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Emir sends Qatar and Ukraine sign six agreements greetings to President Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani holds talks with President of the of Tunisia Republic of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko. QNA Ukraine hails strong ties with Qatar. : Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani THE PENINSULA agreement on mutual cancellation sent yesterday a cable of of visa requirements, an agreement congratulations to President of DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim on technical military cooperation, the Republic of Tunisia Beji bin Hamad Al Thani held a an agreement on the establishment Caid Essebsi on the anniversary session of official talks with Pres- of a joint economic and technical of his country’s Independence ident of the Republic of Ukraine cooperation committee, an Day. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Petro Poroshenko at the Emiri agreement on the promotion and Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Diwan yesterday. protection of mutual investments, and Prime Minister and At the beginning of the an agreement on avoidance of Interior Minister H E Sheikh meeting, H H the Emir welcomed double taxation and prevention of Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa the Ukrainian President and his fiscal evasion with respect to taxes Al Thani sent similar cables to accompanying delegation to the on income, and a memorandum the President of Tunisia. State of Qatar, noting that the of understanding between Qatar visit would strengthen and University and Taras Shevchenko Emiri decision on develop cooperation between the National University of Kyiv. establishing Qatar two countries in various fields. A number of Their Excellencies The President of Ukraine the Ministers attended the talks National Library praised the strong bilateral rela- and the agreement signing cer- tions and stressed that he was emony. Members of the official THE PENINSULA looking forward to further delegation the President attended develop them, especially in areas the session of talks as well. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim of interest to both countries. H H the Emir also hosted at the bin Hamad Al Thani issued During the session of official Emiri Diwan a luncheon banquet yesterday Emiri Decision No. 11 talks, they discussed how to in honour of the visiting President of 2018 establishing Qatar strengthen cooperation relations and his accompanying national Library. The decision is between the two countries, par- delegation. effective starting from its date of ticularly in economy, trade, The President had arrived at issue and is to published in the energy and . They also Emiri Diwan earlier, where he official gazette. H H the Emir addressed the most important was accorded an official also issued yesterday Law No. regional and international issues. reception. 3 of 2018 on the national H H the Emir and the President Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with President of the Republic of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, system for controlling and witnessed the signing of an →SEE ALSO PAGE 2 at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. overseeing nuclear materials.

→CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Turkey expects rise PM and President of in trade volume Ukraine open AgriteQ with Qatar to $5bn THE PENINSULA SANAULLAH ATAULLAH the most important agricultural THE PENINSULA products and equipment, and inno- DOHA: Minister of Agriculture, vative agricultural techniques and Food and Livestock of the latest developments in the agricultural Republic of Turkey Dr Ahmet DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior sector in Qatar. AgriteQ 2018 also creates Esref Fakibaba has expected Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser opportunities for producers and traders the trade exchange between bin Khalifa Al Thani, and President of to ink deals to boost their business and Doha and Ankara to reach the Republic of Ukraine, Petro Poro- offers latest technologies that can be used $5bn in the near future. In a shenko, opened yesterday the 6th Qatar to support the agricultural sector. statement to Qatar News Agency International Agricultural Exhibition & The first day of the exhibition wit- (QNA) on the sidelines of the 6th Conference (AgriteQ) at Doha Exhibition nessed a series of environmental and Qatar International Agricultural & Convention Center (DECC). agricultural recreational activities. “The Exhibition, the Turkish Minister The event is part of state’s efforts to “Milk Production Competition” and highlighted the steady increase increase self-sufficiency in food pro- “ Competition” were held in the in the volume of trade exchange duction and reducing its dependency on auction area while a children’s play took between the two countries in Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al imported products in line with the Qatar place on the mini- zoo stage. terms of import and export. Thani, watching as Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko watering a plant during National Vision 2030. the opening of the 6th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition & Conference. The three-day event is showcasing →CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 →CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 Siege is continuation of 1996 coup bid by blockading quartet: Expert SIDI MOHAMED financing coup in Qatar. of Qatar on March 4. government in 1996. Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al house arrest,” one of the coup THE PENINSULA “It revealed their violations “Qatar will not keep silent The first episode of the inves- Thani. plotters told . against a sovereign country and about such violations, and the tigative documentary incorpo- The documentary reveals that While the operation was DOHA: Political experts believe Al Jazeera by revealing these only organisation having the right rates interviews with leaders of a committee was formed to planned at 5am on February 16, that current siege of Qatar by news stories was a slap on their to give the final decision is the the coup attempt who give tes- organise the coup led by Sheikh 1996, those carrying out the oper- neighbouring countries is in fact face,” Dr Rabia Al Kuwari, a Pro- Security Council,” he added. timony of the role of these coun- Mohammad bin Zayed, then chief ation were ordered by the current the continuation of the conspir- fessor and media person said. Al Kuwari noted that “the one tries played in plotting the over- of staff of the UAE armed forces UAE President H H Sheikh Khalifa acies being hatched against Qatar On recent provocations made who is under the siege is not throw. It also brings to light doc- and current Crown Prince of Abu bin Zayed to execute the plan two for years as is evident from a by the UAE by violating Qatar’s air- Qatar, it is , the UAE, uments belonging to Saudi Dhabi; Sheikh Hamad bin Issa Al days prior to prevent the oper- latest exclusive report of Al space, Al Kuwari said that the aim Bahrain and Egypt, because they intelligence and the Saudi Khalifa, then crown prince of ation from being uncovered. Jazeera exposing role of these of UAE’s latest violation of Qatar’s are loosing millions of dollars monarch about the plot. Bahrain; Sheikh Sultan bin After taking control over mil- countries in supporting a foiled sovereignty is to create a war in the every day and Qatar has become The failed coup, dubbed AbdulAziz, then Saudi minister of itary and security establishments, coup attempt to overthrow the region and it is a provocative action stronger in this crisis.” “Operation Abu Ali”, took place defence; Omar Suleiman, the late the coup plotters were to give the Qatari government in 1996. that will not stop on this. Recently, in an exclusive doc- during Ramadan on February 14, Egyptian intelligence chief and green light for militias to enter Talking to The Peninsula, Dr He also added that Qatar has umentary, (‘Ma Khafiya A’azam’) 1996, one year after the Father former vice-president of Egypt. Qatar from across the Saudi Rabia Al Kuwari said that the rev- informed the UN Security Council Al Jazeera uncovered evidence Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin “A group of men were border. elation of Al Jazeera regarding and the UN Secretary-General of of the involvement of Saudi Khalifa Al Thani assumed the ordered to raid the house of H H But the planned coup d’etat 1996 coup attempt against Qatar the latest violation by a military Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and throne. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa was discovered and thwarted. exposed the siege countries espe- transport aircraft CN-35 of the Egypt in supporting a foiled coup It was planned in conjunction located on the Road cially the UAE and its attempt of UAE which violated the airspace attempt to overthrow the Qatari with the then-police chief Sheikh (in Doha) and place him under →CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 Emir and Ukraine President hold talks

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a session of official talks with the President of the Republic of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, at the Emiri Diwan, yesterday. The Emir and Ukraine President also witnessed the signing of many agreements. Earlier, Petro Poroshenko was accorded an official reception ceremony at the Emiri Diwan. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 HOME 03

Emir receives Greece’s New Democracy Party leader H H Sheikha Moza meets with wife of Ukraine President

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Emiri Diwan yesterday with the President of the New Democracy Party in the Greek Republic, Kyriakos H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, met the wife of Ukrainian Mitsotakis, on the President, Maryna Poroshenko, yesterday. They discussed about education, especially occasion of his visit in providing access to education for out of school children. They also explored areas of to the country. collaboration with each of Qatar Foundation and Education Above All. PIC: AR AL-BAKER

Emir issues decrees; approves Cabinet decision

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 approving the accession of employees in global profes- Doha on 21/1/2018. The Emir Emir H H Sheikh Tamim the State of Qatar to the sional services company and also issued an instrument of bin Hamad Al Thani issued International Convention for Haider holding company. ratification approving a draft Decree No. 14 of 2018 ratifying the Control and Management The Emir also issued emiri air services agreement a memorandum of under- of Ships’ Ballast Water and Decision No. 10 of 2018 on between the Government of standing on combating crime Sediments 2004 annexed to appointing Hassan Hamza the State of Qatar and the between the Government of this decree, which shall have Asad Hashem as Ambas- Government of the Common- the State of Qatar and the the force of law in sador Extraordinary and wealth of the Bahamas signed Government of the Italian accordance with Article 68 Plenipotentiary to the in Colombo on 5/12/2017. The Republic signed in Rome on of the Constitution. Federal Republic of Somalia. Emir issued an instrument of April 16, 2012 and annexed to The Emir approved the The Emir issued an ratification approving a draft this decree, which shall have Council of Ministers Decision instrument of ratification air services agreement the force of law in accordance No. 14 of 2018 on the appli- approving a draft air services between the Government of with Article 68 of the Consti- cation of the provisions of agreement between the Gov- the State of Qatar and the tution, reported QNA. Law No. (24) of 2002 ernment of the State of Qatar Government of the Republic The Emir also issued regarding retirement and and the Government of the of Sierra Leone signed in Doha Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Decree No. 15 of 2018 pensions on Qatari Kyrgyz Republic signed in on February 5, 2018. Thani with the President of the Republic of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko. Third International Arbitration Conference begins

SIDI MOHAMED confidence in Convention. The conference’s six world. The word “arbitration” pace with the new trends, THE PENINSULA the Qatari discussions will highlight several appeared for the first time in the affirming that this emphasizes that economy,” he topics and will come up with rec- Qatari law in a decree related to the keenness on empowering said adding: ommendations which will be a the Income Tax. QICCA will soon Qatar as a leading destination for DOHA: The 3rd International “The existence beacon for arbitrators in the Arab adjust its arbitration rules to keep arbitration in the world. Arbitration Conference kicked of arbitration off yesterday under the theme law contributes ‘Qatari Law and International to fostering the Conventions’. investment The two-day event is being climate in the held at Ritz-Carlton Doha and country in organized by Qatar Chamber’s accordance Qatar International Centre for with Qatar Conciliation and Arbitration National Vision (QICCA). 2030 which The opening session was seeks building attended by Minister of Justice, competitive H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al and diversified Mohannadi and Chairman of economy.” Qatar Chamber and Qatar Inter- In his national Center for Conciliation speech, board and Arbitration (QICCA), Sheikh Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al member of Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani. Mohannadi (right), being honoured by Chairman international Addressing the opening of Qatar Chamber, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al relations, session, Sheikh Khalifa said that Thani, during the 3rd International Arbitration Sheikh Dr. the biennial conference Conference at Ritz-Carlton Doha, yesterday. Thani bin Ali Al organised by QICCA is a brilliant Thani said that opportunity for participants to senior world arbitration figures, this conference is a high-level discuss arbitration develop- consultants, and lawyers from intellectual gathering; it sheds ments and regulations as well as more than 15 Arab and European light on the Qatari Arbitration its impact on investment climate. countries. Law which represented a new He underlined the impor- Sheikh Khalifa praised start keeping pace with the new tance of arbitration as the best issuance of Arbitration Law last legislatives, assuring it came in mechanism of solving disputes year considering it a booster that line with the 60th anniversary in rapid and secure manner, enables spreading arbitration of the issuance of the Convention noting it provides fair solution culture in business community on the Recognition and for disputing parties to reach set- and makes arbitration an Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral tlement in accordance with legal effective and active legal Awards (New York, 1958.). and organizational frames. instrument. He noted that Qatar is the The conference brought “Arbitration Law further first country to hold int’l arbi- together prominent experts, increased the investors’ tration conference to mark NY

Qatar, Turkey review cooperation in agriculture and food security

THE PENINSULA meeting. “Qatar, Turkey relations sectors, he noted. On his part, are rapidly developing in the past the Turkey’s minister of Agri- DOHA: Qatar Chamber few years,” said Sheikh Khalifa, culture and Livestock Ahmed Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin affirming that the private sector Ashraf Faqi Baba said that there Jassim Al Thani met yesterday in both countries is playing a key are various opportunities for with Turkey’s Minister of Agri- role in these profound relations. both sides in projects that serve culture and Livestock, Ahmed He noted that Qatari busi- both countries’ economies. Ashraf Faqi Baba, in the Turkish nessmen are interested to “Turkey has considerable expe- pavilion of the 6th Qatar Agri- establish joint economic and rience in food processing and is cultural Expo “Agri-tech 2018”. business alliances with their ready to provide the Qatari The meeting reviewed counterparts from turkey and market with all food stuffs and enhancing cooperation in eco- there are many Qatari companies agricultural products,” he added. nomic and trade aspects between have concluded agreements with Sheikh Khalifa and the Turkish the two countries, particularly in Turkish companies. minster toured the expo along food security and agriculture There is abundance of with number of Qatari busi- sector. QC Board Member investment opportunities and nessmen. As many as 173 foreign Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli there is a room for the Qatari companies along with 130 and Turkish Ambassador to Qatar, and Turkish private sector to Qatari are exhibiting in Fikret Ozer, were present at the further cooperate in many the expo. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018

Qatar Foundation Qatar Airways ‘Oryx Kids Club’ to host series of adds more fun for children running events THE PENINSULA The Oryx Kids Club and Oryx DOHA: Qatar Foundation AMNA PERVAIZ RAO The Oryx Kids Club Kids Loyalty Programme offer (QF) is set to host a series THE PENINSULA and Oryx Kids Loyalty special children’s in-flight meal of running events designed Programme offer boxes and plush toys on board, to encourage members of DOHA: Qatar Airways has special children’s in addition to a new and the wider community to announced the launch of Oryx in-flight meal boxes exclusive frequent flyer pro- explore Education City and Kids Club yesterday, an exciting gramme designed just for young to get fit at the same time. new flying club for the airline’s and plush toys on passengers. The EC Running Series, From Left: Nabil Barakat, Managing Director of AURA Entertainment youngest passengers, designed board, in addition to Children aged between two which will be held under Services, Ehab Amin, Chief Commercial Officer at Qatar Airways, and to put even more fun into flying to eleven will be able to register the theme ‘Your Route to a new and exclusive Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice-President Marketing and Corporate for children. for the Oryx Kids Loyalty pro- discover Education City’, is The fun-filled launch took frequent flyer gramme and earn Qmiles, which Communications at Qatar Airways, at the Oryx Kids Club Launch due to kick off on Friday, place at KidzMondo Doha, the programme designed they can redeem for attractive press conference at KidzMondo Doga, Mall of Qatar, yesterday. 23 March, and will feature PIC: KAMMUTTY V P / THE PENINSULA press conference was hosted by just for young awards and exclusive benefits. a number of distances, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial passengers. They will also earn Qpoints, including 3km, 5km, 10km, Officer, Ehab Amin, Senior Vice- which allow them to upgrade to Our aim is to inspire and excite The programme will also and 21km. President of Marketing and Cor- a higher tier. children when they fly, and make feature a specially-designed Machaille Al Naimi, porate Communications, Salam Club hero mascots, ‘Orry’ and During the event, Ehab Qatar Airways the airline of secure section on the Privilege President, Community Al Shawa and Managing Director ‘Orah’ the Oryx and their three Amin, said: “Qatar Airways is choice for families,” said Salam Club website where children can Development, QF, said: of AURA Entertainment Services, furry friends – Kamil the , delighted to announce the Al Shawa to the press during the view their own dashboard, Qmiles “Community development Nabil Barakat along with special Faaiz the falcon and Farah the launch of Oryx Kids Club pro- event. balance, travel history and much lies at the heart of every- appearance by the Oryx Kids desert fox. gramme and loyalty programme Qatar Airways will also more, keeping young loyalty thing we do at QF, and the for its youngest travelers, introduce new in-flight children’s members updated about their EC Running Series forms offering them the opportunity to meal boxes, which are more membership account. part of a wider, year-round enjoy exceptional benefits while exciting, nutritious and varied. campaign aimed at fos- travelling with Qatar Airways. And later this year, each regis- The fun new hero mascots tering a socially-engaged As an airline that is committed tered child will also receive a free will feature on the airline’s society while encouraging to welcoming children and fam- cuddly toy of one of the Oxyx Kids website, in marketing material healthy lifestyles among ilies on board, Qatar Airways is Club’s five hero mascots, as well and in all the literature and the residents of Qatar. thrilled about this new oppor- as an exciting new long-haul activity packs given to children “Through the EC tunity to interact with our pas- activity pack with fun games when they fly long-haul, as well Running Series, QF is sengers, from the moment they inside. as at special appearances at delighted to welcome the arrive at the airport.” “KidzMondo empowers our Hamad International Airport wider community to “Qatar airways is excited to younger generations to realise the (HIA). explore Education City, and announce the launch of Oryx country’s National Vision 2030 All parents need to do is reg- to highlight our flagship Kids Loyalty Programme which and achieve its objectives of ister with the Oryx Kids Club at campus as a healthy and is set to go live from April 1. This human and social development www.qatarairways.com.qa as part active environment that is programme has given us an towards creating an advanced of the booking process, to make open year-round for all Officials of Qatar Airways with the new mascots at the Oryx Kids opportunity to connect with the knowledge-based economy,” said sure their children can join in all residents of Qatar.” Club launch press conference. youngest passengers on board. Nabil Barakat. the fun on board. The first race will start and finish at the new Qatar National Library building and all entrants will receive a specially-commissioned ‘finisher medal’, designed TEDxCCQ conference to host 13 speakers and produced by Virginia Commonwealth University IRFAN BUKHARI a statement that it has chosen “Building School of the Arts in Qatar THE PENINSULA Bridges” as the theme of the first version students Amna Al-Hardan, of their conference. “This theme was Shaikha M. Al-Mansoor, DOHA: Under the theme “Building Bridges”, actually inspired by the fact that Qatar is Hamdah A Almal, Maha Community College of Qatar will organise building bridges literally and metaphor- Nabina, Rudaina Abouid, first version of TEDxCCQ conference on ically where architects, engineers and Saja Elkabash,and Noor A March 31 in which around 13 speakers from urban planners are building far and wide Janahi, under the guidance Qatar and abroad will share their ideas on throughout the country in preparation of of their assistant professor, the subject with the community. hosting the world cup 2022.” Lin Han. Addressing the press conference, Dr “On the other side, the institutions in Participants will also be Abdallah Hazaimeh, Dean of CCQ said that Qatar are working on consolidating the allocated race bibs printed CCQ was seeking to be part of the change communication with many different by the Qatar National to bridge the gaps created by political and countries around the globe. Based on this Library Press, while volun- geographical boundaries. fact, TEDxCCQ organisers believe, this teers from AL SHAQAB will “We believe in educating a socially theme will be the symbol of the con- be on duty during the run and globally responsible citizens and nection between the present and the to provide marshalling and future leaders and TEDx is a good platform future, between nationalism and globali- assistance along the course. for advocating these values and zation and many other aspects that could As well as taking part in principles”. be used to build bridges reaching the FROM LEFT: Rashid Al Bader, Acting Chief Operations Officer, CCQ; Dr Abdallah the EC Running Series the The conference is a collaboration world.” Hazaimeh, Dean of CCQ; Nycki Cuddie, Organiser of TEDxCCQ; and Mastoor Al public are encouraged to work among the students and the faculty Nycki Cuddie, the organizer also Kaboody, Co-organiser, during a media briefing at the Community College of Qatar visit QF’s additional sports of CCQ and it is being hosted by the Cul- added: “CCQ, Doha, and Qatar are building amenities such as Oxygen (CCQ) premises yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA tural Village Katara in its Drama Theatre. bridges and connections while facing the Park, a 130,000-square- As many as 13 speakers will partic- current brotherly disconnection of the metre open space incorpo- ipate in the first version of the conference blockade. Organizing this event was to community. Hosting TEDxCCQ means of local, self-organized events that bring rating sports, recreation, from different fields, including Dr. Ibrahim showcase some of the amazing talent we bringing the community together to share people together to share a TED-like and heritage areas, and the Al-Naimi, the President of CCQ and the have here, and the ideas that really do resources and inspiring stories, and be experience. Al SHAQAB Arena, which Qatari inventor Mohamed Aljefairi, in build a connection: from college to work- there for each other”. This event is called TEDxCCQ, where specialises in equestrian addition to a group of the most prominent place, from locals to expats, and from the Responding a question, Dr. Abdallah x means independently organized TED heritage and culture. figures in the society like Aisha Al-kuwari, country to the world”. Hazaimeh, Dean of CCQ said that it was event. At TEDxCCQ event, TEDTalks video Members of the com- Ahmad Al Maadheed and others. Mastoor Al-Kaboody, the co-organizer first version of TEDxCCQ and most likely and live speakers will combine to spark munity interested in taking The participants will speak about a said: “I decided to organize TEDxCCQ to the college would continue organizing the deep discussion and connection in a small part in the EC Running wide range of topics, such as education, make a difference and help CCQ be a conference on annual basis. It is group. The TED Conference provides Series can register for the technology, entrepreneurship, community driving force for spreading constructive important to mention that, in the spirit of general guidance for the TEDx program, event at www.cvent.com/d/ service, etc. ideas, and a platform for people who are ideas worth spreading, TED has created but individual TEDx events, including wtqt0v/4W The organising committee has said in doing remarkable things in the a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program ours, are self-organised.

Over 2,000 benefit from HMC Genetic Counseling & Testing Service THE PENINSULA (NCCCR), provides a com- Senior Consultant, Hema- recommended for indi- the risk of a recurrence, or prehensive genetic risk tology and Oncology, and viduals who are diagnosed to help control the disease in DOHA: Hamad Medical assessment for patients who Director of Hereditary and with the disease at a very the case of advanced pro- Corporation (HMC)’s Hered- are concerned about their High-Risk Screening young age and for indi- gression,” added Dr. itary and High-Risk hereditary cancer risk Program , , while cancer is a viduals who have a strong Bujassoum. Screening Program in 2017 because of a personal and/ common disease, some indi- family history of cancer, such She added that genetic has announced that 800 or family history. viduals are at greater risk of as individuals who have counseling also plays an individuals (male and The multidisciplinary developing it due to inherited multiple cases of cancer in important role for patients who female) were referred to the clinic aims to identify gene faults (mutations). She their family. Currently, have been diagnosed with Hereditary Cancer and High- patients at high risk of devel- says inherited gene faults are genetic testing is available to advanced stage cancer. In Risk Screening Clinic for oping cancer due to young- responsible for around five screen for gene faults that these cases, specific infor- evaluation associated with onset diagnosis, a strong to ten percent of all cancers. increase an individual’s risk mation about the genetic their risk of cancer, last year. family history, or a positive “Greater awareness of of breast, bowel, ovarian, mutation can help guide 2,029 patients have ben- genetic test result. Staff at the the role genetics can play in womb, and prostate cancers. treatment. She cited the efited from genetic assess- clinic provide targeted ther- causing certain cancers, as Dr. Bujassoum notes that example of a medication ments, resulting in decreased apies, including prophylactic well as increased knowledge these tests can only be recently approved for clinical cancer risk, early detection, surgery (surgery as a pre- of the screening tools ordered by a board-certified use that targets the BRCA gene and targeted treatment since ventive measure) and che- available at HMC, has led to genetic counselor. in breast and ovarian cancer the establishment of the moprevention (use of med- more patients requesting “Part of our job involves patients, as well as a targeted Clinic in 2013. ication to lower the risk or genetic counseling and helping patients make therapy approved for colon The genetic counseling prevent cancer), and work testing,” said Dr Bujassoum. appropriate and informed and endometrial (uterine) and testing service, which is with patients to incorporate Genetic testing examines choices to reduce their risk cancers that is available for part of the Hereditary and prevention strategies into a patient’s DNA for gene of developing cancer, or in patients who have Lynch syn- High-Risk Screening Clinic their life that can help reduce faults (mutations). According the case of patients who are drome, a genetic condition that at the National Center for their cancer risk. to Dr. Bujassoum, genetic in the early stages of the dis- is associated with a higher risk Cancer Care and Research Dr Salha Bujassoum, testing for cancer is typically ease’s progression, to reduce of developing certain cancers. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 HOME 05 Self-sufficiency in some PM and Ukraine President open AgriteQ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 nationals to engage in agriculture”. Other activities include a “Meat Competition”in The Minister of Municipality and Environment agricultural sectors by 2022 the auction area, a number of recreational activ- underscored AgriteQ’s capability to provide vis- ities such as a children’s play and a lecture to raise itors with an integrated platform for the latest THE PENINSULA awareness of children about agriculture sector. developments in agricultural technologies at the The opening ceremony was attended by H E local and international levels, as well as to explore DOHA: Qatar will become almost Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, Minister of and seize business investment opportunities in self-sufficient in some agricultural Municipality and Environment, Dr Ahmet Eşref this vital sector. He emphasised the ministry’s sectors by 2022, in accordance Fakibaba, Minister of Food, Agriculture and live- commitment in developing and supporting the with Qatar National Vision 2030, stock of Turkey in presence of a high-level inter- agricultural sector to achieve the government’s said Minister of Municipality and national delegation consisting of dignitaries from ambitions to make Qatar one of the most Environment H E Mohammed bin the participating countries and big number of developed countries in this field. Abdullah Al Rumaihi. ambassadors. Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, Assistant Under- “The production of vege- The event, which will run till March 22 from 9am secretary of Agricultural Affairs, Livestock and tables, fish, meat, chicken, eggs, to 9pm is hosting more than 313 exhibitors from over Fisheries, at the Ministry of Municipality and Envi- milk and fodder in Qatar jumped 36 countries occupying four large halls with a total ronment, Chairman of the Steering Committee of 400 percent since 2017 com- space of 21,875 square meters. The number of exhi- the Organisation and Supervision of AgriteQ Exhi- pared to the previous year due bition halls has been increased due to the remarkable bition, said: “The exhibition reflects the vital role to state support to the agricul- growth of participants, which rose by 100 percent of the agricultural sector in achieving compre- tural sector,” said the Minister. as compared to last year’s edition. hensive and sustainable development in Qatar. It He was speaking with the Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Mohammed bin The exhibition presents the perfect platform aims to encourage nationals to invest in the agri- media persons on the sideline of Abdullah Al Rumaihi, speaking to media at the 6th Qatar International to share expertise and best practice, which has cultural sector, and increase revenues generated the opening of the 6th Qatar Agricultural Exhibition & Conference ‘AgriteQ’ at Doha Exhibition noted the participation of new countries such as by this sector by providing Qataris working in the International Agricultural Exhi- & Convention Centre (DECC) yesterday. Iran, Spain, , Oman, Syria, Bulgaria, Sudan, field of agriculture with an ideal opportunity to bition & Conference “AgriteQ” at The production of , fish, meat, chicken, Lebanon and the Netherlands and Palestine among learn about the latest equipment, technologies Doha Exhibition & Convention many others. and agro-products that drive the development eggs, milk and fodder in Qatar jumped 400 percent Centre (DECC) yesterday. H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi said and growth of this most essential sector”. The Minister said that Qatar since 2017 compared to the previous year due to in his inaugural speech at the event: “The In parallel withAgriteQ2018, leading agricul- allocated QR70m to support local state support to the agricultural sector. AgriteQ2018 is being held in line with the wise tural and environmental specialised exhibitions farmers adding that the money vision of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al will be held, including VeteQ, a specialised will be spent in providing agri- Thani, and as part of Qatar’s strategy to promote platform for veterinary health. It showcases a cultural equipment, inputs and three centers for conducting Fisheries, at the Ministry. its national agricultural sector and diversify its broad range of veterinary products, equipment pesticides among many other research on animals, fish and He said that the new center economy, broadening its targets towards and services for livestock, poultry and other thing as per the need. Regarding Houbara Bustard were built will offer best species of the increasing self-sufficiency in food production and species; FoodteQ, a specialized platform for the the marketing local agricultural which will help increase the pro- animals to local farmers to help the country’s domestic production capacities and food and agro-industry. productions, Al Rumaihi said “the duction to ensure the food increase the production of meat reducing its dependency on imported products in It showcases food products, as well as food Ministry of Municipality and security of the country. The trade and dairy. Regarding the self-suf- line with the Qatar National Vision 2030”. processing and packaging machinery, among Environment is working to volume of fresh food items in ficiency in local production, Al Al Rumaihi added: “The successful editions of others; EnviroteQ, a specialized platform for envi- support the farmers to establish Qatar is about QR10bn in a year, Thani said that Qatar’s self-suffi- this exhibition during the past years are due to ronmental management and conservation. It a company for marketing their said the Minister. ciency reached 98 percent in the the commitment of the wise leadership to use all showcases technologies related to water products which is an appropriate “Ministry of Municipality and production of fresh chicken the possibilities available to make it one of the treatment, waste management, and smart farming, solution for marketing problem.” Environment will open a new adding that local vegetables meet most important international platforms that among others. AgriteQ is featuring for the first Amid growing concerns on research center for reproducing big portion of market demand as gathers highly-respected experts and specialists time the AgriteQ conference 2018, which aims to agricultural sector, the number animals next week,” said Dr tomato, cucumber and green in this field. It reflects the government’s continuous bring together agricultural, environmental and of protected farms in the country Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, chilly are covering 40 percent, 60 support and effective contribution in enabling veterinary experts and technology services pro- has reached over 1,200 this year, Assistant Undersecretary of Agri- percent and 42 percent of Qatar’s agricultural projects by encouraging investments viders from around the world, to discuss strat- said the Minister. He said that cultural Affairs, Livestock and total requirement. in this sector, in addition to encourage young egies to meet the demand for agriculture in Qatar. Siege is continuation of 1996 coup bid by blockading quartet

1996 with the arrest of coup airport. Hamad, the then- the Qatari courts, where leader Hamad bin Jassim bin police chief and cousin of the various sentences were Hamad Al Thani, who fled to former emir, was taken by issued, including the exe- Syria and was arrested in a plane to Doha. The coup cution of a number of coup security operation at Beirut attempt remained active in leaders.

Video from Al Jazeera Documentary

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 pretence of an opposition front they found Qatar’s independent “If they had seized control, against then-emir Sheikh Hamad foreign policy unacceptable, and if the forces had come in - bin Khalifa Al Thani, father of according to Thiers. whether from the UAE or the Qatar’s current emir. The investigation described Emirates or Bahrain - they would Maliki, who fled to the UAE the extent of support provided have had no problem killing after the failed coup, said he to fugitives from Qatar and those whoever they see in the street. received $265,000 from Sheikh involved in the failed coup They have nothing to lose,” Hamad bin Issa in return for tar- attempt in February 1996, retired Brigadier-General geting government institutions, showing for the first time images Shaheen Al Sulaiti told Al Jazeera. including the immigration of UAE and Bahraini passports The second part of the Qatar department headquarters. granted to members of the Qatari ‘96 documentary, revealed the The attack was thwarted military and coup leaders. involvement of Sheikh Hamad when the bomb failed to det- Retired Brigadier Shaheen Al bin Issa, who at the time was onate and authorities found the Sulaiti, who was a senior crown prince of Bahrain, in the explosive device in October 1996. member of the Qatari intelli- attempt to overthrow the Qatari Maliki confirmed he per- gence service, said Qatar’s government 21 years ago. sonally contacted Reuters news security services collected evi- The investigation provided agency and claimed responsi- dence implicating the three evidence of the involvement of bility for the bombing attempt countries in the failed coup. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab on behalf of an organisation Sulaiti, who was one of the Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain in calling itself The Restoration of supervisors of the police inves- supporting the failed coup d’etat. Legitimacy. On the other hand tigation, said there was intensive Fahd Al Maliki, a prominent the then US ambassador to Qatar, communication between Qatari leader of the coup attempt, said Patrick Thiers, said the intentions authorities and senior leaders in Bahrain’s Sheikh Hamad bin Issa of those nations began to become both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, personally financed a series of clear after the failed coup which led to the extradition of a sabotage operations and attempt. The countries sup- number of those involved. bombings in the Qatari capital. porting the putsch were trying According to the investi- This was done under the to oust Sheikh Khalifa because gation, in late 1997 Saudi Arabia handed over to Qatar one of the most prominent leaders of the attempted coup, Jaber Hamad al- Marri, who described the details of his extradition. Marri said he was subjected to torture and insults during the handover by Saudi security forces according to Al Jazeera’s report. Maliki described the details of his escape from UAE security forces who tried to arrest him and hand him over to Qatar. He said he fled to Yemen before being handed over by authorities there to Doha in mid-1998. An Al Jazeera file photo shows the bomb planted at the parking According to Sulaiti, the coup of Immigration Department headquarters. attempt was considered over in 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 Qatar and Sudan officials review progress of QSAP QM provides funding through QSAP to 42 missions from 25 institutions and 12 Dr Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla, Senior Consultant Family Physician countries involved and Executive Director for Operations, PHCC, addressing the in the excavation conference. and conservation of heritage sites that date PHCC takes part in family from the prehistoric era until the pre-modern period. health conference THE PENINSULA primary health care services,” Dr THE PENINSULA Samya said. “It supports the pop- DOHA: Primary Health Care ulation of Qatar to take steps to DOHA: Senior officials from Qatar Corporation Qatar (PHCC) has maintain or improve their health. Officials from Qatar Museums and Sudan during a discussion. Museums (QM) yesterday participated in the WONCA The PHCC program can improve welcomed their counterparts from EMR’s fifth international family health outcomes for the com- Sudan for a series of meetings to necessary processes to deliver the and the excavation and conser- $50m in financial support for the medicine conference held in munity, encourage co-ordination review the continued progress and programme’s objectives. In the vation of these sites. archaeological missions working Kuwait recently. of care between providers, and success of the Qatar-Sudan Archae- coming days, members the In effect, the programme acts in Sudan since 2012. This year’s WONCA EMR allow integration of care with ological Project (QSAP). Steering Committee will as a catalyst that brings together This unprecedented (World Organisation of National other locally relevant strategic Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al undertake a series of meetings to fragmented expertise in the her- investment has enabled dramatic Colleges, Academies and Aca- priorities.” Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer review activity to date and chart itage sector in Sudan into a change in the way research, pres- demic Associations of General PHCC’s 2016 pilot informed of QM and Special Advisor to the the next phase in the pro- cohesive and sustained effort for ervation and education are Practitioners/Family Physicians, the design and implementation Chairperson, H E Sheikha Al gramme’s development. the benefit of the country’s history. carried out around Sudan’s his- Eastern Mediterranean) brought of an enhanced comprehensive Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa The visit is emblematic of the QM provides funding through torical landmarks. together regional health experts health check, looking at indi- Al Thani, led a group of senior col- strong and constructive dialogue QSAP to 42 missions from 25 Commenting on the visit and to share ideas, developments that viduals holistically to provide a leagues in welcoming to Qatar Dr and collaboration between QM institutions and 12 countries Steering Committee meetings, will encourage fostering and personalised care plan to Mohamed Abu Zaid Mustafa, Min- and its counterparts at NCAM. It involved in the excavation and Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al maintaining high standards of improve and maintain health. ister of Tourism, Antiquities and reflects the strength and depth of conservation of heritage sites that Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer care in general practice/family For the pilot, 4494 people Wildlife. He will be joined by the ties that exist between Qatar date from the prehistoric era until of Qatar Museums and Special medicine. underwent SMART health check senior representatives from the and Sudan which have charac- the pre-modern period. Advisor to the Chairperson, H E Dr Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla, between January 2017 and National Corporation for Antiq- terised the programme since it One of the key features of the Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Senior Consultant Family Phy- January 2018. uities and Museums (NCAM). launched in 2012. programme is that this funding bin Khalifa Al Thani, said: “It is a sician and Executive Director for The program offers early Together, high-ranking QSAP is a large-scale pro- enables longer, more scientifically pleasure to welcome our esteemed Operations, PHCC , presented an intervention against many members of the Sudanese gov- gramme that aims to investigate, focused excavation and post- colleagues from Sudan to join us in overview to WONCA EMR dele- common co-morbidities and ernment and representatives preserve and promote Sudan’s excavation research. It allows for reviewing the considerable gates of Qatar’s ground-breaking chronic diseases including car- from QM and NCAM make up the remarkable heritage and history. recruiting additional experts, progress achieved by QSAP to date. SMART Health Check program diovascular and elevated blood Steering Committee of QSAP – a It represents a bold and trans- using innovative and cutting-edge Qatar Museums is a natural partner for population health man- pressure risks, diabetes and body with responsibility for the formative approach to heritage technologies, including 3D mod- for such an ambitious and large- agement. The presentation obesity, iron-deficiency anemia strategic direction of the pro- resource management for elling, photography and sophis- scale programme given the robust included the purpose of struc- and B12 deficiency, hepatitis B & gramme, along with the Sudanese Nubia designed to con- ticated anthropological survey. strength of our cultural heritage tured population health man- C, mental health issues and assessment and monitoring of solidate and preserve ancient sites Under the QSAP umbrella, the sector and the expertise and expe- agement is to engage the popu- smoking. operational performance, gov- by supporting archaeological State of Qatar, represented by QM, rience that we have developed lation with their health as an PHCC currently operates 23 ernance and overseeing the surveys of unexplored landscapes has provided to date more than over the years.” ongoing topic, and screen the health centres across Qatar. In population so as to initiate per- 2018, PHCC is planning to open sonalized treatment and main- four new Health Centers tenance measures which will including two Health & Wellness help reduce the burden and cost Centers. Assessment also Qatar Airways, Iberia expand codeshare partnership of disease on the health system. includes compliance to age “The primary objective of the related health maintenance eg: THE PENINSULA Further strengthening SMART Health Check is to act as vaccinations, mammogram or the airline’s codeshare a gateway into the full range of bowel cancer screening referrals. DOHA: Qatar Airways and Iberia have announced an partnership and expansion of their codeshare enhancing both partnership, offering Iberia carriers’ oneworld Ooredoo named Gold customers increased connec- relationship, the new tivity to destinations across the Middle East and Asia, as well as codeshare destinations Sponsor of Esrar Race providing enhanced accessi- can already be booked. THE PENINSULA bility for Qatar Airways passengers to key destinations across Latin America, including “Expanding the codeshare part- DOHA: Ooredoo announced yesterday that it is the Gold Sponsor of Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and nership with Iberia was a the second annual Esrar Race. Esrar Race, Qatar’s only obstacle course Panama. natural progression based on race, is the flagship project of Diverse Sports Events Management Further strengthening the our customers’ mutual desire Company, a Qatari business specialising in sporting events. The event airline’s codeshare partnership for additional destinations is done in partnership with Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF). The Esrar and enhancing both carriers’ across both networks, as well Race is a 5km race that features 20 purpose-built obstacles including oneworld relationship, the new as our membership in the one- the Log Jam, the Low Wall, Barrel of Laughs, Tyre Mire, Leaning Wall, codeshare destinations can world alliance. Latin America is ZZ Hop, Sandbagger Hill 1, Splashdown and Mudder’s Delight. already be booked. The Qatar a key area of growth for us, and The course has been designed to put sports and thrill seekers of Airways’ code (QR) will be we are delighted to be able to all levels to their physical and mental test, and participants will be applied to routes operated by provide access to these new, tested on their speed, agility, balance, and determination. The race’s Iberia from Madrid to Panama fast-growing cities for our open category, that includes separate heats for men and women, City, Panama; Rio de Janeiro, valued passengers from Qatar, will take place on Friday. A new addition to this year’s race is the Brazil; Bogotá Medellín (MDE), the wider Middle East, South team relay race. Team qualifiers will also be held on Friday, with the Colombia; Montevideo, Asia and beyond with seamless With these additional both airlines’ frequent fly-er team relay race final being held on Saturday. Uruguay; and Santo Domingo; connectivity.” routes, we will be able to programmes – Qatar Airways Ooredoo will ensure a seamless network connection across the Dominican Repub-lic. Qatar Chairman and Chief Exec- provide our customers with Privilege Club and Iberia Plus – course in Aspire Park. Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Director of PR and Airways currently offers double utive Officer of Iberia, Luis greater access to the Middle East as well as provide passengers Corporate Communications, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Ooredoo is proud daily flights from Doha direct Gallego, said: “We are very and Asia, offering even more with increased accessibility to to supporting such a tough event that will push participants to their to Madrid. From July, this will happy to announce this choice to both business and Qatar Airways’ award-winning physical and mental capacity. We are excited to support Qatari busi- increase to 17 times weekly. expanded codeshare agreement leisure travellers.” hub, Hamad International nesses, like Diverse Sports Events Management Company, that promote Qatar Airways Group Chief with our oneworld partner, The enhanced partnership Airport (HIA), and Iberia’s hub a healthy and active lifestyle. We also have a long history of working Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Qatar Airways. will also benefit members of at Madrid Airport Terminal 4. with Aspire to help ensure unique events like this take place in Qatar”. Qatar Charity launches ‘Food Basket for Workers’ campaign

THE PENINSULA Director of the QC’s Executive available to receive donations Campaign of and urged them to Management for Local Operations, from citizens and residents. continue their support for the DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) said that the campaign will target “The QC’s efforts in this campaign. launched a campaign to support 1,000 workers across the country, regard are contributions to the Donations can be made to the the workers of farms and which is similar to the “Winter of efforts of government agencies “Food Basket for Workers” Cam- construction sector in Qatar in Workers” Campaign launched in focusing on the interest of paign through Qatar Charity’s recognition of their services to the malls and commercial places workers and the different seg- website (qcharity.org) and App. the country. at the beginning of the season. ments of society” Al Gharib said Also, you can donate at the QC The campaign “Food Basket Al Gharib pointed out that the in a statement. headquarters, branches and col- for Workers” comes within the Qatar Charity has started pro- Al Gharib thanked the man- lection points located in com- framework of social solidarity moting the “Food Basket for agement of these commercial mercial complexes as well as programs aimed at developing Workers” through a number of complexes for their fruitful and through the hotline (44667711). the spirit of compassion and marketing campaigns organized constructive cooperation and Earlier, Qatar Charity has dis- harmony among the members of in Hayat Plaza and Ezdan Mall, assistance to implement the QC’s Some of the food items collected under ‘Food Basket for Workers’ tributed a number of masks to society, meeting the needs of the noting that the charity continues programs and activities within campaign launched by Qatar Charity for workers in Qatar. workers to protect them from the people and strengthening the to mobilize the support for the the framework of the social dust of streets and open spaces, links between the different strata campaign at Ezdan Mall on responsibility of national institu- and relief action within the distinguished benefactors for aiming to mitigate the impact of of society. Thursdays, Fridays and Sat- tions and strengthening the country. their remarkable response to the the sandstorms witnessed by the Ali Al Gharib, Executive urdays, Where the collectors are humanitarian, developmental Al Gharib also thanked the QC’s “Food Basket for Workers” state in the past few days. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 HOME 07 Crisis will open new areas for research: GSC Director

THE PENINSULA between Qatar University and programme benefits from the crisis.” He said that GSC is com- “Making Qatar the World’s First Durham University in the UK, as expertise of academics from mitted to provide its expertise to “Recruitment Fee-Free” Work DOHA: QU Gulf Studies Center a continuation of the collabo- various programmes at QU, the local community and to coop- Zone: Labor Supply Chain Man- (GSC) Director, Dr Majoob Zweiri ration between the two institu- which enhances the teaching erate with academic and research agement and Migrant Worker (pictured), has said that Masters tions in the PhD track,” Zweiri experience. Additionally, the Gulf institutions that serve its vision. Welfare in Construction” in col- in Gulf Studies in is under- said. Founded in 2011, the Gulf Studies Programme is the unique “In this regard, the center is open laboration with New York Uni- going a progress process, which Studies Center (GSC) at Qatar programme in the region that to new collaborations with a versity’s Stern Center for Business will contribute to launching a University College of Arts and implements an interdisciplinary number of relevant institutions and Human Rights. PhD in Gulf Studies in Arabic after Sciences (QU-CAS) is committed approach to its courses.” in Qatar such as the Ministry of “It will also host a student a careful evaluation of the MA to advancing cutting-edge He said that the centre is cer- Foreign Affairs, with the aim to symposium engaging students to experience. research and scholarship on the tainly keeping abreast of the exchange experiences. Addi- present the papers they have pro- “We are seeking to make GSC Gulf region. The centre offers current situations in the Gulf tionally, the center will launch a duced during their studies in the the academic destination for faculty and students a rare region. “Hence, we have special postdoctoral research program program. This will allow them to those who wish to specialize in opportunity to be exposed to aca- programmes in Gulf Studies. Reg- topic courses that could be used for distinguished researchers enhance their presentation skills, Gulf studies.The MA in Gulf demic research in the field of Gulf istration for both programmes to study the current situation of who completed their PhD studies which they need for acting as Studies in Arabic is undergoing a studies. has already started and will con- the Gulf after the crisis. It is and who are interested in the Gulf excellent student ambassadors progress process, which will con- GSC engages in interdisci- tinue until April 10. expected that the crisis and its region. This makes GSC the in regional and international con- tribute to launching a PhD in Gulf plinary, Gulf-focused studies and Zweiri said that the Gulf implications will open up new starting point for the academic ferences. Additionally, the center Studies in Arabic after a careful research in three main areas: Studies Programme is the first of areas for research in MA and/or and research work in the area of is continuously working on evaluation of the MA experience. Energy and Economics, Politics its kind interdisciplinary pro- PhD dissertations. In this regard, Gulf studies.” designing activities that will The center is also studying the and Security, and Social Issues. gramme in the field of human- there are dissertations on the GSC Director said that the prepare the students to become establishment of a joint MA The center offers a MA and a PhD ities and social sciences. “The impact of social media on the Gulf center will host a workshop titled influential in the society.” Alfardan Automobiles unveils BMW M5 at Losail Circuit Club THE PENINSULA rear axle, which also works fully BMW M5 in a way that is so variably and has a locking effect fitting for this car. This car is DOHA: Alfardan Automobiles, between 0 and 100 per cent. committed to building on the the official BMW Group importer Providing ample power for tradition of a concept – the lux- in Qatar, hosted an exclusive the new BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre urious four-door business sedan preview of the new BMW M5 last V8 bi-turbo engine with M Twin- with a taste for the race track – weekend at Losail Circuit Sports Power Turbo technology. The M first glimpsed in 1984 with the Club during the Semifinal of the engineers have carried out sig- original BMW M5.”- MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix 2018. nificant revisions to the outgoing The new model was also Featuring M xDrive all- model’s power unit. used as the safety car at the wheel drive for the first time in For example, newly MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix that the high-performance segment developed turbochargers, ultra- took place at Losail Circuit this car takes BMW M GmbH into efficient indirect charge air Sports Club from the 16th to 18th new territory. This change of cooling and increased fuel March 2018. Since 1999, BMW M tack sees the M5 exploring new injection pressure together help has always taken the lead This file photo shows the winners of the 4th ORYX GTL Student Awards. dynamic dimensions and to raise output and, above all, whenever the world’s best offering greater everyday prac- torque. The engine develops 441 motorcycle pilots take to the race ticality in all driving kW/600 hp at 5,600 – 6,700 track. conditions. rpm, while a monumental 750 In addition to custom-made Nominations open for fifth The new M xDrive is the Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque is placed and compulsory safety devices, most emotionally engaging all- at the driver’s disposal from as the BMW M GmbH engineers wheel-drive system yet to grace low down as 1,800 rpm and have donated an extensive line the high-performance segment. remains there until 5,600 rpm. of BMW M Performance acces- ORYX GTL Student Awards It works with a central transfer Rabih Ataya, General sories to the Safety Car, creating THE PENINSULA case with multi-plate clutch and Manager of Alfardan Automo- not only eye-catching accents but and students in industry and Qatar; extra weight given to distributes drive fully variably biles, said: “We take pride in also fulfilling functional require- academia, along with an expla- doctorate research that would between the front and rear axle, meticulously planning and cre- ments for aerodynamics, cooling DOHA: Nominations have been nation of how the candidates’ have a clear impact on the as required. Another ingredient ating the ideal platform to give and lightweight construction. opened yesterday for the 5th re-search supports Qatar’s advancement of industry; can- in the car’s supreme traction in Qatar’s BMW fans the best brand The new BMW M5 will be ORYX GTL Student Awards for national goals. didate demonstrates the all road and weather conditions experiences it is only fitting that available in Qatar showrooms the advancement of post- Qatar hosts more tier-one intention of working in Qatar is the Active M Differential at the we are able to unveil the new starting next month. graduate , US universities than any other Masters award nomination which recognises outstanding country in the Middle East and criteria: Qatari National or masters and PhD students in North Africa (MENA). There are Qatar-based and Qatar-edu- energy field who are instru- 6 Tier-1 US Universities in cated for a period of 10 consec- mental to Qatar’s transfor- Qatar, which have largely been utive years; near completion of mation into a knowledge based championed by the non-profit Masters or a recent Masters economy in line with its organisation, Qatar Foundation. graduate in an energy-related National Vision 2030. The foundation has also worked field (Degree must have been The ORYX GTL Student over the last two decades to completed within the past two Awards celebrates outstanding develop frameworks that years); candidate demonstrates young Qatari individuals des- unlock human potential and potential to be a future thought tined to be the country’s future boost the number of home- leader in the energy industry in industry and academic leaders. grown academics. Qatar; current or planned It recognises role models The criteria for PhD award involvement in energy-related and is focused on celebrating nomination: One must be a research in Qatar; candidate the Importance of building post Qatari national or Qatari-based demonstrates the intention of graduate education capacity in and studied in Qatar for a period working in Qatar; extra weight Qatar. of 10 consecutive years; near will be given to those with intent The awards highlights the completion of PhD or a recent to pursue a PhD; exemplary importance of building a larger PhD graduate in an energy- Undergraduate and Graduate and stronger post-graduate related field, candidate demon- grades community of energy specialists strates potential to be a future Intending candidates can in Qatar. ORYX GTL welcomes thought leader in the energy submit their applications to The new BMW M5 during the exclusive preview hosted by Alfardan Automobiles at Losail Circuit nominations of high quality industry in Qatar; PhD disser- Stephanie Gatdula: stephanie- Sports Club during the Semifinal of the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix 2018. candidates from stake-holders tation should be relevant to [email protected] HBKU’s makerspace initiative Seminar envisages green economy discusses THE PENINSULA have initiated this university- microcontroller kits, 3D printers, CME/CPD wide engagement. Makerspace CNC routers, as well as resources DOHA: To foster an environment represents the innovation driven found at the event. system that advocates sustainability and path we have embarked on and An exhibition called Living corporate responsibility, Hamad this initiative is a perfect example Off the Land will aim to present THE PENINSULA Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is of thinking of innovation at the how different people rely on presenting its latest makerspace social, economic, cultural levels.” nature to survive, out of necessity initiative titled Green Economy, Various activities are or by choice. The exhibition will DOHA: The QCHP-AD organised Business, and Entrepreneurship planned over the course of the aim to portray how land may be an interactive seminar for in Qatar to encourage a more initiative and all members of the used in various ways, while healthcare practitioners at the informed understanding of ethics public, HBKU leadership, faculty, respecting the role of nature in main auditorium of the The healthcare practitioners at the seminar organised by the and practices of green economies. staff, students, and alumni have our everyday lives. The exhibition Ministry of Public Health on QCHP-AD at the main auditorium of the Ministry of Public Health. The two-day event is open to been invited to attend. One sig- hopes to inspire and create an March 7 and 8. public and will take place on nificant spectacle will be the awareness of the possibilities of The event targeted all in the CPD e-portfolio, CPD provided answers. After an hour March 28 and 29 at the Education competitive Makeathon, where sustainable survival. healthcare professionals in requirements, and CPD appeal of informative lecture, a City Student Center. groups of integrated individuals HBKU has partnered with a Qatar. Healthcare practitioners processes. The speaker also 30-minutes question and answer The event will bring together will attempt to solve issues selection of sustainability experts, and focal points/representatives shared useful resources and period followed. organisations and members of relating to waste management, supporters, and partners, from various health care sectors reading materials that are The seminar was accredited the community for sprint, inter- sustainable tourism, environ- including Qatar Development took part in the seminar. available in the QCHP-AD by the QCHP-AD, thus eligible active exhibitions, workshops, mental awareness and water Bank, the Qur’anic Botanic Dr. Essam El Sayed, CME/ website and e-portfolio that are participants may claim credit for and short talks. Dr. Emad El-Din security. Garden, Qatar Green Building CPD Supervisor, discussed the beneficial for the healthcare participating in the activity Shahin, Dean of CIS, noted: “As To aid their mission, selected Council, Qatar National Research CME/CPD system and the practitioners. He also highlighted under Category 1- accredited the Dean of the College of Islamic participants will receive fabri- Fund and Al Jaber Green framework in detail. He also some FAQs related to CME/CPD group learning activities of the Studies, I am extremely happy to cation tools such as Construction. tackled how to record activities system and framework and National Framework. 08 HOME / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 ‘Human rights key to sustainable development’ Turkey THE PENINSULA expects rise in The celebration of the Dr. Al-Attiyah pointed out Arab Human Rights that the theme of this year’s Arab trade volume DOHA: The National Human Human Rights Day is “Human CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Rights Committee (NHRC), the Day falls on March Rights and Sustainable Police College and Qatar 16 each year, the day Development”. University celebrated the Arab the Arab Charter on “Therefore, it is not possible He praised the relations Day for Human Rights by holding Human Rights entered to talk about sustainable devel- between State of Qatar and several events and joint activities opment and intergenerational Turkey in various fields and on this occasion. into force in 2008 communication unless the said that they would witness Dr. Mohammed Saif Al after it was adopted in human being have the basic further progress in the future, Kuwari, a NHRC Member, spoke May 2004 at the Arab rights that enable them to con- thanks to the will and at two separate lectures at the tribute strongly to development, common desire of both Police College and Qatar Uni- summit in Tunisia. stressing that any sustainable countries. versity, about human rights and development must depend on “The State of Qatar and Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari, a NHRC Member. sustainable development and human, first and last, before the Turkey are two sisterly coun- their definitions, as well as Dr. Asma Abdullah Al- development of plans and tries and two brotherly focusing on sustainable inte- Nations Declaration on the Right poverty eradication, the pro- Attiyah, Head of the Psychology strategies.” peoples. They have all the grated economic growth, envi- to Development in 1986, linked vision of good health and well- Department at the Faculty of The celebration of the Arab love and appreciation for ronmental stewardship and to international human rights being, gender equality, decent Education at Qatar University, Human Rights Day falls on March each other and are cooper- social responsibility, making it a instruments, including the Uni- work and economic growth, said that human rights in the Arab 16 each year, the day the Arab ating now and in the future in process of developing land, cities versal Declaration of Human noting that the implementation world are issues that must be Charter on Human Rights entered all fields, including agri- and communities provided that Rights and the two International of the development goals under- considered from all angles, into force in 2008 after it was culture,” he said. “They will they meet the needs of the Covenants and other relevant lines the need to provide a range whether social, cultural or adopted in May 2004 at the Arab also make investments and present without compromising conventions and instruments of of rights, such as the right to edu- political as dealing with this summit in Tunisia. joint ventures not only in the ability of future generations the international organization. cation, housing, dignity, well- important issue can not be The theme of “Human Rights Qatar but also in Turkey and to achieve their goals. He referred to the most being, health and labour, as well limited to one side alone, because and Sustainable Development” other countries.” He also touched on the rela- important development goals of as the rights of workers and human rights are the fruit of the was chosen for this year’s cele- “The State of Qatar is a tionship of sustainable devel- the Universal Declaration of women, the right to gender right human societies in their bration, in terms of their close very important country, and opment to human rights, which Human Rights, which the State equality and non-discrimination basics and in their spiritual and and direct relationship as they we are ready to cooperate was highlighted by the United of Qatar is working on, namely and other rights. intellectual building. support each other. with it and help the people and the Government of the State of Qatar not only in the agricultural sectors, but in all areas that need our joint cooperation,” he said, expressing Turkey’s satis- Events lined up to mark opening of QNL faction with the level of coop- eration with the State of THE PENINSULA between and the West World Blind Union, Dr. Fredrick Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory. traditions, influences, evolution, Qatar. through the centuries. K. Schroeder, on April 17. Dr. Heggy will discuss the and functions. A trio of events DOHA: Qatar National Library The exhibition features books, The project aims to share natural forces, such as evolving highlighting QNL’s Heritage (QNL), a member of Qatar Foun- manuscripts, maps, globes, and common reading interests and deserts and changing coastlines, Library will bring the opening Iraq eyes dation (QF), will celebrate its travellers’ instruments, telling the allow participants to experience that define past, present, fortnight to a close. official opening in April with two story of Qatar, along with the the natural connection between and future. That evening, the On April 26, community improved ties weeks of events to mark the history of science, literature, reading and communication. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra members are invited to attend the occasion. women, writing, travel, and reli- On April 18, in conjunction will perform as part of its “Stargazing at the Library” event. with Russia The public has been invited gions in the region. with the opening of QNL’s first monthly Philharmonic at the The Heritage Library staff will ANATOLIA to attend lectures, panel discus- On April 17, QNL will host digital exhibition, data journalist Library concert series. present some of the collections sions, and exhibitions that high- “Truth Matters: The Era of Fake and designer David McCandless The architecture of Qatar rare manuscripts on astronomy, light the library’s leading role in News,” an inaugural panel dis- will deliver an inaugural lecture and the Arabian Gulf takes and telescopes will be set up : Iraqi President spreading knowledge and pro- cussion on how so-called “fake titled ‘Information is Beautiful: A center stage with the launch of outside to allow visitors to look at Fuad Masum yesterday said moting the history and heritage news” is being used in the current Data-Driven Tour of the Uni- the “Traditional Gulf Archi- the craters of the moon and other his country was looking of Qatar, the Arabian Gulf region, political climate to manipulate verse’. McCandless will use visu- tecture Week; an exhibition and celestial bodies. Participants will forward to improved ties and beyond. political agendas and what should alization to tell stories about the a conference”, which is open to also be able to make their own with Russia “in the interests On April 17, the Qatar- be done about it. way we live, exhibit enhanced the public and runs from April sundials and astrolabes. of both countries”. German exhibition will open, with Panelists include, Roger journalism, reveal unseen pat- 22-25. Islamic archaeologist, On April 29, Christopher In a congratulatory a detailed look at the history of Cohen of The New York Times; terns, and challenge the audi- Professor Claire Hardy-Guilbert Alario, QNL Information Services message to Russian coun- Arabic and German fairy and folk Roly Keating, Chief Executive, ence’s way of seeing the world. will open the Architecture Week Librarian Historical Maps; and terpart Vladimir Putin on the tales, and how the two traditions the British Library; Charles “One of our missions as a with a lecture on Qatar’s tradi- QNL Director of Historical occasion of the latter’s ree- influenced each other. Henry, President of the Council library is to help raise the infor- tional architecture, including Research and Partnerships Dr. lection, Masum said Iraq was The exhibition highlights on Library and Information mation literacy of our users to palaces, houses, shops, farms, James Onley will present an intro- keen to continue “enhancing modern techniques of storytelling Resources; and Maggie Salem, help them develop critical mosques, and fortresses. duction to the issue of Qatar on cooperation and friendship in Qatar and Germany and Executive Director of Qatar thinking and judgement skills to The lecture will be preceded historical maps, and specifically between the two countries… includes contemporary German Foundation International. find, recognize, and use the by the opening of an exhibition its mysterious disappearance for with a view to bolstering and Qatari tales inspired by the The panel will be moderated materials they need,” Executive of photographs of Qatar tradi- more than 200 years. QNL will global peace and security”. Arabian Nights and the fairy by Samer Shehata, Professor of Director of QNL, Dr. Sohair tional buildings, taken in 1985- also be hosting several invi- Putin scored a record 77 stories of the Gebrüder Grimm. Middle East studies at the Uni- Wastawy said. 1986 by the French Archaeo- tation-only events following the percent of the vote in Rus- The first QNL Heritage Library versity of Oklahoma. On April 19, the public are logical Mission in Qatar, and opening, including ‘Libraries in sia’s presidential polls on exhibition will open to the public QNL’s ‘Book Club for the invited to attend a lecture by Dr. recently acquired by the QNL. Conversation: A Global Per- Sunday, handily winning a on April 17, displaying a wide Blind’, a project that provides Essam Heggy, a planetary scientist The conference that will spective,’ a workshop in which new six-year term. Since range of items from the collection social opportunities and promotes at the Viterbi School of Engi- follow brings together local, globally renowned librarians 1999, Putin — a former KGB that illustrate the spread of ideas equal access to the resources and neering in the University of regional, and international will challenge and discuss officer — has ruled Russia as throughout the Islamic world, as services of the library, will also be Southern California, and a experts on the architecture of the assumptions made about either president or premier. well as documenting interaction launched by the President of the ROSETTA co-investigator at the Arabian Gulf to discuss its libraries in the 21st century. In February, Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari announced plans to purchase a Russian S-400 missile- defense system as part of his country’s efforts to rebuild its Three arrested for forming defensive capability fol- lowing a crippling three-year war against the Daesh ter- fake companies to sell visas rorist group. Washington, however, has warned THE PENINSULA The authorities conducted a second and third accused, Arab Baghdad that Iraq could thorough investigation and found nationals, were found working become the target of US DOHA: The Criminal Investi- that three people have estab- together with the other accused sanctions if it purchases the gation Department (CID) has lishing fake companies under the of creating the fake firms. Russian missile system. arrested three people for forming names of citizens and using those On interrogation they con- Iraq recently received a fake companies in order to sell firms to obtain visas in the pretext fessed to the charges. The batch of Russian T-90 visas by exploiting names of of recruiting workers. They were accused, along with the docu- combat tanks as part of a companies owned by some selling these visas. ments and other evidences, were purchase agreement signed The accused, who were arrested for forming fake companies in citizens. At the time of his arrest, the arrested and referred to the com- two years ago. Baghdad used order to sell visas by exploiting names of companies owned by According to reports, a com- first accused, an Asian, had 11 petent authorities to complete to rely heavily on Russia for plaint was filed by a citizen on official stamps for different com- proceedings. some citizens. weapons procurement but suspicion that one of his panies, in addition to various The authorities urged the cit- shifted to US.arms manufac- employees, in coordination with documents belonging to these izens and residents to cooperate report any suspicious acts or security and safety of public and turers following the US-led outsiders, is trading in visas. firms and credit cards. The with security officials and to activities in order to preserve the private property. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Turkey detains over 100 suspected PKK members ahead of Nowruz Spring Festival

REUTERS The Turkish state has been demonstrations” and “attacks”. raids in the southern province of culmination of a two-month celebrate the festival in peace, waging a war for decades against Another 11 people were detained Hatay. The Persian New Year fes- campaign to sweep Syrian during what he said was a “sen- ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities the banned Kurdistan Workers in the capital Ankara for “pre- tival, which is celebrated in Iran, Kurdish fighters from a pocket of sitive period”. Turkey has yesterday detained more than Party (PKK) in Turkey’s mainly paring for a provocative attack Turkey and parts of central Asia, northwest Syria near the Turkish detained nearly 160,000 people, 100 suspected Kurdish militants Kurdish southeast, a conflict that ahead of Nowruz” and police coincides with the spring thaw, border. Turkey considers the and some 152,000 state on suspicion of planning illegal has intensified since a ceasefire were searching for 14 more, a time when PKK fighters have Syrian Kurdish YPG militia to be employees have been sacked or demonstrations or plotting collapsed in 2015. At the height reports said, describing the previously entered Turkey from an extension of the PKK. suspended, in a sweeping attacks for the Nowruz Spring of the PKK’s insurgency in the detainees as PKK members. mountain hideouts in northern The military incursion in crackdown that followed a 2016 Festival, police, state media and 1990s, Nowruz celebrations were In the southeastern province Iraq and violence escalated. Syria has been opposed by Tur- attempted coup, the United a security source said. marked by clashes between pro- of Sirnak, police detained 76 The PKK is considered a ter- key’s main pro-Kurdish political Nations High Commissioner for Celebrating Nowruz, the testers and security forces. people with suspected links to the rorist organisation by the United party, the Peoples’ Dmocratic Human Rights said yesterday. Persian New Year holiday which Istanbul police said yesterday PKK, a security source said. A States, Turkey and the European Party (HDP), which has called on The world body called on coincides with the spring equinox they had detained 16 members small pro-Kurdish party, the Union. Kurds to rally in solidarity with Turkey to end a state of emer- in late March, is an important of the PKK youth wing in Turkey’s Democratic Regions Party, said Turkey’s military and its rebel the people of Afrin during gency introduced after the coup, marker of identity for members biggest city on suspicion of pre- 27 people, including one of its allies on Sunday captured the Nowruz. President Tayyip which it said has led to wide- of Turkey’s Kurdish minority. paring for “pirate officials, had been detained in Syrian town of Afrin, the Erdogan called for Turks to spread human rights abuses. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA 09 Syria forces battle to secure Damascus

AFP The IS launched a home to around 400,000 resi- surprise nighttime dents, has left more than 1,400 DOUMA: Syrian regime and attack in a southern dead. allied forces battled to suppress Regime and allied forces have the last pockets of resistance in neighbourhood of retaken more 80 percent of the and around Damascus yesterday Damascus. “IS took full enclave and splintered its rump while the beleaguered Kurds in control of Qadam, and into three pockets, each con- the north braced for further 36 government troops trolled by a different armed Turkish advances. group. The simultaneous assaults and loyalist fighters Tens of thousands of civilians have sparked one of the worst have been killed,” the have fled both the intense bom- humanitarian emergencies since Syrian Observatory bardment and the deprivations the start of the Syrian conflict of a siege that lasted five years. seven years ago, with aid groups for Human Rights Eastern Ghouta’s main town struggling to gain access to the reported. of Douma remains under rebel masses of displaced civilians. control but even as a trickle of Washington has voiced Observatory chief Rami Abdel emergency medical evacuations concern that the chaos in Syria Rahman said the regime was was scheduled to continue Syrian civilians, evacuated from rebel-held areas in the Eastern Ghouta receive aid from Russian could allow a revival of the sending reinforcements to retake Tuesday, the regime continued forces at a shelter in the regime-controlled Adra district, on the northeastern outskirts of the capital Islamic State group, whose Qadam, which was attacked from to pound the enclave. Damascus, yesterday. “caliphate” collapsed late last the adjacent IS-controlled neigh- A correspondent reported year after three years of interna- bourhood of Hajar Al Aswad. heavy bombardment through the Douma, the correspondent said. an assault on January 20. is a huge blow to the minority. tional military operations. The jihadists also have a night, adding that ambulances The Observatory said 16 The Turkish army and its Resentment runs high among The jihadists launched a sur- presence in the nearby Pales- were struggling to reach the children were among 20 civilians Syrian proxies — a motley the Kurds over the lack of prise nighttime attack in a tinian refugee camp of Yarmuk. wounded so intense was the killed overnight when an air assortment of jihadists, former Western support for their fighters, southern neighbourhood of Assad has in recent months shelling. strike on the town of Arbin lev- rebels and members of other who spearheaded the US-led Damascus, moving into the brought swathes of territory back At the town’s main hospital, elled the school above the armed groups — seized Afrin on coalition’s efforts against IS for vacuum left by a deal that saw under his control thanks to heavy exhausted staff worked on basement they were sheltering Sunday. more than three years. another armed group pull out Russian involvement, as well as extracting a palm-sized shard of in. Yesterday, Turkish military The People’s Protection exactly a week ago. support from other forces such wood from the head of a 10-year- Another humanitarian catas- police deployed across the city, Units (YPG) Kurdish militia “IS took full control of as the Iran-backed Lebanese old girl. trophe was unfolding hundreds as a small number of civilians redeployed some of its fighters Qadam, and 36 government Hezbollah militia. The local civil defence group of kilometres to the north near tried to return to homes and from desert areas in the east troops and loyalist fighters have He has recently focused his known as the “White Helmets” Syria’s border with Turkey, shops that had been looted by where they had been battling been killed,” the Syrian Observ- efforts on flushing out the last said they were able to retrieve whose forces have pressed a dev- Turkey’s Syrian proxies after their remnant jihadists to join the atory for Human Rights reported. pockets that escape government only two bodies and that several astating offensive. entry into the city, the Observ- defence of Afrin and the rest of There was no immediate control in and around the capital, others remained trapped under The United Nations said close atory said. their heartland. comment from the regime, nor the largest of them being Eastern the rubble. to 100,000 people have been dis- The capture of Afrin, one The US has voiced concern could the Britain-based moni- Ghouta. Clashes broke out between placed by fighting in Afrin dis- the cantons in the self-pro- over the humanitarian conse- toring group provide casualty A month-long air and ground the Jaish Al Islam rebel group and trict, a Kurdish-majority enclave claimed autonomous admin- quences of the Afrin assault by its figures for the jihadists. assault on the area, which was the regime on the outskirts of against which Turkey launched istration run by Syria’s Kurds, Nato ally Turkey.

Turkey slams UN rights report ‘biased’ and ‘unacceptable’: Ankara UAE’s ‘threat AFP information, is unacceptable for as “alarming”, “outrageous” and collaborates with terror assault, electric shocks and to Arab world’ Turkey,” it said after the publi- said the numbers were “stag- organisations”. waterboarding. ANKARA: Turkey yesterday cation of the UN rights office gering” in a statement. “The UN rights chief... has But the ministry said the statement slammed as “biased” and “unac- report which covers all of 2017. He said almost 160,000 prepared the report in cooper- report contained “unfounded ceptable” a UN report that Turkey has been under a state people had been detained during ation with terror-linked circles,” allegations” and “completely ANATOLIA described mass human rights of emergency since the July 2016 the 18-month emergency while the ministry added. ignores the severe and multiple abuses in the country under the attempted coup and it was extended adding that 152,000 civil servants “This text is a danger for the terrorist threats faced by Turkey”. ANKARA: Turkish Foreign state of emergency in place since for a sixth time in January. had been dismissed “many totally whole of the human rights system Hussein ignored multiple Ministry yesterday strongly the July 2016 failed coup. The report warned that the arbitrarily”. because of the evaluations it con- invitations to visit Turkey, the criticized the “threat to the In a furious reaction to the extraordinary powers given to But the Turkish foreign min- tains which are far from ministry claimed. Arab world” remarks of report, the Turkish foreign min- authorities caused “a continued istry accused Hussein, a Jor- objective,” the ministry said. Turkey insists it is dealing Emirati foreign minister on istry accused the UN rights chief erosion of the rule of law and danian, of harbouring “prejudices The report also presented with multiple terror threats Turkey’s operation in Syria. of turning his agency into an deterioration of the human rights against our country”. how torture and other forms of including the movement led by In a written statement, organisation that collaborates situation”. The ministry even alleged ill-treatment had been used the US-based Muslim preacher Turkish Foreign Ministry with “terror” groups. The UN High Commissioner that Hussein had “unfortunately against individuals in custody, Fethullah Gulen who Ankara spokesman Hami Aksoy said “(The report), which contains on Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al transformed the UN body under listing severe beatings, threats of accuses of ordering the attempted the remarks of United Arab distorted, biased and false Hussein described the findings his leadership into one which sexual assault and actual sexual putsch. Gulen denies the charges. Emirates’ Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan “are impossible to understand and do not show good intention”. NGO: Israeli army courts violate Aksoy said ongoing Oper- ation Olive Branch in north- Palestinian minors’ rights western Syria was being con- ducted to eliminate terror threats against Turkey. AFP In practice, it says, this has gen- The spokesman added erated a greater frequency of Turkey’s support for Syria’s JERUSALEM: Reform of Israel’s remand hearings but the military political unity and preser- military court system in the judges “almost always” grant pros- vation of its territorial occupied West Bank has failed ecution requests to extend custody. integrity, efforts to ensure to stop “systematic violation” of “The changes introduced to lasting peace and stability in Palestinian minors’ rights, an the military justice system... are Syria and the responsibility Israeli NGO said yesterday. superficial, and affect nothing the country took for 3.5 Human rights group B’Tselem more than form,” the report million Syrian refugees on its said that the 2009 launch of a des- says, citing studies by United soil were “obvious” to all. ignated military juvenile court with Nations children’s agency He said Turkey maintains the stated aim of “improving the Unicef and Defence for Children exceptional historical and protection of minors’ rights” had International, among others. humane ties with the Arab failed to deliver. “The reports all point to the world; the country cares about It said that introduction of the same factual findings which peace, security and stability in juvenile court rather resulted in demonstrate that minors’ rights Arab countries; Turkey also only “technical changes (which) are regularly and systematically gives its strong support to the Arms training for Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service have not improved the protection violated.” A Unicef report last common cause of the Islamic of minors’ rights.” It gave as an year cited affidavits taken from world, especially Jerusalem. Members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) take part in an arms training session at the example the goal of shortening 165 West Bank children held by And yet, the UAE author- Special Forces Academy near Baghdad’s international airport as Iraq marks the 15th anniversary the length of time that minors are Israel in 2016, saying that all had ities were making defamatory of the US invasion. held in custody while awaiting been subjected to ill treatment or statements about Turkey’s trial. breaches of due process. history and its relations with the Arab world, Aksoy said. He highlighted the impor- tance of dealing with regional problems through solidarity Nigeria was warned before abduction: Amnesty rather than incitement, espe- cially since the region was AFP Yobe state, on February 19 in vir- use negotiation rather than force Amnesty’s Nigeria Director causes,” she added. going through a critical period. tually identical circumstances to to secure their release. Osa Ojigho said “no lessons “Why were insufficient troops Turkey launched the LAGOS: Nigeria’s military was those in Chibok in 2014. But as in Chibok nearly four appear to have been learned” available? Why was it decided to operation on January 20 to yesterday accused of ignoring Then, more than 200 school- years ago, human rights group from Chibok and called for an withdraw troops? What measures clear terrorist groups from repeated warnings about the girls were taken in an attack that Amnesty International claimed immediate probe into what she have the government taken to Afrin in northwestern Syria movements of Boko Haram brought sustained world the military was warned about called “inexcusable security protect schools in northeast amid growing threats posed fighters before they kidnapped attention on the Islamist insur- the arrival of the heavily-armed lapses”. “The government’s Nigeria? “And what procedures are from the region. 110 schoolgirls in the country’s gency and sparked a global cam- jihadists — yet failed to act. failure in this incident must be supposed to be followed in On Sunday, Turkish- restive northeast. paign for their release. In the hours that followed investigated and the findings response to an attempted backed troops liberated the The students — the youngest President Muhammadu Buhari both attacks, the authorities also made public — and it is abso- abduction?” There was no imme- town of Afrin, which had been of whom is aged just 10 — were has called the Dapchi abduction a tried to claim the girls had not lutely crucial that any investi- diate response from the Nigerian a major hideout for the YPG/ seized from the town of Dapchi, “national disaster” and vowed to been abducted. gation focuses on the root military. PKK since 2012. 10 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 Invasion of Iraq opened the ESTABLISHED IN 1996 pandora’s box of violence CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR TALLHA ABDULRAZAQ MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED AL JAZEERA [email protected] ifteen years ago today, Iraq was cast into the abyss as the US administration under George W FBush launched one of the most destructive invasions in modern history. In his now infamous speech announcing EDITORIAL the start of the “Operation Iraqi Freedom”, President Bush told Iraqis fertile recruitment ground in the country The Syrian conflict has caused mil- that “the day of their liberation is near”. following the invasion. It used George lions of Syrians to flee their homes to But rather than becoming a bastion for Bush’s characterisation of the so-called seek refuge in Middle Eastern and Achieving a milestone democracy and human rights in the “war on terror” as a “crusade” as a ral- European countries. Far-right groups region, Iraq has been decimated as a lying cry, inviting fighters across to around the world are now capitalising on amad Port, the largest port in the region, made result of this military intervention, and world to join their fight. Al Qaeda was people’s fears of an influx of refugees and country proud again by reaching a milestone of millions of Iraqis have been subjected to almost non-existent in Iraq prior to migrants, and fighting elections on xeno- Hhandling one million Twenty-Foot Equivalent horrors few others on this planet have 2003, but it became a powerful force phobic platforms. They have already Units (TEUs) containers on Monday. ever experienced or imagined. following the invasion and increased its seen electoral success in countries like This feat, accomplished just under 14 months, not The country has been ravaged by global recruitment rate substantially. It Germany and Italy, while putting up a only reflects the tremendous growth this mega port has war, and transformed into an almost con- was the power vacuum created by the dogged fight in France and the Nether- witnessed in past one year, but also demonstrates its tiguous conflict zone from north to south, invasion that allowed people like Abu lands. US President Donald Trump has crucial role in defeating unjust siege imposed on Qatar and east to west, as rival militant groups, Musab Al Zarqawi to become powerful fought long and hard on what has been since June 5 last year. The $7.4bn Port plans to achieve foreign powers and political parties vie warlords almost overnight. dubbed in the media as a “Muslim ban”, the next one million container by the end of this year. for power at the expense of the Iraqi Although Zarqawi was killed in demonstrating the isolationist and racist Lauding the achievement, Minister of Transport and people. Far from affecting only Iraqis — 2006, his rabidly anti-Shia ideology tendencies that have materialised fol- Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said that which is terrible enough — the invasion of clashed with anti-Sunni zealotry of hard lowing the global trauma of the Iraq war. this achievement, under the current exceptional circum- Iraq has had global repercussions. The line Shia outfits active in Iraq, and In terms of foreign policy, following stances, would not have been possible without Emir H abject failure of the US’ attempt to export created a vortex of violent sectarianism the catastrophically unsuccessful H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s vision and Prime democracy to Iraq allowed for the impor- in the country that persists to this day. Of attempt to “liberate” Iraq, senior politi- Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin tation of extremist ideologies into the course, all this happened against the cians across to world now have an Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani’s unlimited support. country. This can be seen by the plethora backdrop of the US-led occupation, aversion to “interventionism”. Politi- Hamad Port has marked the handling of one million of bloodthirsty organisations roaming which produced its own extraordinary cians are reluctant to act in the face of TEUs coming from regional and global seaports via 22 Iraq today, from the Islamic State of Iraq levels of violence while allowing sec- human rights abuses, violations of inter- direct navigation routes and around 120 navigation and the Levant group (ISIS), to the scores tarian violence to prosper. national law and crimes against destinations. of militias loyal to the Islamic Republic of The Lancet published a study that humanity arguably because they do not Mwani Qatar along with partners has also success- Iran’s Revolu- showed that, up until 2006, approxi- want to repeat the mistakes they made fully launched 22 direct shipping tionary Guard mately 655,000 Iraqis had been killed during the so-called “liberation” of Iraq. routes between Hamad Port and Corps (IRGC). as a direct result of the invasion. The This mentality born of the Iraq debacle several regional and international The effects of British defence ministry’s then-chief sci- has arguably led to a lack of moral lead- seaports and some 120 navigation The country has been the invasion of entific adviser, Sir Roy Anderson, ership on crisis issues like Syria, which destinations. Iraq led to a praised the study as “robust”, lending has seen millions displaced and hun- The Minister of Transport and ravaged by war, and regional spill even further credibility to the findings dreds of thousands killed. Today Syrian Hamad Port Communications said that the transformed into an over that has demonstrating the catastrophic loss of President Bashar Al Assad and his has marked the synergy of efforts among all stake- almost contiguous also engulfed life suffered by Iraqis in the first three Russian and Iranian backers continue to holders has played a key role in Europe with years following the invasion. act with impunity as the world watches. handling of one boosting productivity and accel- conflict zone from the refugee The death toll is, by now, signifi- All of these developments have a million TEUs erating handling operations. north to south, and crisis, and cantly higher than was recorded in common ancestor — the Iraq war. The coming from On the same day, speaking at east to west, as rival revived far- 2006. The violence accelerated and Middle East is more violent and unstable regional and the Advisory Council regular militant groups, right and iso- human rights abuses worsened during than it has ever been in living memory. weekly session, the Minister Min- lationist ten- the sectarian civil war that followed the The United States is in retreat, as Russia global seaports ister of Economy and Commerce foreign powers and dencies in the invasion, setting the foundations for and China assert themselves on the global via 22 direct H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al political parties vie West. ISIL’s rapid spread accross the coun- stage and issue open challenges to the navigation routes Thani said Qatar had overcome for power at the While tryand its conquest of Mosul in 2014. world’s former unipolar power. And and around various challenges of supply to the expense of the Iraqi there can be Meanwhile, thousands of Iraqis were Europe is struggling with xenophobia born domestic market and the no doubt that forced to leave their broken country to of a refugee crisis that primarily resulted 120 navigation movement of ports and airports by people. the Ba’athist seek safety and security elsewhere, with from violence in the Middle East. The destinations. strengthening existing business regime in Iraq some finding refuge in neighbouring entire world has felt the effects of the Iraq lines and developing new and was violent and oppre-ssive, what Syria, Jordan and Turkey, while others war and, after a decade and a half of global direct lines with a number of stra- replaced it proved to be even worse. It making their way into Europe, settling in chaos and instability, it is hard to charac- tegic trading partners around the world, benefiting from was post-invasion Iraq where groups towns like Sweden’s Malmo, facing a terise the invasion of Iraq as anything but the strategic facilities of the country such as Hamad Port like Al Qaeda and ISIL really flourished. new myriad of difficulties and abuse. But the original sin of the 21st century. and Hamad International Airport. Al Qaeda was perceived to be an the nightmare Iraqi people were sub- Owing to wise and timely decisions taken by Qatar’s existential threat in Ba’athist Iraq and jected to cannot be taken in isolation as The writer is a researcher at the University leadership in the face of unjust blockade, country’s food- was hunted down, but the group found the invasion had a wider effect. of Exeter’s Strategy and Security Institute. stuffs and live animals imports increased by 29.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017, in comparison to the same period in 2016, while food and beverages imports during the mentioned period increased by 28.7 percent. Apart from turning Hamad Port into a vibrant trade Drain of products shows ’s lack of overseas strategy hub of region and establishing new shipping lines to meet country’s needs, the leadership has taken a number of THE JAPAN NEWS as several billions of yen. the farm ministry to take the In many cases, it takes pivotal steps to thwart plans of siege countries to inflict The reality involving high- initiative in promoting efforts more than 1 million yen in heavy damages to Qatar’s robust economy. Qatar has here has been an grade grapes has been brought to change organizations’ way expenses to register a variety offered numerous investment opportunities for the devel- increasing number of to light: Shine Muscat grapes, a of thinking about the issue. with each foreign country. opment and operation of private businesses as well as a cases in which variety developed by a Jap- The government regards There are differences in the number measures have been taken to promote tourism . domestically anese national research insti- agricultural and marine regulations and documentary T product exports as one of the forms involved, and this is a A number of legislative amendments such as the developed varieties of straw- tution, are grown in China. public-private partnership law, the state strategic stock berries and grapes are surrep- There must be more than main pillars of its growth factor behind the hesitation law, the national product protection law, and the unified titiously grown overseas. a few cases in which unau- strategy. It has announced it felt by fruit and economic registry law and brokerage law have also been Efforts should be made to thorised activities to cultivate will seek to reach a 1 trillion developers in applying for the introduced to continue country’s march towards glory. secure the protection of per- agricultural varieties of Jap- yen target in such exports registration of new varieties. tinent rights and defend these anese origin could have been annually by the end of 2019. In In fiscal 2016, the gov- precious brands. prevented if they had been 2017, the figure stood only at ernment started extending There was much talk registered with other nations 807.3 billion yen, and some subsidies related to these about the South Korean- under international rules. It is have said it is necessary to expenditures and set up a grown strawberries eaten by safe to say that a high price take new measures to bolster section in charge of providing QUOTE OF THE DAY the Japanese women’s curling has been paid for our nation’s efforts in this area. consultations. Further efforts team during a halftime break failure to keep a watchful eye Regarding the fruits and should be made to expand at the Pyeongchang Olympics. on the overseas market. vegetables developed in Japan, assistance in completing nec- We have taken under “[The strawberries] tasted The application deadline the agricultural ministry will essary procedures and other control of the city good,” a member of the team for registering varieties abroad start a survey on the state of matters. The three prefectural center [of Afrin] within said about them. This has been set at a period within their production and distri- governments of Chiba, Mie and prompted Agriculture, For- four to six years following the bution in China, South Korea, Kagawa have formed a tie-up 2 months. The Turkish estry and Fisheries Minister start of domestic sales. It is too Southeast Asia and other areas with a major seed and seedling army and the Free Syrian Ken Saito’s revelation at a late to register many well- in fiscal 2018. company, looking to interna- army will continue the press conference that “[They known varieties of Japanese Quick measures will be tionally market Yotsuboshi, a operation for a while are] a hybrid created using the origin now. taken to address the fruits and variety of strawberry they Japanese variety.” Japan’s agricultural policy vegetables that can plausibly have jointly developed. They in order to clear the According to the agri- has not placed importance on be exported, if the application expect to draw on the com- remaining terrorists and culture ministry, 90 percent of exports for many years. Agri- deadline for registration can pany’s abundant expertise in explosives from the area. South Korean-grown straw- cultural experiment stations or be met in these nations. There overseas operations. berries are derived from Jap- other facilities undertaking the has been rapidly expanding It is hoped that the public anese varieties. South Korea’s development of new varieties demand for high-grade food and private sectors will Recep Tayyip Erdogan strawberry exports total 4,000 tend to be content if they can in the Asian market. There deepen effective cooperation Turkey’s President tons annually, and they are protect the rights involved in must be no further delays in by studying cases of such pio- believed to be worth as much this country. It is important for addressing the problem. neering endeavors. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 OPINION 11 For youth in Tunisia mining region, it’s ‘mine or die’

CAROLINE NELLY PERROT “For us, the solution is either emi- Decades of corrupt or absent AFP gration, death or prison.” authorities sparked mass protests Next to him, Souad Smadah, 60, around the mines in 2008 that were ozens of unemployed the daughter and wife of miners, brutally repressed by dictator Zine El youths camp out around nods as she warms couscous and tea Abidine Ben Ali. Metlaoui is rich in phosphate mines in central over a fire for the young protesters. His fall in a 2011 uprising which phosphate, a highly Tunisia, demanding jobs as She is angry that none of her five sparked the Arab Spring upheavals sought after ore used D sparked hope of change. part of a wave of protests aimed at sons have managed to find work at to make fertiliser of focusing attention on alleged state the phosphate mines, accusing busi- But there has been no sign of neglect. nessmen and trade unions of priori- improvement and a combination of which Tunisia is the The surge in anger is the latest in tising their relatives when hiring. lack of investment, skilled workers world’s fourth largest the North African nation’s mining Smadah’s eldest earns 300 dinars and unrest has even seen output producer. Boasting a region, where one of the country’s ($125 or € 100) a month in a bakery, nosedive. swimming pool, cinema highest unemployment rates and a almost three-times less than a “Since the revolution, we can no The most recent stark lack of infrastructure have starting salary at the mine. longer produce the desired tonnage,” and tennis courts, it was disruption to fuelled regular unrest. said CPG’s general secretary, Ali once nicknamed “Little the mine’s work The most recent confrontations ‘Little Paris’ Khmili. Paris”. Today, however, broke out at the end of January, with Metlaoui is rich in phosphate, a The company, which used to began in January demonstrators frustrated over hiring highly sought after ore used to make produce up to 8 million tonnes a the town’s jobless youth after the series of practices blocking work for six fertiliser of which Tunisia is the year, barely extracted 4.2 million last loiter along cratered demonstrations weeks. world’s fourth largest producer. year. roads, their teeth and riots, fuelled Among the grey dunes of phos- Boasting a swimming pool, The most recent disruption to the yellowed from polluted phate at the Kef Eddour quarry near cinema and tennis courts, it was once mine’s work began in January after by price and the town of Metlaoui, 10 women and nicknamed “Little Paris”. the series of demonstrations and water. tax increases about 50 young men — sons and Today, however, the town’s riots, fuelled by price and tax and persistent grandsons of miners — eat and sleep jobless youth loiter along cratered increases and persistent unem- continued to disrupt production. unemployment, in a few prefabricated cabins. roads, their teeth yellowed from pol- ployment, broke out in the region They say it is the only way to “The phosphate company is the luted water. and across Tunisia. force those in power to pay broke out in the only thing here, we have no devel- The Gafsa Phosphate Company Adding to the tensions are attention to them, as phosphate is region and across opment, no jobs,” said Ali Ben (CPG), a state monopoly, has long looming municipal elections crucial to reaching the govern- Tunisia. Msalah, 25, who has been unem- been the main source of jobs and scheduled for May, with legislative ment’s target of three percent ployed since finishing high school. income for the region. and presidential elections set for growth 2019. CPG, which is running at a In Gafsa, the heightening of deficit largely because of recurring political tensions has complicated unrest, has not contributed to the negotiations with the protesters, par- state budget since 2011. alysing production earlier this year. And some at the company The halt in work was “essentially warn that by targeting the phos- linked to a lack of trust” between res- phate output the demonstrators idents and the government, could end up just hurting their according to Rabeh Ahmadi, an region even more. activist with the Tunisian Forum of “The protesters’ claims are Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), legitimate, there is a total absence an NGO specialising in social issues. of the state in this area,” said Rafiq The government eventually Smida, an CPG engineer and demanded legal action and sus- advocate for the phosphate pended some 1,700 hires in progress industry. “But if work there is in an attempt to quell the unrest. blocked, 32,000 jobs are at risk.”

Jobs are at risk Mining slowly resumed this month and ministers were dis- patched to the region last week. But residents unhappy with solutions proposed by the government have D-RING ROAD POST BOX: 3488 DOHA - QATAR resident Michel Temer’s opening its economy, Brazil could is the Pacific Alliance. Founded by [email protected] decision to send troops into add 1.25 percent to annual GDP Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile, Rio de Janeiro officially growth, more than labor or regu- the ambitious agreement goes after killed not only Brazil’s latory reforms would bring, and not just tariffs but also barriers to EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE P investment, services and the TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 pension reform but also remaining similar in scope to a total tax hopes that he might tackle the litany overhaul. movement of people. Brazil’s partici- FAX: +974 4455 7758 of structural changes to the tax, These economic benefits from pation would jumpstart aspirations SHANNON O’NEIL MANAGING EDITOR BLOOMBERG labor, education and regulatory trade matter even more as Brazil’s for Latin American economic systems that economists and population ages. From 1990 to 2012, integration. TEL: 4462 7505 new workers drove more than half Most ambitious would be joining of all GDP gains, some 1.8 percent a the revised Trans-Pacific Part- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR year. Yet this demographic bonus is nership, opening nearly a third of the TEL: 4455 7769 ending — in less than a decade, Bra- world’s markets to Brazil’s com- LOCAL NEWS SECTION zil’s children and elderly will out- panies, and changing the way gov- TEL: 4455 7743 Trump tariffs number its breadwinners — and that ernment procurement, intellectual will cause a once reliable engine of property protection and public and BUSINESS NEWS SECTION growth to sputter. private credit work in the Southern TEL: 4462 7535 create a trade Brazilian politicians understand Cone nation. the costs of protection. They give Dropping barriers would bring SPORT NEWS SECTION national aerospace champion turmoil to some sectors, no doubt. In TEL: 4455 7745 opening for Brazil Embraer the freedom to import the 1990s Brazil unilaterally reduced equipment and components free of tariffs on many goods — leading ONLINE SECTION the tariffs other industries face. Their imports to double as a percentage of TEL: 4462 7501 jets are now globally competitive. the economy even as exports stag- [email protected] This stands in sharp contrast to Bra- nated. Many unproductive com- zil’s automakers, which enjoy no panies faltered and failed, and some investors see as the country’s eco- PUBLIC RELATIONS such privileges. Brazilian cars as a of their former employees have yet nomic salvation. TEL: 4455 7613 result take twice as long to make and to recover. Brazil’s clothing, shoe Yet these now defunct reforms [email protected] aren’t the only way to bolster are 40 percent more expensive than factories and gas production are similarly vulnerable to more growth. Trade matters as much or those in Mexico. Their paltry exports ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT opening, even as car makers and more for juicing gross domestic go largely to captive Mercosur TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 product, as the influx of goods, trading partner Argentina. other advanced manufacturers stand FAX: 4455 7870 services and competition can help The political timing for opening to gain. [email protected] attain the economic holy grail of up may finally be right. Trump’s pen- Yet for Brazil to grow faster for rising productivity. And given the US chant for threatening — if not longer, it has to become more glo- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT protectionist pullback, opening to breaking — so many extant trade bally competitive. The now stymied TEL: 4455 7857 the world could, for once in Brazil, deals could spark reconsideration of internal structural reforms are one [email protected] be politically popular in this election an issue that used to be all but taboo path; economic opening is the other. year. in Brazil’s politics. In a country And as Embraer and the many agro- SUBSCRIPTION & Brazil has always been a where fewer than 2 in 10 people like businesses show, when given a DISTRIBUTION reluctant trader. Despite its natural the US president, anti-Trump issues bigger and more level playing field, TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 resource bounty, it remains one of can be in vogue. Brazil’s companies can thrive. But FAX: 44557819 the world’s most closed economies. And by pulling back, the United they need the preferred access to [email protected] Its handful of formal trade agree- States has given Brazil space to markets that trade agreements ments give it preferred access to just shape new accords more to its liking. would bring. 10 percent of global markets and The power struggle that sunk the Law and order and anti-cor- contain hundreds of exceptions, Free Trade Agreement of the ruption promises dominate the early All thoughts and views diminishing their reach and heft. Americas in the mid-2000s has presidential campaign slogans. Yet These self-created handicaps keep faded with America’s absence. polls show Brazilians care most expressed in these columns Brazil out of the more profitable EU-Mercosur talks are the place about their pocketbooks. Trade’s are those of the writers, parts of global supply chains, instead to start. After nearly two decades of promise of cheaper and better goods not of the newspaper. largely stuck supplying raw mate- on again, off again talks, the partici- could appeal to middle and upper rials to other nations’ factories. And pants are trying to break through class Miami-bound shoppers and All correspondence By pulling back, the the relatively heavy taxes on imports standoffs on agriculture and rules of poorer Bolsa Familia recipients alike. regarding Views and United States has drive up costs for local companies origin. Trump’s recent tariff hikes on And for the broader economy, it and consumers alike. steel and aluminum tariffs, hitting would bring a much-needed win. Opinion pages should be given Brazil space to Yet Brazil’s lofty barriers also industry on both sides of the Atlantic, send to editor-in-chief shape new accords mean that reform could bring much could foster the camaraderie needed The writer is a senior fellow for Latin office or mailed to the more to its liking. more bang for the buck. A 2014 McK- to overcome the last sticking points. America Studies at the Council on insey study estimated that by Also ripe for a Brazilian re-think Foreign Relations in New York. [email protected] 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 39 Indians missing in Iraq dead, confirms govt IANS The 39 Indian workers being buried there. “We sought a deep pene- NEW DELHI: Facing a volley of had gone missing in tration radar of the mound and questions yesterday after she the Iraqi city of Mosul when it was confirmed that there confirmed in Parliament the after it was overrun by were bodies buried there, we had death of 39 Indians who were the Islamic State (IS) them exhumed,” Sushma Swaraj reported missing in Iraq in 2014, said. External Affairs Minister Sushma terrorist organisation She said that when exactly 39 Swaraj said the government in June 2014. bodies were found, it became cannot confirm any person’s more or less clear these were death without concrete proof in those of the missing Indians. hand and it was her duty to freed and there was no word “Bodies with long hair and inform Parliament first about from these workers for 15 to 20 karas on arms showed that these such an important piece of news days, more efforts were put in to were Sikh people,” she said. rather than the victims’ families. trace them. Stating that the Martyrs Briefing the media here, Stating that Minister of State for Foundation does not confirm any Sushma Swaraj said her gov- External Affairs V K Singh visited person’s death till 100 percent ernment did not believe in Iraq three times after Mosul was identification has been done declaring a person “missing, freed, she said that Iraqi author- through DNA samples, she said believed killed”. ities put the Indian government in that it was on Monday that “I refused to close the files (of touch with the Martyrs Foundation reports came of 100 percent the 39 Indians) till we had con- that looks after the interests of the identification of 38 of the bodies. crete proof in hand (about their families of those killed in the war- “Only 70 percent identification death),” she said. ravaged nation. of the body of Ram Yadav of Bihar The 39 Indian workers had “After the Martyrs Foundation could be done and that could be gone missing in the Iraqi city of sought DNA samples of missing because the DNA sample sent was Mosul after it was overrun by the Indians, we collected the same from someone else in his family as Seema (left), her sons Karan (centre) and Arjun (second left) and her mother in-law Jeeto (right) react Islamic State (IS) terrorist organ- through four state governments his parents are no longer there,” following confirmation by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj that her husband Sonu had been isation in June 2014. in September last year,” Sushma Sushma Swaraj said. killed in Iraq in the village of Chawinda Devi some 22kms from Amritsar, yesterday. Twenty-seven of them hailed Swaraj said. Asked what kept hopes alive from Punjab, four from Himachal Asked why then there was of the fate of these men, she said about the bodies being found, there within 24 hours if concrete She also said that Indian Pradesh, six from Bihar and two such a delay in confirming the that at least two Heads of State Sushma Swaraj said that their proof was in hand. Ambassador to Iraq Pradeep from West Bengal. death of these Indians, she said had said they might not have anger was understandable but it Asked why the government Singh Rajpurohit has been asked “Not a single day was spared that the DNA samples were ini- been killed. was her prerogative to inform did not go by the words of to make arrangements for coffins in our efforts to trace them after tially matched with the bodies In a statement in the Lok Parliament about such an Harjeet Massi, the lone Indian and General V K Singh will be they went missing in June 2014,” found in mass graves in Iraq. Sabha soon after his visit to Mosul important news. who had escaped the fate of the going to Iraq to bring the bodies Sushma Swaraj said. Stating that the Indians’ in July last year, General V K She recalled that she had told 39 others and who claimed that in an aircraft at the earliest. She said that till Mosul was bodies were not found in the Singh said: “As per latest infor- Parliament in November 2014 and the others were killed by the IS, “The aircraft will first land in freed in July last year from the IS, mass graves, she said that it was mation from multiple third-party then again in July 2017 that she did Sushma Swaraj said: “He is just Amritsar to hand over the bodies the government was trying to only later that the Martyrs sources, they are all safe.” not have any credible evidence of one individual. How can the gov- of those from Punjab and ascertain if these 39 people were Foundation informed about a When her attention was whether these people were dead ernment make an announcement Himachal Pradesh and then in alive. mound being found in Mosul drawn to the anger of the fam- or alive and had promised that she based on a single man’s Patna followed by Kolkata,” But, she said, after Mosul was with the possibility of bodies ilies at not being informed first would make an announcement statement?” Sushma Swaraj said. CBI moves Delhi HC over acquittal in 2G case Sasikala’s husband IANS to be listed for hearing today. The agency said it appealed prove the charges against 33 Natarajan dead The central agency’s move to the high court as the evidence persons named in the case. NEW DELHI: The CBI yesterday came a day after the Enforcement adduced to substantiate the The matter is believed to have IANS Propaganda Secretary for the moved an appeal in Delhi High Directorate (ED), which is charges by the prosecution was contributed to the Congress-led AIADMK. Court challenging a special court probing financial irregularities not appreciated in its proper per- UPA’s electoral loss in 2014. CHENNAI: M Natarajan, who Later, the couple gained the order acquitting former Telecom in the case and assisting the spective by the special court. Besides Raja and Kanimozhi, began as a DMK youth front confidence of Jayalalithaa. Jay- Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kani- Central Bureau of Investigation “The court also failed on the the special court had also acquitted leader and later got close to alalithaa declared Sasiskala her mozhi and others in the 2G (CBI), filed an appeal against the point in which the crime is defined 17 others, including DMK supremo late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister sister. However, Jayalalithaa spectrum money laundering case. special court’s December 21, under Section 2(1)(u), which con- M Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Jayalalithaa along with his kept Natarajan out of her Poes The appeal was presented 2017, judgement in the case. siders only the criminal activity Ammal, Shahid Balwa and Vinod wife V K Sasikala, died Garden residence where before a bench of High Court’s The CBI questioned the special instead of commission of an Goenka of STPL, Asif Balwa and yesterday at a private hospital Sasikala also lived. Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal court’s verdict ignoring the offence,” the CBI said. Rajiv Aggarwal of Kusegaon Fruits here. He was 74. Natarajan was also the and Justice C Hari Shankar by findings of the Supreme Court that While announcing the and Vegetables Pvt Ltd, film pro- According to a statement editor of Tamil magazine Additional Solicitor General has been keeping a regular tab on judgement, special judge O.P. Saini ducer Karim Morani, and P issued by the Gleneagles Global “Puthiya Parvai” and was a (ASG) Tushar Mehta. the investigation until the said the CBI and the ED had failed Amirtham and Sharad Kumar of Health City, Natarajan died at strong supporter of the Sri The court allowed the matter chargesheet was filed in the case. to provide sufficient evidence to Kalaignar TV. 1.35am. Lankan Tamil issue. “Every possible clinical Yesterday, DMK leader M.K. attempt was made to sustain his Stalin paid his respects to revival. However, despite our Natarajan at his residence and Job-seekers’ best efforts he was unable to said his death was shocking. He recover,” the statement said. said Natarajan had deep strike paralyses Ailing for some time, Natarajan affection for the Dravidian was hospitalised on March 16 for movement. Central Railway chest infection and was on venti- MDMK leader Vaiko said lator support. Late last year, he Natarajan was a staunch in Mumbai underwent a dual-organ operation. opponent of Hindi imposition The body would be taken to his and had taken part in the anti- IANS village in Thanjavur district for the Hindi agitation in 1965. last rites. Meanwhile, Sasikala, the MUMBAI: A few hundred Natarajan’s political career now sidelined AIADMK leader, railway job-seekers caught started with the DMK in its youth yesterday afternoon got a Central Railway by surprise, wing. Later, he joined the Tamil 15-day parole and left for resulting in a virtual paralysis Nadu government’s Public Rela- Thanjavur to attend Natarajan’s of Mumbai’s lifeline, the tions Department. An enter- last rites. suburban train service, for over prising official, he and his wife “She has been granted three hours here yesterday got close to Jayalalithaa through parole for 15 days. During the morning. The agitation also a video distribution business the period, she has been directed to turned violent as some couple ran in Chennai. limit her visit to Thanjavur and protesters pelted stones, DMK President M Karuna- not to take part in any political leading to a police baton nidhi presided over the activity,” Bengaluru Central Jail charge to disperse them. Natarajan-Sasikala marriage. Chief Superintendent M The morning peak hour Quenching thirst In the 1980s, when Somashekar said. suburban and long-distance Natarajan was the public rela- Sasikala, 60, left from the train services were severely People carry plastic pots with drinking water in a supply cart from a government water supply tions officer in Cuddalore dis- central prison in a private car. disrupted as hundreds of pro- tanker at their residential colony in Chennai yesterday. International World Water Day is marked trict, Sasikala got a contract to She had reportedly collapsed in testers squatted on the annually on March 22. film Jayalalithaa’s programmes. the prison on hearing the news railway tracks between At that time Jayalalithaa was the of her husband’s death. Matunga and Dadar on the CR to press for their demands pertaining to railway appren- tices’ recruitment. Rattled by the sudden Maldives to charge Gayoom, former judge with bribery crisis, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal held emergency REUTERS his government to free those held “Unless something unusual Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court emergency, Shareef said only 38 had meetings and announced that in prison. He later extended the happens, we should not have Judge Ali Hameed have been sent been arrested so far while others 20 percent posts in railway COLOMBO: Maldives President state of emergency for another emergency by Thursday,” to the prosecutor general and that were “detained and released”. establishments are already Abdulla Yameen will lift a 45-day 30 days with parliament Mohamed Hussain Shareef, Mal- bribery charges will also be Maldives police told Reuters reserved for those who have state of emergency tomorrow approval, a move challenged by dives Ambassador for Sri Lanka brought against former president on Saturday that at least 139 cleared the All India Railway and the government will bring the opposition. told a Foreign Correspondents Gayoom and Supreme Court opposition protesters were Act Apprentice Exams. bribery charges against former Under the emergency, Association forum on Monday. administrator Hassan Sayeed. arrested as they attempted to “This has been done as leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Yameen’s administration “The government has no “That is definite. We know that defy orders under the state of per the various judgements and the chief justice, said a senior arrested former president intention of extending it any charges will be pressed against the emergency and march into the by the Supreme Court from Maldives diplomat. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the further barring very unusual cir- four of them,” Shareef said. high security zone in capital Male. time to time. Applicants who Yameen imposed a state of chief justice, another Supreme cumstances like widespread vio- Gayoom is accused of bribing When asked if any foreign completed the apprenticeship emergency on February 5 for 15 Court judge, and a Supreme Court lence. The intention is to do away the three legal professionals to over- agent or country had a role in the course have also been given days to annul a February 1 administrator on allegations of with this state of emergency when throw the Yameen government. Maldives crisis, Shareef said: “For an age relaxation equal to the Supreme Court ruling that attempting to overthrow the gov- the current 30 day period expires Despite opposition claims that my knowledge, the investigations period of apprenticeship,” he quashed convictions against nine ernment. They have all rejected on March 22.” Shareef said bribery hundreds of people have been at the moment are focused on announced in New Delhi. opposition leaders and ordered the charges. charges against Chief Justice arrested under the state of local actors only”. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 ASIA 13 Islamabad ponders Kabul’s offer of talks, overtures AP should consider with an open heart,” said Hasan Askari, a ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is still Lahore based analyst. “Improved mulling Afghanistan’s recent relations with Afghanistan would overtures, including an invitation Pakistan’s political & be in Pakistan’s interest and will that Pakistani Prime Minister military leaders are help stabilize the region.” visit Kabul - an offer that carefully considering Moonis Ahmar, professor of analysts see as a good sign, international relations at the underscoring that dialogue the invitation before University of Karachi, said the between the two often uneasy drafting a proposal for gesture is welcome but that more neighbours is key to defeating Prime Minister Shahid trust is needed between the two militants on both sides of the countries. Delegates applaud as Chinese President Xi Jinping returns to his seat after he delivered a speech border. Khaqan Abbasi Also, the decades-old dispute during the closing session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Islamabad says it wants to between Pakistan and India consult the country’s political held talks with his Afghan coun- figures prominently in Islama- Beijing, yesterday. and military leadership before terpart, National Security bad’s relationship with Kabul accepting Afghan President Adviser Hanif Atmar. and finding a route to peaceful Ashraf Ghani’s invitation, which The meetings were a bright co-existence will have to take Xi warns Taiwan will face ‘punishment followed a visit last weekend to spot in an otherwise acrimo- into account those sentiments, Kabul by Pakistan’s National nious relationship between Ahmar added. of history’ for attempting separatism Security Adviser Nasser Janjua Pakistan and Afghanistan, which Pakistan is concerned over REUTERS and also last month’s offer by routinely trade accusations that India’s increased influence in independence Democratic Pro- primary source of weapons. China Ghani of unconditional talks each country harbours militants Afghanistan and accuses New gressive Party. will push for the ‘peaceful reuni- with the Taliban. who attack the other. Delhi of using Afghan territory to BEIJING: Chinese President Xi China suspects Tsai wants to fication of the motherland’ and The Taliban have not Since the beginning of the foment unrest inside Pakistan, Jinping told self-ruled Taiwan push for formal independence, work for more Taiwanese to enjoy responded yet but Pakistan’s year, Pakistan has been under particularly in the restive south- yesterday that it would face the which would cross a red line for the opportunities of its devel- foreign ministry spokesman increasing US pressure to end western Balochistan province. ‘punishment of history’ for any Communist Party leaders in opment, Xi told the 3,000-odd Moahmmad Faisal said yes- what Washington says are safe Ghani’s invitation comes on attempt at separatism, offering his Beijing, though Tsai has said she delegates to the annual session of terday the country’s political and havens for militants, particular heels of the Afghan president’s strongest warning yet to the island wants to maintain the status quo parliament. military leaders are carefully those of the Haqqani network, peace offer to the Taliban last claimed by China as its sacred and is committed to ensuring “It is a shared aspiration of all considering the invitation before which is blamed for some of the month, in which he offered territory. peace. Chinese people and in their basic drafting a proposal for Prime most horrific attacks in Kabul. unconditional talks. In response, the government China has been infuriated by interests to safeguard China’s sov- Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Pakistan denies the accusation Pakistan, which lauded of Taiwan, one of China’s most US President Donald Trump’s ereignty and territorial integrity “All stake-holders will con- but Washington still went ahead Ghani’s offer, is considered to be sensitive issues and a potentially signing into law legislation last and realise China’s complete sider the invitation in order to and suspended military aid to the only party that can bring the dangerous military flashpoint, said week that encourages the United reunification,” Xi said in a speech prepare a brief for the prime Pakistan that could total more Taliban to the negotiation table. it hoped China could ‘break free’ States to send senior officials to at the end of the session. minister, who will decide about than $2bn. Pakistan’s Prime Minister of the old clichés of threats and Taiwan to meet Taiwan counter- “Any actions and tricks to split his possible visit to Kabul,” Faisal The last time a Pakistani also held an unscheduled meeting force. parts, and vice versa. China are doomed to failure and said. Prime Minister was in Kabul was with Vice President Mike Pence China’s hostility towards The United States does not will meet with the people’s con- Ghani delivered the invi- in 2015 and a visit by Abbasi now last Friday, causing some to Taiwan has risen since the 2016 have formal ties with Taiwan but demnation and the punishment tation for Abbasi during his would be hugely significant. suggest there could be a warming election of President Tsai Ing- is required by law to help it with of history,” he added, to loud meeting with Janjua, who also “It’s an opportunity Pakistan in the US-Pakistani relations. wen, a member of the island’s pro- self-defence and is the island’s applause.

Musharraf Pakistan to build around calls meeting 500,000 houses for the poor

INTERNEWS to consider He said in order to com- mence execution work for homecoming ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal launching the housing project, Ministry of Housing and Works ‘Apna Ghar’ limited company has INTERNEWS will construct around 500,000 been registered with Securities housing units for the low income Exchange Commission of ISLAMABAD: Former military families throughout the country Pakistan. dictator Gen (retd) Pervez under Apna Ghar Scheme. “All the initial work of the Musharraf has convened a “Presently, there is a shortfall project has been completed and meeting of the leaders of his of approximately 9-10 million sufficient chunks of state land All Pakistan Muslim League houses in the country and the have been identified for the (APML) in Dubai today to present government is making launching of the project,” he said. discuss the government’s offer concerted efforts to bridge the However, the official said to provide him ‘foolproof gap,” an official in the Ministry that due to non availability of security’ upon his return to of Housing and Works says. funds and non-appointment of Pakistan to face a pending Under the scheme, he said, Chief Executive Officer and high treason trial. the government would provide Company Secretary, the project “The APML leadership has houses to homeless and shel- has not yet been initiated. been asked to attend the terless families by constructing To a question, he said that meeting in Dubai to discuss low-cost units on state land in there is no specific provision in possible return of the former ‘Nowruz’ celebrations in Baku different localities. Accommodation Allocation president to Pakistan and pos- “To ensure cost effective Rules, 2002 for allotment of Azerbaijanis attend the ‘Nowruz’ (New Year) celebrations in Baku, Azerbaijan, yesterday. Nowruz sible fallout of this move,” the access to credit for housing, the Government Accommodation to marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It also marks the first day of the first APML joint secretary infor- government will pick up a deputationists coming from mation Shehzad Arbi Satti month in the Iranian calendar. portion of the financing cost as banks to the federal government says. subsidy,” the official added. offices. The development came after the government on Monday wrote a letter to Akhtar Shah, Musharraf’s legal NEWS BYTES counsel, informing him that China to build ‘world’s fastest’ wind foolproof security would be IS responsible for Afghan sports stadium explosion provided to his client in case tunnel for super-fast aeroplanes he intends to come back and Kabul: Afghanistan’s IS affiliate has claimed responsibility for a bomb- become part of pending pro- ing outside a sports stadium in eastern Nangarhar province that killed AFP ceedings against him in a case can travel up to speeds of around follow a predictable arc like con- three people and wounded 10. In a statement posted late on Mon- related to high treason. 2.5 Mach. The revelation comes ventional missiles, making them day on an IS-linked website, the militant group said the motorcycle The Interior Ministry also BEIJING: China has announced as the world’s leading military much harder to track and bombing in the provincial capital of Jalalabad targeted a pro-govern- asked Musharraf’s counsel to it is building the world’s fastest nations embark on a race to intercept. ment meeting. The explosion occurred as former warlord Gulbuddin inform the government about wind tunnel to develop a new develop the next generation of According to reports in the Hekmatyar wrapped up a rally at the stadium. Hekmatyar, previ- his travelling plan and generation of super-fast aero- hypersonic weapons, from mis- Japan-based Diplomat magazine, ously a declared terrorist by the United States, signed a peace deal duration of stay in Pakistan. planes, but it could also be used siles and spy planes to railguns, China has also developed -- and with President Ashraf Ghani in 2017 and was removed from the list. The ministry made this offer for hypersonic missile tech- that can beat conventional last year tested -- a new type of The Afghan IS affiliate, known as Khorasan Province, is based in following a request of pro- nology. defence systems. hypersonic missile called the Nangarhar. A separate militant statement on the IS-affiliate Aamaq vision of foolproof security by Wind tunnels test how air will Earlier this month Russia’s DF-17. news agency gave a different version of events, saying the bomb tar- Musharraf’s counsel. pass over a solid object, helping president Vladimir Putin boasted Though the Pentagon is geted a bus with pro-government militiamen. “It is requested that the designers improve aerodynamics his nation had developed a new warning about hypersonics, the travel itinerary of General or reduce stress points for objects generation of ‘invincible’ hyper- United States has itself been Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf & PPP stick to their guns (Retd) Pervez Musharraf as as they reach high speeds. sonic missiles in his state of the developing the technology for well as his stay in Pakistan State-run Xinhua news nation address, sparking anger years. ISLAMABAD: The race between Bilawal Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s may be sent to this ministry at agency ran a report late Monday in the United States and other The Air Force says its X-51A Party and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf has entered final phase the earliest so that necessary revealing the development of NATO countries. Waverider cruise missile, tested as Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani is expected to take its first decision foolproof security arrange- what it said would be ‘the world’s While experts are deeply in 2012, could travel at speeds within end of this week as to who will be the opposition leader of the ments could be made for him fastest hypersonic wind tunnel’. sceptical about how close to faster than Mach 6 (3,600 miles Upper House of the Parliament - Senator Sherry Rehman or Azam Swati. well in time,” the letter said. “The 265-metre-long tunnel operational such a missile might per hour, 5,800kph). The PPP nominated candidate Rehman has submitted the letter of APML information sec- can be used to test hypersonic actually be, US officials in recent The Xinhua report said the support of 33 senators to her as an opposition leader in the Upper House of retary said the Interior Min- aircraft that can travel at speeds weeks have sounded growing Chinese Academy of Sciences had the Parliament to the chairman Senate last week. The PTI nominated can- istry ensured ‘foolproof of up to Mach 25 (30,625 kph), 25 alarm about the potential threat already simulated a hypersonic didate Azam Swat has only support of 19 members that include 12 senators security’ without giving spe- times the speed of sound,” Han from hypersonic weapons -- plane flight in its current wind of his party, five of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-P and two senators of Sira- cific details. “What will be the Guilai, a researcher with China’s defined as weapons that can tunnel at speeds “ranging from jul Haq’s Jamaat-e- Islami. The tug of war for the top slot of the opposition in level of this security and which State Key Laboratory of High travel at five times the speed of Mach 5 and 9”. the Senate started when PPP nominated Rehman for the opposition leader force will be deployed to Temperature Gas Dynamics at sound or more. “The new tunnel will aid the who submitted letter of support to the chairman Senate but the PTI chal- provide security to General the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Such weapons can beat engineering application of hyper- lenged it and demanded from the PPP to withdraw its candidate. The PPP Musharraf are questions that was quoted as saying. regular anti-missile defences as sonic technology by duplicating advised the PTI that it should read and study how an opposition leader in the government has yet to To compare, the current they are designed to switch the environment of extreme the Senate is elected. clarify,” he added. fastest generation of fighter jets direction in flight and do not hypersonic flights” Han said. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018

Key figure in Japan ICC: Exit move by land scandal to testify on March 27 Philippines will REUTERS

TOKYO: Former Japanese tax not affect probe agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa, a key figure in a cronyism scandal that has AP sparked a political crisis for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, THE HAGUE: The Philippines’ will be summoned to testify decision to leave the Interna- ICC prosecutor in parliament on March 27, a tional Criminal Court will not ruling party source said. derail an on-going preliminary opened a preliminary Abe’s support ratings probe into possible crimes examination into have dropped sharply since committed during Manila’s war a complaint by the finance ministry said it on drugs, the court said had altered records relating yesterday in its first reaction to a Filipino lawyer to a discounted sale of state- the Asian nation’s withdrawal. of suspected owned land to school Last month, ICC prosecutor extrajudicial killings 121st anniversary of Philippine Army operator Moritomo Gakuen, Fatou Bensouda, opened a pre- during President which had ties to Abe’s wife, liminary examination into a Akie Abe. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reviews honour guards upon his arrival during the 121st complaint by a Filipino lawyer Rodrigo Duterte’s Opposition lawmakers founding anniversary of the Philippine Army (PA) in Taguig city, Metro Manila, Philippines, yesterday. of suspected extrajudicial anti-drug campaign, have been calling for Sagawa, killings during President which could amount who headed the division that Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug to crimes against submitted the documents campaign, which could amount before he became tax agency to crimes against humanity. humanity. chief in July, to testify in par- In response, Duterte liament. Sagawa resigned this announced last week he was committed when a country was Laos drug chief jailed for life by Thai court month. withdrawing the Philippine rat- an ICC member even after Abe and Finance Minister AFP ification of the Rome Statute, withdrawal. and into Thailand. The Laos route phones linked Xaysana with a Taro Aso have both denied the treaty which created the More than 4,000 mostly south is increasingly used by traf- smuggling network that used wrongdoing. ICC. Such a withdrawal comes poor drug suspects have been BANGKOK: A major Laos drug ficking gangs keen to reach Nong Khai, the Thai border point But opposition parties are into effect after a year. killed under Duterte’s drug lord dubbed ‘Mr X’ was jailed for markets in Thailand, Malaysia and with Laos, to move drugs south, calling for Aso to resign, while Although the Philippine crackdown, according to the life yesterday by a Bangkok court, as far as Australia and Japan -- the judge added. the affair could dash Abe’s Senate ratified the Rome national police. Human rights as Thailand battles record meth where the price of the drug spikes. Standing handcuffed in his hopes of winning a third Statute, Duterte said the treaty groups have reported higher trafficking through its borders. A Bangkok court initially prison uniform, Xaysana did not three-year term as head of his was never enforced in the death tolls. Duterte argues that Xaysana Keopimpha, a swag- handed Xaysana the death penalty react as the verdict was delivered. Liberal Democratic Party in country because it was not pub- the killings do not amount to gering Laotian who before his but reduced it to life imprisonment He faces another trial for pos- a September party leadership lished in the government crimes against humanity, gen- arrest paraded his celebrity links after he admitted several charges session of 3.3 million yaba pills die election. journal as required by law. ocide or similar atrocities. and penchant for sports cars on of drug smuggling, including over to start in July. Besides Sagawa’s tes- The court said in a Bensouda’s preliminary social media, was picked up at 1.2 million ‘yaba’ pills in a case Details of Xaysana’s colourful timony, opposition law- statement it regretted Duterte’s examination will assess whether Bangkok’s main airport in January dating back to 2016. life unspooled after his arrest last makers are demanding Akie move, but stressed it would not there is enough evidence to last year. “Due to his confession during year. Abe and other officials testify affect Bensouda’s preliminary open a full-scale investigation He was accused of being a the investigation process, the court Investigators say he boasted at parliament, making it examination. in the Philippines that could kingpin in a meth smuggling ring decreases his sentence to life a contacts book stuffed with the unlikely that Sagawa’s It cited a decision in another lead to charges against those that funnelled tonnes of Myanmar imprisonment,” a Criminal Court rich and powerful, including Thai appearance as a sworn case which said that the ICC deemed most responsible for made ‘yaba’ pills and ice (crystal judge said in his ruling. celebrities, who may have helped witness will draw a clear line retains jurisdiction over crimes crimes. meth) through Communist Laos Evidence pulled from mobile shield his narcotics cartel. under the whole affair.

S Korean musicians to perform in North since 2007 Japanese court throws out Syrians’ AFP bid to overturn refugee ruling REUTERS SEOUL: K-pop stars will play the first right to stay in Japan, under a concerts by South Korean artists in the North humanitarian status that allows for more than a decade, officials said TOKYO: Two Syrian asylum residency but not full refugee yesterday, as the dramatic thaw in relations seekers yesterday lost a bid to rights. It was not clear if the kicked off by the recent Winter Olympics overturn a government decision second plaintiff would appeal. gathers pace. to deny them refugee status, in Immigration and asylum are Seoul will send a total of 160 performers the first such lawsuit in Japan sensitive subjects in Japan, where to Pyongyang for a four day visit from March since civil war erupted in the many pride themselves on cul- 31 to April 3, according to a statement issued Middle Eastern state in 2011. tural and ethnic homogeneity after inter-Korean talks at the border truce The Tokyo District Court even amid a shrinking population village of Panmunjom. upheld a government ruling and the worst labour shortage The group will include local pop legends made five years ago, that the since the 1970s. Cho Yong-pil and Choi Jin-Hee, five-member pair’s bid for asylum was not Youssef, a Kurd from the K-pop group Red Velvet and Seohyun, a admissible under international north of Syria, had applied for former member of the famous K-Pop group refugee law. asylum in Japan in 2012, after Girls’ Generation. South Korean singer and chief delegate Yun Sang exchanges documents with Hyon “The world understands the saying he was persecuted for They will stage the first performances by Song Wol, head of the Samjiyon Orchestra, during their meeting at the truce village of Syrian situation - it’s getting organising pro-democracy South Korean acts in the North since 2007. Panmunjom, North Korea, yesterday. worse. But the Japanese court demonstrations. “It was not easy to select songs that are hasn’t understood that at all,” one The Japanese government wanted by both sides,” Yoon Sang, South The North sent its own art troupe to South Grand Theatre and the Ryugyong Jong Ju of the plaintiffs, Joude Youssef, rejected the claim a year later, Korea’s chief delegate to the talks, told a press Korea to celebrate the the Olympics last Yong Gymnasium, which can accommodate told a news conference. saying he lacked proof of his briefing yesterday. month, with 140 members of the Samjiyon some 12,000 spectators, Yonhap news agency Speaking in Arabic through involvement in protests in Syria. Seoul said the North had invited the art Orchestra staging two performances. reported. a Japanese interpreter, Youssef The second plaintiff had troupe ‘in order to keep the momentum for Despite the misgivings of some South The concerts come ahead of an inter- said he planned to appeal the claimed asylum after refusing peace and reconciliation’, which was galva- Koreans, tickets were in high demand, with Korean summit slated for late April at court’s decision. military service in Syria. nised by the Winter Olympics and built on 156,000 people applying for 530 pairs of Panmunjom. The second asylum seeker Although a major donor to when South Korean special envoys met North available seats. In 1985, South Korean musicians held was not at the news international aid organisations, Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this The South Korean troupe will give two their first concert in Pyongyang as part of conference. Japan has remained reluctant to month. concerts, at the 1,500-seat East Pyongyang cultural exchanges. Lawyers said Youssef had the take in refugees. US-South Korea military drills to resume next month REUTERS Seoul yesterday. There has been a flurry insults between Kim and Trump, had led of diplomatic activity across Asia, the to increased fears of confrontation on SEOUL: The United States and South United States and Europe since the North the Korean peninsula in recent months Korea will resume joint military drills sent delegations to the Winter Olympics, before the diplomatic contacts. China, next month, Seoul and Washington said moves that culminated in North Korea’s North Korea’s main ally, says it is happy yesterday, exercises that will go ahead planned summits with the South and to see an easing of tensions. despite US President Donald Trump’s with the United States. The Pentagon said the North Korean planned meeting with North Korean The South Korean and US militaries military had been notified about the leader Kim Jong Un. usually stage the two drills in March for schedule for the drills by the United Seoul and Washington said in about two months but the period of this Nations Command. January they would delay the annual year’s field exercise was cut by half, “Our combined exercises are exercises until after the Winter Olympics mainly due to the Olympics, said the defence-oriented and there is no reason and Paralympics held in South Korea last South Korean official, who asked not to for North Korea to view them as a prov- month, helping to create conditions for be identified. ocation,” Pentagon spokesman Lieu- a resumption of talks between South and The exercises will be of a “scale tenant Colonel Christopher Logan said A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet lands at the Osan US Air Base in Pyeongtaek, North Korea. similar to that of the previous years” and in a statement. South Korea, yesterday. The reclusive North routinely are meant “to improve our readiness The South Korean official said con- denounces the drills as preparation for against various North Korean threats”, sultations were underway over whether any specific North Korean actions or the was announced in January, Pyongyang war. the official said. US strategic assets such as nuclear- current situation on the Korean agreed to hold the first official talks with The Foal Eagle field exercise is North Korea is pursuing nuclear and powered aircraft carriers or bombers peninsula. Seoul in more than two years and then scheduled to begin on April 1 and go on missile programmes in defiance of UN would be deployed for the drills. The Key Resolve simulated exercises sent athletes and officials to the Winter for a month, while the computer-simu- Security Council sanctions and has made Logan said the two joint drills would would likely overlap with a summit Olympics. Those talks led to a visit this lated Key Resolve will be held for two no secret of its plans to develop a missile involve about 23,700 US troops and between the two Koreas, planned for late month by a South Korean delegation to weeks starting in mid-April, a South capable of reaching the US mainland. 300,000 South Korean forces. April, the South Korean official said. Pyongyang for a meeting with the North Korean military official told reporters in Such plans, and the exchange of He said they were not in response to After the postponement of the drills Korean leader. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 EUROPE 15 Sarkozy held Spy case: Russian envoys leave UK AP

MOSCOW: Nearly two dozen over Gaddafi Russian diplomats headed home yesterday after Britain’s prime minister ordered them to leave because of a nerve agent attack on UK soil. cash inquiry Several dozen people, including children, emerged from the Russian Embassy in west AP Investigators are London with suitcases, bags and examining claims pet carriers. Some hugged before PARIS: Former French pres- that Gaddafi’s regime they boarded vehicles, including ident Nicolas Sarkozy was secretly gave former a white minibus, and were driven placed in custody yesterday as away. They were expected to part of an investigation into French president arrive in Moscow yesterday allegations he received millions Nicolas Sarkozy evening. of euros in illegal campaign $6.2m overall for the On March 14, Prime Minister financing from the regime of the 2007 campaign. Theresa May gave the 23 dip- late Libyan leader Muammar lomats - whom she said were Gaddafi. undeclared intelligence agents - A judicial source with source of campaign funds. a week to leave Britain. direct knowledge of the case A former top aide of Sarkozy That prompted Russia to said that Sarkozy was being was reportedly questioned yes- retaliate with its own expulsion held at the Nanterre police terday but was not detained. of 23 British diplomats, who are station, north-west of Paris. Sarkozy can be held up to 48 expected to leave in the coming Sarkozy has vehemently hours and could be placed days. People board a van bearing diplomatic plates carrying luggage after leaving the Russian Embassy, and repeatedly denied wrong- under formal investigation after Tensions between the two in London, yesterday. doing in the case, which his hearing. countries have risen since the involves funding for his winning In the Mediapart interview March 4 poisoning of former to consider possible further 2007 presidential campaign. published in November 2016, Russian spy Sergei Skripal and measures against Russia. May Though an investigation has Takieddine said he was given his daughter, Yulia, in the English and other European Union Russia demands proof on role been underway since 2013, the 5 million euros in Tripoli by city of Salisbury. They remain in leaders are due to discuss the AFP case gained traction some three Gadhafi’s intelligence chief on critical condition. poisoning at a summit LONDON: Russia hit back at Britain in the spy poisoning row, years later when French-Leb- trips in late 2006 and 2007 and Britain says they were poi- tomorrow. demanding proof of its alleged involvement in a nerve agent anese businessman Ziad Tak- that he gave the money in suit- soned with a Soviet-developed The Russian Foreign Ministry attack, as international weapons experts arrived to take samples ieddine told the online investi- cases full of cash to Sarkozy form of nerve agent known as accused Britain and other EU of the toxic substance. The March 4 poisoning of former double gative site, Mediapart, that he and Gueant on three occasions. Novichok. Western powers see member states of developing agent Sergei Skripal – just two weeks ahead of Russia’s presi- delivered suitcases from Libya He said the handovers took the attack as a sign of increas- similar nerve agents, and said dential poll in which Vladimir Putin was re-elected – has plunged containing $6.2m in cash to place in the Interior Ministry, ingly aggressive Russian med- Britain’s government is stirring relations between London and Moscow into crisis. Sarkozy and his former chief of while Sarkozy was interior dling abroad. up “media hysteria” around the As the European Union offered Britain its “unqualified soli- staff Claude Gueant. minister. Russia denied involvement, case to distract attention from darity” on Monday, the Kremlin demanded London either come Investigators are examining Takieddine has for years and President Vladimir Putin’s troubles in negotiating the coun- up with proof of Russia’s involvement -- or apologise. claims that Gaddafi’s regime been embroiled in his own spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, try’s exit from the EU. “Sooner or later these unsubstantiated allegations will have secretly gave Sarkozy $6.2m problems with French justice, insisted yesterday that “Russia Russia insists it gave up all its to be answered for: either backed up with the appropriate evi- overall for the 2007 campaign. centering mainly on allega- has no stocks of chemical chemical weapons under inter- dence or apologised for,” said Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Such a sum would be more than tions he provided illegal funds weapons of any kind.” national oversight. Putin himself rejected as “complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense” double the legal campaign to the campaign of conserv- Asked why Russia isn’t The British military and the allegations by London and its allies that Russia was behind the funding limit at the time of 21 ative politician Edouard Bal- showing proof of its innocence, police are continuing to search attack on Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of million euros. ladur for his 1995 presidential he said, “Let’s stay sober-minded for clues around Salisbury into Salisbury. Speaking in Brussels alongside British Foreign Sec- In addition, the alleged election campaign - via com- and first of all wait for proof from what happened. retary Boris Johnson, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg payments would violate missions from the sale of Britain” that Russia was to blame. International chemical said Russia’s response had so far “demonstrated a clear disregard French rules against foreign French submarines to Britain’s National Security weapons experts are due to take for international peace and security”. financing and declaring the Pakistan. Council was meeting yesterday samples of the nerve agent.

Three arrested in Slovakia President rejects Pellegrini’s proposed cabinet Spain over homage REUTERS police, to meet the demands of an EU member since 2004. protesters and the president. The president was due to to late separatist

BRATISLAVA: Slovak President “(Pellegrini) has to convince meet protest organisers yes- Andrej Kiska rejected prime (people) that the new gov- terday. They said on their AFP minister-designate Peter ernment will bring about changes Facebook page another protest Pellegrini’s proposed cabinet that we are expecting,” Kiska said would take place on Friday. More MADRID: Spanish police yesterday and called for stronger on his decision to reject the pro- than 50,000 poured into Brati- yesterday arrested three changes to the government by posed cabinet and give Pellegrini slava last week for a rally. people in the northern Basque Friday to help calm a political until Friday to present a new “Tens of thousands of people Country and Navarra for crisis brought on by the murder proposal. are demonstrating... because they paying homage to a former of a journalist. “He has to create a stable have lost confidence in an honest leading member of separatist Slovakia has seen its largest government, whose composition, interest for justice from those group ETA who died in mass protests since the peaceful especially at the interior ministry, heading the most important November. overthrow of communism almost will be able to calm the tense offices and ministries,” he said. News of the detentions three decades ago after investi- atmosphere in our society.” Fico’s closest ally, Robert comes as controversy mounts gative reporter Jan Kuciak and Kiska, whose role as pres- Kalinak, also resigned as interior in Spain over public tributes his fiancee were shot dead in ident is largely ceremonial, may minister in the crisis after holding to former ETA members who their home last month, swelling A file photo of Slovak prime minister-designate Peter Pellegrini still choose a different prime office in all three Fico-led gov- are feted in their villages after public anger of corruption. (left) with Slovak President Andrej Kiska, in Bratislava. minister. But that nominee would ernments since 2006. their release from jail, Protest organisers said they have a hard time winning parlia- Pellegrini had nominated angering relatives of the mili- would hold a rally in the capital the death of Kuciak, 27, who had and proposed his Smer party col- ment’s approval and a row could Jozef Raz, a political inde- tia’s victims. Bratislava and other cities for a been investigating businessmen league and deputy prime min- eventually lead to a new election. pendent serving as chief of staff “Three people were fourth week on Friday. with political ties suspected of ister Pellegrini to take his place. Kiska has called for a gov- at the Health Ministry, to replace arrested by the Civil Guard Tens of thousands of people corruption. But Pellegrini is under ernment revamp or early elec- him. Pellegrini’s spokesman said (police force) for their partic- have taken to the streets to Prime Minister Robert Fico growing pressure to put forward tions to restore public trust in the the prime minister-designate ipation in acts of homage to demand new elections and guar- resigned last week to keep the a non-partisan official as interior Central European country of 5.4 would react later to Kiska’s a late ETA member,” Interior antees of a fair investigation into three-party government afloat minister, who would oversee million people, which has been objections. Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said. He added they were held on suspicion of “glorifying terror” for paying tribute to Moldova will send envoy back to Russia Jailed Catalan separatist Belen Gonzalez Penalba, known as “Carmen”, a police REUTERS We discussed the range of bilateral, Moldova- ready to drop leadership bid statement said. Russia ties, which in recent times “Carmen”, a leading ETA whole range of AFP CHISINAU: Moldova said bilateral, Moldova- have been going through a dif- Madrid since October 27 when member, was arrested in 1999 yesterday its ambassador to ficult period,” Ulianovschi said. regional lawmakers declared in southwestern France on Russia would return soon to Russia ties, which in “I focused on the need to MADRID: Jordi Sanchez, a independence. suspicion of being tied to at Moscow a few months after his recent times have reject pressure from the Russian separatist civic leader in jail While separatist parties won least four murders. recall in response to alleged been going through side on Moldovan citizens and over his alleged role in Catalo- subsequent regional elections She had been a member harassment and intimidation of a difficult period. I officials visiting Russia.” nia’s secession bid, is mulling in December, retaining their of the “Madrid commando,” Moldovan politicians and offi- Last year the Chisinau gov- dropping his bid to lead the absolute majority in parliament, tasked with bloody attacks in cials by Russian authorities. focused on the need ernment said its officials were region in what could ease a they have still not been able to the Spanish capital in the Moldova and Russia were to reject pressure being mistreated partly to derail months-long political blockage. form a government. 1980s. embroiled in a series of rows last from the Russian side a Moldovan investigation into an In an appeal yesterday at Catalonia’s former pres- She had also been an ETA year, including tit-for-tat expul- on Moldovan citizens alleged Russian-led money laun- the Supreme Court against the ident Carles Puigdemont, who negotiator twice in peace sions of each other’s diplomats dering operation. Russia has decision to keep him in jail was sacked by Madrid after the negotiations in Algeria in and Moldova declaring the and officials visiting accused Moldova of “some pending a probe into alleged independence declaration and 1989 and again in Switzerland Russian deputy prime minister Russia: Minister openly anti-Russian actions”. sedition and rebellion, left for Belgium where he lives in 1999. She died from cancer persona non grata. The Moldovan ambassador Sanchez’s lawyers said he was in self-exile, was their first can- in November aged 59. Former Soviet Moldova is was recalled in December.] “considering giving up his (par- didate to lead the region again Those arrested yesterday- politically divided between a pro- who will return to Russia in the Since his election in 2016, liamentary) seat in the coming but he eventually dropped his include Antton Lopez Ruiz Western government, which coming days, has been con- Dodon’s pro-Russia stance has days.” bid. and Oihana Garmendia, two favours closer integration with sulting with the Moldovan caused frequent clashes with the If he does this, separatist Puigdemont instead pro- former prisoners, according the European Union, and authorities on the outlook for government, which has sought parties would be able to des- posed Sanchez, the former head to Basque separatist party Russian-backed President Igor relations with Moscow, Foreign to curb his efforts to undermine ignate a new candidate for the of the influential pro-inde- Sortu. Dodon. Minister Tudor Ulianovschi said. Moldova’s bid to move closer presidency of Catalonia, which pendence ANC civil society Zoido said the operation Ambassador Andrei Negutsa, “We discussed the whole towards Europe. has been under direct rule from group. was still ongoing. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 EU dismisses Poland’s defence of judicial overhaul

REUTERS The EU Commission under the so-called Article 7 pun- Speaking to reporters after Brussels-based European Com- has been debating it, albeit reluc- has given Poland until ishment mechanism. the ministerial session in Brussels, mission on the matter. tantly, for months now causes BRUSSELS: The European Union Tuesday to restore “There was agreement across Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister But Germany’s EU minister damage to Poland’s reputation executive yesterday dismissed the table that this white paper is Konrad Szymanski reiterated the Michael Roth yesterday said and highlights its growing iso- Poland’s latest defence of court the rule of law, or not the answer to the Commis- reforms posed no risk to the rule Poland, which may risk losing bil- lation in the EU. reforms that critics say weaken risk proceedings sion’s recommendations,” Tim- of law. lions of euros in EU handouts as an The bloc lacks hard tools to democracy, potentially paving under the so-called mermans told a news conference Warsaw has until the end of indirect consequence of the force Warsaw back into line on the way for more clashes with after the meeting, adding that EU the day to come up with a formal dispute, must not just play for time. the courts specifically. Warsaw after weeks of some Article 7 punishment ministers would discuss the answer to the Commission. “Talking for talking’s sake is But, as ties between Poland rapprochement. mechanism. matter again next month. Poland’s state news agency not enough and I hope that and the wealthier net payers to Poland, the biggest former “If this idea that you have the PAP quoted the response as today... will give a clear signal the EU’s joint coffers sour, it communist EU state, stands right to reform the judiciary... is saying Warsaw rejects the crit- that EU members support the raises the risk that they would accused of subjecting its courts and balances. understood as the right to put it icism and refuses to retract the European Commission in this retaliate by stripping Warsaw of to more government control since The European Commission’s under political control, then we laws, but is ready to assess jointly essential matter,” Roth said. some funding in bloc’s the next, the nationalist Law and Justice deputy head, Frans Timmermans, have a problem.” with the Commission the results The top sanction of stripping long-term budget from 2021. (PiS) party won power in late debated the matter with EU min- Warsaw says it was led by the of the changes. Poland of its voting rights is all Speaking in Warsaw on 2015. isters meeting in Brussels after need to improve efficiency and After a two-year feud but certain not to materialise as Monday, German Chancellor The bloc has threatened Poland published a “white paper” accountability by removing between Warsaw and the more Warsaw’s ally Hungary - where Angela Merkel hoped Poland’s unprecedented punishment, defending the judicial changes. judges who served in the post- liberal, western EU states, the Prime Minister Viktor Orban ruling nationalists would satisfy including of suspending War- The Commission has given World War Two communist gov- Poland’s new Prime Minister has plenty of his own clashes with Europe’s concerns. Morawiecki saw’s vote, if Poland does not Poland until Tuesday to restore ernment, which collapsed in Mateusz Morawiecki has reo- the EU - has vowed to block it. responded that he hoped for a restore the democratic checks the rule of law, or risk proceedings 1989. pened dialogue with the But the sole fact that the EU deal over the coming two months.

Britain rejects Vienna remains world’s offer to lead EU military force most liveable city: Poll REUTERS after Brexit boasting a vibrant cultural scene, comprehensive healthcare and REUTERS VIENNA: Austria’s capital Vienna moderate housing costs. once again defended its position Vienna is followed by Swit- LONDON: Britain has with- as the city offering the best quality zerland’s Zurich and then New drawn its offer to lead a of life in the world, while Iraq’s Zealand’s Auckland and Ger- European Union military capital Baghdad remains the many’s Munich in joint third. force next year because of worst in an annual survey from Vancouver, ranked fifth, Brexit, the Ministry of Defence consulting firm Mercer. offers the best quality of living said yesterday. Mercer’s survey of 231 cities in North America. Singapore at Rapid-reaction forces of helps companies and organisa- 25 and Montevideo at 77 topped about 1,500 soldiers, called tions determine compensation the Asian and Latin American EU Battlegroups, were formed and hardship allowances for places. The best African entry in 2007 but have never been international staff. Its criteria on the list was South Africa’s deployed. include political stability, health Durban in 89th place. “The European Com- care, education, crime, recre- A year before Britain is mission has been clear that a ation and transport. expected to leave the EU, its third country cannot be an EU Europe has eight of the highest ranked city, London, fell Framework Nation and world’s top 10 most pleasant one rank to 41 in an annual therefore the UK cannot lead cities: Germany and Switzerland comparison. an EU-badged Battlegroup each have three cities in the top Over the past 20 years, just after we have left the EU,” 10, while New Zealand, Canada living standards increased the a government spokesperson Work of art and Australia each have one. most in some eastern European said. With a population of 1.8 cities such as Sarajevo, now at The defence ministry Britain’s Queen Elizabeth visits the Royal Academy of Arts, in London, yesterday. million, Vienna topped the survey 159, and Bratislava, at 80, the added in a statement: “We for the ninth year in a row, report said. could not have been any clearer about the UK’s uncon- ditional commitment to European security,” “As we have said, we are Hungary defends anti-immigration stance at UNHRC seeking a deep and special partnership in this area and REUTERS see no reason why it could not of Hungary’s record in upholding Szijjarto told the panel: “First and Hungary responded with a “We Hungarians have lived already be effective from civil and political rights, less than foremost, it is a firm conviction border fence and rejection of the past 1,000 years in a Christian 2019.” GENEVA: Hungary defended its three weeks before a parlia- of the government that the Hun- European Union proposals to society, in an integrated, homog- The timing of the anti-immigration stance at the mentary election. garian people have the right to settle migrants in member states enous society; that is what we announcement comes as United Nations, saying it was Prime Minister Viktor Orban live a life in security, without fear under a quota system. Most of the consider invaluable, and we con- Britain is seeking European determined to maintain a homo- told a rally last Thursday that of terrorist atrocities.” migrants were Muslims fleeing tinue to insist on this.” help in the wake of what it geneous, Christian society. voters must fight “external forces In 2015, Hungary had a “sad conflict in the Middle East. He said non-governmental alleges is Russia’s use of The United Nations Human and international powers” who experience” when some 400,000 “The Hungarian government organisations that lobby for more chemical weapons to target Rights Committee (UNHRC), wanted to foist mass immigration migrants passed through on their has not admitted illegal migrants tolerance of immigration were a former double agent in composed of independent on their country. way to western Europe, “ignoring and will not admit them in not elected and did not represent Salisbury earlier this month. experts, began a two-day review Foreign Minister Peter all rules”, he said. future,” Szijjarto said. the Hungarian people.

Source in Maltese scandal Number of EU surrenders to Greek police asylum seekers drop REUTERS The police official said there were two arrest AP ATHENS: A former bank warrants against employee who ignited a political BRUSSELS: The European scandal in Malta when she Maria Efimova from Union’s statistics agency said became a source for an inves- Malta for various the number of people tigative journalist who was violations, including applying for asylum in Europe murdered last year has surren- embezzlement. has dropped to levels similar dered to Greek police and been to those recorded before the arrested at Malta’s request, a wave of migrant arrivals in senior Greek police official said Michelle Muscat, wife of Prime 2015. yesterday. Minister Joseph Muscat, owned Eurostat said yesterday Maltese prosecutors have a secret company in Panama. that almost 650,000 people filed a European warrant for the Joseph Muscat and his wife applied for asylum in the 28 arrest of Maria Efimova, a have denied the accusations. EU nations for the first time Russian who left Malta for Efimova also gave evidence last year, around half the Greece last year with her family, this year to a committee of the applicants in the year 2015 on suspicion of European Parliament about the when hundreds of thousands An employee cleans the wall after a grenade blast in a shop, in central Chisinau, yesterday. embezzlement. case. Ana Gomes, a Portuguese of people, mostly Syrians, The police official, speaking member of the assembly, arrived. on condition of anonymity, said demanded that EU states give Over 102,000 were there were two arrest warrants her whistleblower status and Two dead in Moldovan shop explosion Syrians, 47,500 were Iraqis against her from Malta for grant her “asylum or interna- and 43,600 were Afghans. AFP various violations, including tional protection, since she is at paying, the chief of Moldovan man had intended to set off the Almost one in three embezzlement. serious risk”. police Alexandr Panzari said. grenade at the shop. people sought asylum in “She was arrested last night Caruana Galizia was killed CHISINAU: Two people were The man, identified as a res- The explosion killed the man Germany in the year 2017, and she is expected to appear by a car bomb in October 2017. killed and two others injured in ident of Chisinau with a criminal as well as another person who while 20 percent filed in before a prosecutor,” the official Three men have been charged Moldova yesterday after a man record, had the grenade “either stood near the store, while the Italy and 14 percent in said. with killing her but police have set off a grenade near a shop in his bag or his pocket”, he said. saleswoman and another person France. Efimova was employed for yet to name a likely motive. where he tried to steal several “The salesman did not allow were wounded, added Panzari. Few applied in Slovakia, three months in 2016 by the Pilatus Bank has for its part packs of cigarettes, the country’s him to leave with the cigarettes,” “An investigation is under Poland, Portugal, the Czech Maltese-registered Pilatus Bank. accused Efimova of embez- police chief said. said Panzari. way,” he said. Republic and Estonia. The journalist, Daphne Caruana zlement. Efimova denies all A man went into a shop in “He dropped the grenade The former Soviet republic, Almost 1 million applica- Galizia, named her as the source charges and has counter-sued the capital Chisinau before while exiting the shop which wedged between Romania and tions were still being con- of internal bank documents the bank for failing to pay her midday, took 10 cigarette packs blew up at the entrance.” Ukraine, is one of the poorest sidered by national author- which Galizia said indicated that salary. and tried to leave without It was unclear whether the countries in Europe. ities at the end of last year. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 AMERICAS 17 Fifth package bomb blows up in Texas

REUTERS “The package, filled delivery office in Sunset Valley. with nails and metal It appears that the source of the AUSTIN: A package bomb blew shrapnel, exploded suspect packages was a private up at a FedEx distribution center package delivery office in Sunset near San Antonio yesterday, shortly after midnight Valley,” Sunset Valley police said hastening investigators to seek local time at the FedEx in a statement. the public’s help in determining Corp sorting facility in Even with the apparent if there is any link to four Schertz, Texas.” Austin link, it remained unknown homemade bombs that have whether the latest incident was rocked the state capital of Austin the work of what Austin police this month. package at the same facility, San said could be a serial bomber Hundreds of federal investi- Antonio Police Chief Bill who is responsible for the four gators joined local authorities in McManus told reporters earlier devices that killed two probing the bombings, which the “There was one other people and injured four others. White House said do not appear package that we believe was also The blast at the FedEx facility to be linked to terrorism. loaded with an explosive device in Schertz was the fifth in the FBI, ATF and local police investigate an explosion at a FedEx facility, in Schertz, Texas, yesterday. The latest blast knocked a that they are looking at right state in the last 18 days and the female employee off her feet, now,” McManus told reporters in first involving a commercial police said. The package, filled Schertz, about 20 miles (30 km) parcel service. intelligence regarding the motive sources declined to be providing information leading the with nails and metal shrapnel, northeast of San Antonio. “We are committed to for the bombings or identity of identified. arrest or conviction of the culprit, exploded shortly after midnight In Sunset Valley, a town bringing perpetrators of these the bomber or bombers, a US Federal authorities at the and public urged the bomber to local time (0500 GMT) at the within Austin, police surrounded heinous acts to justice. There is security official and a law scene offered few details, telling communicate with them to FedEx Corp sorting facility in a FedEx store on suspicion it was no apparent nexus to terrorism enforcement official told Reuters. reporters their probe was in the explain the motivation for the Schertz, Texas, about 105km linked to the Schertz bombing. at this time,” White House The FBI was investigating the early stages and that the building attacks. south of Austin, the San Antonio “The FBI is currently investi- spokesman Sarah Sanders said FedEx package explosion as if would be secured before inves- We need the public’s help Fire Department said on Twitter. gating a confirmed link between in a Twitter post. there were a connection to the tigators could gather evidence. right now,” said James Smith, the Investigators were also packages involved in the Austin Investigators were trying to Austin bombings, the law Authorities offered a assistant special agent in charge examining a second suspicious bombing investigation and a mail come up with a theory or enforcement official said. Both $115,000 reward to anyone of the FBI’s San Antonio office.

Pulitzer Prize US actress announces winner Les Payne dies NY gubernatorial bid AP AFP activist, who has campaigned for gay marriage, public schools NEW YORK: Longtime New NEW YORK: Cynthia Nixon, the and access to women’s health York journalist and Pulitzer US actress who shot to fame as care, announced that she was Prize winner, Les Payne, workaholic lawyer Miranda on “sick of politicians who care whose career took him from “Sex and the City,” jumped into more about headlines and the poppy fields of Turkey to the race for New York governor, power than they do about us.” the Soweto uprising in South unveiling a progressive platform “Our leaders are letting us Africa to the streets of championing economic equality down. We are now the most American cities, has died. He and eschewing big business. unequal state in the entire was 76. The 51-year-old declared country with both incredible Payne’s family confirmed her candidacy with a two- wealth and extreme poverty. his death to Newsday, where minute campaign video posted Half the kids in our upstate he worked for nearly four on Twitter that showed her at cities live below the poverty decades, rising through the home with her wife and line. How did we let this ranks from reporter to asso- children, riding the subway, happen?” she said in the video. ciate managing editor. taking one of her children to “Something has to change. The newspaper reported school and speaking at liberal We want our government to yesterday that the journalist political causes. work again -- on health care, died unexpectedly on Monday The move confirmed spec- ending mass incarceration, night at his home in Harlem. ulation that Nixon would chal- fixing our broken subway. Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Richard Burr (centre) and the committee’s vice-chairman Payne oversaw foreign lenge incumbent Democratic “Together we can win this Senator Mark Warner (fifth right) with members of the committee on Capitol Hill, in Washington, yesterday. and national coverage for Governor Andrew Cuomo. If fight,” finished the New York- Newsday, was an editor of elected, Nixon would be New born and raised Nixon, who said New York Newsday and York state’s first woman and she grew up with her mother in wrote a column. He retired in US launches plan to curb election hacking first openly gay governor. what she called “a one- 2006. The actress and liberal bedroom, fifth-floor walkup.” REUTERS “Les Payne spent almost said at a news conference. assistance to states in fighting four decades at Newsday He said there was no evi- election hacking. It also recom- establishing a standard of WASHINGTON: A US Senate dence any vote was changed but mended that Washington journalistic excellence that committee yesterday released said warnings did not provide “clearly communicate” that has been a beacon for all who its first draft recommendations enough information or always attacks on elections are hostile have come after him,” on how to prevent foreign go to the right person. and respond accordingly. Newsday Editor Deborah hacking of US elections, calling “We are here to express con- The draft recommendations Henley said. on Congress to help states cerns but also confidence in our called on the Department of “His skill, his passion and tighten security after spending state and local governments,” he Homeland Security to create his integrity were all elements more than a year investigating said. clear channels of communication in a distinguished career that, Russian attempts to target the The committee’s initial between the federal government in his own words, led to ‘jour- voting system in the 2016 findings amounted to the most and state and local officials. nalism that brought attention campaign. comprehensive and bipartisan US intelligence agencies to problems, and sometimes “It is clear the Russian gov- recommendations to improve determined that Moscow inter- helped solve those problems.’” ernment was looking for the vul- election cyber security since the fered in the campaign to boost “He appreciated the nerabilities in our election 2016 presidential contest. Republican President Donald people who appreciated him: system,” Senator Richard Burr, The committee recom- Trump’s chances of being the readers,” his wife, Violet, the Republican chairman of the mended Congress “urgently elected, allegations that have Cynthia Nixon meets with people at the Bethesda Healing Center, said. Senate Intelligence Committee, pass” legislation to boost shadowed his presidency. in Brooklyn, yesterday. Minneapolis officer charged Canadian govt unveils gun control bill for shooting woman AFP The proposed law “While Canada is one of the 2016, while gun homicides rose AP department’s policy on body comes as Canada’s safest countries in the world, by two-thirds to 223. cameras. OTTAWA: The Canadian overall crime rate increased gun crime has caused Most firearms owned by MINNEAPOLIS: A Minneapolis Hennepin County Attorney government unveiled slightly too much violence and taken too Canadians are non-restricted police officer who shot and Mike Freeman, planned news stricter gun laws on Tuesday that continues to fall, but many lives in communities of all long guns such as hunting rifles killed an Australian woman in conference to discuss the include enhanced background gun crimes are on the kinds,” Public Safety Minister and shotguns. July turned himself in yesterday charges. checks and restrictions on who rise. Ralph Goodale said in a statement. For the most part, handguns, after a warrant was issued for Noor has not spoken pub- can own firearms, in response to “With this legislation and our semi-automatics or fully auto- his arrest, his attorney said. A licly about the case. His a spike in gang-related gun other measures, we are taking matic firearms are already jail roster said he was held on attorney, Thomas Plunkett, con- crimes. Vendors would also be concrete steps to make our restricted or prohibited. third-degree murder and firmed Noor turned himself in. Checks used to go back only obliged to verify the validity of country less vulnerable to the Under the new law, two second-degree manslaughter A policeman who was with five years but now will look at a buyers’ firearm licenses before scourge of gun violence, while groups of guns (Swiss and Czech charges. Noor at the time of the shooting, person’s entire “life history” completing a transaction, and being fair to responsible, law- assault rifles) that were down- Officer Mohamed Noor shot Matthew Harrity, told investi- before a gun ownership license keep a sales record for 20 years abiding firearms owners and graded by the previous Tory Justine Ruszczyk Damond, a gators that he was startled by a is issued, according to the draft -- which would be accessible by businesses,” he said. administration in 2015 would be 40-year-old life coach on July loud noise right before Damond legislation. police authorized by the courts. The proposed law comes as relisted at a higher classification. 15 minutes after she called 911 approached the driver’s side Persons with a mental illness The legislation would not add Canada’s overall crime rate con- However, owners would be to report a possible sexual window of their police SUV. linked to violence, who have a to the current list of restricted or tinues to fall, but gun crimes are allowed to keep them under a assault in the alley behind her Harrity, who was driving, history of violence or have been prohibited weapons. Instead it on the rise. grandfather clause as long as home. Damond’s death drew said Noor then fired his weapon convicted of criminal offenses would put the onus on federal According to government they followed the new classifi- international attention, cost the from the passenger seat. such as harassment or drug traf- police to make decisions on gun statistics, the number of crimes cation rules limiting their use to police chief her job and forced Damond died of a gunshot ficking would be prohibited from classifications in order to remove involving guns increased 30 activities such as target practice major revisions to the wound to the abdomen. owning a gun. political interference. percent to 2,465 from 2013 to or as part of a collection. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 US pledges $2.5m aid to Venezuelan migrants REUTERS Lawmakers also 550,000. urged the Trump The crisis has posed major WASHINGTON: The United administration to give challenges for governments in States will provide $2.5m in food the region, who also worry that and medical aid to Venezuelans food and medicine to assistance to Venezuelans could fleeing their economically- Venezuelans inside increase the number of people crippled country to neighbouring their own country. leaving their country. Colombia and is poised to help The US official, Another US official cited UN other countries if the situation data showing more than 1.5 worsens, US officials said however, said the million Venezuelans have been yesterday. Maduro government displaced by the crisis. The It is the first funding by the had refused direct USAID money was for the most US government’s main aid vulnerable and was not meant agency to help Venezuela’s assistance. to be a long-term measure, the neighbours deal with the influx official said. of hundreds of thousands of In a joint statement, Repre- School buses are lined up in front of Great Mills High School after a shooting, in Maryland, yesterday. people trying to escape hunger has fallen on hard times under sentative Eliot Engel, the ranking and poverty in Venezuela. Maduro and more Venezuelans Democrat in the US House of The move signals Wash- are leaving as an economic Representatives Committee on ington is seeking to boost its meltdown worsens and oppo- Foreign Affairs, and Rep Ileana Three hurt in Maryland school shooting involvement in the fallout from sition hopes of fair elections Ros-Lehtinen, the top Repub- REUTERS Venezuela’s crisis following fade. lican on the committee, said the student at Great Mills High student shooter was shot by the several rounds of financial sanc- “Regrettably, this crisis in funding was a “welcome start” School in St Mary’s County security officer or wounded in tions that have effectively Venezuela, which is now spilling but urged other countries to also GREAT MILLS: A student shot before the campus security another fashion. blocked President Nicolas into the broader region, is man- step up. and critically wounded two officer intervened, county Sheriff The relationship between Maduro’s ability to borrow made - the result of continued They also urged the Trump fellow students at a Maryland Timothy Cameron said. the students and the shooter’s money abroad. political mismanagement and administration to give food and high school yesterday morning All three students were in motivation were unclear, Mark Green, administrator corruption by the Maduro medicine to Venezuelans inside before exchanging fire with a critical condition at hospitals. Cameron said. “You train to of the US Agency for Interna- regime,” Green said. their own country. The US campus security officer, who The officer was not harmed, respond to this and you hope tional Development (USAID), Colombia has borne the official, however, said the ended the attack by wounding and the public school’s roughly that you never ever have to. This said in a statement that the brunt of the exodus of Maduro government had refused the shooter, the county sheriff 1,600 students were later is the realisation of your worst assistance will go to Vene- Venezuelans. direct assistance. said. escorted off campus by police, nightmare.” zuelan migrants and the The number of Venezuelans US Senator Bob Menendez, The school day had barely classroom by classroom, to The violence was the latest Colombian communities living within its borders jumped a Democrat, called for a donor begun when the student, who reunite with their parents at in a decades-long series of hosting them. by 62 percent in the second half conference to coordinate has not been identified, shot a another high school. deadly gun attacks at American OPEC-member Venezuela of last year to more than assistance for Venezuelans. male student and a female It was not clear whether the schools and colleges. Trump greets Putin on re-election; McCain slams outreach BLOOMBERG Trump said, adding that he and Russian intelligence services Arizona Republican, criticised insulted every Russian citizen who annual address to the nation. The expects to meet Putin “in the not that are alleged to have meddled Trump’s outreach to the Russian was denied the right to vote in a announcement was accompanied WASHINGTON: US President too distant future to discuss the in the 2016 election on the pres- leader. free and fair election to determine by an animated video in which Donald Trump said he expects to arms race which is getting out of ident’s behalf. Trump didn’t “An American president does their country’s future.” some of the weapons appeared meet soon with Russian President control.” mention the sanctions, and the not lead the Free World by con- Earlier this month, Trump to target the US. Vladimir Putin, after calling Trump’s call with Putin came Kremlin’s readout of the call gratulating dictators on winning issued a rare rebuke of Putin after Putin has accused the US of yesterday to congratulate him on less than a week after the US didn’t say whether the matter sham elections,” McCain said in a the Russian leader announced triggering a new arms race by his re-election. issued financial sanctions against came up. statement. “And by doing so with new, supposedly “invincible” continuing work on a missile “We had a very good call,” a St Petersburg-based “troll farm” Senator John McCain, the Vladimir Putin, President Trump nuclear weapons during an defence system.

Remembering tragedy

People affected by the September 2017 earthquake holding posters as they take part in a march to mark the six-month anniversary of the quake, in Mexico City, yesterday.

California braces US agent faces trial over for powerful storm AP murder of Mexican teen AP LOS ANGELES : Thousands of Sonora, just across the border of people are under evacu- from Nogales, Arizona. ation orders as a powerful TUCSON: A rare second-degree “An autopsy showed the Pacific storm approaches murder trial of a US Border unarmed teen was hit 10 times, California. Patrol agent accused of shooting mostly from behind. Following The National Weather across the international jury selection, opening state- Service says an atmospheric boundary into Mexico in 2012 ments later Tuesday or on river - a huge plume of sub- and killing a teenager is set to Wednesday,” said Cosme Lopez, tropical moisture - is aimed at start with jury selection. spokesman for the US District the state’s central and The trial started yesterday Court for the District of Arizona. southern coast, where wildfire in US District Court in Tucson Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with scars have left foothill com- comes amid President Donald the American Civil Liberties munities vulnerable to Trump’s crackdown on illegal Union, said he believes Swartz flooding and debris flows. immigration and his promise to will be the first border agent The storm is expected to build a wall along the 3,200km prosecuted by the US Justice arrive late Tuesday and US-Mexico border. Department in a fatal shooting persist until tomorrow, Lonnie Swartz is accused of across the international border. bringing 5 to 13cm of rain to killing 16-year-old Jose Antonio Gelernt is handling a civil coastal areas and valleys, and Elena Rodriguez five years ago. lawsuit for the teen’s mother, 13 to 25cm in foothills and The teenager was on the street who is seeking monetary mountains. in Nogales, in the Mexican state damages against Swartz. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 HOME 19 Doha Bank supports MES conducts KG graduation ceremony THE PENINSULA recounted by the young speaker, Ahmed Isham, Director Finance, Midlaj Musthafa. All these KG II Governing Board, MES Indian DOHA: Graduation Day for the graduates thanked their teachers School, Annamma Shammy, Traffic Week activities KG children of MES Indian School and parents for what they have Principal officiating, Rukhsana was organised on March 14. achieved on that day. Mansoor, Coordinator, KG THE PENINSULA In a glittering ceremony con- KG II graduates were also Section, Heads of Sections, ducted at the KG Auditorium, a given a fitting farewell speech by school officials, parents and DOHA: As part of its corporate total of 50 Kindergarten grad- a tiny speaker from KG I A, Zach- teachers. social responsibility initiatives uates from both the divisions of ariah Samson. Earlier, Johan Jobsy of KG II and its commitment to support KG II A & KG II B were felicitated The function was a memo- B welcomed the gathering, while the society’s welfare, Doha Bank with graduation certificates. Kids’ rable one with the presence of PK Amar Ramachandren of KG II A has provided financial support stay at kindergarten was well Mohammed, General Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks. for the various activities of the Traffic Week 2018, organised by the Traffic Department, Ministry of Interior. Ahmed Al Henzab Head of Administration and Properties, and Braik Al Marri Acting Chief Retail Banking Officer at Doha Bank offered the contribution to the Ministry of Interior. The activities of the Traffic Week, laws to protect souls and various segments of the organised by the Traffic properties. community.” Department, Ministry of Interior The 34th Traffic Week, will “The traffic safety is will be held during the period be held under the theme ‘Your undoubtedly an important from March 18 to March 24. The life is a trust’. Al Henzab at Doha matter that affects the lives of event aims to strengthen the Bank said: “Doha Bank has set all members of the society, efforts of the Ministry of Interior its social responsibility as pri- hence, spreading traffic in spreading traffic awareness ority and our support to Traffic awareness and instilling the among citizens and expatriates Week activities stems from our culture of adherence to appli- for the safety of road users to multi-aspect approach towards cable traffic rules and laws play ensure that they comply with participation in various social a vital role in protecting the the applicable traffic rules and schemes which aim to serve souls and properties.”

Media One TV to Chaliyar Doha holds meet for environmental well-wishers host Ghazal contest THE PENINSULA from that, the forum discussed The smooth flow of River Kumar and ICB Vice-President Chaliyam, Siddique Cheruvai, various precautionary possibil- Chaliyar by proper operation of Baburaj delivered felicitation Shahana Elias and Zubair DOHA: Media one TV, a renowned DOHA: Chaliyar Doha conducted ities for the preservation of rivers. the regulator system can solve speeches. Chaliyar Doha’s Pantierankavu were also par- Indian news channel will be a meeting for environmental The event was inaugurated by a range of issues that Chaliyar patron Sidheeq Purayil initiated ticipated in the discussion hosting a Ghazal singing contest well-wishers in context with the ICC President Milan Arun. facing currently. the discussion session on the session of the meeting. Ajmal in connection with the musical ongoing pollution crisis with The meeting demanded that The meet also reminded current environmental issues. Areekode, Vice-President of fiesta - Qayaal - to be held at Qatar rivers around the globe. the rivers should be granted participants about the signif- Sindhu Ramachandran, MT the Chaliyar Doha delivered National Convention Center on Chaliyar Doha, which is with ‘Legal Person’ status in icant of supporting Qatar Nilambur, Usman Kallan, vote of thanks. March 30 as part of the channels’s formed primarily for the pro- order to strengthen legal for- National Environment day Narayanan, Rauf Kondotty, Officials of Chaliyar Doha fifth anniversary celebrations. tection of river Chaliyar, malities for punishing crimes which was in last week of Hussain Kadannamanna, Ravi said that there was a be ‘Sne- The contest, open to all expressed its strong concern over against rivers. February. Puthukudy, Safiya Areekode, hasangamam’ Program at Skill including school students, will the recent contamination in Furthermore, the meet Chaliyar Doha General Sec- Naseeha Majeed, Basheer Development Centre on March be held on March 23, Friday in Chaliyar River and it’s after urges to have proper operations retary Abdul Latheef Feroke Vadakara, Soman Pookkadu, 16 at 1:00pm for recognising cooperation with Freinds Cul- effects such as Green Algae of water regulator system in welcomed the gathering. Pres- Ramla , Jaseeha , Shahida those who contributed in Qatar tural Centre and Thanaima Blooms. Chaliyar River’s flow control ident VC Mashood presided over Jaleel, Muneera Basheer, National Sports day events con- Qatar. For more information The world is running out of bridges thus resulting in clean the function. Fasila Mashood, Mayin Master, ducted by Chaliyar Doha, ‘The and registration, contact rivers, and India is not different and non-polluted water. Former ICC President Girish Jaleel Kutiyadi, Zameel Chaliyar Sports Fest’. 33630616/50245001. CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Tomb Raider 10:00, 11:30am, 12:30, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30, 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, Bonnie Bear: A Mystical Winter (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:30 & 5:30pm 9:30, 10:30pm & 12:00midnight Death Wish (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:15 & Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 2:30, 6:30, 8:45 & 11:00pm 11:30pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, Raid (2D/Hindi) 3:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm 4:00 & 6:00pm The Lodgers (2D) 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Ragdah Almotawahesha (Arabic) 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00pm Boonie Bears: Mystical Winter (2D) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00 Death Wish (Action) 5:00pm Hangman (2D/Thriller) 9:00pm & 6:00pm Talq Sena3y (2D/Arabic) 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight In Syria (2D) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm The Arabian Warrior (2D/Drama) 7:30pm Ragdah Almotawahesha(2D) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00&12:00midnight In Syria (2D/Arabic) 9:00pm Hangman (2D) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Aami (2D/Malayalam) 11:00pm Okdat Al Kawja (2D/Arabic) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00mid- night Black Panther (2D) 10:30am, 3:15 & 8:00pm Game Night 1:15, 6:00 & 10:45pm ASIAN TOWN Tomb Raider (2D) 12:00noon, 2:45, 5:30, 8:15 & 11:10pm Tomb Raider (3D IMAX) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 & 11:00pm Raid (Hindi) 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 & 11:15pm Captain (Malayalam) 2:45pm MALL Kaly (Malayalam) 8:15pm Maya Nadhi 3:15pm Hate Story 4 (Hindi) 6:00pm Bonnie Bear: A Mystical Winter (2D/Animation) 2:30, PHOTO 4:15 & 6:00pm Raid (2D/Hindi) 2:30, 7:15 & 11:30pm Aami (Malayalam) 6:30, 8:00 & 9:30pm Kirrak Party (Telugu) 2:30pm Death Wish (Action) 5:30 & 11:30pm Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 3:00, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:30pm Ragdah Almotawahesha (Arabic) 5:30 & 11:30pm The Arabian Warrior (2D/Drama) 8:00pm Tomb Raider (Action) 11:00am, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Hangman (2D/Thriller) 9:30pm Raid (Hindi) 12:15, 3:00, 5:45, 8:30 & 11:15pm The Lodgers (Horror) 9:45pm Kirrak Party (Telugu) 11:00am & 5:00pm Aami (Malayalam) 2:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm LANDMARK Aami (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 8:00pm ROXY Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 2:30, 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm Bonnie Bears: Mystical Winter 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 Bonnie Bear: A Mystical Winter (2D/Animation) 3:00, 5:00 & 7:15pm & 6:30pm Tomb Raider (Action) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:30, 5:00, Raid (2D/Hindi) 4:45, 9:00 & 11:30pm 6:00, 8:30, 10:30, 11:00 & 12:30pm Kirrak Party (Telugu) 5:30 & 11:00pm The Arabian Warrior (Action) 8:30 & 10:45pm Aami (Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:45 & 7:30pm FLIK Mirqab Raid (Hindi) 10:30am,1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:10 & 11:50pm Aami 11:50am, 3:10, 6:30, 9:50pm Black Panther 11:50am, 12:45, 2:30, 4:35, 5:10, 7:50, 9:15, Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. 10:30pm & 12:00midnight Boonie Bears: Mystical Winter 11:30am, 1:30, 4:35 & 6:30pm Death Wish (Action) 2:00 & 4:15pm IN SYRIA Early Man 2:40pm Ferdinand 10:30am Game Night 6:15 & 11:55pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 12:45, 3:45 & 5:35pm In Syria 3:35 & 10:40pm Ragdah Almotawahesha 10:45, 7:25, 9:25 & 11:25pm The Lodgers 8:30, 10:40pm & 12:35am Tomb Raider 10:20, 12:40, 3:00, 5:20, 7:40, 8:20, 10:00pm & 12:20am 3D 2:00, 4:20, 6:40, 9:00 & 11:20pm

A mother attempts to keep her family safe as war rages and a sniper lies in wait outside her home. This nerve- wracking study of life in Damascus won an Audience Award at Berlinale. 20 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS Research & innovation vital for growth, ARC’18 hears FAJR 04. 21 AM SHOROOK 05. 38 PM THE PENINSULA the needs of its people and its indus- tries, and have the greatest potential ZUHR 11. 41 AM MAGHRIB 05. 47 AM DOHA: Key stakeholders from to create economic and social impact ASR 03. 08 PM ISHA 07. 17 PM academia, industry, business, and through the commercialisation of government in Qatar joined together solutions. to play their part in defining the In the opening day, two plenary WEATHER TODAY future path for the nation’s research session, titled ‘Delivering Impactful and development ecosystem, as the Science, Technology, and Innovation Qatar Foundation Annual Research Strategy’, insightful keynote presen- Conference 2018 (ARC’18) concluded tations provided multinational per- yesterday. spectives on how research strategies The seventh edition of ARC – can bring the greatest benefit to organised by Qatar Foundation society, engage stakeholders, Research and Development (QF R&D) overcome challenges, and pave the – was held over two days at Qatar way for impact. National Convention Centre under Speakers were Professor Mariam Participants listening to experts’ talks at ARC’18. the theme ‘R&D: Focusing On Prior- Al Ali Al Maadeed, Vice-President for ities, Delivering Impact’, with thou- Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar move forward.” economy, and society. sands of local and international del- University; Professor Low Teck Seng, Dr. Hasekioğlu said: “There are Outlining the purpose of Viome, egates participating in expert-led ses- CEO, National Research Foundation, certain pillars that allow a research one of the participating startups, Dr. sions on research, innovation, Singapore; Dr. Orkun Hasekioğlu, and innovation ecosystem to develop Stephen Barrie, the company’s Chief technology, and their role in building Vice-President, Scientific and Tech- – leadership and strategy-planning; Business Development Officer, said: a sustainable, diversified, and glo- nological Research Council of Turkey attracting international talent, which “We provide personalized nutritional bally-competitive economy. (TÜBİTAK); and Datuk Dr. Mohd does not necessarily mean they have recommendations based on your On the second day of the con- Yusoff Sulaiman, President and CEO, to be physically based in the country; unique microbiome, so that you can ference, a series of interactive and Malaysian Industry-Government and having the right environment to optimize your health. In doing so, we in-depth workshops enabled hun- Group for High Technology (MIGHT), nurture ideas and innovation.” are trying to help create a world dreds of R&D stakeholders from all with the session moderated by Dr. The intensive parallel sessions where disease is optional.” sectors in Qatar, and members of the Frans Van Den Boom, Executive that followed – held under the ARC’18 Meanwhile, Arvinder Singh Kang, global R&D community, to contribute Director, Policy, Planning and Eval- Research Strategy Track and across Chief Technology Officer and Co- to launching the process of updating uation, QF R&D. the four QNRS pillars: Energy and Founder of Urban Logiq, a start-up the Qatar National Research Strategy “In research and innovation, we Environment; Computing and Infor- that provides urban intelligence for o o (QNRS), the overarching framework can no longer work alone,” said Datuk mation Technology; Health and Bio- city-planning, said: “City and pro- 20 C 30 C for Qatar’s research objectives. Dr. Sulaiman. “We cannot process all medical; and Social Sciences, Arts and vincial governments often have a lot These sessions represent the start the knowledge and technology that Humanities – saw stakeholders high- of data contained in silos; we collect Minimum Maximum of an ongoing dialogue designed to is available alone – we must work light their initiatives for accelerating it, and then build systems to facilitate ensure the nation’s research and with relevant partners, and there the impact of research and innovation better city-planning based around Misty at places by early morning becomes relatively hot daytime. innovation efforts align with its must be agreement between the in areas of the highest priority and mobility and economic development vision, continue to meet public and private sectors on how to relevance to Qatar’s industry, development.”

HIGH TIDE 07:00 – 20:00 LOW TIDE 01:15 – 13:30 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Bird populations in rural France ‘collapsing’ Reduced emissions can AFP Studies in Chize. Recent research, he noted, has save millions PARIS: Bird populations across uncovered similar trends ANATOLIA an eerily quiet French coun- across Europe, estimating that tryside have collapsed, on flying insects have declined average, by a third over the last by 80 percent, and bird pop- SAN FRANCISCO: Scientists decade-and-a-half, alarmed ulations has dropped by more reported that cutting carbon researchers reported yesterday. than 400 million in 30 years. dioxide emissions in the near Dozens of species have In France, data crossed term could result in seen their numbers decline, from the two studies -- one preventing 153 million deaths in some cases by two-thirds, national, one regional -- also worldwide linked to air the scientists detailed in a pair suggested industrial-scale pollution. of studies, one national in agriculture was to blame. The report finds that mil- scope and the other covering “What is really alarming, lions of premature deaths a large agricultural region in is that all the birds in an agri- would be avoided on every central France. A sparrow sitting on a tree branch at the Palais Royale cultural setting are declining inhabited continent if world “The situation is cata- Gardens in Paris. at the same speed, even ‘gen- governments sped up the strophic,” said Benoit Fon- eralist’ birds,” which also timetable to reduce the taine, a conservation biologist throat, the ortolan bunting, pesticides on vast tracts of thrive in other settings such amount of carbon dioxide at France’s National Museum the Eurasian skylark and monoculture crops, especially as wooded areas, said Bre- emitted into the atmosphere. of Natural History and co- other once-ubiquitous species wheat and corn. tagnolle. “That shows that the The greatest gains would be author of one of the studies. have all fallen off by at least The problem is not that overall quality of the agricul- made in Africa and Asia. “Our countryside is in the a third, according a detailed, birds are being poisoned, but tural ecosystem is deterio- The researchers modeled process of become a veritable annual census initiated at the that the insects on which they rating.” Figures from the how many people would desert,” he said in a commu- start of the century. depend for food have disap- national survey -- which perish if governments limited nique released by the National A migratory song bird, the peared. “There are hardly any relies on a network of hun- the global temperature rise Centre for Scientific Research meadow pipit, has declined insects left, that’s the number dreds of volunteer ornithol- to 1.5 degrees Celsius com- (CNRS), which also con- by nearly 70 percent. The one problem,” said Vincent ogists -- indicate that the pared to 2 degrees Celsius by tributed to the findings. culprit, researchers speculate, Bretagnolle, a CNRS ecologist overall decline intensified in 2100. According to the new The common white is the intensive use of at the Centre for Biological 2016 and 2017. research, though, near-term emissions reduction could save the lives of millions. World’s last male northern white rhino dies Diabetes drug AP could cut his condition worsened in recent developed techniques even weeks, expressed sadness over Sudan could still have an off- liver fat: Study NAIROBI: The world’s last male his imminent death. spring.” Supporters think the IANS northern white rhino, Sudan, has The rhino “significantly con- global efforts to save the sub- died after “age-related compli- tributed to survival of his species species via stem cell and other cations,” researchers announced as he sired two females,” the con- technologies could be used to GURUGRAM: A drug used to yesterday, saying he “stole the servancy said. “Additionally, his help other endangered species. treat Type 2 diabetes could heart of many with his dignity genetic material was collected Some groups such as the London- potentially help in reducing and strength.” A statement from yesterday and provides a hope based Save the Rhino have said liver fat in patients with non- the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in for future attempts at repro- in vitro fertilization is probably alcoholic fatty liver disease Kenya said the 45-year-old rhino duction of northern white rhinos too late to save the northern (NAFLD), and high blood was euthanised on Monday after through advanced cellular tech- white rhino, whose natural sugar, according to the results his condition “worsened signifi- nologies.” The only hope for pre- habitat has faced severe limita- of an early trial. cantly” and he was no longer able serving the subspecies “now lies tions, and that efforts should In people with Type 2 dia- to stand. His muscles and bones in developing in vitro fertilization focus on other critically endan- betes, NAFLD is common and had degenerated and his skin had techniques using eggs from the gered species with a better can progress to a severe liver extensive wounds, with a deep two remaining females, stored chance at survival. disease known as non-alco- infection on his back leg. Najin (left) and Fatu, two of the only remaining female northern northern white rhino semen from Northern white rhinos once holic steatohepatitis (NASH). Euthanasia was “the best white rhinos graze in their paddock, yesterday, at the Ol Pejeta males and surrogate southern roamed parts of Chad, Sudan, The middle-aged adults option, given the quality of his life conservancy in Nanyuki, north of Nairobi. white rhino females,” the Uganda, Congo and Central who received empagliflozin had deteriorated to a point where statement said. African Republic, and were par- drug showed an average 16.2 it was unfair to him,” chief con- dead rhinos and eggs extracted app in a fundraising effort. Semen from dead northern ticularly vulnerable because of to 11.3 percent decrease in servation officer Samuel Mutisya from the two remaining females. The last male northern white white rhinos is stored in various the armed conflicts that have liver fat post 20 weeks of told The Associated Press. “He was a great ambassador rhino had been born in Sudan, locations around the world, and swept the region over decades. treatment. The rhino had been part of for his species and will be the last of his kind to be born in it is critical to keep the two Other rhinos, the southern “Despite the fact that an ambitious effort to save the remembered for the work he did the wild. He was taken to a Czech females alive until the in vitro white rhino and another species, NASH may progress to cir- subspecies from extinction after to raise awareness globally of the zoo and then transferred to fertilization techniques are per- the black rhino, are under heavy rhosis of the liver and liver decades of decimation by plight facing not only rhinos, but Kenya in 2009 with the three fected, Vigne with the con- pressure from poachers who kill cancer, there are no approved poachers, with the help of the two also the many thousands of other other remaining fertile northern servancy told the AP earlier this them for their horns to supply medications for treating surviving females. One is his species facing extinction as a white rhinos at the time. They month. Sudan’s death “is a cruel illegal markets in parts of Asia. NASH or NAFLD, and agents 27-year-old daughter, Najin, and result of unsustainable human were placed under 24-hour symbol of human disregard for Roughly 20,000 southern like metformin, pioglitazone, the other is her 17-year-old activity,” said the conservancy’s armed guard and fed a special nature and it saddened everyone white rhinos remain in Africa. and Vitamin E have had daughter, Fatu. CEO, Richard Vigne. diet. “However, despite the fact who knew him. But we should Their numbers dipped below 100 limited success in reducing His death won’t have an Sudan was something of a that they were seen mating, there not give up,” said Jan Stejskal, around a century ago, but an liver fat,” said Ambrish Mithal, impact on the efforts to save the celebrity, attracting thousands of were no successful pregnancies,” director of international projects intense effort initiated by South Chair of the Division of Endo- subspecies, as the focus turns to visitors. Last year he was listed the conservancy said. at Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech African conservationist Ian crinology and Diabetes at in vitro fertilization techniques as “The Most Eligible Bachelor in Rangers caring for Sudan Republic. “It may sound unbe- Player in the mid-20th century Medanta The Medicity Hos- using stored semen from other the World” on the Tinder dating described him as gentle and, as lievable, but thanks to the newly turned things around. pital, Gurugram.