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Nebras acquires 9.9% stake Qatar take on Afghanistan in Oman’s Amin company in Dushanbe today published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11371 November 19, 2019 Rabia I 22, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir meets Brazilian ambassador In brief Ajyal Film Festival

QATAR | Offi cial opens with glittering Amir sends greetings to Sultan Qaboos High Highness the Amir Sheikh red-carpet ceremony Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, High Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh O DFI co-financed film It Must Be Heaven by Elia Suleiman opens festival Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of O High-profile dignitaries and celebrities attend opening gala at Katara Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent yesterday By Joey Aguilar chairman of beIN Media Group is of world-class standard.” cables of congratulations to Sultan Staff Reporter and member of the DFI Board Fatma Hassan al-Remaihi, Qaboos bin Said of Oman on his of Trustees; Issa bin Mohamed festival director and CEO of DFI, country’s National Day. al-Mohannadi, managing di- noted: “Our 2019 festival theme, he seventh edition of Ajy- rector of Barwa Real Estate and ‘Find Film, Find Life’, pays hom- QATAR | Offi cial al Film Festival, presented vice-chairman of the DFI Board age to the power of storytelling Tby the Doha Film Institute of Directors; and HE Dr Hamad in illuminating our daily reality Amir condoles with (DFI), marked its opening night bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Min- and evoking change. For the past UAE president at Katara – the Cultural Village ister of State. decade, the Doha Film Institute His Highness the Amir Sheikh yesterday. On occasion of the festival’s has stood at the forefront of au- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has The opening night’s red car- opening, HE Sheikha Al Mayas- thentic content creation and sto- sent a cable of condolences to pet was lined with distinguished sa said: “The immense success rytelling in the Arab world and UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin guests, senior offi cials and digni- of the Institute and its impact on beyond. With the support of our Zayed al-Nahyan on the death of taries from Qatar and the wider our thriving local fi lm industry leadership, government and pri- Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Arab world, DFI board members, is the result of the dedication vate sector entities, and collabo- representative of the president. as well as celebrities from regional and hard work of our people, our rators, we continue to empower and international cinema. partners and long-term sup- genuine voices and create a last- QATAR | Diplomacy The Middle East premiere of porters. We share a dream in Qa- ing platform for exchange and It Must Be Heaven by award- tar National Vision 2030 to pro- development through the arts.” His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met at the Amiri Diwan Off ice yesterday with FM sends message to winning Palestinian fi lmmaker vide an international platform On the opening night, fi lm- the outgoing Brazilian ambassador to Qatar, Roberto Abdalla. The Amir awarded the ambassador Al Ecuador counterpart Elia Suleiman marked the open- that is rooted in our history and makers and creative talents from Wajbah Decoration in recognition of his role in contributing to enhancing bilateral relations, wishing Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Jose ing night of the festival. culture, while staying connected the region and beyond included him success in his future missions, and the relations between the two countries further progress and Valencia received a written Local dignitaries and mem- to modern life. special guest and actor Chace development. For his part, the ambassador expressed thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir message from HE the Deputy bers of the DFI Board of Trus- “This year’s fi lms tell stories Crawford, Mohamed El Mustafa and the state’s off icials for the co-operation he received that contributed to the success of his work in the Prime Minister and Minister of tees in attendance included HE across multiple mediums, al- and Kris Hitchen. Qatari fi lm- country. Page 3 Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad lowing audiences to experience makers and talents on the red bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairper- powerful content. From here, carpet included Salah al-Mulla, pertaining to bilateral relations son of DFI; HE Sheikh Thani we invite production compa- Khalifa al-Marri, A J al-Thani, and means of supporting and bin Hamad al-Thani, member nies to mentor our youth and Hamida Issa, Abdulaziz Yousif developing them. The message of the DFI Board of Trustees; contribute to the creation of and Nouf al-Sulaiti, among oth- was delivered by Qatar’s Nasser bin Ghanem al-Khulaifi , compelling Arabic content that ers. To Page 24 ambassador to Ecuador Mohamed Qatar makes big gains in Ali al-Malki during his meeting with the Ecuadorian foreign minister. road safety, public health QATAR | Diplomacy Armenia president hails By Joseph Varghese by 83% from 2016 to 2019. Staff Reporter Qatar is the top country in the Armenia-Qatar ties world to lower traffi c mor- Armenian President Armen tality-from 26 per 100,000 Sarkissian has expressed his thanks atar has achieved people to less than fi ve for to His Highness the Amir Sheikh several feats in pub- 100,000 now,” stated, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qlic health in the last Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al- Qatari government and people 10 years including lowering Thani, director, Public Health for their cordial reception and traffic mortality and work- at MoPH. generous hospitality, praising the related injuries among others, Sheikh Dr Mohamed was distinguished relations between noted a top Ministry of Public speaking on the sidelines of the two friendly countries. This Health (MoPH) official yes- the fi rst biennial Qatar Pub- came during the opening of the terday. lic Health Conference under new headquarters of the Armenia “There have been many the theme,”10 Years of Public embassy in Doha yesterday achievements in the past 10 Health: Looking Back, Moving evening, and his meeting with the HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Fatma Hassan years. The road traffi c acci- Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad Forward”, taking place at Ritz- Armenian community in Qatar. al-Remaihi, Abdulla Jassim al-Mosallam and jurors at the opening night of the Ajyal Film Festival yesterday. dents have been brought down al-Thani Carlton Doha. To Page 5

Qatar fi rst in Arab World in talent ranking Pact signed for cruise ships to house 2022 fans Qatar ranked first in the Arab world and 26th in the world in the global talent ranking 2019 report issued by the By Santhosh V Perumal and enable the port’s capacity to re- ers from across the globe converging Competitiveness Center of the Institute Business Reporter ceive the largest cruise ships in the in Doha to experience our ships and for Administrative Development in world, serving fans and visitors who enjoy the unique international ex- Switzerland. Sixty-three countries were come to Qatar during the FIFA World perience that only MSC Cruises can covered in the study. atar will charter two cruise lin- Cup,” HE al-Sulaiti said. offer.” According to the report, Qatar ers, with a combined capacity Under the terms of the agreement, In 2022, the cruise ships will be has been ranked 41st this year in Qof 4,000 cabins, to act as fl oat- Qatar will charter MSC Cruises’ Eu- served by shuttle buses which will investment and development, 21st in ing hotels for accommodating fans ropa and Poesia. Scheduled for de- take fans to Qatar’s transport infra- attractivity and 20th in readiness over during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. livery in 2022, MSC Europa, the first structure, including Doha Metro, from the past two years. In this regard, the Supreme Com- liquefied natural gas-powered ship in where they will be able to access stadi- In terms of investment and mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) yes- MSC Cruises’ fleet, is currently un- ums, fan zones and other attractions. development, Qatar ranked sixth in terday signed an agreement with MSC der construction in Saint-Nazaire, In addition to fl oating hotels, Qatar’s the index of total public expenditure (Mediterranean Shipping Company) France. other accommodation options will in- on education per student, eighth in Cruises in the presence of HE the Min- Being the most environmentally clude hotels, apartments and fan vil- the index of industrial training that is ister of Transport and Communica- friendly marine fuel currently avail- lages. applied eff iciently, and 12th in the index tions Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti. able, the vessels’ air emissions will be “We are determined to deliver a range of health infrastructure that meets the Chartering cruise liners for fans has kept to a minimum. It also features ad- Hassan al-Thawadi and Pierfrancesco Vago signing the agreement as HE Jassim Seif of accommodation options which will needs of society. long been part of Qatar’s accommo- vanced waste and water treatment sys- Ahmed al-Sulaiti and other off icials look on. (Image courtesy of SC) suit every taste and budget in 2022. It In attractivity, Qatar ranked first dation strategy, with the country keen tems, besides a wide range of cutting- is important we provide sustainable in the income tax rate index as a to off er sustainable solutions for the edge environmental technologies for 2022. We are sure fans from all over secretary-general of the SC. solutions for the country while ensur- percentage of GDP per capita, ninth month-long tournament, which will cleaner air emissions and minimised the world will be excited at the pros- Pierfrancesco Vago, executive ing an unmatched fan experience,” said in the foreign skill index attracted kick off in November 2022. environmental footprint. pect of staying on board a cruise ship, chairman, MSC Cruises, said the Yasir al-Jamal, chairman of the SC’s by the Qatari business environment, “The ministry has completed the “We are pleased to collaborate with with a fabulous view of West Bay, and tournament is one of the world’s Host Country Operations Offi ce and 17th in the corporate motivation development of Doha Port to accom- MSC Cruises to deliver this unique fast access to all the stadiums and most popular events and “this will be vice chairman of the Technical Deliv- index and 18th in the quality of life modate multiple large passenger ships accommodation option for fans in fan zones,” said Hassan al-Thawadi, another opportunity for holidaymak- ery Offi ce. Business Page 1 index. (QNA) Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 QATAR

Amir issues Amir meets governor of Bank Al Maghrib Amir meets Singaporean minister instruments of ratification His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued the following instruments of ratification: 1. An instrument of ratification approving the terms of reference between the United Nations (UN), represented by the UN Off ice for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Aff airs (OCHA), and Qatar, represented by the government of Qatar, regarding the establishment of an OCHA Off ice in Doha, signed in Doha on 16/12/2018. 2. An instrument of ratification approving an agreement between the governments of Qatar and Croatia on exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special passports, signed in Zagreb on 19/11/2018. 3. An instrument of ratification approving an agreement between the governments of Qatar and the Greece on His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met the Senior Minister and exemption of visa requirements Co-ordinating Minister for National Security of Singapore, Teo Chee Hean, and his for holders of diplomatic, service His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met the Governor of Bank Al Maghrib accompanying delegation, who called on the Amir to greet him on the occasion of their visit or special passports, signed in Abdellatif Jouahri and the accompanying delegation, who called on the Amir to greet him on the to Qatar. During the meeting, they reviewed the existing friendly and co-operative relations Doha on 2/5/2019. occasion of his visit to the country. between the two countries and prospects of enhancing them. 4. An instrument of ratification approving a co-operation agreement between the Amir greets governments of Qatar and the International Organisation for Sri Lankan Qatar and India hold talks Migration, signed in Doha on president on air transport links Shura Council discusses 16/12/2018. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Amir issues bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness Bilateral talks between the instruments the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah civil aviation authorities of laws on expat aff airs, bin Hamad al-Thani, yesterday Qatar and India were held of accession sent cables of congratulations to in New Delhi yesterday. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on The Qatari side was chaired strategic food stock His Highness the Amir Sheikh his swearing-in as president of by HE the Chairman of Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued Sri Lanka. Qatar’s Civil Aviation an instrument of accession Authority Abdullah bin QNA approving Qatar’s accession to Qatar condemns Nasser Turki al-Subaie, Doha the Convention on International while the Indian side was Interests in Mobile Equipment Kabul attack headed by the Secretary and its Protocol on Matters Qatar has strongly condemned of the Ministry of Civil he Shura Coun- Specific to Aircraft Equipment, an attack on a military training Aviation Pradeep Singh cil held its regular signed in Cape Town on establishment in the Afghan Kharola. Tweekly meeting 16/11/2001. capital Kabul that left 5 people HE Qatar Airways Group authorities of Qatar and India and its importance yesterday under the chair- His Highness the Amir also issued injured. In a statement yesterday, Chief Executive Akbar on the volume of trade exchange between the manship of its Speaker HE an instrument of accession the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs al-Baker also attended the two countries and matters of mutual interest. The Ahmed bin Abdullah bin approving Qatar’s accession to reiterated Qatar’s firm stance talks. two sides stressed the need to continue bilateral Zaid al-Mahmoud. the Protocol of 1988 relating to towards rejecting violence and Talks dealt with relations meetings for greater co-ordination in matters At the outset of the the International Convention terrorism, regardless of the between the civil aviation related to civil aviation. meeting, the Council ap- for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 motives and causes. preciated His Highness (SOLAS). the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s Amir issues meeting with the Coun- Speaker HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, cil’s Speaker and mem- chairing yesterday’s session. decrees bers at the Amiri Diwan on Wednesday. stock of food and con- meetings attended by him His Highness the Amir Sheikh The Shura Council af- sumer goods. The Decree and accompanying del- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani fi rmed that this important Law includes 23 articles, egations during the Coun- yesterday issued the following meeting and the Amir’s whereby strategic com- cil’s holiday. decrees: speech during the opening modities may only be dealt These meetings in- 1. Decree No 42 of 2019, ratifying of the 48th Ordinary Ses- with by those who are reg- clude the Fourth Meeting an air transport agreement sion of the Shura Council istered in the list of major of Speakers of Eurasian between the governments of formed a roadmap and a suppliers or registered Countries Parliament held Qatar and the UK signed in platform for action for the traders. The competent from September 23 to 24, London on 24/6/1998, the text of next phase which requires department supervises 2019, in Kazakhstan’s cap- which is annexed to this decree more eff ort for the country and manages the strate- ital of Nur-Sultan city, the and shall have the force of law in and its citizens. gic stock and establishes 141st Assembly of the In- accordance with Article 68 of the The Council then dis- and manages an electronic ter-Parliamentary Union Constitution. cussed Decree Law No 23 linking system to monitor (IPU) in Belgrade from Oc- 2. Decree No 43 of 2019 of 2019 amending some and supervise the strategic tober 13 to 17, and the First ratifying an agreement between provisions of Law No 21 of stock. Executive Council Meet- the United Nations High 2015 regulating the entry The Decree Law defi nes ing of Asian Parliamentary Commissioner for Refugees and exit of expatriates and the obligations of the reg- Assembly (APA) held in (UNHCR) and the government their residence. After the istered trader, as well as Rize town of Turkey from of Qatar signed in Doha on discussion, the Council penalties for violators. October 25 to 28, 2019. 16/12/2018, the text of which decided to send the Decree After the discussion, the The Speaker also is annexed to this decree and Law to the Internal and Council decided to send briefed the Council on shall have the force of law, in External Aff airs Commit- the Decree Law to the Fi- his meetings held on the accordance with article 68 of the tee for further study and a nancial and Economic Af- sidelines of these meet- Constitution. report. fairs Committee for fur- ings with the heads of the 3. Decree No 44 of 2019 The Council also dis- ther study and a report. participating parliaments approving Qatar’s accession to cussed Decree Law No 24 HE al-Mahmoud and a number of senior the convention establishing the of 2019 regulating and briefed the Council on the offi cials in these coun- International Development Law managing the strategic regional and international tries. Organisation (IDLO), the text of which is annexed to this decree and shall have the force of law in accordance with Article 68 of the Constitution. The decrees are eff ective starting QU launches ‘Smart Start Campaign’ from the date of issuance. Amir sends cables to promote child health awareness of congratulations

atar University His Highness the Amir Sheikh (QU) has launched Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Qthe ‘Smart Start His Highness the Deputy Amir Campaign’ for 2019-2020, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad which promotes a physi- al-Thani have sent cables cal and psychologically of congratulations to King healthy environment tar- Mohamed VI of Morocco, and geting children aged 3-6 on the occasion of his country’s years. Independence Day. The campaign, in its HE the Prime Minister and second year, demonstrates Minister of Interior Sheikh the importance of chil- Abdullah bin Nasser bin dren’s health, as the child Khalifa al-Thani sent a cable of represents the future na- congratulations to the Head of tion. the government of Morocco Head of the Nutrition The Smart Start Campaign promotes a physical and Dr Saadeddine Othmani on Department at QU, Dr psychologically healthy environment. the occasion of his country’s Tahra El-Obaid explained Independence Day. that the campaign aimed She added that this year dren about the dangers of zHis Highness the Amir to revive a healthy culture the campaigns plan con- excess sugar intake. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and instil proper habits sists of four stations to Lastly, a physical activ- al-Thani and His Highness the in children as a preven- achieve its objectives. ity station highlighting Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah tive system. Investing in The first station is a the importance of physi- bin Hamad al-Thani have sent healthy growth for chil- breakfast station, which cal activity in everyday life cables of congratulations to dren, she says, is the heart teaches children essen- to ensure optimal growth President Egils Levits of Latvia of the campaign. tial information about and development. on his country’s Independent Assistant teacher the most important All stations were created Day. HE the Prime Minister at the QU Nutrition meal of the day. A plate to refl ect a friendly, ener- and Minister of Interior Sheikh Department, Jazi al- station, which educates getic and fun environment Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Qahtani, said this year children on the main that attracts children and al-Thani has also sent a cable efforts were being made food groups and how to includes activities that of congratulations to the Prime with the aim of raising classify them. promote interaction be- Minister Krisjanis Karins of awareness in a distinc- A sugar awareness sta- tween the campaigns team Latvia on the occasion of his tive and developed way. tion, which teaches chil- and children. country’s Independence Day. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 3 QATAR

PM meets Singaporean minister PM meets Lebanese minister PM meets Brazilian envoy

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Khalifa al-Thani yesterday met the Senior Minister and Co-ordinating Minister bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday met Lebanon’s Minister of Public Health Jamil for National Security of Singapore Teo Chee Hean and his accompanying Jabak and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their participation HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser delegation, in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral in the first Qatar Public Health Conference in Doha. During the meeting, they bin Khalifa al-Thani met the outgoing ambassador of Brazil to Qatar, relations between Qatar and Singapore and means of enhancing them in reviewed the relations of between the two countries and means of supporting Roberto Abdalla. He wished the ambassador success in his future tasks and diff erent fields, in addition to a number of issues of common concern. them. the relations between the two countries further progress and prosperity.

Amir receives message from Benin president WISE Summit 2019 to discuss pressing issues

QNA order to achieve the desired WISE 2019 will also celebrate promising educational technol- Doha prosperity of the 21st cen- six WISE 2019 projects, selected ogy initiatives to join the WISE His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has received a written message from tury. from 481 projects that were sub- Accelerator programme for President of Benin Patrice Talon, pertaining to the bilateral relations and ways of promoting and The WISE 2019 will address mitted in recognition and en- 2019-2020 and representatives enhancing them. The message was received by HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin he World Innovation the pressing issues and current couragement of innovative edu- of selected initiatives partici- Saad al-Muraikhi during his meeting yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Aff airs and Co-operation Summit for Education trends facing education, start- cational initiatives worldwide. pated in some of the workshops and Special Envoy of the President of Benin, Aurelien Agbenonci. T(WISE), an initiative of ing with how to relearn the emo- Announced in September, the and specialized lectures during Qatar Foundation for Educa- tional and psychological skills winning projects include Fam- the summit. tion, Science and Community we need to learn, the exchange ily Business for Education from In addition, WISE Learners’ Development (QF), will refl ect of views on whether well-being the UK, Programa Crianca Feliz Voice selected 25 distinguished this year Qatar’s commitment to should be taught in schools, to (Happy Child Programme) from learners from 19 countries to at- addressing a number of pressing identifying global educational Brazil, United World Schools: tend a training course in Doha issues, infl uenced by the rapid technology trends and their im- Teaching the Unreached work- from November 17-19 that in- changes in the world of tech- pact on innovation. ing in Nepal, Cambodia and My- cludes work-based leadership, nology, and the dissemination During the opening session anmar, Arpan’s Personal Safety development of the Education of successful global experiences of the Summit, the winners of Education Programme from In- Unit and participation in a series and practices in education that WISE Prize will be announced. dia, Akilah Institute from Rwan- of collaborative and interactive respond to and address the chal- Established in 2011 by the Chair- da and Micro:bit Educational sessions on WISE communica- lenges of today’s world. person of Qatar Foundation Her Foundation from the UK. tion and social innovation skills Held under the theme ‘Un- Highness Sheikha Moza bint Qualifying projects typically topics and partner organisations Learn ReLearn: What it means Nasser, the WISE Prize for Edu- address a number of pressing to increase the impact of their to be Human’, the WISE Sum- cation is the fi rst distinction of educational issues, including work and collaborate on pressing mit, which will be held at Qatar its kind to recognise an individ- innovative ways of fi nancing challenges. HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti holding talks with Benin’s National Convention Centre to- ual or a team of up to six for an education, providing access to WISE provides a range of pro- Minister of Foreign Aff airs and Regional Co-operation and the Special Envoy of the President of Benin morrow, will give attendees the outstanding, world-class con- education in remote areas, and grammes outside its main Doha Aurelien Agbenonci, and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Herve Hehomey. opportunity to network, collab- tribution to education. providing early childhood pro- summit, including a range of an- orate, share eff ective practices The WISE Prize for Education grammes based on cognitive sci- nual initiatives, with this year, and discover new ideas through raises the status of education by ence. for the fi rst time in Qatar, the interactive plenary sessions, giving it similar prestige enjoyed In WISE 2019, eight new re- Doha Learning Days is the fi rst keynote speeches and debates. in other fi elds for which interna- search reports will be launched experiential learning festival in They attend workshops facili- tional prizes exist, such as litera- that provide detailed insights Qatar to celebrate a week-long Transport minister meets tating partnerships and spot- ture, peace and economics. and actionable recommenda- education, with WISE showcas- lights presenting projects and Nominations for the WISE tions for education challenges ing local initiatives and encour- innovative practices. Prize for Education are invited in Qatar and beyond. These re- aging the community to partici- The two-day conference from individuals and institu- ports are of interest to educa- pate in its activities. delegation from Benin will see the participation tions, including schools, inter- tors, policy makers, school lead- Over the course of six days, of 2,000 experts, speakers, national organisations and pri- ers, and parents included topics from November 14-19, the ex- education specialists, deci- vate companies, from anywhere such as local learning systems, perimental festival hosted a large QNA the President of Benin Aure- tial investment opportunities sion makers, and thought in the world. An international language policies, student well- number of sessions, events and Doha lien Agbenonci, and Minister in these fi elds, in addition to a leaders from more than 100 Jury of distinguished individu- being, educational leadership, activities organised by more of Infrastructure and Trans- number of matters of common countries will participate in als makes the fi nal selection of global citizenship education, than 50 parties and partners port Herve Hehomey. interest between the two friend- more than 150 plenary ses- the WISE Prize for Education excellence in higher education, locally and internationally, in- E the Minister of The meeting discussed as- ly countries. sions and debates that shape Laureate who is introduced at and the mobility of university cluding interactive workshops, Transport and Com- pects of co-operation in the The meeting was attended by the future of education in the WISE Summit. The Laureate students across countries. The exhibitions, fi lm screenings, in H munications Jassim fi elds of transportation, com- the delegation accompanying Qatar and around the world, receives the WISE Prize for Edu- reports will present their fi nd- addition to sessions on health, Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti met Be- munications, ports and civil the Special Envoy of the Presi- and identify the behaviours, cation gold medal and $500,000 ings and discuss them with the and discussions aimed at creat- nin’s Minister of Foreign Af- aviation and means of further dent of Benin and the country’s skills and attributes to be (US) cash fund dedicated to grow delegates of the conference. ing positive change in Qatar’s fairs and Regional Co-opera- enhancing them. ambassador to Qatar Mohamed learned and re-acquired in their initiative. The conference selected eight society. tion and the Special Envoy of They also discussed poten- Bare.

Culture minister Qatar-Somalia military ties discussed holds talks in Paris Doha Institute forum discusses HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali met the President pre-colonial Arab-Islamic history of the Arab World Institute in Paris, Jack Lang. The meeting took place during the minister’s QNA The forum brings together re- Research and Policy Studies Dr participation in the consultative Doha searchers from Morocco, Yemen, Haider Saeed addressed the sub- Forum of Ministers of Culture Tunisia, Iraq, Jordan and Leba- ject of “Imamate”. held on the sidelines of the non to discuss a specifi c point Saeed tried in his paper to 40th session of the General he Leadership Forum in between linguistic, anthropo- explore the origins of the se- Conference of the United Nations pre-Colonial Arab Islamic logical, political, philosophical, mantics of the word “Imamate” Educational, Scientific and Tsocial and political his- and historical research. and its derivatives in the Arab Cultural Organisation (Unesco). tory, organised by the Sociology The fi rst day of the forum wit- lexicon, pointing to the develop- During the meeting, they and Anthropology Programme nessed the organisation of three ment of the concept and socio- reviewed means of promoting at the Doha Institute of Graduate scientifi c sessions in which re- logical contexts of this develop- co-operation between Qatar Studies, kicked off yesterday. searchers discussed the topics ment. and France in the cultural field The forum, which is held at of leadership and imamate, and The fi rst day of the forum and prospects of co-operation the institute’s headquarters, is their transitions during diff erent concluded with a paper entitled HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen between the Ministry of Culture attended by about 20 research- historical periods. ‘Religious and tribal leadership al-Ghanem yesterday met the Commander-in-chief of the Somali navy Major General Abbas Amin and Sports and the Arab World ers from various local, regional In the opening session of the in Yemeni society’, presented by Ali. During the meeting, they discussed military issues. The meeting was attended by senior off icers Institute. and international academic in- fi rst session, the Head of Re- Dr Fouad al-Salahi, a professor of the Qatar Armed Forces. The year 2020 will be celebrated stitutions. search at the Arab Centre for of sociology at Qatar University. as “Qatar-France Year of Culture”.

Interactive forum on women’s empowerment 549 entries received for children’s literature award

QNA ing: family roles and raising chil- general, indicating that promot- QNA Hamad Mohamed al-Zakiba, Lebanon, Egypt and Yemen, in this year’s edition compared to Doha dren, reducing dependence on ing women is empowering them Doha said that the Award committees addition to Arab writers from the previous editions, which af- maids and nannies, in addition and building their capacities, in have fi nished counting the works 14 countries of diaspora which fi rms that the award won a great to talking about positive free- particular, as Qatari women are applied for the Award after the are Malaysia, Canada, Bulgaria, literary and intellectual reputa- he Protection and Social dom through reducing negative models at all levels for their abil- total of 549 literary and closing of application on Octo- France, Netherlands, Finland, tion that consolidated its Arab Rehabilitation Centre emancipation, and women’s ity to cope with various social artistic works from 33 ber 20, noting that a total of 632 Spain, Austria, Ireland, Ger- and international presence. T(Aman) of the Qatar So- work, and how to reconcile the and political crises. AArab and foreign coun- entries were submitted for the many, Britain, Australia, Sweden He added that the State cial Work Foundation yesterday requirements of the home and He stressed that the centre’s tries are competing for the fi ve categories of the Award, of and Turkey. Award for Children’s Litera- organised an interactive forum the work, and empowerment choice of the subject of women’s eighth edition of the State Award which 83 entries were excluded He added that the compet- ture emphasises the support of on women empowerment, which against crises facing women on empowerment in conjunction for Children’s Literature 2019. for not meeting the conditions ing works included the fi ve cat- talented and creative eff orts in was attended by a group of spe- the health, social, economic and with the celebration of the In- In statements to Qatar News for participation, leaving 549 egories of the Award — story and the fi eld of children’s literature cialists from Qatar and Kuwait. political levels. ternational Day for the Elimina- Agency (QNA), Director of the entries to compete from 19 Arab novel (277 works); poetry (102 in order to enrich the produc- The forum, which coincides Executive Director of Aman, tion of Violence Against Women Culture and Arts Department countries, namely Qatar, Ku- works); theatre text (138 texts), tion of literary works based on with the celebration of the In- Dr Mansour al-Saadi al-Yafei, refl ects its vision and mission in at the Ministry of Culture and wait, Bahrain, Oman, UAE, Sau- children’s songs (16 works); and the value system adopted by the ternational Day for the Elimina- said that the forum discussed emphasising the women’s role Sports and Chairman of the di Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Tu- literary studies (16 works). Ministry of Culture and Sports tion of Violence Against Women, issues of concern to women in and position in the Qatari soci- Board of Trustees of the State nisia, Libya, Sudan, Mauritania, He noted a signifi cant increase through the strategy of cultural dealt with several axes, includ- their work, family and life in ety . Award for Children’s Literature, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, the number of participation in enrichment. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 QATAR HEC Paris’ International EMBA programme ranked No 1 in world EC Paris’ International of its students and “world-class ranked number one on the Ca- Executive MBA (EMBA) faculty, innovative curricu- reer Progress ranking. The latest Hprogramme has been lum, and outstanding alumni announcement refl ects positive- ranked number one in the world community”. ly on the achievements of not for 2019 by the Financial Times “Last year, the FT rankings only the Class of 2016, but on the – up from the sixth spot it earned assessed the EMBA that was preceding and following cohorts in 2018. delivered only in Paris into con- as well.” The announcement was made sideration,” he said. “The Inter- The Doha campus off ers In- yesterday by the English-lan- national Executive MBA is com- ternational EMBA programmes guage international daily news- posed of the English modular in addition to Specialised Mas- paper that has a special focus on and Doha tracks. These tracks ters degrees and shorter Execu- business and economic news. are fully taught in English by the tive Education programmes – The latest ranking also plac- same professors, and off er the all of which mirror the courses es the Paris-based business possibility of complete mobility off ered on the main campus in school’s International EMBA between tracks. Paris. To date, more than 600 programme ahead of its key Eu- “This was an important dis- students have graduated from ropean competitors, the London tinction as it meant our In- HEC Paris in Qatar. School of Business in the UK and ternational EMBA was seen as “The achievements of our INSEAD in France, both of which one programme, irrespective Doha cohort are a direct result of have their own renowned global of where it was delivered. This an excellent partnership between EMBA programmes. means that the results of our Qatar Foundation and our main The ranking is especially Doha-based cohort contributed campus in Paris,” said Lefante. signifi cant for the HEC Paris to the overall ranking that was “From supporting our growth, The EMBA 2020 launch group photo. campus in Doha, established in released today. helping us expand our academic partnership with Qatar Founda- “EMBA alumni have consist- programmes to encouraging us as the top European business Lefante explained how mul- dents can opt to study modules in world. Second, our programmes tion in 2010. Michael Lefante, ently achieved signifi cant ca- to develop locally-inspired busi- school by FT; and in 2019, the tiple factors set the HEC Paris Paris, Doha or in Beijing,” he said. lay as much emphasis on soft- HEC Paris in Qatar’s marketing reer and fi nancial progression, ness modules, Qatar Foundation fi nancial newspaper went on to International EMBA programme “This, in turn, provides them skills as much as they do on director, says the ranking is rec- with an average salary increase has helped our campus in Qatar rank its overall executive educa- apart from those off ered by other with a better understanding of academics. And third, we invest ognition of HEC Paris in Qatar’s of 89% three years after gradu- exceed its expectations.” tion programme number three in renowned business schools. market settings in some of the a lot of time and resources on EMBA programmes, the talent ation. The programme was also In 2010, HEC Paris was ranked the world. “First, it off ers mobility; stu- top business-driven cities in the extra-curricular content.”

Probe into suspected cases of food poisoning Total, QU launch algae research projects The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) of the aff ected family, the man and mortadella and sausages. yesterday issued a statement saying it his two children showed symptoms The MoPH is working to provide launched an investigation after receiv- such as shortness of breath, vision the anti-toxin drug from the otal and Qatar Univer- a research group dedicated ing a report about three suspected disorder, weakness in the facial manufacturer and stressed that sity’s (QU) Center for to developing algal tech- cases of food poisoning from the same muscles and diff iculty in swallowing, no other similar cases have been TSustainable Develop- nologies in support of the family. the ministry said in the statement. registered. ment have initiated two re- sustainable development A man, his son and daughter showed Based on pathological and Food and epidemiological search projects for the inves- of Qatar and the Qatar Na- symptoms of food poisoning, the report epidemiological data, the symptoms investigation teams are still looking tigation of microalgae from tional Vision 2030. stated. The entities concerned at the MoPH mentioned are similar to poisoning for the potential causes of infection, Qatar to produce biofuels as Hareb al-Jabri, acting di- initiated the necessary epidemiological by a substance produced by the the statement points out, adding that well as Carbon Capture, Uti- rector, Center for Sustainable investigation into the matter immediately botulinum bacteria, which can the MoPH has taken the necessary lisation and Storage (CCUS). Development, and lead inves- upon receiving the report. multiply within canned meats, precautionary measures to be Both projects are spon- tigator on the project, said, According to doctors and members especially smoked varieties such as followed in such cases. sored by Total R&D Group “Algae are a fast-developing and will be performed at Qa- fi eld, and present a high po- tar University. tential for production in Qa- The partnership is a very A facility for research projects. tar. Using this valuable local valuable addition to the re- resource to off set greenhouse search portfolio of Qatar nologies which contribute to “Through such industry gas emissions, whilst also University, as it supports achieve carbon neutrality in funded projects and R&D supporting the local economy the investigation into sus- the second half of the cen- collaborations, research is key to achieving a more sus- tainable solutions to sup- tury,” said Marie-Noelle Se- at the university is bench- tainable future for Qatar.” port the increasing global meria, senior vice president, marked against the require- Total’s relationship with requirements for biofuels, group chief technology of- ments and standards from Qatar University strives on lubricants, and raw materi- fi cer at Total. industry, ensuring that our the shared ambition to de- als, whilst capturing carbon Algae projects fi t within research is impactful, solu- velop sustainable solutions dioxide. this objective, as algae are tion orientated, and truly and support national aspi- Research and develop- sustainable sources of bio- collaborative. Furthermore, rations in line with Qatar ment is a cornerstone of mass, which can be used for these projects with Total National Vision 2030. Total’s strategy in order to a multitude of applications support Qatar University in “These agreements are continuously improve the including biofuels produc- creating integrated knowl- strategic for us, as we are way to address environ- tion and CO2 sequestration edge and collaborative ar- bridging Total Group’s vision mental challenges. using non-arable lands. rangements to solve the with Qatar University strate- “Total is investing and For Qatar University, pressing issues of sustain- gic plan of bringing together supporting the development these projects demonstrate able development in Qatar.” the world-class facilities and of algae with CO2 in partner- the importance of industry The Algal Technolo- the expertise of industry and ship with Qatar University as collaborations for research. gies Programme (Centre of academia to promote sus- we believe that Carbon Cap- Prof Mariam al-Madeed, Sustainable Development, tainability,” Yousef al-Jaber, ture Utilisation and Storage vice-president, research College of Arts and Sci- director, Total Research will leverage innovative tech- at Qatar University, said, ences, Qatar University), is Center - Qatar added.

Ministerial decision on adult education course HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi issued a decision on the development of the adult education system (parallel course), stipulating the creation of a path called the parallel course for adult education in secondary school. According to the decision, the parallel course aims to help adult education students who are unable to complete their secondary education with the same curriculum in the general education, and the decision will be applied as of the academic year 2020/2021. To be admitted to the parallel course, the student must be a Qatari national, must be at least 25 years old, and have successfully completed the grade that precedes the grade in which he or she wishes to enrol. The academic year for each class consists of two semesters. The grades of each subject for all grades shall be determined so that the maximum grade of one subject is 100, and the minimum grade is 40. The ministerial decree specified the subjects for parallel course classes at the secondary level. It states that a parallel course student who successfully passes the 12th grade receives a certificate of completion for this grade. (QNA) Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 5 QATAR Minister opens fi rst Qatar

Public Health Conference Minister meets conference delegates HE the Minister of Public Health especially in the health sectors, in z Coverage rate of all vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme is over 95% Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari addition to a number of issues of yesterday met the Minister of common concern. z Decrease of about 40% in young smokers aged 13-15 years between 2004 and 2018 Health of Jordan Dr Saad Jaber, HE Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari who is currently visiting Qatar also met the CEO of Gavi The E the Minister of Public to participate in the first Qatar Vaccine Alliance Dr Seth Berkley. Health Dr Hanan Mo- Public Health Conference which They discussed enhancing co- Hhamed al-Kuwari in- started yesterday. During the operation between the Ministry augurated the fi rst Qatar Public meeting, they reviewed relations of Health and Gavi The Vaccine Health Conference yesterday. between the two countries Alliance, as well as a number of The conference has been or- and ways of enhancing them, issues of common interest. ganised by the Ministry of Pub- lic Health (MoPH) in collabora- tion with the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). The two-day conference is being held under the theme ‘10 Qatar makes big gains Years of Public Health: Look- ing back, moving forward’, with the participation of a number of in road safety, health dignitaries, offi cials and national and international experts. The minister highlighted a HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari along with other dignitaries at the opening session of the conference. From Page 1 law, mental health law among number of outstanding achieve- others. These are laws to help us ments in public health, including tended by more than 50 lo- He also said that there will be to go in the right direction and improvements in reproductive cal, regional and international a Doha Declaration for Public benefi t every section of the soci- health, maternal, neonatal and speakers from medical and aca- Health at the end of the two-day ety. We have many research pa- child health, in addition to re- demic institutions, as well as conference. pers published in leading jour- ducing the number of premature lead public health institutions “Qatar’s rapid progress is il- nals,” he noted. deaths due to non-communica- from around the world with over lustrated in its performance in According to him, the con- ble diseases, reducing mortality 500 participants. global rankings; in a fi ve-year ference aims to connect every- and traffi c injuries signifi cantly, The conference is scheduled period, Qatar has moved from one related to public health and and enhancing the control of in- to be biennial discussing public being ranked 27th to 5th in the bring them under one platform. fectious diseases. health services, including pre- Health Component of the Lega- “It is not just the work of the She pointed out that the rate of vention, protection, health pro- tum prosperity index. This is a Ministry of Public Health but coverage of all vaccines under the motion, communicable diseases, huge achievement, supported other ministries and institutes. National Vaccination Programme non-communicable diseases, by all in Qatar, both Qatari and The issues regarding labour, has reached over 95% and, ac- food safety and environmental non-Qatari.We are proud of the education, licensing, traffi c cording to the Global Audit To- health. The conference showcases contribution and value-addition safety among others, have to be bacco Survey data, there has been some 60 research abstracts from from non-Qataris, as recognised taken care of by the ministries a decrease of about 40% in young various health sector partners in by His Highness the Amir Sheikh concerned and they have been smokers aged 13-15 years between Qatar to build eff ective and long- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani,” brought into the conference,” he 2004 and 2018 in Qatar. term strategic partnerships. pointed out Sheikh Mohamed. highlighted. “The fi rst Qatar Public Health HE Dr al-Kuwari affi rmed A panel discussion during the conference. PICTURE: Jayan Orma “In all areas of work, injuries “The people have to be pre- Conference is an important that public health issues are of have been brought down under pared and trained. We have event to view and make use of highest priority and in 2017 a ing the conference, with the vi- the country to support govern- ‘Preparations for mass gather- 10%. The number of deaths from brought here several experts local, regional, and global exper- specialised public health strat- sion of cooperating with all part- ance, share health data and infor- ings in Qatar’, ‘Presenting results communicable diseases in Qatar from many countries and lead- tise and experiences in the fi eld egy was launched under the ners to address the public health mation, and develop workforce of the National Child Oral Health is less than 6% of the aff ected ing institutes. All these people of public health. It is also impor- umbrella of the National Health challenges in the next decade. capabilities, which represent the Survey’, ‘Qatar Biobank and Qatar and we are ahead of the USA and have been brought under this tant to extrapolate our progress Strategy. It aims to establish a In the opening speech, Sheikh strategic enablers of the Public Genome Project: A major step to- France in this regard,” continued platform to get the best results over the next 10 years in accord- comprehensive and integrated Dr Mohamed al-Thani, director Health Strategy 2017-2022.” wards the implementation of per- Sheikh Mohamed. at a low cost,” he maintained. ance with the national plans and system which can provide ef- of the Public Health Department The conference features a sonalised healthcare’, ‘Automated The offi cial said the list of He also referred to the chal- strategies that aim to strengthen fective solutions for the current at the MoPH, said: “The confer- number of panel discussions, insulin delivery in type 1 diabetes achievements is varied and in lenges that the country is facing and maintain sustainability of and future challenges and ensure ence covers the scope of public workshops, presentations and de- in Qatar: Achieving world-class several areas. “We have lowered in the coming years. “In Qatar, in the health system and ensure health promotion and wellness health in accordance with the bates, as well as an exhibition of results’ and ‘Occupational safety obesity by 20 to 25% in the last common with regional and glo- an effi cient attainment of Qatar for the population of Qatar. “health in all policies” approach, posters with the participation of and health in Qatar: From craft eight years.We have zero death in bal trends, we face many public National Vision 2030 related to Many key public health ac- and addressing the public health various stakeholders in the country. and manual workers’ healthcare Women’s Hospital from labour for health challenges, particularly health,” said HE Dr al-Kuwari. complishments over the last challenges in Qatar requires co- A series of presentations are service provision to the develop- the last three years. Infant mortal- the growing burden of non- The conference is being at- decade are to be presented dur- operation between all sectors in given at the conference such as ment of a national policy’. ity and child mortality is one of the communicable diseases. Qatar lowest in the world,” he explained. will also be on the global stage “We have also introduced like never before, during the many laws in the country such as 2022 FIFA World Cup,” added QNL, WIPO sign pact on cross-border exchange of books breast feeding law, public health Sheikh Mohamed.

atar National Library sible digital books available to its heritage of the Arab world,” said place in the lives of the people of (QNL) has signed an members, a statement notes. Li- Monica Halil Lövblad, head, Ac- Qatar. Through this agreement, Qagreement with the brary users with print disabilities cessible Books Consortium. we are pleased to join eff orts World Intellectual Property Or- or someone acting on their behalf The library’s main collection with the international commu- ganisation (WIPO), paving the will now be able to access a wider includes large-print books, au- nity to achieve our shared goals,” way for the library to be part of range of accessible digital books diobooks and braille books in added Dr Wastawy. the cross-border exchange of in diff erent languages. English and Arabic. A dedicated The library’s team attended accessible books among the en- Dr Sohair Wastawy, executive assistive technology space is the Standing Committee on tities of the Accessible Books director, QNL, said: “The agree- equipped with tools and soft- Copyright and Related Rights Consortium Global (ABC) Book ment signifi es our commitment A dedicated assistive ware to help people with dis- and showcased its achievements Service and facilitate access to to expand access to information technology space is equipped abilities access information at the WIPO Conference 2019, approximately 540,000 acces- for all. It’s important for national with tools and software to and library materials, including which was held in Geneva, Swit- sible titles in 76 languages to its institutions such as the library to help people with disabilities Bookshare, which has more than zerland on October 21. users with print disabilities. set a leading example by being in- access information and library 500,000 braille and audiobooks WIPO, one of the 15 special- The signing of the agreement clusive and ensuring equal access materials. in English and Arabic for visually ised agencies of the United Na- gives the library access to the to persons with disabilities. We impaired users or anyone who tions, created the Accessible Accessible Books Consortium’s will use the opportunities created from a global online catalogue cannot read standard print. Books Consortium in 2014 to The festival has presented several ‘exciting off shoot activities’, (ABC) Global Book Service on- by this agreement to ensure every through international exchange. The library worked closely give eff ect to the provisions of including practitioner workshops. line catalogue, which allows one of our patrons is supported “We are very pleased that Qa- with the government of Qatar to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facili- participating libraries and or- with the resources that empower tar National Library has joined support the accession of Qatar to tate Access to Published Works ganisations serving people with them as equal and active mem- the ABC Global Book Service and the Marrakesh Treaty, which was for Persons Who Are Blind, print disabilities to easily obtain bers of our society.” that visually impaired persons in achieved in January 2019. Visually Impaired or Otherwise accessible content. The ABC Global Book Service Qatar will be able to benefi t from “We strive to make our print Print Disabled. The Marrakesh Doha Learning Days The agreement allows the li- initiative supports the goals of ABC’s impressive collection of and digital resources easily ac- Treaty makes provisions for ac- brary to request accessible books the Marrakesh Treaty adminis- accessible titles in over 76 lan- cessible to all. This commit- cessible books to be produced from other participating author- tered by WIPO, by allowing au- guages. We also hope to receive ment, underpinned by our ef- and transferred across national presents ‘exciting activities’ ised entities under the provisions thorised entities, such as librar- accessible books in Arabic from forts that include our support boundaries on a non-profi t basis of the Marrakesh Treaty and ies, to easily obtain accessible Qatar National Library, given for the Marrakesh Treaty, is what by setting up exceptions to tra- augment the number of acces- titles in more than 76 languages the interest in the rich literary makes the library an important ditional copyright law. ducation City has been a hive of activity dur- Eing Doha Learning Days (DLD), the country’s fi rst expe- riential learning festival. Organised by World Innovation How the Library of Wonders is inspiring learning through discovery Summit for Education (WISE) with more than 50 local part- atar Reads’ Library of Wonders is Six-year-old Heba, who was accom- ners and innovators, the festival a multi-sensory educational ex- panied by her mother, said: “I thought has highlighted several themes; Qperience that “excites and cap- it was a magical place, because the sto- science and technology in the tivates” children of all ages by inspiring ries looked real. I really liked it.” Echoing ‘Learning Labs’, wellness activi- learning through curiosity and discovery. her daughter, Najwa Sinno said: “It was ties, sustainability, empowerment The mobile activation is currently sta- amazing – in fact my daughter wanted to in the ‘Networking Majlis’, and tioned on Education City’s Green Spine go through the Library of Wonders again. special needs and accessibility. as part of WISE’s Doha Learning Days – It was a very educational experience.” It has also presented several A workshop curated by Aspire Qatar’s fi rst experiential learning festival, Qatar Reads is an initiative of Qatar “exciting off shoot activities”, in- Academy and Brain Education which is taking place over six days and Foundation, designed to foster a culture cluding practitioner workshops Middle East focused on ways of concludes today. of reading that places storytelling and and sessions with WISE Summit screening students with mixed Currently themed around the concept discovery at the heart of the nation, while speakers. abilities and practical methods of curiosity, the Library of Wonders takes promoting innovation and imagination. Aspire Zone was the venue for of motivating them toward ef- visitors on a journey based on the fi ve As part of Doha Learning Days, Qatar two of the practitioner work- fective learning. senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and Reads is hosting a number of fun, immer- shops, which gave teachers a WISE Summit speakers such touch. Through a series of fun and edu- sive activities, such as the curiosity sta- chance to connect and learn as Steven MacGregor also pre- cational games, visitors make their way tion – held in collaboration with CurioC- from innovators in education. sented a HEC Executive Edu- through an interactive, multi-sensory The mobile activation is currently stationed on Education City’s Green Spine as part of ITY Center of Play – where children can ‘Teacher’s Day Out!’, held at Kid- cation Programme Masterclass maze, solving educational puzzles along WISE’s Doha Learning Days. learn how to make a volcano using baking Zania Doha, invited teachers to a during DLD, while Jason Silva, the way. soda. Other activities include storytelling workshop convened by Dr Ger futurist and philosopher, de- Al-Jazi al-Henzab, project manager at this festival, we selected a theme based on “Through this activation, children use sessions in English and Arabic and cross- Graus, global education direc- livered a TEDx-style talk ex- Qatar Reads, said: “The Library of Wonders the fi ve senses, as it relates to the learn- each of the fi ve senses as learning tools. word puzzles. tor at KidZania. The interactive ploring new ways to approach is part of the Qatar Reads zone at the Doha ing process – part of the overall theme This is especially relevant as children have For more information about Doha facilities at KidZania help chil- learning. Learning Days festival in Education City. of Doha Learning Days. Another example diff erent ways of learning – some learn Learning Days, and the activities on off er, dren aged 4-14 years to experi- DLD is open to the public until “The theme of the Library of Wonders includes Qatar National Sport Day, where through reading, some through listening, one can visit www.wise-qatar.org/wise- ence the world of work through today, and the activities and ses- changes depending on the occasion. For we focus on healthy living. and some through seeing.” 2019/doha-learning-days/ realistic roleplay. sions are free-to-attend. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 QATAR Doctors achieve robotic

procedure milestone Ambassador Muzel: The lesson Germany has learned over the The team of surgeons past 30 years ... is that a strong performed the first kidney and unified Germany in a strong stone treatment procedure European Union is to the benefit using the Roboflex surgical of all. robot at Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, in the Industrial Area team of surgeons at Ha- German mad Medical Corporation A(HMC) has performed the fi rst kidney stone treatment envoy procedure using the Robofl ex surgical robot at Hazm Mebai- reek General Hospital (HMGH). thanks The state-of-the-art fl exible laparoscope technology allows for the eff ective, non-invasive Qatar for treatment of kidney stones, and Dr al-Ansari: We expect to the operation marked the fi rst conduct around 200 surgeries time the Robofl ex technology each year at Hazm Mebaireek continued has been used at Hazm Mebai- General Hospital using this reek General Hospital, located in technology. the Industrial Area of Doha. support Dr Abdulla al-Ansari, acting chief medical offi cer at HMC and senior consultant and chair n the occasion of the of surgical services, and Dr Mor- ‘Day of Unity’ (German shed Ali Salah, senior consult- ONational Day) in Doha on ant and head of the Surgery and November 20 (tomorrow), am- Urology Departments at Hazm bassador Hans-Udo Muzel has Mebaireek General Hospital, expressed gratitude for Qatar’s performed the procedure. support and shared vision for a “The successful completion unifi ed Germany. of this procedure marks the fi rst “The 9th of November 1989 time we have used this tech- is a very emotional date for Ger- nique at Hazm Mebaireek Gen- mans: everybody will remember eral Hospital,” said Dr al-Ansari. where they were, and what they “This technology was devel- were doing, the moment they oped by clinicians from Turkey heard the breaking news that the and breaks up kidney stones us- Berlin Wall had fallen,” he said in ing a laser,” he explained. “The Dr Salah: We are pleased to now a statement. “Thirty years ago, procedure can be performed be able to off er this treatment to A team of surgeons has performed the first kidney stone treatment this happy event was one of the under general anaesthesia and patients here at Hazm procedure using the Roboflex surgical robot at Hazm Mebaireek few miracles in history and eve- does not require a surgical in- Mebaireek General Hospital. General Hospital. rybody in Germany and all over cision, which typically means the world was taken by surprise.” the surgery is performed in less an important milestone. large stone measuring approxi- ing special surgical tools.” He said the historic event and time, and with the patient hav- “The introduction of the mately 2cm in the right kidney, “In the case of this patient, a the ensuing re-unifi cation of ing a shorter recovery period and Robofl ex surgical robot at Hazm was an ideal candidate for the more advanced treatment was Germany on October 3, 1990 experiencing less pain.” Mebaireek General Hospital is procedure, due to the size and required due to the size and po- “would not have been possible “We expect to conduct around evidence of our commitment to location of his stone. sition of the stone,” Dr Salah without the support of Germa- 200 surgeries each year at Hazm improving patient care by of- “The most common form added. “This advanced tech- ny’s friends and partners in the Mebaireek General Hospital us- fering the highest standard of of kidney stone removal is the nique involves passing a laparo- world, among them the State of ing this technology,” Dr al-An- therapeutic treatment,” he said. laparoscopic technique,” he ex- scope through the urinary tract Qatar”. sari said. “We are pleased to be able to plained. “In this technique, a before using a laser to break the The ground for German unity Dr Moustafa al-Khalil, acting provide our patients with the laparoscope is passed through a stone into smaller pieces.” was laid earlier in the former medical director of Hazm Me- latest technology and effi cient small incision in the waist area, “We are pleased to now be Czechoslovakia and in Hun- baireek General Hospital, said medical expertise.” and then used to break the stone, able to off er this treatment to Dr al-Khalil: The introduction of the Roboflex surgical robot at Hazm gary where political leaders took that the success of the fi rst sur- Dr Salah said that the patient, or stones, into smaller pieces, patients here at Hazm Mebai- Mebaireek General Hospital is evidence of our commitment to brave decisions, letting citizens gery using the new technology is a man in his forties who had a which can then be removed us- reek General Hospital,” he said. improving patient care. of the former Eastern part of Germany (the Democratic Re- public of Germany) travel to what was then called West Ger- Mega draw many, and thus causing the fi rst cracks in the Wall that had di- for LuLu-Ali vided Europe for four decades. “Qatar shared this vision of a Bin Ali (PCP) unifi ed Germany, fi rmly embed- ded in Europe and the European Promotion Union, which would become a reliable and strong partner for conducted at Europe and the world. “Qatar believed that Germany hypermarket would contribute to peace, free- dom, and prosperity at home The mega draw for the LuLu-Ali and abroad. Bin Ali (Prime Consumer Products “We are very grateful for the Division) Promotion was trust our Qatar partners and conducted at LuLu Hypermarket, many others placed in us in D-Ring Road branch, yesterday. 1989,” the ambassador contin- The draw was organised under the ued. supervision of Waddah al-Saadi, During the past 30 years, inspector from the Consumer Muzel said that Germany “was Protection Department at the guided by this very conviction Ministry of Commerce and that dialogue and co-operation Industry. A total of thirty will provide much better an- winners were selected for LuLu swers to the global challenges gift vouchers, which were worth a in front of us, such as climate total sum of QR100,000 as prizes. change, and the fi ght against Off icials from LuLu Hypermarket poverty and terrorism”. and Ali Bin Ali (Prime Consumer “And in this spirit, Germany Products Division) were present at is assuming its responsibilities the draw. with its partners on the global stage, for example, as a non- permanent member of the Secu- rity Council of the UN in 2019- 2020. “Qatar is a very important partner for Germany on the Barwa Bank announces November world stage, sharing the same vision of a multilateral and rules-based world order,” Muzel draw winners of Thara’a account stressed. He added: “The lesson Ger- many has learned over the past arwa Bank has announced Abdulla Alkhulaifi , Jassim al- prize of QR10,000. 30 years and which we are re- the names of the most re- Sulaiti, Nasser al-Hajri, Abdulla Quarterly, there are two win- calling on the occasion of the Bcent round of draw winners Mutheeb, Hayah Alhajree, Ajnas ners per draw for the cash prize 30th anniversary of the fall of for Thara’a, its Shariah-compliant Jabar, Amal al-Atteya, Abdulla of QR25,000 each, and two win- the Berlin Wall, is that a strong savings account, at the bank’s Althahre, Nasser al-Mohanadi, ners per draw for the cash prize of and unifi ed Germany in a strong headquarters. Nabil Ahmed, Dheya al-Naimi, QR50,000 each. European Union is to the benefi t Tamim al-Shaiba and Ayad Ahmad Aldarwish, Mohamed al- Yearly, there would be one win- of all, both politically and eco- Aldulaimi each won a cash prize of Kubaisi, Ahmed Arafat, Fakhri ner for the grand prize of QR1mn. nomically, whereas walls are to QR10,000. Shaat, Khalid Yousif, Azeema There would be a total of 365 the detriment of everybody. Cash prizes worth QR5,000 Khan, Maryam al-Kubaisi, Jaralla winners, with cash prizes adding “Recalling this experience, I each were also awarded to Abdul- al-Maari, Yamin Mustafa, Miel up to up to QR3.29mn. don’t see any merit in building lattif Almana, Daleen Alkhatib, Samson, and Tariq Amarneh. Coupled with cash prizes and a new walls anywhere in the world Khalid al-Kuwari, Ichraf Maaouia, The draw was conducted under reward scheme, Thara’a is a prod- today. Oamar al-Mulla, Abdulla al-Sub- the supervision of a representa- uct full of value-added benefi ts “Against this backdrop, we are aey, Hussain al-Jaber, Fatima al- tive from the qualitative licence and services. wholeheartedly convinced that Mahmoud, Saif al-Fadala, Kay- and market control department Thara’a off ers account holders only dialogue can de-escalate ingil Abdutty, Eleen Elbatneagy, at the Ministry of Commerce and access to Barwa Bank’s innovative and solve confl icts. Nawras Alakhhras, Jabor al-Ajji, Industry. banking channels. “We, therefore, fully support Abdulla Alemadi, Aisha Jolo, On a monthly basis, there are Customers may learn about the the mediation eff orts of the Amir Saleh al-Musallem, Hanin Aldu- 42 winners per draw for the cash many benefi ts of Thara’a savings of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ah- laimi, Hussain al-Mulla, Abdul- prize of QR5,000 each, as well as account by visiting www.barwa- mad al-Jaber al-Sabah, to settle Cash prizes totalling QR3.29mn are up for grabs. wahab Omar, Yousif al-Abdulla, two winners per draw for the cash bank.com or by calling 8008555. the crisis in the Gulf.” Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 7 QATAR

Vodafone Qatar launches GigaTV premium entertainment service Vodafone Qatar has announced the launch of its pre- mium new entertainment service, GigaTV, featuring “exciting regional and international content to serve the entire family’s entertainment needs”. GigaTV provides a full suite of entertainment through a state- of-the-art set-top box that includes live TV channels, catch-up features, and on-demand content, such as movies from major studios, Vodafone exclusive TV series and kids’ content, the company has said in a statement. GigaTV customers will also be able to enjoy all of these features on the go through its GigaTV app. For the “best in TV entertainment”, Vodafone Qatar partnered with OSN to provide GigaTV customers with 19 premium channels at no extra cost. Customers also have the option to subscribe to OSN’s premium content available in multiple languages showcasing movies, kids, and factual entertainment packages as a monthly add-on. need for their homes- seamless Wi-Fi, landline and GigaTV is powered by Android TV, which gives great TV entertainment. customer’s access to more than 5,000 apps on GigaTV is an important milestone in our journey Google Play. to pioneer digital innovation in the country and to be Moreover, Chromecast built in is a feature that lets people’s first choice in telecom and digital services.” customers stream their favourite entertainment and Steve Macdiarmid, chief commercial off icer at apps from their mobile phone, tablet, or laptop right OSN, added: “We’re very excited about our growing Off icials at the agreement-signing ceremony. to their TV. partnership with Vodafone in the region, and as pio- To celebrate the launch of GigaTV, customers neers of entertainment, we look forward to off ering who sign-up from now until February 18, 2020, can OSN’s extensive latest and exclusive content to the enjoy a complementary one month subscription Vodafone customers through IPTV. to OSN El Farq package worth QR249, that unlocks In fact, we’ve curated special packs for the platform a world of international movies, series, and kids that will cater to the TV needs of the entire family.” channels. GigaTV is included as part of all GigaHome-Fibre Vodafone Qatar COO Diego Camberos said, “We’re subscriptions. delighted to launch GigaTV. To learn more, customers can visit their nearest Qatargas is Gold Vodafone customers will now have everything they Vodafone store or www.vodafone.qa/GigaHome.

Sponsor for Junior Scandinavian well-being philosophy comes to Qatar, courtesy of Snoull

l Messila, a Luxury Col- Science Olympiad lection Resort & Spa, ADoha, part of the Luxury Ministry of signed by Hassan Abdullah al- tifi c and educational events or- The age of students should portfolio of Marriott Interna- Education and Mohamedi, director of Public ganised by the Ministry of Edu- not exceed 15 years at the time of tional, has introduced a “break- Relations and Communications cation and Higher Education in the competition. through culinary concept” to Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and future,” said al-Mohamedi. Qatar participated in the Qatar – Snoull, Doha’s fi rst Nor- and Qatargas Higher Education and chairman Al-Sulaiti said: “We are de- competition for the fi rst time in dic cuisine, curated by acclaimed sign partnership of the Olympiad’s Public Rela- lighted to support the Ministry 2016 with a team of observers Michelin-starred chef Theis tions Committee, and Ali Ibra- of Education and Higher Edu- (academic supervisors). Brydegaard. agreement him al-Sulaiti, Public Relations cation as it is one of the main Qatar won the bronze medal Snoull, inspired by ‘friluftsliv’ manager, Qatargas. portals through which we can in the Netherlands in 2017, and – the Scandinavian philosophy he Ministry of Educa- Al-Mohamedi hailed the actively participate in the de- another bronze in Botswana in of ‘reconnecting with nature’, has tion and Higher Educa- partnership between the Min- velopment of young people and 2018. “already earned fulsome praise, Ttion and Qatargas have istry of Education and Higher prepare them for the future. The The Olympiad aims to stimu- raising the State’s global culi- signed a partnership agreement, Education and Qatargas, one of strategy of Qatargas is to sup- late students’ interest in natu- nary and wellness credentials to whereby the latter becomes the the largest industrial icons in port the community with a spe- ral sciences to pave their career immensely creative heights with Gold Sponsor of the 16th Inter- Qatar and the world, that will cial focus on education as the journeys as scientists, as well as its unique gastronomic off ering Snoull is inspired by ‘friluftsliv’ – the Scandinavian philosophy of national Junior Science Olym- surely give a strong impetus and strategy is in line with the pillars promoting future scientifi c coop- based on authentic fl avours”, a ‘reconnecting with nature’. piad 2019 in Qatar from Decem- contribute to the success of the of Qatar National Vision 2030.” eration, and forming friendships press statement notes. ber 3-12. International Junior Science Ol- The International Junior Sci- within the scientifi c community. The focus on epicurean excel- “Appropriately hidden in Al ship, all facets which have earned The event will be held under ympiad 2019 hosted in Qatar for ence Olympiad (IJSO) is one of Furthermore, one of the ob- lence is evident at Snoull and the Messila’s lush green gardens, him worldwide fame. the theme ‘Motivating today’s the fi rst time. the largest international science jectives of the IJSO is to provide other seven culinary outlets at guests are fi nding Snoull to be an “I want guests to leave en- young generation for the skills “We hope that this partner- competitions for school stu- an opportunity to compare cur- the resort overseen by noted Ital- ideal gathering place for friends thralled yet revitalised and aware of tomorrow’ with the partici- ship will remain and broaden its dents from all over the world. ricula and educational trends in ian Michelin-starred executive and family after indulging in our of what clean eating can attain in pation of some 71 countries. scope so that Qatargas remain The competition was held for the science education of the partic- chef Pino Lavarra and supported integrated wellness retreat.” respect to sensory experiences,” The sponsorship contract was an active sponsor of more scien- fi rst time in 2004 in Indonesia. ipating countries. by a cadre of some of the world’s With its “open spaced interiors, said Brydegaard. “Our selection most renowned culinary names rustic wood, natural stone, soft of only the highest-quality in- and Michelin-starred chefs. linens and exuberant musing”, gredients allows natural tastes to HBKU Press to host Qatari author at Kuwait International Book Fair Chef Lavarra brings his exten- guests are welcomed to a contem- shine through.” sive expertise to the hotel’s inno- plative venue, which is alive with Innovation fl avours every bite amad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) order to provide them with a platform to “HBKU Press had already organised the vative culinary portfolio named vibrant colours and yet has a truly from the dehydrated beet dusted Press is set to participate, for the share their ideas and promote their work, successful launch of my book in Qatar at DNA – Dining Network at Al calming atmosphere, ensuring a with dried berry powder accom- Hthird consecutive year, in the Kuwait while also exposing new audiences to diff er- FNAC in Doha Festival City, so I know this Messila — which is where people wellness journey for the soul”, the panied by an emulsion of smoked International Book Fair that will be held ent viewpoints and ways of thinking.” upcoming book signing event in Kuwait is get together to explore a journey statement points out. mussels to the Hay Smoked Lo- from tomorrow until November 30. For fi rst-time Qatari author, the upcom- sure to be a great success.” full of fl avours and experiences The menu bears all the hall- cal Yellowtail served with crisp The HBKU Press booth, located in Hall 6, ing book-signing session of her work, titled In the book, al-Langawi shares her and encompasses all eight of the marks of Brydegaard with light, gooseberries, and smooth ponzu Booth 31, will highlight its complete cata- Here’s My Opinion; What’s Yours?, marks adopted convictions while encouraging hotel’s culinary venues. clean Nordic fl avours and dishes dressing. logue of works — including new titles in one of many promotional activities that al- readers to join her on a journey of self-dis- “Our philosophy at Al Messila crafted with many of the ingredi- Chef Brydegaard has also cre- every genre — and also host Qatari author Langawi has engaged in with HBKU Press covery and understanding by writing their Resort & Spa, Doha is to deliver ents in their naturally nourishing ated his own take on the tradi- Amal al-Langawi for a book-signing cer- since her book launched earlier this year. own thoughts in the blank pages provided in epicurean excellence while being raw and rich form. tional Qatari dish, Harrees. emony on November 21. “Working with HBKU Press on my fi rst the book. authentic, and Snoull refl ects our Freshly pressed juices, foraged His wholesome and creative “Our presence at international fairs like book has been a true privilege,” said al-Lan- HBKU Press will be at the 44th annual uncompromising commitment biodynamic produce and fresh, version uses grainy oats, sweet- the Kuwait International Book Fair vali- gawi. “Since the beginning of the publishing Kuwait International Book Fair for the du- to this,” Patrizia Hofer, the re- grilled fi sh provide dishes that breads, fi rm and chunky chicken dates HBKU Press as one of the key players process, HBKU Press encouraged my ideas ration of the fair, which is being held at the sort’s general manager, said. “scream nourishment”. hearts, and pickled mushrooms. from the Arab region in the global publish- and even came up with an innovative de- Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref. This is a fi rst-of-a-kind res- Brydegaard, an acknowledged “The result is that Snoull Har- ing market,” said Bachar Chebaro, executive sign that captured my vision of allowing the All HBKU Press titles will be available at taurant for Doha in a one-of- devotee of smoked and grilled rees has a completely diff erent feel director of HBKU Press. reader the space and opportunity to form the HBKU Press booth and al-Langawi’s a-kind destination which has a fare, has an overriding commit- to the original. Ours is distinctly “We use these international opportuni- and write down their own opinions in the book-signing session in the HBKU Press pervading aura of wellness and ment to simple food, local pro- contemporary whilst also being a ties to host Qatari authors in our booth in book as they read along. booth will begin at 7pm on November 21. nature. duce and culinary craftsman- tribute to tradition,” he said. Vaccination for livestock HBKU engineering student develops propaganda detection model

hehel Yoosuf from Hamad and resources to make it happen.” Bin Khalifa University’s Dr Mounir Hamdi, dean of S(HBKU) College of Sci- CSE, said, “We’re naturally ence and Engineering (CSE) was delighted that one of our stu- among the winners at the 2019 dents excelled in the confer- workshop on NLP4IF co-located ence’s propaganda detection with Empirical Methods in Natu- competition. The standard of ral Language Processing (EMN- contestants was high, as were LP), held in Hong Kong from No- their abilities to cope with the vember 3-7. demands of this task. Shehel’s Yoosuf, a Masters in Data Sci- success underscores CSE’s ence and Engineering student growing reputation as a world- working under the guidance of class place to study science, Dr David Yang, leading a QNRF- engineering and technology. The Ministry of Municipality and funded project on Fraudulent It also bodes well for our mis- Environment’s (MME) Animal Resources Message Detection Under Diff er- sion to advance knowledge and Department has launched a national ential Privacy, developed the best nurture future leaders and in- campaign to vaccinate livestock against performing system in the AI- novators through teaching and foot-and-mouth disease. The six-month driven fi ne grained propaganda research across a range of care- drive will include all fixed and moving detection task. fully targeted programmes.” Al Azab (animal farms) complexes in the More than 15 internation- Shehel Yoosuf This year’s propaganda detec- country. Animal Resources Department al teams over a period of two tion competition was organised director Engineer Abdulaziz Al Ziyara months worked on developing type of propaganda utilised petition and present the solution by HBKU’s Qatar Computing Re- said that the aim of the campaign is to Machine Learning models ca- from a list of 18 techniques. in the workshop. I enjoyed the search Institute and the Univer- provide the best therapeutic services pable of finding every instance Categories for the latter task challenge of working on such a sity of Bologna. and immunise livestock from epidemics of propaganda from a set of included ‘appeal to authority’, relevant problem as propaganda CSE regularly holds events to and diseases in order to reach a healthy news articles. The participant’s ‘bandwagons’ and ‘black and which is becoming widespread highlight its research activities environment for livestock, which will system was required to specify white fallacy.’ with the prevalence of web me- and projects. For more informa- contribute to food security. — QNA the phrase where propaganda Shehel said, “It was an honour dia. I’m grateful to CSE for pro- tion, one can visit cse.hbku.edu. occurs and also determine the to represent HBKU in the com- viding me with this opportunity qa Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 QATAR

Public Prosecution’s diabetes awareness drive Ashghal observes World Diabetes Day Students took part in the Ashghal initiative to plant trees

group of students from Al Shorouq Model School Afor Boys participated in an initiative, along with the Public Works Authority (Ash- ghal), to plant trees at Al Watiy- yat Interchange within Sabah Al The Public Prosecution’s Public Relations and Communications Department held an awareness Ahmad Corridor, in conjunction campaign for the employees of its various departments on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. with World Diabetes Day on No- The campaign, which was held in co-operation with Qatar Diabetes Association, was aimed vember 14. at raising the awareness of the employees about the disease and to check their blood sugar The event comes as part of the level, in addition to other related activities such as a lecture on the issue and highlighting the ‘Qatar Beautifi cation and Our importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to avoid elevated levels of blood sugar. Kids Planting Trees’ campaign launched by the Supervisory Committee of Beautifi cation of Roads and Public Places in Qatar to ‘Plant Million Trees’ in co- ordination with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment Doha Meditation Space to hold (MME). The event was attended by Rashed Abdulrahman al-Mah- Students of Al Shorouq Model School for Boys with off icials. symposiums and special events moud from Qatar Diabetes As- sociation, Hassan al-Muhamadi, Public Relations and Communi- oha Meditation Space Also, a medical camp will be November 23. “We are con- cations Department manager at has announced that held in collaboration with Qa- ducting all the events free of the Ministry of Education and Dit will hold sympo- tar Diabetes Association and charge with an open invita- Higher Education, Abdulla Saad siums and special events to Qatar Red Crescent Society at tion for all,” the organisation al-Saad, Public Relations and raise awareness about diabetes the JNP labour camp on No- said in a statement. Communications Department among people in Qatar. vember 22, from 8am-11am. The events will be led by Dr manager at Ashghal, Sheikha al- Accordingly, two events Further, two more events Shrimant Kumar Sahu, dia- Jufairi, CMC member for Con- have been planned at Ashoka have been planned for Al betologist and holistic care stituency 8, Fatima al-Kuwari, Hall, Indian Cultural Centre, Khor residents, one of which physician from Global Hos- CMC member for Constitu- today and on November 21, took place on November 16 pital, Mount Abu, Rajasthan ency 9, and Moza Ftais, admin- from 6pm-9 pm. and the other is scheduled for (India). istrative supervisor, Al Shorouq Model School for Boys. Al-Mahmoud said he was delighted to participate in the tree-planting initiative. “Such Reception held to mark Indian navy activities contribute to enhanc- ing the values of human solidar- ship’s arrival at Hamad Port ity and building a compassion- ate society,” he said, adding that the ongoing campaign to plant trees around the country and increase green areas will have a positive eff ect not only in terms Students planting trees at Al Watiyyat Interchange. of preserving the environment and beautifying roads but also try of Culture and Sports, Qatar ing, which is good - under cer- ghal as part of its Expressway in raising the morale of patients Museums, Qatar Rail and the tain conditions - for diabetics. Programme. and encouraging them to en- Private Engineering Offi ce for Al-Jufairi said the ongoing It is considered a key link be- gage in light sports activities as project implementation. The tree-planting campaign will tween the north and south of it helps them control their blood committee is responsible for fi ve change the general image of Qa- the country via Doha, and con- sugar levels. major tasks, including the con- tar and contribute to creating a tributes to saving up to 60% of Al-Muhamadi said the initia- struction of central public parks, healthy and aesthetic environ- travel time. tive helps students practise what provision of dedicated lanes for ment, adding that engaging chil- The interchange includes they learn in the classroom, es- pedestrians and bicycles, devel- dren is important for their future three bridges and four under- pecially with regard to instill- opment of the Doha Corniche, contribution to building their passes, and facilitates access to ing the values of belonging and development of Central Doha homeland. the Al Thumama, Abu Hamour, raising awareness about the role and increasing aff orestation and Al-Kuwari said it is nice to see Mesaimeer and Nuaija areas. of everyone in the development greenery areas. the co-operation of all entities It also facilitates access from and beautifi cation of the coun- Al-Saad said Ashghal is keen to make the campaign a success Al Janoub and Ras Abu Aboud try. He thanked Ashghal and the to involve all segments of society and plant trees on a large scale stadium to Al Thumama Sta- campaign organisers for con- and link its activities to interna- with the participation of stu- dium. The interchange features tributing to the creation of an tional and internal events. “This dents. two pedestrian bridges and six integrated learning experience is part of our commitment to the Ftais expressed happiness at pedestrian and cycle under- highlighting the importance of principles of social responsibil- the participation of Al Shorouq passes to facilitate the safe ac- Indian ambassador P Kumaran addressed a reception held last evening to mark the visit the environment and said stu- ity as well as the fact that the school students in the tree- cess of spectators to watch the of Indian Navy Guided Missile Stealth Frigate INS Trikand at Hamad Port. Present on the dents are keen to attend the campaign has a positive impact planting campaign and praised matches. occasion were a number of Qatari, Indian dignitaries and guests. The reception also included event. on all environmental, educa- the initiative, saying it will con- The project includes land- a ceremonial cutting of the cake. The ship arrived in Qatar to take part in the maiden bilateral Apart from the MME, the su- tional, humanitarian and sports tribute to raising young genera- scaping covering 82,500sq maritime exercise between the Qatari Amiri Naval Forces and the Indian Navy. Named Za’ir-Al- pervisory committee works in fi elds,” he said, adding that tree- tions to love the healthy envi- m and some 1,037 trees. The Bahr (Roar of the sea), the five-day exercise is aimed at enhancing the co-operation between co-ordination with several min- planting activities on roads and ronment. project also offers 23km of the two forces. The exercise is being attended by INS Trikand and Patrol Aircraft PSI. istries and other entities such areas is of great benefi t in terms Al Watiyyat Interchange is pedestrian and bicycle paths PICTURE: Nasar K Moidheen as the Ministry of Transport of encouraging the adoption of a part of Sabah Al Ahmad Corri- within the Al Watiyyat and Me- and Communications, Minis- healthy lifestyle as well as walk- dor, being implemented by Ash- saimeer interchanges.

QBIC’s Lean Fashion Programme Qatar Charity’s income-generation ends with special ‘Demo Day’ in Milan projects benefi t the poor in Gaza

QNA atar Business Incuba- FTA, we aim to contribute to Gaza tion Centre (QBIC) – a the consistent development of Qdivision of Qatar Devel- Qatari entrepreneurism and opment Bank (QDB) – conclud- establish a strong foothold in atar Charity’s offi ce in ed its inaugural ‘Lean Fashion the fashion industry. As such, Gaza Strip has imple- Programme’ during a special we look forward to witnessing Qmented since the begin- Demo Day, which was held in their creative vision come to life ning of 2019 about 190 income- Milan, Italy, recently. and inspire the next generation generating projects at a total cost QBIC’s Lean Fashion Pro- of Qatari designers to turn bold of $343,140, benefi ting dozens gramme, which was launched creative ideas into sustainable of poor people with no income earlier this year, aims to cater to business practices,” he con- source. specialised entrepreneurs and cluded. These projects come at a designers looking to enter the On the benefi ts of the joint time when the Ministry of So- Qatari fashion industry. QBIC’s initiative, CEO, FTA, Giusy cial Development in Gaza Strip Lean Fashion Programme Cannone said, “I believe this said that the rates of poverty equips aspiring designers and programme was a very impor- and unemployment in the Gaza entrepreneurs with a holistic tant step for Qatari designers to Strip reached nearly 75% in understanding of the fashion interact and develop relation- 2019. industry, enabling them to ac- A view from the special Demo Day. ships with key players from one These projects aim to pro- tualise their ideas into Qatar’s of the most important fash- vide a permanent source of in- next iconic fashion brand. benefi ted from exclusive net- “I want to extend a special ion capitals, Milan. I’m sure come and create jobs for needy It is designed and delivered in working opportunities with thank you to the contending they will bring back to Doha an families, especially those with A woman works at a Qatar Charity income-generating project. collaboration with the Fashion international industry experts, entrepreneurs that have suc- abundance of inspiration and unemployed youth, in addition Technology Accelerator Milan suppliers, distributors and po- cessfully stepped up to the learnings to expand the grow- to contributing to improving He noted that the families tation of greenhouses, shops, (FTA), an international hub that tential Milan-based partners. rigorous selection criteria and ing fashion ecosystem in Qatar.” their living and economic con- were selected according to cri- dairy cows, goats, horse carts, fosters digital and technologi- Noting the positive response proven their spirit of entrepre- The winning startups will ditions. teria related to socio-economic sewing and embroidery ma- cal innovation in the fashion to the programme, Hamad neurial innovation to our panel receive access to smart fund- Director of Qatar Charity’s aspects, beneficiary experi- chines, motorcycles for goods industry. al-Qahtani, general manager, of judges.” ing, continuous coaching and office in Gaza Strip Mohamed ence, capacities and skills to transportation, and selling Eight promising startups QBIC, said: “With the launch of “Specially designed to meet workspaces to grow their busi- Abu Haloub said that contrib- manage the project, family carts. emerged out of a group of more the Lean Fashion Programme, the demands of a fl uid glo- nesses. In line with the national uting to promoting a positive member support, and the im- These projects are sched- than 25 entrepreneurs and as- we have provided incubation bal market, QBIC’s new pro- diversifi cation agenda, QBIC’s societal view towards produc- plementation venue. uled to continue until the end piring designers that entered opportunities for Qatar’s grow- grammes off er local entre- specialised incubation pro- tive families is one of the main The income-generating of 2019. In 2018, Qatar Char- the fi rst wave of the programme ing pool of aspiring entrepre- preneurs a uniquely adaptive grammes drive innovative busi- objectives of these projects, in projects, implemented by Qa- ity implemented more than 299 in August this year. Upon quali- neurs and startups looking to toolkit to meet modern indus- ness implementation across a addition to bringing peace and tar Charity through its office in income-generating projects at fying for the acceleration phase break into the fashion ecosys- try requirements. Together wide number of market seg- stability to the economic situa- the Gaza Strip, included fishing a total cost of $634,859, ben- in Milan, the eight participants tem. with our valuable partners at ments in Qatar. tion of the community. boats, poultry farms, rehabili- efiting more than 2,200 people. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 9 REGION/ARAB WORLD Berri says Anti-government protest Lebanon is a sinking ship

Reuters Safadi had emerged as a Beirut candidate after Hariri, had been unable to agree with the Hezbollah and its allies on he speaker of parlia- the type of government that ment yesterday de- should replace the outgoing Tscribed Lebanon as a cabinet. sinking ship at risk going un- Hariri had said that he der completely, underlining would only return as prime the depth of crisis in a country minister of a cabinet of spe- hamstrung by political dead- cialist ministers capable of lock and facing the worst eco- securing international aid and nomic strains since the 1975- saving Lebanon from crisis. 90 civil war. Hezbollah and its allies have Banks, which have been insisted that the government seeking to prevent capital include politicians. fl ight, were set to reopen to- Hezbollah’s deputy leader, day as staff ended a one-week in comments to Iranian media, strike over security concerns said “political understand- Iraqi demonstrators block the entrance to Umm Qasr Port during the ongoing anti-government protests, south of Basra, yesterday. posed by clients demand- ings” would take place be- ing their cash and protests at tween “the parties and even branches. with leaders of the protest Struggling with a massive movement” to form a new public debt and economic government, without giving stagnation, Lebanon has sunk further details. deeper into trouble since pro- Sheikh Naim Kassem also tests erupted against its rul- said the new government’s ing elite a month ago, leading agenda would help to calm Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri down the streets. Both Hez- to quit on Oct 29. bollah and Berri have said their 10 dead after air strike hits Parliament Speaker Nabih preference is for Hariri to re- Berri told his visitors Lebanon turn again as prime minister. was like a ship that was “sink- The nationwide protests ing little by little”, the newspa- have been fuelled by the mis- per Al-Joumhuria reported. management and perceived “If we don’t take the neces- corruption of the ruling elite. biscuit factory in Tripoli sary steps, it will sink entirely,” Lebanon’s economic prob- he said. lems have been compounded Reuters Tripoli government had carried An-Nahar newspaper quot- by a slowdown of capital in- Tripoli/Cairo around 240. Salame said there ed him as likening Lebanon to fl ows, leading to a scarcity of had been intensifi ed artillery the Titanic. Berri, an ally of US dollars and spawning a fi re directed at some Tripoli dis- the powerful Hezbollah, also hard currency black market. t least 10 workers were tricts, although he did not name said that eff orts to form a new Dollars were being off ered at killed and 35 wounded in the LNA. He blamed a recent rise government were “completely 1,820 pounds, around Friday’s Aan air strike that hit a bis- in violence on the growing use of frozen” and awaiting develop- level, dealers said, but still cuit factory in Libya yesterday mercenaries and private military ments at any moment, Al-Jou- some 20% weaker than the of- in what a senior UN offi cial said contractors. mhuria reported. fi cial rate of 1,507.5 pounds. was a possible war crime. He did not identify these forc- Eff orts to form a new gov- On Sunday, banks, which The majority of those killed in es, but diplomats and Tripoli of- ernment, needed to enact have mostly been closed since the strike in Wadi Rabea, 21km fi cials have said that hundreds of urgent reforms, hit a setback the protests began, announced from the centre of Tripoli, were Russian mercenaries have been at the weekend when former temporary measures includ- apparently migrants, while two fi ghting on Haftar’s side since fi nance minister Mohamed ing a weekly cap of $1,000 on were Libyans, UN Libya envoy September. Safadi withdrew his candidacy cash withdrawals and restrict- Ghassan Salame told the Secu- More than 200 civilians have for the post of prime minister, ing transfers abroad to cover rity Council. been killed and 128,000 dis- drawing bitter recriminations. urgent personal spending only. Pictures posted by authorities placed in the confl ict, Salame showed several wounded people said. in bloodstained civilian clothes Since 2014, Libya has been lying on beds in ambulances or split between rival political and Troops arrest nine Palestinians in West Bank medical facilities. military groupings based in Tripoli has been under attack Tripoli and the east. Israeli occupation forces yesterday arrested at least nine Palestin- since April from forces loyal to The Tripoli government has ians in several West Bank governorates, QNA reported. According to east Libya-based commander been backed by Turkey. security sources, the Israeli occupation forces arrested five Palestin- Khalifa Haftar. Last week the United States ians from Hebron, including the secretary of the Fatah movement in The off ensive by his Libyan called on the LNA to halt its the Ibrahimi Mosque Hazem Abu Sobeih, after raiding and searching National Army (LNA) quickly off ensive on Tripoli, warning their houses and tampering with the contents. The occupation stalled, and both sides have used This picture taken yesterday shows the aftermath of a reported air strike on a factory south of the against Russian interference. forces also raided and searched several houses in Hebron, raided the drones and fi ghter jets to carry Libyan capital Tripoli where several people were killed according to a spokesman of the UN-recognised Salame said Germany’s at- towns of Yatta and Halhul and set up several military checkpoints at out air strikes amid sporadic Government of National Accord (GNA). tempts to hold a conference the entrances to the northern and southern parts of Hebron, Halhul fi ghting. to bring an end to the confl ict and Sa’ir. Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces arrested a freed LNA air strikes have often hit an air strike by their forces. crime,” Salame said. of his speech released by the UN in Libya were continuing with prisoner from Al-Fara’a refugee camp, south of Tubas, after raiding civilian areas in Tripoli. “Regardless of whether the He also accused the LNA of mission in Libya. another preparatory meeting his house, and also two young men from Ramallah and Al-Bireh, as Offi cials in eastern Libya con- attack deliberately targeted the causing civilian casualties by in- The LNA had conducted more planned for tomorrow. well as a Palestinian from Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. tacted by Reuters yesterday said factory or was an indiscriminate creased air strikes with unguided than 800 drone strikes, Salame He did not give a date for the they had no information about attack, it may constitute a war bombs, according to a transcript said, while forces allied to the main event. Iran ‘calmer’ despite more riots Tehran ‘exceeds heavy water

AFP The foreign ministry said limit in new N-deal breach’ Tehran it was reacting to Pompeo’s “expression of support...for a group of rioters in some cities Reuters mum pressure” will force Iran to ergy Agency said in a report to ran said it still faced riots of Iran and condemned such Vienna negotiate a broader deal that will member states, obtained by Re- even though the situation support and interventionist re- also include its role in Middle uters, that it had been informed Iwas “calmer” yesterday marks”. Eastern confl icts. by Iran on Nov 16 that “its stock after days of violent protests “The dignifi ed people of Iran ran has breached another Tehran says it will not negoti- of heavy water had exceeded 130 sparked by a shock decision to know well that such hypo- limit in its nuclear deal with ate until sanctions are lifted. metric tonnes”. The IAEA said hike petrol prices in the sanc- critical remarks do not carry Imajor powers by accumu- As the deal is eroded, France, that on Nov 17 the agency had tions-hit country. any honest sympathy,” said its lating slightly more than 130 Britain and Germany are torn “verifi ed that the Heavy Wa- Major roads have been spokesman Abbas Mousavi. tonnes of heavy water, a sub- between trying to save it and re- ter Production Plant (HWPP) blocked, banks torched and “It’s curious that the sym- stance used in a type of reactor sponding to Iran’s breaches. was in operation and that Iran’s shops looted in the nationwide pathising is being done with it is developing, a UN nuclear Heavy water is not as sensi- stock of heavy water was 131.5 unrest since Friday. the people who are under the watchdog report showed yes- tive as uranium, which Iran is metric tonnes”. Offi cials have confi rmed the pressure of America’s economic terday. enriching in a quantity and to a After the Reuters report, the deaths of two people — a civil- terrorism,” he said, referring to The restriction is the latest level of purity beyond limits set IAEA issued a statement con- ian and a policeman — although sanctions. Iran has exceeded in protest at by the pact. But the 2015 agree- fi rming the fi ndings. the toll could be as high as eight, Germany called yesterday for the United States for withdraw- ment says Iran should not have Heavy water is, among other according to unoffi cial reports dialogue between the govern- ing from the deal last year and more heavy water than it needs, things, used as a moderator to published by various Iranian Iranians shop in the Tajrish Bazaar in the capital Tehran, yesterday. ment and “legitimate” protest- imposing punishing economic an amount the deal estimates to slow down reactions in the core news agencies. ers in Iran. sanctions on Tehran. be 130 metric tonnes. of nuclear reactors like one Iran Masked young men have tered since May last year when elaborating. “There have been France, for its part, reiterated Washington says its “maxi- The International Atomic En- has been developing at Arak. been seen on debris-strewn President Donald Trump uni- gatherings in some cities, in its support for the right to peace- streets setting buildings ablaze laterally withdrew the US from some provinces.” ful demonstration and voiced in footage that has been aired a 2015 nuclear agreement and Pressed to give fi gures on regret for the death of “several” on state television, which rarely reimposed crippling sanctions. casualties in the unrest, he said: protesters. Iran announced the shows any signs of dissent. The authorities say they have “What I can tell you today is decision to impose petrol price The Basij militia, a volunteer arrested more than 200 people that gatherings are about 80% hikes and rationing at midnight Curfew imposed in Port Sudan force loyal to the establishment, and restricted Internet access. less than the previous day.” Thursday-Friday, saying the also reported looting. Netblocks, a website that The situation on the streets move was aimed at helping the Its commander Brigadier monitors net shutdowns, has been unclear largely due needy with cash handouts. AFP Violence erupted yesterday in Port Sudan General Gholamreza Soleimani tweeted: “40 hours after #Iran to the internet outage that has The plan agreed by a council Khartoum when a prominent leader from Beni Amer tribe accused the United States of implemented a near-total in- stemmed the fl ow of videos made up of the president, par- held a political rally in the city which was op- instigating the unrest and said ternet shutdown, connectivity shared on social media of pro- liament speaker and judiciary posed by members of Hadendowa tribe, the “America’s plot failed”, accord- to the outside world remains at tests or associated acts of vio- chief comes at a sensitive time olice in Port Sudan said yesterday it had im- biggest in eastern Sudan, witnesses said by tel- ing to semi-offi cial news agen- just 5% of ordinary levels”. lence. ahead of February parliamen- posed a night-time curfew in the Red Sea city ephone. A bus was set on fire during the clashes cy ISNA. Government spokesman Ali The US on Sunday con- tary elections. It won support Pafter clashes broke out between members of that erupted near a hospital in the downtown Demonstrations broke out on Rabiei said the situation was demned Iran for using “lethal on Sunday from Iran’s supreme two tribes in Sudan’s main economic hub. area of Port Sudan, a witness said, adding there Friday after it was announced “calmer” yesterday. force”. leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The curfew came into eff ect at 5:00pm (1500 were people injured from both tribes. the price of petrol would be He said there were still “some Iran slammed US Secretary Khamenei blamed “hooligans” GMT) and would remain until 5:00am today, the “The clashes stopped after members of the raised by 50% for the fi rst 60 li- minor issues” but predicted of State Mike Pompeo after he for damaging property and said police said in a statement posted on its Facebook Rapid Support Force intervened,” another wit- tres and 200% for any extra fuel that “tomorrow and the day tweeted “the United States is “all the centres of the world’s page. ness said. after that each month. after we won’t have any issues with you” on Saturday in re- wickedness against us have It did not specify when the restrictions would “The situation is still tense and RSF members Iran’s economy has been bat- with regard to riots”, without sponse to the demonstrations. cheered” the unrest. be lifted. are everywhere.” Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 AFRICA

CIVIL STRIFE POWER PLAY DEFENCE DEADLY RAID VIOLATIONS 7 Malian soldiers killed as Debt-ridden South African Burkina Faso flays foreign Gunmen kill six villagers Maldives lawmakers militants attack patrol utility appoints new CEO military overflights in northeast Nigeria dismiss top judges

Seven Malian soldiers were killed and 15 wounded South Africa’s embattled Eskom yesterday Burkina Faso has asked France, which has Gunmen riding camels and horses killed six Maldives lawmakers yesterday voted to when militants attacked a patrol in northern Mali appointed a new CEO to turn around the debt- deployed an anti-terror force in the Sahel, to give people in a village in northeast Nigeria, a dismiss the Chief Justice and a Supreme yesterday, the army said in a statement. The West ridden state power utility that has been forced it advance warning of military overflights, or region beset by Islamist attacks, police said Court judge — a move the government said African country is still reeling from an attack on an to sporadically implement rolling blackouts that else any unidentified planes will be considered late on Sunday. “Armed bandits” had launched was part of an overhaul of the judiciary, but army post that killed 54 in early November — one have plunged businesses, schools and homes “enemy.” A letter sent by the Burkinabe a predawn attack on Thursday on Aljannaru, a the opposition branded an attack on the of the deadliest strikes against its military in recent into darkness. Andre de Ruyter, who currently military to the French attache, seen by AFP, village in Adamawa state, before encountering independence of the courts. Lawmakers said memory. In the latest incident, a Malian patrol was heads Nampak, Africa’s largest packaging calls for 48-hour advance notice of any flight a local self-defence group, police spokesman they were acting on the recommendation of attacked in Tabankort, Gao region, while on a joint company, will take over the reins at Eskom in over its territory. “It has frequently emerged Suleiman Nguroje said. They “clashed with the parliament-appointed judicial watchdog operation with Niger against militants operating January and will oversee a plan to improve that unidentified aircraft are overflying our some hunters, which led to the killing of six which said this month that some of the top near the shared border. “During this attack, Malian the utility’s performance by breaking it up into bases and areas of operation,” says the letter, (people)”, Nguroje said. Bandit attacks in court’s judges had violated the constitution forces suff ered seven deaths, 15 wounded as well several units. Eskom, which generates about 95% signed by chief of staff Brigadier-General Moise northern Nigeria have risen in recent years, and “usurped the powers of parliament”. There as equipment damage,” the army said. It did not of South Africa’s electricity, has long struggled Minindou. “Henceforth, instructions have been targeting remote areas and livestock. Villages in was no immediate comment from Chief Justice name the assailants or identify which group they to produce enough power due to ageing and given to deployed units for these aircraft to be southern Adamawa have also been repeatedly Ahmed Abdulla Didi or Supreme Court judge belonged to. poorly maintained coal-fired power stations. considered enemy and to treat them as such.” attacked by Boko Haram militants. Adam Mohamed Abdulla, or their offices. Nigerian ruling Security forum party wins vote in key oil state

By Joel Olatunde Agoi, AFP Major roads in the capital were are being held at diff erent times from Yenagoa blocked by jubilant APC sympathisers, the general election, due to court rul- AFP correspondents saw. ings. In a statement yesterday, the presi- Yesterday afternoon, INEC an- igeria’s ruling party yester- dent congratulated the new gover- nounced that incumbent APC gover- day won the key oil-rich state nor, while deploring the violence that nor Yahaya Bello had claimed a second Nof Bayelsa, the electoral body characterised the vote. term in charge of Kogi state after a vote said, a sign of President Muhammadu “Violence during elections vitiates that also saw deadly violence and elec- Buhari’s growing infl uence in opposi- our commitment to demonstrate to toral malpractice. tion strongholds. the world and upcoming generation Police said three people were killed (From left) Former Burundian president Pierre Boyoya, Senegal President Macky Sall and French Prime Minister Residents cast their ballots in hotly- that we are a people capable of electing while voting materials were snatched Edouard Philippe attend the opening of the International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa at the Abdou contested gubernatorial elections in leaders in a peaceful and orderly man- and election offi cials harassed by gangs Diouf Conference Centre in Diamniadio, Senegal. Bayelsa and central Kogi state on Sat- ner,” he said. loyal to the rival parties. urday in polls marred by sporadic vio- Those unhappy with the results Bello was returned with 406,222 lence and abuses including killings, ab- should seek legal redress rather than votes, beating his main opponent Musa ductions, vote-buying, the snatching of resort to violence, he added. Wada of the PDP, who scored 189,704. voting materials and intimidation. Political analysts see the APC’s vic- State elections are fi ercely contested Bayelsa has been ruled by the op- tory in an opposition stronghold as a in Nigeria, where governors are pow- position Peoples Democratic Party sign of Buhari’s growing infl uence. erful fi gures, controlling state fi nances since Nigeria returned to civilian rule “The victory is a big boost for APC and responsible for key areas from ed- Niger opposition leader jailed in 1999. and Buhari,” said Dapo Thomas, a poli- ucation to health. It is a key political battleground be- tics and history lecturer at Lagos State Nigeria, Africa’s most populous na- cause of the lucrative oil and gas sec- University. tion with 190mn people, has a long tor that is largely based in the southern “It’s a measure of acceptance and history of electoral violence. after return from self-exile Delta region. popularity of the president and his More than 50 people were killed David Lyon of Buhari’s All Progres- party in the core oil-rich region, of during the February and March 2019 AFP gling babies from Nigeria via Benin for Amadou Boubacar, said that even if sive Congress (APC) won more than which Bayelsa is a part,” he added. general election which returned Buhari Niamey wealthy couples in Niger. he served the entirety of his sentence twice the number of votes as his clos- “I think it is also a refl ection of the to power. He was given a 12-month sentence before the December 2020 election, he est rival Douye Diri of the PDP, said the changing voting pattern of the peo- In 2011, hundreds of people were in absentia, of which eight months would still be legally ineligible for a tilt Independent National Electoral Com- ple in the region who want to be part killed in post-election violence, most- leading opposition fi gure in Ni- have still to be served, after time spent at the presidency. mission. of the central government headed by ly in northern Nigeria. ger who returned from self-im- in prison is taken into account. “Under the law, anyone sentenced to APC supporters celebrated across Buhari.” Buhari has promised to reform the Aposed exile last week was jailed One of his wives was also sentenced. a prison term equal to or greater than the state when the results came in, Bayelsa and Kogi are among seven electoral system to make future polls yesterday to serve out the rest of his In August this year, Amadou was one year is not eligible,” Boubacar said. dancing and singing. states where gubernatorial elections free, fair,credible and violence-free. time for a conviction of baby smug- named by the Nigerien Democratic “Even a presidential pardon is not gling, his family told AFP. Movement (Moden), the country’s enough. There would have to be a law Hama Amadou, 69, who had fl own main opposition party, to be its candi- amnestying baby-smuggling in order home on Thursday after his mother date in the next presidential election, to annul the sentence.” died, “was incarcerated early today in due in December 2020. In that context, Amadou’s future Filingue,” 180km north of the capital Issoufou, a former prime minister, could largely depend on a “political di- Court adjourns trial of ‘serial killer’ Niamey, a relative said, adding: “He has been president since 2011. alogue” promised last month by Prime went to court voluntarily and was tak- His country has a history of politi- Minister Brigi Rafi ni, Boubacar said. en to prison.” cal volatility and has only had a multi- A push for reconciliation could fa- AFP A former premier and parliamentary party democracy since 1990. vour concessions for Amadou, who Port Harcourt speaker, Amadou has been nicknamed The impoverished Sahel state has since his return has notably called for “the Phoenix” for his political come- one of the lowest rates of development the easing of tensions. backs. in the world. Offi cially, the “dialogue” aims at Nigerian court yesterday ad- In November 2015, he was arrested Three-quarters of the population “calming the political climate” ahead journed the trial of a suspected on his return from abroad and charged live on less than $2 a day. of the presidential ballot, with dis- Aserial killer accused of stran- with baby-traffi cking — a case that Amadou, after visiting his mother’s cussions on future elections, Niger’s gling 10 women to death in ritual-style supporters said was trumped-up. grave, spent the weekend greeting a electoral commission and access to the murders after drugging them at hotels. He campaigned for the March 2016 large number of visitors to his home, media. Gracious David West, 26, in October presidential elections from behind his family said. Rafi ni said an “assembly” of 30 peo- admitted to nine of the killings in the bars, gaining 17.7% of fi rst-round They included supporters but also ple from Niger’s political parties, plus city of Port Harcourt after the bod- votes behind President Mahamadou members of the Nigerien government fi ve from trade unions and three from ies of his alleged victims were found Issoufou, who won 48.4%. and civil society, who came to express civil society, would be named shortly with white cloth wrapped around their He was released on medical grounds their condolence for his loss. to conduct the month-long forum. necks and waist. four days before the runoff ballot, fl ew He even spoke by phone with Issou- Representatives from the UN, the The murders sparked outrage and to France and remained abroad until fou, one of whose wives, Malika Issou- European Union, a non-partisan prompted women to take to the streets his return last week. fou, went to his home, said a relative. American NGO called the National of Port Harcourt, heart of Nigeria’s In March 2017, 20 people, includ- Analysts said that Amadou’s politi- Democratic Institute will take part, as oil-rich south, to demand better po- ing Amadou, were convicted in the cal future remained unclear. will local religious leaders and tradi- licing. case, which allegedly entailed smug- An expert on constitutional law, tional chiefs. A judge suspended the trial to Thursday after prosecutors said they needed more time to prepare because SAA to resume some regional flights, cancel domestic services they had only received the case fi le from the police last week. mbattled South African Airways costing 50mn rand ($3.36mn) per day Windhoek and Harare, with eff ect West appeared in court in hancuff s, Suspected serial killer Gracious David West (C) being led to the courtroom by (SAA) said yesterday it would and jeopardising talks with lenders. from Tuesday,” it said in a statement. wearing a green prison uniform and a security men at the High Court in Port Harcout, Rivers State. Eresume fl ights to six African The strike has cast doubt on the very The airline said it would re-book plastic bracelet from an evangelical destinations but cancel some domes- survival of the airline, which hasn’t passengers on regional routes that re- church, an AFP journalist said. Port Harcourt and the surrounding groups and frequently engage in blood tic fl ights in the next two days, as not turned a profi t since 2011 and is reliant mained aff ected. Prosecutor Zacchaeus Adango said region has one of the highest crime rituals and oaths. all unions had joined a strike over wag- on state bailouts. Domestic passengers would face that the police dossier also contained rates in Nigeria. Police have said West was a con- es currently in its fourth day. “SAA is pleased to announce its more cancellations today and tomor- evidence against a second suspect It is rife with so-called cults, crimi- fessed cult member and released a vid- State-owned SAA has cancelled intention to resume fl ights to six des- row, it said, but would continue to be called Nimi Thankgod, who should ap- nal gangs that emerged from university eo of him on Twitter confessing to the hundreds of fl ights since the strike be- tinations on the African continent, transferred to sister airlines Mango pear at the next hearing. campuses to become organised crime crimes after his arrest in September. gan on Friday, saying the stoppage is namely Accra, Lagos, Lusaka, Maputo, and SA Airlink.

Test for Ethiopia’s reforms as Sidama people vote on autonomy

By Giulia Paravicini, Reuters groups to demand more rights. up around 4% of the country’s foe Eritrea — for which he was members of the federation with 20mn people that borders on ichael Lemma, an activist whose Hawassa, Ethiopia The vote “makes us super 105mn population, will gain con- awarded the Nobel Peace Prize their own regional state,” said Kenya and South Sudan. Wolaita people live mainly in an excited — even more than our trol over local taxes, education, last month — and enacted large- Kjetil Tronvoll, peace and con- The Sidama people want the SNNP district adjacent to Sida- wedding,” 22-year-old Awol said security and laws. scale change in what was once fl ict studies professor at Bjørknes multiethnic regional capital, Ha- ma territory. wol Beyene got married on proudly, as he and his new wife The vote is being watched one of Africa’s most tightly con- University in Oslo. wassa, located 275km from Addis But the enthusiasm of the Sida- Sunday in a white tuxedo, posed for photographs at a traf- closely by other ethnic groups trolled countries. It could “inspire other vulner- Ababa, to be their own city. ma themselves is unmistakable. Awith his voting card in one fi c circle in Hawassa, the regional from among more than 80 that New freedoms under Abiy able minority groups to seek re- Members of other groups wor- Astatke Abebe, a Sidama busi- hand and his bride’s hand in the capital. make up Ethiopia. have encouraged regional aspi- gional statehood,” which could ry about being disenfranchised. nessman based in the capital Ad- other. “The question of Sidama’s More than a dozen other rations for self-rule, but also led lead to “huge operational chal- “If the referendum succeeds I dis Ababa, said he had provided Tomorrow, Awol’s Sidama statehood has been ongoing for groups are considering demand- to a surge in ethnic nationalism lenges for Ethiopia”, he said. fear for the safety of the Wolaita transportation for his family and people will vote in a referendum more than 130 years. It is an issue ing similar votes. that some fear could lead to more The Sidama homeland would people and for other minority employees to travel back home to on whether to form their own for which our forefathers made The right is enshrined in the unrest. be carved out of the Southern ethnic groups, as there is no rule register to vote. self-governing region in south- heavy sacrifi ces,” he said. constitution, but has become “The Sidama referendum is Nations, Nationalities, and Peo- of law currently in the country “No one will miss this day, God ern Ethiopia, as sweeping re- If the referendum passes, the a reality only now under Abiy, the fi rst real test on the consti- ples (SNNP) region, the most and this might lead to a secu- forbid, unless it is a matter of life forms under Prime Minister Abiy Sidama, Ethiopia’s fi fth larg- who in just over a year in power tutional principle that all eth- ethnically diverse part of Ethio- rity crisis. Everything is possible or death, it is simply a day we will Ahmed have emboldened ethnic est ethnic group, who make has made peace with long-term nic groups may become direct pia, a rural region of around at the moment,” said Hailem- not miss.” Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 11 AMERICA

LOCKDOWN VIOLENCE HEALTH WILDFIRE RISK JUSTICE Three dead in Oklahoma Four killed at backyard Justice Ginsburg appears Thousands could be hit by Former drug exec’s appeal Walmart shooting: media party, gunman on the run on bench after illness California power cuts denied by Supreme Court

Three people were killed in a shooting A gunman was still on the loose overnight after Liberal US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader About 180,000 customers in California could Former pharmaceutical executive Martin yesterday morning at a Walmart store in opening fire at a family party in a backyard in Ginsburg, who has faced various health scares over find themselves in the dark as Pacific Gas & Shkreli will remain in prison after the US Duncan, Oklahoma, local media reported citing Fresno, California, late on Sunday, killing four the past year, made a public appearance at the court Electric warned that an upcoming “strong Supreme Court yesterday rejected his effort the state’s highway patrol and local police. people and wounding six, police said. The gunman yesterday after missing a day of oral arguments off shore wind event” could prompt the bankrupt to overturn his conviction and seven-year According to TNN television, Duncan Police walked into the backyard where a gathering last week due to illness. Ginsburg, 86, stepped up power producer to yet again shut off power in sentence for securities fraud and conspiracy. Chief Danny Ford said the shooting took place of about 35 family and friends was watching a unassisted to the bench for a brief court session some areas. “The forecast remains uncertain, The justices refused to hear Shkreli’s appeal in a parking lot in front of the store and the football game before 8pm, Fresno Deputy Police yesterday, sipped from a silver-coloured cup during but there is a possibility that the weather could of his August 2017 conviction and $7.36mn suspect is one of those killed. Schools in the Chief Michael Reed said in a late night news the session and — as has become normal in recent prompt a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) forfeiture for cheating investors in two hedge area had been placed on lockdown temporarily conference. Three men died at the scene and months — was helped down from the bench by for some customers in the Sierra Foothills, funds he founded, and trying to prop up before being given an “all clear” by local police, another died at a hospital, he said. Neighbours her colleague, Justice Clarence Thomas, after it North Valley and North Bay”, the company said the stock price of biotechnology company according to a Facebook statement from soon flooded 911 dispatchers with calls for help. concluded. She had a stomach bug and did not on Sunday, adding that it was monitoring for Retrophin Inc, which he once ran. Shkreli, 36, Duncan Public Schools. The shooting took place The suspect fled the scene and police were attend last Wednesday’s court session. She did adverse weather on Wednesday. The company argued that the jury instructions about the shortly before 10am, police said. They said two combing the neighbourhood for witnesses and participate in the justices’ private meeting on said the potential cuts were intended to avoid its harm to his investors undermined his defence men and a woman died in the incident. possible security camera footage, police said. Friday to discuss which new cases to hear. equipment sparking wildfires in hot weather. that he had acted in good faith. Flight of fancy Trump willing to testify in impeachment investigation

Reuters Over half of Americans back impeachment: poll Washington A slim majority of Americans believe An average of previous polls showed President Donald Trump should be im- about 48% supported Trump’s removal, S President Donald Trump yes- peached and removed from off ice for according to the website FiveThir- A man makes giant soap bubbles at Washington Square Park in New York City. terday indicated publicly for his controversial Ukraine actions, ac- tyEight. Uthe fi rst time that he might be cording to the first poll after the launch The ABC-Ipsos poll suggested as willing to testify in the impeachment of public hearings in Congress. well a drop in the number of people inquiry over his dealings with Ukraine In all, 51% of those asked said they opposing impeachment, to 38%, com- “even though I did nothing wrong.” think Trump should be tried and pared to the FiveThirtyEight average of Democrats leading the impeach- convicted in the US Senate, while about 46%. ment process in the US House of Rep- another 6% favour impeachment but But a quarter of all those polled did US has world’s highest rate of resentatives have not formally called not removal, according to the ABC not think Trump did anything wrong. Trump as a witness in the inquiry into News-Ipsos poll released yesterday. The ABC-Ipsos poll also showed that whether he used foreign policy to try That appeared to represent an in- 58% of Americans over 18 were follow- to get Ukraine to investigate domestic crease from before the hearings in the ing the impeachment hearings at least children in detention: UN study political opponent Joe Biden. House Intelligence Committee began somewhat closely, while 42% were not During former US Special Coun- last Wednesday. following closely or at all. sel Robert Mueller’s investigation of By Stephanie Nebehay, Reuters we still have more than 100,000 chil- fants from families only in order to Russian interference in the 2016 US Geneva dren in migration-related detention in deter irregular migration from Cen- election, Trump said he was willing by Democratic lawmakers seeking the oath of offi ce...or he can do it in the (US),” Nowak told a news briefi ng. tral America to the United States to me to testify in person but ultimately did details that could link Trump to a writing. He has every opportunity to “Of course separating children, as constitutes inhuman treatment, and not speak to Mueller. pressure campaign against Ukraine. present his case.” he United States has the world’s was done by the Trump administration, that is absolutely prohibited by the two Instead, after extensive negotiations, Eight more witnesses are due to The latest round of hearings will highest rate of children in de- from their parents and even small chil- treaties,” said Nowak, a professor of in- Trump provided written answers to testify in the second week of the tel- stretch from today to Thursday before Ttention, including more than dren at the Mexican-US border is abso- ternational law at the University of Vi- questions from Mueller’s offi ce. evised hearings. the House Intelligence Committee. 100,000 in immigration-related cus- lutely prohibited by the Convention on enna. Denying any wrongdoing, the They include Gordon Sondland, Democrats are looking into wheth- tody that violates international law, the the Rights of the Child. I would call it The United States detains an average Republican president has railed on the US ambassador to the European er Trump abused his power in part by author of a United Nations study said inhuman treatment for both the parents of 60 out of every 100,000 children in Twitter and elsewhere against the Union, whose direct interactions withholding $391mn in aid to Ukraine yesterday. and the children.” its justice system or immigration-re- impeachment inquiry and attacked with Trump are likely to be a main as leverage to get Kiev to investigate Worldwide more than 7mn people There was no immediate reaction lated custody, Nowak said, the world’s witnesses by name. focus in the investigation of whether Biden. under age 18 are held in jails and police from US authorities. highest rate, followed by countries such House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a the president made security aid to The money, approved by the US custody, including 330,000 in immi- Novak said US offi cials had not re- as Bolivia, Botswana and Sri Lanka. Democrat, said on Sunday in a CBS Ukraine contingent on it agreeing to Congress to help US ally Ukraine gration detention centres, independent plied to his questionnaire sent to all Mexico, where many Central Ameri- interview that Trump has every op- dig up dirt on Biden, who is a leading combat Russia-backed separatists, expert Manfred Nowak said. countries. can migrants have been turned back at portunity to present his case, includ- contender for the Democratic nomi- was later provided. Children should only be detained He said the United States had rati- the US border, also has high numbers, ing coming before intelligence com- nation to take on Trump in 2020. At the fi rst impeachment hearing as a measure of last resort and for the fi ed major international treaties such with 18,000 children in immigration- mittee hearings. Several witnesses testifi ed last last Wednesday, Republicans repeat- shortest time possible, according to the as those guaranteeing civil and politi- related detention and 7,000 in prisons, “Even though I did nothing wrong, week that they were alarmed over the edly blasted Democrats for not calling United Nations Global Study on Chil- cal rights and banning torture, but was he said. and don’t like giving credibility to this pressure tactics used against Ukraine, an anonymous whistleblower to tes- dren Deprived of Liberty. the only country not to have ratifi ed the The US rate compared with an aver- No Due Process Hoax, I like the idea & as well as the role of Trump’s personal tify publicly or behind-closed doors. “The United States is one of the pact on the rights of children. age of fi ve per 100,000 in Western Eu- will, in order to get Congress focused lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. The whistleblower account of the countries with the highest numbers — “The way they were separating in- rope and 14-15 in Canada, he said. again, strongly consider it!” Trump The hearings could pave the way July 25 call led to Democrats opening said on Twitter. for the House to approve articles of the inquiry. At the heart of the inquiry is a July impeachment — formal charges — “There’s one witness, one wit- 25 phone call in which Trump asked against Trump. ness that they won’t bring in front Ukrainian President Volodymyr Ze- That would lead to a trial in the Sen- of us, they won’t bring in front of the lenskiy to open a corruption investi- ate on whether to convict Trump and American people, and that’s the guy Midwest farmers hit by propane shortage gation into former US Vice President remove him from offi ce. Republicans who started it all, the whistle-blow- Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, control the Senate and have shown lit- er,” Republican Jim Jordan said on and into a discredited theory that tle support for Trump’s removal. November 13. Reuters triggered a surge in demand for the fuel were facing restrictions due to the wait, Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the House Speaker Pelosi, in her inter- Democrat Peter Welch responded Washington used to reduce moisture in corn crops to one offi cial said. 2016 US election. view on CBS’s Face the Nation, said: at the time, “I would be glad to have ready for sale or to safely store the grain. “There is plenty of propane on hand The public phase of hearings shifts “The president could come right be- the person who started it all come in “The late harvest and high demand in the country,” said Greg Noll, execu- into higher gear this week when a pa- fore the committee and speak all the and testify. President Trump is wel- t least eight US Midwest states for petroleum products throughout tive vice president of Propane Mar- rade of offi cials will face questioning truth that he wants if he wants to take come to take a seat right there.” declared emergencies in recent the Midwest have resulted in low sup- keters Association of Kansas. “We Aweeks over regional shortages of plies of propane as well as difficulty just need to get it from the points that propane needed by grain farmers to dry transporting,” according to a notice have it on hand to the points where it is House panel agrees to 10-day hold in fight for Trump financial data their crops amid a late harvest and wet on Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ needed.” weather. website. Texas, which is home to the nation’s House of Representatives presidency against the authority of Trump turned to the justices af- Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, The state’s declaration relaxes size largest storage in Mont Belvieu, report- committee yesterday told the Congress, with Trump fi ghting dog- ter the lower court last week refused Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana and weight limits on vehicle transport. ed no emergency or shortage. AUS Supreme Court it would gedly to keep details of this fi nances his request to reconsider its October and Wisconsin eased restrictions on the An earlier proclamation eased oper- Consumers have not faced shortages agree to a 10-day hold — but not a private. decision backing the House com- transport of propane to help alleviate ating-hour rules on propane carriers. because most homeowners would have longer delay — on a lower court ruling The delay agreed to by the House mittee’s authority to subpoena the the local shortages. The latest rule, like most of the other had their tanks fi lled by now, said Noll. directing President Donald Trump’s Oversight Committee would give records from Mazars LLP, Trump’s There is no nationwide shortage and states’ orders, is eff ective for a month. Residential propane prices at the start accounting fi rm to hand over his fi - the nine justices a chance to decide longtime accounting fi rm. residential propane prices recently were Propane carriers faced four- to six- of the US heating season were under $2 nancial records to the Democratic- whether to grant Trump’s emergency The Republican president had about 22% below that of a year ago. hour waits last week at the Conway, a gallon, or about 22% lower than at the led panel. request, fi led on Friday, seeking to asked the justices for at least a tem- Spring fl ooding in US Midwest farm- Kansas, propane terminal that is the start of winter last year, according to The case represents an important block the US Court of Appeals for the porary hold on the enforcement of the ing states led to late harvests that have nation’s second-largest, and drivers government data issued yesterday. showdown pitting the powers of the District of Columbia Circuit ruling. subpoena. Worried about re-election, Trump shelves vaping ban

AFP warning that it could damage his boud, director of the Vapor Tech- sick, and we can’t have our youth That triggered a vigorous lob- tration (FDA), which regulates health experts to seek an “accept- Washington re-election chances next year in nology Association, said yesterday. be so aff ected.” bying campaign by the tobacco the tobacco industry, has made able solution” to the issue, add- some key battleground states, Trump reportedly shied away His health secretary, Alex Az- and vaping industry, which ac- no comment on the reports, and ing: “Children’s health & safety, The New York Times and Wash- from the bold measure during nar, swiftly announced there cording to the press reports led a spokesman told AFP yesterday together with jobs, will be a focus!” S President Donald ington Post both reported. a fl ight to a rally in Kentucky on would be a ban on all fl avors ex- to the president to step back from that “I don’t have any informa- When Trump fi rst spoke out Trump has backed off The freeze was welcomed by November 4. cept for tobacco fl avor. an outright ban. tion to share.” against the vaping industry on Ufrom a proposed ban on the vaping industry, which has He justifi ed the move by saying The goal was to deter teenag- “President Trump and this Instead, Trump appears to be September 11, six people had died certain fl avours of e-cigarettes, been blamed for a health epi- a ban could force vaping shops to ers from vaping, after a survey administration are committed to looking for less sweeping meas- after vaping what federal health fearing that such a move could demic among teenage consumers close and cost jobs, the newspa- showed that one high school stu- responsibly protecting the health ures to tackle the issue, such as a offi cials believe was a THC prod- cost him votes, US media report- of their products. pers quoted sources close to the dent in four admitted to having of children. At this time, we are in federal age limit of 21 to buy vap- uct — the psychoactive compo- ed yesterday. “We applaud the president for president as saying. used e-cigarettes in the previous an ongoing rulemaking process, ing products, a rule that only 18 nent of marijuana — that con- Aides allegedly advised him what appears to be a move in the But he had fl agged his concern 30 days. and I will not speculate on the out of 50 states currently enforce. tained vitamin E oil. to hold fi re on signing a memo right direction for adult smok- over the issue on September 11, The most popular fl avors fi nal outcome,” said White House Last week, Trump tweeted that The crisis has now made 2,000 to ban popular e-cigarette fl a- ers and their families. Bans don’t when he said in the Oval Offi ce, among teenagers were mint, fruit spokesman Judd Deere. he would be meeting with rep- vapers sick and cost the lives of vors such as fruit and menthol, work, they never have,” Tony Ab- “We can’t allow people to get and mango. The Food and Drug Adminis- resentatives of the industry and 42 people. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 ASIA 22 with links to militant Maldives CJ, senior judge group held in Indonesia dismissed Reuters Reuters the top court’s judges had Jakarta Male “violated the constitution or usurped the powers of par- liament of independent state ndonesian anti-terrorism aldives lawmak- institutions”. offi cers shot dead two sus- ers voted yesterday Those violations, it said, in- Ipected bomb makers dur- Mto dismiss the Chief cluded the suspension of doz- ing a raid on the weekend and Justice (CJ) and a Supreme ens of lawyers after they called arrested more than a dozen Court judge – a move the gov- for judicial reforms and a rul- as authorities linked a suicide ernment said was part of an ing which stripped a dozen bombing last week to an Islamic overhaul of the judiciary, but lawmakers of their seats after State-inspired network, police the opposition branded an at- they joined the then opposi- said yesterday. tack on the independence of tion, now ruling party, in 2017. A 24-year-old student blew the courts. The Supreme Court and its himself up outside a police sta- The members of parliament judges have not commented tion in the city of Medan in (MPs) said they were acting on during the course of the inves- North Sumatra province last the recommendation of the tigation. The watchdog said Wednesday, killing himself and parliament-appointed judi- the Chief Justice’s offi ce had wounding six people. cial watchdog which said this received a copy of the report Police had initially de- month that some of the top but returned it. clared the attacker to be a court’s judges had violated the Hassan Latheef, chairman, “lone wolf”, but a national constitution and “usurped the the ruling Maldivian Demo- police spokesman said yes- powers of parliament”. cratic Party, said the vote terday the student along There was no immediate was a milestone in its reform with 22 other suspects in comment from Chief Jus- eff orts. “I believe, we still the area had links to the Is- tice Ahmed Abdulla Didi, do have enormous work to lamic State-inspired Jamaah the judge, Adam Mohamed shape up a modern judiciary,” Ansharut Daulah (JAD). Abdulla, or their offi ces. he said. JAD has been blamed for a Amnesty International said Opposition lawmaker Adam series of attacks in recent years in 2018 that it was concerned Shareef said he accepted there and was banned in Indonesia about the lack of judicial inde- were problems with the judi- last year for “conducting terror- pendence in the Indian Ocean cial system. “But we believe ism” and being affi liated with nation, but did not immedi- that the dismissal of the Chief foreign militants. ately issue a statement about Justice is against the spirit of “(The network in) North Su- yesterday’s vote. the constitution,” he added. matra has direct links to JAD,” Indonesian bomb disposal squad detonates a bomb that was seized following a recent attack in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra yesterday. President Ibrahim Mo- “The current government police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo hamed Solih came to power in with its huge majority is med- said in a statement, adding that wounded during the raid, said in militancy in recent years, with Last month, a man affi liated to himself last month during September 2018, promising to dling in the judiciary,” he added. a leader of the group had been Prasetyo. police frequently the target of JAD was named a suspect in the a US commando raid on his improve law enforcement and A total of 69 mostly rul- arrested. Bomb-making material was attacks. stabbing and wounding of the compound in Syria. end what he called corruption ing party lawmakers voted “Their main target is the po- seized, he said. Hundreds of suspects have then security minister. “Alert levels for terror acts in the country’s institutions. to impeach the chief justice lice,” Prasetyo said in comments Four suspects had turned been detained under tougher new Stanislaus Riyanta, a terror- must be ratcheted up be- Two months later, the Ju- and the judge, MPs and of- broadcast on television. themselves in and the others had anti-terrorism laws brought in at ism analyst, warned that mili- cause of the momentum that’s dicial Service Commission fi cials said, more than the Of the 23 suspects, two sus- been arrested, he said. the beginning of the year after a tants could intensify attacks usually associated with the watchdog launched an inves- two-thirds majority needed in pected bomb-makers were shot Indonesia, the world’s most series of suicide bombings linked in retaliation for the death of Christmas and New Year pe- tigation into senior judges. the 87-member house to push dead on Saturday while resist- populous Muslim-majority to the JAD group killed more than the Islamic State leader, Abu riod for radical groups to act,” Last month, it said it had the motion through under the ing arrest, while one offi cer was country, has seen a resurgence 30 people in the city of Surabaya. Bakr al-Baghdadi, who killed he said. found 17 instances where constitution.

Sumatran tiger kills Indonesian Cambodian princess Lanka’s new president says farmer An endangered Sumatran who rescued Apsara Tiger has mauled to death an Indonesian farmer and seriously injured a domestic tourist, dance dies at age 76 national security priority a conservation off icial said yesterday. Reuters The fatal attack happened on Phnom Penh Reuters Sunday at the farmer’s coff ee Anuradhapura plantation on Sumatra island where the 57-year-old wrestled Cambodia’s Princess Norodom with the big cat before it killed Bopha Devi, pictured, a former he winner of Sri Lanka’s him, according to Genman minister of culture who helped presidential election, Hasibuan, head of the South revive traditional Apsara dance TGotabaya Rajapaksa Sumatra conservation agency. after the 1970s Khmer Rouge made national security his “The farmer was attacked while “killing fields” regime nearly top priority after being sworn he was cutting a tree at his wiped it out, has died at age 76, in yesterday at an ancient plantation,” he said. the royal palace said yesterday. temple in the north-central The mauling came a day after The princess died of natural An estimated 1.7mn city of Anuradhapura where the same tiger attacked a group causes in a hospital in Cambodians died of execution, he received blessings from of Indonesian tourists who were neighbouring Thailand, starvation and disease in the Buddhist monks. camping at a local tea plantation Cambodia’s Royal Palace said period known as the “killing Nicknamed “The Termina- in South Sumatra’s Mount Dempo in a Facebook post. fields”. Intellectuals and artists tor” within his own powerful region. The daughter of the late king were particularly targeted, political family, the 70-year- One of the tourists was rushed to Norodom Sihanouk and half- and Khmer ballet was nearly old former defence chief had hospital for wounds to his back sister of current King Norodom extinguished with the deaths of made security his top cam- after the cat stormed into his tent, Sihamoni, Bopha Devi at age most of its teachers. paign issue for a nation trau- Hasibuan said. 5 became a dancer of Khmer After the 1979 fall of the Khmer matised by the Easter bomb The animal, which remains loose ballet, a form of stylized dance Rouge and a peace process attacks by militants earlier in the protected-forest area, created in the royal courts for that ended a decade of civil this year. is believed to be one of just 15 entertainment and ceremonies. war, Bopha Devi returned to Seen as a champion of the critically endangered tigers Characterised by intricate Cambodia in the early 1990s Indian Ocean island’s Bud- in South Sumatra, which has hand gestures and elaborate and helped to revive traditional dhist Sinhalese majority, Ra- Sri Lanka’s President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa addresses the nation at the presidential swearing-in seen five tiger attacks this year, costumes and headgear, the Apsara and other Khmer dance. japaksa oversaw the military ceremony in Anuradhapura yesterday. including two fatal incidents, art form has been associated She served as minister of defeat of Tamil separatists Hasibuan said. (AFP) with Cambodian royal courts culture and fine arts from 1998 under his brother and then protect Sinhala culture and Millions voted to elect a new 22mn people are Buddhist for more than 1,000 years, to 2004. president Mahinda Rajapaksa heritage and provide state president to lead the country Sinhalese, 14% are Tamil Hin- according to the UN cultural “Cambodia will remember that 10 years ago. sponsorship to safeguard the out of its deepest economic dus, Muslims make up 10%, 25 indicted over organisation Unesco. thanks to the Royal Highness “I consider the foremost re- morals, and traditional ways. slump in over 15 years, dragged while the rest are Catholics A film of Bopha Devi Norodom Bopha Devi, the sponsibility of my government “As your new president, I down by its tourism sector and other religions. Bangladesh performing the variation called Cambodian Royal Ballet has is to ensure the national secu- request again to join as true following the April attacks on Rajapaksa, who is seen student murder Apsara dance in 1966 was been enlisted as a part of the rity of my country,” Rajapaksa Sri Lankans to develop this hotels and churches in which as close to China, request- directed by her father, King world heritage,” her cousin said in a televised speech at his country,” Rajapaksa, who more than 250 people were ed all countries to respect Twenty-five members of Sihanouk. Prince Sisowath Thomico said. swearing in ceremony attend- was dressed in a white short- killed. Islamic State claimed Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. Bangladesh’s ruling party Awami She was forced to flee the “What I hope now is that more ed by thousands of supporters. sleeves shirt and a trouser. responsibility. “We want to remain neu- League were indicted for beating country when the hardline people will take her legacy and “We will rebuild the state Rajapaksa was declared The previous government tral in our foreign relations a university student to death in communist Khmer Rouge seized continue her work and just to security machineries to se- winner in the presidential was heavily criticised over the and stay out of any confl icts Dhaka over a social media post power in 1975, emptying cities show how much the royal ballet cure the country from terror- polls on Sunday after he de- failure of its intelligence agen- amongst the world powers,” that sparked nationwide protest and banning what they deemed means for the Cambodian ism, underworld activities, feated Sajith Premadasa, cies to act on information that he said in English during his last month, off icials said yesterday. decadent elite practices. culture,” Thomico said. robbers, extortionists.” a housing minister in the attacks were being planned. speech that he gave largely in A magistrate court issued Rajapaksa also promised to current government. Some 70% of Sri Lanka’s local Sinhala language. the indictment order after investigators pressed murder charges against the accused, prosecution lawyer Hemayet Uddin Khan told reporters in Dhaka. Abrar Fahad, an electrical Myanmar artists given second jail term for insulting military engineering student, was allegedly beaten to death by the AFP Wearing military uniforms, the military. That is why under the same law within weeks. tion”, an off ence that carries a assault on freedom of expression members of the Awami League Yangon they mocked the army through they are sentenced to one In October, fi ve of the group maximum two-year sentence. in Myanmar,” he said. on the campus of Bangladesh their fusion of poetry, comedy year in prison,” judge Mg Mg were handed down a one-year All jail terms will be served He also urged Suu Kyi’s ruling University of Engineering and and music. Thet told the packed Yangon sentence at a diff erent Yangon concurrently but each will party to use its majority in par- Technology (BUET) on October 6. group of Myanmar sati- But the authorities were una- courtroom. court. only start from the date of liament to abolish the various He had posted criticism on rists yesterday racked mused and the troupe, held in Despite the group’s relief that Due to a controversial quirk sentencing. “draconian” laws. Facebook of a water-sharing Aup a second prison sen- prison for months already, are at least one had escaped prison of Myanmar’s judicial system, Defence lawyer San San Rights groups say more than agreement which Bangladesh tence for a performance that facing several cases. this time, the performers’ anger the group can face the same Myint said they planned to ap- 250 people faced criminal cases signed with neighbouring India. criticised the military, a deci- Six of the seven were yester- at what they regard as injustice charges in diff erent townships. peal to the President and civil- under laws restricting freedom The deal was backed by the sion the artists said showed the day jailed under Section 505(a) was palpable. Since the artists performed in ian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. of expression in the fi rst six Awami League. judges were “puppets” of the of the Penal Code. “The judges are being used various locations, they now face Nicholas Bequelin from Am- months of 2019 alone. Police arrested 21 suspects, military. The law criminalises any in- by the military as puppets to numerous cases. nesty International branded the The artform “Thangyat” used who are students at the same The group of seven, known tent to cause offi cers or soldiers bully civilians,” 21-year-old Kay For posting photos and vid- trials as “ludicrous” and called to be banned under military rule university, and presented them as the Peacock Generation, “to mutiny or otherwise disre- Khaing Tun, one of those jailed, eos on Facebook, all the satirists for the convictions to be imme- but has been allowed again since to the court when the indictment were arrested after perform- gard or fail in their duties”. told journalists outside the also face charges under Section diately quashed and all further 2013 and is normally performed order was passed yesterday. ing “Thangyat”, a Myanmar art “They are found guilty of courtroom. 66 (d) of the Telecommunica- charges dropped. at Myanmar’s New Year water The trial is set to begin on similar to slam poetry, in April. being disrespectful towards This is the second conviction tion Act for “online defama- They are “signs of a relentless festival in April. December 3. (DPA) Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Leaked Chinese govt documents show details of Xinjiang clampdown: NYT

Reuters and members of other largely jiang following a stabbing attack ghanistan. It was unclear how patchwork of selective interpre- newspaper said in an editorial members had been taken away Beijing Muslim minority groups have by Uighur militants at a train the documents, totalling 403 tation” that was “deaf and blind yesterday that the report “lacks for training, and how the pro- been detained in camps in Xin- station that killed 31 people. pages, were gathered and select- to the facts.” morality” and accused some in gramme faced pushback from jiang in a crackdown that has The report said Xi called for an ed, the newspaper said. “The public in Xinjiang the West of being “eager to see some local offi cials, the report trove of leaked Chi- drawn condemnation from the “all-out ‘struggle against terror- Beijing denies any mistreat- wholeheartedly endorsed Chi- Xinjiang engulfed in extreme said. They also show that the nese government docu- United States and other coun- ism, infi ltration, and separatism’ ment of the Uighurs or others in na’s measures to maintain sta- violence and chaos”. internment camps expanded A ments reveals details of tries. using the ‘organs of dictator- Xinjiang, saying it is providing bility. China will show no mercy It said China had taken “deci- quickly after Chen Quanguo its clampdown on Uighurs and The documents, which the ship,’ and showing ‘absolutely no vocational training to help stamp to terrorists and will spare no sive measures” in the region to was appointed in August 2016 other Muslims in the country’s newspaper on Saturday said mercy’.” out extremism and separatism measures in protecting people’s ensure it did not become “an- as the party boss of the region, western Xinjiang region under were leaked by “a member of the The documents show that the and teach new skills. lives and safety,” said Foreign other Republic of Chechnya”. the report said. Chen had taken President Xi Jinping, the New Chinese political establishment”, Chinese leadership’s fears were China’s Foreign Ministry did Ministry spokesman Geng Sh- The documents show how of- a tough line to quell restiveness York Times reported. show how Xi gave a series of in- heightened by militant attacks not deny the authenticity of the uang. “The experience could be fi cials were given talking points against Communist Party rule United Nations experts and ternal speeches to offi cials dur- in other countries and the US documents, but said the New borrowed in other countries.” to explain to returning univer- during his previous posting in activists say at least 1mn Uighurs ing and after a 2014 visit to Xin- drawdown of troops from Af- York Times report was “a clumsy The state-run Global Times sity students that their family Tibet. HK protesters confront police in campus showdown

Reuters Hong Kong

ong Kong police used tear gas and water cannon Hyesterday against pro- testers who tried to break through cordons and reach a university at Protesters clash with police at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in Hong Kong. the centre of a week-long stand- off between demonstrators and police cordons, and all the shops maker Hui Chi-fung told Reuters. Hong Kong’s promised freedoms On Saturday, Chinese troops law enforcement. along a stretch of commercial “It’s not optimistic now. They when the then British colony re- in shorts and T-shirts, some The black-clad protesters strip that is usually one of Hong might all be arrested on campus. turned to Chinese rule in 1997. carrying red plastic buckets or hurled petrol bombs as they tried Kong’s busiest were shut. Earlier Lawmakers and school manage- They say they are responding to brooms, emerged from their to get to the Hong Kong Poly- yesterday, police tightened their ment are trying to liaise with the excessive use of force by police. barracks in a rare public ap- technic University, occupied by cordon around the Polytechnic police but failed.” China says it is committed to pearance to help clean up de- activists during a week that has University, and fi red rubber bul- Police said offi cers had been the “one country, two systems” bris. seen the most intense violence in lets and tear gas to pin back about deployed “on the periphery” of formula granting Hong Kong au- Beijing denies interfering in fi ve months of anti-government A protester runs away from tear gas during clashes at Hong Kong 100 anti-government protesters the campus for a week, appealing tonomy. The city’s police deny Hong Kong’s aff airs and has demonstrations. Polytechnic University (PolyU) in Hong Kong. armed with petrol bombs and to “rioters” to leave. accusations of brutality and say blamed Western countries for “We have been trying to res- other weapons and stop them “All roads to Poly U are they show restraint. stirring up unrest. cue them all day,” said a young ering themselves with rope onto cial district was fi lled with tear from fl eeing. blocked,” said a policeman who China’s foreign ministry said The Hong Kong government man in a blue T-shirt, cap and the road. gas in the middle of the workday. Dozens, choking on the tear stopped Reuters reporters at a yesterday no one should under- invoked a colonial-era emer- spectacles, running down Nath- The size of demonstrations Yesterday night, protesters un- gas, tried to leave the campus by road block on Monday night. “All estimate its will to protect its gency law in October banning an Road, the Kowloon district’s has dwindled in recent weeks, der cover of umbrellas huddled breaking through police lines, are blocked.” sovereignty. On Sunday, Chinese faced masks commonly used by main commercial street. “They but clashes between protesters along the median strip in Nathan but were pushed back. Police say 4,491 people, aged soldiers in a base close to the protesters. The High Court ruled are trapped in there.” Later, about and police have escalated sharply Road, fi lling bottles with petrol “The police might not storm from 11 to 83, have been arrested university were seen monitoring yesterday the ban was uncon- a dozen protesters pinned inside since early last week, when po- to make crude bombs, a weap- the campus but it seems like they since protests began in June. developments at the university stitutional and police said they the campus escaped on the backs lice shot a protester, a man was on they have used increasingly. are trying to catch people as they Demonstrators are angry at what with binoculars, some dressed in would suspend all such prosecu- of waiting motorbikes after low- set on fi re and the city’s fi nan- Some residents were trapped at attempt to run,” Democratic law- they see as Chinese meddling in riot gear. tions. North Korea says no more talks Samoa makes measles vaccine with US just so Trump can boast

Reuters mandatory to control outbreak Seoul

AFP measles, mumps and rubella can also lead to brain damage very low, one of the lowest in the orth Korea said yesterday Wellington (MMR) immunisations would be and death. Samoa has closed all world,” she told AFP. “So if they it was not interested in published. “MMR vaccinations schools, kindergartens and the aren’t able to improve that, this Nmeaningless talks with for members of the public who country’s only university in a bid is going to happen again.” the United States just so Presi- amoa fi nalised plans for a have not yet received a vaccina- to halt the spread of the virus. The country’s vaccination dent Donald Trump had some- compulsory measles vac- tion injection is now a manda- New Zealand, which is expe- programme was briefl y sus- thing to boast about, urging an Scination programme yes- tory legal requirement for all of riencing its own measles out- pended last year when two ba- end to what it called a policy terday, after declaring a state of Samoa,” it said. break in the Auckland region, bies died shortly after being of hostility if the United States emergency as a deadly epidemic A national emergency opera- will this week send 30 nurses, 10 given the MMR vaccine. Sub- wanted dialogue. sweeps the Pacifi c nation. tions centre to co-ordinate the doctors and 3,000 MMR doses sequent investigations found The comment by senior North At least six fatalities, includ- measles response in the nation to Samoa. University of Auck- the problem was not the widely Korean offi cial Kim Kye-gwan, ing fi ve children, have been of 200,000 people was opened land immunologist Helen Pet- used vaccine but the fact that who is a former vice foreign min- linked to the outbreak of the yesterday, with children aged ousis-Harris said even though nurses had prepared it incor- ister, came after Trump on the virus, which has also hit other six months to 19 years and non- measles was already wide- rectly. Neighbouring Tonga last weekend called on North Ko- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un posing with members of the island states such as Tonga and pregnant females aged 20-35 spread, the mass rollout of vac- week announced government rean leader Kim Jong-un to “act Air and Anti-Aircraft Force of the Korean People’s Army during an Fiji. given priority. However, no cinations could help limit the primary schools and kindergar- quickly” and hinted at another airborne insertion training at an undisclosed location. Samoa is the worst aff ected information was immediately number of cases and reduce the tens would be closed until later meeting. with more than 700 cases re- available on how the vaccina- death count. this month as the number of Kim, in a statement carried in Vietnam in February, even fi cial said Washington had “left ported from across all areas tions would be administered or She said it was also important measles cases in the kingdom by the state KCNA news agency, though the two leaders agreed in the door open” to Pyongyang. of the country, prompting the whether those who were not im- to boost Samoa’s low levels of approaches 200. said he had seen the Nov 17 Twit- June, at a third meeting, to reo- “Their attitude so far has not government on Friday to invoke munised would face sanctions. immunisation and help prevent Fiji has reported four cases ter post by Trump signalling pen negotiations. been helpful. Hopefully they’ll emergency powers. Declaring a Children are the most vul- future outbreaks. “In Samoa, but says they are contained to another summit but added that In April, Kim set a year-end see that this is a historic oppor- state of emergency, the govern- nerable to measles, which typi- the proportion of people who a township west of the capital little had improved despite three deadline for the United States tunity for them,” the offi cial said, ment said plans for compulsory cally causes a rash and fever but are immune to measles is very, Suva. meetings between the two lead- to show more fl exibility, rais- speaking on condition of ano- ers since June last year. “We are ing concern North Korea could nymity. no longer interested in such talks resume nuclear and long-range US Defense Secretary Mark that bring nothing to us,” he said. missile testing, which it has sus- Esper also discussed North Korea “As we have got nothing in re- pended since 2017. with Chinese Defence Minister turn, we will no longer gift the US Kim Kye-gwan said the United Wei Fenghe yesterday in Bangkok Japan hosts fi rst fully-fl edged arms show president with something he can States must make a decisive move and urged Beijing to encourage boast of, but get compensation to abandon its hostile policy if it North Korea to return to the ne- for the successes that President genuinely wanted dialogue. He gotiating table “with an attitude Reuters military activity in the East China able to keep up,” he added. China of experience and concern that Trump is proud of as his admin- did not elaborate. of problem solving,” the offi cial Tokyo Sea and North Korea’s ballistic spends more than three times as the reputational risk of selling istrative achievements,” Kim In his Twitter message, Trump said. missile advances, Japan has in- much as Japan on defence, while arms could hurt other more prof- said. urged Kim Jong-un, to “get the Working-level talks between creased defence spending over the recent North Korean advances itable businesses. Trump and North Korean deal done”, signing off “See you the two sides in October ended apan’s fi rst ever fully fl edged past seven years to around $50bn threaten to make Japan’s new There is still abiding foreign leader Kim met for the fi rst time soon!” The message came hours with the North Korean envoy ac- arms show opened yesterday, annually, purchasing advanced US missile defences obsolete before interest in tapping Japanese in a landmark summit in Sin- after the United States and South cusing the Americans of coming Jcreating a forum that Japan’s stealth fi ghters, missile defence they are deployed. technology for military use, with gapore in June last year, to push Korea announced they were to the table empty-handed. Yes- government hopes will help it interceptors and radar systems. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s companies such as Lockheed forward negotiations the United postponing military exercises to terday, the North’s Vice Foreign tap technology it needs to coun- “Technology is advancing government in 2014 abolished Martin Corp, Raytheon Co and States hopes will lead to North bolster the stalled peace push. Minister Choe Son-hui travelled ter threats posed by China and quickly and our equipment can’t a decades-long ban on foreign BAE Systems PLC all looking for Korea’s dismantling of its nuclear North Korea denounces such ex- to Russia, a trip that analysts said North Korean. cope against things such as hy- military exports in a bid to cut new partnerships in Japan. and missile programmes, in ex- ercises as a preparation for inva- could be to discuss strategy for Some 200 protesters gathered personic warheads and drones,” procurement costs by allow- “There is a great deal of in- change for the lifting of punish- sion. the US negotiations. near the entrance of the conven- Gen Nakatani, a former defence ing Japanese companies such as terest internationally in see- ing international sanctions. On Sunday, it also said a re- This month, North Korea said tion centre near Tokyo, calling minister and senior ruling Lib- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to ing what Japan has to off er the The talks have made no sig- cent UN resolution on its human it had turned down a US off er for the government-backed ex- eral Democratic Party lawmaker widen their production base. world,” said Alex Soar, Interna- nifi cant progress since a second rights conditions was an obstacle for more talks, saying it was not hibition to be shut down as they told Reuters at the arms show. Yet in the more than fi ve years tional Development Director at summit between US President to new US talks. interested if they were aimed regarded it as an aff ront to the “Innovation is happening since that ban ended Japan has Clarion Events which organised Donald Trump and North Korean Asked about the North Korean at “appeasing us” ahead of the nation’s pacifi st constitution. around the world and through largely failed to make inroads the show covering land, air and leader Kim Jong-un collapsed remarks, a senior US defence of- deadline. Worried by increased Chinese an exchange of that Japan will be overseas, hobbled both by a lack naval equipment. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 BRITAIN Welsh bill to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local polls

Guardian News and Media the Welsh electoral system since and supported by modern public services interact with each other, while reinvigorating local de- register, by giving electoral reg- in local elections, irrespective of London the voting age was reduced to services, and we want the rela- and with the communities they mocracy here in Wales.” istration offi cers the power to nationality. 18 in the UK half a century ago. tionship between local govern- serve. Proposals in the local govern- automatically add people to the A spokesperson for the Welsh They come as a bill to reduce ment and the Welsh government “Twenty years on from devo- ment and elections (Wales) bill register, without the need for Local Government Association bill is being introduced the voting age to 16 for Welsh to be mature and focused on our lution, this is a signifi cant local include: them to apply. said: “We welcome the introduc- that would give the vote assembly elections nears the shared agenda – delivering bet- government bill which refl ects z Allowing each of the 22 z Enabling the piloting of re- tion of votes to 16- and 17-year- Ato 16- and 17-year-olds end of its journey through the ter public services for everyone, the journey of devolution and councils in Wales to decide forms to local government elec- olds at local elections. A thriving in many elections in Wales and Senedd. helping people who need sup- will deliver a major package of which voting system to use tions after 2022, such as holding local government depends on empower local authorities to de- Julie James, the minister for port, when and where they need reforms, including local govern- – fi rst past the post or single elections on diff erent days and residents from all backgrounds cide which voting system they housing and local government, it most. ment electoral reform. transferable vote, which is con- having polling stations in a vari- feeling engaged with their local use. said: “We believe in strong lo- “This bill is introduced at a “It aims to provide local gov- sidered to be a system of propor- ety of places. councils, and getting more young The Labour-led Welsh gov- cal government. We want it to time when austerity continues, ernment with new ways to sup- tional representation. z Giving all foreign citizens people to have their say on who ernment said the planned thrive, we want the people of and relationships and technol- port and serve their communi- z Making it easier for people lawfully living in Wales the op- represents their community is vi- changes would be the biggest in Wales to feel well represented ogy are changing the way public ties in these challenging times, to be included on the electoral portunity to vote in and stand tally important to achieve that.”

Muslim voters could swing Planned cut in 31 marginal seats: study corporation

Guardian News and Media London

uslim voters could af- tax to be fect the outcome in Mmore than 30 marginal constituencies in next month’s general election, according to research published as mosques prepare for a nationwide regis- tration drive. shelved: PM The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) released a list yesterday Guardian News and Media wich, south-east London, John- leading infrastructure, including of 31 marginal seats in which London son said the Conservatives were full-fi bre broadband you’ve long Muslim voters could have “high” the party of business but cancel- demanded. or “medium” impact. ling the cut to corporation tax “You’re going to enjoy the Top of the list is Kensington in oris Johnson has told busi- would save £6bn. fast, reliable transport links west London, where the Labour ness leaders he will shelve “I hope you understand that you’ve always wanted. You’re candidate, Emma Dent Coad, is Ba planned cut in corpora- it is the fi scally sensible thing to going to have the certainty of a defending a majority of 20. The tion tax, claiming he would put do,” he said. customs union and access to the Conservatives came second at the £6bn into public services in- Elsewhere in his speech, the single market, as you’ve long ad- last election, but this time there is stead. prime minister made a pitch to vocated.” Business leaders have a strong challenge from the Lib- The prime minister used a business leaders that he would get expressed reservations about his eral Democrat candidate, Sam speech at the CBI conference Brexit done and create certainty surprise plans to part-national- Gyimah. Nine percent of the con- to say corporation tax will not for them. He said the economy ise BT, announced last week, in stituency’s voting age population be cut from 19% to 17%, and is- was “like a formula one supercar order to provide free broadband is Muslim – estimated at 5,431, or sued a plea for business leaders fi ring on half its cylinders with so to everyone. 271 times Dent Coad’s majority. to show understanding about his much more natural energy wait- Asked whether he accepted the Also on the list of seats where priorities. ing to be unleashed” because CBI’s assessment that renation- Muslim votes could have high Johnson’s decision to keep Brexit was not completed. alisation would cause a “chill” for impact is Dudley North, where corporation tax unchanged “The country is being held business, he said: “Look, every the former Labour party member comes as he attempts to distance back by politics and parliament,” business has been arguing for Ian Austin, who has a majority of the Conservatives from being he said. years that in order to grow they 22, has called on voters to back seen as the party of big busi- Speaking at the same confer- need good quality broadband … Boris Johnson; and Richmond ness, while promising tax cuts ence, Jeremy Corbyn took a con- I think it seems to me a fair and Park, where the Conservative Zac for small businesses, such as re- ciliatory approach to the busi- good proposal. You accept the Goldsmith is defending a major- ducing rates and raising the em- ness leaders, saying he was not principle that there should be ity of 45. In both constituencies, ployment allowance. George Os- anti-business and setting out universal supply of electricity 4% of the voting age population borne had originally announced all the reasons that executives and postal services. Broadband is Muslim, or more than 70 times the plan to reduce the tax to 17% should be supportive of a Labour is absolutely essential to this. I’ve the majority of the sitting MP. by 2020. administration. put forward this because I think it Fourteen of the 31 seats are Labour has relentlessly por- “It’s sometimes claimed that is sensible and doable.” held by Labour, 14 by the Con- trayed the Tories as the party of I’m anti-business,” he said. Corbyn also defended La- servatives and three by the SNP. the wealthy and has promised “That is complete nonsense. It’s bour’s ambition for a four-day The MCB, the main representa- a number of nationalisations, not anti-business to be against week within the next decade, tive body for Muslims in the UK, which they claim would make poverty pay. It’s not anti-busi- when asked how it would fi t in is non-partisan. utilities, railway, broadband and ness to say the largest corpora- with ambitions to improve the Among the seats is Finchley other services work better for tions should pay their taxes just UK’s lagging productivity. and Golders Green, where the the public. as smaller companies do. It’s not “The shorter working week Conservative Mike Freer is being The prime minister’s cal- anti-business to want prosperity that we aspire to will be funded challenged by the LibDem Lu- culations of the money saved in every part of our country and and paid for by productivity in- ciana Berger, who left the Labour will raise questions about Tory not only the City of London. creases,” he said. Party earlier this year over anti- claims that cutting corporation “And I say this to business Jo Swinson, the LibDem lead- semitism. Much of the focus of tax does not cost the Treasury too: if a Labour government is er, also spoke at the conference, candidates’ campaigns has been money. elected on December 12 you’re promising to scrap business rates on the local Jewish population Johnson also dropped a heavy going to see more investment and replace them with a com- – 20% of the total – but accord- hint he would include a major than you ever dreamed of. You’re mercial landowners’ levy. She ing to the MCB data, 8% of vot- pledge on childcare in his mani- going to have the best-educated also attacked Boris Johnson’s ers are Muslim, translating to 3.5 festo. workforce you’ve ever hoped for. record on standing up for busi- times Freer’s majority. Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks at the annual CBI conference in London yesterday. Speaking at a hotel in Green- You’re going to get the world- ness. Labour softens pledge of LibDems, SNP lose net zero emissions by 2030 fi ght over TV debate Guardian News and Media priately wide range of signifi cant London views. Guardian News and Media icant majority” of carbon emis- Environmental campaigners ITV’s proposed format of the London sions to be eradicated by 2030. had been alarmed by Barry Gar- party leaders’ debate with only Labour for a Green New Deal, diner, the shadow international he Liberal Democrats and Conservative and Labour politi- which brought the motion, said trade, energy and climate change the Scottish National cians breached that code, coun- abour has softened its it was happy with Long-Bailey’s secretary, yesterday saying on TParty have failed in their sel for the Liberal Democrats and pledge to fi nd a path to pledge of a pathway towards net the BBC that Labour’s target was attempt to prevent ITV broad- the SNP told the court. Lnet zero carbon emissions zero by 2030 and confi dent that still net zero “well before 2050”. casting an election debate today During the hearing, Guy Vas- by 2030 after unions pushed for the leadership was supportive But they were mollifi ed by evening featuring only Boris sall-Adams QC, for the Liberal a target of signifi cant progress of strong action on the climate Long-Bailey’s tweet saying: Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn. Democrats, said: “The general rather than a fi rm commitment. crisis. “Ours will be the most radical Lawyers for the Liberal Dem- election has only come about The party’s autumn confer- Momentum, which also manifesto ever written, espe- ocrats and the Scottish National because of Brexit. The dominant ence passed a motion setting backed the “green new deal” cially on climate. We are a con- Party went to the high court yes- issue of this election is Brexit. 2030 as the target for net zero motion, was also content with stitutional democratic party terday to argue that it was illegal A number of opinion polls have emissions, but trade unions the compromise. with its roots in the labour and unfair to restrict the mass consistently recorded Brexit as raised concerns about the risk to The GMB had pushed back movement. Energy workers are audience programme to only the the most signifi cant question … jobs and industry. fi rmly against a fi rm target of understandably fearful and dis- Conservative and Labour lead- “TV debates are an important Rebecca Long-Bailey, the 2030, fearing that it could lead to trusting about the transition be- ers while excluding any politi- national event in the course of a shadow business secretary, yes- mass job losses. cause they have been abandoned cal voice for anti-Brexit Remain general election campaign. This terday insisted that the party Tim Roache, GMB’s gen- through past industrial transi- supporters. (programme) will reach every would remain on the “pathway” eral secretary, had previously tions. The case was heard by two home in the country and attract towards net zero emissions by warned: “The proposal to do it “We will only succeed by senior judges, Lord Justice millions of viewers. But there 2030, in line with the conference by 2030 threatens whole com- working with those workers and Davis and Justice Warby. Dur- will be no one in the debate who motion. munities, threatens jobs, and communities to develop a cred- ing the day-long hearing, law- represents Remain. The voice of However, sources present frankly GMB members in com- ible industrial strategy that en- yers agreed there was a gap Remain has been excluded.” at Saturday’s clause V meet- munities right up and down the sures they will not be left behind in the powers of Ofcom, the The Liberal Democrats have ing fi nalising the party’s mani- UK have heard it all before. by the transition. broadcasting watchdog, which also sent a letter to the BBC ob- festo said the GMB trade union “This will mean within a “Our manifesto will set out prevents it from banning pro- jecting to a similar decision by and some other union repre- decade people’s petrol cars be- a pathway towards net zero by grammes in advance of broad- the corporation for a programme sentatives had pushed for softer ing confi scated. This will mean 2030. I look forward to setting cast. it will broadcast on December 6. wording, aiming for progress families can only take one fl ight out these plans in more detail Broadcasters are subject to ITV had earlier told the court rather than completion. every fi ve years. Net zero car- over this campaign. Nothing less Activists affiliated with Extinction Rebellion take part in a hunger Ofcom’s code, which includes a that if the legal challenges suc- One source said the aim in the bon emissions by 2030 is utterly than our collective future is at strike outside of the Labour Party headquarters in central London duty to preserve impartiality and ceeded they would postpone to- manifesto would be for a “signif- unachievable.” stake.” yesterday. to give due weight to an appro- day’s election debate. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 15

BRITAIN Woman’s body found yards away from grandmother’s home

Daily Mail rested on suspicion of murder ing friends for taking her out and quiries and reassure the public. Residents of Upton, which has our twenties. You were always so She was known as the girl who al- London and remains in custody. “cheering her up” after a bad Floral tributes were left at the a population of around 3,000, positive, kind and a great laugh to ways had a smile on her face.” Hopkins had previously week. scene, where forensic investiga- told of their shock as friends be around. Detective inspector Jim worked for four years as a bar- She said she was at The Drum tors continued their searches. described how Hopkins “always “You had my back when not Bayliss, from West Mercia Po- young woman has been maid at the Plough Inn in Upton- and Monkey, another pub in the The lane is just 200 yards from had a smile on her face”. many others did and I’ll always lice, said: “Our enquiries are found dead just yards upon-Severn in Worcestershire’s town, adding: “I have the best the home of Hopkins’ grand- Writing on Facebook, friend be grateful for the time that we very much in their early stages Afrom her grandmother’s Malvern Hills and was well friends.” mother, Doris Merchant, who Holly Barrett posted a picture of spent together.” and at this stage the woman’s home following a night out with known in the picturesque town. But police were called to an was too upset to comment. her and Sara at school. “Today Rob Brown, 27, a steel worker, death is being treated as sus- friends. Having studied accounting at area next to Upton fi re station at Hopkins, an animal lover who it’s really sunk in that you’re not said: “No one can believe it. The picious. A man has been ar- The body of Sara Hopkins, 25, the Heart of Worcestershire Col- around 8am on Saturday where owned a dog, had a twin brother, here any more and I can’t get over whole community is shocked. rested and is currently in po- was discovered in a quiet lane lege, she had recently started a they said a 25-year-old woman Dan. the fact that you’re gone,” she She will be missed by everyone lice custody. Extra officers will next to a fi re station over the new job for a door supplier. had been found “unresponsive”. Her father, David, a motor me- said. “You were my best friend in the area. She was very well be in the area, both to carry weekend. On Friday night she had posted Detectives said extra offi cers chanic, is believed to have sepa- during high school and carried on known and not one person would out enquiries and to offer re- A man aged 44 has been ar- messages on social media thank- were drafted in to help with en- rated from her mother, Tracy. making me laugh and smile into have a bad word to say about her. assurance.” Two get life sentence for teen’s murder

Guardian News and Media Ong-a-Kwie was the stabber London and the 17-year-old his “enthu- siastic supporter”. The judge lamented the im- wo teenagers have been pact of criminals that had locked up for life for the “carved up areas of the capital of T“callous, casual and irre- this country”. sponsible” murder of Girl Scout She added: “The dangers this Jodie Chesney. brings to decent law-abiding Drug dealer Svenson Ong-a- members of the public is graphi- Kwie, 19, and his 17-year-old cally spelled out in this case.” runner had been looking to take The court heard moving trib- revenge on rivals when they utes to Jodie and the “ripple ef- killed Jodie by mistake, the Old fect” her murder had among Bailey heard. friends, family and the wider The popular 17-year-old community. student had been relaxing with Coyle has been left with post- friends in Amy’s Park in Ha- traumatic stress from witness- rold Hill, east London, on the ing her murder. evening of March 1 when two He said: “Jodie was funny, shadowy figures emerged from silly, she always made fun of the dark and one knifed her in me and she had a bright future the back. ahead of her. She was full of en- US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri leaves BBC television studios in London, Britain, yesterday. She screamed and collapsed in ergy and was always out doing the arms of her boyfriend, Eddie something. We had been going Coyle, 18, as her attackers made out for three months. off in a fellow drug dealer’s car. “I’ve never lost anyone before Days later, they were arrested and for the fi rst funeral I’ve gone together as they fl ed from the to to be my own girlfriend’s is in- rear of a house connected with credibly hard. I loved her.” the youth. Jodie’s father, Peter Chesney, The defendants denied Jodie’s who gave up a job in the City, More trouble for PM as murder, each blaming the other said: “I have lost the most pre- for infl icting the fatal wound. cious human being I will ever But prosecutor Crispin Aylett know. I have no idea how I’m go- QC told jurors that both were ing to continue my life or come responsible for the killing, amid to terms with the loss.” incidents of “casual violence” in Her sister, Lucy, said: “Jodie the drug-dealing world. will be greatly missed and the Arcuri probe ‘to widen’ The jury deliberated for less people who caused such trag- than six hours to fi nd them guilty edy to a whole family should Guardian News and Media the Greater London Authority’s to understand that because he into allegations of misconduct in In her latest interview, Arcuri last week of Jodie’s murder. hang their head in shame. You London standards committee at the time was advised to make those dec- public offi ce over alleged favours came close to acknowledging she Judge Wendy Joseph QC have ripped away a bright fu- that a potential confl ict of inter- larations in the future. The ques- to Arcuri. had an aff air with Johnson. She est had not been disclosed over tion is why did he hide the new The IOPC is expected to delay an said he left her heartbroken when handed Ong-a-Kwie a life sen- ture that was destined to make n investigation into the Macintyre and vowed to “bear in relationship with Arcuri?” announcement on its decision un- he refused to take her calls after tence with a minimum of 26 a change to many lives.” The prime minister’s relation- mind the defi nition of close asso- Arcuri told ITV she wished til after the election. “Our assess- news of the relationship broke. years. court heard that Ong-a-Kwie ship with the US busi- ciate for the future”. Johnson had declared their ment of this matter is ongoing as Arcuri said that when they She sentenced the 17-year-old had convictions for possessing A nesswoman Jennifer Arcuri will That pledge will be reviewed friendship but that he had resist- we continue to collect information got together they would both to be detained at Her Majesty’s and supplying drugs. also review an aff air that Boris by the London assembly’s over- ed doing so. She said: “He used to and seek legal advice,” it said. act out passages from Shake- Pleasure for at least 18 years. He admitted being in breach Johnson failed to declare when sight committee as part of its always get worried … ‘people are Arcuri received £11,500 in speare. Arcuri also said Johnson She said that Jodie’s death led of a six-week suspended sen- he was mayor of London, the investigation into Johnson and going to question about my inter- sponsorship from the mayor’s was anxious not to reveal their to a “world of anguish” for her tence for handling stolen jewel- Guardian revealed. Arcuri, after she made fresh est’. And I said ‘no, they won’t be- promotional agency, London & friendship. Asked why Johnson family, which came amid “tit for lery dating back to October last Johnson escaped censure in claims about Johnson’s con- cause I’m legitimate … I’m here Partners, and access to trade mis- intervened to stop Arcuri visit- tat” incidents. year. 2010 when he failed to declare an cerns over a potential confl ict because of my own right.” sions to Tel Aviv and New York, ing his half-brother Max at a Jodie was the victim of “cal- The 17-year-old defendant interest over an unpaid City Hall about their relationship in an Duvall’s investigation is on after intervention from the may- rooftop bar during a trade mis- lous, casual and irresponsible had previous convictions for adviser, Helen Macintyre, who it ITV documentary. hold while the Independent Of- or’s offi ce. Arcuri said she won sion trip they attended in Sin- violence” which had shocked possessing a screwdriver, actual later emerged had an aff air with Len Duvall, a Labour assembly fi ce of Police Conduct (IOPC) the funds and access on merit. gapore, she said: “I don’t know the community “to the core”, she bodily harm, possession of can- the then London mayor and gave member who chairs the commit- decides whether there is enough Johnson has insisted there was if he was jealous as much as he said. nabis as well as aggravated vehi- birth to one of his children. tee, said: “I’m looking at the pa- evidence to mount a criminal no interest to declare and that he just didn’t want any more sus- On the evidence, she found cle-taking. Johnson acknowledged to perwork into Macintyre. We need investigation against Johnson acted with “full propriety”. picious gossip being spread.”

Royal visit Commuter fi ned for Oxford Union ‘drags ‘one foot in fi rst class’

Daily Mail had been told there was space out’ blind student London further down the train. But other commuters vented their frustra- tion on social media. Guardian News and Media When he returned before the started touching Azamati, who commuter who pays Ben Cooper tweeted: ‘Someone London start of the debate, Azamati was was holding on to the bench. £6,000 a year for a season is trying to charge a woman for refused entry, but when a friend Thirty seconds later, they were Aticket has been fi ned for having STOOD in the doorway of arrived to accompany him, he dragging him by his ankles.” standing with just “one foot in a fi rst class on packed train and I’m he Oxford Union has been went inside and sat down. Short- The union and McGrath for- fi rst class carriage’ on a packed about to blow top.” lambasted after a blind ly afterwards, security offi cials mally withdrew the charge of train. Katie Burnell tweeted the Greater Tstudent was reportedly entered and appeared to man- violent misconduct against The unnamed passenger was Anglia train service to say: “The “dragged by his ankles” out of handle him out of the building. Azamati and apologised “un- reprimanded by a ticket inspector ticket inspectors on the 18.35 LST- a debating chamber, leading to His union card was confi scated reservedly” for the distress and on the Greater Anglia service from Clacton-on-Sea are behaving like calls for the union president to and he was expelled from the un- damage caused. Liverpool Street station in London bullies. A woman is being charged resign. ion. The OUAS has launched a to Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. a fi ne that is completely shocking. The incident, which was The Sunday Times report- petition calling for McGrath Witnesses said the train was She stood one foot in 1st class in a caught on video and described by ed that the union’s president, to resign his position after he so full that “no one could move”, packed carriage. the Oxford University Africa So- Brendan McGrath, subsequently “personally lodged a complaint leaving the woman with no choice ‘Something needs to be done. ciety (OUAS) as “violent, unjust, called a disciplinary committee against Azamati for violent be- but to stand by the doorway with They’ve cornered her. Camera inhumane and shameful”, left the meeting, alleging that Azamati haviour”, which had more than a single foot in the compartment. in the carriage needs to have the student feeling “unwelcome in had behaved violently by thrust- 1,000 signatures at 10pm on She was confronted by the in- footage reviewed. She did nothing the union, Oxford and even the ing an arm out and using aggres- Sunday night. spector in front of astonished fel- wrong. I wish the inspectors used country”. sive hand gestures as he was be- The petition also calls for: An low passengers when the train common sense. Truly shocking Ebenezer Azamati, 25, a post- ing removed from his seat. “unreserved” apology to Azama- stopped at Shenfi eld and fi ned behaviour.” graduate student from Ghana Azamati told the Sunday ti from both the union and the £32.50 for not having a fi rst class A third commuter, Georgie studying international relations, Times: “I felt that I was treated president; the cancellation of ticket. In mobile footage fi lmed Smith, said: “Absolutely disgust- is said to have arrived early to at- as not being human enough to Azamati’s ban and a reinstate- by another commuter, the woman ing behaviour from a ticket in- tend a debate – about whether it deserve justice and fair treat- ment of his union membership; can be heard saying: “I’m not say- spector who is issuing a woman a was right to feel confi dent in the ment.” “adequate” punishment of the ing I have a fi rst class ticket but fi ne for daring to stand with ONE UK government – on October 17 An appeal hearing heard evi- security personnel who assault- Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (right), watches craft activities there was nowhere to stand, but I FOOT in fi rst class despite the in order to reserve an accessible dence from fellow student Henry ed” Azamati; compensation for as she and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales visit the Wesley stood, I did not sit. train being so busy no one could seat, as he was concerned that Hatwell, 21, who said: “Thirty Azamati. Community Centre in Auckland yesterday. The Prince of “There was nowhere else to move. “She pays £6,000 for a sea- there was no special provision seconds after he (Azamati) sat Nwamaka Ogbonna, OUAS Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are on an eight-day tour of stand, the train was packed. This is son ticket. Glad she had the sup- for disabled people. He then left down, the security guard came president, said none of the de- New Zealand. ridiculous.” port of many people who didn’t to eat dinner at his college. in. Five seconds afterwards, he mands had yet been met. Greater Anglia said the woman just stand by.” Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 EUROPE

Venice gets a break Russia returns seized after week of fl oods

AFP Ukrainian naval ships Rome DPA liberately endangered and forced the Donetsk and Luhansk re- between Putin and Zelenskiy, Moscow to commit off ences”, the Russian gions, collectively known as the with German Chancellor Angela enice sought to return foreign ministry said in a state- Donetsk Basin or Donbass. Merkel and French President to normal life yesterday ment. Putin maintains that he is Emmanuel Macron also set to Vafter a week of unprec- ussian authorities re- The ships’ return, confi rmed representing the separatists to attend. edented fl ooding that devastated turned several seized by the Ukrainian government, achieve peace. The Kremlin said in a state- the city, submerging homes, RUkrainian naval ships occurred hours before Germa- Zelenskiy, inaugurated earlier ment yesterday that Putin and business and cultural treasures. yesterday in the run-up to peace ny’s top diplomat, Foreign Min- this year, has set resolving the Macron had discussed prepara- The wave of bad weather that talks between Russian President ister Heiko Maas, was to arrive confl ict as his top priority. tions in a phone call. struck throughout Italy – from Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian in Ukraine to assist the peace About 13,000 people have It emphasised Russia’s posi- rivers of water rushing through President Volodymyr Zelenskiy eff ort. been killed in the fi ghting, ac- tion that Ukraine must grant the streets of the southern town next month. The ships’ two dozen crew cording to estimates by the more autonomy to the Donbass. of Matera to tornados in the French President Emmanuel members had already been re- United Nations. Macron welcomed the return Grosseto region of Tuscany – Macron, who is due to host the leased two months ago in a pris- Russia has set its expecta- of the Ukrainian warships in a was still a concern in certain summit in Paris, welcomed the This photo taken on November 26, 2018 shows the seized Ukrainian oner exchange. tions low ahead of the planned statement issued by his offi ce, areas, and was expected to con- move, saying that it would help military vessels in a port of Kerch, Crimea. Germany and France have meeting between the leaders on saying that it was an “expected” tinue. build confi dence between the been brokering renewed peace December 9 in Paris, according gesture that “helps build confi - In the north, the Trentino- two sides. sion into Russian territorial wa- a former Soviet republic within talks between Russia and to comments by Putin’s spokes- dence in the dialogue between Alto Adige region bordering The Russian coastguard had ters in the Kerch Strait, located Russia’s traditional sphere of in- Ukraine in an eff ort to resolve a man as reported by the Russian Russia and Ukraine”. Austria was at high risk of ava- seized the three vessels and their between Crimea and the Russian fl uence, ousted its pro-Russian confl ict between pro-Russian news agency Interfax. Macron has also spoken to lanches, forecasters said, with crews during a stand-off in wa- mainland. president in a political pivot to- separatists and the Ukrain- “Let’s not overestimate our Zelenskiy and Merkel about the continued strong rains expect- ters off the coast of the disputed Ukraine and Western powers, wards the West. ian military that erupted in two expectations so that later we will planned summit, the Elysee Pal- ed to batter the region around Crimea region last year. including the European Union By sending the ships to Cri- eastern Ukrainian regions, near not be disappointed,” Kremlin ace said. Genoa and the island of Sardinia. The Russian side opened fi re and the United States, consider mea, Ukraine committed a the Russian border, shortly after spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The last summit of the lead- Schools reopened in Venice during the incident. Crimea Ukrainian territory. “crime not only against the the Crimea occupation. He expressed hope that the ers of the four countries, in the as shopkeepers with mops and Russia maintains that the Russia occupied and annexed sovereignty of the Russian Fed- Russia has long denied talks would “deliver some kind Belarusian capital Minsk in 2015, buckets in hand tried to muck Ukrainian navy had committed Crimea from neighbouring eration but also against the Ukraine’s allegations that it has of result.” resulted in a ceasefi re agreement out the water and mud that had a “provocation” with an incur- Ukraine in 2014 after Ukraine, Ukrainian citizens who were de- been fuelling the confl ict, in It would be the fi rst meeting that has been regularly violated. fl ooded their stores since Tues- day. The high of 110-115cm (3.6- 3.7’) expected midday in Venice was a welcome improvement on the past week when the so- Riot police use water called “acqua alta” (high waters), exceeded a level of 150cm three times. cannons to disperse Venetians are accustomed to fl ooding in their Unesco city surrounded by a lagoon, but last Georgia protesters week’s wave of inundations was unprecedented in modern times, with Tuesday’s high not seen AFP fully, hundreds of protesters since 1966. Tbilisi continued to block entrances to St Mark’s Square, in one of the parliament building on Sun- the lowest points of the city, be- day night. gins to fl ood when the tide rises iot police in Georgia used The demonstrators have held 80cm above sea level, according water cannons yesterday a series of protests after MPs to Venice’s tides authority. Rto disperse anti-govern- from the ruling Georgian Dream “Forms will soon be avail- ment protesters who have taken party MPs voted down legisla- able to citizens and businesses to the streets after the ruling tion to hold parliamentary elec- to claim compensation. Thanks party backtracked on promised tions next year under a new pro- to all who worked so hard to get electoral reforms. portional voting system. through the day,” tweeted Mayor Hundreds of riot police in Opposition parties have ac- Luigi Brugnaro on Sunday, after body armour and helmets cused the party’s leader, bil- the waters submerged yet again sprayed water to break up a lionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, of an estimated 70% of the city. crowd of several hundred pro- orchestrating the bill’s failure. Forecasters expect the waters testers outside the parliament The embassies of the United not to exceed 110cm in Venice in building in the capital Tbilisi. States and European Union ex- coming days, allowing residents Police also cleared protest- pressed solidarity with the pro- to assess the damage. ers away from the city’s main testers, saying in a joint state- On Sunday, residents of Flor- thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, ment they “recognise the deep ence and Pisa braced for possible where they have blocked traffi c disappointment of a wide seg- fl ooding of the Arno river, but since the last week. ment of Georgian society at the Riot police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators during a protest against the government in Tbilisi. the two Tuscan cities managed Several opposition activists failure of parliament to pass the to escape fl ooding or damage were detained during the police constitutional amendments”. the rallies after forming a rare “increased mistrust and height- The opposition at the time plummet amid widespread dis- and a state of alert was lifted. operation, Georgia’s Pirveli TV “We fully support the right to united front against the ruling ened tensions between the rul- denounced the polls as rigged. content over economic stagna- In Italy’s northeast heavy channel reported. peaceful assembly and freedom party led by oligarch Ivanishvili ing party and other political par- Ivanishvili had promised tion and perceived backsliding snowfall on Sunday provoked an The police crackdown came of expression,” they said. – who is widely believed to be ties and civil society”. “large-scale political reform” on its commitment to democ- avalanche that grazed a popu- after more than 20,000 demon- At a protest on Thursday fol- the man in charge in Georgia. Protesters say the ruling party following a summer of protests racy. lated area of the Martell Valley in strators rallied outside parlia- lowing the failed vote on the Twelve Georgian Dream law- unfairly benefi ts from the cur- that saw 240 people injured in a Critics accuse Ivanishvili of the Alto Adige, without causing ment on Sunday in the largest amendments, some 10,000 peo- makers – including two deputy rent voting system. police crackdown. persecuting political opponents, major damage. anti-government rally in years, ple rallied in Tbilisi, vowing to parliament speakers – have left The Georgian Dream party Two peaceful protesters in- suff ocating critical media, and urging the government to resign press ahead with “permanent” the party in protest at the con- won nearly 77% of seats in the cluding a teenaged girl lost an creating a corrupt political sys- and calling for new legislative protests until their demands for troversial vote. 2016 parliamentary election eye at the time. tem where his private interests Austria landslide elections. snap polls were met. The US and EU embassies said despite garnering only 48.7% of In power since 2012, the rul- dominate government decision- After the rally ended peace- Opposition parties have called the failure to pass the legislation the vote. ing party has seen its popularity making. leaves one dead

A 79-year-old was killed yesterday in Austria when a landslide destroyed his home in the ski resort of Bad Teenager dead after French bridge falls Kleinkirchheim, police said, confirming the first fatality since rain and snowfall brought havoc AFP into the waters of the Tarn, the time of the accident. te-Garonne area said the bridge, to several parts of the country. Mirepoix-sur-Tarn, France where only a small portion was The bonnet of the sunken car which dated to 1931 and had “He was buried by the mud,” left exposed above the river. could be seen sticking out of been renovated in 2003, under- local mayor Matthias Krenn was The teenager was travelling the water as helicopters circled went a “thorough” inspection quoted as saying by the Kleine 15-year-old girl died and in the car with her mother, who overhead. in 2017 showing “no structural Zeitung newspaper. a truck driver was missing was plucked from the water by The authorities had earlier problem”. Parts of Tyrol, Salzburg and Aafter a suspension bridge bystanders, Toulouse public said that a van might also have A visual inspection of the Carinthia province, which over a river in southwest France prosecutor Dominique Alzeari fallen into the river and that 155m (510’) structure, some 6.5m includes Bad Kleinkirchheim, collapsed yesterday, reigniting a said. “several” people might be miss- wide, confi rmed that conclusion have received up to 300mm debate over infrastructure safety Five people, including two ing. in 2018, the environment minis- of rain per square metre since in the wake of last year’s disaster rescue workers and some local But Alzeari said “that does not try said. Friday, according to Austria’s in Genoa. people who tried to save the vic- appear to be the case”. Mirepoix-sur-Tarn mayor national weather service ZAMG. A truck and a car plunged into tims, were seriously injured, ac- An investigation into the Eric Oget described it as a “very Rescuers sail near the collapsed suspension bridge in In the town of Bad Gastein, the Tarn river after the bridge cording to the region’s security cause of the collapse was under important crossing point” for Mirepoix-sur-Tarn, near Toulouse, southwest France. a landslide crashed into one between the towns of Mirepoix- department. way. people going to work in the re- home and pushed it onto the sur-Tarn and Bessieres, 30km More than 60 rescue workers, The environment ministry gional capital Toulouse on the for the local population. school bus across the bridge be- neighbouring house, trapping (18 miles) north of Toulouse, including divers, were searching said that recent inspections of other side of the river. Audrey Laujac, a 36-year-old fore it collapsed. two persons in the ruins of both gave way. for the driver of the truck and the bridge had “shown no secu- Many pedestrians used the woman who lives 100m from the “We never imagined that the buildings. The bridge collapsed from the also checking whether any other rity defects”. bridge, the offi cial said, describ- scene of the accident, told AFP bridge might collapse,” she said, Firefighters were able to rescue suspension cables and crashed vehicles were on the bridge at The council of the local Hau- ing its collapse as a “real trauma” that her son had just taken the her voice choked with emotion. the injured women. No opposition candidate wins a seat in Belarus polls

Reuters iron fi st for a quarter of a century, out, no opposition fi gure won a position fi gure, told Reuters. of an observer mission from the EU-Belarus relations, building ating an agreement on a simpli- Minsk and he announced on Sunday seat. Western monitoring agen- Organisation for Security and on the positive co-operation of fi ed visa regime, while Brussels that he would stand again in the At the last election in 2016, cies have not judged a Belarus Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). the last three years,” it said in a is also pressing Belarus to abolish 2020 presidential election. two opposition members won election to be free and fair since “Parliamentary elections are in statement. the death penalty. elarus President Alexander The 65-year-old has given seats for the fi rst time in 20 years 1995, and yesterday international danger of becoming a formality.” Yauheni Preiherman, director Lukashenko said on Sunday Lukashenko maintained more leeway to the opposition but neither was allowed to stand observers criticised the lack of a The European Union called of the Minsk Dialogue Council that the Belarusian people could Bhis hold on power after re- and released political prisoners again this time around. level playing fi eld and questioned the election a “lost opportunity” on International Relations, said vote him out of offi ce next year if sults published yesterday showed in recent years in an attempt to “The (election) result has long whether results were reported to conduct a fair vote and urged that Sunday’s election result was they no longer wanted him. not a single opposition candidate improve ties with the West af- been determined. The authorities honestly. Minsk to carry out reforms ahead unlikely to lead to a freeze in rela- “I have promised that I would had won a seat in a weekend par- ter disputes with traditional ally selected approved candidates. “These elections have demon- of the presidential election next tions with the EU because other not hang on to this seat until my liamentary election. Moscow. A change of power in Belarus is strated an overall lack of respect year. issues were at stake in the rela- fi ngers turn blue. Trust me, it’s Lukashenko has governed the However, offi cial data yester- not possible through elections,” for democratic commitments,” “This will also be key for tionship. not really the softest chair,” he former Soviet republic with an day showed that, on a 77% turn- Nikolai Statkevich, a leading op- said Margareta Cederfelt, leader achieving the full potential of The EU and Minsk are negoti- told reporters. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 17 INDIA Delhi not to extend odd-even scheme, says Kejriwal

IANS tinued to remain very bad. airshed management to tackle To address the problem of air A 2012 study by IIT-Delhi “The government launched the The pollution was so toxic New Delhi The Delhi government an- pollution. pollution comprehensively, Dey mapped the aerosol transfer National Clean Air Programme after Diwali that the the Envi- nounced the odd-even between They were participating in a said, “We need to delineate air- across the Indo-Gangetic region, (NCAP) as a long-term, time- ronmental Pollution Control November 4 and November 15 to panel discussion organised by sheds based on wind fl ows and making it the world’s most pol- bound, national-level strategy Authority (EPCA) had declared ith the air quality in keep air pollution in check. Climate Trends, a Delhi-based their pollutant reach. The city luted hotspot – stretching from to tackle air pollution problem a public health emergency in the the national capi- The odd-even is a road ra- climate communications initia- action plans should be integrated Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar across the country in a compre- Delhi-NCR and had advised peo- Wtal improving, Delhi tioning system in which vehi- tive, to map the pathway for re- with the larger airshed manage- Pradesh, Bihar and all the way to hensive manner with targets to ple, especially children and the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal cles with registration number gional co-operation and co-or- ment strategy to deal with the West Bengal. achieve 20 to 30% reduction in aged, to limit their exposure to said yesterday that the odd-even ending with even digits are al- dination to tackle the crisis. problem.” Meanwhile the Ministry of En- PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations the environment. scheme will not be extended. lowed to run on even dates, and Sagnik Deya, associate profes- Haryana, despite not being in- vironment said the national cap- by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base The Delhi government has As the sky was clear now, those ending with odd numbers sor at IIT-Delhi and co-ordinator cluded in the NCAP, is the only ital has not received any funds year for the comparison of con- urged the Centre many times “there is no need of it,”Kejriwal on odd dates. for the Centre for Excellence for state that has made an action from the central government un- centration,” the ministry said. to take steps to deal with the air said at a press conference. The scheme aims to curb the Research for Clean Air (CERCA), plan for Gurugram that will in- der the ‘National Clean Air Pro- The national capital has been pollution as it has blamed stub- The chief minister had ear- number of cars on roads and limit said, “We live in the age of data, clude 300km of the surrounding gramme.’ witnessing severe air pollution for ble burning in the neighbouring lier said he may extend the the pollution caused by them. yet there is no air pollution data area as shared airshed where pol- The ministry launched the the last month, with the air qual- states for the deteriorating air scheme as the air quality con- Experts yesterday suggested for the entire rural India.” lution transfer happens. programme in January 2019. ity touching the ‘emergency’ mark. quality. Congress slams government on electoral bonds

IANS corporates who have donated to New Delhi the BJP. The Congress got electoral bonds of Rs500 crore, said Gowda. he Congress yesterday at- Congress general secretary Pri- tacked the government over yanka Gandhi also raised the issue Telectoral bonds, and al- of electoral bonds, and alleged that leged that anonymous donations they were cleared by bypassing the through electoral bonds were tan- central bank. tamount to money laundering. “Electoral bonds were cleared Congress spokesman Rajiv by bypassing RBI and dismiss- Gowda said that through the sys- ing national security concerns in tem of electoral bonds the com- order to enable black money to mon people will not be able to enter the BJP coff ers. It appears know which corporate entity has that while the BJP was elected on given money to a political party the promise of eradicating black and what benefi ts they got in re- money it was busy lining its own turn. pockets with exactly that! What Gowda said that “of the a shameful betrayal of the Indian Rs6,000 crore of electoral bonds people,” she tweeted. bought, 95% of the bonds have In May this year, former par- gone to BJP”. ty president Rahul Gandhi had The Congress alleged that the trained his guns at the Election Reserve Bank of India had cau- Commission while raising the is- tioned the government about the sue of alleged manipulation of Jawaharlal Nehru University students shout slogans as they protest against hostel fee hike in New Delhi yesterday. scheme but was overruled by the EVMs and electoral bonds. Finance Ministry. He had tweeted: “From Elec- “We demand the immediate toral Bonds & EVMs to manipu- scrapping of electoral bonds and lating the election schedule, also information on which entity NaMo TV, ‘Modi’s Army’ & now has bought the electoral bonds,” the drama in Kedarnath; the Gowda added. Election Commission’s capitula- The Congress alleged that the tion before Mr Modi & his gang BJP is “selling the assets of the is obvious to all Indians. The EC Police clash with JNU country to crony capitalists”. used to be feared & respected. Another party spokesman Pa- Not anymore.” wan Khera said that “these bonds And yesterday he termed it a have become a mechanism for bribe. converting black money to the “In ‘New’ India, bribes & illegal bonds, and despite opposition commissions are called Electoral from the RBI and EC the gov- Bonds,” he tweeted. students over fee hike ernment went ahead with the In April this year, the Congress scheme.” had demanded that the BJP reveal Agencies more than four people, demon- dents who have been detained,” Another languages student That means many students The Congress has questioned its source of funds through elec- New Delhi strators started a march from added one protester, who only Shivraj Jagtap said university from poor and low-income the motive of the government by toral bonds. the university to the parliament gave his name as Jitendra. costs would be roughly tripled, families would not be able to bringing the amendment through Some media reports suggest as part of their action against Teachers at the university reaching Rs12,000 per month afford the new costs, the union a money bill in 2017. The party that the government, in a bid to olice fought street battles higher costs for accommodation have voiced concern over the for some. says. wants that all the donors’ names seek ‘secretive funds’, overrules in New Delhi yesterday as well as curfews and other re- way the government and police With students refusing to The students are also pro- should be made public. the RBI over the issue of electoral Pwith thousands of stu- strictions on campus. were handling what they called leave until detainees were re- testing against what they say The party is apprehensive that bonds. The Congress is now train- dents who stepped up protests They broke through police “peaceful” protests. leased, a police offi cial in Delhi, are “regressive” hostel rules on the sale of state companies is be- ing its guns on the government over fee increases at one of the barricades and police had to JNU has a history of left-wing M S Randhawa said they were clothing and timings and are de- ing done to “compensate” those based on such reports. country’s top universities. close three metro stations be- activism. being freed. manding that the vice chancel- Police baton charged some cause of the troubles, which fi rst Many at the university have University authorities could lor be sacked. groups of demonstrators and erupted last week when police also rallied to accuse Prime not be reached for comment on “The vice chancellor isn’t Avalanche kills four soldiers, two porters media reports said dozens of fi red water cannon on the stu- Minister Narendra Modi and the the unrest or the fee hike pro- meeting us,” said Abhimanyu, students from Jawaharlal Nehru dents. ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of posals. a PhD student at JNU who Four soldiers and two civilian the location to pull them out. The University were detained. While the government said curbing free speech. But vice chancellor M Ja- like most preferred not to give porters died after they were rescuers managed to extricate all The university is one of India’s it had created a three-member “This isn’t just about JNU, gadesh Kumar on Sunday urged a last name for fear of being trapped in an avalanche on the the eight from under the debris most prestigious and counts top panel to hold talks with the stu- we need to reject fee hikes at all students to return to university identified. Siachen Glacier’s northern sector and seven critically injured were politicians including Foreign dents, the demonstrators have government universities,” said for approaching exams. “The administration hasn’t yesterday, off icials said. According evacuated by helicopters to the Minister Subrahmanyam Jais- said they will not stop their ac- protester and languages stu- Nearly half of the universi- spoken to us even once.” to them, eight men were trapped nearest Military Hospital. However, hankar and this year’s Nobel tion until the fee hike is rescind- dent Kushal, saying many would ty’s students come from fami- Students at other Indian uni- in the avalanche at around 3pm six of them – four soldiers and two economics prize winner Abhijit ed. be unable to fi nish their stud- lies with incomes of less than versities have expressed solidar- and Avalanche Rescue Teams porters – succumbed to extreme Banerjee among past students. “We will not end the protest ies if the proposed raises went Rs144,000 annually, according ity with JNU colleagues, though from nearby posts were rushed to hypothermia, the off icials said. Defying a ban on groups of till the police release the stu- through. to the JNU Students Union. the protests have not spread. India delaying signing New police recruit Northeast students helicopters deal: Russia oppose Citizenship Act IANS led government had introduced Shillong the bill in its previous tenure but Reuters sembled and manufactured in Helicopters’ total sales while the could not push it through due to New Delhi India. remaining 65-70% are military vehement protests by opposition The two countries also have choppers. he North East Students’ parties and it lapsed following held preliminary talks for the The civilian-military sales Organisation (NESO) the dissolution of the last Lok he head of Russian Heli- supply of over 100 of the KA 226- ratio is expected to remain the Tyesterday wrote to Prime Sabha. copters has said that India T helicopters for the Indian navy, same in the next three years Minister Narendra Modi and The bill seeks to remove hur- Twas delaying the signing Boginsky said. but total sales volumes could Home Minister Amit Shah, re- dles in the way of eligible mi- of a fi rm agreement for purchas- “We have done signifi cant increase as Russian Helicop- iterating its strong opposition grants from six minority groups ing 200 helicopters despite pro- successful work and provided all ters brings to the market its ex- to the proposed amendment of from Bangladesh, Pakistan and viding all information. information to India’s ministry panded range of choppers, said the Citizenship Act, 1955 during Afghanistan from getting Indian Chief Executive Andrey Bo- of defence, unfortunately there is Boginsky. the winter session of parliament citizenship. ginsky also said it would ben- no effi cient and quick way from The company is in talks with which began yesterday. “We oppose the objective efi t India if the planned order for the Indian side,” he told Reuters. international customers includ- The organisation of indig- of the bill and it should not be over 100 rotorcraft for the Indian “We can’t understand the rea- ing some in the Middle East for enous student groups across the adopted by parliament under navy could be combined with the sons for the delay.” sale of its new Mi-38 helicopters, seven northeastern states cau- any circumstances. Such an un- 200 India is looking to buy for On the order for the Indian he said, declining to elaborate. tioned the central government desirable step by parliament will the army. navy, Boginsky said India would The new VRT-500 helicopters, that “such an undesirable step once again agitate the entire Russian Helicopters is owned benefi t from combining both with the fi rst fl ight scheduled for by parliament will once again North East region. We all have by state-owned Russian con- orders to gain more value in en- 2021, has seen strong interest agitate the entire North East re- a responsibility to avoid such a glomerate Rostec. hancing its capabilities. from India and some Middle East A newly recruited policeman kisses his child after gion.” potentiality,” the NESO letter India and Russia signed a deal “The main winner will be In- countries, he said. performing at a passing out and attestation parade at Yesterday, several students’ noted. in 2015 under Prime Minister dia if both orders are joined,” he “There is strong interest from Manigam Ganderbal on the outskirts of Kashmir’s capital bodies and other civil society In Assam capital Guwahati, All Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in In- said, adding Russian Helicopters Indian companies to assemble Srinagar yesterday. Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant groups staged a protest in their Assam Students Union (AASU) dia’ programme for the supply was awaiting a formal request of (VRT 500) in India,” he said. Governor Girish Chandra Murmu oversaw the parade in respective state capitals oppos- organised a protest rally shout- of 200 Russian KA 226T heli- an order from the Indian navy. Russian Helicopters plans to which 1145 policemen where absorbed in the police force of ing the proposed amendment to ing slogans and showing placards copters, with Russia to deliver Civilian helicopters account sell 1000 of the VRT-500s by the union territory. the Citizenship Act, 1955. with messages written against 60 and the remaining to be as- for about 30-35% of Russian 2035, he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party- the bill. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 INDIA

PEOPLE VIOLENCE CONTROVERSY POLITICS GESTURE Nusrat Jahan in hospital, Man held for attacking Two women turned away Miracle that AIADMK Injured monkey gets family dismisses ‘rumours’ Karnataka Congress MLA by police at Sabarimala govt survived: Rajinikanth Maneka’s attention

Bengali actor and Trinamool Congress Lok An unemployed man was arrested for allegedly Kerala police yesterday did not allow women Tamil movie star Rajinikanth said it was a Bharatiya Janata Party MP Maneka Gandhi Sabha member Nusrat Jahan was taken to attacking and injuring Congress legislator Tanveer to go to the Sabarimala temple to pray. Two “miracle” that the All India Anna Dravida yesterday came to the rescue of a monkey hospital following respiratory distress, sources Sait with a knife in Mysuru, police said yesterday. women from Andhra Pradesh, both under Munnetra Kazhagam government, headed by lying injured on the roadside in central Delhi close to her said yesterday, dismissing as “Farhaan Pasha, 25, was arrested for knifing Sait the age of 50, were stopped from entering Chief Minister K Palaniswami, has remained in after a journalist posted a picture of the animal “rumours” reports of drug overdose. Jahan late on Sunday night at a function. He has been the shrine. Women police off icers spotted power in Tamil Nadu despite the predictions that on Twitter and tagged former minister. “This was taken to the hospital around 9.30pm on charged with attempt to murder under Section the women at the Pamba base camp. Being it would barely last a few months. At a musical monkey is injured and in a very bad state. Sunday night with breathing problems. “She is 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),” Mysuru Police doubtful about their age, the police checked tribute event for actor-turned-politician Kamal Please some NGO or animal rights activist come stable and conscious,” a source said. “She has Commissioner K T Balakrishna told IANS. “Sait is their identity cards. Finding that both were Haasan to mark his completion of 60 years in forward to rescue him. This is near Press Club of an asthma problem, she takes an inhaler. But out of danger and recovering from a surgery on under 50 years of age, the police explained to the movie world in Chennai, Rajinikanth, said India at Raisina Road, New Delhi,” said the tweet the problem became a bit serious yesterday, his neck at a private hospital. We are questioning them about the traditions of the temple. After Palaniswami would not have imagined that he that tagged @Manekagandhibjp. A wildlife and using an inhaler was not enough. She is Pasha to find the motive behind attacking Sait,” hearing the police, both agreed to return. A would become Tamil Nadu’s chief minister. When enthusiast, Gandhi was quick to respond. completely fine,” the source told IANS. Jahan’s Balakrishna said. Sait, 52, is a five-time lawmaker similar incident took place last Saturday when that happened, not many gave Palaniswami’s “Thank you for tagging me. I’m sending a car husband Nikhil Jain has been in the hospital from Narasimharaja in Mysuru district. He served three women were not allowed to pray at the government more than four or five months. right now to have him sent to Sanjay Gandhi since Sunday night. After Jahan was admitted, as the education minister in the Siddaramaiah-led temple. Meanwhile, a young girl trekking the Rajinikanth said: “A miracle happened. The Animal Care Centre for treatment. The car will rumours emerged that she had a drug Congress government (2013-18). According to long route to the temple sported a placard government did not fall. Crossing all hurdles, be there in a few minutes,” she posted. The overdose, a drug allergy or had consumed a preliminary investigation, Pasha was upset with around her neck reading: “Am 9 years now, next the government is continuing.” He had earlier tweet had garnered 1,000 likes with over 200 large number of sleeping pills. Sait for reportedly not helping him in get a job. visit to the temple is after I finish 50 years”. announced that he would float his party. retweets at the last count.

CM threatens to sue critics over land deal Pawar keeps allegations

IANS Sena guessing Panaji

oa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant yesterday threat- Gened to sue critics who attacked him over the purchase after talks of several tracts of land in neigh- bouring Maharashtra. Sawant said while he had bought land in Sindhudurg dis- trict, the quantum was much less than being alleged by his po- litical opponents. with Sonia The chief minister said the op- position appeared to have mis- IANS be taken into confi dence... We dent today and briefed her on read his property documents, New Delhi have not talked about any sup- the situation in Maharashtra. It including a decimal point and port to any party yet,” the NCP was decided that in a day or two, ended up committing a faux pas. strongman said. representatives from NCP and “I have not purchased crores ationalist Congress Pawar had set off alarm bells Congress will meet in Delhi to of square metres as Goa Forward Party chief Sharad Pa- on the prospects of the three- discuss the way forward.” party leader Vijai Sardesai has Nwar yesterday remained party alliance for Maharashtra The BJP and Shiv Sena con- alleged. If he continues to make non-committal on government ever taking off when he said in tested the October 21 assembly false allegations against me, I formation in Maharashtra after the morning that the BJP and polls together, bagging 105 and will be forced to take legal action his talks with Congress presi- Shiv Sena had fought the recent 56 seats respectively. However, against him,” Sawant said at a dent Sonia Gandhi, saying they elections together and they have the alliance fell apart after Shiv conference called specifi cally to did not discuss about supporting to “choose their paths”. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray rebut the allegations. any party. Speaking to reporters outside demanded rotational chief min- Sardesai, a former deputy Pawar, who arrived from parliament, Pawar said, “BJP- isterial post, a demand rejected chief minister, had claimed that Mumbai to ostensibly discuss the Shiv Sena fought together, we by the BJP. Sawant purchased 2,966 hec- Common Minimum Programme and Congress fought together The Congress and the NCP tares of land in Maharashtra, of a Sena-Congress-NCP gov- in the elections. They have to won 44 and 54 seats, respec- while chief minister insisted that ernment, yesterday evening ap- choose their path and we will do tively. it was only 2.966 acres. peared reluctant, saying repeat- our politics.” Congress sources said that “Perhaps they have not seen edly that they did not discuss the However, two days ago in before saying yes to the alliance, the decimal point,” Sawant said government formation. Mumbai Pawar had stated fi rmly the party wants Shiv Sena to and added that he had to take “I had a meeting with Sonia that the process to form the gov- shed its hardline Hindutva ide- loans from several banks to pur- Gandhi, and (senior Congress ernment had started and it would ology and take a secular stand on chase the land. leader) A K Antony was present. be a stable government that several issues. “I have loans to show for these I briefed her about the political would last its full fi ve-year term. They also said the NCP wants transactions. The payments have situation of the state,” said Pawar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Congress to be part of the also been done from my bank He said the NCP and Congress too set tongues wagging when he government. account. I have nothing to fear. leaders will meet again to dis- specially praised the NCP in the Meanwhile, amid the pow- This is nothing but an attempt to cuss the issues and then report Rajya Sabha for maintaining de- er tussle, Shiv Sena yesterday malign my name, because they to Gandhi. corum by not rushing to the well raised voice against its former cannot get any issue to criticise Pawar also ruled out any tie- of the house, where the chair- alliance partner on the fi rst day my government,” Sawant said. up with the Bharatiya Janata person sits. of the winter session of parlia- Sawant also retaliated against Party and said during the meet- “Today I want to appreciate ment, seeking immediate relief Sardesai, and asked the opposi- ing he and Gandhi did not dis- two parties, NCP and BJD (Biju for farmers aff ected by unsea- tion MLA to explain a 500% in- cuss the issue of supporting the Janata Dal). These parties have sonal rains in parts of Mahar- crease in his income from 2007 to Shiv Sena. wonderfully adhered to parlia- ashtra and staged a walkout from 2012 from Rs5.45 crore to Rs25.21 According to sources, small mentary norms. They have never the Lok Sabha. crore. Quoting Sardesai’s election alliance partners such as Raju ventured into the well. They Sena’s stand-off with the BJP affi davit fi led in 2012, Sawant said Shetti’s Swabhimani Paksha, the have made their points very ef- was visible in the lower house as that the Goa Forward party presi- Peasants and Workers Party of fectively. Much can be learned its members were the fi rst among dent had listed his annual family India, and the Samajwadi Party, from these practices,” Modi said. other opposition parties to stage income as Rs7 lakh and yet owns are unhappy about the develop- The Congress has also kept protest against the government nine fl ats in a commercial build- ments. the window open with the party and disrupt the proceedings. ing, which are purchased in the “We will take the view of the offi cially saying that leaders of In an editorial in the party name of his wife Usha. parties before taking any deci- the two parties will meet to de- newspaper Saamana, Sena re- “How can a person who says sion,” Pawar said. cide on the future course of ac- cently had raised the issue of that his family income is Rs7 lakh He said that leaders of the tion. farmers who have suff ered crop come to own nine fl ats in a com- NCP and Congress will take a Congress spokesman Ran- losses and had advocated ad- mercial building? This needs to Shiv Sena MPs stage a demonstration seeking immediate relief for farmers aff ected by unseasonal view on the political status. deep Surjewala said: “Sharad equate compensation without be probed,” Sawant said. rains in parts of Maharashtra outside parliament in New Delhi yesterday. “Those who are with us should Pawar met the Congress presi- attaching any conditions.

Gates meets Modi High stakes for Congress SC to hear bail plea in Karnataka by-elections of Chidambaram IANS laundering case, had arrested New Delhi Chidambaram last month. He is IANS speaker’s order disqualifying minister H D Kumaraswamy currently under judicial custody Bengaluru all the 17 legislators, 14 from lost a trust-vote on July 23 and in Tihar Jail. Congress and three from JD-S, resigned on the same night. he Supreme Court yes- While opposing the bail it allowed them to contest in “A fractured verdict in the terday agreed to hear plea, the agency asserted that he beleaguered Congress the by-elections, much to the May 2018 assembly elec- Tformer fi nance minister P Chidambaram used the high of- in Karnataka faces an chagrin of the two opposition tions forced us to tie up with Chidambaram’s bail plea in the fi ce of the country “for his per- Tuphill task in retaining its parties, which were hoping to the JD-S and form the coali- INX Media money laundering sonal gains”. assembly seats in the December retain them without facing the tion government solely to keep case. The INX media case pertains 5 by-elections, as it faces an powerful defectors. the BJP out of power, as it fell A bench headed by Chief Justice to alleged irregularities in the upbeat ruling Bharatiya Janata “The court’s decision to al- short of eight-nine seats in the S A Bobde said the court will hear Foreign Investment Promotion Party and an estranged Janata low the defectors to contest 225-member house for a sim- the plea either today or tomorrow. Board (FIPB) clearance to the me- Dal-Secular (JD-S) ally. in the by-elections has upset ple majority, with 113 as the Chidambaram’s lawyer Kapil dia group for receiving overseas “The task is cut out for the the Congress more than the halfway mark. The resigna- Sibal sought an urgent hearing in funds in 2007 when Chidambar- Congress to retain 12 of the 15 JD-S, as it may not be able to tions of the 17 former lawmak- the Supreme Court, challenging am was the fi nance minister. assembly seats in the state that retain many of the seats in the ers enabled the BJP to wrest the Delhi High Court order de- Meanwhile, as the winter fell vacant, as it faces 11 of its absence of strong candidates power from us with only 105 nying the Congress leader bail. session of parliament begins, former rebels as BJP candidates who can take on the defectors legislators,” Congress leader V The high court on Friday re- Chidambaram urged his party in their strongholds in triangu- and the ruling party’s enviable S Ugrappa said. jected the bail application in the colleagues to ‘expose’ the ‘utter lar contests where secular votes poll machinery,” the analyst The humiliating defeat of the Enforcement Directorate’s case mismanagement’ of the econo- will get divided between the said. former coalition allies in the relating to the INX-Media. my by Prime Minister Narendra two former allies,” a political Unhappy with the fl ounder- Lok Sabha elections in which A single-judge bench of the Modi’s government. analyst told IANS ahead of the ing 14-month-old JD-S-Con- they retained only one seat each high court, presided by Justice “When Parliament opens to- crucial by-elections. gress coalition government and while the BJP won a record 25 of Suresh Kumar Kait, observed day, @INCIndia must lead the The JD-S is also bracing to giving up hopes of becoming the 28 parliamentary constitu- Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates meets Prime Minister that the allegations against the Opposition to expose the utter retain the three assembly seats ministers or sharing the spoils, encies emboldened the former Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday. The co-chair of veteran politician were “serious” mismanagement of the econo- from where its rebel lawmakers the defectors resigned from Congress and JD-S rebels to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was the chief guest in nature and that the case was my,” he tweeted. resigned and joined the BJP. their assembly seats in mid- quit their assembly seats and of the eighth International Conference on Agriculture not fi t for granting him bail. “Which aspect of the econ- Though the Supreme Court July and stayed away on the caused the fall of the coalition Statistics in New Delhi. The Enforcement Directo- omy is doing well? Not one,” he on November 13 upheld former crucial day when former chief government. rate, which is probing the money added. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 19

LATIN AMERICA

LEGAL PEOPLE FORECAST VIOLENCE Spain to extradite Caracas Lula calls on followers Brazil oil auction flop seen Masked gunmen shoot ex-intelligence chief to US to continue ‘the fight’ hitting 2020 govt revenues dead three in Mexico

Spain’s high court yesterday said it will extradite Brazil’s left-wing leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Economists have lowered their forecasts for the Mexican off icials said three men were shot dead Venezuela’s former military intelligence chief urged his followers to continue “the fight” at his Brazilian government’s primary budget deficit at an auto shop in San Luis Rio Colorado. The to the US, reversing an earlier decision to first major rally since his release from prison this year but raised it for next year, an economy criminal investigation agency in Sonora state refuse the request. Hugo Carvajal, an ally of a week ago. “The fight isn’t over,” the former ministry survey showed. The expected increase said witnesses reported masked gunmen arrived Venezuela’s late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, president chanted to several tens of thousands in the 2020 deficit compared with forecasts a at the shop and opened fire, littering the floor is wanted by US authorities on allegations of cheering supporters in the northeastern month ago follows the disappointing ‘Transfer with bullet casings. Two men died at the scene of drug traff icking. He has previously denied city of Recife. “After seeing so many people of Rights’ oil auction last week that analysts say and the third hours later while he was receiving accusations that he collaborated with the mobilise across the country, I want to say: ‘The will put a dent in government revenues next medical attention. Agents seized firearms, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to fight is not over.’ The fight cannot end because year. According to the ministry’s latest monthly including a grenade launcher found inside the help smuggle cocaine into the US. The court we still want more,” Lula said, referring to the ‘Prisma’ survey, economists predict a deficit of shop, which specialises in repairing mechanisms said in a written ruling there was “suff icient thousands of left-wing activists who mobilised 87.53bn reais ($21bn) this year for the Treasury, that raise and lower car windows. They also evidence to justify the extradition”. Carvajal Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva across Brazil during his 580-day incarceration. social security and central bank accounts discovered a pickup reported as stolen, bags was arrested by Spanish police at the request of speaks next to his girlfriend Rosangela da Silva “The ‘Free Lula’ campaign must become before interest payments are factored in, and of methamphetamine and marijuana, and the US authorities in April. at a rally in Recife, Brazil. something even bigger!” he added. 82.70bn reais next year. equivalent over $5,000 cash in pesos. Elections will be called soon, reveals Bolivia leader

AFP reported, though the govern- La Paz ment has recognised only fi ve of them. Murillo angered opposition olivia’s interim president groups by suggesting that the said she will call new elec- coca growers might even have Btions soon, as the country shot some of their own support- struggles with violent unrest a ers to generate sympathy. week after the resignation of Evo But Thomas Becker, an Ameri- Morales. can lawyer with the International “Very soon we will announce Human Rights Clinic at Harvard news regarding our main man- University, rejected that theory. date: calling transparent elec- He said he had been to the tions,” Jeanine Anez said in a morgue in the city of Sacaba, speech at the presidential palace. where the victims were taken, She did not give details, saying and that all nine had been shot. only that the announcement will Becker said that he had inter- seek the “recovery of our coun- viewed 50 people in Sacaba, and try’s democratic credibility.” that all insisted that none of the Unrest in Bolivia fi rst erupted civilian protesters had firearms. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera addresses the nation in Santiago. after Morales — the country’s From Mexico, Morales fi rst indigenous president — was lashed out at the killings, accused of rigging the results of tweeting that “these crimes the October 20 polls to gain re- against humanity...must not election. go unpunished.” He resigned last Sunday and The IACHR decried as “grave” fl ed to Mexico after losing the a decree from the Anez govern- support of the security forces. ment exempting the armed forc- Pinera fl ays police violence Anez, the 52-year-old former es from criminal responsibility as deputy speaker of the senate, they preserve public order. declared herself the country’s The rights group, an autono- interim president on Tuesday, mous arm of the Organisation of fi lling a vacuum left by Morales’ American States, said the eff ect departure and the resignations of of the decree could be to “stimu- after four weeks of unrest several ministers. late violent repression.” Presi- The government also said that dential minister Jerjes Justini- AFP the wealthiest families in the More than 200 of those in- been changed numerous times streets of Santiago later in the violent demonstrations roiling ano insisted the decree did not Santiago country, among other issues. jured have sustained serious eye but does not establish the state’s day, crowding into the protest the country were slowing. give troops “a license to kill” but Accusations of police brutal- injuries, some even going blind responsibility to provide educa- epicentre of Plaza Italia, and vi- However, rural groups close to merely provided constitutional ity and human rights violations in one eye, after being shot by tion and health care. olent clashes broke out between Morales demanded Anez’s resig- underpinning for their eff orts to resident Sebastian Pinera have been levelled since the pro- police. “If the people want it, we will small groups of protesters and nation. keep the peace. has for the fi rst time con- tests broke out, prompting the Pinera praised an agreement move toward a new constitu- police late Friday afternoon. The number of trouble spots is Demonstrations have been Pdemned what he called United Nations to send a team to reached last week under which tion, the fi rst under democracy,” The referendum will ask vot- “down by half,” interim Interior generally waning. On Sunday, abuses committed by police in investigate. Chile will draft a new constitu- Pinera said in a speech from the ers whether the constitution Minister Arturo Murillo said. protesters blockaded a highway dealing with four weeks of violent Amnesty International has tion to replace the current one presidential palace. should be replaced and if so, how The violence has claimed at from El Alto, about 10kms from unrest that have rocked Chile. also sent a mission. that dates back to the dictator- The spasm of anger began a new charter should be drafted. least 23 lives and left scores in- Bolivia’s administrative capital, “There was excessive use of “There will be no impunity, ship of Pinochet, who ruled from with a rise in metro fares but “In the last four weeks, Chile jured since late October, accord- raising the spectre of fuel short- force. Abuses and crimes were not for those who committed 1973 to 1990. quickly swelled into a broader has changed. Chileans have ing to the Inter-American Com- ages. committed, and the rights of all acts of unusual violence, nor for Many in Chile see this step outcry against the status quo in changed. The government has mission on Human Rights. The Senkata refi nery in El Alto were not respected,” the presi- those who committed excesses — getting rid of a charter that what is traditionally considered changed. We have all changed,” The protests that forced Mo- furnishes the La Paz region with dent said in a speech to the na- and abuses. We will do what is smacks of a dark, repressive one of South America’s most said Pinera during his speech. rales to seek asylum in Mex- gasoline and natural gas. tion as it marked a month of tur- best for the victims,” he said, chapter in the country’s past — stable countries. A survey published Sunday by ico have continued, prima- Food shortages are being re- moil that has left 22 people dead referring to protesters fi rst and as a way to help end the crisis. Chilean lawmakers agreed the consulting fi rm Cadem re- rily around the central city of ported in many regions. and more than 2,000 injured. then the security forces. It is a key demand of the thou- Friday to hold a plebiscite in vealed an increase in Pinera’s pop- Cochabamba, where violent The interim government sent Furious Chileans have been The crisis is Chile’s biggest sands of protesters that have April 2020 after hours of intense ularity over the last week, rising clashes erupted Friday between a plane with 35 tonnes of meat to protesting social and economic since its return to democracy been taking to the streets in San- negotiations between the gov- to 17% from 13% at the protests’ coca growers and both army La Paz and promised to provide inequality, and against an en- in 1990 when long-time dicta- tiago and elsewhere almost daily erning coalition and opposition height. The survey also indicated troops and police. 25 tonnes of chicken, Justiniano trenched political elite that tor General Augusto Pinochet for a month. parties. that 67% of Chileans are in favour Nine people died, the IACHR said. comes from a small number of yielded to democracy. The current constitution has Thousands still took to the of a new constitution. Venezuela president hails Race to the finish Moreno’s economic ‘dollarisation’ of economy reforms plan rejected Reuters movement and social organisa- Quito tions, while others were ques- Reuters economy... Thank God it exists,” Foreign currencies enter the tioned by the business sector. Caracas the socialist leader said. economy of the Opec member The government, which had Maduro, who at least until largely from the sale of some cuador’s national assem- hoped to raise more than $700mn 2018 forbid the use of the dollar, shipments of crude oil and gold. bly rejected a package of next year through the reforms, enezuelan President added that while he is still eval- Opposition leader Juan Guaida Etax and monetary reforms did not immediately comment Nicolas Maduro embraced uating transactions in US cur- responded to Maduro’s dollari- proposed by President Lenin on the assembly’s decision. Vthe currency of his bitter rency, which have been growing sation comments saying Maduro Moreno, a new setback in his ef- In mid-October Moreno aban- rival the US, calling it an “escape in recent months, the bolivar will had admitted another defeat. forts to reduce the country’s bur- doned measures to end fuel sub- valve” that can help the country continue to circulate as the offi - “The failure in Mirafl ores, now densome fi scal defi cit. sidies after almost two weeks of weather its economic crisis amid cial currency. acknowledged, is that the coun- The reforms stemmed from a violent protests shook the An- US sanctions aimed at forcing Since 2003 the official ex- try is dollarised...he recognises loan agreement the government dean country. him from power. change rate has been set by that our currency cannot even reached in February with the In- After repealing the decree that The offi cial currency, the bo- Venezuela’s central bank but hold value,” Guaido said. ternational Monetary Fund (IMF) raised the price of extra gasoline livar, has depreciated more than the rate has become increas- Guaido, who heads the Na- for about $4.2bn. and diesel, Moreno opened a 90% this year, while hyperinfl a- ingly flexible. tional Assembly, invoked articles “With 70 affi rmative votes, round of dialogue with the indig- tion in the fi rst nine months of “Venezuela will always have of the Constitution in January to the National Assembly plenary enous movement. the year clocked in at 4,680%, its currency... we will always proclaim himself interim presi- decides to deny and archive the An agreement has yet to be according to the central bank. have the bolivar and we will re- dent, claiming that Maduro’s re- economic growth bill,” the legis- reached. The infl ationary spiral has cover it and we will defend it,” election was fraudulent. lature said on Twitter. “Social pressure fi rst achieved slashed the purchasing power of Maduro said in an interview Maduro calls the opposition The government’s bill aimed to the repeal of decree 883 (fuel the South American country’s with Jose Vicente Rangel, a left- leader a US-backed “puppet.” improve tax collection through subsidy) and has now brought minimum wage, which together ist politician and vice president Recently, Caracas-based con- the increase of some taxes and a down another IMF imposition with food assistance, is equiva- during the government of Hugo sultancy Ecoanalitica estimated special contribution for compa- that undermined the rights of the lent to about $10 per month. Chavez. 53.8% of transactions in the fi rst nies with revenues of more than people and was harmful to the “I don’t see it as a bad thing... Under increasingly severe US 15 days of October were carried $1mn annually. country,” said the CONAIE in- this process that they call ‘dol- sanctions, the central bank has out in dollars, according to a It also moved to give auton- digenous group on Twitter after larisation,’” Maduro said in an started injecting euros into the sampling of the country’s seven omy to the country’s central the rejection of Moreno’s reform interview broadcast on the tel- economy. main cities. bank and prevent it from be- package. evision channel Televen. The government and state oil That number reached 86% in Participants descend a hill in a home-made vehicle during coming a direct source of gov- Ecuador expects a fi scal defi - “It can help the recovery of the company PDVSA have even be- the oil-rich city of Maracaibo, the 30th Car Festival in Medellin, Antioquia department, ernment financing. cit of about $3.6bn this year, country, the spread of produc- gun to pay contractors with the which has been badly hit by pow- Colombia. Several of the proposals were with plans to lower it to $3.4bn tive forces in the country, and the European currency. er cuts. opposed by the indigenous in 2020. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 PAKISTAN

Prime minister won’t off er anyone a deal Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that those asking for a political deal live in a paradise of fools, that “we would not off er it to anyone”, and that Sources: Sharif can leave country all institutions were on the same page to make Pakistan stronger. The prime minister, in a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Babar Awan, said that accountability has and will always be the main priority of the government. Khan said that he would not back off from implementation of the rule of but remains on Exit Control List law. He added that corruption was like a termite for the country, adding that the institutions would not work until they are repaired. China welcomes court abroad for medical treatment. The former premier will have not improve, the time period arrive in Lahore today. During the meeting, the prime minister also informed his party colleague decision allowing Sharif to According to offi cial sourc- to produce his passport and the can be extended, adding that the “Former PM #NawazSharif that his government would take a major action this month to provide travel es, since the court granted the court order before the immigra- government offi cials will be able will travel to London in a high- relief to the people. former premier an exemption on tion offi cials before he can to fl y to contact Nawaz through the end Air Ambulance equipped It is as yet unclear what the action would be. Internews medical grounds to travel outside abroad from Lahore’s Allama Pakistani embassy. with a fully functional and According to sources, the two leaders also discussed the Lahore High Islamabad the country, he will have to pro- Iqbal International Airport this As of yesterday evening, how- staff ed Intensive Care Unit and Court’s decision regarding former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. duce the court order to get past morning. ever, airport offi cials have yet to Operation Theatre,” he wrote. The court had allowed the former premier to travel abroad for medical immigration offi cials. The Lahore High Court had on receive any information about “A team of doctors and para- treatment. mmigration sources in Paki- Sources in the interior minis- Saturday permitted to remove the air ambulance said to be due medics will be on board headed stan have indicated that the try say that while Sharif will re- Sharif from the Exit Control List to transport the former premier, by an Intensivist. ETD (LHE): Iname of former prime min- main on the ECL as per the law, (ECL) without any conditions for suggest reports. Tuesday 19NOV19 Morning,” he High Court’s decision to allow sion, Lijian Zhao, wrote: “This ister Nawaz Sharif will remain on his exemption according to the a time period of four weeks. Sharif’s doctor tweeted earlier added. Sharif to travel for treatment. decision by the Lahore High the Exit Control List (ECL) even court order will be mentioned in In its decision, the court said yesterday to confi rm that a fully- Meanwhile, a Chinese diplo- In a tweet, the Chinese embas- Court is a decision in need. Thus, after the court allowed him to go the computerised record. that in case Sharif’s health does equipped air ambulance would mat has welcomed the Lahore sy’s former deputy chief of mis- a good decision indeed.”

45 MPs told to PM fi nally takes time off clarify Internews fl ood of criticism that has come process, had to make a choice, The prime minister will return Islamabad his way. which in his own words, was from his brief time-out with a However, the past month or so based on humanitarian grounds meeting of the federal cabinet asset has been exceptionally grueling, despite many criticising him for today. fter a rollercoaster few with the fi rebrand cleric Maula- “striking a deal”. The cabinet will discuss the months, embattled Imran na Fazlur Rehman, the head of A day earlier, army chief Gen- political and economic situa- issues AKhan, for the fi rst time the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam – Fa- eral Qamar Javed Bajwa called tion and consider a seven-point since assuming the offi ce of the zlur (JUI-F), launching an anti- on the prime minister and dis- agenda. prime minister, fi nally decided government movement backed cussed matters concerning in- It will approve the National Internews to take a break – albeit a brief by other opposition parties. ternal security. Tariff Policy, and cabinet mem- Islamabad one of just two days. Rehman, along with thou- The civil and military lead- bers will also be presented with a The premier cancelled all his sands of his followers, marched ership is likely to have touched report on the fi lling of top posts offi cial engagements on Satur- on the federal capital on Octo- upon burning issues and ham- in diff erent divisions and min- he Election Commission day and Sunday to spend time ber 31 and staged a sit-in for 13 mered out a future strategy. istries. of Pakistan (ECP) issued with his family. days, demanding Prime Minis- Also niggling at Prime Min- The cabinet will approve the Tshow-cause notices to 45 He also kept Pakistan Te- ter Khan’s resignation, before ister Khan’s mind must be the appointment of the federal in- members of the National As- hreek-e-Insaf (PTI) aff airs at bringing his grand show to an soaring prices of essential com- surance ombudsman and the sembly (MNAs) for not clear- bay during his downtime, and abrupt end and moving on to modities – food items in partic- chief executive of the Cabi- ing discrepancies in their asset his Bani Gala residence did not “Plan B” of his “Azadi March” ular – and the growing resent- net Engineering Development statements. host any party meetings. campaign. ment it is causing among the Board. According to ECP sources, The prime minister has had The other factor that could middle- and low-income strata The members will also ratify these members of the lower it rough from the outset of his have taken its toll on the prime Prime Minister Khan: cancelled all his off icial engagements over the of the population. the decisions made during the house of parliament include fed- tenure, which began last year, minister’s nerves was the health weekend to spend time with his family. His fi nance adviser’s tomato meeting of the Economic Co- eral ministers Fawad Chaudhry, immediately facing the daunting of incarcerated three-time price gaff e did not help mat- ordination Committee. Fehmida Mirza, and Shireen Ma- task of steering the country out former premier Nawaz Sharif by the government itself de- for treatment to save his life, ters, producing a great deal of The setting up of a cabinet zari. of an economic crisis and the suddenly deteriorating to a life- claring that there were no op- Prime Minister Khan, whose en- “ketchup” for TV channels and committee for the China-Paki- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Kashmir dispute taking a turn threatening level. tions left but to send the ailing tire narrative is built around an social media to smear all over the stan Economic Corridor is also chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the worse, not to mention the With a medical board formed Sharif family patriarch abroad uncompromising accountability government. on the agenda. and his father Asif Ali Zardari are also among them. The other MNAs who have been served notices include Noor All in a day’s work Alam Khan, Amir Kiyani, Khur- ram Dastagir, Maiza Hameed, and Mehnaz Akbar Aziz. Number of dengue This is for the fi rst time that the commission has investigated the asset statements fi led by the lawmakers. The ECP has asked the 45 cases rises to nearly MNAs to respond to the show- cause notices within 14 days af- ter which it would direct them to appear before the commission in person. 50,000 this year On Wednesday, the commis- sion issued a statement remind- ing the members of the lower Internews were in the “other” category, gency Operation Centre (EOC) and upper houses of parliament Islamabad indicating cases whose origin has been activated at the Nation- and provincial assemblies to could not be found. al Institute of Health for dengue submit their yearly statements No death was reported from outbreak. of assets and liabilities on or be- he dengue outbreak has Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit- “Our statistics are much bet- fore December 31 this year. set a new record, with the Baltistan, while 22 dengue pa- ter than other countries, but our It also asked the lawmakers to Tnumber of reported cases tients died in the federal capital. task is not over. submit the details of assets and surging to more than 49,000 in Of the remaining 57 dengue “Based on recent experience, liabilities of their spouses and the country this year, taking a deaths, 33 patients died in Sindh, we will develop a comprehensive dependent children. leap of over 5,000 cases in less 20 in Punjab, three in Balu- multisectoral national action It is a mandatory requirement than two weeks. chistan, and one in AJK. plan in co-ordination with the under Section 137 of Elections It’s nearly double of the maxi- Shah said that the World provinces, and will defeat den- Act 2017, under which members mum number of Pakistanis in- Health Organisation (WHO) had gue within the next few years,” of the Senate, the National As- fected with dengue within a year included dengue in the top 10 Shah said. sembly and provincial assem- over the past decade, as previ- global public health threats to Dengue is spread by mosqui- blies are required to submit the ously the highest number of cas- the world. toes, and patients suff er from statements of their assets and es was in 2011, when 27,000 peo- This year, he said, for example, a defi ciency of platelets, due to liabilities to the election com- ple were infected with dengue. 371,717 dengue cases and 1,407 which transfusion of platelets is mission’s secretariat including However, the previous high- deaths had been reported in the required as patient’s blood does those of their spouses and de- est death toll was 370, over four Philippines up to November 5. not have the normal clotting pendent children. times of this year’s 79. In Sri Lanka, 234,078 cases ability. In January this year, the ECP Explaining major reasons for and over 100 deaths had been re- If timely treatment is not pro- suspended the membership of the surge in number of reported ported up to October 23. vided, the disease may turn into 332 parliamentarians for failing cases this year, the spokesper- Similarly, there were 146,000 life-threatening dengue haem- to submit their asset details. son for the ministry of national cases and 89 deaths in Thailand, orrhagic fever, which may lead to health services (NHS), Sajid 124,751 cases and 15 deaths in bleeding, low levels of platelets Shah, said: “This year, an un- Vietnam, 104,950 cases and 204 and blood plasma leakage, or into Police investigate precedented number of dengue deaths in Malaysia, and 122,136 dengue shock syndrome – a dan- cases has been reported across cases and 104 deaths had been gerously low blood pressure. paedophile’s links the globe. In addition, the mech- reported in Bangladesh, up to the Pakistan has experienced to global network anism for recording of cases has second week of October, he said. many dengue outbreaks since the improved across the country.” Sharing Pan American Health fi rst outbreak in 1994. Police are interrogating a According to a document, dur- Organisation data, Shah said During the past two decades, convicted paedophile for possible ing the current year 49,587 cases 2.07mn cases and 702 deaths had two major outbreaks were re- links to global child pornography of dengue have been confi rmed been confi rmed in Brazil, 213,822 ported in the country. rackets after he confessed to from across the country. cases and 108 deaths in Mexico, In 2005, over 6,000 cases with filming the rape of at least 30 As many as 13,173 cases were 157,573 cases and 26 deaths in 52 deaths were reported from children and selling the videos reported from Islamabad, 13,251 Nicaragua, 106,066 cases and 74 Karachi, while in 2011, more than online, off icials said this week. from Sindh, 9,855 from Punjab, deaths in Colombia, and 96,379 21,000 cases were reported from The suspect, who served a jail 7,776 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cases and 156 deaths had been Lahore, with 350 deaths. term in Britain for child abuse, and 3,217 from Baluchistan. reported in Honduras, up to No- Between 2011 and 2014, more had been deported to Pakistan. In addition, 1,690 cases were vember 14. than 48,000 confi rmed cases He was arrested last Tuesday Artist Fareed Ahmed works on a traditional khussa shoe to be sold at a shop in Islamabad. reported from Azad Jammu and “It is for the fi rst time in the of dengue were reported from in Rawalpindi, local police chief Kashmir (AJK), and 625 cases history of Pakistan that Emer- across the country. Faisal Rana said. “We know for sure he has been selling videos to clients in Europe Pakistan military conducts successful ... we are trying to reach the racket and are in touch with training launch of ballistic missile authorities in other countries,” At least eight people drown in boat accident another police off icial Rai Mazhar Pakistan has successfully completed the “training launch” of said. surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-1, Inter Services Public The suspect was working as DPA day, a rescue offi cial said. for those missing was under accident took place due to over- Relations (ISPR) director-general Major-General Asif Ghafoor said in a consultant for the Khyber Islamabad The boat carrying around 30 way. loading. a brief message yesterday. Pakhtunkhwa government after people and goods capsized on It was not yet clear what Small wooden boats are often The head of the military’s media wing wrote on Twitter that the his deportation to Pakistan. the Sutlej river near the city of caused the accident, the offi cial used to transport people and missile is “capable of delivering all types of warheads up to range Provincial minister Shaukat t least seven men and Dipalpur, local rescue offi cial said. goods in Pakistan. of 650km”. Yousafzai said an inquiry has women and a child were Zafar Iqbal said. Local media reports said that Accidents are common as “The launch was aimed at testing operational readiness of Army been launched into how a known Akilled after a boat cap- He added that 10 people had members of a family had been they operate without safety Strategic Forces Command (ASFC), ensuring Pakistan’s credible paedophile could have been sized in eastern Pakistan yester- been rescued and that the search travelling to a funeral when the measures including life jackets. minimum deterrence,” Ghafoor added. hired. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES

Protest against mining firm Ride-hailing operator Grab fi ned, refunds ordered

DPA Manila

Philippine government agency yesterday fi ned Aride-hailing app Grab 23.45mn pesos ($469,000) for breaching pricing commitments in the fi rst year since it took over operations of its main competi- tor, Uber. The fi nes include refunds worth 5.05mn pesos to its pas- sengers for overcharges, the Philippine Competition Com- mission (PCC) said. Since Grab merged with Uber in March 2018 and took over its operations in the Philippines, the anti-trust watchdog has been monitoring its activities to ensure fair pricing, good service and non-exclusivity among its drivers. Members of Filipino indigenous ‘Tuwali’ tribe perform a dance during a protest near Malacanang Palace in Manila, yesterday. The protesters held a rally against the Australian-Canadian mining corporation, “The PCC has resolved to OceanaGold Philippines, asking the government to reject the financial or technical assistance agreement renewal application. impose a total fi ne of 23.45mn pesos on Grab for breaching its pricing commitments during the fi rst to third quarters of the ini- tial undertaking,” the body said in a statement. Part of the fi nes will be re- funded through a “disgorgement system wherein Grab shall return to its riders its commissions” in Police offi cial tells Robredo not to excess of a system-wide aver- age fare cap, which restricts price increases to 22.5% in most months. The commission will con- tinue to monitor Grab’s com- interfere in anti-drug operations pliance with its commitments for another year, and review for By Darwin Pesco pine Drug Enforcement Agency enforcement campaign. “Would erations. “Simply put, if we give hands?” Aquino added. Aquino end threatened to fi re Robredo up to four years its promise of Manila Times (PDEA), National Bureau of In- it really matter if you know who the list to VP Robredo, we will is the co-chairman of ICAD. as ICAD co-chairman if she dis- non-exclusivity, which could vestigation and Department of are on the list?” Gamboa asked. not know who will have access Robredo has demanded that she closes sensitive matters of the have implications for new play- Justice. The acting PNP chief agreed to it. That will compromise our be given all information regard- government that will endanger ers, said Arsenio Balisacan, the hilippine National Police He said the vice president, with PDEA Director General operations,” Aquino said in a ing the drug war. the security of the state. body’s chairman. (PNP) Offi cer in Charge as co-chairman of the Inter- Aaron Aquino that the high- statement. He added that only She gave assurances yester- “There’s a limit to that. I “Real competition springs not PLt. Gen. Archie Francisco Agency Committee on Anti- value targets list should not be those who have security clear- day that she has no intention of know that she’s a lawyer and from presence of a new player Gamboa yesterday told Vice Illegal Drugs (ICAD), should given to Robredo. ance are given access to classi- revealing sensitive information she has other advisers… There alone but from evident rivalry President Maria Leonor Ro- instead focus on advocacy and “Remember, the PDEA is the fi ed information. that would endanger the secu- are certain matters that should among fi rms in terms of capac- bredo not to interfere in drug rehabilitation. head of the law enforcement “I myself have no copy of the rity of the state. be kept with the government, ity, price and service quality,” he operations. “Why would VP not take ad- cluster, whatever the head says, list in my possession. What I Emerging from a Senate ple- that classifi ed matters cannot noted. “Law enforcement and pros- vocacy and rehabilitation? It I will always respect it, being am doing is I check it from time nary deliberation, where she be shared. Once she does that, In a statement, Grab said it ecution should be best left to fi ts what she has been saying a member of the law enforce- to time with my intelligence defended the P664.8mn pro- she’s out, I would fi re her. Be- was working closely with the those who know it,” Gamboa that illegal drugs are actually ment… so yes, I adhere to what service and conduct workshops posed budget of her offi ce for cause you jeopardised the secu- PCC to fi nalise the “voluntary said in an interview with re- a health problem, so probably the director general says,” Gam- against these personalities,” he 2020, Robredo told reporters rity of the state,” the president commitments” to protect con- porters. that can fall on advocacy and boa said. explained. she would not disclose sensitive had said. sumers and create a healthy Robredo, he added, should rehabilitation,” Gamboa said. On Saturday, Aquino said “Imagine what will happen to information on the anti-drug Sen. Panfi lo Lacson consid- competitive environment for leave operations against ille- He added that Robredo sharing the list with Robredo the eff orts of law enforcement campaign of the government. ered Duterte’s statement “fair businesses. gal drugs to the PNP, Philip- should only “review” the law might compromise drug op- if that list landed on wrong The president over the week- warning.” “Grab Philippines maintains its compliance with the LTFRB’s (Land Transportation Fare Reg- ulatory Board) fare matrix and will work closely with the PCC in implementing the agreed me- Marginal fall seen in Filipinos’ positive outlook on life: survey chanics for the payment, which will be communicated to the public at least fi ve days before Manila Times These translate to a net gainers score to +7), six-point decrease in the rest of that 46% of Filipinos expect their the Philippine economy will improve paying,” it said. Manila of +11 (percentage of those saying their Luzon (+14 to +8), an eight-point in- quality of life to improve in the next 12 in the next 12 months, while 12% said “Grab looks forward to ful- lives improved minus percentage of crease in Mindanao (+7 to +15), and a months and 5% expect it to get worse. it will worsen for a net economic opti- fi lling these voluntary commit- those saying it worsened), classifi ed by steady fi gure in Metro Manila (+18). The latest score translates to a net mists score of +28. ments with the guidance and he number of adult Filipinos SWS as “very high.” Historically, the net gainers score has personal optimists score of +41 (per- The latest fi gure is lower than the oversight of the PCC,” it added. who viewed their lives positively But it is lower than the +13 in June been higher among those with higher centage of those expecting their per- +33 in June and +35 in March, all classi- Grab has remained the domi- Tslightly dipped in the third quar- and +17 in March, all classifi ed as very educational attainment than those sonal quality of lives to improve minus fi ed as excellent (+20 and above). nant ride-hailing company ter of 2019, according to the latest So- high (+10 to +19), according to SWS. who are less educated. The net gainers percentage of those expecting it to get The September survey, conducted in the Philippines since Uber cial Weather Stations (SWS) survey. “Since 1983, only 10% of net gain- scores were +22 (excellent) among col- worse), classifi ed as “excellent.” using face-to-face interviews with stopped operations there in The nationwide survey, conducted ers scores are within very high range or lege graduates, +17 (very high) among This used to be +42 in June and +47 1,800 adults, had sampling error mar- 2018. Other ride-hailing com- from September 27 to 30 among 1,800 better,” the polling fi rm said. high school graduates, +2 (high) among in March, all classifi ed as excellent gins of + or - 2.3% for national per- panies in the country only off er respondents, showed that 36% of Fili- The SWS attributes the two-point elementary graduates, and -1 (fair) (+40 and above). centages, + or - 4% each for Balance rides on motorbikes, unlike Grab pinos rated their life positively, and decline in the national net gainers score among non-elementary graduates. During the same survey period, SWS Luzon and Mindanao, and + or - 6% which also off ers trips in cars, as 25% rated it negatively. to the 10-point decrease in Visayas (+17 The third-quarter survey also found found that 41% of adults believed that each for Metro Manila and the Visayas. well as other services. House passes bill to set Drilon criticises huge fund up Malasakit centres

By Divina NJD Cruz as a one-stop shop for various allotment for Games cauldron Manila Times government agencies such as the Department of Health and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes By Bernadette Tamayo to build the cauldron could have our athletes. There is time for all “We just cannot get a pot he bill that seeks to estab- Offi ce. Manila Tims constructed 55 schoolrooms. of these and the time is after the and a bamboo here. We are not lish Malasakit centres in The Malasakit Centre is the “One schoolroom costs about SEA Games.” Drilon has asked hosting the National Games. Tall government hospitals brainchild of Christopher Go. P1mn,” he said. “So, 55 school- the Senate to summon Tats Su- We are talking about Olympics was approved by the House of Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said he xtravagant and unneces- rooms could have been com- zara, chief operation offi cer of hosting here,” he said. Representatives on third and fi - opposed the passage of the bill sary. pleted if not for the abuse of the Philippine Southeast Asian Meanwhile, Sen. Christopher nal reading yesterday. because it was a “carbon copy” E This was how Senate government fund,” he said. Games Organising Committee Lawrence “Bong” Go expressed House Bill 5477, or an “Act of the Senate-approved version. Minority Leader Franklin Drilon “They cannot say if a bid- (Phisgoc) to attend the budget support toward the develop- establishing the Malasakit Pro- “Not one of the remaining described the cauldron to be lit ding was done for this. The CoA deliberation of the Philippine ment of the New Clark City gramme and institutionalising the members on the Floor was rec- during the offi cial opening of must audit this thoroughly,” he Sports Commission. sports hub since it would ben- delivery of medical and fi nancial ognised to introduce individual the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) added, referring to the Com- Drilon wants to know why efi t Filipino athletes, the coun- assistance under the Malasakit amendments or to question the Games on November 30. mission in Audit. Phisgoc, a private entity, had try’s sports programme, as well Centres in public hospitals,” will absence of a quorum as the ap- Drilon yesterday questioned He said the P55mn was bro- been allotted P700mn in public as the economy. complement the implementation proval on second reading of the the allotment of P55mn for the ken down as follows: cauldron’s funds. “It is a good investment, as of Republic Act 11223 or the “Uni- substitute bill was railroaded installation of the giant caul- design, P4.4mn; the founda- Philippine Olympic Commit- this facility will be very useful versal Health Care Act.” with only a few representatives dron outside the New Clark City tion, P13.4mn; and construc- The 2019 Southeast Asian tee President Abraham Tolen- for us well beyond the time that The measure aims to institu- present in the plenary,” Lagman Stadium in Tarlac. tion, P32mn. Games cauldron. tino agreed with Drilon that an we will be using it during the tionalise the Malasakit Centre said. The senator said the caul- But Drilon clarifi ed that he investigation should be opened 2019 Southeast Asian Games,” dron, designed by the late Fran- had no intention of stopping the honour to our country. But after the holding of the 30th he said when the Senate scru- cisco “Bobby” Manosa, Nation- holding of the Games. it doesn’t mean that we will SEA Games scheduled on No- tinised the budget for the SEA al Artist for Architecture, was “No. In fact that is why I ter- not question these expenses,” vember 30 until December 11. Games funded by the Bases Magnitude 5.9 quake strikes Mindanao: USGS “too extravagant and strange.” minated my interpellation, be- Drilon added. “I hope we fi nish the Games Conversion and Development “Insofar as I’m concerned, cause we have to support our But he said he would fi le a fi rst before we call an investi- Authority (BCDA). An earthquake of 5.9 mag- yesterday, according to the P55mn is an extravagance that is athletes. This apparent abuse of resolution asking the Senate to gation,” Tolentino told Manila The BCDA, however, still nitude struck 92 kilometres United States Geological Sur- so unnecessary and somebody public funds is not their fault,” investigate the matter after the Times through a phone inter- needs to demonstrate how it east northeast of Cotabato, vey. There were no immediate has to answer for this,” he told he said. games. view. would guarantee the return of Mindanao in the Philippines reports of damage. reporters. “We need to support them “Let us help the athletes He defended the building of investment for the sports facili- Drilon said the money used so they can compete and bring compete fi rst and let us support the expensive cauldron. ties, Go said. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Tsitsipas win dawn of a new era in tennis? Rafael Nadal will end the year as the world’s top-ranked player and the “big three” retained their stranglehold on the Grand Slam titles, but when Stefanos Tsitsipas was crowned ATP Finals champion on Sunday it felt like a watershed moment. “I believe I’m really close on being crowned a Grand Slam champion. I know these are strong words that I say, but I do feel like I belong to be there,” the 21-year-old Greek boldly claimed after beating Dominic Thiem. There have been false dawns before of course. Germany’s Alexander Zverev, like Greek Tsitsipas, was also 21 last year Are the wealthy seeing when he beat Novak Djokovic to win the season-ender in London. Zverev could not back it up in this year’s Slams, two of which were won by the 33-year-old Nadal and two by the 32-year-old Djokovic. They have 19 and 16 majors each while Roger Federer, at 38, will still believe he can add to signs of a recession? the record 20 he has accumulated during his extraordinary career. By Edward Helmore Nearly four-fi fths of respondents say wealthy are keep cash under their “Whittled expectations are a sign New York volatility will probably increase, and well-feathered mattresses rather than sellers are wary to part with their But for the fi rst time, that golden trio will be having 55% think there will be a signifi cant splashing out on something fi ttingly trophies at a time when broader global an anxious glance over their shoulders. The past week in market sell-off before the end of 2020. luxurious, artistic or expansive. markets are weighed down by trade London has revealed a new fearlessness in the generation of recent USB report found Some 60% are considering increasing Last week’s biannual art sales in New wars, Brexit and political scandals,” the 20 somethings expected to fi ll the void when they call it a wealthy investors are increas- their cash levels further. York were notably lacking in big-ticket Wall Street Journal opined. day. ing their cash reserves, adding “People are looking to diversify their items with no painting or sculpture The same is true for property. Austrian Thiem, who Ato growing evidence suggest- portfolios, which is a natural response estimated to sell for more than $45mn. After a record boom in construction, at 26 is an established ing they see trouble on the horizon. to the environment we’re in, and they’re By contrast, the spring sales in May Manhattan’s market in luxury condos There have been Do the ultra-wealthy know looking for advice as we stand at the raised $2bn in purchases, including a has been falling since 2015 – and is force, got the ball rolling something we don’t? US consumers in doorstep of what might be a watershed $91mn Jeff Koons stainless steel Rabbit continuing to drop. According to an several false when he beat Federer on general are still spending, but the 1%? year with Brexit and a US election sculpture. estimate by appraiser Miller Samuel the opening day of the Not so much. looming. Putting money into cash is a A report by the French database Inc, there will be more than 9,000 dawns before ATP’s exclusive year- A UBS report released last week found refl ection of that,” said Aurora. Artprice that global auction sales unsold new condo units on the market ender. wealthy investors around the world are The move to cash is another signal of were down 17.4% in the fi rst half of in Manhattan at the end of this year, a The following day, Germany’s Zverev beat Nadal for the holding a relatively high level of cash in a pervasive anxiety about the direction 2019. Chinese shoppers, which kept supply that could take nine years to sell fi rst time in his career while earlier that day Tsitsipas marked anticipation of global turmoil in 2020. of the global economy at the end of the marked bubbling for the last few out. That report added to a growing body of 2019. seasons, have vanished. In July, one That’s also true in the Hamptons, his tournament debut by beating 23-year-old Russian Daniil evidence that suggests the wealthy see “The rapidly changing geopolitical the business’s heavy-hitting private the summer playground of wealthy Medvedev, who reached this year’s US Open fi nal, for the trouble on the horizon. environment is the biggest concern for galleries, Pace, closed up shop in New Yorkers. Property at the far end of fi rst time. UBS’ global wealth management investors around the world,” said UBS’s Beijing. Long Island had its worst spring selling It did not stop there. Thiem then beat Djokovic and surveyed more than 3,400 “high-net Paula Polito, who noted that investors After the $90.3mn sale of David season since 2009 and the number of Medvedev should have beaten Nadal, losing from 5-1 up in worth” individuals split across 13 are more concerned about signifi cant Hockney’s 1972 Portrait of an Artist unsold homes doubling. At the high end the decider. markets to take the temperature of their global changes than they are about (Pool with Two Figures) last November, there is a three-year supply of unsold On Saturday, Tsitsipas silenced the Federer fan club to overall economic sentiments. natural economic cycles. the market assumed a rediscovered properties. More than half predicted recession This move to cash comes after the canvas, Sur la Terrasse of the painter’s According to Aurora, the fact that eclipse the six-time champion in straight sets to reach the next year, while nearly all respondents billionaire Warren Buff ett’s Berkshire boyfriend at the Hotel La Mamounia 25% of wealthy individuals assets are fi nal – beating the Swiss maestro with the kind of attacking felt the US-China trade war will have Hathaway investment conglomerate in Marrakesh in 1971 would sell over its held in cash is a refl ection of the fact game Federer has trademarked. major implications for the year ahead. indicated a record $128bn in cash, up $25mn to $45mn estimate. In the end, it that they’re looking for something to do With Nadal and Djokovic bumped out in the group, Some 60% said they were preparing for more than $100bn since 2009, when it scrapped through at $26mn. with it. Federer’s semi-fi nal defeat meant it was only the third time a recession next year by increasing their was reportedly holding about $23bn in At the end of the week ArtTactic “People are still looking to put money since 2002 that at least one of that trio had not reached the cash reserves to 25% of their total, a cash. found that sales of contemporary art to work in high-quality assets, but fi nal. couple of percentage points higher than While that could signal that at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips, in people are looking to rebalance their normal. the “Oracle of Omaha” can’t fi nd New York this fall fell 31.5% from last portfolios so they are well-positioned That may have disappointed some, but the quality and “Given where we sit in the anywhere to invest or is saving up November’s results to a total $581.8mn for the months ahead where they see intensity of Sunday’s fi nal in which Tsitsipas beat Thiem geopolitical uncertainty, people are for a big purchase, Berkshire recently – the lowest number since November uncertainty. We’re living in an uncertain 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-6(4) to become the youngest champion at the looking to put cash to work,” said noted that “prices are sky-high for 2011 – and signifi cant drop since May times and looking at factors, like the season-ending tournament since 2001, had the O2 Arena Sameer Aurora, executive director businesses possessing decent long-term when the Koons sale and a $110.7mn US-China trade war, that didn’t exist audience enthralled. in UBS Wealth Management’s client prospects”. Monet fooled the market into thinking even two or three years ago.” – Guardian “The question to be asked is where is the road going after strategy offi ce. But there are other signs that the everything was rosy. News and Media Djokovic, Federer and Nadal and after this week I think we are in safe hands,” former world number one Boris Becker said. With the likes of Medvedev and fellow Russians Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, Canadian duo Felix Auger- Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov, Australia Alex De Minaur and Italians Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner, not to mention German Zverev, gathering en masse, change is brewing. Tsitsipas wisely pointed out, however, that over best-of- fi ve-set matches, beating the big three remains a massive challenge, even if he did down Federer in Australia. While everyone wants to see the young crop do well, such is the respect and nostalgia around players like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic command that they would like to see them keep winning forever. That is not possible, though, as age is catching up with them. But while they are still at it, there’s no doubt who the fans would be rooting for.

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This move to cash comes after the billionaire Warren Buff ett’s Berkshire Hathaway investment conglomerate indicated a record $128bn in cash, up more than $100bn since © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved 2009, when it was reportedly holding about $23bn in cash. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 19, 2019 23 COMMENT This election may be the end of Farage, but not of Faragism

By Daniel Trilling possible because the Conservatives disintegrated as rival factions fought London have been pulled squarely on to his for control and ended up aligning it territory, with right-wing populists in with the far right – suggests he was the ascendant and the more liberal- never really interested in establishing t’s always been easy for liberals to minded MPs jumping ship. a party that actually represents the mock Nigel Farage: for his postur- Yet Farage was unwilling to go the interests of its members. ing against the “establishment”, whole way and stand down Brexit party The Brexit party, with its centralised Idespite being a privately educated candidates in Labour-held marginal leadership and transactional City trader; for his aff ected tweeds seats – which, according to most relationship with activists – it has and boozy bonhomie; for his endless analysts, would have been a much “registered supporters” rather than failure to win a seat in parliament. And bigger help to Johnson. This is because members, and potential election now, for his latest bumbling retreat. Farage is not ready to concede what candidates were asked to pay £100 for After loudly proclaiming that his Brexit has always been his most powerful the privilege of applying – is better party would stand general election weapon: his reputed appeal to “left calibrated to further Farage’s goals. It candidates across the country, he was behind” voters. can be more easily controlled, and its forced to make an awkward U-turn The coalition of support he has carefully selected candidates give the last week, announcing that they would mobilised in his various campaigns appearance of novelty – from relatively withdraw from Conservative-held – fi rst with Ukip, then in the 2016 diverse backgrounds and a few former seats in a bid to ensure a leave majority referendum, and now in the Brexit leftists (mainly people associated with in the next House of Commons. party – has always been rooted in the Spiked magazine, an entryist sect It’s easy, but pointless. This looks right-leaning English middle classes. that grew out of the Revolutionary like a personal humiliation for Farage, But what has always attracted the most Communist party). And yet its activist and it has clearly angered many of his attention is the appeal of Faragism to base continues to overlap with the own party activists. But it may be a a minority of working-class voters in Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage wears boxing gloves during a visit at a boxing gym in Ilford, Britain, in this November 13, photograph. racist and conspiracy theorist scenes, sign of his ultimate triumph. What former industrial towns of England online and offl ine, that make up today’s helps make Farage one of the most and Wales. This is the secret of his not: from a right-wing press that party member with convictions for have sought to position themselves as far right. skilled campaigners of this century success: it sparks panic among Labour provides sympathetic framing, to a explosives off ences and an assault on the voice of this constituency. “Red Whether or not this election marks is precisely his willingness to let politicians that their “traditional” broadcast media with a penchant for a Jewish schoolteacher. Since then Tory” initiatives from the likes of the end of the Brexit party, Farage’s himself look ridiculous, or to make voters might desert them, and sparks adversarial debates and controversial Farage has been careful to keep people Nick Timothy and Phillip Blond have way of doing politics has already and break alliances without concern hope among Tories that they can talking points so long as they come with direct involvement in fascist sought to claim it for mainstream colonised the mainstream. Too often for appearances, in the service of his hoover up the rest. Farage, who does mainly from the right. politics away from his campaigns. conservatism. Yet only Farage in the past, leftists and liberals have greater project. not trust Johnson to keep his promises, Farage has capitalised on this But none of this success would has really succeeded in using it to tried to dismiss it – or make a bargain This project – splitting the UK from cannot withdraw from Labour imbalance to push at the boundaries of be possible without the enduring transform British politics. with the xenophobic nationalism on the European Union and forcing the marginals without surrendering his what is politically acceptable, making stereotype of the “white working “White working class” is a which it rests. As Labour’s prolonged realignment of the British right on one bit of leverage to press the Tories right-wing populist appeals – to a class”. It exploits the blind spot of a patronising and divisive way of debate over migration policy shows, nationalist and reactionary grounds and get the Brexit he wants. sense of betrayal by elites, to English London-based media dominated by talking about a real problem: feelings some infl uential fi gures are still trying – is now closer to being achieved The real currency of Faragism is nationalist resentment, or to the kind journalists from elite backgrounds – of abandonment, fear for the future, to talk tough. than at any point in his career. And it hype. For all that he’s recently been of nudge-and-a-wink racism that suits and plays on liberals’ guilt that they and a lack of control that are shared But the only way to defeat Faragism is not Farage who has moved but the touring the country and addressing British sensibilities – while carefully don’t really know the country they by people from a far wider range of is by building something Farage cannot: Conservative party. His “unilateral” Brexit party rallies away from London, avoiding any direct association with are supposed to be representing. backgrounds than fi t the stereotype. a mass movement that seeks to give election pact with the Tories was, Farage’s key political battleground fascists, which would be poison to Farage isn’t the only politician to There was a point when Ukip looked people genuine control over their lives, in reality, the result of behind-the- has always been the media. In this, his wider ambitions. He was burned have used it to his advantage. A series as if it wanted to build a more durable founded on principles of equality rather scenes begging from Boris Johnson’s he makes the most of an uneven early on in his political career by a of far-right political activists, from grassroots movement out of this than national or ethnic privilege. If we camp and enormous public pressure playing fi eld. An insurgent right-wing photograph of him talking to two BNP the BNP’s Nick Griffi n to the former discontent; but Farage’s decision to abandon that goal, he has already won. - from right-wing tabloids. It was made politician has advantages the left does activists, one of whom was a senior EDL leader Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, abandon the party – which quickly Guardian News and Media

Germany can reduce its external surplus Three-day forecast TODAY refl ects the diff erence between exports German economy is slowing and on the In Germany’s case, a fi scal revaluation Maximum Temperature : 310c By Dalia Marin Minimum Temperature : 270c Munich and imports. To reduce its massive verge of recession, owing largely to the now would be entirely justifi ed, given surplus, Germany can either reduce its relative slowdown in China, a leading that it previously pursued a tax-policy WEDNESDAY exports or increase its imports (or do importer of German manufactured fi scal devaluation in the mid-2000s. Maximum Temperature : 240c t just below 8% of GDP, both at the same time). Both options goods. Since the fi nancial crisis, German As Fabio Ghironi of the University of Minimum Temperature : 180c Germany’s current-account are within the government’s power to exports to China have almost tripled. Washington and Benjamin Weigert of THURSDAY surplus is the highest of any pursue. But the same pace of growth cannot be the Bundesbank show in Explaining Maximum Temperature : 240c Acountry in the world. Since the For example, an expansion of imports expected to continue. Germany’s Exceptional Recovery, in Minimum Temperature : 190c can be achieved relatively easily through Under today’s macroeconomic 2008 Germany raised its VAT from 16% 2008 fi nancial crisis, the size of the Ger- Fisherman's forecast man surplus has raised hackles around increased public investment. Oddly, the conditions, a cautious government to 19%, but lowered its average income- the world, and it remains a topic of Scientifi c Advisory Board’s report does would take steps to mitigate the coming tax rate from 57% to 47.5%, and its WARNING not consider this simple and obvious economic downturn by investing more. corporate-tax rate from 56.8% to 29.4%. Inshore : Expected thundery rain concern at the International Monetary at some places associ- Fund and other global institutions. solution, even though it well knows that Recent papers on the uses of fi scal This mix of policies made German ated with strong wind Nonetheless, early this year, Economy Germany’s current-account surplus policy at the zero lower bound conclude exports signifi cantly less expensive, Offshore : Expected thunder rain Minister Peter Altmaier’s Scientifi c is the result of too much saving and that public investment has become and made imports more so, thereby associated with strong wind and high sea Advisory Council published a report too little investment. Not only does signifi cantly more eff ective since the contributing to the current-account WEATHER with a conclusion that is nothing short the German government balance its fi nancial crisis. When short-term surplus. There is nothing stopping Inshore : P cloudy to cloudy with of astonishing: Germany, the report fi scal budget – known as the schwarze nominal interest rates are at or near Germany from reversing these policies c of sctd rain maybe thundery at times with says, has no available instruments to Null (black zero) – every year, but, as zero, private investment is not crowded now. blowing dust at places reduce its massive external imbalance. Bruegel’s Guntram B. Wolff shows in out, and the multiplier eff ect for public Faced with a choice between Offshore : Cloudy with sctd rain That fi nding comes after repeated Explaining Germany’s Exceptional spending is stronger. expanding public investment and maybe thundery at times complaints about the German surplus Recovery (which I edited), German On the other side of the trade ledger, pursuing fi scal revaluation, the WIND from US President Donald Trump’s companies also invest much less than Germany also could try to reduce fi rst option is preferable. With Inshore : Southeasterly-South- administration, which has threatened their French and Italian counterparts do. its exports by revaluing its currency. the economy already weakening, weterly 05-15/25 KT Offshore : Southeasterly-North- to impose import tariff s and other Investments typically induce higher Although Germany has no control fi scal policies that could reduce the easterly 08-18/28 KT protectionist measures. Even during imports. Building new roads, for over the euro exchange rate, it could country’s competitive advantage are Visibility : 4-8/2 KM former President Barack Obama’s example, usually requires additional achieve the same eff ect as a currency too risky. But nor can Germany aff ord Offshore : 3-5/9 FT administration, the United States construction machinery. This, in turn, appreciation through a fi scal revaluation to do nothing. With multilateralism that makes its exports more expensive increasingly under threat, it has a repeatedly called on the German requires additional intermediate inputs, Around the region government to reduce its surplus. which must be imported. Moreover, and imports less so. This could be duty to do its part to correct for global Weather More recently, the G20 made “global 30-40 cents of every additional euro the implemented through changes in tax imbalances. The Scientifi c Advisory Weather tomorrow Max/min imbalances” one of its central areas of German government allocates toward policy. Research by Emmanuel Farhi and Council should know better. - Project today Max/min Sunny 23/07 concern. public investment is spent on imports. Gita Gopinath of Harvard University Syndicate Baghdad Sunny 22/08 Sunny 22/11 By suggesting that Germany cannot Thus, an expansion of public investment and Oleg Itskhoki of Princeton Kuwait City Sunny 22/11 Cloudy 23/17 do anything about its current-account would automatically reduce the current- University shows that a reduction in z Dalia Marin is Chair of Manama T Storm 25/19 M Sunny 29/23 balance, the Scientifi c Advisory Council account surplus. the value-added tax (VAT) combined International Economics at the Muscat Sunny 29/22 Rain& Snow 07/00 of the Federal Ministry for Economic This is rather convenient, given that with an increase in income tax would University of Munich and a research Tehran Rain 07/02 Aff airs and Energy is not off ering sound public investment also happens to be result in what is eff ectively a currency fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy advice. The current-account balance both popular and sorely needed. The appreciation. Research.

Live issues Medicines pose global environmental risk, experts warn Around the world Weather Weather AFP compared data on concentrations of “extremely high” concentrations of to climb, that fi gure is set to hit 10mn today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Paris pharmaceutical residue in water samples pharmaceutical products had already annually by 2050 — higher than the Athens Rain 22/17 S Showers 22/14 worldwide as well as prescribing trends been detected in water ways in China, number of people dying from cancer. Beirut Sunny 23/16 Sunny 23/17 and water purifi cation regulations in India, Israel, South Korea and the “Unless adequate measures are taken Bangkok P Cloudy 34/24 M Sunny 33/23 esidues from billions of various countries. United States. to manage the risks, pharmaceutical Berlin P Cloudy 09/02 Cloudy 08/06 doses of antibiotics, painkill- One study cited in its report estimates In Britain alone, ethinyloestradiol, residues will increasingly be released Cairo Sunny 27/11 Sunny 26/11 ers and antidepressants pose that 10% of all pharmaceuticals are diclofenac, ibuprofen, propranolol and into the environment as ageing Cape Town Sunny 19/14 Cloudy 20/15 Ra signifi cant risk to freshwater potentially harmful to the environment antibiotics are now present in the run- populations, advances in healthcare, Colombo T Storm 30/24 S T Storms 30/24 ecosystems and the global food chain, a — including hormones, painkillers and off of 890 wastewater treatment plants and intensifi cation of meat and fi sh Dhaka Sunny 31/19 Sunny 30/18 new analysis says. antidepressants. at high enough levels to cause “adverse production spur the demand for Hong Kong Sunny 22/17 Sunny 22/18 There are growing fears that the The OECD said that antibiotic use environmental eff ects”, according to pharmaceuticals worldwide,” the report Istanbul Sunny 22/11 M Sunny 19/11 unchecked use of antibiotics in both for livestock is predicted to rocket another study. said. Jakarta I T Storms 34/24 T Storms 33/24 medicine and agriculture will have by more than two thirds in the next “The residues of pharmaceuticals And the situation is set to get even Karachi Sunny 29/18 Sunny 29/18 adverse eff ects on the environment and decade, stoking concerns over antibiotic have been detected in surface and more acute as climate change increases London M Cloudy 07/02 M Cloudy 07/03 on human health. resistance. ground water across the world,” said the spread and frequency of infectious Manila P Cloudy 32/26 P Cloudy 32/26 When animals and humans ingest Human prescriptions are also set to Leckie. diseases such as malaria and dengue. Moscow Cloudy 05/02 Cloudy 03/-6 medicines, up to 90% of active drastically increase, according to the “However there’s still a lot we don’t Leckie said there was something of a New Delhi Sunny 27/13 P Cloudy 26/13 ingredients are excreted back into the report. know about their occurrence, and know vicious circle when it came to medical New York P Cloudy 12/05 P Cloudy 11/04 environment. “We’re seeing constant engineering even less about the concentrations we prescriptions and climate-related Paris P Cloudy 07/00 M Cloudy 06/02 Many medicines are simply discarded of new pharmaceuticals and seeing fi nd.” disease. Sao Paulo P Cloudy 25/18 M Cloudy 24/17 — in the United States alone an clinical practices evolve to include More than 700,000 people already “Human activity such as population Seoul M Sunny -4/-6 Sunny 05/-3 estimated one third of the 4bn drugs recommendations of earlier treatment die each year from drug-resistant (growth) and transport combined with Singapore T Storm 31/25 T Storm 30/25 prescribed each year ends up as waste. and higher doses,” said the lead report infections. climate change increases antibacterial Sydney Sunny 29/17 P Cloudy 22/17 The Organisation for Economic Co- author Hannah Leckie. As the global population grows and resistance...and therefore the need for Tokyo Clear 21/13 Clear 16/09 operation and Development (OECD) Another study cited said ages and prescribing rates continue more pharmaceuticals.” Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, November 19, 2019 QATAR

Ajyal opens

From Page 1

In line with its overarching theme, Ajyal 2019 opened with the Middle East premiere of It Must Be Heaven (France, Canada, Palestine/2019), a satirical comedy of identity, na- tionality and belonging that follows Suleiman’s personal story of leaving his homeland Palestine for the bus- tling metropolises of Paris and New York. The promise of a new life turns into a comedy of errors; however far he travels, from Paris to New York, something always reminds him of home. “The film says something that is really interesting, there is a mo- ment in the film that tells exactly Prince Nikolaos of Greece, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE Sheikh Thani bin what I think of today’s hopeless HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the event. (Supplied picture) Hamad al-Thani, Nasser bin Ghanem al-Khulaifi and others. (Supplied picture) atmosphere in the world and where the young children are coming to actually change things,” Suleiman told reporters at the red-carpet gala. The fi lm won the Jury Special Mention and the FIPRESCI Critics Award at the 2019 Cannes Film Fes- tival. Renowned American actor Craw- ford told reporters that Ajyal’s tap- ping of young jurors is an opportu- nity for them to see cinema, short fi lms, and independent fi lms sepa- rate from big budget ones. “It’s nice to keep the independ- ent spirit alive, storytelling at its fi nest in the way that it is accessible now to make a fi lm,” he said. “It is a storytelling process, which I think is important to introduce the young generation to. It is fun for me to come over to a diff erent culture and experience it.” The seventh edition of Ajyal marked its official jury opening event recently at Katara, welcom- ing more than 450 jurors from 45 countries. Ajyal’s internationally acclaimed jury programme tackles and evalu- ates fi lms showcased at the festival and discover cinema as a medium of Fatma Hassan al-Remaihi, Yasmine Hamdan and Elia Suleiman. Fatma Hassan al-Remaihi and Abdulla al-Mosallam with Chace global positive change. PICTURE: Ram Chand Crawford. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed The ‘Made in Qatar’ programme remains a highlight of the festival, which serves as a platform for as- piring fi lmmakers to showcase their works on a global stage. This year, Ajyal is also featuring a selection of contemporary short fi lms from up-and-coming Indian directors, in partnership with the Mumbai Academy of Moving Im- Interactive events, ages, to celebrate Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture. The short fi lms, curated by the festival’s programme director Ka- lpana Nair, off er an insight into modern India and are a testament to the country’s vibrant fi lmmaking award-winning heritage. Ajyal 2019 will run until Novem- HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari with Abdulla al-Mosallam. ber 23. movies to delight PICTURE: Ram Chand Ooredoo Strategic Sponsor audiences at Ajyal for Ajyal Film Festival 2019 n array of award-winning ditionally presents ARC — a Baker, Buthaina al-Zaman and Cinemas Doha Festival City at oredoo has announced fi lms and events for the multimedia exhibition featur- Roda Ahmad al-Thani. 5.30pm; DFI-supported fea- that it is the Strategic Awhole family will take ing eclectic artworks by 19 of Following its Middle East pre- ture fi lm Bombay Rose (India, OSponsor for Ajyal Film centre stage today, the second Qatar’s most promising artistes miere at the Ajyal 2019 Open- France, UK, Qatar/2019) by Gi- Festival 2019 and will also again day of Ajyal Film Festival 2019, and creative talents. ARC will be ing Night, a screening of Elia tanjali Rao will screen at 8.30pm present the ‘Made in Qatar’ pro- the annual cinema event hosted open to the public from 10am- Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven at VOX Cinemas Doha Festival gramme at the festival. stage. Screenings and events at ture and promoting events that by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) 10pm at Katara Building 19, Gal- (France, Qatar, Germany, Can- City, and is rated PG-18; Gints The Ajyal Film Festival – or- the Festival are intended to pro- encourage our young people to at Katara – the Cultural Village. lery 1. ada, Turkey, Palestine/2019) Zilbalodis’s Away (Latvia/2019) ganised by Doha Film Institute voke creative interaction, stim- get involved. Ajyal brings back Geekdom, Qa- The exhibition invites visitors will be held at Novo Cinemas, can be viewed at Novo Cinemas, and designed to bring Qatari ulate cinematic dialogue and “For us, Ajyal Film Festival tar’s largest pop-culture event, to follow the chronological path The Pearl-Qatar at 8.30pm. The The Pearl-Qatar at 6pm; and citizens and residents and their inspire communities to take an ticks many boxes; it encour- as part of the Ajyal Creativity of narrative through multimedia screening is rated PG-18. The Land of Ashes (Costa Rica, communities together through active interest in the fi lm indus- ages our communities to come Hub. art pieces divided into three dis- A selection of feature fi lms Argentina, Chile, France/2019) screenings and fi lm-related try, as well as showcase the best together, it inspires our young Visitors of all ages are wel- tinct parts — Setup, Confronta- will the screened throughout by Sofía Quiros Ubeda will be events – is being held from today talents from Qatar and further people to take an interest in the come to join the event, which is tion, and Resolution. the day: Suhaib Gasmelbari’s screened at Novo Cinemas, The until November 23 at Katara – afi eld. fi lm industry, and it promotes open to the public at the Geek- Visitors are invited to join an award-wining documentary Pearl-Qatar at 9pm, and is rated the Cultural Village. Speaking of the spon- local talent; all hugely important dom pavilion in Katara buildings exclusive discussion panel on Talking About Trees (France, PG-15. The ‘Made In Qatar’ pro- sorship, Manar Khalifa al- for the ongoing development of 18 and 19. Families and children ‘Storytelling & The Qatari Iden- Sudan, Germany, Chad, Qa- For ticket purchase and up- gramme, presented by Ooredoo, Muraikhi,director of PR and Qatar. will be entertained by a special tity’ at 6pm today, where artists tar/2019) will screen at 5.30pm to-date information on the Ajyal has been designed to give visibil- Corporate Communications at “We’re delighted to be working screening of Hiromasa Yoneba- will share the unique insight and at Novo Cinemas, The Pearl- Film Festival, one can visit ht- ity to talented young fi lmmakers Ooredoo, said: “Supporting our with Doha Film Institute again yashi’s The Secret World of Ar- creative foundations of their Qatar; The DFI-supported fi lm, tps://www.dohafilminstitute. in the growing cinema industry local communities is a key focus and look forward to another suc- rietty (Japan/2010) at Katara works. The panel is moderated 1982 (Lebanon, US, Norway, com/filmfestival/ticketinfor- in Qatar, showcasing their work for Ooredoo as part of our corpo- cessful event this year.” building 18 at 4pm. by Abdulaziz Yousef and fea- Qatar/2019) by Oualid Mo- mation https://www.dohafi lm- and off ering them exposure on rate social responsibility strate- Further information can be The Ajyal Creativity Hub ad- tures Qatari artists Ibrahim al- paneseen, will screen at VOX institute.com/fi lmfestival/fi lms the regional and international gy, as is supporting arts and cul- found at dohafi lminstitute.com Future of Qatar’s fi lm industry is ‘promising, exciting’

By Joey Aguilar rector Maha Essid told reporters an honour to be part of Ajyal. us,” Essid said. Qatari fi lm direc- and share our experiences.” Staff Reporter at a press briefi ng yesterday at This documentary was made at a tor Abdulanaser Hassan al-Yafei, Al-Yafe’s F-57 talks about the The St Regis Doha. documentary class in NU-Q. director of F-57 (2018) echoed “nefarious power of social me- She is the director of the “We have a lot of stories worth Essid’s views, saying the fi lm in- dia” where Yousef, a disturbed atari and Qatar-based ‘Made in Qatar’ fi lm, Refuge, an telling and I think there’s the ef- dustry in the country is growing IT genius, targets teenagers in fi lmmakers see a prom- insightful short documentary fort, the support and the encour- rapidly. his wicked online game. “This is Qising and vibrant fi lm about two Palestinian expatri- agement from a lot of diff erent He said people now fi nd a my fourth short fi lm I made in industry in the country as it con- ates’ connection to their home- parties, and I think it’s gonna be large number of fi lms in Qatar Malaysia as a director, working tinues to provide more opportu- land, trying to fi nd ways to stay big,” Essid said, citing Qatar’s di- compared to the previous years, with professional people there, nities to tell compelling stories close to their identity, history verse community “where people expressing optimism that lo- and with the Malaysian army,” on a global stage. and culture. It is her second fi lm come from everywhere and co- cally-made movies will soon be he said, adding that he stayed in “It’s defi nitely exciting. I think after 426 in 2017. exist in this country”. screened in cinemas across the Malaysia for some time to study most people are very optimis- On DFI’s support, she said: The fi lmmaker plans to do country. English. tic about it. With Ajyal, Qumra, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime op- a documentary in Tunisia this “Ajyal is really an excellent Ajyal’s seventh edition fea- Northwestern University in Qa- portunity to be a part of Ajyal. winter about a calligraphy art- festival that brings a lot of fi lm- tures 22 captivating fi lms by Qa- tar and eff orts of the Doha Film We come here every year to watch ist. “It’s defi nitely exciting and makers (from around the world) tari directors and Qatar-based Institute, I think people have the movies. There’s also Qumra we look forward to meeting new to Qatar, under one roof,” said fi lmmakers in this year’s ‘Made space to make fi lms and there are where we attended masterclasses people at Ajyal, learning from the al-Yafei. “We (have the chance in Qatar’ programme presented Abdulanaser Hassan al-Yafei. lots of stories in Qatar,” fi lm di- and watch renowned movies. It’s movies and the people around to) talk and learn from each of us, by Ooredoo. PICTURES: Ram Chand Maha Essid