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Tuesday 16 October 2018 | 7 Safar I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7681 | 2 Riyals

Qatar's Fastest Mobile Network ®® Over 1.84 million accessed Turkish President meets Minister of State for Defence Affairs Hukoomi portal in 9 months SACHIN KUMAR the portal in February. Since then, tender documents, applying for THE PENINSULA the monthly visits are in the range the approval for dealing with of 100,000 to 293,000 visitors. telecommunications equipment DOHA: Over 300,000 visitors A total of 135,131 transac- and related activities. accessed Hukoomi, Qatar’s tions took place through the In April this year, Hukoomi official e-government portal, in portal in August, according to was ranked first in web acces- September making it the highest the data of Ministry of Devel- sibility for Assistive Technology monthly figure of 2018. More opment Planning and Statistics. Center (Mada) out of 124 entities. than 1.84 million visitors Out of the total transaction in The role of Hukoomi, is to accessed Hukoomi portal during August, around 39,000 were make government information January-September period of relating to online registration for and services more efficient and the current year. the Medical Commission while effective in order to be acces- The portal witnessed a about 52,200 transactions were sible to all citizens, residents, monthly rise of about 24 percent regarding CPGA income visitors and businesses. It also as 302,721 visitors accessed account. Over 32,700 health aims at raising awareness on the Hukoomi portal in September cards were renewed via public programmes, events, this year, compared to 244,730 Hukoomi during August. news and government initia- visitors in August 2018. Another transactions, during the tives, in line with the objectives Higher number of visitors to month, were related to Palm defined by Qatar e-Government the portal resulted in more page import license, e-payment for 2020 Strategy. views and led to increased traffic. The portal received over The President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with Deputy Prime Minister and 8.98 million page views during 8.98 million 24% Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, at the Presidential Palace January- September period of Total page views Rise in number of in Ankara. Al Attiyah conveyed the greetings of H H the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad the current year. of the portal during visitors accessed Al Thani and his wishes of the best of health to the Turkish President. Talks covered the relations The consistent rise in the January-September Hukoomi in September between the two brotherly countries and ways of promoting them in all fields, as well as the latest visitors and page views reflects developments in the region. that a growing number of people 1.62 million 302,721 are now using Hukoomi services and that the awareness about Total page views Number of visitors the services are increasing of the portal in accessed the portal in among the residents. September September The portal includes more Influenza immunisation campaign launched than 1,400 services, with more 244,730 FAZEENA SALEEM than 650 online services that Number of visitors accessed the portal in August everyone to ensure vaccination providers also encourage people can be completed online by THE PENINSULA of as many people as possible. to pre-register by calling or individuals, visitors, businesses, The vaccine is available for free through dedicated portals. and government entities. DOHA: With winter season across all PHCC’s health centres The influenza vaccine cam- There were over 1.62 million approaching, a comprehensive and at 47 private and semi-gov- paign, themed ‘Fight Flu’, aims page views in September, com- national influenza vaccination ernmental health care facilities to ensure that both the com- pared to 1.24 million page views campaign has been launched including Qatar Petroleum and munity and healthcare workers in August, showing a healthy rise jointly by the Ministry of Public Sidra Medicine, said officials are vaccinated. The campaign of around 31 percent. The number Health (MoPH), Primary Health addressing a press conference, started for healthcare workers of visitors to the portal has grown Care Corporation (PHCC) and yesterday. from October 10 and for the consistently so far this year. In Hamad Medical Corporation The public can call 107 and public from yesterday and will January this year about 1.2 million (HMC). book an appointment for vac- last until end of the flu season. visitors accessed the portal while The influenza vaccine has cination at the health centres. around 94,300 visitors accessed been made easily accessible to Most private health care `CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Dust storm and rain mark Saudi preparing to admit Khashoggi was killed: CNN

Trump sends Secretary Trump said he had spent hasn’t been seen since believe Saudi agents killed beginning of Wasmi season of State Mike Pompeo about 20 minutes on the entering the Saudi consulate and dismembered Khashoggi SANAULLAH ATAULLAH to Riyadh phone with King Salman, in Istanbul two weeks ago. and Turkey has audio and of season as Qatar entered in Wasmi the crown prince’s 82-year- The US president is video recordings of it. THE PENINSULA season yesterday while the country is old father, who denied under growing pressure to The crown prince, ambi- likely to continue witnessing rainfall and AGENCIES having any information take action on the suspected tious, aggressive and just 33 DOHA: A dust storm engulfed Doha, its low temperate, according to Qatar Mete- about what had happened murder of the Saudi writer, in a kingdom long ruled by suburbs and some other parts of the orology Department (QMD). WASHINGTON: Saudi to Khashoggi. who has been living and aging monarchs, has consid- country yesterday evening causing low “During Wasmi season which will Arabia is preparing a report Trump also announced working in the United States, erable weight in Saudi gov- visibility which pushed motorists to drive last 52 days, maximum temperature in that would admit Saudi he’d dispatched Secretary including contributing to ernment actions. He and extra carefully. Doha is expected to reach less than 35 journalist Jamal Khashoggi of State Mike Pompeo to the The Washington Post and Trump’s son-in-law and People on the streets were seen cov- degree Celsius and minimum temper- was killed as the result of an Kingdom — and anywhere writing columns critical of senior adviser, Jared Kushner, ering their faces to protect themselves ature will fall to about 20 degree interrogation that went else necessary — to get to Saudi Crown Prince have forged close ties. from dust. Rainfall was also reported in Celsius,” said QMD. wrong, CNN reported, citing the bottom of the suspected Mohammed bin Salman. northern parts of Qatar yesterday. two unnamed sources. murder of Khashoggi, who Turkish officials say they `SEE ALSO PAGE 9 ` Unstable weather is caused by change CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 One source cautioned that the report was still being prepared and could change, CNN said. The other DCMF expresses concern source said the report would likely conclude that the DOHA: Doha Center for and its circumstances, and that international justice operation was carried out Media Freedom (DCMF) enlighten the international mechanisms are used to without clearance and that expressed concern over the public opinion on this case prevent impunity. those involved will be held developments in the case of which developments are The Centre stressed that responsible, the cable news the disappearance of the followed worldwide with this issue highlighted the outlet said. Saudi journalist Jamal great interest. restriction of freedom of Meanwhile, US Pres- Khashoggi, who has not The Centre urged the opinion and expression, and ident Donald Trump sug- been seen since entering the United Nations and all revealed the extent of vio- gested yesterday that “rogue Saudi consulate in Istanbul human rights organisa- lations against journalists killers” could be responsible and after reports about his tions, especially the one and opinion writers, adding for a Saudi journalist’s dis- death. concerned with freedom of that these violations must be appearance after a personal DCMF said in a opinion and expression to dealt with in accordance phone call in which Trump statement that it hope that exert more pressure on the with the international laws, said Saudi Arabia’s King the ongoing investigations concerned parties in order universal and human rights Salman strongly denied any will reveal the truth about to reveal the truth about covenants which prohibit knowledge of what hap- Khashoggis disappearance Khashoggis fate and ensure them. A lightning strike seen over Doha skyline yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA pened to Jamal Khashoggi. 02 HOME TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018

Qatar, Turkey discuss relations and ways of enhancing them in various fields Amir holds phone call with Iraqi President

QNA

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Barham Salih, yesterday. During the telephone conversation, H H the Amir congratulated the Iraqi Pres- ident on his election and his swearing in as President of the Republic, wishing him success and the best of luck and the brotherly Iraqi people further development and The President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah prosperity. at the Presidential Palace in Ankara yesterday. RIGHT: Dr Al Attiyah with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Turkey, General Hulusi Akar, at the headquarters of The telephone conver- the Defence Ministry in Ankara. The meeting discussed the bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them in various military areas, in addition to the latest regional sation also touched on the developments. The Turkish Defence Minister hosted a luncheon banquet in honour for the Deputy Prime Minister. The meeting and the luncheon banquet were attended by bilateral relations and ways Qatar’s Ambassador to Turkey, Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi, and the Military Attache at the Qatari Embassy in Ankara, Brigadier General Mohammed bin Rashid Al Shahwani. of promoting them, as well as issues of mutual concern. Fourth Katara Festival of Arabic Novels opens on a creative note

THE PENINSULA Festival to enjoy the cultural and literary and illustrations introducing the life and atmosphere it provides,” said Al Sulaiti. literary journey of the Palestinian revo- DOHA: Prominent Arab novelists, writers Al Sulaiti honoured two Qatari per- lutionary novelist, from his birth in Acre and literary critics have gathered at the sonalities for their outstanding contri- on April 1936 until his assassination by Fourth Katara Festival of Arabic Novels bution to art and literature — Mariam Al Israeli intelligence agencies in Beirut on which began yesterday at Katara Cultural Nuaimi of Qatar University and artist July 8, 1972. Village premises. Bakhitha Al Sada. A signing of books by authors who Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Al Sulaiti, accompanied by Khaled Al won the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel General Manager of Katara Cultural Sayed, Head of the Katara Prize for Arabic 2017 took place at Building 18, during Village, opened the three-day Festival Novel, the participating writers, novelists which the attendees received copies of which witnesses, among other activities, and other dignitaries, then opened the the novels and critical studies with sig- the awarding of prizes to winners of the Katara Library of Arabic Novels at Building nature of the authors. Translations of Katara Prize for Arabic Novel 2018. 32 and an exhibition on the life and works several prize winning novels in English Al Sulaiti in his opening address said of renowned Palestinian novelist Ghassan and French were also on offer. that the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel over Kanafani at Building 18. An innovative electronic application the past four years has gained a prestigious The Library showcases more than named #Mishwar_Wariwaya was position in the Arab literary and cultural 10,000 titles in fiction, in addition to launched on the occasion for walkers to circles thanks to the concerted efforts of studies and critical works on Arabic listen to audio version of select Arabic Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, the General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, the organisers to expand it to new areas. novels. It has special sections for reading novels. It can be used in all mobile or elec- opening the festival. “The Prize has become a real meeting and for screening of films and serials tronic devices having Android, iOS or point for Arab novelists, writers and critics based on fiction, as well as audio pro- Apple operating system. concluded with a seminar on Kanafani take place focusing on women fiction and its growing popularity has been grammes. It also has dedicated facilities The app enables the user to count the followed by screening of a film based on writers in Arabic and “novels and theatre,” reflected in the steady growth in the for lectures, seminars and workshops, and number of words they have listened while Kanafani’s novel “Return to Haifa”. with participation of prominent writers number of participants, which has reached a studio for recording interviews and walking, along with the steps and distance Events today include the launch of a and critics. Today’s events will conclude 1,283 in the fourth edition,” he added. interactive sessions. The Library will also they have covered. Users will also be able new Katara initiative named “Narrations with a grand award ceremony to honour “I would like to emphasise that this have a Readers’ Club. to know how much calories they have from Novels” for school students to get winners of the Katara Prize for Arabic award is for all Arabs from all regions. And The exhibition on Kanafani features burnt after their walk. them acquainted with Arabic novels. Novel 2018 at Katara’s Opera House at we expect everyone attending this 32 paintings, photographs Events on the first day of the Festival Two seminars on literary criticism will 8pm. Influenza immunisation Dust storm and rain mark campaign launched beginning of Wasmi season

→CONTINUED →CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 visibility.” causing rising dust at times,” According to a report of said the report. A dedicated The Department posted yes- QMD, unstable weather condi- QMD has urged people to be website www. terday a video-footage of tions expected to affect the cautious, check weather condi- stoptheflu.qa has rainfall in Al Shamal area on its country due to extension of a tions before going to sea and to been created to Facebook account. QMD has low pressure with good follow latest updates through its raise awareness also forecasted chances of scat- humidity and cooling in the official social media accounts. among the public tered rain; maybe thundery at upper atmospheric levels which “The onset of the locally famous about the times starting from tomorrow helps clouds to form starting Wasmi season begins on vaccine. It pro- (Wednesday). from tomorrow (October 17) October 15 and lasts for 52 days,” vides information QMD updated weather con- until the beginning of next week. said QMD. including myths ditions in a number of posts on “Skies are expected to “This season is named so and facts as well its social networking sites yes- become gradually partly cloudy because it coincides with rainfall as information terday evening. “Dusty condi- to cloudy at times with a chance that helps certain local plants to about the spots tions and poor visibility are of scattered rain mostly light to grow such as Helianthemum where people can observed in some areas moderate in intensity. In and Geranium. Rainfall in the get the vaccine. FROM LEFT: Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad, Subject Matter Expert, Public Health, Clinical including Doha due to the tem- addition, thundery cells are beginning of Wasmi season is Immuni- Affairs, PHCC; Nayef Abboud Al Shammari, Assistant Executive Director of Media porary strong wind associated likely to form in some areas usually an indication of a good sation and at HMC, Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, HMC and Dr Soha with local thunderstorms. Visi- accompanied with moderate to rainy season,” said the improved Albayat, Head of the Vaccination Section at MoPH during the press conference bility expected to improve grad- heavy rain and strong wind Department. treatment have held, yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA ually in next few reduced mortality hours. Please be and morbidity rates in Qatar and characterised by sudden onset of of Infectious Diseases at HMC. careful,” said a across the world in recent years. constitutional and respiratory “Vaccination to prevent post. However, communicable diseases symptoms such as fever, myalgia, influenza is particularly important In another remain a significant challenge for cough, sore throat, rhinitis and for people who are at high risk for post, QMD said: public health services. headache. Influenza typically the flu and its complications. This “Latest radar “Influenza like illnesses are resolves in three to seven days in includes the elderly, young image shows among the most commonly the majority of individuals. children, pregnant women and thundery rain reported communicable diseases “Influenza is more common people with chronic medical con- north of Al Sha- in Qatar therefore it is critical that during the winter season. It was ditions,” he added. haniya accom- we focus national attention on the spreading fast around the world Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad, panied with importance of influenza vacci- including Qatar during the last Subject Matter Expert - Public strong wind nation to protect as many people winter season. We recorded Health, Clinical Affairs, PHCC, causing rising as possible every season,” said Dr some of the highest rates of said, “It is also essential to practice dust and poor Soha Albayat, Head of the Vacci- influenza in Qatar last year. The good hygiene by properly and fre- visibility. Latest nation Section at MOPH. annual seasonal flu vaccine is the quently washing hands and pro- radar image She also emphasised that the best and safest way to reduce the tecting coughs and sneezes shows thundery influenza vaccination during chances catching the flu and (coughing or sneezing onto a rain towards Al pregnancy is safe and it would potentially spreading it. We are tissue or an elbow) to help prevent Khor may be keep the babies safe from flu providing the best, most the spread of seasonal influenza. accompanied during their first few months of advanced and safe vaccines,” People who have flu-like with strong wind their life. said Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Deputy symptoms should stay at home causing rising Influenza is usually Chief Medical Officer and Head to avoid infecting others.” dust and low Dusty wind at the Doha Corniche yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 HOME 03 Advisory Council Speaker reviews relations at IPU meet

THE PENINSULA Issues related to the of the 139th IPU General membership of the Assembly. DOHA: The Speaker of the IPU 2017 and 2021 as The Speaker of the Advisory Advisory Council, H E Ahmed bin well as amendments Council met separately with the Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, President of the French IPU Group, participated in the 203rd session to the statute and Sophie Errant; the member of the of the Governing Council accom- rules of the IPU and Executive Committee of the IPU, panying the meetings of 139th the elections of the Oliveira Valente; the President of General Assembly of the Inter- the Council of the Nation of Parliamentary Union (IPU) which executive committee Algeria, Abdelkhader Bensaleh; began yesterday in Geneva. were also discussed. the Chairman of the Executive The Speaker of the Advisory Committee of the National Council participated in the Assembly of Vietnam and member opening session, which discussed mittee were also discussed. of IPU Executive Committee, and a number of issues, including pro- The meeting was attended by Member of the Mexican Senate posals for the election of the pres- a number of members of the and head of the delegation, ident of the 139th Assembly, the Advisory Council and Permanent Salomon Jara Cruz. financial situation of the Inter- Representative of the State of The meetings discussed the Parliamentary Union, and the draft Qatar to the United Nations in parliamentary relations between programme and budget for 2019, Geneva, Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri. the State of Qatar and each of the in addition to the report of the IPU The Speaker also met sepa- French IPU Group, the IPU Exec- Secretary-General Martin rately with Duarte Pacheco, Chair utive Committee, the People’s The Speaker of the Advisory Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, at the event in Chungong on the activities of the of the Twelve Plus Group, Democratic Republic of Algeria, IPU since the 202nd session of the European countries, Australia and Geneva, yesterday. the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Governing Council. Canada and head of the Portu- and the United Mexican States, and Issues related to the mem- guese delegation, Jacob Mudenda, speaker of the Micronesia Par- The meetings discussed rela- the Asia-Pacific Group and ways ways of enhancing them, in bership of the IPU 2017 and 2021 President of the African Group, liament, on the sidelines of the tions between the State of Qatar to support, develop and addition to the most important as well as amendments to the Speaker of the Parliament of Zim- meetings of 139th General and the Twelve Plus Group, strengthen such relations, in topics listed on the agenda of the statute and rules of the IPU and babwe, Wesley Simina, President Assembly of the Inter-Parlia- European countries, Australia and addition to discussing the most 139th General Assembly of the the elections of the executive com- of the Asia-Pacific Group and mentary Union (IPU). Canada, the African Group and important topics on the agenda Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Awareness about Qatar harnessed all energies to ensure food security impact of divorce held THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA The Minister said that is trying through this occasion the agricultural sector was able The Ministry of Munici- Qatar’s celebration of World to highlight the right of people to achieve a great leap in order pality and Environment, on this DOHA: Minister of Envi- Food Day is a confirmation of to get food, and urged govern- to cover the requirements of occasion will organise an event DOHA: The Family Consulting Center ronment and Municipality H E the importance of food and the ments to provide food for their the local market and raise the at Ezdan Mall in Al Gharafa (Wifaq) organised on Monday a series Mohamed bin Abdullah Al need to provide it to everyone people and investment in agri- self-sufficiency in the sectors from October 16 to 18, in coop- of workshops aimed at raising Rumaihi said that Qatar has living on its land, adding that culture and food sector. of agriculture, animals and fish. eration with a number of stake- awareness of the negative effects of harnessed all its energies to the theme of this year’s cele- Al Rumaihi noted that at the He also expressed his hope holders such as the Ministry of divorce and improving psychological ensure food security in the bration is to raise public local level, the Ministry of that the ministry will take part Public Health and the Qatari and social compatibility between country. The Minister said that awareness of the problem of Municipality and Environment in the celebration of World Red Crescent among others and separated spouses. the wise leadership is keen to hunger and to highlight the suf- has an important responsibility Food Day, organize a number a number of local productive The two-week workshops held develop natural resources, fering of the hungry people in for food security and natural of activities and awareness farms and animal production under the slogan “New Beginnings” especially the agricultural ones the world. resource development to activities with the participation companies in Qatar. include a series of awareness themes. in order to achieve self-suffi- He stressed the need to increase production and of a number of stakeholders in World Food Day, which The first day of the workshop ciency in production of many take measures to combat increase self-sufficiency. food security and the elimi- falls on October 16, marks the deals with the definition of divorce goods and products. hunger, adding that everyone “The Ministry has adopted nation of hunger, convey the anniversary of the creation of and its stages, its effects and ways of This came in a speech of is concerned about the problem plans and strategies based on message of awareness of the the United Nations Food and coping with it (the effects of divorces the Minister on the occasion of of hunger and all governments, increasing the production of problem of hunger and the Agriculture Organization (FAO) on spouses), the most important World Food Day, which falls on countries, institutions and indi- agricultural commodities in the importance of reducing it, and in 1945. According to UN changes in one’s life after divorce, and October 16 (today) which is viduals have a role in elimi- country such as vegetables, red to the importance of the role agencies, the number of hungry the most important negative psycho- being celebrated this year nating hunger. meat, poultry, eggs and fish,” that every responsible person people in the world reached logical and physical effects of divorce under the theme ‘Zero Hunger’. He pointed out that the FAO said the Minister. He added that can play in combating it. 821 million this year. and how to deal with these effects.

This is to certify that Commercial Bank of Qatar was awarded Best Bank - Qatar in the Global Finance World’s Best Bank Awards 2018 04 HOME TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 Qatar, Canada discuss boosting culture and sports ties Call to follow winter camping security and safety rules

THE PENINSULA During the seminar, traffic department of the north, the participants to respond to reports of acci- DOHA: The participants in a stressed awareness dents during the camping seminar, organised by the campaigns during season or monitoring irregular- Ministry of Interior’s General the camping season ities of caravans. Directorate of Traffic, urged all Lieutenant Rashid Al Hajri those wishing to go camping this to avoid misconduct of the technical inspection year to follow the rules and that could lead to loss department pointed to the conditions for camping at of life, destruction modern registration system for various levels of health, envi- of public and caravans, including the numbers ronment and traffic, and to that placed on the chassis, after respect security and safety private property, meeting the technical specifica- procedures. or environmental tions for length, width and The seminar focused on the damage in violation of stickers. new conditions and procedures Eng Omar Al Awadhi of the for registering tents and car- rules. Qatar General Authority for avans and the traffic rules that Standardization and Metrology related to it, the necessary tech- any irregularities or violations spoke about the compatibility nical specifications, environ- to the specifications set by the of existing tents and caravans mental violations, the role of the Ministry of Interior. with technical specifications and Qatar Tourism Authority Colonel Al Hajri also stated their role in meeting traffic through Al Enna project, and that a full one year period has safety and road safety. He Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali with the Ambassador of Canada to the other topics related to the been given to register the car- pointed out that the authority is State of Qatar, Stefanie McCollum. During the meeting, they discussed means of enhancing and camping season. avans as a local industry, during in the process of completing developing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture and sports. During the seminar, the par- this period, it was registered and these standards and distributing ticipants stressed awareness numbers were placed on the them along with other safety campaigns during the camping chassis at the camping areas. and administrative aspects. season to avoid misconduct that HMC Injury and Accident’s Omar Al Jaber, spokes- could lead to loss of life, Center Dr Aisha Obaid pointed person of the Al Enna project of destruction of public and private to the increasing number of the Qatar Tourism Authority, Aspire Zone is becoming familiar property, or environmental injuries caused by unsafe driving pointed to the advantages of the damage in violation of rules. of four-wheel bikes, warning “Al Enna” project and its tracks On the traffic issue, the against use of children under 12 for motor sports and name in France, says Ambassador Director of the Awareness and years old for this type of bicycle. motorbikes. Information Department at the For his part, Traffic Investi- He said that the project, THE PENINSULA its member organisations: FIFA World Cup host venue, General Directorate of Traffic, gation Department at the which will be built over a Aspire Academy, Aspire where he admired the design of Colonel Mohamed Radhi Al General Traffic Administration 300,000sqm area in its first DOHA: Aspire Zone Foundation Logistics, and Aspetar, the the stadium and its sustainable Hajri, said that the camping Capt. Fahd Al Shahwani phase, is to organize the races (AZF) welcomed the French orthopaedic and sports med- air-cooling technology. season is witnessing a traffic jam affirmed the presence of traffic and tournaments carried out by Ambassador to Doha, Franck icine hospital. At Aspetar, the French envoy in several parts of the country. patrols around the clock, the Mawater Center, by pro- Gellet, yesterday providing him At the beginning of the tour, met with Mohammed Khalifa Al He stressed that the directorate whether both the traffic viding safe areas and conditions with a tour of its world-class the French diplomat took in the Suwaidi, the CEO of AZF and the will show zero tolerance with department of the south and the ensuring security and safety. facilities. Academy’s efforts to develop Director General of Aspetar. The During his visit, the French future athletes. He then visited AZF CEO led the tour and Ambassador received a brief on Khalifa International Stadium, explained the various services the services offered by AZF and Qatar’s first completed 2022 Aspetar offers athletes who are recovering full fitness. Farewell ceremony for Kenyan envoy Following the tour, Al Suwaidi and Gellet had a meeting where they disused current and future cooperation opportunities with French organisations. Ambassador Gellet, said; “What I saw today is encouraging and shows Qatar’s desire to create a world-class sports ecosystem. That feeds into the facilities I see here and the coun- try’s preparations for the World Cup in 2022.” The Ambassador added that AZF is becoming a familiar name in France, but that he didn’t imagine it to be as impressive as it turned out to be. He continued: “It is and should be a matter of The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, held great pride for Qatar. I yesterday a farewell ceremony in honour of the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the State have been particularly of Qatar, Galma Mukhe Boru, at the diplomatic club, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the impressed by the long- country. A number of Their Excellencies heads of diplomatic missions and bureaus accredited to the term investment the country attended the ceremony along with the foreign ministry’s department directors. French Ambassador to Doha, Franck Gellet, with Mohammed Khalifa Al country is making into Suwaidi, the CEO of AZF and the Director-General of Aspetar. sports”.

Seminar held Ooredoo is partner of Artistic Gymnastics championship Temporary closure of two on trademarks THE PENINSULA lanes on Al Istiqlal Street DOHA: The Ministry of THE PENINSULA Economy and Commerce DOHA: Ooredoo and will last until October 23, organised a seminar titled announced yesterday 2018, in coordination with the “Trademarks and Registration it is the National Tele- DOHA: The Public Works General Directorate of Traffic. Procedures”, yesterday. The communication Authority (Ashghal) has The closure aims at paving the seminar brought together a Partner for the 48th announced the implementation last layer of asphalt on Al number of investors, business Artistic Gymnastics of a temporary closure of two Istiqlal Street and will be imple- owners, entrepreneurs and World Championships lanes on Al Istiqlal Street in both mented in two phases to ensure intellectual property agents. which will be held in directions between 5/6 Inter- free traffic flow. The Authority The seminar comes Doha. The event will change and Onaiza Inter- will install road signs advising within the framework of the take place between section, known as the Qatar motorists of the changes on the Ministry’s efforts to protect October 25 and Club Intersection. The other road. Ashghal has requested all and promote intellectual November 3, at the two lanes on Al Istiqlal Street road users to abide by the speed property rights on a large Aspire Academy will remain open to traffic. limit and follow the road signs scale, and to raise awareness Dome, and will The closure will start today to ensure their safety. among investors and entre- feature over 700 male preneurs about the impor- and female gymnasts tance of trademarks and their from 80 countries, use when offering services including three Team The officials at the Artistic Gymnastics Championship at the press conference. and products. The Ministry Qatar gymnasts. stressed on the importance of This is the first protecting a trademark time that the Championships Communications, Ooredoo live an active and healthy life- against infringements by reg- will be held in Qatar and the Qatar, said: “Ooredoo is proud style and encourage families to istering it at the concerned Middle East and contestants will to be supporting the Gymnastics go along and watch the world- department at the Ministry compete across 10 days to take Championship in Qatar and wish class athletes in action.” and introduced participants the title in their category. Team Qatar the best of luck. We Tickets to the championship to steps to electronically reg- Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, believe in supporting events like are available at Virgin ister a trademark. Director of PR and Corporate this to inspire more children to Megastore. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 HOME 05 CCQ hosts debate competition Al Jazeera Media Institute THE PENINSULA trains 14,000 Qataris

DOHA: Extending its holistic over the past 15 years educational experience beyond SIDI MOHAMED the classroom, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ), Qatar’s THE PENINSULA fastest-growing educational institution, recently hosted DOHA: Al Jazeera Media QatarDebate’s 1st Qatar Univer- Institute has trained about sities Debate League (QUDL) in 28,000 trainees over the past Arabic for the 2018-2019 season, 15 years, among them 14,000 at its C-Ring Campus. Qataris, said Iman Ahmed Al The competition witnessed Ameri, Deputy Director of Al the participation of students rep- Jazeera Media Institute. resenting CCQ, Qatar University, “The Institute offers its Hamad Bin Khalifa University, media courses almost free to and Qatar Foundation, said a Qataris and the number of release. The tournament kicked Qataris joining the institute off at 9:30am and went for three has increased after the siege. debate rounds where all partic- The institute offers not only ipating teams had a chance to training courses, but also con- Iman Ahmed Al Ameri, Deputy compete, before crowning the sultancy to many media Members of the CCQ debate team. Director of Al Jazeera Media league winners. organizations and channels Institute PIC: BAHER AMIN / The rounds discussed three not only inside Qatar but also THE PENINSULA thought-provoking topics; “The The competition He said that there are some Club Chair, said: “Our Club unites outside country,” Al Ameri Council will prevent first world witnessed the important life lessons we believe students from various back- said. countries from attracting com- participation of the participating teams will walk grounds and academic disci- Al Ameri was talking to The When asked whether the petencies in third world coun- students representing away with today, complemented plines, who bring a broad range Peninsula on the sidelines of Institute provides free training tries”; “The council will not take by three key skills this debate of perspectives to the table.” “Qatari Lecturer” programme courses, she said: “It offers free punitive action against soldiers CCQ, Qatar University, tournament highlights – self- He said that the club inspires recently organized by The training courses to media stu- for war crimes as long as they Hamad Bin Khalifa confidence, leadership, and team members to think outside the box National Committee for Inter- dents in Sudan, Somalia, Pal- received orders”; and “The University, and Qatar spirit. and helps take their intellectual national Humanitarian Law of estine, Syria, Morocco among council will seize vacant lots in Foundation, said a “We can personally identify and interpersonal skills to the the Ministry of Justice. other countries.” residential or commercial with these skills at CCQ, as next level and this not only ben- She added: “There is an “We are keen that the fee areas”. release. without them we couldn’t have efits them in their studies but also important initiative under structure fits all trainees and Students representing CCQ achieved the remarkable growth in their personal and professional which the Institute’s curricula there are online courses in the tournament were Fatma we enjoy today since the College lives. will be adopted by colleges in (e-Learning) available at the Abdul Shaheed, Mariam honored to be hosting QUDL for first opened its doors in 2010. “We would like to thank the Arab World which offer Institute at low fee costs inside Allangawi, Aljazi Al Korbi, Meera the first time in collaboration This is why we are always keen QatarDebate for bringing this media studies programs. The and outside the country,” she Alishaq, Abdullah Abdul Shaheed, with QatarDebate Center, and we on having meaningful interaction productive-yet-fun event to the meetings are being held with said replying to another Abdullah Al-Dari, Abdulaziz Al- firmly stand behind the message with our future leaders, and we country’s college students, and these colleges and it is question about the costs of the Ansari, and Hasan Hmoud. this event aims to spread as well wish the best to all participating we are extremely proud of the expected to be matured by next courses at the Institute. Commenting on the occasion, as the Centre’s relentless pursuit teams,” said effective participation of our year.” Among the courses being CCQ’s Dean Dr. Abdallah Haz- of preparing and nurturing the Echoing the Dean’s remarks, Debate team in this prized com- She said that under another offered by the Institute are TV aimeh, said: “At CCQ, we are future leaders of the nation.” Amnah Al Azzah, CCQ Debate petition,” he added. initiative, Al Jazeera Media Talk Show Presentation, Intro- Institute will provide media duction to TV Presentation, training to World Cup 2022 and Video Production for security officers from January Digital Platforms. 2019 that would be one-year She said that the Institute’s Unesco urged to issue statement on missing Khashoggi training course. ambit was not only limited to “The Institute also invites offering courses rather it was THE PENINSULA murder of the Saudi journalist to condemn his statement On the same day, according to infor- all distinguished media profes- a centre of research, killing, as what happened regarding many mation provided by the Turkish Intelligence, sionals from the Arab world to knowledge and sciences. “It DOHA: A London based humanitarian organ- journalists all over the world. two private Saudi aircraft landed at Istanbul benefit from their experience has developed a lot of media isation, ‘Salam International Organization for On October 2, Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi airport with fifteen Saudi passengers, whose and to transfer their expe- sections in some ministries in the Protection of Human Rights – SPH’, has journalist critical of the Saudi government, dis- identities were subsequently revealed by the rience to trainees. The Institute Qatar and provided con- called on the Unesco to issue a press release appeared after having visited the Saudi con- Turkish authorities as members of the Saudi benefit from the research they sultants to a lot of private concerning the disappearance and alleged sulate in Istanbul-Turkey, said SPH in a intelligence, Air Force, and Forensics. are doing.” channels.” 06 HOME TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 Aster conducts 5,871 free Lipid Profile tests THE PENINSULA The 5-hour long mega event was conducted by Aster on DOHA: Marking the World Heart Day, the occasion of World Heart Aster DM Healthcare, the largest private Day as a part of their CSR healthcare provider in the region has created a new history of 5,871 free Lipid initiative, Aster Volunteers. Profile Tests for residents in Qatar. The 5-hour long mega event was conducted by Aster on the occasion of organisations participated in coordi- World Heart Day as a part of their CSR nating the event. World Heart Day is A large number of people visited Aster Medical Centres to avail free tests. initiative, Aster Volunteers. observing every year on September 29 The free tests were held at Aster by World Heart Federation to draw Medical Centres in C Ring Road, Al Hilal, worldwide attention to spread awareness and Triglycerides which directly linked us. We did it as a part of our Corporate million people die every year due to car- Al Rayyan, Industrial Area, Al Khor, Old about cardiovascular disease (CVD), to risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Social Responsibility initiative titled, Aster diovascular disease. 80% of the deaths Al Ghanim and Aster Hospital in Mathar which is the world’s biggest killer and Stating on achievement, Dr. Sameer Volunteers to spread the awareness on from cardiovascular diseases can be pre- Qadeem on Friday (September 28) from claims more than 17.5 million lives all Moopan, Chief Executive Officer, Aster DM lifestyle disorders and importance of pre- vented by avoiding four major risk 6.00am to 11am. 206 Staff Volunteers and around the world. Healthcare- Qatar said, “We are very ventive care among public” behaviors, namely tobacco use, 52 External Volunteers including students Lipid Profile is group of blood test happy for given 5871 free lipid profile tests Prof. Dr. Raveendran, Cardiologist at unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and and representatives of various social including Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL to the people who have registered with Aster Medical Centre, Al Hilal said, “17.5 harmful use of alcohol.” Malabar Gold offers 250,000 gold coins in festive promotion

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one among the largest jewellery retailers globally with a strong retail network of 250 retail outlets spread across ten countries, has unfolded the details of its much- awaited Diwali promotion. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is also celebrating its 25th anniversary during this festive season. The company is taking this opportunity to thank their customers for their continued support over People enjoying Dandiya Night with RJs. the years, said a statement. This season’s festive promotions brings every customer a chance to be a winner through this festival. The customers get unmatched chances Radio Olive organises to win a total of 250,000 gold coins across their showrooms globally. Customers can win a guaranteed gold coin Dandiya Night with RJs or up to 100 gold coins instantly on purchase of gold jewellery worth QR2,500 via ‘Scratch & Win’ THE PENINSULA packed performance by Qatar’s Trivedi, First Secretary (Infor- coupons. Adding to the above, customers also favourite RJs, RJ Neeti, RJ Sumit, mation & Education), Captain get two gram gold coin on diamond jewellery DOHA: Qatar witnessed the RJ Simran, RJ Harsha, RJ Neeraj Kapil Kaushik (Defence purchase of QR5,000 and a one gram gold coin most magnificent event of the and RJ Lallit along with DJ Sar- Attache) and many important on purchase of diamond jewellery worth year Dandiya Night with RJs, the faraz enthralled the audience. personalities of Qatar including QR3,000. buy 8 gm gold coins with absolutely no making first ever Dandiya event by Around 800 people Suhail Bukhari, Harish Kanjani, Also, customers will have a great opportunity charges from any of Malabar Gold & Diamonds Radio Olive 106.3 FM at Regency attended the event that Ramesh Bhulchandani, Manoj to get protected from the increasing gold rate by outlets in Qatar during this period. Furthermore, Halls. included both Indian expa- Megchiani among others. just paying 10% of the entire amount on the customers can avail the zero deduction offer on The event was organized by triates and Qatari nationals. Dandiya Night with RJs was selected gold jewellery. This offer is valid until 22K (GCC) gold jewellery exchange as well. Above Tezkar in association with Radio Dandiya night was graced with sponsored by Rayyan Water, November 10 only. offers are valid at their outlets in Qatar until Olive 106.3 FM. The power the presence of Hemant Kumar ATpik, NIIT Qatar and Q tickets. The customers also get a fabulous chance to November 10, 2018.

Ministry allocates hotline for QC to hold radio program today to raise fund for Gaza THE PENINSULA Winter Camping hours per day. Also, there will Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ashool will ately to survive. benefit of the Palestinian people be a considerable concentration be special guests at today’s The charity also urged them since the 1990s. It has a field Season DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC), in through the episode on gar- episode of the program, which to actively participate in sup- office in Gaza, which oversees cooperation with Al Quran Al nering support for water is presented by Dr Abdulrahman porting QC’s projects and its its projects directly, ensures its DOHA: The Ministry of Kareem Radio, has dedicated projects to benefit the people in Al Harami. humanitarian and development quick intervention in times of Municipality and Envi- today’s episode of the weekly Gaza. Qatar Charity has urged the efforts to ease the hardship of crisis, and cooperates with ronment, represented by the radio program entitled “Compet- The episode will also focus benefactors and good doers in the people in Gaza and meet international, regional and local department of reference itors” to QC’s projects for the on supporting health projects, Qatar to listen to the “Compet- their various basic needs. humanitarian partners. information systems, has Gaza Strip, which were as Gaza suffers from the itors” program, which will be More information on QC’s During the period 2008- allocated a hotline announced as part of the ongoing shortage of medicines by 45 broadcast through Al Quran Al projects within the framework 2018, the charity managed to (44262000) to receive humanitarian campaign entitled percent, and there is a severe Kareem Radio today at 8pm. of the “Gaza, the Right to Live” implement 1462 relief and inquiries and complaints “Gaza, the Right to Live”. shortage in laboratory supplies The aim is to garner support for campaign, is available on QC’s development projects in several regarding the winter Today’s episode will focus by 58 percent as well as some the people of the Gaza Strip, website and App, as well as such areas and sponsored more than camping, during the official on supporting a package of 4,800 patients in Gaza need who are in urgent need for information, can be requested 15,000 people within its social working hours from 7:00 am projects to provide generators daily access to life-saving health food, health care, education by dialing QC’s hotline 44667711. welfare efforts. These projects, to 2:00 pm, through its oper- and fuel to schools, hospitals services for their survival. and housing, as they are Qatar Charity has been directly and indirectly, benefit ations room. and home amidst long power Salman Abdullah Abdul deprived of their most basic implementing humanitarian and some 800,000 people and fam- These rooms are estab- outages, which last for 16-20 Ghani, a prominent person, and rights, and struggling desper- development projects for the ilies annually. lished annually for the season management to monitor the performance of the booking system and receive any complaints Blueair JOY S: A powerful air related to it and deal with it immediately. purifier now available in Qatar The winter camping THE PENINSULA season 2018-2019 will begin CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and on the first of November and whisper-quiet performance. The new continue until 15 April 2019, DOHA: In the wake of rising awareness of Blueair product assures clean air for an area in several locations on the ambient air quality and its impact on health of 16 square metres every 12 minutes, beaches and mainland. The in the Middle East, Blueair, a world leader making it ideal for the small and medium registration process for in air purification solutions, has launched rooms found in many Gulf homes. JOY S is camping began today and JOY S – a powerful air purifier for compact available at across Jumbo Electronics and will continue until December living. leading hypermarkets. 31. With cutting-edge, portable design, JOY According to the World Health Organ- The number of land and S is offered in five different colours to suit ization, air pollution is the world’s single sea camps available in all any interior. biggest environmental health threat. areas of the country this year Backed by Swedish expertise, JOY S is Exposure to indoor air pollution can lead is about 2,630 camps, with uniquely equipped to deliver clean air to a wide range of diseases including acute an increase of 30 camps over thanks to its HEPASilent™ filtration tech- and chronic respiratory conditions such as last year’s season. The nology, which uses a combination of elec- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Blueair JOY S in different colours. booking and payment trostatic and mechanical processes to pneumonia, lung cancer, ischemic heart methods with the amount of remove 99.97% of airborne pollutants, bac- disease, stroke and cataract. Polluted indoor its tremendous positive health benefits, all impurities from indoor air while deliv- QR10,000 was marked by a teria, viruses, allergens, microplastics, air can also trigger asthma and allergies. cannot be overstated. Residents are increas- ering the best CAD rate with minimal good flow and great demand, smoke, dust, pet dander and pollen as small Commenting about the JOY S, TR ingly adopting air purification technology capital outlay and energy consumption. and on the first day 770 as 0.1 micron in size. Ganesh, General Manager, Blueair Middle to improve their living environments. Con- JOY S meets these requirements in a single camps were booked JOY S has a 200-cubic-metre-per-hour East, said, “The importance of clean air, with sumers expect their air purifiers to extract package.” TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 HOME 07 QCDC hosts training programme for counsellors Sidra Medicine to host THE PENINSULA two-day pediatric and DOHA: Qatar Career Devel- opment Center (QCDC), a orthopedic symposium member of Qatar Foundation, THE PENINSULA has organised an advanced training programme on the use of its Career Advising System DOHA: Sidra Medicine will host (CAS). a two-day Orthopedic The one-week programme, Symposium this weekend as was held in partnership with the part of its ongoing efforts to US Embassy in Qatar and the share knowledge and expertise Ministry of Education and Higher with colleagues in Qatar and Education to provide training to beyond. over 90 academic counselors The Pediatric Fractures and and career practitioners. Polytrauma Symposium will The program familiarized take place on October 19 and academic and career counselors 20, in the Sidra Auditorium in with the use of CAS, a unique the Main Hospital Building. This Dr Jason Howard career advising system which event will bring together provides tailor-made solutions medical professionals of all which will introduce novel sur- Academic counsellors during an advanced training programme on the use of QCDC’s Career Advising that factor in Qatar’s social and levels who participate in the gical techniques for man- System. economic conditions. QCDC treatment and management of agement of Sypracondylar developed CAS in co-operation children who sustain multiple Humerus fractures (breaks to with Kuder Inc., a world leader The programme familiarized academic and 90 participants, including 70 injuries and fractures. the bone just above the elbow). in career planning services, and career counsellors with the use of CAS, a academic counsellors from Dr Abdelsalam Hegazy, a Workshops will also emphasize various government entities, to public schools across Qatar, as Pediatric Orthopedic Con- the importance of age-appro- integrate specialized IT solutions unique career advising system which provides well as participants from the sultant at Sidra Medicine and priate treatment of pediatric into the career guidance tailor-made solutions that factor in Qatar’s Academic Bridge Program – the Chair of the Organizing femoral fractures (thigh bone framework in Qatar. social and economic conditions. under Pre-University Education Committee, said, “The sym- fractures). QCDC rolled out CAS across at QF – which recently inked a posium is the first of its kind at Dr Jason Howard, Sidra public secondary schools in partnership with QCDC to use Sidra Medicine. The program is Medicine’s Division Chief of Qatar during the second builds on our achievements last guidance at the core of our and activate CAS. aimed at Healthcare Providers Orthopedic Surgery will join a semester of the 2017-2018 aca- year, including the training of 70 schools’ objectives. As Qatar The new career advising from different disciplines, to number of hospital colleagues, demic year within the academic counselors from dif- pursues its journey toward pro- system features diverse and help provide the best care for and noted international experts framework of a memorandum ferent schools across Qatar. moting a knowledge-based innovative components as well our Pediatric Trauma Patients. including Dr Andrew Howard of understanding between QCDC “QCDC, in collaboration economy, a balance must be as psychometric and personality It will combine both interactive from Hospital for Sick Children and the Ministry of Education with the US Embassy and the struck between the demands of assessment tools to help students and didactic sessions with an in Toronto, Canada who is the and Higher Education. Ministry of Education and the labor market and youth identify the most appropriate aim of providing holistic care. Director of the Office of Inter- Abdulla Al Mansoori, Higher Education, is working to aspirations,” Al Mansoori added. academic and career paths in This will be an annual event national Surgery and spe- Director, QCDC, said, “This promote capacity building and The training program line with the future needs of with a different theme each cializes in injury prevention in advanced training programme instill a culture of career brought together nearly Qatar. year.” children and Dr Kai Zieberth Attendees will include from Bern University Hospital orthopedic surgeons, emer- for Orthopedic Surgery and gency department physicians, Traumatology in Switzerland. physicians, nurse practitioners, The Pediatric Fractures Qatar concludes participation in Frankfurt International Book Fair nurses and allied health prac- and Polytrauma Symposium is titioners, including physiother- the latest in the Sidra Symposia THE PENINSULA museums of Qatar, Katara Publishing house Qatar to Germany Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul- apists, occupational therapists series, a popular program and Hamad bin Khalifa University Press, as rahman Al Thani appreciated the efforts of and orthopedic casting techni- which has attracted a large fol- DOHA: The Qatari pavilion concluded its well as the publications of the Qatari pub- the Ministry of Culture and Sports to high- cians, as well as anyone else lowing in the country. The participation in the 70th session of the lishing houses, including, Rosa Publishing lighting the Qatari culture and the cultural working directly with Pediatric series is directed towards Frankfurt International Book Fair Exhibition, House and Lusail Publishing and Qatari efforts of the State of Qatar, stressing the Patients presenting with mul- academia, researchers, physi- highlighting the richness and distinctiveness works translated into the German language. importance of the continuous Qatar’s partic- tiple trauma and fractures. cians, healthcare providers and of Qatari culture. It also gave visitors a clear insight into the ipation in this exhibition for 15 years as well Sessions will include lec- regulatory providing them with The Qatari pavilion’s visitors were intro- development of the Qatari cultural as the success of this participation in pro- tures presenting the most up to access to knowledge, ideas, duced to the aspects of Qatari culture pre- landscape. moting the opportunities of knowledge and date evidence for the treatment techniques and best practice sented by the distinguished publications of During his visit to the Qatari pavilion at cultural exchange, especially in translating of multiple pediatric fractures, across a variety of clinical the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the the exhibition, Ambassador of the State of Qatari works into the German language. and hands-on skills workshops areas. 08 HOME TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 WCM-Q helps set management guidelines on arthritis

THE PENINSULA The project brought Beirut (AUB) GRADE Center, and together experts from Director of the Clinical Research DOHA: Weill Cornell Medicine- 24 institutions across Institute at AUB. Qatar (WCM-Q) has collaborated the region, the USA Dr Arayssi said, “Because with regional and international rheumatoid arthritis cannot be experts to adapt international and Canada to adapt cured, treatment focuses on long- guidelines for the management the guidelines of the term management of the disease. of rheumatoid arthritis to the American College As such, it is very important that Eastern Mediterranean region. of Rheumatology rheumatologists have access to The project brought together the most up-to-date treatment experts from 24 institutions (ACR) to suit local guidelines so their patients across the region, the USA and circumstances. receive the best possible care.” Distinguished rheumatologists from across the Eastern Mediterranean region posing for group picture Canada to adapt the guidelines Dr Arayssi has been working in Doha. of the American College of Rheu- with fellow clinicians and epi- matology (ACR) to suit local cir- no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, demiologists to systematically cumstances. The ultimate aim of if treated correctly symptoms analyze each of the treatment is considered to be far more effi- have now been documented in Quality of Life Outcomes, the project is to ensure rheu- can be alleviated and progression guidelines of the ACR and tailor cient in terms of time and a research paper entitled ‘Rec- another leading journal. matoid arthritis patients across of the disease slowed. them to the Eastern Mediter- expense than creating new or ‘de ommendations for the man- The Qatar National Research the Eastern Mediterranean The guideline adaptation ranean region. This process of novo’ guidelines from scratch. agement of rheumatoid arthritis Fund’s (QNRF) Conference & region receive the very best care project was conducted under the adaptation and development of The working group adapted in the Eastern Mediterranean Workshop Sponsorship Program possible. guidance of Dr Thurayya Arayssi, guidelines (known in the medical the ACR guidelines in two separate region: an adolopment of the (CWSP) and Weill Cornell Rheumatoid arthritis is char- WCM-Q Senior Associate Dean world as ‘adolopment’) follows waves, eventually producing 16 2015 American College of Rheu- Medical College in Qatar funded acterized by painful inflam- for Medical Education and a an established protocol that con- recommendations for the man- matology guidelines.’ It has been the first wave of adaptation. The mation and progressive immo- practicing rheumatologist, in siders factors such as cost, agement of early and established published in Clinical Rheuma- International League of Associ- bility of the joints, particularly in partnership with Dr Elie Akl, Pro- impact on health equities, rheumatoid arthritis in the Eastern tology, a leading medical journal. ations for Rheumatology (ILAR) the hands, feet and cervical fessor of Medicine and Director balance of benefits and harms, Mediterranean region. The group has also published its funded the second wave of spine. While there is currently of the American University of and acceptability. Adolopment The results of this process methodology in Health and adaptation. NBK Automobiles to display latest cars at QMS

THE PENINSULA Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, is open tomorrow and will regular date in the calendar showcasing wide range of continue till October 21 at Doha and offers one of the best DOHA: Nasser Bin Khaled Mercedes-Benz cars, in the Exhibition and Convention informative platforms about Automobiles, the authorized eighth edition of Qatar Motor Center. car manufacturing. general distributor of Show 2018 (QMS) which will Welcoming visitors to the Nasser Bin Khaled Automo- show’s largest pavilion, the NBK biles has built its success by Automobiles’s luxurious establishing solid, longstanding pavilion will welcome visitors relationships with its cus- and car enthusiasts to have tomers, and its wide product closer look at various models of offering which appeals to all. SUVs, sporty cars, coupe’s and As a brand name, Nasser Bin NU-Q Professor Sam Meekings the famous luxury sedan cars. Khaled Automobiles is deeply Besides, NBK Automobiles associated with a history of will amaze the audience with premium quality service and the unveiling of three top market leadership. new cars on the opening day: The company promises to NU-Q professor the sporty CLS 53 AMG, the not only meet customer expec- SUV GLE 450 and the iconic tations, but to exceed them. Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Established in 1957, Nasser Bin publishes novel 650. Khaled Automobiles is Qatar’s THE PENINSULA Qatar Motor Show is the exclusive distributor of three Meekings, an most important motoring event of the world’s most respected, accomplished in the Middle East for car lovers iconic brands: Mercedes-Benz, DOHA: A new book by North- novelist and poet, is and trade professionals. The Mercedes-AMG and western University in Qatar launching his new exhibition has become a Mercedes-Maybach. Professor Sam Meekings uncovers the story behind a novel ‘The Afterlives painting by Vincent van Gogh of Doctor Gachet,’ at of his personal doctor, Paul the London Review Gachet. The book explores the of Books Bookshop in QCS launches voluntary programme history of Gachet’s life as well as the painting itself and brings Bloomsbury. THE PENINSULA nuance to this doctor’s melan- choly character. Meekings, an accomplished Dennis, dean and CEO. DOHA: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has novelist and poet, is launching Through historical fiction, launched its first voluntary programme with his new novel ‘The Afterlives Meekings explained that his an initial registration of 70 volunteers. The of Doctor Gachet,’ at the book portrays similarities and voluntary porgramme includes two segments London Review of Books differences in how people namely ‘Together for Them’ and ‘Preparation’. Bookshop in Bloomsbury, as responded to depression over The programme aims to spread the well as delivering a live reading the last hundred years. “On the culture of volunteerism and training volun- and talk at Oxford University one hand it shows us what life teers to provide humanitarian work profes- in the UK. was really like in different eras, sionally. Through the programme volunteers “It follows Dr Gachet’s life, cultures, and places, and on the will support to spread awareness about dif- from his work in asylums and other, it reminds us of how ferent types of cancer prevention and impor- cholera wards to the contro- similar each of us is deep down tance of early detection, said Mariam Al versial exhibitions of the first in our longings, doubts, desires Noaimi, General Manager, QCS. Impressionists, from the bat- and goals,” said Meekings. The volunteers will also support and tlefields of the Franco-Prussian In the book, Meekings advocate for people living with cancer. war and its bloody aftermath traces the journey of Van Gogh’s ‘Together for Them’ segment of the pro- in the Paris Commune, through painting, Portrait of Dr. Gachet, gramme aims at recruiting community to treating Van Gogh in Auvers,” from fashionable Parisian members from the age of 20 years and said Meekings. salons to the bunkers full of QCS volunteers speaking to community members during a recent awareness campaign. above. They will be trained to promote com- “This is the latest of Sam confiscated ‘degenerate’ art in munity awareness about the importance of Meekings’s already distinguished Nazi Germany, and from ref- adopting a healthy lifestyle, cancer related The segment ‘Preparation’ aims at Those interested in joining the voluntary roster of books that illuminate ugees arriving in America to its knowledge and how to support people living involving high school students to increase programme could register through the link: his talent as a story teller—and mysterious disappearance with with the disease. awareness among the community. https://www.qcs.qa/get-involved. gift as a writer,” said Everette E. a reclusive billionaire in Tokyo. HBKU researcher competes in 10th season of Stars of Science

THE PENINSULA disease diagnostics through the use of Majbour’s participation in a public world’s researchers.” antibodies. A type of protein integral platform that actively empowers Arab HBKU’s dedication to fostering tal- DOHA: The 10th season of Qatar Foun- to the body’s immune system that may youth promoted her to an ambassador ented women in STEM is underlined by dation’s edutainment TV show Stars of be leveraged to identify biological signs for women’s entrepreneurship in the University’s lasting collaboration Science has featured Qatar-based Nour of the onset of PD. Science, Technology, Engineering and with Stars of Science – a program that Majbour from Hamad Bin Khalifa “For a neurodegenerative disease Mathematics (STEM) – a traditionally aims to promote access to knowledge University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical without a known cure, early detection male-dominated profession. and opportunity across broad view- Research Institute (QBRI) among the and treatment are instrumental in Praising Majbour’s role in decon- ership demographics. top nine contestants. relieving symptoms and improving the structing barriers for Arab women, her Stars of Science, which receives Majbour, a full-time research asso- patients’ quality of life, particularly mentor and Acting Executive Director additional support from HBKU’s other ciate at QBRI, skillfully fought her way those who suffer from a lack of options at QBRI Dr Omar El Agnaf said, “Nour’s research institutes including Qatar through the casting stage with her pro- and resources to seek treatment. Wit- entrepreneurial spirit and dedication Computing Research Institute (QCRI) posed innovation in early Parkinson’s nessing the rapid degenerative process have crafted an inspirational story for and Qatar Environment and Energy disease (PD) detection. Elaborating on of PD in family members has impacted young women whose involvement in Research Institute (QEERI), follows the her pioneering idea, she said, “My Par- my research, which aims to honor their STEM is essential to closing the per- journey of nine Arab innovators kinson’s Early Detection Kit aims to legacy and ease the suffering of many sisting gender gap. Today, women still through prototyping and customer val- Nour Majbour surpass the current limitations in other patients worldwide.” only make up thirty percent of the idation episodes until the finale. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 MIDDLE EAST 09 Khashoggi case: Turkey searches Saudi Consulate

AFP Late yesterday very, very strong,” Trump later evening — after told reporters at the White ISTANBUL: Turkish police House. “It sounded to me like yesterday searched the Saudi Turkish authorities maybe these could have been Consulate in Istanbul for the first placed high iron rogue killers. Who knows?” time since journalist Jamal barriers in front of The search came after Khashoggi went missing. the consulate — a Turkish President Recep Tayyip Khashoggi, a Saudi national Erdogan and King Salman also and US resident who became motorcade of six cars had their first telephone talks increasingly critical of Crown drew up and Turkish since the controversy erupted, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, police and prosecutors in what appeared to be a concil- has not been seen since he iatory conversation according to walked into the Istanbul con- entered the premises. official readouts. sulate to sort out marriage While lurid claims have paperwork on October 2. while other officials were in suits appeared in Turkish media — Turkish officials have said carrying printers and files. including that Khashoggi was they believe he was killed — a Dozens of media organisa- tortured and dismembered — claim Saudi Arabia has denied — tions — some of whom had set Turkey’s leadership has so far with the controversy dealing a up tents — have kept a constant refrained from pointing the huge blow to the kingdom’s vigil outside the consulate in the finger directly at Riyadh in public image and efforts by its youthful expectation that the search comments. crown prince to showcase a would finally begin. An investment conference reform drive. A Saudi delegation had which was scheduled to take Until now, Riyadh has not entered the consulate one hour place in Riyadh next week, has allowed Turkish investigators to before the Turkish police arrived been hit by a string of prominent Turkish crime scene investigation team members arrive at the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in search the consulate — officially and appeared still to be inside as cancellations. Istanbul after the start of joint Turkish-Saudi probe of missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi, yesterday. Saudi territory — with reports the search was conducted. Business barons including both sides were at odds over the “Just spoke to the King of British billionaire Richard conditions. Saudi Arabia who denies any Branson and Uber CEO Dara attend as well as Larry Fink, the plans to attend but would “take reluctant to curb all-important But late yesterday evening — knowledge of whatever may Khosrowshahi, as well as media head of investment giant (it)... into account” if more infor- arms sales to Saudi Arabia. after Turkish authorities placed have happened ‘to our Saudi powerhouses Bloomberg and BlackRock, and Steve mation came out next week. Britain, France and Germany high iron barriers in front of the Arabian citizen’,” Trump CNN, have pulled out of the Schwarzman of Blackstone. Saudi stocks have also been also released a rare joint consulate — a motorcade of six tweeted. Riyadh’s most recent Future Investment Initiative (FII). A section on the glitzy event hit, suffering days of heavy statement saying they were cars drew up and Turkish police comments have focused on And in a major new blow for website with pictures of the losses. But Riyadh on Sunday treating Khashoggi’s disap- and prosecutors entered the having no knowledge of any the event, JPMorgan Chase CEO speakers has now been taken vowed to hit back against any pearance “with the utmost seri- premises. killing or denying any such order Jamie Dimon and Ford chairman down. US Treasury Secretary punitive measures while Trump ousness” and calling for a Some police were in uniform had been given. “The denial was Bill Ford also cancelled plans to Steven Mnuchin said he still has also made clear he is “credible investigation”.

Israeli fire wounds 32 Palestinians ‘Iran embassy in mass protest along Gaza beach in Ankara gets

AP the northern West Bank, the bomb threat’ military said. AFP GAZA CITY: Gaza’s Health The incident came as Ministry says 32 Palestinians security forces continued to have been wounded by Israeli search for a Palestinian who ANKARA: An individual who fire during a mass protest along shot and killed two Israelis in a claimed to have links to the the beach near the Israeli West Bank industrial park last Islamic State extremist group frontier. week. The military notified the threatened to attack the Protesters threw flaming man’s family yesterday that it Iranian embassy in Ankara, tires over the fence yesterday, intends to demolish his home Tehran’s envoy in Turkey said while fishing boats hoisted Pal- in response to the attack. yesterday, denying Turkish estinian flags. Israeli forces The area has experienced media reports that he had responded with tear gas and an uptick in violence since last been evacuated. live fire. week’s shooting. “The suicide attack The ruling Hamas group has Also yesterday, the Israeli against the embassy was only been staging border protests for army ordered a nearby Pales- a threat,” Ambassador the past six months in hopes of tinian school closed following Mohammad Ebrahim easing a crippling Israeli- alleged stone-throwing pro- Taherian Fard said. “Nothing Egyptian blockade. tests, firing tear gas and stun significant has happened and It has intensified the pro- grenades to clear out the things are under control.” Israeli soldiers close the gate as UN forces drive through the Quneitra crossing in the Golan Heights tests in recent weeks as building. “The threat was made by on the border line between Israel and Syria, yesterday. Egyptian-mediated cease-fire The military said yesterday someone who introduced efforts have faltered. Over the it declared the 500-student himself as linked to IS,” Fard weekend, Israel halted Qatari- school in Sawyeh a closed mil- said, quoted by state news Syria reopens two border crossings, donated fuel shipments to itary zone in response to a agency IRNA. Gaza’s power plant in response “large number of popular terror Turkish media said Fard to the escalated protests. acts.” But students defied the had been evacuated but the but many escape regime control Since March, 155 Pales- order and came to classes with ambassador and Tehran flatly tinians participating or their families, backed by the denied the report as a com- attending the protests were Palestinian education plete fabrication. AFP Nassib crossing into Jordan as country’s Albu Kamal border killed. minister. “Such a claim is a sheer police and customs officials post with Iraq would also reopen Israel says it is defending its Troops fired tear gas and lie, and the personnel at our BEIRUT: Closed for years due stood nearby. “as soon as possible”. border. An Israeli soldier was stun grenades into the school embassy are present at their to the civil war, Syria yesterday The Jordan crossing was Even though Syria’s gov- fatally shot in July. early yesterday, sending stu- workplace in full health and reopened a vital border post previously a major trading ernment still controls only Israeli troops yesterday shot dents and their families scram- security,” the foreign ministry with Jordan as well as a crossing route, while the remote Quneitra around half of the border and killed a Palestinian man in bling out of the building. said. into the Israeli-controlled Golan, post is used primarily by a crossings with its neighbours, as President Bashar Al Assad’s United Nations force which Assad’s forces have made major regime bolsters its control after monitors a ceasefire line sepa- advances near Jordan and seized sweeping advances against rating Israeli-occupied parts of almost the entire province of rebels. the Golan Heights from Syria. Quneitra this summer. Turkey suspends over 250 senior officials Two white jeeps crossed into Their reopening were indi- Syrian businessman Hisham AFP Israeli-controlled territory cations of a clear trend in Syria’s Falyoun, who lives in Jordan “muhtar” in Turkish — from residents such as registration. during a low-key ceremony to civil war, with Assad’s gov- with his wife and children, was their posts, his office said in a Turkey has suspended or sacked mark the reopening of the ernment — backed by Russian the first person to cross the ANKARA: Turkey has statement. over 140,000 public sector Quneitra crossing in the Golan and Iranian military support — border in his black Mercedes suspended more than 250 senior It did not provide further employees because of alleged Heights, four years after it was taking back huge swathes of jeep. The border crossing, local officials over alleged terror detail on what terror organisa- links to the US-based Muslim closed when Syrian rebels land in the past year. known as Jaber on the Jordanian links and activities unrelated to tions the officials were allegedly preacher Fethullah Gulen seized nearby territory. Also yesterday, Syrian side and Nassib on the Syrian their posts, the interior ministry linked to. blamed for the July 2016 failed Dozens of kilometres (miles) Foreign Minister Walid Muallem side, was a key trade route said yesterday. The muhtar is the elected coup and Kurdish militants. to the south and three years said after talks in Damascus before Amman closed it after the Interior Minister Suleyman chief of a village or a city neigh- Turkey claims Gulen after it too was closed, a black with his Iraqi counterpart post was overrun by rebels in Soylu removed 259 local neigh- bourhood, and responsible for ordered the coup but he denies metal border gate opened at the Ibrahim Jaafari that the April 2015. bourhood heads — known as day-to-day services for the accusations. US sanctions violate Iranian human rights, say newspapers AP It said the US has “lied” about the undiplomatic and immoral” international public opinion moderate, tried to downplay the announced it would terminating purpose of sanctions, which policy. The agreement with ahead of the implementation of upcoming US sanctions targeting the 1955 amity treaty earlier this TEHRAN: Several Iranian target the needs of ordinary world powers had established a a new round of US sanctions tar- the country’s vital oil and gas month in response to a UN court reformist newspapers yesterday people and curtail access to protocol to limit Iran’s nuclear geting oil in early November. sector. order that the US lift sanctions published a rare joint editorial medical supplies and equipment. programme in return for sanc- Hard-liners opposed to rap- Also yesterday, Iranian on Iran. Secretary of State Mike criticising US sanctions against The joint editorial said that tions relief. prochement with the West were Foreign Ministry spokesman Pompeo said withdrawing from the country and asking “world “trade restrictions, blockades, Iran is negotiating with always skeptical of the nuclear Bahram Ghasemi said Tehran the treaty was long overdue and journalists” to defend Iranian embargoes, freezing of assets European trading partners to try deal, and have viewed the with- received a US note confirming followed Iran “groundlessly” human rights. and other economic sanctions and find a way to circumvent US drawal as proof of their long- its withdrawal from a decades- bringing a complaint with the The editorial was published are incompatible with the sanctions and remain within the standing belief that the US old treaty affirming friendly rela- International Court of Justice in both Farsi and English yes- Charter of the United Nations.” nuclear deal. The editorial is seen cannot be trusted. tions between the two challenging US sanctions on the terday in at least eight state- It called the US pullout from the as part of efforts by Iranian Yesterday, Iran’s President countries. basis that they were a violation owned and pro-reform dailies. 2015 nuclear deal with Iran “an reformists to address Hassan Rowhani, a relative The Trump administration of the pact. 10 VIEWS TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 German voters are tired ESTABLISHED IN 1996 of immigration politics CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR LEONID BERSHIDSKY BLOOMBERG MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] unday’s election in Bavaria, in which the long-dominant gov- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR erning party, the Christian MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Social Union, lost its majority, Sshowed that there’s no more business [email protected] as usual in German politics - and that the change has little to do with the massively overblown immigration issue. The vote gives an important opening to Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has to fight to complete her term, German Interior Minister and leader of the conservative Christian Social Union but also poses new risks for her. EDITORIAL party, Horst Seehofer (centre), and CSU Secretary-General Markus Blume (right) Although German states have give a statement as they arrive for a CSU leadership meeting in Munich, yesterday. fewer powers than those in the US, state elections are extremely Saudi impasse important. They’re where the parties try out electoral platforms, tactics, and CDU-CSU alliance, and she looked smarter. That will help her stay on as S President Donald Trump said yesterday he is alliances, and where national political diminished by the strife, even helpless. chancellor to the end of the legislative sending his top diplomat Secretary of State Mike stars are born. Voters are active: The This cost the CDU a drop in popularity period in 2021 and as party leader past UPompeo to Saudi Arabia after Saudi King Salman turnout in Bavaria on Sunday was 72.4 from the nearly 33 percent it won in the the December leadership election. told him in a phone call that he has no idea what happened percent, only slightly lower than the national election last September to There may be less pressure on her to to missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 76.2 percent that voted at last year’s between 26 percent and 28 percent in shift to the right, especially if the Following days of mounting tensions and reluctance to national election. current polls, the lowest the center- Greens also make strong gains in the cooperate with Turkey to investigate the disappearance of Bavaria, the state with the lowest right political force has ever been. next state election, in Hesse, on Oct. 28. Khashoggi, under pressures from different directions, the unemployment (2.8 percent compared The election proved that Seehofer’s They appear poised to do so, perhaps Saudi authorities agreed to allow Turkish investigators to with 5.1 percent nationwide) and the tactics had been a big mistake. With even allowing the CDU to keep gov- enter the consulate and conduct joint search. home of top companies such as just 10.2 percent of the vote, the AfD erning the state with them rather than Turkey has so far refrained from pointing the finger Siemens, BMW, Allianz SE, and did worse than in last year’s national build some new coalition. directly at Riyadh in public comments or officially, but has Infineon Technologies SE, stands out election, when it won 12.4 percent in One complication for Merkel is that been asking for Saudi cooperation to allow investigations even against that background. It is, for Bavaria and 12.6 percent nationwide. the Social Democratic Party, part of the take place as the crime took place on its soil and at diplo- example, the only state in which Ger- “The election in Bavaria should be federal ruling coalition, did terribly in matic mission whose basic job is to facilitate people’s needs many’s strongest party, Merkel’s a lesson to everyone who wants to lean Bavaria. With 9.7 percent of the vote, and ensure their safety. Christian Democratic Union, doesn’t to the right instead of relying on one’s the once-formidable workers’ party is President Trump has threatened “severe punishment” run in elec- success in the political center,” tweeted sinking into irrelevance. Its nationwide if Khashoggi was killed inside Saudi mission. However, the tions, relying Serap Guler, a member of the CDU polling numbers are dismal: It consist- US President has repeatedly made it clear that he will not instead on a federal leadership. “You don’t fight ently lags behind the Afd now and is risk billions of dollars in deals to sell weapons. local ally, the populism with populism.” beginning to fall behind the Greens. The controversy has troubled Saudi Arabia as its CSU. This has The message from conservative The latter, with a political program that investment conference, due to given the CSU Bavarian voters was clear: Many would appeals to millennials and liberal take place next week in Riyadh Although German an outsized rather vote Green than back an anti- voters in general, have a chance to turn and dubbed “Davos in the states have fewer role in immigrant party, even if it’s a familiar themselves from an environmentally Desert,” has been hit by a string powers than national pol- one, and others just want politicians to focused party into the biggest center- of prominent cancellations. those in the US, itics. It’s a focus on local issues, such as small left force - the slot in the political Most prominent and major full-blown business and transportation. The spectrum that the SPD thought it The controversy global business barons and state elections part of the Greens are now the second-strongest would own forever. has troubled media powerhouses, have are extremely current ruling party in Bavaria with 17.5 percent Now the Social Democrats’ string of Saudi Arabia as pulled out of the Future important. coalition support; they won the election in defeats means they may rethink their its investment Investment Initiative (FII). They’re where despite Munich, the state capital, and they’re participation in the governing coalition; Along the statements made winning votes the political force with which the CSU, if they do, a new election is likely. Merkel conference, due by President Trump to impose the parties try in just one of winner of 37.2 percent of the vote, wouldn’t be the conservatives’ uncon- to take place next “severe punishment” and the out electoral Germany’s 16 could build the most popular two- tested choice to lead the CSU into it. week in Riyadh strict demand of traditional platforms, tactics, states. This party ruling coalition, though it prefers Merkel also may be undermined by and dubbed allies like Britain, France and year, it has the Free Voters as a partner. A mod- her party’s weak performance in Hesse Germany calling for credible and alliances, and been a erate stance on immigration and more later this month; she’ll be blamed for it “Davos in the investigations have all together where national nightmare attention to local affairs and the envi- even if Seehofer and his allies in the Desert,” has been led to Saudi’s frustration and political stars are coalition ronment probably would’ve given the CDU are really more at fault. Both hit by a string emotional reactions to retaliate born. partner. As CSU a stronger result without under- Merkel and the battered SPD could any punitive action. polls showed mining the nationwide coalition. As it benefit, however, from moving on and of prominent In a jerky response to US the CSU is, Seehofer in particular comes out of finally trying to govern Germany more cancellations. President and the Western wouldn’t hold on to its majority in the election weakened, and Merkel actively than the CSU leadership’s dis- allies, Saudi said it “will respond Bavaria, the party’s leadership swung must be quietly pleased despite a loss ruptive electoral politics allowed them with greater action,” if there are to the right to avoid losing votes to the for her allies. The Greens’ compas- to do for most of 2018. There are plenty measures and that its economy “has an influential and vital anti-immigrant Alternative for sionate stance on immigration aligned of issues apart from immigration on role in the global economy” what has been considered by Germany. The tactic resulted in CSU much better with the CSU voters’ which they can score wins, including economists that Saudi may be threatening to use oil as a leader Horst Seehofer’s attempts to values - and with the stance of the dealing with impending diesel-car bans weapon and to show its ability to drive oil prices up further. single-handedly limit immigration and Bavarian Catholic Church, for that in big cities and expanding the social The unprecedented diplomatic tensions are not only step up deportations. matter - than Seehofer’s attempts to safety net while the strong economy between Saudi and US or Turkey, but also with the entire Both other parties in the nationwide shove asylum seekers back from Ger- allows it. If the Bavarian results are any world that is looking for a simple answer to a very simple coalition hated this tactic but could do many’s borders. indication, voters are getting tired of the question about the whereabouts of the missing journalist little as Seehofer paralyzed the gov- Merkel’s strategy of holding onto immigration debate and hoping they get Khashoggi who disappeared after he entered the Saudi ernment. Merkel couldn’t fire him the center rather than appeasing the more attention from the government consulate in Istanbul. Yes this tension has begun to desta- because she needed to preserve the nationalist fringe is suddenly looking and politicians in general. bilize the global market but definitely Saudi Arabia is inca- pable to confront the entire world. The silence of the international community over many abuses, including siege of Qatar, Lebanese PM issue, abduc- tions of members of royal family, taking hundreds of busi- Media should stand with victims in their coverage of disasters nessmen as hostages in Ritz Carlton, imprisoning of activists THE JAPAN NEWS and the war in Yemen, have encouraged the Saudi author- “Kurashi-no Keijiban,” notice boards news reporting is something that must ities to undermine any basic international norms and even on which information for disaster help to prevent similar reoccurrences. use a diplomatic mission for torturing and killing its own oveying useful information to victims is provided. Even with major disasters, the citizen and dismembering his body. those affected by disasters In disaster reporting, not only general public tends to lose interest accurately and promptly amid newspapers but also various other over time. Whenever the occasion a succession of major natural media, such as television and the arises, we will convey the present state Cdisasters: The importance of press internet, convey information, by of affairs in disaster-hit areas and push reporting should be recognized anew. making use of their respective for swift reconstruction. QUOTE OF THE DAY Newspaper Week has started. strengths. It is a cause of concern that in “Stories that close in on the truth and During the torrential rain that hit recent years, responses taken by local western Japan, evacuations did not governments have differed with regard (The election) showed stand near the people” was chosen as this year’s slogan. It is a realization of necessarily occur even after such to the disclosure of the names of those that even with the best the magnitude of the expectations information as evacuation advisories missing during disasters. economic data, with near- placed on newspapers. and directives and an emergency In emergencies, the serving of full employment in almost An earthquake hit northern parts of heavy rain warning had been issued, public interest in the search of missing all parts of Bavaria, Osaka Prefecture in June; torrential and a number of elderly people died people should be prioritized over the that isn’t enough for rain wrought havoc in western Japan in their homes. Why didn’t they protection of private information. Local governments should not hesitate people when something in July; damage was caused by a escape? The Yomiuri Shimbun, in typhoon in September; and an earth- articles examining the disaster, high- to release the names of missing is missing that is so quake occurred in Hokkaido in the lighted “a gap that exists between the persons. Whether the names of victims important — confidence. same month. Sending a number of act of conveying information and are reported should be the responsi- journalists to these disaster-stricken [people] having the information truly bility of news organizations to Angela Merkel areas, The Yomiuri Shimbun has conveyed [to them].” The articles also determine. German Chancellor reported the actual state of damage revealed the inadequacy of disaster- An emerging issue in the internet and the voices of people affected by prevention plans of local governments era has been the ease with which the disasters. We have also established and were published with a belief that “fake” or inaccurate news spreads. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 OPINION 11 Year after IS lost Raqa, holdout hospital awaits recovery

hattered ultrasound machines canisters have been dumped in the the city 11 years later. and prosthetic limbs litter the courtyard. Hussein recalls IS members hallways of Raqa’s main hos- Bullet-riddled doors are graffitied shoring up the hospital’s defences last pital, still gutted a year after with the phrase “CLEAR, November 9, year, digging tunnels and setting up Sthe Islamic State group made its 2017”, apparently marking the day blast walls as the US-backed Syrian The bullet-riddled infamous last stand in its Syrian those rooms were checked for mines Democratic Forces (SDF) closed in. complex looms large LAYAL ABOU RAHAL heartland. or lingering jihadists. Inside, hospital “They stockpiled medical supplies among the sea of AFP The bullet-riddled complex looms rooms are charred black from fires in huge amounts -- serums, blood, destroyed buildings in the large among the sea of destroyed after air strikes. water, power generators,” he said. buildings in the northern city, once Paint is peeling off the ceiling and After days of besieging the hos- northern city, once the de the de facto Syrian capital of IS’s ill- the walls are lined with sand bags pital and stadium, the SDF made a facto Syrian capital of IS’s fated “caliphate”. piled by IS fighters defending their successful, lightning-fast push for ill-fated “caliphate”. On October 17 last year, US- final bastion. both. Since then, tens of thousands of backed forces overran the city’s final Making his way slowly through people have returned to Raqa, but life two jihadist holdouts -- the National the abandoned medical ward was is still dangerous in the city. from main streets and demined Hospital and nearby stadium -- Mohammad Hussein, 37, in navy IS planted a sea of mines across some areas, but a rehabilitation of sealing the end of IS’s bloody three- trousers and a striped shirt. the city that have maimed and killed the hospital has still not been spon- year reign over Raqa. Hussein is now a member of the returning residents, and guerrilla- sored, said RCC co-chair Laila But a year later, as other parts of health commission of Raqa Civil style attacks against SDF positions Mustafa. the city are being slowly rebuilt, the Council (RCC), the body governing the indicate jihadist sleeper cells remain a “It needs huge funds to be massive hospital remains in ruins, city since IS’s ouster, but he was once threat. restored, more than three billion almost haunted. a nurse in the hospital. “No one lost as much as Raqa’s Syrian pounds (almost $6 million). The road leading up to the “You don’t feel like you’re people when it comes to the This excludes medical equipment, entrance has been cleared of the walking into a hospital. You feel like destruction of this hospital, which which would be high-quality and burned corpses lying there last you’re walking into a mound of used to serve hundreds of people on a exorbitantly expensive,” Mustafa October, but twisted car wrecks still rubble,” he muttered. daily basis,” said Hussein. said. She told AFP that the RCC was make for an uncomfortable welcome. The Raqa native began working Khaled Abbud al-Hassan was one in talks with a foreign backer over Torn-up gurneys, filthy sky-blue in the hospital in 2003 at the age of of them. One day last year, as artillery funds to partially rehabilitate one hospital sheets and rusted gas 22, and stayed on when IS captured and air strikes pounded areas near his hospital ward. home, a piece of shrapnel tore into his The stadium, whose under- building. ground locker rooms IS had trans- “It killed my four-year-old formed into a prison, has fared daughter and cut my hand, so I went better. The field was partly to get treated at the hospital,” said restored after the SDF’s takeover, Hassan, 60. Inside were doctors from hosting its first football match in Azerbaijan, he recalled. Most of the April. Syrian staff was from Aleppo, west of Now, labourers are building a Raqa. platform and stadium seats have “They treated each other and us been painted white, with a as well. I was there for about a week crimson-red trim. before the hospital was bombed and “We’re coordinating with the they told us to get out,” Hassan said. RCC and the Syrian Democratic After a recent visit to Raqa, Council to rehabilitate the national Amnesty International said the level stadium,” said Imad al-Himad, a of destruction was “shocking”, with contractor. It has so far cost schools, homes, and medical infra- around 100,000 Syrian pounds. structure still ravaged. “This was the ‘black stadium,’ It has slammed the US-led coali- and since it was repainted white, tion’s bombing of the city and said it it’ll be known as the White should help rebuild Raqa. Stadium,” said Himad. The coalition has removed rubble

very few minutes, the reeds Combined with those who preceded withered because cash is scarce in a along the Tachira River rustle. them, a total of 2.6 million are country where annual inflation, Smugglers, in ever believed to have left the oil-rich according to the opposition-led Con- D-RING ROAD growing numbers, emerge country. Ninety percent of recent gress, recently reached nearly POST BOX: 3488 Ewith a ragtag group of Venezuelan departures, the UN says, remain in 500,000 percent. DOHA - QATAR migrants - men struggling under tat- South America. “We can’t stay here,” she told her [email protected] ALEXANDRA ULMER tered suitcases, women hugging The exodus, one of the biggest husband, Jairo Sulbaran, in August, REUTERS bundles in blankets and school- mass migrations ever on the con- after they ran out of food and sur- children carrying backpacks. They tinent, is weighing on neighbors. vived on corn patties provided by EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, which friends. “Even on foot, we must go.” 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: once welcomed Venezuelan migrants, Sulbaran begged and sold old tires +974 4455 7758 recently tightened entry require- until they could afford bus tickets to ments. Police now conduct raids to the border. MANAGING EDITOR TEL: detain the undocumented. Venezuelan President Nicolas 4462 7505 Fleeing hardship at home, In early October, Carlos Holmes Maduro has chided migrants, warning Trujillo, Colombia’s foreign minister, of the hazards of migration and that DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: Venezuelan migrants said as many as four million Vene- emigres will end up “cleaning toilets.” 4455 7769 zuelans could be in the country by He has even offered free flights back LOCAL NEWS SECTION 2021, costing national coffers as much to some in a program called “Return TEL: 4455 7743 struggle abroad, too as $9 billion. “The magnitude of this to the Homeland,” which state tele- challenge,” he said, “our country has vision covers daily. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION never seen.” In Brazil, which also Most migration, however, remains TEL: 4462 7535 step across rocks, wade into the borders Venezuela, the government in the other direction. muddy stream and cross illegally into deployed troops and financing to Until recently, Venezuelans could SPORT NEWS SECTION Colombia. manage the crush and treat sick, enter many South American countries TEL: 4455 7745 This is the new migration from hungry and pregnant migrants. In with just their national identity cards. Venezuela. For years, as conditions Ecuador and Peru, workers say that But some are toughening rules, ONLINE SECTION worsened in the Andean nation’s Venezuelan labor lowers wages and requiring a passport or additional TEL: 4462 7501 ongoing economic meltdown, hun- that criminals are hiding among documentation. [email protected] dreds of thousands of Venezuelans - honest migrants. Even a passport is elusive in Vene- “There are too many of them,” zuela. Paper shortages and a dysfunc- those who could afford to - fled by PUBLIC RELATIONS said Antonio Mamani, a clothing tional bureaucracy make the doc- airplane and bus to other countries far TEL: 4455 7613 ument nearly impossible to obtain, and near, remaking their lives as legal vendor in Peru, who recently watched [email protected] immigrants. police fill a bus with undocumented many migrants argue. Several told Reuters they waited two years in vain Now, hyperinflation, daily power Venezuelans near Lima. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT after applying, while a half-dozen cuts and worsening food shortages By migrating illegally, migrants TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 are prompting those with far fewer expose themselves to criminal net- others said they were asked for as FAX: 4455 7870 resources to flee, braving harsh geog- works who control prostitution, drug much as $2000 in bribes by corrupt [email protected] raphy, criminal handlers and increas- trafficking and other rackets. In clerks to secure one. ingly restrictive immigration laws to August, Colombian investigators dis- Maduro’s government in July said CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT try their luck just about anywhere. covered 23 undocumented Vene- it would restructure Venezuela’s TEL: 4455 7857 In recent weeks, Reuters spoke zuelans forced into prostitution and passport agency to root out [email protected] with dozens of Venezuelan migrants living in basements in the colonial city “bureaucracy and corruption.” The traversing their country’s Western of Cartagena. While most migrants Information Ministry didn’t respond SUBSCRIPTION & border to seek a better life in are avoiding such straits, no shortage to a request for comment. DISTRIBUTION For years, as Colombia and beyond. Few had more of other hardship awaits - from Many of those crossing into TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 than the equivalent of a handful of homelessness, to unemployment, to Colombia pay “arrastradores,” or conditions FAX: 44557819 dollars with them. the cold reception many get as they “draggers,” to smuggle them along [email protected] worsened in the “It was terrible, but I needed to sleep in public squares, peddle sweets hundreds of trails. Five of the smug- Andean nation’s cross,” said Dario Leal, 30, recounting and throng already overburdened glers, all young men, told Reuters ongoing economic his journey from the coastal state of hospitals. business is booming. Sucre, where he worked in a bakery Still, most press on, many on foot. “Venezuela will end up empty,” All thoughts and views meltdown, hundreds said Maikel, a 17-year-old Venezuelan that paid about $2 per month. Some join compatriots in Brazil expressed in these columns of thousands of At the border, he paid smugglers and Colombia. Others, having spent smuggler, scratches across his face are those of the writers, Venezuelans - those nearly three times that to get across what money they had, are walking from traversing the bushy trails. and then prepared, with about $3 left, vast regions, like Colombia’s cold Maikel, who declined to give his not of the newspaper. who could afford to walk the 500km to Bogota, Colom- Andean passes and sweltering tropical surname, said he lost count of how to - fled by airplane bia’s capital. The smugglers, in turn, lowlands, in treks toward distant cap- many migrants he has helped cross. All correspondence and bus to other paid a fee to Colombian crime gangs itals, like Quito or Lima. Colombia, too, struggles to count regarding Views and countries far and who allow them to operate, according Johana Narvaez, a 36-year-old illegal entries. Before the government to police, locals and smugglers mother of four, told Reuters her tightened restrictions earlier this year, Opinion pages should be near, remaking themselves. family left after business stalled at Colombia issued “border cards” that let send to editor-in-chief their lives as legal As many as 1.9 million Vene- their small car repair shop in the rural holders crisscross at will. Now, office or mailed to the immigrants. zuelans have emigrated since 2015, state of Trujillo. Extra income she Colombia says it detects about 3,000 according to the United Nations. made selling food on the street false border cards at entry points daily. [email protected] 12 AFRICA TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 Gambia opens probe into abuse by former ruler AFP The commission were picked up and tortured by will hold witness the dreaded National Intelli- BANJUL, GAMBIA: The West gence Agency (NIA). An ultra- African state of The Gambia hearings into loyal death squad called the yesterday launched an Jammeh’s 22-year Junglers carried out summary 11-member truth commission era of oppression, killings, including the alleged tasked with shedding light on opening the way to murder of scores of West summary executions, disap- African migrants. pearances, torture, abuse and prosecuting those Jammeh’s reign began to other crimes under the regime responsible and crumble in December 2016, of ousted dictator Yahya offering victims and when he dramatically lost elec- Jammeh. tions to opposition leader “Today marks... the their relatives the Adama Barrow. beginning of the much-antici- hope of closure. He refused to step down, pated mechanism that is but was eventually forced out expected to ensure healing, after other West African coun- justice and proper documen- were targeted in literal witch tries intervened militarily and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni (right) meeting with US rapper Kanye West at the State House tation of the rights violations hunts will all be able to come diplomatically, and flew into in Entebbe, Uganda. and abuses that took place in forward,” said Reed Brody of self-imposed exile in Equatorial the previous regime,” the office Human Rights Watch (HRW). Guinea. of his successor, President “We know so much more Created under an act of par- Adama Barrow, said in a tweet. today about the crimes of Jam- liament, the Truth, Reconcili- Kanye West gifts white sneakers to Museveni Inspired by South Africa’s meh’s government than we did ation and Reparations Com- AFP investigation into the apartheid a year ago — and when the mission (TRRC) aims at using serial Grammy-winning artist — Africa,” he wrote. It is West’s era, the commission will hold truth commission is finished openness and a court-like who recently announced he was second audience with a president witness hearings into Jammeh’s hearing from all the victims we approach to investigate over KAMPALA: Kanye West and his changing his name to Ye — in under a week after his 22-year era of oppression, should have a complete two years how abuse began and wife Kim Kardashian yesterday arrived in Uganda on Saturday. eyebrow-raising meeting with opening the way to prosecuting picture.” became systemic and the paid a visit to Ugandan President The country seizing the Donald Trump last on Thursday, those responsible and offering The process, he hoped, impacts it had. The Center for Yoweri Museveni, gifting the opportunity to market itself as a in which he performed a victims and their relatives the marked the first step to Victims of Human Rights Vio- 74-year-old leader a pair of white tourist destination, with the relentless monologue that left hope of closure. “holding Yahya Jammeh and his lations, an NGO set up by sneakers. couple pictured visiting its natural even the US President speechless. “Gambians who were tor- henchmen to account.” Jammeh victims and relatives of victims, Rap megastar West is in the sites. His lecture included every- tured or abused in prison, who came to power in a military says it has already documented east African nation to finish “I held fruitful discussions thing from Trump’s protectionist were shot for peacefully dem- coup in 1994, installing a hundreds of cases. But the full recording his ninth studio album with the duo on how to promote trade policies to replacing Air onstrating, who were forced into structure of oppression and extent of abuse may never be “Yandhi”, which was meant to Uganda’s tourism and the arts. I Force One with a hydrogen plane, Jammeh’s phony HIV ‘treatment’ corruption that touched nearly known and whether Jammeh drop two weeks ago, until his sur- thank Kanye for the gift of white black gun crime and “infinite programmes, whose family every part of Gambian society. himself will be put in the dock prise decision to go and record in sneakers. Enjoy your time in amounts of universe,” was met members were killed or who Dissidents and journalists is far from clear. Africa to “feel the energy”. The Uganda. It is the true Pearl of with bemusement and concern.

Keino given 26 drown in boat accident in northwest Mali more time to AFP Arnassey in Bourem Inaly dis- local resident, Martala Salley, destination,” said Yoro Maiga, a Transport accidents in Mali, report to police trict, in the Timbuktu region,” said that the passengers were local councillor in the neigh- a poor landlocked state in the BAMAKO, MALI: Twenty-six Transport Minister Soumana farmers who had decided to go bouring district of Dire, Sahel, are common. Poor safety in graft case people drowned when two boats Mory Coulibaly said in a to their fields by boat as the river explaining that winds had standards or equipment are typ- overturned in a swollen river in statement released overnight on had risen from seasonal rain, whipped up powerful currents. ically cited as the main cause. AP northwestern Mali, officials and Sunday. which made water transport “We were able to save some Last month, 20 people died local residents said. “This sad accident caused the possible. people — they weren’t weighed when the truck carrying them “Two canoes carrying 48 death of 26 people. Twenty-two “The two boats capsized down by heavy objects or plunged into a river in the centre NAIROBI: Running great Kip people capsized on Saturday at bodies have been recovered.” A before they reached their luggage,” Maiga said. of the country. Keino was given more time yesterday to report to police in Kenya after being one of seven former Olympic and government officials accused Chaos as 200,000 of corruption relating to the misappropriation of more than $545,000 around the time of the 2016 Rio de Congolese expelled Janeiro Games. The seven were ordered to report to police and appear in court yesterday but from Angola Keino, a two-time Olympic champion, was one of four AFP large swathes are rocked by who did not. unrest and violence unleashed A judge extended their KAMAKO, DR CONGO: Life fell by rebel groups and militias deadline until 6am on apart last week for mother of from within and neighbouring Thursday and ordered they four Dorcas who was among nations such as Uganda and then appear in court Friday 200,000 Congolese attacked Rwanda. to enter pleas. The judge said and then forcibly thrown out of The operations last week warrants for their arrest neighbouring Angola despite against migrants triggered would be issued if they didn’t having lived there for a decade. clashes between Congolese, hand themselves in on Speaking in Kamako, a security forces and local Thursday. frontier town in southern Dem- Angolans. Local media and an Former Kenyan sports ocratic Republic of Congo, the NGO reported that several minister Hassan Wario is one Means of livelihood woman in her forties said she migrants have been killed, of the suspects and also did Workers collect harvested maize stems on the Thrive Agric’s farm in Jere, Kaduna, Nigeria. and her husband had made though Angolan authorities not appear yesterday. The their lives in the Angolan border deny any deaths or forcible other two who did not town of Lupaca until the repatriations. appear were former sports nightmare began. Lunda Norte’s governor, ministry officials Harun “There were rumours cir- Ernesto Muangala, said that Chebet and Patrick Nkabu. culating that the Angolan “more than 200,000 Congolese The case relates to authorities would be expelling living illegally in Angola have money set aside to fund Protesters, soldiers clash in Comoros foreigners,” from Lunda Norte been repatriated on a voluntary Kenya’s team at the Rio province which borders on basis.” Trucks were seen plying Olympics. It was allegedly DRC, she said. incessantly over the weekend embezzled and misused by over presidential term extension “Suddenly yesterday (last taking Congolese nationals to Keino and the others. Keino week) we saw youths from the the border from Dundo, the was the head of the Kenyan Tchiokwe community with capital of Lunda Norte. Olympic committee at the REUTERS fed up with the unfortunate — from the island of Grande Angolan policemen starting to Several Congolese patiently time. The three who did decisions made by President Comore — said a June refer- burn the homes of those per- waited outside the Angolan appear in court were former MORONI: Protesters barricaded Azali,” said Mohamed Sadate endum had resulted in the ceived to be foreigners. consulate in Kamako, bran- Olympic committee sec- roads with tree trunks, stoned Nadjib, a government official in extension of presidential term “When they came to our dishing their Angolan residence retary general Francis cars and clashed with soldiers Anjouan, adding 13 people had limits and an end to the rotating house, they attacked my permits. The doors of the Kanyili, Rio team manager in the Indian Ocean island been arrested. presidency. The opposition husband with a machete and mission were closed. Stephen Arap Soi and former nation of Comoros yesterday in “There is a presence of sol- called the referendum illegal. we were forced to flee taking “What are we going to do sports ministry official demonstrations against Pres- diers on the streets and they are Under the old system, the whatever little we could carry,” in DRC? We have all lived in Richard Ekai. ident Azali Assoumani’s bid to trying to remove the barricades island of Anjouan would have she said. “All our children were Lucapa for 10 or 20 years,” said They all denied the extend term limits, officials said. but the people are blocking the been in line to hold the presi- born in Angola and only speak Daniel Mukenge, a man in his charges and were granted Assoumani’s move to streets again as soon as they dency in 2021. Portuguese,” she said. forties. “Our papers are all in $20,000 bail each. compete in presidential polls in leave,” he said. The “yes” vote allows Angola was a former Por- order. We have invested and Judge Douglas Ogoti also early 2019 has angered people President Assoumani a Assoumani to run for two more, tuguese colony while DR Congo built homes,” he said. “Now the said the trial would start on the archipelago’s Anjouan former military officer, joins a five-year terms, starting from was ruled by the Belgians and authorities are refusing to rec- today, when the 78-year-old island as it would deny them string of African leaders in coun- the early election next year, is a francophone country. ognise the documents that they Keino would answer accu- taking over the presidency tries such as Rwanda, Uganda rather than being required to Oil-rich Angola attracts themselves delivered. We are sations that he is corrupt. under a system that rotates the and Cameroon who have step down when his present hordes of Congolese as it is rel- now asking our authorities to Kenya’s director of public post among the country’s three extended presidential term term ends in 2021. Security offi- atively more stable and offers intervene so that the Angolan prosecutions announced that main islands. limits or amended the consti- cials said Anjouan’s Mutsamudu better employment prospects. authorities buy our houses oth- the seven should be charged “These protests are a result tution in order to remain in and Ouani ports remained open DR Congo has an abun- erwise we are condemned to with multiple counts of cor- of a general sentiment of being power. In August, Assoumani despite the unrest. dance of mineral wealth but death here,” he said. ruption and abuse of office. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 ASIA 13 India, China to Lies do not have legs: jointly train 10 Journalist Afghan diplomats IANS New Delhi: A day after Minister of State for External Affairs M J REUTERS China’s ambassador Akbar said that charges of harassment against him were NEW DELHI: India and China to India said the “wild and baseless”, Ghazala launched a programme joint training of 10 Wahab, one of the journalists yesterday to train Afghan Afghan diplomats at who had levelled the allegations, diplomats and China’s ambas- the Indian Foreign said “lies do not have legs” and sador said it would likely be they cannot go far. followed by joint programmes in Service Institute was Writing for the news website other fields to help war-torn the first step in China- ‘The Wire’, Wahab said Akbar’s Afghanistan. India-Afghanistan statement describing the Such cooperation is the first cooperation that was charges against him as based on by the two Asian giants which “innuendo, speculation” was have long been locked in a tussle agreed at a summit “full of tired clichés” and he was Supporters of India’s main opposition Congress party shout slogans as they stand on police barricades for influence in a region between President either lying or his memory was during a protest demanding the resignation of India’s Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar stretching from Nepal to Sri failing him when he spoke of a Xi Jinping and Prime in New Delhi, yesterday. Lanka and the island chain of the Minister Narendra “very tiny cubicle” — the place Maldives. Within Afghanistan, inside the newspaper office India and the China have been Modi this year. where the harassment was said on opposite sides with China to have taken place two decades relying on its old ally Pakistan as Zhaohui, said in a speech. Akbar files defamation case back. “In attempting to refute it seeks to stabilise Afghanistan “I am sure that in the future my story of molestation and har- by various means, including bro- days China-India cooperation in assment, Akbar has tried to hide kering talks to end the Taliban Afghanistan will span from against #MeToo accuser inside his supposedly ‘very tiny insurgency. training programme to more cubicle, patched together by IANS India, on the other hand, has concrete projects.” Modi and Xi Reacting to the defamation down from his post till such time plywood and glass’. invested billions of dollars in eco- agreed to handle long-standing case, Ramani said she was as the inquiry is completed,” the “Either he is lying, or age nomic projects and training of political differences peacefully NEW DELHI: Minister of State “deeply disappointed” that the Press Club of India, Indian has caught up with him. I would military officers to strengthen the at their summit in China, just for External Affairs M J Akbar Minister sought to dismiss the Women Press Corps, South prefer believing the latter, so Afghan government in its fight months after a dispute over a filed a criminal defamation detailed allegations of several Asian Women in Media and here is something to refresh his against the Taliban. stretch of their Himalayan border complaint against a woman jour- women as a political conspiracy Press Association said in a joint memory,” Wahab wrote. For its part, Pakistan sees the near the tiny state of Bhutan nalist, Priya Ramani, who had and by filing the case he was statement. She proceeded to recount expansive diplomacy in Afghan- rekindled fears of war. accused him of harassment, seeking to “silence” the women “That the scandalous alle- that the refurbished office of the istan by its old rival, India, as a Luo said India-China coop- alleging that “scandalous allega- complainants through intimi- gations levelled by the accused Asian Age newspaper, of which way to encircle it. China’s ambas- eration in Afghanistan should be tions” have been made to bring dation and harassment. against the complainant (Akbar) Akbar was then Editor, in Surya sador to India said the joint extended to countries such as down his image in the society. “Needless to say, I am ready herein, by their very tone and Kiran building was “big” and training of 10 Afghan diplomats Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Seeking her prosecution to fight allegations of defamation tenor, are ex facie defamatory Akbar’s room “soundproof”. “It at the Indian Foreign Service Myanmar and even Iran. under Section 500 of the Indian laid against me as truth and the and have not only damaged the was big. His polished wood Institute was the first step in In many of these countries, Penal Code that provides for absolute truth is my only goodwill and reputation of the desk was huge (lined with a row China-India-Afghanistan coop- China is helping to build infra- imprisonment for two or more defence,” she said in a statement. complainant, in his social of Ganeshas) and had a small eration that was agreed at a structure as part of its Belt and years in case of defamation, the Several journalist bodies circles and on the political work station attached to it. At summit between President Xi Road Initiative, which India sees Minister of State for External also expressed “deep disap- stage, established after years of his back was polished wood (all Jinping and Indian Prime Min- as a bid by China to expand its Affairs filed the complaint in the pointment” at Akbar’s threat of toil and hard work, but have gloss) wall-to-wall hutch ister Narendra Modi this year. influence. China’s call for part- Patiala House court complex. legal action and demanded he also affected the personal rep- cabinet with storage at the “This is just the beginning. nership comes just a week after Akbar has been accused of must step down for the sake of utation of the complainant in bottom and book shelves at eye China and India have respective its embassy in New Delhi said harassment by several women an impartial probe into the alle- the community, friends, family level. advantages. For example, India India and China must deepen journalists, including Ramani, gations against him. and colleagues, thereby causing Akbar in his statement had has remarkable edge in agri- their cooperation to fight trade who had worked with under “In the interests of a fair him irreparable loss and tre- said that he had a “a very tiny culture and medical services, and protectionism, as it criticised the him more than 15 years ago. He probe, moral and public pro- mendous distress,” said the cubicle, patched together by China in hybrid rice and poverty United States for what it termed has denied the charges as “false, priety, it would only be appro- complaint filed by advocate plywood and glass” at the office reduction,” the Ambassador, Luo provoking disputes. wild and baseless”. priate that the Minister steps Sandeep Kapur. where Wahab and he worked.

Tensions rise Parrikar back in Goa, not to quit as CM Air hostess falls out of over women’s IANS plane, suffers injuries entry to “His health is fine. Doctors Earlier, the Chief Minister’s AFP have advised him rest for two Office in a statement said: “Par- carried out to determine the Sabarimala PANAJI: Ailing Chief Minister days. After that he will meet rikar’s condition has improved exact cause of the incident.” Manohar Parrikar will not resign party officials, ministers and further. He had a chat with his MUMBAI: A flight attendant fell media reports said the woman, AFP as the head of the BJP-led MLAs,” Tendulkar said family members... Doctors have out of an Air India plane while a 52-year-old, was conscious but coalition government, Goa BJP yesterday. advised him to rest for a week.” trying to close its door yesterdfay, had leg fractures. A spokesperson NEW DELHI: Thousands of President Vinay Tendulkar said Asked about the sudden Parrikar’s absence from the airline said, reportedly for Nanavati Hospital, where the devotees joined street yesterday, ruling out “rumours” decision taken to relocate Par- office due to health reasons has breaking her leg when she flight attendant was taken, was marches in southern India that the former Defence Minister rikar from the All India Institute triggered political upheaval in landed on the tarmac. not available for comment. yesterday as tensions was likely to step down from his of Medical Sciences in Delhi to Goa, with ruling allies stepping The accident occurred at Air India has been hit by a mounted over a recent post due to ill-health. Goa on Sunday, Tendulkar said: up pressure on the BJP to shed Mumbai’s international airport string of technical glitches and Supreme Court verdict “There is a rumour which is “The treatment being given at some of the top portfolios cur- as the crew were getting ready other embarrassing incidents, revoking a ban on women being spread, that the Chief Min- AIIMS will be continued in Goa.” rently held by the Chief to welcome passengers aboard including staff turning up late for entering a famous Hindu ister will resign. This will not Parrikar, being treated for Minister. the New Delhi-bound flight. flights, over the years. The carrier temple. happen. He is a CM of the coa- advanced pancreatic cancer, The Congress has also “The cabin crew member fell last week grounded two pilots The Ayyappa temple in lition for five years. He will com- was admitted to AIIMS on Sep- demanded that due to Parrikar’s off while closing the back door after one of its jets carrying 136 Sabarimala — considered one plete that tenure and he will tember 15. ill-health, the state adminis- of the Boeing 777 and sustained people hit an airport perimeter of the holiest for Hindus — in attend to work at office soon,” The Chief Minister has been tration had come to a standstill injuries,” Pravin Bhatnagar, a wall on take-off and then flew Kerala has traditionally Tendulkar told reporters after a in and out of hospitals in Goa, and has demanded that Gov- senior manager at Air India, said. for almost four hours with a barred all women between 10 meeting of BJP leaders at the Mumbai, New York and now ernor Mridula Sinha should “She is receiving treatment in damaged body before landing and 50 of age. But India’s top party’s Goa headquarters here. Delhi for the last seven months. dismiss the government. hospital. An investigation will be safely. court revoked the ban on women entering the temple in September, ruling that patriarchy cannot be allowed to trump faith. Bishop granted bail Those protesting against the court’s decision, including hundreds of women, warned in nun abuse case they would step up their pro- AFP tests before the temple allegations in June but police reopens tomorrow, when it only started formal questioning will have to allow all women NEW DELHI: An Indian bishop in September as fury over the entry as per the court order. accused of raping a nun was case mounted. “These protests have granted bail in a case that has The lack of action provoked taken place in several districts triggered rare dissent within the outrage and five nuns — in a over the last few days. We country’s Catholic Church. rare public show of dissent don’t yet have an exact Bishop Franco Mulakkal within the Indian Church — and number but the people ended was arrested on September 21 dozens of supporters staged their march in the state in the southern state of Kerala days of protests. capital Thiruvananthapuram on suspicion of physically Senior members of the today,” Pramod Kumar, assaulting the nun 13 times Kerala Church have however Kerala police spokesman, between 2014 and 2016. come out in support of said. Pope Francis suspended Mulakkal. Local media showed him the day before his arrest, The bishop had previously thousands participating in the appointing another bishop in been denied bail and kept in march supported by the local his place. police custody for further unit of Prime Minister Mulakkal, 53, who headed questioning. Narendra Modi’s BJP. the diocese of Jalandhar in the Failure by Church officials ‘Life Giver’ Festival Smaller protests have also northern state of Punjab, has to take action on abuse allega- Indian fishermen paddling as young women sailors from the Yatch club perform the traditional taken place elsewhere in denied the allegations and has tions has been one of the dance on the flower decorated coracles on Hussain Sagar Lake as they celebrate the ‘Bathukamma’ India in recent days including called the scandal a conspiracy biggest scandals to hit Roman in Ahmedabad in western against the church. Catholicism globally in recent or ‘Life Giver’ Festival in Hyderabad, yesterday. India. The nun first made the years. 14 ASIA TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 Pakistan’s ruling PTI suffers big electoral upset in by-polls INTERNEWS & REUTERS The PTI had a major upset, as voters in two constituencies — NA-131 Lahore and NA-35 LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Bannu — changed their minds and elected Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e- members of the opposition parties. These seats Insaf (PTI) suffered a severe blow in the by-polls, as the were won by PTI Chairman Imran Khan just two opposition alliance gained five months back in the general election. more seats in delicately balanced National Assembly, further reducing the ruling by four to 85, and MMA got one Prime Minister Imran Khan party’s margin for formation of more seat in the NA. polled his vote in NA-53 the federal government. The major setback for the (Islamabad) where Ali Awan, By-elections were held on PTI came in NA-131 (Lahore), nominated by the PTI, won the total 34 National and provincial where the PML-N candidate by-election. By-elections also assembly seats. The PTI had a Khwaja Saad Rafique defeated set a new precedent as the major upset, as voters in two PTI’s Humayun Akhter Khan. overseas Pakistanis cast their constituencies —NA-131 Lahore This seat was vacated by Prime votes for the first time. and NA-35 Bannu — changed Minister Imran Khan. According to the Election Com- Members of the Newspaper Editors’ Council of Bangladesh form a human chain in front of National their minds and elected In Punjab, the by-elections mission of Pakistan, 84 per cent Press Club demanding an amendment to the newly enacted digital law, yesterday. members of the opposition were held for 11 seats, out of registered overseas voters cast parties. which the PML-N won six seats, their vote in by-polls. These seats were won by PTI PTI stood second with three It has also been learnt that Chairman Imran Khan just two seats and two seats were won it was a tough day for the IT offi- Bangladesh editors protest months back in the general by independents. cials handling e-voting in election. The by-election results In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, as more than 10,000 have changed the party position Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf won cyber attacks were reported on in the National Assembly. Now five seats, three were won by the officials website. However, new digital security law the opposition numbers have Awami National Party (ANP), all the attacks were foiled and AP increased by five more seats, and the PML-N bagged one seat. the process completed without the country’s leading English- parameters of the country’s new while the ruling alliance secured For two Sindh Assembly any major hindrance. language newspaper, Daily Star, constitution. six more seats. seats, by-elections were held in The National Assembly con- DHAKA: Editors of major daily read the editors’ demands and Journalists say such laws The PTI number of seats in PS-30 and PS-87 constituencies, stituencies where the by-elec- newspapers in Bangladesh’s urged Parliament to change the could make it more difficult to the National Assembly has and both were won by Pakistan tions were held included NA-35 capital formed a human chain law. expose corruption. increased by four, its ally party, People’s Party Parliamentarians Bannu, NA-53 Islamabad, NA-56 yesterday to protest a new Anam, who is also general Bangladeshi journalists are PML-Q’s seats went up by two, (PPPP). In Balochistan, one seat Attock, NA-60 Rawalpindi, digital security law they say will secretary of the council, said particularly concerned about a the main opposition Pakistan was won by Balochistan National NA-63 Rawalpindi, NA-65 stifle freedom of speech and nine provisions of the law section of the new law that pro- Muslim League-Nawaz (PML- Party (BAP) while the other was Chakwal, NA-69 Gujrat, NA-103 media freedom. needed to be changed to ensure vides for up to 14 years in prison N’s) number of seats increased won by an independent. Faisalabad, NA-124 Lahore, Members of the Editors’ that freedom of speech is not for anyone who gathers, transmits NA-131 Lahore and NA-243 Council formed the chain in compromised. or preserves classified infor- Karachi East. front of the National Press Club President Abdul Hamid mation from any government Sharif unable to cast vote after Elections were held on 24 in Dhaka and demanded signed the bill into law despite agency using a computer or other seats of the provincial assem- amendments to the recently promises by three Cabinet min- digital device. They say publishing forgetting ID card at home blies including 11 seats of the enacted Digital Security Act, isters and an adviser to Prime such information is a way to hold Punjab Assembly, nine of saying many provisions could Minister Sheikh Hasina that officials accountable. The section INTERNEWS Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and be used against journalists. journalists’ concerns would first evokes the sentiment of a British two each of Sindh and Balo- Some editors sympathetic to be addressed. colonial-era law protecting ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was not chistan. For 11 National Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Hasina has defended the official secrets. allowed to vote in the by-election after he forgot to bring his Assembly seats, by-elections also joined the rare protest, law, saying it is meant to protect The law also authorises identification card to the polling station, Express News reported. were held in nine constituencies which was backed by most jour- the country from propaganda prison sentences of up to three The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo had in Punjab, one in Sindh and one nalists across the country. and misinformation. years for publishing information arrived only minutes before the closing of polling at the in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The editors acknowledged “Journalism is surely not for that is “aggressive or fright- Government College of Technology on Lahore’s Rail Road with The by-elections come after the existence of media mal- increasing conflict, or for tar- ening” and up to 10 years for party leader Maryam Nawaz, where party supporters had a national vote on July 25 pro- practice and widespread ethics nishing the image of the posting information that “ruins gathered to welcome him. pelled former World Cup violations, but urged that a press country,” she said earlier. communal harmony or creates PML-N supporters chanted slogans in Nawaz’s favour and cricketer Khan to power, an council be strengthened to Opponents say the law is instability or disorder or disturbs showered his vehicle with flowers. outcome that was rejected by resolve disputes over any mis- part of a broader campaign to or is about to disturb the law and Notwithstanding, the former premier forgot his ID card at the main opposition parties. reporting, and said regular silence government critics. order situation.” home, as a result, he was not permitted to vote by polling staff. Most of the national courts can handle defamation Journalists in Nepal are Human Rights Watch said The pair had gone to vote in Lahore’s NA-124, in which PML-N assembly seats had been open and libel cases without the need fighting a similar law, part of an the law is open to abuse because leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emerged successful by overcoming as Pakistan allows candidates for police to search journalists expansive rewriting of that it allows police to search or Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Ghulam Muhiuddin. to run in multiple constituencies, and seize digital equipment. country’s civil and criminal arrest suspects without a court but keep only one seat. Mahfuz Anam, the editor of codes meant to define the order. Widow of slain Haroon Bilour wins by-election Three million Afghans in

REUTERS in Peshawar, the provincial Before that Begum Nasim urgent need of food: UN capital, claimed by the Pakistani Wali Khan, the widow of great ISLAMABAD : The wife of Taliban weeks before the July 25 Pakhtun nationalist leader AFP Awami National Party’s (ANP) polls. The attack prompted a Abdul Wali Khan, remained there’s a risk that these people Haroon Bilour, who was delay in voting for that seat. opposition leader in the then go into level five,” Lanzer said. martyred in a Taliban suicide Haroon’s father, senior ANP NWFP Assembly after being KABUL: At least three million Aid groups distributed attack during campaigning, won leader Bashir Bilour, was killed elected as MPA in the 1997 Afghans are in “urgent” need of basic commodities, including her husband’s provincial seat in in a suicide bombing in the general election. food and could face famine if wheat flour fortified with min- by-elections. run-up to Pakistan’s last election Sunday’s by-elections were they do not get help, the United erals, vegetable oil and lentils, Samar Bilour (pictured), on in 2013. for 24 seats across the four pro- Nations warned yesterday, as to 600,000 people last month, Sunday won the provincial The last time a woman who vincial assemblies and 11 in the the war-torn country battles the Lanzer said. assembly seat in Khyber won a seat through direct elec- National Assembly. Most of the worst drought in living memory. They hope to reach another Pakhtunkhwa province that her tions was Ghazala Habib Tanoli, national parliamentary seats A dry spell mainly across 600,000 by the end of October. husband Haroon, a member of general seat in Khyber a female MPA elected on ticket were open because a candidate northern and western Afghan- Another eight million the ANP, had been scheduled to Pakhtunkhwa in the last 16 years of the then Pakistan People’s is allowed to contest in multiple istan has devastated crops, live- people were in the “crisis” contest in July. She became the Haroon was martyred along Party-Sherpao, now renamed as constituencies, but can only keep stock and water supplies, phase three of the food inse- first woman MPA elected on a with 19 others in a suicide attack Qaumi Watan Party. one seat. forcing hundreds of thousands curity index, which includes of people from their homes. people with “food consumption The drought comes at a ter- gaps with high or above usual rible time for the country, acute malnutrition”. which is already grappling with Lanzer said the figures were Maldives leader blames defeat a 17-year conflict and preparing “far worse than we had antici- to hold a parliamentary election pated” and he warned the sit- on ‘disappearing ink’ that is three years late. uation could worsen as temper- The United Nations is atures plummet during the spearheading international winter months. AFP efforts to reach 2.5 million of The drought affecting more the three million most in need than half of Afghanistan was COLOMBO: Outgoing Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has of food by mid-December, UN triggered by a huge shortfall in told the Supreme Court that disappearing ink and specially treated humanitarian coordinator in snow and rain last winter. ballot papers were to blame for his heavy election defeat last month. Afghanistan Toby Lanzer said. Many of the displaced have The comments came as the court considered a petition by “Those people are sur- set up makeshift tents in camps Yameen to have the September 23 election result annuled due to viving on less than one meal a on the edge of urban areas, what his party called “rampant” vote-rigging. day and in all likelihood that including the western city of Yesterday afternoon, the five-judge bench put off the case meal is bread and tea,” Lanzer Herat. until Tuesday when it will announce whether to allow testimony said. Afghan officials and foreign from three unnamed witness named by Yameen’s lawyers. Lanzer said the three aid groups are struggling to His lawyers told a packed court room that the trio of yet million people hardest hit were meet demand for food, shelter unnamed witnesses could substantiate Yameen’s allegations. in the “emergency” phase four and health services. However, the country’s independent Elections Commission UN envoy visits Myanmar border town of a widely-used food insecurity People at the camps said (EC) through its lawyers insisted that the petition was based on index — one level below famine. in August they had been sur- UN Special Envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, false allegations and should be dismissed. The figure was “among the viving on a diet of bread and arrives at Sittwe Airport yesterday after visiting Rohingyas at Local media also reported four of the five election commis- highest in the world” and tea for months because they sioners have fled the country and sought refuge in neighbouring Maung Daw Township at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border area required “the most urgent did not have enough money Sri Lanka following death threats after Yameen lost the September in Rakhine State. response”. to buy fruit, vegetables or 23 vote. “If we don’t (reach them) meat. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 ASIA 15

Philippines’ North, South Korea resort island reopens for agree to reconnect test run rail and road links IANS MANILA: Philippines’ Boracay island, one of the REUTERS The two sides agreed world’s most famous beach to hold ceremonies destinations, reopened SEOUL: North and South Korea in late November yesterday for a test run almost agreed yesterday to begin recon- or early December six months after being closed necting rail and road links, for a cleanup operation. another step in an improving to inaugurate work A small group of tourists relationship that has raised US on reconnecting the arrived from the province of concern about the possible railways and roads Aklan, where the island is undermining of its bid to press that have been cut located, reported CNN. the North to give up its nuclear The group was invited to programme. since the 1950-53 test the newly improved facil- The agreement on transport Korean War. ities, which include a com- links came during talks in the prehensive overhaul of the border village of Panmunjom, relations, and there’s also a island’s outdated and insuf- French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shake hands aimed at following up on the second North Korea-US summit ficient sewerage. during a joint news conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, yesterday. third summit this year between coming up,” Cho told reporters The resort island, which South Korea’s President Moon before leaving for Panmunjom. was shuttered in April for six Jae-in and North Korean leader Talks between the two Koreas months for rehabilitation work, Kim Jong Un, last month. are running in parallel with US South Korean President lobbies is scheduled to re-open later “The South and North efforts to press North Korea to give this month — labelled a “soft reached the agreement after sin- up nuclear weapons and missiles opening” by authorities. Its cerely discussing action plans to that the North says can hit the US for Kim Jong Un on Europe tour famous white-sand beaches develop inter-Korean relations mainland. Kim held an unprec- were signed off in August as AFP to a new, higher stage,” said a edented summit with US Pres- that they have made the right to abandon his nuclear “very clean” and safe for joint statement released by the ident Donald Trump in June in choice in accepting to destroy ambitions. swimming, according to Envi- South’s Unification Ministry. Singapore and the two sides are PARIS: South Korean President their nuclear weapons,” Moon “We need to have progress ronment Secretary Roy Cimatu. They agreed to hold cere- arranging a second meeting, Moon Jae-in said yesterday that said at a joint press conference to do anything more diplomati- While the cleanup has left monies in late November or early which Trump said would likely world powers needed to reassure in Paris, adding that France had cally,” Macron said, adding that the beaches immaculate and December to inaugurate work happen after US congressional North Korea’s Kim Jong Un that “a major role to play”. France remained in favour of the waters crystal clear, sig- on reconnecting the railways and elections on November 6. he had taken the right decision Ahead of his meeting with keeping UN sanctions in place nificant work needs to be roads that have been cut since But despite the meeting in committing to scrap his Macron, Moon told France’s Le and would argue for this at the done to get the road system the 1950-53 Korean War. The between Kim and Trump, the nuclear weapons programme. Figaro newspaper that Kim had UN Security Council, where it has up to speed before larger two sides will carry out joint field United States is still pursuing a Moon, who has met Kim “expressed his frustration at the a permanent seat. numbers of tourists are studies on the transport plans policy of “maximum pressure” three times this year, is on a continued scepticism of the Macron also ruled out the allowed back on the island. from late this month, according to get North Korea to give up its seven-day tour of Europe international community” during symbolic gesture of re-estab- The system overhaul cost to the joint statement. They also nuclear weapon and ballistic where he is expected to update their talks. lishing a French embassy in over $18m, according to agreed to discuss late this month missile programmes. Trump said leaders in Paris, Rome and Moon, who met with his North Korea. “It’s good to keep Tourism Secretary Berna a plan to pursue a bid to co-host on Wednesday that South Korea Brussels on the rapidly thawing North Korean counterpart in some leverage to help ensure Romulo-Puyat. However, full the 2032 Olympic Games. would not lift sanctions on North relations between Seoul and April, May and September, was that there are changes,” Macron rehabilitation of the island The talks were led by the Korea without US approval. Pyongyang. instrumental in brokering a his- said in a veiled warning about could take up to two years. South’s Unification Minister Cho The rail and road initiative Moon, who met with French toric summit in Singapore the dangers of giving up too The archipelago nation of the Myoung-gyon and Ri Son Gwon, and the joint Olympics bid were President Emmanuel Macron between US President Donald much, too soon to Pyongyang. Philippines boasts well over chairman of the North’s com- agreed by Moon and Kim at their yesterday, said the UN Security Trump and Kim in June. Moon defended his strategy 7,000 islands. Last year, mittee for peaceful reunification latest summit, in the North Council needed to play an “active Macron ruled out any sanc- in the Le Figaro interview, almost 1.7 million tourists, that handles cross-border affairs. Korean capital, Pyongyang. role” in helping convince the tions relief or making further saying that “despite his young including cruise line pas- “We are at a very critical Moon also said the North would reclusive North Korean leader concessions to North Korea amid age, Kim Jong Un has demon- sengers, visited the island moment for the denuclearisation permanently abolish key missile to fully abandoned his atomic continued fears that Kim might strated sincerity, simplicity, during a 10-month period, of the Korean peninsula and the facilities in the presence of programme. not be prepared to commit to an calm and politeness” during according to Philippines advancement of inter-Korean foreign experts. “They need to feel confident “irreversible and verifiable” deal their talks. Information Agency.

Blogger punished for disrespecting Some voters warming to national anthem Australia’s new PM: Poll REUTERS REUTERS Newspoll, showed Labor BEIJING: Chinese authorities leading 55-45, an increase of detained a blogger for five days SYDNEY: Australia’s new prime four points since September. for “being disrespectful to the minister extended his party’s Both polls suggest a national anthem”, police in the nascent recovery, one widely resounding defeat for the gov- city of Shanghai said. watched opinion poll showed ernment at a general election, Last year, China intro- yesterday, six days before a which must be held by May. duced a law mandating up to crucial by-election, but the Nevertheless, Prime Min- 15 days in police detention for main Labor opposition still ister Scott Morrison did perform those who mock the “March of holds a landslide-sized lead better with voters than Malcolm the Volunteers” national before elections due by May. Turnbull, the man he replaced anthem. In a video circulating The Newspoll, published in in a party-room coup in August, online, 20-year-old blogger The Australian newspaper, on a range of Newspoll personal Yang Kaili was shown showed the ruling Liberal- measures including “capable of humming marching music National coalition trailing Labor handling the economy”. before she started to recite the 47 percent to 53 percent on a Morrison is also seen as more first line of the national anthem two-party preferred basis, under capable of delivering tax cuts, a while waving her hands as if which votes for minor parties are key policy battleground where conducting an orchestra. redistributed according to Aus- he burnished his credentials last She then greeted her tralia’s preferential voting week with a promise to reduce Anwar Ibrahim (centre) talks to the media after the swearing-in ceremony at the Parliament House audience with: “Hello, good system. The gap between the taxes on small businesses. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. evening, comrades.” Shanghai two main parties, twice as wide “He’s doing better than police said Yang “was disre- a month ago, tightened by two Turnbull. That’s not what you spectful to the dignity of the points since the previous poll. would have expected three Malaysia’s leader in waiting Anwar national anthem and invited However, another poll in months ago,” said Haydon disgust among netizens”. The Sydney Morning Herald Manning, a political science Yang apologized last showed the gap between the professor at Flinders University in triumphant return to parliament week in a Weibo post. The government and Labor wid- in South Australia state. national anthem law also ening significantly. The Herald’s However, Morrison faces a by- covers the territories of Hong Fairfax-Ipsos poll, based on a election on Saturday in Turn- AFP had ruled Malaysia for six poll in Port Dickson, where his Kong and Macau. smaller sample than the bull’s harbourside Sydney seat. decades. opponents included a former KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Following the triumph, aide whose accusations landed leader in waiting Anwar Ibrahim Anwar was pardoned and him in jail. It is the first time that returned to parliament as a released from jail, where had Mahathir — who, during a first lawmaker yesterday, and vowed been imprisoned since 2015 on stint as premier, sacked Anwar China purrs over white tiger triplets to give former nemesis Prime widely criticised sodomy and had him thrown in jail — AFP Minister Mahathir Mohamad charges, and is now the pre- and his former foe have been in The youngest is like a baby, space to get on with running the sumptive successor to the coun- the same government since the she’s gentle. She never wins country. try’s leadership. 1990s. KUNMING: Three playful when fighting for food,” zoo- MPs applauded as Anwar Mahathir, 93, has pledged Anwar, wearing a traditional white Bengal tiger cubs are keeper Hao Li said. took the oath of office following to hand power to Anwar within black Muslim cap, brushed aside charming visitors as they The cubs’ busy mother is his weekend local election two years. The deal was struck questions about when he will clamber around their getting a helping hand victory, a sight that would have when the pair, whose up-and- become premier, and insisted enclosure at a zoo in China. keeping her youngsters from been unthinkable just months down relationship has long he would let Mahathir have “the The rare, blue-eyed tri- getting hungry, with keepers ago when he was an opposition loomed over Malaysian pol- space, the latitude” to get on plets were born nearly three always ready to step in with a leader languishing behind bars. itics, formed an unlikely with governing. “That’s very months ago at the Yunnan bottle. The tigers’ white fur is The former deputy premier’s alliance to take on the gov- important because some of the Wildlife Zoo in Kunming, a genetic variation of the remarkable political resur- ernment of Najib Razak. decisions that have to be made and made their public debut common orange Bengal tiger. rection was triggered by his alli- Anwar needed to be elected by the prime minister and the in early October. “The oldest A competition is being Chinese zookeeper feeds newborn ance’s shock election victory in as an MP again to succeed cabinet are key, fundamental one — the largest — is very held to name the three new- white Bengal tiger cubs in Yunnan May, which toppled a cor- Mahathir, and he cruised to a decisions of policy,” the 71-year- naughty and has a real borns, with final names ruption-riddled coalition that thumping victory in Saturday’s old told reporters. Wildlife Zoo in Kunming, China. appetite. He’s the naughtiest. chosen at the end of October. 16 EUROPE TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 Merkel vows to win back trust after Bavaria debacle AP “My lesson from ensure that this confidence is yesterday is that I, there and that the results of our BERLIN: Chancellor Angela work are visible,” Merkel said. Merkel vowed yesterday to do as chancellor of this “And I will do that emphatically.” more to restore Germans’ confi- ‘grand coalition,’ must The Social Democrats hope to dence in her unhappy coalition do more to ensure win back Hesse but polls show after a battering for both of her that this confidence them trailing and support for governing partners in Bavaria’s both parties is weak. state election added to tensions is there and that the Sunday’s outcome rekindled in the alliance. results of our work speculation about whether the Sunday’s vote stripped Mer- are visible. And I will Social Democrats will leave Mer- kel’s conservative allies in do that emphatically,” kel’s federal government before Bavaria, the Christian Social its term ends in 2021. They only Union, of their absolute majority Merkel said. reluctantly joined Merkel’s coa- in the state legislature for only lition in March after a national the second time in 56 years. The isn’t enough for people when election debacle last year. centre-left Social Democrats, something is missing that is so Social Democrat leader FROM LEFT: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen and other Merkel’s other federal partner, important - confidence,” Merkel Andrea Nahles brushed aside officials at a meeting in Berlin yesterday. slumped to a humiliating fifth- said. questions yesterday about her place finish in the wealthy state. Merkel’s Christian Demo- party’s pain barrier. Both parties pinned much of cratic Union party wasn’t on the “I don’t think that defining whole style of our work together nearly brought down the ruling priorities. the blame on the national gov- ballot on Sunday, but an electoral red lines is appropriate at this must change, and that hopefully coalition in June with a demand Seehofer appeared to have ernment’s constant public challenge looms in two weeks as point,” she said. “Above all, we was a message from this to turn back small numbers of no intention of stepping down infighting over migration and it defends its 19-year-hold on the have an election in Hesse in two Bavarian election,” Nahles said. asylum-seekers at the German- after his party received 37.2 other issues since it took office governor’s office in Hesse, a weeks in which we are now Much of the blame for the Austrian border. percent of the vote, down from in March. central state that includes investing all our power. We are squabbling has been pinned on Those tactics turned off 47.7 percent five years ago, for “(The election) showed that Frankfurt, on October 28. not going to waste our strength the CSU leader, Interior Minister Bavarian voters on both the its worst showing in Bavaria even with the best economic “My lesson from yesterday is and time now on internal Horst Seehofer, who has con- right and left, and polls sug- since 1950. “I won’t hold a dis- data, with near-full employment that I, as chancellor of this ‘grand debates.” As for the national gov- tinued a three-year feud over gested that migration was some cussion about my position,” the in almost all parts of Bavaria, that coalition,’ must do more to ernment, “it is obvious that the migration with Merkel. He way down on voters’ list of 69-year-old said.

Germany to Navalny facing new criminal charge for slander deport convicted AFP interior ministry investigators ridiculed Karpov’s claim to have one of the Russians blacklisted journalists as he left the 9/11 suspect and expected to be charged with received these as gifts. by the US over involvement in detention centre: “If anyone AP MOSCOW: Russian opposition slander. Authorities opened a slander the death of whistleblowing thinks that with arrests... they leader Alexei Navalny said He said this related to accu- case and searched Navalny’s lawyer Magnitsky, who accused can scare or stop us, that is yesterday he faces a new sations he made in 2015 about home in 2016, after which he him of being behind an embez- clearly not the case.” Navalny BERLIN: A Moroccan man criminal charge for slander just former interior ministry inves- said he heard nothing for two zlement scam. said his latest legal woes came convicted of helping three of a day after his release from two tigator Pavel Karpov, a key figure years and that the statute of lim- Navalny was released from as he had planned to respond to the September 11 attackers as consecutive terms behind bars in the case of Russian lawyer itations passed in the case. a Moscow detention centre on a bizarre summons to fight a duel they plotted to strike New for organising anti-Kremlin Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Slander charges do not call Sunday after being sentenced to from a top Putin ally. York and Washington was protests. Russian jail in 2009. for arrest but only large fines, 20 days for organising anti- Viktor Zolotov, the head of flown from a Hamburg jail The fierce critic of President Navalny wrote in 2015 that Navalny said, adding that “Who Kremlin protests just a day after Russia’s National Guard, chal- yesterday to the city’s airport Vladimir Putin announced on his Karpov owned a flat worth knows how the elaborate and being released from a 30-day lenged Navalny to a duel last in preparation for his depor- website that he had been sum- almost $1m and luxury cars inventive legal machine in term. month over allegations of tation to his home country. moned for questioning by including a Porsche Cayenne. He Putin’s head works?” Karpov is The 42-year-old activist told corrupt practices by his agency. Mounir El Motassadeq, who was convicted in 2006 of membership in a terrorist organisation and accessory to murder for his part in the Hungary enforces plot, was expected to be put on a flight later in the day to Marrakesh, Morocco. The 44-year-old was ‘inhumane’ ban flown by helicopter to the airport, and then escorted from the helicopter by two heavily armed police officers on rough sleeping to another waiting helicopter. It took off shortly after, pre- REUTERS The government says it sumably to take El has allocated about 9bn Motassadeq to a larger airport BUDAPEST: A tough new law forints ($32.17m) to homeless for the international flight to that bans homeless people care in its 2018 budget plus an Morocco. from sleeping on Hungary’s additional 300m forints to El Motassadeq, who streets came into force expand shelter capacities. denied knowing his friends yesterday, prompting criticism “We believe we need to were preparing the attacks on from human rights groups give additional help and not the US, was sentenced to the who say it is inhumane. additional rights to homeless maximum 15 years, but The law, which follows a people,” Bence Retvari, state received credit for time constitutional amendment secretary, told reporters on served after his November approved in June that brands Saturday according to a video 2001 arrest. Earlier yesterday, rough sleeping a crime, posted on HirTv website. Hamburg Interior Ministry empowers police to order Retvari said further help spokesman Frank Reschreiter homeless people to move into would be available from said El Motassadeq would Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev speaks on Macedonia’s name change in Skopje, Macedonia. shelters. If they disobey three Monday, without “leave the country soon,” but times within a 90-day period, elaborating. wouldn’t specify exactly the police can detain them and On Sunday around 500 when he’d be returned to Greek coalition ally threatens to quit if destroy their personal protesters demonstrated Morocco. belongings. against the law outside the Prime Minister Viktor Hungarian parliament. Macedonia name deal goes to parliament Orban’s right-wing gov- “I believe this is Bulgaria withdraws ernment has said the new law shameful... that they crimi- REUTERS Greece’s bailout exit in August, Nato membership. The June deal aims to provide proper living nalise the impossible and from Eurovision refocusing attention on the coa- approved by Tsipras removed conditions for the homeless helpless situation that these song contest 2019 ATHENS: The leader of a small lition’s contradictions. that obstacle, and has been and has set aside money to people are in,” said Agnes AFP right-wing party threatened “I won’t vote for this deal if embraced by both Nato and the help them. Merenyi, one of the yesterday to pull it out of it comes to parliament,” Kam- EU. But the deal has been But Gabor Ivanyi, who demonstrators. Greece’s governing coalition if menos, who is defence minister, thrown into doubt by the failure leads the group Oltalom An activist group called SOFIA: Bulgaria will not take a deal settling a row over Mace- told state TV ERT after a trip to of a Macedonian referendum to (Shelter) which operates “Varos Mindenkie” (which part in the next edition of the donia’s name comes to the United States, where he pre- achieve the minimum turnout homeless shelters with 600 means “the city is for eve- Eurovision song contest to be parliament, increasing uncer- sented his party’s stance and needed to uphold the accord. In beds in Budapest, said the ryone”) said in a statement: held in Tel Aviv in May 2019, tainty in a country that just what he called an alternative that light, Kammenos said, the government had failed to “(The constitutional the public BNT broadcaster emerged from bailouts. scenario, if the deal fails. deal is unlikely to come before conduct a proper dialogue amendment) allows the announced yesterday, citing Leftist Prime Minister Alexis “If the parliamentary the Greek parliament for with charity organisations authorities to persecute the financial constraints. Tsipras and Panos Kammenos, majority decides a divorce, so approval. Greece’s coalition before it passed the most helpless people with a “The decision is part of leader of the Independent be it, there will be one,” he said, government, whose term ends legislation. wider range of police tools measures taken by television Greeks party, joined forces in adding that his personal rela- late next year, is backed by 153 “This law serves the aim from October 15.” management in order to 2015 with the stated aim of tionship with Tsipras remained lawmakers in the 300-seat par- of scaring the homeless to Last month the European optimise the spending of pulling Greece out of its then- “harmonious.” Greek nation- liament. Kammenos’ party holds prompt them to flee (the Parliament voted to sanction public funds,” BNT said. debt crisis and fight corruption alists have opposed the name 7 seats. Tsipras has repeatedly streets),” Ivanyi said. “They Hungary for flouting EU rules The broadcaster has acted that flourished under socialist deal, contending that Macedonia ruled out early elections. are scared and don’t know on democracy, civil rights and as the organiser and producer and conservative rule and is historically Greek and part of But in an effort to ease fears what to do now. We don’t corruption in a move the of Bulgaria’s entry in the pushed Greece to the verge of Greek heritage. of a government collapse if the know what will happen Orban government said was annual music contest for the bankruptcy. Greece maintained for 27 Macedonia deal comes to the tomorrow.” Homeless people an attempt to punish Budapest past two editions. But BNT But the new deal Tsipras’s years that Macedonia’s name Greek parliament for a vote, had all but disappeared yes- for its anti-migration stance. said that it could no longer government struck with Mace- implied territorial claims to its government officials have said terday morning from under- Orban’s Fidesz party won afford the associated donia that changes its name to northern province of the same that support from independent passes in central Budapest a third consecutive four-year expenses, which also include North Macedonia has shattered name, and so blocked Skopje’s and centre-left lawmakers has where there would normally term on a landslide in an a share of the costs for the the coalition’s honeymoon after path to European Union and already been secured. be plenty. election in April. organisation of the contest. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 EUROPE 17 EU adopts new chemical weapons sanctions

AFP material support, and those who assist, encourage or are associated LUXEMBOURG: The EU with them,” the European Council, Britain and Baltics seek Italian announced the new sanctions The framework gives which groups the member states, mechanism targeting those who said in a statement. support for EU cyber sanctions use and develop chemical EU the power to “This decision contributes to weapons yesterday, as part of a impose restrictive the EU’s efforts to counter the REUTERS crackdown in the wake of the measures on proliferation and use of chemical Russia has made cyber and other EU foreign ministers in Skripal attack. anyone identified weapons which poses a serious electronic warfare a key part Luxembourg. The framework gives the threat to international security.” LUXEMBOURG: A European of its military operations, “If Russia attacks us, we will European Union the power to as being involved While yesterday’s decision Union sanctions plan to punish Western officials say, and target Russia. If someone else impose restrictive measures on in the development sets up the framework to impose computer hackers is not Britain, the Netherlands and the attacks us, then we will target anyone identified as being or deployment of measures, for the moment no directed at Russia or any one United States have accused them,” he said. involved in the development or individuals or organisations have single country, Lithuania’s Moscow of conducting a global Matteo Salvini, leader of deployment of chemical chemical weapons, been sanctioned. Decisions on foreign minister said, as Italy campaign of computer hacks Italy’s co-ruling far-right weapons, regardless of their regardless of their this will be taken at a later date. came under pressure from a against the West. League, has expressed his admi- location or nationality. location or nationality. The targeting of former group of EU members states to But Rome, where the anti- ration for Russian President Fears have been growing Russian spy Sergei Skripal and back the proposal. establishment government Vladimir Putin and has rejected among world powers that the his daughter by a Soviet- Seven EU countries wants to have better ties with allegations of Russian meddling century-old taboo on the use of assets held in the block by targeted designed chemical agent called including Britain, the Nether- Russia, fears the sanctions in Western elections. chemical weapons is being individuals and organisations and Novichok in the English town of lands and Lithuania are pushing would alienate Moscow and it Britain’s Foreign Secretary eroded, following the nerve ban them from travelling to any Salisbury in March caused for the EU to be able to impose opposes the EU plan, according Jeremy Hunt will try to reassure agent attack on a former Russian of the 28 member states. outrage around the world. sanctions more quickly on spe- to a document. his Italian counterpart Enzo spy in Britain and repeated uses “The restrictive measures Investigative journalists have cific individuals anywhere in “We would not target a Moavero Milanesi that the pro- of gas and banned substances in target persons and entities who identified two suspects named the world, freezing their assets single geography. This is not posal, which London hopes to the Syrian conflict. are directly responsible for the as wanted by British police as in the bloc and banning them against Russia by default,” have agreed before it leaves the EU foreign ministers meeting development and use of chemical agents of Russia’s GRU military from entry, according to an EU Lithuania’s Linas Linkevicius EU next March, is not against in Luxembourg agreed to the new weapons as well as those who intelligence, though Moscow document. said before a meeting with Russia, diplomats said. measures, which will freeze the provide financial, technical or denies involvement.

Cologne hostage standoff ends, May still hopeful suspect arrested of Brexit deal AFP AFP COLOGNE: German police said yesterday that they had LONDON: British Prime subdued and detained a man Minister Theresa May who took a woman hostage (pictured) said yesterday she in a pharmacy in Cologne’s still believes a Brexit deal is central train station. “achievable”, despite talks with “The perpetrator is under the European Union becoming control. Police measures are deadlocked on the issue of the continuing,” Cologne police Irish border. wrote on Twitter just after “We cannot let this disa- 3:00pm after commandos greement derail the prospects had stormed the shop. of a good deal, and leave us “A female hostage has with the ‘no deal’ outcome that been lightly wounded and is no-one wants,” she told MPs in being cared for,” they added, the House of Commons. for frontier checks. calling on the public to keep “I continue to believe that But Brussels had said there their distance from the area. a negotiated deal is the best was not time to work out the An aerial view shows a collapsed bridge following heavy rains that saw rivers bursting banks, in The hostage-taker also outcome for the UK and for the details, she said, and proposed the city of Villegailhenc, near Carcassonne, southern France, yesterday. suffered injuries, a police EU. I continue to believe that its own fall-back plan — the spokesperson said, adding such a deal is achievable.” “backstop” — that would see that the man’s motives were The prime minister was only Northern Ireland align not yet known. Flash floods leave 13 dead in France speaking the day after her with EU rules. A witness said he heard Brexit minister Dominic Raab “Even with the progress we AFP two stun grenade explosions interior minister Gerard Aude river. visited Brussels but failed to have made, the EU still requires as police stormed and secured Collomb nearly two weeks ago. Authorities rushed hundreds make a breakthrough as a ‘backstop to the backstop’, the pharmacy. TOULOUSE: At least 13 people One of the overnight victims of firemen and half a dozen hel- hoped ahead of a crucial effectively an insurance policy Several heavily armed died when violent rainstorms was an 88-year-old nun who icopters to the region to help summit of EU leaders today for the insurance policy,” the officers from a special turned rivers into raging torrents was swept from her room by with rescue operations, partic- and on Thursday. prime minister said. response unit were seen in southwest France yesterday, floodwaters at the Burning Bush ularly in the floodplain of the There is now growing “And they want this to be immediately afterwards prompting some of the deadliest priory in the village of Villar- Aude river which hit its highest concern that Britain could crash the Northern Ireland-only running across the Breslauer flooding in years, officials said. donnel, north of the fortress city level in 100 years, according to out of the bloc without any deal solution that they had previ- Platz square, on the opposite The equivalent of three of Carcassonne. the Vigicrues flood agency. at all in March, risking legal and ously proposed. side of the tracks from the months of rainfall was dumped “The water crashed through In the town of Trebes, near economic chaos. “We have been clear that city’s famous twin-spired overnight in the Aude region in the building’s main door and on Carcassonne, the water in the May said both sides had we cannot agree to anything cathedral. just a few hours, swelling rivers through the door to her room, Aude rose eight metres in just made “real progress” on the that threatens the integrity of Earlier yesterday, eye- and flooding fields and towns, the lowest in the convent. It five hours, officials said. terms of Britain’s divorce from our United Kingdom.” witnesses had reported officials added. carried away her furniture In total nine residents died the bloc and the outline plan for May also confirmed a disa- hearing shots and possible President Emmanuel which ended up on the in the city, which made head- future trading relations. greement over whether the smoke bombs being let off Macron’s office said he would veranda,” said Sister Irene, the lines earlier this year after a The sticking point is how to backstop would be temporary inside the massive station, visit the affected areas “as soon mother superior. jihadist attacker killed four keep open the land border — Brussels wants no time limit, which hosts many shops and as possible,” while Prime Min- The nun’s body was later people in a shooting spree, between Northern Ireland and arguing that by its nature, the cafes. ister Edouard Philippe, who is found under trees outside the including a police officer who EU member Ireland after insurance policy must be But police could not also the acting interior minister, convent. took the place of a hostage. Britain leaves the bloc’s single permanent. confirm any details as they was headed to the Aude region Elsewhere, flash floods Two more died in Ville- market and customs union. “If the EU were not to co- rushed to evacuate the later yesterday. overturned cars, ripped up gailhenc, and one in Villalier. May said the EU had agreed operate on our future rela- building. The rescue operations also streets and battered buildings Around 1,000 people were to “explore” her proposal to tionship, we must be able to Officers had later been in appear to have postponed an and bridges, especially to the evacuated in the area of Pezens, keep Britain aligned with the ensure that we cannot be kept touch with the attacker to expected announcement on a north of Carcassonne where also near Carcassonne, amid bloc’s customs rules until a in this backstop arrangement determine his demands and government reshuffle, prompted authorities ordered bridges fears that a nearby dam could wider trade deal could be indefinitely,” Theresa May whether he was armed. by the sudden resignation of closed because of the rising burst. agreed that resolved the need said.

Prince Harry & Meghan expecting first child REUTERS since their wedding in May and are near future,” Harry had said in a TV delighted to be able to share this happy interview when they announced their SYDNEY: Prince Harry and his wife news with the public,” the couple’s Ken- engagement in November last year. Meghan are expecting their first child in sington Palace office said in a statement. The child will not be a prince or a the Spring of 2019, around a year after The news emerged shortly after the princess unless the queen authorises such their glittering wedding injected royal couple landed in Australia for their a title before the birth. Instead, royal Hollywood glamour into the British royal first overseas tour, a busy trip which will experts said if a boy, the child would offi- family. also take in New Zealand and the South cially be styled the Earl of Dumbarton - Harry, 34, younger son of heir-to-the- Pacific islands of Tonga and Fiji. one of Harry’s subsidiary titles - and Lady throne Prince Charles, married the US British media said Harry and Meghan Windsor if a girl. television star Meghan Markle in May at broke the news of their pregnancy to the “My warmest congratulations to the a ceremony that mixed traditional British royal family on Friday, when they Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the happy pomp with a gospel choir and other nods attended the wedding of Harry’s cousin news they are expecting a baby in the to her American heritage. Princess Eugenie at Windsor Castle, Spring,” British Prime Minister Theresa ritish media said Meghan, 37, was where Harry and Meghan themselves May said on Twitter. “Wishing them all the believed to be about 12 weeks pregnant. were married five months ago. best.” The baby will be seventh-in-line to the There had been media speculation After their arrival in Australia yesterday, British throne. for a number of weeks that Meghan might Meghan and Harry were escorted by a A file photo of Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (right) and Britain’s “Their Royal Highnesses have appre- be pregnant, and the couple had made motorcade to the residence of Australia’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Joff Youth Centre in Peacehaven ciated all of the support they have no secret of their desire to have children. Governor-General on Sydney’s north in East Sussex, southern England. received from people around the world “Hopefully we’ll start a family in the shore. 18 AMERICAS TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 Trump assesses storm damage in Florida

AFP they had homes,” Trump said of people whose houses were swept PANAMA CITY: President off their foundations as the Donald Trump visited Florida Florida’s Governor monster storm hit. yesterday to view the destruction Relief workers who arrived caused by the hurricane. Rick Scott thanked in the aftermath of the hur- Michael smashed into Flor- Donald Trump for ricane set up water and food ida’s western coast on federal aid, saying distribution centers, as cars Wednesday as a powerful Cat- that everything the formed long queues in front of egory 4 storm, packing winds of the few gas stations open for 250 km per hour as it began a state asked for had business. northern march through several been delivered. More than half of Bay states on the United States’ County, which includes Panama southeast coast, killing at least City, was still without electricity 17 people. The governor thanked yesterday morning, while “Just arrived in Florida,” Trump for federal aid, saying that several inland counties were Trump tweeted upon arrival, everything the state asked for more than 80 percent cut off, having left Washington with his had been delivered. according to emergency service wife Melania in the morning. Florida’s Panama City, along officials. “Also thinking about our GREAT with the small seaside resort of “Right now it’s just survival,” US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (second right) with other officials during Alabama farmers and our many Mexico Beach, were left partic- said Daniel Fraga, a resident of their tour to the areas ravaged by Hurricane Michael, in Lynn Haven, Florida, yesterday. friends in North and South ularly devastated, with thou- Panama City. “The good thing is Carolina today. We are with sands of homes and businesses we all came together, we all help located between Panama City is around $150m, which soars to statement. you!” destroyed. each other. We are in this and Mexico Beach, suffered over $330m when research and “Our maintenance profes- The president, who was also Power lines and telephone together.” extensive damage and reports development are priced in. sionals will do a detailed due to visit Georgia, spoke briefly networks remained out of The US Army, National Guard had speculated on the fate of a “Visually, they were all intact assessment of the F-22 Raptors with reporters alongside Flor- service in many neighborhoods, and police have been criss- number of F-22 fighter jets that and looked much better than and other aircraft before we can ida’s Governor Rick Scott, whom with only major highways crossing the area, which at dusk could not be flown out ahead of expected considering the sur- say with certainty that damaged he praised for “doing an cleared. goes dark. Michael’s arrival. rounding damage to some struc- aircraft can be repaired and sent incredible job.” “You wouldn’t even know Tyndall Air Force Base, The unit cost of the aircraft tures,” the Air Force said in a back into the skies.” Trump reiterates doubts on climate change

AP trillions of dollars. I don’t want Atmospheric Administration Trump’s comments came to lose millions and millions of show that the world hasn’t had just days after a Nobel Prize- WASHINGTON: President jobs.” a cooler-than-average year winning Intergovernmental Donald Trump is backing off his Trump called climate change since 1976 or a cooler-than- Panel on Climate Change issued claim that climate change is a a hoax in November 2012 when normal month since the end of a warning that global warming hoax but said he doesn’t know he sent a tweet stating, “The 1985. would increase climate-related if it’s manmade and suggests that concept of global warming was Trump also expressed doubt risks to health, livelihoods, food the climate will “change back created by and for the Chinese over scientists’ findings linking security, water supply, human again.” in order to make US manufac- the changing climate to more security and economic growth. In an interview with CBS’ turing non-competitive.” powerful hurricanes. The report detailed how “60 Minutes” that aired yes- He later said he was joking “They say that we had hur- Earth’s weather, health and eco- terday, Trump said he doesn’t about the Chinese connection, ricanes that were far worse than systems would be in better shape A file photo of Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) during the want to put the US at a disad- but in years since has continued what we just had with Michael,” if the world’s leaders could National Press Club in Washington, DC. vantage in responding to climate to call global warming a hoax. said Trump, who identified somehow limit future human- change. “I’m not denying climate “they” as “people” after being caused warming. “I think something’s hap- change,” he said in the interview. pressed by “60 Minutes” corre- Citing concerns about the Senator Warren releases pening. Something’s changing “But it could very well go back. spondent Leslie Stahl. pact’s economic impact, Trump and it’ll change back again,” he You know, we’re talking about She asked, “What about the said in 2017 that the US will leave DNA analysis to prove said. “I don’t think it’s a hoax. I over a ... millions of years.” scientists who say it’s worse than the Paris climate accord. The think there’s probably a dif- As far as the climate ever?” the president replied, agreement set voluntary green- ference. But I don’t know that “changing back,” temperature “You’d have to show me the sci- house gas emission targets in an Native American lineage it’s manmade. I will say this: I records kept by Nasa and the entists because they have a very effort to lessen the impact of don’t want to give trillions and National Oceanic and big political agenda.” fossil fuels. AFP erations ago.” The result appears to tie in WASHINGTON: A US Senator with what Warren has said seen as a top contender for the about her family lore of a great- Suspension on Democratic presidential nomi- great-great-grandmother who nation in 2020 has released a was at least partially Native F-35 jets lifted DNA test providing “strong American. evidence” that she has Native Warren, who was raised in following crash American ancestry after her Oklahoma but represents Mas- claims had been mocked by sachusetts, was planning an BLOOMBERG Donald Trump, a report said. elaborate rollout of the results Elizabeth Warren, a leading in order to dispel questions voice from the left of her party, from Republican critics that WASHINGTON: The has been derisively called “Poc- have dogged her for years, the Pentagon has lifted a ahontas” by the president and Globe said. suspension on flights for most accused of lying about her her- At a campaign-style rally in of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s itage in order to gain advan- July Trump revived the attack F-35s after the jet’s first crash tages in her career including a in a challenge to Warren: “I will prompted inspections of the plum teaching job at Harvard. give you a million dollars to fleet. But an analysis of her DNA your favorite charity, paid for “After completing inspec- performed by Stanford Uni- by Trump, if you take the test tions, more than 80 percent versity professor Carlos D. Bus- and it shows you’re an Indian.” of operational F-35s have tamante concluded that while “I have a feeling she will been cleared and returned to “the vast majority” of Warren’s say no,” the US president added. flight operations,” the ancestry is European, “the Warren’s move is remi- Defense Department’s F-35 results strongly support the niscent of Barack Obama’s program office said yesterday existence of an unadmixed decision in 2011 to release his Electoral campaign in a statement. “All US Native American ancestor,” the long form birth certificate fol- services and international Democratic candidate for Congress, Harley Rouda speaks to supporters in Huntington Beach, Boston Globe reported. lowing years of haranguing led partners have resumed flying California, yesterday. Rouda is running as a Democrat in traditionally Republican Orange County to Bustamente calculated that by Trump, who pushed the con- with their cleared aircraft.” Warren’s Native American spiracy theory that the nation’s unseat the 15-term Republican incumbent Dana Rohrabacher. Flights had been sus- ancestor appeared in her family first black president was born pended last week for inspec- tree “in the range of 6-10 gen- in Kenya. tions of a fuel line that inves- tigators believe may have contributed to the crash of an F-35B, the Marine Corps model of the plane, near Trial begins on Harvard University admissions bias lawsuit Beaufort, South Carolina, on September 28. REUTERS challenges the use of race as a which aims to offset historic pat- Asian-Americans applicants out- to play a factor in those scores, Replacement fuel lines factor in college admissions terns of racial discrimination, performed other racial groups Mortara said. “There’s no other are available for about half of BOSTON: Harvard University decisions. hurts white people and Asian- on academic measures, yet that possible explanation”. the remaining planes and discriminates against Asian- The lawsuit, backed by Americans, who outperform was not necessarily borne out on But William Lee, a lawyer for others “are expected to be American applicants in order to Trump administration, could other minority groups on aca- Harvard’s campus, Adam Harvard, told US District Judge cleared for flight over the illegally limit how many it eventually reach the Supreme demic measures. Mortara, a lawyer for SFFA, said Allison Burroughs that SFFA’s coming weeks,” according to admits, a lawyer for a group Court, giving the newly SFFA, which is headed by in his opening statement claims were based on heavily the statement. suing the school said yesterday cemented five-member conserv- anti-affirmative action activist yesterday. manipulated data and “invective More than 320 F-35s are at the start of a closely watched ative majority a chance to bar the Edward Blum, claims Harvard Harvard pushes down the accusations and innuendo.” already operating from 15 trial. use of affirmative action to help illegally engages in “racial bal- scores Asian-Americans receive “Harvard never considers an bases worldwide, although The trial in federal court in minority applicants get into ancing” that artificially limits the on “personal” rating that applicant’s race to be negative,” the Pentagon and Lockheed Boston pits the Ivy League school college. number of Asian-American stu- measures an applicant’s sub- Lee said. “If it considers race at continue to wrestle with against Students for Fair Admis- Conservatives have long dents at the elite school. jective likability, grit and posi- all, it is always considered in a resolving more than 900 sions, whose 2014 lawsuit argued that affirmative action, Even statistics showed tivity and improperly allows race positive way.” deficiencies. TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018 AMERICAS 19 US unveils task force on transnational crimes

AP charges against MS-13 members, including racketeering, gun and WASHINGTON: Attorney tax law violations. He also des- General Jeff Sessions created a ignated the gang as a “priority” new task force aimed at zeroing Attorney General Jeff to a multiagency task force that in on the three of the world’s Sessions designated has historically focused on drug most notorious drug cartels and five groups as trafficking and money laun- the brutal MS-13 street gang, top transnational dering, which he called a “pow- already considered a top priority erful weapon to use against this for federal law enforcement. organized crime vicious gang.” Speaking to a group of threats and said the The gang, also known as La federal prosecutors yesterday, new task force will Mara Salvatrucha, is generally Sessions designated five groups “develop a plan to known for extortion and violence as top transnational organized rather than distributing and crime threats and said the new take each of these selling narcotics. MS-13 members task force will “develop a plan to groups off of our are suspected of committing US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions (centre) during a news conference on efforts to reduce transnational take each of these groups off of streets for good.” several high-profile killings in crime at the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, in Washington, DC, yesterday. our streets for good.” New York, Maryland and Vir- Sessions, who been on the ginia. On New York’s Long As part of initiative, prose- The subcommittees investi- Formed by the Iranian Rev- receiving end of relentless verbal both illegally and as unaccom- Island, where more than two cutors will lead specialized sub- gating the drug cartels are led by olutionary Guard in 1982 to fight jabs from President Donald panied minors to wreak havoc. dozen people are believed to committees focusing on each of prosecutors who have charged Israel’s invasion of Beirut, Hez- Trump and may be in the final He has held up the gang as a have been killed by the gang the organizations and will report drug kingpins and led cases that bollah has morphed into a pow- stretches of his tenure, was reason for stricter immigration since 2016, officials have back to Sessions within 90 days resulted in the seizures of mil- erful political player in Lebanon, speaking directly to one of the policies meted out by Sessions arrested hundreds of MS-13 on the best ways to prosecute the lions of dollars. running its own media and com- president’s prime targets amid and others. members, Sessions said. groups, he said. The group focusing on Hez- munication channels and pro- the administration’s broader “With more than 10,000 The task force announced The groups include the bollah will include prosecutors viding government-like services crackdown on immigration: members in the United States, yesterday will allow federal Sinaloa Cartel, Cartel de Jalisco who specialize in narcotics traf- to followers in its strongholds. MS-13. this gang is the most violent gang prosecutors to better target pri- Nueva Generacion and Clan del ficking, terrorism and organized The US considers Hezbollah Trump has said MS-13 gang in America today,” Sessions said. ority organizations and make Golfo, as well as Lebanese Hez- crime and will also investigate a terrorist organization and has members from the stronghold of Last year, Sessions directed prosecutions “more effective,” bollah, which the US considers anyone providing support for the previously hit the group with El Salvador are coming to the US officials to pursue all possible the attorney general said. a terrorist organization. organization, Sessions said. sanctions.

Report finds California cuts electricity as wildfire precaution Oklahoma school AP PG&E previously PG&E said it expected to Munnerlyn said he is in Vir- country north of San Francisco. bus traveling too announced its plan restore power yesterday night ginia visiting a sick relative and Utilities in Southern Cali- SAN FRANCISCO: Concerned to shut off power to most customers — though received three text messages fornia also said they were con- fast during crash about downed power lines some residents won’t get elec- Sunday night from PG&E saying sidering shutting off power to an preemptively after AP sparking wildfires, a major Cali- tricity back until today. it might cut power, but he didn’t undetermined number of fornia utility for the first time cut authorities blamed “We know how much our know it actually happened until customers. power to tens of thousands of its power lines for customers rely on electric a friend called him. Strong wind gusts swept LAMPASAS: An Oklahoma customers amid high winds — sparking some of service, and we have made the “They knew what they were across the region with the arrival school bus that hydroplaned and other power providers were California’s most decision to turn off power as a going to do obviously,” Munnerlyn of the first fall Santa Ana winds on a wet road and crashed in considering similar action. last resort given the extreme fire said. “We weren’t given enough — hot, sustained gusts that blow Central Texas last month, Pacific Gas & Electric began destructive wildfires. danger conditions these commu- notice to properly prepare.” from the desert to the ocean. injuring nearly everyone cutting power on Sunday night nities are experiencing,” PG&E PG&E spokeswoman Melissa A motorist in the Orange onboard, was traveling at an in Northern California after the billions of dollars in wildfire spokesman Pat Hogan said. Subottin said power was also cut County city of Tustin was killed unsafe speed for the condi- National Weather Service damages and has sought ways PG&E said it began notifying to hospitals and other medical when a eucalyptus tree fell on tions, according to a Texas warned of extreme fire danger to limit its liability in the courts affected customers on Saturday providers that are required to her car in an apartment complex. Department of Transpor- across the state because of high and the state Legislature. about possible outages. have backup power sources. The victim was 34. No further tation report. winds, low humidity and dry PG&E said about 87,000 cus- However, many said Monday PG&E officials visited 4,400 details were released. The bus crossed into the vegetation. tomers had their power halted they had received little or no medical customers in the Southern California Edison wrong lane on September 29 PG&E previously announced and more could be left in the notice. affected areas to personally warn spokesman David Song said as it was making a left hand its plan to shut off power dark depending on the weather. Stewart Munnerlyn was them of the outages, she said. about 32,000 of its 5 million cus- curve on US 281 near Lam- preemptively after authorities Some 60,000 customers scrambling to find generators to The weather service pre- tomers were experiencing power pasas, 100km northwest of blamed its power lines for remained without power save $8,000 worth of ice cream dicted winds gusting to 89 kph in outages, but no shutdowns had Austin, the report said. C sparking some of California’s Monday afternoon. Schools in at his creamery shop in Pine the Sierra foothills east of Sacra- been ordered by the utility. Song leveland Elementary most destructive wildfires. those affected areas canceled Grove, about 89km east of mento. High winds were also said Edison was investigating the School principal Ty Bell, who The utility expects to pay classes. Sacramento. expected in the state’s wine cause of those outages. was driving the bus, took “faulty evasive action” and overcorrected, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle, the report said. Ecuador ends isolation Officials said the bus of WikiLeaks founder rolled over and struck a fence.

REUTERS Man charged in be arrested and eventually extradited to the United States Detroit eatery QUITO: Ecuador has restored if he leaves the embassy. partial Internet access to WikiLeaks, which pub- shooting deaths WikiLeaks founder Julian lished US diplomatic and mil- Assange, who took refuge in the itary secrets when Assange ran AP country’s London Embassy the operation, faces a US grand more than six years ago, jury investigation. WikiLeaks and an Assange “The main issue, the DETROIT: A 29-year-old lawyer said separately. requirement for the United man has been charged with The move comes nearly six Kingdom to give an under- murder in the deaths of three months after the Ecuadorean taking that Julian would not be men who were gunned down government suspended extradited to the US, remains inside a fastfood restaurant Assange’s communications in unresolved,” Barns said in Detroit . March, after he discussed issues yesterday. William Wilbourn-Little on social media that could Friends and supporters of of Detroit was jailed pending damage the country’s diplo- Assange said he has had contact his next court hearing after Honduran migrants fleeing from poverty and violence travel in a truck as part of their journey in a matic relations, including a dip- only with lawyers since appearing on Saturday by caravan toward the United States, after leaving Ocotepeque, Honduras, yesterday. lomatic crisis between London Ecuador suspended his com- video for arraignment on and Moscow as well as Cata- munications with the outside charges including first-degree lonian separatism. world. murder, being a felon in pos- “Ecuador rolls back @Julia- WikiLeaks recently Over 1,500 Honduran migrants join caravan to US session of a firearm and using nAssange isolation,” WikiLeaks announced that one of a firearm in the commission AP said in a message on Twitter. Assange’s longtime associates, enter Guatemala because they to robbery and assault that often of a felony. The change was also con- Kristin Hrafnsson, had taken lack official identification plague migrants. Court records yesterday firmed by Assange’s Australian over from him as WikiLeaks MEXICO CITY: Hundreds more documents. Families arrived with infants don’t list a lawyer who can legal adviser, Greg Barns, who editor in chief. Hondurans have joined a The migration began to swell in their arms and toddlers in speak on his behalf. called it “a welcome As a 2016 presidential can- caravan of migrants moving after local media coverage of the strollers. They packed light, Police have said two men development.” didate, President Donald Trump toward the country’s border initial group whose members most carrying little more than a wearing masks walked up to An Assange spokesman said praised WikiLeaks for pub- with Guatemala in a desperate had agreed to depart together on backpack. the White Castle on Detroit’s that his communications have lishing hacked emails that attempt to flee poverty and seek Friday from a bus station in San The caravan formed just one west side just after midnight been only partially restored. embarrassed his Democratic new lives in the United States. Pedro Sula, one of the most dan- day after US Vice-President September 9 and fired shots Assange took refuge in opponent, Hillary Clinton. Dunia Montoya, a volunteer gerous cities in Honduras. Mike Pence urged the presidents inside the restaurant before Ecuador’s London Embassy But Trump administration assisting the migrants, said that Hundreds more soon joined of Honduras, El Salvador and fleeing on foot. after British courts ordered his officials have condemned the group had grown to an esti- the ranks, wagering a mass exit Guatemala to persuade their cit- Authorities said that extradition to Sweden to face Assange, while a federal grand mated over 1,500 people from could improve their chances for izens to stay home. “Tell your 25-year-old Rashawn Har- questioning in a molestation jury continues a long-running an initial 160 who first gathered getting over borders. people: Don’t put your families rington, 24-year-old case. That case has since been criminal investigation of early Friday in a northern Hon- Many had already planned at risk by taking the dangerous Trevaughn Anthony and dropped. WikiLeaks and its personnel, a duras city. to leave Honduras and also felt journey north to attempt to 20-year-old DeShawn But friends and supporters US official recently Montoya said many in the traveling in numbers could enter the United States Gadson were pronounced said Assange now fears he could confirmed. group might not be allowed to lessen chances of falling victim illegally”. dead at the scene. 20 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 16 AM GE brings supersonic private jets closer to reality SHOROOK 05. 32 AM The twin-shaft, twin-fan ZUHR 11. 20 AM MAGHRIB 05. 08 PM design will slash travel ASR 02. 38 PM ISHA 06. 38 PM times by hours after 50 years in which the average WEATHER TODAY speed of private jets has increased only 10 percent, GE said in a statement yesterday.

BLOOMBERG

DALLAS: General Electric Co. has completed its initial design for the first commercial supersonic aircraft engine in decades, a major hurdle for devel- oping private planes and, perhaps eventually, jetliners that fly faster than the speed of sound. The twin-shaft, twin-fan design will slash travel times by hours after 50 years in which the average speed of private jets has increased only 10 percent, GE said in a statement yesterday. A digital rendering of the Aerion AS2 Supersonic Business Jet provided by Aerion yesterday. The engine is being designed for Aerion, a startup backed by Texas bil- lionaire Robert Bass, who has been flies clients who buy fractional own- contributing to the demise of the last Tom Vice said in the statement. The trying to develop a supersonic ership of an aircraft, agreed in 2015 supersonic commercial plane. Aerion AS2 will fly at 1.4 times the speed of o o business jet for more than a decade. to buy 20 of the planes. Aerion is tar- is hardly alone in the race to develop sound. If that plane is successful, 30 C 38 C “Instead of going faster, cabins geting the aircraft’s first flight in 2023, civilian planes that fly faster than the Aerion is planning other aircraft Minimum Maximum have increased in size and become followed by a commercial debut in speed of sound. including a commercial jet, Vice said. more comfortable and range has 2025. Boom Technology Inc., a Colorado “Our mission is to enhance global become longer,’’ Brad Mottier, GE vice The engine will be able to meet startup, is developing a 45-to-55 seat mobility with supersonic speed, Expected thundery rain associated with strong wind and high sea. president for business aviation, said noise and emissions rules while flying plane capable of connecting New York starting with business aviation, and in a statement. “The next step is faster than the speed of sound over and London in about three hours. following with successively faster and

HIGH TIDE 10:15 – 20:00 LOW TIDE 02:00 – 19:15 speed.’’ The engine design bolsters water and decelerating to slower Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. and Japan larger designs for business and com- Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Aerion’s goal of putting a supersonic speeds over land. Airlines Co. have said they intend to mercial aviation,’’ he said. plane in the sky next decade. Lockheed Most countries still ban breaking purchase the aircraft. The next milestone for the GE Martin Corp. is helping with design and the sound barrier because of sonic GE is paving the way for non-mil- engine is in 2020 when it will be ready production of Aerion’s AS2 plane, booms. The booms and loud engine itary aircraft to return to supersonic to begin detailed design and “test- which would seat 12. Flexjet, which noise hobbled flights of the Concorde, flight, Aerion Chief Executive Officer article production,’’ Mottier said. Robots can save us from phone scammers Apple iPhone to soon decode BLOOMBERG appointments, and/or Nobel prizes. But friends or family members will get a new binge eating maybe Google is going to change that. cell phone, and they’ll have to chat with LOS ANGELES: These days it seems that Last Tuesday, the company announced your robot before getting to talk with virtually every phone call is either spam Google Call Screening, a new feature on you. But at least eventually they will get disorder or a scam — someone is trying to sell the company’s Pixel phones, which can to talk with you -- which might not IANS you a cheap credit card, Lasik eye pick up calls from unknown numbers happen at all in today’s equilibrium, surgery or land someplace you can’t find and ask questions so you can figure out where you just ignore unknown on a map. And you don’t even get the whether you actually want to speak with numbers. SAN FRANCISCO: A team of pleasure of real human interaction — the caller. Answering robots will be even more researchers in the US is set to the call comes from a robot, who only It’s not yet clear how well the tech- valuable when they get good enough to use Apple iPhone and Watch puts a person on the line once you’ve nology will work. But even just as a identify non-spam callers and put them to track binge eating disorder signalled you’re an easy mark. glimpse of things to come, it’s pretty through directly. But maybe most among people. Of course there’s a National Do Not exciting. intriguing is the potential for antispam According to University of Call Registry, but the investigators who Google’s antispam bot will save you robots to turn the tables on the North Carolina’s Center of operate it can’t keep up with the scale from the spam bot! (“Exciting news: You spammers. If enough people have robots Excellence for Eating Dis- of robocalling — and scammers aren’t can improve your credit score today!” screening their calls, then robospammers orders, if you are 18, have an worried about breaking the law anyway. “I’m sorry Dave; I’m afraid I can’t do might find it hard to get through to real iPhone (model 5 or newer), and It’s gotten to the point that most of that.”) The screening bot will verbally humans — dealing with the have a current or lifetime expe- us (this correspondent included) don’t engage the spam robocall; you can roboscreeners will take up much of their rience with binge eating dis- pick up calls from numbers we don’t rec- glance at a screen readout of their time. Perhaps one day the roboscreeners order (BED) or bulimia nervosa ognise. And consequently, everyone exchange in amusement if you want to, might even be designed to talk to the (BN), you can participate in the misses hearing about homeowners asso- or just ignore it. robospam bots and convince them to study titled “Binge Eating ciation meetings, rescheduled dentist Of course, sometimes one of your put their human operators on the line. Genetics Initiative” (BEGIN). “The goal of the BEGIN study is to better understand the genetic factors that may be associated with binge-eating Being less affectionate can disorder and bulimia nervosa in order to develop better treatments for the millions of make your child anti-social people who suffer from these illnesses,” the university said IANS identical twin pairs. The team on its website. analysed small differences in The researchers will use the NEW YORK: Parents, take the parenting that each twin Recovery Record app on iPhone note. Your less affectionate and experienced to determine to record the participants’ mood, harsher behaviour towards whether these differences pre- food and goals for 30 days. your children can make them dicted the likelihood of anti- They will ask the partici- aggressive and anti-social, a social behaviours emerging. pants to provide a sample of new study has found. They also assessed child their saliva and bodily The findings suggest that behaviour by asking the bacteria. less parental warmth and more mother to report on 35 traits “Once you enroll in the harshness in the home envi- related to aggression and CU BEGIN study using your ronment affect how aggressive traits. iPhone, we will send you a children become and whether The researchers found that ‘BEGIN box’ via FedEx that will they lack empathy and a moral the twins who experienced include everything that you compass — a set of character- stricter or harsher treatment need to participate in the istics known as callous-une- and less emotional warmth study,” the university said. motional (CU) traits. from parents had a greater According to a report in “The study convincingly chance of showing aggression CNBC on Monday, the uni- shows that parenting — and and CU traits. A subsequent iPal social robot versity hopes to recruit 1,000 not just genes — contributes to adoption study, of parents and A worker puts finishing touches to an iPal social robot, designed by AvatarMind, at an assembly participants. Each participant the development of risky children who were not biolog- plant in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China. will be given a free Watch from callous-unemotional traits,” ically related, turned up con- Apple and researchers will said co-author Luke Hyde, sistent results. monitor their heart rate. Associate Professor at the Uni- “We couldn’t blame that on versity of Michigan, US. genetics because these “Because identical twins children don’t share genes with have the same DNA, we can be their parents,” said lead author Ketogenic diet prevents cognitive decline: Study more sure that the differences Rebecca Waller, Assistant Pro- IANS in parenting the twins received fessor at the University of The findings, published in suggested that neurovascular University of Kentucky in the US. affects the development of Pennsylvania. the journal Frontiers in Aging integrity might be regulated by “Neurovascular integrity, these traits,” Hyde added. “But it still didn’t rule out NEW YORK: Consuming a Neuroscience, showed that the the bacteria in the gut, so we set including cerebral blood flow For the study, published in the possibility that something ketogenic diet — high levels of stomach and the brain are more out to see whether the ketogenic and blood-brain barrier the Journal of the American about the child’s genetic char- fat and low levels of carbohy- closely connected than we once diet enhanced brain vascular function, plays a major role in Academy of Child and Ado- acteristics was evoking certain drate — can help prevent thought, and in fact the health function and reduced neurode- cognitive ability,” Lin added. The lescent Psychiatry, the reactions from the adoptive cognitive decline, according to of one can affect the other.\ generation risk in young healthy team examined the effect of diet research team involved 227 parent,” Waller added. a new study on mice. “Recent science has mice,” said Ai-Ling Lin from the on cognitive health on mice.