff ected so badly by these cuts,” it harder to access expert help on efi ts, it helps communities. We ministers to increase funding cultivate and maintain the skills ment body charged with their tional parks, paying farmers to one frontline staff member said. countryside stewardship. Work have suff ered disproportionately and remove the agency from the to do so domestically. We will no care struggles with understaff - protect biodiversity, and areas of “There will be no turning back on areas such as air pollution and from the cuts to the department pay cap. longer be able to rely on the EU ing, slashed budgets and an in- huge public concern such as air the clock” if we allow sensitive marine plastics has been cut and for environment, food and rural “Cuts have left Natural Eng- to do bits of it for us. Once biodi- creasing workload. quality and marine plastic waste. sites to be degraded. many nature reserves are be- aff airs budget. It is such a shame land at the point where its versity is lost, it cannot easily be Natural England has wide- But these activities are be- The agency’s budget has been ing neglected as vital volunteers as we have done some amazing workers are saying they don’t regained. Now is the time for the ranging responsibilities protect- ing impaired by severe budget cut by more than half in the past cannot be safely trained. and incredible work.” have enough people or resourc- government to act.”

‘No-deal’ to cost UK ‘County lines’ retirees in EU free drugs trade healthcare

Guardian News and Media a £500mn London

ritish nationals who have retired to EU countries in- Bcluding Spain and France will no longer have their health- industry: police care covered by the NHS in the event of ‘no deal’, the govern- Guardian News and Media ing and luxury cars, but vulner- awareness among law enforce- ment has said. London able girls and women are being ment of the scale. The confi rmation will come as targeted by men who create the The greatest number of coun- a blow to around 190,000 Brit- impression of a romantic rela- ty lines originate from the Met- ish citizens retired in the EU in he scale of the “county tionship before subjecting them ropolitan police area at about the Spanish Costas, Provence in lines” phenomenon, where to sexual exploitation. 15%, followed by the West Mid- France and Tuscany in Italy, all Tcriminal networks exploit Vulnerable drug users are at lands police area at 9% and Mer- popular with British pensioners. thousands of children and vulner- continuing risk of serious vio- seyside at 7%. It could also add to the burden able adults to funnel hard drugs lence, including loss of life, with About 21% of cases involve on the NHS if pensioners believe from cities to towns and rural ar- a number of murders identifi ed vulnerable adults traffi cked or they have no option but to return eas, is greater than crime-fi ghting as having county lines links. exploited into the county lines to the UK for treatment. The gov- chiefs previously thought, with Nikki Holland, the director of trade and 17% of cases involve ernment has previously admit- a fresh assessment revealing a investigations and county lines “cuckooing” – when gangs set ted it is cheaper to pay Spain and £500mn industry linked to mur- lead at the NCA, told journalists up dealing bases by taking over France to look after Britons’ medi- der and sexual exploitation. at the agency’s headquarters in the homes of addicted or other- cal bills than have them fl y home. County lines involves gangs in south-west London that prof- wise vulnerable people, includ- Currently pensioners can get cities such as London, Birming- its from the county lines trade ing people with disabilities. treatment reimbursed by the ham and Liverpool using children nationwide were estimated at Gangmasters target chil- NHS under an EU-wide body of as young as 11 to deal mostly her- about £500mn. dren with impoverished back- reciprocal arrangements. oin and crack cocaine over a net- Releasing the 2018 assess- grounds, who have experienced “It is another example of how work of dedicated mobile phones. ment, Holland said: “Tackling family breakdown or interven- those advocating ‘no deal’ are The number of individual county lines is a national law tion by social services or exclu- playing with the lives of British phone numbers identifi ed by law enforcement priority. We know sion from school, the report said. citizens living in other EU coun- enforcement offi cials as being that criminal networks use high The off enders also target drug tries,” said Colin Yeo, an immi- used on established county lines levels of violence, exploitation addicts who allow the use of gration lawyer and freedom of networks is now 2,000 – nearly and abuse to ensure compliance their property but often end up movement campaigner. three times the 720 previously from the vulnerable people they building up debt with the net- “Many of these politicians and established, the National Crime employ to do the day-to-day work, which they have to pay pundits probably haven’t both- Agency (NCA) said. drug supply activity. back through further off ending. ered to fi nd out how their policies In its annual assessment of the “Every organised crime group Adult victims often live with would actually aff ect such people.” county lines trade, the NCA said traffi cking drugs is a business mental health conditions in- For many the alternative may the phone numbers were linked which relies on cashfl ow. County cluding depression and anxiety. be to return to the UK, some- to about 1,000 branded networks, lines is no diff erent. What we Many victims are recruited in thing the government has said in with a single line capable of mak- will continue to do with our law “importing” towns – locations the past will cost the British tax- ing £800,000 profi ts in a year. enforcement partners is disrupt which are receiving drugs from payer more in NHS expenditure County lines off enders have their activity and take away their major cities to sell on, the as- because of the savings in cheaper been caught using mass market- assets. sessment said. health systems around Europe. ing text messages to advertise “We also need to ensure that There has been an increase in Pensioners who have paid in drugs with promotions such as those exploited are safeguarded the use of short-term lets and to the national insurance sys- two-for-one deals and free sam- and understand the consequences guesthouses, including using the tem for the qualifying number ples, the report revealed. of their involvement. This is not accommodation website Airbnb, of years currently benefi t from The majority of victims something law enforcement can the NCA revealed. the “S1” reciprocal healthcare groomed into working for gangs tackle alone – the need to work Rail network hubs such as Bir- rules if they retire in the EU, EEA are 15- to 17-year-old boys but together to disrupt this activity mingham New Street, Clapham countries or Switzerland. children as young as 11 and girls and safeguard vulnerable victims Junction, Manchester Piccadilly, An S1 certifi cate is available to have also been targeted. must be the priority for everyone.” St Pancras International and anyone in receipt of a state pen- Many victims are recruited Holland said the increase in Waterloo have been identifi ed as sion, and to some workers who over social media, with off end- the phone numbers identifi ed key points of access by the NCA are sent abroad on a temporary Pro-Brexit protesters, some dressed as suff ragettes, demonstrate on the pavement outside the Houses ers luring them by showing off did not refl ect a worsening of the but other less obvious hubs are basis by their UK employers. of Parliament in central London yesterday. images of cash, designer cloth- problem, rather an increasing likely to be frequently used. Belfast murder ‘not in the Newest addition Three charged with name of loyalism’: UVF guard’s killing Guardian News and Media ed after presenting himself at a London central London police station Guardian News and Media against the UVF. Detectives ap- George Dorrian, a Democratic on Monday night. The third London pealed for witnesses and people Unionist party councillor who man was arrested in Hammer- with dashcam footage of the knows the family, told the BBC. olice investigating the smith, west London, and was incident or aftermath to come “People just could not believe killing of a security charged with violent disorder he Ulster Volunteer Force forward. the sort of violence that was used Pguard who was stabbed as well as murder. has condemned the mur- A member of Ogle’s fam- upon this man.” Ogle, known as to death as he tried to stop Detectives are still appeal- Tder of a Northern Ireland ily recorded and posted online a “Big O”, was well known around people gatecrashing a New ing for information to help loyalist that has been blamed graphic scene in the aftermath of Cluan Place and had acted as Year’s Eve party in London trace two other suspects: Os- on members of the paramilitary the attack: he lay on the ground a spokesperson for the loyalist have arrested three men. sama Hamed, 25, and Nor group. bleeding while a female voice community, serving as a mem- The men, aged 20, 23 and Aden Hamada, 23, who are The group issued a statement cried out that UVF members had ber of the Ulster People’s Forum, 25, were are all charged with both described as dangerous. saying it was “seeking answers” stabbed her father. which was set up during loyalist the murder of Tudor Simi- Images of both men have been to the fatal beating and apparent Four people were arrested in fl ag protests in 2012. onov, 33, who was working at released by police. stabbing of Ian Ogle, a 45-year- connection with the attack. Two By yesterday afternoon, a Go- the private event in Park Lane A 25-year-old man was old father-of-two, outside his men aged 31 and 45 were released FundMe page to help his fam- when he was attacked and previously charged with vio- home at Cluan Place in east Bel- on bail on Monday. Two women ily cover funeral expenses had killed in the early hours of the lent disorder in connection fast on Sunday night. aged 35 and 36 remain in cus- raised more than £7,000. “Al- new year. with the case. And a 26-year- “Whoever did it did not do it tody. ways had a cheeky grin and a Two of Simionov’s col- old woman was charged with in the name of loyalism or the The Belfast Telegraph yester- kind word for everyone. This was leagues and a man and woman perverting the course of jus- UVF. Actions of this sort under- day reported that a long-run- murder by cowards too afraid to were also stabbed during the tice. mine the positive transforma- ning feud erupted in pub brawls face him like the kind of man he incident. They have all since Detective inspector Garry tion which is taking place with on Sunday, resulting in UVF was,” said one dedication. been released from hospital. Moncrieff , who is leading the the organisation and we distance members forming a “punish- Relatives, friends and sup- The 20-year-old suspect is investigation, said: “The three ourselves from the appalling act ment squad” to seek a relative porters are due to hold a vigil being treated for injuries after men will now be questioned on a popular member of our local of Ogle. The group, thought to today evening. “This is a gather- a police raid early yesterday by investigators. However, we community. We send heartfelt number fi ve men, could not fi nd ing/vigil of support for the entire at an address in Brent, north- will not stop until we have ap- condolences to the wider family the target so instead attacked Ogle family, to show our sup- west London. Scotland Yard prehended all those who have circle.” Ogle as he stood outside his front port as a community and send a said he was “detained by a po- played a part in Tudor’s mur- Police are reviewing security door. clear message to these gangsters lice dog” after jumping from a der.” He described the sus- camera footage as part of the “It has been barbaric and shaming East Belfast enough is Amur Tiger cubs born in Dublin Zoo, the largest big cat in the window and attempting to run pects Hamed and Hamada as investigation into the murder, the level of violence, the level enough,” said a Facebook post world, are seen publicly for the first time in Dublin, Ireland. away. “dangerous individuals who which has prompted an outcry that was used, was a disgrace,” advertising the event. The 25-year-old was arrest- need to be apprehended”. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 EUROPE UN expert to present Khashoggi report before June

DPA/AFP/Reuters Saudi consulate is located. the authorities to give us access Khashoggi, a Washington Post Istanbul Footage by state news agency at some stage while we are here.” columnist living in the United Anadolu showed Callamard ar- She started her week-long States, was killed on October 2 riving in front of the consulate in visit to Turkey on Monday when at the Saudi consulate, where he UN human rights expert, Istanbul’s Besiktas district. she met Foreign Minister Mevlut had gone to collect documents who is in Turkey to lead an She was accompanied by Brit- Cavusoglu and Justice Minister for his planned wedding. Ainternational inquiry into ish lawyer Helena Kennedy and Abdulhamit Gul in Ankara. US intelligence agencies be- the killing of Saudi journalist forensic professor Duarte Nuno The UN visit comes nearly lieve the Saudi crown prince Jamal Khashoggi, met Istanbul’s Vieira, according to Anadolu. four months after Khashoggi, a ordered an operation to kill chief prosecutor yesterday. “We just wanted to have a Saudi national and vocal critic of Khashoggi, a critic of the king- Agnes Callamard, the UN’s sense of it,” she told reporters. Crown Prince Mohamed bin Sal- dom’s de facto ruler, and say his special rapporteur on extrajudi- The UN team is still waiting for man, was murdered inside Riya- body was dismembered and re- cial, summary or arbitrary ex- the Saudi authorities to allow ac- dh’s consulate in Istanbul. moved to a location still publicly ecutions, met Irfan Fidan at the cess to the consulate, Callamard Private broadcaster CNN Turk unknown. Caglayan courthouse, the pros- told reporters, according to Ana- reported yesterday that Cal- Riyadh has vehemently denied ecutor’s offi ce told DPA. dolu. lamard also planned to meet that the prince had any involve- Callamard said before her “We made a request to the Khashoggi’s fi ancée Hatice Cen- ment. meeting with Fidan yesterday Saudi government for access to giz. Kenneth Roth, executive di- that she would present her report the consulate, as well as meeting The UN’s human rights branch rector of Human Rights Watch, by the end of May. with Saudi authorities here and was not immediately available said on Monday that Callamard “The report will be made pub- in Saudi Arabia,” she said. “We for comment. is investigating what evidence lic a few weeks before I present are waiting for their response.” Yesterday President Recep there is pointing to the prince’s it to the human rights council in “To be fair, the request to them Tayyip Erdogan’s communica- responsibility. Geneva, so end of May possibly,” has come quite late, so we need tions chief Fahrettin Altun said He also called for the Cen- she said. to give them a bit more time to that Ankara welcomes Cal- tral Intelligence Agency (CIA) to Callamard (right) stands behind barriers in front of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, during her visit as part Earlier, Callamard examined process our request,” she said. lamard’s visit. “Justice must be share its intercepted recordings of an inquiry into the murder of Khashoggi. the neighbourhood where the “We are respectfully calling on served,” he tweeted. of the crime.

Castaner: They will be brought France debates riot bill before the justice system. Minister hints at after ‘yellow vest’ unrest AFP “In many towns in France, not “an anti-yellow vest law” or Paris demonstrations have been “anti-demonstration” law. return of peaceful – but we cannot accept “It’s a law to protect demon- some people taking advantage strators, shopkeepers, local resi- rench MPs began debat- of these demonstrations to cross dents and police,” he told BFM militants ing yesterday a controver- the line, break things and set television. Fsial anti-rioting bill which things on fi re.” Yael Braun-Pivet, the LREM aims to crack down on the sort of The protests began in Novem- head of the national assembly’s DPA street violence that has marred ber against rising fuel taxes, but cross-party laws commission, Paris “yellow vest” anti-government quickly spiralled into a wider said that protecting the right to protests since November. revolt over accusations that Ma- demonstrate would be front and The bill notably aims to ban cron, a former banker, is out of centre in the debate. rench Interior Minister individuals identifi ed as habitual touch with ordinary people in “What guarantees are being Christophe Castaner hint- hooligans from taking part in small-town and rural France. put around this procedure?” she Fed yesterday that French demonstrations, and force pro- Across France tens of thou- demanded, telling the Journal du Islamic State (IS) members held testers involved in acts of vio- sands have joined protests and Dimanche newspaper earlier this in Syria could be returning home lence to pay for the damage. road blocks, although the num- month that she was “reticent” due to US plans to pull out of the Some lawmakers also want bers have eased in recent weeks over certain measures. confl ict. more severe penalties for organ- after Macron announced a series Leftist critics have decried Castaner refused to comment isers of unauthorised demon- of policy climbdowns and a pub- the bill as “liberticide” and have directly when RMC radio asked strations as well as people who lic consultation so people could been little reassured by Cas- him whether he could confi rm cover their faces during violent vent their anger. taner’s suggestion that a protest a leak that 130 former French protests. In several cities – but espe- ban would concern fewer than members of the extremist group However, the bill has drawn cially Paris – the weekend pro- 300 people. would be returning within fi re from critics who say the pro- tests have repeatedly descended Already revised by Braun- weeks. posals represent a threat to civil into violence. Pivet’s commission, more than “There are currently people liberties. Rioters in the capital torched 200 amendments have been pro- who are in prison and are being Announcing the draft law ear- cars and looted shops in early posed to the bill, with a fi nal vote held because the Americans are lier this month, Prime Minister December, and also ransacked due next Tuesday. there, and who are going to be Edouard Philippe said some of the Arc de Triomphe monument. The draft law could also see set free,” the minister said, add- the anti-Macron “yellow vest” Interior Minister Christophe protesters who mask their faces This picture taken on Saturday shows a man with a placard reading ‘yellow vests equals worldwide ing: “They are going to want to protests had led to unacceptable Castaner insisted that the bill, fi ned up to €15,000 ($17,000) and revolution against finance!’ next to a fire at the Place de la Republique, during an anti-government come back to France.” violence. backed by police unions, was handed a one-year prison term. demonstration called by the ‘yellow vests’ (‘Gilets Jaunes’) movement in Paris. Hundreds of suspected IS fi ghters and family members are thought to be held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who have captured Gloom lifts in Elysee as townhall debates re-energise Macron much of northern and eastern Syria from the group. However, the SDF is facing an Reuters cal debate, rolled up his shirt- European Parliament elections. uncertain future after US Presi- Paris sleeves, and for several hours However, there is no guaran- dent Donald Trump last month explained his policies aimed at tee that trend will continue, and said he would pull out the US spurring growth and creating the yellow vest protests rumble troops that have backed them t the peak of France’s jobs. on. against Islamic State. “yellow vest” crisis, “This was the Emmanuel Ma- Some want to channel their Turkey, which sees the SDF’s APresident Emmanuel cron I remembered, the spirit energy into becoming a politi- Kurdish leadership as terrorists Macron’s wife and close aides from the campaign was back,” cal force and aim to contest the due to their links with banned were shown the Elysee Palace’s one aide who worked with Ma- May EU elections, though that Kurdish rebels on its soil, has nuclear-proof bunker in case cron during the 2016-2017 pres- decision has revealed deep splits threatened to invade their de the anti-government protest- idential campaign told Reuters. within their amorphous move- facto autonomous zone. ers attempted an assault on the The “yellow vests”, named af- ment. Castaner said any French re- presidency. ter high-visibility vests French Macron, a former investment ligious extremists who did come The startling revelation by drivers must keep in their cars, banker, has been told by advis- back would be arrested on ar- Journal du Dimanche, which the had thrown Macron onto the de- ers to avoid some of the cutting rival. president’s offi ce has not de- fensive late last year. remarks that angered voters and “You can be sure of one thing,” nied, shows just how anxious Their initial protests – against made him look arrogant, but he Castaner said. “It’s that these Macron’s inner circle were over fuel tax hikes that Macron is still prone to faux pas. women and men are known, and the challenge to his authority, as then scrapped – spiralled into Moreover, further tough re- they will be brought before the he sought a way to quell popular a broader movement against forms lie ahead. justice system ... immediately if anger. the political elite and inequal- Plans for stricter rules on un- they return to France, and they Six weeks on, Macron is back ity, triggering some of the worst employment benefi ts, a leaner will be tried and punished.” on the off ensive and opinion street violence in Paris in dec- Macron, seen with his wife Brigitte, touches a shrapnel-riddled column during their visit yesterday to public sector and a merging of Prior to the US withdrawal, polls point to a recovery in his ades. Cairo’s St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, which was targeted during an attack in 2016. varying pension plans into a French authorities had appeared battered popularity. Despite the recovery in his single system could push voters happy for their citizens who had Successful outings to a trio fortunes, Macron told report- It was a far cry from the mil- In another small victory for the wall” in December to “Will back onto the streets. joined the extremist group to of townhall debates with local ers on a fl ight to Egypt on Sun- lion citizens who rallied in Macron, he appears for now Macron emerge from this victo- The polls suggest that Ma- stay in Kurdish custody. mayors and disenchanted voters day that he still felt like he was support of General Charles de to have changed the narrative rious?” last weekend. cron’s increasingly tough re- Any return of former religious have re-energised the president “walking on thin ice”. Gaulle at a march that helped coming out of France’s infl uen- Even Macron’s opponents sponse to the violent street extremists would be very contro- and lifted the gloom in his offi ce. That same day, however, end the May 1968 uprising, but tial 24-hour news channels. acknowledge that he has per- marches has reassured con- versial in France, which suff ered In Bourg-de-Peage in the 10,000 pro-government sup- still a welcome sight for Macron BFM TV’s ticker, which Ma- formed well in the townhall ses- servative voters unnerved by the more than 230 deaths in terrorist southern Drome region, Macron porters marched in a riposte to supporters who had questioned cron’s PR team obsesses over, sions, part of a two-month long scale of the unrest. attacks in 2015 and 2016, most of turned up unannounced at a lo- the yellow vest protests. whether he could bounce back. went from “Macron pushed to national debate that Macron “In my constituency, I’m told which were claimed by Islamic promises will infl uence policy- ‘we’re not always for your poli- State. France’s ‘yellow vests’ protest movement suff er early European election setback making, appearing self-assured cies, but we want this whole saga There are no clear fi gures on and confi dent as the audiences to end’,” Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, how many French religious ex- France’s “yellow vests” suff ered the first setback authority, provided the loose-knit movement But some activists have accused the candidates grilled him. a lawmaker in Macron’s La Re- tremists are currently held by to their ambitions to contest May’s European prepared properly. of betraying the movement. “In terms of form, the per- publique En Marche (LREM), the SDF. elections after one of 10 candidates and their But he expressed doubts over whether this was One, Marc Dunoyer told the Journal du Diman- formance was a success,” Dam- told Reuters. French Foreign Minister Jean- campaign director quit following a barrage of the case. che paper that he was quitting the candidate ien Abad, a lawmaker for the “The French don’t like chaos. Yves Le Drian put the number attacks from within the protest movement. “I have taken the decision to withdraw from my list because of death threats over his support centre-right Les Republicains The grand debate is a smart way at “almost 100” in February last The withdrawals come less than a week after a activities ... and take a week to analyse, reflect for Macron during the 2017 presidential race, party told Reuters. “It was a to get out of this through the year, but the group has lost more small group within the movement announced and prepare my next steps,” Shahinyan wrote even if he was now “disappointed” by the rather beautiful moment. But front door.” ground to the Kurdish-led forces its list in a move which exposed deep splits on Facebook. former investment banker. the French expect more than Analysts warn, however, that since then. about whether and how to become a more One opinion poll last week showed the “yellow The “yellow vests”, named after high-visibility unanswered questions.” Macron’s national debate also In late 2017, France’s top anti- organised political force. vests” could prove a disruptive force in the vests French drivers must keep in their cars, An Ifop poll last week showed risks raising expectations. terrorism prosecutor said that Campaign chief Hayk Shahinyan said elections European elections, stealing votes from the began their protests in November against fuel Macron’s popularity up four “Giving people a chance to overall 690 French citizens who could present an opportunity for the “yellow far-right and so inadvertently help Macron, taxes and the high cost of living. points at 27%. speak is a big decision, and he’ll had joined Islamic State were vests”, whose anti-government protests have whose liberal economic reforms triggered their The movement has morphed into a broader re- Surveys have also shown his have to show that it served a thought to still be in Syria and challenged President Emmanuel Macron’s original protests. bellion against the political elite and inequality. party back ahead of the far-right purpose,” Ifop’s Frederic Dabi Iraq. in voting intentions for the May said. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 17 EUROPE

Vatican offi cial quits after Italy gets off ers to help abuse claim end migrant boat row Reuters German NGO sues Italy at EU an agreement among eight EU “must be brought to the nearest Vatican City rights court over stranded countries, including Italy, to safe harbour”. migrants subsequently take them in. Salvini, who has warned that Italy allowed rescue ships to he was considering legal action senior Vatican offi cial has Reuters/AFP dock regularly until June of last against Sea Watch’s crew, said resigned after a former Nicosia/Berlin year, when the new government yesterday that the 47 migrants Anun accused him of solic- of the right-wing League and can disembark if they agree to iting sex from her a decade ago the anti-establishment 5-Star leave for Germany or the Neth- while hearing her confession, in talian Prime Minister Movement took offi ce and erlands. another potentially embarrass- Giuseppe Conte said yester- cracked down on migrant ar- “Disembarking of migrants? ing abuse case for the Holy See. Iday that fi ve countries had rivals, in line with the election Only if they head for the Nether- The Vatican said yesterday come forward with off ers to help promises of League leader Mat- lands, whose fl ag the Sea Watch that Father Hermann Geissler, end the stand-off over a rescue teo Salvini. boat is fl ying, or to Germany, an Austrian section head in the boat moored off Sicily with 47 Sea Watch meanwhile said the country of the NGO,” he said Vatican doctrinal offi ce, the migrants on board. that it has fi led a case at the on Twitter. “In Italy we have al- Congregation for the Doctrine of The Sea Watch 3, run by a Ger- European Human Rights Court ready received, and spent, too the Faith (CDF), had submitted man humanitarian group, res- against Italy for refusing to allow much.” his resignation but denied the cued the migrants from a rubber its ship to dock. The Netherlands on Mon- accusation against him. boat off the Libyan coast more The German NGO’s spokes- day rebuff ed Italy’s call to take The cardinal heading the CDF than a week ago but Italy, which man Ruben Neugebauer said in the 47 migrants, arguing that accepted his resignation, it said. has closed its ports to charity the group had taken the drastic Dutch-fl agged ship had acted The case comes at a time ships, has refused to allow them step on Friday because of Rome’s “on its own initiative”. when more nuns, encouraged ashore to request asylum. hardline attitude against the “It was up to the captain of by the #MeToo movement, have “I want to thank the friendly mainly sub-Saharan migrants Sea Watch 3 to fi nd a nearby port been coming forward to describe countries that have in the last that its ship Sea Watch 3 pulled to disembark the 47 migrants he abuse at the hands of priests and few hours said they are willing out of the Mediterranean on had on board,” said the Dutch bishops. to fi nd a shared solution,” Conte Some demontrators hold placards reading ‘We are not fishes’ during a gathering in front of Italian January 19. government. Last year, the International told reporters in the Cypriot parliament in central Rome, organised late on Monday by local human rights associations in support of Italy’s far-right Interior Min- Some 113,482 migrants Union of Superiors General, capital Nicosia. the 47 migrants stranded aboard the Sea Watch 3. ster Matteo Salvini is “taking the crossed the Mediterranean to which represents more than He named the countries as people on board as political hos- reach Europe last year, according 500,000 Catholic nuns, urged Germany, France, Portugal, European countries, called for ship, and I want it to be very after properly on the boat. tages”, said Neugebauer. to the UN refugee agency, which their members to report abuse. Malta, and Romania. the ship to dock in the nearest clear for all our Italian friends,” The current situation is the “They are trying to push it said 2,262 people lost their lives “Geissler decided to take this Similar stand-off s in the past safest harbour as quickly as pos- he said. second time in a month that Sea to the Netherlands,” he added, or went missing making the per- step to limit the damage already have ended with several EU sible, a clear reference to Italy, However, Conte said he had Watch 3, which fl ies a Dutch fl ag, referring to Salvini’s insistence ilous journey. done to the Congregation and countries off ering to each take in and for the migrants to then be not given instructions for the has been stranded at sea with that the Netherlands or Ger- Europe has been wrestling to his Community (religious or- a share of migrants stranded on shared out. migrants to be brought ashore in rescued migrants and no safe many take responsibility for the with the problem since the mi- der),” the Vatican. “He affi rms rescue boats. “France has always done it in Sicily. port. migrants. gration crisis of 2015 when more that the accusation made against French President Emmanuel a European framework. We are The Italian prime minister The last stand-off ended af- Neugebauer stressed that laws than one million people arrived him is untrue.” Macron, speaking alongside ready for it and I want to make said that for now his government ter 19 days with the migrants governing international waters on its shores, many of them fl ee- The Vatican statement said a Conte at a meeting of southern it very clear this evening for this is ensuring that they are looked allowed ashore in Malta and are clear that ships in distress ing confl ict in the Middle East. church investigation of the case is underway but did not com- ment on the accusations made against Geissler. Geissler could not be reached for comment yesterday. Ukraine leader Poroshenko Doris Wagner, a German who entered a convent when she was 19, made her accusation at a No- vember conference in Rome on announces re-election bid giving a greater voice to women survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Wagner said she had been AFP During a roughly 40-minute struggle was behind it, adding: propositioned by the priest dur- Kyiv long speech, he repeated calls “I hear a lot of harsh criticisms ing confession in 2009, when for Ukraine to seek full member- and I take that on board.” she was 25. ship of the North Atlantic Treaty In third place in opinion polls She said the priest told her krainian President Organisation (Nato) and the Eu- is Volodymyr Zelensky, a come- how much he liked her and he Petro Poroshenko has ropean Union. dian who once played the role of believed she liked him and that, Ulaunched an uphill battle Poroshenko’s years in power president in a Ukrainian TV se- although they could not marry, for re-election, after fi ve years in have seen Kyiv seek closer ties ries but has no political experi- there were “other ways”. power marked by confrontation with the West as war rumbles on ence. Wagner, who is now married with Russia. in eastern Ukraine against Rus- No candidate has an unas- with a child, said the priest tried Opinion polls put him behind sia-backed separatists. sailable lead, with Tymoshenko, to hold and kiss her during con- former prime minister Yulia Ty- Addressing roughly 1,000 Poroshenko and Zelensky poll- fession but she ran away. moshenko, who rose to interna- people at the gathering of sup- ing on roughly 16%, 14% and 9% Although she did not name tional prominence in 2004 dur- porters, the Ukrainian president respectively. the priest during the conference, ing the anti-corruption “Orange stressed the need for peace with Poroshenko was elected in Wagner said he was a section Revolution” demonstrations Ukraine’s powerful neighbour. 2014 after his pro-Russian pred- head at the CDF and a member and announced her own run last However, the event at times ecessor Viktor Yanukovych was of the same religious order to week. took a combative tone, with ousted following a wave of pop- which she also belonged, Familia “This feeling of deep respon- huge screens blazing the slogan ular protests. Poroshenko takes a ‘wefie’ with supporters at the end of the rally in Kyiv. Spiritualis Opus (FSO). sibility towards my country ... “Either Poroshenko or Putin” The 53-year-old chocolate Geissler was the only section prompted me to decide to run accompanied by pictures of the tycoon promised to pivot the ex- Kyiv’s relationship with Mos- den for Ukraine’s economy, with dependent of Moscow. head at the CDF who belonged again for the offi ce of president Ukrainian and Russian leaders. Soviet country of nearly 45mn cow remains in dire straits. Poroshenko forced to rely on as- His standing also increased to the FSO, which Wagner left in of Ukraine,” Poroshenko told a Poroshenko said earlier this people towards Europe and has After the 2014 uprising, Mos- sistance from the West. after Russia seized three of 2011. rally in Kyiv ahead of the March month that Russia would seek sought to push through ambi- cow annexed Crimea and sup- In December the Interna- Kyiv’s navy vessels and two doz- In an e-mail to Reuters yes- 31 poll. to interfere in Ukraine’s election tious reforms. ported Russian-speaking sepa- tional Monetary Fund con- en sailors as they tried to pass terday, Wagner confi rmed that Poroshenko asked voters for to destabilise the situation in the However, critics say graft is ratists in the industrial east, in fi rmed it would give Kyiv a $4bn, from the Black Sea to the Sea of the priest was Geissler and said a mandate to “guarantee the country. still rampant and Poroshenko a confl ict that according to the 14-month loan. Azov in November. that if a church investigation is process of European and Atlan- Critics accuse him of not do- has done little to rein in fellow United Nations had killed 12,800 Poroshenko’s low popular- Russia’s Putin accused Po- underway that deals “with ‘my’ tic integration, to guarantee our ing enough to tackle corruption, oligarchs, even if the economy to 13,000 people as of the end of ity ratings received a boost af- roshenko of provoking the na- case, I would like to be a part of independence, to renew the ter- but yesterday he insisted that the is showing signs of recovery fol- last year. ter he oversaw the creation of a val crisis in a bid to increase his it”. ritorial integrity of Ukraine”. worst of the country’s economic lowing a recession. The war has been a huge bur- Ukrainian Orthodox Church in- popularity ahead of the vote.

Charlemagne society announces UN Berlinale fi lm festival head unveils programme head Guterres as 2019 recipient This year’s Charlemagne Prize will go to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for his defence of European values, the prize’s DPA a handful of cinemas around the nale director, crossing paths with organisers said yesterday. Berlin world and for a limited time. stars and A-list celebrities like The annual award goes to a person who has made a contribution The Berlinale plans to screen George Clooney, Meryl Streep, towards European unity or co-operation between European Spanish director Isabel Coixet’s the Rolling Stones and Jake Gyl- countries. he director of the Berlin Elisa and Marcela, a drama about lenhaal – all of whom have at- It has been awarded since 1950, though there were 10 years in the Film Festival has joined two women who get married, in tended the Berlinale. 1960s and 1970s when no award was given for lack of a worthy Tothers in the fi lm industry its main competition. The 70-year-old Kosslick has recipient, according to organisers. to take a stand against Netfl ix and The fi lm was sold to Netfl ix’s come under fi re from fi lm critics Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister, is being recognised other giant Internet streaming Spanish subsidiary, becoming and movie buff s in the past for his for his UN work, which the Charlemagne association says he is platforms as he unveiled the pro- the fi rst Netfl ix-linked movie to festival picks. doing while upholding European values such as peace, freedom gramme for this year’s Berlinale. be screened as part of the race Kosslick hands over the post and democracy. “Festivals are for fi lms that are for the Berlinale’s top prize: the next year to Italian-born Carlo The award is to be presented on May 30. screened in the cinema,” Dieter Golden Bear for best picture. Chatrian, the head of the fi lm Last year’s award went to French President Emmanuel Macron. Kosslick told reporters yesterday. Elisa and Marcela will fi rst be festival in Locarno, and Dutch- “We would not show a fi lm if it shown in cinemas. born Mariette Rissenbeek. was fi rst streamed and was not Coixet’s movie is one of a total Chatrian will become the Ber- Greek farmers block main highway screened in movie houses.” of 17 fi lms vying for the Golden linale’s artistic director, while Kosslick, who will be retir- Bear – 16 of the movies are world Rissenbeek will be in charge of its Greek farmers were blocking the country’s main highway yesterday ing as Berlinale director after 18 premieres. business operations. to demand tax breaks and cheaper fuel, state TV ERT reported. years in the role, was presenting Barcelona-born Coixet is also During his time as Berlinale Protesters near the city of Larissa forced traff ic on the highway that the programme for this year’s one of a record seven women di- director, Kosslick has overseen a runs between Athens and Thessaloniki to reroute. festival, which runs from Febru- rectors, who have been selected major expansion of the fi lm fes- Unions said the blockade will remain until their demands are met ary 7 to 17. for the Berlinale’s showcase tival, including the addition of a and threatened to disrupt other roads. A total of 400 fi lms are to be competition this year, where a section that promotes German Greeks are fatigued by years of financial crisis and austerity which screened across the festival’s 14 Kosslick poses with Berlinale paraphernalia before giving a press key theme will be family life. fi lmmaking; a fund to fi nance has cut an average household income by around one-quarter over sections, helping the Berlinale conference in Berlin to present the programme of the 69th Berlin film Headed by Oscar-winning cinema in regions with weak fi lm the past decade. lay claim to the title of the world’s festival. French actress Juliette Binoche, structures; and an initiative to biggest fi lm festival and one of the festival’s six-member jury boost international co-produc- the top three festivals alongside over their refusal to screen the Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron will evaluate movies from China tions. Nine miners missing following quake Cannes and Venice. streaming service’s movies in its Orozco won the Venice Film Fes- and a large contingent of fi lms Kosslick says he is not nos- Kosslick’s comments against main competition. tival’s Golden Lion. from Europe before it hands out talgic about departing from the Rescuers were searching for nine copper miners reported missing online-streamed movies at fi lm The debate over the changes to It has since emerged as front- the festival’s prestigious prizes at Berlinale. yesterday after a tremor at the Rudna mine in southwest Poland, its festivals echoed the sentiments cinema unleashed by the growth runner in the Oscars. Hollywood-style gala ceremony “I feel in good form; fi t for operator KGHM said. of Cannes Film Festival organ- of online fi lm streaming services Despite being nominated for on February 16. fun,” he says. “What delights me “There were 32 people in the danger zone, currently nine are isers, who have been locked has intensifi ed after the Netf- 10 Academy Award nomina- Kosslick has been a popular is that the audience has remained missing. Seven workers were taken to hospital for tests,” the in a bitter battle with Netfl ix lix-produced movie Roma from tions, Roma was only screened in fi gure during his tenure as Berli- true to us and has grown.” company said on Twitter. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 INDIA

CONTROVERSY LEGAL CRACKDOWN OPINION POLICY Congress questions govt Journalist summoned in Tax off icials raid Tamil Nadu Congress’ basic income 11 political parties move on Ayodhya land M J Akbar defamation case retailers, real estate firms pledge a joke: Mayawati oppose Citizenship Bill

Seeking to remind the centre of the Supreme Court’s A Delhi court yesterday issued summons to Income Tax (IT) off icials yesterday searched the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati reacted Eleven northeastern political parties came together 2003 directive on “observance of status quo”, the journalist Priya Ramani in a defamation case premises of popular retail outlets and real estate sharply to the Congress pledge to ensure minimum in Guwahati yesterday against the Citizenship Congress yesterday questioned the Modi govern- filed by former Union minister M J Akbar. Ad- companies in Tamil Nadu on suspicion of tax income for the poor and termed the announce- (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and decided to appeal to ment’s move asking for the top court’s nod for giving ditional chief metropolitan magistrate Samar evasion, an off icial said. According to an off icial, ment a “cruel joke.” She said the announcement by the central government to scrap the legislation. The a part of the 67 acres of undisputed land to Ram Vishal asked Ramani to appear before the court searches were conducted over 70 locations in Congress president Rahul Gandhi was nothing short parties from seven states excluding Sikkim partici- Janmabhoomi Nyas and other original owners. “After on February 25. Akbar’s counsel and senior Chennai and Coimbatore. Popular retail outlet of a “cruel joke”. While Congress governments spoke pated in a two-day convention and unanimously 16 years of stupor, why has the government suddenly advocate Geeta Luthra and lawyer Sandeep Saravana Stores, and realty companies Lotus of ‘Garibi Hatao’ (remove poverty), the Modi govern- decided to oppose the Bill that seeks to grant citi- woken up, that too with just two months remain- Kapur told the court that Ramani had damaged Group and G-Square were searched by the IT ment was fooling people by promising to bring back zenship to migrants from six non-Muslim minority ing for the Lok Sabha elections?” asked Congress Akbar’s reputation which he had built over the teams. The searches come after the massive ill-gotten black money from foreign banks, she said. groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Questioning years through hard work. Ramani was the first search in the off ices of well-known eatery chains Accusing both the Congress and BJP of betray- Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the con- the government’s intention, Singhvi cited the court’s in a long list of women journalists to accuse the early this month for suppression of income. ing the faith of the people, she said they had failed vener of the convention, said the parties will send a March 2003 directive which stated that until the title former minister of state for external aff airs and The residence of Yogarathinam Pondurai, the to solve the problems faced by the poor, farmers, delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi dispute was finally adjudicated, status quo shall be journalist-turned-politician of sexual harass- son of the founder of Saravana Stores, was also women, youth and unemployed. The Congress and and President Ram Nath Kovind seeking to scrap maintained on all land including the undisputed land. ment. searched. the BJP were “two sides of the same coin”, she said. the Bill passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. Fernandes’ last Vaghela joins NCP rites after son arrives from US

IANS minister in various governments. New Delhi I had the privilege of work- ing with him in the government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At decision on the day and my instance, Fernandes had time for conducting unveiled a statue of Param Vir Athe last rites for George Chakra awardee Capt Vijaya Ra- Fenandes, the former defence ghunandan Rao in Karimnagar, minister who died here yester- Telangana,” Rao recalled. day, will be taken soon, his wife Chief Minister Devendra Fad- Leila Kabir said. navis said the nation has lost an In a statement, she said Fern- important political functionary. andes died at his home in the “We have lost a tall leader early hours of yesterday and his in Indian politics. Apart from body was taken to the All India his other achievements, he had Institute of Medical Sciences for been a trade union leader fi rst embalming. and fought his long battle for the “We plan to conduct his last welfare and rights of the workers rites soon after our son, Sean and poor,” Fadnavis said. Fernandes, arrives in India. The Maharashtra Congress presi- body is kept at our house S-114 dent Ashok Chavan said the Panchsheel Park for friends and country has lost “a soulful lead- Gujarat’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Jayant Patel Boskey (left) adjusts the party’s scarf worn by Gujarat’s former chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela while associates to pay their last re- er” who fought for the workers, he poses for photograph along with NCP chief Sharad Pawar (second right) and NCP senior leader Prafulbhai Patel (right) in Ahmedabad yesterday. Vaghela joined the spects,” Leila said. the poor, the downtrodden and Nationalist Congress Party yesterday. As soon as Sean arrives from the labour classes. the US, the family will fi nalise the “His one word could shut timing of the last rites, she said. down Mumbai and the working “I and my son are grateful to classes have lost a tall leader who everyone who has come/mes- served well in diff erent capacities saged us to share our grief,” Leila as union minister,” Chavan said. added. Nationalist Congress Party Earlier Prime Minister Naren- president Sharad Pawar said the dra Modi visited the family to country has lost a fi ghter-leader express condolence and pay last who dedicated his life to the respects to the veteran socialist commoners. BJP attacks Mamata after leader. “He was an infl uential fl uent Modi laid a wreath at the cof- orator, having command over fi n and spoke to Fernandes’ wife many languages, and my close Leila Kabir for several minutes. friend... I have lost a senior col- Modi had earlier tweeted: league in public life,” Pawar said. “When we think of George Fern- Expressing grief, former Un- andes, we remember most nota- ion minister Milind Deora said violence at Shah’s rally bly the fi ery trade union leader “Fernandes liked reminding me who fought for justice, the leader that he had also represented the Agencies ists of the two parties following the buses ferrying BJP sup- These people were once with the over violence and arson against who could humble the mightiest Mumbai South (constituency) New Delhi the saff ron party president Amit porters and torched a number Left Front, now they have joined people who participated in the of politicians at the hustings, a before I was born” and would Shah’s rally in West Bengal’s of vehicles. The saddest thing BJP. They will have to pay a price BJP rally, Union Home Minister visionary railway minister and a walk home from Parliament daily Contai yesterday. is the entire incident took place for this,” Adhikari said. Rajnath Singh called up the state great defence minister who made sans any security.” he Bharatiya Janata Party While BJP accused the hoo- in front of police, but they did “BJP workers attacked our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee India safe and strong.” NCP state spokesperson Na- (BJP) yesterday accused ligans backed by Trinamool not take any action,” Sinha party offices and this led to asking her to take strict action Fernandes, who was suff ering wab Malik said that the nation TWest Bengal Chief Minis- Congress of attacking their added. retaliation by our workers. If against the guilty. from Alzheimer’s, had been out of has lost “a dynamic grassroots ter Mamata Banerjee of unleash- party workers on their way West Bengal Minister and our party office is attacked, “The home minister asked the public eye and bed-ridden for leader who led from the front, ing “terror” in the state. back from Shah’s rally, the state Trinamool leader Subhendu are we going to offer sweets?” West Bengal CM that those who more than eight years. He was 88. and a political stalwart.” “We have seen as to how ruling party leaders blamed BJP Adhikari, however, refuted the he said. indulged in violence should Maharashtra leaders cutting Senior Shiv Sena leader and MP Mamata has unleashed the ter- supporters for the vandalism. charge and accused the BJP Earlier in the day, Shah ad- be brought to book,” the home across political lines mourned Sanjay Raut plans to make a biopic ror of Trinamool Congress on “When Shah’s rally was going supporters of conducting “pre- dressed a public rally in the area minister’s offi cial account his demise. on the veteran trade union leader. the BJP and the ordinary people on, they (Trinamool supporters) planned terror”. where he launched a scathing tweeted. Governor C V Rao described Despite their strong ideologi- of West Bengal,” BJP spokesper- attacked our supporters. They He claimed that the off end- attack on the Mamata govern- Coming down heavily on the him as “one of the fi ercest leaders cal diff erences, the Sena founder- son Sambit Patra told reporters did not even spare women activ- ers would have to pay a “heavy ment on several issues, includ- Mamata government on the ref- of the working class in Mumbai patriarch Bal Thackeray and Fern- in Delhi. ists. Two of our women activists price” for their actions. ing chit fund scams, and illegal ugee crisis, Shah said if elected in the post-Independence era, andes enjoyed a great personal A Trinamool Congress party were pushed into ponds,” BJP “If they came to attend the infi ltration and urged people to to power, the BJP will ensure who was a leader of the masses rapport, especially since the latter offi ce was vandalised and several national secretary Rahul Sinha rally, why were they carrying uproot the Trinamool Congress citizenship to all refugees and with unprecedented popularity”. spoke fl uent Marathi, among 10 buses of BJP workers were set said. sticks, rods and bombs? They regime. drive away all the infi ltrators “Fernandes served as union languages he had mastered. ablaze in a clash between activ- “They also threw stones at planned to conduct vandalism. Expressing serious concern from Bengal. BJP, CPI-M dividing Beating the Retreat UDF allies eye extra Lok Sabha seats people, claims Rahul IANS year, as part of a patch up for- Thiruvananthapuram mula to bring back Mani into the UDF, the Congress leadership, IANS in the three states that we just was hit by the worst ever fl oods much to the chagrin of many Kochi won, we will do it for the entire and the promises of rebuilding ith the Lok Sabha UDF allies, handed out a vacant country. We will make up for the Kerala by the CPI-M government elections only weeks Rajya Sabha seat to Mani. lapses of the Modi government by here has not reached anywhere. Waway, two allies of the Mani, who has been a legisla- n what’s seen as the launch providing low cost high quality Like the BJP cadres, this Left gov- Congress-led United Democrat- tor for the past 50 years, imme- of the Congress-led UDF’s education, improving livelihood ernment has done only things that ic Front – Indian Union Muslim diately took the seat and asked Ielection campaign in Kerala by creating a minimum income have benefi ted its cadres. League (IUML) and Kerala Con- his son to resign from the Lok to the Lok Sabha polls, Congress guarantee scheme that will be “Both these parties created an gress (Mani) – are seeking an ex- Sabha and fi le the Rajya Sabha president Rahul Gandhi yester- credited directly to the bank ac- orgy of violence. No jobs have been tra seat each to contest. nomination. day slammed both the BJP and the count of every poor person,” Ra- created for the youths here. Just Kerala has 20 Lok Sabha seats Mani’s party consists of CPI-M for dividing the people. hul added. like Modi, they ignored the farm- and the Congress traditionally the erstwhile Kerala Congress Rahul addressed over 50,000 He said Modi had destroyed not ers. Here also the same thing has contests in 16 seats, the IUML – in (Joseph) faction, led by P J Joseph, activists, including 25,000 wom- just several institutions but even happened and as a result Kerala two and the Kerala Congress (M) who was an ally of the Left Dem- en, from booth committees of his the judiciary and had come up has gone back,” Rahul claimed. and Revolutionary Socialist Party ocratic Front and a state minister party in Kochi. with a fundamentally fl awed GST He said the Congress respects of Kerala (Bolshevik) in one each. in the V S Achuthanandan Cabi- “Prime Minister Narendra Modi (general sales tax). the right of women, tradition and In 2014, the Congress won net till he merged his party in the has wasted fi ve years of India’s “Four Supreme Court judges culture of the state. eight seats and its allies their Kerala Congress (Mani). time by telling one lie after an- went to the media to say they are “The Congress is the only party share. With Mani raising the demand other. He said 20mn jobs would be unable to work. The Central Bu- that can keep all the people togeth- Speaking to the media yester- for an extra seat, the IUML has created every year but what hap- reau of Investigation chief was er... Just as we fought the BJP in the day, K M Mani, chairman of the also expressed a desire for one pened was that 15 of his close busi- reinstated by the apex court but three states that we won, in Kerala Kerala Congress (Mani), replied more seat: they desire Wayanad ness friends got a maximum in- within hours Modi transferred him we will fi ght the CPI-M. While BJP in the affi rmative when asked or Badagara. come guarantee when thousands out,” he said. and CPI-M say they have the cad- if his party was going to seek an IUML general secretary K P A of youths got nothing,” Rahul said. Lashing out at the CPI-M gov- res, you (Congress workers) should extra seat to contest. Majeed told the media yesterday He told the gathering that the ernment in Kerala, he said both not underestimate yourselves. “Kottayam is already our seat they will raise this issue at the fi rst thing a Congress-led govern- the BJP and the CPI-M were one Please do not forget that it was the and we will ask for one more seat. appropriate meeting of the UDF. ment would do after the Lok Sabha and the same and only their people Congress which fought the Brit- The president’s bodyguards, mounted on their horses, It could be Idukki, Chalakudy or The IUML contests the polls would be to pass the Wom- have benefi ted from government ish while the RSS was on its knees take part in the Beating the Retreat ceremony in New Thrissur,” said Mani. Malappuram and Ponani Lok en’s Reservation Bill. schemes. before the British,” said Rahul to a Delhi yesterday. The Kottayam seat was held by Sabha seats, both in Malappuram “Like we wrote off farm loans “It’s been months since Kerala loud applause. Mani’s son Jose K Mani. But last district. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA

PROTEST ACCIDENT WEATHER HEALTH Students demand Honduras Second fuel pipeline 195 injured in Havana Bolsonaro ‘stable’ after president’s exit, teargassed explodes in Mexico tornado, toll rises to 4 seven-hour surgery

Police in Honduras fired tear gas at hundreds of A pipeline in Mexico exploded while people A rare and powerful tornado has devastated Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was “clinically student protesters who blocked a major road were stealing fuel from it, near where a similar sections of Havana, killing four people and stable” after undergoing seven hours of surgery in the capital Tegucigalpa as they called for the blast this month left 115 dead, an off icial said. injuring 195, as it overturned cars, uprooted on Monday, a spokesman for the presidency resignation of President Juan Orlando Hernandez, The new blast struck Monday in the central trees and destroyed dozens of homes. A shaken said. The surgery was performed to remove who just finished the first year of his second state of Hidalgo, about 50km from the site resident, recalling a night of terror, said she a colostomy bag Bolsonaro was given after term. “Get out, JOH,” shouted the students, who of the explosion 10 days ago. State governor clutched her daughter and crouched down in her being stabbed at an electoral campaign rally in threw rocks and burned tyres to block the road Omar Fayad said there were no initial reports kitchen as the tornado came roaring in Sunday September. The operation at Sao Paulo’s Albert in front of the National Autonomous University of anyone being injured in the latest explosion, night. “It was as if rocks were falling — it was Einstein hospital “went without complications, of Honduras, in the eastern part of Tegucigalpa. in the town of San Agustin Tlaxiaca. Fayad said hail — and I felt things beginning to fall. It lifted with no need for a blood transfusion,” Many of the protesters had their faces concealed people had been “milking” the pipeline. Media my entire roof and took everything away,” said spokesman Otavio Santana said at a press behind masks or scarves. The tear gas fired by broadcast footage of large flames billowing a sobbing Canaima Hernandez, 36. The tornado, conference. The 63-year-old president will stay in Riot police fire tear gas at students of the anti-riot police forced the students to retreat onto out of a punctured section of the line. Illegal spawned by a powerful storm that originated in hospital for about 10 days, working from there, Autonomous National University of Honduras the campus, while they threw stones. No injuries pipeline taps are a dangerous but lucrative the Gulf of Mexico, hit western Cuba with winds according to newspaper O Globo. His deputy, in Tegucigalpa. were immediately reported. business. of up to 100kph. Hamilton Mourao, will be in charge for 48 hours.

Teachers Venezuelan govt hits back with block Mexico Guaido probe, accounts freeze rail lines Reuters Reuters/AFP Mexico City Caracas exico could soon enezuela’s chief prosecutor face a shortage of said yesterday he had asked Mstaple foods such as Vthe Supreme Court to open corn fl our and wheat fl our as a preliminary investigation into railways remain blocked after self-proclaimed interim president two weeks of teacher pro- Juan Guaido, as well to freeze the tests in the western state of opposition leader’s accounts and Michoacan, railroad operator impose a travel ban on him. Ferrocarril Mexicano (Fer- The United States, along with romex) said on Monday. several countries around the Teachers from the Nation- world, have recognised Guaido al Committee of Education as Venezuela’s legitimate head Workers union began block- of state and denounced leftist ing the railroad tracks on President Nicolas Maduro as a January 14 to protest labour usurper. demands. Maduro, sworn in earlier this That has hampered the month for a second term after distribution of supplies for disputed elections last year, ac- various industries, including cuses Guaido of staging a US- hydrocarbons and grains such directed coup against him. as corn, a staple of the Mexi- Attorney General Tarek Saab can diet, Ferromex spokes- said on state television said he woman Lourdes Aranda said. had asked the court “to open a “There may be a shortage preliminary investigation into Mr of wheat fl our and corn fl our Juan Guaido as a result of diverse in the coming days, mean- violent occurrences provoked in ing that prices for something this country since January 22,” that is consumed on a daily the day before Guaido named basis, such as bread and tor- himself president. tillas, may be aff ected,” she He also accused Guaido of told local television station helping foreign countries to in- Televisa. terfere in internal matters. “There is already serious As a lawmaker, who also heads shortage in many other in- the National Assembly, Guaido dustries, such as steel making has immunity from criminal in- and the automotive indus- vestigation that can be removed try...because they no longer only by a high court. have the necessary inputs to Minutes after the announce- continue operating,” Aranda ment, Guaido said he did not un- added. derestimate a threat of imprison- A total of 252 trains have ment but did not believe it was been unable to transport “anything new.” 2.1mn tonnes of products, “We are here, we will keep act- with about 10,500 contain- ing and working to confront the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido applauds as he attends a session of the Venezuela’s National Assembly in Caracas yesterday. ers stranded in the ports of humanitarian crisis,” he told a Manzanillo in Colima state news conference. and Lazaro Cardenas in Mi- Hundreds of thousands of triggering higher global oil prices Venezuela’s legitimate govern- spokesman Rupert Colville told “At least fi ve additional people UN rights offi ce believed “at least choacan, according to railway people protested on January 23 and angry responses from China ment safeguard those assets reporters in Geneva that “just were also allegedly killed by se- 850 people were detained for and shipping industry asso- against Maduro, triggering a po- and Russia. for the benefi t of the Venezue- over 40 people (were) believed curity forces during illegal house protesting between January 21 ciations. lice crackdown. The United States said yester- lan people,” State Department to have been killed in diff erent raids in poor neighbourhoods,” and 26”. Among those arrested The data includes fi gures At least 40 people are believed day that it has handed control of spokesman Robert Palladino said manners.” he said, pointing out that such were 77 children, he said, some as from Ferromex, which is part to have been killed in political Venezuela’s bank accounts in the in a statement. On Monday, local NGO Ven- raids usually take place a few young as 12. of the transportation division violence last week, including 26 United States to Guaido. Venezuela, which is struggling ezuelan Program for Education- hours after protests in the same Most of those arrested were of mining giant Grupo Mex- shot by pro-government forces, Secretary of State Mike Pom- to provide basic services, has Action had put the toll at 35. neighbourhoods. picked up on the biggest day of ico, and Kansas City South- the United Nations said yester- peo signed off on the order last some $8 bn in foreign reserves Among those killed, accord- Another 11 had been killed by protests on January 23, when at ern. day. week for Guaido to control hold- around the world. ing to Colville, were at least 26 unknown people in connection least 696 people were detained Economic losses from the Stepping up the pressure on ings in the Federal Reserve Bank A major chunk is around people who died “after allegedly with lootings, he said, adding throughout the country, accord- blockade amount to 14bn Maduro, the administration of of New York and federally in- $1.3bn in gold held by the Bank of being shot by security forces or that a member of the Bolivarian ing to the rights offi ce. “This is Mexican pesos ($736mn), US President Donald Trump im- sured banks, the State Depart- England, which Guaido has asked members of pro-government national guard had also report- the highest number of detentions according to the Mexican posed sanctions on Venezuelan ment said. Britain to put under his control. armed groups during the demon- edly been killed. recorded in a single day for at Confederation of Industrial state-oil fi rm PDVSA on Monday, “This certifi cation will help UN human rights offi ce strations.” In addition, Colville said the least 20 years,” Colville said. Chambers. 5 Vale staff , contractors arrested over dam disaster Reuters The number of confi rmed dead to remove mud from the river and the design of those dams was pre- Brumadinho continued to mount yesterday, major investments to make its meditated,” he said. “There have but state civil defence spokes- dams safer. been warnings about all mining man Evandro Borges said offi cials Yet residents in the devastated dams for a long time now.” hree employees of Brazil- would not update their count un- town of Brumadinho have been Vale CEO Fabio Schvartsman ian miner Vale SA and two til later in the day. unmoved, watching in shock and said the facility was up to code Tcontractors were arrested Brazil’s Mines and Energy anger as one dead body after an- and equipment had shown the yesterday, prosecutors said, as minister, Bento Albuquerque, other has been pulled from the dam was stable just two weeks a criminal investigation began said he had heard from state of- mud. before the collapse. after a devastating dam rupture fi cials that Vale would deactivate Following a deadly 2015 tail- “We are 100% within all the expected to leave a death toll of all of its “upstream” dams, piling ings dam collapse just a few standards, and that didn’t do it,” more than 300 people. waste into a valley that is then towns over at a mine half-owned he said in a Sunday TV interview. Vale said it was co-operating dammed off . by Vale, the disaster remained Siani said the company would with investigators in the case, Where that is not possible, the unforgivable in the eyes of many donate 100,000 reais ($26,600) which has enraged Brazilians and company will build new contain- Brazilians. to each family that had lost a raised fresh questions about the ment dams, he said. “Vale is destroying Minas Ge- loved one, adding the company company’s commitment to safe- Vale declined to comment on rais,” said Robinson Passos, 52, would continue paying mining ty after a similar dam burst just the idea until after an afternoon who lost a cousin and friends in royalties to Brumadinho despite over three years ago at a nearby meeting with the minister. Brumadinho. a halt in operations there. mine it jointly owned. On Monday, a presidential task “There’s anger, sadness, eve- The company was building Two of those arrested were force contemplated forcing out rything,” he said, holding back a membrane to stop the fl ow Vale’s senior managers at the Vale’s management, but by yes- tears as he surveyed the destruc- of mud now snaking down the Corrego do Feijao mine, where terday, senior offi cials pushed tion in Corrego do Feijao, a ham- Paraopeba River. a tailings dam broke on Friday, back on the idea. let within Brumadinho that gave A “bold” investment plan hammering the nearby town of “There aren’t conditions for its name to the mine at the centre would speed the process of mak- Brumadinho with a fl ood of min- any degree of interference. It of the disaster. ing dams more secure, he said. ing waste — according to a court would not be a good signal to At the headquarters for the Prosecutors and politicians order seen by Reuters. A protestor covered in mud participates in a demonstration in front of the headquarters of Brazilian the market,” presidential chief local mining union, which lost have not been impressed. The job of the third Vale em- mining company Vale in Rio de Janeiro. of staff Onyx Lorenzoni said in a more than one in 10 members Government ministers have ployee was not immediately clear. news briefi ng. by organisers’ count, treasurer said Brazil’s mining regulations Two other engineers, who according to state prosecutors and rants on suspicion of murder, hilly, pastoral region has killed at Chief fi nancial offi cer Luciano José Francisco Mateiro blamed are broken. worked for Germany’s TUEV a spokesman for the German fi rm. falsifi cation of documents and least 65 people, according to fi re- Siani said Vale was doing all it the company and authorities for The country’s top prosecutor SUED on a contract where they Minas Gerais state investiga- environmental crimes, a judge’s fi ghters’ count on Monday night, could, off ering money to mourn- putting him and his comrades at said the company should be crim- attested to the safety of the Vale tors issued a total of fi ve arrest decision showed. with another 288 missing and ers, extra tax payments to local risk. inally prosecuted and executives dam, were arrested in Sao Paulo, warrants and seven search war- The collapse of the dam in the likely dead. government, a special membrane “They call it an accident but held personally responsible. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 PAKISTAN

First Hindu woman appointed as civil judge For the first time in Pakistan’s judicial history, a woman belonging to Hindu community has been appointed as civil and judicial magistrate. Suman Bodani, hailing from Sindh’s Shahdadkot district, was declared eligible for the post after passing her judicial off icers’ examination with flying colours, securing 54th position on the merit list. Speaking to a foreign news outlet, Bodani said she belonged to an under- Apex court upholds developed rural area of Sindh, where she witnessed poor struggling to cope with various challenges life throws at them. “They cannot even aff ord to lodge cases, and that is the reason behind my decision of joining law [studies] so I can bring justice to them,” she was quoted as saying. After completing her intermediate from her native town Shahdadkot, Bo- dani earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Hyderabad, and her Master of Laws (LLM) from Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science blasphemy acquittal and Technology (SZABIST) in Karachi. Bodani also said she faced resistance form her own community as they Supreme Court dismisses country was in talks with Paki- Bibi has been in hiding since Mosque in Islamabad, told AFP. words for those who fi rst brought did not like girls working in the legal field. petition to reverse the stan about helping Bibi, however the Supreme Court freed her “If she goes out of Pakistan ... the case against Bibi, and the Is- However, her family extended their full support. “My family did not pay acquittal there was no confi rmation of her in October, after eight years on anybody can kill her there.” lamists who over the years have any heed to what people would say, and helped me achieve my goal.” whereabouts or intentions fol- death row. Ameeni was not immediately used it to ignite violence, threat- Last year, Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar made history after becoming the Reuters/AFP/DPA/Guardian/ lowing the verdict. She has always denied com- available for comment after the en judges, and call for mutiny first woman chief justice of a high court in the country. Internews Bibi, a farm worker, was con- mitting blasphemy. ruling but in remarks in court, within the military. She was also the first woman appointed as a civil judge in Baluchistan, and Islamabad victed in 2010 of making deroga- Hours before the Supreme Chief Justice Khosa was severely As for the protesters, he was holds the distinction of being the first woman in the province appointed tory remarks about Islam after Court decision, Shafeeq Ameeni, critical of the petitioners’ at- incredulous. as a judge in the Baluchistan High Court. neighbours working in the fi elds acting head of the TLP, issued a tempt to have the judgment re- “You block the entire country he Supreme Court upheld with her objected to her drinking new warning to the court not to versed. because a decision is not in your yesterday the acquittal of water from their glass because rule in favour of the “blasphem- The top judge said that Bibi favour?” he told the court. sist and investigate any attempts lamabad at the weekend after TAasia Bibi, a woman who she was not Muslim. er”. had been convicted on false evi- Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry, to intimidate the Supreme fl eeing to the Netherlands amid spent years on death row after Her conviction was overturned dence and pointed to discrepan- the lawyer who fi led a petition on Court,” said Amnesty Interna- death threats following October’s being convicted of blasphemy, in October, prompting protests Bibi’s lawyer says his client cies in testimony in the original behalf of the cleric who made the tional’s South Asia campaigner, ruling, called the decision a vic- dismissing a petition fi led by Is- from religious hardliners calling should leave the country case. original complaint against Bibi in Rimmel Mohydin. tory for Pakistan’s constitution lamists who have called for her for her death and demanding that following threats from “You think we give the death 2009, remained unmoved. Moments after the ruling was and rule of law. execution. the government prevent her from extremists sentence to someone on the ba- “All religious scholars also announced, Bibi’s lawyer Saiful The blasphemy row has been The decision leaves Bibi, who leaving the country. sis of false evidence?” Khosa verifi ed later that this agreement Mulook hinted that his client’s linked to two assassinations in has been staying at an undis- They also called for the Su- Most of the TLP’s leaders re- said. “Such lies were told that was wrong. This was wrong,” he move could be imminent. Pakistan. closed location under tight se- preme Court judges to be mur- main in detention after the gov- one statement doesn’t match said outside court. “I think at this time she is here In 2011 Salmaan Taseer, the curity, free to leave Pakistan and dered. ernment crackdown, and few with another. You start declar- The government deployed par- (in Pakistan) – but by tonight, governor of Punjab province who seek asylum abroad. Under pressure from days of protesters could be seen at the ing someone deserves to be killed amilitary forces and thousands of I don’t know,” he told reporters off ered to support Bibi, was as- “On merit, this petition is dis- protests in the capital, Islama- court in Islamabad, where secu- just on the basis of false evi- police across the country to cope outside the court. sassinated by his own bodyguard missed,” Chief Justice of Pakistan bad, and other cities, the govern- rity appeared normal. dence.” with possible protests, however Extremists “said they would in Islamabad. Asif Saeed Khosa told the court, ment agreed to stop Bibi leaving That did not prevent the hand- The chief justice expressed there were no immediate reports kill her despite the judgment “Justice! #AsiaBibi” his son saying that the petitioners, led by the country until the Supreme ful who did show up from calling frustration at the furious reac- of demonstrations. of the Supreme Court”, he said. Shehryar tweeted after yester- a village prayer leader, had failed Court considered the petition. for violence against Bibi prior to tion to Bibi’s case by an extremist Rights group Amnesty Inter- “Therefore, I think she should day’s decision. to point out any mistake in the Following that, the govern- the court’s ruling. minority. national called for Bibi to be al- leave the country.” Taseer’s murder was followed original judgment, which he said ment launched a crackdown on “If she goes abroad, don’t “Is this the face of Islam that lowed to “reunite with her family Unconfi rmed Pakistani reports the same year by the killing of had been based on false evidence. the leadership of the hardline Muslims live there?” Hafi z Ehti- we want to show to the world?” and seek safety in a country of claim her children have already minority aff airs minister Shah- In November, Canadian Prime Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) group, sham Ahmed, an Islamist activ- he told the packed courtroom. her choice”. fl ed to Canada. baz Bhatti, a Catholic, who had Minister Justin Trudeau said his which led the protests last year. ist linked to the extremist Red The chief justice had harsh “The authorities must also re- Mulook, who returned to Is- also defended Bibi.

All in a day’s work Housing project gains momentum Experts with new registration form issued urge use of

Internews However, considering tremen- Companies from the United ‘soft power’ Lahore dous public interest and the large Arab Emirates (UAE) and China number of applications, the gov- have already expressed their in- ernment has decided to hold a si- terest to invest in the NPHS. against he Punjab Housing and multaneous launch of the project A Chinese company has of- Town Planning Agency in all districts. fered to construct 2mn houses T(PHTPA) has issued new Initial data indicates that the under the project. violent registration forms for the “Naya NADRA received around 80,000 Prime Minister Imran Khan Pakistan Housing Programme” applications from Faisalabad unveiled the NPHS project in (NPHP), an initiative to provide district alone. October. extremism aff ordable homes to the lower- Therefore, authorities decided In the fi rst phase, the govern- income strata of society. to halt the allotment process and ment decided to start the NPHS By cancelling old forms issued initiate the scrutiny of applica- in seven districts, including Su- Internews by the National Database and tions. kkur, Quetta, Gilgit, Muzaff ara- Islamabad Registration Authority (NADRA), The government will start bad, Swat, Islamabad, and Fais- the agency issued separate forms with the allotment process after alabad, with an aim to construct for Lodhran, Chishtian, and Re- the completion of form scrutiny a total 5mn houses during next ouncil of Islamic Ideol- nala Khurd districts for the fi rst by March 2019. fi ve years. ogy (CII) chairman Dr phase of the Punjab NPHP. The housing minister said that The Punjab government has CQibla Ayaz has called for Earlier, the NADRA had up- there is a huge demand for hous- sought co-operation from pri- incorporating the “Paigham-e- loaded the registration form on ing units across Punjab. vate sector for construction low- Pakistan” fatwa against violent its website for easy download. The government held the cost houses. extremism in the school and col- Now, these forms will be dis- project back to avoid undue criti- Earlier, Punjab Senior Minister leges syllabus. tributed through the Bank of cism as it will only call applica- Abdul Aleem Khan underlined “Our syllabus needs to be Punjab. tions from those districts where that the private sector could play changed. It should include civic Although these forms will be the spadework had been com- a vital role in the construction of approaches for countering ter- available free of cost, the appli- pleted. the housing units. rorism. cant has to deposit Rs250 on ac- He added that the Pakistan Speaking with to members of “Right now our syllabus rather count of the processing fee. Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) govern- Association of Builders and De- contains ideas like ‘defeating’ Provincial Housing Minister ment is committed to fulfi lling velopers of Pakistan (ABAD), Al- the Western societies. Mahmoodur Rasheed said that its promise of providing roofs to eem Khan urged the private sec- “The ideas of coexistence and development works had already the lower income strata of the tor to come forward. working together have never been started in these districts. society. He pointed out it is the fi rst been incorporated into the syl- The government is going to call The government aimed to ex- time in the country’s history that labus,” he said. applications and the allotment ecute the project through public- such a large number of housing Ayaz was addressing a round- process will start next month. private partnership. units were being constructed. table conference organised by Earlier, the government an- It will play the role of facilita- “It is a great opportunity for the Pakistan Institute for Con- nounced rolling out the NPHS in tor and regulator in the project. the private sector, though it will fl ict and Security Studies (PIC- Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Jhelum, The authorities would also also have to face some challeng- SS). Bahawalpur, Layyah, Multan, provide land, while the private es,” he maintained. “In the hous- Renowned scholar Dr Mus- Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan, and Gu- sector would build houses from ing and construction sector a lot A man prepares traditional food ladu peethii, a sweet snack, on his roadside stall in Lahore. sarat Amin and PICSS chairman jranwala by January. its own resources. of work is to be done.” Major General (retired) Saad Khattak also addressed the par- ticipants.

Experts recommend adding the anti-extemism ‘900km Pak-Afghan border fence complete’ Nine killed in attack counter-narrative literature ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ to the education syllabus Internews civilians and even the security on police station Islamabad forces. He said that the counter-nar- The military spokesman said rative is what Pakistan needs to that about 1,200km of the to- AFP/Reuters/DPA “Police offi cials opened fi re pay attention to. he Pakistan army has said tal 2,600km border with Af- Quetta on them killing one of the ter- “Civic approaches to counter that work on a 900km ghanistan was in Khyber Pa- rorists,” he said, adding that violent extremism include soft Tportion of fence along khtunkhwa, and the rest in the two remaining gunmen power, as we have seen them im- the Pak-Afghan border has been Baluchistan. shootout yesterday be- went into hiding in the build- proving the security situation. completed. In reply to a question about tween police and armed ing and later blew themselves Gains through use of hard power Briefi ng journalists at Ghulam the reconciliation process in Af- Agunmen killed nine up. are temporary. Khan, a border village in North ghanistan, he said Pakistan had people and injured 20 others in Three of those killed were “For sustainable peace, soft Waziristan tribal district, Inter- been playing a key role. Pakistan’s restive southwest- police offi cers and six were eff orts in the form of civic ap- Services Public Relations (ISPR) Earlier, 11th Corps Com- ern province of Baluchistan, civilian staff members, while proaches to counter terrorism director general Major General mander Lieutenant General police said. 20 people were injured in the and violent extremism are also Asif Ghafoor said that work on Shaheen and his team separately The fi refi ght occurred after crossfi re, Butt said. crucial to society.” a 1,200km section – the most arranged a briefi ng for the media three gunmen entered police The Pakistani Taliban, also Ayaz said there used to be cul- sensitive portion out of the total persons at the Corps Headquar- Major General Ghafoor is greeted by tribal peoples during his visit offi ces in Loralai district and known as Tehreek-e-Taliban tural activities in the past, but 2,600km border with the war- ters, Peshawar. to a market in Miramshah. threw hand grenades. Pakistan (TTP) and which is now they are almost non-exist- torn country – had commenced He said that after the end of “Three terrorists attacked separate from the Afghan Tali- ent. last year. the war in the area, troops are Students, traders and com- estimates of the losses caused to during a test for recruitment ban, claimed responsibility. Scholar Amin spoke about ap- He said the project would cost now in the process of consolida- mon citizens, while interacting petrol pumps in the area. of police clerks,” said Attaur Baluchistan is Pakistan’s plying soft power in the form of about Rs70bn, which included tion while steps are being taken with the media persons, wel- He said that around 69 petrol Rehman, a senior police offi cer largest and poorest region, counter-narrative to curb vio- the cost of gadgets and surveil- to resettle about 4,000 families, comed the role of the Pakistan pumps had been damaged, and from Loralai. which borders Afghanistan lent extremism. lance equipment. who had fl ed to Afghanistan army in restoring peace. they demanded a fi nancial com- Around 900 candidates and Iran, and is rife with eth- In the case of minors, it may Ghafoor said the fence had about four decades ago. However, some of them com- pensation of Rs560mn. were present at the time of at- nic, sectarian and separatist employ forced isolation from helped check the movement of Shaheen said that 95% of the plained that they had not been ISPR chief Ghafoor said that tack, he added. insurgencies. such environment or the par- terrorists from across the bor- work on resettlement of inter- given compensation by the civil steps are being taken to sort out “Senior police offi cials were Violence in Pakistan has ents. der, and the situation would nally displaced persons (IDPs) administration for the losses in- their genuine demands, besides busy selecting candidates for dropped signifi cantly since “It is vital to defeat the violent further improve after the com- had already been accomplished. curred during the decade-long promptly undertaking work on diff erent categories of civil- the country’s deadliest-ever extremist narrative. Pakistan pletion of the project next year. Media persons were also tak- drive against militancy. development schemes. ian jobs when these terrorists militant attack, an assault on a recently published its counter- The visit of media persons on en to Miramshah, the district On the occasion, head of the About the longstanding de- entered the compound and school in the northwestern city narrative literature in the form Monday was a fi rst in the coun- headquarters of North Waziris- Petroleum Dealers Association mand of the local people, he said hurled hand grenades,” Balu- of Peshawar in 2014 that killed of ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’, which try’s history, as the area had tan, where they interacted with Raqib Gull said that the local mobile phone service in the area chistan police chief Mohsin more than 150 people, most of should be added to the syllabus,” been considered off -limits to the local populace. administration had provided would be launched in March. Butt told AFP. them children. he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Duterte says ‘suicide bomber’ among church attack suspects

AFP was terrorism and that was a Duterte said the woman wore Manila suicide,” the president said. a necklace “with a large cross” If Duterte’s account is con- pendant, like a Catholic wor- fi rmed it would be among the shipper, which he suggested was male suicide bomber and few suspected cases of suicide the likely reason she was not in- his wife carried out a bombings in the Philippines. tercepted. ACatholic cathedral attack The Islamic State group has “It’s not the norm in this that killed 21 people in the coun- claimed responsibility for the country to frisk a woman inside try’s restive south, Philippine cathedral blast, saying two sui- the church,” the president said, President Rodrigo Duterte said cide bombers detonated explo- adding he has ordered the mili- yesterday. sive belts, according to the SITE tary to “go into a punitive ac- Duterte told reporters a wom- Intelligence Group which moni- tion” against the Abu Sayyaf. an who remains at large left a de- tors militant activities. The Jolo attack was carried out vice that exploded during mass Duterte said the Jolo at- days after voters overwhelming- at the cathedral in the remote tack was carried out by the Abu ly approved expanding Muslim Muslim-majority island of Jolo Sayyaf, a kidnap-for-ransom self-rule in the south aimed at A pedestrian looks at French urban free-climber Alain Robert (left), popularly known as the “French Spiderman”, on the side of the on Sunday, and her husband lat- group that has also been blamed ending a decades-old rebellion 47-storey GT Tower during his climb in Manila’s financial district of Makati, yesterday. er blew himself up outside. for the Philippines’ deadliest for independence or autonomy The president’s account dif- attacks and some of whose fac- for the minority of the nation. fered from earlier statements by tions have declared support for The church attack came de- security offi cials. the Islamic State. spite Duterte putting the south- He said military intelligence “We are sure of that,” he said. ern Philippines under martial told him yesterday the second Security offi cials said earlier rule after pro-IS militants seized ‘French Spiderman’ held bomb was strapped on to the yesterday that a group affi liated the southern city of Marawi in body of the male suspect who with the Abu Sayyaf carried May 2017. detonated it as survivors of the out the cathedral attack with Abu Sayyaf, which is based on fi rst explosion ran for their lives. two explosive devices, one left Jolo island, has been blamed for “They (investigators) could behind by a woman inside the the Philippines’ deadliest attack, after scaling skyscraper not fi nd any part of the body be- church and the other hidden on a 2004 ferry bombing in Manila cause it exploded, because that a motorcycle outside. Bay that claimed 116 lives. AFP Manila

rench urban freeclimber Bishops seek forgiveness for silence Alain Robert was arrested Fyesterday, police said, after he scaled one of Manila’s on concerns about president tallest towers in his latest high- risk ascent. The 56-year old adventurer Reuters the letter, which followed a plenary assembly. dubbed the “French spider- Manila It opposed eff orts led by Duterte’s allies to lower man” climbed the 47-storey GT the age of criminal liability for children, and said it Tower without safety equip- had seen a “culture of violence has gradually pre- ment, leaving watchers on the n a rare move, the largest group of Catholic vailed in our land,” referring also to a deadly church ground staring in amazement. bishops in the Philippines has sought forgive- bombing on Sunday. The popular Duterte’s tirades “This is my path, this is my Iness for its lengthy silence over “disturbing is- against the Catholic church are now famous. way of living. It is as impor- sues”, such as the president’s bloody war on drugs A self-confessed victim of sexual abuse by a tant to me as eating, sleeping. and his attacks on the church and its doctrines. priest, Duterte has used expletives against the I need that. It keeps me alive,” The church is highly infl uential and an important church and criticised the bishops. The bishops said he told reporters after com- source of moral guidance in the Philippines, where they understood the need to fi ght crime and drugs, pleting the climb. about 80% of a population of 105mn are Roman but were concerned “when we started hearing of Police were less enthusias- Catholic. mostly poor people being brutally murdered on tic about the stunt and took Although known for speaking out in times of cri- mere suspicion of being small-time drug users and him into custody as soon as he sis and to rebuff doctrinal challenges, the bishops’ peddlers,” while bigger players were left alone. reached the ground after the French climber Alain Robert is escorted by Filipino cops after climbing and getting down the 47-storey silence over President Rodrigo Duterte’s lambast- Police say they have killed more than 5,000 peo- roughly two-hour climb up GT International Tower in Makati City, Metro Manila. ing of the church and God, as well as his bloody ple, all in self-defence, while trying to arrest drug and down the building. crackdown on drugs, have raised questions about dealers and deny that any were executions, as al- He is being held on a charge as the Eiff el Tower, the Syd- him to abort. Robert said he ple inside the buildings. I did their unity and commitment to values. leged by human rights groups. of public disturbance but will ney Opera House, the Petronas first intended to scale the brighten their day. They will “Forgive us for the length of time that it took us Some bishops have taken individual stands post bail today, his lawyer Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur GT Tower on Saturday but remember that their whole to fi nd our collective voice,” the Catholic Bishops’ against the crackdown, denouncing it in ser- Howard Calleja said last night. and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai — changed his mind when he saw life.” Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in a pas- mons, issuing pro-life statements and supporting Robert has scaled more than where he used suction devices building security men armed Robert has suffered several toral letter, issued late on Monday. marches and calls for church bells to be rung in 100 structures without ropes or and a safety rope as it has no with guns, normal in the Phil- severe falls while climbing and “We too needed to be guided properly in prayer protest, but these remained sporadic eff orts within other safety equipment, setting hand or footholds. ippines but not in most of the estimates his accidents have and discernment before we could guide you.” the church. Asked about the letter, presidential a record for “most buildings However, in June he was 70 countries where he said he left him 66% disabled. He has In the letter headlined, “Conquering Evil with spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte was serv- climbed unassisted” according foiled when he attempted to had climbed. been arrested numerous times Good”, the bishops admitted silence over “disturb- ing and protecting the people. to Guinness World Records. ascend a Seoul skyscraper, “I’m just climbing a build- for his exploits. ing issues about which you may have felt you ur- “Rather than attack the president...I’d rather His successes include many getting more than halfway up ing. I’m not killing anybody. He said yesterday he want- gently needed our spiritual and pastoral guidance”. they issue a statement that they are praying for the of the world’s tallest skyscrap- the 123-storey Lotte World It’s not a bank robbery,” he ed to climb in Chile and Pana- It was not immediately clear why the CBCP issued president to succeed in his endeavour,” he said. ers and iconic buildings, such Tower before security forced said. “I saw thousands of peo- ma in the future.

Thousands join Manila Bay rehabilitation drive Govt rules out peace

By Catherine A Modesto rants would no longer discharge talks with communists Manila Times their waste into the bay. Medina said all three com- mercial establishments had Manila Times have been perpetrated by NPA housands of volunteers prior water pollution cases. Manila rebels. descended on Manila Bay “We are going to discuss with A fi refi ght between the police Tduring the weekend, at them the parameters where they and an undetermined number the start of a massive rehabilita- failed. If ever they are able to resident Rodrigo Duterte of NPA rebels, led by a certain tion scheme that aims to restore comply, they have to inform us has again shut the door Commander Alon, ensued af- the bay’s “beauty and bounty.” that they are ready for another Pon the peace process with ter the blast but the insurgents As the clean-up unfolded, inspection by submitting a let- the communist rebels amid their withdrew afterwards. the Laguna Lake Development ter,” Medina said. continued attacks on govern- This came few weeks after Authority (LLDA) ordered the If they pass the second round ment troops and civilians. the president said he would closure of three restaurants in of inspection, the establish- In a speech during his visit to “leave even a small opening” Manila for polluting the bay. ments will be allowed to resume Jolo, Sulu a day after twin ex- for the resumption of the peace Several Cabinet members operations. The LLDA also is- plosions hit a Roman Catholic negotiation as long as the com- joined volunteers and govern- sued notices of violation to a church in the town, Duterte as- munist rebels won’t demand a ment workers collect trash on motel, a restaurant and several sailed the communist group’s coalition government. the fi rst leg of a rehabilitation enterprises in Pasay City owned armed wing, the New People’s The peace talks between the programme seen to last years. by SM Investments Corp. Army (NPA), for attacking mili- government and the commu- Similar clean-up activities They are the Aliw Inn, SM tary and police personnel. nist group broke down in No- were held in Cavite, Bulacan, Prime Holdings Inc’s corporate “Also with the NPA. I will nev- vember 2017 as the administra- Pampanga and Bataan. offi ces, SM Mall of Asia and SM er talk to you. I can’t do anything. tion cited its continued attacks Environment Secretary Roy Government personnel and members of various groups join a solidarity march at Rizal Park before the Ferry Terminal and SM Devel- You do something good to them again state forces despite on- Cimatu, Interior Secretary start of the bay clean-up. opment Corp’s Sea Residences you follow their whims, that’s it. going negotiations. Eduardo Año, Public Works Condominium. You practically begged… Com- In November 2018, Duterte Secretary Mark Villar, Defense students also lent a hand, “to the bay, expressed hope that he pegged the coliform level at Medina said LLDA inspec- rade, we are just fooling each formally ended the govern- Secretary Delfi n Lorenzana, give respect to the city they live would see cleaner waters in the 330mn most probable number tion teams had investigated 43 other,’” Duterte said. ment’s peace talks with the national police chief Oscar Al- in,” said Tourino Dilaga, chair- coming years. (mpn)/100 millilitres (ml), way hotels and 286 establishments “Then in return you give this communists and ordered the bayalde, Tourism Secretary man of the Indonesian Diaspora Cimatu said an interagency above the standard of 100 mpn/ surrounding Manila Bay to deter- to me: Coffi ns and dismembered military to “destroy” the rebel Bernadette Puyat, Information Network Manila chapter. task force would clean the wa- ml. On Sunday morning, the mine if they complied with envi- limbs. Not me… Never mind if group a month later. and Communications Tech- Flocerina Noveda, 81, a terways fi rst. He added that the LLDA ordered the Aristocrat in ronmental laws. I go to jail after this. That’s all The government then pur- nology acting Secretary Eliseo vendor near Manila Bay, said Department of the Interior and Malate, Manila, Gloria Maris Last week, the Manila Zoo, mine, all mine,” he said. sued localised talks with the Rio Jr and Metropolitan Manila her group, Mga Manininda ng Local Government would dis- Shark’s Fin and the San Miguel which connects to the Estero de Duterte made the statement rebels. Development Authority chair- Manila Bay, had been joining cuss with mayors the relocation by the Bay restaurants closed San Antonio Abad, one of the the same day a roadside bomb The NPA rebels have been man Danilo Lim joined the early clean-up activities because of thousands of informal set- for polluting the bay. bay’s sources of pollution, was struck police vehicles in Magpet, waging war against the gov- morning solidarity march from they believed it was their duty tlers on the bay and waterways. LLDA General Manager Jaime indefi nitely closed by the city North Cotabato. ernment for the past 50 years, the Quirino Grandstand in Ma- to do so. Rio said sensors would be Medina said the water supply government to pave the way for A police offi cer was killed which is considered as the nila to Baywalk. Ramnir Ravino, an illegal set- installed to monitor the fe- of the three establishments had the construction of a sewage while eight others sustained in- world’s longest-running Indonesian expatriates and tler who regularly takes a dip at cal coliform levels. Cimatu had been cut so that these restau- treatment plant. juries in the incident believed to communist rebellion. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Wait-and-see approach for central banks amid global growth fears

With concerns growing daily over the bleak prospects of global economic growth this year, investors, bankers and former policy makers at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week said global expansion is already weakening. But more downbeat views of the global economy merit lower expectations for tightening by the world’s major central banks, according to Moody’s Investors Service. The Federal Reserve probably will hike interest rates two times this year, at most, instead of the previously projected three or four, Moody’s analysts said on Friday. The European Central Bank will delay increasing deposit facility and refinancing rates until 2020, revising a Nancy Pelosi’s Great forecast for the second half of 2019. Souring growth data, especially in Germany and France and signs of already-weak expansion in Italy have clouded the outlook for Europe. Core inflation remains “well below” the ECB’s target range. In Asia, the Bank of Japan’s inflation outlook has Wall of Resistance become even more dire; meaning no monetary policy tightening should be expected this year or in 2020, By Elizabeth Drew her, eliciting mockery in much of the blame for the shutdown, Pelosi’s could be found during that time. Trump according to Moody’s. Washington, DC Washington (and on Twitter). intransigence would begin to backfire had come away empty-handed. The warnings come as data showed Japan’s exports fell Trump’s immaturity and abysmal on them. But Pelosi held firm, As is his wont, Trump tried to in December, with shipments to China down 7%. South judgment were on display when, in counselling patience and explaining camoufl age his retreat. In a Rose Garden hoever explained to then- his December meeting with Pelosi that as soon as Democrats offered speech, he rambled on with familiar Korea’s exports – a bellwether for tech demand – fell 15% president-elect Donald and Schumer, he blurted out, “I am Trump money for his wall, they would misleading statistics about alleged from a year earlier the first 20 days of January, the most Trump what it meant to proud to shut down the government for be playing his game and would lose crimes committed by illegal immigrants since September 2016. Wbe president – if anyone border security.” He added: “I will take their argument that the government and lied about how drugs enter the “With the pace of did – neglected to tell him that on oc- the mantle. I will be the one to shut it must not be shut down because of a country – omitting that most come economic expansion casion a president loses a policy fi ght. down.” Schumer visibly struggled not to policy disagreement. through legal ports of entry in cars, Downbeat views That person also forgot to explain to the laugh at Trump’s monumental blunder. After government workers went trucks, and trains rather than through slowing across US president-in-waiting that making Anyone minimally well informed knows without their fi rst paycheck, the openings along the southern border. of the global major economies a big promise he might be unable to that the person recognised as causing politically harmful anecdotes started Pelosi had outmanoeuvred Trump. and the balance of keep required him to fi gure out how to a shutdown loses in the opinion polls. rolling in: a woman who would have Suddenly, the president didn’t seem economy merit risks tilting to the prevent his most ardent followers from Trump had trapped himself. to decide between chemotherapy so dangerous; he had tried various downside, the G-3 turning against him when he failed to Every time there’s a government and paying the rent; a guard at the stratagems: a nationally broadcast lower expectations fulfi l it. shutdown, Americans learn the same Smithsonian Institution threatened speech from the Oval Offi ce that even central banks – the Sloppy job preparation, together with three things: that federal workers – with eviction; parents who couldn’t he knew was leaden; a visit to the for tightening by US Federal Reserve, Trump’s distorted personality, led to the derisively called “bureaucrats” – are explain to their children why they southern border that even he didn’t the European Central near-paralysis of much of the federal human beings with families, illnesses, weren’t working and had no money. think would change any minds; threats central banks: Bank and the Bank government for 35 days, the longest and other issues; that most don’t Administration billionaires, like to build his “wall” – which by now of Japan – are all such period in US history, hurting live in the Washington area, but are Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, said had become steel slats – by decreeing Moody’s signalling a wait- around 800,000 innocent employees spread around the country; and that lunkheaded things (such as, Why can’t a national emergency (which would and ultimately humiliating a president government contractors get hit, they get a loan?). Some employees who probably land in the courts), though and-see approach,” who sets great store by being seen as too – not Boeing and the like, but were forced to work without pay, in virtually no one agreed that there was according to Moody’s analysts. strong. But, like most bullies, Trump building cleaners, cafeteria workers, particular air traffi c controllers, called an emergency. In fact, entries into the To be sure, much of the uncertainty is pinned on the occasionally reveals his inner weakness. and so forth. So, in addition to the in sick. FBI employees, among others, US through the southern border are ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. One person who spotted this is 800,000 or so government workers were lining up at food banks. Trump’s lower than they have been in years. There is a biting slowdown in the world’s second- Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House – some furloughed, some required approval ratings dropped. Airline delays As it happens, on that Friday of Representatives. Returning from a to work without pay – an estimated became the norm. Finally, Senate night when Trump buckled, I was biggest economy. China’s gross domestic product grew televised White House meeting with the one million others were also directly Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, at a restaurant where Pelosi and her 6.6% last year, the slowest pace since 1990, creating a president and Senate Minority Leader aff ected. Moreover, restaurants and who above all wants to keep the Senate husband, Paul, were dining with lack of demand that’s cascading down supply chains in Chuck Schumer last December, Pelosi other small businesses in the vicinity in Republican hands, warned Trump another couple. When the House the technology and automotive industries. informed her Democratic colleagues of of government facilities were hurt that their side was losing the public- Speaker left her table, customers and In the US, analysts are already scouring data for signs of Trump’s near-hallucinogenic insistence by a lack of business. Stories of the relations war. staff alike applauded her. A waitress on funding for a wall along the border shutdown’s harsh impact quickly began McConnell’s warning, plus standing beside me was nearly in tears. an impending recession. between the United States and Mexico to dominate the news. Republicans’ expressions of anger to She choked out, “We need someone The longest government shutdown in America’s history to keep out illegal immigrants. “It’s like As the shutdown dragged on, administration offi cials, turned the tide. who will fi ght for us.” – Project could temporarily curtail growth in the world’s largest a manhood thing for him.” Pelosi said, politicians from both parties became On Friday, January 25, after fi ve weeks Syndicate economy. The five-week impasse already subtracted “As if manhood could ever be associated increasingly restive. Republicans from of endangering thousands of travellers’ $11bn from the economy, about twice the amount with him.” areas with numerous government lives, and making millions of innocent z Elizabeth Drew is a Washington- Trump had got himself into a major workers, many of them part of people miserable, Trump caved. He based journalist and the author, most President Donald Trump sought to fund a border wall, an jam. One problem was that he hadn’t Trump’s base, became impatient. agreed to open the government for three recently, of Washington Journal: independent congressional body said on Monday. expected to win the election, which Many Democrats worried that weeks, with no promise of funding for Reporting Watergate and Richard The International Monetary Fund recently trimmed meant that he could promise anything though Trump was getting most of the wall; it was hoped that a resolution Nixon’s Downfall. its global growth forecasts. And corporate executives are without worrying about whether he increasingly nervous about the global economic outlook as could deliver. In early January, The New York Times reported that Trump’s they see threats multiplying from China to trade to Brexit. longtime former adviser, the now- For sure, a slower-than-expected pace of rate hikes indicted Roger Stone, suggested using by the Fed as well as other major central banks can lend the idea of constructing the wall to help further support to boost sentiments. But the question the professional builder remember to is whether the US can resist the downdraft, providing a bring up immigration, which was to be a major issue for him, at his campaign balance for the rest of the world. rallies. Led by the US and a reinvigorated growth agenda, the The trick worked too well. Trump domestic and global economies have the ability to avoid came to rely on the wall to bring rally a slowing in 2019 that would also entail a significant risk audiences alive. “And who will pay to financial stability, according to Mohamed A El-Erian, for the wall?” he would shout to his audience. “Mexico!” the crowds would Bloomberg columnist and the chief economic adviser at respond in unison. Of course, Mexico Allianz SE. had no intention of paying for such a wall. Pelosi, as Trump has learned, is not To Advertise the wimpy “San Francisco liberal” of Republican repute. Though she leans [email protected] left in her political positions, she is Display strategically pragmatic and as tough as a situation requires. In fact, she’s a 44466621 44418811 product of the brass-knuckle politics of Baltimore, where her father was the Classified boss-mayor. 44466609 44418811 Pelosi clearly fl ummoxes Trump. He has never had to deal with a woman as Subscription smart, dignifi ed, and tough as she is. She is his only known political rival for [email protected] whom he has not been able to devise a withering nickname (as in “crooked Hillary”): “Nancy, as I call her,” he © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved said, as he began to weaken against File picture of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi talking to US President Donald Trump in the White House. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 30, 2019 23 COMMENT Warnings from the global trade cycle

By Stephen S Roach for diff erent recovery trajectories New Haven – says otherwise. In the two prior expansions – 1985-1990 and 2002- 2007 – this ratio averaged 1.6: in other s the trade cycle turns, so words, once the cyclical noise of post- goes the global economy. recession rebounds subsided, growth But there is a new twist. of global trade was about 60% faster AWith growth in global than growth in world GDP. By contrast, trade sharply diminished since the in the current expansion, that ratio has 2008-2009 global fi nancial crisis, averaged just 1.0 over the comparable an upsurge of protectionism and 2012-2018 period, with global trade disrupted global supply chains is all the having slowed to a pace only equal to more problematic. There is a distinct the growth of world output. possibility that a turn in an already Debate rages about why growth in weakened trade cycle could spark a global trade has slowed so sharply surprisingly swift deterioration in the in recent years. Extensive research global economy. published by the IMF in late 2016 Early hints of just such an outcome attributed the slowdown largely to are evident in the January update of subdued business capital spending, the International Monetary Fund’s fi nding only small eff ects from World Economic Outlook. While the protectionism. Yet the world has IMF has revised downward its 2019 changed a lot in the subsequent two forecast of world GDP growth by 0.2 years. While the capital spending percentage points (from 3.7% to 3.5%), shortfall persists – despite a temporary it has made just a fractional reduction increase from large corporate tax cuts to its projection of 4% global trade in countries like the United States growth. This is certainly puzzling. In – there has been a marked increase a climate of increased tariff s between in protectionism, with attendant the US and China, with threats of more pressures on global supply chains. As a to come, and given Brexit-related risks result, a rethinking of the IMF fi ndings to eurozone trade, there is good reason is in order. to look for more signifi cant downward US President Donald Trump’s revisions to the global trade outlook. administration has obviously taken President Donald Trump signed the USMCA trade deal on Friday, alongside Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto in This would be especially the lead in moving from trade Buenos Aires in November last year. problematic, given that the world liberalisation and globalisation to economy’s support from global trade protectionism and fragmentation. and the global trading system that it At the same time, China’s exports fell world’s largest exporter and second- All in all, the global trade cycle is already on shaky ground. Following One line in Trump’s inaugural address has long supported. 4.4% in December as tariff -related largest importer. It’s negative impact is facing major stress in 2019, and a crisis-induced plunge of 10.4% in said it all: “Protection will lead Against this backdrop, a rapidly weakness in US markets fi nally appears on an already weakened global trade markdowns have only just begun. the volume of global trade in 2009 – a to great prosperity and strength.” unfolding China slowdown is all the to be taking a meaningful toll. cycle is only just starting to become This underscores the risks of a major modern-day record – recovery has Rhetoric quickly gave way to action more problematic. While recent GDP Needless to say, depending on apparent. shortfall in world GDP growth. In been muted. After a brief two-year and was followed in short order by US data point to only a slight deceleration the outcome of US-China trade The disruptive eff ects of Brexit a still tightly connected world, no rebound in 2010-2011, world trade disengagement from the Trans-Pacifi c in late 2018 – 6.4% annual growth in negotiations, there could well be can only exacerbate this problem. major economy will be an oasis. That growth averaged just 3.6% from 2012 Partnership, replacement of NAFTA the fourth quarter versus 6.5% in the more bad news for Chinese exports The eurozone, as a whole, ranks right includes the US, whose 45th president to 2018 – about half the 7.1% average with a higher-cost USMCA (United third quarter – monthly data revealed to the US. Moreover, while China is behind China among global exporters continues to insist that it’s easy to annual pace in the 20 years before the States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), sharp declines in December retail sales moving aggressively to counter the and slightly above China as the world’s win a trade war. Maybe not. – Project crisis. and, of course, a succession of tariff of key discretionary consumption cyclical shortfall in domestic activity, second largest importer. With exports Syndicate To be sure, the slowdown in world hikes against China. Withdrawal items such as automobiles and mobile it could be several months before its to the United Kingdom accounting for trade may be traceable to the global from the Paris climate agreement, phones. Refl ecting this deterioration policy moves start to take hold. In the about 3% of the European Union’s GDP zStephen S Roach, a faculty member economy’s relatively weak post-crisis threats to pull out of the World Trade in domestic demand, Chinese imports meantime, risks remain very much – considerably higher for Belgium, at Yale University and former Chairman recovery. But the ratio of growth in Organisation, and complaints about plunged by 7.6% in the 12 months on the downside for Chinese import Ireland, and the Netherlands – Brexit- of Morgan Stanley Asia, is the author global trade relative to growth in world Nato participation round out US ending in December, a worrisome demand. That underscores a key risk to induced frictions to global trade can of Unbalanced: The Codependency of output – an indicator that normalises disengagement from multilateralism about-face after a 16.1% gain in 2017. the IMF’s latest forecast: China is the hardly be taken lightly. America and China.

Three-day forecast How globalisation killed our mother TODAY Maximum Temperature : 250c Minimum Temperature : 170c Matthew Caruana Galizia, Malta would suff er for what she had Papers and Paradise Papers show just seek to violate it, and it makes their work Andrew Caruana Galizia, revealed. how eff ective investigative journalism both more dangerous and less eff ective. THURSDAY A trained archaeologist, our mother can be in forcing greater transparency, The most recent phase of Maximum Temperature : 260c and Paul Caruana Galizia Minimum Temperature : 170c London uncovered a web of corruption linking undermining criminal networks, globalisation gave us Moneyland, a vast major multinational deals, passport and driving up the cost of political playground for organised criminals FRIDAY sales, and a sophisticated global money- corruption for its perpetrators. and kleptocrats that hoovered up Maximum Temperature : 270c he worldwide network that laundering operation, and tugged on the But while journalists increasingly weaker jurisdictions like Malta into Minimum Temperature : 170c threads until they led her to the heart of co-operate across borders, national the service of dark money. The right facilitates transnational Fisherman's forecast organised crime and Malta’s government. law-enforcement authorities are still response to this is not to retreat behind corruption is, tragically, one of The result was not what she expected. playing catch-up in combating crime national borders, but to create a new T WARNING and corruption. As a result, the impact global entity designed to address the globalisation’s most enduring success Instead of resignations came reprisals. Inshore : Strong wind expected stories. It is also, therefore, one of its Pockets of institutional independence of investigative journalism varies widely transnational nature of organised at some places during deadliest fl aws. While the produce and in Malta that had survived four years by country and over time. In countries crime and corruption. For a start, law- afternoon proceeds of crime fl ow seamlessly across of populism were quashed. And our where law-enforcement authorities enforcement bodies could learn from Offshore : Expected strong wind & high sea borders, justice and law enforcement mother, a beacon of hope and courage are independent from the central journalism and work more urgently to remain largely trapped within national for hundreds of thousands, including government and private interests, and develop the trusted-network approach WEATHER boundaries, and are being steadily judges and law-enforcement offi cials, where the public can channel grievances that organised crime has perfected. Inshore : Mild daytime with sctd couds & slight dust at undermined and captured. Meanwhile, was executed in broad daylight. eff ectively through responsive political As the world seemingly enters times, cold by night journalists attempting to document The people she exposed remain in institutions, investigative reporting can a new phase of globalisation, we Offshore : Partly cloudy at times this are intimidated, locked up, and public offi ce, while those who campaign have an immediate impact on preventing must not allow new opportunities WIND murdered. for justice for her murder are assaulted corruption and state capture. to be extended to global crime and Inshore : Northwesterly 10-18/21 As the forces of globalised crime and in public. By exposing the venality of the But in countries lacking the will or corruption. Otherwise, our collective KT corruption continue to chisel away at powerful in a place where institutions capacity to root out organised crime future will belong to an alliance of dark Offshrore : Northwesterly 15-25/30 our freedom and security, the murdered are little more than facades, our and corruption, and with a public money, disinformation, and the sort of KT journalists left in their wake have taught mother’s work triggered a backlash that too polarised to unite against its division that robbed our country of its Visibility : 4-8 KM us powerful lessons about how to killed her, and is currently throttling the enemies, compelling transparency and most prominent journalist. – Project Offshore : 4-8/10 FT respond. These lessons concern not only country’s public life. accountability can have perverse results. Syndicate In such places, journalists continue to be journalism, but also law enforcement Little wonder, then, that in 2018 Around the region and the kind of society we want to live Malta fell the furthest in press-freedom targeted – with dangerous consequences z Matthew Caruana Galizia is Weather in. rankings in Europe, a region that itself both for local communities and the a journalist and software engineer Weather tomorrow Max/min One of these journalists was our experienced the fastest decline globally. global economy. who has worked on investigations today Max/min M Sunny 19/08 mother, Daphne Caruana Galizia. She The country also slipped in democracy When journalists come under attack, into international corruption for Baghdad P Cloudy 17/09 Sunny 19/13 was assassinated in Malta on October rankings and rule of law indicators, and it usually means that the societies the International Consortium of Kuwait CityM Cloudy 18/11 M Sunny 22/17 16, 2017, when a bomb placed under leads the fi eld in hate speech. within which they operate are so corrupt Investigative Journalists. Andrew Manama M Cloudy 21/17 P Cloudy 24/18 the driver’s seat of her car exploded as The impact of globalised crime that their principal law-enforcement Caruana Galizia is a Global Leadership Muscat Sunny 26/21 Sunny 14/03 she rushed to the bank to unblock her and corruption is not limited to Malta institutions and democratic checks Fellow and Strategic Intelligence Lead Tehran M Sunny 12/03 account, which had been frozen by the and Europe, of course. In response, have already been fundamentally at the World Economic Forum. Paul country’s economy minister. It was the investigative journalists have banded compromised. This makes investigative Caruana Galizia is the fi nance editor last in a string of attacks she endured for together in global networks such as reporters the last people left standing at Tortoise and a visiting fellow at the her reporting, but not the last violation the Daphne Project. And the Panama between the rule of law and those who London School of Economics.

Live issues

Depressed kids more likely to play choking game Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min By Lisa Rapaport “But this game can also attract young previous research has linked depression cause kids to play the choking game. Athens Rain 16/09 P Cloudy 14/08 Reuters Health people who are depressed and who to a higher risk of trying the game It’s also not clear from the survey Beirut P Cloudy 17/13 Sunny 19/13 will use this game as a way to replace without other kids around to watch or whether participating in the game might Bangkok P Cloudy 33/22 M Sunny 34/24 the depressive sensation with a strong help in an emergency. have caused mental health problems to Berlin P Cloudy 03/-2 P Cloudy 03/-2 hildren and adolescents who sensation provoked by this game,” For the current study, researchers develop, the study authors note. Cairo Sunny 21/08 Sunny 22/09 suff er from depression or Michel said by e-mail. “It is a question examined survey data collected from “Teens with depression are often Cape Town P Cloudy 24/17 Cloudy 24/18 behaviour problems may be of hiding the feeling of depression.” 1,771 French middle school students in bored and apathetic and some may Colombo M Sunny 31/24 Sunny 31/24 Cmore likely to play potentially Choking game players typically 2009 and 2013. be attracted to this thrill-seeking Dhaka Sunny 25/13 Sunny 27/14 fatal “choking games” to achieve a use their hands, a belt or a tie to put Students with depression were 2.2 activity,” said Dr Benjamin Shain, head Hong Kong P Cloudy 22/16 P Cloudy 23/17 euphoric high than young people who pressure on the carotid artery in the times more likely to play the choking of child and adolescent psychiatry at Istanbul M Cloudy 14/09 Showers 13/08 don’t have mental health issues, a neck, temporarily limiting the flow game than students without depression, NorthShore University HealthSystem in Jakarta S T Storm 31/25 T Storm 30/25 French study suggests. of oxygen and blood to the brain. The the study found. Evanston, Illinois. Karachi Sunny 24/17 P Cloudy 24/16 Roughly one in 10 teens and goal is to achieve a euphoric feeling And, youth with conduct disorders, Some teens with depression might London Showers 06/-1 M Sunny 05/-2 pre-teens have participated in when the flow of blood and oxygen like a tendency to break rules or behave try the choking game as “a rehearsal Manila P Cloudy 29/22 M Cloudy 30/23 this dangerous game at least once, rushes back to the brain. in antisocial ways, were 2.3 times more for a suicide attempt,” Shain, who Moscow Cloudy -1/-3 S Showers 02/01 researchers report in Paediatrics. It’s dangerous enough in groups, likely to participate in the game. wasn’t involved in the study, said by New Delhi Sunny 19/06 M Cloudy 20/09 The risk was more than doubled, but when children play alone, without While previous studies have found e-mail. Others might develop emotional New York Rain 06/-5 Cloudy -1/-14 however, for young people with others present to interrupt the the game is more widespread among problems as a result of brain damage Paris S Showers 05/01 Rain & Snow 03/-2 symptoms of depression or conduct asphyxiation, they face an increased risk teen boys than girls, the current caused by the choking game, Shain said. Sao Paulo M Sunny 34/20 M Sunny 34/21 disorders. of loss of consciousness and inability to analysis didn’t fi nd any diff erences “Presumably reduction of depressive Seoul P Cloudy 04/-6 M Cloudy 07/-7 This game is deadly and can attract stop strangulation when a noose, belt or based on sex. symptoms from treatment may reduce Singapore T Storm 31/25 T Storm 30/26 suicidal children, said lead study author other ligature is being used. The study wasn’t designed to prove participation in the choking game, but Sydney Cloudy 28/22 Cloudy 29/22 Gregory Michel, a psychology researcher Nearly all deaths from the game occur whether specifi c psychological or the current study does not address this Tokyo Clear 11/03 Clear 09/02 at the University of Bordeaux in France. when youngsters play alone, and some behavioural health problems might issue,” Shain added. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 QATAR

A jubilant crowd at The Pearl-Qatar. PICTURE: Ram Chand Cheering crowds, victory marches as jubilation pours out on Qatar streets

festive atmosphere pre- At Souq Waqif, Qataris, residents deserve it. “We’ve “sweeter” because of the op- vailed around the coun- alongside hundreds of fans hit them with four goals.” He position. People were keen to A try after the Qatar na- from other countries — includ- added that the victory was for express their joy and pride in tional football team defeated ing Egypt, France, Jordan and the country’s leaders, including various ways, including wav- the UAE yesterday to qualify for Algeria, watched the match in- His Highness the Amir Sheikh ing the Qatari flag and chanting the Asian Cup final for the first tently. At first the crowd were Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. slogans of support, while oth- time. Thousands of Qataris and nervously quiet but as Qatar’s Nearby, an excited Algerian, ers started to dance to the tune expatriates took to the streets dominance became apparent, Karim, said Qatar should now of national songs. of Doha and other places — as the fans become much noisier. beat Japan in Friday’s final. There were also a plethora well to social media — to cel- Qataris danced through the “It’s very fair, they gave a great of congratulatory messages — ebrate the occasion. half-time break with their team performance, they deserve it.” from ministers and other digni- The victory was particularly 2-0 in front, and in the second TV networks broadcast clip- taries to common citizens and special as the Qatari team — half cheered every block and pings of the celebrations from residents — on social media. Al Annabi — emerged victori- tackle as “Al Annabi (the Ma- various parts of Doha, includ- Sports experts and analysts ous despite hostile conditions roons)” fought to hold on to ing Katara, Aspire Park and agreed that the Qatari team de- in the UAE — one of the four their lead. Souq Waqif. served to qualify for the final countries that imposed the un- The final whistle saw the Traffic along the Doha Cor- of the Asian Cup due to their just blockade on Qatar back in start of huge celebrations at niche was jammed bumper- impressive performance so far, June 2017. Fans had gathered at the Souq, with more music to-bumper with fans celebrat- especially in the semi-final, places such as Souq Waqif and and dance. “Congratulations! ing the victory, many honking thanks to the strategy of Span- Katara — the Cultural Village, Congratulations! They deserve horns or waving Qatari flags ish coach Felix Sanchez and the among others, in large numbers it,” said one unnamed jubi- from car roofs. fighting spirit of the Qatari he- to watch the semi-final live on lant Qatari immediately after. A Qatari celebrating the vic- roes against the Emirati team. giant screens. “The Qatari people and the tory said the result was much (With inputs from agencies) Fans celebrating on the Corniche. PICTURE: Reuters

Twitter ablaze with congratulatory messages

Congratulatory messages poured in after Qatar emphatically defeated the UAE in yesterday’s Asian Cup semi-final, with many dignitaries expressing their thoughts through tweets. Following are some of them, including translations of tweets made in Arabic:

„HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, stressed that the Qatar team — Al Annabi — was able to defeat the host country in spite of all the challenges and diff iculties due to its high-quality performance and well-co-ordinated and skilful game.

„HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani lauded the Qatari team’s performance, saying: “We are proud of our team of the future, our national team, for qualifying for the final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Well done, you have made us proud and given joy to the people of Qatar; we wish you success in the final.”

„HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani also took to Twitter to praise the national team “for their great performance and high sports ethics”. He wished them further success.

„ Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy: “Congratulations to our brave young national team on reaching the final of the #AFCAsianCup2019! This evening’s special victory will live long in our memories — an incredible new chapter in our footballing history. All eyes now on the final against Japan!” People from various nationalities joined Qataris in the celebrations. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam

„ William Grant, Charge d’Aff aires of the US embassy in Qatar: A well-deserved win for #Qatar.” Qatar Foundation screens AFC Cup glory Qatar erupts Qualifying for final in joy after ‘is a heroic victory’, humbling UAE says sports minister From Page 1 But Qatar never looked seriously trou- bled and captain al-Haydos coolly chipped QNA tari team, which gave a lesson in in a third to spark further chaos as the at- Doha dedication and teamwork”. He mosphere began to turn sinister, al-Hajri congratulated the wise leader- knocked to the ground as more missiles ship of the country, the Qatari streamed onto the pitch. E the Minister of Cul- people and the residents of Qatar UAE defender Ismail Ahmed was then ture and Sports Salah bin on the occasion. HE al-Ali noted shown a red card in stoppage time for an HGhanem bin Nasser al- that Qatari football has begun to elbow on al-Hajri, before Ismail added a Ali described the Qatari football reap the fruits of the eff orts of breakaway fourth to compound UAE’s mis- team’s qualifi cation for the fi nal Aspire Academy. ery. of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup as a Further, HE the Minister Qatar’s Pedro Correia took great satisfac- “heroic victory”, after it beat the praised the players who exerted tion from silencing the haters. “We like to UAE counterpart 4-0 yesterday. extraordinary eff ort, as well as play games like this,” the defender told AFP. This is for the fi rst time in its his- the technical and administrative “Everybody knows about the problems tory that the Qatari team — or Al staff . but we don’t care — we just play football. Annabi — has made it to the fi nal He wished the Qatari team Let the people talk, winning 4-0 is more of the tournament. success against its Japanese Qatar Foundation (QF) yesterday held a special screening of the historic AFC Asian Cup 2019 semi-final between Qatar important.” HE the Minister stressed that counterpart in the fi nal, noting and UAE, at Multaqa (Education City Student Centre). The screening of the match, where Qatar produced an outstanding UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni confi rmed progress to the fi nal is “a natu- that the match will be diffi cult, performance to beat UAE 4-0, saw members of the public join QF students, staff , and faculty in celebrating the emphatic after the game that he was stepping down. ral result of the performance and but confi dence in the Qatari team victory. Qatar will now play Japan in the final in Abu Dhabi on February 1. PICTURE: Jayan Orma “We simply failed in our objective,” he fi rm determination of the Qa- is high. said.