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Wednesday 17 April 2019 | 12 Sha'baan 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7864 | 2 Riyals

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Policy Working Amir, Albanian PM discuss relations Group of Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue QNA H E the Prime Minister DOHA and his Albanian holds first meeting counterpart witnessed in Washington Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday the signing of a QNA at the Amiri Diwan with the Prime maritime transport WASHINGTON Minister of the Republic of agreement, a letter of Albania, Edi Rama, and the intent between the The governments of the State accompanying delegation on the of Qatar and the United States occasion of his visit to the country. Ministries of Interior of America convened the first They reviewed bilateral rela- of the two countries meeting of the Policy Working tions and means of boosting them and a memorandum of Group of the Qatar-US Strategic in various fields, in addition to a understanding in the Dialogue in Washington number of regional and interna- yesterday. tional issues of common concern. field of sport. The Qatari delegation was The meeting was attended by led by Director of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister the signing of a maritime transport Department of Policy and H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin agreement, a letter of intent Planning of the Ministry of Khalifa Al Thani and a number of between the Ministries of Interior Foreign Affairs Dr Khalid bin Their Excellencies the Ministers. of the two countries on cooper- Fahad Al Khater, while the US H E the Prime Minister and ation in the field of security, and a side was headed by Deputy Interior Minister also held formal memorandum of understanding Assistant Secretary of State for talks with the visiting Prime Min- on cooperation in the field of sport. Near Eastern Affairs Timothy ister. They discussed the bilateral H E the Prime Minister and Lenderking. relations and the prospects for Interior Minister also hosted a The meeting discussed enhancing them, especially in the luncheon banquet in honour of the means of supporting and devel- economic and investment fields. visiting Prime Minister. `P2 oping relations between the two A number of regional and countries and enhancing coop- international issues of mutual ` Amir H H Sheikh Tamim eration in the fields of concern were also discussed. H E bin Hamad Al Thani with the diplomacy, regional security, the Prime Minister and his Prime Minister of the Republic military cooperation, civil avi- Albanian counterpart witnessed of Albania, Edi Rama, yesterday. ation, education and culture, and tackled a number of regional and international issues of common concern. Democracy in action as Qataris vote in CMC polls The two sides agreed that the policy working group will meet SIDI MOHAMED by acclamation. Major General Majid Ibrahim, Elections of the CMC said that the voting every six months on a rotational THE PENINSULA who is also Director of Elections Department process took place in an atmosphere of basis, and that the next meeting at the Ministry of Interior, said that the total freedom and transparency, thanks to will be held in October 2019 in The Chairman of the Central Municipal number of voters who cast votes yesterday community awareness. Doha to discuss the progress Council (CMC) Elections Supervisory was 13,334 with a 50.10 percent voter turnout. It said that the municipal elections, made in the issues and topics Committee, Major General Majid Ibrahim Al Two women were among the winners: reflects the democracy in the country and addressed in the first meeting. Khulaifi (pictured), yesterday announced Sheikha Yousef Hassan Al Jufairi and Fatma is the best evidence of the progress and The two sides stressed the the results of 25 CMC constituencies where Ahmed Khalfan Al Kuwari from constit- prosperity in the State of Qatar. “The Min- strength of the historical rela- 85 candidates contested the elections while uency numbers 8 and 9 respectively. istry of Interior has made great efforts to tions between the two countries four constituencies had been already won A total of 85 candidates, including five organise the polling process and to be and the importance of taking successful,” it added. them to wider horizons. Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory The meeting was attended by CMC ELECTION 2019 RESULTS Committee for the Elections of the CMC, Director of the Department of Brigadier Salem Saqr Al Muraikhi, said that American Affairs of Ministry of Constituencies Polling Headquarters Winners women, contested in 25 constituencies out the voting process was conducted in an Foreign Affairs Dr Issa Mohammed Constituancy 1 Markhiyya Jassim Najm Ali Ahmed Al Khulaifi of 29. Members of four constituencies - 7, atmosphere of integrity and transparency Al Mannai and senior officials of 22, 27, and 28 - were elected by accla- without recording any violation. the Ministries of Defence, Edu- Constituancy 2 Dafna Ali Fahad Muhsin Al Shahwani mation. Out of total 29 winning candidates, He explained that the Electoral Law cation and Higher Education, and Constituancy 3 South Duhail Ali Khalaf Mjren Al Kubaisi 15 candidates were newcomers, while 14 Committee has done a great work and con- the Civil Aviation Authority. candidates have been reelected to the CMC. tinues to work in cooperation with the tech- Constituancy 4 Bin Omran Badr Sulthan Sadr Sulthan Al Rumaihi While announcing the results, Major nical committee for the elections in terms Constituancy 5 Shabiyyath Khalifa Muhammed Salim Muhammed Al Kamar Al Marri General Majid Ibrahim thanked all of ensuring the safety of the ballot papers. QGIRCO set to open authorities who supervised the CMC elec- The Committee also responds to all major Algeria project Constituancy 6 Azeeziyya Ali Sulthan Ghanim Aal Suwaid Al Ghanim tions terming the whole exercise as a legal inquiries received from the elec- Constituancy 7 Munthaza Abdullah Saeed Abdulla Khamees Al Sulaiti great success. toral commissions for the success of the THE PENINSULA /DOHA Earlier from 8am to 5pm, thousands elections. He also praised the people’s Constituancy 8 Old Airport Sheikha Yousef Hasan Al Jufairi of Qataris voted to elect their keenness to participate in the election and Qatar General Insurance and Rein- Constituancy 9 Thumama Fathima Ahmed Khalfan al Kuwari representatives. choose their representatives to the CMC surance Co (QGIRCO) is to open its The Supervisory Committee for the in its six session. `P4-5 flagship real estate project in Constituancy 10 Maamoura Abdu Rahman Abdullah Muhammed Ali Al Khulaifi Algeria within six months, said a Constituancy 11 Musaimeer &Abu Hamour Swalih Jabir Swalih Al Nabith Al Marri top official of the Group. The 85 QGIRCO is developing one of the Constituancy 12 Muaither Hamad Abdullah Al Hanzab biggest mixed-use real estate CANDIDATES 50.1% Constituancy 13 Abu Sidrah Muhammed Hamad Muhammed Al Hattan Al Marri projects in the capital city of VOTED Algiers. It’s a project consisting of Constituancy 14 New Rayyan Muhammed Hamood Shafi Al Shafi 29 11 buildings, including a luxury Constituancy 15 Ezghawa Mubarak Fareesh Mubarak Al Salim hotel (Marriott), office buildings, a CONSTITUENCIES mall and shopping centres. Constituancy 16 Bani Hajer Muhammed Salih Rashid Al Hajiri `Business 01 Constituancy 17 Khuraithiyath - Ezghawa Ezghawa- Abdullah Khalid Qasim Al Yafi 5 Constituancy 18 Al Sakhama Mishgal Abdullah Swaqr Al Naeemi WOMEN Constituancy 19 Umm Sulal Muhammed Khalaf Ibrahim Saad Al Kaabi CANDIDATES Constituancy 20 Al Wakrah Jabar Muhammed Saif Al Suwaidi 4 Constituancy 21 Al Karaana - Salwa Road Salwa Road- Naif Ali Muhammed Al Ahbabi CANDIDATES YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Constituancy 22 Rawdath Rashid - Al Jamila Muhammed Abdullah Muhammed Al Warid ELECTED Barcelona 3-0 Constituancy 23 Al Shahhaniyya Muhammed Lafir Muhammed Al Hajiri WITHOUT Manchester United (Agg 4-0) Constituancy 24 Al Jumailiya Muhammed Saif Majid Al Mansouri CONTEST Ajax 2-1 Juventus (Agg 3-2) Constituancy 25 Al Khor Abdullah Mukallad Ali Ibrahim Al Miraikhi TODAY'S FIXTURES: QUARTER-FINALS Constituancy 26 Al Zakheera Ali Muhammed Ahmed Al Hassan Al Mohannadi (KICKOFF 10:00PM QATAR TIME) Constituancy 27 Al Kaaban Rashid Mubarak Saeed Al Kaabi FC Porto vs Liverpool (Agg 0-2) Constituancy 28 Ghuwairiyya Saeed Mubarak Saeed Al Rashidi Manchester City vs Tottenham Constituancy 29 Shamal Nasir Hassan Dandoon Al Kubaisi Hotspur (Agg 0-1) 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019

Qatar, Poland Amir receives Albanian Prime Minister hold political discussions

QNA DOHA

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Poland held a round of political consultations in the Polish capital Warsaw yesterday. The Qatari side was chaired by the Secretary- General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, while the Polish side was headed by the Deputy Foreign Min- ister, Maciej Lang. During the round of political consultations, they discussed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways of supporting and Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday at the Amiri Diwan with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Edi Rama, and the accompanying developing them, in delegation on the occasion of his visit to the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and means of boosting them addition to a number of in various fields, in addition to a number of regional and international issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E issues of common Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and a number of Their Excellencies the Ministers. concern.

Sheikha Hind meets Princess Dana Firas at QF

H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF); met with Princess Dana Firas, Unesco Global Ambassador and President of Petra Deputy PM holds talks with NAVCENT Commander National Trust; at Education City. During her visit to QF, Princess Dana also received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah met yesterday a presentation on the organisation’s vision and mission; was given further insight with the Vice-Admiral James Malloy, Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT); and Commander into its efforts and initiatives in education, science and research, and community of the US 5th Fleet and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed military relations between development, from the viewing platform at the 2015 building (QF Headquarters); the two sides and means of enhancing them. The Commander of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces Major General (Navy), and commemorated her visit by signing QF’s Visitors Book. Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, and a number of senior officers at the Qatari Armed Forces attended the meeting. President of Botswana visits Katara Qatar expresses solidarity with France

THE PENINSULA/DOHA

The President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, and his delegation visited the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara yesterday during an official visit to Qatar. Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, received the President and escorted him in a tour around the different premises and facilities of Katara such as the Amphitheatre, the Drama theatre bridges between the cultures of the world. and the Opera house where they wit- President Masisi expressed his nessed a rehearsal by the Qatar Philhar- amusement on the role Katara plays in monic Orchestra. Dr Al Sulaiti explained bringing nations together and valuing arts to the delegation about the different cul- and culture, he also singed the VIP tural events and festival Katara carries out guestbook of Katara and was awarded an throughout the year and its role in building honour shield by Dr Al Sulaiti. Qatar Airways wins multiple awards across several categories THE PENINSULA importance of sustainability, by specialist judges to take the Germany on April 2. These To be recognised across such a DOHA innovation and corporate social tasting menu trend to a new level awards are judged by passengers diverse spectrum, from Onboard responsibility and responding to for premium passengers. The and celebrate the design excel- Catering to Product Design, is a Qatar Airways is celebrating a trends, Qatar Airways and airline also received ‘Highly lence of amenity kits, sleeper reflection of the dedication and successful month of April with a FORMIA won a special award for Commended’ in three categories: suits and bedding. The airline’s hard work of all our employees host of award wins across a ‘Best Charitable Initiatives’ in ‘Best Onboard Catering Inno- win at the PAX International throughout the organisation. variety of categories, highlighting recognition of the airline’s breast vation’ for the elegant Caviar Readership Awards on 3 April for “As an airline, we constantly its outstanding onboard hospi- cancer awareness amenity kit, presentation, ‘Best for Onboard ‘Best Middle East Economy Class strive to provide the best service tality, passenger experience and which was cited as a worthy ini- Kids’ and ‘Best for Onboard Amenity Kit’ rounds off wins for to our passengers and we are commitment to charitable initi- tiative, helping to raise Snacks - First and Business the airline’s Product Devel- honoured to be recognised atives. awareness of an important cause Class’. opment and Design department through the volume of awards The airline won two separate in a simple but effective manner. The airline’s First Class male in April. presented to us recently by pres- accolades at the 2019 Onboard Qatar Airways also received amenity kit and its goody bag for Qatar Airways Group Chief tigious industry leaders. We Hospitality Awards that took the ‘Trendsetter of the Year’ children also won two Gold Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: remain committed to offering place in Hamburg, Germany on award’ for its versatile Tasting awards at The TravelPlus Airline “We would like to thank the our award-winning service and April 1. Platter, an express dinner option sleep on overnight flights from Amenity Bag Awards ceremony judges and our passengers for to further enhancing our cus- In recognition of the aimed at optimising rest and Europe. This concept was found that took place in Hamburg, presenting us with these awards. tomers’ flying experience.” WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 HOME 03 Qatar and Albania sign a number of agreements

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani held formal talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Edi Rama, at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. The Prime Minister and his Albanian counterpart witnessed the signing of a maritime transport agreement, a letter of intent between the Ministries of Interior of the two countries on cooperation in the field of security, and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of sport. PM meets Grand Mufti of Bosnia & Herzegovina Qatar, Botswana discuss ways to expand, strengthen cooperation QNA to 16. H H the Amir and President the Botswana businessmen and DOHA held a session of official talks at the Qatari Businessmen Associ- the Amiri Diwan on Monday. ation (QBA), the QBA expressed Qatar and Botswana have The two sides stressed the interest in investing in the discussed ways to expand and strength of bilateral and friendly Republic of Botswana in the fields strengthen bilateral cooperation relations between the two coun- of agriculture, hotel and between the two friendly coun- tries and their keenness to infrastructure. tries, and agreed to form a joint promote and develop them in During the visit, a number of committee between the two coun- various fields, especially in eco- memorandums of understanding tries under the chairmanship of nomic, trade and political fields, were signed including MoU in their respective foreign ministers in multi-faceted cooperation and defence cooperation, MoU in to follow up and strengthen this in continuous communication at political consultations, MoU in the cooperation, especially in the field the official and popular levels. field of culture, MoU in the fields of investment. There was also extensive dis- of youth and sports. The committee will hold its cussion during which views were At the end of the visit, Pres- first meeting during this year in exchanged on a number of ident Masisi expressed his sincere Qatar or Botswana at a date to be regional and international issues thanks and appreciation to H H agreed upon between the parties. of common concern, including the the Amir for warm welcome and At the invitation of Amir H H situation in the Middle East and hospitality accorded to him and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Africa. The two sides stressed the his accompanying delegation Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yesterday Thani, the President of the importance of a peaceful solution during his visit. The President with the Head of Muslim Scholars and Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hussein Kavazovic, Republic of Botswana, Dr Mokg- to all regional and international invited H H the Amir to visit Bot- and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country. The meeting reviewed weetsi Masisi, paid an official visit issues through dialogue. swana at a date to be agreed upon relations of cooperation between the two countries and ways of developing them. to the State of Qatar from April 14 During the meeting between through diplomatic channels. Call for joint efforts to preserve cultural heritage

FAZEENA SALEEM Preserving History, Identity and traditions,” she added. THE PENINSULA Cultural Legacy’, highlighted the Princess Dana is a leading role that heritage plays in main- advocate for heritage protection The importance of collective taining the identity, history, and and preservation, and its role in efforts to preserve cultural cultural legacy of communities in sustainable development, with her heritage in the Arab region was the Arab region. She called for leg- work in this area leading to her highlighted during a discussion islation, creating awareness and designation as a Unesco Goodwill held at the Qatar National Library, commitment to protect heritage Ambassador in 2017. yesterday. at national, regional and global Dr Al Kawari talked about the Princess Dana Firas, Unesco’s level. “We are blessed in our efforts that Qatar has been making Global Ambassador and President region with innumerable natural to support the preservation of, and of Petra National Trust, shed light and cultural treasures and an access to cultural heritage. He also on the role of everyone in pro- exceptionally rich heritage. All highlighted the role that cultural tecting cultural heritage and its around us today, in this incredible heritage plays in Qatar National link with human rights in a key setting, we see, smell and expe- Vision 2030 and its relationship note lecture, during an event held rience the documentary evidence to national identity in Qatar and to mark the Library’s first of thousands of years of human human rights. “Qatar under the anniversary. history and relations. This stands leadership of the Amir H H Sheikh Minister of State H E Dr as tangible evidence of our Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani gives Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kawari; region’s role as a wellspring of cultural heritage its utmost H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al culture and science, an epicenter attention, and regards it as a cor- Sada; President of Community of connectivity among peoples and Minister of State H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari with H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada (second nerstone of cultural efforts in line Development, Qatar Foundation, a cultural, historic, religious and right); Unesco Goodwill Ambassador and President of the Petra National Trust, Princess Dana Firas with Qatar National Vision 2030. Machaille Al Naimi; Executive economic crossroads for thou- (second left); and President, Community Development, QF, Machaille Al Naimi (right); at the event Our cultural institutions, including Director of Qatar National Library, sands of years,” said Princess yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Qatar National Library and Qatar Dr Sohair Wastawy; and several Dana. Museums, are working day and other dignitaries were present at “One challenge that many natural heritage. Tourism has the ventures; it can continue to when most needed, and if har- night in cooperation with regional the event. World Heritage sites face today is potential to reach communities prosper even in the face of nessed properly it can contribute and international organizations to Princess Dana in a lecture, badly managed tourism and the long forgotten by mainstream financial crises and economic to conserving nature and pre- preserve heritage and strengthen ‘Cultural Heritage and its Role in over exploitation of cultural and development and business slowdowns; it can provide jobs serving historic sites and cultural its status,” said Dr Al Kawari. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 HOME 05 Transparent election brings over 50% new members to CMC Supreme Judiciary Council Chairman hails elections

QNA DOHA

Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council We congratulate all the winners in the election of sixth tenure of Central Municipal and President of the Court of Cassation, H Council (CMC) 2019, and we expect from them to contribute actively to serve the E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi, country and citizen to achieve the aspirations of our wise leadership and Qatar praised the success of the sixth Central National Vision 2030 Municipal Council (CMC) elections, saying it reflects the keenness of the State of Qatar’s wise leadership to include citizens important role played by citizens alike in the prosperity witnessed in the country. in the Thesedecision-making elections also process highlight and the His Excellency said that the electoral their participation in decisions con- process went well and according to the cerning the development of their resi- plans thanks to the efforts made by the Min- dential areas, His Excellency added. istry of Interior before and during the He said the elections experience proved election process. The Electoral Supervisory over five previous sessions its success Committee worked in detail in order to in achieving the desired goals thanks show the democratic event and prosperity to the contribution of all members of in Qatar under the wise leadership. the former CMC to make this experience H E Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary a successful due to their sincere work Council said the CMC elections are one of and service to citizens, which benefits the pillars of the democratic experiences the country. in the State of Qatar and it is one aspect of Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary CouncilH E Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary the development witnessed by the State in and President of the Court of Cassation, Council visited yesterday a number of political, sports, economic, social, cultural H E Dr Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al constituencies during the voting process A voter casting a ballot at at Al Resala Independent Secondary School and other fields. Mohannadi to assess the electoral commissions. Speaker of Shura Council: CMC elections yesterday. PICS: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA highlight Qatar’s democratic experience Entrust CMC with more Director-General of Public Security: Qatar His Excellency said the sixth celebrates democracy with smooth voting society and developing their areas.” QNA session of CMC elections comes His Excellency said the sixth edition of CMC when the country has taken elections comes when the country has taken great powers, say voters DOHA great strides in various fields of strides in various fields of economic, political, social and cultural development, thanks to the Director-General of Public Security Staff Major economic, political, social and wise policy and directives of Amir H H Sheikh General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi said that the cultural development, thanks to Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. State of Qatar is living today a celebration of the wise policy and directives of This edition of election comes after the expe- democracy reflected in the elections of the Central Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad rience of the previous five editions of the CMC Municipal Council in its sixth session, in line with proved effective in achieving its objectives, which the comprehensive development achieved by the Al Thani. will constitute an important asset in the work of State of Qatar under the auspices and guidance of the Council during the next phase that requires the wise leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim QNA more effort and work in keeping pace with the bin Hamad Al Thani. DOHA rapid development witnessed by the country, he Director-General of Public Security praised the added. commitment and discipline in the various constit- Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin the Speaker of Shura Council thanked the uencies, and the accessibility of facilities for voters, Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud commended the members of the former CMC for their efforts and thanks to the efforts made by the Supervisory Com- elections of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) hard work for the benefit of their country and mittee in the Ministry of the Interior, stressing that as one of the pillars of “our democratic expe- wished the new members success in performing the voting process is proceeding easily and rience, which was founded by our wise leadership their role to better perform this national smoothly without any problem. Lawyer and Legal Adviser, Ali Abdullah Al Haddad Yousef Al Karani Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud to engage citizens in solving the issues of their responsibility. He added that the Supervisory Committee and its Abdul Rahman The Director-General of Public Security Staff Major various subcommittees, which includes members General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi from various departments at the Ministry of the SIDI MOHAMED “Most of the work done by atmosphere. It took only a few Interior, have made great efforts in preparing for supervision of the electoral process. Democracy in action as THE PENINSULA CMC members is because of their minutes to choose my favourite these elections, drawing on its accumulated expe- Director-General of Public Security urged voters personal efforts because they candidate”. rience over the past five sessions, in addition to to rush to polling stations, which opened at 8:00 Members of Central Municipal only have power to submit rec- “We hope that the candidates the automated link that facilitates monitoring and am, to choose their representatives in the Central Council (CMC) should be entrusted ommendations and these recom- will work to develop their con- Municipal Council, as a Qataris vote in CMC polls with more powers, said voters who mendations do not carry any stituencies, in terms of infra- national duty that pro- came yesterday to polling stations weight because they are merely structure, schools, sports clubs motes popular partici- The Head of the Electoral atmosphere in expressing opinion, and to exercise the electoral rights. More advises. The CMC has completed and everything that serves the pation and enriches the choosing the best representative in the powers will help these members to around 20 years and has enough community,” he added. democratic experience to Committee in the Municipal Council. serve their constituencies by imple- experience, so it can be entrusted Al Haddad gave advise to serve the homeland, cit- Constituency Number 8 (Old The turnout of women in some constit- menting development projects, they with more powers,” Abdul winning candidates to always izens and residents. Airport), Judge Mohammed uencies of the municipal elections was higher added. Rahman emphasised. “ Those remain in touch with people of He underlined that the than the previous sessions, which reflects the “This is a big event in democratic candidates will win in today’s their constituencies and should honorable competition in Mubarak Al Dossari, said increase of awareness about the importance process. We have the right to be election who have worked sin- do not disappear until next these elections is a proof polling process witnessed of participation in election process. proud of these elections as Qatari cerely for the their constituencies election. He advocated to of the great awareness of Head of the electoral committee in men and women, and everyone who and lived up to the expectations increase the power of CMC the importance of a remarkable turnout of the Constituency Number 8 (Old Airport), has the right to vote will not hesitate of their voters,” he added. members. popular participation citizens since the opening of Judge Mohammed Mubarak Al Dossari in exercising his electoral right,” He expressed hope that Shura Yousef Al Karani, a Qatari and the need to engage said polling process witnessed a Abdul Rahman, a lawyer and a legal Council members may also be citizen who is very happy about everyone in the renais- the ballot boxes at 8am. remarkable turnout of citizens since the adviser, said while talking to The elected in coming years. this election said that “The elec- sance of Qatar. He added opening of the ballot boxes at 8am. Peninsula. Qatari citizen Ali Abdullah Al tions took place in good condi- that this competition is The number of people registered in this The second thing which is Haddad, said that “The electoral tions and with full transparency for the benefit of the cit- constituency is 1,975, and they voted for two important for this election is that to process was easy and took place and we came today to show our izens, the society and the FROM PAGE 1 candidates in this constituency. show others that the people are with in a transparent democratic confidence for our candidate.” country as a whole. Head of the Electoral Committee in Con- the leadership for a better tomorrow, Brigadier Abdulrahman Majid Al Sulaiti, stituency Number 19, Mousa Ibrahim Al he said. member of the Supervisory Committee, con- Hatmi pointed out that the Ministry of the Regarding the limited power of firmed that the voting process took place in an Interior has completed the arrangements the CMC, he said that “I hope that the Voters praise efficient polling process atmosphere of freedom and transparency. He for the electoral process to the fullest, from government will give the CMC more also noted that the pre-election preparations the entry of the voter to the headquarters, powers and competencies so that SANAULLAH ATAULLAH like polling officials and security personal intensified outdoor election campaign,” played an important role in facilitating the and until he left after voting, and the voters can see the work of their rep- THE PENINSULA toPeninsula ensure a smooth electoral process,” said Ali. voters’ participation during the voting. presence of volunteers and their efforts resentatives have done in their Ali Al Marri, a young voter told The Speaking about the expectations of Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, head of make the process easy. tenure.” Voters have lauded the fast voting pro- after casting his vote at the the voters from CMC members, Ali said the Media Information Committee, said that the cedure adopted yesterday for 6th tenure polling station. that they demand new roads, schools, Supervisory Committee has worked to hold elec- of Central Municipal Council (CMC). He said that voting process this year playgrounds, parks, supermarkets as well tions characterised by transparency and a free A number of voters at different was very fast and the voters were casting as good services. “The former member of polling stations observed that voting pro- votes without any delay. “I cast my vote CMC from from the constituency No.12, Candidates vow to live up to poll promises cedures were fast and smooth and they in less than 15 minutes,” he said, adding: Muaither fulfilled over 80 percent of what cast their votes in 10-15 minutes and that “It was very simple voting process. The he had promised to his voters,” said Ali. THE PENINSULA day. The candidate from the Constit- that his election manifesto focused on supermarkets at some areas where Al from the announcement of election date time too was consumed due to waiting voters just present their ID cards to get Another voter Abu Ahmad at the DOHA uency No. 19 said that his election man- real issues of the residents of the Furjan Markets could not be built so the till poling day. Lauding the role of the queues which varied from one polling a ballot paper and then wait for a few same polling station, said that voting pro- ifesto included all types of services that constituency. people can get groceries and other Central Municipal Council, Al Kaabi said station to another. minutes in queue to cast their votes,” said cedure was very easy that required only The candidates for the election of 6th people need across the constituency “The allotment of land for schools items conveniently,” said Al Kaabi. that the Council had played great role The polling station of the constit- Ali Al Marri, a voter of constituency No. Ali. ID card. “I forgot my ID card at home session of the Central Municipal Council which will be delivered as soon as pos- will be on my top priority to accom- The voters were very exited over for the development of services and agri- uency No. 12 Muaither which had been 12 Muaither Speaking about the interactions of therefore the the polling officer asked (CMC) have said that they will start sible on priority basis. modate more students amid growing casting their votes for electing CMC cultural sector. set up at the facility of Muaither Prepar- candidates with the voters, Ali said that me to bring it. I brought my ID card from work by the beginning of new tenure “The big turnover of voters at number of population,” said Al Kaabi. members. “It is a national duty of every Another voter, Mohamad Al Baridi atory School for Girls received good Rashid Al Aswad Al Marri, and Ali Rashid the candidates talked with their voters my residence to cast my vote,” said Abu to deliver the services as soon as pos- polling station indicates increased He said that voters demanded to citizen who reached to the required age said that it is a responsibility of voters to number of voters by 10am. Habuna Al Azba Al Marri were contesting through conducting meetings during the Ahmad. sible if they win the election. awareness of citizens about the role and build Al Furjan Markets in some areas to head to polling stations to vote his elect the best candidates so they could Separate booths were set up for male the election from the constituency No.12, campaign. “This year, the candidates also Regarding the demand of voters from “I am contesting first time CMC importance of CMC,” said Ali. especially at Umm Al Amd and Umm candidate,” said a young voter, Ali Al meet the aspiration of the residents in and female voters at the school to ensure Muaither. launched a soft campaign on mobile the next CMC member, he said that they election to serve the country and Another candidate, Khalaf Ibrahim Abiriaya. Kaabi. achieving the sustainable developments, the privacy and smooth voting process. “The Supervisory Committee for the phones, social networking sites like wanted beautification of the area and people,” said Fahad Mansur Aman Ali, Al Kaabi who contested the election “Other demands include to build He said that the authorities con- building infrastructures and other nec- Three candidates Hamad Abdullah Elections of the Central Municipal Council Snapchat, Instagram, Tweeter and parks apart from general services at the a candidate yesterday on the polling from the same Constituency No. 19 said small commercial complexes and cerned had made tremendous efforts essary facilities. Hamad Al Hanzab Al Marri, Hamad Saeed (CMC) has made adequate arrangements Facebook in a very simple way avoiding constituency. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 HOME 07 ISL Qatar hosts Model United Nations conference

THE PENINSULA With the theme Debate took place in the DOHA reflecting the growing various committees, such as Inter- importance of human national Court of Justice, Security Following on from last year’s Council, the First Committee Model United Nations (MUN) cooperation in order General Assembly, Human Rights conference, the executive team to make our planet Council, Economic and Social of MUN club at the International sustainable, delegates Council, and Environmental Com- School of London (ISL) Qatar mission reflected passion and successfully hosted its fifth discussed various diplomacy, as well as acute under- annual Model United Nations issues, ranging from standing of international issues. conference. the Lake Chad Basin The ISL MUN executive team The common theme of this Crisis to preventing would like to thank Oryx Rotana year’s conference was ‘Human for their catering, the teachers at Cooperation for Global Sustain- the pollution of the ISLMUN for being supportive, ability’, and in today’s world, it seas with micro- Her Excellency Ivonne A-Baki for could not be more important. plastics, as well as her inspiring speech at the High school students from 10 dif- a plethora of other opening ceremony, as well as all ferent international schools delegates, advocates, judges, around Doha engaged in pro- pressing problems admins, press members, and ductive, critical and intelligent we face in the world directors who attended the con- debate in order to come up with today. ference and contributed to solutions to many of humanity’s The Ambassador of Ecuador, Ivonne A Baki, with students at Model United Nations conference at the making it the success that it was. problems. ISL Qatar has an outstanding International School of London. With the theme reflecting the as a plethora of other pressing reputation for high academic growing importance of human problems we face in the world standards, prestigious Interna- cooperation in order to make our today. the part of the Amazon in tainability can be approached. Academy, Aspire Academy, tional Baccalaureate (IB) pro- planet sustainable, delegates dis- The Ambassador of Ecuador, Ecuador, which has the highest Close to 200 judges, advo- Awsaj Academy, Birla Public grammes and an impressive cussed various issues, ranging Ivonne A Baki, was a guest biodiversity in the world. cates, chairs, and delegates School, Doha College, Middle record of admission to the best from the Lake Chad Basin Crisis speaker in the opening cer- She acted as an excellent attended this year’s conference, East International School, Qatar universities worldwide. The to preventing the pollution of the emony. She spoke about the example for all delegates from the International School of Finland International School, and student body of 1000 are aged seas with micro-plastics, as well Ecuadorian project to preserve regarding how problems of sus- London Qatar, Al Jazeera Stafford Sri Lanka School Doha. from 3 to 18. Head injuries related to traffic accidents or a fall Jumbo’s Mega Promotion extended are most common causes of epilepsy in Qatar THE PENINSULA DOHA THE PENINSULA have a genetic component. DOHA “Epilepsy is a very prev- Jumbo Electronics bi-annual alent medical condition which customer promo, ‘Mega Each year, around 800 patients needs urgent attention. Simi- Promotion’ which had begun are diagnosed with epilepsy at larly, epilepsy is also a disa- three weeks ago has come back Hamad Medical Corporation bling condition which carries to a flying start and due to popular (HMC), and last year approxi- a potential risk of mortality as demand the promotion has been mately 13,000 patients with the well as high morbidity due to extended till April 20. Customers disorder received specialist recurrent seizures which shopping at any of the Jumbo care at HMC. could last from between just Electronics stores can benefit from Dr Hassan Al Hail, Director a few seconds to several great savings on world class of the Epilepsy Program and minutes, depending on the brands. the Epilepsy Center at HMC said patient’s symptoms,” says In addition to this savings they mastering self-management Dr. Hassan Al Hail Dr. Al Hail. also get an assured gift for their strategies for epilepsy, Dr. Al Hail says symptoms purchase. Some of the assured Some of the leading brands that points from three loyalty pro- including taking medications of seizures can include gifts include a LG 55 Ultra HD can be purchased from a Jumbo grams: Jumbo Digits, Nojoom, Air as prescribed and seeking have epilepsy, making it one of abnormal behaviors like smart TV, sound bars, garment store include LG, Morphy Miles and earn double points on emotional support, are vital to the most common neurological excessive crying, smiling, steamers, Bluetooth speakers and Richards, Apple, JBL, Harman Jumbo Digits and Nojoom. During managing the condition. diseases globally. There are a laughing, shouting, and aimless in ear earphones. To get the Kardon, Brother, Blueair, Oscar, this period customers who buy “Epilepsy is a chronic number of types of epilepsy or purpose-less movements, assured free gift customers have OnePlus, Indesit, Forbes, Nikai extended warranty get upto 12 medical condition that can neg- and the cause of the disorder disorientation, lip-smacking, to simply shop for a minimum of and a wide range of accessories. months additional extended war- atively affect the quality of life is unknown in around half of staring, sudden loss of con- QR1,000 and based on the price In addition to this customers ranty free. The Jumbo Mega Pro- of people with the disorder, all people diagnosed with the sciousness (with or without bracket their purchase falls into can also shop using select leading motion is running till April 20 especially when there are fre- condition. convulsion), eye rolling, tongue they get the designated gift bank credit cards at 0 percent across all Jumbo Electronics quent seizures. In Qatar, epilepsy is thought biting, confusion, and fatigue Customers can also benefit interest to pay over 6 or 12 months Stores, LG Brand Shop at Mall of However, in addition to fol- to affect approximately one or headaches. from special offers and low prices as per the respective bank terms. Qatar, Harman House in City lowing the advice of their percent of the country’s popu- He says there are many across all product categories. Customers can also earn & redeem Centre & Doha Festival City Malls. doctors, practicing self-man- lation. Every year, thousands types of seizures and symptoms agement is the best way for of people with epilepsy, of more complex types of sei- people with epilepsy to take including many children, zures can include sudden adequate care of themselves,” receive high-quality care from jerking of the body or limbs, MoCI recalls Lincoln Continental 2017 model said Dr Al Hail. HMC’s Neurology Service. dropping objects, head THE PENINSULA a Faulty door latch. The Ministry and repair works and will com- Epilepsy is a chronic, non- Dr. Al Hail said head nodding, and disorientation. DOHA said the recall campaign comes municate with customers to communicable neurologic dis- injuries related to a road traffic While most epileptic sei- within the framework of its ensure that the necessary repairs order characterised by uncon- accident or a fall are the most zures do not require emergency The Ministry of Commerce and ongoing efforts to protect are carried out. The Ministry trolled and disorganised com- common causes of epilepsy in medical attention, Dr. Al Hail Industry (MoCI), in collabo- consumers and ensure that car urges all customers to report any munication between nerve cells Qatar. He said other causes of says it is important to time epi- ration with Almana Motors dealers follow up on vehicle violations to its Consumer Pro- in the brain. the disorder include premature leptic seizures and to call 999 Company, dealer of Lincoln defects and repairs. tection and Anti-Commercial The World Health Organi- birth, complications during for an ambulance if the seizure vehicles in Qatar, has The Ministry said that it will Fraud Department, which proc- sation (WHO) says more than pregnancy, and infections. He lasts for more than five announced the recall of Lincoln coordinate with the dealer to esses complaints, inquires and 60 million people worldwide says some types of epilepsy minutes. Continental model of 2017 over follow up on the maintenance suggestions ICC hosts classical dancers from India THE PENINSULA DOHA

The visiting artistes and dancers from India performed classical dances ‘Nrityabithi Batayan’ (comprising of Mohin- iyattam, Kuchipudi & Odissi) and ‘Nrityashrinkala’, a Bhar- atanatyam performance at Ashoka Hall of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) on April 13. Over a hundred people enjoyed and applauded the show. The performers from Kolkata included Kalandalam Indian comedian Sunil Grover Swarnadipa Mahanta, Subha Jena and Sumanjit Chakraborty. Swarnadipa Mahanta has per- to perform in Doha on April 26 formed and conducted Mohin- THE PENINSULA character the event is named ‘Dr iyattam workshops at a number DOHA Mashur Gulati Ki Clinic’. of European countries. The opening act will be sup- Classical dancer Subha Jena Sunil Grover, an Indian actor and ported by kiraak hyderbadis who has performed all over stand up comedian, will be group who are famous stand up India under the Ministry of Indian artistes being honoured during a show at Ashoka Hall of Indian Cultural Centre. performing first time live in Doha comedy youtubers well known Culture EZCC &ICCR (Mumbai, on April 26. for their mimicry. Chennai, Kolkata, and Shilling) The event will be held at Al Tickets are available at and even some reputed fes- The performers from Doordarshan and ICCR. They welcomed the gathering and Dana Club Jewwan Hall at 7pm wansatime.com.this event will be tivals in India and Sumanjit Chennai included Bismillah have extensively performed in conducted the event. onwards. the last event of the season before Chakraborty who initially Khan Awardee Uma Nam- India as well as on international The Vice-President of ICC, Grover will be giving us ramadan and will be ideal for started his training in the budripad Satya Narayanan, arena. Vinod Nair, introduced the laughter therapy with all his families to wash away their stress School of Kathak at Lucknow Vidya Ravindran Anand and Jai The President of Indian classical dancers to the famous characters prominent and laugh their heart out. Gharana and later into Bharat- Quehaeni Reddy. Cultural Centre, Manikantan A attendees while the Cultural among of his characters are Guthi, The event is manged by natyam before he completely They are disciples of Pad- P, presented the appreciation Coordinator Nirmala Shanmu- Rinku Bhavi and Doctor Mashur wirohub events who are a shifted in Odissi. He is a soloist mashri Chitra Vishveshran and plaques to all the artistes. Joint gapandian proposed vote of Gulati. With justice to his renowned name in Indian events. in Odissi. all are graded artistes with Secretary of ICC, Anjan Ganguli, thanks. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 Jamal Khashoggi was right: ESTABLISHED IN 1996 Arabs still want democracy CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR CHRISTIAN CARYL MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED THE WASHINGTON POST [email protected] t turns out that the ideas behind the Arab Spring still have some DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR life left in them. As you look at the MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Ilatest pictures of triumphant [email protected] popular protests in Algeria and Sudan, spare a thought for the late Jamal Khashoggi. Before his brutal death at the hands of a Saudi hit squad six months ago, the exiled regime critic (and Washington Post Global Opinions columnist) wrote eloquently about the EDITORIAL Arab world’s longing for democracy. In his last column for The Post, he on the hard-won experience of their problems after the Arab Spring. He bemoaned how the lack of freedom in revolutionary predecessors around the gave advice to liberals about how to most of the region’s countries left their region. In both Sudan and Algeria, the connect with Islamists.” A beacon of knowledge citizens “either uninformed or misin- military has played a key role in Mefreh, who runs the Committee t’s been a year since Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad formed. They are unable to adequately deposing hated dictators. Now the for Justice, a Geneva-based group Al Thani officially inaugurated the Qatar National Library. address, much less publicly discuss, pro-democracy forces there face the aimed at defending human rights IFrom the Day One onward, the magnificent centre of matters that affect the region and their tough job of ensuring that the generals activists in the Middle East, explained knowldege became the Qatar’s must go-to place. Within a day-to-day lives. A state-run narrative don’t follow the example of Egypt, that the Saudi royal family saw this year, the circulation of books has reached more than a million. dominates the public psyche, and where the army at first helped the approach as especially threatening. Now the library can boast of 139,551 registered members and while many do not believe it, a large demonstrators to overthrow Hosni Those like Khashoggi, who can bring it has welcomed 738,636 visitors. majority of the population falls victim Mubarak - only to later topple a dem- together the religious activists and the It’s also notable that the significant number of its members to this false narrative. Sadly, this situ- ocratically elected government domi- liberals, “are very dangerous to the are young people, especially the children. That’s evident from ation is unlikely to change.” nated by Islamists and institute a new dictatorships. Why? Because this is the fact that over half of the 720,000 books checked out since If Khashoggi were around now, I’m military dictatorship even harsher exactly what they’re afraid of,” he said. January 1, 2018 are from the Children’s and Young Adults’ sure he than the old one. “The future belongs to people who can Library aimed at readers under 18. The numbers certify the would be Here, too, Khashoggi offered some do that. If we can manage that in Library’s efforts. Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem happy to vital insights. In his youth, he was a Egypt, we can change the regime.” Koolhaas, the architectural marvel is literally a knowledge admit that he fervent Islamist. In his later years, Khashoggi was not the only one powerhouse. It has the rich collection of valuable texts and appears to having witnessed the horrors com- to see this as a crucial task, Mefreh manuscripts with 174, 866 rare items. The QNL also digitized have been mitted by extremists, he tempered his told me; he was merely one of the over 4 million pages of history. The Library’s existing print If Khashoggi were wrong about sympathy for religious activism with an best-known. Mefreh cited former collection has grown as well, with 41,461 new titles, 29,876 around now, I’m that last part. awareness of the need to ensure funda- Egyptian presidential candidate in Arabic. sure he would be The euphoria mental human rights (including Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh as As the Executive Director of the Qatar National Library, of the dem- equality for women), freedom of another example of someone Dr Sohair Wastawy, has said: “On the auspicious occasion of happy to admit onstrators in expression and religious tolerance. He working toward the same end. Aboul the Library’s first anniversary, you just need to be here to get that he appears Khartoum knew that many in the Arab world Fotouh, an alumnus of the Muslim the sense of the scale and scope to have been and Algiers would choose Islamists when given the Brotherhood, generated consid- of what is the world’s most beau- wrong about that shows that he chance to do so in free elections, and erable respect among Egyptian tifully designed national library was right on that such a choice ought be honored voters for his efforts. Under Egyptian and the many people using it — last part. The the larger and respected - yet he also criticized President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, expansive yet at the same time euphoria of the issue. Many radical Islamists who showed only con- however, he has spent two stints in personal.” citizens in tempt for democratic values. jail and has been included on a gov- The Qatar demonstrators The Library is also the go-to in Khartoum and North Africa That’s why he sang the praises of ernment terrorism list. There is little National Library place for cultural and social inter- and the Tunisia, where the Arab Spring revolts evidence that Aboul Fotouh has any- is living up to actions. It’s a resounding inter- Algiers shows Middle East began and where democracy has so thing to do with terrorism, but it is or exceeding all active hub for collaborative that he was right are sick of far managed to survive, not least clear that this is a man the regime learning, workshops, research tyranny and because the Ennahda Party, the clearly does not take lightly. expectations and on the larger interactions, cultural and heritage issue. long to par- Tunisian Islamists, opted for prag- Before his death, Khashoggi was became a “the events such as concert series, ticipate in the matism and moderation (including trying to set up several organizations third space after poetry nights; authors forum and shaping of power-sharing with their secular to promote the cause of democracy in home and work” lectures and many more. It has their own societies - contrary to what rivals in the first post-revolutionary the region - particularly one that organised over 900 curated Khashoggi rightly called the “old racist governments). aimed, among other things, to provide as expressed events in the short span of time. statement” that “Arabs are not ready Khashoggi realized that a liberal “a counter narrative in the Arab world by H H Sheikha The QNL has also claimed to for democracy [because they are Arab future might well depend on and the West to Arab Spring skeptics.” Moza bint Nasser, have a vast repository of online Arabs].” And it turns out that the bridging the gap between Islamists The events in Sudan and Algeria show collections with more than popular uprisings of 2010-2011 were and secular democrats. “He was trying that this idea lives on. We’re seeing Chairperson of 380,000 ebooks and 200 data- not the dead end some have portrayed to begin a new way to bring different that multitudes in the Arab world are Qatar Foundation, bases with access to 60,000 elec- them to be. activists together,” Ahmed Mefreh, an still willing to put their lives on the line at the launch tronic journals, newspapers, mag- Today’s activists know very well Egyptian lawyer and dissident, told me for the sake of political change. Surely of the Qatar azines and other media. Its that the toughest part comes next. recently. “He talked to [members of they deserve whatever support we can website got close to 4.5 million That’s partly because they’re building the Muslim Brotherhood] about their give them. National Library page views in the first year itself project in from all over the world, reflecting November 2012. the richness and importance of the content. It has four Innovation Climate change targets are slipping out of reach Stations with musical instruments and recording equipment, green screens, 3D printers, pho- JOHN KEMP degrees) or 430 ppm (for 1.5 degrees). according to the U.S. government’s tography and videography studios, and other maker-spaces REUTERS On current trends, these limits Earth System Research Laboratory. for members to express their creative sides. will be reached sometime between the Crucially, the observations show The Digital Library, which was launched as a partnership or all the commentary around late 2020s and the late 2030s, which no sign the rise in atmospheric CO2 between Qatar Foundation, Qatar National Library and the a transition to a clean energy leaves less than 10 or 20 years to make concentration is decelerating as a British Library in October 2014, has received more than 2.5 system, the amount of carbon profound changes to the energy prelude to levelling off. Given the tra- million views. It has more than 1.5 million pages of historical dioxide (CO2) in the atmos- system and the global economy. jectory, CO2 concentrations are almost F certain to overshoot the Paris targets records on Qatar and the Gulf. The ever expanding Digital phere is still continuing to rise rapidly But energy systems are notorious Library is set to add almost one million pages of material and shows no sign of slowing down. for changing slowly, because they are set by policymakers - implying from partners in Turkey, France, the Netherlands, India and Climate change targets are slipping embodied in long-lived capital invest- average global temperatures will also the UK. The Qatar National Library is living up to or exceeding out of reach as the concentration of ments such as domestic appliances, overshoot both objectives. all expectations and became a “the third space after home CO2 in the atmosphere continues to industrial machinery, power plants, Most scenarios envisage CO2 con- and work” as expressed by H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, march higher, leaving policymakers pipelines and transmission systems. centrations and global temperatures Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, at the launch of the Qatar confronting uncomfortable choices. Given the projected life of current overshooting for several decades National Library project in November 2012. If the concentration continues to equipment and the slow pace of before being brought back towards the rise, policymakers will have to plan for replacement, it is becoming increas- target later in the century (“Mitigation a world with significantly higher tem- ingly hard to envisage a scenario in of climate change”, IPCC, 2014). peratures, or rely on untested strat- which atmospheric CO2 can be held Scientific advisers on the intergov- egies to remove CO2 from the air later below 430-450 ppm in the next two ernmental panel have acknowledged QUOTE OF THE DAY in the century. Countries that signed decades. all pathways to limit global warming the United Nations Framework Con- Measurements at Mauna Loa on to 1.5 degrees in the longer term will Notre-Dame belongs vention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Hawaii show atmospheric CO2 con- require some method to remove have committed themselves to limit centrations have already risen to already-emitted CO2 from the to the whole of the increase in global average temper- around 410 ppm in early 2019, up atmosphere. humanity. It has atures above pre-industrial levels. from 387 ppm a decade earlier and Between 100 billion and 1 trillion inspired writers, Under the UNFCCC Paris 314 ppm in 1958 when the observa- tonnes of CO2 would need to be Agreement, concluded in 2015, signa- tions began. removed during the later decades of painters, philosophers tories are committed to holding the Separate sea-level measurements the 21st century, according to the and visitors who have global average temperature increase from a network of observatories science panel (“Global warning of 1.5 come from all round well below 2 degrees Celsius and pur- around the world show atmospheric degrees Celsius”, IPCC, 2015). the world. suing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees CO2 concentrations averaged 407 CO2 could be removed through Celsius. ppm in 2018, up from 385 ppm a afforestation and reforestation, land Science advisers on the Intergov- decade earlier and 339 ppm in 1980. restoration, direct air carbon capture Jean Claude Juncker ernmental Panel on Climate Change Global average CO2 concentra- and storage, and other strategies, but EU Commission Head have estimated the limits imply an tions have risen at an annual average none have so far proved commercially atmospheric CO2 concentration of no rate of more than 2 ppm, or almost 0.6 viable on anything like the required more than 450 parts per million (for 2 percent per year, in the last ten years, scale. WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 OPINION 09 How to stop rising inequality in the next recession

lmost 10 years after the Great inequality, even as they revive the Recession ended, the growing economy, the economists argue. threat of a new economic That’s not a totally surprising con- slowdown raises a troubling clusion. Low rates boost stock and A other asset prices while depressing question: When the next recession strikes, what can the world’s central the returns of small savers. And 90 banks do? With interest rates low and percent of stock-market wealth is STEPHEN GANDEL their balance sheets still loaded with owned by the top 10 percent. BLOOMBERG assets bought to fight the 2008 crisis, But Liu, Mian and Sufi argue do they have the tools to respond? that’s not the most important ine- This column is one of five looking at quality-transmission mechanism that question. of low interest rates. The real The Great Recession was supposed wealth transfer comes from the to be a great reset, an end to an eco- fact it’s the well off, both indi- nomic boom that had made the rich viduals and companies, who have richer and left almost everyone else the easiest time borrowing in behind. The conventional wisdom at times of financial crisis. Another the time was that Wall Street bankers problem: As inequality grows, Fed and those in the upper-income actions become less effective. Rich brackets would be hurt the most -- borrowers don’t spend their more or less a repeat of the Great interest savings, which tends to Depression, which wiped out much of keep demand for consumable the vast inequality of the 1920s. goods in check. But that’s not what happened -- if There are, to be sure, some anything, the exact opposite occurred. reasons to be skeptical of this Insurance firm Allianz in a study last argument. Low interest rates year found that from 2010-2017 the during the Great Depression didn’t wealth gap in the US between rich and hold back the leveling of economic poor had grown the fourth fastest out inequality. Furthermore, common of the more than 50 countries they ownership through index funds had looked at, behind only Bulgaria, also has risen dramatically since Slovenia and New Zealand. As if more the recession. Some believe that’s evidence were needed, the US Gini lowering competition, including for co-efficient, a popular though flawed labor, and limiting wage gains. gauge of inequality, now stands at But is that what the Fed should 0.48, up from 0.46 before the financial do? At a minimum, holding off on crisis. interest rate cuts, while potentially That’s an utterly counterintuitive causing more economic harm ini- result. Economic slumps tend to even tially, could put more pressure on things out for fairly unsurprising Washington lawmakers to act. reasons: when wealth is destroyed, it’s Economists who worry about ine- The Great Recession the people who have it who tend to be quality, including former Barack most affected. Figuring out why the Obama administration official was supposed to be 2008 collapse ended up widening ine- Jason Furman, think government a great reset, an end quality is particularly important now. spending will need to play a “large to an economic boom The current US expansion is on the and sustained role” in combatting that had made the rich verge of becoming the longest ever, the next recession. and some economic indicators have Beyond that, the Fed should do richer and left almost started to signal the next recession more to ensure credit is available for strong case to be made that it needs to everyone else behind. may not be far away. all, perhaps by giving a broader guar- find new tools to fight recessions. The The conventional If the recession-fighting tech- antee to community banks that tend American public still widely believes niques of the last decade are respon- to serve smaller businesses. Some that the government’s financial-crisis wisdom at the time sible for widening inequality, central have suggested that the Fed could just rescue effort bailed out Wall Street, was that Wall Street banks will need a new set of tools send money directly to lower-income but not Main Street. That wasn’t bankers and those soon or risk not only widening the individuals, paid out of its accounts, entirely the Fed’s fault. Congress in the upper-income wealth gap but also eroding confi- although that might run into legal created the $700 billion bank bailout dence in their ability to set monetary obstacles. One thing the Fed could do fund, and the Treasury administered D-RING ROAD brackets would be policy. And there is emerging evi- is make direct loans to individuals, or it. But it is the Fed’s problem none- POST BOX: 3488 hurt the most -- more dence that could be the case. offer high-interest savings accounts. It theless. Another economic slowdown DOHA - QATAR or less a repeat of A new paper from economists would have to establish how far down that leaves the well-off even more so, [email protected] the Great Depression, Ernest Liu, Atif Mian and Amir Sufi the income ladder a policy like that and the rest of us less so, will further suggests the reason the recession could reach. And the banking lobby undermine credibility in the Fed, our which wiped out much didn’t put a dent in inequality may would surely cry foul if the Fed were most important institution for fighting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: of the vast inequality very well be the Fed’s fault. Low to create businesses that competed recessions. That would certainly leave 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: of the 1920s. interest rates, particularly when they directly with them. our entire economy and all of us, both +974 4455 7758 get to close to zero, tend to increase Whatever the Fed does, there is a rich and poor, worse off. MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505 or the first time in a decade, lation of small villages. promote a reformist agenda with a Spain’s economy is taking a Part of that shift is also down to long-term vision, inclusive growth DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 back seat in an election the rapid emergence of a populist and social cohesion,” Santander campaign as the main con- party Vox which, barring a single chairman Ana Botin told share- F holders on Friday. LOCAL NEWS SECTION tenders, switching tack with a deputy some 40 years ago, looks TEL: 4455 7743 growth run entering its sixth year, certain to become the first far-right Economy Minister Nadia Calvino focus on winning voters’ hearts party to sit in the lower house of sees one priority as tackling a mis- BELÉN CARREÑO & BUSINESS NEWS SECTION rather than filling their wallets. parliament since Franco’s dicta- match between jobs and the skills INGRID MELANDER TEL: 4462 7535 That suggests whichever parties torship ended in 1975. the unemployed can offer, she told REUTERS Vox leader Santiago Abascal, far Reuters in an interview last month. SPORT NEWS SECTION from focusing on the economy For now, however, what little TEL: 4455 7745 during campaigning, has criticised economic content has appeared on former conservative prime minister campaign platforms has generally ONLINE SECTION Mariano Rajoy - who built his repu- sent two simpler messages - TEL: 4462 7501 tation dragging Spain out of changing the tax base and safe- [email protected] If it ain’t broke? Spain’s recession - for doing so at the guarding pensions. expense of other issues. Because one in four voters is a PUBLIC RELATIONS “He forgot that it was the nation retiree, all parties have tried to bill TEL: 4455 7613 economy takes rare that was truly at risk,” Abascal told themselves as the main defender of [email protected] Antena 3 TV last week, in a nod to the pension system. But while the right has said it wants to cut taxes the political crisis that erupted in ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT election back seat Catalonia in 2017, when Rajoy sharply, the left aims to increase TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 imposed direct rule on the province public spending across the board. FAX: 4455 7870 after it unilaterally declared None have explained in detail [email protected] independence. how their proposals would impact take office after the April 28 ballot While that crisis rumbles on, the the public deficit, which Spain has CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT are unlikely to shake up economic IMF expects the Spanish economy to given a priority to narrowing in TEL: 4455 7857 policy - a source of worry for some grow 2.1 percent this year, well recent years. [email protected] analysts and business leaders who above its 1.3 percent euro zone According to calculations by believe unconcern could lapse into forecast, boosted by domestic Ignacio Conde-Ruiz, analyst at the SUBSCRIPTION & complacency. demand, public spending and ultra- Fedea economic think-tank, they DISTRIBUTION Voters say unemployment, still low interest rates. would all widen the budget gap. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 hovering around 14 percent, remains In a poll by the state-run Centre Out on a limb, Vox has dismissed FAX: 44557819 a major problem, and the pension for Sociological Studies (CIS), voters Spain’s pension system as a pyramid [email protected] system and labour market are cited unemployment as their main scheme, and proposed creating a overdue for structural reform. concern, but this is not reflected in new system from scratch. However, the jobless rate has the public debate. But with Vox’s chances of nearly halved from its 2013 peak, One reason, said Federico playing a major role in government All thoughts and views and growth in the euro zone’s fourth Steinberg, economist at Madrid’s limited, analysts doubt the next largest economy has consistently Universidad Autonoma, is that many administration will produce any expressed in these columns Voters say outpaced the bloc’s average since of those out of work tend not to economic big bangs. are those of the writers, unemployment, still shortly after it exited recession in vote, and candidates want to avoid Goldman Sachs believes all pos- not of the newspaper. the same year. worrying those in jobs by talking sible coalition governments after hovering around 14 That has encouraged the main about deep and possibly painful April 28 would be committed to the percent, remains a candidates in Spain’s most open structural reforms. European project and a competitive All correspondence major problem, and election in decades not to dwell on “No party wants to talk about the market economy. regarding Views and the pension system the need for further reform. fact that the reforms they are going “As such, changes to economic Opinion pages should be Instead, they are focusing on a to make would generate losers,” he policies are likely to be more incre- sent to editor-in-chief and labour market range of often emotive social issues, said. Some say this approach is mental than transformational... A are overdue for including Catalonia’s independence shoring up problems for later. limited further reform agenda office or mailed to the structural reform. drive, women’s rights, Francisco “After the elections, we need to implies some risks of complacency,” [email protected] Franco’s legacy and the depopu- flee from short-term measures and its analysts wrote in a note. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 Russia backs Sudan’s ruling TMC; chief justice dismissed

AGENCIES The head of Sudan’s ruling Transitional Military KHARTOUM/MOSCOW Council (TMC) sacked country’s chief justice Moscow recognises the new and three highest-ranking public prosecutors, authorities in Sudan after Pres- after protesters demanded an overhaul of ident Omar Hassan Al Bashir was the judiciary as part of steps towards civilian removed, Russia’s RIA news agency cited Deputy Foreign government. Minister Mikhail Bogdanov as saying yesterday. Mahmoud was appointed to to clear the sit-in outside army Meanwhile, the head of carry out Abdelsalam’s duties, it headquarters, ending the relative Sudan’s ruling Transitional Mil- said. Mahmoud’s background calm that has reigned since itary Council (TMC) dismissed was not immediately known. Bashir’s removal. country’s chief justice amid TMC also announced the dis- Witnesses said several army ongoing protests demanding the missal of Mohamed Hamid vehicles had surrounded the area departure of all government offi- Suleiman, head of state-run and that troops were seen cials affiliated with the regime radio and television agency. In removing the barricades which of President Omar Bashir. the same statement, the ruling demonstrators had put up as a A Sudanese woman speaks through a loudspeaker as demonstrators gather during a rally in the area The head of the TMC, Lt Gen council named Murtada Abdullah security measure. of the military headquarters in the capital Khartoum, yesterday. Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Warag as military governor of Activists voiced fears that announced that Chief Justice Khartoum State. the army would make a new with elected Islamist Mohammed As weekend talks on the tran- highlighted their sacrifices in Abdul-Magid Idris had been Sudanese protesters have attempt. Several vehicles car- Morsi only for him to be over- sition failed to make headway, murals painted outside army replaced by Yehia Al Tayeb Abu- hardened their stand, demanding rying paramilitary forces thrown in 2013 by then army chief, protest leaders who initially headquarters of some of the Shoura. The Council has also dis- a transitional military council be deployed on a bridge that con- now President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. demanded a “swift” handover to more than 60 of their comrades missed three highest-ranking scrapped and immediately nects the protest site with north Protest leaders have gradually civilian rule, began demanding killed in clashes with the security public prosecutors, after pro- replaced with civilian rule as Khartoum, a witness said. toughened their approach towards first an “immediate” handover forces. The military council has testers demanded an overhaul they refused to end a days-long “The army will try to make the transitional military council, then the military council’s pledged that individuals impli- of the judiciary as part of steps sit-in outside army another attempt to disperse the as policy announcements from its dissolution. cated in killing protesters would towards civilian government. headquarters. protesters because it is under uniformed officers have “We want the military be held to account and that dem- In a statement, the TMC said Organisers fear the army is huge pressure,” said protester multiplied. council to be dissolved and be onstrators detained under a state council chief Abdel Fattah Al seeking to hijack the revolution Ahmed Najdih. “But we are not Amid widespread anger at the replaced by a civilian council of emergency imposed by the Burhan had dismissed chief on the streets which saw veteran going anywhere. We will not lose number of faces from the old having representatives of the president during his final weeks prosecutor Omar Ahmed President Omar Bashir, whose our patience. We know what regime, the protesters secured the army,” said Mohamed Naji, a in power would be freed. Mohamed Abdelsalam and three-decade reign was toppled happened in Egypt and we don’t replacement of its first chairman, senior leader of the Sudanese It has held briefings with deputy public prosecutor on Thursday by top commanders want that to happen to us.” a longtime Bashir loyalist after just Professionals Association, which Western diplomats and sent an Hesham Othman Ibrahim Saleh, after four months of nationwide In neighbouring Egypt, the so- 24 hours last week. has spearheaded the protests. envoy to the African Union’s as well as head of public prose- demonstrations.On Monday, called Arab Spring revolution of But the honeymoon of his Both sides in the standoff have headquarters in the Ethiopian cutions Amer Ibrahim Majid. activists accused commanders 2011 toppled veteran president successor, General Abdel Fattah sought to woo international capital Addis Ababa before it met Alwaleed Sayed Ahmed of launching an abortive attempt Hosni Mubarak and replaced him Al Burhan, lasted just days. support. The protesters have on Sudan on Monday. Libyan govt appeals to Europe against Haftar Iran’s parliament labels US troops in Mideast as terrorists AFP foreign media press association easily reach Europe,” he said, international team players, sup- ROME in Rome. adding that Islamic State group porting the attack and sup- AP/TEHRAN He said Italy’s Interior Min- fighters currently held as pris- porting Haftar. Libya’s UN-backed Government ister Matteo Salvini “shows big oners could be among them. “This is something not Iran’s lawmakers yesterday overwhelmingly approved a bill labeling of National Accord (GNA) appealed support for the peace process” There were “more than 400 understandable for the GNA,” he US forces in the Middle East as terrorists, a day after the US terrorism yesterday for Europe’s support and brushed off reports France (IS) prisoners” in Libya whose said. Maitig also dismissed the idea designation for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard formally took effect, against military strongman Khalifa favoured Haftar, saying “the whereabouts could not be the government would intervene state TV reported. Defence Minister Gen. Amir Hatami introduced Haftar, who is waging an offensive position of the French gov- secured should Haftar push on to prevent Libyans and migrants the bill authorising the government to act firmly in response to on Tripoli, warning continued ernment is to support the to take the capital, he said. fleeing for Europe under an EU- “terrorist actions” by US forces. It demands authorities use “legal, violence could see 800,000 national accord government”. “These prisoners are ter- approved deal signed between political and diplomatic” measures to neutralise the American move, people try to flee to the West. But he repeated warnings rorists and we were working Italy and Libya in 2017. “There is without elaborating. The US move aims at “thwarting Iran’s “It interests the whole of that the offensive by Haftar’s with the international com- no agreement on keeping the influence,” and shows that America’s longstanding sanctions against Europe to see a peaceful and forces could spark an exodus of munity to keep them and hold migrants in Libya at all. Zero. The Iran have become ineffective, Hatami told lawmakers. democratic Libya,” GNA vice displaced Libyans and migrants. them. At the same time we see agreement was to prepare the president Ahmad Maitig told the Some “800,000 people can some international partners, our Libyan coastguard... that is it.” Bahrain jails 138 and revokes citizenship over ‘terror plot’ Algeria’s Constitution AFP/DUBAI Council head resigns The Gulf state of Bahrain yesterday jailed 138 people and revoked amid protests their citizenship for plotting to form a “terror” group with links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the public prosecutor said. The verdict ANATOLIA was swiftly condemned by the Bahraini opposition, while human ALGIERS rights group Amnesty International decried the “mockery of justice” and “mass arbitrary denaturalisation”. The court, whose rulings Tayeb Belaiz, head of Algeria’s Constitutional can be appealed, handed the men prison terms of three years to life Council, has announced his resignation amid for having tried to build a Bahrain Hezbollah, similar to the Shia continued popular demonstrations militia active in Lebanon, said prosecutor Ahmad Al Hammadi. demanding the departure of all government Another man was also jailed but his citizenship was not revoked. officials affiliated with former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. 16 massacred at party for “Belaiz has tendered his resignation to the head of state, Abdelkader Bensalah,” read newborn in central Nigeria a Tuesday statement issued by the Consti- tutional Council and carried by Algeria’s AFP/KANO state-run news agency. The 82-year-old Police confront students as they take part in a protest seeking the departure of the ruling Bouteflika, who had ruled Algeria since elite in Algiers, Algeria, yesterday. Sixteen people were killed and 14 were wounded when gunmen 1999, stepped down early this month fol- opened fire at a party to name a newborn baby, police said yesterday, lowing weeks of popular protest against by the Algerian army. Last Friday, hundreds and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui. Fri- in the latest violence between farmers and herders in central Nigeria. his rule. of thousands of people staged demonstra- day’s demonstrations came three days after Those murdered included the parents and the infant, residents said. Parliamentary Speaker Abdelkader Ben- tions across Algeria to demand the departure Bensalah was sworn in as interim president The attack t happened in Nasarawa, a state wracked by long-running salah is now serving as head of state for a of all government officials affiliated with the vowing to hold “free and transparent” elec- violence between settled farmers and semi-nomadic pastoralists 90-day “transitional period” to be overseen Bouteflika regime— including Belaiz, Bensalah tions before the end of the transitional phase. who move with their herds. The gunmen opened fire on guests as they celebrated with the family and their newborn baby in Numa village, in the Akwanga area of the state. Cholera cases Zimbabwe nearly doubles bread Lieberman backs Netanyahu but rise in Nairobi tough coalition talks ahead REUTERS/NAIROBI price as economic woes mount AFP/JERUSALEM The Kenyan capital has expe- REUTERS something before this gets out was trading at 3.19 to the dollar rienced a jump in cholera cases, HARARE of hand.” on the interbank market and 5 A key politician yesterday threw his backing behind Israeli Prime one of the city’s top hospitals Zimbabwe ditched its own on the black market. That means Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following last week’s elections but said yesterday, adding that eight The price of bread nearly currency for the US dollar and a loaf of bread costs about 70 US signalled tough negotiations to form a coalition were ahead. Former of its own staff had been doubled in Zimbabwe yesterday, other currencies in 2009, after cents a loaf, in a country where defence minister Avigdor Lieberman’s public endorsement of infected by the disease. another burden for citizens hyperinflation reached 500 the average income is around $4 Netanyahu came as President Reuven Rivlin wrapped up consul- “There is an upsurge of already struggling with a weak- billion percent the previous year. a day. tations with party heads on the subject. Rivlin must choose who cholera cases in the county of ening currency and rising prices In February, faced with acute Bread is the most consumed will form the next government and is expected to pick Netanyahu Nairobi. We have had several for basic goods. shortages of US dollars, Zim- staple after maize meal, and the to do so tonight after final election results are announced. cases admitted in our hospital. Bread now costs 3.50 RTGS babwe introduced a new cur- increase follows that of other Unfortunately we had 8 staff dollars a loaf, up from 1.80 on rency, called the Real Time Gross products like cooking oil, sugar Egypt MPs back constitution affected,” The Nairobi Hospital, Monday, according to prices dis- Settlement dollar. The RTGS has and milk. In January, a fuel price which is private, said in a played by most shops visited by been losing value ever since, increase led to protests that left changes to extend Al Sisi rule statement. The statement gave Reuters in the capital, Harare. forcing companies to increase several people dead following a no figures for how many cases “Bread has now become a prices. military crackdown. AFP/CAIRO the hospital now suspected luxury. How many people can Year-on-year inflation raced While prices of basic goods there were in the city. The hos- afford it at this rate?” said Sarah to 66.8 percent in March, up continue to spike, salaries have Members of Egypt’s parliament yesterday approved changes to the pital, which has some of the Chisvo, a mother of three who from 59.39 the previous month, largely remained unchanged, constitution that will allow President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi to stay in most advanced facilities in the was picking up groceries in a according to statistics agency increasing public anger against power until 2030. “The president’s current term shall expire at the end city, said it had put in “all pre- supermarket in central Harare. Zimstats. President Emmerson Mnan- of six years from the date of his election in 2018. He can be re-elected cautionary measures”. “The government needs to do Yesterday, the RTGS dollar gagwa’s government. for another (six-year) term,” said the official Al Ahram news website. WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 ASIA 11 Modi slams BJD-led govt in Odisha for corruption IANS a blatant lie,” the Prime Minister SAMBALPUR said. He wondered whether a Making an election campaign government that continued to pitch to the farming community On May 23, when the protect chit fund scamsters and in Odisha to vote for the BJP, Modi government mining mafias could possibly Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes to power think of people’s welfare. yesterday slammed the Biju again, we are going to “For 20 years, you trusted Janata Dal (BJD)-led state Odisha’s government blindly, government for large scale provide direct benefit but now the people of the state corruption. to the bank accounts want change. They want gov- “It is the result of the earlier of the farmers of ernments of double engine corrupt and weak governments growth at Delhi and Bhu- that the people of Odisha Odisha.” baneswar,” he added. remained poor after so many He also said that while over years of Independence. Discrim- Rs6,000 crore have been col- ination on the basis of region and added. lected under the District Mineral caste are the only achievements “On May 23, when the Modi Foundation (DMF) fund, the of Congress and BJD,” Modi said, government comes to power government could only utilise while addressing a rally in again, we are going to provide Rs1,000 crore for the devel- Sambalpur. direct benefit to the bank opment of the mining-affected He said despite the Mahanadi accounts of the farmers of areas in the state. Anand Kumar Bowmick, a social activist, carries masks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress river and the Hirakud reservoir, Odisha,” Modi informed. The Sambalpur Lok Sabha President Rahul Gandhi as he appeals to people to come out and vote, in Chennai, yesterday. farmers in the state are not He said the KALIA scheme constituency will go to the polls getting enough water to irrigate being implemented by the state in the third phase on April 23. their fields. government is full of Elections for 21 Lok Sabha and Polling in Vellore LS constituency cancelled The Prime Minister said that loopholes. 147 Assembly seats are being although the Centre had hiked He also said that a Jal Shakti held in Odisha in four phases. IANS The seizure was made by the bundles of cash stuffed in the minimum support price Ministry and Fisheries Ministry Earlier, the Prime Minister NEW DELHI/CHENNAI Income Tax Department during cartons and gunny bags in a (MSP) on paddy to 1.5 times of would be set up when the BJP held a roadshow in the Odisha a search operation at a cement cement warehouse belonging to the production cost, middlemen forms a new government at the state capital yesterday. Polling in Vellore Lok Sabha warehouse belonging to a DMK a DMK man considered close to continue to rule the roost as the Centre. After arriving here from constituency in Tamil Nadu was official. Reacting to the devel- the party treasurer. state government has failed to Taking a dig at the BJD gov- Chhattisgarh, the Prime Minister cancelled yesterday, two days opment, DMK President MK A senior IT official told IANS procure paddy from the farmers. ernment, he said the state gov- began his roadshow from near after Income Tax officials seized Stalin said it has been done to that the cash, amounting to He also said the state gov- ernment was trying to hijack the the Biju Patnaik International Rs11.5 crore cash from a ware- defame the party. about Rs 11.5 crore, was for dis- ernment had failed to provide subsidised rice scheme under Airport to the Baramunda house in the district. DMK treasurer Duraimu- tribution ward wise, with the the list of farmers required to National Food Security Act. Ground, covering Ganganagar “Accepting the recommen- rugan, whose son DM Kathir packets having division and avail the benefits under the “The central government and Ouat Square in dation of Election Commission Anand is the party’s candidate ward numbers written on them. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi procures rice at Rs19-30 per kg Bhubaneswar. dated April 14, 2019, the Pres- from the Vellore constituency, Polling has been cancelled Yojana. and sends it to Odisha. Odisha During the journey, Modi ident is pleased to rescind said it was murder of democracy. only for the Vellore Lok Sabha Only 8.5 lakh farmers have government adds only Rs2 per waved at the people who had election to Vellore Parliamentary In all, 23 candidates are in seat, as the by-elections to benefited under this scheme as kg to it. However, they claim that gathered in thousands on the Constituency, Tamil Nadu to fray from the Vellore Ambur and Gudiyatham the government did not provide they provide rice at a subsidised side of the road and later elect a member to Lok Sabha,” constituency. Assembly seats would be held as the complete list of farmers, he rate to the people of Odisha. It’s addressed a public rally. an official statement said. The IT officials had found scheduled on April 18. India cancels visa of Bangladeshi PM ‘omitted’ details about his property, alleges Congress actor in row over IANS election affidavit in 2007, he himself a quarter owner. He Modi’s property. Affidavits say one thing and land NEW DELHI declared to be the “sole” owner claimed that the same plot was “It is interesting because records tell another. The BJP has campaigning of “plot 411” (measuring 326.22 also listed in Finance Minister sahib (Modi) has been hiding been running the government in The Congress yesterday alleged square metres) in Sector 1, a Arun Jaitley’s 2014 affidavit who something about it... He keeps Gujarat for last 28 years. Are they IANS that Prime Minister Narendra prime property in also declared to be a quarter saying that he is a ‘fakir’ (one saying that land records are not NEW DELHI Modi had “omitted” certain Gandhinagar. owner. who owns nothing) and after complete and clear in the Gujarat details about his property in his “Based on the market rates “He (Modi) did not show any May 23, he will just pack his model?” He said under Section The Indian government affidavits filed during previous prevailing in Gandhinagar, this sale of the earlier plot, although ‘jhola’ (bag) and leave. But now 125A of the Representation of yesterday cancelled the visa of elections and wanted the plot is presently worth about it was an allotted plot that can’t we are finding out what is in his People Act 1952, falsifying an the Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Election Commission to take Rs1.18 crore. Modi was the then be sold or transferred. You need jhola,” Khera said. election affidavit carries an Ahmed after he campaigned for “thorough cogniance” of it. CM of Gujarat and had also permission even to rent or lease Asked if it could just be a imprisonment of six months or a Trinamool Congress Lok Addressing a press con- declared in his affidavit that he it out,” Khera added. typing error, Khera said the with a fine or both. Sabha candidate in Bengal. ference here, Congress spokes- had spent Rs30,363 to carry out Khera said the Election Com- Prime Minister should then come “In the light of the above dis- The government has also person Pawan Khera alleged that some construction on the piece mission should take “thorough clean about it and clarify which crepancies, the Congress party asked him to leave the country Modi was “hiding something” of same land,” he said. cognizance of the seemingly plot he owned and if he was the demands that the Election Com- and blacklisted him, a Home about a property in The Congress leader added deliberate omissions” in the sole owner or quarter owner of mission, takes thorough cogni- Ministry statement said. Gandhinagar. that in all subsequent affidavits Prime Minister’s affidavits and that plot. zance of the seemingly deliberate “After receiving a report Khera alleged that Modi, filed by Modi, he “omitted” any take appropriate action. Khera went on to add, “The omissions in PM Modi’s affidavit from the Bureau of Immigration soon after becoming the Chief mention of this plot but listed He said a PIL was filed in the plot number changes, ownership and take appropriate action regarding visa violations com- Minister of Gujarat in 2001, got “plot 401/A” of the same size and Supreme Court on Monday on share changes while the location under the Representation of mitted by Bangladesh national a property allotted and in his in same location, and declared some “interesting questions” on and the size remains the same. People Act,” Khera said. Ferdous Ahmed, MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) has cancelled his business visa and issued him SC refuses relief to a leave India notice. He also has been blacklisted. FRRO Kolkata has been directed to ensure Mayawati on EC ban compliance of these orders,” IANS the statement said. Yogi Adityanath, Mayawati, NEW DELHI The action comes two days Union Minister Maneka Gandhi after Ahmed campaigned for and Samajwadi Party leader Trinamool’s Raiganj candidate The Supreme Court yesterday Azam Khan for making Kanaia Lal Agarwal. refused to entertain a plea by speeches that violate the code BSP supremo Mayawati against of conduct during the the Election Commission’s 48 elections. CPI-M demands hour ban on her from The Chief Justice said: “It repoll in 464 canvassing in the Lok Sabha seems you’ve got your powers elections for breaking the Model back.” His repartee came after Tripura booths Code of Conduct. the top court was told by the Dushyant Dave, appearing poll panel on Monday that it IANS for Mayawati, requested the was almost “powerless”, when NEW DELHI/AGARTALA court to hear its argument as it came to taking punitive there were important meetings measures. The Communist Party of India- scheduled for the day. The bench said that it Marxist (CPI-M) yesterday held The court said in that case “seems the EC has finally woken demonstrations in New Delhi they must file a separate plea if up to take action”, to which and Agartala demanding repoll they were aggrieved. senior advocate Aryama Sun- in 464 of the 1,679 polling A bench headed by Chief daram, appearing for the EC, booths in the Tripura West Lok Justice Ranjan Gogoi also said: “We found we have Sabha constituency, and free Freed fishermen return home expressed satisfaction after the several powers.” The Chief and fair poll in the Tripura East Election Commission informed Justice also said that it would Indian fishermen released by Pakistan wait for their documents to be checked after they crossed seat on April 18. it about the action taken against not pass any interim orders at the Wagah Border post, near Amritsar in India. CPI-M General Secretary Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister this stage. Sitaram Yechury on Monday visited the Election Commission and submitted a memorandum with videos and photographs Supreme Court seeks response on women’s entry in mosques in support of their demand. He IANS was accompanied by party can- NEW DELHI and S Abdul Nazeer asked if Church a State?” Justice Bobde petition. Lawyer Dubey urged tection of the laws within the ter- didate for the Tripura West Lok Right to Equality guaranteed asked. that the bar on the entry of ritory of India”. Sabha seat Sankar Prasad Datta under Article 14 of the Consti- An unimpressed court said Muslim women in mosque was In a series of posers, the and other leaders. The Supreme Court yesterday tution could be invoked by an that it may examine the issue in discriminatory. court inquired about the pre- “The Left parties have given sought responses from the individual against another indi- the light of its verdict in the “Can you invoke Article 14 vailing practices on the entry of the EC specific evidences to Centre, the Central Waqf Council vidual - a non-state actor. Sabarimala case. “We may hear asserting equality of treatment women in mosques abroad. prove how polling was turned and the All India Muslim “All those present in the you because of our judgment in against another citizen?” Justice As Dubey said that women into farce on April 11,” said Personal Law Board on a plea mosque are individuals and they Sabarimala case. We don’t think Bobde asked pointing that Article are permitted in Mecca, Justice former Tripura Chief Minister seeking the entry of women in are not cast in concrete. Where you are giving satisfactory 14 says that “the State shall not Nazeer said that the congre- Manik Sarkar while addressing mosques. the State comes here? Is mosque answers to our question,” Justice deny to any person equality gation of men and women were a rally. A bench of Justice SA Bobde a State, is temple a State, is Bobde said issuing notice on the before the law or the equal pro- separate. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 5 terror suspects, policeman dead in Peshawar gun battle

INTERNEWS The operation lasted Mahmood also visited the site ISLAMABAD 17 hours and the yesterday morning. police found 50kg of During his visit, Lieutenant An anti-terrorism operation in explosives hidden in General Mahmood had directed Peshawar concluded after a security officials to adopt all pos- 17-hour standoff yesterday, with the building. sible precautions to ensure the five suspected terrorists killed security of the area’s affected and a policeman martyred. of Police (AIG) Shafqat Malik residents. Residents living The suspects had taken cover revealed that 50kg of explosive around the said house were in a residential building in Phase materials were found installed evacuated with the help of 7 of the Hayatabad locality, from in a bike and parts of the security personnel and rescue where they attacked security building. The building was forces. Two injured women from forces. demolished with explosives soon the area were also shifted to the Peshawar city police chief after the operation concluded. Hayatabad Medical Complex for Qazi Jameel told the media that AIG Malik said that the oper- treatment. one of the suspects had been ation was concluded after a Elsewhere, funeral prayers killed on Monday night, whereas deliberate delay, which he said for the martyred policeman, Army soldiers cordon off a residential building during a raid on a militant hideout in Peshawar, yesterday. the rest of the four were neu- was meant to ensure the safety Qamar Alam, were offered in tralised yesterday. of people residing in the area. Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines “The Special Services Group He said that the suspects had in Peshawar. launched the operation on a midst of a search operation living in the rented house for and police personnel partici- offered stiff resistance Khyber Pakkhtunkhwa (KP) tip-off that suspected terrorists launched by police in the area. almost 15 days. They seemed to pated in the operation. Two of throughout the night. The Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, were hiding in a house in the “This area was considered be from the rural areas from them were injured during today’s holdouts were neutralised as Lieutenant General Mahmood, Hayatabad area. He said, citing peaceful, but the recent incident their appearance. All of them action,” Jameel told the media security forces breached the KP Inspector General of Police initial reports, that seven ter- has proved it otherwise,” the were middle-aged men and yesterday. The sole policeman walls and stormed the building Mohammad Naeem and other rorists had been hiding in the person said. there were no woman with them. martyred in the operation had in their final push. Peshawar officials attended the funeral house. Talking about the suspects, They used to enter and exit the lost his life on Monday night. Corps Commander Lieutenant prayers. CM Khan, while talking A local resident said that the eyewitness said, “The people building using the basement door Assistant Inspector General General Shaheen Mazhar to the media, said that police had cross firing had started in the [suspected terrorists] had been only.” Indonesia holds largest single-day election today Four women QNA Provincial Councils from more electoral papers are being trans- council, hopes for his re-election on Wednesday evening, with arrested for DOHA than 250,000 candidates in ported by planes, warships, as he runs against Prabowo the election commission to more than 53,000 polling sta- horses, boats and walking in Subianto, former Lieutenant announce the official result in militant links Tens of millions of Indonesians tions, making it the world’s some areas. General of the Indonesian May. will go to the polls today to elect biggest single-day election. Authorities deployed nearly National Armed Forces. President Widodo is in Philippines a President, members of The voting will last for more 500,000 police and military per- Most opinion polls suggest described as a hard working Parliament and Provincial than one day due to the time dif- sonnel across the Indonesian Widodo is comfortably ahead man who improves the lives of AP Councils in world’s biggest ference between Indonesia’s east archipelago to secure elections, of his rival, but the opposition poor Indonesians and has put ZAMBOANGA, PHILIPPINES single-day election and in the and west, which has more than while early voting began at the questions the results of the forward a national plan for third-largest democracy after 18,000 islands, of which 8,444 Indonesian diplomatic missions’ polls, saying it found irregular- health insurance, as well as Philippine police yesterday India and the United States. are named, while the number of headquarters in a number of ities affecting millions on elec- putting funds into education arrested four women they said Eligible voters are estimated inhabited islands is 922. The countries around the world. toral lists and has vowed to take and opening up many new were wives of commanders of at over 190 million out of a total islands are spread over 5,400km. Current Indonesian Pres- judicial action if its complaints infrastructure projects. the militant group Abu Sayyaf population of just over 265 Observers from 33 countries ident Joko Widodo, a moderate were not resolved. However, he did not manage to who took care of their financial million. The voters will elect a have been invited to observe Muslim from central Java and a Preliminary unofficial raise the growth rate to 7 as he transactions, helped procure President from among two these elections. The country’s former furniture salesman, who results are expected hours after promised, but his focus on guns and bomb parts and prominent candidates, as well as polling stations spread over started his political career under the vote ends, and it will be development has taken a suc- arranged the travels of foreign members of Parliament and thousands of kilometres and its the leadership of a small city clear who won the Presidency cessful course. militants to the country. The women were arrested in raids on houses in southern Hunt continues Zamboanga city where author- Pakistan to sign up to $8bn IMF bailout package ities seized two grenades, a bag for crashed of suspected ammonium nitrate INTERNEWS Washington agreed in principle prices of electricity and gas in To a question, the Minister and electrical parts that can be Japanese jet ISLAMABAD on the bailout package. coming days. said he met Financial Action used in making bombs, police Asad Umar said an IMF team Later talking to the media, Task Force (FATF) President officials said. AFP Pakistan’s Finance Minister will visit Islamabad during the the Finance Minister said Marshall Billingslea during his The women worked under TOKYO Asad Umar has said that current month to finalise the Pakistan soon would be in a US visit, who assured him that Abu Sayyaf leader Hajan Saw- Islamabad had reached a con- bailout package amounting to position to seek more financial any decision regarding Pakistan adjaan, the main suspect in the One week after an F-35A stealth sensus with the International $6-8bn. assistance from the World Bank, would be taken on technical January 27 bombing of a fighter jet crashed off the north- Monetary Fund on all issues to The Finance Minister said Asian Development Bank and grounds. cathedral during a Mass that eastern coast of Japan, US and finalise a bailout package. IMF had not given any guide- big investors in the United Briefing the lawmakers, killed 23 people in Jolo. Japanese military vessels are Briefing the National Assem- lines or made demands States. Minister of State for Revenue The cathedral attack by two struggling to find the wreckage bly’s Committee on Finance, regarding electricity and gas Asad Umar said economy of Hammad Azhar said the gov- suspected suicide bombers and protect its valuable Revenue and Economic Affair tariffs. the country would stabilise and ernment’s priority was to sparked the latest military “secrets.” The Japanese jet in Islamabad, he said both sides He said the government also move towards sustainable eco- broaden the tax net to increase offensive against the Abu vanished from the radar on during his recent visit to had no plan to increase the nomic growth soon. government revenues. Sayyaf. April 9 over the Pacific as it was conducting a training mission with three other aircraft some 135km east of Misawa, north- Afghanistan names 250 eastern Japan. A Defence Ministry delegates for Taliban talks spokesman said that the remains of the jet’s tail had AFP government officials attending been found but they were still KABUL this week’s talks will be doing hunting in vain for the rest of so only in a “personal capacity”. the fuselage, as well as the pilot. Afghanistan published yesterday The US, which has cited sig- “On average two aircraft, a lengthy list of delegates who nificant progress after holding including a helicopter, and two will meet with the Taliban in direct talks with the militants, is patrol vessels are constantly Doha this week. not expected to attend. deployed in the around-the- A massive roster published Taliban have not announced clock search operations,” said by the presidential palace com- a final list of their representa- the official, who asked to prises 250 names, including tives at the talks, and distanced remain anonymous. Japan’s President Ashraf Ghani’s Chief themselves from a report that Maritime Self-Defence Force of Staff, Abdul Salam Rahimi, as suggested their delegation might has also dispatched an well as Amrullah Saleh, the also include women. unmanned submersible vessel. former head of Afghan The peace process thus far Separately, the US military intelligence. has been widely criticised for a has dispatched one military air- Other delegates named on lack of female representation, craft and one vessel to join the the list come from many walks and US peace envoy Zalmay mission, said the official, adding of Afghan life including youth Khalilzad has pushed for greater that the search has not yet been leaders, tribal elders and - sig- inclusiveness. scaled back. Defence Minister nificantly - 52 women. While the Taliban previously Takeshi Iwaya said the crash Heavy rains in Kabul The last time the Taliban met met with Afghan representatives would be discussed at a meeting People cross a bridge on Kabul River after heavy rains in Kabul yesterday. Torrential rainstorms have with the Afghan government and politicians in Moscow in with his US counterpart in lashed drought-stricken Afghanistan in recent days, bringing widespread flooding that has left at was at secretive talks in Pakistan February, those talks did not Washington on Friday, which least five people dead and washed away homes including in the capital Kabul, officials said yesterday. in 2015, which were quickly include members of Ghani’s will also involve the two allies’ derailed by the news that Afghan government. The spokesman for Foreign Ministers. Taliban leader Mullah Omar had former President Hamid Karzai, “The F-35A is an airplane Over 2,700 elephant tusks seized in China died. who was at the Moscow talks, that contains a significant The three days of talks in said Karzai supported the “intra- amount of secrets that need to AFP be the product’s largest market investigated independently by Qatar, scheduled to start on Afghan” conference in Doha but be protected,” Iwaya told BEIJING in the world. Imports were the General Administration of Friday, come amid a months- would not be attending. reporters. “With the help of the banned in 2015. Customs’ anti-smuggling bureau long push led by Washington for Kabul has also been left out United States, we will continue Chinese authorities have seized The smuggled tusks were in recent years,” said Sun Zhijie, peace nearly 18 years after the of the talks with the Khalilzad to take the leading role in inves- 7.5 tonnes of ivory - 2,748 confiscated last month in an Director of the Administration’s US invasion, and as fresh vio- and the US delegation, tigating the cause of the elephant tusks - in one of the operation by customs officers Anti-Smuggling Bureau. lence rips across Afghanistan. prompting concerns the Afghan accident,” he said. biggest busts in recent years as and police across six provinces, The operation “destroyed an Taliban view Ghani as a US government was being sidelined Japan’s Air Force announced the country cracks down on the according to the General Admin- international criminal organi- stooge and his government as a in its own peace process. a commission last week to study sale of illegal wildlife products. istration of Customs. sation that for a long time has puppet regime, and have long This month, the UN said it the cause of the accident but it The country banned ivory “This case represents the specialised in smuggling ivory refused to speak with them had lifted travel bans for 11 remains unclear exactly what sales at the end of 2017 in an largest amount of elephant tusks tusks,” Sun said. Twenty suspects directly. Taliban delegates so they could happened to the plane. attempt to rein in what used to seized in a single case were detained, he added. They have insisted that any attend talks. WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 EUROPE 13 No sign of arson in Notre-Dame blaze More than 400 imposing bell towers and outer firemen were needed walls, with their vast flying but- tresses, still stood firm, but the to tame the inferno insides and the upper structure that consumed the were eviscerated by the blaze. roof and collapsed Firefighters examined the the spire of the gothic facade and could be seen walking atop the belfries as eight-centuries- police kept the area in lockdown. old cathedral. They Investigators will not be able worked through the to enter the cathedral’s night to extinguish blackened nave until experts are satisfied its stone walls withstood the fire some 14 hours the heat and the building is struc- after it began. turally sound. The fire swiftly ripped through the cathedral’s timbered REUTERS PARIS roof supports, where workmen had been carrying out extensive renovations to the spire’s The fire that tore through Notre- wooden frame. Dame cathedral was probably The Paris prosecutor has caused by accident, French pros- opened an investigation into ecutors said yesterday after fire- “involuntary destruction by fire”. fighters doused the last flames Police yesterday began ques- in the ruins overnight and the tioning the workers involved in nation grieved for the destruction the restoration, the prosecutor’s of one of its symbols. office said. Hundreds of stunned More than 400 firemen were onlookers had lined the banks of needed to tame the inferno that the Seine river late into the night consumed the roof and collapsed as the fire raged, reciting prayers the spire of the eight-centuries- and singing liturgical music in The interior of the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris in the aftermath of a fire that devastated the cathedral. old cathedral. They worked harmony as they stood in vigil. through the night to extinguish “Yesterday we thought the the fire some 14 hours after it whole cathedral would collapse. began. Yet this morning she is still World leaders express solidarity with France Paris public prosecutor Remy standing, valiant, despite every- Heitz said there was no obvious thing. It is a sign of hope,” said Erdogan tweeted in French. “In indication the fire was arson. Sister Marie Aimee, a nun who my name and in the name of my Fifty people were working on had hurried to a nearby church people, I convey to the French what would be a long and to pray as the fire spread. people my wishes for recovery,” complex investigation. One fire- It was at Notre-Dame that he added. fighter was injured but no one Napoleon was made emperor in Notre-Dame “belongs to the else was hurt in the blaze which 1804, Pope Pius X beatified Joan whole of humanity. It has began after the building was of Arc in 1909 and former pres- inspired writers, painters, phi- closed to the public for the idents Charles de Gaulle and losophers and visitors who have evening. Francois Mitterrand were come from all round the world,” From the outside, the mourned. said - EU Commission head Jean AFP PARIS Claude Juncker. US President Donald Trump: symbol of France, a priceless The UN Secretary-General termed the incident horrible. “So treasure of European and world Antonio Guterres said he was horrible to watch the massive fire culture, one of the most Donors pledge ¤700m Political, cultural and religious “horrified” by the fire. Unesco at Notre-Dame Cathedral in important Christian sites. The leaders around the world voiced head Audrey Azoulay said the Paris. Perhaps flying water tragedy that occurred overnight to rebuild cathedral shock at seeing Paris’s Notre- cathedral “represents an archi- tankers could be used to put it in Paris leaves sadness in Rus- Dame Cathedral devoured by tectural, cultural and religious out. Must act quickly!” sians’ hearts.” AFP roof collapsed on Monday night flames. heritage, a unique literary her- Chinese President Xi Jinping German Chancellor Angela PARIS in a blaze thought to be linked They stressed the unique and itage that speaks to the whole said his country was “deeply sad- Merkel , “Notre-Dame is not only to extensive renovation work. iconic place the monument has world.” dened” by the fire, state media a symbol of Christianity in Pledges from French billion- Pledges were also pouring in human history and expressed reported. He called the building France, it is also our shared aires, businesses and the public in from anonymous donors to solidarity with France. an “outstanding treasure of European heritage.” sector to help rebuild Notre- groups including the privately Turkish President Recep human civilisation”. “Prince Philip and I have Dame cathedral reached nearly run French Heritage Foundation, Tayyip Erdogan (pictured) said Prime Minister Narendra been deeply saddened to see the ¤700m yesterday amid an which said it had already he is “deeply upset” after a fire Modi “conveyed his shock and images of the fire which has outpouring of public support for secured pledges totalling 3.3 gutted Notre-Dame Cathedral in sadness” over the fire and engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral. one of Europe’s most iconic million euros. On a more modest Paris. “The fire that spread “expressed India’s solidarity with My thoughts and prayers are monuments. President scale, a fund set up on the through Notre-Dame Cathedral, President and people of France with those who worship at the Emmanuel Macron has vowed Leetchi fundraising platform had one of the symbols of Paris and on this national loss.” cathedral and all of France at this the mediaeval monument will topped ¤26,000 by yesterday the common heritage of Russian President Vladimir difficult time,” said Britain’s be restored after its spire and afternoon. humanity, has deeply upset us,” Putin “Notre Dame is a historic Queen Elizabeth II.

Brexit is not the future of Global tribunal to hear Ukraine-Russia sea dispute AFP to the Sea of Azov, used by both internationally wrongful actions vessels, capturing dozens of the Black Sea. Kay Bailey, the US EU: Juncker THE HAGUE Russia and Ukraine. in the relevant waters.” Moscow sailors near the Kerch Strait, as ambassador to Nato added that Kiev in September 2016 in turn indicated it would submit they tried to pass from the Black allies would send more ships to ANATOLIA The Permanent Court of Arbi- dragged Moscow to the Hague- its objections in the case to the Sea to the Azov Sea. the area to ensure that “coun- STRASBOURG, FRANCE tration will in June hear Russia’s based PCA, saying it instituted PCA, with a public hearing The incident was the first tries in and around the Black Sea objections against a move by arbitration under international scheduled for June. open military clash between Kiev are safe from Russian meddling.” “Brexit is not the future of the Ukraine to drag it before the maritime laws “to vindicate its “The opening statement of and Moscow since 2014, when Moscow in turn criticised the European Union” and cannot world’ oldest arbitration body rights as the coastal state in mar- the Russian Federation will be the Crimea was annexed and a Black Sea plan, saying it pose as an obstacle before EU’s over rights to coastal waters itime zones adjacent to Crimea delivered June 10,” the PCA said pro-Russian insurgency erupted regretted that the alliance “has progress, the head of European around annexed Crimea. in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and in a statement yesterday. in eastern Ukraine. no intention to renounce its Commission said yesterday. Russia snatched the Black Kerch Strait.” It asked the arbitral Ukraine’s opening statement Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg political and military confron- “Brexit cannot hinder our Sea peninsula from Kiev in 2014 tribunal to “enforce its maritime will be delivered a day later, it earlier this month said the tation with Russia” asking progress and it will not. The and was being accused by the rights by ordering the Russian added. Russia in November fired alliance planned to address “the instead to de-escalate “military trade agreements and relations West of illegally blocking access Federation to cease its and seized three Ukranian navy aggressive actions of Russia” in and political tensions.” with international partners will determine the future of our union,” Jean-Claude Juncker Zelenskiy likely Moscow court told the General Assembly of European Parliament in Stras- to win Ukraine jails Norwegian bourg, France. vote: Poll The UK should behave for 14 years “constructive and responsible” REUTERS as long as it a member of the KIEV AP union. Also addressing the MOSCOW meeting, European Council The presidential candidate and President Donald Tusk said the comic actor Volodymyr A Moscow court yesterday Brexit extension will provide Zelenskiy is likely to win found a Norwegian man guilty “more time” and “political Ukraine’s presidential election, of espionage and sentenced him space” for the UK. according to an opinion poll to 14 years in a high-security On Thursday, British Prime published yesterday. prison. Retired Norwegian Minister Theresa May agreed The poll by the KIIS border inspector Frode Berg with the EU for a longer Brexit research firm showed Zel- was arrested in Moscow in extension, till the end of enskiy, a political novice who December 2017 and accused of October, which means the U.K. plays a fictional president in a collecting information about will take part in European Par- popular TV series, on 72.2 Russian nuclear submarines for liament elections set for May percent of the vote. Incumbent Norwegian intelligence. 23-26. Tusk stressed: “The Petro Poroshenko was on 25.4 Prosecutors asserted that European Council will be percent. Berg was caught with docu- awaiting a clear message from KIIS polled 2,004 voters in ments he had received from an the UK on the way forward.” all regions, except annexed employee of a military facility The EU Council head also said Crimea, from April 9 to 14. Last who was shadowed by Russian he strongly opposed to the idea week, a poll by Reiting research intelligence. that the UK “should be treated agency gave Zelenskiy 61 Berg denied the charges Ukrainian presidential candidate and comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks with journalists in Kiev, as a second category member percent of votes and incumbent and his lawyer has called him Ukraine. state.” Petro Poroshenko 24 percent. a victim of a setup. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 Trump to allow suits over US properties seized in Cuba AP The move marks a clause to avoid those trade WASHINGTON change in more than clashes and a potential mass of lawsuits that would prevent any Stepping up pressure on Cuba, two decades of US future settlement with Cuba over the Trump administration will policy on Cuba. The nationalised properties. Cuba allow lawsuits against foreign new policy against has said it is willing to reimburse companies doing business in Havana could deal a the owners of confiscated prop- properties seized from Amer- erties, but only if the communist icans after the island’s 1959 severe blow to Cuba’s government is also reimbursed revolution, a senior adminis- efforts to draw foreign for billions of dollars in damages tration official said yesterday. investment, and generated by the six-decade US The move marks a change in spawn international trade embargo. more than two decades of US The announcement comes policy on Cuba. trade disputes at a moment of severe economic President Donald Trump has between the US and weakness for Cuba, which is been taking steps to isolate Europe. struggling to find enough cash embattled Venezuela President to import basic food and other Nicolas Maduro, who is clinging supplies following a drop in aid to power with help from other US citizens years after their from Venezuela, and a string of Firefighters work on the roof of a house after a plane crashed and exploded in Puerto Montt, Chile, countries, including Cuba, China properties were taken. bad years in other key economic yesterday. and Russia. The new policy Canada, France, Spain, Great sectors. Foreign investment in against Havana could deal a Britain and other countries with Cuba increased slightly in recent severe blow to Cuba’s efforts to large investments in Cuba have years, but it remains far below Plane crashes on top of home in Chile, 6 dead draw foreign investment, and ferociously protested the law the levels needed to recapitalize spawn international trade dis- and threatened to sue in the the island’s dilapidated, often putes between the US and World Trade Organisation if collapsing infrastructure. The AP miles south of the capital of civil aviation said in a statement. Europe. Washington tries to interfere Trump administration’s decision SANTIAGO, CHILE Santiago. It said authorities have launched The 1996 Helms-Burton Act with the business ties between is not expected to drive out TV footage and news photos an investigation. gave Americans the right to sue Cuba and another sovereign major foreign players like A small plane crashed on top of showed the back end of the Company representatives the mostly European companies nation. US airlines and cruise Pernod-Ricard of France, which a home in the southern Chilean plane inside the home while fire- could not be immediately that operate out of hotels, lines that bring hundreds of makes Havana Club rum, or city of Puerto Montt, killing all fighters rushed to the scene to reached for comment. tobacco factories, distilleries and thousands of travelers to Cuba Spanish hotel chains Melia or six people aboard, authorities put out flames spreading to a Puerto Montt Mayor Harry other properties that Cuba each year appear to be Iberostar, but it could prove a said yesterday. neighbouring house. Jurgensen said the plane fell nationalised after Fidel Castro exempted. major obstacle to new The plane crashed at The plane was an Islander shortly after taking off and had took power. The act even allows Every US president since Bill investment from foreign 10:50am local time near “La BN-2B-27 owned by the air full fuel tanks. He said the pilot lawsuits by Cubans who became Clinton has suspended the key companies. Paloma” aerodrome about 620 company Archipiélagos, Chilean and five passengers were killed.

Redacted Mueller’s Mexican President to freeze education reform report to be released tomorrow REUTERS and finance ministries to three and a half decades that standards but was deemed unfair from the biggest union, the SNTE MEXICO CITY suspend legislation passed by the preceded his election. He has by educators in rural areas in - has staged months of protests AP government of his predecessor repeatedly blamed that period particular. and blockades to pressure Lopez WASHINGTON Mexican President Andres Enrique Pena Nieto while talks for aggravating poverty, cor- An online survey of nearly Obrador to dump the 2013 Manuel Lopez Obrador said proceed in search of new ruption and violence in Mexico. 9,000 Mexicans in the last week reform. Washington counts down the yesterday that he will freeze an measures that are “accepted by The announcement, made at of March by polling firm Mitofsky The CNTE argued that the final hours until publication of education overhaul enacted all.” Legislators have so far failed Lopez Obrador’s regular morning showed that 60 percent backed reform was a maneuver by Pena the redacted special counsel under his predecessor so that to reach agreement on how to news conference, may harbor Pena Nieto’s education reform, Nieto to regain political control report - now expected consensus can be sought for a replace Pena Nieto’s overhaul, risks for the president because while 35.5 percent opposed it. of education. tomorrow- as Donald Trump new law, delivering a boost to a which the leftist Lopez Obrador some polls suggest the existing That support was consid- Lopez Obrador says that the stepped up his attacks in an teachers’ union faction that has vowed to scrap prior to taking reform has significant public erably higher than Pena Nieto’s government will maintain effort to undermine potential spent months demanding its office in December. support. Pena Nieto faced personal approval ratings during control of jobs in the teaching disclosures on Russia, his 2016 repeal. Lopez Obrador says the ongoing resistance from teachers in his final years in office. profession, defying demands campaign and the aftermath. Lopez Obrador said he was reform belongs to the “neo- opposed to the reform, which set The CNTE teachers union - from the CNTE that the union He unleashed a series of ordering the education, interior liberal” era, his name for the out to apply tougher teaching a dissident breakaway group should oversee appointments. tweets on Monday focusing on the previously released summary of special counsel First Red Cross aid delivery Robert Mueller’s conclusions - including a crucial one on obstruction of justice that lands in crisis-torn Venezuela Trump again misrepresented - AP delivery of aid has become a produced by Attorney General CARACAS focal point in Venezuela’s power William Barr. struggle, now in its third month after opposition leader Juan The first shipment of humani- Guaido declared himself interim Over 60,000 tarian aid from the Red Cross president. Both the opposition arrived in Venezuela yesterday, and the government have been flee Nicaragua delivering medicine and supplies accused of politicising the for needy patients in a country nation’s crisis, which rights crisis: UN whose president has long denied groups say continues to cost the existence of a humanitarian lives as hospitals struggle to AFP crisis. provide even basic care. GENEVA Workers in blue vests helped Guaido has rallied the inter- load boxes with the Federation national community and col- Over 60,000 people have fled of Red Cross and Red Crescent lected several hundred tons of the crisis in Nicaragua over the Societies emblem onto trucks aid, primarily from the United past year, UN said yesterday, while leaders with the organi- States, at the border in Colombia. with neighbouring Costa Rica zation pleaded for officials to But President Nicolas Maduro bearing the brunt of the refugee keep the aid out of the nation’s has previously refused to allow flow. The central American Alberta New Democratic (NDP) leader and Premier Rachel Notley casts her ballot during the provincial political dispute. it in. In February, state security country has been gripped by a election in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, yesterday. “It will be distributed in con- forces blocked border bridges year of political unrest since formance with the fundamental and repressed opposition months of street protests principles of our movement, leaders trying to deliver the erupted last April against Pres- Canada’s Alberta votes in especially neutrality, imparti- shipments. The delivery of any ident Daniel Ortega’s ality and independence,” said aid is tacit recognition that his government, leaving more than Mario Villarroel, President of the country is indeed in the throes 325 people dead. The UNHCR polls seen as test for Trudeau Venezuelan Red Cross. “Don’t of a humanitarian crisis, a notion said that 62,000 people had allow the politicisation of this he has long dismissed as oppo- fled to neighbouring countries AFP however warning: “It is impos- prices tanked in 2014. Four other great achievement.” The sition propaganda. — 55,000 of them to Costa Rica. OTTAWA sible in the 21st century to have Tory-led provinces — Ontario, a plan for the economy without Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Voters in Canada’s oil-rich having a plan for the envi- New Brunswick — are fighting Alberta province cast ballots ronment.” Kenney has been a the carbon tax, which took effect Hate crime charges lodged against yesterday in a local election strong critic of Trudeau, and on April 1, in court. expected to be won by Prime notably wants to overturn a new Kenney also has promised Minister Justin Trudeau’s rivals federal carbon tax, which was to roll back environmental pro- suspect in Louisiana church burnings — a bad sign just six months imposed under Notley in tections brought in by Notley to REUTERS Landry Parish jail, media reports ahead of national polls. exchange for Trudeau’s support gain Trudeau’s support for the WASHINGTON say. A judge set a September trial The United Conservative on the controversial expansion Trans Mountain pipeline date. Matthews, the son of Party led by Jason Kenney, a of a Pacific coast pipeline, expansion project. Three additional charges were Deputy Roy Matthews of the St. minister in the government of bought last year by the federal Public opinion polls showed lodged against the son of a sher- Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Trudeau’s predecessor Stephen government. Kenney’s UCP in the lead, but iff’s deputy accused of burning was taken into custody last Harper, is projected to unseat the That pipeline project Notley’s NDP narrowed the gap down three predominately black Wednesday. The three churches leftist New Democrats led by however was stalled by a court in the final days of the campaign, churches in southern Louisiana destroyed by the fires have Alberta premier Rachel Notley. challenge, and Kenney -- who with jobs and the economy in the past few weeks. mostly black congregations, In contrast to 2015 when blames the prime minister for weighing heavily on the election A Louisiana judge added raising authorities’ suspicion that Trudeau came to power and not reversing an oil slump that battle. three federal hate crime charges the fires may be racially moti- most of Canada’s provinces were has cost thousands of Alberta If Notley manages to eke out against Holden Matthews (pic- vated hate crimes. led by fellow Liberals, he now jobs -- has relentlessly attacked a win in Alberta, Canada’s fourth tured) , 21, and denied him bond Noting the history of faces the prospect of a phalanx Notley over it. most-populous province of 4.3 on Monday, multiple media burnings of black churches in the of conservative premiers lining The province sits on the million, it may be viewed as an accounts reported, including CBS three counts of arson on reli- South, Louisiana Governor John up against him. world’s third-largest oil reserves endorsement of Trudeau’s News. Matthews, a white res- gious buildings, officials said. Bel Edwards said the episode “I look forward to working in the world, after Venezuela and climate plan -- which looks to ident of St. Landry Parish, the Matthews entered a plea of was “especially painful because with whomever wins the Saudi Arabia, but the industry be a key plank in his county where the fires occurred, not guilty on Monday and it reminds us of a very dark past (Alberta) election,” Trudeau said, was devastated when crude campaign. was previously charged with remains in custody at the St. of intimidation and fear”. WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 HOME 15 QF RDI hosts global innovation experts THE PENINSULA Dr Richard O’Kennedy, acquired in the tech industry. DOHA Dr David Stork, a distin- Vice-President for guished scientist and prominent Qatar Foundation Research, Research, Development, ambassador of technology inno- Development, and Innovation (QF and Innovation, Qatar vation, delivered an engaging talk RDI) recently hosted leading inno- Foundation, said: “QF titled ‘Insider’s View of Silicon vation and intellectual property Valley Technology and Culture’. (IP) experts who shared their RDI is committed to Discussing the phenomenal knowledge and perspectives with nurturing a thriving success of Silicon Valley, the the wider research and innovation research and innovation world’s leading centre for tech- community, as part of QF RDI’s ecosystem in Qatar, nological innovation and asso- ongoing efforts to support local ciated businesses, Dr Stork technology startups and nurture and to empowering pointed to the role of government entrepreneurship in Qatar. researchers, technology support, elite academia, venture Dr Richard O’Kennedy, Vice- entrepreneurs, and funding, internationalism, tech- President for Research, Devel- industry professionals nological optimism, and opment, and Innovation, Qatar embracing a culture of risk. Foundation, said: “QF RDI is com- to contribute in novel Industry experts from Qatar mitted to nurturing a thriving and innovative ways.” and the US led the QF RDI Intel- research and innovation eco- lectual Property workshop, which system in Qatar, and to empow- provided attendees with a multi- ering researchers, technology during these sessions will faceted overview of topical IP entrepreneurs, and industry pro- undoubtedly help our researchers issues. Speakers from the Intel- fessionals to contribute in novel and entrepreneurs make informed lectual Property Rights Protection and innovative ways. decisions as they develop and Department in Qatar’s Ministry of FROM LEFT: Abeer Al Hammadi, Director of Innovation and Economic Development, QF RDI; John We are delighted to host and secure their innovations, contrib- Commerce and Industry included McEntire, Director, Industry Development, IP & Commercialization, QF RDI; Matthew Dicke, Partner and collaborate with our national uting to the success of our col- Dr Ebrahim Alromaihi, Head of stakeholders and industry leaders lective endeavours to deliver IP Practice Lead, K&L Gates, US; and Dr Richard O’Kennedy, Vice-President for Research, Development, Copyright and Related Rights whose expertise in different impact for Qatar and beyond.” and Innovation, QF. Office, who provided an overview spheres of technology innovation Qatar Science and Technology on copyright registrations in Qatar, serve to inspire Qatar’s techpre- Park (QSTP), part of QF RDI, launching a technology startup Education, and subsequently sold entrepreneurship, from identifying and Eng. Muna Al Noami, Patent neurs to pursue their start-up hosted Elijah Mayfield, Entre- that stemmed from his PhD the startup without venture capital a need in the market; testing new Engineer, who discussed patenting ambitions with commitment and preneur-in-Residence at Carnegie research, Mayfield successfully funding. product ideas and getting early in Qatar and how to seek interna- enthusiasm.” Mellon University, US, who was secured grants and contracts from In his talk, titled ‘Moving from user feedback; hiring the right tional protection and Matthew He added: “The valuable named on the ‘Forbes 30 under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foun- Research to Entrepreneurship’, he team; and making the progress Dicke, Partner and IP Practice insights and guidance provided 30 in Education’ list for 2017. After dation and the US Department of discussed the various stages of necessary for a startup to be Lead at K&L Gates. Malabar Gold & Diamonds offers ‘Gold Promise’ The Ritz-Carlton, Doha to

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During the brunch there will also be an egg treasure hunt hosted in the hotel’s garden with The Ritz-Carlton, Doha spa Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel many seasonal themed activities treatment. hosted by Joue Club on the day to host 3rd BigB MeetUp of the brunch to keep youngsters while children 5 through 11 years engaged. old dine for QR145, and children THE PENINSULA The theme of this event and The brunch will showcase a younger than 5 years old are DOHA Menezes’s third meetup will be whole roasted lamb live station, welcomed to enjoy the brunch “This Ability” – Championing delectable desserts and a vast with our compliments. Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel, one of people who are differently abled. array of savory foods that will Families may also want to the most iconic hotels in Doha and It will take place at the large surely delight and excite the take advantage of a staycation a unique architectural marvel, will outdoor terrace of Blue restaurant, most discerning palates of any and book one of the re-imagined be the hospitality partner and host located on the first level of the food connoisseur. rooms or suites for the weekend a unique event concept brought hotel, with key companies, I Love Gastronomists will take and enjoy the indoor pool or by Bosco Menezes. BigB MeetUp Qatar, Qatar Living and LG Jumbo pleasure in knowing that Exec- take in the lovely breeze at the is a community initiative founded Electronics, as its event partners. greenery. With the charm of an event. The meetup greatly com- utive Chef, Satish Yerramilli, and beautiful outdoor pool area. by Bosco Menezes. The aim of this Four special needs speakers English country house and its plements our property’s phi- his brigade have been planning For those looking to relax initiative is to inspire, inform, will inspire guests with their life unique Victorian style, this hidden losophy, and we look forward to the menu and details of the and indulge in pampering over educate and spread the news of stories. The master of ceremonies haven prides itself on high quality welcoming all guests to enjoy this Spring Brunch months in the weekend, The Ritz-Carlton the good deeds individuals and will be Ahmed Al Shahrani and services and focus on detail and inspirational event”. advance to ensure all guests Spa will be offering their popular groups of people perform in their along with Bosco Menezes will be with the addition of the lush Hailing from Goa, India, enjoy a memorable spa retreat experience offering everyday lives for the betterment launching the Big B Fotografi greenery and its polished gardens, Menezes grew up in Qatar with over experience. guests serene signature treat- of humankind. The meetup brings Awards. it brings a breath of fresh air in the 20 years of experience in the mar- As an added treat, all ments with full access to the locals and expatriates together as Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel, middle of Doha. keting and media field and a pro- children attending the brunch spa’s state-of-the-art facilities one to celebrate the gift of life, located in Doha’s impressive Commenting on the event, fessional eye for photography. Now, will be given a small gift to take followed by the decadent Ritz- championing camaraderie among Aspire Zone, is one of the very few General Manager of the hotel, a social media activist and photo- away. Carlton afternoon tea. Pricing all with the intention to exchange city’s urban country estates with Wael Al Sharif said, “We are very journalist, Menezes has launched The Spring Brunch is priced begins at QR500 for the spa and impart knowledge. a large outside space and lush happy and honoured to host this his own brand Big B Fotografi. at QR299 including soft package, retreats. AAB Chess Open builds a new generation of chess players in Qatar THE PENINSULA tournament editions, twenty - 4th Place; Ryan Mendoza (PHL) DOHA unrated players got their FIDE - 5th Place. Special prizes were Rating. given to Best Under 20, Best Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. Ahmad Abu Saad, Senior Under 12 and Best Female Overall. W.L.L. (AAB), exclusive distributor Manager – Lexus National Sales New winning categories were of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, held led the AAB Management Team introduced during this Edition the AAB Chess Open Edition 3 in during the prize giving ceremony with the Best Game, Best Unrated collaboration with Qatar Chess with Omar Al Marri - Board Overall and Demolisher Prize. Association (QCA). Member of QCA, GM Zhu Chen - Meanwhile, the father and The AAB Chess Open Edition FIDE Treasurer and GM Victor son tandem of Florian and Yuri 3 of the World Chess Federation Bologan - FIDE Executive de Joya garnered the highest The winners of the AAB Chess Open Edition 3 pose for a group photo. (FIDE) Rated Tournament saw Director. combined score and was awarded great participation from the Chess The tournament was played as Best Family for the third con- community. Organised to nurture in 5 rounds Swiss System with 60 secutive edition. They were given Weekend Drive with Lexus GS350 difficult with an increased is high irrespective of age. and sustain the interest and min + 30 sec/move timing for the the opportunity to a Weekend and RX 350 respectively. Mean- number of young players who are The AAB Chess Open is a CSR passion of chess enthusiasts in the whole game. Drive of the all-new Toyota Rav4 while, Abdullah Mohammed Al well-trained by the Qatar Chess initiative geared towards devel- community, the tournament The winners of the AAB Chess Hybrid vehicle. Humaid won the Best Qatari Association and are focused with oping the community through paved the way for the Rated Open Third Edition are: FM The Best Qatari Male was won Under 16 Award. The Overall their game,” FM Boidiya Sidi, 1st sports. It has created a mean- players to improve their world Boidiya Sidi (MTN) - 1st Place; by Lari Mansour while WCM Champion received a trophy, cash Place Winner stated. ingful impact on the lives of the ratings and for the Non-Rated Hassan Abdelmunim (PHL) - 2nd Kholoud Al Khelaifi received the prize and a Weekend Drive of the This has been the general young chess enthusiasts as well players to be rated on an inter- Place; Rolenson Loyola (PHL) - Best Qatari Female Award. Part Lexus ES350. “This year, the tour- observation during the Tour- as adult players who are given the national level. From these 3rd Place; Abedin Zainal (BAN) of their prizes included a nament has become more nament as the quality of the game chance to get world rated. 16 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 03. 51 AM Qatar Airways is airline partner for youth SHOROOK 05. 10 AM

ZUHR 11. 34 AM MAGHRIB 05. 59 PM sports programs and Youth Cup in Oman ASR 03. 03 PM ISHA 07. 29PM THE PENINSULA sport advancing to the finals. DOHA Similarly, the Football WEATHER TODAY Program also runs from Qatar Airways announced October to March of each year yesterday that it is the Official and the qualifying teams from Airline Partner for three of each region compete at the Oman’s Ministry of Education finals that traditionally take sports programs, in addition place in Muscat. to the Oman International Furthermore, the new Youth Cup (OIYC). National Obstacle Series Qatar Airways Group (NOS), runs year-round and Chief Executive Akbar Al invites students from public Baker signed an official spon- and private schools to take sorship agreement with Sabco part in the challenge. The NOS Sports Chairman, Sayyid Program is a new scheme that Khalid bin Hamad bin was launched by Sabco Sports Hamoud Al Busaidi. in Oman, and advocates for a Each program offers healthier lifestyle for youth. Omani youth an opportunity The Oman International Youth to join different sports leagues, Cup is a football tournament which are held throughout the for Under 9s, Under 11s, Under year in Oman. The partnership 13s and Under 15s, from across Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker (left), with Sabco Sports Chairman, Sayyid is undertaken in association the globe, who have the with Sabco Sports, who are the opportunity to showcase their Khalid bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, during the sponsorship agreement signing event. commercial partner for the football skills from the heart Oman Ministry of Education. of the Middle East. The three be partnering for the first time of our commitment to Oman, Chairman of Sabco The Olympic Program sports programs offered by with the Omani Ministry of a destination always popular Sports, Sayyid Khalid Al runs from October to March the Ministry of Education in Education for their three with our customers. “By spon- Busaidi, said: “Qatar Airways o o of each year and enables Oman are open to both boys youth sports programs, in soring these Programs and the is a key organisation in the 25 C 38 C children from different and girls that are enrolled in addition to the Oman Inter- Youth Cup, we hope to further region, and they are well Minimum Maximum regions across Oman to public schools across the national Youth Cup. These inspire future generations in known for their support of compete in a variety of sports, country, and that are aged sponsorships strengthen the sports and specifically sport and the community. Relatively hot daytime with slight dust and including athletics, chess, under 18. airline’s extensive global football, a sport that has been This is an important initiative some clouds, mild by night. sailing and volleyball, with the Akbar Al Baker, said: sporting partnership portfolio on the rise in Qatar and the that will greatly benefit the qualifying players of each “Qatar Airways is delighted to and demonstrate the strength Middle East as a whole.” children of Oman.”

HIGH TIDE 02:41 –15:08 LOW TIDE 10:20 – 21:52 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Sweden’s First Deputy Speaker praises role of EAA in promoting education

IRFAN BUKHARI in Doha. parliamentarian to interact THE PENINSULA The First Deputy Speaker with other lawmakers. “Big of the Riksdag, who has served questions are dealt in the Asa Lindestam, First Deputy as principal of a school in Assembly.” Speaker of the Riksdag Sweden, keeps education on She said that in her (Swedish Parliament) has the top priority as a lawmaker. meetings with the Qatari min- praised the role of ‘Education She also visited Education City isters and members of the Above All’ in promoting where she was briefed about Shura Council, she had talked education around the world. Qatar Foundation, Education on the subjects which were very Education Above All (EAA) is Above All and QF partner important for Sweden like edu- Asa Lindestam, First Deputy Speaker of Swedish Parliament, a foundation founded in 2012 by foreign universities. cation, workers’ rights etc. speaking to The Peninsula. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Hailing EAA, the Swedish Asa Lindestam said that in Its aim is to build a global lawmaker said: “They are eve- a meeting with H E the Minister countries could share their its own significance to see movement that contributes to rywhere. I hope in future we of Administrative Development, experiences and expertise with with your own eyes, put your human, social and economic can also do something together.” Labour and Social Affairs, the each other to discuss how they own questions.” development through the pro- Terming Education City as ‘abso- Swedish parliamentary dele- could coordinate in finding the About recently inaugu- vision of quality education. lutely fantastic’, Lindestam said gation had asked many ques- best possible way to reduce rated National Museum of “I really appreciate what that she had visited Georgetown tions about the steps Qatar had work-related accidents. Qatar, Lindestam said that it Qatar is doing from Education University in Qatar and had taken for the welfare of migrant The Swedish delegation was great place to visit. “I Above All. I think it is really useful discussions with its faculty. workers to get a firsthand also visited the Supreme Com- visited the Museum of Islamic great; they are in different On Qatar-Sweden ties, she knowledge on the subject. “It mittee for Delivery and Art (MIA) and the National countries of the world even in expressed her hope that they was a good meeting. In Sweden, Legacy. “We wanted to learn Museum of Qatar. It was a Djibouti,” Lindestam said while would grow more in coming we are always eager to take everything about what is hap- great experience visiting talking to The Peninsula on the times. care of human rights.” pening in Qatar. Though we NMoQ. For children the NMoQ sidelines of the 14 Assembly of On the IPU Assembly, Asa Lindestam said she have an excellent Ambassador has a lot of attractions in par- the Inter-Parliamentary Union Lindestam said it was very would like to go through some here who has shared with us ticular. They can see, feel, (IPU), hosted by Qatar last week important for a figures so that both the a lot of information but it has smell and learn a lot.”

Fourth phase of Works by 20 leading Indian artists on display reduced GCC RAYNALD C RIVERA preparation, the exhibition is price caps for THE PENINSULA timely as it coincides with Qatar- roaming charges India 2019 Year of Culture Sixty-three works by 20 leading celebrations. implemented: CRA Indian visual artists are on show Speaking at the inauguration, at Fanqaar Exhibition which was Indian Ambassador P Kumaran THE PENINSULA launched yesterday at The Gate stressed that efforts had been DOHA Mall. made since the start of the year Visitors at the opening of the to present the various facets of The Communications Regu- exhibition enjoyed the kaleido- Indian art and culture and that latory Authority (CRA) confirms scope of paintings depicting the exhibition was part of the that, as of April 1, 2019, telecom various themes and wide- series focusing on various kinds service providers in Qatar have ranging styles representing of Indian art. implemented the fourth phase various art movements from Fanqaar — an Urdu word of the regulation on reducing modern and contemporary to which means artist — shines the retail price caps for roaming cubism and expressionism to spotlight on Indian artists Francis charges within the Gulf Coop- surrealism and traditional Newton Souza, Ram Kumar, Par- eration Council countries. contemporary. amjit Singh, Badri Narayan, Kalal This year the fourth phase With nearly two years of Laxman Goud, Manu Parekh, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, P Kumaran (fourth left), with other officials and artists during the opening requires the service providers of Fanqaar Exhibition at The Gate Mall, yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA to reduce the retail price cap of mobile data to QR1.82/Mbyte Thota Vaikuntam, Lalu Prasad crowd-pullers at the show as it also another fascinating set of (decreased by around 17 Shaw, Rabin Mondal, Milburn looks like a real bike hanging on works on display with their sense percent from April 1, 2018). Cherian, G R Iranna, Ramesh the wall of the gallery. Gundu’s of massive energy that pervades This price cap is a ceiling Gorjala, H R Das, Laxman Aelay, favourite subject is still life and the surfaces. and the service providers are Anjaneyulu Gundu, Lalbahadur he is known for his paintings Also visually appealing are free to compete by setting Singh, Padmakar Santape, which look like photographs. paintings by Vaikuntam who gets prices below this regulatory Nagesh Ghodke, Bhaskar Rao Another interesting artist on inspiration from the rural areas cap in order to provide more and Vishal Joshi. the show is Jadhav with his cubist and whose subjects are the men attractive offers to the In different mediums and paintings of horses, oozing with and women of his village painted consumers. sizes, the works on display at the wild energy achieved through a using only primary colours. It is worth mentioning that five-day exhibition are a cele- mastery of colour layering , crisp The launch of exhibition, was the first three phases were bration of the richness of Indian angles and play of light and attended by a number of ambas- implemented on April 1 of art, culture and heritage with a shade. sadors and members of the dip- 2016, of 2017 and of 2018, and diverse range of subjects visually Award-winning artist lomatic community, artists from included significant reduc- presented by the artists coming Iranna’s portrayal of human con- India and Qatar and art enthu- tions of retail price caps for from various backgrounds. dition and survival through siasts. The exhibition is open to roaming charges for mobile Indian artist Anjaneyulu Gundu’s hyperrealistic painting of a bicycle, A hyperrealistic painting of paintings that depict bruised tex- the public until Saturday at The data, voice calls and SMS one of the works on show at Fanqaar Exhibition. a bicycle by Gundu is one of the tures and sharp cutting edges are Gate Mall. services.