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Thursday 27 December 2018 | 20 Rabia II 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7753 | 2 Riyals

Trump arrives Qatar's trade surplus EXPORTS AND IMPORTS IN NOVEMBER in Iraq on rises by 28.1%, hits surprise visit QNA QR16.2bn last month BAGHDAD US President Donald Trump 28.1 % QR25.7bn arrived yesterday in Iraq on QNA According to a surprise visit to inspect US DOHA Increase in Total exports of goods figures released by forces. trade surplus from Qatar Trump’s visit comes days Qatar’s foreign merchandise the Planning and after the announcement of trade balance, which represents Statistics Authority, the withdrawal of US troops the difference between total the total exports from Syria. exports and imports, showed a of goods (including During his visit to a mil- surplus of about QR16.2bn, an itary base in Iraq, Trump said increase of about QR3.6bn or exports of goods of QR3.6bn 19.1 % he had no plans to withdraw 28.1 percent in November 2018, domestic origin and from Iraq, saying Iraq could compared to same month in re-exports) amounted Rise in trade surplus Increase in total exports of goods be used as a base if he 2017, and decreased by nearly wanted to do anything in QR2.8bn or 14.8 percent to around QR25.7bn Syria. compared to October 2018. in November Increase in imports The US President is According to the Planning 2018, showing an QR9.5bn of goods from Qatar accompanied by First Lady and Statistics Authority, which increase of 19.1 Melania Trump and a few released preliminary figures of group of assistants. the value of exports of domestic percent compared to propane, butane, etc) reaching 18.1 percent of total exports, fol- showing an increase by 18.4 goods, re-exports, and imports November 2017. QR15.4bn approximately in lowed by South Korea with percent, and in third place was for November 2018, the total November 2018, an increase of almost QR4.6bn and a share of “Turbojets, turbo propellers & exports of goods (including 25.3 percent, Petroleum oils & 17.7 percent, India with about other gas turbines; parts thereof” Qatar-China visa exports of goods of domestic increase of 6.4 percent over oils from bituminous minerals QR3bn, a share of 11.6 percent. with QR0.3bn, a decrease of 37.1 origin and re-exports) amounted November 2017. However, on a (crude) reaching about QR4.4bn, In November 2018, the group percent. exemption pact to around QR25.7bn in month on month (M-o-M) basis increased by 18.3 percent and of “Motor cars & other passenger In November 2018, United November 2018, showing an the imports decreased by 2.8 decrease in the Petroleum oils & vehicles” was at the top of the State of America was the leading enters into force increase of 19.1 percent com- percent. oils from bituminous minerals imported group of commodities, country of origin of Qatar’s imports pared to November 2017, and The year on year (November (not crude) reaching QR2bn, with QR0.4bn, showing a with about QR1.9bn, a share of 20.1 QNA decreased by 10.7 percent com- 2018 to November 2017) increase decreased by 12.3 percent. decrease of 20.9 percent com- percent of the imports, followed DOHA pared to October 2018. in total exports was mainly due In November 2018, Japan pared to November 2017. by China with almost QR1.2bn, a The imports of goods in to higher exports of Petroleum was at the top of the countries of In second place was “Parts of share of 12.9 percent, and An official from the November 2018 amounted to gases and other gaseous hydro- destination of Qatar’s exports Balloons etc; Parts Of Aircraft, Germany with QR0.7bn, a share Department of Consular around QR9.5bn, showing an carbons (LNG, condensates, with close to QR4.6bn, a share of Spacecraft etc” with QR0.3bn, of seven percent. Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visa exemption agreement for the citizens of the State of Qatar and the People’s Republic of China, entered Cabinet approves anti-money laundering draft law into force on December 21, 2018. QNA system from exploitation by sheep meat and the regulation measures for the ratification of: appropriate decision: The letter DOHA criminal elements. of its trading. An agreement on the encour- of H E the Minister of State for Following the meeting, Min- The Cabinet, moreover, agement and protection of Energy Affairs on the The Cabinet which met yesterday ister of Justice and Acting Min- approved a draft memorandum mutual investments between the amendment of some provisions Qatar Visa Center with Prime Minister and Interior ister of State for Cabinet Affairs of understanding on the pro- Government of the State of Qatar of a number of legislative Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al vision of explosives control and the Government of the instruments. to be inaugurated Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani in the Nuaimi stated that the Cabinet equipment to enhance the Republic of Rwanda. The letter of H E the Minister chair approved a draft law on reviewed topics on its meeting’s security of civil aviation at A Memorandum of Under- of Justice and Acting Minister of in Islamabad today Anti-Money Laundering and agenda. Hamad International Airport in standing for Economic, Com- State for Cabinet Affairs on the Countering the Financing of The Cabinet also approved Qatar between the Ministry of mercial and Technical Cooper- 4th and 5th annual reports of THE PENINSULA Terrorism. a draft law on preventive Transport and Communications ation between the Government the National Committee for DOHA The draft law replaces Law measures against animal- of the State of Qatar and the of the State of Qatar and the Gov- International Humanitarian No. 4 of 2010, in light of the mod- originated infectious and epi- Department for Transport in ernment of the Republic of Law. As part of implementation of ernisation of international demiological diseases in the the United Kingdom, and a Rwanda. The memorandum of H E the the first phase of the Qatar standards of Anti-Money Laun- GCC countries, and a draft draft letter of intent between A twinning agreement Minister of Public Health on the Overseas Visa Centers dering and Countering the decision by the Minister of the Municipality of Doha in the between the Municipality of results of the 4th meeting of the Project, Qatar Visa Center Financing of Terrorism, and Commerce and Industry State of Qatar and the Gov- Doha in the State of Qatar and Ministers of Health Committee will be inaugurated today in enables financial institutions and amending some provisions of ernment of the Autonomous the Municipality of Quito in the and the 81st meeting of the Islamabad, Pakistan's capital competent authorities to deal decision No. 2 of 1988 City of Buenos Aires in the Republic of Ecuador. Council of Ministers of Health of city. effectively with financial crime, regarding the maximum prices Argentine Republic. The Cabinet then reviewed the GCC countries (Kuwait - Another center will be thus protecting the economic for the sale of Australian It also took the necessary the following topics and took the October 2018). inaugurated in Karachi, Pakistan on Saturday (December 29). The inaugu- ration of these centers is in order to facilitate the Qatar skies to see world’s largest Culture Ministry launches recruitment of expatriates by facilitating their recruitment process including medical kite fly in record attempt award for drama writing tests in their home countries. MOHAMAD BWARY The kite’s height is 66 Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al QNA Ministry said that the award THE PENINSULA metres and width 40.5 metres Thani,” Al Khayarin tweeted DOHA includes theatrical, television and Al Khayarin told The Peninsula yesterday. film drama totalling $300,000, World’s largest kite will be flown yesterday. “The idea came to my mind The Ministry of Culture and distributed equally as follows: in Qatar on Saturday in an The kite will be flown on with the siege imposed on Sports announced the $100,000 for theatrical text, attempt to enter the Guinness Saturday, December 29, 2018, Qatar last year, where I tried in launching of “Doha Award for $100,000 for TV scenario and Public Health SPONSORS PHCC Anesthesiology marks Qatar Department Book of World Records. at Al Daayen beach after Dhuhr July after one month of the Drama Writing”, as an annual $100,000 for film scenario. National at the Al-Ahli Day 2018 Hospital MAIN SPONSOR PAGE | 2 PAGE | 4-5

The kite is made in the prayer, in the presence of offi- siege to do something that prize for drama, television and The award law and condi- SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018

FAZEENA SALEEM Middle East, Western Asia, and THE PENINSULA Africa region to receive the Extra- corporeal Life Support Organiza- he health care tion’s (ELSO) Award for Excel- system of the lence in Life Support (Gold Level) colours of Qatar national flag cials from Guinness Book of carries the name of Qatar high film drama writers with a view tions for candidature will be country has further for its extracorporeal life support improved this year, program. Also called extracor- with the opening of poreal membrane oxygenation new services and Better (ECMO), the therapy is used as a Tfacilities. Several ambitious strat- last resort support system for the egies were launched with an aim lungs or heart and has helped to provide integrated and high save the lives of around 100 quality health care to the people infants, children, and adults in of Qatar. Qatar since first being introduced with a picture of the Amir H H Records. in the sky. to enhancing their role in their announced in the first quarter The National Health Strategy health, at HMC in 2014. 2018-2022 launched by the Min- The PHCC, responsible for istry of Public Health (MoPH) providing primary care services reflects that the development of in the country, opened new a nation’s health system not only Health and Wellness Centres at sustains well-being and treats ill Muaither, Al Wajba and Health health, but is also a critical and Wellness Centres at Muaither investment in its communities better and Al Wajba. The centres are Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al “This initiative is part of my “For this purpose I made one noble mission towards their of 2019. and future. designed to enhance the health With the motto ‘Our Health and wellbeing of the population Our Future’ it aims at improving through their facilities and health of Qatar’s population, services. meeting the needs of existing and The Fareej Abdulaziz Health future generations; an integrated care Center for male expatriate was system that aims to achieve better opened and it’s the fourth expa- health, better care, better value triate workers’ health center to for all. be operated by Qatar Red Thani. dream to enter Qatar’s name in kite measuring 120 square societies by contributing to the Last November, the Min- The strategy has identified he Crescent Society under an seven priority population groups agreement with MOPH, has a on the basis of the existing demo- capacity to handle 20,000 vis- graphic and health needs of iting patients per month. Qatar’s population. They rep- World Innovation Summit for resent the life course of an indi- Health (WISH), an initiative of vidual, reflect major events and Qatar Foundation (QF) brought The kite named “Al Majd Guinness Book through some metres. The kite was launched development of drama writing istry of Culture and Sports experiences that may occur in a gathered around 2,200 kite” (The glory kite) is the work related to the Qatar on December 24, last year as an as a tool for developing organized the “First Forum of brainchild of Qatari poet National Day. I am trying to experimental step in collabo- awareness about human issues Drama Writers” which will be Included with Hussain Al Khayarin. The make this dream come true by ration with India technical and a source of drama that held annually with the partici- massive kite, which measures flying the largest kite in the skies team", he said. The event was elevates the soul and elevates pation of many intellectual today’s edition is a 2,673 square metres, was tested of Doha carrying Qatar flag and attended by crowds of public aesthetic taste. elites and writers from the Arab special supplement in Beijing, China. the image of the Amir H H and media. `P5 In a statement yesterday, the world. 02 HOME THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018

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everyday new deals THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 03 QNTC to bolster Qatar’s position as Ashghal set to open new temporary world-class sports destination road parallel to Al Shamal Road THE PENINSULA DOHA THE PENINSULA DOHA Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has been working to The Public Works Authority, leverage the country’s state-of- ‘Ashghal’, will open a temporary the-art sports facilities to bolster 3.5-kilometre road parallel to Al Qatar’s position as a world-class Shamal Road linking Izghawa and sports destination. Al Gharrafa areas on Saturday In 2019, Doha will host the (December 29). World Corporate Games, which Designed in coordination will be held for the first time in with the General Directorate of the Middle East and is expected Traffic, the new road will be A view of the newly-constructed temporary road. to attract about 8,000 interna- active for approximately three (3) tional and local participants. years to allow the completion of QNTC is also continuing its road works at Al Shamal Road Al Oyoun Street. Al Gharrafa. support for local sports events and to reduce traffic on the During this time road users Likewise, road users trav- such as the Esrar Race, AlAdaid heavily congested highway. The travelling southbound on Al elling from Al Gharrafa towards Desert Challenge, Doha Triathlon new road extends from the Shamal Road towards Al Gharrafa Izghawa and Al Shamal via Al and the Qatar Motorcycle Grand Izghawa Street to the junction of will be required to follow the Oyoun Street can use the new Prix (MotoGP). This year, Qatar Al Oyoun Street. It also provides installed signage and exit approx- temporary road and steel bridge. is hosting 131 exhibitions and con- exit from, and access to Al Shamal imately 300m before Izghawa The Public Works Authority ferences in various fields. In 2018, Road. The new road which Intersection (Exit 5). At the will install road signs advising Qatar won the rights to host six includes a 100 meter steel bridge junction of Izghawa Street, drivers motorists of the traffic shift and major business events to be held will provide two (2) to three (3) will need to take a left turn on to has requested all road users to between 2019 and 2022 with a lanes in each direction and three the new temporary road and con- abide by the posted speed limit at prospective number of partici- (3) signalized junctions at Izghawa tinue straight, crossing the tem- 60kph and follow the road signs pants reaching up to 2,400. Street, Al Ghezlaniya Street and porary steel bridge until reaching to ensure their safety. Local exhibitions continued to attract visitors and participants from Qatar and the world. In this regard, more than 1,000 brands took part in the Doha Jewellery QF to organise THIMUN Qatar conference on Jan 22 and Watches Exhibition, the Arabian Fashion Exhibition and destination. In 2018, six repre- ranked Qatar as the most open QNA will become agents of meaningful have been conducting sessions and the Qatar Motor Show, attracting sentative offices were opened in country in the Middle East and the DOHA change and, consequently, the carrying out research in order to more than 65,000 visitors in three of the world’s largest visitor 8th most open country in the leaders of tomorrow,” says Head be able to represent their 2018, Qatar National Tourism source markets - China, India and world. And, according to the latest Qatar Foundation (QF) will of THIMUN Qatar Fatima El Mahdi. appointed countries. Council said while highlighting Russia. According to Euromonitor Guest Experience in the Middle organise eighth annual THIMUN “Today’s youth is the future of Additionally, as part of the achievements of Qatar in tourism 2018, Doha was ranked among East Report, released by hospi- Qatar conference from January our world, and by providing event, THIMUN Qatar will be part- sector in 2018. the Top 100 City Destinations tality and travel data providers 22-25, 2019. opportunities for young people to nering with the United Nations Among the most important worldwide. Olery, Qatar’s hospitality sector The Doha-based Model United discuss, negotiate, and debate, Office on Drugs and Crime’s Edu- developments is the Amiri decree In November 2018, QNTC has further improved its guest Nations (MUN) conference — the through initiatives such as cation for Justice (E4J) initiative, to establish Qatar National launched Qatar’s first global des- experience ranking from first largest in the Middle East — will THIMUN, we are helping to cat- which will see many UNODC offi- Tourism Council (QNTC) under tination campaign. Under the place among the GCC to first place bring together nearly 1,800 stu- alyze global change, and build a cials serve as sessional speakers the chairmanship of Prime Min- tagline ‘Qatar. Qurated for you.’, in the Middle East. dents from over 67 schools around better world for generations to at the event. “Not only will the par- ister and Interior Minister H E the campaign brings to life Qatar’s Thanks to Doha’s hassle-free the world to role-play as diplomats come,” says El Mahdi ticipants interact with peers from Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin focus on tailored visitor experi- locations with magnificent ball- and ambassadors through imi- This year, the theme of the around the world, build new net- Khalifa Al Thani , effectively fast- ences that celebrate its heritage, rooms and manicured vistas that tation sessions of United Nations’ conference is ‘Peace, Justice and works of knowledge and per- tracking the development initia- and is being rolled out in eight regularly cater to clients who councils, commissions, and con- Strong Institutions,’ inspired by UN spective, and learn about different tives outlined in the National languages across 15 existing and have an appetite for modern ferences, discussing and debating Sustainable Development Goal 16 countries, cultures, traditions, Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS). targeted priority markets tar- luxury, grand entertainment and international issues to create (SDG 16). The participants will be customs, and beliefs, they will also QNTC has made significant geting 250 million travellers mouth-watering delights, Qatar purpose-led solutions to debating a range of topics that fall be given the unique opportunity efforts in diversifying visitor around the world. Thanks to the is emerging as an attractive worldwide problems. under the SDG 16 - all of which to learn from the experts them- source markets and promoting numerous steps Qatar has taken wedding destination for couples “At Qatar Foundation, we have significant global relevance. selves: the UNODC representa- Qatar as an attractive tourism to ease visitor access, the UNWTO looking to tie the knot abroad. strive to create global citizens, who Over the last few months, students tives,” says El Mahdi. 04 HOME THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 Qatar Armed Forces provide Mali’s Ooredoo is Silver Sponsor for army with several armored vehicles Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 QNA THE PENINSULA chance to warm up and prepare for the 2019 Grand DOHA DOHA Slam events such as the Australian Open, on the calendar two weeks later in Melbourne, The Air Transport Wing of the Ooredoo announced yesterday that it will continue Australia. Amiri Air Force transported its support for the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Director PR and today 24 military armored 2019 event as a Silver Sponsor. Corporate Communications at Ooredoo, said of personnel carriers on board The ATP 250 tournament, a popular fixture the support: “We’re delighted to be partnering three C-17 military aircraft to the on the tour, is set to be held at the Khalifa Inter- with the ATP Tour again this year, as we place Republic of Mali. national Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha from great emphasis on supporting sporting events that This mission is part of the December 31, 2018 until January 5, 2019. raise awareness of health and fitness within our efforts of the State of Qatar, rep- World number 1 Novak Djokovic has con- communities. resented by Qatar Armed firmed he will kickstart his season at the tour- This is a key part of our CSR strategy of pro- Forces, to contribute to sup- nament, and he is set to be joined by other stellar moting a broad range of sports and healthy living porting the peace process and players including world number 8 Dominic Thiem, initiatives that encourage us all to get fit, and we laying the foundations for sta- Nikolov Basilashvili, David Goffin, Karen look forward to another exciting event with lots Military armored vehicles. bility in the Republic of Mali. Khachanov and this year’s French Open semi- of great tennis being played.” Such efforts will also con- finalist Marco Cecchinato. Tickets for the 2019 Qatar ExxonMobil Open tribute to strengthening inter- only in the Republic of Mali but operations were overseen by a 2019 will be the 27th year of the Qatar Exx- will be on sale online at qatartennis.org and via national efforts to combat ter- also in the Sahel countries number of senior officers of the onMobile Open and the tournament serves as the ExxonMobil booths at City Centre, Landmark, and rorism and establish security not known as the G5. The airlift Qatar Armed Forces. opener for the tennis season, offering players the Villaggio

Qatar International Qatar, Dominican Court, Kuwaiti January events at Republic sign MoU judicial delegation QNL to highlight for cooperation in discuss joint ties sports field self-development QNA QNA SANTO DOMINGO DOHA THE PENINSULA Healthcare Center, will lead an DOHA interactive workshop focusing The State of Qatar and the The Qatar International Court and on the value of emotional intel- Dominican Republic signed a judicial delegation from the Visitors from across Qatar can ligence. The workshop, taking a memorandum of under- Officials pose for a photo after the meeting. State of Kuwait have discussed kick-start the year by taking part place on January 12, will answer standing (MoU) for cooper- ways to strengthen joint cooper- in a series of unique events at questions related to measuring ation in the field of sports. ation mechanisms, especially in During the meeting, they dis- legislative development in the Qatar National Library in and improving emotional intel- Acting Charge d’Affaires at judicial fields. cussed issues of common State of Qatar. Chief Executive January 2019. The events focus ligence. Academics, researchers, the Embassy of the State of This came during a meeting concern, the role of the Interna- Officer of Qatar International on opportunities for essential students, and the wider com- Qatar in the Dominican held at the Court’s headquarters tional Court of Qatar, the nature Court stressed the importance of continuing education for munity are invited to attend an Republic, Khalid Mohammed between Chief Executive Officer of the cases in which it is con- exchanging expertise between everyone. informative talk entitled, ‘A Al Sharshani and Dominican of Qatar International Court Judge cerned, the mechanism of con- the two brotherly countries in Children are encouraged to Digital Journey to the Past: Minister of Sports and Faisal bin Rashid Al Sahouti and sideration and the levels of liti- legal and judicial matters within take part in the ‘Children’s Inside the Qatar Digital Library,’ Recreation, Danilo Diaz the Kuwaiti delegation repre- gation therein, as well as the elec- the framework of keenness to Library Winter Book Swap’, on January 8. The talk will be signed the MoU. sented by President of the Court tronic development achieved by develop the legislative and from January 1 to 5, and jointly conducted by Dr James The MoU aims to of Appeal and Director of Institute the Court to achieve a speedy judicial cooperation. exchange their books with new Onley, Director of Historical enhance cooperation in the for Judicial and Legal Studies justice. At the end of the meeting, the titles for the winter months. Research and Partnerships at field of sports. Owayed al Thowaimer and The Kuwaiti delegation Kuwaiti judicial delegation Those interested need to register Qatar National Library, and Director of Kuwait Institute for toured the Court’s facilities and expressed pleasure to hear about at the Library on January 1 and Richard Davies, Head of the Legal and Judicial Studies and arbitration chambers, where the the experience of the Qatar Inter- 2, and receive participation British Library — Qatar Foun- Deputy Director of Kuwait Chief Executive of the Court gave national Court of Qatar, praising tickets. dation Partnership in London. Katara launches Institute for Legal and Judicial a detailed explanation of the juris- the qualitative shift made by the On January 11, award- The two speakers will shed light Studies Fahd Abu Slait. diction of the Court and the Court since its establishment. winning author Omar Khawaja on the British Library records third edition of will hold a story time for that have been part of the Qatar children at the Library, and will Digital Library since 2014, and Mahaseel shopping talk about his famous storybook the future of the online platform. series, Ilyas & Duck. The books On January 5, aspiring artists festival combine characters, which are invited to take part in readers can relate to, with beau- ‘Golden Leaf Canvas Painting THE PENINSULA tiful illustrations and compelling with Hobby House Qatar.’ Par- DOHA stories to provide kids with a ticipants will have the chance to unique reading experience. practice their artistic skills at the Within its commitment to Hind Al Khulaifi, Manager event by creating their own support and promote local of Children’s and Young Adults’ masterpieces through the use of production of the agricul- Library, said, “Our programs and golden leaf on canvas, which is tural and livestock sector, events in January are uniquely an integral part of the Arab and the Cultural Village Foun- designed to suit the needs of Islamic culture. dation (Katara) will launch everyone.” On January 19, the Library’s the third edition of the Dr Mamoun Mobayed, Con- Science Book Forum will hold Mahaseel shopping festival sultant Psychiatrist and Director its first session of the year, next Monday. of Treatment and Rehabilitation entitled: ‘The Amazing Story of Around 22 local farms, Department at the Behavioral Qatar’s Tsunamis and Floods.’ flowers nursery and six other national companies for dairies and meat products are all partici- pating in the market of Mahaseel this year. The market features Qatari farms selling various types of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants and local companies offering food products related to live- stock, in addition to natural honey produced by the Qatari farms and the best varieties of local dates. Twenty-two Qatari farms and six major national companies specialised in producing and selling sheep meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and natural juices are participating at the souq. The festival also offers several entertainment and awareness activities for children and adults to enhance the experience of visitors and educate them on the best practices while shopping. The activities will also include workshops on plan- tation and flowers arrangement, in addition to some essential agricultural knowledge. Mahaseel serves as a good marketing platform for local farms, which offer reasonable prices for their produce. THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 05 QU hosts event to honour students & faculty with special needs

THE PENINSULA achieving success and enrolling they are valuable members of the DOHA in their desired majors and university community. colleges.” This event is only a small Qatar University’s (QU) Foun- Hayat El Samad, Assistant token of our appreciation for the dation Program Department of Director for Student Affairs, in the collaborative efforts of everyone English (FPDE) at the Deanship of FP, explains the aim of the event involved in promoting total General Studies in collaboration saying, “In an effort to continu- inclusion and equity in the distri- with the Inclusion and Special ously create a positive university butions of learning opportunities Needs Support Center (ISNSC) experience for all students, the for progressive development of hosted an appreciation event to goal of this event is to facilitate the our students.” honor students and faculty. integration of students with Dr. Khalid Khader Consultant The event aimed to promote special needs in the university for ISNSC said, “The vision of the inclusion and encourages students community and to increase the center focuses on two methods of with special needs and disabilities communication opportunities transformation projects to make to feel more welcome as pro- among all students in the the inclusion of students with ductive members of the Foun- university.” special needs a reality. dation Program (FP) family. Head of FPDE’s, Mohammed The first targets the quality of During the event, students Manasreh, talked about the services provided to students with who participated in the Special responsibility of the adminis- special needs, the second targets Needs Helper Training Work- tration and said, “It is the ongoing the systemic change in educa- A student being awarded with appreciation letter. shops were awarded certificates mandate of our department to tional policies, community out- of attendance and special needs provide every support possible to reach and physical and digital student helpers who facilitated promoting general student administrators shared their investing educational resources facilitate the academic and per- accessibility. Our vital objective is training workshops as peer involvement by honing their lead- thoughts, reflections and words and exerting efforts to provide sonal growth and success of all FP to widen access to learning and trainers were awarded certificates ership skills and promoting com- of encouragement. services that facilitate academic students including students with create an inclusive learning envi- of recognition. Student Support munities of learning that help all Dr. Hazem Al Awah, Director success for students with special special needs and disabilities. We ronment for all students including Committee in Foundation students achieve their full aca- of the Founding Program, said, needs and disabilities.” FP, he hold our students to the highest students with special needs Program introduced the peer demic potential. During the event, “FP management office in collab- added, “is playing a significant standards and expectations and (visible, invisible or undiagnosed training initiative with the aim of selected students, teachers and oration with ISNSC team are role in supporting students do our best to make them feel that disability).” Lulu Center revamped into supermarket-cum-department store

THE PENINSULA The refurbished store show- There is also a huge area on the DOHA cases a fresh food section con- first and second floors dedicated sisting of a wide assortment of to department store, which houses Lulu Center Department Store – the fruits, vegetable, dairy products, almost all categories including gar- first project of LuLu’s operations in poultry, meat, fish, bakery, and hot ments, electronics, IT products, sta- Qatar started in the year 2000 and and cold ready-to eat food and all tionery, household, linen, luggage, situated on Al Rayyan Road opposite other import ranges. Exclusive sports and home appliances. to Hamad Medical Corporation - display of Organic and ‘free from The store also features the A view of the refurbished Lulu Center. opened for the shoppers last worry’ food ranges that offer widest choice of world-class Thursday after revamping into a extensive import line of Gluten- brands and product lines at the supermarket-cum-department free, Lactose free, Dairy free, Yeast fairest prices. Lulu’s winning showrooms for jewellery, optics, amazing year end offers on assortment of products catering store. The renovated store is free, Wheat free, Vegan, Organic, formula of value for money and watches, perfumes, mobiles and Mobiles, Electronics and to the tastes and preferences of expected to become the shopping Fat free, Nut free, Soy free, Salt free, quality shopping will be a matter accessories etc. Household appliances have been every customer. destination of choice for the resi- GM free, Egg free, free range, no of delight for the shoppers who will The renovated showroom has launched. Understanding customers’ dents living in and around of Al sugar, no additives, no preserva- cherish the pleasurable shopping many special promotions in the Lulu stores have always needs and providing them with Saad, Fereej Al Nasr and Bin tives, no hydrogenated fat and experience and the economy it Supermarket and ‘Sale up to 50%’ turned out to be a one-stop shop quality products at fair prices Mahmoud, and will further boost other specialty food imported from offers. The renovated store also has offers on selected categories in for the multi-ethnic community have always remained the secret LuLu’s retail presence in the country. around the world. a good tenant mix consisting of the Department Store. Also of the region with an international behind the success of Lulu retail. Qatar skies to see world’s largest kite fly FROM PAGE 1 explained. The The launch on Saturday will be attended by minimum time many interested guests and experts from Australia, required for the New Zealand, India and other countries, along the kite to stay in the Guinness World Record team, local and foreign sky is 20 minutes media and will be open for the public. and I hope the “I was wishing to launch the kite during the weather will be National Day, but for technical reason and Guinness convenient for Book requirements we could not do it. As well that on Saturday, National Day event is full of activities.” he added. During the launch small kites with picture of H Al Khayarin H the Amir, Qatari flag and motto of the National who is also poet, Day will be distributed among kids coming with their and holds a families to see the launch, Al Khayarin (pictured) degree from the Sorbonne, MA on political science from UK, has launched around ten initia- tives since the imposition of the siege on Qatar on June 5, 2017. On the other hand, Al Khayarin pointed out that kite as sport is very popular in Far East, Europe and America and it is not much known in this region. In 2005, Kuwait achieved the highest record with kite’s area of 950sqm which was launched during its national day celebration in Kuwait. He added that China made in 2013 a kite with area of 1200 sqm but failed to meet Guin- ness’s requirement and hopefully Qatar will achieve The kite during its test flight. world record this year.

Qatar’s teachers graduate from hands-on robotics training at CNA-Q THE PENINSULA Engineering, Mathematics) in The training was developed so DOHA the nation’s classrooms. The free that students can advance their training sessions are offered in STEM skills, while developing Nearly 50 secondary teachers both English and Arabic during other 21st century skills such as in Qatar graduated from a the evenings. teamwork and innovation. 10-part robotics training course Since CNA-Q started hosting “Robotics is part of a organised and hosted by College the robotics teacher-training worldwide movement to of the North Atlantic-Qatar program, hundreds of teachers encourage hands-on skills (CNA-Q). It was the second in the country have been trained training and immersion in tech- group of teachers trained this to bring applied STEM education nology for youth,” said Samah year. into their classrooms. Gamar, Vice-President — Aca- The training takes place in Teachers are offered up to demic at CNA-Q. partnership with the Ministry of 30 hours of instruction in “We strongly believe in the Education and Higher Edu- robotics programming at importance of an early intro- cation, who have been instru- CNA-Q. duction to programming and mental in ensuring teachers take These teachers then bring robotics as a pathway to greater part in robotics training, to their training back into the awareness of the many oppor- encourage students’ interest in classroom to teach students how tunities provided by a career in STEM (Science, Technology, to build and program robots. STEM. 06 HOME / MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018

QU hosts Entrepreneurial Showcase Event THE PENINSULA general public to view and DOHA each student gave visitors presentations about their Qatar University’s (QU) Foun- business ideas in English. dation Program Department of They also administered English (FPDE), along with the surveys to use as market Center for Entrepreneurship research for each of their (CFE), a center under the respective topics. College of Business and The event also held a com- Economics (CBE), recently held petition for best project, with “The Entrepreneurial Showcase each poster being evaluated by Event.” English Faculty team and CFE The event is a demon- members. The top three stration of CBE students’ projects for female and male Dr Hezam Yahya Al Awah (second right), Director of Foundation Programme, Qatar University, giving awards. RIGHT: A medical card designed work on a course project students were awarded tro- by student Aisha Al Sulaiti. related to inventing ideas for phies and prizes at the end of new businesses in Qatar. The the event. event exhibited 82 business “The Entrepreneurial is an opportunity for the QU com- being done at FPDE and how they innovative learning methods to abilities in English and promoting ideas on posters for the Showcase Event” munity to see the work that is are working with the CFE in using enhance students’ communicative entrepreneurial spirits. Fully furnished units at Ezdan Village 28 start from QR3,300

The development facilities and different-size mosque, club and nursery and renovation units. have been painted as well. The company has carried Ezdan Real Estate has been works at Ezdan out a series of renovations, renovating its villages and Village 28 in Al which included painting the compounds spreading in buildings, fences, gates and Doha, Al Wakra and Al Wukair Wukair, which doors, in addition to providing according to a well-timed comprises 606 the residential units with new scheme to enhance its service housing units, are and modern furniture, bedding to customers and ensure and electric appliances. Ezdan’s prominence in real now available for Rehabilitation of the estate market. It is progressing rent. buildings included the floors in renovating other villages in and installing new kitchen cab- Al Wukair, where revamp inets. The overhauling works completion will be revealed THE PENINSULA also extended to repairing the in the forthcoming period. DOHA external parking canopies and Last year, the company the pavements of the public managed to fully renovate Ezdan Real Estate, subsidiary site. The main entrance was three residential buildings in of Ezdan Holding Group, repaired and additional light- Ras Abo Abboud, Doha. announced yesterday that it ening poles were installed as Ezdan Holding Group has completed the devel- well. owns around 34,000 mixed- opment and renovation works Ezdan also refurbished the use real estate units in Doha, at Ezdan Village 28 in Al facilities, including play- Al Wakra and Al Wukair. The Wukair which comprises 606 ground area and the 350 sq group is currently gearing up housing units, and fully metre swimming pool. The to launch the second phase of furnished units in the property main stadium and the gym- the Ezdan Oasis in Al Wukair. are available for rent which Renovated housing units at Ezdan Village 28 in Al Wukair. nasium have been equipped It consists of more than 9,500 starts from QR3,300. with modern sports residential and commercial The renovation work was Development and Renovation earlier. The village features a families and individuals equipment. The external units. It features a fully inte- part of ‘Ezdan Real Estate Program’ launched two years suitable compound for thanks to integrated services, structure of the supermarket, grated city in Al Wukair zone. Do not expect justice from UN: Erdogan Malabar Gold & Diamonds picks raffle draw winners ANATOLIA ANKARA Malabar Gold & Diamonds announced the first set of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that no justice raffle draw winners of their should be expected from the UN. ongoing campaign ‘Win up to “Do not expect anything like justice from the UN Security Council and 2 kilos of gold & up to 100% the United Nations, do not search for it, there is no such thing [there],” cash back’ in the presence Erdogan said at an award ceremony for Scientific and Technological of Nasser Mohammed Md Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and Turkish Academy of Sciences Al Bulainni, official from the (TUBA). Erdogan said that Muslims are not given the right to speak about Ministry of Economy and their issues and international problems at the UN Security Council. Commerce; Noufal Thadathil, “The fact that the Islamic world, which has a population of 1.7 billion, Zonal Head; Raju T Johny, does not have a permanent member in the UN Security Council as a result Deputy Branch Head and other of this irregularity,” he added. management team members The Turkish president went on to say that this is the reason he calls of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. for reforms in the UN Security Council under his slogan “the world is Ibrahim Mohamed (coupon bigger than five.” number 07790), Bijino Haridas (coupon number 13836), Laila Al Boaing (coupon number 18013) and Suganthi Sudharaj (coupon number 16109) have won 100 grammes of gold bar each.

Ministry reviews multi-service charitable project in Java

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reviewed the details of its multi-service charitable project in Java, Republic of Indonesia. The Ministry organized an intro- ductory lecture on the project, believing in the importance of its awareness role in support of charitable works in the State and abroad. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry participates with its charitable project in a program organized by Qatar Charity in cooperation with Holy Quran radio. During the lecture, the Ministry’s team participating in the program reviewed their experience during the field visit to the project site in Java, Indonesia, and made a presentation on this charitable project and its details, highlighting that it will benefit more than 1,600 people and will be carried out on an area of 2786 square meters, and will provide many services for students and orphans. The value of the ministry’s charitable project is about QR2.468m and contains a furnished school with the administration for the preparatory and secondary stages and a furnished residence for female students, along with an integrated mosque and a sewing area for 24 machine, as well as shops, sports stadiums and an artesian well. THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 UN-led monitors meet in Hodeida as clashes test truce

AFP A truce in Hodeida the same day that they had HODEIDA and its surroundings recorded at least 31 violations went into effect on in the past 24 hours by pro-gov- A UN-led team tasked with December 18 but ernment troops, according to the monitoring a ceasefire met Houthi-run Al Masirah TV. yesterday in Yemen’s flashpoint has remained shaky, The war between the Shia city of Hodeida, after sporadic with the two sides Houthi rebels and troops loyal clashes underscored the fragility accusing each other to President Abdrabuh Mansour of the truce which began last Hadi escalated in 2015, when he week. of violations. fled into Saudi exile and the The ceasefire in the rebel- Saudi-led military coalition held city, whose Red Sea port is intervened. vital for millions at risk of star- of Cammaert’s mission. Since then, the war has vation, is part of a peace push A truce in Hodeida and its killed some 10,000 people, seen as the best chance yet of surroundings went into effect according to the World Health Turkish Armed Forces’ armoured military vehicles and personnel carriers are being dispatched to ending four years of devastating on December 18 but has Organization, although human support the units at the Syrian border in Kilis, in Hatay, Turkey, yesterday. conflict. remained shaky, with the two rights groups say the real death A pro-government official sides accusing each other of toll could be five times as high. said that loyalist members of the violations. The conflict has unleashed committee overseeing the truce Government forces — a major humanitarian crisis and Russia accuses Israel of gross violation went to the Union Palace Hotel backed by a Saudi-led coalition pushed 14 million Yemenis to in the east of Hodeida city to — and the Iran-aligned Houthis the brink of famine. take part in the meeting. exchanged gunfire for a few A coalition official warned of sovereignty in Syria strikes “We are expecting a good hours last morning. The sound of a renewed offensive on outcome,” said the official, who of heavy artillery could be heard Hodeida if violations of the AFP that its air defences shot down and came as “two airliners, not requested anonymity. to the east of the city. ceasefire persist. MOSCOW Israeli missiles near Damascus, from Russia, were preparing to Retired Dutch general An official for the Saudi-led “We look forward to sup- while Israel said it was pro- land at the airports of Beirut and Patrick Cammaert is heading the coalition said on Tuesday that porting Cammaert in his efforts... Moscow yesterday said Israel had tecting itself from anti-aircraft Damascus”. joint committee, which includes 10 pro-government troops had we genuinely hope he succeeds, violated Syria’s sovereignty with fire. Moscow’s defence ministry He said restrictions were both government officials and been killed since the ceasefire but if not, we reserve the right airstrikes the day before, after earlier said Israeli strikes had imposed on the use of Syrian Huthi rebels, and chaired its first went into force, accusing the to recommence an offensive to Israel and Damascus blamed each endangered two passenger government forces’ air defence face-to-face meeting. Houthis of 183 violations. liberate the city,” said the official other for the hostilities. planes. systems “to prevent a tragedy”. According to a Yemeni “The fact of the matter is, who spoke on condition “We are very concerned by “The provocative actions of One of the planes was redirected official, government members unfortunately, that the Houthis anonymity. the attacks and how they were the Israeli air force.. directly to a Russian airbase within headed to the sit-down in UN are clearly looking to provoke Cammaert arrived in made. This is a gross violation threatened two airliners,” min- Syria. The Russian defence min- vehicles. a response from the coalition Hodeida on Sunday from the of the sovereignty of Syria,” the istry spokesman Igor Konash- istry said three Syrian military UN spokesman Stephane and no one is holding them rebel-held capital Sanaa, after Russian ministry of foreign enkov said in a statement. personnel were injured in a Dujarric has described the accountable,” he said. meeting with government offi- affairs said in a statement. He said the attack came strike that saw Israeli warplanes meeting as “one of the priorities” The rebels, in turn, said on cials in Aden. Syria said via state media from over Lebanese territory drop 16 bombs.

Palestinian Speaker barred Israel advances plans for nearly 2,200 settler homes from Ramallah AFP approvals since snap polls were watchdog said in a statement. government agreed Monday to “We’ll see an attempt by the JERUSALEM called earlier this week. It said 1,159 housing units dissolve parliament and call for left-wing to overthrow our rule AP A defence ministry com- were given final approvals early elections on April 9. with the help of the media and RAMALLAH Israeli authorities have advanced mittee with responsibility for before building permits can be Settlements play an others,” he said, speaking of the plans for nearly 2,200 settlement such projects on Tuesday and issued, while 1,032 were at an important role in Israeli right- elections. “They can’t succeed, Palestinian police have barred homes in the occupied West yesterday approved the plans, earlier stage. wing politics, and Netanyahu because if they do -- that will the Hamas-affiliated Speaker Bank, the Peace Now NGO said which are in various stages of the Israeli Prime Minister Ben- met with settler leaders earlier pose a clear danger to the set- of the Palestinian parliament yesterday, the first such approval process, the settlement jamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Wednesday in Jerusalem. tlement movement.” from entering the West Bank city of Ramallah. Speaker Aziz Dweik had been set to hold a press con- 18 arrested in Tunisia ference in Ramallah to crit- icise President Mahmoud FREE VEHICLE Abbas’ decision to dissolve the amid violent protests Palestinian legislature, which RECALL is controlled by the rival AP Hamas movement. TUNIS Palestinian police turned Dweik away from the city, Tunisian authorities have arrested 18 people during protests that saying parliament’s disso- erupted after the death of a journalist who set himself on fire to lution “has come into effect” protest economic problems in the North African nation, officials and “no one can say he is a said. Thirteen were arrested in the provincial city of Kasserine speaker or member of the and five others in Tebourba, near Tunis, Interior Ministry council.” spokesman Sofiane Zaag said. Abbas’ decision last Clashes between police and Tunisian authorities took place in week to disband the non- several regions over the past two days after journalist Abderrazak functioning parliament is Zorgui posted a video online before his self-immolation in Kas- mostly symbolic, signaling serine describing his desperation and calling for revolt. He the deepening divide expressed frustration at unemployment and the unfulfilled promises between his Fatah party and of Tunisia’s 2011 Arab Spring revolution. Hamas. The most violent protests took place in Kasserine, in west The bitter split traces back central Tunisia, where police used tear gas to disperse stone- to 2007, when Hamas throwing demonstrators. According to ShemsFM radio, the mil- wrested control of Gaza, rel- itary was deployed to help police tackle the protests and secure egating Fatah rule to parts of state buildings. In Tunis, dozens of protesters gathered on Bour- the Israeli-occupied West guiba Avenue — the capital city’s main road — to protest costs of Bank. living increases and chanted slogans hostile to the regime. DR Congo delays election for months

AP inauguration three days later. opposition candidates on KINSHASA Congo’s election has been Tuesday accused the electoral delayed for more than two commission of being “deter- BMW X5 The Democratic Republic of years, leading to sometimes mined to organise chaotic elec- Congo’s already long-delayed deadly protests. Opposition tions.” The commission’s pres- Manufacturing 2018 election set for Sunday will be parties have said they will not ident, Corneille Nangaa, on Year postponed for months in certain accept further delays of the vote Monday said the election would communities where a deadly to choose a successor to take place on Sunday unless Malfunctioning of the vehicle camera system Ebola virus outbreak has infected longtime President Joseph “there is a war and nobody can DEFECT hundreds of people, the electoral Kabila. The election already had go out and vote.” commission announced. Some in been pushed from December 23 Parts of eastern Congo, the opposition called it a ploy to to Sunday after a fire in the where the Ebola outbreak has Contact the dealer for the free required repair PROCESS hurt their chances at the polls, capital, Kinshasa, destroyed become the second deadliest in with more than 1 million voters voting materials. history, face the daily threat of affected. “This is completely inac- deadly attacks from rebel Al Fardan Automobiles The election in and around ceptable,” presidential can- groups. The insecurity has hurt CONTACT Phone: 44065555 Beni and Butembo in North Kivu didate Martin Fayulu, the leader efforts to contain the Ebola out- [email protected] province, and Yumbi in Mai- of an opposition coalition, said break, which since being Ndombe province, will be in after the latest delay. “We cam- declared on August 1 has seen March instead, the commission’s paigned in those territories, life 583 cases of the virus, including For any consumer protection issues please contact us on the hotline 16001 statement said. That’s long after has not stopped.... We cannot more than 300 confirmed Congo’s “definitive” presidential erase 1.2 million voters just like deaths. The electoral com- election results are set to be that.” mission cited insecurity for the announced on Jan. 15, with the Fayulu and seven other latest delay. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL A computer-generated image of the Lusail Stadium. Curbing tobacco menace he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched a World’s most innovative football stadiums campaign to raise awareness about Law No. 10 of T2016 on the control of tobacco and its derivatives. The campaign aims to encourage general public to follow rapidly taking shape in Qatar the tobacco control laws and emphasize the penalties for any violation of the law to tobacco users and businesses QNA traditional Bedouin tent, Al Bayt Most of our stadiums will include dealing in tobacco products. Stadium looks set to be an iconic Qatar demountable upper tiers. These will The law prohibits smoking in closed public places and e have passed a number 2022 venue, while Al Wakrah Stadium make way for facilities which the in vehicles carrying minors, which can attract a fine of of exciting milestones inspired by the late Zaha Hadid will community can use on a daily basis, QR3,000. Shops that allow indoor tobacco use or the sale during 2018, which cul- reflect the citys seafaring traditions. and ensure we have fitting post-tour- of tobacco products to minors will face steep fines and up minated with unveiling Another unique design is coming nament usage of the new buildings we to three months’ closure of the shop. Under the law, no Wthe design for Lusail Stadium the to life with the development of Al are creating. advertisement for tobacco or its derivatives are allowed venue that will host the opening and Thumama Stadium, which was With 2018 we also say goodbye to and the law bans the sale of electronic cigarettes. final matches of the 2022 FIFA World designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim a great year of learnings for our team Use of tobacco can lead to a multitude of health Cup. M. Jaidah. This venue will be shaped as we actively participated in the 2018 problems. The tar in cigarettes coats the lungs and can With just like the traditional gahfiya headdress FIFA World Cup Russia . A delegation cause lung and throat cancer in smokers. Carbon mon- under four and symbolise what football means to of 120 SC employees, that included all oxide in cigarettes reduces the amount of oxygen available years to go young people across the region. of the project managers that are deliv- to the muscles, brain and blood forcing the whole body, until the Al Rayyan Stadium has also ering our unique stadiums, worked especially the heart, to work harder. Over time, this causes tournament grown rapidly, with its glowing closely with the LOC during the tour- the airways to narrow and as a result blood pressure rises With just under kicks off, we façade, made from patterns that nament and gained great experience leading to heart attack and four years to go have reached characterise different aspects of the in stadium management, crowd man- stroke. High levels of carbon the peak con- traditional Qatari houses, soon to be agement, ticketing, security and monoxide together with nic- until the tourna- struction installed. As well as Education City maintenance. otine, increase the risk of heart ment kicks off, we phase. Seven Stadium, that we nickname diamond While stadium construction work disease, hardening of the have reached the stadiums are in the desert, and where the extraor- continues to advance, at the most arteries and other circulatory currently dinarily complex big lift was recently Northern tip of Qatar, the SC tree Tobacco problems. peak construction under con- completed. nursery is growing thousands of trees consumption Long-term effects of phase. Seven sta- struction, Innovation drives everything we and the grass for the stadium precincts alone accounts smoking include increased risk diums are current- with two set do across our infrastructure port- and pitches, using recycled water. for nearly 5.4 of stroke and brain damage, eye ly under construc- to be com- folio. In May 2017, when we inaugu- We want to enthrall fans who visit cataracts, muscular degener- pleted in the rated Khalifa International Stadium Qatar for the first FIFA World Cup in million deaths ation, yellowing of whites of tion, with two set very near our first tournament venue we the Arab world. All our stadiums are per year and eyes, loss of sense of smell and to be completed future: Al showcased cooling technology for designed to enhance the fan expe- one billion taste, tooth decay, bad breath, in the very near Wakrah the benefit of fans and players. While rience and will be equipped with the people may die cancer of the nose, lip, tongue Stadium and the outside temperature was 38 C, it latest technology, sound systems and and mouth, laryngeal and pha- future: Al Wakrah Al Bayt was just 22 C inside the open-air acoustic designs that make for an in this century if ryngeal cancers, chronic bron- Stadium and Al Stadium Al stadium. Everyone who attended incredible atmosphere. global tobacco chitis and coughing, asthma, Bayt Stadium Al Khor City, was amazed. And as we all know thanks to consumption stomach and bladder cancers, Khor City, said Ya- said Yasir Al We also remain committed to Qatars compact tournament plans stomach ulcers, damaged Jamal, Vice building stadiums with a sustainable fans who attend our World Cup will remained at the sperm and reduced sperm sir Al Jamal, Vice Chairman of legacy that eliminates white elephants. have the chance to attend more than current levels. leading to impotence. Chairman of the the Technical The prime example of this thinking is one match a day, as the longest dis- Tobacco consumption alone Technical Delivery Delivery Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. Here, we tance between venues is just 55km, a accounts for nearly 5.4 million Office, challenged ourselves to push the short journey that will be seamless deaths per year and one billion people may die in this Office, Supreme Supreme boundaries of what is possible in terms thanks to the invaluable support of century if global tobacco consumption remains at the Committee for De- Committee of stadium engineering. The resulting key stakeholders such as Ashgal and current levels. livery & Legacy. for Delivery & design is a fully demountable venue, Qatar Rail. All these facts should act as an eye-opener to the thou- Legacy. built in part from shipping containers, 2018 has been a landmark year for sands of chronic smokers and they should strictly follow Football fans locally and across the which can be dismantled and used to our project and we are looking the restrictions being imposed by the authorities and listen world have some exciting designs to create new facilities after the forward to making further progress in to the warnings issued by health practitioners. look forward to. Inspired by the tournament. 2019 and beyond. There are several laws aimed at curbing the spread and use of tobacco products across the world and thousands of people are being punished for violations of such laws on daily basis across the world. Without people’s commitment and awareness, no law can wean smokers from the habit. How cargo ships can go green Smokers should understand that they are committing a very slow suicide which can be easily avoided by strong BLOOMBERG these intermittent power sources. has cold-ironing requirements at its will power and getting the right treatment and advice from Other technologies needing further commercial ports. Other states and health professionals. hipping is the lifeblood of experimentation include zero- nations should follow its example. The State of Qatar is doing whatever possible for the global commerce - more than emission hydrogen fuel cells and bio- And then there is, literally, the well being of its people and it is commendable that the 80 percent of world trade goes fuels, which can be made of every- nuclear option. The idea of fitting authorities are exerting all efforts to push the awareness by water. But the industry is thing from leftover cooking oil to commercial craft with nuclear drive to drill in the message of risks of smoking into people. alsoS an environmental menace, pro- algae. reactors isn’t actually new: in the late Now it is the smokers’ turn to listen and act accordingly. ducing as much carbon dioxide Not all improvements need to be 1950s, the U.S. government funded annually as Germany. highly technological or hugely the building of the Savannah, which The International Maritime expensive. One practical idea is to served as both a cargo carrier and Organization has helpfully called for remove the barnacles that attach passenger liner for a decade; Russia’s QUOTE OF THE DAY ships to produce about 85 percent themselves to ships’ hulls. The drag nuclear-powered container ship Sev- less sulfur by the end of next year, this creates can increase a vessel’s morput, launched in the 1980s, is still and to halve their total greenhouse- fuel consumption by as much as 20 to in service. Do not expect gas emissions by 2050. 40 percent. Several new technologies It’s still possible that the advan- anything like justice The shipping industry is properly can do the job: chemicals that repel tages of nuclear - no emissions and from the UN Security responding with various obvious the mollusks; polymers and Teflon- tremendous speed - can eventually Council and the strategies: emissions-scrubber like coatings that make it harder for overcome the additional costs systems, slower operating speeds, them to attach themselves; and involved with developing the tech- United Nations, do and the use of cleaner-burning fuels, underwater drones that scrub them nology and protecting against cata- not search for it, including liquefied natural gas. These away without needing to put the ship strophic accidents or terrorist theft. there is no such thing are essential steps - yet not adequate. in drydock. None of these strategies can work To meet the 2050 target, shippers will Another easy improvement alone, and some may turn out not to [there]. need to try alternative sources of known as cold ironing stems from the work at all. But the shipping com- energy. days of coal-powered fleets: When panies, shipbuilders and nations Recep Tayyip Erdogan To begin they’ll need to invest in ships are being unloaded at a port, whose economies depend on them Turkish President developing complimentary sail and they use electricity supplied from the are going to need to get more solar power. Energy storage is shore rather than their own power inventive - 2050 is coming faster needed, too, to take advantage of systems. California already than they think. THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 OPINION 09 Two court cases the UAE and Bahrain are hoping the West forgets

ver the holiday season, two region about human rights violations. refused to lift so he could receive the prominent Gulf human He pretty much was. Almost every Martin Ennals Award in person in rights activists will have other activist in the Gulf Cooperation Geneva. their appeals heard. One is Council (GCC) countries is in jail, in Then, in March of 2017, he was Othe Emirati Ahmed Mansoor jailed for exile or silenced by the fear of what seized and taken to an unknown 10 years, the other the Bahraini the authorities will do not only to place. His family had no idea where Nabeel Rajab jailed for five. I know them but also to their loved ones. he was and had virtually no contact In early 2011, after BILL LAW both men and am proud to call them Ahmed and his family have paid a with him. He was denied access to a AL JAZEERA signing a petition friends. The fact that their appeals will heavy price for his human rights lawyer of his choosing. Nearly a year be heard at a time when the attention advocacy. after he was taken, he was brought to calling for democratic of the West will be otherwise engaged In early 2011, after signing a court, sentenced to 10 years in jail and and economic reforms, in festive celebrations is no coinci- petition calling for democratic and fined one million dirham ($272,300) he was subjected to an dence. Rather, it is a cynical ploy. economic reforms, he was subjected after being convicted of “insulting the online smear campaign The authorities in both countries to an online smear campaign which, ‘status and prestige of the UAE and its would much prefer that the outcome he told me, was orchestrated by the symbols’ including its leaders” and of which, he told me, of the appeals is largely ignored. Both state security apparatus. “Twitter, “seeking to damage the relationship was orchestrated by myself and the many human rights Facebook, text messages, television of the UAE with its neighbours by the state security organisations that follow their cases and radio spread false information publishing false reports and infor- fear that the appeals will be dis- about me to create an environment of mation on social media.” apparatus. “Twitter, missed. The justice systems in both hatred,” he said. It was a campaign Nabeel Rajab, whom I have Facebook, text the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain that included many death threats. known since 2007, was arrested in messages, television are highly politicised and have no real In April of that year, he was June 2016 and held on remand for and radio spread independence from the ruling arrested, held in jail for nearly eight more than a year and a half, much of families. months and convicted, together with that time in solitary confinement. In false information Let me tell you a little bit about three other human rights proponents, February of this year, he was brought about me to create Ahmed Mansoor and Nabeel Rajab of “insulting the rulers” in a trial that to trial, swiftly found guilty and an environment of There is no place for and the extraordinary courage they was widely seen as grossly unfair. handed the five-year term. He was hatred,” he said. It peaceful protest. All and their families have shown over On November 27, 2011, Ahmed convicted of “disseminating false years of harassment, arrests and was sentenced to three years in jail. rumours in time of war”, for was a campaign that marches are banned imprisonment. The next day, thanks largely to an “offending a foreign country” and for included many death and you can’t talk Although they have campaigned international outcry, he and the others “insulting a statutory body” for tweets threats. on Twitter. There always peacefully for free media, sentenced with him were pardoned. critical of the war in Yemen and for is no tolerance for freedom of expression and associ- By the time he was released, he the mistreatment of detainees in Bah- ation and for democratic reform, they had already lost his job as a senior rain’s Jau prison. any criticism. The have been treated as security threats engineer in a telecommunications Nabeel had already spent several And I remember asking Ahmed government is filling by their governments when, in fact, firm. Subsequently, the government years in and out of jail for his per- why he continued on his lonely the jails with human they are great patriots. refused to issue him a Certificate of sistent refusal to cease his peaceful fight. He said: “The only way to rights activists and Ahmed Mansoor, the father of four Good Conduct, citing his conviction. criticism of the extensive human counter repression is by revealing young children, was the winner of the Without the certificate, he couldn’t be rights abuses of the Bahraini regime. it. And yes there is always that pos- opposition politicians, prestigious 2015 Martin Ennals Award employed in either the private or Like Ahmed Mansoor, he understood sibility that I will go back to jail. But all of us advocates for for Human Rights Defenders. He once public sectors. His passport was con- that to continue the journey for if [activists] do not talk, who will?” peaceful change.” joked with me that he was “the last fiscated and he was banned from freedom and democratic reform Ahmed Mansoor’s appeal is man talking” in the UAE and the travel, a ban which the authorities would inevitably mean more jail time. scheduled for December 30, Nabeel He had a small bag packed by the Rajab’s the next day. Spare a door, waiting either for the midnight thought and shout out support for raid to take him away or for the these two courageous patriots and morning phone call instructing him for their families. to present himself at the office of the public prosecutor. Like Ahmed’s family, Nabeel’s family - his brave wife Sumaya and their children - have suffered greatly. His son Adam has courageously carried on the struggle to keep his father’s name in the public domain. In all the time I have known D-RING ROAD Nabeel, he has never once doubted POST BOX: 3488 that his cause was rightful, nor that DOHA - QATAR the justice must be obtained through [email protected] peaceful means. He fears that con- stant harassment and ongoing repression by the state will lead only EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE to more violence. As he told me once: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 “There is no place for peaceful FAX: +974 4455 7758 protest. All marches are banned and you can’t talk on Twitter. There is no MANAGING EDITOR tolerance for any criticism. The gov- TEL: 4462 7505 ernment is filling the jails with human rights activists and opposition DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR politicians, all of us advocates for TEL: 4455 7769 peaceful change.” He also once told me that the LOCAL NEWS SECTION authorities had offered him his TEL: 4455 7743 release with only one condition: that he ceases and desists from criticising BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535 the regime. He told me those were not terms he could ever contemplate SPORT NEWS SECTION accepting. TEL: 4455 7745

ONLINE SECTION TEL: 4462 7501 the hypocrisy, at the heart of the blocked the administration’s attempts [email protected] Trump administration’s apparently to narrow the criteria for asylum unilateral move to compel Mexico to claims; and, on Friday, the Supreme Shunting asylum seekers to PUBLIC RELATIONS Court quashed the administration’s serve as a waiting room for tens of TEL: 4455 7613 thousands of asylum seekers, most of attempt to require that asylum [email protected] Mexico doesn’t absolve the whom now come from Honduras, El seekers cross only at official border Salvador and Guatemala. Facing points of entry. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT US of its duty to them vicious criminal gangs and scant eco- It’s unclear whether the new TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 nomic opportunity, they flee those “remain in Mexico” policy will dis- FAX: 4455 7870 countries in search of better lives in suade migrants from making the [email protected] the United States. northward trek, if US courts even THE WASHINGTON POST It is true that the surge in family allow it to stand. (Forcing asylum CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT groups seeking asylum has over- seekers to wait in a third country may TEL: 4455 7857 n testimony to Congress on whelmed the US system, including not be legal.) It also remains to be [email protected] Thursday, Homeland Security shelters bursting at the seams and seen whether Washington’s new Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen spoke immigration courts where the backlog stance results in unintended conse- SUBSCRIPTION & at length, and repeatedly, about is approaching 1 million cases. The quences - for instance, a surge in DISTRIBUTION Trump calls “catch- Ithe threats to which Central American administration is correct to be con- illegal entry by migrants who may TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 and-release” - the migrants are subjected when they cerned by what President Donald despair at the prospect, and perils, of FAX: 44557819 practice of permitting traverse Mexico on their way to Trump calls “catch-and-release” - the drawn-out waits in Mexico. [email protected] asylum seekers to seeking asylum in the United States. practice of permitting asylum seekers What is clear is that the United That was directly after she announced to remain in the country, often for States is not absolved of responsibility remain in the country, that asylum seekers who do reach the years, while awaiting court hearings for migrants legitimately seeking often for years, United States will now be returned that many migrants will skip. That is a asylum simply because they are com- All thoughts and views while awaiting court immediately to Mexico, where they form of dysfunction, and one that may pelled to wait elsewhere. If asylum expressed in these columns hearings that many will await their scheduled court encourage Central Americans to seekers are preyed on, exploited and appearances - a process that currently attempt the dangerous journey. harmed after having been returned to are those of the writers, migrants will skip. takes more than three years. The question is which form of Mexico, US officials will not be able to not of the newspaper. That is a form of Nielsen failed to explain why the deterrence is workable, humane and shrug off their moral responsibility. dysfunction, and one migrants, whom she described as legal. Family separation, which the The United States is bound by law and All correspondence constantly beset by rapists, traffickers administration tried to disastrous international obligations to welcome that may encourage and other predators in Mexico, would effect last spring, failed on all three and vet migrants fleeing persecution, regarding Views and Central Americans fare better if forcibly returned to counts. A more recent gambit, slow- and to grant asylum to those who Opinion pages should be to attempt the Mexico than they were while in transit walking processing at legal border meet specific criteria. That obligation send to editor-in-chief dangerous journey. there. points of entry, has had little or no cannot be abrogated by an office or mailed to the That’s the dangerous paradox, and deterrent effect. For now, courts have announcement. [email protected] 10 ASIA THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018

Protesters deface India busts Rajiv Chowk signboard in Delhi

IANS IS-inspired NEW DELHI Survivors of the 1984 anti- Sikh riots defaced a signboard of Rajiv Chowk in Connaught militant group Place and demanded the renaming of the place after revolutionary leader Shaheed AFP Arms and ammunition Bhagat Singh. NEW DELHI were recovered from A video, which surfaced the raids over 17 online, showed the protesters, India’s anti-terror agency including women, raising yesterday said it had busted a locations, including in slogans against Rajiv Gandhi local militant cell inspired by the capital New Delhi, as they garlanded the sign- the Islamic State group that was as the group prepped board with shoes and slippers planning to carryout bombings and splashed black paint on and target prominent political for striking several ‘Rajiv’. The incident comes a figures. targets ahead of the day after a statute of the late The National Investigation high profile Republic Prime Minister was van- Agency (NIA) said 10 members Day national event on Guarding rifles during rehearsal break dalised in Ludhiana in Punjab of an obscure militant group by Akali Dal leaders. “Harkat ul Harb-e-Islam” were January 26. The Akali Dal, yesterday, An Indian Air Force soldier drinks tea as he stands guard next to rifles during a break at the rehearsal arrested in multi-city raids and said the actions were for the Republic Day parade on a cold winter morning in New Delhi, yesterday. a further six suspects were justified. being questioned over their IS-inspired cells but there is no alleged links with the outfit. evidence of the militant group’s Kerala Left Front NIA spokesman Alok Mittal presence in the country. said arms and ammunition Indian Muslims have largely to induct 4 allies were recovered from the raids remained insulated from IS over 17 locations, including in influence, with only a handful Akhilesh lashes out at Congress for IANS the capital New Delhi, as the of young men from the coun- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM group prepped for striking try’s nearly 175 million minority several targets ahead of the community joining the militant leaving SP MLA out of MP Cabinet The ruling Left Democratic high profile Republic Day group that gained worldwide Front-led by the CPI-M national event on January 26. prominence after capturing decided to induct the “They were at an advanced large swathes of territory in IANS growing space and disen- with heavy heart voted for the Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), stage of carrying a series of Iraq and Syria in 2014. LUCKNOW chantment of the SP from the Congress and that she was Indian National League, blasts,” Mittal told reporters at But India’s security agencies Congress and the likelihood of extending support only to keep Democratic Kerala Congress a press conference in New have voiced concern over the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief the Congress being kept out of the BJP at bay. and Kerala Congress (Pillai), Delhi. radicalisation of men over the Akhilesh Yadav lashed out at the the proposed “grand alliance” Akhilesh Yadav also wel- the LDF convenor said. “They wanted to explode Internet. Congress for not including its in Uttar Pradesh for the 2019 comed the move of K Chan- Speaking to the media remote-controlled bombs and In 2014, a group of four sole legislator in Madhya Lok Sabha elections. drashekhar Rao, the Telangana here after a LDF meeting, even conduct fidayeen (suicide) Mumbai engineering students Pradesh in the Cabinet despite On the other hand, Chief Minister and Telangana Convenor A. Vijayaraghavan attacks.” Mittal said the group travelled to Iraq to join the its support in formation of the Mayawati, the Bahujan Samaj Rashtra Samithi (TRS) for trying said there were at least a had attempted to make suicide group. One of them later government and attaining the party (BSP) supremo and a pro- to stitch together a non-Con- dozen political outfits that vests and developed a home- returned to India. majority mark. spective partner in the “Maha gress, non-BJP front and said work in tandem with the LDF made rocket launcher, adding But some activists have Talking to the media, the Gathbandhan” has already given that they were scheduled to and following discussions the unknown mastermind of accused security agencies of former UP Chief Minister said enough hints of acting tough on meet recently but this meeting they have decided to give the module was based abroad. falsely charging Muslim men for that by doing so, the Congress the Congress. could not happen as he was not membership to four. One of the accused is an terrorism, due to discrimination had “cleared the path for UP”. Miffed with the Congress, available. He said he will soon With this the total number engineer, he said. against the community in the This statement from the the BSP chief had, soon after go and meet Rao in Telangana of LDF allies rose to 10. The Authorities have previously Hindu-majority country of 1.25 45-year-old leader is being seen extending support to the Con- and discuss the political rest include the CPI-M, CPI, claimed to have foiled similar billion people. as another indication of the gress in MP, said that people had scenario. Janata Dal(S), NCP, Kerala Congress (Skaria Thomas) and Congress (Secular). Indian golfer held BJP appoints election in-charges for 17 states for poaching

IANS ister Narottam Mishra. Shah has appointed former Chief Minister. Kohli, who was earlier in-charge AFP NEW DELHI In 2014, then BJP President Kerala unit President V. Muralid- Tirath Singh Rawat, a BJP Sec- of Meghalaya, has been given NEW DELHI Rajnath Singh had appointed Amit haran as in-charge of Andhra retary and former Uttarakhand responsibility of Manipur and In a series of crucial appointments Shah as party’s election in-charge Pradesh, while Sunil Deodhar, BJP President, has been appointed Nagaland. Top Indian golfer Jyoti ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP credited for the party’s landslide as in-charge of Himachal Pradesh Party General Secreatray Arun Randhawa was arrested for the BJP appointed election won 71 out of the 80 seats, more victory in Tripura, will assist him. while Bihar Health Minister Singh will be in charge of Odisha. poaching at a forest reserve, in-charges for 17 states and than UPA’s overall tally and much Mahendra Singh, a Minister in Mangal Pandey has been shifted Haryana Minister Captain an official said. notably assigned Gordhan Zadafia more than the previous peak of 57 the UP government has been to Jharkhand. Earlier, he was in- Abhimanyu has been appointed Randhawa, who was — who was the Gujarat Home seats in the 1998 elections. appointed in-charge of Assam. charge of Himachal Pradesh. as in-charge of Punjab and ranked in the world top 100 Minister during the 2002 riots — Zadafia had left the BJP in Singh was BJP’s Assam-in-charge In Madhya Pradesh, where the Chandigarh. between 2004 and 2009, was the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, 2007 complaining against the and was given the credit for the BJP was ousted from power after Nitin Navin, a BJYM leader and taken into detention at the which sends 80 MPs to the lower “autocratic” attitude of the then party’s victory in the 2016 15 years, Shah has appointed UP an MLA from Bihar, has been Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in House of Parliament. Chief Minister Narendra Modi. He Assembly polls. Minister Swantantra Dev Singh as appointed as in-charge of Sikkim. Uttar Pradesh. The 46-year- Sixty-four-year-old Zadafia, joined forces with Keshubhai Patel Bhupendra Yadav will con- in-charge and former Delhi BJP Arvind Limbawali, an MLA old and a companion killed a who takes the place of BJP Pres- in 2012 and formed Gujarat Pari- tinue to be the in-charge in Bihar. chief Satish Upadhyay as co- from Karnataka, has been red junglefowl, Ramesh ident Amit Shah, who was in- vartan Party which failed to make Senior leader Om Praksh incharge. The party has retained appointed as in-charge of Tel- Pandey, the reserve’s field charge before 2014 elections, will a mark in the elections. He later Mathur, a close associate of Modi, Prakash Javadekar as in-charge angana while Union Minister director, said. be assisted by party’s national returned to the BJP and worked will continue as in-charge of of Rajasthan. Party spokesperson Thawar Chand Gehlot has been “They have been sent to Vice-President Dushyant Gautam for the party in 2017 Assembly Gujarat. He was BJP’s Gujarat in- Sudhandhu Trivedi will assist him. given responsibility of jail and further legal action is and former Madhya Pradesh Min- elections in Gujarat. charge during Modi’s tenure as Party spokesperson Nalin Uttarakhand. being taken,” Pandey said. State-run banks strike work, services hit across country

IANS Confederation (AIBOC), All India “Government treasury oper- NEW DELHI/MUMBAI Bank Employees’ Association ations, import and export bill (AIBEA), National Confederation negotiations, money market Banking services at branches of of Bank Employees (NCBE) and operations, etc. have also been state-run banks across the the National Organisation of affected. About 30 lakh cheques country were hit yesterday Bank Workers (NOBW). worth about Rs23 lakh crore will following the strike by unions The strike follows the one on be held up without clearance due against the proposed merger of last Friday by the officers’ union to the strike.” Venkatachalam said Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with of public sector banks (PSBs) to the protest was joined by unions Bank of Baroda, even as they protest against the merger and to of 12 private sector lenders like promised to step up pressure on demand the immediate set- Federal Bank, Dhanalakshmi the government if the decision is tlement of wage negotiations. Bank, Karur Vaishya Bank, not withdrawn. AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Catholic Syrian Bank, Karnataka, The bank staff are protesting Venkatachalam said from Bank, Nainital Bank and Kotak the proposed amalgamation on Chennai that the strike call by the Mahindra, among others. the ground of its likely impact in unions, which have a combined He said with the last concili- the form of loss of jobs and membership of 10 lakhs, received ation meeting called by the Addi- Remembering victims of the 2004 tsunami closure of branches. The one-day “very enthusiastic” response. tional Chief Labour Commis- strike was also to press for other “Reports are reaching us from sioner not yielding any assurance demands including wage all the states that the strike has on the merger, the unions plan to Indian women pose as they hold up plates of flower petals for an offering during a ceremony for revision. been successful... Clearing oper- meet Finance Minister Arun the victims of the 2004 tsunami at Pattinapakkam Beach in Chennai, yesterday. The earthquake The strike was called by the ations were affected because Jaitley to “explore convincing the and tsunami that struck the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004 killed almost 230,000 people United Forum of Bank Unions branches are closed and cheques government to stop the merger, and devastated coastal communities, including the shorelines of the southern Indian states of Tamil (UFBU) — an umbrella organi- can’t be sent for clearance. Cash or else we will be forced to step Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. sation of all nine unions including transactions have been similarly up although our aim is not to the All India Bank Officers affected,” he said. disrupt banking operations”. THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 ASIA 11 Afghanistan postpones Pakistan, Russia FMs discuss Afghan peace in Moscow presidential election INTERNEWS MOSCOW AP More time is needed helped cobble together a unity KABUL to verify voter government and convinced the Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah lists and train staff election commission to hold off Mehmood Qureshi met with his Afghanistan’s presidential on announcing the results of the Russian counterpart in Moscow election, initially scheduled for on a biometric runoff, which Ghani seemed yesterday, on the final leg of a four- April, will be postponed for identification system poised to win. nation tour as part of the Pakistani several months to allow time to designed to reduce Ghani was named president government’s policy of outreach in fix technical problems that fraud. No new date and Abdullah was given a newly the neighbourhood. surfaced during October’s created title of Chief Executive. Qureshi and Sergei Lavrov dis- parliamentary elections, officials for the presidential The arrangement was intended cussed the progress on Afghan said yesterday. election has yet been to last only two years but has peace and reconciliation process, More time is needed to set. continued up to the present, during a meeting held at the Min- verify voter lists and train staff resulting in a government istry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow. on a biometric identification marked by deep divisions that The two dignitaries also held system designed to reduce lenge the results. has struggled to combat a discussions on bilateral ties and the fraud, said Abdul Aziz Ibrahimi, No new date for the presi- resurgent Taliban. regional situation, Pakistan Foreign deputy spokesman for the Inde- dential election has yet been set. The postponement of the Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad pendent Election Commission. The last presidential election could give more time Faisal tweeted. Qureshi visited Parliamentary elections election, held in 2014, was mired for US efforts to end the 17-year Afghanistan, Iran and China where were fraught with delays after in controversy and widespread war. US peace envoy Zalmay he held talks with his counterparts the few staff trained on the bio- allegations of fraud. Khalilzad has crisscrossed the and other high-ranking officials on metric system did not show up The two leading candidates, region several times since his regional peace and stability in the at the polling booths and Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah appointment in September, context of Afghan peace process. countless registered voters Abdullah, fought a tight race that reportedly meeting with the During these meetings, Qureshi could not find their names on went to a second vote. But Taliban on several occasions. renewed Pakistan’s commitment to voter lists. before the results of the runoff Khalilzad has said he would assist in furthering peace in Afghan- Polling had to continue for could be announced, Abdullah like to see the Taliban and the istan and the region. The visit is part a second day after hundreds of alleged massive vote fraud and Afghan government devise a of promoting various initiatives and polling stations opened several warned of widespread protests. “roadmap” before the April vote. ideas for regional cooperation, espe- Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) welcomes hours late. Several legal com- John Kerry, the then US sec- Both sides have said that was an cially in promoting economic and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his plaints have been filed to chal- retary of state, interceded and unrealistic deadline. people-to-people linkages. visit to Moscow, yesterday.

House where Six Pakistanis Jinnah stayed is Court spells out reasons for Nawaz’s conviction dead in attack in national heritage INTERNEWS seven years to his daughter motu cases usually explained “The rulers to whom the Afghanistan ISLAMABAD Maryam and one year impris- what necessitated it to intervene reins of the nation were given INTERNEWS onment to his son-in-law retired in such matters. expecting to take rectification AP PESHAWAR In a detailed judgement in captain Mohammad Safdar in To substantiate his point, the measures also failed to fulfil KABUL Al-Azizia reference, Judge Avenfield properties reference. lawyer cited the explanation their obligations rather their The house where Quaid-i- Mohammad Arshad Malik of the For eradication of corruption given by Chief Justice Mian Saqib hands seem to be smeared with An Afghan official said a Azam Muhamamd Ali Jinnah accountability court expressed and corrupt practices, stern Nisar at a symposium on water ill-gotten wealth. suicide bomber disguised as spent 11 days during his visit to concern over rampant action was the need of the time, on Oct 20. “As such, to my mind, it is a beggar has killed six people Peshawar in 1945 has been corruption in society that he said the judge stated and explained The chief justice had obligation of all concerned in in a wealthy subdivision of declared as National Heritage had reached its climax and that while keeping this objective explained that the apex court law enforcing agencies espe- the southern city of Kandahar. Building, said Deputy Commis- therefore a stern action was the in mind, the legislature had had raised the issue of water cially the courts to keep preying Mohammad Yousof sioner Imran Hamid Sheikh need of the hour. enacted the National Account- security in pursuit of its duty to eyes vigilant minds and forceful Younosi, a provincial council during his visit to the place. “It is a matter of concern for ability Ordinance (NAO) 1999, enforce fundamental rights hands to give a strong jolt to the member, says the attack on All the items Quaid-i-Azam us all that corruption has been the preamble of which held because the biggest fundamental persons found guilty of such Tuesday happened a block used during his visit were pre- rampantly increasing for the past accountable all those individuals right was the right to life which practices. away from his home and served by the owner Khan two decades in society and has accused of such practices and was not possible without water. For achieving this objective appeared to have targeted a Bhadur Muhammad Mohsin reached its climax at present,” matter ancillary. In the detailed verdict, the the rules, procedure and law is group of Pakistanis from Khan. The 76 years old house observed the judge providing But the observations did not judge of the accountability court to be applied even filling the dots that country’s Baluchistan was looked after by Khan reasons for convicting former go well with some legal experts. stated: “It is also matter of to achieve the object of the law region. Bahadur’s son Pervez Hussain. prime minister Nawaz Sharif in One lawyer requesting ano- observance that by resorting to going in line with the intents of No one immediately On repeated requests of the the Al-Azizia/Hill Metal Estab- nymity described the comments corruption and corrupt practices the legislature manifested in the claimed the attack. Khan Bahadur’s heirs, the lishment reference. The judge as “extraneous”, explaining that one set of society has amassed ordinance itself. Pakistan has accused house has been declared a acquitted Sharif of corruption it was not the job of a trial court unprecedented wealth and accu- If it is done, even now it Afghanistan of sheltering national heritage. charges in the Flagship to come up with such descrip- mulated huge assets while the could promote the culture of rule Baluch separatists, including Notable people of the then Investment Company tions rather to simply decide the other segment of society has of law, parity and equality. those behind a deadly attack NWFP, Sindh, Balochistan, reference. matter after hearing the two drowned down forced to lick the Application of law with equal on the Chinese Consulate in Bengal, Punjab and political Earlier on July 6, Judge sides while confining itself to clay. intensity to both the rich and the Karachi earlier this month. figures of the united India has Mohammad Bashir of the available evidence. This marked disparity in dif- poor will enhance the public Afghanistan in turn accuses also visited Jinnah during the accountability court had He elaborated that the ferent segments of the society confidence and trust in the insti- Pakistan of sheltering the delegation meetings at this awarded 10 years imprisonment Supreme Court in exercise of its has badly impaired the moral tutions tackling law and justice,” Taliban and other Islamic house in 1945. to the former prime minister, extraordinary jurisdiction in suo fibre of society on both the ends. the court said. extremists. Campaign attacks heighten fears for Bangladesh election AFP opposition coalition demanded statement. DHAKA the resignation of the chief “Refrain from acting in a par- election commissioner Nurul tisan manner in the polls. Uphold New clashes marred the deadly Huda, accusing him of supporting the dignity and righteousness of Bangladesh election campaign ruling party followers in the your uniform... I am worried over yesterday as opposition leaders unrest. the growing number of incidents stepped up complaints over the “It is not possible to get a non- of clashes and violence ahead of organisation of what they partisan and neutral election from the national election.” Hasina and consider a one-sided vote. him and there is no possibility of Zia have been political foes since Youths on motorbikes car- fair treatment from him,” oppo- the introduction of democracy in rying a banner of the ruling sition spokesman Fakhrul Islam 1991. They have traditionally Awami League attacked an oppo- Alamgir said. alternated in power but Hasina’s sition Bangladesh Nationalist Opposition parties walked out current rule has lasted since 2009 Party candidate with knives, of a meeting with Huda late and Zia’s jail term this year pre- hours after a BNP leader was Tuesday, and have demanded a vented her from taking part in the wounded in clashes between rival neutral election commissioner election. party activists, police said. take over for Sunday’s vote. The ruling party has empha- Habibur Rahman Habib, a They say the mass arrest of sised the economic growth in BNP candidate for parliament, their followers — 8,243 from the Hasina’s last 10 years in power to was attacked by 15 men on BNP and 3,600 from the Jamaat- justify her reelection. motorbikes in the northern town e-Islami — was intended to create The BNP had hoped the of Ishwardi yesterday, according a “climate of fear”. deployment of 30,000 troops on to police. “He was hacked three Police have not confirmed the Monday would improve security times on his thigh. He was griev- number of arrests during the across the Muslim-majority ously injured but is out of danger,” campaign but insist all those country of 165 million. local police chief Bahauddin detained had warrants against But Ahmed said its candidates Faruqi told AFP. them. “We never target any indi- were attacked in 28 constitu- Late Tuesday, senior BNP vidual unless they break the law,” encies on Tuesday, leaving more leader Goyeshwar Roy was Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s candidate Habibur Rahman Habib is rescued by his supporters after an said police spokesman Sohel than 100 people injured. injured as BNP and Awami attack during an election campaign rally in Ishawardi Upazila, Pabna district, Bangladesh yesterday. Rana. Hasina won a 2008 poll by a League activists clashed in Dhaka There was no comment from landslide and the BNP boycotted district, police superintendent soured their bitter constitutional government denies any Hundreds of their supporters Chief Election Commissioner on the 2014 election — saying it was S.M. Shafiur Rahman said. Media showdown. wrongdoing. have been injured in fighting, they the violence, but another election not free and fair — gifting her a images showed blood pouring Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina The BNP, whose leader say. commissioner urged police “act return to power. down Roy’s face. is seeking a record fourth term, Khaleda Zia is in jail, and its main Six people — four BNP sup- neutrally and without discrimi- Civil society and rights groups The campaign for Sunday’s but her party has been accused Islamist ally claim more than porters and two from the Awami nation to all.” “Don’t take any have accused Hasina’s gov- vote has seen daily confrontations of organising the arrest and 11,500 of their supporters have League — have been killed in the undesirable action by being too ernment of silencing dissent and between supporters of the two intimidation of opposition can- been detained since the election campaign violence. enthusiastic,” commissioner muzzling the press through a main parties, which has further didates to boost her chances. The was called on November 8. The BNP-led Mahbub Talukder said in a strict digital-security law. 12 ASIA THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 Indonesia rescuers scramble to reach isolated towns

AFP Torrential rains where and is still alive,” he said. CARITA hampered the effort At the Tanjung Lesung resort, cars and minibuses had been Indonesian search and rescue and heaped more thrown against buildings, concrete teams yesterday plucked stranded misery on the region, walls cracked into small pieces residents from remote islands and as officials warned and trees uprooted. A wooden sign pushed into isolated communities that read “Good Times” lay on the desperate for aid in the aftermath another killer wave ground. The tsunami struck the of a volcano-triggered tsunami could hit the stricken resort as more than 200 workers that killed over 400. from the state electricity company But torrential rains hampered area. were watching pop band “Sev- the effort and heaped more misery enteen” perform. on the region, as officials warned The four-member group was another killer wave could hit the 430, with 1,495 people injured and hurled from the stage as the water stricken area. another 159 missing. slammed into the audience — only The disaster agency cautioned Nearly 22,000 people have the band’s lead vocalist survived. residents to stay clear of the coast, been evacuated and are living in The tsunami was Indonesia’s as fresh activity at the Anak shelters. “There’s a chance the third major natural disaster in six Krakatoa volcano, which sits in the number of fatalities will rise,” months, following a series of pow- middle of the Sunda Strait agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo erful earthquakes on the island of between Java and Sumatra islands, Nugroho told a press briefing. Lombok in July and August and a threatened to spark another Medical workers have warned quake-tsunami in September that tsunami. that clean water and medicine killed around 2,200 people in Palu A section of the crater —which supplies were running low — on Sulawesi island, with thousands emerged at the site of the leg- stoking fears of a public health more missing and presumed dead. endary Krakatoa volcano, whose crisis — as thousands of displaced Yesterday, thousands prayed massive 1883 eruption killed at survivors cram shelters and for loved ones at mass graves and Residents disembark from a ferry at the port after being evacuated from Sebesi Island, in Bakauheni least 36,000 people —collapsed hospitals. mosques to mark the 14th anni- in Lampung province, yesterday. after an eruption and slid into the Many have been left homeless versary of the 2004 Boxing Day ocean, triggering Saturday night’s by the killer wave, and fear going tsunami, which killed some killer wave. back to their communities. “I’m communities, while hundreds of to the mainland on a boat. dwindled. 220,000 people in countries It struck without warning, here because people said there residents on tiny islands in the “My house has been destroyed Tubagus Cecep, 63, waited around the Indian Ocean. washing over popular beaches and could another tsunami,” Etin Sunda Strait were airlifted or taken so there’s no more reason to stay.” nervously at the area’s main iden- Indonesia, a vast Southeast inundating tourist hotels and Supriatin said from an evacuation by boat to shelters. “We tried to Sniffer dogs are being used to find tification centre to see if a body Asian archipelago, is one of the coastal communities, leaving a centre in shattered Labuan. stay because it’s our island, but those still missing as grief-stricken was that of his missing son. “I’m most disaster-hit nations on Earth trail of death and destruction in its The disaster agency dis- after a while we got scared,” said relatives lined up at identification scared my son is dead, but if I keep due to its position straddling the wake. The disaster agency slightly patched helicopters to drop sup- Sariyah, a 45-year-old resident of centres. But hopes of finding any my faith in God maybe he could so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, raised the death toll yesterday to plies into hard-to-reach tiny Sebesi island, who evacuated survivors beneath the rubble have have been swept away some- where tectonic plates collide.

Taiwan searches Japan to resume commercial for 152 missing whaling after IWC withdrawal Vietnam tourists AFP AFP comes into effect by June 30. reconsiders its position and will TAIPEI TOKYO Leaving the IWC means Jap- cease all whaling,” he said. anese whalers will be able to Japan has hunted whales for A search was underway for Japan said yesterday it is with- resume hunting in Japanese centuries, and the meat was a key 152 Vietnamese who arrived drawing from the International coastal waters of minke and other source of protein in the imme- in Taiwan on tourist visas, Whaling Commission and will whales currently protected by the diate post-World War II years authorities said yesterday, as resume commercial whaling next IWC. when the country was desper- local media reported they may year, sparking criticism from But Japan will not be able to ately poor. But consumption has have come to the island to activists and anti-whaling coun- continue the so-called scientific declined significantly in recent work illegally. tries including Australia. research hunts in the Antarctic decades, with much of the pop- The tourists were issued The announcement comes and elsewhere that it has been ulation saying they rarely or never visas under an initiative after Japan failed earlier this year exceptionally allowed as an IWC eat whale meat. launched three years ago to to convince the IWC to allow it to member. Japan joins Iceland and Whale hunting has become a attract more visitors to Taiwan resume commercial whaling. Top Norway in openly defying the rare thorny subject in Japan’s oth- from south and southeast Asia. government spokesman IWC’s ban on commercial whale erwise largely amiable foreign A total of 153 Vietnamese Yoshihide Suga said the com- hunting, and its decision sparked policy, with international oppo- nationals arrived in southern mercial hunts would be limited international criticism. sition only prompting conserva- Kaohsiung city over the to Japan’s territorial waters. “We Australia’s government said tives to dig in deeper in support weekend — and only one has will not hunt in the Antarctic it was “extremely disappointed” of the tradition. been tracked down, according waters or in the southern hemi- and urged Japan to reconsider. Many members of Prime Min- to Taiwan’s National Immi- sphere,” he added. “Australia remains resolutely ister Shinzo Abe’s conservative gration Agency. Tokyo has repeatedly opposed to all forms of com- Liberal Democratic Party are sup- “The agency has set up a threatened to pull out of the IWC, mercial and so-called ‘scientific’ porters of whaling, and he himself taskforce and worked with the and has been regularly criticised whaling,” Foreign Minister Marise comes from a constituency where police to investigate the for catching hundreds of whales Payne and Environment Minister whale hunting remains popular. tourists who are unaccounted a year for “scientific research” Melissa Price said in a statement. Tokyo argues that whaling is for and the group behind despite being a signatory to a New Zealand’s Foreign Min- an important part of Japan’s tra- them,” it said in a statement, moratorium on hunting the ister Winston Peters also urged ditions, and Suga said the with- without elaborating. animals. Suga said Japan would Japan to stay in the IWC. drawal would allow fishermen to Local media speculated Firemen work at the site of an explosion at Beijing Jiaotong officially inform the IWC of its “Whaling is an outdated and “pass our country’s rich whaling that the Vietnamese may have University in Beijing, yesterday. decision by the end of the year, unnecessary practice. We con- culture onto the next come to Taiwan to work 3 students dead in China which will mean the withdrawal tinue to hope Japan eventually generation.” illegally. university lab explosion Koreas to restore road, rail links

AFP the state-run People’s Daily AFP BEIJING newspaper showed blown-out SEOUL windows and blackened Three students were killed in a buildings around a courtyard, The two Koreas yesterday held a laboratory blast at a Beijing with trees and ground covered symbolic groundbreaking university yesterday, the city’s in firefighting foam. ceremony for re-connecting and fire department said, in an Images on social media repairing roads and railways accident that blew out windows showed plumes of dark smoke across the divided peninsula, with and left the building a blackened billowing from low-rise buildings the North calling on the South to shell. as firefighters fought to contain push through joint projects despite “There was an explosion at the blaze. sanctions on Pyongyang. the experimental site during a Students could be seen The connection of railways scientific research experiment” wearing face masks and com- and roads is among a series of on wastewater treatment in the plaining of an acrid smell. measures aimed at improving Environmental Engineering Lab- Industrial accidents are bilateral ties agreed upon in Sep- oratory, the Beijing Fire common in China, where safety tember by liberal South Korean Department said. regulations are often poorly President Moon Jae-in and the “The accident caused the enforced. Last month, a gas leak North’s leader Kim Jong-Un. death of three students,” it added caused the explosion of a truck Seoul stressed that the cer- in a statement posted on its social carrying combustible chemicals emony would not herald the start media account. near the entrance of a chemical of actual work on reconnecting South and North Korean officials unveil the sign of Seoul to Pyongyang during a groundbreaking The incident happened just factory in the northern Chinese and modernising links between ceremony for the re-connection of railways and roads at the Panmun Station in Kaesong, North after 9:30am (0130 GMT) at the of Zhangjiakou, killing 23 and the two Koreas —which remain Beijing Jiaotong University in the injuring 22 others. technically at war after their Korea, yesterday. western part of the city. In July, a blast at a chemical 1950-53 conflict ended without a Some 30 fire engines were plant in southwest Sichuan peace treaty. A South Korean Uni- concerning sanctions”. weapons. “If (the South) keeps border city of Kaesong. sent to the scene, and it took province left 19 dead and 12 fication Ministry spokesman But the North’s top railway looking around to check some- Moments later, some 10 del- nearly an hour to get the blaze injured. The company had described it as a mere “expression official Kim Yun Hyok reiterated one’s mood and continues egates from both the South and under control. Local authorities undertaken illegal construction of a commitment”, adding that Pyongyang’s stance that the South wavering, reunification would the North lined up along the have launched an investigation that had not passed safety construction would depend on stop toeing the US line on main- never be achieved,” Kim said at railroad and pulled yellow levers into the cause of the incident. checks, according to local “progress on the North’s denu- taining sanctions on the North the ceremony at the Panmun to link up the railway tracks in a A video posted by authorities. clearisation and circumstances until it gives up its nuclear railway station in the North’s symbolic gesture. THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 EUROPE 13 Poroshenko Putin hails hypersonic weapons test AP MOSCOW ends martial Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw a test yesterday of a new hypersonic glide vehicle, declaring that the weapon is impossible to intercept and will law in Ukraine ensure Russia’s security for decades to come. Speaking to Russia’s top mil- AFP itary brass after watching the KIEV live feed of the launch of the Avangard vehicle from the Ukrainian President Petro The President said Defense Ministry’s control room, Poroshenko yesterday Putin said the test was a “great announced the end of a martial he had reached the success” and an “excellent New law in the country’s border decision “based on Year’s gift to the nation.” regions, which was introduced analysis of all the The test comes amid bitter last month after Russia’s seizure components of the tensions in Russia-US relations, of three of Kiev’s navy vessels which have sunk to their lowest in the Sea of Azov. security situation in level since the Cold War times “Today, right now, at the country”. over the conflict in Ukraine, the 2:00pm (1200 GMT) the martial war in Syria and the allegations law ends. This is my principal accused Russia of acting ille- of Russian meddling in the 2016 decision,” Poroshenko said gally and US President Donald US presidential election. during a live streamed military Trump cancelled a meeting The Russian leader hopes cabinet meeting in Kiev. with Vladimir Putin at the G20 for repairing ties with Wash- The president said he had summit in Buenos Aires over ington under President Donald reached the decision “based on the incident. Trump have fizzled amid inves- analysis of all the components “The support and concrete tigations into allegations of Russian officials at the National Defence Control Centre (NDCC) during the test of a new Russian of the security situation in the actions of our international Trump’s campaign ties with hypersonic missile system called Avangard, which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads, in country”. partners — their pressure on the Russia, and tensions have esca- Moscow, yesterday. The move to impose martial Kremlin combined with a lated as the US administration law came after Poroshenko martial law — have stopped the slapped Russia with new waves Dombarovskiy missile base in test, adding that the new weapon He emphasised that no other warned of a build-up of Russian worst scenario that the Russian of sanctions. the southern Ural Mountains. will enter service next year with country currently has hyper- forces near Ukraine’s borders, Federation planned,” Poro- The Avangard was among The Kremlin said it success- the military’s Strategic Missile sonic weapons. escalating the most dangerous shenko said. the array of new nuclear fully hit a designated practice Forces. Putin has said that crisis in years between the “They didn’t let Putin cross weapons that Putin presented in target on the Kura shooting When first presenting the Avangard is designed using former Soviet neighbours. the new red line,” he added. March, saying that Russia had to range on Kamchatka, 6,000km Avangard in March this year, the new composite materials to Russian border patrol boats The martial law was develop them in response to the away. Russian leader said the new withstand temperatures of up fired on, boarded and seized the imposed in 10 regions, including development of the US missile “The Avangard is invul- system has an intercontinental to 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,632 three Ukrainian vessels, along areas close to territories con- defence system that could erode nerable to intercept by any range and can fly in the atmos- degrees Fahrenheit) that come with 24 sailors, in November off trolled by Russia-backed rebels Russia’s nuclear deterrent. existing and prospective missile phere at 20 times the speed of from a flight through the the coast of Crimea. in the east of the country and In yesterday’s test, the defense means of the potential sound, bypassing the enemy’s atmosphere at hypersonic Western governments the Sea of Azov’s coast. weapon was launched from the adversary,” Putin said after the missile defence. speeds.

Six migrant boats rescued in Belgium to repatriate six children of IS militants from Syria English Channel REUTERS Al Hol camp since the defeat of newspaper De Tijd said. The 2015, according to Kurdish spate of deadly IS attacks across BRUSSELS IS in nearly all territory it once Belgian government can appeal sources. western Europe. AFP held in Syria and Iraq. the ruling. European nations have been The Kurd said it is not their LONDON A Belgian judge has ordered the Belga quoted the court ruling A spokesman for the foreign reluctant to take them back, job to prosecute or hold them government to repatriate six as ordering the Brussels gov- ministry said it would “analyse regarding children of jihadists indefinitely, leaving the women British and French maritime children of IS militants and their ernment to take all necessary the situation together” with the both as victims and threats — and children in legal limbo. authorities have rescued mothers who have been detained and possible measures to ensure justice and interior ministries. difficult to reintegrate into However, mounting concern more than 40 migrants trying in a camp in Kurdish-controlled the six children and their Hundreds of European cit- schools and homes. over the apparent abandonment to cross the Channel into the Syria, the national news agency mothers can return to Belgium. izens, many of them babies, are European diplomats say they of hundreds of children with a UK in six small boats over two Belga said yesterday. It must do so within 40 days being kept by US-backed cannot act in a region where claim to EU citizenship — most days, officials said. Tatiana Wielandt, 26, and after being notified of the Kurdish militias in three camps Kurdish control is not interna- of them under six — is pushing Five dinghies, carrying 40 Bouchra Abouallal, 25, both decision or pay a daily penalty since IS was ousted last year tionally recognised. Moreover, governments to quietly explore people from Iraq, Iran and Belgian citizens, and their of 5,000 euros for each child, up from almost all the large swathes there is little popular sympathy how to tackle the complexities Afghanistan, were spotted on children have been held in the to a maximum 1 million euros, of territory it seized in 2014 and for militants’ families after a of bringing them back. Christmas Day, the UK Home Office said. “The evidence shows there is organised criminal gang activity behind illegal Man sets sail across migration attempts by small boats across the Channel,” a Home Office spokesperson said. Atlantic in a barrel “We are working closely with the French and law AFP the floor allows Savin to look enforcement partners to BORDEAUX at passing fish. target these gangs, who Savin hopes currents will exploit vulnerable people and A 71-year-old Frenchman sets carry him naturally to the Car- put lives at risk.” sail across the Atlantic in a ibbean without the need for a Another boat, carrying barrel-shaped orange capsule, sail or oars — “maybe Barbados, three migrants, was inter- hoping to reach the Caribbean although I’d really like it to be cepted early yesterday. within three months thanks to a French island like Martinique ocean currents alone. or Guadaloupe,” he quipped. “The weather is great — I’ve “That would be easier for Pair with fake got a swell of one metre and I’m the paperwork and for bringing moving at two or three kilo- the barrel back.” guns spark panic metres an hour,” Jean-Jacques Along the way, Savin will be Savin said by telephone after dropping markers for the at Paris airport setting off from El Hierro in JCOMMOPS international marine Spain’s Canary Islands. observatory to help its oceanog- Shops are seen damaged by an earthquake at the northern area of Catania on the slopes of Mount AFP “For the time being my raphers study the currents. Etna, in Sicily, yesterday. BOBIGNY capsule is behaving very, very And he himself will be the well and I’ve got favourable subject of a study on the effects Two people holding replica winds forecast until Sunday.” of solitude in close guns sparked a panic at Paris’ Mt Etna eruption triggers quake in Sicily Savin had worked on his confinement. main Charles de Gaulle vessel for months in the small Savin has a budget of Airport yesterday before they AP open-ended Richter scale and 4.9 Crimi said as he reported 10 shipyard of Ares on France’s $68,000 for his expedition, were quickly arrested, ROME on the moment magnitude scale, people injured. southwest coast. covered in part by barrel- sources close to the investi- which relates to the amount the The most seriously injured Measuring three metres makers and a crowdfunding gation said. An earthquake triggered by ground slips. It struck north of was a 70-year-old man who long and 2.10 metres across, it campaign. Passengers were evac- Mount Etna’s eruption jolted Catania, the largest city in the fractured ribs and was under- is made from uated from Terminal 2 for eastern Sicily before dawn eastern part of the Mediter- going surgery for chest injuries. resin-coated around 45 minutes after the yesterday, injuring at least 10 ranean island, but no damage or A 71-year-old patient was being plywood, heavily incident at 8.30am. people, damaging churches and injuries were reported there. kept in hospital for observation, reinforced to resist A passenger had raised houses on the volcano’s slopes The quake opened up cracks while others were treated and waves and the alarm saying they had and prompting panicked in homes in several towns, released, the Italian news potential attacks seen “two adults who did not villagers to flee their homes. sending chunks of concrete agency ANSA reported. Addi- by orca whales. speak French with weapons Italy’s Civil Protection offi- debris tumbling to the ground. tionally, 18 other people went Inside the in a case”, one source said. cials said the quake, which It broke up sidewalks and a to local hospitals suffering from capsule, which A police source said struck at 3:19am, was part of a stretch of highway, forcing it to panic attacks or shock, news weighs 450kg border police had detained swarm of some 1,000 tremors, close. Many people spent the reports said. when empty, is a the pair. most of them barely perceptible, hours after the quake sleeping One 80-year-old man was six-square-metre A security perimeter was linked to Etna’s volcanic in their cars. safely extracted from the rubble living space which quickly set up, while a bomb eruption this week. “Etna remains a dangerous of his home, ANSA said, while a includes a kitchen, squad had already been at the Italy’s national seismology volcano, and this country of ours woman told state radio that her sleeping bunk and A file photo of Jean-Jacques Savin working on scene dealing with an aban- institute said the quake had a is unfortunately fragile,” gov- sister was pulled out from under storage. the construction of a ship made from a barrel doned bag. magnitude of 4.8 on the ernment undersecretary Vito a heavy armoire that had toppled. A porthole in at the shipyard in Ares, southwestern France. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 Health checks ordered for minors in US custody

AFP Guatemala called for the numbers of children in WASHINGTON an investigation into custody as well,” he said. the boy’s death and Guatemala called on US US Customs and Border some US lawmakers authorities to conduct a “clear” Protection announced medical investigation of the death, adding checks on all children in its angrily denounced the that “medical reports have been custody following the death of Trump administration’s requested...to clarify the cause an eight-year-old Guatemalan immigration policy. of death of the child”. migrant — the second child The news of the boy’s death fatality in American detention triggered outrage among this month. established an official cause of lawmakers. Guatemala called for an death but would “ensure an “The Administration’s policy investigation into the boy’s death independent and thorough of turning people away from and some US lawmakers angrily review of the circumstances”. legal ports of entry ... is putting denounced the Trump adminis- Early yesterday, commis- families and children in great A photo of a Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center where Customs and Border Protection reported tration’s immigration policy. sioner Kevin K McAleenan danger,” Castro, chairman elect the death of an eight-year-old migrant from Guatemala, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The boy, identified by Texas announced the agency was “con- of the Congressional Hispanic congressman Joaquin Castro as ducting secondary medical Caucus, said in a statement. The boy’s death came on the “You hear that in the United migrants for political gain. Felipe Alonzo Gomez, had been checks upon all children in CBP “Another child dies under same day that Jakelin Caal, a States they pay well, not like the He is locked in a battle with transferred to a New Mexico care and custody,” and this Administration’s watch,” Guatemalan girl who died in US companies here in Guatemala — Congress over funding for his medical centre showing signs of “reviewing its policies with par- tweeted Democratic Con- custody under similar circum- that’s why people leave,” said planned wall along the border sickness on Monday, the agency ticular focus upon care and gressman Marc Veasey, also of stances earlier this month, was Pop, whose 22-year-old son with Mexico, which he says will said. custody of children under 10. Texas. “Such a devastating story buried. Joaquin left in November in stem migration from Latin Staff diagnosed him with a “This is a tragic loss. On behalf to hear on Christmas Day.” Her body was repatriated on search of the American dream. American countries plagued by cold but later discovered a fever. of US Customs and Border Pro- “Heartbroken and sickened Sunday and after a long journey “I don’t know if he is alive or gang violence and poverty. He was released at midday, with tection, our deepest sympathies by this news,” Senator Martin reached San Antonio Secortez, dead.” “Heartbroken to hear of a prescriptions for ibuprofen and go out to the family,” he added. Heinrich of New Mexico wrote the remote village where her Caal’s December 8 death second child’s death in CBP the antibiotic amoxicillin. McAleenan said the CBP was on Twitter. “I am urgently family — members of the indig- reignited debate in the United custody,” tweeted Nydia Alonzo, who was with his considering seeking medical demanding more details, but the enous Q’eqchi’ Maya people — States over immigration policy Velazquez, a Democratic con- apprehended father, was later support from other government Trump administration must be live without electricity and other and the treatment of migrants. gresswoman from New York. transferred back to the hospital agencies, among them the US held accountable for this child’s basic services. President Donald Trump has “We must demand account- suffering from nausea and vom- Coast Guard and the Department death and all the lives they have “This girl left home happy made hardline immigration pol- ability, find answers and put an iting. He died on Monday, just of Defense. put in danger with their inten- searching for a dream, but unfor- icies a central plank of his pres- end to this Administration’s before midnight. “CBP is coordinating with the tional chaos and disregard for tunately died on the way,” com- idency, drawing fire from critics hateful, dangerous anti-immi- The CBP said it had not Centers for Disease Control on human life.” munity leader Alberto Pop said. who accuse him of demonizing grant policies.”

Woman found in SC Justice released from hospital after cancer surgery Bolivia 32 years REUTERS Valerie Rusch. No further replace her with a conservative, stent in her right coronary artery WASHINGTON treatment was planned, she said. further shifting the court to the to improve blood flow after she after kidnapping Ginsburg, one of the court’s right. reported discomfort following US Supreme Court Justice Ruth nine justices, broke three ribs in Trump already has put two routine exercise. She was AFP Bader Ginsburg (pictured), 85, a fall last month. The nodules conservatives on the court since released from a hospital the next BUENOS AIRES has been released from the were found as part of the tests becoming president in January day. hospital after undergoing cancer the justice underwent after the 2017 and a potentially dominant The justices are scheduled to An Argentine woman surgery, a court spokeswoman fall, Arberg said. 6-3 conservative majority would hear their next round of argu- kidnapped 32 years ago as a said yesterday. As the oldest justice, have major consequences for ments on January 7. teenager has been found alive “Justice Ginsburg was dis- Ginsburg is closely watched for issues including abortion, the In recent years, she has and well in Bolivia following charged from the hospital yes- any signs of deteriorating death penalty, voting rights and become something of a cult a joint investigation between terday and is recuperating at health. Ginsburg, appointed by religious liberty. figure for liberals and known by the two countries, Argentine home,” spokeswoman Kathy Democratic President Bill Ginsburg has recovered from the nickname “Notorious RBG,” police said yesterday. Arberg said in a statement. Clinton in 1993, also is the senior previous medical issues. She was after the late rapper Notorious Now 45, the woman was The liberal justice underwent There was no evidence of liberal member of the court, treated in 1999 for colon cancer BIG. the victim of human traf- surgery at Memorial Sloan Ket- any remaining disease after the which has a 5-4 conservative and again in year 2009 for pan- A documentary film, “RBG,” ficking at just 13 years old, tering Cancer Center in New removal of the two nodules, both majority. creatic cancer but did not miss was released earlier this year police said. York on Friday to remove two of which were found to be can- If she were unable to con- any argument sessions either and a feature film about her life, Bolivian officers had been cancerous nodules in her left cerous, Arberg said on Friday, tinue serving, Republican Pres- time. made its debut in theaters this gathering evidence on the lung. citing the thoracic surgeon, Dr ident Donald Trump could In 2014, doctors placed a week. woman’s whereabouts for several months at the behest of their Argentine counter- parts, before localizing her in a small town in the south of Road accident on Garden the country. Once Bolivian authorities State Parkway leaves 4 dead gave the authorization, police liberated the woman and her AP tanker. Quispe-Prieto and three son. TOMS RIVER passengers — Jimmy Quispe- The pair were trans- Prieto and Robert Ordenana, ferred to Mar del Plata, her New Jersey state police said a both 23, and 24-year-old Victor home town some 400km to crash involving a car and a Lugo, all of Lakewood — were the south of Buenos Aires, tanker truck on the Garden all pronounced dead at the scene. where she was reunited with State Parkway has left four Authorities haven’t said whether family, Argentine authorities people dead. any of the four were related. said. The accident was reported It’s not clear if the tanker According to unnamed around 2:50am yesterday in the was moving at the time. The sources, an investigation southbound lanes near mile tanker driver suffered minor into the woman’s location marker 81.5 in Toms River. injuries. The cause of the crash began in the year 2014 but State police said the car remains under investigation. it was not until January of driven by 21-year-old Kevin Authorities shut down some this year that she is believed Quispe-Prieto, of Beachwood, lanes as they investigated the to have arrived at a house in slammed into the back of the crash. the border town.

Government officials, relatives and friends taking part in a homage in memory of Martha Erika US govt sued over data collection Alonso, a governor of the state of Puebla, and her husband Senator Rafael Moreno, who died in a AP gence activities. be based solely on activities helicopter crash, in Puebla, yesterday. NEW YORK According to the lawsuit, the protected by the First government has not responded Amendment. A civil rights group has sued the to requests made last month for A government spokesman Obrador refutes blame for chopper crash US government, saying it needs information about its surveil- declined comment. more information about surveil- lance of Americans under a 2015 The limits on the surveil- AP that suggest the helicopter was copter crash. lance of Americans’ phone and law. Congress used the law to lance are due to expire in 2019, MEXICO CITY shot down were the work of Mexico’s assistant transpor- financial records to guide the set boundaries on the NSA’s bulk and the ACLU said more infor- “neofascist groups who are tation secretary said the invi- public debate over what will collection of call records and mation is needed for a healthy Mexican President Andres angry about our victory and are tation was made “to leave no happen when the law that regu- other data after former NSA debate before the law is reau- Manuel Lopez Obrador said trying to slander us.” doubts” about the Monday crash lates the scrutiny expires next contractor Edward Snowden thorized or changes are made. “neofascists” and conservatives The Monday crash killed that killed the opposition year. leaked documents revealing The group said the failure of are blaming the government for opposition Governor Martha politicians. The American Civil Lib- extensive government the government to release any a helicopter crash that killed two Erika Alonso of the central state Carlos Moran said on erties Union sued the National surveillance. relevant records since the sub- opposition politicians. of Puebla and her husband, Tuesday that the manufac- Security Agency, the director The law requires annual mission of its Freedom of Infor- Lopez Obrador refused to former governor Rafael Moreno turers of the helicopter and its of national intelligence, the CIA reports to Congress from the mation Act request last month speculate on what caused the Valle. Two pilots and a third pas- engines will participate in the and the Justice Department in intelligence community and is concerning because the crash, but military experts said senger also died. investigation, and it was too Manhattan federal court, forces the government to seek request “relates to sweeping no explosive devices were found Meanwhile, Mexico has early to determine whether seeking information about a a court order to collect call surveillance activities that in the wreckage. invited experts from the US mechanical problems played program that collects records records to obtain intelligence. implicate core privacy and free Lopez Obrador said yes- National Transportation Safety a role. during investigations into ter- Requests of records of US cit- speech rights of Americans,” terday that social media videos Board to investigate the heli- rorism or clandestine intelli- izens for investigations cannot according to the lawsuit. THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018 HOME 15 A year of march to progress for Qatar REWIND FEBRUARY 9: Based on the bin Hamad Al Thani headed to directives of the Amir H H Sheikh Belgium for an official visit, followed Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to by a state visit to the Republic of provide $9m as emergency aid of Bulgaria. A number of cooperation medicines, medical supplies, agreements and memoranda of foodstuffs and fuel to operate understanding were signed in various 2018 hospital generators in Gaza Strip, fields during the two visits. Chairman of the National Committee JANUARY TO MARCH for the Reconstruction of Gaza, MARCH 12: Deputy Amir H H Ambassador Mohammed bin Ismail Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani The year 2018 was a year of Al Emadi, will supervise aid inaugurated the Doha International distribution in Gaza. Maritime Defence Exhibition and accomplishing many achievements for Conference (Dimdex 2018) at the Qatar at domestic and international FEBRUARY 16: Amir H H Sheikh Qatar National Convention Center, levels. Qatar completed many mega Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the with the participation of more than projects in the country and achieved opening session of the Munich 60 countries in Dimdex 2018. distinctive global position through Security Conference, said: “Even with the regional turmoil, Qatar remains MARCH 27: Amir H H Sheikh mature diplomacy. one of the most peaceful countries in Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the world. Qatar emerged stronger President of the friendly Russian The projects related to 2022 FIFA and preserved its sovereignty”. Federation Vladimir Putin witnessed World Cup are being completed in the signing of cooperation FEBRUARY 17: Amir H H Sheikh agreement in the field of science and stipulated time frame while numerous Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited education between Qatar Foundation new initiatives in various sectors from the 15th Doha Jewellery and for Education, Science and trade to tourism were launched in 2018. Watches Exhibition, at Doha Community Development (QF) and These are the major happenings and Exhibition and Convention Center. Rosneft, which aims to open a developments occurring in the first three FEBRUARY 16 research centre for Rosneft at the MARCH 5: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Qatar Science and Technology Park. months of 2018.

measures taken against Qatar, their grave consequences for regional and international security and peace and their impact on human rights.

FEBRUARY 3: Fifteen British MPs have signed a petition demanding the UK government to put pressure on siege countries for immediate lifting of siege imposed on Qatar and have urged the blockading nations to respond to Kuwait’s mediation to resolve the crisis.

FEBRUARY 5: Qatar Airways took delivery of its fourth state-of-the-art Gulfstream G650ER executive aircraft, the fastest ultra-long-range business jet in the world.

FEBRUARY 9: Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Sumaikh al Marri, on a visit to Berlin, called on the German government, as a member of the Human Rights FEBRUARY 28 Council, to raise the issue of the serious repercussions of the siege imposed on Qatar at the Council’s next session. MARCH 7: The Ministry of Defence JANUARY 2 announced establishing a company FEBRUARY 15: Qatar Airways announced it has Barzan Holdings that aims at JANUARY 2: The acquired the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel, further enhancing the military capabilities and outcomes of the expanding the growing portfolio of its hospitality investment in the defence industry. 2018 comprehensive urban division, Dhiafatina Hotels. plan of the State of Qatar MARCH 8: Hamad International was launched by the FEBRUARY 18: The Ministry of Administrative Airport (HIA) unveiled Small Lie, a 32 MARCH Ministry of 2018 Development, Labour and Social Affairs launched a feet sculpture by renowned American Municipality and new online service to provide a copy of the job artist KAWS. Environment. contract for private sector employees in Qatar. JANUARY MARCH 9: Qatar Airways announced signing of a five-year partnership JANUARY 8: The FEBRUARY 19: Qatar Foundation launched new agreement with leading German football team FC Bayern Munich AG. Public Works Authority initiative ‘Akhlaquna Award,’ aimed at recognising (Ashghal) launched the ‘Rehabilitation of Small Contractors’ young people with exemplary moral character. MARCH 13: Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) received the first initiative for local entrepreneurs. Lusail Tram at Hamad Port. FEBRUARY 19: FIFA President Gianni Infantino JANUARY 14: Sidra Medicine welcomed first inpatients said that Qatar World Cup 2022 will be great and MARCH 19: Labor Dispute Settlement Committee assumed duties, in to the new hospital building. they are satisfied with the ongoing preparations. order to decide on labor complaints which the Department of Labor “We are confident that the 2022 World Cup in Relations of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social JANUARY 16: The second action plan of the National Qatar will be up to expectations,” he said during a Affairs cannot resolve amicably. Traffic Safety Strategy (2018-2022) launched in the news conference in Nouakchott, Mauritania. presence of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh MARCH 20: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. FEBRUARY 21: Qatar Airways celebrated the (Kahramaa) launched the best sustainable local product competition. delivery of the world’s first Airbus A350-1000 as JANUARY 28: Qatar Airways welcomed the arrival of the aircraft’s global launch customer before an MARCH 20: The 6th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition & the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft to Qatar, as part of a audience of international media at the Airbus Conference (AgriteQ) was opened at Doha Exhibition & Convention special Demonstration Tour by Airbus. Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France. Center (DECC).

JANUARY 30: Qatar and the United States held the FEBRUARY 27: Qatar Airways Cargo received MARCH 20: Hamad Port, held a ceremony to mark the handling of its inaugural Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue at the US the International Cargo Airline of the Year award at first one million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) containers. Department of State in Washington, D.C. the STAT Times awards MARCH 22: Hamad International Airport (HIA) was ranked the 5th JANUARY 30: Ministry of Municipality and Environment FEBRUARY 27: The Ministry of Municipality and best airport in the world at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2018. It signed an agreement with a private company to adopt Environment declared Rawdat Al Maida a natural was also honoured with the title of ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for advanced technology for boosting agricultural produce in reserve. the fourth year in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for the the country. third year in a row. FEBRUARY 27: The ‘Electric Car Charging FEBRUARY 1: The Stations Project – Phase 1’ Initiative, was launched MARCH 25: US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied that it was new public hygiene Law by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation leaving the Incirlik base in southern Turkey’s Adana provinces and the Al No. 18 of 2017 was (Kahramaa), by establishing an electric car charging Udeid base in Qatar. implemented by the station at Kahramaa Awareness Park (KAP) under Ministry of Municipality green car initiative. MARCH 25: The Department of Private School Licenses at the Ministry and Environment, 2018 of Education and Higher Education launched, an online portal for represented by the FEBRUARY 28: Chairperson of the Education registration for pre-admission in private schools. General Cleanliness Above All Foundation (EAA) and UN Sustainable Department. FEBRUARY Development Goals Advocate, H H Sheikha Moza MARCH 27: The 23rd session of the General Assembly of the bint Nasser, called on leaders of industry and International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) was inaugurated in the FEBRUARY 3: Deputy government to place education at the heart of presence of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh human development agenda. She was addressing Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with the a high-level meeting organised by EAA in Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres. partnership with the United Nations Educational, MARCH 29: Turkey’s Investment Support and Promotion Agency The Minister briefed the UN Secretary-General on all illegal Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) opened its new office in Doha. 16 HOME THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER 2018