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Wataniya Mobile rebranded as Ooredoo Palestine Ajyal fi lm fest promises a host of cinematic delights published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11017 November 29, 2018 Rabia I 21, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief Deputy Amir meets Mexican envoy

QATAR | Offi cial Amir congratulates president of Albania 4 new Manateq His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations warehousing to Albanian President Ilir Meta on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent a similar cable parks opened to Prime Minister Edi Rama.

QATAR | Honour zThe completion of the landmark ment Projects led by its president, Khamis Qatar Charity wins His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday at his Amiri Diwan project is in line with the al-Mohannadi. off ice with the outgoing Mexican ambassador to Qatar Francisco Niembro Cibrian. The Deputy Amir government’s thrust to encourage The completion of the landmark project is in prestigious award granted the ambassador the Decoration of Al Wajbah in recognition of his role in enhancing bilateral public-private partnerships line with the government’s thrust to encour- Qatar Charity (QC) has won the Best relations, and wished him success in his future assignments and further progress and prosperity for age public-private partnerships (PPPs) in ma- Arab Charity organisation award for relations between the two countries. The ambassador thanked the Deputy Amir and the state’s By Peter Alagos jor projects and the contribution of the private the second year in a row. QC won the off icials for the co-operation he received which contributed to the success of his tenure in the country. Business Reporter sector in the state’s development projects. award for its professional excellence In 2014, Manateq invited developers in in humanitarian and development warehousing and logistics services to tender work. The award was received by Qatar he four new Manateq warehousing for the construction of the four warehousing Charity’s CEO, Yousef bin Ahmed al- parks inaugurated yesterday by HE parks. Following the tendering process, con- Kuwari, at the The ‘Arab Best Award’ 2018 Tthe Prime Minister and Interior Min- tracts for the project were awarded to the four event organised in Morocco. Page 3 29th Doha Book Fair kicks off today ister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa developers on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) al-Thani celebrate another milestone in the scheme. ARGENTINA | Investigation government’s drive to stimulate more eco- In a speech, al-Kaabi said the newly-opened Argentine judge studying he 29th edition of the Doha International on Friday when it will remain open from 4pm to nomic and commercial activities in Qatar, an projects support Manateq’s vision to promote complaint against MbS Book Fair, organised by the Ministry of 10pm. The theme of the fair is official said. economic diversifi cation in investments that TCulture and Sports under the patronage “Doha, A City of Knowledge and Conscience”. The prime minister inaugurated the Bu add value to Qatar and underlines its mission to The Argentine federal judge reviewing of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- There will be a total of 791 stalls off ering around Sulba, Bu Fesseela, Umm Shaharaine 1 and create a world-class business environment for a Human Rights Watch complaint mad al-Thani, will be held from November 29 to 101,992 titles in Arabic and 17,261 titles in other Umm Shaharaine 2 warehousing parks devel- local and overseas investors and help meet the against Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed December 8, at Doha Exhibition and Convention foreign languages. oped by Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), Qatar National Vision 2030. bin Salman (MbS) has asked the Center (DECC). A number of ministries and government insti- Al Asmakh Real Estate Development, Dohatna “The warehousing parks are set to become Argentine Foreign Ministry to seek More than 420 offi cial publishers from about tutions will have participation at the fair. Logistics Parks, and Barwa Real Estate Group, Qatar’s classic example of world-class logistic information from Yemen, Turkey and 30 countries will participate in the event, which Spain and the embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic respectively. parks that refl ect our trust in the private sector the International Criminal Court, the refl ects the large attendance of Arab and foreign will participate for the fi rst time in the exhibition In a ceremony held at the Bu Fesseela and its commitment to provide quality ware- judge’s off ice told Reuters yesterday. countries taking part in the event. this year. Warehousing Park, Manateq CEO Fahad housing facility with the best of infrastructure, The off ice of federal judge Ariel Lijo Russia will be the guest of honour at the fair On the sidelines of the fair, there will be many Rashid al-Kaabi announced in the presence designs, construction quality and connectiv- said it was seeking information on in the framework of the Qatar-Russia Year of cultural events, which will range from cultural of the prime minister the completion of the ity. Manateq will continue to be a catalyst for any open cases related to the murder Culture 2018. The Russian stall will organise a cafes (a forum for writers and authors), exhibi- facilities, which are under the supervision of growth of a robust private sector in Qatar and of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi number of lectures, shows and workshops. tions of fi ne arts, as well as children’s theatre the Technical Committee to Stimulate Private thereby positively contribute in the economic or war crimes in Yemen. The fair will be open from 9am to 9pm except shows and various workshops. Page 10 Sector Participation in Economic Develop- growth of Qatar,” al-Kaabi said. To Page 6 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 29, 2018 QATAR

PM meets head of Turkish religious affairs QNL to hold month-long events to mark National Day

atar’s history and cul- ly, and participants can paint the 2019, will highlight the nation’s from Qatar University and the Al tural traditions will take Qatari fl ag on traditional incense past with displays of histori- Jazeera Centre for Studies. Qcentre stage at Qatar Na- burners. cal collections of several Qatari On 2 December, families are tional Library throughout De- On 13 December, children are families. invited to take part in placing the cember, as visitors can take part invited to learn about the history A storytelling activity for girls last brick of the world’s longest in a series of lectures, exhibi- of pearling in the Gulf region in will take place on 17 December. LEGO bridge. tions and other activities in cel- ‘A Pearl Journey.’ Other events at the Library in The public can participate in ebration of Qatar National Day. On 11 December, the library December include Decoupage on building this bridge from 4-8pm On 2 December, the library, will host an event entitled, ‘The Dallah’ on 2 December, a work- every day from 28 November to 1 in co-operation with the Qatari Pride of Qatar,’ in which a group shop where women can create December. Society of Al Gannas, will host of Qataris will share their experi- intricate patterns on teapots us- On 10 December, Professor ‘Falcons and Falconry,’ a lecture ences and discuss how they have ing the decoupage technique. James Barr from King’s College highlighting an important as- excelled in their respective fi elds Families are invited to ‘Theat- London will deliver a lecture on pect of Qatari culture. and positively infl uenced society. er Plays for Children’ on 8 De- the Anglo-American rivalry in This will be followed the next On 15 December, distinguished cember, which will include a se- the Middle East. day by a workshop and hunting poets, including Mohamed Ya- ries of puppet shows and shadow The Library’s ‘Wikithon’ demonstration showing the re- sin, Zainab Almahmood, Nasser theatre performances. will take place on 15 December, lationship between falcons and al-Wobair and Hamad al-Braidi, The crucial role translation where participants can learn their trainers. will recite verses in the two most plays in developing understand- how to edit, improve and enrich Visitors will also have the op- common traditions, Faseeh and ing between cultures is the topic Wikipedia articles. portunity to take photos with Nabai, at ‘For the Love of Qa- of a panel discussion on 6 De- The library will participate in HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani trained falcons. tar,’ which will be moderated by cember. the Doha International Book Fair yesterday met the visiting head of Religious Aff airs of Turkey, Dr Ali Arbash, and his accompanying Children can learn about Qa- Saoud al-Maadeed. Entitled ‘Translation: A Mes- with a series of events from 1-7 delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways of developing them, as tar’s past and present through a The ‘Qatar Through Private sage of Peace, a Bridge of Com- December at the Doha Exhibi- well as issues of mutual interest. storytelling session and quiz on Archives’ exhibition, which runs munication,’ the panel will in- tion and Convention Centre. – 10 and 12 December, respective- from 16 December to 31 January clude instructors and translators QNA Cabinet hails outcome of Qatar-Turkey panel meeting

QNA the talks of the Qatari-Turkish topics on its meeting’s agenda as sions on means of information Framework has been defined Doha summit, the results of the Su- following: access in accordance with other as a mandatory reference tool preme Strategic Committee’s The Cabinet took the neces- laws of the State, international for the identification, clas- Cabinet approves draft meeting and the co-operation sary actions for the issuance of policies or standards and ex- sification and organisation of he regular cabinet meet- agreement and memorandums a draft law to approve the State’s cluded information for a number national academic and profes- law on fi reworks ing, chaired by HE the of understanding signed with- general budget for the fi scal of considerations. sional qualifications according he Cabinet yesterday authority are prohibited. TPrime Minister Sheikh in its framework will give new year 2019, after the Council was The Cabinet also took the nec- to the level of learning, and is approved a draft law on The import, export, trade, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khal- impetus to the strategic rela- briefed on the recommendation essary measures to ratify a co- prepared according to specific Tfi reworks and referred it manufacture, possession, ac- ifa al-Thani, hailed the positive tions between the two coun- of the Advisory Council on the operation agreement in the fi eld criteria. to the Advisory Council. quisition, storage, transfer or outcome of the fourth meet- tries and contribute to the draft law. of construction of infrastructure The National Qualifications The draft law has been pre- use of fi reworks listed in the ing of Qatar-Turkey Supreme expansion and development of The Cabinet also approved projects between the govern- Framework aims to develop pared to address many draw- fi fth table attached to this law Strategic Committee which existing co-operation in vari- the draft law on transparency ments of Qatar and Morocco. a common understanding of backs of the use of fi reworks, shall be in accordance with the was held in Istanbul under the ous fields. which was prepared by the The Cabinet approved a draft what is expected of different security problems posed by regulations issued by the Min- chairmanship of His Highness It expressed satisfaction at the Administrative Control and agreement for cultural co-oper- qualifications at all levels of them, and the harm they may ister of the Interior. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin advanced level of Qatari-Turkish Transparency Authority in ac- ation between the governments education, and to provide a cause to people as a result of The draft law included condi- Hamad al-Thani and Turkish relationship which is a model for cordance with the provisions of of Qatar and the council of min- reference context for design- misuse. tions governing the granting and President Recep Tayyip Erdog- relations between countries and the United Nations Convention isters of Bosnia and Herzegovina. ing and developing new flex- Under the terms of the draft renewing of a permit, and cases an on November 26. characterised by understanding, against Corruption, to achieve The Cabinet also reviewed the ible and modern qualifica- law, import, export, trade, in which the permit is revoked. Following the meeting, held at constructive co-operation, mu- the highest indicators of integ- letter of the Minister of Edu- tions to meet the needs of the manufacture, possession, ac- Persons holding or making the Amiri Diwan, HE the Min- tual respect and trust and keen- rity and transparency, to keep cation and Higher Education State, the labour market and quisition, storage, transfer or fi reworks at the time when this ister of Justice and Acting Min- ness on interests of peoples of abreast of global developments on the National Qualifi cations individuals as well as to estab- use of fi reworks listed in the law goes into eff ect shall, with- ister of State for Cabinet Aff airs both countries and the interest in this regard and to improve Framework Document in Qatar. lish standards, processes and fi rst and second tables at- in six months from the date of Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi of security, peace and stability in performance in the government It took the appropriate decision procedures to regulate quality tached to this law without a its entry into force, comply stated the following: the region. sector. thereon. assurance of education out- permit from the competent with the provisions of the law. The Cabinet affirmed that The Cabinet then reviewed The draft law included provi- The National Qualifications comes. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 3 QATAR

Attorney-general meets German counterpart

HE the Attorney-General QC named ‘Best Arab Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri has met the Federal Attorney-General of Germany Dr Peter Frank. During the meeting, they discussed a number of Charity of 2018’ issues of common interest and means of developing z Qatar Charity also won the co-operation between Best Arab Programme award Qatar and Germany in in the category of charity the Public Prosecution’s work for the World Refugee various fields, besides School exchange of expertise and visits and joint training. QNA Doha

or the second year in a row, Qatar Charity (QC) has Fwon the Best Arab Charity organisation award for its pro- fessional excellence in the fi eld of humanitarian and develop- ment work. The ‘Arab Best Award’ 2018 Agricultural, industrial projects was organised in Morocco, in recognition of the excellence in the Arab world, in three catego- have doubled in Qatar after siege ries - leadership, business and community stars. QC also won the Best Arab QNA across various sectors follow- 86% to 54%, and it’s planning Programme award in the catego- Vienna ing the siege, in addition to the further decrease its depend- ry of charity work for the World plans and programmes adopted ence, according to Qatar Na- Refugee School (WRS), which it by the country to diversify its tional Vision 2030. co-founded with international Qatar Charity CEO Yousef bin Ahmed al-Kuwari receiving the award in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh on atar has confi rmed that economy according to Qatar The statement pointed out partners. Tuesday. it has doubled the agri- National Vision 2030. that structural changes have The winners were honoured at Qcultural and industrial Qatar has doubled the been made to the Qatari econ- a ceremony held on Tuesday in across the world. civil society organisations, which in confl ict areas. projects in the country, achieved number of factories during the omy in order to diversify it, the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, During his speech at the cere- are known as the third sector. The initiative, which aims at self-suffi ciency and produced past year and has given special focusing on industrialisation, which was attended by many mony, Yousef bin Ahmed al-Ku- It is worth mentioning that providing education to 20mn food locally and will start ex- attention to the food sector by diversifi cation of employment leading Arab and international wari said the ‘Arab Best Award’ the World Refugee School (WRS) refugee and displaced children, porting the surplus soon despite focusing on local production, opportunities, the involvement organisations, and a delegation reveals the pressing need, in the initiative, which won the Best is currently implementing a pilot the siege imposed on it. the statement said. of youth in industrial develop- of Qatar Charity led by its CEO Arab world, of platforms con- Arab Programme Award in the project for internally displaced Saudi Arabia, the United In his speech, Abdullah bin ment, and the development of Yousef bin Ahmed al-Kuwari. cerned with highlighting the category of charity work at the persons (IPD) in Syria by run- Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Nasser al-Fahid said that af- the industrial sector in order In a press release, Qatar Char- best practices at the level of in- Arab Best Award 2018, was es- ning six schools. Egypt imposed air, land and sea ter relying mainly on imports, to achieve self-suffi ciency and ity said it considers this award, dividuals and institutions, and tablished this year with the par- Later, another six schools will blockade against Qatar on June a year after the siege, Qa- meet market needs. which it received for the sec- encouraging them to bring more ticipation of Qatar Charity and be added and education will be 5, 2017. tar is producing a substantial Al-Fahid stressed the keen- ond time, as an honour for all achievements, in order to be a international partners. provided through the e-learning Abdullah bin Nasser al-Fa- amount of food locally, add- ness of Qatar to create an ap- the people of Qatar, as well as role model and an incentive for system with the beginning of the hid, Acting Charge d’Aff aires ing that by the end of this year, propriate investment environ- for everyone doing good deeds others for further excellence. Qatar Charity had won academic year 2018/2019. This of Qatar in Vienna, delivered a 90% of dairy products would ment to stimulate the private anywhere in the world, and The CEO of Qatar Charity also the award of the Best Arab project is being implemented by statement to the 46th United be produced locally, and there sector to invest in manufactur- those who give confi dence to QC hoped that this and similar plat- Charity of 2017 QC at a cost of up to $4mn. Nations Industrial Develop- is a plan to export surplus in the ing activities, through the is- through supporting and imple- forms would be an important Qatar Charity (QC) had won ment Organisation (UNIDO) near future. suance of legislative tools that menting charitable and humani- opportunity for communication, The initiative aims at provid- the award of the Best Arab Char- Industrial Development Board The statement stressed that encourage participation and tarian work around the globe. co-operation, strengthening ing high quality continuing edu- ity of 2017, and the Best Arab on Tuesday in Vienna, in which Qatar has managed to decrease contribution to the achieve- QC also pointed out that this links and fostering partnerships cation to refugee and displaced Management team in the cat- he referred to the growth wit- its economic dependence on ment of comprehensive devel- honour increases its respon- between the diff erent sectors in- children around the world and egory of charity work for the nessed by Qatar’s economy the export of oil and gas from opment. sibility towards those in need cluding government, private and off ering solutions to education same year. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 29, 2018 QATAR

Nissan Navara models of 2009-2014 recalled

Nationwide diabetes screening planned in 2019 The Ministry of Commerce and within the framework of its will communicate with Industry (MCI), in collaboration ongoing eff orts to protect customers to ensure that By Joseph Varghese tar, is planning for a nation- the residents in it,” said already identifi ed the high are from the US, European with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana consumers and ensure that the necessary repairs are Staff Reporter wide screening for diabetes Dr Mahmoud Zirie, senior risk and target groups. We countries and from the re- Company, has announced the car dealers follow up on carried out. in 2019, an HMC offi cial consultant and head of en- encourage all the people to gion including Kuwait and recall of Nissan Navara models vehicle defects and repairs. The ministry urges all said yesterday. docrinology, diabetes and get screened,” explained Dr Oman,” he added. of 2009-2014 over a potential The ministry said that customers to report he Ministry of Pub- “There will be a ma- metabolism department at Zirie at a press conference. Manal Musallam Othman, defect in the driver airbag it will co-ordinate with any violations to its lic Health (MoPH), jor campaign to promote HMC. The physician said that director of diabetes educa- inflator. the dealer to follow up Consumer Protection and Talong with other the screening programme “We have set the guide- HMC is organising several tion, HMC, said that the HMC The ministry said the on the maintenance Anti-Commercial Fraud healthcare facilities in Qa- and we hope to include all lines for the screening and activities on the occasion of has been conducting sev- recall campaign comes and repair works and Department. World Diabetes Day. eral programmes to educate “We will hold the third people about diabetes. “We edition of Qatar Diabetes and visit people at various places. Endocrinology and Metabo- During the diabetes activi- lism Conference in Sheraton ties, there were awareness Doha from tomorrow. We will programmes for companies have several workshops and and their employees. We con- conference programmes,” ducted a walkathon as well as added the offi cial. many activities at Al Bidda “We expect about 600 to Park. We screened a lot of 700 attendees and we have people and identifi ed several nine international and re- new diabetes cases. We also gional speakers in addition visited a number of schools to local speakers from public and plan to continue the and private sector in Qatar. school c visits to raise aware- The international speakers ness on diabetes,” she added.

Dr Mahmoud Zirie and Manal Musallam Othman at the press conference.

QRCS team meets Palestinian off icials

A delegation from Qatar Red between QRCS and the Crescent Society’s (QRCS) Palestinian Ministry of Health representative off ice in the to develop the health sector Gaza Strip met with off icials in Gaza, despite the diff icult from the Palestinian Ministry circumstances that it is of Health. currently going through. During the meeting, they For his part, Ministry of Health discussed ways and means of in Gaza undersecretary Dr developing relations between Yousef Abu Rish praised the two sides to serve the the continuous eff orts of health sector. the QRCS in supporting The Palestinian Ministry of and implementing a range Health honoured the QRCS of health programmes and off icials for their ongoing projects that contribute to eff orts to support the health improving the quality of sector in the Gaza Strip. medical services provided to Dr Akram Nassar, director, patients as well as developing QRCS off ice in Gaza, the capabilities of medical stressed the importance of staff and hospitals in the strategic relationship Gaza. (QNA) Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 5 QATAR

HMC hosts visiting consultants during Dec

amad Medical Cor- to 23 and Dr Alan Saber, a poration (HMC) will bariatric and metabolic spe- Hwelcome a number cialist from Newark, New of visiting consultants from Jersey, US, will visit from various medical specialities December 21 to 24. during December. Other experts are sched- Dr Hossein Gharib, pro- uled to visit next year as part fessor of medicine at the of HMC’s focus on hosting Mayo Clinic College of highly-respected physicians Medicine and Consultant, and surgeons from around Endocrinology, Diabetes, the world. Hosting visiting Nutrition, and Metabolism international consultants at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Dr Jihad Kaouk Dr Alan Saber who are experts in their fi eld Minnesota, US, will visit is in line with HMC’s com- from December 2 to 6. Head, and Neck Surgery thalmology specialist from mitment to providing spe- Dr Alexander Lyon, con- Specialist, will visit from Bursa, Turkey, will visit cialised medical services to sultant cardiologist and December 7 to 14; and Dr from December 16 to 20; the people of Qatar. clinical lead for Cardio- Haitham Mukhtar al-Okk, Dr Jihad Kaouk, director of Members of the public Oncology Services, Royal a haematology/oncology the Centre for Robotic Sur- wishing to book an appoint- Brompton Hospital, Lon- specialist from Vincennes, gery and vice chair, Surgi- ment with one of the visit- don, UK, will visit from Indiana, US, will visit from cal Operations at Cleveland ing consultants are advised December 2 to 5; Dr Zey- December 15 to 30. Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, US, to discuss this option with nel Abidin Dogan, an ENT, Dr Bülent Yazıcı, an oph- will visit from December 20 their physician. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 29, 2018 QATAR

HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani touring the four new Manateq Warehousing Parks yesterday. ‘Warehousing park projects

GWC chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Fahad bin Jassem bin Jaber al-Thani receiving a memento. conform to global norms’

By Peter Alagos Business Reporter

atar’s four new warehousing parks Qrepresent the “real partnership” between the country’s public and private sectors, and play a key role in economic development, according to a senior Qatar Chamber offi cial. HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani joins all of the awardees during The facilities were inau- the inauguration ceremony of four new Manateq warehousing parks yesterday. gurated yesterday by HE the Prime Minister and Interior especially the small and m total area with a 92,120sq space, and a 16,765sq m area Minister Sheikh Abdullah medium-sized enterprises m dry warehouse, 91,434sq for accommodation. bin Nasser bin Khalifa al- because they provide stor- m A/C warehouse, 11,804sq Umm Shaharaine-2 was Thani in a ceremony held at age areas with competitive m chilled/frozen ware- built on a 500,000sq m area. the Bu Fesseela Warehous- and reasonable rates. They house, a 2,461sq m offi ce It has a 131,671sq m dry ware- ing Park in Umm Salal. will also strengthen their space area, and a 21,108sq m house, 71,755sq m A/C ware- Aside from Bu Fesseela, competitiveness and pro- area to accommodate 1,356 house, 36,992sq m frozen the other Manateq ware- mote their role in the na- employees. warehouse, 532sq m offi ce housing parks are Bu Sulba, tional economy,” the Qatar Bu Fesseela is situ- space, 1,676sq m retail out- Umm Shaharaine 1, and Chamber offi cial said. ated on a 496,410sq m let space for 38 shops, and Qatar Chamber chairman Umm Shaharaine 2, and are He added: “The econom- area with a 111,000sq m 7,655sq m accommodation Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim supervised by the Techni- ic growth Qatar is witness- ventilated warehouse, space for 550 employees. bin Mohamed al-Thani. cal Committee to stimulate ing necessitates more new 32,000sq m A/C ware- private sector participation storage zones to meet the house, 32,000sq m chilled in economic development growing demand on such warehouse, 14,000sq m projects. facilities. This project will frozen warehouse, 43 shops In a statement issued on contribute to lowering the on a 13,938sq m retail outlet the sidelines of the opening fi nal price of commodities space, and 20,164 accom- ceremony, Qatar Chamber and other goods.” modation space for 2,300 chairman Sheikh Khalifa Manateq awarded the employees. bin Jassim bin Mohamed warehousing parks to Gulf Umm Shaharaine 1 has a al-Thani stressed that the Warehousing Company total area of 499,181sq m and warehousing park projects (GWC) for Bu Sulba, Al 25,928sq m dry warehouse, developed by four private Asmakh Real Estate De- 71,560sq m A/C ware- sector companies are built velopment for Bu Fesseela, house, 4,309sq m chilled in accordance with the in- Dohatna Logistics Parks warehouse, 2,873sq m fro- ternational specifi cations for Umm Shaharaine 1, and zen warehouse, 3,019sq m and standards. Barwa Real Estate Group for chemical warehouse, 1,551sq “These zones will sup- Umm Shaharaine 2. m worth of space for retail port the private sector, Bu Sulba has a 517,375sq outlets, 524sq m for offi ce

HE the prime minister handing over a memento to one of four private sector develop- ers involved in the warehousing projects. Four new Manateq warehousing parks inaugurated in Umm Salal

From page 1 ready-to-use warehousing Highness the Amir Sheikh options that meet all stor- Tamim bin Hamad al-Tha- Al-Mohannadi said: age requirements, includ- ni, the respected govern- “The project demonstrates ing food products, which in ment and the instructions our continued sustainable turn will ease the burden on of HE the Prime Minister future growth for every- investors, and supports the Sheikh Abdullah bin Nass- one by enabling companies process of economic diver- er bin Khalifa al-Thani to to operate easily and fl ex- sifi cation in the country.” create an attracting and ibly, providing better ac- He added: “This stimulating business envi- cess to developing markets achievement translates the ronment based on the part- and optimising resource orientation Qatar adopts nership between the public consumption by providing under the leadership of His and private sectors.”

Ikea dining table Glivarp recalled he Ministry of Com- The ministry has urged works and will commu- merce and Industry, all customers to stop using nicate with customers to Tin collaboration with the product and to contact ensure that the necessary Hamad and Mohamed Al- the company to take the repairs are carried out. Futtaim, has announced the necessary action. The ministry urges all recall of Ikea dining table The ministry said that it customers to report any Glivarp over the risk of the will co-ordinate with the violations to its Consumer extension piece detaching dealer to follow up on the Protection and Anti-Com- from the rails and falling. maintenance and repair mercial Fraud Department. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 7 QATAR Indian govt QU holds event on public health education

atar University’s (QU) College of Health Sciences (CHS) hosted Sheikh QDr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, delays online director of Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health, for a presentation as part of the CHS “This is Public Health” campaign to promote public health educa- tion. registration The campaign was created by the Asso- ciation of Schools and Programmes of Pub- lic Health with the aim of raising awareness about improving the lives and well-being of individuals and communities. of ECNR The event was attended by Prof Egon Toft, dean of the College of Medicine and vice he Indian government them from the local Indian com- president for Medical and Health Sciences, has deferred until further munity,” the notice continued. Prof Asma al-Thani, dean of CHS, as well as Tnotice mandatory online “In view of the above, the com- faculty and students of CHS. registration for Indian citizens petent authority has decided Dr Asma al-Thani highlighted Sheikh Dr holding Non-Emigration Check to keep this advisory, regarding Mohamed al-Thani’s eff orts in the country’s Required (non-ECR or ECNR) registration of non-ECR pass- fi rst Public Health Strategy launched last year Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani with QU CHS off icials at the event. passports travelling to 18 coun- port holders, in abeyance until and pointed to the importance of collabora- tries, including Qatar, for em- further orders.” tion between the academia and the health ployment. However, if any such emigrant sector. The decision was conveyed wants to register voluntarily as “Dr Mohamed’s visit today and his con- by India’s Ministry of External earlier, he/she can do so, the no- tinuous support to our programmes are ex- Aff airs (MEA) through a notice tice adds. amples of the collaboration between the QU posted on the portal, www.emi- The full notice can be viewed Health Cluster and the health sector in the grate.gov.in yesterday. at https://emigrate.gov.in/ext/ country. We look forward with great inter- The move came after Indian static/PublicNotice28Nov2018. est to learning more about the developments expatriates in Qatar and other pdf in the rapidly developing landscape of public countries expressed concern In the earlier advisory, the health which requires constant collabora- over an advisory of the MEA, MEA said the registration for tion,” she said. dated November 14, on manda- ECNR passport holders travel- The event concluded with an interactive tory registration for ECNR pass- ling to Qatar and the 17 other session moderated by Dr Hanan Abdul Ra- port holders. The new rule was countries for employment had to him, head of the Department of Public Health to come into eff ect from January be completed at www.emigrate. at CHS, in which Sheikh Mohamed addressed 1, 2019. gov.in at least 24 hours before students’ questions. In its notice yesterday, the departure. Those who failed to “I am glad to be with you for the campaign, MEA said the advisory has now register would not be allowed to as the fi eld of public health is as wide as the been put in abeyance. travel to these countries starting world. You can impact more than one person “With reference to the Min- January 1, it added. at a time, you will touch and improve the lives istry of External Aff airs ad- The decision was taken to of thousands of people and impact the whole visory dated 14th November, “provide protection and welfare population at a time.” Sheikh Mohamed said. 2018 on the above subject, it is to Indian emigrants abroad”, “Public health service is an honour. We live informed that the ministry has the advisory said. “Off -loading in a world at constant risk of public health been receiving representations of unregistered non-ECR emi- threats. That’s why it’s important that we in- from various quarters, includ- grants at the airports would be vest in the public health system to fi nd, stop, ing non-ECR passport holders eff ected by the appropriate au- track and prevent these threats,” he added. already employed in ECR coun- thority after January 1, 2019,” it Also part of the campaign was an educa- tries, regarding diffi culties faced added, noting that there was no tional session by the Hamad International by them in registration at www. change in existing procedures Training Centre, Kulluna initiative, where emigrate.gov.in,” according to for all other visa categories. representatives discussed their work in the the notice issued by M C Luther, However, expatriates said fi eld of public health. Other activities of the joint secretary and protector- there was some confusion and campaign included high school visits, a photo general of emigrants. the advisory had not addressed a competition encouraging students to capture “The Indian missions in those number of issues. The MEA later images expressing public health eff orts on countries have also forwarded issued a list of FAQs providing campus, and a variety of interactive activities representations received by clarifi cations. to promote public health.

Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 9 QATAR Ideal Solutions celebrates its 20th anniversary

By Joseph Varghese contributed in making the business Staff Reporter and the community better. This led to the “DTQ,” a company motto for ‘De- liver on Time with Quality’ as a sign deal Solutions, a leading IT Solu- of commitment for guaranteed quality tions company, celebrated its 20th results,” the offi cial said. Ianniversary on Tuesday at a special “Our IT team has developed a suite ceremony at St Regis Doha. of web and mobile based integrated The event was attended by several systems called “Ideal Unity” that distinguished guests from public and serves vehicle tracking and dispatch- private sectors as well as the staff of the ing, warehouse management, human company. resources and project management, in “We started this company in 1998 addition to many other web-based so- with four employees and now we have lutions and portals. In the fi eld of GIS, 70 and if we had one project in the be- we supply and implement all kinds of ginning now we have over 216,” Mah- Amer addresses the event audience. geospatial systems and high resolution moud Amer, CEO and founder of the imagery. “ company, told Gulf Times. and provided some of the most unique Since its establishment, Ideal so- “We provide solutions in 12 sectors services in the country.” lutions has received many dozens of A view of Mirqab Mall. from health to environment to bank- The offi cial also noted that the com- prizes, certifi cations, appreciations ing and national security among oth- pany is planning for expansion to other and rewards. ers. We serve very high profi le organi- countries in the region. They include,the Best Service Pro- sations such as Ministry of Interior, “We provide services in several vider for 2014 in ICT Business Awards, QNB, Hamad Medical Corp, Woqod countries in the GCC, and the Middle the Best Gulf Electronic Service for Mirqab Mall woos patrons with ‘taste of the best’ among others. We provide over 60 so- East including Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, 2015, CMMI Level 2 Company In Soft- lutions in various areas,” said Amer. Jordan among others. We also have a ware Development and CMMI Level “We implemented the Middle East’s branch in the UK and we plan to expand 2 Company In SLA Services in 2016; irqab Mall, a world-class Rony Mourani, general manager of Al options to Qatar, and given the popular- fi rst electronic government system in our services to other countries in Eu- ‘The Best Service Provider for 2017’ community mall managed and Mana Malls said: “We have built Mir- ity of Abed El Wahab in the rest of the Qatar in 1999. We integrated payment rope,” he said. from Qitcom, ‘Grade A certifi cated Moperated by Al Mana Malls, qab Mall with the Doha community in Mena region, we are confi dent that the with the service and introduced the “We aim for perfection and suprem- Market Leader in IT Solutions Com- has revealed even more internationally- mind. Since opening our doors, we have Mirqab Mall branch will become a go-to electronic resident permit service. We acy in creating new remarkable and pany from Ministry of Finance in 2017 acclaimed food and beverage concepts. welcomed thousands of visitors, many place for families and friends looking to launched the fi rst taxi company Karwa innovative solutions and services. We and as one of the top performing SMEs Throughout the week, media, blog- of which we know are coming back indulge their favourite Arabic food.” with an integrated system. We have deliver them on time and with quality in Qatar from Qatar Development Bank gers and special attendees got a taste of time and again for our food and bever- During the fi rst months of it’s open- launched several pioneering services to insure customer satisfaction. It has in 2018. the best of the dining options available age concepts. We have more exciting ing, Mirqab Mall opened the new fl ag- at Mirqab Mall including Amorino Ge- launches in 2019.” ship British Home Stores, the country’s lato, Caff e Concerto, and Qatar’s fi rst Maroun El Khoury, general manager fi rst OVS store, Qatar’s second Casper ever Cereal Killer Cafe. of Al Mana Food & Beverage Group said: & Gambini restaurant and the HMV The most recent restaurant to open “The launch of Abed El Wahab in Mir- store. its doors to guests was the award-win- qab Mall is the latest in a series of new Mirqab Mall will also launch its fi rst ning Lebanese restaurant Abed El Wa- openings across the region. We are de- fl oor food court concept for casual din- hab. lighted to be bringing the best dining ing the fi rst quarter of 2019.

Vodafone deploys 5G in Al Waab odafone Qatar has an- nounced the deployment Some of the guests at the event. V5G sites in the Al Waab area, which is home to thousands of homes, businesses, and some Abdullah al-Sayed receiving the grand prize for MasterCard of the country’s most important sporting facilities. This follows holders. the company’s previously announced 5G deployment in key lo- cations across the country, including Abu Hamour, Al Azizya, Al Mamoura, Al Rayyan, Salwa Road, and Umm Salal Mohamed. Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al- QIB fetes campaign winners Thani said: “At Vodafone, we are working hard to unlock the full potential of 5G that promises to deliver incredible ben- efi ts. We are committed to continuing our extensive invest- atar Islamic Bank (QIB) ment in Qatar’s technology sector and in building a world- has hosted a reward class infrastructure that will make the country one of the Qceremony for the win- most connected and technologically-advanced in the world.” ners of its Visa and MasterCard Vodafone Qatar expects to connect its customers to its 5G cards campaign fi nal draw. The network as soon as compatible devices are available. event was held at the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre (Fanar) branch on November 25. The draw was conducted earlier in the presence of offi cial repre- Mohamed al-Khulaifi sentatives from the Ministry receiving the grand prize of Commerce and Industry, as for Visa cardholders on well as representatives from behalf of Sheikha al- QIB, Visa, and MasterCard. Khulaifi. The grand prize Visa cam- paign winner of the Lexus LX 570 is Visa cardholder Sheikha al-Khulaifi and the grand prize MasterCard campaign winner of the QR100,000 cash prize is Abdullah al-Sayed. Al-Khulaifi said: “Winning the grand prize wasn’t something I expected, but yes it is now a reality, and a Lexus LX570 makes it even better. I’ve been a customer for QIB for more than 16 years, and all I can say is that it is my trusted bank.” Her son Mohamed Jassim al-Khulaifi received the car on her behalf. Al-Sayed said: “Winning this prize is such a great surprise for me and for my family. I have been a QIB customer since 2011, and I’m defi nitely looking forward to more exciting campaigns from QIB.” QIB Personal Banking Group general manager D Anand said: “QIB’s campaigns are based on the foundation of what our customers’ needs and expectations are. The cards cam- paign encourages our customers to off er them the conven- ience and safety of using their cards while shopping in Qatar or travelling abroad by off ering them exciting prizes that can support their fi nancial needs. I would like to congratulate all the winners and thank them for their loyalty and for using our QIB MasterCard and Visa cards.” Gulf Times 10 Thursday, November 29, 2018 QATAR Minister highlights the role of University Expo

By Ramesh Mathew This, in turn, would help achieve Staff Reporter the goals and objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. Further, the minister said that large number of students, the expo is a chance for interna- many of them accompanied tional universities to attract Qatari Aby parents, thronged the students and residents in the coun- Qatar National Convention Centre try, and learn about the academic yesterday as the eighth University environment, the opportunities Expo Qatar got under way with the and investment choices in the pub- participation of more than 50 uni- lic and higher education sector in versities, colleges, and academic Qatar. institutions from over 15 countries. In addition, it is an opportunity HE the Minister of Education for the participating universities and Higher Education Dr Moham- to meet potential students, their ed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi parents and others concerned, and inaugurated the exhibition in the learn about their interests, which presence of dignitaries, senior offi - HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi with other will allow them to explain the ma- cials from the ministry, VIP guests, dignitaries at the inauguration of the 8th University Expo Qatar at Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. jor options they provide, exchange and ambassadors. expertise, promote academic co- Offi cials from educational insti- fessional counsellors there would and requirements of admission and State, the private sector as well as operation, build partnerships and tutions based in Qatar and other help the country’s students and other topics. admissions offi cials at local and extend bridges of communication participating countries are guiding parents get acquainted with edu- HE Dr al-Hammadi appreciated international universities – under with public educational institu- the visitors and providing informa- cational courses and programmes the liberal support provided by the one roof in order to inform stu- tions in Qatar, especially that there tion about their academic and pro- available around the world, includ- country’s leadership to the educa- dents about academic opportu- are a number of foreign institutions fessional careers. ing in Qatar. tion sector in Qatar, while noting nities and options in the fi eld of with branches in the country, he Those interested can visit the “Our strategy is to enhance edu- that the exhibition is being held to higher education. added. expo, which concludes today, from cation within Qatar by providing a support and prepare students in Such opportunities, the minister A number of seminars and one- 8am to 1pm, and from 5pm to 8pm. variety of choices for students in Qatar for university programmes. added, would lead to an increase to-one meetings are also being University Expo Qatar is organ- Qatar, whether this is through pri- He also lauded the education in the number of students seeking conducted as part of the University ised by Informa Tharawat in col- vate or public universities,” he said. sector’s partnership with the pri- admission for undergraduate and Expo. laboration with Qatar Chamber, On the sidelines of the exhibi- vate sector and Qatar Chamber in post-graduate studies. (With inputs from QNA) and presented by the Ministry of tion, the minister stressed that the organising the exhibition. Education and Higher Education. higher education system is evolv- The minister said that the expo Highlighting the importance of ing and dynamic, which necessi- brings together various stakehold- the expo for prospective students, tates that students keep abreast of ers – including students, parents, the minister said that the hosting of the changes in the fi eld of scientifi c employees, school counsellors, such events and availability of pro- and literary disciplines, conditions those off ering scholarships in the CCQ participates as gold sponsor

he Community College of at more than 50 universities, col- the requirements of a 21st century Qatar (CCQ) is participat- leges and academic institutions knowledge-based society,” CCQ Ting at the eighth University that represent more than 15 coun- said in a statement. Expo Qatar, which began yesterday tries at the event. Commenting on the college’s at Qatar National Convention Cen- The CCQ’s booth at the event participation in the fair, CCQ tre under the patronage of HE the serves as a platform for more than president Dr Mohamed Ibrahim al- Minister of Education and Higher 3,000 students, from the 60 inde- Naemi said: “Throughout the two- Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wa- pendent and private schools rep- day exhibition, our representatives The CCQ booth at the expo. hed Ali al-Hammadi, as the event’s resented at the exhibition, to navi- are going to be available at the gold sponsor. gate through the college’s academic college’s booth to share informa- ranks of many successful CCQ As part of the college’s partici- The two-day exhibition brings programmes that span a multitude tion with visiting students about alumni who went on to assume pation, chair of the Information high school students, parents, of fi elds and disciplines. the holistic learning experience at leading positions at prominent Technology Programme Dr Mo- school administrators, career ad- “The high-demand degree pro- CCQ and the multi-disciplinary institutions, or further their edu- hamed al-Dorani is presenting a visers and key academic infl uenc- grammes are tailored for local and programmes we off er at the college. cation at one of our select partner seminar titled The importance of ers under one roof to network and international job market needs, “The expo presents students universities in the US and Aus- cybersecurity in protecting Qatar’s explore educational opportunities and have been developed to meet with the opportunity to join the tralia.” infrastructure. Campus France committed to helping international students

ampus France is commit- Campus France is the agency for The offi cial is highlighting, ted to providing a quality promotion of the French higher among other features, high-quality Cexperience for international education system, international education at an “aff ordable” tui- students, from promotion and pro- student services, and international tion fee as well as access to a good viding information to online admis- mobility. healthcare system, an effi cient pub- sions, to travel planning and orien- Its Qatar offi ce, located in West lic transport, and rent subsidies tation upon their arrival in France, Bay, guides students on the edu- among potential students. according to an offi cial from the cational opportunities available in France, she maintained, is invest- agency. France. ing substantial funds in higher edu- Nathalie Siropt, spokesperson for “Ours is a national agency that cation and government universities the agency, made the observation helps international students achieve and other institutions do not dis- during the agency’s participation in their educational goals in France. tinguish between international and the two-day University Expo Qatar We manage all facets of grants and French students. at the Qatar National Convention scholarship programmes for inter- A total of fi ve French institutions The Campus France stand at the exhibition. Centre. national students,” said Siropt. are taking part in the expo.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry takes part Doha International Book Fair kicks off today in Doha book fair The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is participating in the 29th QNA The number of booked stalls at edition of Doha International Book Doha the fair amounts to 791 stalls. Fair, which will be held from today The fair also includes 101,992 until December 8 at the Doha Exhibi- titles in Arabic and 17,261 titles in tion and Convention Centre. nder the patronage of His other languages, bringing the total Through its pavilion at the book Highness the Amir Sheikh Arab and foreign languages titles to fair, the ministry will provide a UTamim bin Hamad al-Tha- 119,253. “comprehensive explanation of the ni, the 29th edition of the Doha In- A number of ministries and gov- importance of intellectual property ternational Book Fair, organised by ernment institutions, including in order to promote a culture of pro- the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic tecting intellectual property rights will be held from today at the Doha Aff airs, the Ministry of Education and raise awareness of its advan- Exhibition and Convention Centre and Higher Education, the Min- tages”, it has said in a statement. (DECC), next to the City Center istry of Commerce and Industry, The ministry will also outline the Doha. Ministry of Development Plan- most important services it off ers in Some 30 countries are partici- ning and Statistics, Police College, this field and organise a number of pating in the event. Qatar University, Katara Prize for entertaining and awareness-raising Russia is the guest of honour at Arabic Novels, Qatar Museums, activities for children. the book fair as part of the Qatar- Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Na- Further, the ministry will organise Russia Year of Culture 2018. tional Human Rights Committee two workshops within the frame- Visitors can learn more about of Qatar (NHRC), and Arab Centre work of its participation in the fair. Russian literature through a pres- for Research and Policy Studies, are The first workshop will discuss entation of the most prominent taking part in the fair. copyrights and related rights while publishers of Russian book. In the framework of the ex- the second will touch on the defini- They will also be introduced to change with the Gulf exhibitions, tion, importance and objectives of classical Russian literature, art and the GCC pavilions participating the Marrakech Treaty on facilitating culture. in the fair include the Kuwaiti Na- access to works published for the The Russian stall will also organ- Some 30 countries are taking part in the book fair. tional Council for Culture, Arts and blind, visually impaired or disabled ise a number of lectures and work- Literature as well as participations individuals, the statement adds. shops. tional Book Fair opens today and number of Arab and foreign pub- from the Oman ministry of culture The book fair will be open from concludes on December 8. lishers taking part, with 427 offi cial and the corresponding ministries 9am to 9pm daily, except on Friday The book fair is held under the publishers, and the large exhibition of Morocco, Algeria, and Palestine. States, France, and Korea. (from 4pm to 10pm) and Thursday supervision of the Qatar Cultural area spanning over 29,000sq m. The Turkish ministry of culture Spain will participate for the fi rst (from 9am to 10pm). and Heritage Events Centre of the The publishing houses include and tourism is also taking part in time in the exhibition this year. Under the theme Doha, A City Ministry of Culture and Sports. 287 Arabic book publishers, 68 the book fair, as are a number of The Kyrgyz embassy is also par- of Knowledge and Conscience, the The 29th edition of the book children’s books publishers, and 17 embassies accredited to the State of ticipating for the fi rst time in the 29th edition of the Doha Interna- fair is characterised by the large educational publishers. Qatar, including that of the United fair. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 11 QATAR Ajyal Film Festival promises a host of cinematic delights

By Joey Aguilar „ Sixth Ajyal film fest begins in Doha reconnecting cinema to Staff Reporter its roots and celebrating values of hope and courage „ Festival takes off with Freedom Fields, an inspiring film on elebrities from the Arab world and international women empowerment Ccinema graced the open- ing of Ajyal Film Festival 2018 the sixth edition of Ajyal will run mutual dialogue, respect for oth- Directed by Naziha Arebi, the yesterday, marking a colourful until December 3, with an assort- ers and diversity.” DFI-supported fi lm was nomi- red carpet gala yesterday at Ka- ment of activities including fi lm Guests from Qatar who walked nated for the Best Documentary tara – the Cultural Village. screenings, the insightful Ajyal the red carpet include: Ali Ab- Award at the Stockholm Film “Ajyal has cemented its repu- Talks, and family-oriented activ- dulsatar, Faleh Fayaz, Saad Bur- Festival 2018. tation in the cultural scene as a ities at the Ajyal Creativity Hub. shaid, Ahmad al-Maadeed, The programme also includes force bringing young and estab- For the fi rst time, the fi lm among others. a special ‘Made in Russia’ seg- lished talents together and pro- screenings will also be held at Guests from the region and ment to mark the 2018 Qatar – viding them an inspiring plat- Novo Cinemas, The Pearl-Qatar, international cinema included Russia Year of Culture. Keenly form to present their fi lms and bringing meaningful cinema renowned Canadian actress awaited is the ‘Made in Qatar’ ideas to the public,” Doha Film closer to the audiences. Evangeline Lilly, Engin Altan programme presented by Oore- Institute (DFI) CEO and festival Thanking the leadership of Duzyatan, Bulent Inal, Shuaib doo that celebrates the talents director Fatma Hassan al-Re- Qatar and all government and Rashed, Saleh Zaal, Mohamed al- of Qatari and Qatar-based fi lm- maihi said. private sector entities that in- Hamli and Muna Shaddad among makers, which underlines home- Ajyal, the annual cinema event spire and contribute to the suc- others. grown talent and the robust state From left: Fatma Hassan al-Remaihi, Evangenline Lilly and DFI’s chief administrative off icer and Ajyal deputy by DFI, was also attended by cess of the festival, al-Remaihi In line with its overarching of fi lmmaking in the country. director Abdulla al-Musallam on the red carpet, marking the opening of Ajyal Film Festival 2018 at Katara high-ranking offi cials, including said, “Ajyal Film Festival’s spirit theme, the Ajyal 2018 opened The Jury Competition line-up at yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand DFI board members HE Sheikh is underlined by its new theme, with Freedom Fields (Libya, UK, Ajyal 2018 will consist of 13 fea- Thani bin Hamad al-Thani and ‘A Voice for Generations’ and it Netherlands, US, Qatar, Leba- ture fi lms. This year, there are Turkey and the United Kingdom. “In today’s fast-paced tech she pointed out. Festival’s offi - Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohan- serves as a space for highlight- non, Canada/2018), a compelling 550 jurors from 55 nationalities “Ajyal revives the fundamental era, it is important that we fi nd cial partners include Katara–the nadi, and distinguished guests ing the power and responsibility story about three brave women including 25 international jurors spirit of cinema by connect- a true balance between the sub- Cultural Village (cultural part- from the region. Reviving the that comes with having a voice and their eff orts to build a foot- who will travel to Doha for the ing people to our shared roots lime message of art and the use of ner), Ooredoo (principal part- true spirit of cinema and lend- and refl ects the vision of Qatar’s ball team in post-revolution Lib- event from places such as Arme- through stories that resonate technology. Ajyal serves the pur- ner), Novo Cinemas (strategic ing voice to emerging fi lmmakers leadership – and that of DFI – to ya, even as the country descends nia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ita- with our aspirations and hopes,” pose of bridging this important partner) and St Regis Doha (sig- from Qatar and around the world, celebrate the values of openness, into civil war. ly, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Spain, al-Remaihi said. gap in today’s cultural scene,” nature sponsor).

Screenings today at Ajyal

5.30pm Next Door Spy (Den- 8.30pm – On Happiness Freedom Fields ‘a perfect fi t’ for mark, 77 mins), Novo Cinemas, Road (Taiwan, 111 mins), Katara The Pearl, Theatre 1 (NOV-P1) Building 12 Theatre A (K12-A) 6pm Our Struggles (Bel- 8.30pm – Freedom Fields gium, France, 98 mins), Katara (Libya, UK, Netherlands, the Building 16 Opera House US, Qatar, Lebanon, Canada, young generation, says director (KT16-OH) 97 mins), Novo Cinemas, The 6.30pm My Family Tree – Pearl, Theatre 1 (NOV-P1) Cine Concert (43 mins), Katara 9.15pm – 3 Faces (Iran, 100 By Joey Aguilar the aspirations of the Supreme 97-minute movie shares the re- Esplanade, The Ajyal Stage mins), Katara Building 12 Thea- Staff Reporter Committee for Delivery and alities of where personal stories (KE-AS) tre B (K12-B) Legacy (SC), tasked with de- of passions and aspirations col- 7pm – Made in Qatar Pro- 9.30pm – What Walaa livering proposed tournament lide with history in a country in gramme 1 (104 mins), Katara Wants (Canada, Denmark, 89 reedom Fields, described venues and projects for the 2022 transition. Building 16 Katara Drama mins), Katara Building 16 Opera as a bold and inspiring FIFA World Cup, a fi rst in the This year’s edition of Ajyal Theatre (K16-DT) House (KT16-OH) Fdocumentary based on Middle East, and coincides with will screen a total of 81 fi lms true events, is “a perfect fi t” for the symbolic handover year of from 36 countries, with 44 by the young people of the region, the World Cup from Russia to women fi lmmakers, showcasing the fi lm’s director Naziha Arebi Qatar. a diverse programme of 23 fea- has said. Arebi is a Libyan-British art- tures and 58 shorts, including “It’s amazing to be here in a ist and fi lmmaker who returned 24 from the Arab world. On the red carpet festival for the youth because to Libya after the revolution to Some 14 DFI-supported fi lms it’s really a fi lm that’s about work and explore her father’s will also be screened, including and doing something for the homeland. What Walaa Wants, The Man new generation,” she told re- She produced various short Who Stole Banksy, Weldi and porters during the red-carpet fi lms, worked extensively in the Capharnaum. event yesterday at the opening Mena region as a cinematogra- The festival is also hosting of Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) pher and is a HotDocs Blue Ice more than 550 jurors from 55 sixth edition of Ajyal Film Fes- and a Sundance Lab fellow. Her nationalities, including inter- tival at Katara – the Cultural artwork has been published in national jurors from Armenia, Village. print and exhibited globally. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, The film’s Middle East pre- And alongside her fi rst fea- Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Spain, miere at the festival was at- ture Freedom Fields, she is also Turkey and the UK. tended by local, regional and producing After A Revolution, At the opening ceremony, international directors, film- in collaboration with Met Film Ajyal also paid rich tribute to makers, diplomats, dignitar- (UK), EIE Film (Italy) and Urban legendary actors Abdul Aziz ies and other celebrities, in- Republic (US). Jassim, who passed away re- cluding renowned Canadian Freedom Fields, a recipient of cently. actress Evangeline Lilly, who the DFI Grants Programme, is A special ‘Abdul Aziz Jassim starred in Avengers, and Ant- a story about hope and sacri- Best Actor Award’ has been in- man and the Wasp, among fi ce, and takes audiences on an stituted for the best perform- other films. inspiring journey through the ance in a fi lm in the ‘Made in Naziha Arebi (centre) on the red carpet at Ajyal yesterday. According to DFI, the screen- ups and downs of three women. Qatar’ presented by Ooredoo PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed ing of the fi lm also builds on Filmed over fi ve years, Arebi’s programme. Films, family fun and a platform for creativity at Ajyal

With a colourful array of activi- women and their eff orts to build documentary, which won the ties for family and a compelling a football team in post-revolution Special Jury Prize at the Hot Docs showcase of films drawn from real Libya, even as the country de- Canadian International Documen- life including another screening of scends into civil war. tary Festival 2018, What Walaa the opening film, Freedom Fields, Several films await cine-lovers at Wants (Canada, Denmark/2018) the sixth edition of the Ajyal Film Ajyal Film Festival today celebrat- will be screened at 9.30pm at Festival will delight the commu- ing the themes of hope, discovery Katara Opera House. Directed by nity today (Thursday). and courage. At 8.30pm at Christy Garland, the documentary The annual cinema event hosted Katara 12 – Theatre A, watch On is about Walaa, who was raised in by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) Happiness Road (Taiwan/2017), a refugee camp in the West Bank, at Katara – the Cultural Village directed by Hsin-Yin Sung, which and aspires to become one of will also be underlined by the first was nominated as Best Feature at the few women in the Palestinian programme of ‘Made in Qatar’ Annecy International Film Festival Security Force, not easy for a girl presented by Ooredoo today, 2018. Acclaimed director Jafar who has her own way of doing which highlights the works by Qa- Panahi’s 3 Faces (Iran/2018), which things. tari and Qatar-based filmmakers. A still from the opening film, Freedom Fields. won the Best Screenplay Award At Novo Cinemas, The Pearl, The first programme’s screen- at Cannes Film Festival 2018, will at 5.30pm, a delightful movie ings of eight short films by the that reveal what brings families Katara Building 19 from 10am to be screened at 9.15pm at Katara awaits families. Next Door Spy homegrown talents will be at together but also live music by a 10pm, celebrates Qatar’s resilience 12-Theatre B. (Denmark/2017), directed by Karla 7pm at Katara Drama Theatre. group of international musicians. and ability to overcome even the The film traverses the journey von Bengtson, is about AC, who Celebrating the thriving state of Entry is free but seating is limited. most testing of challenges. The that Panahi makes with actress dreams about being a detective. filmmaking in Qatar, the annual The Ajyal Creativity Hub will kick works on display highlight how Behnaz Jafari to help a young When she moves next door to the programme puts the spotlight not off today morning with Geekdom, Qatar continues to strengthen girl, whose desperate plea to mysterious skater Vincent, she only talents from the country but Qatar’s one-of-a-kind pop-culture and grow even in times of assist her family had left Jafari immediately gets the sense that also presents compelling stories event featuring exciting ac- adversity. distraught. The winner of the there is something more to him. of Qatar, its culture and people tivities including cosplay days, After wowing audiences at the Critics Award at Hamburg Film Tickets to the screenings are from interesting perspectives. videogame tournaments and opening night gala, Freedom Festival 2018, director Guillaume priced QR25 and are available at With the weekend setting in, there film screenings. Geekdom opens Fields (Libya, UK, Netherlands, US, Senez’s Our Struggles (Belgium, FNAC stores (Lagoona Mall and is enough reason for families to at Katara Buildings 18 and 19 at Qatar, Lebanon, Canada/2018) will France/2018) is at 6pm at Katara Doha Festival City) and the Ajyal visit the Ajyal Stage at Katara 10am and will continue through be screened at 8.30pm at Novo Opera House. It is about Oliver, Katara Main Box off ice, Building 12. Village. At the Katara Esplanade, to 10pm. Entrance is free for the Cinemas, The Pearl-Qatar. Nomi- who finds a new meaning in his Tickets can be purchased online family fun kicks off at 6.30pm with public. nated for the Best Documentary life with the help of his kids, after www.dohafilminstitute.com/film- the My Family Tree Cine-Concert Do not miss [RE]ACTION, a com- Award at the Stockholm Film his wife leaves them without festival. Holders of Culture Pass by Popular Turkish actor Engin Altan Duzyatan on Ajyal red carpet by Forum des Images. It show- pelling art showcase by the local Festival 2018, the film directed by warning. Qatar Museums will get a QR5 dis- yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand. cases not only five short films art community, which is held at Naziha Arebi follows three brave A powerful and endearing count on all general screenings. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, November 29, 2018 QATAR Qatar emphasises continued concern for rights

QNA conventions in this fi eld and to playing a pivotal role in this de- tinued its increasing attention tional Development Strategy “The speech of His Highness Geneva its national references including velopment. to human rights and had taken (2011-2016) and the Second Na- the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin the Constitution of the State and This came in a statement de- the necessary legislative, legal, tional Development Strategy Hamad al-Thani, at the 73rd its National Vision 2030, stress- livered by HE the Minister of administrative and other meas- (2018-2022), which constitute a session of the United Nations atar has affi rmed its ing that it is a remarkable phase State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan ures to realise these rights and supportive and well-established General Assembly held last continued concern for of its history moving forward bin Saad al-Muraikhi at the 97th to provide them with the means environment for the implemen- September, in which His High- Qhuman rights and the towards full, comprehensive and Session of the Committee on the to institutionalise, develop and tation of human rights according ness stressed that human de- elimination of all forms of racial even accelerated development, Elimination of Racial Discrimi- modernise them within the to the approach which was called velopment and the protection discrimination and its eff ects resulting in its record of unprec- nation, which concluded yester- framework of integrated social for by international treaties and and promotion of human rights on the basis of its commitment edented economic growth and day in Geneva. development. conventions. are top priorities of the State of to all international treaties and recovery, with expatriate labour HE Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi He noted that Qatar had con- He added that the First Na- The minister referred to the Qatar”. Commerce minister calls for joint action to promote peace, stability

atar has participated Organisation’s 11th Ministerial He stressed that Turkey is in 1997, while maintaining the in the 34th ministerial Conference. The minister said pursuing its efforts to promote Framework Agreement on the Qmeeting of the Stand- the meeting comes at a time joint Islamic action and imple- System of Trade Preferences ing Committee for Economic when a number of countries ment Comcec’s 2016-2025 Plan among OIC member states as a and Commercial Co-operation have been inclined to impose general legal framework. of the Organisation of Islamic additional protectionist meas- Qatar takes part in 34th The minister also called for Co-operation (Comcec), which ures on international trade, ministerial meeting of the launch of new rounds of kicked-off yesterday in Istanbul, which calls for increased co- Comcec in Istanbul negotiations on the trade pref- Turkey. ordination and co-operation erential system among OIC Qatar, through HE the Min- among OIC countries to con- of Action, which was adopted member states to ensure a swift ister of Commerce and Industry front and mitigate the effects of at the 13th Islamic Summit held and voluntary tariff reduction Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, is rep- these changes, which have the in Istanbul in 2016. and to assess the potential use, resenting the Arab group at the potential to affect the security, Al-Kuwari proposed the if any, of local currencies and a four-day event. stability and future of Islamic launch of a number of innova- clearing system in intra-trade Al-Kuwari voiced hope on countries and their people, and tive initiatives to overcome dif- transactions. behalf of the Arab group for in- stand in the way of achieving ficulties and obstacles facing Al-Kuwari also called for the creased support for joint Islamic joint interests and objectives. OIC member states, amid geos- establishment of a fund to fi- HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari at the meeting. action in a bid to tackle regional However, the minister noted trategic and economic changes. nance four projects, including challenges and promote peace that current circumstances are He called for the adoption an integrated programme for He also advocated the devel- among Comcec members, al- Additionally, the nations have and stability across the region. favourable to achieving a quan- of the declaration on the de- the development of the Halal opment of a trade facilitation Kuwari said Arab countries had also developed a leading fi nancial He said the meeting was tak- tum leap in joint Islamic ac- velopment of a free trade zone industry across OIC member programme and a unified win- adopted Comcec’s recommen- market and a transparent own- ing place in light of consider- tion, particularly as Turkey has between OIC member states as states and the OIC Investment dow system, and the promotion dations on the development of ership system, while seeking to able geostrategic and economic made significant efforts over a first step towards the estab- Programme, in addition to or- of trade between OIC countries bilateral trade, as well as the enhance the contribution of the changes, amid a decline in mul- the past two decades to trans- lishment of an Islamic Com- ganising a high-level confer- similar to Arab-African trade promotion of joint investments private sector in the fi nancing tilateral trade and a lack of tan- late the objectives of Comcec mon Market, which was en- ence on investment challenges bridges. and a business-friendly environ- and implementation of invest- gible progress at the World Trade into tangible achievements. dorsed at the Tehran Summit in the Islamic world. On co-operation eff orts ment. ment and development projects. Panel showcases Qatar as top business events destination

atar’s National Tourism In a bid to build more indus- proving immigration processes gether Better Health 2020 In- Art, Katara – the Cultural Vil- Council (NTC), along- try ties, NTC and partner del- at ports of entry and introduc- ternational Conference, and lage, the vibrant marketplace Qside nine partners, is egates from Qatar also attended ing visa-free entry to citizens the 2020 Regional Conference Souq Waqif and the recently exhibiting at IBTM World Bar- match-making sessions with and nationals of more than 80 for International Society for the launched Al Enna Project, celona until today (November relevant industry representa- countries. Prevention of Child Abuse and which aims to enhance the 29), it was announced. tives from across the world. Neglect, among others. overall desert and camping ex- In a press statement, NTC “Under our new identity as NTC hosted two buyer Qatar is a rapidly-growing perience at Sealine Beach. said the Qatar delegation show- NTC we continue to work with events to display country’s hub for education, sport, re- The project entails major cased the country’s full range our partners from public and varied off erings at IBTM search, healthcare and en- expansion and enhancements Ras bu Abboud Street to see of hotels, destination manage- private sectors to develop the World Barcelona ergy. With Qatar Foundation’s with the end goal of accommo- ment companies, event man- business events sector as part Education City hosting branch dating up to 15,000 people. agement companies, and state- of our strategy to develop the As a result of these initiatives, campuses of eight international The following partners exhib- partial closure tomorrow of-the-art venues that make for tourism sector,” NTC offi cial the United Nations World Tour- universities, and the cutting- ited at the Qatar Business Events an attractive business events Ahmed al-Obaidli said. ism Organisation recently ranked edge Qatar Science and Tech- stand (J60): Marriot Marquis destination in the region. “IBTM World Barcelona is Qatar the eighth most open coun- nology Park, the country off ers City Center Doha Hotel, Sharq shghal has announced a with the General Directorate of NTC held a networking ses- an important platform for us try in the world and the most open eye-opening experiences for Village and Spa, Sheraton Grand temporary closure of all Traffi c is to complete installa- sion for selected international to continue delivering on our country in the Middle East. conference attendees of any Doha Resort and Convention Alanes on Ras bu Abboud tion of road signs on this vital buyers and another for Spanish plans to enhance the end-to- The country’s openness background, both inside and Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, street en-route from Doha and route. During the closure, traffi c buyers, inviting them to learn end Qatar visitor experience,” - among other factors - has beyond the walls of its venues. The St. Regis Doha, Arabian Ad- Corniche to Hamad Internation- heading from Doha towards Ha- more about Qatar’s unique he added. Qatar has taken nu- helped Qatar win a number of Business visitors also benefi t ventures, First Travel & Tour- al Airport and G-Ring Road for mad International Airport shall tourism products and services merous steps to ease visitor ac- bids to host major international from unique cultural experi- ism, Qatar International Adven- six hours between 2am and 8am be diverted temporarily through which make for memorable and cess to Qatar such as refi ning events such as the Les Clefs ences through iconic landmarks tures, and Doha Exhibition and tomorrow (November 30). Airport Street and F-Ring Road authentic experiences. electronic visa systems, im- d’Or Congress in 2021, All To- such as the Museum of Islamic Convention Centre. The closure in co-ordination (as illustrated on the map). QU organises 2018 alumni reunion

QNA Doha

nder the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha UMoza bint Nasser, Honorary President of Qatar University Alumni Associa- tion (QUAA), Qatar University organised on Tuesday evening its annual reunion ceremony (2018 Alumni Reunion). Speaking on the occasion, President of Qatar University Alumni Association, HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, President of Qatar University Alumni Association, HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, honouring the praised the constant keenness President of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) Dr Saad Ahmed al-Mohannadi with the People taking part in Doha Healthcare Week. of the country’s leadership on Distinguished Alumni Award. supporting education, and its interest in Qatar University in (QS) World University Rank- University always aspires to have been established since particular. ings, advancing 17 positions consolidate the relationship the association’s launch, in- Dr al-Sada noted that Qatar from the previous year. with its graduates, and places cluding branches of faculties More than 10,000 take part University is the first national Expressing pleasure at wel- high hopes on their role in and other areas of common university, and since its estab- coming a brilliant group of supporting it. Therefore, Qa- interest. lishment in 1973, the universi- graduates of the prestigious tar University Alumni Asso- Following the speech of ty has been keen on developing national academic institution, ciation was established in 2012 the President of Qatar Uni- in ‘Doha Healthcare Week’ and qualifying its employees Dr al-Sada noted that they are aiming to provide programmes versity Alumni Association, to keep abreast of the highest meeting again at the start- that will bring together those the distinguished graduate international standards, and ing point of their long journey with special interests in order was honoured by the presi- ore than 10,000 people health sector in Qatar through the initiative of the Ministry of to prepare graduates capable spent in the service of their to enrich personal experiences dent of the University. This attended ‘Doha Health- organising capacity building Public Health, Hamad Medical of effectively contributing to beloved country Qatar. and to provide mutual support year, President of the Public Mcare Week’, which was workshops, lectures and semi- Corporation and the Primary the future of their homeland. He called for continued ef- between the graduates and the Works Authority (Ashghal) Dr organised by the World Innova- nars for healthcare profession- Health Care Corporation. More than 45,000 students forts and achievements, refer- university in all aspects and Saad Ahmed al-Mohannadi tion Summit for Health (WISH), als, and a wide range of enter- CEO of WISH, Sultana Afdhal, have graduated from Qatar ring to His Highness the Amir fields. was honoured with the Dis- an initiative of the Qatar Foun- tainment activities. said that it is important to support University, and a large number Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- He said that the Qatar Uni- tinguished Alumni Award. Dr dation (QF) in partnership with Doha Healthcare Week in- Qatar’s eff orts to build capacity in of them have secured leader- Thani’s speech when he said: versity Alumni Association al-Mohannadi graduated from the Ministry of Education and cluded 54 health-related activi- the healthcare sector, adding that ship positions in the country, “We have done a lot and can has opened its doors to those the Faculty of Engineering at Ministry of Public Health. ties. On the occasion new guide- the success of Doha Healthcare Dr al-Sada said, noting that do more, but we have to start wishing to establish branches Qatar University in 1997. He Some 18 national and interna- lines were announced aimed Week demonstrates the strong Qatar University has ranked from the existing reality and of the Association regardless continued his higher studies tional organisations participated at making the most of Qatar’s desire of all residents of Qatar to 332 among the top universities not from the wishes”. of their age, colleges and in- at the university and took a in the event, highlighting the healthcare services available at adopt a healthier lifestyle. in the Quacquarelli Symonds Dr al-Sada said that Qatar terests. More than 22 branches Master’s degree. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 13 QATAR Prospective students learn of academic opportunities at HBKU Open House

amad Bin Khalifa Uni- decision sciences; as well as in- versity (HBKU) recently formation and computing tech- Hheld its annual Graduate nology. Studies Open House to introduce CLPP’s programme is the fi rst- attendees to its multidisciplinary of-its-kind graduate law degree master’s and doctorate degree in the Middle East and North Af- programmes. rica region. Dr Ibrahim al-Nuaimi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, was The annual event off ers par- The programme delivers a cus- received at ExxonMobil Qatar booth by officials Saleh al-Mana and Abdullatif al-Naemi. ticipants a preview of HBKU’s tomised legal curriculum using interdisciplinary approach to innovative methods of instruc- academic excellence, as well as tion that focus on meeting the ExxonMobil supports Qatari Students Forum detailed information about the needs of the Gulf region’s most various programmes off ered by important industries. xxonMobil Qatar has sponsored and participated in the 2nd its fi ve well-established colleges: CHLS promotes opportunities Qatari Students Forum organised by the Qatar embassy in the the College of Islamic Studies for studying genomics and per- EUS and held in Los Angeles, California on November 23-25. (CIS); the College of Humani- sonalised medicine through two Saleh al-Mana, vice president and director Public and Govern- ties and Social Sciences (CHSS); master’s and PhD degrees. ment Aff airs and Abdullatif al-Naemi, manager of Human Re- the College of Science and Engi- In addition, the college off ers sources represented ExxonMobil Qatar at the forum. neering (CSE); the College of Law Participants interact with HBKU off icials at the Open House. graduate-level education in the ExxonMobil’s participation in the forum comes as part of its and Public Policy (CLPP) and the biological and biomedical sci- commitment to help fulfi l the objectives of the Qatar National Vi- College of Health and Life Sci- “HBKU’s degrees aim to off er which are unique to the region. ences. sion 2030 and His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad ences (CHLS). students a holistic learning ex- CIS serves as hub for contem- Anwar Abdulkareem al- al-Thani’s vision for a knowledge-based economy. Associate provost Dr Yousef perience by providing a unique porary Islamic studies and dia- Hwsali, who attended this year’s ExxonMobil Qatar was also a main sponsor of the fi rst forum Haik said: “HBKU’s Graduate approach to education, which logue on thoughts and ideas con- Graduate Studies Open House, held in Washington DC in 2014. Studies Open House provides encompasses extensive practi- cerning Islam. said: “Today’s event helped me In Qatar, ExxonMobil works closely with local community part- a platform for prospective stu- cal, hands-on initiatives that will CHSS, one of HBKU’s highly gain a better understanding of ners to develop programmes that build human potential and sup- dents to meet with faculty and help students advance seamlessly specialised colleges, off ers top- what can be in store should I be- port responsible and sustainable development. students and have their ques- in their chosen career paths. We tier programmes that specifi cally come a student of HBKU, and the It continues to invest in workforce development and education Hamad al-Mufah, deputy tions answered about our various look forward to welcoming the address national and regional opportunities I may have to take programmes — particularly in science, technology, engineering chief of mission, Qatar programmes, campus life and the next cohort of students to HBKU needs. my studies to the next level. I and mathematics — towards creating a pool of skilled and produc- embassy in the US, presents enrolment process. It also allows where they will be exposed to a With 12 interdisciplinary de- found the sessions both inform- tive individuals that can build a sustainable future for Qatar and its an appreciation award to prospective students to have wealth of academic and research grees, CSE off ers a broad range ative and helpful, and they are a people. ExxonMobil’s Saleh al-Mana. fi rst-hand information about opportunities.” of specialties that encompass refl ection of the quality of edu- HBKU’s newest programme of- HBKU off ers a diverse range of sustainable development; en- cation I would be receiving here ferings. graduate programmes, some of gineering management and at HBKU.”

Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlet inaugurated

The Malabar Gold & Diamonds Lifestyle Jewellery outlet in Al Meera Jeryan was inaugurated by Sheikh Abdulla al-Thani in the presence of regional head Santhosh T V, zonal head Noufal Thadthil, Prospective students and their families throng the HBKU Open House. other members of the management team and guests.

‘Sports Shopping Festival’ till Dec 5 London-based fi rm hails Doha success nited Capital Group, a ultra high-net-worth (UHNW) leading property devel- clients and deals in acquisition/ Uopment and investment sale/valuation of hotel and hos- consultancy fi rm from London pitality assets worldwide. had great success in Doha at Wide selection of exclusive a seminar on Tuesday, it an- property development projects is nounced in a statement. available in and around Central The visitors were very keen to London, Manchester, Birmingham, learn on buying and investing in Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, the UK and shown interest to buy Cardiff , Cornwall and Norwich. and invest over £80mn worth of “The salient features we off er combined deals, including ho- United Capital Group off icials and clients at the event in Doha. are annual returns minimum 6% tels and high-end development and maximum 18% per year on projects. sellers of projects owners and don, Dubai, Cyprus and New selected projects, EU Citizenship United Capital Group special- land developers ensuring that York, deals with acquisition/ programme for non-EU citizens, Sports Corner, Qatar’s premiere sports retailer, is hosting the first-ever ‘Sports Shopping Festival’ ises in property acquisitions and we deliver unrivalled profes- sale of residential and commer- complete advice throughout the until December 5 at Regency Halls. The event, which opened yesterday, is described as a showcase advisory services for interna- sional advice and guidance in the cial assets ranging from £5mn to acquisition process, introduction of top-tier international and local brands. Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, Reebok, Puma, Speedo, tional clients and property inves- search, selection and successful £800mn. of UHNW property investors to Dynamic Sport and Hendam are just several of the featured brands in the festival’s debut. tors in search of prime real estate. purchase of prime real estate,” it Established in 2015 with over property developers and own- Sportswear for men, women and children, footwear, caps and bags, other accessories and a lot more, “We provide personalised and was explained. 20 years of experience in inter- ers, and investment in lucrative will be off ered at special discounted prices just for the duration of the event. confi dential property services on The full service real estate ad- national real estate markets, the properties in and outside Lon- behalf of buyers, investors and visory fi rm, with offi ces in Lon- fi rm off ers asset management for don,” the statement added.

Aster urges healthcare professionals to become ‘antibiotic guardians’ ster Medical Centres & campaign using infographics, future. Antibiotic resistance, Hospital in Qatar, a divi- quizzes, posters and success however, limits and can even Asion of Aster DM Health- stories to raise awareness of the eradicate the power of antibiot- care, has observed World Anti- need to act on antibiotic resist- ics, putting individuals and com- biotic Awareness Week (WAAW) ance and what kinds of steps we munities at greater health risk,” with a series of activities and can take. said Dr Moopan. urged healthcare professionals As a part of awareness week Dr Nahla Hassan Sharaf from and community to become anti- more than 1,000 commu- Ministry of Public Health high- biotic guardians. nity members and around 500 lighted that the consequences of The campaign was held at all healthcare professionals have antimicrobial resistance are seri- Aster Medical Centres and Aster signed pledge to use antibiotics ous and resistant microbes fail to Hospital across Qatar. responsibly and create awareness respond to standard treatment, WAAW is an international about antibiotic resistance. resulting in prolonged illness, campaign initiated by World Dr Sameer Moopan, chief ex- infectiousness, increased spread Health Organisation in each No- ecutive offi cer, Aster DMH Qa- of disease and extended hospital vember which aims to increase tar reiterated on theme of the stays. global awareness of antibiotic WAAW campaign. Dr Mahesh Patel, senior man- resistance and to encourage best “’Antibiotics: Handle with ager, Quality Assurance, Aster practices among the general Care’, the campaign refl ects the DMH Qatar said the more antibi- public, health workers and pol- overarching message that anti- otics are used, the more chances icy makers to avoid the further biotics are a precious resource bacteria to become resistant to emergence and spread of antibi- and should be preserved. They them. otic resistance. should be used to treat bacterial Major causes of antibiotic re- During the November 12-18 infections, only when prescribed sistance include using antibiot- campaign, Aster reached out to by a qualifi ed health profes- ics when they are not needed patients, public and health pro- sional. Antibiotics should never and not taking antibiotics at the fessionals through direct con- be shared and should be taken doses and times that a doctor Dr Nahla Hassan Sharaf and representatives of Ministry of Public Health with Aster off icials during awareness activities. tact and through a social media as directed and not saved for the prescribes. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, November 29, 2018 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Syria talks on fragile UN chief ready Idlib truce begin in to meet MbS to Kazakhstan discuss Yemen AFP Astana AFP United Nations egotiators from Iran, Russia and Turkey met Nin Kazakhstan’s capital N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Astana yesterday for two days of yesterday he was ready to meet Saudi Crown talks aiming to preserve a fragile UPrince Mohamed bin Salman (MbS) to ad- 10-week-old truce in northern vance diplomatic eff orts to end the war in Yemen. Syria, the Kazakh foreign min- Guterres will travel later to Buenos Aires to at- istry said. tend the G20 summit that will see the prince make Talks got underway between A handout picture provided by the off ice of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei yesterday a fi rst major appearance on the world stage since delegations from the three re- shows him delivering a speech during a meeting with a group of commanders and off icers of the the brutal killing of dissident journalist Jamal gional power-brokers as well as Navy and Army in Tehran. Khashoggi. the Syrian government and op- The UN chief told reporters “there is a chance” position, the ministry said in a that talks on ending the war in Yemen could begin statement. In addition to cooling in early December in Sweden and that this was “an the confl ict around the northern extremely important objective.” province of Idlib — the last ma- “I am ready to discuss it with the crown prince or jor rebel and militant stronghold Iran leader calls for with any Saudi offi cial because I believe it is a very in Syria — discussions will focus important objective at the present moment,” said on creating conditions for the Guterres. return of refugees and internally The UN chief’s readiness to hold talks with displaced people, as well as post- boosting of naval forces the Saudi leader came amid speculation that the confl ict reconstruction, the min- 33-year-old prince could be treated as a pariah at Guterres: keen eff orts to end war in Yemen istry said. the G20 over the Khashoggi murder, which trig- The United Nations will be AFP chiefs, quoted on his offi cial destroyer and two subma- gered a global outcry. Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Suze van Meegen of represented at the negotiations Tehran website. rines, all three manufactured “We are at a very crucial moment in relation to the Norwegian Refugee Council said cutting off the by Syria envoy Staff an de Mis- The Islamic republic was in Iran, as signs of “ever in- Yemen,” said Guterres who added that he had spo- one remaining road to Hodeidah would spell dis- tura, according to the statement, confronted by “a vast lineup creasing progress”. ken earlier in the day to his UN peace envoy Martin aster for 22mn people relying on imports passing in what will likely be his last en- ran’s supreme leader Aya- of enemies and rivals”, he Defence Minister Amir Griffi ths. “I believe there is a chance to be able to through the port. gagement on the confl ict before tollah Ali Khamenei called said. Khamenei, quoted in Hatami, quoted by the offi- start eff ective negotiations in Sweden early in De- “As of yesterday, Hodeidah has been entirely en- leaving the post.The 10-week-old Iyesterday for the country English on his Twitter ac- cial news agency IRNA, said cember, but we are not yet there.” circled by troops,” van Meegen, an advocacy advi- Idlib truce deal is in the balance to boost its naval forces as a count, stressed that Iran two Ghadir-class subma- Griffi ths is hoping to bring the Saudi-backed sor based in Yemen for 18 months, told reporters on after an alleged chemical attack deterrent against its enemies “has no intention of launch- rines are to enter service to- government and the Houthi rebels to Sweden for a trip to Paris. The one remaining access road, to in the government-held city of and hailed the deployment of ing a war against anyone”. day and a new destroyer two negotiations that could begin as early as December the north “is 60 kilometres longer than any other Aleppo on Saturday, which has new ships. But the country “should in- days later. 3, according to UN diplomats. The war has left mil- road that we would use to enter the city”, making triggered retaliatory raids. “Increase your capabili- crease our aptitudes so that Iran considers itself the lions on the brink of starvation and unleashed what pick-ups harder for aid groups, she said. The exact circumstances of ties and readiness as much as enemies will fear attacking historic guardian of the Gulf the United Nations has described as the world’s If it is cut off , there will be “no means by which to the attack on three districts of you can so that the enemies of Iran and threats against Ira- and regularly condemns the worst humanitarian crisis. get anything to up to 22mn Yemenis that depend on the government-held city remain Iran will not dare threaten this nian nation will perish”. US deployment of naval and Saudi Arabia has faced fresh calls to end the war what is coming through that port”. murky and bitterly disputed. great nation,” Khamenei said He welcomed the com- air forces in the strategic wa- in Yemen following the murder of Khashoggi in Van Meegen said she believed the road would The Syrian government of in a meeting with Iran’s naval missioning this week of a terway. the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Guterres, who has be kept open ahead of peace talks expected to take Bashar al-Assad has blamed called for a thorough and transparent investigation place in Stockholm in December. fi ghters in neighbouring Idlib for of Khashoggi’s murder, said he would not shy away But “if there is a negative outcome from those the attack, which the Syrian Ob- from reiterating his position in a private conver- peace talks...and things escalate, the Saudi and servatory for Human Rights said sation with the prince. “I have never a problem in Emirate coalition could cut that supply road off hospitalised 94 people. saying publicly and privately the same thing,” he within two hours,” she warned. The incident has put strain Govt ‘must account for thousands said. Given that about 70% of Yemen’s imports pass on an the already fragile agree- ROAD TO HODEIDAH UNDER THREAT through the port, such a situation would prove dis- ment reached in mid-September Only one road remains open to the vital Yemeni astrous, she said. “Humanitarian aid is not the so- to fend off a fully-fl edged assault of detainees who died in custody’ port of Hodeidah, which has now been entirely en- lution – we cannot feed 29.3mn people, the entire on Idlib, which Syria’s regime — circled by the Saudi-led military coalition, an aid population of Yemen,” van Meegen said. backed by Russia and Iran — has worker said. “We need a majority of Yemenis to be able to buy said it is committed to re-taking. Reuters area share common death dates, possibly indi- Fierce clashes have eased off around the Red Sea their food, so we can assist the people in the most More than half of the region Geneva cating group executions,” it said. port but there is intense international concern over desperate need.” is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al- In most cases, the place of death was stated as its fate as millions of Yemenis remain on the verge UN agencies say 14mn Yemenis are at risk of Sham (HTS), a powerful alliance Tishreen military hospital or Mujtahid hospital, of starvation. starvation.Operations at Hodeidaj’s port have fall- led by the militants of Syria’s N war crimes investigators called on both near Damascus, but the place of detention Yemen’s Saudi-backed government had been en by nearly 50%over the past two weeks, the UN former Al Qaeda affi liate. Syria yesterday to tell families what hap- was not named, it said. waging a fi erce off ensive to retake the city from said on Tuesday. Upened to their relatives who disappeared “Pro-government forces and primarily the and provide the medical records and remains of Syrian state should reveal publicly the fates ASSISTANCE those who died or were executed in custody. of those detained, disappeared and/or miss- Aid pledged to No progress can be made towards a last- ing without delay,” the report said, noting this UN Palestinian ing peace to end the nearly eight-year-old war meant Syrian government forces, Russian forc- without justice, the International Commission es and affi liated militia. refugee agency of Inquiry on Syria said. Families had the right to know the truth Madagascar ex-presidents After years of government silence, Syrian au- about their loved one’s deaths and be able to re- Saudi Arabia pledged $50mn in aid thorities this year released “thousands or tens trieve their remains, it said. yesterday to the UN agency for Pal- of thousands” of names of detainees alleged to In a 2016 report, the panel found that the to contest run-off vote estinian refugees (UNRWA), which have died, mostly between 2011 and 2014, it said scale of deaths in prisons indicated that the has been hit by the withdrawal of all in a report released before delivery to the UN government of President Bashar al-Assad US funding. Security Council. “Most custodial deaths are was responsible for “extermination as a crime AFP The announcement was made at thought to have occurred in places of detention against humanity”. In Syria, a family member Antananarivo a news conference in the Saudi run by Syrian intelligence or military agencies. must register a death within a month after re- capital by the director of the King The Commission has not documented any in- ceiving a death notifi cation, the report said. Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief stance, however, where bodies or personal be- Failure to do so results in a fi ne which grows wo former presidents Centre, Abdullah al-Rabeea. UNRWA longings of the deceased were returned,” it said. after a year. of Madagascar, An- commissioner general Pierre Kra- In nearly every case, death certifi cates for But given that there are millions of Syrian Tdry Rajoelina and Marc henbuhl told the news conference prisoners that were provided to families re- refugees abroad and internally displaced, many Ravalomanana, will face each that the agency had succeeded in corded the cause of death as a “heart attack” are not in a position to meet deadlines, it said. other in a run-off election next containing spending following the or “stroke”, the independent panel led by Paulo The lack of an offi cial death certifi cate may month to decide who will lead decision by the administration of Pinheiro said. aff ect the housing, land and property rights of the Indian Ocean island nation, President Donald Trump in August “Some individuals from the same geographic relatives, it said. the country’s top court an- to end all funding. nounced yesterday. The United States had been by The run-off comes after nei- far the biggest contributor to the ther candidate won the 50 % of UN Relief and Works Agency for votes required for a fi rst-round Palestine refugees and the move victory on November 7. dealt a massive blow to its already Rajoelina got 39.23% of votes stretched finances. It threatened Nigeria media unites and Ravalomanana 35.35%, the closure of UNRWA schools both according to final results re- A combination file photo shows former Madagascar’s Marc in the Palestinian territories and in leased by the Constitutional Ravalomanana (left) and Andry Rajoelina. the diaspora just weeks into the Court.“The two candidates new academic year, as well as clinic cleared to go to the second application to annul the re- sake of “peace and sovereign- closures and major job cuts. against ‘fake news’ round are Andry Rajoelina sults. Judge Rakotoarisoa ty of Madagascar”. Madagas- and Marc Ravalomanana,” cautioned the two hopefuls to car, a former French colony, Constitutional Court judge “avoid provocations” as they is well known for its vanilla UNREST AFP president and parliament, about 50 journalists from lo- president Jean Eric Rakotoar- headed into the final stretch and precious redwood, yet 29 injured after Lagos while gubernatorial and state cal print, broadcast and online isoa said. of the election in a country is one of the world’s poorest assembly elections take place media, plus AFP, supported by The run-off vote will take which has history of political countries, according to World suicide blast two weeks later. academic partners at the Uni- place on December 19. turmoil. Bank data, with almost four in in Cameroon t least 15 Nigerian news President Muhamadu Bu- versity of Lagos. It is the first time the bitter “The people of Madagascar five people living in grinding organisations joined hari, 75, is seeking a second, The public will be able to rivals are facing each other at do not need trouble,” he said. poverty. At least 29 people were wounded Aforces yesterday to fi ght four-year term but facing a provide tips via WhatsApp. the ballot box. Extra military patrols were In the largely peaceful yesterday when a women bomber misinformation ahead of Feb- strong challenge from former Cross-checked claims will Both Ravalomanana, 68, seen on the streets of the cap- campaign to the first round blew herself up in a border town ruary’s elections in a collabora- vice-president Atiku Abu- appear on www.crosscheckni- and Rajoelina, 44, were ital Antananarivo. of election, the frontrunners in Cameroon’s Far North, a region tive fi rst as the country’s main bakar. geria.org. banned from running in the Rajoelina, who sat in court spent huge sums on flashy frequently hit by Boko Haram political parties trade accusa- The race is predicted to be The Abuja-based Interna- last election in 2013 under in- yesterday, had lodged com- campaign rallies and helicop- militants, security sources said. tions of fabrication and exag- close given dissatisfaction with tional Centre for Investigative ternational pressure to avoid plaints with the court alleging ters. A total of 36 candidates But a second bomber was shot geration. Buhari and his record on im- Reporting (ICIR) will co-ordi- a repeat of deadly political election officials tampered took part. dead by troops deployed in the The CrossCheck Nigeria proving national security and nate the project, which follows violence that engulfed the is- with software to “inflate” the Shortly after the court town before she could detonate project aims to get normally the economy, plus tackling similar initiatives in Brazil and land in 2009. number of registered voters session yesterday, Rajeolina her explosives, the source said. competing newsrooms to work corruption. France. Ravalomanana ruled from in the first round in what he vowed to appeal to voters “A suicide bomber blew herself together to investigate and dis- His ruling All Progressives ICIR executive director Dayo 2002 to 2009 until he was labelled “vote manipulation”. whose intentions were up for up this morning in Amchide” on prove erroneous claims, par- Congress (APC) has been ac- Aiyetan said Facebook, Twit- ousted in a military-backed He had also accused Ravalo- grabs. “I open my arms, let’s the Nigerian border, a regional ticularly on social media. cused of plagiarising its “Next ter and WhatsApp had be- coup that installed Rajoelina, manana of vote buying. work together to save Mada- security source said, speaking on Completed investigations Level” slogan and design for come “avenues for politicians who was in power until 2014. The electoral commis- gascar. I will do my best to condition of anonymity and giving will appear on a central plat- the re-election campaign. to spread misinformation, Rajoelina’s succcessor and sion rejected the allegations convince the undecided,” he a toll of 29 wounded. The attack form only when at least fi ve Abubakar’s Peoples Demo- rumour, falsehood and fake the country’s immediate past and the court threw out his told reporters. occurred on market day when the partners have approved the cratic Party (PDP) has been news”. president Hery Rajaonar- petition. Last week Ravalo- Ravalomanana’s campaign town was filling up with early- work, in a move designed to criticised for using photos of “The media bears respon- imampianina was eliminated manana withdrew his legal team called those who shunned morning shoppers, a local civil improve public understanding dead African Union troops for sibility to verify information from the race after he came a complaints over alleged ir- the ballot box on November 7 defence group off icial said. and trust. Nigerian soldiers killed in a re- being churned out on social distant third with just 8.82 % regularities in the first round, “to come and do their duty” in “There were many people hurt, I Nigerians go to the polls cent Boko Haram attack. media to ensure that they are of the ballots cast. with his lawyer saying the the second round.Turnout in saw about 20,” he said. on February 16 to elect a new CrossCheck Nigeria involves true,” he added in a statement. The court shot down his decision was reached for the the fi rst round was 54 %. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 15 AMERICAS

DRILL BIT NUMBER CRUNCH GORY ACCIDENT POLITICS JUSTICE Panic at military hospital Fewest undocumented Mother, baby killed in Trump slams Mueller probe Land Rover owner in driver’s after active shooter alarm migrants in US since 2004 Canada grizzly attack as ‘our Joe McCarthy era’ seat as justices fault Indiana

A false alert about an “active shooter” at the US The number of undocumented migrants living in A mother and her baby died in a suspected grizzly Donald Trump yesterday lashed out once more US Supreme Court justices yesterday appeared military’s biggest hospital sent panicked patients the United States has fallen to 10.7mn, the lowest bear attack in Canada’s Yukon territory, off icials at the head of the Russia probe Robert Mueller, inclined to rule in favour of an Indiana man who has and staff scrambling for shelter Tuesday. Police since 2004, according to a Pew Research Center said yesterday. Valerie Theoret, 37, had apparently accusing him of pressuring witnesses to lie, while argued that police violated his constitutional rights and local authorities rushed to the Walter Reed study, which attributed the decline to a big drop stepped out for a walk with her 10-month-old retweeting an image that shows the US president’s by seizing his $42,000 Land Rover vehicle following National Military Medical Center near Washington in undocumented Mexicans. Pew, which based its daughter Adele in the remote wilderness on Monday perceived adversaries behind bars. “This is our Joe his conviction for dealing heroin. The appeal by Tyson around 2pm after someone activated a trial alert latest findings on government figures from 2016, when the animal pounced. Their bodies were McCarthy era!” Trump declared in a tweet claiming Timbs asks the nine justices to decide whether the but failed to make clear that it was only a drill. said the number of undocumented immigrants in discovered by the child’s father not far from their that “at least 3 major players are intimating that US Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibition “The active shooter event...was the result of the the United States peaked in 2007 at an estimated cabin on the shores of Einarson Lake, more than the Angry Mueller Gang of Dems is viciously telling on “excessive fines” applies to states as well as the improper use of a mass notification system by 12.2mn people. Between 2007 and 2016, the number 400km northeast of Whitehorse, the Yukon’s only witnesses to lie about facts & they will get relief.” federal government. Based on an hour of arguments, a tenant command aboard the installation,” the of Mexicans in the United States illegally plummeted city. Almost immediately after happening across the Trump went on to retweet a crudely photoshopped the court appears likely to rule that it does, which Navy said in a statement. “While preparing for by 1.5mn, according to the study released Tuesday. devastating scene he was confronted by a bear, that image posted by a fan account called The Trump would give Timbs a chance to get his Land Rover an upcoming drill, the notification system was Nevertheless, people of Mexican origin still account he managed to shoot and kill it as it charged. The Train, under a banner headline that read: “NOW back. Timbs faced two counts of dealing in controlled inadvertently enacted without containing the for half of all undocumented migrants in the US — Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the coroner are THAT RUSSIA COLLUSION IS A PROVEN LIE, WHEN substances after being caught in 2013 selling heroin words ‘EXERCISE’ or ‘DRILL.’” some 5.4mn people in 2016, Pew said. investigating the “suspected bear attack”. DO THE TRIALS FOR TREASON BEGIN?” to undercover police off icers in Marion, Indiana. Trump makes wall funding top issue as govt spending Photographers try to capture images of the now famous Mandarin Duck, nicknamed Mandarin Patinkin, makes an appearance at a pond in Central Park in New York. Mandarin duck wows at Central Park deadline looms A magnificent Mandarin duck has become doned by a family that kept him as a pet. a star attraction at Central Park, travelling Yet more suggested he came from lands Reuters not clear if this time Trump will borders and immigration. winner” for his party even as he from unknown lands to mingle with the most beyond the US financial capital, where laws bar Washington back down. Republicans will maintain their said he was not taking action “just banal of mallards, attracting crowds and the people from owning a duck. Illegal immigration was a central control of the Senate next year but for political gain.” paparazzi along the way. All the speculation has only helped fuel the theme of Trump’s presidential bid, still need some Democratic sup- In a separate interview with The duck, whose species is native to East Asia duck’s popularity. resident Donald Trump said and he repeatedly invoked the issue port to pass spending legislation. The Washington Post on Tuesday, and sees males sport a colourful plumage in pur- Mystery abounds when he surreptitiously he would “totally be willing” ahead of the November 6 midterm The head of the Senate Homeland Trump said that if Congress does ple, orange, yellow and rust tones, landed at the takes flight for missions that can sometimes Pto shut down the federal gov- elections as a caravan of migrants from Security committee chairman, Re- not fund the wall he might try to iconic New York park on a sunny October day. last two weeks. ernment unless Congress author- Central America made their way to- publican Ron Johnson, said Trump get it done another way and re- He was spotted by rare bird watcher David He was spotted several times in New Jersey ised $5bn to fund his long-prom- ward the United States and deployed “deserved to have better barriers ferred to the deployed troops’ work Barrett, who posted a video on Twitter via the — on the other side of the East River — with ised wall along the US border with some 5,800 US troops to the border. funded” but noted that most gov- installing “barbed wire and fencing handle @BirdCentralPark that went viral. a telling band on his right leg, but it’s unclear Mexico, according to a Politico in- He has also threatened to com- ernment funds had already been and various other things.” The tos and fros of this stunning member of whether he swam or flew to the other side. terview published yesterday. pletely shut down the border, a appropriated and that most secu- Last week, US Defense Secretary the anatidae family are tracked closely on Twit- The duck has become a star, nicknamed Trump also told the news outlet warning Mexican Foreign Minister rity spending would continue under Jim Mattis said there could be new ter, and he even got his moment of fame in The Mandarin Patinkin by local media as a tribute to that the suggested $5bn would pay Luis Videgaray rejected yesterday. emergency provisions. troops at the border in the future New York Times. actor Mandy Patinkin of ‘Princess Bride’ fame. for the physical barrier alone, and The Trump administration’s use “It’s very diffi cult to shut down with new missions. It’s unclear exactly how he arrived here. On Tuesday, he roamed about beyond that additional funding would be of tear gas against Central Ameri- the government,” Johnson told Fox A US offi cial, speaking on the Some speculated at first that he had escaped the lenses of photographers on the lake in a needed for other border security can migrants who rushed the bor- News in an interview. condition of anonymity, said the from a zoo, but none of the city’s reported a southeastern corner of Central Park a stone’s measures. der last weekend drew rebuke from His Republican colleague, Or- border mission could be extended missing duck. throw from the Plaza hotel, snacking on a few The president has not followed Democrats and other critics. rin Hatch, told NBC News he had beyond the current authorisation Others guessed he might have been aban- breadcrumbs thrown by onlookers. through on previous threats to The Department of Homeland “mixed emotions” but that both through December 15. shut down the US government over Security defended Border Patrol sides should be able to work to- Trump also told Politico that he funding for the border wall, a sig- agents’ actions while Mexico urged gether on a solution. saw little need to work with Congress nature promise of his 2016 election an investigation into the incident. Democrats have refused to sup- over immigration reforms to ad- campaign. US lawmakers must act to pass port Trump’s border wall but dress the roughly 700,000 so-called But with his fellow Republicans a spending bill by December 7 have backed other border security Dreamers, young adults who were set to lose control of the House of to fund some government agen- measures. brought to the United States illegally Facebook ‘failing black people’ Representatives in January after cies, including the Department of Trump told Politico the political as children, and would instead see the recent midterm elections, it is Homeland Security which oversees battle over the border was a “total how court challenges play out. By Glenn Chapman, AFP Black employees typically hear colleagues San Francisco comment, “I didn’t know black people worked at Facebook,” he contended. He noted that black employees now repre- former Facebook employee on Tues- sent 4% of Facebook’s workforce as compared Republican wins Mississippi Senate runoff day went public with a memo saying to 2% in 2016. Athe company is failing to include black “In some buildings, there are more ‘Black Reuters the senator — who said she would prop up Hyde-Smith’s campaign, a year in the South, after Democrat people in its workforce and on the social net- Lives Matter’ posters than there are actual Washington attend a “public hanging” for a sup- which had nearly derailed due to her Doug Jones scored a shock Senate work. black people,” Luckie said. porter — were widely interpreted as remarks that Espy and others criti- upset last December in neighbour- Mark Luckie said that he shared the mes- A Facebook diversity report released in July alluding to Mississippi’s history of cised as racist and un-democratic. ing Alabama. sage with all Facebook employees around the confi rmed the 4% fi gure and pointed out that Mississippi Republican who lynchings and other racist violence. “Mr President, thank you so It was not to be in Mississippi, world early this month, shortly before his fi - the percentage of black employees in business drew scorn for making ra- Hyde-Smith’s victory preserves much for all of your help,” Hyde- a state politically divided largely nal day as a strategic partner manager focused or sales roles grew to 8%. Acially insensitive comments the 53-47 majority that Republicans Smith said during a victory speech, along racial lines, as voters cast on underrepresented voices. “But we continue to have challenges re- managed to hold her US Senate seat will hold in the Senate when the new stressing that the race was about ballots in the fi nal Senate contest “Facebook has a black people problem,” cruiting Black and Hispanic employees in Tuesday in the fi nal race of 2018, Congress convenes in January, even preserving the “conservative val- of the midterm elections and the Luckie, who is black, said in the memo. technical roles and senior leadership,” chief networks projected, avoiding what as Democrats gained at least 39 seats ues” of the state. fi nal referendum on Trump in 2018. “Facebook’s disenfranchisement of black diversity offi cer Maxine Williams said in the could have been an embarrassing in the House of Representatives, “Mississippians know me and Espy sought to frame his defeat people on the platform mirrors the marginali- report. setback for President Donald Trump. with one race still left to be called. they know my heart, and thank you as a strong showing for a party sation of its black employees.” Luckie questioned whether the input of Fa- Incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde- It also allowed Trump to dodge a for stepping up,” she added. seeking to make inroads ahead of The California-based social network did cebook workers hired with an eye toward di- Smith was leading Democratic political bullet in the Deep South, Hyde-Smith becomes the fi rst 2020 elections in a state where ra- not respond to a request for comment. versity was being incorporated into projects. challenger Mike Espy, a former which under normal circumstanc- woman elected to Congress from cial tensions still run deep. Luckie described black people as among He maintained that he had heard stories congressman, by 54.4% to 45.6% es is reliable Republican territory. Mississippi. “Make no mistake — tonight is the the most engaged demographics on the social from other black employees who told of being with 94% of precincts reporting, “Congratulations to Senator She was appointed to the Senate beginning, not the end,” tweeted Espy, network, but maintained that their eff orts to called hostile or aggressive by colleagues or according to Fox News and NBC. Cindy Hyde-Smith on your big in April to replace Republican Thad who once served as agriculture secre- create safe havens for conversation on Face- managers for sharing thoughts the way oth- The runoff in the Republican WIN in the Great State of Missis- Cochran, who stepped down for tary under president Bill Clinton. book are being derailed by the platform. ers do. stronghold between Hyde-Smith, sippi,” Trump tweeted. “We are all health reasons, and will now serve “When this many people show Content has been removed and accounts “Too many black employees can recount who is white, and Espy, who is very proud of you!” the remaining two years of his term. up, stand up, and speak up, it is not suspended after non-black people report stories of being aggressively accosted by black, came under national scru- Trump held a pair of 11th-hour Democrats were hoping political a loss. It is a moment. It is a move- content that doesn’t violate Facebook policies campus security beyond what was necessary,” tiny when unsettling remarks by campaign rallies in Mississippi to lightning could strike twice within ment.” as hate speech, according to Luckie. Luckie said. Pelosi in spotlight as Democrats seek House speaker

By Richard Cowan, Reuters non-consecutive term, having to produce an opponent to run ers far beyond her base of liberal Washington become the fi rst female speaker against Pelosi. backers. in US history in 2007. As a result, she is thought to Moderate Democratic Rep- Her run as speaker ended in enjoy the support of most of her resentative Henry Cuellar, in a ancy Pelosi, a pillar of 2011, however, when Republicans colleagues. letter to his colleagues, noted American politics for took over the House only to lose But Pelosi’s detractors none- that over the past 14 years he Nnearly two decades, is ex- their majority in this month’s theless think they have a chance probably cast more votes op- pected to move a step closer to- midterm elections. of controlling just enough votes posite of Pelosi than any other ward becoming the next speaker The House speaker sets the to demonstrate that they can Democrat. of the House of Representatives chamber’s legislative agenda and topple her on the second hurdle Yet, he wrote in supporting her as her fellow Democrats yester- is second, behind the vice presi- by banding together with Repub- candidacy, “Leader Pelosi has day steered toward nominating dent, in the line of succession if licans in an early January vote by consistently made certain that her to the powerful job. the president were to die in offi ce the full House to formally elect a dissenting voices, including my Fresh off of their November or become incapacitated. speaker. own, have a seat at the table.” 6 election victories giving them Pelosi, currently House Dem- Democrats will then hold at She has pledged to pursue an majority control of the House ocratic leader, must clear two least 233 of the House’s 435 seats. agenda that includes investing next year, Democrats will meet hurdles in her quest. Assuming that all Republicans in infrastructure projects, lower- behind closed doors to elect their The band of Democrats try- vote against Pelosi for speaker, ing prescription drug prices and leaders for the new Congress that ing to deny her the speakership just 17 or 18 Democratic oppo- changing campaign fi nance laws convenes in January and to nom- argues the party needs a shot of nents could be enough to block to give small donors more sway in inate a speaker. new, younger leaders to steer the her from becoming speaker. elections. A small group of Democratic House as it prepares to challenge In that case, the renegades ar- Pelosi also has promised to dissidents has been trying to de- President Donald Trump’s po- gue, Democrats would be forced hold investigations into Trump rail her bid. litical and legislative agendas in to fi nd another candidate. administration activities follow- The 78-year-old Californian 2019-2020. Late on Tuesday, Pelosi ing two years of lax oversight by US House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) arrives at a House Democrats organisational meeting at is attempting the rare feat of se- In a peculiar strategy, how- worked to demonstrate her po- Republicans who will still hold the Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium in Washington, DC yesterday. curing the speaker’s gavel for a ever, these Democrats have failed litical muscle, touting support- their majority in the Senate. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, November 29, 2018 ASIA

93 Rohingya fl eeing Lankan military chief held by boat sent back to camps: police

AFP night,” he said, adding that Yangon the group, two-thirds of for mass murder cover-up whom were under the age of 18, would arrive in next two AFP defence staff as he entered the early 100 Rohingya days. Colombo courtroom. Muslims were forced The plight of Rohingya Earlier in the day, Wijegu- Nback to Myanmar’s Muslims languishing in the naratne surrendered after weeks Rakhine state after being de- central part of the state has ri Lanka’s highest-ranking of ignoring court summons. tained at sea en route to Ma- been overshadowed by last military offi cer was re- Investigators told the court laysia, police said yesterday, year’s mass exodus of more Smanded by a court yes- that Wijegunaratne protected stirring fears of a fresh refugee than 720,000 Rohingya from terday after weeks evading ar- the main accused in the high- boat crisis. northern Rakhine. rest for allegedly protecting the profi le murders, naval intelli- Three vessels carrying fl ee- Those refugees fl ed over chief suspect in the murder of 11 gence offi cer Chandana Prasad ing Rohingya have now been the border into Bangladesh to people during the civil war. Hettiarachchi. seized and returned to Rakhine escape a brutal military crack- The Colombo Fort mag- He was arrested in August over the past two weeks, as the down. istrate ordered that Admiral over the killings in the clos- monsoon season gives way to UN investigators want My- Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the ing stages of Sri Lanka’s bloody more favourable, if still treach- anmar’s top generals to be country’s military chief, be separatist war that ended in erous, sailing conditions. prosecuted for genocide over held in custody for a week May 2009. All on board the third boat the crackdown, but Myanmar pending investigations into Three warrants for Wijegu- were being returned to camps says it was defending itself the abduction and murder of naratne’s arrest were issued ear- around the capital Sittwe in against Rohingya militants. the young men between 2008 lier this month but he ignored the central part of the state, Around 10 boats, carry- and 2009. them, even travelling to Mexico where more than 120,000 ing a total of several hundred The magistrate denied bail for while investigators were seeking people have been confi ned people, have left the camps Wijegunaratne after it emerged a statement from him. since intercommunal violence in central Rakhine since mid- he tried to abduct a key witness Police believe the 11 victims in 2012. October, said Arakan Project over the weekend, and sought were killed while in the ille- A photo in local media director Chris Lewa, whose to have an investigator removed gal custody of the navy. Their showed the group huddled on group monitors abuses against from the case. bodies were never found. the deck in the baking sun, a the Rohingya. “I am denying bail because Military fi gures were accused scene reminiscent of the boat “I’m worried about Bang- in your position you are able to of abductions and extrajudi- Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne is being escorted to a prison in Colombo yesterday. crisis in 2015 that saw count- ladesh. The border guards say infl uence witnesses and dis- cial killings during the 37-year less Rohingya abandoned by they won’t let people leave but rupt the investigations,” Magis- war against the Tamil Tiger His recent controversial ap- eral members of his family are government troops defeated the smugglers in the Andaman Sea if people do then the num- trate Ranga Dassanayake told a separatist movement. pointment as prime minister being investigated for fraud Tamil insurgency in May 2009, after authorities shut down bers would be much bigger,” packed courthouse. Several intelligence offi cers by Sri Lanka’s president has and murder during his 10-year ending years of bitter and brutal traffi cking routes. she said. Wijegunaratne, who ap- are facing prosecution over plunged the country into crisis, presidency. fi ghting. They were headed for Ma- Desperation in the refugee peared in full military regalia, the murder of journalists crit- with parliament twice voting But those inquiries were The fi nal days of the off ensive laysia when stopped by navy camps across the border is also has denied any connection to the ical of Mahinda Rajapakse, the against the war-era strongman thrown into doubt after his were marked by major abuses, offi cers on Sunday night off growing. murders. former president whose ten- ruler taking over government. surprise return to the helm of according to rights groups. A UN the southern town of Dawei, A repatriation deal has Wijegunaratne’s bodyguards ure was marred by allegations Rajapakse, who has refused government in an alliance with panel has said 40,000 civilians Police Major Min Lwin said. stalled, with Rohingya re- earlier shoved journalists try- of war crimes and grave rights to step aside as Sri Lanka drifts President Maithripala Sirisena. may have been killed in the fi nal “They were all sent back fusing to go home until their ing to photograph the chief of abuses. in a power vacuum, and sev- Rajapakse lead Sri Lanka as stages of the war. to Sittwe on a navy boat last safety and rights are secured. Bangladesh Factory safety group 1,000 warheads SC upholds seeks to delay closure found in

Reuters ments supplier against the pact. mainly to the United States Vietnam Dhaka The group’s inability to and Europe. election ban inspect factories through Wayss said the group would DPA the agreement may prompt move its work to its Amster- Hanoi group set up by Euro- brands to cut ties with Bang- dam offi ce if it is forced to BNP leader Khaleda Zia ... pean fashion brands to ladeshi suppliers, which shut down in Bangladesh, as aggrieved Aimprove factory safety would hit the country’s econ- the legally-binding contract ietnamese authorities re- for convicts in Bangladesh has sought omy, which is heavily reliant signed between its brand moved around 1,000 Vi- 1990s and the two powerful a stay on a court order that on garment exports. members extends up to 2021. Vetnam War-era warheads women have turned from close calls for its local operations “We have submitted an ap- However, moving opera- from an abandoned house in the AFP cessfully appealed that decision allies to fi erce foes. to end this week, its executive peal to the Supreme Court... tions out of Bangladesh would centre of the country yesterday, Dhaka by the High Court on Tuesday. Just a month from the polls director said yesterday. and are working to have a likely increase the Accord’s state media reported. “Following this judgement, the BNP has not announced The group comprises more stay issued against the High costs and also harm suppliers, The bombs were discovered and she cannot take part in the elec- an alternative candidate to run than 200 fi rms – including Court judgement that would said Wayss. removed from the house in Quang angladesh’s imprisoned tions,” Attorney General Mah- against Hasina, who is seeking a global clothing giants such as close down our offi ce,” Rob “Right now, they can come Tri province’s Khe Sanh town, ac- opposition leader has bubey Alam said yesterday. third-consecutive term in offi ce. H&M and Zara-owner Inditex Wayss, the Accord’s executive to the offi ce any day of the cording to the Vnexpress news site. Bbeen barred from con- The Bangladesh National Par- She was elected uncontested – who are signatories to the director said. week, we can review designs They had likely been stored in testing next month’s general ty (BNP), the opposition move- in 2014 after the BNP boycotted Accord on Fire and Building The appeal is likely to be together, we can give them the building by local salvagers, election against her arch-rival ment Zia leads from behind bars, the ballot, saying it was not free Safety in Bangladesh, formed heard today, a government feedback,” said Wayss. “Our who sometimes collect unexplod- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had protested the court’s ruling and fair and rigged against Zia. after the Rana Plaza factory offi cial said, declining to be ability to do that when we ed bombs to sell for their metal and the country’s attorney general as a “refl ection of the govern- The opposition has demand- collapse in 2013, which killed named as the information was don’t have an offi ce and in- explosive material, which is used said yesterday. ment’s wishes”. ed Hasina stand down ahead of more than 1,100 people. not public. Shamsuzzaman frastructure is reduced, so the by farmers to clear land. Khaleda Zia is serving 10 years “This ruling is not acceptable the election and allow a care- The fi ve-year pact was set to Bhuiyan, head of the depart- industry is harmed.” Khe Sanh town is adjacent to for graft but her supporters, who to us at all. We are aggrieved and taker government to oversee the expire in May 2018 but its brand ment of factory inspections at Bangladeshi Commerce an old US airbase that saw one have appealed the charges, had are protesting it strongly,” said country, but the prime minister signatories agreed last year to the labour ministry declined Minister Tofail Ahmed told of the war’s bloodiest battles clung to hopes the 73-year-old BNP secretary general Mirza Fa- has refused. extend it to 2021 to complete to comment, saying the mat- Reuters last week the Accord during a six month siege in 1968. would be acquitted before the khrul Islam Alamgir. The BNP has accused her rul- remaining safety fi xes, while ter was before the court. was no longer needed as the According to the United Na- December 30 poll. Zia had hoped to contest three ing Awami League of detaining the Bangladesh government set Low wages have helped government’s national regu- tions, 104,000 Vietnamese peo- The Supreme Court yester- parliamentary seats despite be- 5,000 opposition activists ahead up a national regulatory body to Bangladesh build the world’s latory body, the Remediation ple have been killed by bombs, day upheld a ruling from a lower ing incarcerated in Dhaka on of the December poll to cripple take over its work. second-largest garment in- Coordination Cell, was able to landmines and artillery shells court that nobody sentenced corruption charges the BNP says the party’s grassroots base. A High Court in Bangladesh dustry, behind China, with do the job. since the end of the war in 1975. to more than two years jail or were designed to keep her from Zia’s son, a potential heir to in May, however, ordered the some 4,000 factories em- However, Wayss said that Unexploded bombs cur- awaiting appeals could run for challenging Hasina. the BNP throne, was sentenced in Accord to shut down by No- ploying about 4mn workers. body still has work to do be- rently kill around 1,500 peo- election. Bangladesh has been led by absentia to life behind bars in Oc- vember 30, following a petition The sector exports more than fore it is ready to fully police ple every year, according to the Zia’s supporters had unsuc- either Zia or Hasina since the tober. He lives in exile in London. fi led by a local readymade gar- $30bn worth of clothes a year, standards in the sector. Vietnamese government. Helicopter scam thriving despite Thai PM in Berlin Nepal’s promised crackdown

By Annabel Symington, AFP stop covering travellers to Nepal said they carried out 489 airlifts to curb the fraudulent rescues. Some off er itineraries with- Kathmandu unless the frequency and cost in September and October. But, he added, the chopper out acclimatisation days fac- of rescues fell sharply, worry- Industry offi cials say the hel- scam was “not a big problem tored in, or have guides push ing the poor Himalayan nation icopter companies tend to un- nowadays”. tourists to skip their rest days, epal’s pledge to crack which relies heavily on tourism derstate the true fi gure to avoid Nepal’s trekking industry has increasing the risk of altitude down on fraudulent revenue. competition and scrutiny. become hooked on the kick- sickness and a possible airlift Nhelicopter evacuations But industry insiders said An airport source, who re- backs received from getting from the mountains. has failed to curb the scam, with the scam was thriving well into quested anonymity, said more tourists evacuated by helicop- There are also reports of tourists still being unnecessar- the busy autumn trekking sea- than 1,000 chopper airlifts ter, said Rana. guides putting baking soda – a ily airlifted from the Himalayas son, with operators continuing were conducted over the same In one instance, a trekking laxative – in food to deliberately so middlemen can profi t on the to make thousands evacuating two-month period - with 68 company refused to share the make trekkers ill. insurance payouts, industry tourists months after Nepal recorded in a single day in late location of a stricken tourist One tourist trekking in the sources say. promised to rein in operators. October. because Rana refused to pay the Everest region in late October An AFP investigation earlier “They (the government) But Nepal’s tourism depart- agency a hefty commission. – who declined to be named – this year exposed the chopper came up with all these ideas but ment – which started moni- “It was like a hostage situ- said her guide advised that rest racket where dodgy trekking no one is following it,” said Jay toring airlifts in September ation,” Rana said, adding the days were unnecessary. outfi ts pressure tourists into Rana, who acts as an in-coun- – claimed only 40 helicopter trekker was eventually brought She was evacuated by a heli- needless and costly airlifts, or try agent for international in- rescues had occurred in the two to lower altitude on horseback. copter with altitude sickness bill multiple times for a single surance fi rms. months to November. The government has also not halfway through her trek. fl ight. Invoices seen by AFP show “There is a little bit of a prob- taken action against trekking The government’s probe has Nepal’s government trekking agencies and charter lem with the system in coordi- outfi ts selling the below-cost identifi ed 15 companies – in- launched an inquiry in June companies are still overbilling nating with the (trekking and Himalayan trips which are at cluding helicopter fi rms, trek- after insurers were billed more insurers for rescues, collecting helicopter) operators,” conced- the heart of the chopper scam. king agencies and hospitals – than $6.5mn on 1,300 heli- kickbacks between $500 and ed Dandu Raj Ghimire, director The budget outfi ts bank on linked to the lucrative racket. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Thailand’s Prime Minister copter rescues in the fi rst fi ve $2,100 per fl ight. general of the tourism depart- making a profi t through the But no action has been tak- Prayuth Chan-o-cha shake hands as they address the media during months of 2018. The four chopper fi rms in- ment, referring to the new rules commission they receive if a en against any of the alleged a statement at the Chancellery in Berlin yesterday. Global insurers threatened to volved most frequently in rescues the government implemented tourist gets airlifted. perpetrators. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 17 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA New Zealand intelligence bans China’s Huawei from 5G rollout

AFP United States is urging its allies to proposed rollout. “The director- still expected to complete its 5G over the ban. “The Chinese gov- Zealand, and do more to benefi t land is a member of the Five Eyes Wellington exclude the Chinese telecom giant general has informed Spark today network by July 2020. Hampton ernment encourages Chinese mutual trust and partnerships.” intelligence alliance, which also from 5G rollouts over cybersecu- that he considers Spark’s proposal confi rmed Spark’s announcement enterprises to follow market Huawei – one of the world’s includes the United States, Brit- rity fears. to use Huawei 5G equipment in in a brief statement. principles and international regu- largest telecommunications ain, Canada and Australia. ew Zealand’s largest tel- Spark said in a statement that Spark’s planned 5G RAN would, “The GCSB under its (legisla- lations, and develop overseas eco- equipment and services provid- China is one of its main trad- ecoms carrier Spark said it was legally obliged to inform the if implemented, raise signifi cant tive) responsibilities, has recently nomic partnerships on the basis ers – has been under scrutiny in ing partners but Wellington has Nyesterday that the coun- Government Communications national security risks,” Spark undertaken an assessment of a of abiding by local laws,” he said. some countries, including the become increasingly concerned try’s intelligence agency had Security Bureau (GCSB) about its said. notifi cation from Spark. I have “The economic and trade part- United States and Australia, over about Beijing’s infl uence in the barred it from using equipment 5G plans. It said GCSB chief An- The fi rm called the decision informed Spark that a signifi cant nerships between China and New its alleged close links to Beijing Pacifi c recently. In response, New provided by China’s Huawei in its drew Hampton had raised con- “disappointing” and said it would network security risk was iden- Zealand are mutually benefi cial. authorities. China has long dis- Zealand has boosted its Pacifi c aid 5G network as it posed “signifi - cerns about the use of Huawei decide its next action after ex- tifi ed,” he said. Chinese foreign We hope that New Zealand will puted accusations of security programme to reinforce its pres- cant national security risks”. Radio Access Network (RAN) in amining the detailed reasoning ministry spokesman Geng Sh- off er a level playing fi eld for Chi- risks and the fi rm’s links to state ence in a region it considers its The move follows reports the the new network and declined the behind Hampton’s conclusion. It uang expressed “deep concern” nese enterprises operating in New intelligence services. New Zea- own sphere of infl uence. Lion Air jet was not airworthy, reveals probe

AFP plane was no longer airworthy what to do when they face the Jakarta and it should not have kept fl y- same situation. The report con- ing,” Nurcahyo Utomo, aviation fi rmed that initial fi nding, saying head at the National Transport the plane’s data recorder detected crashed Lion Air jet should Safety Committee (NTSC), told an issue with the AoA. have been grounded over a reporters. It also said the plane’s “stick Arecurrent technical prob- Lion Air’s contested the pre- shaker” — which vibrates the air- lem before its fatal journey, Indo- liminary result and said it was go- craft’s steering wheel-like control nesian authorities said yesterday, ing to seek a written clarifi cation yoke to warn of a system malfunc- as details from the new jet’s fl ight from the NTSC. “We think this tion — was “activated and con- data recorder suggested that pi- statement is not true,” President tinued for most of the fi ght”. An lots struggled to control its anti- Director Edward Sirait said. “The AoA sensor provides data about stalling system. plane from Denpasar (Bali) was the angle at which air is passing The preliminary crash report released and it was said (to be) air- over the wings and tells pilots how from Indonesia’s transport safety worthy according to documents much lift a plane is getting. The National Transportation Safety Committee sub-committee head for air accidents, Nurcahyo Utomo, holds a model airplane while speaking next to agency also took aim at the budget and what the technicians have information can be critical in pre- deputy chief of KNKT Haryo Satmiko during a news conference on its investigation into a Lion Air plane crash last month, in Jakarta. carrier’s poor safety culture, but done.” venting an aircraft from stalling. did not pinpoint a cause of the “The plane was airworthy,” he The doomed plane’s fl ight data port agency said. “Airlines need to ing national carrier Garuda, were control system installed on the the US National Transportation October 29 accident, which killed added. The safety committee’s recorder showed that pilots had take paperwork seriously,” Soejat- subject to years-long bans from new MAX variants of the 737. Safety Board as technical advisors all 189 people on board. fi ndings will heighten concerns repeatedly tried to correct its man said. “That didn’t cause the US and European airspace for “I am really surprised if Boeing to support the NTSC as the inves- A fi nal report is not likely to there were problems with key sys- nose from pointing down, pos- crash, but it can cause other prob- safety violations, although it has has not shared all the fl ight per- tigation continues.” be fi led until next year. The Boe- tems in one of the world’s newest sibly after erroneous data from lems in the environment they’re still recorded 40 fatal accidents formance parameters with pilots, Several relatives of the crash ing 737 MAX vanished from ra- and most advanced commercial AoA sensors was fed into a system working in.” over the past 15 years. unions, and training organisa- victims have already fi led lawsuits dar about 13 minutes after taking passenger planes. “But we don’t that automatically adjusts some Despite a dubious safety record The report stopped short of tions,” University of Leeds avia- against Boeing, including the off from Jakarta, slamming into know yet whether it’s a Boeing or of its movements. Black box data and an avalanche of complaints making any recommendations tion expert Stephen Wright told family of a young doctor who was the Java Sea moments after pilots airline issue,” said aviation analyst showed the plane also had an air- over shoddy service, the budget to Boeing but the US planemaker AFP, adding that “a deliberate to have married his high school had asked to return to the capital. Gerry Soejatman. speed indicator issue on multiple carrier’s parent Lion Air Group has come under fi re for possible omission would have serious legal sweetheart this month. Investigators said Lion Air kept Investigators have previously earlier fl ights, said investigators, has captured half the domestic glitches on the 737 MAX – which ramifi cations”. Authorities have called off the putting the plane back into serv- said the doomed aircraft had who have yet to locate the cock- market in less than 20 years of entered service just last year. In response to Wednesday’s grim task of identifying victims of ice despite repeatedly failing to fi x problems with its airspeed indica- pit voice recorder on the sea fl oor. operation to become Southeast The APA, a US airline pilots’ report, Boeing said: “(The com- the crash, with 125 passengers of- a problem with the airspeed indi- tor and angle of attack (AoA) sen- Lion must take steps “to improve Asia’s biggest airline. Indonesia’s union, said carriers and pilots pany) is taking every measure to fi cially recognised after testing on cator, including on its second-last sors, prompting Boeing to issue a the safety culture” and bolster the aviation safety record has im- had not been informed by Boeing fully understand all aspects of this human remains that fi lled some fl ight from Bali to Jakarta. “The special bulletin telling operators quality of its fl ight logs, the trans- proved since its airlines, includ- of certain changes in the aircraft accident, working closely with 200 body bags.

South Korea successfully Blast kills 23 outside China factory tests space rocket engine AFP following the blast at 00:41am, so I hid under a bed for a while,” Zhangjiakou according to the department. he said. “When I looked out of AFP continued fl ying due to inertia, The death toll rose from 22 to the window I saw a large fi re- Seoul reaching a suborbital altitude of 23 later in the day after another ball sweep across the area,” said 209km, 319 seconds after lift- truck carrying combus- body was found, according to Zhang, whose car was singed. off . It then splashed down into tible chemicals explod- the city government. He awoke others in his dor- outh Korea yesterday suc- the ocean 429km southeast of A ed at the entrance of a The factory’s and exte- mitory and they ran to safety. cessfully conducted a the southern resort island of Jeju. chemical factory in a northern rior archway were blackened. “Even the grass outside our fac- Srocket engine test launch, “This is a signifi cant step for- Chinese city that will host the Across from the blast, AFP re- tory was on fi re, so we quickly offi cials said, paving the way for ward in developing a launch ve- 2022 Winter Olympics yester- porters saw a fi eld of blackened put it out,” he said. the development of its own space hicle with our own technology,” a day, leaving 23 people dead and grass and trees, with smoke bil- Beijing is hosting the 2022 launch vehicle. Video footage KARI spokesman said. 22 others injured, state media lowing from the embers. Winter Games, with some of showed the single-stage rocket, It is the fi rst such launch in and authorities said. Heavy machinery was the mountain sport competi- propelled by a liquid fuel en- South Korea since 2013 when The blast ignited other vehi- brought in to remove debris. A tions taking place on the out- gine, lift off from the Naro Space the country successfully put a cles, leaving charred and smok- truck carrying acetylene blew skirts of Zhangjiakou. Center on the southern coast and small satellite into orbit follow- ing remains of trucks and cars up when entering the plant, ig- The explosion occurred in surge into the sky, trailing yellow ing failures in 2009 and in 2010. scattered on a road as fi refi ght- niting nearby vehicles, accord- the city’s Qiaodong district. and blue fl ames. But the signifi cance of the 2013 ers worked at the scene, ac- ing to the offi cial Xinhua news Snowboard, cross-country ski- “The test vehicle was suc- launch was widely discounted cording to images posted online agency, which cited a prelimi- ing and freestyle skiing events cessfully launched,” Vice Science as the launch vehicle had to rely by state media. nary investigation. will be held some 45 minutes Minister Lee Jin-gyu told jour- on a Russian-developed engine A witness told AFP he heard Rescue eff orts and the in- away in Chongli. Road and in- nalists, adding collected fl ight for its fi rst stage. On its launch – a “very loud bang” after mid- vestigation were still underway, dustrial accidents are common data showed the engine was scheduled for 2021 – KSLV-2 will night and saw a fi eld and trucks Xinhua said. The Zhangjiakou in China. functioning normally. The rock- use fi ve of the newly developed engulfed in fl ames outside the propaganda department said A blast at a chemical plant et, weighing 52 tonnes and meas- engines, a cluster of four for the factory in Zhangjiakou, a city the blast occurred near Hebei in southwest Sichuan province uring 25.8m long, was fi tted with fi rst stage, another one for the some 200km northwest of Bei- Shenghua Chemical Co, but left 19 dead and 12 injured in a single engine with 75-tonne second stage and a small, seven- jing. Xinhua later reported that it July. The company had under- thrust, the Korea Aerospace Re- tonne thrust engine for the third The side of a building was happened at the entrance of taken illegal construction that search Institute (KARI) said. The stage, Lee said. covered in soot in front of a nearby Haipo’er New Energy had not passed safety checks, engine, designed and developed Yesterday’s test was deemed row of burnt out trucks across Technology Co. according to local authorities. as part of a $1.8bn project, will successful as the engine com- the road, footage broadcast by “It was after midnight when I In 2015, giant chemical blasts be used to propel the country’s bustion was maintained for more CCTV showed following the put down my phone to go to bed in a container storage facility fi rst indigenous three-stage than 140 seconds during the test latest deadly incident to hit a when I heard a very loud bang, killed at least 165 people in the launch vehicle – the Korea Space launch, he said. factory in China. followed by a few more,” said a northern port city of Tianjin. Launch Vehicle-2 (KSLV-2). The KSLV-2 rocket, which will The blast damaged 38 trucks man named Zhang who works The explosions caused Engine combustion lasted for be South Korea’s fi rst space vehi- and 12 cars, the local propa- in another chemical factory more than $1bn in damage and 151 seconds, surpassing an ini- cle wholly designed and built by ganda department said on its some 200m from the blast site. sparked widespread anger at a tial goal of 140 seconds, bringing itself, will be used to place satel- Twitter-like Weibo social me- “There was a shaking and perceived lack of transparency the vehicle to an altitude of 75km lites into the Earth’s orbit and for A single stage rocket on its launch pad at the Naro Space Center in the dia account. The injured were two pieces of the ceiling fell. I over the accident’s causes and before the engine stopped. But it other commercial applications. southern coast county of Goheung, South Korea. taken to hospitals for treatment thought it was an earthquake its environmental impact.

Biggest coral reseeding project launches on Great Barrier Reef

Scientists have launched the dertaken directly on reefs on the 2,300-km reef have been killed by save the reef. “Climate action is the bleaching events. The research- largest-ever attempt to regenerate Great Barrier Reef,” said Peter Har- rising sea temperatures linked to only way to ensure coral reefs can ers, who also include experts from coral on the endangered Great rison of Southern Cross University, climate change, leaving behind survive into the future,” he said. James Cook University and the Barrier Reef by harvesting millions one of the project leaders. “Our skeletal remains in a process “Our approach to reef restoration University of Technology Sydney of the creatures’ eggs and sperm team will be restoring hundreds known as coral bleaching. aims to buy time for coral popula- (UTS), said a novelty of their re- during their annual spawning. The of square meters with the goal of The northern reaches of the reef tions to survive and evolve until seeding project was to grow coral researchers said yesterday they getting to square kilometres in the suff ered an unprecedented two emissions are capped and our larvae together with microscopic plan to grow coral larvae from the future, a scale not attempted previ- successive years of severe bleach- climate stabilises.” algae. The two live in symbiosis on harvested eggs and return these ously,” he said in a statement. ing in 2016 and 2017, raising fears The scientists hope that coral the reef. to areas of the reef which have The “Larval Restoration Project” it may have suff ered irreparable which have survived bleaching “So we are aiming to fast-track this been badly damaged by climate- launch was timed to coincide with damage. Harrison and his col- have a greater tolerance to rising process to see if the survival and related coral bleaching. the annual coral spawn on the reef, leagues are hopeful their reseed- temperatures so that a breed- early growth of juvenile corals can “This is the first time that the which began earlier this week and ing project can help reverse the ing population produced from be boosted by rapid uptake of the entire process of large scale larval will last only about 48 to 72 hours. trend, but he cautioned the eff ort this year’s spawn will grow into algae,” explained David Suggett A scientist working on a coral reseeding project to regenerate coral on rearing and settlement will be un- Coral along large swathes of the will not be enough on its own to coral better able to survive future of UTS. the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, November 29, 2018 BRITAIN Emergency talks likely in EU if lawmakers reject deal

Guardian News and Media prime minister’s deal just two days 27 leaders to make decisions alone something about ‘no-deal’ plan- cently made by the EU’s chief ne- ly unrealistic”. Brexiters are critical and the backstop solution for the London before the next meeting of heads of over how far it would be in the ning,” the offi cial predicted. “That gotiator, Michel Barnier. of the backstop as it could keep Irish border, is a political declara- state and government in Decem- bloc’s interest to mitigate some of unfortunately is where we are.” The EU is rallying around Jean- the UK in a customs union with tion on the outline of a future rela- ber. While there will be a clamour the worst impacts of the UK leav- Brussels will also plough on Claude Juncker’s insistence that the EU for an indefi nite period, tionship. heresa May is expected to in the UK for the prime minister ing the bloc without a deal, includ- with the ratifi cation process of the the deal on the table is the “only leaving Britain unable to put into EU offi cials and diplomats are have to delay her arrival at to start renegotiating in Brus- ing the predicted chaos at ports. withdrawal agreement in the Eu- one possible” given the UK’s deci- force new trade deals in goods. sceptical that tinkering in that Tthe next EU summit if the sels, senior EU sources suggested An EU offi cial suggested there ropean parliament to ensure the sion to leave the single market and Northern Ireland will also stay document, which is not legally British parliament votes down her leaders would be loath to hold any was no sign of any appetite for bloc is prepared for whatever Brit- customs union. The idea that the in the single market as Great Brit- binding, will off er the prime min- Brexit plan, to allow the bloc’s 27 such talks with May at the summit “any negotiation whatsoever” ish politics throws up in the com- bloc would revise the withdrawal ain withdraws after the transition ister any succour in the Commons. leaders to hold emergency talks starting December 13. with the prime minister at the ing months. agreement, including the conten- period. “You do something on the left, you and trigger their ‘no-deal’ prepa- The EU is instead likely to re- summit. “Everyone needs to take their tious backstop solution for avoid- Accompanying the legally bind- lose something on the right, and rations. quest that May goes to Brussels “The union will decide at such a own responsibility,” an EU source ing a hard border on the island of ing withdrawal agreement, on citi- you do something on the right, you MPs are on track to reject the on December 14 to allow the other meeting that the deal is closed and said, in an echo of comments re- Ireland, is described as “complete- zens’ rights, the £39bn divorce bill, lose on the left,” a source said.

Labour could seize No-deal Brexit option of second vote: McDonnell would hammer

Guardian News and Media London economy, says ohn McDonnell has said a second Brexit referendum J“might be an option we seize upon”, admitting for the fi rst time that Remain should be on the ballot paper and insisting that ‘no deal’ should not. government The shadow chancellor said he would vote to remain in any new Reuters maker from the opposition Labour membership of the EU. referendum and that off ering the London Party who wants Britain to stay in Carney said last week that the chance to vote on ‘no deal’ would the EU. impact of leaving the bloc with- carry too high a risk. The government’s forecasts as- out a transition could be akin to The comments, made at a he government stepped up sumed for the purposes of com- the 1970s oil crisis for the world’s Guardian Live event, mark a its warnings yesterday that parison that there would be no fi fth-biggest economy. shift in thinking from McDon- Ta “no-deal” Brexit would changes to migration rules, but But there remains a real pros- nell, who had previously argued hammer the economy, and pressed that some non-tariff trade barriers pect of a disruptive Brexit, given that the option to remain should lawmakers to drop their opposi- would be introduced. the scale of opposition to May’s not be on the ballot paper for any tion to Prime Minister Theresa However, perceptions that im- plan in parliament, where it faces a fresh referendum on the Brexit May’s plan, which it said would migration was too high under the vote on December 11. deal. limit the damage. EU’s freedom of movement policy The government’s forecasts re- Those comments sparked Acknowledging that any Brexit were a key reason why many Brit- vived protests from supporters of a concern at the Labour’s confer- option would be worse for the ons voted in 2016 to leave the EU. more defi nitive break from the EU, ence in September, where del- economy than staying in the Eu- Assuming there was zero net who had accused those who cam- egates voted overwhelmingly to ropean Union, the government migration from the EU in the fu- paigned in 2016 to stay in the EU of commit the party to seeking a said leaving the bloc without any ture, the hit to the economy would ignoring the benefi ts and exagger- new referendum if it could not agreement with Brussels would be bigger: 3.9% under May’s deal, ating the risks. force a general election. weigh heavily on growth at least and 9.3% without a deal. “I’m afraid we must be ready for McDonnell has now said he into the 2030s. Yesterday’s report said Britain’s Project Fear 2.0,” said former Brex- would vote Remain in a new ref- Finance minister Philip Ham- automotive and chemicals sectors it minister David Davis, who quit in erendum, in contrast with Jer- mond said the plan that May faced the biggest potential losses July in protest at May’s plans. “The emy Corbyn, who had refused agreed with EU leaders on Sunday from a no-deal Brexit — more than Treasury’s forecasts in the past to commit which way he would “delivers an outcome that is very 20% of output. have almost never been right and vote when asked on Sky News close to the economic benefi ts of Both Hammond and Bank of have more often been dramatically last week. remaining in”. England governor Mark Carney wrong.” “We can’t have ‘no deal’ on the In a scenario based on the Brexit have stressed the importance But Hammond told BBC televi- ballot paper,” McDonnell said. plan that May announced in July, of a transition period, as in- sion: “I am not trying to scare any- “There’s an overwhelming ma- rather than Sunday’s agreement, cluded in May’s plan, to ease body and I reject the term ‘scare- jority in parliament against that national output would be 2.1% Britain out of its four-decade mongering’.” happening, because of the dam- smaller in just over 15 years’ time age.” than if Britain remained in the UK will have completely safe water: minister McDonnell said he had recent- bloc, the government said. ly met leading fi gures from the If there was no deal, it would be The environment minister purify water supplies. The People’s Vote campaign, includ- 7.7% smaller. reassured the country yesterday Mail on Sunday said Gove only ing Alastair Campbell and Ed The report was immediately it would have plenty of safe came out in support of Prime Miliband’s former adviser Tom criticised by supporters of a more drinking water should it crash Minister Theresa May’s divorce Baldwin. defi nitive break with Brussels as a out of the European Union arrangements with the EU after The shadow chancellor said “Project Fear” attempt to scare op- without a deal. The unusual being told that ‘no-deal’ would he expected May to lose the fi rst ponents of the plan. message from Michael Gove see Britons “immediately face a vote, and present a tweaked deal But opponents of Brexit said it came in response to a media shortage of drinking water and that he predicted would fail as undermined promises by Brexit report of cabinet ministers (an) inability to flush toilets”. well. campaigners that leaving the EU being briefed about various Responding to the report, Gove “All through that, we will be would make Britain, and Britons, likely scenarios. One of them told a parliamentary committee calling for a general election,” he more prosperous. reportedly included the hearing that the chemicals in said. “Whether and when we put “These fi gures show that the possibility of the UK running question were primarily shipped a vote of no confi dence down will government’s stated policy is to out of the European chemicals through the less-congested port be a tactical decision. We’ll want Prime Minister Theresa May meets staff and views samples of leather during her visit to the Scottish make our economy smaller and it imports through ports to of Immingham. a maximum eff ect.” Leather Group Ltd in Bridge of Weir in Scotland yesterday. weaker,” said David Lammy, a law- Corbyn for TV debate Brexit reversibility before I’m a Celebrity fi nale case decision on Dec 4 Reuters Many in May’s Conservative London Party as well as opposition law- Guardian News and Media in the House of Commons, in pearing alone has sparked a row, makers have said they will vote London what May has described as “one with hard Brexiters including the her deal down, raising the pros- of the most signifi cant votes that former foreign secretary Boris he advocate general of pect of Britain leaving the bloc parliament has held for many Johnson, and supporters of a the European Union’s top without any agreement. abour is pushing for Jeremy years”. second referendum, including Tcourt will give his opinion The Scottish politicians be- Corbyn to face Theresa A Labour source said: “ITV’s the Green party’s Caroline Lucas, on December 4 as to whether hind the ECJ case hope that if LMay in an hour-long head- proposal promises the largest keen to be involved. The Scottish Britain can unilaterally reverse the court rules in their favour, it to-head Brexit debate on ITV on and most demographically-di- fi rst minister, Nicola Sturgeon, Brexit, the court said yesterday. would pave the way for a poten- December 9, in a primetime slot verse audience with a prominent has also staked a claim. The European Court of Jus- tial second referendum, giving before the fi nale of I’m a Celeb- peak slot 48 hours before the The idea of a debate on the tice (ECJ) held an urgent hear- voters the option to remain in rity, Get Me Out of Here. meaningful vote.” deal, which was formally en- ing in a case about whether the EU. Since Corbyn accepted May’s The BBC would plan to air its dorsed by EU leaders in Brus- Britain can revoke its notice to May has ruled out any sec- challenge to engage in a debate programme on the Thursday sels last weekend, emerged from withdraw from the EU under ond vote and the lawyer for the over the prime minister’s Brexit before the vote, rather than dis- No 10 this week, as May’s team Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty government called on the ECJ deal, broadcasters have been in rupt its Sunday night schedule, struggle to get their arguments without agreement of the other not to get involved in domestic discussions with Downing Street which features the Strictly Come heard over a barrage of criticism 27 states. politics and to dismiss the case and Labour, with ITV, the BBC Dancing results show and Doctor in Westminster. The ECJ said advocate gen- as hypothetical. and Sky vying to host the con- Who. They believe the prime min- eral Manuel Campos Sanchez- Both the European Com- frontation. The BBC was also off ering a ister would perform well, be- Bordona, whose advice is usu- mission and the Council of the Labour strongly favours the more complex format, with other cause she has been immersed ally followed by judges, would European Union accepted that proposal presented by ITV, which participants involved aside from in the detail of the 585-page deliver his decision on Decem- Article 50 could be revoked, but would see the two leaders debate the prime minister and the La- withdrawal agreement contain- ber 4. That is the same day that they argued that it could only with each other directly in a slot bour leader, sources said. ing the backstop proposal for the British parliament is due be done with the unanimous previously earmarked for an I’m a “A pure head-to-head debate, Northern Ireland and the much to begin a five-day debate on permission of the remaining EU Celebrity-themed edition of the as ITV propose, would be the best shorter political declaration Prime Minister Theresa May’s states. quiz show Catchphrase. and most in-depth format for the about Britain’s future relation- draft divorce bill before law- No date has yet been given for A Downing Street source con- viewing audience, providing real ship with the EU. makers vote on December 11. the decision of the Luxembourg fi rmed they had also met the scrutiny and avoiding complex The BBC has already begun its Britain is due to exit the EU justices although the court said broadcasters on Tuesday, but did and unpopular multi-headed own preliminary work on poten- on March 29, two years after it would come quickly. not express any preference. formats,” the Labour source said. tial general election night cover- London served notice in line While the advocate general’s If ITV wins out, the show The prospect of Corbyn and age, checking the availability of a Anti-Brexit demonstrators hold up smoke canisters as they attach with a June, 2016 vote to leave, opinion is non-binding, his ad- would air just two days before May – both of whom would studio for either a new vote or a a banner to Westminster bridge in central London in support of but the fate of Brexit remains up vice is usually followed in the MPs must vote on the Brexit deal press ahead with Brexit – ap- second referendum. migration yesterday. in the air. majority of cases. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 19 BRITAIN 4mn smart meters ‘may have to be ripped out of homes’

Daily Mail problem so that all customers can remotely, putting an end to esti- Of the households who agree to Smets2. The older version of the any issues. Suppliers were sup- system remotely so engineers do London switch provider without issue, but mated bills. get a new gadget, one of the big- gadget, Smets1, typically stops posed to begin installing the newer not have to visit people’s homes. it has been repeatedly delayed. It is hoped they will encourage gest complaints is that their me- working when customers change version in 2014, but a series of de- But the new Smart Data Com- Now, an offi cial report has households to reduce their power ter ‘goes dumb’ when they switch provider because diff erent fi rms lays meant they did not begin until munications Company (Smart s many as 4mn smart me- claimed that their plan may not consumption. But many people supplier. are using diff erent technology 2017. DCC) service has been repeatedly ters may need to be ripped work for all of the meters aff ected. have said they are not comfortable This means that while the me- which is not always compatible. As a result, providers have delayed. The latest start date is Aout and replaced, the Daily Under the government-run giving suppliers access to so much ters will still record how much This forces customers to choose ended up fi tting a total of 12.5mn May 2019, but ‘there is risk of fur- Mail revealed. scheme, suppliers have been or- information about when and how power is being used, customers between switching to a cheaper of the older style meters. The gov- ther delay’, according to an offi cial This is because it may not ever dered to off er all households and they use energy. must go back to calling in their deal and losing the benefi ts of their ernment said in 2012 that it would report by the spending watchdog. be possible for them to work prop- small businesses a smart meter by Customers can refuse to have a own readings and are no longer smart meter, or remaining on a create a new system to connect all All of the Smets1 meters in- erly when customers switch sup- 2020. The gadgets show custom- smart meter. But if suppliers can- able to see how much energy they more expensive tariff . Smets1 smart meters so custom- stalled have been split into three plier. ers how much they are spending not prove they made every eff ort are using in pounds and pence. The more advanced Smets2, on ers no longer experience problems groups. The solution for the fi rst of The government has promised on energy by the minute and al- to contact households, they will be The problem is that there are the other hand, will allow the cus- when they switch. It is thought the these three groups is currently be- to launch a new system to fi x the low suppliers to collect readings hit with hefty fi nes. two types of meters — Smets1 and tomer to switch supplier without meters will be enrolled onto the ing tested. 7,000 motorists Tribute to Leicester City crash victims aged over 70 ‘have licence to drive buses’

Daily Mail it stressed that not all of these London people will still be driving, and some will be dead. Midland Red managing director p to 7,000 motorists aged Phil Medlicott said: “We support over 70 have a bus driving a review of how current age dis- Ulicence, it emerged yester- crimination law impacts specifi c day. roles. This includes whether there The revelation came as a bus should be a statutory legal age lim- company was fi ned more than it for drivers of buses.” £2mn over a fatal crash caused by All large vehicle drivers over 65 an elderly driver. are subject to annual health checks Midland Red, part of the Stage- including an eye test, and are lim- coach Group, appeared to blame ited to 10 hours’ driving a day. It is Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (left), and Aroonroong Srivaddhanaprabha (second right) – the children of Leicester City’s chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha – meet age discrimination laws for keep- not clear why Chander was able to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as they visit the King Power Stadium in Leicester to pay tribute to those who lost their ing Kailash Chander, then aged 77, work 75-hour weeks. lives in the October 27 helicopter crash at the stadium. Leicester City’s chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed on staff . Chander, a former mayor of and burst into flames in the Premier League side’s stadium car park moments after taking off from the pitch on October 27. The company had been warned Leamington Spa, had retired as about Chander’s driving before he a bus driver at 65, but was taken lost control of his bus and careered back on as a casual driver. into a supermarket, killing two. He had been sent a number of Chander, who was suff er- warning letters generated by an ing from undiagnosed dementia, on-board device over his driving. mistook the accelerator for the Seven months before the crash, brake after working three 75-hour Chander was referred to the com- weeks. pany’s driving school, which sent Rowan Fitzgerald, seven, who an anonymous assessor to report was sitting on the top deck with on his driving. Teen to be charged over his grandfather, was killed along The assessor said the jour- with pedestrian Dora Hancox, 76, ney was “erratic” and the driv- who was hit by the bus and a falling ing school recommended that he lamppost as she walked past a cash should not work long hours. machine at the Sainsbury’s store in Two days before the tragedy, Coventry. one manager said the fi rm should Two others were seriously in- consider ending his contract – but attack on Syrian refugee jured in the crash in October 2015, he was allowed to carry on. including Rowan’s eight-year-old Judge Paul Farrer QC said: “The Guardian News and Media sad regime. They confi rmed a whelmed by the support that which he called “absolutely away. A spokesperson for West cousin. recommendation of their own London schoolboy was to be charged with we’ve received and I can’t thank shocking”. Yorkshire police confi rmed a Chander’s employer was on driving school was ignored ...be- assault. everyone enough for the gener- He added: “Understand from 16-year-old youth had been in- Tuesday fi ned £2.3mn after cause of staff shortages.” The refugee was allegedly at- ous donations they have made. council that the school have terviewed and reported for sum- pleading guilty to two health and On the day of the crash, Chan- 16-year-old boy is to be tacked over a month ago, but the “I am working alongside Go- taken strong action. Will be fol- mons, for an off ence of assault. safety off ences when it allowed der accelerated for 12 seconds af- charged with assault over video was widely shared on social FundMe so we can make sure lowing up to ensure all available He will appear at youth court in Chander to continue to drive. ter mistaking the throttle for the Aan attack on a Syrian refu- media overnight. every last penny gets to the fam- support is being given!” due course. Chander, now 80, was given a brake pedal. gee at a school in Huddersfi eld, The incident occurred in the ily and I want to thank them for The family settled in the UK The police said: “The incident two-year supervision order after Speaking at Birmingham Crown West Yorkshire police have said. playground at Almondbury com- their support. I hope we can im- after their relatives were alleg- occurred on October 25 this year he was ruled unfi t to stand trial Court, judge Farrer said: “The fail- Footage of the playground in- munity school in Huddersfi eld on prove the quality of their life and edly tortured and murdered by and has been subject to thorough due to dementia. ings of the company were a signifi - cident was shared widely on so- October 25. put a smile on their faces. the Assad regime. They fi rst went investigation since it was report- After the hearing, Midland Red cant cause of the events of October cial media. A fundraising page for the boy “We are far more united and to Lebanon and were later given ed to us the day after. The alleged called for a legal age limit for driv- 3, 2015.” Police were investigating a and his family has received more have far more in common with safe passage to Britain by the UN victim and his family are receiv- ers of large vehicles. Equality rules Rowan’s family said: “The com- report of a “racially aggravated than £60,000 in donations since each other than things that di- before being resettled in Hud- ing ongoing support from police mean staff cannot be forced to re- pany had a duty to protect all the assault” against the 15-year-old it was set up on Tuesday night. vide us.” dersfi eld in 2016 as part of the and other agencies.” tire on the basis of age. passengers. Instead the company boy, who came to Hudders- Mohamed Tahir, who set up Barry Sheerman, the MP for government’s offi cial intake. Kirklees council said: “Neither The most recent DVLA fi gures allowing the driver to get behind fi eld two years ago helped by the the page, said: “After seeing the the town, said he had been sup- Meanwhile, a source told the us nor the school condone vio- show there were 7,110 bus licences the wheel and him not being fi t to United Nations after his family video I had an idea of setting up porting the boy and his family, Huddersfi eld Examiner the fam- lence in any form, and behaviour held by over-70s in July – although drive ripped our family apart.” were persecuted under the As- a GoFundMe page. I’m over- tweeting a video of the incident, ily were now planning to move like this will not be tolerated.” London ‘Tulip Tower’ Police tactic to arrest moped gangs backed plans face opposition Daily Mail one who’s responsible for law- London making should probably realise that using tactical contact to ter- Guardian News and Media spheres that will take visitors on sultation that “the proposal reeks minate dangerous pursuits is en- London an eight-minute journey in an el- of desperation in its straining after ajid Javid has backed the tirely within our lawful power... liptical loop around the tower’s tip. ostentatious eff ect”. Met’s new controversial And our responsibility”. But London City said Na- Anastasia Shteyn seconded Kai- Stactic of ramming fl eeing Javid, who revealed in June that t has been compared to a cock- tional Air Traffi c Control must ser and said: “I don’t understand moped gangs following criticism his phone was taken in a moped tail cornichon and derided as be consulted over the potential why we need this structure with of Diane Abbott for declaring mugging before he became home Ian architectural Freudian slip, impact on radar systems, noting little aesthetic merit. As a resident “police are not above the law”. secretary, also disputed Abbott’s but Norman Foster’s proposed “the gondalas will be moving and of Petticoat Tower, I object to this The home secretary said assessment. viewing platform and visitor at- therefore may have a slightly dif- construction project. It will create “risk-assessed tactical contact” He wrote on Twitter: “Risk-as- traction in the City of London is ferent eff ect than a static element noise and turn the neighbourhood is “exactly what we need” after sessed tactical contact is exactly facing a potentially more serious of the building”. into a construction site for years his opposite number, Abbott, what we need. Criminals are not objection. Gondalas designed to The building is being developed to come, aff ecting property prices was blasted for calling the prac- above the law.” move up and down the top of the by the Safra Group, a company and residents’ daily comfort.” tice “potentially very danger- Releasing the footage on Fri- ‘Tulip Tower’ are at risk of con- controlled by the Brazilian billion- Astrid Kirchner said it “would ous”. day, the Met Police said it shows fusing air traffi c control systems, aire banker Joseph Safra, which fi t better into Dubai than London”, Scotland Yard last week re- the tactics that specially trained according to technical experts at bought the neighbouring Gherkin and Marianne Harris asked: “Is leased dramatic footage showing drivers are able to use to reduce London City airport. for £726mn in 2014. there a competition for the ugliest police vehicles knocking suspects the need for pursuits and prevent Construction on the 1,000ft The 12-storey glass bubble skyscraper?” off their scooters. injury occurring to off enders and tower must not go ahead until an erected on top of a concrete stem The Guardian’s architecture Senior offi cers have defended members of the public. assessment has been carried out will be fi lled with bars, restaurants, critic, Oliver Wainwright, said: the use of “tactical contact”, say- Force chiefs said there is no into its potential impact on radar a viewing gallery and “a classroom “The architects may have been ing it is needed to stop danger- maximum speed for police cars systems at the airport six miles to in the sky”. It is more than twice aiming for a tulip, but the structure ous chases and has helped reduce to hit mopeds and that it is a the east, offi cials told the author- the height of the London Eye, the is more reminiscent of a coconut moped-enabled crime in London common misconception among ity considering whether to grant next-tallest moving visitor attrac- shy, or an egg perched at the top by over a third. moped thieves that offi cers will planning permission. tion in the capital. of an etiolated egg cup. The struc- Abbott had tweeted: “Knock- end their pursuit if the suspect Foster, the architect of the The planning application was tural spoons, meanwhile, have the ing people off bikes is potentially drives dangerously or removes neighbouring Gherkin tower as lodged on November 13 and has inescapable look of obstetrical for- very dangerous. It shouldn’t be their helmet. well as a £1.3bn European head- already attracted some opposition ceps, brandishing the freshly ex- legal for anyone. Police are not The disclosures also prompted quarters for Bloomberg close by, from local residents. tracted Gherkin baby towards the above the law.” questions over protection for has proposed a rotating gondola Manuel Kaiser told City of Lon- clouds.” Foster and Partners has Camden offi cers were among police if a suspect is seriously in- ride in three-metre wide glass don planners during a public con- been contacted for comment. Sajid Javid: disputes Abbott’s assessment those to hit back, replying “some- jured in a stop. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, November 29, 2018 EUROPE Putin defends the seizure of

Putin delivers a speech at the Ukrainian ships VTB Capital Investment Forum, Poll fi nds eight in 10 Russians hold president with the silhouette of a security responsible for country’s problems AFP borders. They would do the same tin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Minister Volodymyr Groysman guard seen in the foreground, in Moscow in your country.” Ushakov saying: “The meeting is said on Twitter after the court Moscow. More than 80% of Russians believe that President Vladimir Putin is Moscow and Kyiv have traded equally needed by both sides.” rulings. responsible for the country’s problems, Russia’s largest independent angry accusations since Russian The Ukrainian vessels – a tug Ukraine’s foreign ministry The Ukrainian parliament on pollster said this week. resident Vladimir Putin has navy vessels fi red on, boarded and two gunboats – were trying sent Moscow a diplomatic note Monday voted in favour of Po- A total of 83% of respondents said Putin was responsible for Russia’s insisted that Russian forces and captured the three Ukrainian to pass through the Kerch Strait in protest at the “illegal” deten- roshenko’s request for martial problems, with 61% saying he was “completely” responsible, the Levada Phad the right to seize three ships off the coast of Crimea. from the Black Sea to the Sea of tions. law, which gives authorities the Centre reported. Ukrainian ships at the weekend, After warning of the threat Azov, but were refused access Sunday’s incident was the fi rst power to mobilise citizens with The latter figure was the highest in the past six years as more people as Kyiv lashed out at Moscow for of “full-scale war”, Ukrain- and chased into international direct confrontation between military experience, regulate the consider Putin directly responsible for domestic issues on the whole. failing to release its sailors. ian President Petro Poroshenko waters by 10 Russian vessels. Ukraine and Russia in the long- media and restrict public rallies Only 16% of respondents to the nationwide survey conducted last month In his fi rst extensive remarks signed yesterday an act imposing Kyiv has demanded the return running confl ict pitting Kyiv in aff ected areas. said Putin was not responsible for Russia’s problems because he has since the confrontation at sea on martial law for 30 days in regions of its ships and the release of 24 against Moscow and Russian- It is unclear how it would be “done everything correctly”. Sunday, Putin said it had been bordering Russia, the Black Sea sailors taken prisoner during the backed separatists in the coun- applied in the border areas and Putin, who has served as president or prime minister for nearly two dec- orchestrated by Kyiv as a “provo- and the Sea of Azov. confrontation. try’s east. Poroshenko has suggested that it ades, was re-elected this year to his fourth term as president. cation”. Western governments have The sailors have been put be- It has raised fears of a wider is meant essentially as a prevent- In recent months, however, Putin has faced a barrage of criticism for sup- He said that the Ukrainian rallied behind Kyiv, accusing fore a court in Simferopol, the escalation – in a confl ict that has ative measure. porting legislation to raise the pension age by five years to 60 for women ships had entered Russian ter- Russia of illegally blocking ac- main city in Russian-annexed killed more than 10,000 people The EU, Britain, Canada, and 65 for men. ritorial waters and refused to cess to the Sea of Azov, used by Crimea, and ordered to be held since 2014 – and prompted inter- France, Germany and others The average life expectancy in Russia is around 66 for men and 77 for respond to requests to stop from both countries, and of using force in pre-trial detention for two national calls for restraint. have expressed support for Kyiv, women, according to Russia’s federal statistics service. Russian patrol boats. without justifi cation. months. Russian military offi cials said in statements that pro-Kremlin If another presidential election were to take place now, 56% of the sur- “What were they (Russian US President Donald Trump Detention orders were made yesterday that Moscow would newspaper Izvestia denounced as vey’s respondents said they would vote for Putin, the pollster said. forces) supposed to do?” Putin on Tuesday threatened to cancel against 15 of them on Tuesday, soon deploy more of its advanced “predictably anti-Russian”. said when asked about the inci- planned talks with Putin at this including three still in hospital, S-400 air defence systems in Russian Foreign Minister Ser- dent at an international invest- week’s G20 summit in Buenos and nine more yesterday. Crimea, which Russia annexed gei Lavrov shifted the blame to and all action taken by the Kyiv Kyiv provoked the incident to ment forum in Moscow. “They Aires over the incident. “We condemn this demon- from Ukraine in 2014. the West, accusing the US and regime, even inciting them to boost support for Poroshenko, were fulfi lling their military duty. The Kremlin said it expected stration of barbarism and are One more of the systems would Europe of encouraging Ukraine. provocative actions,” Lavrov told who is facing a tough re-election They were fulfi lling their lawful the meeting to take place and multiplying our eff orts to bring be joining three others already “I think it refl ects Washing- reporters in Geneva. battle in a presidential vote set functions in protecting Russia’s played down the threat, with Pu- our boys home,” Ukrainian Prime deployed in Crimea, they said. ton’s tendency to indulge any Moscow has suggested that for next March.

Renoir stolen from auction house

Austrian police are searching for three suspects after a painting by Autistic boy escapes mum to play with Pope Pierre Auguste Renoir valued at up to €160,000 ($180,600) was Germany stolen from a Vienna auction house during opening hours. Golfe, mer, falaises vertes, a lesser-known landscape by the prolific DPA/AFP/Reuters French impressionist, was taken from its frame on Monday evening urges Vatican City while it was on display ahead of a planned sale at the Dorotheum auction house, police said. They released pictures of the three suspects taken from security- France to here was a surprise mo- camera footage, adding that they were “evidently professional”. ment at Pope Francis’s Tweekly audience yes- turn UN terday when a child walked on Cleaning lady’s sentence suspended stage, running around and play- ing with a Swiss guard in high A Greek appeals court has suspended a 10-year jail term imposed seat into uniform. on a cleaner whose conviction for lying on her CV about finishing “If he wants to play here, leave primary school triggered outrage in the country. him,” an amused Francis told the The 53-year-old woman worked at a publicly funded nursery for 15 EU one boy’s mother, who went up to years until a 2014 review revealed she had faked a certificate to say fetch the child, telling the Pope she had completed all six years of primary school. that she was a fellow Argentine. That allowed her to work as a cleaner until the discrepancy was AFP The mother briefl y spoke to discovered and she was fired. Berlin the Pope as she tried to pull the The appeals court in the town of Larissa suspended the sentence child away, saying that he was on humanitarian grounds yesterday, but the conviction itself will mute. still be examined by the Supreme Court. erman Finance Minister Pope Francis told her to let Olaf Scholz has proposed him carry on playing. Gthat France give up its “This child cannot speak. He Slovenia has first female army chief permanent seat on the UN Se- is mute. But he can communi- curity Council (UNSC) and turn cate,” the Pope told hundreds of Slovenia appointed Major General Alenka Ermenc as chief of the it into an EU seat, attracting a pilgrims. army, the government said on Tuesday, making her the only woman stinging French rebuke. “And he has something that in charge of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) country’s In a wide-ranging speech on got me thinking: he is free. Un- military. Ermenc is the first woman Chief of the General Staff of the the future of Europe, Scholz said ruly ... but he is free,” he added Slovenian army. that giving the European Union to laughter. A child who escaped from his mum is seen during the general audience led by Pope Francis at the She took over from her predecessor Alan Geder yesterday. a spot on the Security Council “He’s from Argentina – un- Vatican’s Paul VI hall. would allow the bloc to speak disciplined!” the Pope added, “with one voice” on the global chuckling to his aide, German phone, Francis told his audi- Thousands rally in capital Skopje against Macedonia’s government stage. Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, ence: “When Jesus says we have “We could perhaps imagine who was sitting to his right in to be like children, it means we Several thousand protesters from that Zaev struck with Greece this year to Critics of the deal argue that Macedonia is that in the medium term the the Paul VI Audience Hall at the need to have the freedom that a Macedonia’s right-wing opposition marched rename the country “North Macedonia”. being bullied by Greece. French seat becomes an EU seat,” Vatican. child has before his father.” through Skopje yesterday in a protest If the change is finalised in parliament, “We’ll show you your place in history, the said Scholz, who is also Germa- At one point, the blond boy “I think this child preaches to against Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who Athens has promised to lift its veto on dark side of history, in the next early or ny’s vice-chancellor. “I realise was joined by a little girl, pre- all of us,” the Pope said. is pushing through a deal to change the Skopje’s attempts to join the North Atlantic regular elections,” VMRO-DPMNE leader this will take some convincing in sumably his sister, and the pair “Let us ask for the grace for country’s name. Treaty Organisation (Nato) and the EU. Hristijan Mickoski said of Zaev’s government Paris, but it would be a bold and walked behind the Pope’s chair this child to speak,” he said, as The group was led by the VMRO-DPMNE Greece has blocked the road for years in a speech to the crowd. smart goal.” holding hands. the 7,000 or so faithful present party that was ousted from power in 2017. because it insists the name Macedonia He has called for weekly protests in the To lessen the pain of losing When he took the micro- burst into applause. The party has so far failed to thwart a deal should apply solely to its own province. capital. the powerful seat, France could become the permanent EU am- bassador to the United Nations, he added. But the suggestion was imme- diately shot down by the French Once feted, Saudi crown prince faces cold shoulder abroad ambassador to the United States, Gerard Araud. “It’s legally impossible be- By Anuj Chopra, AFP tic Council and the Royal United the regional tour as something and his possible complicity in of the Saudi government. chief Bob Iger and Apple’s Tim cause it would run counter to the Riyadh Services Institute in London. “I of a victory lap after US Presi- Khashoggi’s murder. “In the event Erdogan meets Cook. Charter of the United Nations. suspect his appearances will be dent Donald Trump – who has It was unclear whether Ar- with MBS on the sidelines of In PR-slicked campaigns, the Changing it would be politically carefully staged to avoid embar- praised Saudi Arabia as a “truly gentine prosecutors would act G-20, it will be indicative that crown prince marketed himself impossible,” Araud tweeted. nce feted on the world rassment.” spectacular ally” – threw his on the request. some sort of a deal has been as a liberaliser seeking to remake France has been one of the stage, Saudi Arabia’s The prince faces the grim weight behind him. Trump also faces growing reached, which could include his conservative petro-state, fi ve permanent Security Coun- Opowerful crown prince prospect of being treated as an Trump’s emphatic support pressure from US lawmakers, Gulf reconciliation and con- while amassing power to a de- cil members since the body was faces the cold shoulder abroad as “outcast” by some leaders at came despite the US Central some of whom are demanding crete steps on how to wind down gree unseen by previous rulers. fi rst established in 1945 in the he struggles to shrug off the lin- the two-day G-20 summit, said Intelligence Agency (CIA)’s re- a probe into his fi nancial ties to the war in Yemen,” said Sigurd The global fallout over the wake of World War II to prevent gering stigma of a critical jour- Bessma Momani, a professor at ported assessment that the determine whether the presi- Neubauer, a Middle East analyst killing of Khashoggi, a Washing- another large-scale confl ict. nalist’s murder. Canada’s University of Water- prince – who controls all major dent has any vested interest in based in Washington. ton Post columnist critical of the The permanent members, in- Prince Mohamed bin Salman loo. “Group photos may be una- levers of power in the Saudi gov- backing the kingdom. “However, a potential Saudi- prince, appears to have torpe- cluding Britain, China, Russia, has been on an Arab tour be- voidable, but liberal democratic ernment – was behind the kill- United States Secretary of Turkish deal is unlikely to shield doed that eff ort. and the United States, are the fore he attends the Group of 20 leaders from countries such ing. State Mike Pompeo and Penta- MBS from US Congressional in- But it has not so far has most infl uential countries in the summit in Argentina tomorrow, as Germany and Canada will “It should come as no surprise gon chief Jim Mattis were due vestigations into the Khashoggi threatened to unseat the prince 193-member United Nations be- where he faces world leaders not want to be seen shaking his that allies like Trump, China’s Xi to brief American senators yes- murder.” amid his tightening grip on mili- cause they hold the right to veto who have strongly condemned hand.” (Jinping) and Russia’s (Vladimir) terday on Saudi Arabia amid In a foretaste of expected tary and security agencies and a UN resolutions. Jamal Khashoggi’s killing last Former Spanish king Juan Putin will have no qualms in sig- mounting bipartisan concern acrimony at G-20, the prince ruthless crackdown on political There have been repeated calls month in the kingdom’s Istanbul Carlos faced scathing domes- nalling that they are absolutely about the kingdom. faced hundreds of protesters on rivals. in the past to reform the UNSC, consulate. tic criticism over his handshake fi ne to continue doing business The prince’s supporters fear Tuesday during a brief stopover The prince’s supporters say with large emerging nations in The country’s de facto ruler with the prince in Abu Dhabi, his with MBS,” said Momani. that world leaders could leverage in Tunisia, with many shouting the fact that he stepped out of particular clamouring for a place has brushed aside the interna- fi rst stop in a regional tour which However, some offi cials in the his weakened international po- “Go away assassin!” and some the kingdom amid a crisis is an at the table. tional pressure, attempting to also included close allies Bahrain prince’s entourage are bracing sition to gain concessions from clutching red-stained chain indication that he is fi rmly in In 2010, then-US president use the overseas visits – fol- and Egypt as well as Tunisia. for a frosty reception at the G-20 the kingdom, as it struggles with saws – a reference to Khashog- control. Barack Obama voiced support lowed by a whirlwind domestic An image of the laughter- summit. a slump in oil prices. gi’s gruesome murder. “The prince is trying to show for India’s eff orts to become a tour – to shore up his tarnished fi lled encounter at the Abu Ahead of the prince’s visit, The prince is expected to meet The hostility stands in stark his domestic and international permanent Council member. reputation and reinforce rela- Dhabi Grand Prix last Sunday Human Rights Watch (HRW) Turkish President Recep Tayyip contrast to the prince’s month- audience that he’s leaving the Brazil and Japan have ex- tionships with allies. was dubbed by a conservative urged Argentine prosecutors Erdogan, who has kept inter- long tour of the United States palace and confi dent he’ll return pressed similar ambitions, while “The question is who among Spanish daily as “the photo of to consider bringing criminal national pressure mounting on earlier this year, where he re- to control it,” said Momani. “He African nations have called for global leaders will agree to stand shame”. charges against Prince Moham- the kingdom by saying that the ceived something of a rock star wants to show he’s here to stay two permanent seats to better with him publicly,” said HA Hel- But the 33-year-old prince, ed over alleged war crimes in a orders for Khashoggi’s killing reception and hobnobbed with for decades as the next ruler of represent a continent they say lyer, a senior fellow at the Atlan- widely known as MBS, used brutal Saudi-led war in Yemen came from “the highest levels” business titans such as Disney Saudi Arabia.” has been historically overlooked. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 21 INDIA Lobby group raises objection to fi lm showing cellphones as villains

Reuters In a letter to the country’s cen- chises increasingly fi nding fa- Scenes from the trailer A Censor Board offi cial was downs,” COAI director general and Reliance Industries’ ven- Mumbai sor board and the government, vour with Indian audiences. show cellphones shooting out not immediately available for Rajan Mathews told Reuters via ture Jio – did not immediately The Cellular Operators Associa- Its lead is Tamil superstar Ra- of users’ hands and into the comment. a text message. respond to requests for com- tion of India (COAI) asked that jinikanth, who is often referred sky, rising up like a typhoon An e-mail sent to the Ministry “We are only requesting a ment. big-ticket fi lm that shows a certifi cate issued to allow the to as the biggest movie star in and engulfing everything in of Information and Broadcast- previewing of the movie to India, the world’s fastest a post-apocalyptic world movie to be shown be revoked India. sight. ing seeking comment did not get ensure there is no such dan- growing major mobile phone Ain which cellphones turn and its release suspended. The villain of the movie, a “The said depiction of mo- a response outside of business ger. Problems leading to tower market, has an estimated against their users has ruffl ed the The fi lm is scheduled to start giant that is half-human and bile services and towers is false, hours. shutdowns have started from 850mn mobile phones, accord- feathers of the country’s telecom appearing in cinemas today. half-bird, has wings made out of based on no evidence and wholly “There is always a danger less than what is portrayed in ing to tech research Counter- companies, who say the movie is Pitched as one of the biggest cellphones, and at one point in fi ctional. It is grossly prejudicial that some segments of the a movie such as 2.0 with a star point. defamatory and promotes unsci- Indian releases of the year, 2.0 is the trailer, growls: “Every person to the complainant and its mem- population can use the movie actor.” The producers of the fi lm entifi c attitudes against mobile a multi-lingual fi lm which hopes who owns a cellphone is a mur- bers,” said COAI’s letter dated to instigate law and order prob- Core members of the COAI could not be immediately phones. to rival the big Hollywood fran- derer.” November 23. lems and initiate tower shut- – Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea reached for a comment. Son banks on Jaswant legacy to trump Raje in battle royale

IANS gress turncoat and Jat leader Jhalrapatan, Rajasthan Sonaram Chaudhary, who won the seat. Jaswant Singh, 80, who lost itted against Rajasthan after contesting as an independ- Chief Minister Vasund- ent in the 2014, has virtually Phara Raje in the Bharatiya faded into political oblivion after Janata Party (BJP) bastion of suff ering a stroke. Jhalrapatan, former central min- The Singh family holds Raje ister Jaswant Singh’s son Manv- responsible for denying Jaswant endra Singh is banking on Rajput Singh a ticket in 2014 and by de- “anger” and his father’s legacy feating the chief minister, it is to win the toughest electoral hoping to “avenge the insult and battle of his life. humiliation” of the Rajputs by A former Lok Sabha member the BJP. and now a legislator from Sheo Even though he insists the constituency in Barmer, he was “battle of Jhalrapatan” is a polit- nominated within a month of ical fi ght between the Congress A security off icial stands guard as voters queue outside a polling station to vote in Madhya Pradesh assembly election in Bhopal yesterday. joining the Congress to fi ght and the BJP, Singh nonetheless, Raje, a decision that surprised says it is “Rajput pride” – which many – including the candidate made him quit the BJP and em- himself. brace the Congress – that is at “I wanted to contest the stake. (2019) Lok Sabha polls but “We have been consistently have been fielded by the party targeted by Raje and the BJP. to contest the assembly polls. My joining the Congress was It is indeed a tough battle for not a personal decision but of MP and Mizoram see the fact that I am new to Jhal- the people of not only of Jhal- rapatan while Raje has been rapatan but the entire Rajas- winning the seat since 2003,” than who are angry over the Singh, a colonel in the Territo- nature and culture of govern- rial Army who saw action dur- ance, years of misrule and hu- ing the 1999 Kargil war, told miliation,” he said. IANS in an interview. Singh had in September an- voter turnout of 75% A small town in Jhalawar nounced quitting the BJP during district, Jhalrapatan is among a “swabhiman” (self-respect) IANS ing. However, the offi cials said was reported in a few places in didates for all the seats, while The Congress has fi elded 40 the most keenly-watched seats rally in Barmer, where he had Bhopal/Aizawl the turnout percentage would go Bhind district. the Congress is contesting for candidates while the BJP and where the contest is as much said “Kamal Ka Phool, Hamaari up as many constituencies did Two men were arrested in a 229 seats leaving one in Jatara MNF are contesting in 39 and 40 personal as political. Bhool” (choosing the BJP symbol not have communication facili- fi ring incident near an election in Tikamgarh district for Sharad constituencies, respectively. Besides Muslims and Dalits, lotus was our mistake). ver 75% of electorate ties, thus they had not received booth in Bhind, police said. Yadav-led Loktantrik Janata Dal Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Con- who form the bulk of voters in While conceding it was an voted yesterday in as- the actual fi gures. Several EVMs malfunctioned, (LJD). gress chief Kamal Nath urged the Jhalrapatan, the Congress by “unequal contest”, Singh said Osembly elections in “Once we get the actual fi g- which were replaced by the poll The BSP has fi elded 227 candi- poll panel to replace all faulty fi elding Singh, is eyeing the size- it was also a battle against “fa- Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram ures from those constituencies, panel offi cials. The Election dates and the Samajwadi Party is EVMs after 100 complaints were able Rajput electorate which has vouritism and vindictiveness” where incumbent governments the percentage of polling would Commission also announced contesting for 51 seats. There are received within the fi rst hour of traditionally voted for the BJP and his weapons were the peo- are seeking a straight fourth and go up,” the offi cials said. that Rs1mn each would be paid 1,102 independent candidates. polling. but has been increasingly grow- ple’s anger against BJP, and his third terms in offi ce respectively. Mizoram witnessed 83.41% to its offi cials who died during In the last elections, the BJP “There is a large number of ing disenchanted with the ruling father’s legacy. The turnout was 75% in Mad- polling in 2013 and 82.35% in the voting exercise. won 165 seats, Congress 58, BSP EVM machines not working party. “No doubt it is an unequal hya Pradesh’s 227 assembly 2008. Among the voters was a four and independents three. properly, we have information The Rajput discontent against battle, but sentiments of the constituencies against 72.13% Electronic Voting Machines 101-year-old woman, who ex- In Mizoram, the last bastion from across the state... This is Raje stems from the denial in people are equally important. It recorded in 2013, Election Com- (EVMs) were used in Mizoram ercised her franchise in Agar of the Congress in the northeast, aff ecting voting. There are long 2014 of a ticket to BJP stalwart is a battle against years of vin- mission offi cials said in New after 2003. The offi cials said the Malwa district. the party is striving for a third queues outside the polling sta- Jaswant Singh – a former for- dictiveness, of humiliation. It Delhi. highlight of the day in Mizoram In the central Indian state, the successive term against a stiff tions... Why such big glitches? eign, fi nance and defence min- is the anger against years of ne- In the state’s remaining three was that over 10,000 elderly contest is mainly between the challenge from the Mizo Nation- The Election Commission must ister, party vice president and glect and corruption – also, my Maoist-aff ected constituen- voters exercised their franchise. Bharatiya Janata Party and the al Front (MNF) headed by former urgently take steps,” the Con- a close confi dante of late prime father’s legacy – which will bring cies of Balaghat district’s Baihar, Among them were a 108-year Congress, though the Bahujan Sa- chief minister Zoramthanga. gress leader tweeted. minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee – Raje’s downfall,” said Singh, as- Lanji and Paraswada, the polling old man, a 106-year old woman maj Party (BSP) and the Samajwa- The fi ght is largely between Chief Electoral Offi cer V L to contest the Lok Sabha polls serting that Congress coming to was 78%, 79.07% and 80.06% on wheel chair and a 103-year- di Party (SP) are also in the race. the Congress and the MNF Kantha Rao said that complaints from Barmer, his home district. power in the state was a forgone respectively. old man. There are a total of 2,907 can- though the BJP is also seeking to many EVMs were replaced with- The BJP had then fi elded Con- conclusion. Mizoram witnessed 75% poll- In Madhya Pradesh, violence didates. The BJP has fi elded can- make its presence felt. in the fi rst hour itself. Kidnap fear as transgender Non-BJP parties to meet poll candidate goes missing on Dec 10: TDP chief

Agencies “We are very worried about was seen walking alone. IANS country suff ered under Prime Hyderabad her safety,” Bittu Karthik, a A police offi cial said she had Khammam, Telangana Minister Narendra Modi’s rule. member of Telangana Hijra In- masked her face to hide her He alleged that democracy was tersex Transgender Samiti, said. identity. under threat as all institutions like he only transgender can- “There is disproportion- The police have formed 10 meeting of non-Bharatiya the Central Bureau of Investiga- didate in state elections in ate amount of violence against teams to trace her. Janata Party groups will tion (CBI), Enforcement Direc- TTelangana has gone miss- transgender people and as an Telangana’s state elections are Abe held on December 10 to torate (ED), Income Tax, Reserve ing, police said yesterday, with electoral candidate, we fear due to be held on December 7. form a front against the BJP-led Bank of India and even the gover- fears that she was kidnapped on physical violence can be used.” zTelugu Desam Party founder National Democratic Alliance, nor’s offi ce were undermined. her second day of campaigning. The police said they have de- N T Rama Rao’s granddaughter Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Demonetisation failed to Chandramukhi Muvvala dis- ployed special teams to trace N Venkata Suhasini, who is con- and Telugu Desam Party presi- curb black money and ATMs appeared minutes after she left Muvvala after a local court or- testing the Telangana election dent N Chandrababu Naidu said and banks ran out of cash, the her one-room home on Tuesday dered them yesterday to produce from Kukatpally constituency in yesterday. TDP chief and blamed Modi for morning in an informal settle- her in court by today morning. Greater Hyderabad, is banking Addressing an election rally this situation. He also slammed ment in Hyderabad, police said. The Commonwealth Human on her lineage. along with Congress president Modi for not properly imple- “We have registered a complaint Rights Initiative, a New Delhi- The presence of Suhasini in Rahul Gandhi, Naidu said the menting the Goods and Services of missing person. We are trying to based advocacy group, said it was the electoral fray in Telangana is TDP, Congress and other par- Tax (GST) and said this aff ected trace her,” Kanneboina Uday, inves- worried about speculation that signifi cant as the top leadership ties will meet to form the front economic growth. tigating offi cer in the case said. Muvvala had been kidnapped. of the TDP moved to Andhra against the NDA. Naidu voiced concern over Muvvala is an activist with the “If fears of Chandramukhi’s Pradesh following the bifurca- Urging all non-BJP parties to growing intolerance in the coun- Telangana Hijra Intersex Trans- kidnapping are well-founded, tion of the state. join the proposed front, Naidu try and said a sense of insecurity gender Samiti, a local advocacy this is a serious attack on the The TDP has fi elded Suhasini, asked Telangana’s ruling Telan- was created among Muslims and group for hijras – or transgen- right of Indian citizens to safety daughter of former minister N gana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Dalits. “Political rivals are being der women – which campaigns and security, as well as the wel- Harikrishna, who died in a road its ally Majlis-e-Ittehadul Mus- raided for speaking against the against transphobic violence. fare of the already fragile trans- accident this year. limeen (MIM) to spell out where government.” The TDP chief told India has about 2mn trans- gender community,” it said. Suhasini, 43, is a social activist they stand. the gathering that he never op- gender people, according to the “The manner in which this and is banking on her lineage to win Terming the upcoming meet- posed the formation of Telanga- 2011 census. case is handled will either serve the election from the prestigious ing as historic, Naidu said the na and rubbished allegations by Although the Supreme Court to strengthen or weaken the constituency, which has a consid- TDP and Congress fought each TRS that he was working against ruled in 2014 that transgender trust the Indian LGBTQ+ com- erable number of voters with their other for 37 years but have now the interests of Telangana. people have equal rights under munity has in the state.” roots in Andhra Pradesh. come together for the sake of the He assured the people that he the law, they are often shunned However, police said after ex- However, the family of the late Congress president Rahul Gandhi discusses a point with Andhra country and democracy. will always strive to work for the and many survive through beg- amining the CCTV footage that actor-turned-politician NTR Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at a public meeting in Naidu, whose party pulled out interests of both Telangana and ging or sex work. she left her home on her own and stands divided in the campaigning. Khammam, Telangana yesterday. of the NDA in March, said the Andhra Pradesh. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, November 29, 2018 INDIA

SOCIETY TRANSPORTATION CRIME ACADEMIA SERVICE Child bride’s marriage E-vehicle makers hail Elderly man killed by UGC ‘consortium’ to weed Himachal launches single annulled after 12 years Delhi govt’s new policy domestic help in Delhi out dubious journals emergency number

A girl from Rajasthan’s Pithawas village, who The Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles An elderly man was allegedly murdered by his Faced with proliferation of substandard Himachal Pradesh yesterday became the first was married at the age of 6, was finally able (EV) yesterday welcomed the Delhi government’s domestic help and his two accomplices in New academic journals in the country, the Indian state to launch a single emergency number to dissolve her 12-year-long marriage with the draft “Electric Vehicle Policy 2018”, which aims to Delhi yesterday, police said, adding they are University Grants Commission (UGC) “112” which will connect to police, fire, health and help of an NGO. Now 18, Pintudevi, daughter ensure adoption of 25% e-vehicles among new searching for the suspects. The crime was reported yesterday announced forming an association other helplines through an Emergency Response of a labourer, was married to a man from registrations by 2023. “We congratulate Delhi to the police around 8am by Kapil, a grandson of of academic institutions which will compile a Centre (ERC). This obviates the need for citizens to Saran Nagar. Their marriage was dissolved government for coming out with a comprehensive Chandrabhaan Garg, 92. He was found murdered in list of “credible quality journals” and ultimately remember multiple numbers. Under the project, by a Family Court in Jodhpur on Tuesday. The draft EV policy to combat the issue of vehicular air Malorband extension area, Deputy Commissioner replace UGC’s own list of journals. In a meeting one ERC has been established in Shimla along child bride’s in-laws were allegedly involved in pollution in the capital. EV industry welcomes the of Police Chinmoy Biswal said. “Chandrabhaan held on November 14, the commission decided with 12 District Command Centres covering the criminal activities. When Pintudevi demanded government’s vision towards adopting a cleaner Garg lived with his family on the ground floor. to set up the ‘Consortium for Academic entire state. “The ERC has been integrated with a divorce, they threatened her family. With mode of transportation,” Sohinder Gill, director “As per the statement of Kapil, when his mother and Research Ethics’ or ‘CARE’, which will police (100), fire (101), health (108) and women the support of Kriti Bharti, founder of Saarthi general of the Society of Manufacturers of returned home after dropping his son, she saw the be composed of government bodies and helpline (1090) services to provide emergency Trust, Pintudevi filed a plea in June to annul her Electric Vehicles told IANS. The policy, he said, room of Chandrabhaan Garg locked from inside. statutory councils and will be headed by the services via single emergency number 112,” said marriage. Pintudevi told IANS: “I am freed from addressed some of the major concerns required The domestic help, identified as Hukam opened UGC vice chairman. The body will be tasked a Home Ministry statement. The service is part of the clutches of child marriage with the help of to bring an EV revolution in the city. He said the door and tried to strangulate her. Hearing her to prepare a “CARE Reference List of Quality the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) Kriti didi and now I will study to make my dreams that businesses like food deliveries and couriers cries for help, As Kapil ran downstairs, Hukam Journals”. The CARE’s task will primarily be to which includes a ‘112 India’ mobile app integrated come true.” Bharti said the best eff orts are being that use two-wheelers should be instructed to and his accomplices fled,” the off icer said. “During scrutinise and then compile a list of journals with panic button of smartphones and ERSS state made for better rehabilitation of Pintudevi after convert 100% of their polluting fleet to electric investigation, police team found Garg lying in a for social sciences, humanities, language, arts, website for ease of citizen in availing immediate the annulment of her marriage. in next two years. pool of blood,” he said. culture, Indian knowledge system, etc. assistance.

Religious procession HC upholds conviction of 89 people in anti-Sikh riots

IANS lenging the trial court’s or- The court asked Delhi’s po- New Delhi der. lice commissioner to re-exam- Convicting all the 89 for vari- ine the case of the 22 unidenti- ous off ences including rioting, fied bodies and take action as he Delhi High Court yes- the trial court had sentenced per law. Hindu religious leaders take part in a procession during the grand Nagar Pravesh ceremony for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival in terday upheld a lower them to fi ve years in jail. Meanwhile, in an apparent Allahabad yesterday. The Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, will be attended by millions of Hindus from January 15 to March 4. Tcourt’s conviction of Some of the convicts died reference to Congress leaders, 89 people for rioting, burning during their appeals, a lawyer Delhi Chief Minister Arvind houses and breaching curfew said. Kejriwal said that “big fi sh” in Trilokpuri area in east Delhi The court ordered the con- involved in the riots were still during the 1984 anti-Sikh ri- victs to surrender immediate- roaming free. ots. ly to undergo the punishment Welcoming the high court’s Justice R K Gauba, in a 79- and asked the trial court to verdict, Kejriwal said justice had page judgment, said: “Thirty- take all necessary measures to not still been done to the vic- Congress era growth rates revised four long years have passed after ensure execution of the sen- tims. the crimes were committed and, tences. “I welcome Delhi High Court yet, the victims await justice and judgment upholding the convic- downward in new back-series data closure. Is this what we call a po- “The only way of providing tion of culprits responsible for tent and eff ective criminal jus- justice to riots victims is to the murder of hundreds of inno- tice system?” ensure quick disposal of cent people in Trilokpuri... Jus- IANS statistical experts in the coun- have been revised downwards thing purposefully which did The judge said it was “indeed cases” tice has so far not been done to New Delhi try during two round tables to 7.9% in 2005-06 from 9.3%, not refl ect the reality”. a matter of lament that there riot victims even after 34 years. organised by the NITI Aayog in 8.1% in 2006-07 from 9.3%, Kumar said the back-series has been no meaningful thought The 1984 riots followed the Big fi sh are still roaming free,” which domain experts partici- 7.7% in 2007-08 from 9.8%, data was “far more superior spared to date to usher in re- assassination of then prime Kejriwal tweeted. he government yester- pated to ensure the quality of 3.1% in 2008-09 from 3.9%, than the previous one” and that forms in the judicial process to minister Indira Gandhi by two of The Aam Aadmi Party day released the much- coverage and methodology. 7.9% in 2009-10 from 8.5%, it was internationally compa- eff ectively deal with cases of her bodyguards. Hundreds of in- (AAP) called the 1984 riots “a Tawaited back-series es- Chief Statistician Pravin 8.5% in 2010-11 from 10.3%, rable and in sync with UN Sys- communal riots which are engi- nocent Sikhs were killed, mainly blot on Delhi which cannot be timates for India’s GDP which Srivastava said the methodol- and 5.2% in 2011-12 from 6.6%. tem of National Accounts (SNA neered, more often than not, by in Delhi, in the riots. erased”. showed a lower rate of growth ogy and concepts incorporated The growth rate for the years 2008). those who have clout or infl u- According to the police, on “There is no doubt that the during the term of the Con- to arrive at the back-series data after the new base is estimat- “The CSO today released ence.” November 2, 1984, an aggressive families of 1984 riots victims gress-led government between were consistent with interna- ed to be 5.5% (2012-13), 6.4% the back series of GDP/GVA He said “the manner of prose- crowd set a number of houses in have been denied justice for a 2005-06 and 2011-12 than what tional standards. (2013-14), 7.4% (2014-15), 8.2% for period 2004-05 to 2011-12 cution of the case at hand would Trilokpuri on fi re. very long time and even in this was estimated using the earlier “The recalibration exercise (2015-16), 7.1% (2016-17) and with base 2011-12 prices. Used undoubtedly go down in judicial At least 107 people were ar- case since the fi rst conviction by methodology. led to a change in growth rates 6.7% (2017-18). SNA 2008 concepts, latest data history of this country as an ex- rested for rioting, burning hous- the trial court in 1996, it has tak- As per the data released by in the back series and today’s In August, a committee ap- sources and indices for the back ample of criminal law process es and breaching curfew. en 22 years for the appeal having the Central Statistics Offi ce exercise is a result of compre- pointed by the National Sta- series. Methodological changes that must never be emulated. The police have fi led charge- been decided,” the party said in a (CSO), the maximum growth hensive work,” he said. tistical Commission had sub- include institutional approach, From this perspective, and in sheets against the 107 accused, statement. rate the economy achieved In January 2015, the govern- mitted in its report that the reference rate method for FI- the expectation that those at the but the trial court framed charg- “It is a matter of grave concern during the Congress years was ment had moved to a new base economy grew at a faster rate SIM (Financial Intermediation helm draw lessons from here, es against 94 and discharged the that fi rst the investigating agen- 8.5% in 2010-11, signifi cantly year of 2011-12 from the ear- during the Congress period Services Indirectly Measured),” one hopes that this case is never others. cies and then the justice delivery lower than the 10.3% estimated lier base year of 2004-05 for compared with the average the NITI Aayog vice chairman forgotten.” The police in the charge- mechanism has taken 34 years in earlier. national accounts. After the growth rate during the fi rst said. Justice Gauba dismissed sheets had reported deaths of 95 the 1984 riots cases before the NITI Aayog vice chairman introduction of the new se- four years of the current gov- “Treatment of trade sector appeals of the convicts who people in this incident. cases have begun to be decided,” Rajiv Kumar said an extensive ries, back-series estimates are ernment. The government re- (has been done) using sales tax had challenged an August 27, The court observed that it added. recalibration exercise using the compiled and released for the sponded that it was only a draft instead of Gross Trading In- 1996 judgment of a sessions prosecutions have covered The party demanded that all latest data sources and meth- years preceding the new base seeking comments and was not come (GTI). Share of primary, court which had convicted the the cases of only 73 homicidal 1984 cases be fast-tracked since odological changes had led to year for completeness and the fi nal word on the matter. secondary sectors (has gone) up 89 people. The trial court in deaths out of 95 bodies. Twen- witnesses were already very a change in growth rates in the comparability with old base On the downward revision of in the back series while tertiary 1996 acquitted five of the 94 ty-two bodies had remained aged. back series. data sets. the Congress era growth rates, sector (has) reduced. Recalibra- suspects who had been put on unclaimed and unidentified “The only way of provid- He said the back series had As per the data released by the the NITI Aayog vice chairman tion exercise led to a change in trial. and have not seen any criminal ing justice to riots victims is been checked for its methodo- CSO, growth rates for all years said the government had no in- growth rates in back series,” he The high court dismissed action initiated against anyone to ensure quick disposal of logical soundness by leading between 2005-06 and 2011-12 tention to “mislead or do some- added. the convicts’ appeal chal- so far. cases.” Won’t let Sabarimala become Naxalism, militancy another Ayodhya: Vijayan are down: Rajnath IANS ing of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s IANS temple, Vijayan said the pro- Bharatiya Janata Party and the Mandi, Himachal Pradesh Panna Pramukh meeting of Mandi Thiruvananthapuram hibitory orders now in place Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh. parliamentary constituency. in the temple town will not be “The decision of the police to Prominent party leaders like withdrawn. hand over the mike to RSS leader ederal Home Minister Ra- Health and Family Welfare Min- aking a fi rm stand, Kerala “We are bound to adhere to Valsan Thilenkery to control the jnath Singh yesterday said ister J P Nadda, Chief Minister Jai Chief Minister Pinarayi the court ruling even as the protesters at the temple reveals Fthat in the past four years Ram Thakur, state party president TVijayan said yesterday sangh parivar with the support everything... Vijayan is behaving Maoist activities had come down to Satpal Singh Satti and former chief that his government will not al- of the Congress is out to create like those who built the Titanic eight districts while militancy in the ministers Prem Kumar Dhumal and low Sabarimala to become an- trouble in the temple,” the chief who said the ship will never sink. north-east has decreased by 80%. Shanta Kumar participated. other Ayodhya. minister said. But it sank. Vijayan is also going Even yesterday, a senior com- Pakistan will be forced to stop Sabarimala town has wit- “At no cost will we allow to meet such an end. The way he mander of Lashkar-e-Taiba was cross-border fi ring, Singh said. nessed protests ever since the Sabarimala to be turned into an is handling the Sabarimala issue, killed in Kashmir, Singh said. “If a single bullet is fi red from Supreme Court ruled in Septem- Ayodhya and there is no question devotees are deeply pained,” he “In the last four years, Naxal- Pakistan, then India should not ber that women of all ages can of withdrawing the prohibitory said. ism came down from 90 to eight count the number of bullets fi red enter the temple. orders,” Vijayan said. When the opposition mem- or nine districts,” the minister in retaliation,” he said. As the Kerala Assembly He said even the Kerala High bers trooped near Speaker P said in Mandi, some 140km from He said India would help Paki- opened yesterday, legislators Court had supported the rules Sreeramakrishnan, he went Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla. stan get rid of militancy. “But for from the Congress-led oppo- now in force at Sabarimala. through the listed business of Singh said the militancy in the this Pakistan has to come forward.” sition came with placards and “The Congress is trying to the day in a fl ash and adjourned north-east had decreased by 80- Speaking on the occasion, the banners demanding that prohib- make political capital out of the the assembly for the day. 85%. chief minister thanked the home itory orders in the temple town Sabarimala issue.” The assembly saw the lone BJP “In Kashmir, in the last three- minister for approving a Nation- be lifted. Congress leader Ramesh legislator O Rajagopal and his four days, our forces killed 18-19 al Disaster Response Force bat- As former devasom minister Chennithala said it had become new found ally P C George turn terrorists. Even today our forces talion for the state, Rs4.2 crore V S Sivakumar alleged that the clear that Vijayan had only one up in black shirts. They said they killed the commander of LeT for modernisation of police and state government and right- agenda – to weaken the Con- were protesting against the gov- Naveed Jatt.” for approving enhancement of wing groups were colluding gress Party and for that he has ernment for putting the Sabar- Home Minister Rajnath Singh attends a function in Mandi The minister was in Mandi on a monthly salary of special police to destroy the sanctity of the given the full support to the imala pilgrims into diffi culties. yesterday. day’s visit to preside over the meet- offi cers in Chamba district. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 23 LATIN AMERICA US government imposes sanctions on Ortega’s wife, aide

Reuters The US Treasury said it had banks and other entities from been killed and at least 2,000 or Moncada Lau have invest- “It’s a message to President The current violence comes Washington used the new executive order to carrying out any transactions injured in crackdowns by police ments in their own names. Eve- Ortega to fi nd an exit strat- after years of calm and is punish Nicaraguan Vice Presi- with them. and armed groups on protests rything is done through front egy and to begin a process for... the worst since his Sandi- dent Rosario Murillo, Ortega’s The Nicaraguan government that began in April over gov- men,” Cajina told Reuters. “This free and fair elections,” a senior nista movement battled US- S President Donald wife, and an aide it named as “emphatically rejects” the US ernment plans to cut welfare is not an economic blow. It is a Trump administration offi cial backed “Contra” rebels in the Trump has sanctioned Nestor Moncada Lau, accusing sanctions, it said in a statement benefi ts and then escalated into political blow.” told reporters on condition of 1980s. Uthe wife of Nicaraguan them of undermining Nicara- without naming either Murillo broader opposition to Ortega. US offi cials said they were try- anonymity. “It’s an opportunity Ortega in July rejected the President Daniel Ortega and one gua’s democracy. or Moncada Lau. The sanctions, however, may ing to infl uence Ortega, a former to fi nd some type of solution...to idea of calling a referendum on of his aides under a new execu- The step will have the eff ect The statement added that the fail to crimp either target’s assets Marxist guerilla leader whose the crisis that they have created.” whether to try to calm opposi- tive order allowing Washington of freezing any property owned measures marked a continuation due to the lack of a paper trail, response to the protests has been Ortega, who ruled the coun- tion against him by holding an to target Nicaraguan offi cials for by Murillo and Moncada Lau of US “imperial” designs on the said Roberto Cajina, a former compared to the reign of Anas- try from 1979 to 1990, has held early election before the next a crackdown on anti-govern- that falls under US jurisdiction small Central American country. advisor to the ministry of de- tasio Somoza, the dictator he elected offi ce as president since scheduled presidential election, ment protests. and of barring US individuals, More than 300 people have fence. “Neither Rosario Murillo helped topple in 1979. 2007. due in late 2020. Venezuela’s Employees protest in Caracas ex-treasurer jailed in US

Agencies “To this day, I am convinced Miami the decision I made (to co-oper- ate) is the right one.” Before his sentencing, Andrade former national treas- owned several properties in the urer in the socialist gov- wealthy equestrian community Aernment of Venezuelan of Wellington in the western part President Hugo Chavez was sen- of Palm Beach County. tenced to 10 years in prison by a In a $1bn forfeiture judgment, US judge for his central role in a the US attorney’s offi ce and $1bn bribery-and money-laun- Homeland Security Investiga- dering scheme that enabled him tions have begun the process of to acquire luxury real estate and taking those tainted properties, other assets in south Florida. along with his vast collection of Alejandro Andrade, 54, sold high-priced cars, show-jumping access to the Venezuelan gov- horses and watches. ernment’s lucrative foreign- At the sentencing, federal currency exchanges both before prosecutor Vanessa Snyder said and after Chavez’s death in 2013, Andrade conspired with three enriching himself and an elite other key players in the money- circle of other senior offi cials laundering ring by giving them A state employee shouts slogans during a demonstration demanding the Venezuelan government improve salaries in Caracas yesterday. Venezuela is in the midst and a prominent businessman, access to the Venezuelan gov- of an economic meltdown triggered by mismanagement and a slump in oil prices followed by US sanctions. according to court records. ernment’s favourable dollar-to- US district judge Robin Rosen- bolivar currency exchange. berg imposed the maximum Snyder said the scheme gen- sentence for Andrade’s money- erated about $2.4bn in illicit laundering conspiracy conviction profi ts for Andrade’s three co- in West Palm Beach federal court, conspirators and they agreed to rejecting a proposal by his defence share half of their money with attorneys to give him seven years Andrade while keeping it in Eu- in prison for accepting responsi- ropean and US banks. bility for his crime in a plea deal. “Andrade abused the trust of The judge did not impose a the people of Venezuela,” Snyder Outcry at Mexico top fi ne because Andrade has no said, describing how his crime money to pay. contributed to the longstand- He was allowed to surrender ing economic crisis in the South to prison on February 25 instead American country. “The amount of immediately because he has of money he agreed to receive been assisting federal authori- was staggering.” ties in the massive corruption But Andrade’s defence attor- honour for Kushner and money-laundering investi- neys, Curtis Miner and Bob Mar- gation. tinez, said the co-conspirators Guardian News and Media to be signed in Buenos Aires Mexicans voiced their out- nance minister Luis Videgaray of Trump’s visit to Mexico, but Andrade apologised to the controlled the bank accounts Mexico City during the G20 summit. Pena rage over Kushner receiving the – now foreign minister – con- was brought back to the foreign judge, his family and the Ven- and that their client received Nieto will decorate Kushner Order of the Aztec Eagle, whose vinced Pena Nieto to invite ministry on the eve of the US ezuelan people for his crime, and about $70mn in bribes — not with the Order of the Aztec Ea- past recipients include Queen then candidate Trump to Mex- presidential inauguration. Ana- then described how he became $1bn. utgoing Mexican presi- gle in the Argentinian capital Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela and ico City for a meeting at the lysts say Mexico has pursued a involved in a “movement” led by Andrade, who pleaded guilty dent Enrique Pena Nieto this week. Walt Disney. presidential palace. In a joint “son-in-law strategy” in its at- Chavez that he believed would to a money-laundering conspir- Ohas stunned the coun- Pena Nieto was quoted by “Giving (Kushner) the Aztec media appearance afterwards, tempts to deal with the Trump benefi t his country. acy charge last December, has try by bestowing the nation’s Mexican media as saying: “He Eagle is a supreme act of humil- Trump again pledged to build a administration. Soon, however, the national provided insider information to highest honour for foreigners has been an important actor in iation and cowardice,” tweeted border wall between the US and Bravo said the jury was still treasurer acknowledged that he Snyder and fellow prosecutor on Jared Kushner, senior White this objective of having a good historian Enrique Krauze. Mexico. out on the strategy’s success. betrayed the public’s trust. Michael Nadler to assist them House adviser and son-in-law understanding of the new gov- Carlos Bravo Regidor, a pro- Pena Nieto appeared acqui- “It has all happened behind “I made some very bad choic- in building a sprawling criminal of Donald Trump. ernment that entered two years fessor at the Centre for Research escent as he stayed silent – at closed doors,” he said. “It’s pal- es when I was treasurer, and for case against some of Venezuela’s Pena Nieto praised Kushner ago.” and Teaching in Economics, least until Trump left the coun- ace politics. At its worst.” Pena that I am very sorry from the richest people. as “a grand ally of Mexico” who Trump repeatedly disparaged said: “This is the perfect end- try. At a campaign rally later Nieto leaves offi ce tomorrow as bottom of my heart,” said An- Among them: TV network ty- helped achieve a renegotiation Mexicans during his improbable ing for Pena Nieto’s term: an that night, Trump continued to a loathed fi gure after six years drade, who served as the top coon Raul Gorrin, 50, who was of the North American Free rise to power. He still threatens insuperable illustration of the publicly criticise Mexico. of corruption and confl ict-of- fi nancial offi cial in Venezuela’s indicted on November 19, one Trade Agreement between the to close the US-Mexico bor- indignity of his government’s Kushner is thought to have interest scandals. His approval government from 2007 to 2010 day before the case against An- US, Canada and Mexico. der over a caravan of Central position regarding Trump. It’s forged a close relationship rating hovers at just 24%, ac- before moving with his family to drade was unsealed in federal The revised agreement – now American migrants in the city of the fi nal kick for Mexicans.” with Videgaray, who resigned cording to pollster Consulta South Florida in 2014. court in West Palm Beach. known as Usmca – is expected Tijuana. In August 2016, the then fi - from Cabinet after the fi asco Mitofsky.

Royal visit Brazil nixes plans to host Guzman’s wife ‘off the UN climate conference hook’ over banned phone AFP Judge Brian Cogan, who is New York presiding over the trial, has tak- Guardian News and Media world’s biggest rainforest, the and will take power in Janu- en the security precautions so Brasilia Amazon, has been an impor- ary. He threatened to quit the seriously that he prohibited the tant player in international Paris climate agreement, then he US trial of Mexican drug couple from embracing before climate talks. Its sudden subsequently backtracked, baron Joaquin “El Chapo” opening statements began on razil has abandoned weakening of support comes but has made no secret of his TGuzman hit a roadblock November 13. plans to host crucial just days before the opening desire to open up the Amazon over allegations that his beauty Prosecutors complained that BUN climate talks in of this year’s climate talks in to mining, farming and dam queen wife had access to a banned Coronel had access to a phone 2019 amid growing signs of Katowice, Poland. building. cell phone and was using it to last week, but the judge ruled the anti-internationalism of The Climate Observatory He has also aligned him- communicate with her husband. that, as she no longer did, the the new government being NGO said Brazil had abdicat- self closely to Donald Trump. Prosecutors demanded that issue of sanctions would be ad- formed by president-elect Jair ed its role in one of the areas Earlier this month he choose the judge punish the defence for dressed “sometime next week.” Bolsonaro. where it was most needed by a new foreign minister who lending Emma Coronel a tel- Lawyers are the only people The foreign ministry an- the world and its own people. claims “climate alarmism” ephone, but he accepted expla- permitted to take cell phones nounced the reversal in a “By ignoring the climate is part of a cultural Marxist nations that she had used it for into the Brooklyn federal court message to Patricia Espinosa, agenda, the federal govern- plot and who said the United translation purposes only and house where 61-year-old Guz- executive secretary of the ment also fails to protect the Nations has no language for deferred until next week any de- man is on trial. UN Convention on Climate population, hit by a growing “love, faith and patriotism”. cision on sanctions. Coronel was said to be using Change, according to the O number of extreme weather The shift has been abrupt. In a 15-page and heavily re- the phone while sitting next to a Globo news website. events. These, unfortunately, Just two months ago – short- dacted document, the US gov- lawyer in the cafeteria. Two months after winning do not cease to occur just be- ly before the election – the ernment accused the 29-year- On Monday, lawyers twice the bid to host the COP25 cause some doubt their caus- foreign ministry said Bra- old of using a cell phone to objected to the judge and the de- conference in 2019, the note es,” the group said in a state- zil’s offer to host the COP25 communicate via one of the de- fence that Coronel — the mother said Brazil would withdraw its ment. talks “confirms the country’s fence lawyers with her husband, of Guzman’s seven-year-old offer to stage the event due to “It is not the first and cer- leadership role in sustain- from whom she is banned from twin daughters — had been us- the transition in government tainly will not be the last bad able development issues” and any direct contact. ing a cell phone inside the court and budget restrictions, the news of Jair Bolsonaro for that “reflects the consensus of Guzman is subjected to the house. paper said. area.” Brazilian society on the im- strictest inmate security proto- Prosecutors fear that not only The decision is a blow to The broken promise is in portance and the urgency of cols in the US, after twice escap- could she be using the device to global efforts to prevent dan- line with the anti-globalist actions that contribute to the Princess Anne arrives at the Chilean government house ing from prison in Mexico and communicate with her husband, gerous levels of global warm- rhetoric of the far-right fight against climate change”, before a meeting with Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera has been held in solitary con- but to fi lm a protected witness ing. former army captain, who was according to the O Globo news (not pictured) in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. fi nement since being extradited whose security they have sought Brazil, which is home to the elected president in October website. to New York in January 2017. to shield at all costs. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, November 29, 2018 PAKISTAN

Ministry to unveil PM lays foundation stone new National for Sikh border crossing Action Pakistanis ‘on one page’ Plan in seeking friendship with India: Imran Internews Internews/Reuters/DPA Islamabad Narowal/Islamabad he ministry of interior rime Minister Imran Khan plans to unveil a new ver- laid yesterday the founda- Tsion of the National Ac- Ption stone of the Kartarpur tion Plan (NAP) and restructure corridor, saying that peace is the the National Counter Terrorism only way forward for India and Authority (Nacta) to eff ectively Pakistan as it is foolish to think tackle internal threats to secu- that two nuclear-armed nations rity, it has been learnt. can go to war. According to a document out- He performed the ground- lining the ministry’s perform- breaking of the corridor, con- ance during 100 days of the PTI necting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Prime Minister Khan: If India takes one step forward then we will government and its future plans, in Kartarpur area of Narowal take two steps forward toward friendship. the NAP-2 is aimed at bridg- district with Dera Baba Nanak in ing the gaps in the fi rst version India’s Gurdaspur District. tries which are nuclear armed. ponder over the issue of the rolled out in January 2015 days Indian Vice-President “It is foolish for anyone to population living below the after a deadly attack on the Army Venkaiah Naidu laid the road’s think that there can be war be- poverty line and aff ected with Public School (APS) in Peshawar foundation stone on the other tween two nuclear-armed coun- malnutrition issues, including sent shockwaves across the na- side of the border this week. tries, as there is no winning for stunted growth. tion. Addressing the ceremony anyone. General Bajwa, Punjab Gover- The NAP comprised policy which was attended by army Sikhs from India look at the inaugural foundation plaque near the shrine of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, during “So, if there can be no war, nor Chaudhry Mohamed Sarwar, initiatives aimed at wiping out chief General Qamar Javed Ba- the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur border corridor, which will off icially open next year. then what other way is there Chief Minister Sardar Usman terrorist outfi ts across the coun- jwa, government offi cials, Indian other than friendship?” Buzdar, federal and provincial try, integrating security eff orts ministers and foreign diplomats, The premier continued that in Punjab province. “If India groundbreaking ceremony on “I invite Sidhu to contest ministers, and other offi cials of the federal and provincial Khan thanked those in attend- when he entered politics, he takes one step forward then we Pakistan’s invitation. elections from Pakistan’s Pun- were present at the ceremony. governments by engaging all the ance and vowed: “We will keep similarly came across two kinds will take two steps forward to- The Indian delegation com- jab, and I know he will win,” The Indian delegation com- stakeholders, dismantling ter- improving Kartarpur corridor, of politicians: “One who sacri- ward friendship.” prising Minister for Food Har- Khan joked. “Hopefully we will prising ministers Badal, Puri and rorist networks, and ensuring and next year you will see all fa- fi ced the public good for their “If France and Germany, who simrat Kaur Badal, Minister for not have to wait for Sidhu to Indian Punjab minister of local deterrence by utilising available cilities will be available there.” own benefi t, and the other who fought several wars, can live in Housing Hardeep S Puri, and become prime minister for re- government Sidhu, and a large capabilities and resources of se- Next year is the 550th anni- thought about the society, did peace, why can’t India and Paki- Sidhu reached Lahore through lations to improve between the number of people from the Sikh curity organisations to overcome versary of the birth of the found- not spread hate, took chances stan?” he remarked. the Wagah Border crossing two countries.” community from both countries internal threats to state security. er of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, in a and big decisions.” Khan said both countries where they were received by of- Prime Minister Khan further attended the event. The upcoming version of the small village near Lahore. Speaking about the need for stood to gain from better ties. fi cials of the Punjab Rangers. alluded to trade potential be- The new crossing point, NAP is a brainchild of Minister Thousands of Sikhs from In- better relations between India “We need leaders on both “Both the governments should tween both countries, and noted which will offi cially open next of State for Interior Shehryar dia and beyond every year visit a and Pakistan, the premier said: sides of the border who resolve realise that we have to move for- that poverty posed the greatest year, is about 120km north of Khan Afridi. shrine in the Pakistani village of “If we want to end poverty, bor- to end this problem and I assure ward,” Sidhu, a Sikh, said in a challenge in the region. Lahore and will be used by Sikh According to the document, Kartarpur, where Nanak died. ders should be opened.” you the problem will be solved,” speech before Khan spoke. He pointed out that the Chi- pilgrims coming from India on a the interior ministry plans to Speaking about his cricketing “I, the prime minister, my po- he said. “Can you imagine how Speaking about criticism of nese leadership had pulled its visa-free basis to visit holy sites create a cyber-security organi- days, Prime Minister Khan said: litical party, the rest of our po- much this would benefi t both Sidhu for attending his oath- 700mn people out of poverty in Pakistan. sation to eff ectively counter the “There were two kinds of crick- litical parties, our army, all our countries?” taking ceremony in August, trap in the last 30 years, which The agreement is a rare in- growing threat of cybercrimes. eters – (those) who were scared institutions are all on one page. Former Indian cricketer- Prime Minister Khan said: “I refl ected the pragmatic ap- stance of co-operation between It envisages restructuring of losing and took no chances, We want to move forward,” Khan turned-politician Navjot Singh don’t understand why he was proach of China. the South Asian rivals, which Nacta to make it more func- and (those) who took risks and said in his speech to open the Sidhu on Tuesday led a delega- criticised, Sidhu was talking The prime minister called have fought three wars since in- tional, building capacity of civil were always successful.” new border crossing with India tion of his country to attend the about peace between two coun- upon the Indian leadership to dependence from Britain in 1947. armed forces, upgrading the safe city project and taking steps to curb currency smuggling from airports and borders. Top gun The ministry is also set to in- troduce an online passport ap- Imran to brief plication facility for overseas Pa- kistanis and launch e-passports and evening executive passport offi ces in major cities. nation today on The document revealed that the passport application soft- ware had been changed and would prioritise applications of govt’s progress senior citizens (65 years or more) from now onwards. It said that prisoner exchange Internews lated to livestock, backyard treaties with the United King- Islamabad poultry, small and medium dom, Saudi Arabia and China are dairy farms and agriculture also on the cards. produce markets in the coun- The document mentioned rime Minister Imran try. banning 18 international non- Khan will apprise the na- The meeting was informed governmental organisations un- Ption today on the govern- that there was a huge poten- In this picture released on der the initiative of online regis- ment’s performance during its tial in the livestock sector, es- Tuesday, President Arif Alvi tration system introduced by the fi rst 100 days in offi ce. pecially the export of meat to examines a weapon that can previous government. He is expected to speak China and the Gulf countries. take shots around corners about the progress made vis- It was told that the estab- during his visit to the 10th a-vis targets set by him after lishment of foot-and-mouth International Defence Pakistan elected coming to power. disease (FMT)-free zones in Exhibition and Seminar Khan has reviewed the PTI- the country and incentivising (IDEAS) in Karachi. chair of UN panel led government’s performance saving and calf fattening pro- at a meeting at the Prime Min- grammes could signifi cantly Right: A woman looks through Pakistan’s credentials in ister’s Offi ce. help in realising the country’s the scope of a rifle yesterday. multilateral diplomacy had been The Prime Minister’s Advis- potential in the livestock sec- endorsed after the country’s er on Establishment Mohamed tor. Left: Visitors admiring permanent representative to Shahzad Arbab briefed the The meeting discussed is- weapons yesterday. the UN in Geneva was elected meeting on the six-pronged sues relating to agriculture as chairperson of the Meeting 100-day plan. produce markets and exploita- of High Contracting Parties A source in the PM Offi ce tion of farmers by the monop- to the Convention on Certain said that the adviser apprised olies created due to dysfunc- Conventional Weapons (CCW). the prime minister of the tar- tional market committees. The election reflects recognition gets achieved so far as well as It was briefed on plans to put by the international community future milestones. in place legal framework, up- of Pakistan’s contribution to The source said the prime grade 76 agriculture produce international security and arms minister expressed satisfaction markets in 24 districts with control, according to a press over the achievements made infrastructure development, release issued by the Pakistan under the plan and approved it relocate nine markets and es- Japan Business Forum released after a thorough review. tablish six new markets over on November 26. The 100-day plan mainly the next fi ve years. Permanent Representative of focused on six points – trans- Prime Minister Khan direct- Pakistan to the United Nations forming governance, strength- ed that a comprehensive plan in Geneva, Farrukh Amil, was ening the federation, revi- be chalked out to resolve the elected as the chairperson on talising economic growth, issues being faced by the live- November 23. developing agriculture and stock sector. conserving water, revolution- He approved a proposal for ising social service, and ensur- establishment of a model agri- Islamabad’s civic ing national security. culture produce market in La- A pilot in the cockpit of a JF17 Thunder jet fighter explaining its workings to visitors. Prime Minister Khan also hore which would be replicated issues addressed chaired a meeting to discuss in other parts of the country to Right: A police off icer holds a gun during a presentation yesterday. the potential of and issues re- facilitate farmers. Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the authorities concerned to overcome basic civic problems of the capital Islamabad that included water shortage, non-functional Pakistan ends identity card requirement for visiting expatriates streetlights, land grabbing and dilapidated public parks. The premier issued the Internews try carry their National Iden- bas Bukhari, who said that the ing prime minister’s 100-day new initiatives to facilitate over- through offi cial banking chan- instructions during a meeting on Islamabad tity Card for Overseas Pakistanis proposal had been approved by reformative agenda to ensure seas Pakistanis. nels. 15-day review of the performance (NICOP). Prime Minister Imran Khan. quick redressing of issues per- The prime minister has an- The government said that the of the civic authorities, local According to the ministry of “Now the overseas Pakistani taining to expatriates and their nounced that the government prime minister is fully aware of administration and police. he government of Paki- overseas Pakistanis, the decision can travel to Pakistan without children by achieving almost all would soon unveil a special in- problems faced by the overseas A participant of the meeting stan has decided to abol- was taken on the recommen- visa,” Bukhari said. set targets,” he added. centives package that is aimed at Pakistanis in sending remit- said that the prime minister also Tish the requirement that dation of the Prime Minister’s “The ministry takes the lead Earlier, the government de- encouraging overseas Pakista- tances and retaining their legal ordered revamp of the Capital expatriates visiting the coun- Special Assistant Zulfi qar Ab- in initiating and implement- cided to undertake a couple of nis to transfer their remittances properties in Pakistan. Development Authority (CDA). Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 25 PHILIPPINES Duterte ‘death squad’ plan evokes concern

AFP Death Squad against the spar- death squads which are illegal,” Manila row,” the president said. Sison told ABS-CBN televi- “I will match their talent also sion. for assassinating people,” he The president’s announce- ights groups raised fears added. ment drew immediate concerns yesterday after Philippine Philippine Defence Secretary from campaigners, who said RPresident Rodrigo Du- Delfin Lorenzana said yester- the death squad would worsen terte announced plans to create day his team would study the the already lethal environment a “death squad” targeting sus- plan “very closely. Who will encouraged by the drug war. pected communist rebels, saying compose it, who will super- Police say they have killed it would worsen the “calamity” vise it, who will be the targets,” nearly 5,000 alleged users and triggered by his deadly drug war. adding there was “great danger pushers, while rights groups The Philippines’ 50-year fi ght of abuse”. say the toll is at least triple that PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde (centre) inspects seized firearms at Camp Karingal in Quezon City, yesterday. against communist militants, Since negotiations with the and could amount to crimes one of Asia’s oldest insurgen- rebels broke down, Duterte also against humanity. cies, long pre-dates his anti- formally designated the Com- “His (Duterte’s) statement narcotics crackdown that has munist Party of the Philippines is a declaration of open season killed thousands and drawn in- and its 3,800-member armed against rebels, leftists, civil- ternational censure. wing the New People’s Army ians, and critics of the govern- Eight dead, thousands held in Duterte, like previous gov- (NPA) as terrorist organisa- ment,” Human Rights Watch ernments, initially held peace tions. said in a statement. talks with the communists but The low-level, simmering “This new policy will only shelved negotiations last year insurgency has claimed 30,000 worsen the ongoing drug war- Quezon City anti-crime drive over deadly attacks against sol- lives by the government’s fuelled human rights calamity diers and police. count. in the Philippines.” In a speech Tuesday night, The founder of the Commu- Amnesty International also By Roy Narra Esquivel said the campaign still get their guns back after ment operations in Quezon he took aim at the communist nist Party, Jose Maria Sison, expressed alarm, citing the Manila Times also led to the confi scation of updating their licenses. City, especially in crime-prone rebels’ hit squads known as said yesterday that “sparrow practice of labelling govern- 204 unlicensed fi rearms and The 101 “wanted” persons areas. “sparrow units”. units” only existed in the 1970s ment critics as communist eight short fi rearms under were arrested for various of- Meanwhile, Philippine Na- “What I lack is my own spar- and 1980s at the height of the rebels or sympathisers. “What total of eight alleged “Oplan Katok” or a door-to- fences and their courts of origin tional Police (PNP) Chief Os- row. That is where they (com- insurgency. is scary is that anyone can be drug suspects were door visit by policemen. were notifi ed of their arrest. car Albayalde led the awarding munists) have an edge...So I will “He is inventing so many a target,” the group’s human Akilled in Quezon City Of the 204 unlicensed fi re- Of the 16,652 city ordinance of the plaque of recognition create my own sparrow, Duterte sparrow units to justify his own rights officer Wilnor Papa said. where police conducted simul- arms, 191 were short fi rearms violators, six have existing war- to some QCPD personnel and taneous anti-criminality and while 13 were long fi rearms. Also rants of arrest while 12,333 were units who contributed to the law enforcement operations for confi scated were 199 ammuni- warned, 944 were fi ned, 3,375 plans and programmes of the the past nine days, Chief Su- tion and three hand grenades. were charged, and 1,209 were district police in Camp Karin- perintendent Joselito Esquivel, Seized were 1,194.85 grams of reprimanded. gal. Quezon City police chief, said shabu worth P7,196,250 and The city ordinance off ences Albayalde lauded QCPD for Arroyo says no confl ict in nation’s yesterday. 500 grams of dried marijuana that were violated included instilling peace and order de- Speaking at the 79th anni- leaves worth P67,000. drinking alcohol, smoking and spite being highly populated. versary of the police district, “We are knocking on houses roaming half-naked in public “It is certainly not easy Esquivel said 106 anti-drug because elections (are) coming. places; jaywalking and loiter- maintaining peace and order friendship with US and China operations were conducted in All unregistered fi rearms spot- ing. Since June 13, QCPD ar- in a highly populated area like parts of the city that also re- ted were either surrendered to rested a total of 317,138 city or- Quezon City, but as we have sulted in the arrest of 211 other authorities or were voluntarily dinance violators. seen, the QCPD under the Manila Times “So there’s plenty of room drug suspects, 101 “wanted” turned over,” he said. Esquivel told the public to hardworking District Director, Manila again for more investments and persons, and 16,652 ordinance Esquivel also said owners of expect more simultaneous an- PC Supt Esquivel is indeed do- we hope that there would be a lot violators. the unlicensed fi rearms may ti-criminality and law enforce- ing a good job,” he said. of new investments coming from peaker Gloria Macapagal- the United States ambassador, Arroyo reiterated yes- from Europe, ambassador, and Sterday that there was no of course from our Philippine in- problem with the Philippines’ vestors. We hope that more peo- House approval for higher tax rates on tobacco friendship with both China and ple know about the American in- the United States because “they Gloria Arroyo: stress on ties vestments and we also hope that The House of Representatives approved on second reading a bill lowed by a 9% annual increase thereafter, while HB 4575 seeks to are both very important to the more American investments will consolidating measures on the additional tobacco excise taxes. increase unitary excise tax to P40 per pack in the first five years of world and to the region, and our the Philippines Sung Kim and come, now that we have this Lawmakers approved via “viva voce” (voice vote) yesterday the implementation with a 5% annual increase thereafter until it reaches friendship with them is very im- Hungarian ambassador to the beautiful Clark Global City and House Bill (HB) 8677 which seeks to curb cigarette smoking in the P60. Lawmakers approved on Monday on second reading HB 8618, portant to us, and their friend- Philippines József Bencze also the New Clark City as well,” she Philippines, consolidating HB 6648, authored by Quezon 4th District which would increase excise tax rates on alcohol products to signifi- ship with each other is also very attended. said. representative Angelina Tan and HB 4575 by Albay 2nd District Rep. cantly curb consumption and raise funds for the Universal Health important to us.” Arroyo then invited Kim and Arroyo also said a big Chinese Joey Salceda. Care (UHC) programme. The Department of Finance (DOF) has been Arroyo was at the inaugura- Bencze to bring more invest- industrial park and a Chinese Once enacted, the unitary excise tax on cigarettes will be P37.50 pushing for reforms to increase the excise tax rates on alcohol and tion of the new building of the ments to the Philippines, saying Cultural Museum would be built by July 2019, P40 by July 2020, P42.50 by 2021, and P45 by 2022, tobacco products as part of the Package 2+ of the Comprehensive Bases Development and Conver- there is plenty of room for both in the New Clark City as part of Manila Times reported. This will then be followed by a 4% increase Tax Reform Program (CTRP) under the administration of President sion Authority (BCDA) in Clark China and the US in the Philip- a framework agreement signed annually starting July 2023. HB 6648 seeks to increase the tobacco Rodrigo Duterte. The additional funds for UHC under the package Global City in Pampanga, which pines as far as putting in invest- during the recent state visit of excise tax to P60 per pack on the first year of implementation, fol- will push for equitable access and aff ordable healthcare for Filipinos. United States ambassador to ments is concerned. Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bersamin appointed new chief justice Locsin confi rmed By Ralph Villanueva He will serve as chief jus- mark when asked to comment ing back.’ As we all know, Ber- Manila Times tice for less than a year, as he on observations that the presi- samin’s decisions always side will reach the mandatory re- dent did not follow his earlier with the president,” Alejano as foreign tirement age of 70 in October standard in choosing a chief said. “Because of Bersamin’s resident Rodrigo Duterte 2019. justice, which he said would be record, we will continue to be has appointed Associate Bersamin sided with the based on “seniority.” vigilant,” Alejano added. secretary PJustice Lucas Bersamin as Duterte administration on a “Of course, it is always the Hilbay said that although the new chief justice. number of issues, such as the prerogative of the president. Bersamin was “highly re- Duterte signed the appoint- declaration and extension of There are many competent spected” and enjoyed “a good By Bernadette E Tamayo ment paper of Bersamin on No- the martial law and suspension people in the Supreme Court reputation” in the high court, Manila Times vember 26. of the writ of habeas corpus but I’m happy because I think the president should explain Bersamin edged out Acting in Mindanao, the arrest order Justice Bersamin will become why he kept on saying that Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, against opposition stalwart effective (as chief of the ju- his choice would be based on he Commission on Ap- as well as Associate Justices Senator Leila de Lima and the diciary),” Poe said in a chance seniority and then choose Ber- pointments (CA) yesterday Diosdado Peralta, Estela Per- burial of former dictator Fer- interview. samin. Tconfi rmed the ad interim las-Bernabe and Andres Reyes, dinand Marcos at the Heroes’ “Chief Justice (CJ) Bersamin “Senior Associate Justice appointment of Teodoro Locsin Jr Jr who were included in the Cemetery. is a brilliant legal mind with Antonio Carpio should take as Foreign Aff airs secretary. shortlist of the Judicial and Bar Duterte yesterday defend- a dynamic style, an incisive the post if the choice would Locsin was the Philippine Council, the body that vets judi- ed the appointment of Ber- wit and enlightening opinion. indeed be based on seniority,” Permanent Representative to the ciary nominees. samin, in his speech during Lucas Bersamin: key appointment With CJ Bersamin at the helm, Hilbay said. United Nations until he was desig- Bersamin is the country’s the groundbreaking ceremony we hope that timely justice will Gutoc said people in Mind- nated by President Rodrigo Duterte 25th chief justice. He replaces of the Panguil Bay Bridge in The newly-appointed chief they are of higher importance always prevail,” she said. anao would continue to watch to replace Alan Peter Cayetano, who Teresita Leonardo de Castro Lanao del Norte. justice cited his track record as to the country or only to a few Senate President Vicente the high court’s ruling on the resigned to run for a congressional who retired last month af- Duterte noted that Carpio the basis of his appointment to of our countrymen,” he said. Sotto 3rd congratulated Ber- Bangsamoro Organic Law seat in Taguig City. Senator Panfi lo ter serving only 41 days as the did not accept the chief justice the highest position in the ju- Bersamin said he does not samin. “Come to think of it, (BOL), which is being ques- Lacson, chairman of the CA’s Com- top magistrate following the nomination when Sereno was diciary. know the president personally as early as 2008, I was already tioned by a group of governors. mittee on Foreign Aff airs, endorsed ouster of Maria Lourdes Ser- ousted. Bersamin told reporters and believes he was appointed aware of his legal savvy. He Duterte also appointed Ros- Locsin’s confi rmation as head of eno through quo warranto pro- “I did not get an outsider. he served the judiciary for based on his track record, mer- helped me as Dangerous Drugs mari Carandang as the new as- the Department of Foreign Aff airs ceedings. Carpio, Peralta, Bersamin… 32 years, the longest service its and capability. He said that Board (DDB) chair then.” sociate justice in the Supreme as well as the promotion of 47 other Bersamin is the third most there are five names. I chose record in the court system. he would not yield to undue Senatorial candidates from Court. senior DFA offi cials, including As- senior among Supreme Court Bersamin. Carpio, he said he “I underwent the process influence. the Oposisyon Koalisyon ques- Carandang had served as sistant Secretary Elmer Cato, head justices but is considered the will not accept it. So, after and I have been found among “The concept of judicial in- tioned President Duterte’s ap- associate justice of the Court of the Offi ce of Public Diplomacy most senior in terms of service that, I said (the person who is) those to be fit to be nominat- dependence is you are resistant pointment of Bersamin as the of Appeals (CA) since March (OPD). rendered in courts, with a ca- next in rank (will be named), so ed,” Bersamin said. to undue influence. You do not chief justice. 2003. She also served as pre- “Always the maverick quick- reer spanning 32 years. next in rank,” Duterte said. He said he would lead the lose your independence if you Former solicitor general siding judge of the Manila Re- witted and acerbic — never dull He entered the judiciary on He also questioned the court as the first among equals. take one side,” he said. Florin Hilbay, Magdalo Rep. gional Trial Court. and never ordinary. Most popu- Nov 5, 1986 as Quezon City stance of Carpio on the West “The chief justice is primus He assured that public that Gary Alejano and former as- Carandang is the chairwom- larly known as Teddy Boy, the ap- Regional Trial Court judge at Philippine Sea dispute with inter pares (first among all of his rulings on the “Presi- semblywoman Samira Gutoc an of the CA’s 3rd Division. She pointee has distinguished himself the age of 37. He was a trial China. Carpio wants the gov- equals). This is a collegial dent’s cases,” such as martial asked President Duterte to placed ninth in the 1975 Bar with the credentials and quali- judge for nearly 17 years. ernment to assert its 2016 legal court and will not act through law in Mindanao and the Mar- explain why he revoked his Exams. She graduated salu- fi cations befi tting someone who He also served six years as victory against China before individual members. We are cos burial, were purely based promise to appoint the most tatorian at the UP College of should be at the helm of the De- associate justice at the Court an international arbitration 15 independent magistrates on merits. senior magistrate as chief jus- Law. In a statement yesterday, partment of Foreign Aff airs,” Lac- of Appeals, and close to 10 court. and I cannot say whether our Senator Grace Poe yesterday tice. Palace spokesman Salvador son said. years as the 163rd magistrate “What do you want… the ar- direction is judicial activism said it was the prerogative of “I do not believe that Ber- Panelo said both appointments “As secretary of Foreign Aff airs, of the Supreme Court. bitration, so I’ll order my po- or judicial restraint. But this I President Duterte who to ap- samin was appointed chief jus- were among the “best and the we all agree that he would bring Bersamin placed ninth in the lice to go there in Palawan and assure the people that all cases point as the next chief justice. tice because of his seniority; brightest” that Duterte had his own brand of diplomacy,” 1973 Bar Exams. shoot it out?” Duterte said. are to be deliberated whether The senator made the re- this is Duterte’s way of ‘pay- made to the government. he added. Gulf Times 26 Thursday, November 29, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES American’s death puts spotlight on reclusive tribes of Andamans The death of American evangelist John Allen Chau in the North Sentinel Island of the Andamans has brought into focus the existence of tribes who are still in the Neolithic age in this remote Indian archipelago. It is estimated that the Sentinelese and other Andaman tribes have been cut off from other humans for around 55,000 years. It was the establishment of a penal colony in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal by the colonial British rulers in 1858, in the wake of the 1857 uprising, which suddenly exposed them to the vagaries of “modern” forces. QF... building foundations for The result was an unmitigated disaster. Without going into a detailed history of the past century- and-a-half, it is necessary to point out that the Great Andamanese Confederation of tribes in these 300-odd islands spread over 8,200 km — of whom only about 38 a knowledge-based economy are inhabited — got eff ectively wiped out though violence, alcohol and lack of immunity to infl uenza, syphilis and other QNA Qatar (WCM-Q) Dr Javaid Sheikh For his part, Dean of Georgetown and subjects relevant to the situation in the country and the Middle East. infectious diseases. Doha praised the vision of the Qatari University - Qatar (GU-Q) Dr Ahmad leadership in education. He said, Dallal stated that the invitation by The Dean of NU-Q spoke about this The minuscule numbers lived in Port Blair till they were their Highnesses “had this unique Qatar’s leadership to open a campus point when he said that courses are shifted to Strait Island in 1969, thereby segregating them, atar Foundation for vision, which is truly unprecedented, in Doha provided a compelling and also relevant to the local scene through but living on government dole. Education, Science and to allocate resources for Education exciting opportunity to expand GU relying on local and other examples. Three tribes, the Jarawas, Sentinelese and Shompens have, Community Development City and bring in multiple world-class legacy of higher learning to the region As an example, he pointed out to the till recently, shied away from contact with the outside world. (QF) is an exceptional entity, universities.” and to further the university’s mission media law course, which examines the Q legal systems in the Middle East and the not only because of its outstanding Dr Sheikh pointed out that of producing global leaders committed The Shompens are shy and retiring, and occasionally educational and social institutions, Weill Cornell Medicine was hugely to understanding and improving their media law and regulations in Qatar. Dr come out and receive supplies from the government but are but also because it stems from the encouraged by this vision and the world. Everette Dennis also, confi rmed that otherwise self-suffi cient. Qatari leadership’s dream of providing commitment to transform the Although the geography, values and academic courses respect local customs They are Mongoloid, unlike the other two who are Negrito. Qataris, and students from around the society when it started to examine customs of Qatar diff er from those in the and traditions here. The Jarawas have received the most attention since world, with more educational options the opportunities off ered by Qatar United States, the deans insist that there In their academic programmes, and tools that enable them to create Foundation. He added that this vision, are no signifi cant diff erences between universities focus on the environment government established villages where refugees and others and innovate in a way that serves the which focused on education and the academic programmes off ered at of the region and the circumstances and have been settled in areas national agenda of moving toward development, convinced the university the main campuses at the US and here challenges it faces. Therefore, they try Many believe contiguous to Jarawa knowledge-based society. to open a branch here in Qatar. in Education City. They pointed out to provide students with all the tools reserves. To achieve this goal, His Highness For his part, Dean of Virginia that the students in Qatar get the same that will enable them to improve their that the Jarawas For decades there was the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Commonwealth University (VCU) Dr educational qualifi cations and degrees as environment, understand its problems and provide appropriate solutions. confl ict, with poachers Khalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Donald Baker believes that the presence their peers in the United States. should not Sheikha Moza bint Nasser developed a of the university in Doha is part of the Deans of VCU-Q and NU-Q stated For example, the Dean of GU-Q said regularly killed by the plan for education and development in Qatari leadership’s commitment to that programmes and academic courses that Doha students enjoy the added be allowed to Jarawas. Qatar. This plan relied on establishing arts, adding that Her Highness Sheikha here are the same as the ones in main experience of their geographic location Continuous eff orts and bringing the world’s best Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar campuses in the US. The only diff erence through course material and academic interact with the were made to establish educational institutions to Doha as part Foundation (QF), HE Sheikha Hind bint is that classrooms tend to be smaller programming that explores the Middle friendly relations of a comprehensive reform vision that Hamad al-Thani, Vice-Chairperson in Qatar, which means that students in East region’s economic, social, and outside world responds to the challenges of shifting to and CEO of QF, and Sheikha Al Mayassa Doha receive more personal attention political issues, to give them the tools with the Jarawas — in a post-oil era and building appropriate bint Hamad al-Thani, Chairperson of and communicate with faculty more needed to fi nd solutions to complex 1984 this writer, Shakti Sinha, was tasked to lead a team, foundations for knowledge-based Qatar Museums, have displayed serious easily. problems in their communities. including anthropologist TN Pandit and retired policeman economy by national hands. The leadership in developing the cultural Dean of Carnegie Mellon University Given the ability of Education City’s Bakhtawar Singh, who had developed considerable actual implementation of this dream infrastructure and in supporting the (CMU) Dr Michael Trick said: “We have universities to respond to the needs knowledge on the subject, to visit a specifi c Jarawa area on began when their Highnesses laid the artistic community in the country. focused areas of study in Qatar, off ering of the region and meet students’ foundation stone for Qatar Foundation Dr Baker expressed his appreciation degree programmes in biological aspirations, these universities are the day following every full-moon. in August 1995. to the Qatari leadership for its eff orts sciences, business administration, attracting more and more students Since no eff ort was made to either bring them out or allow Qatar Foundation’s educational in supporting Qatar National Museum, computational biology, computer from Qatar, the Middle East and the further “legal” encroachment on their land, gradually the message can not be discussed without the Museum of Islamic Arts, Mathaf: science and information systems. world. Those students are fascinated Jarawas gave up their hostile attitude. focusing on Education City, which Arab Museum of Modern Art, Fire Graduates earn degrees that are by this region and want to enrich their The Jarawas lost their fear of the outside world and their hosts several branches of renowned Station and other institutions. He identical to those awarded in our main knowledge about it. universities, including the six American added that this support enhances and campus.” It is clear from the programmes population has gone up, the fi rst time this has happened universities. This initiative began when enriches the university’s curriculum, The Dean of GU-Q also stated that off ered by these universities that their since they came into contact with the outside world. Virginia Commonwealth University provides outlets for the students’ “the Doha campus was launched with selection to be part of Education City Over the past few years, the government has engaged (VCU) was opened in 1998, followed by artwork and constitutes a wonderful the guiding principle to maintain the was not merely a coincident; it was with anthropologists and other experts to work on how to the opening of Weill Cornell Medicine- infrastructure for the appreciation and standards and quality of Georgetown based on a vision that was clearly manage the transition, including appropriate pedagogical Qatar (WCM-Q) in 2002, Texas development of art. University’s academic programs, and refl ected in Qatar National Vision 2030, A&M University - Qatar (TAMUQ) in The Qatari leadership’s vision was as a result, GU-Q students enjoy the which made human, social, economic techniques. 2003, Carnegie Mellon University- not the only factor that encouraged US same world-class multidisciplinary and environmental development its Many believe that the Jarawas should not be allowed to Qartar (CMU-Q) and Georgetown universities to open campuses in Qatar. International Aff airs curriculum and priority. interact with the outside world, as this would mean denial University- Qatar (GU-Q) in 2005 and Some universities decided to come here support as their Washington, DC peers. It is the vision of the Qatari of agency to the Jarawas, and also would run against the Northwestern University (NU-Q) in out of a desire to connect and have a They earn the same highly prized leadership, to promote higher Jarawas own preferred actions. 2008. presence in the Middle East; they did Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service education, that gives these global Qatar wanted to have modern, not fi nd a better place than Qatar to do (BSFS) degree, recognised by the same educational institutions a strong The Sentinelese are lucky in that they stay on a separate world-class educational institutions so. international bodies and subject to the momentum to be part of this long- island, 36km west of South Andaman Island. that could compete internationally and This was confi rmed by Dean of same rigorous standards of academic term vision. The universities found a Their numbers are in the range of 50 to 100 and, though accomplish Qatar’s local aspirations of Northwestern University- Qatar excellence.” foothold in a very important part of small, they have successfully kept the outside world out. achieving economic, social and human (NU-Q) Dr Everette Dennis, who said: While universities of Education the world and the Qatari community Subsequently, several people have also landed, given gifts, development that would place the “The invitation for Northwestern to City place emphasis on the similarity found educational institutions that country among the developed countries come to Qatar was also in line with the between the programmes in the US strengthened the higher education but the tribals have made their lack of interest clear; this by 2030. university’s desire to be more global campuses and the ones here, some sector and produced qualifi ed graduates rejection has been respected by the Indian government. In addition to the vision of the and, especially, to connect with the universities have modifi ed certain capable of contributing to the growth People have been prohibited from entering this area and leadership regarding education, Qatar’s Middle East.” academic courses and added new topics and development in the country. others who landed have lost their lives. geographic location helped attract The American John Allen Chau’s misguided attempt ended American universities, that wanted to connect eff ectively with the Middle as expected — tragically. - IANS East, and made some of the academic programs off ered in Doha unique as they do a better job of meeting the aspirations of Qatar and those of the To Advertise region in general compared to the programmes off ered in universities in [email protected] the United States. Display It is important to emphasise the role played by the extraordinary vision of 44466621 44418811 the Qatari leadership in attracting the attention of the American universities Classified and motivating them to open campuses 44466609 44418811 in Education City. The deans of the American universities, in exclusive Subscription statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), placed a special emphasis on [email protected] the vision of the Qatari leadership and the role it played in the success of the Education City. © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) headquarters in Doha. Gulf Times Thursday, November 29, 2018 27 COMMENT Respect Sentinelese tribe, says expert

By Sunrita Sen intruders. They don’t know how New Delhi they will behave, what will be their intentions, what they will do there in terms of their world views. They may N Pandit, 84, has been have had some bad experience, some studying the ancient tribes of poachers may have tried to come into India’s Andaman and Nicobar these islands for poaching fi sh and TIslands for decades, including may have had encounters with them. the isolated Sentinelese. We do not understand the language He believes that John Allen Chau, they speak but it was not diffi cult to the young Christian from the United understand that they did not want us States who was killed after trying to on their island. make contact with them, would be DPA: What chance is there that alive today if he had respected their Chau’s body would be retrieved? wishes to be left alone. Pandit: It is a matter of working As regional head of the out a safe strategy and a matter of Anthropological Survey of India, luck. Maybe the Sentinelese will Pandit had on several occasions led allow parties to take out the body. teams of researchers and government It is anybody’s guess. They may not offi cials to develop contact with the obstruct perhaps as they may not want Sentinelese. the body to be there. DPA: How do you think this DPA: Can the body pose a danger incident could have happened? to the tribe? Pandit: I am shocked by the tragedy Pandit: It can. Any of us can be a of a young man getting killed, but in source of infections. Because...disease the circumstances it is possible. taken to the Andaman Islands by the Sentinelese normally don’t go out of settlers in the early 19th century did a their island, they don’t attack anyone. lot of damage to the indigenous people They can show friendly gestures if — a lot of tribals died of all kinds of the mood is there, if the circumstances infectious diseases including measles. are there, but my experience is that Even minor diseases are passed on. they would not like us to land on their They have no cure for it. All our team island. We should respect their wish to members underwent health checks be left alone. before the visits. DPA: Why do you think they DPA: What do we know about attacked Chau? the Sentinelese? Pandit: I think this young man Pandit: They are hunter gatherers, persisted when the Sentinelese made it they don’t have agriculture. very clear they did not want him there, They are totally dependent on nature an arrow was shot at him which hit his FILE PHOTO: A Sentinel tribal man aims with his bow and arrow at an Indian Coast Guard helicopter as it flies over the island for a survey of the damage caused by the for their food supply — the forest and Bible — that is written in his diary. tsunami in India’s Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, December 28, 2004. the sea. They probably hunt wild boars. At that point he should have gone They use small canoes in shallow away. 1967 with help of the Andaman the 1970s and the 1980s. After several they did not invite us to come ashore. DPA: But since then the waters to fi sh. He went away but came back — he administration. At fi rst the Sentinelese expeditions, in 1991 they allowed us When I got too close to the shore one Sentinelese have been more DPA: The 2011 census counted 15 provoked them when they made it clear hid in the jungle and we did not see to approach them. In 1991, they came young boy took out his knife and I aggressive; they killed two Sentinelese. he was not welcome. them. Sometimes we would land for a forward to receive gifts in hand from immediately moved back and got on fi shermen in 2006. What do you What is your estimate of their He should have listened to them. short while and come back, we would us. They did not attack anyone, they the boat. The gift-giving stopped think changed? number? DPA: You have taken expeditions not stay there. They allowed us to did not shoot arrows, we waded into in the mid-1990s and now there is Pandit: They have no trust in Pandit: My estimate is there are to, or near the island. What were drop gifts along the shore and move shallow waters and they received gifts an “eyes only, hands off ” policy, as outsiders and they will not allow about 80-100 of them, but not 15. your experiences? back to a safe distance. This happened of coconuts in their hands. We don’t we have seen what infections from people to come ashore and stay We have seen larger numbers coming Pandit: Our fi rst trip was in repeatedly, we have done trips through know why they allowed us near. But outsiders have done to the Jarawa tribe. put there. For them, outsiders are on the shore in 1991.

Closing the TB funding gap Three-day forecast TODAY killing approximately 1.6 million development is more than $1.3bn, off er a compromise, the quandary Maximum Temperature : 270c By Willo Brock Minimum Temperature : 190c New York people in 2017, which was only slightly a shortfall that is exacerbated by a remains: how can we guarantee access fewer than the year before. But the lack of market incentives within the to medications – especially for the FRIDAY eff ectiveness of TB treatments is pharmaceutical industry. Despite poorest patients – while maintaining Maximum Temperature : 270c n the 25 years since tuberculosis declining, raising concerns that drug- TB’s global reach, two-thirds of new funding streams for pharmaceutical Minimum Temperature : 210c (TB) was declared a global-health resistant strains are becoming more cases in 2017 occurred in just eight R&D? SATURDAY emergency, policymakers and virulent. countries – India, China, Indonesia, Patients’ needs must always be Maximum Temperature : 280c Ihealthcare professionals have Given its prevalence and the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, emphasised. But we cannot simply Minimum Temperature : 200c seriousness, TB is not purely a medical Bangladesh, and South Africa. With ignore the role that intellectual devoted considerable time discussing Fisherman's forecast ways to eliminate it. Over the last two problem. The disease perpetuates drug makers apparently unwilling property plays in the creation of years alone, they have held talks in poverty in developing countries, or unable to fund development costs new treatments. To strike the right WARNING Moscow, Brussels, New Delhi, and, because patients and their families unilaterally, rich and poor countries balance with TB, the international Inshore : Nil most recently, in September at the must routinely spend up to half of must collaborate to fi ll the gap. community must recommit to Offshore : Strong wind and high United Nations General Assembly in their income buying medicines and The R&D burden must be shared R&D initiatives by showing the sea at first New York, where they convened for managing care. And yet, with drug- among the public and private financial leadership agreed upon WEATHER Inshore : Mild daytime with the fi rst-ever high-level meeting on resistant forms of TB spreading, sectors, and resulting treatments in September. In the best-case some clouds, relatively TB containment. these expenditures do not always must be universally adopted and scenario, that agreement will cold by night and misty But while leaders generally agree yield results. By 2050, drug resistant available. The goal should be to supplement the so-called product at places later. on the need to invest in solutions, we TB could cost the global economy ensure that medicines are accessible development partnerships that Offshore : Some cloudy have surprisingly few TB medicines as much as $16.7tn in medical and affordable for anyone who have already helped tackle many to show for our quarter-century of expenses and lost wages – roughly the needs them; this includes high- neglected diseases, including TB. WIND Inshore : Mainly Northwesterly- effort. The 250mn people who have equivalent of the European Union’s risk populations such as healthcare Last year, an estimated 3.6mn Northerly 05-15 KT been infected since 1993 – and the entire economic output. workers, as well as people living with people infected with TB were unable to millions who have died – deserved To be sure, the world can still win HIV/Aids, for whom TB is a leading access treatment, a staggering gap in Offshrore : Northwesterly12-22 KT better. the war on TB. Researchers are closing cause of death. coverage that must be quickly closed. Visibility : 4-8/3 KM TB is the world’s deadliest infection, in on more eff ective drug regimens, The high-level meeting in The longer we wait to increase R&D and it has been with us for a very better diagnostics tools, and viable September was meant to galvanise funding and strengthen collaboration Offshore : 4-7 FT at first, falls from long time. Researchers theorise that vaccines. Still, we cannot get over the world’s TB-eradication eff orts. on treatment, the higher TB’s death 2-4 FT later toll will climb. With so many lives at humans fi rst acquired TB in Africa the fi nish line without a signifi cant Unfortunately, the rare political unity Around the region about 5,000 years ago, and that the increase in research and development in the lead-up to the discussion was stake, the time for talking is over. – Weather disease then swiftly spread along spending. overshadowed by a debate about Project Syndicate Weather tomorrow Max/min trade routes to nearly every corner According to the World Health drug makers’ intellectual-property today Max/min Showers 19/16 of the globe. Today, TB is among Organisation, the annual funding rights. While the declaration endorsed zWillo Brock is Senior Vice President Baghdad M Sunny 21/14 M Sunny 23/17 the world’s leading causes of death, defi cit for TB research and at the end of the UN meeting did for External Aff airs at TB Alliance. Kuwait CitySunny 22/14 Manama Sunny 24/20 Sunny 25/21 Muscat M Sunny 26/21 P Cloudy 27/20 Tehran M Sunny 16/09 M Sunny 16/09 Live issues What Facebook really doesn’t want you to talk about

By Alex Webb meaningful aggregated data with Bloomberg News advertisers. That might pick away at its power, and force it to fi nd other ways to monetise users other than he headline of the New securing their attention with content York Times’ eye-opening that includes ads. November 14 investigation A broader conversation beyond Around the world Tinto Facebook Inc.’s handling political advertising is essential, Weather Weather of the past year’s torrent of bad news despite the company’s best eff orts to today Max/min tomorrow Max/min was “Delay, Deny and Defl ect.” convince us otherwise. Facebook’s Athens S Showers 11/08 Cloudy 11/04 In Tuesday’s hearing at the approach is to restrict public policy Beirut P Cloudy 24/17 T Storm 22/17 ludicrously named International debate to political subjects, but just Bangkok P Cloudy 33/25 P Cloudy 34/26 Grand Committee on Disinformation The reception at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto. as worrying are the vast reams of Berlin M Sunny 03/01 M Sunny 04/02 and “fake news” in London, it became personal data that it holds and its Cairo P Cloudy 26/14 M Sunny 23/13 clearer than ever what the social there was an empty seat behind a and whether it has an excessively outsized role in dictating how people Cape Town P Cloudy 25/16 Sunny 25/16 network giant is trying to keep out of placard with Zuckerberg’s name on it dominant position in social media interact. Colombo S T Storms 30/24 S T Storms 30/23 the public discussion: antitrust. – a barely disguised eff ort to generate and mobile advertising. I’m not going to advocate an Dhaka Sunny 30/18 Sunny 29/18 Chief Executive Offi cer Mark a photo opportunity for the morning The question was raised at the end outright breakup of the company. Hong Kong P Cloudy 22/18 M Sunny 21/19 Zuckerberg’s non-appearance is newspapers. of the hearing by Charlie Angus, a There’s no guarantee that an Istanbul Showers 09/08 Showers 09/06 itself a red herring. He was never Allan seemed willing to give ground Canadian member of parliament. alternative player would be any more Jakarta T Storm 32/24 T Storm 32/25 going to turn up. The structure of on regulation, but with caveats. When The combined reach of Instagram, responsible than Facebook has been. Karachi Sunny 32/19 Sunny 32/18 the event, which saw lawmakers asked if Facebook needed a fi rmer set WhatsApp, Messenger and Facebook But while Facebook waves the white London Rain 14/08 M Sunny 11/06 from nine countries convene at a of rules to deal with political ads, Allan is something that should be addressed, fl ag on political content with one Manila M Sunny 32/25 Sunny 32/24 UK parliamentary select committee, replied “to the extent that there is a he posited. Before Allan had a chance hand, it’s hoping that we don’t notice Moscow Sunny -6/-12 Sunny -6/-14 would have been far more likely to simple playbook to work to, that would to give a full answer, the committee the powerful position it holds with the New Delhi Fog 27/13 Fog 27/11 elicit a faux pas from the 34-year-old be incredibly helpful.” chair called an end to the proceedings. other. – Tribune News Service New York P Cloudy 08/01 M Cloudy 08/03 than its Capitol Hill equivalent, since But that concession might come Unfortunately, he deemed it beyond Paris Showers 12/09 M Sunny 11/05 each lawmaker has greater expertise at the expense of a broader debate. the scope of the hearing. zAlex Webb is a Bloomberg Opinion Sao Paulo P Cloudy 29/19 S T Storms 28/19 in the fi eld and more time to quiz the If it can focus attention on fake Attacking the consumer-facing columnist covering Europe’s Seoul Cloudy 07/-4 Sunny 08/-1 subject. news, political advertising and platforms only scratches the surface. technology, media and communications Singapore T Storm 30/25 T Storm 30/25 Instead, Richard Allan, Facebook’s campaigning, Facebook can draw Facebook has a signifi cant position industries. He previously covered Apple Sydney S Showers 19/14 M Sunny 21/15 European lobbying chief, took the conversation away from the far in mobile advertising, and perhaps and other technology companies for Tokyo Clear 16/11 Clear 15/08 questions, and the committee ensured more existential issue of antitrust, it should be forced to share more Bloomberg News in San Francisco. Gulf Times 28 Thursday, November 29, 2018 QATAR

The two mega ships, Celebrity Constellation and MSC Lirica, which arrived at Doha Port yesterday. Visitors upon their arrival at Doha Port yesterday. Two cruise ships arrive with 6,000 visitors

By Staff Reporter „Two mega ships welcomed simultaneously for Doha the first time oha Port yesterday re- „Simultaneous docking of mega ships expected ceived two mega ships, Ce- to take place four more times this season Dlebrity Constellation and MSC Lirica, simultaneously for „ 10 cruise ships make maiden voyages to Doha the fi rst time, as a total of 6,000 visitors were welcomed by offi - this season cials from the National Tourism Council (NTC) and Mwani Qatar. some of its most signifi cant de- experiences that help boost the capabilities and readiness to meet This highlighted the port’s abil- velopments this year. Throughout country’s position as an attractive the growing demand in Qatar’s ity to cater to the rapid growth of this season, which runs until April destination.” cruise tourism sector. cruise tourism in Qatar, accord- 2019, Doha Port is expected to re- This milestone development “Mwani Qatar continues to ing to a press statement issued ceive a total of 42 cruise ships car- comes as part of the NTC’s strate- seek new ways for supporting by the NTC. Similar dockings are rying more than 140,000 visitors, gy to enhance Qatar’s cruise tour- the state’s objectives and plans to expected to take place four more representing a more than 100% ism sector and fi rmly establish enhance the role of the tourism times this season. growth on the past season. Qatar’s place in the world’s winter sector in the local economy. The “The successful docking of Jawaher al-Khuzaei, an of- cruise map. This is in addition to Ministry of Transport and Com- the two mega ships is testament fi cial at the NTC, said: “This a massive development project munications’ strategic plan aims to Mwani Qatar’s enhanced op- year’s cruise season brings us that has recently been completed to ensure excellence in its opera- erational effi ciencies, which are closer to our targets for this im- to expand Doha Port to accom- tions at Doha Port.” part of the Ministry of Transport portant tourism sub-sector. The modate more than one mega ship In parallel to the Doha Port de- and Communications’ (MoTC) development of Doha Port and its at the same time. velopments, the MoI and GAC are The visitors were welcomed by off icials from the NTC and Mwani Qatar. strategic plan as well as the high ability to receive two mega ships Logistical and technical proc- working to allow for swift disem- level of co-ordination among the simultaneously puts us on track esses at Mwani Qatar’ Doha Port barkation procedures — allowing Cruises and Italian Costa Cruises bring up to a quarter of this sea- since the beginning of the season. NTC, Ministry of Interior (MoI) to achieve high growth rates in have also been enhanced to ex- visitors to enjoy Qatar’s tourism to place Qatar on the two compa- son’s passengers to Doha. In the development of the cruise and General Authority of Cus- cruise visitor arrivals. pedite cruise ship servicing and attractions and experiences as nies’ winter itineraries as well as The cruise season began in early tourism industry, the NTC co- toms (GAC) to receive mega cruise “The NTC continues to im- ensure the prompt running of soon as they arrive. Also, destina- to co-operate in designing spe- October with the arrival of cruise operates with various partners, ships and ensure smooth disem- plement its strategy through in- their tour schedules. Hamad Ali tion management companies and cial promotion packages for their ship Boudicca, which brought including the MoTC, MoI, Mwani barkation procedures for their ternational agreements with the al-Ansari, manager of Public Re- Mowasalat provide tours and se- passengers. As part of the agree- more than 800 visitors. This was Qatar, GAC, Mowasalat and local passengers and crew,” the state- world’s largest cruise operators lations and Communication at cure the necessary means of trans- ments, luxury ship AIDAprima followed by one trip for each of destination management com- ment noted. to include Qatar on their winter Mwani Qatar, added: “Receiving portation for the large numbers of and Costa Mediterranea are ex- Azamara Quest and Seabourn En- panies, to deliver seamless visitor With Qatar’s 2018/19 cruise itineraries, while working with two mega ships at the same time is visitors arriving at the port. pected to make their maiden trips core and two trips for TUI’s Mein tourist experiences as well as pro- season well under way, the tour- our partners locally to develop an important milestone that con- The NTC recently signed an to Doha Port this season. Between Schiff 4. More than 15,000 cruise vide attractive services and facili- ism sub-sector is witnessing exciting tourism off erings and fi rms Doha Port’s great potential, agreement with the German Aida them, the two cruise lines will passengers have visited Qatar ties to cruise ships and operators.