BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Duhail advance as Rayyan put INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-9, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 REGION 11 BUSINESS 1-7, 13-16 it across QNB set to lift foreign 25,178.61 8,663.04 61.39 ARAB WORLD 11 CLASSIFIED 8-12 -157.13 +410.38 -0.65 INTERNATIONAL 10, 12-21 SPORTS 1-8 ownership limit to 49% Saudi’s Al Hilal -0.62% +4.97% -1.05% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10756 March 13, 2018 Jumada Il 25, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Deputy Emir opens Dimdex 2018 In brief nder the patronage of His High- Mongolia’s Minister of State for De- ness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin fence Aff airs Nyamaagiin Enkhbold UHamad al-Thani, the 6th Doha and India’s Western Naval Command International Maritime Defence Exhi- Vice Admiral Girish Luthra. bition and Conference (Dimdex 2018) Speaking at the inauguration, Bar- QATAR | Offi cial was opened by His Highness the Deputy zan Holdings managing director Nasser Emir sends message Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- Hassan al-Naimi said their company Thani at the Qatar National Convention comprises three key pillars including to Lebanese president Centre yesterday. investing in defence and security com- His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim The opening ceremony was attended panies, research and development, and bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday by a number of defence ministers, chiefs participating in strategic military forc- a written message to Lebanese of staff and military leaders from various es procurement. President Michel Aoun, pertaining countries along with a number of am- Barzan Holdings is one of the main to bilateral relations and means bassadors accredited to Qatar, members sponsors of the three-day event. of boosting and developing them. of the Qatari Armed Forces and more Al-Naimi explained that Barzan Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon than 1,000 delegates. The exhibition Holdings has been established by the Ali bin Hamad al-Marri handed is held under the theme ‘World-Class Ministry of Defence as a strategic mili- the message during a meeting Platform for Technology, Maritime & tary investment company aimed at yesterday with the Lebanese Defence Industry Capabilities.’ supporting Qatar in becoming a hub for president. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and the development of next-generation Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr defence products by enhancing na- QATAR | Offi cial Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, and tional sovereignty, human capital and Commander of the Qatari Emiri Naval transfer of knowledge. Emir congratulates Force HE Major General Abdullah bin At the meeting HE Dr Khalid bin Mo- Mauritian president Hassan al-Sulaiti were present at the hamed al-Attiyah presented His High- His Highness the Emir Sheikh opening ceremony. ness the Deputy Emir with a ceremo- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Speaking on the occasion, Major nial shield. They toured the sprawling Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for General al-Sulaiti said: “The ex- venue of the exhibition. Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah are briefed on the maritime and military defence equipment at Dimdex 2018 hibition is the direct result of our The Deputy Emir was briefed on the cables of congratulations to the which opened in Doha yesterday. leadership’s wise vision that reflects maritime and military defence equip- President of Mauritius, Ameenah Qatar’s continuous role in enhanc- ment of the participating companies, Gurib-Fakim, on her country’s ing the region’s security and stabil- navigational technology systems, com- National Day. HE the Prime Minister ity, and unifying naval efforts for the munication systems, radars, missiles and Interior Minister Sheikh major impact it has on the regional and maritime mines, defence systems, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al- and global security.” electronic warfare and other maritime Thani also sent a similar cable to the He said “the turmoil being experi- industries and services. Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind enced in parts of this geographically At the exhibition, a number of ses- Kumar Jugnauth. Qatar, Morocco to forge strategic region calls the need for com- sions will be held as part of the Middle bining eff orts, enhancing co-ordina- East Naval Commanders Conference. REGION | Banking tion, and exchanging information and About a dozen warships from the UK, experiences to achieve the objectives the US, India, Italy, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar attends GCC we all aspire to.” and Bangladesh have also arrived at the monetary meetings strategic partnership While thanking His Highness the Hamad Port as part of the event. Qatar participated in the 69th Emir, Major General al-Sulaiti said his Dimdex also supports in the GCC Committee of Governors of QNA wise guidance and direction has en- strengthening of Doha’s position as Monetary Agencies and Central Rabat hanced the standards of the expo and a business hub by attracting visitors, Banks, and the 47th Meeting of the latest has exceeded all the previous exhibitors, decision-makers, and dig- the Board of Directors of the Gulf editions. nitaries from across the world. The Monetary Council held yesterday atar and Morocco have ex- Later the Deputy Emir met separate- exhibition is off ering global companies in Kuwait. Qatar’s delegation to the pressed a strong will to ly with Turkey’s Minister of National useful trading and business opportuni- meetings was led by HE Governor Qstrengthen bilateral co-op- Defence Nurettin Canikli, Greece’s ties in vital and active markets. of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Sheikh eration in order to forge a strategic Minister of Defence Panos Kammenos, Pages 8, 9 Abdullah bin Saud al-Thani. The partnership during the 7th meeting of Board of Directors of the Gulf the Qatari-Moroccan Joint Supreme Monetary Council include Qatar, Committee held in Rabat yesterday. Qatar plays a major role in anti-terror fi ght Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. The partnership is aimed at meet- Governor of the Central Bank of ing the aspirations of His Highness Qatar, a pivotal state in the region, and maritime security sectors. He Kuwait MohamEd al-Hashel said the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Qatari and Moroccan prime ministers speaking after the conclusion of the 7th has a major role and tangible said it is a great opportunity for the that the 69th GCC Committee of Thani and King Mohamed VI as well meeting of the Qatari-Moroccan Joint Supreme Committee in Rabat yesterday. partnership with allied states in Ministry of Interior to participate in Governors of Monetary Agencies as the peoples of the two brotherly combating terrorism and drying up and to be introduced to the latest in and Central Banks held yesterday countries, HE the Prime Minister and tween the two countries will be activat- mittee was an opportunity to review its sources, Director General of Public marine security. was fruitful and successful. Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin ed which will also contribute to boost- the outcome of co-operation in various Security Staff Major General Saad bin “Participation is also important Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani has said. ing the volume of investments between fi elds, especially trade, fi nance, invest- Jassem al-Khulaifi yesterday said. to reduce smuggling and protect QATAR | Weather In a speech, he expressed thanks to Qatar and Morocco. The next meeting ment and culture. He pointed out that At a press conference held on the borders and maritime assets, to Morocco for the warm welcome and of the Qatari-Moroccan Joint Supreme economic, investment and trade co-op- sidelines of Doha International ensure the safety of navigation and Strong winds the positive atmosphere that prevailed Committee will be held in Qatar. eration between the two countries is the Maritime Defense Exhibition and shipping, and other matters and expected today during his visit and the meetings. For his part, Moroccan Prime Min- engine that drives bilateral co-operation. Conference (Dimdex 2018), he said tasks carried out by the Ministry of Strong winds are expected in some The prime minister said both sides ister Dr Saadeddine Othmani lauded Both the countries have great potential organising the exhibition comes as Interior,” he said. places by this afternoon, the Qatar held several meetings and signed a the solid and established foundations and the will to achieve the desired goals, part of promoting the defence and “Dimdex in its sixth edition, Met department has said. The number of agreements, including the that characterise Qatari-Moroccan within a global economy that is charac- security capabilities of Qatar and witnessed great development and weather off ice has also issued a establishment of a joint commercial relations and his satisfaction with the terised by openness, he said. the sisterly countries to combat large participation from major warning for strong winds and high committee and the opening of a ship- qualitative development of the course The Moroccan prime minister urged terrorism and secure their maritime global companies specialised in the seas in off shore areas today. The ping line between Moroccan ports and of these relations. He confi rmed the the businessmen of the two countries borders. Al-Khulaifi highlighted the maritime defence field, including marine warning for fresh to strong Hamad Port, stressing that this will existence of a strong shared will to up- to double their eff orts to develop a importance of Qatar’s organising Barzan Holdings, which is the northwesterly winds will be in place contribute to trade exchange between grade these relations. genuine strategic economic partner- and hosting of the event which first Qatari company in the field until the beginning of Thursday the two countries. Othmani said the 7th meeting of the ship through optimal utilisation of the presents the latest technologies of defence, security and military (March 15). He said the businessmen council be- Qatari-Moroccan Joint Supreme Com- available resources. Page 2 and innovations in the defence investments.” Qatar Rail welcomes fi rst Lusail tram at Hamad Port

atar Railways Company (Qatar of HE the Minister of Transport and will be launched in 2020. Rail) announced that it received Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed The network includes four lines Qthe fi rst Lusail tram at Hamad al-Sulaiti and a number of senior rep- and 28 stations above ground and un- Port yesterday morning. resentatives of Qatar Rail. derground. The Lusail Tram project Following its departure from the The design of the Lusail Tram was progress currently stands at 73%. Alstom factory in the French city of inspired by ‘Al Mehmel’, which signi- To Page 4 La Rochelle for Barcelona, the Citadis fi es the dhow – the traditional Qatari tram arrived in Doha on schedule after boat used for pearl fi shing. The design 18 days, Qatar Rail said in a statement. concept “focused on the sea repre- On track Once offl oaded at Hamad Port, the senting dhow pearl fi shing and bring- tram will be taken to its fi nal destina- ing in the calm, cool, elegant and tran- O Lusail Tram will connect tion - the main depot - where it will be quil elements of that medium to the to Doha Metro through two assembled and tested, as the company design”, the statement noted. All these interchange stations at Lusail and gears up for the operational phase of features are depicted in the design of Legtaifiya. the project. The tram will undergo a the trams. O 35.4km-long Lusail Tram number of technical tests to ensure that “The Lusail Tram will soon become network will be launched in 2020. the highest safety standards are met, the main transportation hub for the vi- O Network includes four lines and Qatar Rail has stressed. sionary Lusail city,” Qatar Rail added. 28 stations above ground and Earlier this year, the Lusail Tram The Lusail Tram will connect to the underground. underwent a Factory Acceptance Test Doha Metro through two interchange O Lusail Tram project progress at the Alstom factory in France, which stations at Lusail and Legtaifiya. The currently stands at 73%. 13-03-2018 ended successfully in the presence 35.4km-long Lusail Tram network Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 QATAR

OFFICIAL

Deputy premier meets Canadian parliament team

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- Thani met a Canadian Parliament delegation currently visiting Qatar. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, and ways of enhancing and developing them, besides the HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani attending developments in the region, and a dinner banquet hosted by King Mohamed VI of Morocco in Rabat on Sunday night. Moroccan Prime matters of mutual interest. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani holding Minister Dr Saadeddine Othmani and a number of ministers and ranking off icials of the Moroccan talks with the Prime Minister of Morocco Dr Saadeddine Othmani in Rabat yesterday. government also attended the banquet. Advisory Council approves draft law on industrial zones

The Advisory Council held its regular weekly session under the chairmanship of its Speaker HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid PM chairs Qatari-Moroccan Joint al-Mahmoud yesterday. The council discussed the Services and Public Utilities Committee’s report on a draft law on industrial zones. After an extensive discussion of the Supreme Committee meeting draft law, which comes within the framework of draft laws aimed at QNA keeping pace with the economic Rabat development taking place in the country, the council approved the draft law in a modified form he Qatari-Moroccan Joint and decided to submit it to the Supreme Committee held Cabinet. Tits seventh meeting yes- At the outset of the meeting, HE terday under the chairmanship al-Mahmoud briefed the Council of HE the Prime Minister and on his meeting with the Canadian Minister of Interior Sheikh Ab- parliamentary delegation, dullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa in which they discussed the al-Thani and the Prime Minister parliamentary relations between of Morocco Dr Saadeddine Oth- the two countries and ways to mani. The meeting was held at strengthen and boost them, as the Moroccan Ministry of For- well as the unjust siege imposed eign Aff airs and International on Qatar and its violations of Co-operation. international law. The meeting discussed the HE the Speaker of the Advisory bilateral relations between Qa- Council praised the Canadian tar and Morocco and ways to position on the siege expressed develop them in various fi elds, by the Canadian parliamentary in a way that promotes strate- delegation during the meeting. gic partnerships between both The delegation stressed its countries and meets the aspira- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and the Prime Minister of Morocco Dr Saadeddine Othmani chairing the understanding of the position of tions of His Highness the Emir Qatari-Moroccan Joint Supreme Committee’s seventh meeting in Rabat yesterday. Qatar which calls for dialogue. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- The delegation of the Canadian Thani and King Mohamed VI of memorandum of understand- tion Unit in Qatar and the King- parliament also aff irmed its Morocco. ing (MoU) on establishing a joint dom of Morocco. rejection of the siege and The meeting discussed the ministerial trade committee, a Earlier, HE the Prime Minister urged the immediate lifting latest regional and international co-operation agreement in the and Minister of Interior Sheikh of it because of its negative developments, especially the traditional industry fi eld, and an Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa consequences. The delegation crises witnessed in the region, MoU to prepare, train and qual- al-Thani held a separate meeting will also convey a true picture besides the international eff orts ify human personnel to work in with the Prime Minister of Mo- of these negative eff ects to the made to combat terrorism, and airlines, ports and airports be- rocco Dr Saadeddine Othmani at Canadian parliament. the importance of continuing tween the Mohamed VI Inter- the Prime Minister’s Offi ce here. During the meeting, the Council these eff orts to bring peace and national Civil Aviation Academy The meeting reviewed the bi- discussed a draft law on establish security and stability and Qatar Aeronautical College. lateral relations between Qatar regulating road transport and in the region. The meeting also In addition, an MoU in the ag- and Morocco and ways to devel- decided to refer it to the Services reviewed a number of topics of ricultural fi eld, an MoU in the op them, besides discussing the and Public Utilities Committee for common interest. housing fi eld, and the sixth ex- Arab and international develop- an in-depth study and a report. HE the Prime Minister and ecutive programme for educa- ments, as well as topics of com- Minister of Interior Sheikh Ab- tional, cultural and technical co- mon interest. Senegal’s FM dullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa operation for the academic years Later in the afternoon, HE al-Thani and the Prime Minis- (2017-2020) were also signed. the Prime Minister and Minis- meets Qatari ter of Morocco Dr Saadeddine Both sides also signed the ter of Interior Sheikh Abdullah attorney general Othmani signed the minutes of second executive programme bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani the seventh meeting of the Joint for youth co-operation for the left Rabat, concluding an offi cial HE the Minister of Foreign Aff airs Supreme Committee. two years (2018-2019), the visit to Morocco. of Senegal Sidiki Kaba has met Later the Prime Minister and fourth executive programme The Prime Minister and Min- with Qatar’s Attorney-General HE Minister of Interior and the for media co-operation, a sup- ister of Interior was seen off at Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri, who is Moroccan prime minister wit- plementary protocol on the Rabat international airport by currently visiting Dakar. nessed the signing of a number supervision and control of fi - the Moroccan Prime Minister Dr The two sides discussed issues of agreements, programmes and nancial institutions on the MoU Saadeddine Othmani, a number related to the rule of law and memoranda of understanding between Qatar Central Bank and of ministers, Qatar’s ambassa- fighting corruption, besides the between the governments of Qa- Bank Al-Maghrib and an MoU dor to Morocco Abdulla Falah activities of the Rule of Law and tar and Morocco. for co-operation in the fi eld of al-Dossari, and Morocco’s am- Anti-Corruption Off ice, which The two countries signed exchange of fi nancial investi- bassador to Qatar Nabil Zniber, was opened in Senegal in 2015 an agreement on an executive gations related to money laun- along with senior Moroccan of- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and the with the support of the Rule of programme for the industrial dering and terrorism fi nancing fi cials and members of the Qatari Prime Minister of Morocco Dr Saadeddine Othmani signing the minutes of the seventh meeting of the Law and Anti-Corruption Centre co-operation for 2018-2022, a between the Financial Informa- embassy. Joint Supreme Committee in Rabat yesterday. (ROLACC) in Doha.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and the Prime Minister of Morocco Dr Saadeddine Othmani witness the signing of agreements between the governments of Qatar and Morocco in Rabat. WCM-Q, QU medical students attend international health conference

edical students from more than 20 countries and was students from across the re- of the World Young Doctors’ cal Students Executive Com- many more positive collabora- velopment of responsible future Weill Cornell Medi- an opportunity for medical stu- gion. Organisation, Dr Kamal Alami, mittee, said, “To attend this tions in the future.” physicians. Mcine - Qatar (WCM-Q) dents to share news of national The regional assembly off ered president of UNAIDS Morocco, important regional conference, Established in 2017, QMSA Founded in 1951, the IFMSA and the College of Medicine at and local projects, such as clini- a week of training, conferences and Dr Jan Peloza of the World with WCM-Q and QU College of is the fi rst student medical as- is one of the world’s oldest and Qatar University (QU) travelled cal and research internship ex- and workshops on the themes of Health Organisation Venice Of- Medicine students represented sociation to be formed in Qatar largest student-run organisa- to Morocco to attend the 14th change programmes. public health, human rights and fi ce. side by side, was an impor- through a collaboration of medi- tions. It is recognised as a non- Congress of the International For the students - two each peace, reproductive health and WCM-Q students in attend- tant moment for Qatar Medical cal students from WCM-Q and governmental organisation by Federation of Medical Students from WCM-Q and QU who at- medical education. ance at the event were Aballah Students Association. We are a the College of Medicine at QU. the United Nations and the Associations (IFMSA) of the tended as members of Qatar Delegates also benefi ted from Tom of the Class of 2021 and young organisation and it was The organisation exists to pro- World Health Organisation and Mediterranean and East Region. Medical Students Association special sessions on adolescent Priyamvada Pillai of the Class of therefore very encouraging for mote humanitarian issues and brings together 1.3mn medi- The IFMS Regional Assembly, (QMSA), the event was also an health with the participation of 2020. us to be able to make a positive public health initiatives among cal students from 136 national held in Marrakech, brought to- opportunity for cultural ex- internationally renowned ex- Tom, QMSA member and contribution to such an impor- medical students in Qatar and members organisations in 127 gether over 300 delegates from change with fellow medical perts, such as Dr Hateem Alaa president of the WCM-Q Medi- tant event. We look forward to seeks to contribute to the de- countries around the globe. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 3 QATAR CNA-Q hosts events to mark International Women’s Day

ollege of the North At- businesswomen - Sheikha Ha- ebration of achievement of wom- ternational Women’s Day. lantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) nadi bint Nasser bin Khaled al- en, but a celebration of society. It Fatima al-Saadi, Qapco’s Ca- Chosted a successful pair Thani, vice-chairman of NBK & takes men and women to achieve.” pability Building manager, of- of Women’s Leadership and Cel- Sons Group, and Amal al-Sham- During the event, female lead- fered her congratulations to ebration events to recognise the mari, founder of Embrace Doha ership awards were presented CNA-Q for organising such contribution women make in – to discuss the important role from sponsor Qatar Petrochemi- an event, stating, “It is a great Qatar, and internationally. of women in Qatar’s workplaces. cal Company (Qapco) to students pleasure for Qapco to once again “Although International For the fi rst time this year, the Amani al-Kabani and Amna Cho- support this successful event, Women’s Day is March 8th, the College invited males to attend han for displaying qualities of an event that celebrates the celebration of women is not the Women’s Day Panel in an leadership and act as role models achievements of Qatari women, confi ned to one day. The con- eff ort to fully embrace the in- on campus. They will be added and highlights their continu- tribution of women in Qatar and clusion of men and women into to an elite network of all Qapco ing contributions to cultural, abroad is vast. This is a time to discussions supporting growth Women’s Leadership Award Win- economic and political devel- refl ect on the signifi cant con- in the workplace. CNA-Q presi- ners from past years, who are opment. It gives me enormous tributions which happen all year dent, Dr Ken MacLeod also working to build female leadership pride to hear from the panel- long,” said Samah Gamar, vice- joined the panel to show support opportunities at the College. The lists on how they have faced and president-academic at CNA-Q. for the initiative. recipients of the awards were spe- overcame so many challenges On March 6, a panel discus- As Sheikha Hanadi said: cial guests at a gala event, which with confi dence and determina- sion was held with high profi le “Women’s Day is not just a cel- was held on March 7, the eve of In- tion.” The panel discussion in progress at CNA-Q. Qatari women’s courage during siege wins praise

QNA collaboration with the United rector of the Unesco Offi ce in to explore the culture of peace- foreign and internal aff airs of her Doha Nations Educational, Scien- Doha Dr Anna Paolini; ambas- building from diff erent perspec- country, adding that Sweden’s tific and Cultural Organisation sador of Ecuador and Unesco tives in 2018. foreign policy is based on this (Unesco), Lulwah al-Khater Goodwill Ambassador Yvonne Ambassador of Ecuador and strategy and showed by stud- E the offi cial Spokesper- said when it comes to women’s Khoies Aboul Baki; ambassador Unesco Goodwill Ambassador ies and research, as all societies son for the Foreign Min- rights and promotions, it is a of Sweden to Qatar Ewa Polano, shared her personal experience promoting equality among men Histry, Lulwah al-Khater, matter of pride and encourage- ambassador of Tanzania to Qatar in bringing peace to her coun- and women achieve peace, secu- has expressed her happiness at ment both in Qatar and in other Fatma Mohamed Rajab; ambas- try during the crisis with Peru, rity and development. the courage of Qatari women to countries. sador of Argentina to Qatar Ros- where she was the only woman On the impact of the Swedish stand by their country during Al-Khater focused on the sana Cecilia Surballe; and am- to participate in the negotia- strategy in this fi eld internation- the siege imposed on Qatar. eff ectiveness of empowering bassador of the Netherlands to tions between the two sides at ally, the ambassador said that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the women and vulnerable groups to Qatar Bahia Tahzib-Lie. the invitation of the president her country has adopted strate- UAE and Egypt imposed an un- withstand setbacks, or through Director of the Centre for of Ecuador, pointing out that gies for action that have incor- just siege on Qatar on June 5, recovery from setbacks, and pro- Confl ict and Humanitar- women give a different per- porated international plans and 2017. vided examples of pivotal roles ian Studies Dr Sultan Barakat spective than that presented the voice of women has been Speaking at a public con- played by Qatar in this regard. said that the conference comes by men in any negotiations and strengthened in all United Na- ference on the role of women The conference was attend- within the framework of focus- discussion. tions data. diplomats in peacemaking and ed by a number of diplomats ing on the important role played For her part, ambassador of She added that her country confronting wars in the world, to share their experiences in by women at all levels in peace- Sweden to Qatar, who spoke of has also appointed 15 ambassa- organised by The Centre for conjunction with Internation- making, confl ict resolution and the foreign policy of her coun- dors to the United Nations me- Conflict and Humanitarian al Women’s Day. Besides HE development support, which try, highlighted the presence of diation network in various con- Studies (CHS) at Doha Insti- Lulwah al-Khater the confer- is part of the co-operation and political and diplomatic forces fl icts, most important of which HE Lulwah al-Khater during the lecture at QU. tute for Graduate Studies, in ence was attended by the Di- communication with Unesco supporting women’s role in the is the Syrian confl ict. Role of women in sustainable development highlighted

ustainable develop- through the establishment water; life on land; peace, 1995, the Gender Develop- ment is a process that of the UN in 1945, the justice and strong institu- ment Index and the Gender Sentails positive out- Unesco in 1946, the United tions; and partnerships for Empowerment Measure in comes, HE Lulwah al-Khat- Nations Development Pro- the goals. She pointed to the 1995, and the Gender In- er, offi cial spokesperson of gramme (UNDP) in 1965, development theories and equality Index in 2010. the Ministry of Foreign Af- the eight Millennium De- global standards and to the The audience actively in- fairs, has said. velopment Goals (MDGs) universality versus locality teracted with HE al-Khater She was giving a lecture in 2000, the UN Women in of international standards. following her address, on “Development Theory 2010, and the Sustainable HE al-Khater noted that seeking responses on issues and the Role of Women” Development Goals in Post Qatar has been ranked 33rd related to women’s rights at Qatar University (QU). 2015. in Human Development in the world of business, The event was hosted by HE al-Khater said the in 2017. “The Human De- the role of women in higher the Psychological Sci- sustainable development velopment Index is a com- administration levels, the ences Department at QU goals include no poverty; posite index that includes challenges that women face College of Education no hunger; good health and education, health, gender in the diplomatic fi eld, and (QU-CED) in commemo- well-being; quality educa- equality, human security more. ration of the Internation- tion; gender equality; clean and other indicators”, she The lecture was attend- al Women’s Day. water and sanitation; af- said. ed by QU vice-president HE al-Khater highlighted fordable and clean energy; She highlighted the con- for Research and Gradu- the United Nations’ defi ni- decent work and economic ventions and measures to ate Studies Prof Mariam tions of economic, human growth; industry, innova- achieve women’s develop- al-Maadeed, CED dean Dr and sustainable develop- tion and infrastructure; ment such as the Conven- Ahmed al-Emadi, and De- ment and the development reduced inequalities; sus- tion on the Elimination of partment of Psychological epistemological roots. tainable cities and com- All Forms of Discrimination Sciences head Dr Asma al- She provided an overview munities; responsible con- against Women in 1979, Attiyah, as well as CED fac- of the institutionalisa- sumption and production; the Beijing Declaration ulty, staff and around 100 tion of development theory climate action; life below and Platform for Action in students.

HBKU lecture to explore digital currency in Muslim World

ollege of Islamic the virtual currency’s im- Studies ( CIS) at pact on the Middle East, CHamad Bin Kha- exploring e-currency from lifa University (HBKU), will an Islamic fi nancial per- present a two-hour lecture spective. The main dis- titled Digital Currency from cussion will include three a Shari’ah, Economic, and sub-themes: economic and Practical Perspective on fi nancial aspects, Shariah March 19. articulation, and practical Guest speakers include implications. CEO of Qatar Development CIS to explore digital currency in the Muslim World. Established as a dedi- Bank, Abdulaziz bin Nasser cated space for contempo- al-Khalifa; former pro- changing role around the pation of some of Qatar’s rary Islamic studies, CIS fessor of jurisprudence at world. Being delivered preeminent thought leaders enables students to discuss Qatar University, Dr Ali al- by several notable sub- in industry and academia, their thoughts and ideas Quradaghi; and professor at ject matter specialists, the who will off er insight on the concerning Islam, engage HBKU’s CIS, Dr Tariqullah S symposium aims to gener- role of digital currency and in discourse, and guide in- Khan. The exploratory sym- ate awareness on the op- unique perspectives which formed action on press- posium is expected to see a portunities and challenges will bring added value to ing matters. CIS off ers wide turnout by students, presented by virtual cur- our discussions.” two postgraduate degree staff , faculty, guests as well rency. Dr Emad El-Din In its in electronic form, programs - Master of Arts as members of the public. Shahin, dean of CIS, noted, the monetary system ena- in Islamic studies and the Digital currency – also “HBKU’s CIS is commit- bles seamless and immedi- Master of Science in Islamic known as digital money ted to dialogue that helps ate transactions without fi nance, bringing together or cybercash – is a trans- promote the social and eco- the need for traditional in- global academics through formative technology that nomic growth of Qatar. We stitutions. The CIS lecture its renowned research cen- is tipped to play a game- look forward to the partici- aims to bring attention to tres. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 QATAR

Health ministry issues clarification on Snickers video

The Ministry of Public Health issued in this connection. were said to contain plastic pieces. ‘AI cannot replace humans (MoPH) has clarified that a video The video apparently shows that Quoting off icial statements from Mars about Snickers chocolates, which is off icials in Gaza are destroying large Incorporated in the GCC region and circulating on social media, should quantities of Snickers bars in response the local distributor of the company in be considered a rumour as it is an old to the recall. It has resurfaced after Qatar, the MoPH had said none of the video whose contents are not relevant two years and has been doing the aff ected products was distributed in but will increase effi ciency’ now. rounds of social media of late, with the local market. The MoPH said in a statement some people apparently mistaking it On its part, Mars Gulf had said it was yesterday that the video shows for a new development. an isolated incident, limited to certain rtifi cial Intelligence something that happened back in In February 2016, the MoPH had said it products made in the Netherlands. (AI) cannot replace 2016. Necessary action was taken had taken all the necessary measures Meanwhile, the ministry yesterday Ahuman beings but is at that time in view of a recall over to ensure that the local market was stressed its keenness to ensure the in the business of supporting the possibility of some Snickers bars free from chocolate products of Mars highest standards of food safety in people to live better by in- having plastic pieces in them, it noted, Incorporated (including Snickers), the country in co-operation with the creasing productivity and ef- adding that a statement was also produced in the Netherlands, which entities concerned. fi ciency, an offi cial of Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company, told Gulf Times yesterday. “In many places, we will need more humans. We see many humans involved in NU-Q students launch website communicating with teams, and in several other areas more humans will be needed. on Qatar’s education system Humans will do more work at what they are good at and the automation will replace some website developed and de- rolled in the Advanced Online Story- the current state of education in Qatar, functions. AI will, however, signed by journalism students telling course. its successes, and what challenges the help in increasing productiv- Aat Northwestern University in The fi ve-week intensive course is country still faces.” ity and effi ciency,” explained Qatar (NU-Q) provides access to an designed to teach students to gather On the website, users can view Dragos Margineantu, senior array of multimedia projects address- data and develop written and visual timelines on the development of edu- Machine Learning scientist, ing issues about Qatar’s education content that addresses a particular cation in Qatar since the 1920’s. They Boeing Research and Tech- system. theme about Qatar. can also view short documentaries nology. The Q-Taa’leam website- https:// Students experience working under about reform programmes and read Speaking on the sidelines sites.northwestern.edu/qtaaleam/- a deadline and get to explore diff er- articles about ongoing challenges in of MLDAS 2018 Symposium, features videos, statistics, articles, and ent areas of multi-media storytelling, that sector. jointly organised by Qatar Ramsis Adam, Seema Chopra and Dragos Margineantu. infographics that cover topics includ- such as print, video, graphics, and The students were divided into four Computing Research Insti- ing educational reforms, sex educa- public relations. groups – one was the website opera- tute and Boeing, he said that to off er support in diff erent airplanes and we make use data to give insights to make tion, the ratifi cation of degrees, the In previous years, NU-Q students tions team that built and designed the Boeing research into pilot- areas such as functions. AI is of AI to increase the produc- decision in our process. AI country’s performance in internation- enrolled in the course produced a web- webpage; another – the multimedia less airplanes is progress- in the business of supporting tivity. AI helps in advancing gives our engineers, decision al tests, and special needs education. site on Qatar’s architectural landscape team – worked on video stories; the ing. Ramsis Adam, director people to live better,” contin- the effi ciency of meeting our makers and others tools to “Addressing complex issues like and urban development, exploring print team wrote articles; the info- of Analytics and Simulation ued Margineantu. goals,” explained Adam. make better ways of process,” education encourages our students to Qatari heritage through modern archi- graphics team created visual elements, Technology, Boeing and See- The Boeing offi cial main- “We are so proud of our highlighted Adam. engage in rigorous reporting and re- tecture; and a website on road safety and the public relations team designed ma Chopra, Boeing Research tained that AI is being in- products. Qatar Airways is Chopra stressed that Ma- search,” said Everette E Dennis, dean that was designed to raise awareness a communications strategy to promote and Technology, India, also creasingly used in every ap- the launch customer for our chine Learning is the com- and CEO. “As Qatar continues to make about traffi c reforms and the conse- the website. highlighted the increas- plication that is of low risk. future 777X and they were puter algorithm that use and progress in developing the infrastruc- quences of reckless driving on acci- “Education is an important topic to ing role of AI and Machine “But it will be slow in appli- one of the fi rst customers for produce rules and models ture of its educational system, our stu- dent victims. explore in Qatar because the govern- Learning. cations of higher risk such the 787. We want to quickly out of data. “Human Centric dents’ work showcases the signifi cant “As Qatar continues to progress and ment is continuously introducing re- “Boeing research into as autonomous cars and air- deliver the products for our Machine Learning will allow changes and developments that have develop into a knowledge economy, an forms to improve both pre-university pilotless airplanes is in planes. AI will probably move customers and one of the user to understand what is happened in that sector over the last understanding of its current education and university education. We wanted progress and the main ques- slowly in areas where human benefi ts of AI is that it will happening. We can now pro- few decades.” system and reform policies is crucial,” to see how these reforms were aff ect- tion is safety. One of our lives are involved,” he high- increase our effi ciency,” con- duce models that are com- The website is the fi nal project cre- said NU-Q professor Christina Pas- ing the student experience,” said Gh- goals is to increase the safety lighted. tinued the offi cial. pletely not understandable ated by NU-Q journalism and strategic chyn, who teaches the course. “This alya al-Thani, a member of the public record. We are working on it According to Adam, AI “The power of AI will op- by humans which create real- communication students who are en- student-produced website examines relations team. by executing some functions helps in increasing the ef- timise the functions of mo- ly accurate predictions. Oc- in an autonomous way. The fi ciency and productivity. bility and transportation. AI casionally they make errors research eff orts are going on,” “Boeing is a leader in aero- is leveraging the data that but we may not understand noted Margineantu. space and leading the re- is collected. By making use very well where they make “Humans are essential to search in the area. One of our of AI, we have the ability to errors. In Machine Learning, support us. AI is not to off er goals is to increase safety. We collect data and create al- we use data from all areas of Ooredoo announces partner to human level intelligence but have a backlog of over 5,000 gorithms that leverage the generation,” added Chopra. power IoT off erings in Qatar

oredoo announced Bernd Gross, senior vice yesterday that it will president, IoT and Cloud, Ofurther enable In- Software AG, said: “As Qa- ternet of Things (IoT) busi- tar’s organisations enter the ness innovations in Qatar Internet of Things era, they with its new partnership on need scalable IT infrastruc- Software AG’s Cumulocity ture to meet their future IoT platform. business needs. We’re com- Using Software AG’s bining our Cumulocity IoT Cumulocity IoT platform, platform with Ooredoo’s Ooredoo will build solu- local experience to enable tions that will allow busi- Qatar’s organisations to ness customers to combine become global leaders in integrated real-time data Internet of Things innova- analytics visualisation, with tions that can transform scalable storage and device the customer and citizen security, to drive new digital experience. Working with business. Ooredoo, we have found a Ooredoo COO Yousuf very strong strategic part- Abdulla al-Kubaisi said: Ooredoo Qatar chief business off icer Sheikh Nasser bin ner extremely well placed to “Our selection of Soft- Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani with off icials from Software AG. exploit the substantial op- ware AG’s Cumulocity IoT portunities for IoT in Qatar platform underlines our products to market faster, device integration and data and the Middle East.” commitment to Qatar’s and free up staff to focus on collection; real-time ana- Business customers can fast-growth Internet of innovation.” lytics for condition moni- leverage the ‘Ooredoo Ad- Things sector, providing The partnership leverages toring, predictive main- vantage’, making Ooredoo our customers with lead- Ooredoo’s regional com- tenance, and supply chain “Best for Business,” thanks ing solutions to drive new munication strengths with automation; comprehensive to its breadth and depth of digital business models, Software AG’s Cumulocity device management and re- talent, best fi xed and mobile and to better manage their IoT platform. The combined mote control; confi gurable networks, broadest portfo- applications and devices. off ering enables Ooredoo’s real-time dashboards for lio of ICT services and solu- Our business customers customers to benefi t from data visualisation; and rapid tions, and trusted partner can reduce risks, bring their rapid machine, sensor, and enterprise IT integration. for 60 years.

Off icials mark the arrival of the first Lusail tram at Hamad Port. Qatar Rail welcomes fi rst Lusail tram

From Page 1 completion of station con- are pleased to witness this at its fi nal destination.” Ah- struction work as we aim to milestone, which is paving mad al-Saleh, Lusail Tram Abdulla Abdulaziz al- deliver the project within the way for the next phase of project director, added: “We Subaie, Qatar Rail’s man- the assigned timeline, un- the Lusail Tram project. We are excited to receive the aging director and chief derpinned by our commit- would also like to recognise fi rst tram. Soon, the dynam- executive offi cer, said: “The ment to deliver a modern the eff orts of all our partners ic tests will begin inside the arrival of the tram marks the and sustainable transport who contributed to the suc- depot followed by testing on beginning of a new phase. network for Lusail city.” cessful delivery of this mile- the tracks in Lusail city. We The Lusail Tram project is Hamad al-Bishri, Qa- stone and the logistic sup- look forward to receiving the well under way; work is go- tar Rail’s deputy chief ex- port they provided to ensure remaining trains in the up- ing on right now towards the ecutive offi cer, noted: “We the safe arrival of the tram coming period.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 5 QATAR Workshop discusses plan to combat cyber crimes

QNA Doha

workshop on “Mutual Judicial Investigation and Assistance Ain Cyber Terrorism Financing Cases”, started here yesterday. The two-day workshop has been organised by the Ministry of Justice in co-operation with the US Department of Justice. The workshop, which is being held under the patronage of Minister of Jus- tice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs HE Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi, features impor- tant issues related to fi nancing e-ter- rorism in light of the national laws on the fi nancing of terrorism and cyber- crime. The workshop also discusses the fi - nancing of terrorism, the prosecution of its fi nanciers, the use of the Inter- net for terrorist purposes, the review of modern technological trends in the fi nancing of terrorism and mutual legal assistance between the two countries. Addressing the opening session of the workshop, Director of the Legal and HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Judicial Studies Centre, Fatima Ab- Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi. dulaziz Bilal said this workshop comes within the framework of the State of out that daily fi nancial fl ows through Financing of Terrorism, which has re- Qatar’s commitment to strengthen- the international information network structured the National Committee to ing international co-operation and have become a major threat and are Combat Money Laundering and the Fi- increasing the eff ectiveness of eff orts diffi cult to monitor “where they are nancing of Terrorism, to play an eff ec- to combat the fi nancing of terrorism, used to fi nance terrorism, threaten- tive role in co-ordination with various recognising that counter-terrorism ing the safety of life and property and entities in the State as well as to com- requires collective and international undermining international peace and municate and co-operate with regional action. security.” and international entities concerned in In this context, she noted that the With the increasing threat of terror- this regard. State of Qatar had signed many inter- ism at the regional and international The workshop is being attended by a national conventions and memoranda levels, the United Nations adopted the number of legal experts from the Min- of co-operation related to combating International Convention for the Sup- istries of Justice in the State of Qatar terrorism, the latest of which was the pression of Financing of Terrorism in and the United States, in the presence “Joint Convention against the Financ- 1999, to strengthen judicial and secu- of representatives of several govern- ing of Terrorism” signed by the State rity co-operation among states and to mental bodies including the Ministry with the Government of the United prevent and punish the fi nancing of of Interior, the General Secretariat of States of America in July 2017. such acts, she added. the Council of Ministers, the Supreme “Today’s terrorism is one of the most She stressed that Qatar’s belief in the Judicial Council, the Public Prosecu- serious problems of the present cen- fi ght against terrorism and its fi nanc- tor’s Offi ce, Qatar Central Bank, Minis- tury, if not the most serious one, and ing is well-founded. try of Transport and Communications, it shares this danger with war, famine, The fi rst anti-terrorism law was is- Ministry of Economy and Commerce, poverty and other problems at the glo- sued in 2004, and Law No 4 of 2010 on Private Engineering Offi ce, Police Col- bal level,” she said. Fatima Bilal pointed Combating Money Laundering and the lege and Qatar University. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 QATAR QIC Group seeks CMU-Q team wins CFA Challenge, heads to global fi nal fi ve-member students team from Carnegie Mellon Uni- Aversity in Qatar (CMU-Q) Qatari talent has won the inaugural CFA Institute Research Challenge — a global com- petition that tests equity research, atar Insurance Group has recently Hussain Y Abualfain, HR manager at QIC valuation, investment report writ- participated in the 12th edition of the Group, said: “Our motto is to be the em- ing, and presentation skills of the QEducation City Career Fair organised ployer of choice. The career fair serves as an university students. by Qatar University as part of initiatives to ideal platform to connect with young, ambi- Five students from CMU-Q — Al- attract Qatari talent. tious Qatari students and identify the future fred Godwin, Fizza Aamir, Shahryar Through its participation for the second torchbearers whose unique contribution will Nayyer, Badis Glaied and Anthony time in a row, QIC Group interacted with the help Qatar Insurance and Qatar achieve the Lo — were adjudged the winning students and introduced the fi elds of insur- Qatar National Vision 2030.” team and will now represent Qatar ance, reinsurance, and the rewards of being To empower its local staff and facilitate at the regional competition of the associated with a global brand. career growth in line with the future needs CFA Institute Research Challenge on During the four-day event, senior HR offi - of Qatar’s promising insurance market, QIC April 4-5 in Ireland. cials from QIC Group briefed students about Group has been conducting several training A four-student team from the Qa- the company, its global presence and wide and development programmes. tar University was declared the run- spectrum of innovative products, and serv- Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) is a pub- ners up and will compete in a Middle ices it off ers. licly listed composite insurer with a consist- East competition, organised by the Through an informative presentation, the ent performance history of over 55 years and regional CFA societies. offi cials highlighted the potential for growth a global underwriting footprint. This year’s challenge had seen and career development in the (re)insurance Founded in 1964, QIC was the fi rst domes- a total of four teams — two from space. tic insurance company in the State of Qatar. CMU-Q and one each from Geor- Abdulla al-Mulla, group chief administra- Today, QIC is the market leader in Qatar getown University Qatar and Qatar tive offi cer at QIC Group, said: “QIC Group’s and a dominant insurer in the GCC and Mena University. participation at the career fair forms an inte- region. Each team was required to write gral part of the group’s strategy for attracting QIC is one of the highest rated insurers an equity research report on the human capital. in the Gulf region with a rating of A/Stable subject company Ooredoo with an CMU-Q students pose after winning the inaugural CFA Institute Research Challenge. “We fi rmly believe in identifying local tal- from Standard & Poor’s and A (Excellent) investment recommendation. ent and investing in sharpening their capa- from A M Best. At the fi nale, the teams presented dents conducted in-depth analy- professionals from local institu- president of the CFA Society Doha. bilities to make them highly-skilled insur- In terms of profi tability and market capi- their equity research to an inde- sis on a listed company’s stock and tions to come together to drive the The CFA Institute Research Chal- ance professionals. Besides assisting them talisation, QIC is also the largest insurance pendent panel of judges from the produced a comprehensive equity nation’s fi nancial sector, al-Shaibi lenge is an annual global competi- with building competencies, we want to company in the Mena region. It is listed on fi nancial sector in Qatar. research report. said “this refl ects upon Qatar’s fu- tion that provides university stu- encourage and empower them to spearhead the Qatar Exchange and has a market capi- Each team had a faculty adviser The winning team was chosen ture steps toward building a sound dents with hands-on mentoring departments.” talisation of over $4bn. and an industry mentor from lo- based on the thoroughness of the and resilient fi nancial sector that and intensive training in fi nancial cal institutions such as Al Rayan analysis rather than their forecast of will promote sustainable economic analysis. Investment, Qatar Investment Au- the stock price movement. growth.” Each research challenge season thority, QInvest and QNB Financial The fi nale was attended by Nasser “The CFA Institute Research leverages the eff orts of over 140 CFA Services. Ahmed al-Shaibi, chief executive Challenge gives students the oppor- member societies, 3,500 member The students were also supported of Qatar Financial Market Author- tunity to experience practical as- volunteers, and more than 5,000 by dedicated faculty advisers from ity; Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief pects of the investment discipline. students from over 1,000 universi- their respective universities. executive of Qatar Financial Centre This competition also brings to- ties globally. The CFA Society Doha arranged Authority and other dignitaries and gether the professional and academ- Local competitions (organised by fi nancial modelling and communi- industry professionals. ic world and serves as a platform for CFA societies) lead up to regional fi - cations workshops for all the teams. Hailing the enthusiasm of stu- development of the local investment nals; regional champions then con- As part of this competition, stu- dents from universities in Qatar and community,” said Bogdan Bilaus, vene for the global fi nal.

Jumbo announces winners of fi rst Big Premier League draw

umbo Electronics has announced two winners of the fi rst draw for the Big Premier League promotion. J The promotion was launched by Jumbo Electronics across Qatar last week, giving customers a chance to win a trip to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tour- nament live in India. The scheme is running until April 3 in all Jumbo Elec- tronics showrooms, Spark Lifestyle Electronics and select hypermarkets. Every QR200 worth of purchase from participating brands gives the customer one raffl e coupon and an op- portunity to be part of the draw to win a trip to watch the IPL live in India, Jumbo Electronics has said in a state- ment. Customers will be part of four draws as part of the pro- motion. In the fi rst three weekly draws, two winners from each draw will win a three nights’ trip to an Indian city hosting a group-level match. The fi nal draw will be held on April 8, wherein four win- ners will be picked to watch the semi-fi nal while two win- ners will get to see the IPL fi nal. Return fl ight tickets, 4/5-star hotel accommodation and match tickets will be provided to the winners, the state- ment notes. The winner will get two tickets, one for him/herself and one to take a friend or a partner along. Jumbo Electronics off icials at the first draw on March 11. In addition, it is an opportunity for the winners to expe- rience the sights and sounds of a new city as the matches watching an IPL cricket match live,” said C This year, the IPL begins on April 7 and are scheduled for the evening while the days are available V Rappai, director and CEO, Video Home & concludes on May 27, with the fi nal to be held for their leisure. Electronic Centre. in Mumbai. The fi rst draw was held on March 11 wherein Manoharan Vasu and Mujeeb Illikkal won a three nights’ trip to Ben- galuru and Mumbai, respectively, in India. They will be accompanied by their friend/relative to be part of the IPL T20 cricket match. Jumbo Electronics’ brand Oscar, which comprises large appliances such as refrigerators, cookers and washing machines, as well as the latest in electronics such as LED Smart UHD TVs, home theatres etc, is the main sponsor of the initiative. Besides, JBL and Harman Kardon, leading audio systems from the US, Indesit and Ariston from the Whirlpool fam- ily of products, Brother printers and several other brands, such as Symphony, Onida, Kenwood, Mediacom, Nikai and Rotpunkt, are also part of the promotion. Customers can choose from a wide variety of products, ranging from Bluetooth speakers, hi-fi systems, head- sets, LED/Smart UHD TVs, refrigerators, cooking ranges, air-conditioners and a host of small appliances from the participating brands, the statement notes. “This is an ex- cellent opportunity for all our customers to be part of the cricket carnival being held in India every year. Just by shopping for QR200 or more from any Jumbo Electronics, Spark Lifestyle outlet or select major hy- permarkets in Qatar, a customer can live his dream of

Glass table recalled

he Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in collaboration with M H Alshaya Co, has announced Tthe recall of West Elm Jensen Rectangular style glass table over the risk of the sudden shattering of the glass top which leads to a danger of injury. The MEC said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing eff orts to ensure that suppliers follow up on product defects and repair them in a bid to protect consumers. The MEC said that it will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The MEC has urged all customers to stop using the prod- uct and to contact the company for necessary action. The MEC has urged all customers to report any viola- tions to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels: Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @ MEC_Qatar, Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 7 QATAR Early warning system a boost to patient care ince its introduction across dition and prompting specifi c the QEWS was developed to help clinical monitoring and rapid re- Hamad Medical Corpora- action. clinical staff recognise deterio- sponse,” he said. Stion (HMC)’s network of The importance of the early rating patients before they be- The early warning scoring hospitals two years ago, the Qatar warning scoring system is under- come very sick. system, which was introduced Early Warning System (QEWS) scored by the high number of pa- He said that its implementa- across eight HMC hospitals in has had a real impact on patient tients cared for at Hamad Gener- tion at HMC has had a real and November and December 2015, care and reduced unplanned vis- al Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit meaningful impact. follows a defi nitive escalation its to the Intensive Care Unit. (ICU), which receives upwards of Dr Hassan says the early warn- plan that prompts nursing staff Dr Hassan: The system ... has The QEWS is a standardised 1,500 patients each year. ing system, combined with to request a medical review at delivered substantial benefits to Mwani infographic on social media approach to categorising a pa- Approximately 900 patients trained rapid response teams, has specifi c trigger points, utilising patients. tient’s severity of illness, using classifi ed as critical trauma cases substantially improved patient a structured communication tool The Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar) has issued a scoring system that prompts are also received at the ICU each care and reduced the number of and common language. a warning so that care can be es- an infographic on social media, explaining its performance in medical intervention at specifi c year. unplanned ICU admissions. “The system involves moni- calated.” February across diff erent parameters. trigger points. According to Dr Ibrahim Fawzy “Early warning scoring sys- toring a patient’s vital signs to “The system is being used The handling of aggregates went up by 6,190 tonnes – from 22,641 The system, which is adapted Hassan, who is the director of tems like the QEWS are widely identify their likelihood of de- across all HMC tertiary and gen- tonnes in January to 28,831 tonnes last month, the data revealed. from an Australian model, acts as the Medical Intensive Care Divi- used in hospitals around the teriorating,” Dr Hassan said. eral hospitals and has delivered Mwani Qatar also informed that 390 vessels were handled at its a safety net, identifying clinical sion and deputy medical direc- world to track patient deteriora- “Should a patient show signs of substantial benefi ts to patients,” ports in February; in January, the corresponding figure was 381. deterioration in a patient’s con- tor of the Ambulance Service, tion and to trigger escalations in deteriorating, the system triggers he added.

HEC off ering two-day ‘Executive Qatar Building Company joins QSSE 2018

Short Programme’ for managers rganisers of the Qatar line effi ciencies and operations perfect fi t for our organisation.” Self Suffi ciency Exhibi- to demonstrate how they are “It gives QBC the ultimate, Otion (QSSE) 2018 have helping to shape the country’s tailored platform to demon- EC Paris in Qatar, one the HEC Paris campus in Tor- “With the world moving at a announced the participation of future. strate how the company will of the world’s leading nado Tower, is open to all man- faster pace than ever, and with the Qatar Building Company The QBC is taking a promi- contribute to the economic Hproviders of “Executive agers seeking to develop specifi c increasing connectivity and digi- (QBC) during the “fi rst-of-its- nent role in the QSSE 2018 development of Qatar and the Education”, is off ering a new and leadership skills that will bring talisation, the modern business kind” event, seen as a key driver through three of its industry- goals of the Qatar National Vi- innovative “Executive Short Pro- immediate results for their or- landscape is ripe for disruption,” in Qatar’s goal for a diverse, sus- leading subsidiaries – Ready sion 2030,” he said. gramme”, on March 28 and 29, ganisation and themselves. Prof Zandvoort said. “Through tainable economy. Mix, Precast, and Hyundai QSSE 2018, a fi rst for the re- aimed at educating managers on The course aims to equip man- this programme, we aim to help The QSSE 2018, slated on Construction and Lifting gion, will host 120 leading ex- how to become better leaders in agers with a rich understand- managers eff ectively operate April 1-3 at the Doha Exhibition Equipment. hibitors from Kuwait, Lebanon, today’s complex and disruptive ing of how to successfully steer in times of change and present and Convention Centre, will “As the preferred contractor the UK, Turkey, Spain, the US, business environment. a team through the evolutionary a clear picture of how they can provide a platform for industry for infrastructure projects of France, Italy, Germany, Swit- The two-day “Leading Lead- and disruptive changes in the better infl uence teams in this heavyweights, production line any size and complexity across zerland, Iran, and China, among ers through Complexity” short global corporate digital environ- disruptive era.” manufacturers, and decision Qatar, the QBC understands other countries, providing them programme will be run by HEC ment. “The programme will give makers spanning the full spec- the importance of and ad- with a chance to showcase their Paris Professor Michelle Zand- Participants will learn how to them a better understanding of trum of sectors, to demonstrate heres to self-suffi ciency,” said latest products and solutions to voort, an expert in the psycho- “co-create meaning” with stake- the needs of managers and teach the latest solutions and services QBC group commercial man- service Qatar’s needs and fa- logical elements of change man- holders, and discover new ways the key concepts of how to de- Mostafawi: the inaugural Qatar to support the country’s pro- ager Bader Mostafawi, adding: cilitate them with greater, easier agement and leadership training. of leading the “self” in addition velop their leadership acumen,” Self Suff iciency Exhibition is the gressive diversifi cation strat- “Thus, the inaugural Qatar Self access and crucial facetime with The programme, to be held at to effi ciently leading others. she added. perfect fit for our organisation. egy, and improve production Suffi ciency Exhibition is the their target audience. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 QATAR Deputy Emir meets defence ministers is Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdul- Hlah bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday at the Qatar Na- tional Convention Centre, with a number of ministers of defence and military leaders taking part in the Doha International Mari- time Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2018). His Highness the Deputy Emir met separately with Turkish Minis- ter of National Defence Nuret- tin Canikli, Greece Minister of Defence Panos Kammenos, Mongolian Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Nyamaagiin His Highness the Deputy Emir viewed co-operation between Enkhbold and Commander of welcomed them and wished State of Qatar and these coun- Western Naval Command of In- them a pleasant stay in Doha. tries in the military and defence dia Vice Admiral Girish Luthra. During the meetings, they re- fi elds.

Barzan Holdings offi cially launched

arzan Holdings, the fi rst leading international companies CEO of Barzan Holdings, noted: defence and security in the military fi eld, where joint “Barzan Holdings has been of- Bcompany responsible for projects will focus on building fi cially inaugurated after com- enhancing the military capabili- human and technological capi- pleting several key features of ties of the Qatari Armed Forces, tal, research and development, the project. It is the result of made its offi cial public launch on and provide consultancy regard- two years of hard work and we the fi rst day of the Doha Interna- ing the strategic procurement have entered into several suc- tional Maritime Defence Exhibi- required by Qatar’s diff erent cessful agreements with leading tion and Conference (Dimdex military sectors.” companies in the fi eld of defence 2018) yesterday. Al-Naimi said Barzan Hold- and security, demonstrating that The launch took place during ings is a “unique model of its Barzan Holdings will spare no the Dimdex opening ceremony kind, and the partners were se- eff ort to enhance defence and at Qatar National Convention lected based on not only being security capabilities in Qatar. Centre and included a detailed able to meet Qatar’s defence and “We are delighted that Barzan Nakilat CEO Abdullah Fadhalah al-Sulaiti at the company’s booth at presentation of the company – security needs but also on the Holdings is the strategic partner Dimdex 2018. which was revealed to the public Mohamed Mubarak al-Khater Nasser Hassan N A al-Naimi ability to bring commercial gain of Dimdex, one of the largest and for the fi rst time. to both parties and create new most high-profi le defence shows Barzan Holdings managing Barzan Holdings to shed light on ture by creating a road map for its revenue streams for Qatar”. in the world.” director Nasser Hassan N A al- its vision, mission, values and military and security industries. “Joint ventures (JVs) are Following the close of the of- Naimi announced the launch of objectives. “Qatar is seeking to acquire the primary way that Barzan fi cial Dimdex 2018 opening cer- Barzan Holdings in the presence HE the Deputy Prime Minister the most innovative technolo- Holdings is building R&D ca- emony, His Highness the Dep- of His Highness the Deputy Emir and Minister of State for Defence gies and cutting-edge practices pabilities in Qatar through uty Emir and HE Dr al-Attiyah Nakilat off ers Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed and methods, as well as to train knowledge transfer. This will toured the Barzan Holdings Thani, senior government and al-Attiyah, who is the chair- human capabilities to ensure ensure that the country is self- stand in the exhibition hall. military offi cials, VIPs, busi- man of Barzan Holdings, said self-suffi ciency in defence,” he suffi cient in the fi eld of defence In a statement, Barzan Hold- nessmen, and international and the company’s main objective is said. “To achieve this, Barzan and security for the benefi t of ings said it is the largest ex- regional companies participat- to meet Qatar’s long-term de- Holdings was established as the State and all its citizens,” he hibitor at Dimdex 2018 with an ship repair, ing in Dimdex. A video was also fence and security needs, and is the offi cial entity authorised to added. 8,000sqm pavilion featuring 21 presented to the audience about strengthening the country’s fu- hold strategic partnerships with Mohamed Mubarak al-Khater, Barzan Holdings JVs. construction services

akilat is showcasing the addition, NDSQ has completed a world-class capabili- total of 63 refi ts, projects, and Nties and infrastructure vessel newbuilds up to date. of Qatar’s premier shipyard at The exhibition is an oppor- the ongoing Doha International tunity to exchange military, Maritime Defence Exhibition technical, and commercial and Conference (Dimdex). expertise and capture new The company’s various busi- military business opportuni- ness interests across Qatar of- ties for the company. Nakilat’s fer great commercial and eco- participation in this global Mine Kafon’s demining equipment on display at their pavilion. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam nomic opportunities for local event aligns with the compa- businesses, Nakilat said in a ny’s vision to become a global statement yesterday. leader and provider of choice Nakilat and its joint ventures for energy transportation and are attending to delegates from maritime services. Demining device catches eyeballs all around the world at its ex- This is a testament to our con- hibition booth (H6-120) until tinuous eff ort to drive growth By Ramesh Mathew down in the Netherlands where he set March 14 at the Qatar National within the maritime industry Staff Reporter up the company. Convention Centre (QNCC). for Qatar, playing a substantial “We were forced to invent and cre- Via its joint ventures at the role in supporting the country’s ate our own objects and toys during world-class Erhama Bin Jaber Al drive towards creating a sus- ine Kafon’s pavilion is not that the childhood, which was severely af- Jalahma Shipyard, Nakilat off ers tainable future as outlined in the imposing unlike some of those fected by landmines and remnants of a comprehensive range of ship Qatar National Vision 2030. Mparticipating at Dimdex 2018 war,” said Mahmud while recalling the repair and construction serv- Nakilat chief executive of- but a ball-shaped object displayed there horrors of the past. ices for a variety of marine and fi cer Abdullah Fadhalah al-Su- is inviting the attention of visitors at Inspired by humanitarian beliefs, na- off shore vessels, the statement laiti said: “We are pleased to be the Qatar National Convention Centre, ture and the wind-aided toys, he grew said. participating in Dimdex, as it the venue of the exhibition. up making the “Mine Kafon”, a wind- To date, Nakilat-Keppel Off - is a valuable platform for us to One of the companies providing powered art piece in 2011 as part of a shore and Marine (N-KOM) has showcase our extensive ship- demining solutions to the armies of global awareness campaign and a legiti- completed repairs for more than building and ship repair capabil- several countries, the Netherlands mate mine clearing device. 750 marine and off shore vessels, ities at the Erhama bin Jaber Al fi rm has been working to develop pro- The project has won a number of while other joint ventures such Jalahma Shipyard with superior grammes and equipment for military international honours and awards. “It as Nakilat Svitzerwijsmuller workmanship. fi eld survey requirements, which in- helped us raise awareness about mine (NSW) has undertaken more “This exhibition also provides clude geo-tagging, object identifi ca- through a number of media outlets,” than 12,500 tug jobs for the Port an ideal setting for business net- tion and deactivation and detonation recalled Mahmud. of Ras Laff an this year. In addi- working among professionals, among others. “These days we are testing and de- tion, Nakilat Agency Company enabling fruitful discussions Mine Kafon managing director Mah- veloping many systems, incorporating (NAC) handles an average of and potential collaborations. In mud Hassani, who grew up on the edge custom mechatronics with a variety of 4,000 port calls annually in all solidarity with Qatar’s ambition of Kabul, lived in a house from where he sensors and algorithms to detect the Qatari Ports. to diversify its economy and es- experienced the horrors of land mines characteristics of various remnants of Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qa- tablish itself as a maritime hub from an early age. war,” Mahmud said, adding, “We fi rmly tar (NDSQ) off ers unparalleled in the region, Nakilat off ers un- During the Afghan civil war, he, believe that these disruptive technolo- shipbuilding expertise in both paralleled maritime expertise in along with his family, moved to sev- gies can bring around serious changes to the commercial and naval ves- both the commercial maritime eral countries before eventually settling problems faced by demining methods.” sels that can reach up to 170m. In and naval sectors.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 9 QATAR US exhibitors showcase advances in defence and security platforms he US Navy guided mis- ers for $12.4bn. My team at retary of State Rex Tillerson currently under discussion. sile destroyer USS Samp- the embassy looks forward to and Secretary of Defence James “And now our focus evolves to Tson (DDG 102) and ac- supporting our two countries’ Mattis, and attended with our how we can support the Qatari companying Mark VI patrol deepening relationship in the secretaries of Treasury, Energy Armed Forces as their procure- boats have arrived in Qatar for areas of defence, commerce, and Commerce, all of whom ment strategy shifts to training the Doha International Maritime and investment.” engaged in face-to-face talks and sustainment. We have heard Defence Exhibition and Confer- At the pavilion, the US exhibi- with their direct Qatari coun- a great deal from the Ministry of ence (Dimdex). tors are showcasing the latest terparts in the Qatari Council of Defense on their vision for grow- Dimdex provides a forum for American innovations in de- Ministers,” said Gilha. ing Qatar’s defence industry and both the US and Qatar to discuss fence and security platforms. Among the many strategic will hear more over the next few how the two countries are lever- “US participation in Dim- outcomes of the dialogue was days, including the multitude aging the latest in military tech- dex comes just weeks after the the decision of both govern- of joint-venture opportunities nology to accomplish shared US hosted the fi rst US-Qatar ments to issue a Joint Declara- they will launch with companies security objectives in the region, Strategic Dialogue in Wash- tion on Security Co-operation, from around the world, said the according to a statement from ington, DC, where the two affi rming our two countries’ charge de aff aires. the US embassy in Qatar. governments issued a joint joint commitment to promoting “Just as our bilateral politi- While speaking at the US declaration on security co- peace and stability in the region cal and military relations have Pavilion at Dimdex yesterday operation, affi rming the two and countering the scourge of advanced, our industries are US embassy chargé d’aff aires countries’ joint commitment terrorism. uniquely poised to benefi t from Ryan Gliha said, “Qatar and to promoting peace and stabil- The US embassy is looking the next wave of Qatar’s defence the US enjoy a close partner- ity and countering the scourge to build upon that momentum procurement,” he added. US embassy charge de aff airs Ryan Gliha inaugurating the US Pavilion at the Dimdex yesterday: ship and shared responsibility of terrorism. through events like Dimdex Vice Admiral John Aquilino, PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam in bolstering security in the re- “This year marks a special where we can continue forg- Commander of US Naval Forces gion and beyond. Qatar is one turning point in our relationship ing mutually benefi cial defence, Central Command (NAVCENT) The MENC serves as a fo- Guided-missile destroyers groups, and missile defence of the US’ top customers for with Qatar as we have elevated commercial, and investment re- and the Combined Maritime rum for prominent leaders to are warships that provide multi- action groups. US defence procurement, with our bilateral relations with the lationships between the US and Forces, has arrived to speak at share their expertise and knowl- mission off ensive and defensive The primary mission of Mark over $24bn in US foreign mili- launch of the fi rst bilateral stra- Qatar. the Middle East Naval Com- edge on the geopolitical trends capabilities. Destroyers can op- VI Patrol Boats is to provide tary sales purchases over the tegic dialogue in Washington, Qatar’s foreign military manders Conference (MENC), that aff ect the maritime sector erate independently or as part of force protection of friendly and last four years, including the DC in January. This strategic sales have a potential to grow one of the key events organised on a strategic, operational and carrier strike groups, surface ac- coalition forces and critical June 2017 sale of 36 F-15 fi ght- dialogue was chaired by Sec- to $40bn based on projects at Dimdex 2018. security level. tion groups, expeditionary strike infrastructure.

A fighter tank of the Qatar Emiri Armed Forces. Visitors thronging the venue of Dimdex. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam

Model of a missile developed by Lockheed Martin. A miniature of Rafael helicopter showcased at Dimdex A model of an Airbus 330 at the aircraft manufacturer’s pavilion. Vodafone Qatar showcases latest security solutions

odafone Qatar showcased and presence in the fi eld.” curity comes hand in hand, and state-of-the-art security Using Augmented Reality (AR) it’s a crucial requirement to en- Vsolutions at the opening and projections, visitors to Vo- sure the integrity of any business of the Doha International Mari- dafone Qatar’s booth located at operation. Vodafone’s Dedicated time Defence Exhibition & Con- the Barzan Pavilion experienced APN solution uses private mo- ference 2018 (Dimdex) yesterday, an immersive digital showcase bile data connections for added which will run until March 14 at of four Vodafone security solu- security. the Qatar National Convention tions: Mobile Asset Tracking Whether an organisation re- Centre. (MAT), Dedicated APN, Con- lies on data transfers from the Now in its sixth edition, the nectivity (Data Networks), and fi eld and back to a head offi ce event is renowned to be a gate- Security/DDOS. network, or relies on connec- way to industry insights, solu- Mobile assets are critical tivity between multiple remote tions, and procurement op- to all businesses, whether it’s offi ces, a Vodafone Dedicated portunities for maritime and delivery trucks or plant ma- APN is the solution that facili- defence leaders from around the chinery, shipping containers or tates that fl ow of information world. pallets. MAT enables monitor- both effi ciently and securely Vodafone Qatar chief operat- ing the status of the key assets to off er organisations peace ing offi cer Sheikh Hamad bin out in the fi eld to ensure they of mind and an optimised Vodafone Qatar off icials at the company’s booth at Dimdex 2018. Abdullah al-Thani said: “Se- are secure and are put to the business process. curity is a key concern for or- best possible use at all times, Global communication is es- VPN, for a private connection With these solutions, Vodafone nered with ARBOR to protect or- cured against all types of DDOS ganisations globally. Protect- and therefore reducing costs sential for continuous growth between two locations, or private allows organisations the ease ganisations’ networks from Dis- attacks, as well as any known ing assets, devices, networks, and increasing security. MAT and sustainability and Voda- connection between one location of connecting geographically, tributed Denial of Service attacks malicious hosts. data, and apps is an essential is an all-inclusive solution, fone’s International Network and multiple locations through across the globe. or (DDOS). Your network is provided with component of doing business. with everything from tracking solution can be an organisa- a private virtual line as well as With ever advancing technol- DDOS is an attempt to make surgical mitigation, which re- “Vodafone Qatar is committed devices to wireless network, tion’s gateway to the rest of the an IP-VPN – which is a private ogy and its dependency on con- an organisation’s online serv- moves only the attack traffi c and to provide organisations in Qatar hosting and reporting tools. world. MPLS-based WAN service, that nectivity, cyber security is ever ice unavailable by overwhelm- block application layer exploits with the latest security products In today’s business world, On off er are leased lines dedi- enables you to connect all your crucial and indispensable to an ing it with traffi c from multiple as well as defends against web- and services, leveraging Voda- connectivity is a key factor to cated to transfer data from one business locations together via organisation’s everyday business sources. With Vodafone DDOS based threats and protect critical fone’s globally trusted expertise success. With connectivity, se- location to another, Or Ethernet single IP-VPN Data Network. processes. Vodafone has part- solution, organisations are se- DNS services. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 AFRICA

Fresh protests in Guinea Exiled DR Congo opposition after disputed elections

AFP “How can we accept the silence and leader bids for presidency contempt of the president when our chil- Conakry dren have been at home for a month?” a AFP mother said to AFP. Muldersdrift, South Africa housands of people demonstrated In the districts of Boulbinet and Sand- yesterday in central Conakry while ervalia, young men wielded sticks, erect- Tin several other districts of the Gui- ed barricades and set fi re to tyres, divert- xiled Congolese opposition nean capital youths erected roadblocks ing traffi c, in response to the appeal for a leader Moise Katumbi yester- and set fi re to tyres, in the latest wave of standstill protest. Eday launched a campaign to be unrest after disputed local elections. Protests erupted after elections on elected president in polls scheduled The country’s main opposition, the February 4, the country’s fi rst at a local for December, unveiling his new To- Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea level since 2005. gether for Change party in South Af- (UFDG), had called for the city to come to According to offi cial results contested by rica. a “standstill” in a day of protest against the UFDG, the ballot was won by Conde’s “We will fi ght the battle to take President Alpha Conde. party, the Rally for the Guinean People. power — and we will win,” said Ka- Tensions have also been stoked by a dissi- Around 12 people have died in the unrest, tumbi at a meeting of several hun- dent teacher union’s strike that has gripped some of whom were shot dead by police. dred supporters at a hotel outside the education sector since February 12. Last week, thousands of women Johannesburg. In Conakry’s administrative and busi- dressed in white, the local colour of “This fi ght and the successful ness area of Kaloum, several thousand mourning, took part in a 3km march in transfer of power are national is- people rallied yesterday to demand that protest at the crackdown. sues...so we have decided to establish schools be reopened. On Thursday — after Conde was booed a political movement known as ‘To- Several hundred demonstrators, most by hundreds of angry women at a cer- gether for Change’.” of them women and young people, also emony to mark International Women’s Democratic Republic of Congo’s gathered outside the presidential palace, Day — his offi ce announced there would election was originally scheduled for chanting anti-Conde slogans and de- be a “major cabinet reshuffl e,” with min- late 2016, but has been twice delayed, manding an end to the school strike, an isters installed “who listen to the people”. leading to unrest in the vast mineral- AFP reporter saw. There has been no further details. rich country. Western powers have accepted the Exiled Congolese opposition leader Moise Katumbi addresses supporters at the launch of his political ‘Together for delay with reluctance, hoping it will Change’ party at the Misty Hills Country Hotel, Muldersdrift estate, in Johannesburg. Zimbabwe mines, farmers told to clear power bills avoid bloodshed. But Katumbi faces an outstanding Katumbi’s new grouping received took over from his father Laurent af- Anti-government protests have imbabwe’s state-owned electricity households, farmers, industries and sentence of three years imprison- the backing of more than a dozen ter he was assassinated in 2001, has turned deadly in recent months, rais- distributor has given businesses, mining companies. ment over a property deal and has small opposition parties, which had not yet clearly stated whether he will ing international concern that the Zincluding mines and large-scale ZETDC said in a public notice that spent three years in exile in Belgium sent delegates to the gathering in step aside. country could slide into all-out vio- farms, six months to clear their bills or businesses had six months to clear their as a result. South Africa. Kabila was due to stand down from lence as it heads to the elections. risk being cut off and face litigation, the bills because it required the money to pay Congolese authorities have vowed The elections in the troubled cen- offi ce in December 2016, ending his The violence has pitted Kinsha- company said yesterday. for electricity imports to supplement lo- to arrest him if he returns. tral African country could theoreti- second elected term. sa authorities against the Catholic The Zimbabwe Electricity Trans- cal generation. Zimbabwe currently pro- Katumbi did not discuss how he cally pave the way to a historic trans- But he controversially stayed on Church, which has backed the dem- mission and Distribution Company duces 938 megawatts and imports up to planned to return to his native coun- fer of power. under laws enabling him to retain onstrations that have denounced Ka- (ZETDS) is owed more than $1bn by 450 megawatts from South Africa and try. But President Joseph Kabila, who power until his successor is elected. bila’s government as corrupt. electricity users, including domestic Mozambique. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 11 REGION/ARAB WORLD

France will strike chemical arms sites if used to kill: Macron

Reuters Moscow, a close ally of Syrian Presi- tandem with our American partners, “We are cross-matching our own accused Damascus of using nerve gas besieged rebel-held eastern Ghouta Paris dent Bashar al-Assad’s government, irrefutable proof that the red line was information with that of our allies but and launched air strikes. enclave since mid-February, despite a had not done enough to permit relief crossed — namely the chemical weap- to put it very clearly we have an inde- Since then, Washington has repeat- UN Security Council resolution calling eff orts into the rebel-held Damascus ons were used to lethal eff ect — we will pendent capacity to identify targets edly accused Damascus of using chlo- for a countrywide ceasefi re. rance is prepared to launch tar- suburb of eastern Ghouta. do what the Americans themselves did and launch strikes where needed.” rine gas in attacks. Chlorine is far less “This is a debate we will have in the geted strikes against any site in Asked about the Syrian confl ict at a moreover a few months ago; we would Syria signed a Russian-brokered deadly than nerve agents and posses- coming hours at the United Nations, FSyria used to deploy chemical at- news conference in India, Macron said put ourselves in position to proceed deal to give up its arsenal of chemical sion of it is allowed for civilian purpos- where it will be shown that the conces- tacks that result in the deaths of civil- France would be ready to strike if it with targeted strikes,” Macron said. weapons to avert US air strikes after es, but its use as a weapon is banned. sions on the ground from Russia, but ians, President Emmanuel Macron said. found “irrefutable evidence” chemical The French leader has made the a nerve gas attack killed hundreds of Damascus and Moscow have been fi rst and foremost the Syrian regime Shortly before the United Nations weapons had been used to kill. threat before but has so far made little people in 2013. carrying out a fi erce bombing cam- and its allies, are insuffi cient,” Macron was due to discuss Syria, Macron said “The day we have, in particular in headway infl uencing events in Syria. Last year, the United States again paign and ground assault against the said.

US pushes UN for truce as Trump considers options A day after the United Nations Govt forces press Ghouta advance Security Council demanded a ceasefire across Syria in Febru- ary, US ambassador Nikki Haley — angry that Russia delayed the vote for several days and scepti- despite calls to end ‘bloodbath’ cal the Syrian government would comply — spoke with President Donald Trump. “There’s a lot of AFP tory said yesterday, providing decisions to be made now,” said Douma a new overall death toll for the Haley during a visit to Central confl ict. America days after the unani- More than 19,800 children mous Feb 24 Security Council yria’s regime pressed its are among the dead, it said. vote. “We all throw options out on relentless off ensive on In the Ghouta off ensive alone, the table and then the president SEastern Ghouta yesterday at least 1,162 civilians have been will decide.” Yesterday, Haley told as diplomats at the United Na- killed, including 241 children, the Security Council that if the tions pushed for new eff orts to the Observatory said. 15-member body failed to act on end the “bloodbath” in the rebel More than 35 civilians have Syria then Washington “remains enclave. also been killed in rebel fi re on prepared to act if we must,” just Pounding two towns with government-controlled zones as it did in April last year when new bombardment, govern- in Damascus and its outskirts the United States bombed a ment troops advanced in several since the start of the Ghouta of- Syrian government air base it areas of the besieged enclave, as fensive, it says. said was used to launch a deadly a monitor reported more than Rebel mortar and rocket fi re chemical weapons attack. 350,000 now dead in Syria’s killed two civilians yesterday, The United States is asking the seven-year civil war. according to state news agency council to adopt a new resolution On another front in the con- SANA. demanding an immediate 30-day fl ict, hundreds were seen fl ee- Even before the off ensive be- ceasefire in Damascus and rebel- ing a Turkish-led advance in the gan, rebel-held parts of Ghouta held eastern Ghouta, where Syr- northern area of Afrin, where were facing a crippling govern- ian President Bashar al-Assad’s a Kurdish-majority city is also ment siege that made food and forces, backed by Russia and Iran, under threat of being besieged. medicine hard to access. say they are targeting “terrorist” Syria’s civil confl ict enters Syrian troops have used siege groups shelling the capital. its eighth year this week with tactics on several areas around The assault on Ghouta is one of fi ghting in several areas, but the the capital, sealing off rebel- the heaviest in Syria’s war. assault on Eastern Ghouta has held territory and pressing a Eastern Ghouta has been been one of the most ferocious military operation before secur- besieged for years after many of the war. ing an evacuation deal. of its residents joined the initial Since February 18, forces loy- Syria’s government was yes- protests against Assad’s rule in al to President Bashar al-Assad terday pursuing separate ne- 2011. The death toll in the seven- have retaken nearly 60% of the A general view shows a man looking through the rubble of a destroyed building in Douma, in the rebel enclave of Eastern Ghouta on the gotiation tracks over the three year-long war has passed half a enclave, whittling down rebel outskirts of Damascus, yesterday. rebel-held pockets of Eastern million people, the British-based territory to three isolated pock- Ghouta, according to the Ob- Syrian Observatory for Human ets. ago had failed and that the new around Hammuriyeh and other servatory and sources involved. Rights said. “We have to decide Backed by Russia, the ad- resolution “provides no room towns to the south. The talks, in some cases in- what action are we going to take vance has battered Eastern for evasion”. Pro-regime forces An AFP correspondent in volving Russian offi cials, were on everything else that’s hap- Ghouta with air strikes, artillery advanced again in Ghouta yes- Douma said the morning was focused on local truces or po- pening,” said Haley during her and rocket fi re, raising wide- terday, heavily bombing two relatively quiet, allowing ci- tential evacuation deals for Central America trip. “Whether it’s spread international concern rebel-controlled towns closest vilians to venture out of bomb rebels and civilians. how the Syrian regime is using and prompting urgent calls for to the capital, said the Syrian shelters to check on the de- Opposition forces have re- chlorine, and whether it’s the a ceasefi re. Observatory for Human Rights. struction in their homes or peatedly denied holding talks ceasefire not being handled or France’s envoy to the United Air strikes and rocket fi re gather food. with the regime and yesterday the humanitarian access.” Nations, Francois Delattre, slammed into the towns of Residents were seen queueing tensions erupted in the town of The Syrian government has yesterday urged Moscow to put Harasta and Arbin, the Britain- at a butcher shop, whose owner Kafr Batna, with rebels there re- denied using chemical weapons. pressure on its ally to halt the based monitor said, as the re- had slaughtered a calf that he portedly shooting dead a civilian It was not immediately clear off ensive, saying: “Russia can gime used the recently recap- could fatten up no further be- taking part in a protest calling for when the US resolution would stop the bloodbath.” tured town of Medeira nearby cause there was nothing left to a deal. Since the confl ict broke be put to a vote. But during her The United States also pre- as a launching pad for a ground feed it. Syria’s confl ict broke out seven years ago, an array of Central America trip, Haley made sented a new draft resolution assault. out in March 2011 with peaceful world powers have become in- clear she has no desire to play to the UN Security Council de- In Harasta at least four civil- Displaced civilians receive food at a government-run shelter after they protests against Assad, but a re- volved, including Turkey. diplomatic games with Russia. manding a 30-day ceasefi re in ians were killed in air strikes, were evacuated by the army from areas in the Eastern Ghouta region. gime crackdown paved the way For weeks, Ankara and allied A resolution needs nine votes in Eastern Ghouta. the Observatory said. for a fully-fl edged war. Syrian rebels have pursued an favour and no vetoes by Russia, US ambassador Nikki Haley Syrian state media also re- Efteris to the south had been rebel hands are Douma, the re- At least 353,935 people have off ensive against Afrin, a Kurd- China, the United States, France told the council that a ceasefi re ported a government advance seized. gion’s biggest town in the north died since, including more than ish-controlled region of north- or Britain to pass. resolution it adopted two weeks in Ghouta, saying the town of The other two areas still in of the enclave, and the zone 106,000 civilians, the Observa- west Syria.

DIPLOMACY Sultan Qaboos holds talks with Mattis 25 killed after militant Sultan Qaboos of Oman met here yesterday with US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, QNA attacks in northern Iraq reported. Discussions during the audience dealt with the bilat- eral relations between the two AFP military uniform, local offi cial Ali al-Hamdi said. friendly countries and aspects Kirkuk Hamdi blamed IS, saying members of the of the existing co-operation be- militant group were hiding out in the surround- tween them in various spheres, ing desert and making incursions into populated reported Oman News Agency. t least 25 civilians and members of govern- areas. Earlier in the day, the US De- ment forces have been killed in northern The mayor of Mushirfa village and two of his fence Secretary held talks with AIraq since late Sunday in attacks by the Is- children were killed in the attack on his home, Omani Minister in Charge of lamic State group, offi cials said. Hamdi said, as well as two tribal fi ghters of the Defence Affairs Badr bin Saud The attacks came despite Baghdad’s declara- Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units that played bin Harib al-Busaidi. tion of victory over the militant group late last a leading role in the fi ght against IS. year and as the country gears up for parliamen- In mid-February, IS claimed responsibility TRAGEDY tary elections. for killing 27 people in the Hawija area of Kirkuk A Palestinian Civil Defence volunteer tries to free a demonstrator from the grip of an Israeli “Islamic State (IS) terrorists who had set up a province, also setting up a fake checkpoint and Diphtheria kills soldier yesterday in the West Bank town of Birzeit, near Ramallah, during a protest by students of fake roadblock on a major road have killed 15 peo- disguising themselves as soldiers. 73 in Yemen the Birzeit University. ple,” a police offi cer said. It was the deadliest attack on Iraqi forces since That attack took place on the outskirts of they retook control last October of Hawija, the The World Health Organisation Amerli in the province of Kirkuk, about 200 kilo- militants’ last bastion in northern Iraq. (WHO) has reported yesterday a metres from Baghdad. There was no immediate claim of responsibil- diphtheria outbreak in war-torn In a separate attack, three people were killed ity for the latest attacks, but most such strikes in Yemen, killing 73 people since Palestinians hurt in clashes while driving a car further north near the city of Iraq are the work of IS. last August, QNA reported. The Daquq, said the offi cer, who spoke on condition In December, Prime Minister Haider al-Aba- UN organisation said in a report of anonymity. di’s government declared “the end of the war” yesterday that 1,294 cases of this “The attackers then burned the car,” he said. against IS, announcing that government troops disease have been recorded in at protest against Israeli raid In a village of Nineveh province, seven others were in control of the long and porous Iraqi-Syr- addition to deaths in 20 Yemeni including the mayor were killed by armed men in ian border. governorates out of 23 and 176 AFP tests and the university dis- dents from the university directorates out of 333 so far. Ramallah tributed video of the incident. clashed with Israeli troops near The Israeli army said securi- the campus.Protesters burned TREMOR ty forces entered the university tyres and threw stones, with en Palestinians were in- to arrest a student, confi rming Israeli soldiers fi ring tear gas 4.8 quake hits jured yesterday in clash- they fi red a warning shot dur- and rubber bullets. Plane crash leaves no survivors Tes that erupted during a ing the clashes that broke out. A medic on the scene said 10 southeastern Iran protest against an Israeli army It did not provide further de- people had been transferred to An earthquake measuring 4.8 on raid last week on a university tails on his alleged activities. hospital, including one hit in AFP dent, Iranian state media re- Istanbul. Turkish media reports the Richter scale jolted the town campus, a medical source said. Kiswani is part of a student the face. Tehran ported yesterday. said the eight passengers were of Faryab in Kerman province of Undercover Israeli soldiers association affi liated with Ha- An AFP correspondent saw Turkish and Iranian offi cials Mina Basaran, the daughter of southeastern Iran, yesterday. The raided the Birzeit University mas. Senior Palestinian offi cial two people injured in the head. said there were eight passengers a leading Turkish businessman, Seismological centre of Kerman campus to arrest the head of Hanan Ashrawi called the raid A university offi cial on the ll 11 people on board a and three crew aboard the plane, and seven of her friends who had province aff iliated to the Geophysics the students’ union Omar al- an attack on the “fundamental site, who declined to be named, private Turkish plane which crashed in the Zagros spent the past days in the United Institute of Tehran University regis- Kiswani, the university said. right to education”. said the protest was a “natural” Athat crashed in south- Mountains on Sunday evening Arab Emirates to celebrate her tered the quake at 07:35 GMT. The incident sparked pro- Yesterday dozens of stu- reaction to the Israeli raid. western Iran died in the inci- during a fl ight from Sharjah to marriage. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 AMERICAS

Congressional race on Trump turf is 5 killed in New York national barometer

By Michael Mathes, AFP Washington helicopter crash n a Pennsylvania district Donald Trump swept in 2016, the unfathomable has become the possible: a Democrat Reuters self from a safety harness and was Icould win today’s special election, sparking fears among New York later discharged from a hospital. Republicans about their ability to keep control of Congress The New York Police Department with hugely consequential races in November. identifi ed him as Richard Vance, With anti-Trump fervour simmering, voters troop to the nvestigators arrived yesterday 33, but declined to release the vic- polls in the closely watched 18th congressional district, the at the site where a helicopter tims’ identities until their families working-class corner of southwestern Pennsylvania, to re- Icrashed into the frigid waters of were notifi ed. place a Republican ousted by scandal. New York City’s East River, killing Vance told investigators a pas- It is coal country, and steel country too. Its recent reliably fi ve passengers, with only the pilot senger’s bag may have accidentally red status had diminished the drama about local elections. surviving. activated the helicopter’s emer- Suddenly it’s under a political microscope, with the bat- Moments before the Sunday gency fuel shutoff switch, CNN tle between culturally conservative Trump-backed state evening crash, the pilot sent a and NY1, a New York cable news representative Rick Saccone, 60, and Democratic newcomer Mayday call over his radio, saying channel, reported, citing unnamed Conor Lamb, a 33-year-old former prosecutor and US Ma- the engine had failed, according to law enforcement offi cials. rine lawyer, taking on national implications. recordings posted online. A police spokesman declined to “If the Democrats are able to come close, or win this, it will The red helicopter, which had confi rm the reports. send shock waves across the political world,” Kevan Yenerall, been privately chartered by a Commercial helicopters typi- a political science professor at Clarion University, said in an group of professional and amateur cally have the switch in case the interview in the town of Mount Lebanon. photographers, hit the water and engine catches fi re, according to “It’ll mean the Democrats will likely pick up in fundraising turned upside down at about 7pm Jeremy Conley, a pilot and fl ight and recruitment, and give them momentum going into the EDT (2300 GMT) near the north- instructor at Helicopter Flight mid-term elections.” ern end of Roosevelt Island, just Training Inc in Ronkonkoma, New Republicans control both the Senate and the House of east of Manhattan. York. Representatives. Analysts say that if White House chaos National Transportation Safety Video of Sunday’s crash ap- continues and Democratic fi eld action surges, Democrats Board offi cials huddled on a fl oat- peared to show the helicopter “in have a chance of fl ipping both chambers in November. ing dock near the crash site yester- an autorotative descent,” with its Such is the potential signifi cance of the latest race that the day as they began an investigation rotors spinning solely on momen- president himself stumped on Saturday for Saccone in Dis- into the cause. tum instead of engine power as it trict 18, which Trump won by 22% in 2016. At least two of the passengers crashed, Conley said. National Transportation Safety Board investigators look at the scene of the wreckage of a chartered Liberty “He has a tough race,” Trump acknowledged to thousands were dead by the time rescue divers The passengers, including two Helicopters chopper that crashed into the East River late on Sunday. at a raucous rally in Moon Township. arrived, police and fi re department men from Texas, were photogra- “The whole world, remember that, they’re all watching,” offi cials said. phers who had booked the fl ight to from Liberty Helicopters, po- The company did not respond to plane in August 2009 over the Hud- he said. “Go out on Tuesday and just vote like crazy.” The other three passengers, who capture the city skyline, the New lice said. The New Jersey-based a request for comment. son River that killed nine people. A president’s endorsement and powers of persuasion can had to be cut from the helicopter’s York Daily News reported, citing company said on its website it has Liberty Helicopters has been in- In July 2007 one of its helicop- be valuable assets for a congressional candidate. safety harnesses, were declared a photographer who had met the the largest fl eet in the Northeast volved in at least two other crashes, ters went down in the Hudson But Lamb’s surprisingly strong performance — polls show dead at the hospital. group at a safety briefi ng. and had an “unparalleled” safety according to news accounts, includ- with a pilot and seven passengers him tied or within the margin of error against Saccone — has The pilot managed to free him- The helicopter was chartered record. ing a mid-air collision with a small aboard, all of whom were rescued. boiled down to Trump’s polarising presidency, according to Democratic Congressman Michael Doyle. “Lo and behold, they’re fi ghting for their lives here,” Doyle told AFP, referring to Republicans. “I think what’s happening is, there’s some buyer’s remorse going on.” Trump throws gun purchase Trudeau reassures Trump’s fi ery populism, which included pledges to curb immigration, re-open shuttered factories, and strengthen the military, helped win the White House. aluminium workers But after a contentious — even toxic — fi rst year, the age to states and the courts Trump political brand is being tested. “Make no mistake: This race is a referendum on Trump’s about US tariff s presidency,” the Democratic Congressional Campaign Com- Reuters mittee, the national group that works to elect Democrats to Washington the House, said Sunday. Reuters “We are negotiating the Republicans have pumped millions of outside dollars Montreal Nafta accord in good faith into the race, overwhelming the Democrats by seven to one, resident Donald Trump said and we will continue to do Yenerall said. But Lamb’s local campaign has pulled in more he would wait for the courts so but I don’t want the presi- money than Saccone’s, and is riding a tide of grassroots en- Pto rule before acting on raising anadian Prime Min- dent to think he can bring thusiasm that has brought Lamb within striking distance of the minimum age for some gun pur- ister Justin Trudeau tariff s on Canadian steel and his more experienced opponent. chases, putting off one of the more Cyesterday kicked off a aluminium without there be- His army of volunteers has fanned out knocking on doors, contentious gun safety measures he tour of the nation’s steel and ing consequences.” pressing into areas once considered so conservative that a had backed after the latest US school aluminium regions to reas- Trudeau rejected calls by Democrat could have little hope of breaking through. shooting. sure workers worried that some Quebec union leaders But Lamb has resonated with voters, including some cen- The proposal to raise the mini- the United States could still to take a harder line in Nafta trist Republicans. mum age for buying guns from 18 introduce tariff s on the im- talks and leave the table. The new face of a blue-collar family with political roots, to 21 was not part of a modest set of ports of the metals. “I understand this point Lamb is socially conservative and economically moderate, gun safety proposals announced on Trudeau’s fi rst stop was of view, but for me, I think and backs the tariff s that Trump announced he is slapping Sunday night by Trump administra- the province of Quebec, the Canadians in general are on steel and aluminium imports. tion offi cials, which included training heart of Canada’s aluminium expecting us to work pro- At a recent rally at the United Steelworkers union, which teachers to carry guns in schools and industry, where he will be ac- ductively with the United has endorsed Lamb, he was restrained and soft-spoken. improving background checks. companied by Quebec Pre- States,” Trudeau said. “In a time when they are trying to divide us, when our “On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching mier Philippe Couillard. US tariff s on Canadian country is so divided already, we are united in this district court cases and rulings before act- He was due to meet work- steel and aluminium would for the fi rst time in a long time,” Lamb told the steelworkers. ing. States are making this decision. ers at Rio Tinto Ltd’s smelt- be “very harmful” for in- Saccone sounded more fervent as he stood alongside Things are moving rapidly on this, Visitors inspect guns at a Sweetwater Rifle and Pistol Club show at Nolan ing plant in Alma. dustry and workers in both Trump at their rally. but not much political support (to County Coliseum in Sweetwater, Texas. US President Donald countries, he added. “This is the time to close the deal,” Saccone implored to put it mildly),” he wrote on Twitter. Trump seeks to impose im- Canada has vowed to re- supporters. “We’ve got two days left.” Trump has said he believes armed Some of the more controver- On arming teachers, DeVos said port tariff s of 25% on steel taliate if duties are imposed. Colleen Wooten, a Steelworkers staff representative, said teachers would deter school shoot- sial proposals, including raising the communities should have the tool and 10% for aluminium, ef- Later this week, Trudeau is Lamb has connected with the region’s working class. ings and better protect students minimum purchase age or requiring “but nobody should be mandated to fective later this month. to visit the steel town of Hamil- “We’re not out trying to get rich. We’re just trying to have when they happen. background checks for guns bought do it.” Canada, the biggest sup- ton, where workers are on edge. the American dream, and I think Mr Lamb understands that The idea, already in place in some at gun shows or on the Internet, will Trump has also directed the Justice plier of steel and aluminium Although Trump linked and is going to bring our message forward,” she said. states, is backed by the National Rifl e be studied by a commission headed Department to write new regulations to the United States, escaped the exemption of tariff s for “And if we can win big in our state, we can start a snowball Association gun lobby. by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, banning so-called bump stocks, de- Trump’s import duties along Canada to progress at the eff ect.” The Republican president, who administration offi cials said. vices that turn fi rearms into machine with Mexico, but the two Nafta talks, Foreign Minister Democrats could be forgiven for fretting about today’s championed gun rights during his The Justice Department will also guns. countries could still face du- Chrystia Freeland said there outcome. 2016 campaign, vowed to take ac- provide an unspecifi ed amount of “Very strong improvement and ties if they fail to negotiate a was no link between the two. Their candidates made strong showings last year in special tion to prevent school shootings af- grants to states that want to train strengthening of background checks North American Free Trade “These are two separate congressional elections in Georgia, Kansas and Montana, ter a gunman killed 17 students and teachers to carry guns in school. will be fully backed by White House. Agreement deal. tracks and in the Nafta ne- but ultimately fell short in those Republican strongholds. faculty at a high school in Parkland, Asked why the age limit proposal Legislation moving forward. Bump “We know well that with this gotiations Canada will not be Democrats nonetheless take heart that those candidates Florida, on February 14. was dropped from the administration Stocks will soon be out. Highly president there are moments of subject to any type of pres- performed better in their districts than Hillary Clinton did The modest fi xes proposed by the plan, DeVos told NBC’s Today show trained expert teachers will be al- unpredictability and I think it’s sure. This episode has not against Trump in 2016. And several successes in state legis- White House stepped back from yesterday that the plan was the fi rst lowed to conceal carry, subject to important to show that we are changed our Nafta negotiat- lature races across the country, notably Virginia, have hinted some of the more sweeping changes step in a lengthy process. State Law. Armed guards OK, de- there to reassure the workers,” ing position — we are very at the potential for a blue wave. Trump had considered after the lat- “Everything is on the table,” she terrent!” Trump tweeted yesterday Trudeau told public broad- clear on that,” she told CTV Some local Republicans suggested Democratic exuberance est school shooting. said. morning. caster Radio Canada. television on Sunday. might be misplaced once again. Armand Castelli, a 58-year-old insurance agent from Pittsburgh, gave Democrat Lamb credit for having “a fair- ly decent resume,” but suggested it would not be enough to upset Saccone, or to trigger a national political shift. “Let’s see what happens on Tuesday,” Castelli said.

Third nor’easter takes shape

arts of the US northeast yesterday braced for a third powerful winter storm in two weeks that was pre- Pdicted to bring high winds, a foot or more of wet snow and power outages into today, offi cials said yesterday. At the height of recent storms, known as nor’easters, more than 2mn homes and businesses lost power, seawa- ter churned through the streets of Boston and at least nine people died across the region. “This storm won’t be as widespread as before,” said Marc Chenard, a meteorologist with the National Weath- er Service’s Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. “It’ll hit New England the hardest,” he added. Other areas that were severely aff ected before, including parts of New York, New Jersey and Maryland will see only one-to-four inches of snow this time around, Chenard said. But blizzard conditions are possible and power out- ages are a threat for areas in Rhode Island, eastern Mas- sachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, which are under the Winter Storm Watch from yesterday evening to today afternoon, he said. “Coastal areas could see 80kmph to 100kph winds,” he said. “The snow will be wet. Combined with the wind, it presents a serious risk of power outages.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Myanmar events ‘bear hallmarks of genocide’: UN expert

AFP Myanmar has vehemently de- indictments over atrocities com- triots, who largely consider the bulldozing of former Rohingya Geneva nied US and UN allegations of mitted in Myanmar. Rohingya as unwanted illegal im- villages with huge redevelop- ethnic cleansing. But yesterday, She said the UN-backed in- migrants from Bangladesh. ment projects already underway UN special rapporteur to Myan- vestigation should be based out Lee also called yesterday for a in some areas”. top UN rights expert mar Yanghee Lee suggested that of Bangladesh. The quest for “comprehensive review” of ac- She pointed to a 2013 law that warned yesterday that the term was not strong enough. accountability “must be aimed tions taken by the UN before, automatically gives the Myan- Acrackdown on Myanmar’s “I am becoming more con- at the individuals who gave the during and after the latest crack- mar government control over all Rohingya minority bears “the vinced that crimes committed ... orders and carried out violations downs on Rohingya in Myanmar. burned or abandoned land. hallmarks of genocide” and in- bear the hallmarks of genocide, against individuals and entire “The violence and suff ering calls The head of a UN-backed fact- sisted the government should be and call in the strongest terms for ethnic and religious groups,” Lee not just for accountability but fi nding mission into violations in held accountable. accountability,” she told the UN said. “The government leader- also for self-refl ection by the UN, Myanmar, Marzuki Darusman, Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Human Rights Council. ship who did nothing to inter- and the question: Could we have meanwhile told the council yes- Muslims have fl ed northern Ra- The South Korean academic, vene, stop or condemn these acts prevented this?” she said. terday that at least 319 villages khine state to Bangladesh since who has been barred from visit- United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee must also be held accountable,” Her comments came after had been burned since August. Myanmar launched a brutal ing Myanmar, voiced alarm at attends a press conference after addressing her report before the she added. Amnesty International yesterday “We have seen unsettling pho- crackdown on insurgents six “credible reports” of widespread Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday. Myanmar’s civilian leader accused Myanmar of building tographs and satellite images of months ago amid accounts of indiscriminate killings, includ- Aung San Suu Kyi has been the security installations on top of Rohingya villages fl attened to the arson, murder and rape at the ing by burning people alive. She children under the age of fi ve, man rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al- target of global vitriol for a per- razed Rohingya villages, casting ground by bulldozers, erasing all hands of soldiers and vigilante pointed to “conservative esti- were killed in the fi rst month of Hussein last week for the crea- ceived failure to stand up for doubt on plans to repatriate hun- remaining traces of the life and mobs in the mainly Buddhist mates” that at least 6,700 Ro- violence alone. tion of a new international probe the minority. But she remains a dreds of thousands of refugees. community that once was,” he country. hingya, including at least 730 Lee echoed a call from UN hu- tasked with preparing criminal heroine for most of her compa- Lee also warned of “extensive said. Japanese PM, FM under fi re in cronyism scandal

Reuters porters. He said Aso should resign Tokyo and parliament hold hearings on the matter. The 77-year-old Aso, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe who is also deputy premier and apanese Prime Minister whose backing is vital for Abe, espoused by Nippon Kaigi. Some LDP members said poli- Shinzo Abe and his close ally, apologised for his ministry’s ac- “At the very least, it seems ticians should not pass the buck JFinance Minister Taro Aso, tions, but said that he had no in- that Aso’s chances of surviving to bureaucrats. faced growing pressure yester- tention of stepping down. as fi nance minister are diminish- “It is inconceivable that the day over a suspected cover-up The risk for Aso and Abe, ex- ing rapidly,” wrote Tobias Harris, bureaucrats on the spot had of a cronyism scandal that has perts said, is that the suspected vice president of consultancy Te- such authority (to alter the dogged the premier for more than cover-up does more damage than neo Intelligence, in an e-mail. He documents),” media quoted a year. the land sale itself. said there was no “smoking gun” Shigeru Ishiba, an LDP law- Copies of documents seen by “The cover-up is now a bigger showing direct intervention by maker who has made no secret Reuters showed that references issue than the original incident,” Abe or his wife. of his desire to challenge Abe in to Abe, his wife and Aso were said Koichi Nakano, a professor But Harris added: “It now the party race, as saying on the removed from fi nance ministry at Sophia University. seems to be more a question of weekend. records of the discounted sale A fi nance ministry offi cial said whether Abe can manage an or- Abe, 63, swept back to power of state-owned land to a school that 14 items had been altered derly exit at the end of his term in in December 2012 promising to operator with ties to Abe’s wife, in the documents after Febru- September or whether he’ll resign revive the economy and bolster Akie. ary last year – when the scandal hastily again – but I don’t see how Japan’s defence. It was a rare Abe, now in his sixth year in broke – at the instruction of the he can win a new mandate amidst comeback for the conservative offi ce, has denied that he or his ministry’s fi nancial division to the Abe fatigue that will surely lawmaker, who quit abruptly in wife did favours for the school match testimony in parliament. grow after these revelations.” 2007 after a year in offi ce marked operator, Moritomo Gakuen, One such reference was to Akie’s A Sankei newspaper poll over by scandals in his cabinet, a and has said he would resign if visit to the school at the heart of the weekend said 71% of re- deadlocked parliament and ill evidence was found that they the suspected scandal. spondents said Aso should go. health. had. Excised references seen by Also removed was a refer- On Friday, National Tax His ruling bloc won a two- Reuters did not appear to show Protesters stage an anti-Abe demonstration near the prime minister’s off icial residence in Tokyo yesterday. ence to ties by Abe and Aso to a Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa thirds “super majority” in an Oc- that Abe or his wife intervened conservative lobby group, Nip- resigned over remarks in parlia- tober lower house poll, helped by directly in the deal. Suspicion The doubts are also putting “I apologise to all of the peo- of the sale were involved in alter- pon Kaigi. The records include ment last year about the case. opposition disarray. of a cover-up could slash Abe’s pressure on Aso to resign. “It ple.” ing the documents to make them a comment from Yasunori Ka- Sagawa headed the minis- A March 9-11 survey by the Yo- ratings and dash his hopes for a could shake confi dence in the Abe said he wanted Aso to conform with testimony in par- goike, the former head of Mori- try division that submitted the miuri newspaper showed support third term as leader of his Liberal administration as a whole. I make every eff ort to clarify all the liament by the then-head of the tomo Gakuen, citing Akie Abe as documents before he was tapped for Abe’s cabinet has now fallen Democratic Party (LDP). Victory strongly feel responsibility as the facts and ensure such things do division. telling him: “This is good land so as tax agency chief in July, an ap- to 48%, down six points from a in the LDP September leadership head of administration,” Abe told not happen again. “It has become clear that there please proceed.” pointment critics saw as a reward month earlier. Non-support rose vote would put him on track to reporters after the fi nance minis- Aso told a separate news con- was a cover-up and falsifi cation,” A kindergarten run by Mori- for his eff orts to diff use the issue to 42% and 80% said that the become Japan’s longest-serving try reported on the altered docu- ference that several offi cials at opposition Democratic Party tomo Gakuen taught a national- with his statements to parlia- matter had not been handled ap- premier. ments. his ministry’s division in charge leader Yuichiro Tamaki told re- ist curriculum in line with views ment last year. propriately.

Ai Weiwei unfazed by China ending presidential term limits

China’s removal of presidential nean Sea. Installed on Cockatoo China torn on Trump-Kim talks term limits, eff ectively letting Island, a former shipbuilding President Xi Jinping hold off ice site, it will serve as the centre- AFP into focus when North Korea lit- for life, will have no impact on piece of the Sydney Biennale, Beijing erally shook China with an un- its culture, artist Ai Weiwei said running from Friday to June derground nuclear test that pro- yesterday, as he unveiled a giant 11. Ai said the location was ap- duced an earthquake felt over the artwork in Sydney depicting asy- propriate because of Australia’s hen China called on the border. lum-seekers. Ai, one of China’s controversial policy of detain- United States to engage Beijing also worries that Kim’s most high-profile artists and ing unauthorised boat arrivals Win direct talks with weapons could trigger an arms political activists, has become a in camps in the Pacific island North Korea, it probably never race in the region, leading its his- vocal campaigner on migration nation of Nauru and Papua New imagined it would be absent torical rival Japan and perhaps as the number of people forced Guinea’s Manus Island. “Aus- from the table. Beijing, which even South Korea to seek nuclear from their homes – largely by tralia’s refugee record is quite chaired failed international talks weapons. violence and war – has reached poor, internationally,” he added. on North Korea that collapsed a While China has long pushed a record 65mn. “There’s no excuse for any kind decade ago, has long seen itself for US-North Korean dialogue, it In Sydney, Ai presented his of policy (that) should not con- as central to the negotiations to always saw it as a fi rst step towards 60m (197-ft)-long inflatable raft, sider protecting basic human end Pyongyang’s nuclear pro- returning to the long-dormant carrying about 300 oversized rights.” The artist, who helped gramme. Six-Party Talks, which grouped human figures, a day after China design the stadium of the 2008 But when US President Donald China, the US, Japan, Russia and removed the term limits from its Beijing Olympic Games but Trump agreed last week to hold the two Koreas. North Korea constitution, raising concerns was arrested in 2011 following a historic meeting with North abruptly quit the forum in 2009. about a return to strongman criticism of the ruling Chinese Korean leader Kim Jong-un at “Beijing would be most com- rule. “China has always been an Comumunist Party, said he was a yet-to-be-decided day and fortable to play the mediating imperial state,” Ai, 60, told the not concerned the changes place, China was nowhere to be role,” said Wenran Jiang, senior Australian Broadcasting Corp in could bring a regime with “no seen. Chinese President Xi Jin- fellow at the Institute of Asian an interview. “It doesn’t matter end”. “Life is getting better,” he ping has not even met Kim since Research of the University of if it’s communist, now capital- said. “So many youngsters study the young North Korean autocrat British Columbia. China “still ism. It’s a fatalistic society, so outside. The ideas to respect took power following his father’s believes” that all six parties must (if) it changes leader or not, the very basic human values are death in 2011. South Korean national security director Chung Eui-yong (L) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister be part of the denuclearisation system and the culture always becoming more and more im- While China remains North Wang Yi before their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing yesterday. process, he said. stays the same.” portant for a society to maintain Korea’s only ally and main eco- Xi and his “very experienced First designed for the National competition.” Ai is set to speak nomic lifeline, relations between calm and remain poised, and with any signifi cant lead time,” Monday and thank him for his foreign policy team seem to have Gallery of Prague, Ai’s ‘Law of on Thursday at the Australian the two neighbours have soured avoid the mentality that China is said Oriana Skylar Mastro, an help. Xi’s leadership has played displayed a high level of confi - the Journey’ is made from the launch of his asylum-seeker as Xi, under pressure from being marginalised,” it said. expert on China, North Korea “a big role” in these “positive dence that China is too big and rubber used by vessels carrying documentary, ‘Human Flow’, at Trump, has backed a slew of UN “China’s prime interest on relations at Georgetown Univer- changes”, Chung told the Chinese too important to be left out of the refugees across the Mediterra- the Sydney Opera House. sanctions to punish Pyongyang the Korean peninsula is its de- sity and the American Enterprise president, adding that Seoul ex- negotiations.” for its nuclear and missile tests. nuclearisation and peace, both of Institute. pects China to continue to play “They are waiting patiently for In a Friday phone call with which are more important than While Washington is happy an “active and leading role”. the right opportunity and they Trump, Xi praised the US leader’s China’s relations with North and to use China to squeeze North It is natural that Beijing would are quite certain relevant parties “positive” move, saying he hoped South Korea and power politics.” Korea economically, it is not as have reservations about what a will knock on China’s door soon.” the US and North Korea would Trump’s surprise agree- interested in involving Beijing in Kim-Trump meeting could mean Bonnie Glaser, senior adviser start talking as soon as possible ment to meet Kim appears to the more delicate work of nego- for its own interests in the region, for Asia at Washington’s Center and that China was devoted to have shocked many in China, tiations. said Zhang Liangui, a profes- for Strategic and International solving the nuclear issue through who wonder if the Asian giant “The Trump administration sor of the International Strate- Studies, said China may off er to dialogue. — which is increasingly trying to sees China as primarily an obsta- gic Academy of the Party School host the Trump-Kim meeting, But not everyone was so hap- put itself at the centre of global cle to the peaceful resolution of of the Central Committee of the which would “at least increase py: China’s top-selling nation- diplomacy — has been cut out of the DPRK nuclear issue and not Communist Party. the possibility that they will be alist tabloid the Global Times the loop by Pyongyang. so much as a critical diplomatic “As a neighbour, if North Ko- heard.” dashed out an editorial aimed at “Given that parts of Trump’s interlocutor,” Skylar Mastro said. rea continues to develop nuclear “The Chinese traditionally soothing the jangled nerves of own national security team But Seoul, which has sought weapons, China could be the big- have always worried about the US Chinese patriots afraid that the were not informed of this major to improve its strained ties with gest casualty,” he told AFP. “So and North Korea cutting a deal at country would be sidelined by a change in policy, I’m doubtful Beijing, sent its national security you could say, China is the most their expense,” she said, adding A visitor stands next to Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s work titled ‘Law Trump-Kim love-in. that President Trump informed adviser Chung Eui-yong to brief important party involved.” that “people in the US have al- of the Journey 2017’ at a press preview of the 21st Biennale in “Chinese people should stay the Chinese, and defi nitely not Xi on the recent breakthrough on Those concerns came sharply ways laughed at those concerns.” Sydney yesterday. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 BRITAIN/IRELAND

CLARIFICATION DECISION OUTAGE INITIATIVE PEOPLE Package found at Households left without Power chiefs criticised Glass chimneys designed Mackintosh ‘saddened’ as parliament ‘not hazardous’ water to get payouts over West End blackout to suck up pollution fashion label goes bust

Two people were taken to hospital as a precaution Thames Water is to pay out a record £2mn in Power chiefs were criticised by ministers Scientists have designed futuristic glass Millie Mackintosh’s fashion label has gone bust yesterday after a “suspicious package” was found compensation to households who lost their water yesterday after a problem with underground roadside chimneys to clean up the capital’s because of the challenging “financial climate” at the parliament, although it was later confirmed supply following the disastrous series of mains electricity cables plunged part of the West End dirty air. Fans inside the 13ft transparent within the industry. The former Made In Chelsea not to be hazardous, off icials said. “A man and bursts earlier this month. Tens of thousands of into darkness. At least 150 premises including tubes would suck in air and use a water mist star, 28, said she had no option but to close the a woman have been taken to a central London households will receive cheques for up to £150, bars, restaurants, theatres and homes were to remove toxic particles before releasing it. business, which she founded four years ago. hospital as a precaution,” a police spokesman said far more than they are entitled to under the affected by Sunday night’s outage. Minister The lava lamp-style design, Pluvo, was cre- Despite her rising profile as a friend of Prince after the package was discovered at the Norman industry’s standard compensation terms. Thames for Arts and Tourism Michael Ellis said: “This ated by three master’s students at Imperial Harry and Meghan Markle, the designer’s busi- Shaw Buildings which house lawmakers’ off ices. Water bosses say the enhanced payments “reflect power failure is simply not good enough. I will College London and Royal College of Art. ness, Cammac, will be liquidated owing hundreds Specialist off icers investigated the package and the seriousness of the incident” which left some be asking for an explanation from UK Power The toughened glass pipes are meant to be of thousands of pounds. The Millie Mackintosh found it was not hazardous, a parliamentary homes with dry taps for four days. In total up to Networks.” A performance of Harry Potter and a less conspicuous way of cleaning pollution. brand was launched exclusively through the Asos spokeswoman later said. The package was 50,000 London households were left without the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre had to The designers, Lewis Hornby, Claudia Arnold fashion website to huge fanfare, with celebrities received by the off ice of Labour lawmaker Mo- water when pipes ruptured in Streatham, Crystal be cancelled after it was hit at about 6.45pm. A and Nick Hooton, foresee rows of them along including Mackintosh’s then-husband rapper hamed Yasin, a member of his staff said, adding Palace and Hampstead during a thaw that fol- spokesman for UK Power Networks apologised some of London’s most polluted roads, such Professor Green and other Made In Chelsea stars that he was not in the room at the time. lowed the “Beast from the East” cold snap. for the inconvenience. as Oxford Street and Regent Street. lending their support. N Ireland Royals attend Commonwealth Day Service ‘punishment’ attacks rise 60% in four years

Guardian News and Media Against Drugs to target victims Belfast from within the Catholic/na- tionalist community in Northern Ireland. aramilitary-style “pun- The statistics also show that ishment” shootings and republican dissidents appear Pbeatings have surged again more likely to use guns to shoot across Northern Ireland, with those inside their respective a 60% increase in such attacks communities that they label over the past four years, accord- as criminals or “antisocial ele- ing to the latest police fi gures ob- ments”. tained by the Guardian. According to PSNI fi gures News of the rise in dissident seen by the Guardian of the to- republican and Ulster loyalist tal number of victims shot in assaults on people within their this latest wave of paramilitary respective communities came as “punishment” attacks, dissident the head of the Police Service of republican groups such as the Northern Ireland revealed that New IRA or Continuity IRA have Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, US actress Meghan Markle and her fiancee Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at some victims’ parents are drug- been responsible for 24 out of the Westminster Abbey in central London yesterday. Queen Elizabeth II has been the head of the Commonwealth throughout her reign. Organised by the Royal Commonwealth ging and getting their loved ones 27 people wounded by fi rearms. Society, the service is the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the United Kingdom. drunk before they are beaten or Many of the victims are often shot to off set their pain. savagely beaten after being ac- The PSNI chief consta- cused by armed republican and ble, George Hamilton, told the loyalist factions of criminal ac- Guardian that some close rela- tions from drug dealing to car tives of those who are about to theft, without any form of legal be attacked are plying their chil- representation or appeal. dren with alcohol or giving them In 2013, four physical beatings powerful painkillers before “ap- were carried out by republican pointments” with the “punish- dissidents but within the past four ment” gangs. years this has increased to 17. ‘Highly likely’ Russia From 2013 to the end of last Loyalist paramilitaries mean- year the number of shootings while, who are supposedly meant and assaults from republican and to be on ceasefi re, appear more loyalist paramilitary organisa- inclined to carry out beatings tions has increased dramatically. than shootings against those Figures from the PSNI’s statis- who cross them within mainly tics branch show that in 2013 there working class unionist/Protes- behind spy attack: PM were 64 such attacks from repub- tant areas. lican dissidents as well as ongo- In 2013, the fi gures show that Reuters May said Russia’s ambassador “Tomorrow we will consider comments by May were a “cir- agent attack in Salisbury. ing loyalist paramilitary violence 34 assaults were carried out by London to London had been summoned in detail the response from the cus show” and part of political Rudd also said that up to four directed at their own communi- those aligned to certain factions to explain to Foreign Secretary Russian state,” May said. information campaign against other mysterious deaths with ties. In 2017, the fi gure rose to 101 of the Ulster Volunteer Force and Boris Johnson how the nerve “Should there be no credible Russia, local media reported. possible links to Russia in recent shootings and beatings. the Ulster Defence Association. rime Minister Theresa agent came to have been used in response, we will conclude that Earlier yesterday, before years may be reopened once the The level of these attacks was Within four years this number May yesterday said it was the March 4 incident in Salis- this action amounts to an un- May spoke, Russian President Skripal case is concluded. Lord up almost 60% compared with has increased to 57. P“highly likely” that Mos- bury. lawful use of force by the Rus- Vladimir Putin brushed off a Blair, the former Met chief, has four years earlier. Responding to the upsurge in cow was responsible for the Skripal, 66, and his 33-year- sian state against the United question about the aff air, saying highlighted 14 suspicious cases. The upsurge in paramilitary paramilitary “punishment at- poisoning in England of former old daughter Yulia, have been in Kingdom,” she said. British authorities should fi rst Asked about Lord Blair’s call punishment attacks took a more tacks”, which in the case of dis- Russian double agent Sergei hospital in a critical condition May said the poisoning took “get to the bottom of things,” to review the 14 deaths, Rudd lethal turn this year with the sident republicans is a means of Skripal and his daughter using a since being found unconscious place “against a backdrop of a the BBC’s Moscow correspond- said there was no new evidence murder of Raymond Johnston on off ering the nationalist commu- military-grade nerve agent. on a bench outside a shopping well-established pattern of Rus- ent wrote on Twitter. but added: “Look, you know I’m February 13 while he cooked pan- nity an “alternative quick-fi x” Either the Russian state was centre in the city. sian state aggression” and she Meanwhile Home Secretary not dismissing it at all and after cakes at his home in west Belfast. form of policing to the PSNI, the directly responsible for the poi- A policeman who was one of said Britain was ready to take Amber Rudd yesterday accused we’ve got beyond this incident it The PSNI believes Johnston, chief constable said some par- soning or it had allowed the poi- the fi rst to attend to the strick- “much more extensive meas- Putin’s state of “childish” and may be right to look at them all 28, was targeted by the New IRA, ents were “acquiescing” in this son, which belonged the Novi- en spy was also aff ected by the ures” against Russia than in the provocative public comments. again. Well, not all of them — I a hardline anti-peace process re- system by bringing their children chok group of nerve agents, to nerve agent. He is now con- past. She warned that Britain will expect even Lord Blair would publican faction that often uses to appointments for beatings and get into the hands of others, May scious in a serious but stable Russia’s foreign ministry hit act “powerfully” if Moscow’s probably say one or two or three the fl ag of convenience Action shootings. told parliament. condition, police said. back immediately, saying the guilt is proven over the nerve or four. Legendary comedian Top dog Irish PM rejects idea of border pre-registration

Dodd dies aged 90 Guardian News and Media categorically not a proposal on Washington the table. The future of the border re- London Evening Standard thrilled you had the best birthday been turned out in the world of va- mains a key issue in Brexit talks London party in Liverpool before you left us. riety. He was a comedy legend and reland’s prime minister has with no clear plan on how to Your city, friends, family and show a genius.” rejected suggestions that avoid customs and sanitary business will miss you terribly.” Holmes said of Dodd’s mar- Ipeople crossing the Irish bor- checks. Last week, researchers omedy stars yesterday paid Dara O Briain said he was “so riage: “He asked Anne if she want- der would have to pre-register at Queen’s University in Bel- tribute to Sir Ken Dodd af- happy” he had had the chance to ed to marry. They got the registrar to avoid personal checks after fast concluded that technology Cter he died aged 90. meet Sir Ken. and were married in the house on Brexit. could not make the border fric- The legend, famous for his The Irish comedian, known for Friday. He died two days later on Speaking from the US, where tionless stand-up shows, tickling sticks hosting panel shows such as Mock Mother’s Day. Anne is obviously he is conducting a series of St Any registration for travel and Diddy Men, died on Sunday the Week, said on Twitter: “Ah, very upset. They had been togeth- Patrick’s Day engagements, Leo would be counter to the common just two days after marring his Ken Dodd has died. So happy I got er for 40 years. Varadkar said: “No, it is not a so- travel area deal already agreed by partner of 40 years Anne Jones. to meet him once, and more im- “It’s a love story to beat them all.” lution that we envisage.” Brexit negotiators, which allows He died in the home where he portantly, saw him do one of his Dodd, known for his unruly hair The taoiseach was responding British and Irish nationals to was born in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, incredible 5-hour shows. and teeth, performed his very last to questions about a controver- continue to move between Ire- with his wife by his bedside. “He was an education to watch. show just months ago, at The Audi- sial plan reportedly being con- land and the UK without pass- Comedy stars shared an out- A privilege, and a loss. RIP.” torium in the Liverpool Echo Arena, sidered by Downing Street. port checks. pouring of grief following the news Comedian Gary Delaney in his native city, on December 28. Pre-registration for transit Varadkar urged senior Cabi- of this death. made reference to Sir Ken’s long But all 2018 dates had to be can- would aff ect more than 34,000 net figures such as Boris John- Actor John Challis, who played stand-up shows as he paid trib- celled due to his illness and subse- nurses, farmers and business son, who recently said the Boycie in comedy television series ute on Twitter. He wrote: “RIP quent hospital stay. people who commute across checks were an Irish/EU prob- Only Fools and Horses, tweeted: Sir Ken Dodd. One of the all time Brandishing a tickling stick and the 500km border every day for lem and not a British one, to “So sorry to hear we have lost Ken greats. The funeral will be held on greeted by his Diddy Men, the star work, as well as other casual vis- visit the border. “You can read Dodd. I met him once and I’ve nev- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and had vowed to carry on with his itors including Irish leisure trav- as many briefing documents as er forgotten it.” most of Saturday.” comedy when he left hospital last ellers, in both directions. you like, sometimes you need to Fellow Liverpudlian Claire Publicist Robert Holmes yester- month. It is one of a series of meas- see things with your own eyes,” Sweeney described Sir Ken as a day said: “To my mind, he was one “I’m going to teach my legs how ures in a research paper on he said. “legend and an inspiration”. of the last music hall greats. There to work again, they’ve forgotten Owner Yvette Short holds “Collooney Tartan Tease” smart border technology com- David Davis, the Brexit secre- The television personal- is no-one else that comes close. you know, and once I’ve recovered (Tease), the Whippet, winner of the Best in Show missioned by the European tary, has made one trip to North- ity shared some photos of the He passed away in the home that myself I’ll get back to doing the competition on the final day of the Crufts dog show at the parliament which Theresa May ern Ireland since the referendum comedian’s 90th birthday party he was born in over 90 years ago. job, which is the only job I’ve ever National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Activists briefly has reportedly asked officials in September 2016 while neither on Twitter, saying: “RIP Sir Ken He’s never lived anywhere else. It’s had,” he said at the time. stopped the show after invading the arena as the judges to look at. Government sources Johnson nor the Brexit negotia- Dodd. A legend and an inspiration. absolutely amazing. “While I was in here, I wrote some were announcing the winner. responded to the reports by tor, Oliver Robbins, has been to “I have a lot to thank you for. I was “With Ken gone, the lights have new jokes, so it should be all right.” saying pre-registration was the border. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 15 EUROPE Fashion icon Givenchy dead, aged 91

AFP de Givenchy has died,” it said in a time – even if fellow Paris fash- idential election was a Givenchy tleman that will stay with me Paris statement to AFP. ion legend Coco Chanel is cred- copy. forever,” she added. With his perfect manners and ited with inventing the garment. On a state visit to France the Fashion mogul Bernard Ar- old-school charm, the tall and “His are the only clothes in following year, Kennedy made nault, head of the giant LVMH ubert de Givenchy, the handsome designer was the very which I am myself. He is far more a famously grand entrance in a group which now owns Gi- aristocratic French fash- acme of French elegance and re- than a couturier, he is a creator of Givenchy white silk faille dress venchy, led the tributes, saying Hion designer famous for fi nement. personality,” Hepburn once said at a state dinner at the Palace of that “he was one of the creators the “little black dress” and styl- But it was his 40-year friend- of him. Versailles, looking as regal as any who put Paris at the summit of ing Audrey Hepburn and Jackie ship with his muse Hepburn, “To dress a woman is to make European monarch’s consort. world fashion in the 1950s”. Kennedy, has died aged 91, his who he met on the set of the Billy her beautiful,” Givenchy once “Hubert de Givenchy was a It was Arnault, however, who partner said yesterday. Wilder’s Oscar-winning comedy said. “In haute couture, we are symbol of Parisian elegance for is believed to have forced him to Givenchy set the template for Sabrina in 1953, that helped make cosmetic surgeons, erasing im- more than half a century ... who retire in October 1996 after buy- ladylike chic in the 1950s and him a fashion legend. perfections and refi ning the sil- revolutionised fashion,” his label ing his fashion house eight years 1960s, dressing everyone from The narrow-collared suits and houette ... for isn’t a couturier a said yesterday. earlier. Givenchy is applauded by models after presenting his last high Princess Grace of Monaco to Jane slim woollen dresses Givenchy magician of sorts, who creates il- Its current British-born de- He was replaced by John Gal- fashion collection on July 11, 1995 in Paris. Fonda. designed for the gamine actress lusion and perhaps beauty itself.” signer Clare Waight Keller said liano, who was soon to leave for His longtime partner, the for Funny Face and How to Steal Former US fi rst lady Jacqueline that Givenchy was “not only one Dior, handing over to fellow Brit abeth and older American and in a packed salon in the opulent former haute couture designer a Million made both of them style Kennedy adopted the Givenchy of the most infl uential fashion Alexander McQueen. Chinese socialites dress. Grand Hotel at the Paris Opera. Philippe Venet, announced his icons. look for her White House years, fi gures of our time, whose leg- With typical discretion, Gi- Givenchy’s fi nal couture show Givenchy took his bow on the death through the Givenchy The black sheath dress Gi- sticking to a uniform of shift acy still infl uences modern day venchy made no comment, only in July 1995 was an emotional catwalk in his atelier’s smock, fashion house, saying that he had venchy created for the opening dresses, pillbox hats and low- dressing, but he also was one of that he had not been consulted moment, with his fellow coutu- and with characteristic modesty died in his sleep on Saturday. scenes of the Breakfast at Tif- heeled pumps. the chicest most charming men I about the appointments. riers Yves Saint Laurent, Paco brought on all his loyal “petites “It is with huge sadness that fany’s was perhaps the most fa- The red coat she wore on the have ever met”. Yet two decades on his style Rabanne, Christian Lacroix and mains” seamstresses to share the we inform you that Hubert Taffi n mous “little black dress” of all campaign trail for the 1960 pres- “The defi nition of a true gen- still informs the way Queen Eliz- Valentino taking front-row seats applause.

Slovak minister quits after Merkel is ‘optimistic’ as protests

Reuters Bratislava coalition pact is signed DPA/Reuters that shares the same values and the pro-business Free Demo- lovak Interior Minister Berlin that acts jointly ... to deal with crats (FDP) and the environ- Robert Kalinak said yester- many of the big problems fac- mentalists slammed the coali- Sday that he would resign, ing humanity, beginning with tion agreement. bowing to the demands of a jun- he parties forming the climate protection to fair trade Greens leader Annalena Baer- ior coalition partner, as Prime new German coalition to fi ghting the causes of migra- bock said the document had Minister Robert Fico fi ghts to Thave formally signed the tion,” she said. “large gaps, particularly in terms save his government after mass document outlining their plans Merkel said she is “optimis- of future challenges such as cli- protests following a journalist’s for government, putting an end tic” about her new coalition mate change, digitalisation and murder. to six months of political dead- government, which is due to be the fi ght against poverty”. Fico is seeking to keep his lock in Europe’s biggest econo- sworn in this week. FDP leader Christian Lindner, three-party coalition together my. “A great amount of work lies whose negotiations over a coa- after the murder of investiga- The party and parliamentary before us,” Merkel said. “I am lition with Merkel tanked soon tive reporter Jan Kuciak shook faction leaders of Chancellor optimistic that it will be a suc- after the election, said yester- the nation, stoked public anger Angela Merkel’s Christian Dem- cess.” day’s agreement did nothing for over corruption and saw the big- ocratic Union (CDU), its allied Scholz, who is set to take on Germany’s middle class and “re- gest street protests in decades on Christian Social Union (CSU), the role of fi nance minister and fers to citizens only as needy, as Friday. and the Social Democratic Party vice-chancellor, said that the poor, as patients that need to be Junior government party, the (SPD) signed the document yes- new coalition had a solid foun- looked after”. Most-Hid (Bridge) group, had terday. dation despite the length of time The path was fi nally cleared demanded that the prime min- Merkel, the leader of the CDU, it took to form it. for Merkel to revive the coalition ister dismiss Kalinak, a found- Horst Seehofer of its CSU sis- Both the CDU and the SPD after SPD members voted to ap- ing member of Fico’s Smer party, ter party, and acting SPD leader suff ered historic losses in Sep- prove the deal two weeks ago. giving a deadline that ended yes- Olaf Scholz signed the 177-page tember’s elections. A CDU/CSU-SPD grand coa- terday. document in the Bundestag The so-called grand coali- lition has ruled Germany since Critics say that Kalinak, who complex in Berlin. tion “did not start off as a love 2013, but when all three parties oversaw the police as interior At a news conference before match”, Scholz said, adding that lost support in September’s gen- minister, could not guarantee an signing the deal, the chancel- the conservatives and SPD are Merkel (in pink) stands around a table with (clockwise) German government spokesman Steff en eral election, the SPD initially independent investigation into lor was asked if their stern faces “entirely diff erent parties” after Seibert, CSU politician Alexander Dobrindt, the CDU parliamentary group leader Volker Kauder, said it would go into opposition the killing of Kuciak and his fi - boded ill for the new coalition. all, but the parties are “nonethe- designated German Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), CSU leader and designated and regroup. ancée in late February. “I can also look friendly,” less able to work constructively German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, and SPD politician Andrea Nahles (next to Merkel), after the Merkel’s failed attempt to Most-Hid’s leadership was to Merkel joked, drawing laughter. with each other and govern coalition treaty to form a new government was signed. form a coalition with the free- meet to decide its next move. She added that the “grand properly”. market liberal FDP and environ- The party welcomed Kalinak’s coalition”, Germany’s fourth and Scholz said that his party to work quickly and start imple- German President Frank- passing,” he said in the city of mentalist Greens persuaded the resignation although its leader, her third, faced an array of global would work for social justice in menting the deal. Walter Steinmeier expressed his Dusseldorf. “Impatience was SPD to go back on its word. Bela Bugar, declined to comment challenges, including new trade Germany “step by step and day “It is a coalition agreement for relief that the new government growing in the past few weeks Lawmakers are due to vote when asked whether it would be sanctions planned by the United by day”. ordinary people,” said Seehofer, had been formed. during the negotiations and Merkel back in as chancellor to- enough to remain in the coali- States. Seehofer said that Germans who is set to take on a newly ex- “I am happy that the period [SPD] poll period.” morrow, when she and her cabi- tion. “We need Europe, a Europe wanted the coalition to get down panded interior ministry. of insecurity and uncertainty is Opposition parties including net are also due to be sworn in. “The national council always decides ... in such cases it has the fi nal word,” Bugar told reporters. Failure to keep Most-Hid’s support could spell the end of Fico’s government. Climate protest at the Louvre The leader of the third coali- tion member, the Slovak Nation- al Party (SNS), said that his party AFP slogans against Total, an AFP re- river of oil, urging the Louvre to would want an early election if Paris porter said. end its two-decade collaboration the coalition loses its majority in The Louvre confi rmed that it with Total. parliament. had evacuated museum-goers The Total Foundation, the Fico’s coalition holds 78 of the he Louvre museum briefl y from the room for around 10 philanthropic arm of the energy 150 seats in parliament. evacuated one its busi- minutes after the protest around giant, supports a range of causes Test rooms yesterday after 10.30am (0930 GMT). from education to the arts. black-clad environmental ac- The activist group “350.org”, Activists have carried out tivists staged a protest against which campaigns against the use similar protests against fellow oil Polish premier oil giant Total’s patronage of the of fossil fuels in favour of renew- giant BP in London for its spon- downsizes govt Paris museum. able energy, said it staged the sorship of the Tate Gallery, the About a dozen protesters lay demonstration “to symbolise National Portrait Gallery, and the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz down on the fl oor in front of The victims of the oil industry”. British Museum. Morawiecki said yesterday that Raft of the Medusa, an iconic The same group carried out A group of activist groups led he is eliminating 17 deputy- 19th-century painting by Theo- a similar protest at the Louvre by 350.org have launched the minister positions in the dore Gericault that shows the in March last year in front of an “Free the Louvre” campaign. conservative government, which shipwreck of a French navy frig- ancient Greek statue, the Winged The US-founded group takes critics have accused of being ate. Victory of Samothrace. its name from 350 parts per mil- excessive in size. The demonstrators entered in- Some 30 activists had laid a lion, which it says is the safe con- “I already announced the Members of the environmental activist group ‘350.org’ lie on the floor in front of Theodore Gericault’s conspicuously before lying down long stretch of black fabric at the centration of carbon dioxide in resignation of five people. With painting The Raft of the Medusa at the Louvre museum in Paris. in front of the painting chanting base of the statue to symbolise a the atmosphere. today’s changes, that adds up to (a reduction of) 17 deputy ministers,” Morawiecki told reporters. The head of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party Norwegian political storm evokes Trump, mass murderer Breivik government did not say how many of the politicians would leave altogether, instead of just Reuters ally much less confrontational Labour wants the courts to your opponents of things they by his initials ABB – had at one cises Labour for our standpoint switching positions. Oslo than in the United States. rule on such decisions. don’t stand for,” Christian Dem- point been a member of the ... it is cynical and lacks respect.” He also did not say how much Listhaug, a member of the On March 9, Listhaug posted ocrat leader Knut Arild Hareide Progress Party. Listhaug was not available for money the move would save. right-wing Progress Party, hit a on Facebook a picture of masked told broadcaster NRK, adding: Afterwards Labour avoided further comment. Morawiecki said he wanted to government minister has raw nerve as most of Anders Be- people clad in military fatigues, “Sylvi Listhaug is trying to be using this to score political She posted her comments on “consolidate the work” of his rocked Norway’s tradi- hring Breivik’s victims were at a black scarves and ammunition better at being a populist than points against the Progress Par- the day Utoeya July 22, a movie cabinet, which until recently Ationally consensual poli- Labour Party youth camp when with the text: “Labour thinks Trump.” ty, which is now the junior part- about the massacre, opened in numbered around 120 ministers, tics by accusing the opposition he staged his attacks in 2011, terrorists’ rights are more im- On July 22, 2011 Breivik staged ner in Solberg’s coalition. Oslo. deputy-ministers and state Labour Party – a target of the killing 77 people. portant than the nation’s secu- the worst act of violence in Nor- “We were very careful not to Labour’s general secretary secretaries. country’s worst peacetime mas- The row erupted after Labour rity. Like and Share.” way since World War II, by plac- link ABB and the Progress Party Kjersti Stenseng challenged The downsizing comes after sacre – of putting terrorists’ voted against a bill that Listhaug The Christian Democrat Party ing a car bomb in central Oslo after July 22. Listhaug has now Listhaug: “First, she should see local media widely reported that rights before national security. had proposed. – which the minority govern- that killed eight and then gun- made it more diffi cult,” tweeted the fi lm. And then she should be cabinet members had received Justice Minister Sylvi This would give authorities ment of Conservative Prime ning down 69 people, many of Labour’s Raymond Johansen, ashamed of herself.” end-of-year bonuses of up to Listhaug’s comments have the right, without judicial re- Minister Erna Solberg needs to them teenagers, at the Labour Oslo’s governing mayor. Solberg also expressed her €20,000 ($25,000), prompting drawn counter-accusations that view, to strip individuals sus- pass laws in parliament – criti- camp on Utoeya Island. “Our people know what it is displeasure. public outrage. she is trying to be more populist pected of terrorism or of being cised Listhaug. Before the 2011 attacks, Brei- like to be a victim of terrorism,” “It was too harsh a Facebook The average monthly salary in than President Donald Trump in foreign fi ghters of their Norwe- “It is trashing the political de- vik – an anti-Muslim neo-Nazi he told Reuters yesterday. “So post,” she told reporters yester- Poland is around €1,200. a country where debate is usu- gian citizenship. bate in Norway when you accuse who is sometimes referred to when the justice minister criti- day. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 INDIA

GOOD FORTUNE POLITICS JUDICIARY TOURISM EVENTS Boy rescued from Vijayakumar nominated Amanatullah Khan ‘Rolls Royce Club’ honours PM to attend Manipur borewell after 35 hours for Kerala by-election gets bail in assault case Kerala’s tour company Science Congress

A four-year-old boy, who fell into a 33ft-deep The Congress Party in Kerala has decided to field D The Delhi High Court yesterday granted bail to In a first of its kind honour, Kalypso Adventure Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the open borewell in a village in Madhya Pradesh Vijayakumar to contest the Chengannur assembly Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Amanatullah (KA), an adventure tour company based in Kochi, Science Congress on the Manipur University (MU) on Saturday morning, was rescued after 35 by-election, expected to be held soon. The party’s Khan who was arrested for allegedly assaulting will feature in the upcoming RREC (Rolls Royce campus on March 16, government sources said hours, off icials said yesterday. Roshan, who Kerala unit president M M Hassan yesterday said Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash last month. Justice Enthusiasts Club) publication In Pursuit of Excellence, yesterday. An off icial said at least 5,000 delegates fell in the borewell in Umaria village in Dewas that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) had Mukta Gupta granted bail to Khan and asked to be released in London later this month. They from all over the country will take part in the three- district, was rescued on Sunday at 10:30pm, approved Vijayakumar’s name. “I was already him to furnish a personal bond of Rs50,000. are the only company from India to feature in the day congress which will be held for the first time in District Magistrate Ashish Singh said. Singh told engaged in the campaign but the off icial clearance “The petitioner is not required for any custodial publication, which is owned by the owners of Rolls the state. Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited the MU reporters that as soon as Roshan was rescued, of my name has just come from the AICC. interrogation and no useful purpose shall be Royce and Bentley. Kalypso Adventure was started in campus yesterday to inspect the preparations. He a group of doctors examined him. He was fine There is no doubt of the outcome and I will win served by keeping him under incarceration,” the 2000 by two former Indian Navy off icers – Thomas said: “I have instructed all off icials and contractors but has been admitted to a hospital. The State comfortably,” said the 65-year-old Vijayakumar. bail plea moved by Khan’s advocate Mohamed Zacharias and Sam T Samuel, a former naval pilot. to speed up the construction works. Nothing should Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and army dug The Chengannur seat fell vacant following the Irsad said. He also said that Khan is a sitting MLA Samuelo said it was in 2016 that they were contacted go wrong and everything should be ready at least a parallel pit to rescue Roshan but a hard rock death of Communist Party of India-Marxist who is working for the betterment of society and by a representative of St James’s Publication house, one day ahead. Out of 5,000 delegates, there are hindered the operation. Later, Roshan was legislator K K Ramachandran Nair in January. The intends to dedicate his entire life to the service London and was told that they were shortlisted for 2,000 scientists.” Police in and around Imphal city pulled out with the help of a rope, Singh said. CPM is likely to field Alappuzha district secretary of the people On February 19, the chief secretary feature inclusion in the RREC publication. Zacharias have been carrying out raids and search operations. He was given oxygen, milk and water while he Saji Cherian. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that he was beaten up by AAP legislators said the selection was done on the request of RREC, Certain villages and residential areas are cordoned was stuck in the borewell and was monitored has approved the name of its former state party Prakash Jarwal and Khan in the presence of Chief which was looking for a local experiential travel off shortly after midnight and all people are checked by a camera. president P S Sreedharan Pillai. Minister Arvind Kejriwal. company from across the globe. and verified in the morning.

Meghalaya CM wins PM, Macron trust vote

IANS Shillong unveil new eghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, head- Ming a six-party non- Congress government, yesterday won a trust vote in the assembly. The fl oor test came after the recent election threw up a frac- solar power tured verdict and one week after the National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government was installed. As the newly elected Speaker Donkupar Roy was about to put the confi dence motion to vote, the plant in UP leader of opposition Mukul Sang- ma rose up and asked which party Agencies plates with each plate having a Guyot, who conducted the spe- was leading the government. Lucknow generation capacity of 315 watt. cial tour for Macron walked with “We would like to know It can feed 150,000 households her for an hour-and-a-half across whether it is NPP-led govern- every day. the Art District. Macron was im- ment, BJP-led government or a rench President Emmanuel The two leaders also visited pressed by the diversity of tech- conglomeration of parties which Macron and Prime Minister a handicrafts centre in the an- niques used by artists, St+art India is leading the government,” the FNarendra Modi yesterday cient Hindu holy city of Varanasi, Foundation said in a statement. veteran Congress leader said. inaugurated a solar power plant which is Modi’s parliamentary She was particularly impressed Cornering the Bharatiya Janata built with French collaboration in constituency. by the creation of an open air art Party, Mukul said that “it is obvi- Uttar Pradesh. Macron and his wife Brigitte museum that off ers art to all in ous that the mandate given by the The move came one day after walked through the Deen Dayal the most relatable and engaging people is a fractured mandate. the leaders formally launched the Hastkala Sankul, a trade facilita- manner. Looking at the background of International Solar Alliance Initi- tion centre, where they saw sam- “It was a great honour for the the whole election campaign, the ative (ISA), an inter-governmen- ples of locally woven silk Banarasi organisation to receive the fi rst mandate of the people is to form a tal organisation that aims to help saris and carpets from Mirzapur lady of France at the Lodhi Art government without the BJP.” sunshine-rich countries around and interacted with artisans. District for a special curated tour. “The political parties in their the world harness solar energy at The prime Minister told the Mrs Macron’s momentous visit election campaigns have promised an aff ordable cost. French president about vari- reaffi rms St+art’s strong partner- the innocent people of the state Macron, who is on a four- ous handicrafts on display at the ship with the French government that they have no access to the BJP. day visit to India, unveiled the stalls. in India and we hope to continue Various political parties had also 100MW plant in Dadarkala. They briefl y halted to hear the this partnership for many years clearly stated they will not have any The plant has been built in locals playing shehnaai. to come,” said Arjun Bahl, co- connection with the party,” he said. collaboration with French com- The two retired for lunch at the founder and director St+art India Conrad said he was heading the pany Engie Solar and is one of the Nadesar fi ve-star hotel, belong- Foundation. Meghalaya Democratic Alliance projects under ISA. ing to the Taj Group. The visit also highlights the (MDA) government led by the Smiling all along and holding While Macron stayed back at collaboration between St+art In- NPP and that he has the support hands off and on, both Modi and the hotel to rest, Modi drove to dia Foundation and the French of the United Democratic Party, Macron unveiled the inaugural keep his other engagements. institutions in India (Embassy of the Hill State People’s Demo- plaque in the presence of federal They also watched a brief show France, Institute Francaise, Alli- cratic Party, People’s Democratic minister Anupriya Patel, Chief of Ramleela, a song-and-dance ance Francaise), which recently Front besides Independents. Minister Yogi Adityanath and account based on Rama. culminated in four projects across However, he did not take the French First Lady Brigitte Ma- The two leaders later took a Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkataand name of the BJP, while BJP min- cron, besides others. boat ride on the river Ganges, Chandigarh as part of the Bonjour ister Alexander Hek and another The power plant has been built along the riverbank’s famous India project. party legislator Sanbor Shullai at a cost of Rs6.5bn over a stretch ghats (steps) that have existed for zCongress president Rahul Gan- defended the saff ron party for of 380 acres in the Vindhya thousands of years. dhi met the French president on being part of the government. mountain range. Modi briefed Macron about Sunday and said they discussed is- “The BJP is a secular party and The plant has 118,000 solar the history and signifi cance of sues common to both democracies not anti-people,” Shullai said. panels and the power produced various. The president asked including fake news and looked “It is very clear that this is a there will be transmitted to the him some questions and Modi forward to collaborating with him Meghalaya Democratic Alliance Jigna Power sub-station of the promptly responded. on issues like climate change. coalition government headed by Power Corp. The two leaders held talks in “Yesterday, I met Macron. We the NPP. I don’t think there is The electricity produced will New Delhi on Saturday which was discussed a range of issues com- any kind of doubt on this. Even in then be divided into ‘a’ and ‘b’ followed by the signing of several mon to our liberal democracies, the letter of support of the MLAs sections of Mirzapur and the re- accords. including fake news. I look for- which was submitted to the Gov- maining electricity will be sup- Earlier in the day, the Lodhi ward to building on this meeting ernor (Ganga Prasad), all have plied to Allahabad. Colony area of Delhi which was and to collaborating with him on mentioned that they are express- Offi cials said the generation transformed into India’s very fi rst global challenges such as climate ing their support for the NPP-led of power will begin with the fi rst open public art district as part of change,” Gandhi tweeted attach- government under the leadership rays of the sun and the plant will the St+art Festival in 2015 was ing a picture with former prime of Conrad K Sangma,” the chief French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive by boat to a ‘ghat’ shut down with sunset. graced by Brigitte Macron. minister Manmohan Singh and minister said. during a visit to Varanasi yesterday. The plant has 318,650 solar St+art senior architect Pierre Macron. Karti sent to judicial Unitech assets to be auctioned, says SC

IANS outside, which are free from en- custody till March 24 New Delhi cumbrances,” the court’s March 5 order said. IANS to INX Media in 2007 when his ments, the defence lawyers said The court asked Unitech’s New Delhi father was the fi nance minister there was a serious apprehension he Supreme Court yester- lawyer Ranjit Kumar to fi le the in the Congress-led government. of threat to Karti and cited the day said it would get auc- incomplete list along with an af- Defence lawyers Dayan case of biscuit baron Rajan Pillai Ttioned the unencumbered fi davit. However, the real estate New Delhi court yester- Krishnan and Mohit Mathur told who died in custody. properties of real estate major major will complete the list before day sent senior Congress the court that Karti’s father had The lawyers voiced concern Unitech, including personal as- the next hearing. Aleader P Chidambaram’s dealt with various stringent pe- that there was pre-planned con- sets of managing director Sanjay Pressing for Chandra’s bail, son Karti Chidambaram to judi- nal laws. spiracy “to do something to their Chandra, to pay back home buy- Kumar cited the case of Sahara cial custody till March 24 in the Undertrials facing prosecution client while he is being lodged in ers seeking refund of their money. Group chief Subrata Roy. INX Media corruption case. under those laws were lodged in jail”. “We will auction... We will “Here (there are) actual home The court also rejected Karti’s Tihar Jail where Karti has been The court said the apprehen- proceed with the auction,” said a buyers. They feel cheated and request seeking a separate prison sent during his period of judicial sion cannot be ignored keeping bench of Chief Justice Dipak Mis- deceived,” Chief Justice Misra in Tihar Jail , ands said just be- custody and there was fear over in view his and his father’s social ra and Justices A M Khanwilkar said, apparently indicating that cause of the social status of the his security. status. and D Y Chandrachud. in the case of Sahara, the inves- accused and his father, he cannot The lawyers requested the “But, he cannot be treated dif- The bench was told that tors, as of now, were yet to be as- be treated diff erent from others. court to allot a separate prison ferent from other accused per- Unitech has prepared a list of un- certained. After the Central Bureau of during his judicial custody. sons and cannot be allowed to encumbered properties but it was In a related development, the Investigation (CBI) told Special But CBI’s lawyer V K Sharma be kept in a separate prison,” the incomplete. court imposed a Rs2.5mn fi ne on Judge Sunil Rana that they did said such fears were without any court said. On March 5, the court had Chennai-based JM Financial As- not require further custody of basis as Karti has regularly been However, the court asked the asked Unitech to submit a list of set Restructuring Company Lim- Karti, the court remanded him in visiting abroad. jail authorities to ensure proper its unencumbered properties. ited and dismissed its interven- judicial custody. He said that if Karti did not safety and security to Karti. “... the competent authority tion application. Karti was arrested in February face any threat then, why should The court allowed Karti to of Unitech Limited shall fi le an JM Financial had picked up the for allegedly taking money to fa- he have such fears now in the jail, carry spectacles and medicines affi davit mentioning the details loan obligation of Unitech to- cilitate Foreign Investment Pro- which has tight security? but rejected his request to carry of its properties and its subsidi- wards HDFC bank and resched- motion Board (FIPB) clearance Reacting to the agency’s argu- books, toiletries and clothes. Karti Chidambaram being taken to a court in New Delhi yesterday. aries, situated in India as well as uled its repayments. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 17 INDIA SP leader joins BJP but is slammed for remarks on Jaya Bachchan

IANS Federal Railways Minister Piy- said Agrawal, who is set to retire joined Bharatiya Janata Party. He of the most vocal critics of the them for the regard they had ister in Uttar Pradesh, has often New Delhi ush Goyal, who held a press con- from the Rajya Sabha on April 2. is welcome. However, his com- Narendra Modi government and given him. changed parties in the last 30 ference to announce the entry of He was referring to the re- ments regarding Jaya Bachchan- the BJP in the Rajya Sabha in the He said the Samajwadi Par- years of his political career. He Agrawal at the party headquar- nomination of renowned Bol- ji are improper and unaccept- last few years, lauded the prime ty was losing its grip on Uttar has also stoked controversies. he Samajwadi Party’s Ra- ters, and BJP spokesman Sambit lywood actress Jaya Bachchan able,” she said. minister and BJP chief Amit Shah. Pradesh by aligning with par- He had earlier been with the jya Sabha member Naresh Patra were visibly embarrassed by the Samajwadi Party for yet During the press conference, “I am inspired by Prime Min- ties such as the Congress and the Loktantrik Congress Party with TAgrawal, who has changed by the remarks. Patra sought to another Rajya Sabha term from Agrawal also announced that his ister and Yogiji (Chief Minister Bahujan Samaj Party. Agrawal Jagdambika Pal that allied with parties frequently in his three- contain the damage by calling an Uttar Pradesh in the upcom- son Nitin Agarwal, who is a Sa- Yogi Adityanath). The fact that said the Samajwadi Party was a the BJP government headed by decade-old political career, end to the briefi ng before saying ing biennial elections, ignoring majwadi Party MLA, will vote for one after the other all states are strong force in 2012 but had been Kalyan Singh in Uttar Pradesh in yesterday joined the Bharatiya that BJP respects the contribu- Agrawal’s claim. the BJP in the biennial elections going to BJP proves that the en- considerably weakened. 1997. Janata Party. tion of every individual which- With its reduced strength in to the upper house. tire country is with Prime Min- Agarwal, who belongs to the He also served as a minister He straightaway stoked a con- ever fi eld they work in. the Uttar Pradesh assembly fol- He described his joining the ister Narendra Modi’s leader- trading community, also referred in the Kalyan Singh, Ram Pra- troversy saying “fi lm actor and However, Swaraj termed his lowing state elections last year, BJP as “homecoming” and said ship,” he said. to the traditional support of the kash Gupta and Rajnath Singh dancer” Jaya Bachchan has been remarks “improper and unac- the Samajwadi Party is in a posi- he would unconditionally do Agrawal also said he felt that he community to the BJP. regimes. preferred over him for nomina- ceptable”. tion to win only one Rajya Sabha whatever the party wanted him cannot serve the entire country if “My society is already with BJP. Agrawal later joined the Sa- tion by the SP in the upcoming “I was compared with a per- seat from the state. to. he was not in a national party. My community people will be very majwadi Party and was a min- elections to the upper house of son working in the fi lms... I was Swaraj conveyed her disap- “I have not joined the BJP for a Referring to Samajwadi Party happy today that Naresh has come ister in the Mulayam Singh parliament, remarks which were rejected for those who dance in proval of Agrawal’s remarks in a Rajya Sabha ticket, nor have I set leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav to his original place,” he said. government. He subsequently denounced by External Aff airs fi lms, work in fi lms. I found it not tweet. any condition.” and Ram Gopal Yadav, Agrawal Agrawal, who had been an joined the BSP before returning Minister Sushma Swaraj. proper. Nobody found it proper,” “Shri Naresh Agarwal has Agrawal, who has been one said he will continue to respect MLA several times and a min- to the Samajwadi Party. Rahul: Jaitley silent on PNB scam to protect his daughter

IANS “We state that in December New Delhi 2017, Chambers of Jaitley & Bakhshi were approached by M/s Geetanjali Gems Limited ongress president Ra- with a request for a retainer to hul Gandhi yesterday represent them in their litiga- Calleged that Finance tion and advisory matters... Minister Arun Jaitley was si- However, before any legal work lent on the $2bn Punjab and could be sent to us, a news item National Bank fraud case to appeared in the media with re- “protect his lawyer daughter” gard to their involvement in a and asked why her fi rm was banking scam. We therefore not “raided”. felt it appropriate to unilater- “It’s now revealed that our ally cancel their engagement fi nance minister’s silence on and return their retainer,” Ba- the PNB scam was to protect his khshi told The Wire. An Indian Air Force helicopter patrols during a rescue mission at Kurangani Hill in Theni district of Tamil Nadu yesterday. lawyer daughter, who was paid The Wire, according to its a large retainer by the accused founder-editor M K Venu, did just a month before the scam not fi nd the story worth pub- became public. When other law lishing. But, Gandhi said a fi rms of the accused have been “BJP-leaning website” wrote raided by the CBI (Central Bu- about this claiming The Wire reau of Investigation), why not was planning to do such a story hers,” Gandhi asked in a tweet. to “ensnare” Jaitley. The Congress president also Gandhi in his tweet about 10 trekkers killed, 30 attached a tweet of the news “other law fi rms” was refer- website The Wire reading “You ring to searches carried out by know you’re doing something the CBI at the Mumbai offi ces right when the ruling dispen- of Cyril Amarchand Mangal- sation tries to rebut a story das, a leading law fi rm which that has not even been pub- was reportedly hired by the key lished yet”. accused Nirav Modi around a hurt in TN forest fi re The Wire said on its site that month before the scam broke it was investigating a lead and in mid-February. Agencies cued in overnight operations,” to move due to their injuries. the Forest Department had not People are not being allowed had sent a questionnaire to The CBI examined the doc- Chennai police inspector T Murugan said. Local agencies were carry- issued any warning. inside forest areas without per- the law fi rm owned by Jait- uments provided by the fi rm The victims were between the ing out an intensive search to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam mission and the authorities have ley’s daughter and son-in-law, pertaining to the diamond ages of 25 and 35. determine if more people were leader M K Stalin expressed grief cancelled all programmes there, Jaiyesh Bakhshi. In his reply, jeweller Modi-related man- t least 10 trekkers have “It seems that the victims stranded on the hills. over the death of the trekkers including trekking. Bakhshi confi rmed that the date, which the company later died in a forest fi re in deviated from the regular trail. Operations to douse the fi re while Pattali Makkal Katchi “(Offi cials) will critically re- retainership had been received reportedly terminated after ATamil Nadu while 30 This is a popular trekking spot,” were underway. founder S Ramadoss demanded view the fi re sensitivity of the in December 2017 but this was the scam erupted on February more, mostly women, were res- Theni district offi cial S Kan- Police also launched an inves- streamlining of trekking activity. areas where visitors are to be returned in January 2018. 14. cued and hospitalised, police dasamy said. tigation after forest offi cials said Meanwhile, Kerala has tem- taken, assess their safety, and said yesterday. He said the fi re is still burning the organisers had not obtained porarily banned trekking in its only after convincing them- The fi re broke out in the uncontrollably in the region bor- permission for the trek and had forests after the devastating fi re selves that the visit is safe, the Sitharaman to visit China next month Kurangani hills in the district of dering Kerala, some 540km from not informed local offi cials. in its neighbouring state. areas will be opened,” he said. Theni, where two groups com- Chennai. Chief Minister K Palaniswami Kerala has a total reserved Expressing grief over the trag- Defence Minsiter Nirmala Sino-Indian border in Sikkim prising mostly women, were re- Media reports and police said ordered a probe and announced forest cover of 11,309 sq km or edy, Kerala Chief Minister Pi- Sitharaman yesterday confirmed sector. The standoff started turning from a trek organised to the groups comprised students a compensation of Rs 400,000 29.1% of its geographical area narayi Vijayan said the district she will visit China soon, months on June 16 and both sides mark last week’s International as well as employees of a com- each to the families of the dead, Rs and most of its trekking destina- administration and police in the after a period of tension where announced disengagement on Women’s Day. pany in Chennai. 100,000 each to the seriously in- tions are along this border. Idukki district were co-ordinat- troops from the two nuclear- August 28. The standoff had On their way back on Sunday, Ten among the injured suf- jured and Rs50,000 each to those The state attracts a million ing with their Tamil Nadu coun- capable nations were involved led to tension between the two the groups became trapped on fered serious burns and the death who suff ered minor injuries. foreign and 10mn domestic terparts in rescue operations. in a standoff near the border in nations, and during a meeting the hills, surrounded by the fi re. toll could rise, doctors treating Independent legislator and tourists a year and trekking is a “(I have) entrusted the Forest Sikkim. “It’s going to be probably between External Aff airs A rescue operation involving them at nearby hospitals said. All India Anna Dravida Menntra major attraction for young holi- Department to take all precau- in late April,” Sitharaman said in Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Indian Air Force helicopters was Many jumped onto boulders to Kazhagam rebel leader T T V Di- daymakers. tions to prevent wildfi res,” he New Delhi. China tried to build Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in launched. escape the blaze, NDTV network nakaran said the careless attitude The state’s Principal Chief said in a statement. a road in a territory claimed by December, India had stressed “Of the 39 trapped, 10 reported. of the Forest Department was the Conservator of Forests P K Ke- “It has also been decided to Bhutan in June last year, and that peace along the India-China trekkers, six women and four Footage on television showed main reason for the tragedy. savan said orders were issued to dig ponds in forests to ensure was stopped by India, resulting border was a pre-requisite for men, died in the fi re due to burn disturbing visuals of injured He said the forest fi re has been “stop trekking to hills and ensure potable water available for wild in a 73-day standoff at the strong bilateral relations. injuries. Thirty more were res- women, writhing in pain, unable raging for the past 15 days but that all fi re lines are cleared.” animals.” Farmers call off protest 11 aircraft grounded over engine issues after govt assurances two involving IndiGo and one Reuters New Delhi with an GoAir aircraft. Agencies ter crisis for years followed by steps were being taken on several Eight aircraft operated by In- Mumbai unseasonal rains that destroyed of their demands. diGo and three by GoAir will crops. The demonstration was co- series of in-fl ight engine need to be grounded, the regula- More than 2,400 farmers ordinated by the organisation failures prompted India’s tor said. housands of farmers committed suicide in 2017, ac- which is affiliated to the Com- Aaviation regulator yes- In February, the US aviation who gathered in Mumbai cording to offi cial fi gures. munist Party of India (Marx- terday to order the immediate regulator said the Pratt & Whit- Tto protest against their “We have won a major vic- ist). grounding of Airbus A320neo ney engines pose a shutdown treatment by the government, tory with a written assurance Mumbai’s Azad Maidan aircraft fi tted with certain Pratt risk, following similar action by called off their protest yesterday, from the government on ma- grounds, where the farmers & Whitney engines. European regulators that month. saying they had received written jor issues. This was signed by gathered at midnight to avoid Eleven aircraft operated by Indian airlines have hundreds assurances from offi cials. the chief secretary (in the state disrupting the city’s busy morn- IndiGo and GoAir are aff ected of A320neo planes on order but More than 35,000 farmers government) and tabled in the ing traffi c, was a sea of red fl ags by the directive from the Direc- they, among other carriers, are walked 180km over four days state assembly,” Ashok Dha- yesterday. torate General of Civil Aviation facing delivery delays due to from Nashik in Maharashtra to wale, president of the farmers’ There were women and chil- (DGCA). problems with the engines. the state capital as part of the federation, the All India Kisan dren among the marchers many DGCA said it had also asked “We are working closely with protest. Sabha, said. of whom could be seen nursing the airlines not to replace the our customers to minimise dis- They want their debts to “We have made some defi nite sore feet after the long march. engines. ruption. The corrective action state-run banks to be written progress, especially on land ti- Groups of farmers could be Yesterday, a fl ight operated by has been approved and we have off , a government-supported tles, prices and pensions... there seen beating drums and dancing IndiGo experienced a technical already begun to deliver produc- minimum price for crops and has been a forward movement,” at the Azad Maidan grounds as glitch with one of its engines. tion engines with the upgraded ownership rights to forest land Dhawale said. the news came in. It was forced to return to confi guration. We are working they have tilled for decades, Maharashtra Chief Minister The women’s presence in the Ahmedabad airport, the airline to mitigate the...situation by the among other demands. Devendra Fadnavis said discus- “long march”, as the rally was said in a separate statement. end of the second quarter,” said Parts of Maharashtra have sions with the farmers’ leaders dubbed, was signifi cant, ana- Farmers shout slogans as they listen to speakers at the site of a DGCA said there had been a statement from Pratt, a unit of faced severe drought and a wa- were positive and immediate lysts said. protest rally in Mumbai yesterday. three such incidents in 2018 – United Technologies Corporation. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 LATIN AMERICA

EVENT FORECAST DISEASE TREND LEGAL Venezuela annual inflation Mexico sees outbreaks Peruvians in favour of Trump group taking action ‘exceeds 6,000% in Feb’ of H7N3 bird flu virus impeaching president: poll over hotel name change

Prices in Venezuela rose 6,147% in the 12 months Mexico reported two outbreaks of highly A majority of Peruvians want President Pedro The Trump Organisation is taking legal action to the end of February, according to estimates pathogenic H7N3 bird flu virus in the central part Pablo Kuczynski to resign or be forced from over the name change of a luxury hotel it used by opposition-led National Assembly released of the country, of which one at chicken farm, office by Congress, according to a poll by Ipsos to manage in Panama — as it remains entangled yesterday, broadly in line with independent the World Organisation for Animal Health said published in a local newspaper. Kuczynski in a complex battle with the new owner, who economists’ figures. Inflation during February yesterday, citing a Mexican agriculture ministry narrowly survived an impeachment bid in removed Trump’s name from the facade of alone was 80%, opposition lawmakers said, report. The virus killed 1,380 birds at a rural farm December but opposition lawmakers are the building. On March 5, the letters T-R-U-M-P amid an economic crisis in which millions are with 1,900 approximately-80-weeks-old Rhode making a new push to unseat the centre-right were pried from the front of the Trump Ocean unable to find or aff ord basic food and medicine. Island Red chickens and white chickens in the leader over his ties to a Brazilian company at Club International Hotel and Tower, located “If this exponential velocity of price growth state of Guanajuato, the ministry said in the the heart of a massive Latin American-wide in an exclusive area of Panama City. Cypriot A clown from Peru performs during the fifth continues, prepare for an inflation of 131,985% in report posted on the website of the Paris-based graft scandal. The Ipsos poll, published by the businessman Orestes Fintiklis, the majority annual Puerto Rico Circo Fest in San Juan, 2018,” tweeted lawmaker and economist Angel OIE. The remaining birds were culled. Another newspaper El Comercio, found that 58% of owner of the complex — which he renamed “The Puerto Rico. The festival is held simultaneously Alvarado. Critics blame strict currency controls, outbreak was detected among backyard birds Peruvians want Kuczynski to be impeached Bahia Grand” — said that Panamanian authorities in several spots on the streets of the old San enacted 15 years ago by the late president, Hugo in the neighbouring state of Queretaro where it by Congress, versus 37% who would rather he gave him permission to remove the Trump Juan city. Chavez, as well as excessive money printing. killed seven birds out of a flock of 26. continue in power. organisation from the hotel’s administration. Meirelles ‘gains edge on Temer as ruling party eyes 2018 race’

Reuters lies in the Cabinet are the main Brasilia backers of his nomination, but the growing feeling in the party is that Meirelles would make a upport for a presidential better candidate, one of the par- run by Brazil Finance Min- ty sources said. Sister Henrique Meirelles A rejection rate of more than is gaining strength within the 70% in polls is Temer’s biggest country’s largest party and he problem and is seen as unsur- could be nominated over Presi- mountable, the person said. dent Michel Temer for the Oc- Shouts of “Out with Temer” tober presidential race, party of- were common at Carnival pa- fi cials said. rades last month among Bra- Meirelles has until April 7 to zilians who believe the former decide whether to join Temer’s vice president backed the im- Brazilian Democratic Move- peachment of leftist Dilma Ivan Duque, presidential candidate of the Centro Democratico party gives a speech after the results of the legislative elections in Bogota, Colombia. ment (MDB) party and resign as Rousseff in 2016 to take over minister to run for president, and shield himself from cor- a tricky decision because the ruption probes. ruling party could end up pick- The president’s recent deci- ing Temer if his numbers im- sion to drop an unpopular plan prove. to overhaul Brazil’s generous so- “Meirelles wants to join our cial security system was not able party and we are still studying to help his low single-digit ap- his request, but we cannot guar- proval rating. Colombia to restart antee that he will be the candi- Temer, 77, also runs the risk of date,” a senior MDB offi cial said, getting further entangled in an asking that he not be named ongoing corruption probe that because of the sensitivity of the led a Supreme Court justice to matter. authorise investigators to look “Meirelles is courting the par- into his bank accounts. ty and the party is courting him,” Meirelles, 72, a former chair- talks with ELN: Santos said an MDB strategist, who also man of BankBoston, has not requested anonymity. “The rank been snared by the graft scandals Reuters achieved by talking,” he said, it would answer Santos’ call to Presidential elections in May Farc talks, say negotiations are and fi le do not want Temer. consuming Brasilia. Bogota adding he hoped the two sides return to negotiations and re- could determine the fate of the positive but not a panacea. His candidacy will not fl y.” The main obstacle to his can- could agree to another ceasefi re. iterated the desire for another talks. Right-leaning candidates ac- Both Temer and Meirelles didacy is the lack of a party to Santos has said the halt to bilateral ceasefi re. Left-wing candidates, in- cuse Santos of failing to make received about 1% of voter in- support him, because his Social olombia and the Marx- talks was a dilemma and hinted “We join President Santos’ cluding the Liberals’ Humberto a fair deal with the Farc — in- tentions in a recent Datafolha Democratic Party (PSD) plans to ist ELN guerrilla group he could scrap them entirely, call to restart talks, with the de la Calle, who was the govern- cluding by allowing ex-rebels to poll. back Alckmin. Cwill restart peace talks in though he applauded the unilat- conviction that it is better to ment’s head negotiator at the avoid jail sentences. Still, the ruling party is set “Meirelles wants to be presi- Ecuador, President Juan Manuel eral ceasefi re held by the rebels have dialogue in the midst of a on having its own presidential dent. He will leave the PSD for Santos said yesterday, after during legislative elections. bilateral ceasefi re.” Opponents of peace deal triumph in elections candidate, even if a stronger the MDB. He feels it’s now or a six-week pause marked by He acknowledges talks are Talks with the former Farc centrist candidate such as Sao never. He has the health and deaths on both sides. unpopular and has slammed rebel group, which signed a Right-wing parties critical Alvaro Uribe, who campaigned Paulo governor Geraldo Alckmin the energy,” said a person with Santos suspended talks in late the group for its attacks on the 2016 peace deal, were also of Colombia’s peace deal fiercely against the November of the Brazilian Social Democ- knowledge of his plans. January after the National Lib- armed forces. fraught at times. Santos sus- with the guerrilla movement 2016 peace deal with Farc. In racy Party defends its platform The fi nance minister’s sub- eration Army (ELN) launched Santos did not specify a start pended talks when that group, Farc emerged as the biggest the House of Representatives, of market-friendly reforms and stantial personal fortune from a series of bomb attacks that date for the renewed talks, but now a political party, kidnapped winners in the country’s Democratic Centre was fi scal austerity. his years in the private sector killed eight police offi cers and said the government negotia- a general. parliamentary elections, running almost on a par with With Brazil’s most popular may help the case for his candi- injured dozens, immediately tors will travel back to Quito. The peace deal failed in a ref- raising questions about the the Liberal Party, which was politician, leftist former presi- dacy, as new limits on corporate following the end of the two Colombian forces have killed erendum, but eventually passed future of the agreement. With ahead with 16.6%. Uribe was re- dent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, funding for political campaigns sides’ fi rst-ever ceasefi re. 34 rebels in fi ghting since the through Congress. votes from 99% of polling elected senator with a massive likely barred from running due have sent parties scrambling for “Since the bilateral ceasefi re ceasefi re ended on January 9, The ELN, founded by Roman stations counted yesterday, the 870,000 votes, while his to a corruption conviction, cash. ended, there have been too many while rebels have launched re- Catholic priests in 1964, is con- Democratic Centre party took party’s candidate Ivan Duque the October 7 election is wide Meirelles has said he will make deaths on both sides, too many peated attacks, killed 19 mem- sidered more radical than the the most votes – 16.4% – in swept an open primary among open, with many potential his decision at the last minute wounded, too many victims — bers of the armed forces and Farc and is less centralised. the senate following Sunday’s three conservative candidates candidates still polling in sin- and would not settle for being this is what we must stop,” San- halted pumping of crude oil The group has sought peace elections. The party was for the presidential elections gle digits. vice presidential candidate on tos said in a televised address. with bomb attacks. with the government before but founded by former president on May 27. Temer’s closest political al- someone else’s ticket. “And that can only be The ELN said in a statement made little progress. Mexico state pension Dancing in protest UN faults Honduras police over killings fund loses millions Reuters Hernandez, a conservative Geneva supported by the US, appeared set to lose the November 26 Reuters dollar-denominated debt load Details on the holdings of election until an abrupt halt in Mexico City and lower government infrastruc- Mexican pension funds are not onduran security the vote count and a shift in the ture spending led to a cash crunch. public. PensionIssste did not re- forces, especially the results took victory away from Despite that PensionIssste be- spond to e-mailed questions or a Hmilitary police, used his centre-left rival, Salvador exico’s state workers’ gan to buy up ICA shares and spent call for comment. excessive and lethal force Nasralla. pension fund ploughed around 400mn pesos ($21.5mn) at ICA and four subsidiaries against protesters demon- Allegations of fraud sparked Mmore than $20mn an average price of around 7 pesos fi led a prepackaged bankruptcy strating against President Juan protests but the result was into ICA and became the larg- per share, one source said. agreement in August 2017, lead- Orlando Hernandez’s disputed eventually ratifi ed by the est shareholder as the builder ICA, formally known as Em- ing to the suspension of trading re-election in November, the country’s electoral tribunal spiralled toward insolvency, ac- presas ICA SAB de CV, fi nally in the shares at 1.48 pesos. United Nations said yesterday. and both Mexico and the US cording to people familiar with stopped making debt payments Last Monday, ICA said a judge The security forces shot backed the incumbent. the matter, with the fund’s in- in December 2015, a fall from had approved its creditors agree- dead at least 16 people, includ- Hernandez had pledged a vestment set to be wiped out in grace for what had once been ment, which was accepted by a ing two women and two chil- hardline strategy criticised by a restructuring. Mexico’s largest construction majority of debtholders. dren, out of at least 23 people human rights groups to bring PensionIssste, which man- company. Unlike PensionIssste, one in- known to have died during the order to the impoverished Cen- ages about 195bn pesos ($10.5bn) Tapen Sinha, a professor at vestor who opted for debt over protests, the UN human rights tral American country, which of mostly government workers’ Mexico’s ITAM University who equity is set to benefi t from ICA’s offi ce said in a report. has been plagued by battles retirement money, became the specialises in risk management restructuring plan. “These cases raise serious between security forces, local largest shareholder in ICA, with and pension funds, said funds Mexican fi nancier David Mar- concerns and may amount to gangs and drug traffi ckers. a stake of almost 10%, said three should avoid such volatile stocks tinez’s vehicle Fintech lent ICA extra-judicial killings,” the re- By January 27, the date of people with knowledge of the right off the bat. $215mn in 2016 and under the port said. Seven people were the presidential inauguration, investment who spoke on condi- “It’s not for no reason some- restructuring plan, will be the killed by shots to the head, it no charges had been brought tion of anonymity. thing drops 50%,” he said. largest shareholder in the com- said. against any member of the se- Many details of the transac- “There should be alarm bells pany that emerges from bank- “Analysis of the type of inju- curity forces in relation to the tion are not publicly available (going) off in risk management ruptcy, according to documents ries suff ered by the victims in- killings, the UN report said. and none of the parties involved inside PensionIssste.” on ICA’s website. dicate that the security forces The UN also said a curfew were willing to comment. Pensions regulator Consar ex- PensionIssste and other ICA made intentional lethal use imposed as part of a state of Half-way through 2015, ICA amined the purchases, its presi- shareholders will see their hold- An old couple dance as they take part in a protest against of fi rearms, including beyond emergency on December 1 shares had sunk more than 50% dent, Carlos Ramirez, said, add- ings diluted to 0.01% of the the government demanding better pensions at Santiago, dissuasive or self-defence (le- was excessive, with some 1,351 from the year earlier as a crash in ing that the deal complied with company, according to the doc- Chile, yesterday. gitimate) purposes, such as people detained within four the peso had increased its heavy existing rules. uments. when protestors were fl eeing.” days in mass arrests. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 19 PAKISTAN Opposition’s candidate elected Senate chairman Reuters/Internews in a rare show of unity. and ally of former prime minis- path,” Bizenjo told the Senate. a deal with the military. Krishna Kumari’s election is Islamabad PML-N offi cials, who allege ter Nawaz Sharif, who was oust- PML-N displaced the Paki- The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf seen as a breakthrough for her elements of the military are try- ed by a Supreme Court ruling stan Peoples Party (PPP) as the (PTI) party, which joined the Dalit community, who are the ing to weaken their party, accuse last July that his party suggested single biggest one in the upper PPP in backing the new Senate lowest rung on the caste ladder little-known politician Sanjrani of being a “pro-estab- was infl uenced by the powerful house in elections on March 3. chief, has also rejected claims of and are often referred to as the beat the ruling Pakistan lishment” candidate. military. However, the secret ballot of military involvement, with par- “Untouchables”. AMuslim League – Nawaz He denies being a military The military, which has ruled members of the four provincial ty leader Imran Khan tweeting Pakistanis due to hold a gen- (PML-N)’s candidate to become stooge and the army has rejected Pakistan for nearly half of the assemblies and the federal par- that Sanjrani’s election would eral election in mid-2018. chairman of Pakistan’s Sen- claims of meddling. time since independence from liament was marred by allega- “strengthen the federation”. Sanjrani hails from a political ate yesterday, in a vote that the Sanjrani won 57 votes in the British colonial rule in 1947, de- tions of horse trading and seat “We are happy for the people family from Chagai district of PML-N said was a stitch up by 104-seat chamber to beat PML- nies interfering in the judicial buying. of Baluchistan & for the federa- Baluchistan. opposition parties. N candidate Raja Zafarul’s 46, process. The PPP has a long history of tion of Pakistan,” Khan tweeted. He was born on April 14, 1978 Sadiq Sanjrani, a senator from according to presiding offi cer “I appeal to the institutions, battling military dictatorships In a lighter moment, all sena- and received a Master’s Degree a remote part of the southwest- Sardar Yaqoob Nasir. I appeal to the political par- under the leadership of Zard- tors clapped and banged tables in in Art from the Baluchistan Uni- ern Baluchistan province, was a “The face of this house is ties that for God’s sake let this ari’s slain wife Benazir Bhutto appreciation when a new mem- versity. Sanjrani: a compromise candidate compromise candidate who was blackened today,” said Mir Hasil country take its right course. Let and her late father Zulfi kar Ali ber, from a marginalised Hindu Sanjrani is the fi rst Senate backed by opposition parties in a supported by opposition parties Bizenjo, a government minister this country take its democratic Bhutto, and it has denied cutting caste, entered the chamber. chairman from Baluchistan. rare show of unity. Red Mosque ‘reclaims’ ownership of adjacent land Film fest panel

Internews istration, led by Maulana Abdul made part of the mosque, but so After the 2007 operation, “If today the administration Islamabad Aziz, reached an agreement un- far the CDA has not merged it the CDA had changed the mas- of Lal Masjid is claiming owner- looks at women’s der which the CDA would pro- with the mosque.” ter plan for the G’6 civic centre, ship of the land, this is not fair, vide an alternative site for the When asked if the CDA, which erasing several plots adjacent to because they had been claiming he Lal Masjid (Red reconstruction of Jamia Hafsa. is the custodian of land in the Lal Masjid and leaving the entire that the status of the entire ad- Mosque) administration The CDA has allotted 20 kanals capital, was party to the afore- area an open space. jacent land should be considered representation Tin Islamabad has “re- of land for this in H’11, and con- mentioned agreement, Ahmed Previously, the plots were re- open space, like a graveyard. How claimed” land that once housed struction is ongoing. One kanal is said it was not. served for a children’s library, a they can now install any sign- Jamia Hafsa and a children’s li- one-eighth of an acre. CDA spokesperson Malik gymnasium, an author’s corner, board there,” the offi cial asked. Internews explained that when she made brary, which became the site of However, the Lal Masjid ad- Saleem, when asked about the and so on. He added that if the mosque’s Islamabad the documentary following a bloody military operation in ministration recently installed agreement Ahmed had referred A CDA offi cial who was part of administration had no issue with Kohli’s campaign, she did it 2007. a board on a site adjacent to the to, said he had no knowledge of an the team that changed the sec- land use, the CDA should take with very little funding and The mosque administration mosque, claiming that the land agreement regarding the merging tor’s master plan said that after advantage of the situation and peakers at the Women experience. has installed a signboard on land was the mosque’s property. of the plot with the mosque. the operation, the mosque ad- revise the master plan by plac- International Film Festi- However, despite the tech- next to the mosque, calling it Hafi z Ihtesham Ahmed, a “The land adjacent to Lal Mas- ministration had pressured the ing commercial plots on the land Sval (WIFF) 2018 in Islam- nical problems with the fi lm, their property, while the Capital spokesperson for the mosque’s jid is the CDA’s property, and no government to prevent the land next to the mosque to earn bil- abad explored the importance she said that it was an impor- Administration Authority (CDA) Shuhada Foundation, claimed: one would be allowed to encroach next to the mosque from being lions of rupees, which it could of representation and visibility tant story to tell, and encour- has remained silent on the latest “As per our agreement with the upon it,” he said, adding that the used for any other purpose be- spend on development work in during a panel discussion on aged aspiring fi lmmakers who alleged encroachment. government, we can include this authority also stopped eff orts to cause a number of people were the city. Creating safer spaces for wom- may want to pursue such work The Jamia Hafsa building and plot [where Jamia Hafsa once construct on the land last year. killed on the site. “We had removed our planned en in politics through fi lm. during the upcoming election the library were demolished by stood] in the Lal Masjid yard.” When asked why action had He said that the authority had plots from the master plan to The discussion featured cycle to do so. the government following the While discussing the installa- not been taken to remove the changed the master plan to erase leave the area open, but if Lal fi lmmaker Tazeen Bari and US Bari also discussed the role military operation in 2007. tion of the board, he added: “As signboard if the land is the CDA’s any uses for the land after direc- Masjid has no issue with use of Institute of Peace – Pakistan that visibility can play in keep- After the operation, the gov- per the agreement, ultimately property, Saleem said they would tions from the federal govern- land, we can go for an auction of representative Sehar Tariq, ing women in politics safe. ernment and the mosque admin- this four-kanal plot was to be look into it. ment. plots,” he said. and was moderated by wom- She said that fi lmmakers can en’s rights activist Rukshanda play an important role in sup- Naz. port of female candidates by No Pride of The discussion began with a providing visibility and there- screening of Bari’s documen- fore, a measure of safety. Performance tary on Veeru Kohli, a bonded “I don’t think that having awards this year labour activist who contested someone documenting neces- the PS-50 constituency during sarily leads to a safer situation, There will be no distribution of the 2013 general election. but it can help. the Pride of Performance Award The documentary followed “Like when [Veeru and her (Tamgha-i-Husn-i-Karkardagi) on Kohli’s campaign and high- campaigners] were harassed the Pakistan Day as the federal lighted the importance of her by the opposition, we weren’t government has not announced candidacy as a catalyst for there … they might have the names of the recipients, it women voters. thought twice if it was being was learnt yesterday. Tariq spoke about the im- documented. The government usually portance of representation and “So this is a small way in announces recipients of the civil the sense of pride that she felt which I feel that fi lmmakers award on August 14 and their watching former prime minis- can make a contribution to investiture takes place on the ter Benazir Bhutto on the tel- making spaces safer,” Bari said. following Pakistan Day (March 23) evision as a child. In addition to the aforemen- by the president of Pakistan. “When I look back at it now, tioned discussion, the day- Sources said that due to the it was the fact that she was long festival, which was held at disqualification of former prime Pakistani like me, a woman; the Pakistan National Council minister Nawaz Sharif on July 28, she was always referred to as of the Arts, featured a parallel the government failed to make the daughter of the east, and discussion on Self-empower- the announcement. daughter was a label that I as- ment through fi lm, as well as It is the second time in the sociated with myself,” she screenings from WIFF’s offi cial country`s history that the said. “I think one of the most selection of entries, a musical awards, that started on March 19, important things that fi lm can performance and a stand-up 1957, are not being conferred. do for women is to represent comedy set. The first time happened during them.” The fi lms focused on a range the tenure of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Last day Tariq said that women do of topics and entries came The government gives the not get the same level of rep- from various regions, includ- Pride of Performance Awards to Models present resentation as men, giving the ing India and Tajikistan. civilians in recognition of their creations by designers example of prime-time tel- Grey, a fi lm by Raheela extraordinary work in the fields of Khas (above), Fahad evision talk shows, where the Zulfi qar in Lahore, focuses on literature, arts, sports, medicine Hussayn (upper right), majority of participants and the consequences of unsafe and science. and So Kamal (right) on featured analysts and experts abortions and featured inter- District governments from Sunday evening, the last are men. views with women, doctors, across the country send day of the Pakistan “Why is it that men have a midwives and various other recommendations for the award Fashion Design Council monopoly on all kinds of ex- individuals. to their provincial governments, (PFDC) Fashion Week, in pertise?” she asked. Another Pakistani entry, and these recommendations are Lahore. Tariq said that part of the Seema Farooq’s Gumaan-i- forwarded to the cabinet division. problem is that women are not Ziyaan, explores the impact represented in the mainstream of gender stereotyping on media, and are not positioned children and adults by posing as “strong voices”. a series of questions to both She said that fi lms, however, groups. are an alternative space where In Search of a Home, an entry Punjab govt bans children’s dance performances in schools there could be this kind of from Bengal, India, followed representation which could in victims of human traffi cking turn inspire others. who had returned home. Internews The ban extends to perform- Goraya said that the decision leads to their sexualisation. provincial education minister to While discussing how the Featuring the stories of three Islamabad ances on occasions of prize dis- was taken after the department An attempt to ban dance per- take “appropriate action”. political process could be women as well as interviews tribution, parents’ day, teachers’ received complaints that chil- formances and classes was also However, Sindh Chief Minis- strengthened for women, and with researchers and coun- day and others, PSED chief ex- dren were being made to dance made in Sindh in 2016, when one ter Murad Ali Shah ordered the how women politicians could sellors, the fi lm explores how he Punjab School Educa- ecutive Zahid Bashir Goraya said. to Pakistani and Indian songs at of the three Pakistan Tehreek- withdrawal of any such notifi ca- be portrayed positively, Tariq traffi cking victims were ostra- tion Department (PSED) He added that the education school events. e-Insaf lawmakers in Sindh As- tion, saying that the provincial pointed out that of the 342 cised by society and grappled Thas placed a ban on dance department would suspend the In light of the recent increase sembly, Khurrum Sher Zaman, government believes in preserv- seats in the National Assembly, with their trauma without ad- performances by students in all licence of any school that allows in the reports of sexual abuse of allegedly objected to the inclu- ing and promoting culture and only 70 are occupied by wom- equate counselling. schools in the province, local or forces children to dance at any children, some critics are of the sion of dance classes in some heritage as enshrined in the Con- en, nine of whom were elected An entry from Tajikistan, media reported yesterday. school event. opinion that making kids dance private schools and wrote to the stitution. directly. Screaming Silence by Fatima She said that roles in poli- Hussaini, is a shorter and more tics, the bureaucracy and the optimistic watch. army are now open to women, The fi lm focuses on a pair of and the fi lm and media are an shoes that were cleaned every- important way to encourage day by a woman and worn by a Campaign launched to collect books for poor students women to take those roles. man, who brought them home Filmmaker Bari added that dirtier than the day before and representation also creates left them at the doorstep. Internews Under the “Kitab Zai” cam- taken the initiative to further the Ghous Ali sought the public’s “Unfortunately, our youths solidarity. On the third morning, the Islamabad paign, they have set up a stall cause of education in the region. help to make the campaign a suc- have distanced themselves from “I feel like it’s powerful for a woman, presumably frustrated near Swat Library on Said Sharif “We want to spread knowl- cess. books and can be seen wast- woman in another part of the by the now-even fi lthier shoes, Road to distribute used books, edge among people and help poor Local educationists have wel- ing time on social media. In de- country who wants to do this simply picked up her cleaning ducation activists have both on curricular and extracur- students continue with studies comed the initiative, saying that veloped countries, people love to see Veeru’s story, and I think supplies and walked out the urged local residents to do- ricular activities, to needy and through distribution of books,” it will help spread education and books and spend time reading the solidarity it creates is really door. Enate used books to the poor poor students. said campaign organiser Ghous create love for books among the them,” said educationist Shakil important,” she said. The same night, the shoes and needy students. The activists said that they had Ali Khan. people. Khan. Earlier in the session, Bari were brought back clean. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 PHILIPPINES Indigenous Port call activist shot dead in ‘increasingly hostile climate’

Thomson Reuters Foundation Mayumi and others in IPM Bangkok had received several death threats, the group said in a statement. uthorities must thor- Mayumi’s killing comes as oughly investigate the the Philippine government Amurder of an indig- faces international criticism enous activist in the Philip- after it fi led a court petition pines, where defenders of seeking the declaration of land and environment are in- more than 600 people, in- creasingly under attack, said a cluding activists and a United group of Southeast Asian law- Nations special rapporteur, as makers yesterday. “terrorists”. Ricardo Mayumi was shot Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the dead March 2 in his home in UN special rapporteur on the Ifugao Province in the coun- rights of indigenous peoples, try’s north. who is on the government list He was one of the leaders as a member of a Maoist rebel of the Ifugao Peasant Move- group, has denied the allega- ment (IPM) and had opposed tions and said she feared for a hydroelectric dam project, her safety and that of other according to IPM. activists. Members of the Philippine navy band play welcoming music as French navy frigate Vendemaire prepares to dock at the international port in Manila, yesterday. FNS His killing requires “a The Philippines was the Vendemaire, a floreal classlight surveillance frigate, commissioned in 1993, is here for a five-day goodwill visit. prompt and thorough inves- deadliest country in Asia last tigation”, said Asean Parlia- year for defenders of land mentarians for Human Rights and resources amidst a gov- (APHR), a group of politicians ernment crackdown on rural from countries in the Associa- communities, according to tion of Southeast Asian Na- advocacy group PAN Asia Pa- tions. cifi c. “The killing highlights the The country accounted for increasingly hostile climate a fi fth of nearly 200 defend- faced by activists in the Phil- ers killed worldwide in 2016, ippines,” APHR said in a state- according to UK-based Global ment. Witness. Chief justice rejects “It is also deeply distressing APHR member Walden Bel- that the government appears lo said the government’s peti- actively hostile to the idea of tion was a “deeply dangerous protecting human rights de- move”. fenders,” said Eva Kusuma “In a context where indig- Sundari, a board member of enous people put their lives APHR. on the line each and every An investigation is under- day to defend their rights, la- call for resignation way, a spokesman for Ifugao belling them as ‘terrorists’... police told the Thomson Reu- further undermines their se- DPA aff ecting the honour and integ- Last Thursday, the House ters Foundation, adding that curity and basic rights,” said Manila rity of its justices.” Committee on Justice found no witnesses had been identi- Bello, a former Philippine “Chief, it is time to let go,” probable cause to impeach Ser- fi ed. Congressman. they said in a statement read at eno. he Philippines’ embat- the fl ag-raising ceremony at the It was expected to draft arti- tled Supreme Court chief Supreme Court, where many cles of impeachment and submit Tjustice yesterday rejected employees wore red.”Please let a report to the House plenary Charges dropped against drugs trade suspects calls for her to resign ahead of the judiciary move on.” this week to be able to schedule an impending impeachment, They noted that since the a vote. The Philippines’ justice partment of Justice panel said saying that quitting would only impeachment complaint was A one-third vote of the more department has dismissed in a ruling seen by Reuters, expose the judiciary to more at- fi led against Chief Justice Maria than 200 members of the House complaints against sev- dated Dec 20 last year, but tacks. Lourdes Sereno at the House in will impeach Sereno, who has eral high-profile drugs trade not made public. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes August 2017, gone on leave since March 1 to suspects because of weak But law enforcement agen- Sereno, the fi rst woman to lead “court offi cials have been pit- prepare for a trial at the Senate. evidence, according to docu- cies should “gather more the Supreme Court, said resign- ted against each other, resulting The impeachment complaint ments reviewed by Reuters concrete and competent evi- ing was an “easier option” for in a distressing atmosphere.” against Sereno alleged she failed yesterday. dence proving that respond- her but she was determined to “The court can no longer en- to declare “exorbitant” lawyer’s In his bloody war on drugs, ents and other individuals fi ght for the independence of the dure a prolonged environment fees amounting to 37mn pesos President Rodrigo Duterte are indeed involved in illegal judiciary from political infl u- of this kind,” the statement ($740,000) in her statement of had publicly named and drugs trade,” it added. ences. read.”Its offi cials and person- assets and liabilities. shamed provincial politicians The justice secretary was not “I will not resign,” she told a nel... It also accused the chief jus- and businessmen as “drug immediately available for forum with cheering supporters, cannot go through another set tice of using Supreme Court lords” controlling the narcot- comment yesterday. hours after judges and employ- Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno waves to supporters of hearings and go against each funds to purchase a car worth ics trade in the Southeast The collapse of the cases will ees of the Supreme Court called during a gathering of the Coalition For Justice at the University of other again at the Senate.” 5.1mn pesos, higher than its Asian nation. be a blow to Duterte, who has for her resignation. the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. Sereno said she was saddened market value of 4.5mn pesos, for “We are mindful of the zeal- been criticised by political “Resigning from my post as that some judges and employees her personal use. ous intention of the complain- opponents and human rights chief justice will only serve to “To do so would invite the In calling for Sereno’s res- “have succumbed to pressures Sereno, who has denied the ant to eliminate the illegal groups for primarily target- erode the independence of the kind of extraconstitutional ad- ignation, the Supreme Court to enter the political fray,” but charges against her, has drawn drug menace prevalent in our ing small-time users and Supreme Court and embolden venturism that treats legal rights judges and employees lamented noted that those calling for her the ire of Duterte for criticising country today, and it is public dealers in a brutal campaign those who demand a subservient and procedures like mere in- that the impeachment proceed- resignation only represented his administration’s campaign knowledge that this fight has that has left drugs kingpins judiciary,” said Sereno, a critic of conveniences that should be set ings at the House of Representa- four out of 15 judges associations against illegal drugs and his taken numerous lives,” a De- largely untouched. President Rodrigo Duterte’s ad- aside when it suits the powers tives had already “put the entire and employees unions in the ju- declaration of martial law in the ministration. that be,” she added. judiciary in disrepute, thereby diciary. southern region of Mindanao. Police arrest suspected militants Dela Rosa vows against

AFP abuse of subpoena powers Manila

DPA tion to criminal cases more swiftly and decisively hilippine police have ar- Manila in the best interest of the criminal justice system,” rested a suspected mili- he said. “Rest assured: Any attempt to abuse or Ptant who allegedly helped misuse this power will be promptly checked and guard a group of tourists kid- he Philippines’ national police chief yes- subsequently dealt with accordingly,” he added. napped in 2001 including an terday allayed fears that he and two other The new law, signed by Duterte over the week- American missionary who was Ttop offi cials would abuse new powers to end, has prompted warnings of abuses by human later killed, the justice depart- issue subpoenas under a recently approved law. rights groups and nationalist legislators who op- ment said yesterday. Director General Ronald Dela Rosa welcomed posed the proposal in Congress. Hood Abdullah is accused of the signing into law of an act granting him, the At a time when members of law enforcement guarding hostages including US head and the deputy of the police investigation have been accused of abuses in Duterte’s cam- citizen Martin Burnham, who unit the right to summon people and documents paign against drugs, “granting the police further was killed and his wife wounded related to a criminal case. powers to act without judicial authorisation is in the crossfi re during a botched “This authority will eff ectively add more teeth a recipe for disaster,” said Carlos Conde, a re- military rescue attempt in June to our mandate to enforce the law and fi nd a solu- searcher in Asia for Human Rights Watch. 2002. Abdullah was a member of Abu Sayyaf, an Al Qaeda-linked group blamed for the archipela- go’s deadliest bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings in Man arrested over wife’s murder recent decades, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said. National Police Chief Director General, Ronald Dela Rosa (right, seated) speaks, while Justice Secretary “Burnham, an American hos- Vitaliano Aguirre (centre) and National Bureau of Investigation Chief Dante Gierran (left) listen during the By Mary Gleefer F Jalea was presented to the media. Heide, was found scattered all tage, was always handcuff ed presentation of suspected militants, H Abdullah and Jimmy Bla at the National Bureau of Investigation Manila Times Estrera said stress from his over the fl oor inside their house to Abdullah...especially on the headquarters in Manila, yesterday. job and other personal prob- in Barangay Holy Spirit. move,” Aguirre told reporters. lems might have aff ected his Her arms and legs were cut Burnham died 13 months after While Abdullah did not were rescued and helped to arrested a second Abu Sayyaf man was arrested in way of thinking. “He didn’t ex- off , while her intestines were Abu Sayyaf gunmen kidnapped take part in the resort raid, he identify Abdullah, the justice suspect, Jimmy Bla, elsewhere Quezon City for chop- plicitly say the reason for kill- removed from her body. a group of 20 tourists at an up- guarded the Burnhams when secretary added. in Zamboanga, Aguirre said. Aping up his wife out of ing his wife but we are (saying) Recovered from the crime scale western Philippine resort, several groups of hostages in- Abdullah was arrested on Bla owns several powerful “hatred,” police said. that it (was) generally hatred scene were a 13-inch ham- including the Burnhams and an- cluding the missionary couple February 27 in the southern motorboats and is believed to The suspect, Orlando Estre- that urged him to do it,” Que- mer beneath Heide’s body and other American, who was later were put together in one deten- port city of Zamboanga, where have been providing “fast sea ra, claimed he heard “voices” zon City Police District (QCPD) a kitchen knife with traces of beheaded. tion area, Aguirre said. Aguirre said he was believed to transport” to kidnappers, the pushing him to kill his wife. Director Guillermo Eleazar told blood on the handle. The gunmen took their vic- The other hostages were be scouting for fresh victims justice department added. “I’ve been hearing voices… Manila Times yesterday. The body of the victim was tims to their southern island plantation workers and mem- while working as a motel secu- The two suspects have de- saying that I will meet my real Investigators found that at moved to the Philippine Na- stronghold of Basilan, authori- bers of the Jehovah’s Witness rity guard. nied involvement in terrorist wife soon,” the suspect, who about 6pm on Sunday, the mu- tional Police Crime Laboratory ties said. religious sect — two of whom On February 28, authorities activities. appeared dazed, said when he tilated body of Estrera’s wife, for autopsy. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL 49 dead after plane crashes in Nepal Confusion between air and nine died at two hospitals in 33 of the passengers traff ic control and pilot over Kathmandu,” police spokesman were Nepali, 32 were the runway might have led Manoj Neupane said, adding an- Bangladeshi, one was to crash other 22 were being treated in hos- Chinese and one from the pital, some in a critical condition. Maldives AFP The cause of the crash was not Kathmandu immediately clear, but a state- pulled the plane up. But then it ment from airport authorities crashed towards the fi eld.” said the plane was “out of con- Nepal army spokesman Gokul orty-nine people were trol” as it came in to land. Bhandaree said seven of the vic- killed when a Bangladeshi An airport source, who spoke tims survived the impact but Nepali rescue workers gather around the debris of an airplane that crashed near the international airport in Kathmandu yesterday. Fplane crashed and burst on condition of anonymity, said later died of their injuries. into fl ames near Kathmandu there may have been confusion Airline spokesman Kamrul problems on the aircraft. But it aviation safety courses in Nepal. Nepal’s poor air safety record US-Bangla Airlines is a pri- airport yesterday, in the worst between air traffi c control and Islam said 33 of the passengers has to be probed before making Depending on the direction is largely blamed on inadequate vate carrier that launched in aviation disaster to hit Nepal in the pilot over which runway the were Nepali, 32 were Bangla- a fi nal statement,” Rahman said. of approach, pilots have to fl y maintenance, inexperienced pi- July 2014 with the motto “Fly nearly three decades. plane was meant to land on. deshi, one was Chinese and one Kathmandu airport briefl y over high terrain before making lots and substandard manage- Fast Fly Safe”, according to its Offi cials said there were 71 Eyewitnesses said the plane from the Maldives. Local me- closed after the accident, forcing a steep descent towards the air- ment, and its planes are banned website. people on board the US-Bangla crashed as it made a second ap- dia reported that many of the inbound fl ights to divert, but it port, Ascenzo added. from fl ying in European airspace. The Dhaka-based airline made Airlines plane from Dhaka when proach towards the airport, Nepali passengers were college has since reopened. The accident is the deadliest Accidents are common, hitting its fi rst international fl ight in it crashed just east of the runway bursting into fl ames after com- students returning home for a It is Nepal’s only international since September 1992, when all the impoverished country’s vital May 2016 to Kathmandu, and has and skidded into a nearby foot- ing to a halt in a football pitch holiday. airport and experts say the sur- 167 people aboard a Pakistan tourism industry. In early 2016, since expanded with routes to ball fi eld. next to the runway. The plane was a Canadian- rounding Himalayan landscape International Airlines plane a Twin Otter turboprop aircraft South Asia, the Middle East and Rescuers had to cut apart the “It should have come straight made Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 makes it testing for pilots coming were killed when it crashed slammed into a mountainside Southeast Asia. mangled and burned wreckage but it went in the other direc- turboprop, Mahbubur Rahman into land. as it approached Kathmandu in Nepal killing all 23 people on In 2015 one of its planes over- of the upturned aircraft to pull tion,” said airport cleaner Sushil of Bangladesh’s civil aviation “The landing at Kathmandu airport. board. Two days later, two pilots shot the runway on landing at people out, some of whom were Chaudhary, who saw the crash. ministry said. Other sources said because of the terrain is a little Just two months earlier, a Thai were killed when a small pas- Saidpur in northwest Bangla- buried under the scattered debris. “I was worried it would hit the aircraft was 17 years old. challenging,” said Gabriele As- Airways aircraft had crashed near senger plane crash-landed in the desh. There were no reports of “Forty people died at the spot another aircraft, but the pilot “There might be technical cenzo, a Canadian pilot who runs the same airport, killing 113 people. country’s hilly mid-west. injuries. Bangladesh Hasina meets Singapore PM Court grants Khaleda language hero dead bail for four months

By Mizan Rahman Reuters Dhaka Dhaka

anguage movement hero Bangladeshi court and freedom fi ghter Ab- granted bail yesterday Ldur Razzaque died of old Ato former prime min- age complications at his Mahi- ister Khaleda Zia, who was ganj residence in Rangpur at the jailed last month for fi ve years age of 90. for graft, raising a chance her He is survived by three sons party might take part in a De- and one daughter. cember general election. Razzaque, also a former law- Zia is a two-term prime maker of Awami League (AL), minister whose bitter ri- was a frontline language move- valry with Prime Minister ment activist in 1952 and also Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chats with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Sheikh Hasina has defi ned took part in the War of Libera- Loong during a call at the Istana presidential palace in Singapore yesterday. Sheikh Hasina is Bangladeshi politics for years. tion in 1971. He was former pres- in Singapore on a two-day off icial visit. Their feud hangs over the ident of Rangpur district unit of run-up to a December election Awami League. with Zia’s Bangladesh Nation- He was elected as a member alist Party (BNP) vowing to of the Legislative Assembly in boycott the polls in a protest 1970 and member of the parlia- against what it has said was In this file photo, BNP leader Khaleda Zia waves as she leaves after ment from Rangpur-4 (Kawnia- Zia’s unfair jailing on trumped a court appearance in Dhaka. Pirgachha) constituency in 1973 More than 230 arrested over up charges. and 1986. “The High Court granted her The BNP boycotted the its forcing underground of op- He was also a headmaster bail for four months,” Moudud last polls, in 2014, in a pro- ponents like Jamaat-e-Islami, of Afanullah High School in Ahmed, a lawyer in the case test against Hasina’s scrap- risk sapping resources from ef- Mahiganj. communal clashes in Lanka and also a senior leader of Zia’s ping of the practice of having a forts to disrupt jihadists.” party, told reporters after the caretaker government oversee Jamaat, Bangladesh’s larg- court ruling. elections. est Islamist party and an ally of Nepalese fugitive IANS tims aff ected by the violence ganised group was behind the The decision to release Zia A boycott in December would the BNP, has been accused of Colombo and assessed the extent of communal clashes in Kandy” and on bail could open the door to again give the prime minis- inciting militancy. held on tip-off by damages. the police had already received her party’s participation in the ter’s Awami League a clear run It denies that and opposition Indian bureau He promised the government vital information about it. general election, party secre- at power when the opposi- parties have denounced the ore than 230 people would pay full compensation for Over the weekend, President tary-general Fakhrul Alamgir tion could be benefi ting from crackdown on Jamaat leaders as Nepalese fugitive Lodu Dime, have been arrested those whose businesses, homes, Maithripala Sirisena appointed said. voter frustration with prices, a way to silence rivals. accused of smuggling body Mover the communal mosques and temples had been a three-member committee to “We cannot say just now. Let unemployment, power cuts The BNP says the case against parts of tigers, has been arrested clashes in Sri Lanka’s Kandy destroyed in the clash. investigate the violence. our chief come out and then we and anger over what many see Zia is politically motivated by a in Kathmandu following tip-off district, including those who The prime minister also said Meanwhile, all government- will sit with her and we’ll dis- as heavy-handed government ruling party riding roughshod by National Central Bureau were caught for spreading hate the clashes had created new run schools which had re- cuss it,” Alamgir said. tactics against opponents. over human rights and the rule (Interpol)-India, an off icial said speech on social media plat- challenges for the government mained closed in the Kandy “We are always in favour of Another boycott would also of law. yesterday, IANS reports. forms, police said yesterday. at the local and international district since the clashes elections, but there must be a dash any hopes of stability, and “This is a totally one-party- Dime, held at the Kathmandu A police offi cial told Xinhua levels and it was a blow to the erupted on March 4 reopened. congenial atmosphere.” raise risks for the country’s gar- rule here and it is totally dic- airport on March 5, was news agency that while the sit- country’s tourism and economy. Three people were killed and It was not immediately clear ment industry, which accounts tatorial. Under these circum- sentenced by a Nepal court to five uation in Kandy had returned “We have been expecting a several others injured in the when Zia would be released for 80% of exports, which could stances she’s been convicted,” years in jail in connection with the to normal, tight security would boom in the tourism indus- communal clashes. from detention. face disruption by transport Alamgir said. seizure of seven sackfuls of tiger remain for a few more days try but in the wake of distur- President Sirisena declared a Earlier yesterday, Alamgir blockades in the event of unrest. Law Minister Anisul Huq body parts on January 12, 2013. across the district to maintain bances in Kandy we don’t know week-long state of emergency said an election without Zia At the same time, eff orts to said the court decision to grant The smuggler was absconding law and order. whether we can achieve it as last week to prevent violations would be “meaningless”. He combat Islamist militants be- Zia bail proved that the govern- ever since. He said further arrests were expected.” from spreading to other areas, also said that unless the judge- hind a string of bloody attacks ment did not interfere in court Nepal police issued an Interpol expected over the next few days Wickremesinghe was in- the fi rst of its kind after the ment against her was over- in recent years risk being ham- matters. red notice in February against and a special desk had been set formed that nearly 465 houses, country ended a 30-year civil turned, she would not be able pered by turmoil. Home Minister Asaduzza- Dime, which was circulated to up at the police headquarters business establishments and war in 2009. to contest the election even if “Politics could become even man Khan, a senior member of all 192 member-countries by the for the public to lodge com- vehicles were destroyed and The latest clash was trig- she got bail. more toxic,” the International Hasina’s party, denied that the Interpol headquarters in Lyon, plaints about violent incidents. damaged in the violence. Many gered after a 41-year-old Bud- Under Bangladesh electoral Crisis Group think-tank said in government had any role in Zia’s France. Prime Minister Ranil Wick- mosques and temples were also dhist succumbed to his injuries rules, anyone jailed for more a recent note. conviction, and said the BNP was The NCB-India spotted the remesinghe visited Kandy over destroyed. after being attacked by a group than two years cannot contest “The government’s contin- merely trying to score political smuggler at the Indira Gandhi the weekend to meet the vic- Wickremesinghe said “an or- of Muslim men on February 22. an election for fi ve years. ued marginalisation of BNP and points with its accusations. International Airport in Delhi on March 5 and tipped off Nepal authorities when he took a flight for Kathmandu. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), functioning 133,000 Rohingya set to be relocated by March 31: Bangladesh offi cial under the central government’s personnel and training By Mizan Rahman “We are to shift 25,000 Ro- providing organisations is con- launched a crackdown in the to communicate information Rohingya on 3,000 acres of land department, is designated as the Dhaka hingya families to safer zones as structing temporary shades, Rakhine state. through the local language beside the Kutupalang frontier NCB-India. The CBI director is the monsoon is approaching with latrines and other necessary fa- The secretary said the gov- among the inhabitants of the camp to accommodate the Ro- ex-off icio head of NCB-India. All cyclone, landslides and other cilities at safer places, where the ernment would introduce a areas,” said Kamal. hingyas. The government earlier matters relating to the NCB-India angladesh is working on natural calamities as usual dur- Rohingya would be relocated. community radio on Rohingya He said the government has had allocated 2,000 acres of land, are, however, dealt with by the relocating as many as ing the monsoon,” ministry of The southeastern Cox’s Ba- language in Cox’s Bazar area for constructed roads and set up now increased to 3000 acres, for home ministry. B133,000 Rohingya refu- disaster management and relief zar district of Bangladesh wit- easy communication of infor- power lampposts in the areas for proper accommodation of the in- The Interpol headquarters has gees by March 31 to safer places secretary Shah Kamal told re- nessed surges of forcibly dis- mation at the Rohingya shelter easy movement of aid and other creased number of Rohingyas. congratulated NCB-India for to protect them from the wrath porters in Dhaka yesterday. placed Myanmar people, who camps being constructed there. people. Some 150,000 sheds were prompt and eff ective action that of natural calamity during the He said the government along were pushed into Bangladesh “There are 17 community Offi cials said the government constructed in the area to ac- led to the arrest of Dime. monsoon. with other international aid when the Myanmar military radios working in the areas constructed shelter camps for the commodate the Rohingya. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka India seeks to scale Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar up renewable power [email protected] 44350478 (News), and the French President Emmanuel The alliance, an eff ort to advance the Other issues for the nation’s solar 44466404 (Sport), By Huizhong Wu New Delhi Macron hosted the launch of a solar 2015 Paris climate agreement, aims to scale-up include the tricky business 44466636 (Home delivery) energy partnership that aims to build become a network of 121 countries, he of fi guring out how to integrate a network to help tropical countries said. renewables into the existing electricity 44350474 nder Prime Minister around the world boost their use of Currently 32 countries are full grid and the lack of a business model facebook.com/gulftimes Narendra Modi, India has solar power. members and another 61 are on their for such utilities — a problem other moved to quickly scale up its “In the Vedas (ancient Hindu texts), way to full membership. countries using solar energy also face, twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar Uuse of renewable power. the sun was thought to be the world’s Many are developing nations. Chawla said. In 2014, the year Modi took offi ce, soul. India’s solar push is in part boosted All of these issues have contributed India had 3 gigawatts of solar power. In India, the sun was thought of as by steadily dropping costs of providing to a slowdown in the pace at which solar By the end of 2017, it had nearly 7 the nurturer of all life,” Modi said at solar energy. projects are being commissioned in times that, or 20GW, according to the launch of the International Solar To produce a unit of solar power now India, she said. GULF TIMES industry tracker Bridge to India, a Alliance (ISA). costs Rs2.5 — a cost similar to that of But what the renewable energy future renewable energy consultancy. “These days, when we are looking more traditional energy sources, said holds for the South Asian giant will be Now India wants to quintuple that for a way to combat climate change, we Kanika Chawla, the senior programme critical for the world, climate change total by 2022 — a goal once seen as must look to this ancient perspective,” lead at the Delhi-based Council on experts say. hugely ambitious but now considered he said. Energy, Environment and Water, a As China’s economic growth slows, within reach by energy experts. As part of the alliance, India will off er partner organisation of the ISA. India’s is heating up, along with its Tiger is back Progress is clearly happening quickly: fi nancial support to help with 27 solar India’s transition to renewable energy demand. During 2017 alone, India doubled its projects in other countries, the prime energy — without shutting down its India is today the top contributor to installed solar capacity from 10GW to minister said. coal-fired power plants — represents growth in energy demand, according to 20GW. Macron said France also will commit a new model for developing countries the International Energy Agency. and his fans “India is going to maintain and 700mn euros to the alliance. going forward, Chawla said in a “It’s worth acknowledging the accelerate the momentum. Upendra Tripathy, the director telephone interview. Indian market and economy is still It will move to be the number two general of the new alliance, said it aims But India still gets about three- signifi cantly smaller than China and it player in the next year or two,” said scale-up solar power in many more quarters of its power from coal, will be for some time to come,” Buckley Tim Buckley, director of energy fi nance countries. although that is expected to fall to said. are loving it studies at the Australia-based Institute “Everyone has access to (the sun) below 50% by 2040, according to the However, “India is very much for Energy Economics and Financial but in terms of ability to exploit solar International Energy Agency. wedded to the energy transformation. Analysis (IEEFA), a think tank. energy, (that) is not equal,” he said in a India’s power providers, largely It’s coming straight from the Prime Tiger Woods has lost none of his crowd-pulling prowess In 2017, India added the third largest telephone interview with the Thomson state-run public companies, are heavily Minister, and the energy minister despite notorious indiscretions on the personal front and amount of national solar capacity, just Reuters Foundation. in debt and as a result many companies and the coal minister are very much several years of injury-induced torment that had cast doubts behind the US and China, and was “Credit is a challenge. Skillset is a generating solar power are not being onboard,” he said. over his future. overtaking Japan, according to IEEFA challenge. The fundamental issue is, do paid on time, Chawla said. And “especially with the US leaving The 42-year-old, who has won 79 titles, including 14 research. all member countries have equal ability India’s government also is the Paris agreement, there’s a perceived Now, in partnership with France, to exploit solar energy?” considering a 70% tariff on solar void that some country needs to fi ll — majors, has made intermittent appearances on the PGA India wants to take its growing ISA plans to address that issue in imports to protect India’s solar and the International Solar Alliance Tour over the past four years because of debilitating back resources and knowledge on solar power part by creating a larger, global market manufacturers — something that is is a clever way of signalling climate problems that required surgeries. and use it to help other sunny countries for solar technology that would benefi t causing a lot of uncertainty as investors leadership”, Chawla said. “It is India’s In 2016, he missed all the four majors and several other jumpstart their solar ambitions as well. smaller countries by aggregating the try to bring new solar projects into the off ering to the world.” — Thomson tournaments, and in April 2017 he announced that he had On Sunday, in New Delhi, Modi risk and the demand, Tripathy said. country, Buckley said. Reuters Foundation undergone spinal fusion surgery, his fourth back operation since 2014, to alleviate debilitating. Recovery time required up to six months, meaning that Woods would spend the rest of the year without playing any professional golf. Woods returned to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas where he fi nished at 8 under tied for 9th. His world ranking, which had slipped to 1,199th, rose to 668th with that eff ort, his biggest jump in the world rankings in his career. That was an indication that he could be back to where he belongs, and on The 42-year-old Sunday that belief was strengthened when has won 79 titles, he fi nished tied for second at the Valspar including 14 Championship in Florida. majors In the fi nal round he gave fans a glimpse of his extraordinary talent, stroking a 43-foot birdie putt that broke perfectly into the middle of the 17th hole and took him to the last with a chance of a playoff . But his bid to force eventual winner Paul Casey to extra holes petered out when his long birdie putt stopped a couple of feet short at the par-four 18th. Building momentum from 12th place at the Honda Classic two weeks ago in his third offi cial tournament since undergoing spinal fusion surgery, Woods was treated this week like a returning hero. Thousands lined the fairway at every hole Woods played and his galleries dwarfed those for the rest of the fi eld with attendance at a tournament that last year drew 112,000 soaring to more than 150,000 for his fi rst appearance. As Woods waited to hit his uphill 185-yard, seven-iron approach to the 18th, fans pleaded for another bit of magic. “Tiger, this is what you’re meant for,” shouted one spectator. “Do your thing!” yelled another. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame delivers his speech next to French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the founding But Woods, a bit off in his iron control on Sunday, left his conference of the International Solar Alliance in New Delhi on March 11, 2018. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) organises more than 121 “sunshine” countries that are approach 39 feet short of the cup and his two-putt gave him situated or have territory between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, with the aim of boosting solar energy output in an eff ort to reduce global dependence a closing one-under 70. on fossil fuels. It was not quite the climax fans wanted but that did not keep them from cheering him to the skies as he walked to the green. Woods lifted his golf club into the air and touched the bill of his cap in response, before raising his hat fully off his head Corporate America’s healthcare gambit and waving as the ovation grew louder. “I felt very comfortable, actually. I’ve been here before a few times,” the 42-year-old said when asked if he had felt By Bjorn Ekman amiss. It is into this dysfunctional administrative costs. In 2015, OECD would also be more reasonably priced. any nerves. Lund, Sweden environment that the three corporate countries spent an average of 3.2% of Finally, those designing the Amazon- “My game was quite solid this entire week. As a whole, I giants are intervening. their total healthcare expenditures on Berkshire Hathaway-JPMorgan felt very good about what I did this week.” Europeans are particularly interested administration and bureaucracy; in the healthcare company must emphasise Right from the start, Woods was serenaded with shouts of n late January, Amazon, Berkshire in how this new partnership evolves, US, it was a staggering 8.3%. Although preventive medicine. Today, some of Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase if only because it represents a bold healthcare requires managerial the world’s most common killers – “We love you, Tiger!” and “C’mon Big Cat!” announced plans to create a approach in the struggle to lower overhead, in many countries, outdated such as cardiovascular illnesses and When Woods returned from a previous injury for the 2008 Icompany that would help their healthcare costs. European healthcare tools hurt effi ciency. Any reform certain cancers – are preventable; as US Open, where he struggled the fi rst day but ultimately employees in the United States obtain regulators are often hesitant to that promises better information technology advances, doctors will be claimed a dramatic sudden death victory over Rocco Mediate healthcare “at a reasonable cost.” While implement structural reforms. management – like improved patient able to diagnose and treat these diseases that followed an 18-hole playoff , Mediate said, “This guy details remain sparse, the potential Although authorities in some countries records systems – would be worth even faster. does things that are just not normal by any stretch of the impact is already known: with a have explored innovative management considering. To be sure, preventive medicine imagination.” combined global workforce of more models, such as patient-centred care Moreover, if the new venture is not easily incorporated into than 1mn people, the partnership could and value-based medicine, the basic brings big-data analysis and artifi cial healthcare strategies, which is why His fans would be hoping for some more magic in the overhaul how healthcare is organised structures have remained unchanged intelligence applications to the clerical OECD countries typically don’t coming months. and delivered in the US and beyond. for decades. Shakeups like the one side of healthcare, total spending will spend significantly on it. In fact, By creating a joint venture “free being discussed in the US get everyone naturally decline, and lower prices can many countries allocate more from profi t-making incentives and thinking. be passed on to patients and payers. to administration than disease constraints,” the initiative aims to do Still, despite the proposal’s promise, Second, a reasonably priced system is prevention and wellness initiatives. To Advertise something remarkable: put patients big questions remain. Most important, one that focuses only on essential care. But it is undeniable that early fi rst. According to Berkshire Hathaway what does “reasonable cost” mean, and Modern healthcare systems deliver a diagnosis reduces overall treatment [email protected] CEO Warren Buff ett, the goal is to how might a system be organised to range of services, but they also typically costs, and if future health systems are Display rein in ballooning healthcare costs – a deliver it? In a statement announcing off er more than is necessary. For to be priced fairly, they must integrate “hungry tapeworm on the American the partnership, Buff ett was example, many systems in Europe are health promotion. 44466621 44418811 economy,” as he put it – while surprisingly candid in how undeveloped integrated into the welfare system, an No matter what becomes of the enhancing patient satisfaction and the idea is. “Our group does not come approach that raises expectations about proposed healthcare company, the Classified outcomes. to this problem with answers,” he which services should be provided. very fact that corporate America is 44466609 44418811 Today, most of the US healthcare conceded, only with a shared ambition By using diff erent models of strategic considering this type of intervention industry is profi t-driven, and this is to fi nd them. purchasing and cost sharing, and by will resonate around the world. Even Subscription refl ected in nearly every decision, from Maybe I can help. Based on my being more transparent about which if the eff ort is only partly successful, which drugs get developed to who gets research and experience, I would services are covered, users could more the money saved is likely to encourage [email protected] insured. But in a country that spends suggest that three key objectives must accurately align their expectations with further innovation. – Project Syndicate roughly 18% of its GDP on healthcare, be assigned top priority if the initiative reality. Any new system that eliminates yet lags far beyond other rich countries is to succeed. unnecessary care and focuses on what zBjorn Ekman is a professor of health © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved in health outcomes, something is clearly The fi rst is to hold down is really needed for patient well-being economics at Lund University in Sweden. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 13, 2018 23 COMMENT A Brexit gentlemen’s agreement

By Daniel Gros meaning under WTO rules. So, of the concessions the EU has made, Brussels whatever market-access benefi ts they whereas the third country has no legal include would automatically apply to or political obligation to reciprocate. the UK. For the EU, agreeing to take the UK’s n her latest speech on Brexit, As a gesture of goodwill, the EU interests into account in future trade British Prime Minister Theresa should also support the UK’s efforts negotiations should not be viewed as May rejected the prospect of the to “grandfather” its market access a concession, because it is in the EU’s IUnited Kingdom remaining in resulting from existing EU free-trade own long-term interest. After all, if the the European Union’s customs union, agreements and thereby avoid the EU can off er de facto access to the EU on the grounds that the UK wants its need to renegotiate each and every and UK markets – which, together, are own trade policy. This is not in the best deal. The legal argument would be 20% larger than the EU market alone interest of either the UK or the EU. that the EU customs territory has – its negotiating power is signifi cantly It is true that Norway and not changed, so existing EU trade strengthened. Switzerland, both of which are highly agreements must continue to apply In this sense, keeping the UK in integrated into the EU market, have to the UK. But this argument could the EU customs union would help customs borders with the bloc. These be contested, leaving UK exporters to preserve the EU’s global standing countries need an independent suddenly confronting tariffs and in trade. And while many in the EU, commercial policy to provide greater other trade barriers. especially the European Commission, protection than the EU off ers to their European Commission officials would like to have their cake and eat domestic agricultural sectors, which could dismiss that as the UK’s it – keeping the UK in the customs in both cases can never be effi cient, problem. But such a response union, while ignoring its interests – owing to mountainous terrain. would run counter to the spirit of that is simply not an option. Yet the UK has traditionally been the European Council guidelines The alternatives available for the much less protective of its agriculture, of April 2017, which call for “a EU is either to see the UK to leave its and is thus likely after Brexit to pursue constructive dialogue” with the UK customs union, or to keep the UK in, by a commercial policy that is very “on a possible common approach making a political commitment to take similar to that of the EU, anyway. It is toward third-country partners.” British interests into account. From therefore diffi cult to see what the UK Such a constructive approach would a long-term perspective, the latter is would gain from pursuing a national include steps – like supporting the preferable. trade policy – especially at a time when grandfathering of trade agreements Finally, remaining in the EU customs the United States, under President – that minimise friction during the union would make it possible to avoid Donald Trump, is pursuing policies transition period. re-establishing a hard border between (such as imposing tariff s on imported Remaining in the EU’s customs the UK and the Republic of Ireland steel and aluminium) that show little union would leave the UK in a much after Brexit. Though May has agreed regard for its smaller trade partners. stronger position than, say, Turkey, that avoiding a hard border should be The truth is that the main which, despite having concluded an part of any deal, she has off ered only impediment to a post-Brexit customs agreement to create a customs union vague suggestions concerning how union is political. As Labour leader with the EU, is not actually part of the that could actually be achieved. Jeremy Corbyn, who supports British Prime Minister Theresa May’s rejection of the prospect of the United Kingdom remaining in the European Union’s bloc’s customs territory. As a result, Brexit is, and will remain, a lose-lose remaining in the customs union, customs union is not in the best interest of either the UK or the EU. third parties do not automatically proposition. Neither side can claim has emphasised, a country with the have to grant Turkish exporters EU- victory if its point of view prevails. heft and infl uence of the UK cannot decide trade policy. Those experts legal structure cannot allow a non- the transition period – rather than level access to their markets. Instead, But the losses on both sides can be be viewed as merely following EU would have no voting rights, but they member state to participate in binding negotiating a new customs agreement Turkey must try to persuade third reduced. To that end, keeping the decisions, over which it has no would be able to shape decision- decisions. This calls for something with the EU, that gentleman’s countries with which the EU has UK in the EU customs union – by infl uence. Yet this problem can be making. The EU already has similar of a gentlemen’s agreement, with the agreement would also extend to concluded trade deals to do so. guaranteeing it an active, albeit solved – or, rather, fi nessed. arrangements with Iceland, Norway, EU pledging to take UK interests into new trade agreements that the EU Turkey has usually succeeded. But it informal role – is negotiators’ best bet. The UK’s demand to weigh in and Switzerland regarding matters account when making trade-policy concludes with third countries. After enters such negotiations in a weak and – Project Syndicate on EU decisions can and should be relating to the Schengen Area. decisions. all, such agreements would apply somewhat awkward position, because accommodated, with experts from the Formal decision-making power is If the UK remains in the existing explicitly to the EU’s entire customs it is required, per its agreement with zDaniel Gros is Director of the Center UK included in the committees that of course another matter. The EU’s EU customs union – as is foreseen for territory – a term with a precise the EU, to grant to the third country all for European Policy Studies. Time management, mind management and focus Three-day forecast The answers were inspiring, ranging music? Can you turn off your phone? TODAY By S Zuhair Naqvi Maximum Temperature : 300c Doha from learning a new language and Be aware of anything that disrupts working on a start-up to volunteering your attention and keep a notepad Minimum Temperature : 220c at a charity. Most fail to realise that we handy to jot these down, so you can WEDNESDAY would hate to think of the time all have extra hours if we maximise our stay on task. Maximum Temperature : 310c I’ve wasted reading about time minds. The third step, arguably the most Minimum Temperature : 200c management. Not that it isn’t Instead of worrying about time challenging, is to train your mind to THURSDAY important – it is. But something management, you should consider focus. If you want to see how focused Maximum Temperature : 320c I Minimum Temperature : 210c that most books don’t cover is that how you can stay completely focused you currently are, try closing your when you need to. It’s not as diffi cult eyes and taking ten deep breaths time management is less about Fisherman's forecast managing your time and more about as it sounds. without thinking about anything managing your mind. The fi rst step is to assess how you’re other than your breath. Not so easy WARNING is it? Inshore : Expected strong wind We all have the same number of spending your time, asking yourself at places by afternoon hours in the day. The distinction whether what you’re doing in the Our minds are fi lled with competing Offshore : Expected strong wind between success and failure lies in moment is in line with what you’re thoughts every day. We can strengthen and high sea how we use them. It’s easy enough maximise the time that you have. trying to achieve. Begin by tracking our focus by blocking out the noise WEATHER Inshore : Slight dust to blowing to allocate time to an important Think about how eff ective you’d be your activities and recording how long and distraction in order to maximise dust at times at places presentation but, if we spend that time if you worked on tasks with 100% of you are and should be spending on our time and our minds. with some clouds worrying or fl itting between tasks, your focus. That’s the gap between each. WIND Inshore : Northerly - Northwest- we’re going to waste much of it. good and great. The second step is to review your zS Zuhair Naqvi is the Managing erly 08-18 KT reaches You can’t actually manage time. In a recent training session I environment, looking for the things Director of DicoTech Qatar WLL, and 24 KT What you can manage is your conducted, I asked attendees what that heighten or hamper attention. an EMBA alumnus of HEC Paris, Class Offshrore : Northwesterly 13-23/27 attention and focus so you can they’d do with an extra hour every day. Do you work better in silence or with of 2016. KT

Visibility : 4-8 KM/ 3 KM or less at places at times SEA STATE Offshore : 4 - 7 FT, Rises to 8 FT at Live issues places at times. Around the region Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min When someone doesn’t reply to your texts Baghdad Sunny 27/13 P Cloudy 29/14 Kuwait City Sunny 29/17 Sunny 29/18 Manama Sunny 27/20 Sunny 28/19 By Oliver Burkeman Muscat Sunny 30/23 Sunny 29/21 New York Tehran Sunny 17/08 Sunny 18/09

e live, according to the cliche, in an age of “instant Wcommunication”. Only we don’t. The truth is we live in an age when instant communication is possible – when your e-mail, text or direct message might receive a reply in moments – but when that’s often not what actually happens. E-mails, and increasingly texts and DMs, too, wait days or even weeks for a response. “The result,” as Julie Beck put it recently in the Atlantic, “is the sense Around the world that everyone could get back to you Weather Weather immediately, if they wanted to – and today Max/min tomorrow Max/min the anxiety that follows when they Athens M Sunny 19/11 Sunny 19/09 don’t.” In the old days, instant replies Beirut P Cloudy 19/16 Sunny 21/15 were either obligatory (as in face-to- Bangkok M Sunny 34/27 P Cloudy 33/26 face conversation) or impossible (as Berlin Cloudy 11/03 S Showers 06/01 in snail mail). Now, though, we’ve Cairo Sunny 29/16 Sunny 29/15 hopelessly confused the two. So when Cape Town M Cloudy 23/17 S Showers 22/16 no reply is forthcoming, we’ve no idea Colombo T Storms 31/25 S T Storms 32/25 what to think. being too embarrassed to admit it. more and more people consider phone obliged to nobody is one in which Dhaka M Sunny 33/22 P Cloudy 33/22 This explains the peculiarly Yet of course I have zero evidence calls a form of ambush – because nobody’s obliged to us. I may think Hong Kong Sunny 22/19 I T Storms 22/19 modern phenomenon of being for either belief: I suspect my friend you have to respond there and then I prefer being able to choose when Istanbul Showers 15/11 P Cloudy 14/09 involved, at any given time, in a hasn’t given the matter any thought, – perhaps that’s because, in other I reply to that message from my Jakarta T Storm 31/24 S T Storms 32/24 half-dozen emotionally awkward while the contact is furiously busy domains, a sense of control is so friend. But what happens in reality Karachi Sunny 31/21 Sunny 31/20 situations that may in fact not exist and will eventually reply. There’s a hard to come by these days. If there’s is that work gets in the way, my London M Cloudy 11/04 P Cloudy 13/08 beyond the confines of one’s own special, lonely kind of craziness in no reason to feel secure about your response is indefinitely delayed, Manila P Cloudy 32/23 P Cloudy 33/24 head. Right now, for example, I’m experiencing ongoing tensions with job, your tenancy agreement, your and one more thread of our Moscow M Cloudy 01/-7 Cloudy -1/-4 convinced a dear friend is angry people who almost certainly aren’t retirement or the future of the planet, friendship is frayed. If he’d picked New Delhi Sunny 35/18 Sunny 34/18 or distressed that I still haven’t experiencing them back. at least you get to retreat inside your up the phone – and I’d answered, New York S Showers 07/-1 M Cloudy 06/-1 responded to his newsy message Yet this anxiety, Beck notes, is the mind and decide exactly who gets to despite my annoyance at the Paris Showers 12/04 P Cloudy 16/08 sent in December; meanwhile, a price we’re willing to pay for the sense intrude, and when you’ll engage, if at intrusion – we’d have prevented Sao Paulo M Cloudy 29/21 S T Storms 31/22 professional contact who suggested of control we get from not feeling all. that. Seoul P Cloudy 17/07 P Cloudy 19/09 lunch has gone silent since my obliged to reply immediately: “What The problem is that the Plus I’d have been spared several Singapore I T Storms 31/25 S T Storms 32/26 enthusiastic reply, perhaps having the age of instant communication disadvantages of this kind of weeks feeling guilty about off ending Sydney S Showers 22/19 S Showers 24/18 realised she’d confused me with has enabled is the ability to deal with control can end up outweighing the him, even though I probably never did. Tokyo Clear 18/06 Clear 21/07 someone more noteworthy and conversation on our own terms.” If benefits. A world in which we’re – Guardian News and Media Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 QATAR ‘Be truthful to yourself’ annes Palme d’Or-win- Award-winning Thai filmmaker and Qumra Master make it the best,” he said. “You ning Thai fi lmmaker and are your fi rst audience and you Cvisual artist Apichatpong Apichatpong Weerasethakul inspires emerging talents must be truthful to yourself.” Weerasethakul presented a com- on the power of borderless, timeless cinema Urging young talents not to be pelling notion before emerging let down by criticism, he remi- fi lmmakers at Qumra 2018: The four cycles of the brain while sees as a fi lmmaker in Thailand’s memories, and his cutting-edge nisced how his teacher had asked distant possibility of hooking up one is at sleep, and concluding contemporary political scene. At installations that interpolate him to “go back to school and all the brains in the world to share that “movies evolved from this”. one point, he speculated how his cinema, art, visuals and theatre, learn fi lmmaking” after watching their dreams. He said sleep is “like cinema but own cinematic interpretations into something that is singularly his fi lm. “We will no longer need cin- much better, as various scenarios and visual installations could mysterious. Discussing his movies, includ- ema then,” he said, underpinning from our memories play out.” be perceived by the military au- Weerasethakul said he is not ing the Palme d’Or winning Un- his own meditative approach to For him, the art of making thorities, and told about how overtly concerned about whether cle Boonmee Who Can Recall his fi lm as a medium that is after all, fi lms is to exorcise these memo- several of his friends had their his works would be understood Past Lives, Weerasethakul said “evolved from dreams”. ries and lay them out bare. In social media accounts monitored for what he intended. his fascination for cinema was Weerasethakul’s masterclass today’s world, where message and were sent to camps “for atti- “After a screening of my mov- shaped by the works of Steven took audiences on his original distortion and fake news thrive, tude adjustment,” where they are ie, one person got very angry and Spielberg (ET and Close Encoun- journey in cinema, shaped by his own interpretation of story- “tortured psychologically”. demanded a refund. I obliged. ters of the Third Kind). the collective memory of his own telling and history is that they are He also presented a captivat- Over time, I have come to care “The way he deals with science and his friends, and shaped from “devices to bluff memories and ing presentation on his journey, less and less about such respons- fi ction, and how he introduced a their dreams. to manipulate them”. taking audiences through visu- es because what matters is how lot of smoke and backlighting”, He connected dreams to mov- Weerasethakul was also vo- als of his hometown, the peo- honest you are. If you believe in fascinated the young boy,” he Apichatpong Weerasethakul speaks on stage during his Masterclass ies, reminding audiences of the cal about the concerns that he ple and places that shaped his conventional cinema go for it but said. at Qumra 2018. Qumra Talks focuses on Arab women in cinema, sports

he fi rst of the Qumra Talks, presented two of the illustrious over 350 cinematic icons and on led by acclaimed photog- projects championed by Qatar – I In Production, which captured Trapher Brigitte Lacombe, am Film, a visual archive of fi lm- the action behind the scenes was defi ned not only by a journey making talent – from the Arab at DFI’s co-productions,:” she down 40 years of her illustrious world and beyond – as well as noted. career but also her inspiring work Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport, “She is a true friend of Qatar on behalf of Qatar in document- an inspiring take on the female and DFI, who inspires legions of ing international fi lm talents and athletes from the region. young talents around the world Arab women in sports. For Hey’Ya: Arab Women through her dedication and com- In an inspiring presentation in Sport, the Lacombe sisters mitment to photography.” that featured mesmerising pho- had set up an outdoor studio at Sharing her story, Lacombe tographs of celebrities – from the Athletes Village at the Arab said she was introduced to the Leonardo DiCaprio to Meryl Games in Doha in December world of photography after her Streep and Mick Jagger, as well 2011, and was shot over a period father gifted her a camera. as Malala, Barack Obama and of seven months. “I had no idea that it (photog- more – Lacombe took audiences They also travelled through raphy) would become my entire through the story behind the the Gulf and North Africa and life. There was not much of a portraits, underlining that she worked with female athletes of natural propensity the fi rst time looks “for that moment of au- all ages and levels of achieve- around but gradually I became thenticity” in every frame. ment. obsessed and it became my voca- This was part of the second Arabic for ‘Let’s Go,’ Hey’Ya tion,” she said. edition of Qumra Talks. Leaders had 31 Qatari girls engaged in dif- A turning point in her life from fi lm, television, technol- ferent sports form swimming to came when she decided to cover ogy and online worlds take part shooting. the Cannes Film Festival, at a in insightful discussions with the “Our association with Brigitte time when there were very few fi rst talk presented in partnership goes back many years, when she women photographers. She said with the Northwestern Univer- was here in Doha for the Brigitte she places “100% attention on sity in Qatar. Lacombe Mentoring Programme the subject” and is particularly Lacombe was also joined on for young photographers,” DFI focused on defi ning space and stage by her sister, renowned CEO Fatma al-Remaihi said. light, and ensuring that every documentary fi lmmaker Marian “We also worked together on work is like a one-on-one meet- Lacombe, and together, they also I Am Film, which documented ing. (From left) Fatma al-Remaihi, Brigitte Lacombe, French ambassador Eric Chevallier and Marian Lacombe attend Qumra Talks.

Kazakhstan culture in spotlight at Almaty Symphony concert

The Almaty Symphony Orchestra strong developing bilateral virtuoso and chief conductor HMC offi cial bestowed with rst-ever fi concert, led by renowned relations between Qatar and of both Almaty Orchestra and musician Marat Bisengaliyev, Kazakhstan on diff erent levels. Symphony Orchestra of India. featured several music tracks He noted that the diplomatic and It is worth mentioning that the reflecting Kazakhstan’s culture economic co-operation between Almaty Symphony Orchestra is an Physician International Award and music yesterday at Katara– the two countries continues to international music band, which the Cultural Village. increase and both join hands perform at world’s best concert The concert, in co-operation with to seek more investment venues such as Carnegie Hall, r Abdullatif al-Khal, dent of ACGME, a US-based Diane M Hartmann, chair of the in HMC should also feel hon- the Kazakhstan embassy in Doha, opportunities. “In the past three Lincoln Centre, Royal Albert Hall, deputy chief medi- organisation that accredits ACGME Awards Committee and oured by this success. “I would marked the 25th anniversary of years I witnessed the high level and Royal Festival Hall, among Dcal offi cer and director hospitals and medical centres a member of the ACGME Board encourage all HMC staff to en- establishing relations between of collaboration between Qatar others. of medical education, Hamad with the aim of creating a safer of Directors. gage in their work with the same Kazakhstan and Qatar since 1993. and Kazakhstan and I am proud of The Almaty Symphony Orchestra Medical Corporation (HMC), and higher quality training en- “He was instrumental in passion and drive as Dr al-Khal. It was attended by diplomats and our partners and supporters”, the was created in 2012 upon the has been presented with the vironment for doctors in their bringing ACGME International For many years, Dr al- Khal has off icials, as well as enthusiasts musician said. initiative of Marat Bisengaliyev fi rst-ever Physician Interna- residency and fellowship years. accreditation to Qatar, help- been a great advocate for medi- and music fans of diff erent Bisengaliyev, artistic director of and general producer Kairat tional Award. He was honoured Five fellowship programmes ing to achieve HMC’s vision of cal education and training that communities in the country. the orchestra team and soloist, Kulbayev, with the support of during a ceremony held in Flor- and 14 residency programmes providing high-quality training cultivates approaches to health- Bisengaliyev highlighted the is a world-famous violinist Almaty mayor. ida, US, as part of the Accredi- at HMC have been accredited by programmes for its physician care in which quality of care and tation Council for Graduate the ACGME-I, the international trainees. He has also contrib- patient experience are central,” Medical Education’s (ACGME) arm of the ACGME. HMC is the uted actively to the accredita- Dr al-Ansari added. annual conference. fi rst healthcare organisation tion community, serving as an Each year HMC accepts ap- The award was created to outside the US and Singapore inaugural international member proximately 150 new residents honour an individual who has to achieve ACGME-I accredita- of the ACGME-I Review Com- to its 21 residency programmes. made outstanding contribu- tion; additional residency and mittee International,” added Dr At any given time, upwards tions toward ensuring and im- fellowship programmes will Hartmann. of 700 residents are work- proving the quality of graduate go forward for accreditation in “HMC’s acting chief medi- ing across HMC’s network of medical education for physi- 2018 and 2019. cal offi cer Dr Abdulla al-Ansari hospitals. Over 300 fellows are cians in training. “Dr al-Khal has contributed stated that the whole Corpora- currently part of more than 60 Dr al-Khal received the award to international accreditation tion is proud of this achieve- HMC-sponsored fellowship from Dr Thomas Nasca, presi- eff orts on various levels,” said Dr ment and the wider clinical team programme.

(From left) Ministry of Foreign Aff airs’ Chief of Protocol Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, and Kazakhstan ambassador Askar Shokybayev at the concert.

Renowned musician Marat Bisengaliyev performing with the Almaty Symphony Orchestra at Katara. Dr Abdullatif al-Khal is the inaugural recipient of the Physician International Award.