3rd Best News Website in the Middle Eastst Special Lease Offer MEDINAMEDIINA CENTRALECENTRALE BUSINESS | 21 SPORT | 28 4409 5155 Qatar’s non oil QTCC leader Abdullaa exports at QR1.71bn extends winning in February streak

Monday 10 April 2017 | 13 Rajab 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7127 | 2 Riyals

Emir condoles Kahramaa signs with Egyptian President

QR8.3bn power QNA

EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable expansion deal of condolences to President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi on the victims of the two Sanaullah Ataullah criminal explosions that took The Peninsula The projects — Phase place in Mar Girgis Church in Tanta and in St Mark Church 13 of Qatar Power Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and Kahramaa President o meet the growing in Alexandria, wishing a demand for electric- Transmission System Eng Issa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, with representatives of the companies after signing the contracts, speedy recovery to the ity in the country, Expansion Plan — at Kahramaa Tower, yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin /The Peninsula injured. Qatar General Elec- include construction In the cable, the Emir tricity and Water of 77 substations and conference held yesterday. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada. improving the power infrastruc- expressed his strong con- TCorporation (Kahramaa) yes- “The projects will also cover The upcoming projects ture in and around Doha, demnation of this terrorist terday signed contracts worth laying of 453.3km a range of industrial sectors, eco- involve contractors and consult- enabling Kahramaa to help act which targeted places of a total QR8.3 bn with local and Extra High Voltage nomic zones and logistics areas, ants for Transmission achieving Qatar National Vision worship and innocent peo- international companies for (EHV) cables. in addition to one of the major infrastructure development to 2030. These projects include ple, stressing the State of expansion of electricity World Cup stations”, said Al implement through appropriate construction of total 77 substa- Qatar's firm position reject- network. Kuwari. international and local private tions which are being built in ing violence and terrorism The projects — Phase 13 of serve different sectors in the Addressing a press conference EPC participation. The EPC (engi- various locations of the country. in all its forms and Qatar Power Transmission Sys- country, the most important of at Kahramaa headquarters, Kah- neering, procurement and Phase 13 projects also cover up manifestations. tem Expansion Plan — include which is the land sector, which ramaa President Eng Essa bin Hilal construction) contracts for Phase upgrading of few old substations. The two blasts claimed by construction of 77 substations has been allocated by the gov- Al Kuwari signed the contracts with 13 are for the supply and com- The project will also witness lay- the Islamic State (IS) killed 43 and laying of 453.3km Extra ernment to the citizens," said representatives of the companies, missioning of transmission cable ing of total 453.3 Kilo Meters Extra people. The Foreign Ministry High Voltage (EHV) cables. Kahramaa’s President Eng. Essa in the presence of the Minister of and substations. High Voltage (EHV) cables. in a statement reiterated “The projects will bin Hilal Al Kuwari in a press Energy and Industry H E Dr All projects will contribute to → Continued on page 2 Qatar's firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism regardless of the motives and reasons. Philippine President to arrive on Friday → See also page 8

Raynald C Rivera “The Philippine Embassy Saturday between 6.30pm to 8pm,” held including Qatar which has The Peninsula would like to inform the Filipino said the announcement signed by more than 200,000 Filipinos. community that President Rod- Philippine Ambassador Alan L Many of his overseas compatri- Philippine President Rodrigo rigo Roa Duterte will be in the Timbayan. ots here are expected to throng R Duterte will be meeting State of Qatar from April 14 to 16 The Philippine President the much anticipated meeting. Mowasalat T the Filipino community in for an official visit. enjoys big support from over- Prior registration is required for Qatar on Saturday during his first In this regard, Filipinos are seas Filipinos worldwide which those who wish to attend the services state visit to the country, the Phil- invited to attend the Filipino com- was evident during last year’s community meeting as the getting better ippine Embassy announced munity meeting with the President elections which saw his landslide venue has the capacity of only yesterday. Duterte is scheduled to to be held at the Lusail Sports Arena win in many countries where 6,000. Rodrigo R Duterte arrive in Doha on Friday. (Lusail Multipurpose Hall) on overseas absentee voting was → Continued on page 4 → Page 3

No income taxes Umm Besher Interchange opens for Saudi citizens Dar Al Sharq labour

Doha Reuters conference on May 1

SAUDI ARABIA’S finance min- ister said yesterday that citizens The Peninsula The opening session will be would not pay taxes on income addressed by H E Dr Issa Saad and Saudi companies would nder the patronage of Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, the Minis- not see their profits taxed under Minister of Administra- ter of Transport and sweeping economic reforms Utive Development, Communications H E Jassim bin being introduced in the Labor and Social Affairs, H E Saif Al Sulaiti, and CEO of Dar kingdom. Dr Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Al Sharq Group, Abdullatif Al The collapse in oil prices Nuaimi, Dar Al Sharq will hold Mahmoud. after mid-2014 has pushed Saudi the fourth edition of its annual The conference will have Arabia to contemplate a radical conference on 'Labour Care' three sessions. overhaul of all parts of its econ- on May 1, at Kempinski Hotel The first session will high- omy, including new taxes, at The Pearl. light the legal achievements privatisations, a changed invest- The conference under the and actions taken for imple- ment strategy and sharp cuts in Traffic on Umm Besher interchange that was opened recently. The interchange was opened theme “Achievements and menting rules and regulations government spending. Moham- due to the closure of a 250-metre stretch of Al Wukair Temporary Street to expedite Challenges” will host represent- to improve the living condi- med Al Jadaan sought in a completion of a 22km main carriageway, which is a part of Ashghal’s East-West Corridor atives of a number of tions of the labour force in statement carried by state news Project. Once completed, the project will deliver five lanes in each direction, providing government institutions, min- Qatar. SPA agency to allay concern that direct, free flow of traffic between the Industrial Area and Hamad International Airport. istries, companies and human This session will host people would be taxed as part Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula right organisations. senior officials from the Min- of the ambitious reform plan. This is the first conference istry of Administrative on labour issues to be held by Development, Labor and Dar Al Sharq Group following Social Affairs. the enforcement of Law No. The second session will 21/2015 regulating the entry, focus on the role of private sec- Russia 'responsible' for Syria deaths: Britain exit and residency of expatri- tor and views of legal experts ates on December 13. on labour rights and achieve- London many children, killed last week in The Sunday Times. peacekeeping progress," he As Qatar is hosting 2.1 mil- ments that have been realised AFP in a suspected chemical weap- "If Russia wants to be added. Fallon reiterated Britain's lion expatriate workers, the on the ground. ons attack. absolved of responsibility for position that Assad should quit. law which has replaced the The third session under the ritish Defence Secretary "Assad's principal backer is future attacks, Vladimir Putin "Someone who uses barrel Kafala (sponsorship) system theme, “better communication Michael Fallon yesterday Russia. By proxy Russia is needs to enforce commitments, bombs and chemicals to kill his with a contract-based system initiatives for workers in Qatar” Baccused Russia of being responsible for every civilian to dismantle Assad's chemical own people simply cannot be the aims to improve the work and will be addressed by officials "responsible" by proxy for the death last week," Fallon wrote weapons arsenal for good, and future leader of Syria," he wrote. living conditions of the from the Ministry of Transport death of 87 civilians, including in an opinion column published to get fully engaged with the UN → See also page 18 workers. and Communications. 02 HOME MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 Call for joint action to tackle challenges facing ALO

Cairo Board of Directors' activities dur- QNA 44th ALO session ing the two sessions, which Qatar taking part in included discussions on a he State of Qatar is tak- the 44th Session of number of financial and admin- ing part in the 44th the Arab Labour istrative issues along with reports Session of the Arab relating to the activities imple- Conference, which Labour Conference, mented by the organization for kicked off in Cairo which kicked off in the three production parties dur- TCairo yesterday, with a delega- yesterday. ing 2016. These activities also tion headed by H E Dr Issa bin included the follow-up of ALO's Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, Minis- Conference taking work progress and the formula- ter of Administrative place amid tion of a number of important Development and Labour and international and recommendations submitted Social Affairs and Chairman of regional changes, before the ongoing conference. the Arab Labour Organization says Labour Minister. ALO Board of Directors also (ALO) Board of Directors. reviewed a report on the prep- This year's Conference, aration for the annual meeting chaired by Kuwait's Minister of taking place amid international of the Arab Group participating H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs and Labour, Hind and regional changes "imposing in the 106th Session of the Inter- Social Affairs and Chairman of the Arab Labour Organisation (ALO) Board of Directors, at the Al Sabeeh, brings together rep- on us various challenges which national Labour Conference conference in Cairo yesterday. resentatives of governments are at the heart of ALO's compe- scheduled for next June, Dr. Al workers and business organisa- tences and require further joint Nuaimi said. Palestine as a result of Israeli Education, Culture and Science sessions of the Conference. tions in addition to Arab and cooperation to confront and It had also examined a report practices, which constitute a fla- (Unesco)'s resolution aimed at Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al foreign figures operating in the overcome them within the on the situation of the workers grant violation of international defending Al-Aqsa Mosque's Nuaimi expressed hope for the economic and social develop- framework of the dialogue and the Palestinian people in the law and human rights identity, noting that the confer- successful and effective conduct ment field. between the social partners in occupied Palestinian territories conventions. ence's agenda includes a of the Conference's activities to In his opening address, Al the Arab world." and the violations suffered by the In this context, Dr Al Nuaimi detailed report on the BOD' better serve labour issues in the Nuaimi said the conference is Dr Al Nuaimi reviewed ALO' parties of production in praised the Organization of achievements between the two Arab world.

Inspectors Al Bayt Stadium: 40% of structural work completed detect 79 QNA structural work and 25 percnt of tournament," the SC said in a Ahmed, added: "Recently the site countries in need of sporting violations the construction work for the report posted on its website. team began installation of the infrastructure. he construction of Al Bayt surrounding precincts already The retaining wall that will first fix of approximately 2,500 The upper concourse of the The Peninsula Stadium at Al Khor City is completed. support the next two levels of seats at the north stand of the stadium will then be converted Tin full swing with 40 per- "The area around the sta- the stadium's overall weight has 60,000-seat stadium." into a hotel. A shopping centre s part of its ongoing cent of the structural work of the dium will include facilities for also been erected, and will ulti- The steel structure platforms and a branch of Aspetar, the lead- inspection campaign, proposed host venue for the the community and green areas. mately be the main support of for the modular seats are ing sports medicine facility, will Athe Ministry of Econ- 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar now There are currently 3,000 con- the stadium’s state-of-the-art designed in Germany and man- also be incorporated into the omy and Commerce has completed. struction workers on the site, retractable roof that will take ufactured in Italy while the structure. detected 79 consumer protec- Aspire Zone Foundation and workers’ welfare continues just 20 minutes to close. The actual seats are designed and Parks and greenery will form tion related violations last Project Director for Al Bayt Sta- to be a top priority as we venue will have an overall manufactured in Qatar. After the an integral part of the surround- month. During the same dium, Al Khor City, Dr Nasser advance with construction on height of 37 metres. tournament, the stadium’s ing precinct’s design plan, creating period, the Ministry received Al-Hajeri, said: "Work on the site this unique stadium which will Meanwhile, the SC Project capacity will be reduced to a green lung for Al Khor and pro- a total of 1,068 complaints all is progressing on schedule, with leave a tangible legacy for the Manager for Al Bayt Stadium, Al approximately 32,000 seats, viding local families with of which were settled, said the 40 percent of the stadium community after the Khor City, Engineer Mohemed with the upper tiers donated to invaluable outdoor space to enjoy. Ministry. The inspection campaign covered different areas and types of businesses. The cam- paign came in line with the Expansion to meet growing Ministry’s aim to monitor the market and commercial activities in the country and demand for electricity ensure that traders comply with the provisions of the law → Continued from page 1 continues to witness tremen- No 8/2008 on Consumer Pro- “Nine contracts have been dous development and tection. The violations signed today worth QR8.3bn to urbanization, said Eng. Essa bin included lack of product expand the local network of the Hilal Al Kuwari. descriptions, display with state and support the develop- The project aims to ensure wrong information, lack of ment and expansion of the stable power supply to all sec- necessary information about country, and the increasing tors including households, services and prices besides demand for electricity in resi- business centers, shopping selling low quality products. dential, commercial and malls, hospitals and schools. In addition, failure to industrial sectors in Qatar," said A major contract in the issue bills and sale of expired HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al transport networks is awarded food stuff were also among Sada. to a local Qatari company. violations, said the ministry “The period of implemen- Contracts for construction in a statement yesterday. tation of these contracts of sub- stations were signed The punishments were extends from 16 to 26 months, with Siemens AG & Siemens closure and fines ranging and were signed with huge and consortium (Qatar ), Larsen& from QR5,000 to QR30,000. specialised international com- Toubro (India), NCC (KSA), Gul- The Ministry said that it panies, stressing that these far (Qatar) and Best & Betas will take strict action against companies will be used in the Consortium (Turkey) violators of the law regulat- subcontracts of Qatari compa- Contracts for transmission ing consumer’s rights. nies," he added. cables were signed were LS Consumers have also been The expansion plan has Cable and system (S-Korea) , urged to report any violation been laid down to meet the Larsen& Toubro (India), Furu- they come across through the growing demand for electric- kawa (Japan) and Elsewedy ministry’s communication ity in Qatar, as the country Cables (Qatar & Egypt). channels. HIA hosts two-day DNA seminar

The Peninsula and CIFAL-United Nations Insti- objectives largely due to our tute for Training and Research investment on training and amad International Air- (UNITAR) and focuses on ‘Airport building capacities. Hence, we port (HIA) is hosting a Air Service Development’. are happy to provide a similar Htwo-day Airport Council The main topics include learning environment, in collab- International (ACI) Developing defining the airport/airline busi- oration with ACI, to all delegates. Nations Assistance (DNA) sem- ness relations, identifying the We hope they have a produc- inar which will conclude today. market potential for an airport’s tive seminar and are able to take The seminar started with a location, defining the overall air- back knowledge that will bring welcome reception organized port marketing strategy to grow them to greater heights.” by HIA on Saturday. aeronautical and non-aeronau- Angela Gittens, Director The Developing Nations tical revenues, and formulating General of ACI World, said: “I Assistance Programme, which marketing support and finan- would like to thank Hamad is an ACI initiative, is targeted cial incentives schemes for route International Airport for host- towards airport communities in development ing the DNA seminar on ‘Airport developing countries and offers Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Air Service Development.’ This no cost and low cost training and Meer, Chief Operating Officer of is an increasingly important dis- other capacity building initia- HIA, said: “Hamad International cipline as airports are no longer tives to realize their Airport is a relatively young air- public utility monopolies but development objectives. port, having started our must compete effectively to The seminar is organised in operations in May 2014. Within attract and retain air service for conjunction with Hartsfield Jack- the past three years, we have the benefit of the communities son Atlanta International Airport achieved our development they serve. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 HOME 03 Smooth ride: Mowasalat services getting better

their accommodation and work- More and more place on a daily basis. Many modern technologies people have started like the advance payment sys- using the Mowasalat tem, the self-service machine for bus service selling the public transport cards and the SMS notification about to reach their the arrival of buses have also accommodation and helped make the service more of bus services has increased sig- workplace on a daily people-friendly. nificantly,” Mohamad Ali, a basis. The SMS notification pro- Nepali worker, told The vides real time information about Peninsula. specific bus routes. People can “I travel by bus from Al Sanaullah Ataullah send an SMS with a specific bus- Ghanim Central Bus Station near The Peninsula stop number to “92112”, and the Gold Souq to the Industrial Mowasalat, the state-backed Area, Street No. 42, on a daily n a country heavily domi- company that runs the Karwa basis. I get the bus in 10 to 15 min- nated by private cars, the buses, will provide information utes and the travel time is Passengers boarding a Karwa public bus on a highway in Doha. public transport is slowly about buses on that route, approximately 45 minutes if the gaining ground. The widen- expected timings and even how bus is not stuck in traffic,” said Ali. bothered by all the traffic issues Some of the passengers also Mowasalat operates a total ing network of public many stops it is away from the “The travel time has also while driving to work in the lauded the better facilities at the of 50 routes starting at as early Itransportation system and sup- requested stop. The Peninsula been reduced because earlier, morning,” said an engineer with Central bus terminal like the sep- as 4am with the last bus depart- port services have won much tested the SMS notification serv- when the buses were less, there a consulting firm. arate waiting areas for ing around 11pm. Fares are appreciation from users. More ice at various stops and found the were frequent stops, and now However, many people who passengers. “Earlier, people attractively priced from as little and more people have started system accurate and at times, the there are limited stops. My live away from Doha are finding would be walking all around the as QR2.50 for short trips with a using the bus service to reach buses reached specific stops a accommodation is in Al Shihania it difficult to plan their travel on terminal but now passengers maximum single fare of QR9 to few minutes earlier labour camp and I come to Asian Mowasalat buses. have specific waiting areas and Al Shamal and Abu Samra on the than the time given Town to see my relatives and “Every time I need to go to when buses on their route come, Saudi border. by the system. friends on Fridays,” said Ramesh the Industrial Area from Wakra, they can board. The system is Moreover, commuters can Meanwhile, Yado, a construction worker. I have to go all the way to the very much organised and there submit their requests to Mow- many commuters “We noticed remarkable main bus terminal in Al Ghanim is no chaos while boarding or asalat for route changes and expressed their sat- improvement in the bus services to get a bus or get down at vari- getting off the buses,” said a fre- additional routes as per their isfaction about the compared to the past years,” said ous stops and get a number of quent traveller. convenience as the services will bus services in the Mohamad Jan, a self-employed connecting buses, which is diffi- “People wait for their buses be provided accordingly if pos- country. Mowasalat Pakistani. Jan was waiting for his cult. It would be better if they can in the waiting areas, which has a sible. Mowasalat announced has added more bus at Al Ghanim Central Bus Sta- have more bus hubs in different few gates for passengers to board earlier that they were receiving buses and opened tion to go to Dafna. The number areas, where buses to some of the the buses. When the specific requests from various sectors for many new routes to of buses in almost all routes most important destinations are buses come at the gates, the route changes, additional routes ferry the passengers across the country has increased available,” said a domestic doors will open and passengers and they evaluate the require- in a record time to all significantly, he added. worker in Al Wakra. can get in, based on the capacity ment to ensure the demand is destinations. Many, A number of blue collar “The payment of fare for a of the buses. There is no more met with increased passenger including low workers were also found using Karwa bus is through the smart crowding near the bus door,” said load. Then the proposal is sub- income workers and the services mostly due to card,” said a card seller at Doha another traveller. mitted to the Ministry of labourers, also use increased frequency in some Bus Station. “The card is availa- Mowasalat-Karwa provides Transport and Communications the bus service to routes. ble at QR30 with QR20 balance. frequent services throughout to verify the feasibility of oper- meet their relatives “My residence is near the bus The commuter has to punch the Doha. Buses are modern, air con- ating as per the safety of the road in Doha downtown station and every few minutes card at the machine mounted ditioned with low floor access conditions. and cities like Al there is a bus passing near my besides the bus-driver when they and space for wheelchairs on The transport company had Khor, Al Shamal, workplace. So I prefer to use the get into the bus and exit and if most types of bus. A fleet of lux- also previously announced that Dukhan and buses than my own car, as it anyone forgets to punch while ury buses with reclining seats are there is a plan to build five new Mesaieed etc during relieves me of the pressure of exiting the system will deduct used on longer routes like Al bus stations across the city that weekend and morning traffic. I can sit and relax QR9 automatically as the maxi- Khor, Al Shamal, Dukhan and would be linked to the metro sta- A bus passenger in front of a kiosk providing holidays. while travelling to office and start mum charge, regardless of the Messieed as well as Airport tions, which are expected to be recharge service for Karwa smart cards. “The availability work afresh rather than being actual distance.” Express service. completed by 2018.

Ooredoo officials after signing the agreement. Ooredoo signs agreement for donations

The Peninsula option to its Self-Service and more convenient, as this Machine network and enable will support the mission of QRC oredoo and Qatar Red donors to give to Qatar Red to serve communities inside and Crescent have Crescent projects using their outside of Qatar.’ Oannounced a three-year bank cards directly or via cash. He indicated that Qatar Red partnership agreement to ena- Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Crescent is keen to diversify ble donations to the charity via Chief Operating Officer, Oore- donations means and methods, Ooredoo’s nationwide Self- doo Qatar, said: “We’re proud so that everyone can find an Service Machine network. to support the Qatar Red Cres- easy way to donate around the The signing ceremony, cent with the amazing work they world. which took place at Ooredoo’s do across Qatar and the region “This new feature represents HQ1, was signed by Ooredoo’s and urge customers to donate an upgrade to available dona- Chief Operating Officer, Yousuf via our Self-Service Machines. tions means, which includes Abdulla Al Kubaisi, and Qatar We hope that the next time users donating in cash to QRC Red Crescent CEO, His Excel- pay their bill, top-up their serv- branches in different parts of lency Youssef Ahmed ice or head into an Ooredoo Qatar, through representatives Al-Hammadi. Shop, they’ll donate just a few in Malls, via bank transfers, With over 200 Self-Service Riyals to Qatar Red Crescent to through the QRC website or call- Machines spread across the help those in need. This is the ing 16002 to make a donation.” country, donations to Qatar Red latest in a long line of Ooredoo His Excellency Youssef Ahmed Crescent will soon be easily and Qatar Red Crescent collab- Al-Hammadi added. made by cash or credit/debit oration’s, and last year we This initiative is part of a card 24/7. helped support Women Entre- series of digital self-service The Qatar Red Crescents preneurs in Qatar.” enhancements for Ooredoo fundamental goal is to improve Youssef Ahmed Al-Ham- users. Ooredoo’s network of the lives of vulnerable people madi, CEO, Qatar Red Crescent, Self-Service Machines were by encouraging humanity and said: “We thank Ooredoo for its designed to offer an easy self- goodwill in Qatar and abroad. cooperation by adding this spe- service experience for The three year agreement cial feature to Ooredoo customers to keep up-to-date will enable Ooredoo to add a Self-Service Machines to make with their daily services and Qatar Red Crescent donation donations made to QRC easier needs. 04 HOME MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 PHCC urges patients to call 107 for appointment

The Peninsula benefit everyone. The unused Hayak 107 appointments hinders patients he Primary Health from getting to see their physi- The PHCC has unified Care Corporation cian in a timely manner,” she said. (PHCC) has urged ‘Hayak 107’ for all In addition, the appointment patients to call 107 for health centres making system also has other beneficial appointment book- it easy for visitors features like automated text Tings at the health centres, as it for information and message reminders, which the will ensure proper scheduling plan appointments. system sends out to patients and of patients in order to serve booked individuals on a specific them better. The appointment date prior to their scheduled The PHCC has unified ‘Hayak system also has appointment. This reduces the 107’ for all health centres making beneficial features number of missed appointments it easy for visitors to receive infor- like automated text and allows patients to better mation and schedule manage their time. message reminders. Visitors at the Magical Festival Village. appointments. The service is “The prior appointment sys- available in five languages. tem, also help patients not to PHCC has taken efforts to appointment system, which plays miss appointments numbers of ensure that patients receive a vital role in the care and treat- missed appointments saves val- Magical Festival Village at timely care by encouraging ment we provide to our patients. uable resources, ensures patients to schedule appoint- Providing excellent patient care appropriate care is provided to ments if they need to visit a is our priority at PHCC, we are other patients and creates a health center. Booking an working hard on delivering a more efficient service for visi- Katara attracts thousands appointment prior to visiting the timely service that facilitates the tors by making the appointment doctor will ensure that you do patient’s lifestyles and the tech- system fit into patient’s lives not have to commit a part of nology they use, to provide easy more easily,” Dr Al Mujalli said. Amna Pervaiz Rao recently, it witnessed good sales My sisters have been enjoying your busy day waiting to be seen access to the healthcare ‘Hayak 107’ was initially The Peninsula during the weekends. Rebelen the Alice in the Wonderland café by a doctor when visiting PHCC services.” launched in five health centres Tanquerido, Salesgirl at Goelia the most.” health centres. “We urge patients to support in June 2014 and was expanded he Magical Festival Village and Lily garments, said: “Dur- Shahadat Husain, Sweet Jour- Dr Hanan Al Mujalli, Execu- our efforts by making sure they to all health centres. In 2106 it along the Katara beach ing the weekends, we have ney salesman said: “Daily many tive Director of Clinical Affairs at schedule appointments and was reported that an average of Tfront has been attracting always been welcoming a huge kids buy toys from me mostly the PHCC said, “It’s imperative that attend half an hour prior to 68,000 calls were received by thousands of visitors since it number of customers and most balloons, balls, plastic toys and we all recognise the benefit of the appointment time as this will the call centre monthly. opened doors to the public in of them are local buyers. On electric motorbikes and cars. On January this year. weekdays, we receive only weekends, I usually make good The European countryside- around fifteen shoppers daily.” money as most of the local fam- inspired design serves as a Rossana Guiniling, cashier ilies visit on weekends. I make popular recreation-cum-shop- at Village Outlet, said: “At the more than QR1000 per day on Zakat Fund distributes QR19.4m ping venue for families, tourists end of the month and first week weekends.” and children. The Magical Festi- of the month, we receive a good Sand Art in glass bottle val Village is situated in a 50,000 number of customers. We sell attracted a lot of people at the to needy families in March sqm area within Katara -- the garments, shoes and bags at rea- small stall. Mahmood Kinj, Sand Cultural Village and showcases sonable prices. On weekdays, Art artist at Magical Festival Vil- up to 400 retail outlets, including only three to four customers are lage said: “I have a shop in Katara. Doha Jassim Mohammed Al Kubaisi, governing the Zakat Fund and 357 shops, 19 cafes and 20 res- willing to pay. Others mostly I have received many Saudi tour- QNA said in a press statement that beneficiaries should be among taurants with about 500 seats and come for window-shopping.” ists in past few days. Tourists have this amount comes within the those stipulated in the Holy chairs for the public. It also fea- Saudi nationals are among been amused by this art and we he total assistance provided framework of permanent and Quran, he said. tures a ‘Ladies Boulevard’, an the most frequent visitors and have done very good sales dur- by the Zakat Fund at the in-kind assistance to those eli- Al-Kubaisi stressed that the entertainment venue occupied by good buyers. A Saudi tourist, ing these days.” At a Dubai brand TMinistry of Awqaf and gible for assistance in Qatar. Fund distributes the aid to the 21 commercial outlets stretched Muhammad told The Peninsula ‘Venus’ of cosmetics and per- Islamic Affairs for needy families The aid was disbursed in beneficiaries after conducting a over an area of 1,000 sqm. The that the Magical Festival Village fumes, an Emirati salesman said: in the country last March accordance with the Fund's pol- social and field research during village will be open to the public was among the most beautiful “Since last month I have received amounted to more than QR19.4m. icy, which takes into account the which the real need of aid seek- until April 30. places to visit in Doha. "My fam- a good number of Saudi tourists Director of Zakat Fund, applicable requirements ers is assessed. When The Peninsula visited ily has found it very comfortable for shopping. The sale has been the Magical Festival Village to enjoy shopping at the village. satisfactory throughout this year.” Nasr Al Hariri hails Qatar's role in supporting Syrian people

QNA said that Qatar has never forgot- Regarding the US strike that military bases used by the regime use, most recently the Conven- Syrians are insisting on the need of ten the Syrian people and it is the targeted the site from where the in targeting civilians and killing tion on the prohibition of the use al-Assad's departure. ead of the delegation of first country to stand by them in chemical attack was launched the Syrian people. of chemical weapons in 2013. The regime, he said, has also the Syrian High Negotia- their ordeal. against civilians in the Syrian city He added that the strike was Meanwhile, he denied the use signed the Geneva Protocol Htions Committee Nasr At the same time, he appreci- of Khan Sheikhoun, Al-Hariri a warning message to the regime of chemical weapons by the Free which prohibits the use of Al-Hariri has praised the role ated the efforts of all countries that expressed his support for the and its allies that they could not Army since the outbreak of the asphyxiating and poison gases played by the State of Qatar in stand by Syrians and support them strike and considered it a step in continue to kill the Syrian peo- revolution, and even the availa- and bacteriological weapons. supporting the Syrian people, in the worst humanitarian disas- the right direction, but not ple, pointing out that the Syrian bility of weapons owned by the Nasr Al-Hariri pointed that stressing that Qatar did not stop ter in this century, such as Saudi enough, and called on the United regime used chemical weapons regime. Al-Hariri noted that as long the regime confirms to the world for a moment from supporting Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, UAE, States to continue this attitude, more than 160 times against its as Bashar al-Assad's regime is in that it insists on committing and helping the Syrian people. Kuwait, Bahrain and other friends which will lead to an aviation people, although it signed all the power and his crimes are ongoing crimes and violating the Geneva In an interview, Al-Hariri of Syria. ban and a neutralization of agreements that prohibit their on with an international supporter, Protocol.

Filipinos urged NHRC participates in Unesco to register → Continued from page 1 workshop held in Tunis “For security reasons and physical layout limitations, the venue will be able to The Peninsula accommodate 6,000 persons. Filipinos who would like to atar's National Human Rights Commit- attend the gathering would be tee (NHRC) took part in a workshop held required to register their Qin Tunis, under the title "Facing social attendance a few days before transformations - inclusive and sustainable the event,” said the embassy. cities". Those who wish to attend Organised by the United Nations Educa- the meeting may register via tional, Scientific and Cultural Organisation the website of United Filipino (Unesco), the European Training and Research Organisations in Qatar at http:// Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, in ufoq.org/index.php/events cooperation with the Arab Institute for Human Duterte’s visit to Qatar will Rights, the workshop aimed at promoting a mark the conclusion of his network of cities to exchange experiences and three-country tour to the GCC. knowledge to formulate policies against rac- He is expected to be in Saudi ism, discrimination, xenophobia and Arabia from today until intolerance. Wednesday and in Bahrain The workshop, which was attended by from Wednesday until Friday NHRC's Head of Media and Public Relations before flying to Qatar for a Unit Abdullah Ali Al Mahmoud, reviewed var- three-day visit during which ious developments in the Coalition of Arab he will be signing a number of Cities against Racism, Discrimination, Xeno- agreements and meeting the phobia and Intolerance and its activities to Filipino community. Whenever confront the phenomena of intolerance, he has trips abroad, meetings hatred and extremism. with overseas Filipinos have Qatar's National Human Rights Commit- become an important part of tee (NHRC) routinely participates in itinerary of Duterte, who has international conferences and workshops to made caring for overseas Fili- promote human rights. pinos a top priority. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 HOME 05 QA joins hands with HMC EC President receives credentials of Qatari envoy for autism campaign

The Peninsula long-standing commitment to social As part of the responsibility, we are proud to par- o mark World Autism ticipate in this important global Awareness Day, and sup- programme, Qatar initiative at a local level in Doha. port the UN World Autism Airways will organise Travelling can be challenging and Awareness campaign, a series of seminars strenuous for most of us, but it can Qatar Airways has part- conducted by Hamad be particularly daunting for those Tnered with Hamad Medical with autism, as well as for caregiv- Corporation (HMC) to offer a pro- Medical Corporation ers travelling with them. By raising gramme of activities to employees doctors, specialists and awareness and sharing expertise of the national carrier during the therapists for Qatar about the disorder, we aim to edu- month of April. The activities are Airways employees to cate our staff and increase our designed to increase awareness and crew’s knowledge in order to effec- deepen the airline's employees' highlight techniques to tively offer support to all of our understanding of those with autism. recognise and support passengers.” As part of the programme, passengers with autism. In addition to the activities that Qatar Airways will organise a will be held at Qatar Airways’ President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, received the credentials of series of seminars conducted by headquarters, crew will visit the H E Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi as Head of Mission of Qatar to the Hamad Medical Corporation doc- Qatar Airways Operations Centre Child Development Centre (CDC), European Union. Tusk confirmed to the Ambassador the support of European tors, specialists and therapists for to share information and insights a specialised centre in Doha, employees to highlight techniques with crew members. located at HMC and Katara, to gain institutions during his mission. The Qatari Ambassador expressed his country's to recognise and support passen- Qatar Airways Senior Vice-Pres- a better understanding of the con- keenness for enhancing cooperation with the European Union and working gers with autism. An information ident Human Resources, Nabeela dition. Additionally, a special closely with all its institutions at various levels. kiosk will also be set up at the Fakhri, said: “As part of our photo shoot was arranged with Cabin Crew to pub- lish autism-related content across the airline’s popular social media chan- Spectacle for sky gazers: Moon nels to further increase global awareness. to come closer to three planets These activities are part of a number of autism-related initia- The Peninsula heavenly bodies. Finally, the third brightest tives Qatar Airways is luminary, Venus, will be coming closer to undertaking, including ffering a spectacle to sky gazers in Moon on April 23. People in the region can a partnership with the country, the Moon will come close see them over sky from 9pm until sunrise Doha’s Shafallah Cen- Oto three planets this month. Tomor- time the next day at 5:05am. tre to help employ row, the biggest planet Jupiter will be at two “These astronomical phenomena offer young people affected degrees from the full Moon's centre at good chances to observe the planets with by the disorder. The 12:20am. the Moon together in same time. The events Shafallah Centre offers People in Qatar and the region will be help validate various astronomical calcula- comprehensive serv- able to see and observe Jupiter and Moon till tions and can help amateur astronomers to ices and care for Sun rise over Doha sky at 5:16am. know map of sky during all month,” said a individuals with On April 16, the beautiful planet with statement issued yesterday by Dr Moham- autism and their rings, Saturn, will be nearest to Moon at med Al Ansari and Dr Beshir Marzouk of the Qatar Airways cabin crew taking part in Autism awareness month. families. 10:00 pm, when people here can see the two Qatar Calendar House. 06 HOME MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017

QU-CSIS holds QC conducts workshop on 'Encyclopedia of mass wedding Occidentalism' The Peninsula

atar University College in Indonesia of Sharia and Islamic QStudies (QU-CSIS) The Peninsula organised an international The ceremony workshop themed “Founda- collective wedding The Qatari benefactor tion Rules towards was organised by donated QR500,000 Establishing the Encyclope- Qatar Charity (QC) to organise a collective dia of Occidentalism” on in Indonesia, and wedding ceremony for March 27-28 at the Islamic funded by a gener- Educational, Scientific and 100 young men and ousA Qatari benefactor who Cultural Organization women. wanted to put the basic build- (ISESCO) headquarters in ing block of an Indonesian Morocco. Muslim community. They also prepared a Organised in collabora- Jakarta, the Indonesian cap- wedding feast and Officials being presented a memento during the ceremony in Jakarta. tion with ISESCO, the ital, had a mass wedding offered $750 per workshop aimed to create ceremony in the presence of couple to start a taking videos. Besides, the ben- Commenting on this impor- sponsored more than 2,800 specialised research groups Ahmad Yousef Al Mulla, who is stable married life. efactor offered $750 per couple tant social event, QC's CEO orphans since then and has been supervised by renowned the representative of the CEO to start a stable married life. Representative said, "On behalf keen to maintain the sponsor- scholars and experts to iden- of Qatar Charity Yusuf bin QC has provided the couples of QC, it is a pleasure for me to ship to enhance community tify the chapters and themes Ahmed Al Kuwari, among other people and they invited Afrah with 100 gifts, 10 gifts for the express my happiness for capacity. of the “Encyclopedia of Occi- guests. band to celebrate this occasion guests, refrigerators, washing putting a smile on 200 faces of Moreover, the couples dentalism” — the largest The Qatari benefactor taking into consideration fol- machines and other domestic brides and grooms at a mass expressed their thanks and scholarly project in the donated QR500,000 to organ- lowing the Islamic teachings. appliances. The Saudi ambas- wedding. May Allah bless it and appreciation to the people of Islamic and Arab world to be ise a collective wedding They also prepared a wed- sador offered cash funds to all take good care of it.” Qatar, especially the donor who launched by CSIS. ceremony for 100 young men ding feast for the couples, their the couples at a value of $54,500 QC, which has begun its has made their dreams come The workshop was and women. It was conducted companions, and guests, in and ensured payment of the cost work in Indonesia in the most true and legitimately got the attended by CSIS Dean Dr at the Sheraton Jakarta Hotel, addition to media documenta- of going on pilgrimage for 10 difficult times of 2004 during hearts of the loved ones Yousuf Al Siddiqi, CSIS Asso- which accommodated 600 tion through photography and new families. the Aceh tsunami, has together. ciate Professor of Dawa and Islamic Culture, Academic Director of ISESCO Chair in Alliance of Civilizations and Executive Director of Encyclo- Workshop on Road Safety Audit organised pedia of Occidentalism Dr Azzeddine Mamiche, and CSIS Dawa and Islamic Culture The Peninsula efforts to raise awareness on Department Head Dr the importance of road safety Abdelkader Bekhouche, as he Qatar Transportation which is considered as one of well as representatives of uni- and Traffic Safety Center the College’s key research versities from the Arab region. T(QTTSC) at Qatar Univer- areas. CENG is committed to The workshop included sity College of Engineering strengthening its research six sessions related to the (QU-CENG) recently hosted a collaborations with regional Encyclopedia of Occidental- workshop on “Road Safety and international governmen- ism’s main themes such as the Audit” aimed to provide infor- tal and private institutions, and Encyclopedia’s role in pro- mation on the necessary to spreading knowledge on moting religious dialogue, approaches and tools to road safety and accidents pre- introduction to Occidental- develop and evaluate road vention through a wide range ism, equality between east safety audit. of studies and research that and west, the role of media Organised in collaboration identify the causes of accidents and research networks in with the International Road and the critical factors that establishing encyclopedias, Federation (IRF), the workshop have an impact on accidents and many others. brought together around 40 reduction, which ensures the In his remarks, Dr Yousuf experts from local and regional safety and welfare of the peo- Al Siddiqi said: “This work- institutions such as Qatar Min- ple of Qatar.” shop serves as the starting istry of Municipality and Dr Wael Alhajyaseen said: point towards the establish- Environment, Qatar Petroleum, “Preventive risk assessment ment of the Encyclopedia of and Saudi Arabia Ministry of Participants at the workshop on Road Safety Audit. tools, such as road safety audits Occidentalism, first-ever Transportation. and inspections, are an effec- project to provide a compre- They discussed and Wael Alhajyaseen, as well as Asset Management Engineer Dr significant role of road safety tive and essential instrument hensive understanding of the exchanged their ideas and CENG faculty and staff. Craig Milligan. audits in helping authorities to to help road authorities reduce west. CSIS will offer the expertise on issues related to Speakers were International They provided an overview reduce the number of road the number of crashes and cas- needed support to realise this traffic safety audit. Road Federation Executive on road safety audits and their accidents and fatalities. ualties because design project and to provide stu- Attendees included CENG Vice-President Michael G application to roads and high- In his remarks, Dr Khalifa standards alone cannot guar- dents and decision-makers Dean Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa and Dreznes and Fireseeds North ways in Qatar and beyond, Al Khalifa said: “The event antee road safety in all with the opportunity to ben- QTTSC Assistant Professor Dr Infrastructure Road Safety and while highlighting the comes in line with CENG’s conditions.” efit from its rich database." Public talk by Ai Weiwei at MIA tomorrow The Peninsula feature Swiss businessman, diplomat and art collector, Uli Sigg. During the talk, Ai eading contemporary Chinese artist Weiwei will discuss the transformation of Ai Weiwei (pictured) will be giving a his artistic production and Uli Sigg will Lpublic talk at the Museum of Islamic touch on the importance of collectors and Art (MIA) tomorrow as part of his visit to museum donations. Doha this week. It will be moderated by art expert and Open for all to attend, the talk to be curator Tom Eccles, Executive Director of held at the MIA auditorium at 6pm will also the Center for Curatorial Studies and the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College. During his time in Qatar, Ai Weiwei will visit the MIA, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and QM Gallery Katara and meet with senior QM representatives. In addition, he will explore the country’s most notable public art projects, includ- ing the striking sculpture East-West / West-East by Richard Serra, located near Zekreet. He is also expected to meet with aspir- and participation in Qatar.” ing artists including residents at the Fire Ai Weiwei has a long and established Station: Artist in Residence Programme. career as a contemporary artist. He resides This will provide the ideal opportunity for and works in Berlin and Beijing. Ai stud- artists to discuss the creative process and ied animation at the Beijing Film Academy, explore different techniques with a hugely then studied art in New York in the early experienced and established artistic 80s. Upon returning to China a decade figure. later, Ai advocated for experimental art- Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim, Chief Stra- ists by publishing underground books and tegic Planning Officer at Qatar Museums curating avant-garde exhibitions. He has said: “We are pleased to welcome Ai Wei- worked in many media, including sculp- wei to Doha this week, to inspire local ture, installation, photography, architecture audiences and artists in Qatar and edu- and film. cate our communities about international His work has featured in leading gal- art. This visit furthers our aim at Qatar leries and museums around the world Museums of bringing international artists including Tate Modern London, Haines to Doha to inspire an indigenous culture Gallery San Francisco, Lisson Gallery Milan of creativity and innovation and foster an and National Gallery of Victoria, existing culture of artistic appreciation Melbourne. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 HOME 07 Travelocity founder to speak at QBIC

Irfan Bukhari became part of the founding The Peninsula team at Kayak.com, a company that yet again revolutionised he residents of Qatar how travel was purchased. He particularly young served as the chairman of the aspiring entrepre- company from its founding until neurs are going to it was sold to Priceline for $1.8bn have an opportunity in 2013. Tto benefit from innovative Today he is the Chairman of entrepreneur Terry Jones (pic- Wayblazer and managing prin- tured), the founder of cipal of "ON Inc", a consultancy Travelocity.com, who will be he founded to help companies speaking at Qatar Business Incu- in their transition to the digital bation Center (QBIC) auditorium economy. He has served on the Participants at the WISE Learners’ Voice Program concluded in Athens. on April 24. boards of 13 public and private Widely known in the world Founding Chairman companies and currently serves for founding Travelocity.com of Kayak.com, Terry on the boards of Wayblazer, and serving as founding Chair- Jones has become Boingo, Smart Destinations and WISE Learners’ Voice Program man of Kayak.com, Terry Jones a powerful voice The Camping and Education has become a powerful voice in Foundation. the world of entrepreneurship in the world of In previous years, QBIC has through his numerous speaking entrepreneurship hosted several sessions held by session concludes in Athens engagements and the publica- through his renowned professionals and The Peninsula tion of his book, “ON numerous speaking high profile entrepreneurs, such by evening sessions delivered by education experts, including Innovation”. as Louis Foremen, founder of expert faculty from the Univer- Stavros N Yiannouka, CEO of QBIC empowers entrepre- engagements and Edison Nation; Elmar Mock, co- he World Innovation Sum- sity of Oxford, Harvard University, WISE; and Dr Stefanos Giala- neurs to start and grow the publication of his inventor of SWATCH; Dr Kai mit for Education’s (WISE) University of Bologa, and Save the mas, President of the American companies through QBIC’s book, “ON Innovation”. Ruggeri, Researcher and Lec- TLearners’ Voice Program Children, among others. Community School of Athens; unique programmes aimed at turer at University of Cambridge; has concluded its first residen- Dina Pasic, Head of Pro- as well as representatives from developing Qatar’s entrepre- Mohammed Jaffar, former CEO tial session for the 2016-17 year. grams, WISE, said: “The Project Elea, METAdrasi, and neurial scene and young of Talabat.com; Rabea Ataya, Taking place in Athens, Learners’ Voice Program chal- Organization Earth. The resi- businesses with a high potential Jones, who began his career founder and CEO of Bayt.com; Greece, for the first time since lenges its participants to develop dential sessions of the to grow, including the very suc- as a travel agent, spent 24 years and Christopher Free, General its inception in 2010, the inten- feasible, actionable and educa- programme are designed to sup- cessful “LeanStartup” and at American Airlines, in market- Manager of UBER Qatar and sive workshops brought tional solutions to such port the participants as they “LeanScaleup” programmes run ing and information technology, UAE to encourage and support together 25 young people to challenges. The setting of a the- research and develop a variety several times during the year, capping his career as Chief aspiring entrepreneurs in Qatar. explore the global forced migra- matic focus was in response to of innovative educational according to QBIC website. Information Officer of its SABRE QBIC offers "a complete tion and refugee crisis. the immediate and ongoing projects throughout the year. Being organised under QBIC division. While at SABRE, he led range of services either to start Designed to impart both needs of refugees, and the addi- The Learners will continue Speaker Series, the topic of a team of six working on a up from your first idea or to grow practical and theoretical knowl- tion of the field component was to develop projects that aim to Jones address is “Disruptive project that became Traveloc- an existing company, including edge, the group spent the days to enable deeper awareness, to support the needs of displaced Technologies – The Fuel for ity.com. Jones served as CEO of space, support, industrial work- supporting the work of organisa- support the work of those on the individuals and their host com- Innovative New Business Mod- Travelocity for seven years shops for light manufacture, tions working with both urban ground, and to understand the munities through educational els”. “Join us for a special transforming it to a public com- smart financing , and mentoring and camp refugee communities role that the education sector interventions. Successful projects speaker series session with a pany with $3bn in travel sales, and coaching". The lecture of in Athens, including: Khora Com- can play in alleviating the symp- will be pitched at the 2017 WISE world-renowned industry says Jones personal website Jones for registered participants munity Centre, METAdrasi, toms of displacement.” Summit and the best project will leader in collaboration with the tbjones.com will be from 5pm – 7pm on April Orange House, Project Elea, and The sessions came to a close have the opportunity to present US Embassy in Qatar,” QBIC said He left Travelocity when the 24 at QBIC Auditorium – Salwa Organization Earth. The practical following the presentation of at the 2017 Falling Wall Labs on its social media page. company was taken private and Road, Exit 17. component was complemented five group projects to a panel of Conference in Berlin. DICID chief to attend Berlin Forum The Peninsula JOB OPPORTUNITY r Ibrahim Al Naimi, Chairman of Doha DInternational Center for Interfaith Dia- logue – DICID received yesterday in his office, MARKETING EXECUTIVE Hans-Udo Muzel, the Ambassador of the Fed- eral Republic of Germany (FEMALE) to Qatar. During the meeting Al Naimi received an invita- Dr Ibrahim Al Naimi, Chairman of DICID with Hans-Udo Muzel, the tion to attend Berlin Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Qatar. Forum which will be held A leading media organization requires a from April 22 to 23 under the theme of “Responsi- Marketing Executive who can work closely bility of interfaith for peace”. with other departments like advertising, Al Naimi highlighted the cooperation between sales and distribution. DICID and German’s insti- tutions in particular the role of German’s scholars, expertise in conferences KEY SKILLS: organised by the centre. He also suggested during 1. Minimum 3 years experience in the field of sales and marketing the meeting the training products or services of European Imams to 2. Excellent written and verbal Arabic and English communication take the responsibility of preaching and leading Fri- skills day sermons because they 3. Educated to a degree level or equivalent have better knowledge of 4. Self Starter, who is target driven and self motivated - must be their societies. Ambassador Muzel comfortable in target oriented environment lauded the Qatari role in 5. Should be able to achieve monthly or annual targets supporting peaceful solu- 6. Analysing and investigating price, demand and competition tions for disputes and giving priority for 7. Reviewing sales performance, devising and presenting ideas, dialogue. strategies and promotional activities He also appreciated 8. Excellent communication and presentation skills (telephone, the role of the DICID in enhancing the culture of written and face to face) dialogue, tolerance and 9. Working experience in a marketing agency / media environment co-existence. and understanding of and passion for media industry. Ambassador Muzel suggested areas of coop- eration between the center including organiz- ing a forum for hosting the Send your CVs to [email protected] German and Qatari schools to create plat- forms for interaction and dialogue among students. 08 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017

13 dead as Somalia's army chief survives Muted start to car bomb attack

MOGADISHU: Somalia's new military chief survived a sui- poll campaign cide car bomb attack yesterday that killed 13 peo- ple, police said. Gen Mohamed Ahmed Jimale had just been sworn into office in Algeria and was traveling in a con- voy with senior military officials when the bomb Algiers 12,000 candidates exploded near Somalia's AFP defense ministry compound Over the coming in Mogadishu, police say. Five ampaigning for Alge- three weeks, 12,000 soldiers and at least 8 civil- ria's May 4 elections candidates will ians travelling in a passing got off to a muted compete for 462 minibus were killed, said start yesterday, with seats in the People's Capt. Mohamed Hussein, a the public showing National Assembly, senior Somali police officer. Clittle interest in the poll despite with 23 million government efforts to persuade Algerians registered Lebanon camp disillusioned voters to to vote. participate. clashes toll rises Over the coming three People look at victims after a suicide bombing in front of a church in Alexandria, Egypt, weeks, 12,000 candidates will than about 43 percent for the SIDON: The toll in two days yesterday. compete for 462 seats in the last legislative poll in 2012. of clashes in a Palestinian People's National Assembly, But Tlemcani says the pub- refugee camp in Lebanon with 23 million Algerians reg- lic is tired of quarrels between rose to five on Sunday, med- istered to vote. political parties. At least 43 dead in two Egypt ics said, as local factions But in Algiers, few parties "Once elected, candidates worked to implement a secu- posted candidate lists on the disappear completely," he said. rity plan. Clashes erupted in boards reserved for them. "Voters are not idiots." the camp late Friday as Pal- Many people walked past Algeria's parliament has church bombings; IS claims role estinian factions participating hoardings without a glance. been dominated since inde- in a joint security force begun "Every time, we are prom- pendence in 1962 by the deploying throughout the ised wonders and marvels, National Liberation Front (FLN), Tanta, Egypt people, the health ministry said. officials denounced the violence area in the southern city of then: nothing," said Fatma which ruled in a single party AFP Emergency services had as an attempt to sow divisions Sidon. They came under fire Zohra, a widow who said she is system until the early 1990s. scrambled to the scene when in the country, while Francis from a local Islamic extrem- struggling to provide for her Today, with its coalition ally he Islamic State (IS) group another bombing rocked the sent his "deep condolences" to ist group in part of the camp, three children. the Rally for National Democ- claimed responsibility for Saint Mark's church in Alexan- Tawadros. prompting clashes that Leb- The cleaner in her fifties racy (RND), the FLN has a Tbombing two Egyptian dria where Coptic Pope IS claimed that its "squads" anese and Palestinian medics said she is unlikely to vote. majority of seats in the house. churches as worshippers gath- Tawadros II had been leading a carried out both attacks, in a said Sunday have now killed "I don't have time for that. Observers say they are ered to mark Palm Sunday, Palm Sunday service. statement by its self-styled five people and wounded at I work at a company in the likely to keep their majority killing at least 43 people in the Eleven people were killed in Amaq news agency published least 30, mostly civilians. morning and in private homes after other parties said they deadliest attacks on the Coptic that attack, which the interior on social media accounts. Among the dead were two in the afternoon," she said. would boycott the polls. Christian minority in recent ministry said was caused by a sui- Images broadcast by private civilians, two members of the Analyst Rachid Tlemcani In the last election, Islam- memory. cide bomber who blew himself television stations showed joint Palestinian security predicted a "morose" election ist parties hoped to ride to The attacks followed a Cairo up when police prevented him bloodstains smearing the white- force and one member of the campaign and the lowest turn- victory on top of their move- church bombing in December from entering the church. The washed walls of the church in extremist group. out in the country's electoral ment's achievements during the and came weeks ahead of a ministry said Tawadros was Tanta next to shredded wooden history, blaming "the economic Arab Spring uprisings. planned visit by Catholic Pope unharmed, and a church official benches. "The explosion took and political situation and the But they registered their Francis intended to show sup- said he had left the church before place in the front rows, near the New museum soon fact that the public is fed up". worst score since Algeria's first port for the country's Christian the bombing. altar, during the mass," General outside Ankara Government-sponsored multi-party poll in the early minority. At least 78 people were Tarek Atiya, the deputy to advertisements play in a con- 1990s. This year, they have The first bombing struck the wounded in Tanta and another Egypt's interior minister in ISTANBUL: The Turkish cul- tinuous loop on television in a merged or formed alliances in Mar Girgis church in the city of 40 wounded in Alexandria, the charge of relations with the ture ministry has readied bid to attract a larger turnout order to increase their chances. Tanta north of Cairo, killing 27 health ministry said. Egyptian media, said. designs for a major new museum outside Ankara to remember the defeat of the failed July 15 coup that tried to unseat President Recep Turkey need not choose between Russia & US: Cavusoglu Tayyip Erdogan, state media said yesterday. Work will start on the museum — to be Antalya, Turkey ties after Ankara welcomed US efforts to build on the cease-fire page" with Moscow on Assad has come to the Syrian regime’s called the "Museum of the Anatolia missile strikes against a Syrian within the scope of the Astana since the beginning, adding that aid. July 15 Martyrs and Democ- regime airbase last week — the talks," he told journalists in a Turkey "would have given up its The US strike on a Syrian air racy" — from June and it will urkey's foreign minister opposite of Moscow’s reaction meeting organised by the Direc- principles if it cares what other base came in response to the open its doors to visitors at said yesterday that Turkey — Mevlut Cavusoglu said, Tur- torate General of Press and countries think when there’s a Assad regime chemical weap- the end of 2018, the state-run Thas no obligation to take a key "does not have to take a side Information in the Mediterra- chemical attack and a crime ons attack on the town of Khan Anadolu news agency said. It side in any dispute between the between Russia and the US." nean city of Antalya. against humanity." Shaykhun, Idlib province, kill- will be built on a 10,000 US and Russia. "We recently welcomed the "There is no contradiction Turkey has long said Syria ing some 100 civilians and square metre area in Kahra- Asked by reporters what the US strike on the Assad regime. here." Cavusoglu also said has no future under the Bashar wounding hundreds of others, mankazan outside Ankara future holds for Turkish-Russian We are also keen to continue Ankara has been on a "different al-Assad regime, while Russia mostly children. with a modern cuboid design, it said. There will be perma- nent, temporary and interactive exhibits on the "martyrs and warriors" of Plight of civilians S Africa to rethink nuclear July 15 while other facilities will include a library, cafe and a gift shop, it said. The deal after junk status : ANC coup erupted on the night of July 15 when disgruntled Johannesburg March next year, according to army officers launched a AFP the City Press and the Sunday botched attempt to remove Times. But ANC's head of eco- Erdogan, bombing Ankara outh Africa's ruling party nomics Enoch Godongwana from war planes and open- on Sunday said the gov- told reporters that "conditions ing fire around Istanbul's Sernment will have to have changed. It was before we main bridges. The coup was re-think its costly and highly were declared junk status." put down when thousands of contentious nuclear expansion "Surely in the light of the Erdogan supporters surged programme following last junk status we will have to ... into the streets in his support week's relegation of the coun- revise our expenditure patterns and the Turkish authorities try's creditworthiness to junk. as government." "If we do see its defeat as a triumph of Within days of each other nuclear we must do it ...at a scope democracy. the world's two major rating and pace which is affordable." Iraqi civilians flee the Old city of Mosul as forces advance in their massive operation to agencies Fitch and Standard & Godongwana did not rule Saudi executes retake the second city from Islamic State militants, yesterday. Poor's downgraded South Afri- out Africa's most advanced can sovereign debt to junk economy sliding into recession. three Pakistanis status after President Jacob "Are we anticipating a reces- Zuma's dramatic ministerial sion? That's a possibility," he JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia yester- shake-up that saw respected said. When Fitch announced it day executed three Pakistani finance minister Pravin Gord- had downgraded South Africa nationals convicted of smug- Hardline cleric to take on Rowhani han axed. In 2010 South Africa to non -investment level on Fri- gling heroin, bringing the formulated plans to expand its day, it cited "recent political number of executions in the London prosecutor-general may strug- deal with world powers under nuclear power fleet, plans esti- events, including a major cab- kingdom to 26 this year. The Reuters gle for recognition among voters which Tehran curbed its disputed mated to cost around one inet reshuffle" that would state-run SPA news agency though analysts say Raisi, thanks nuclear programme in exchange trillion rand ($73bn). "weaken standards of govern- said the three had been found ardline Shia cleric Ebra- to the support he enjoys from for the lifting of sanctions. Two Sunday newspapers ance and public finances." guilty of "smuggling quantities him Raisi announced Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali “People are asking why despite cited a confidential document It said differences over the of heroin in their stomachs". It Hyesterday he would run Khamenei, could pose a real all our resources and human tal- that stated that the country's "expensive nuclear programme named the three men as in Iran’s May presidential elec- challenge to Rowhani’s bid for ents ...our country is in this power utility Eskom would in preceded the dismissal of a pre- Mohammed Ashraf Shafi tion, challenging moderate a second term. situation,” Raisi said in a statement June invite bids for the con- vious finance minister, Nhlanhla Mohammed, Mohammed Aref President Hassan Rowhani’s Raisi has faulted Iran’s eco- published by Iranian news agen- struction of four plants with a Nene, in December 2015 and in Mohammed Anayt and economic record and his policy nomic performance under cies. Rowhani won the presidency combined capacity of 9,600 Fitch's view may have also con- Mohammed Afdal Asghar Ali. of detente with the West. Rowhani and his pursuit of detente in 2013 with the backing of mainly megawatts. The successful bid- tributed to the decision for the All three are Pakistani The former that in 2015 yielded a landmark of young people and women. der would then be named in recent reshuffle." citizens. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 ASIA 09 Byelections for 10 assembly seats begin

New Delhi Abdullah and ruling Peoples The ruling party has fielded IANS Counting on Apr 13 Democratic Party's Nazir Ahmed his widow Geetha against C.S. Counting for the Lok Khan are the main contestants. Niranjan Kumar of the opposi- assive violence and Sabha seats will be The seat fell vacant after then tion BJP. a very poor turn- held on April 15, and PDP leader Tariq Hameed Karra Delhi's Rajouri Garden out marred the resigned to protest alleged atroc- assembly by-poll saw disinter- for the assembly Srinagar Lok ities on people during the 2016 ested voting, registering just 47 seats on April 13. Sabha by-poll agitation. per cent. Myesterday, while byelections for Karnataka's Gundlupet saw a In the 2015 assembly elec- 10 assembly constituencies record 80% turnout while 76% was tions, when the Aam Aadmi Party across eight states, including in In Kashmir, eight civilians registered in Nanjangud (reserved) swept to power, the constituency the national capital, saw aver- were killed and scores injured in assembly constituency. had witnessed 72 per cent. age to enthusiastic polling. clashes with security forces as In the April 2013 assembly Aam Aadmi Party's Harjeet The assembly constituencies mobs tried to attack polling sta- elections, polling percentatge in Singh, Congress' Meenakshi where by-polls were held yes- tions in the Srinagar Gundlupet was also a record Chandela and BJP-SAD's Man- terday are Rajouri Garden in parliamentary constituency that 87.05 and in Nanjungud, it was jinder Singh Sirsa are in the fray Delhi, Littipara in Jharkhand, recorded a poor seven per cent 77.59. from the seat. The seat fell vacant Nanjangud and Gundlupet in voting -- the lowest in the state Barring stray incidents like as AAP's Jarnail Singh resigned Karnataka, Dholpur in Rajasthan, in three decades. voting being held up due to EVM Kashmiri protesters clash with Indian security forces near a to contest the Punjab assembly Kanthi Dakshin in West Bengal, The violence in the Lok glitches and poll boycott in a vil- polling station in Srinagar, yesterday. polls. Ater and Bandhavgarh in Mad- Sabha constituency -- spread lage in the Nanjangud segment, Jharkhand's Littipara bypoll hya Pradesh, Bhoranj in across the districts of Srinagar, the by-polls were peaceful in lawmaker and Revenue Minis- The byepoll for Gundlupet in saw 72.15 percent voting. Ten Himachal Pradesh and Dhemaji Budgam and Ganderbal -- left both the segments. ter Srinviasa Prasad, who is adjacent Chamarajanagar dis- candidates were in the fray for in Assam. seven persons dead in three The byepoll for Nanjangud re-contesting on a Bharatiya trict was caused due to the death the seat, the contest for which Counting for the Lok Sabha places in Budgam and one in (Scheduled Caste) in Myusuru Janata Party (BJP) ticket. of Congress lawmaker and Coop- was a prestige issue for both the seat will be held on April 15, and Ganderbal. Opposition National district was necessitated by the The ruling Congress has eration Minister H.S. Mahadeva ruling BJP and opposition for the assembly seats on April 13. Conference president Farooq resignation of former Congress fielded K. Keshavamurthy. Prasad on January 2. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). TV anchor reads Parrikar promises to work more and speak less out news of Panaji power in the coastal state only "One thing I learned in Delhi we dropped from 21 to 13 (MLAs). party would also lose the state IANS because of the party's central is to speak less and work more. We are lucky that the party's assembly polls in Karnataka, husband's death leadership and the lacklustre This time I have decided to central leadership was behind which are scheduled for the next romising to "speak less and abilities of the Congress speak less. Whatever work we us. They gave us full support and year. Raipur work more" as Chief Min- leadership. do, people will see for them- to our luck, the person who the "The Congress is like a rare AFP Pister, Manohar Parrikar The rally was organised here selves," Parrikar said, adding Congress had sent here, was species. Like the wild species yesterday said the Congress to felicitate him for giving up the that the performance would be more interested in being a tour- which the forest department AN Indian television presenter would soon become a "rare spe- Defence Ministry for his latest the benchmark of his ist rather than in government tracks down when it is on its way has been praised for her calm- cies" on the canvas of Indian chief ministerial stint and BJP governance. formation," the Chief Minister to becoming extinct. It (Congress) ness and bravery after reading politics. National President Amit Shah for During his stint as Defence said. is there in Karnataka, but next out a breaking news report of Addressing a rally, Parrikar forming the government in four Minister, Parrikar often courted Parrikar also said the Con- year it will disappear from there a road accident which killed also said that the Bharatiya states after assembly elections controversy for his comments. gress was on its way to becoming too, I know," Parrikar said her husband. Janata Party (BJP) could come to in five states earlier this year. "We have to think as to why an extinct species and that the yesterday. Supreet Kaur was pre- senting a news bulletin on the IBC-24 news channel in Chhattisgarh state on Satur- day when a reporter phoned Call for nationwide ban on cow slaughter in live with details of an acci- Officials assure action on dent which killed three of the New Delhi Saving the cows have banned cow slaughter five people travelling in an IANS through stringent laws, many Kerala student's death SUV. We have been others including north-eastern The report did not name ashtriya Swayamsevak striving to protect states, West Bengal, Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram We fully trust the two state the victims. Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan the cow. We wish the even BJP-ruled Goa, put no legal IANS government representatives But Kaur, 28, realised her RBhagwat yesterday called killing of cows and its restrictions on consuming beef. who will ensure that the husband was probably for a nationwide ban on cow Bhagwat said that enact- mother fighting to seek agreements will be met," said progeny should be among those killed as he was slaughter. ment of such a law every where justice for the death of Sreejith who announced that banned in the entire travelling on the same route "We have been striving to will take time due to the com- her son, called off her Mahija is ending her fast and country: Bhagwat A and at the same time with protect the cow. Sampoorna plexities of politics, and fast on the fifth day yesterday so is her daughter Avinsha four others, the channel's Bharatvarsh me gauvansh hatya expressed confidence that other night after CPI-M General who is also fasting at their news chief Anshuman band ho, ye hamari ichchha hai state governments will find out Secretary Sitaram Yechury home near Kozhikode. Sharmasaid. (We wish the killing of cows and "Wherever in the state govern- a way by dealing with local and Kerala Chief Minister Sohan told the media in "When the reporter said its progeny should be banned in ments we have dedicated "complexities". Pinarayi Vijayan assured her front of the hospital that all the victims were from Bhi- the entire country)," Bhagwat swayamsevaks, those state gov- He said any violence in the of action. Vijayan called up Mahija and lai and were travelling in a said at an event to mark the ernments have brought in laws. name of cow slaughter defames Mahija, currently admit- assured her that her demands Renault Duster, she immedi- birth anniversary of Mahavir. But our desire is that the law the cause, but added that those ted at the Medical College will be met. ately had a hunch her He said it was for the govern- should be for entire country". making efforts to save the cows hospital here after she was The agreement was made husband had died in the ment to make laws to this effect. While several states in India should continue to do so. roughed up by police on easy, after news came that the crash." Wednesday while she and her third accused in the case of relatives was going to meet her son - college Vice-Prin- the state police chief to cipal N.Shakthivel who was demand justice, was on a fast on the run for the past three there along with a close months - has been arrested Australian PM arrives relative. by police from Coimbatore. They were demanding Earlier in the day, Com- arrest of the remaining munist Party of India-Marxist accused who was responsi- chief Yechury also spoke to on 4-day state visit ble for the death of her son Mahija and assured her that Jishnu Prannoy and action the state government will do New Delhi This is Turnbull's first bilat- against the police officials all what is necessary. IANS eral visit to India since he who roughed them up. All these days, Vijayan assumed office in September It was after a two hour had stood his ground and ustralian Prime Min- 2015. discussion on Sunday evening even refused to meet or speak ister Malcolm His predecessor, Tony Abbott led by State Attorney K.G. to Mahija and all along Turnbull arrived yes- had visited India in September Sohan and Special Public defended the action of police terday evening on a 2014 and this was followed by Prosecutor C.P.Udayabhanu and gave them a clean chit. four-day state visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's with her relative Sreejith and Prannoy was found hang- India.A visit to Australia in November others that the fast was called ing in January on the campus "Welcoming a valued friend that year. off. of the Nehru College of Engi- and partner. PM @TurnbullMal- Modi will hold a bilateral "The state government neering and Research, in colm arrives in New Delhi on his summit with Turnbull on Mon- has given us a written agree- Thrissur State Visit to India," External day following which a number Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull walks towards his ment that all the demands Initially, the death was dis- Affairs Ministry spokesperson of agreements are expected to that we raised have been met. missed as a case of suicide. car after his arrival at the airport, in New Delhi, yesterday. Gopal Baglay tweeted. be signed. Minister denies 'illegality' during Goa govt formation

Panaji At a rally here to felicitate Gadkari explained how Shah was the reluctance of two Inde- MLAs got the message, they them- Gomantak Party -- and two Inde- IANS Chief Minister Manohar Parri- worked the phone to good effect pendent MLAs, whose selves called and expressed pendent MLAs. kar, who gave up his role as with Prime Minister Narendra cooperation was required to willingness to join the BJP camp. On the Congress' allegation nion Minister Nitin Gad- Defence Minister to return to Modi and key members of the reach the majority mark of 21. While the Congress won 17 that Constitutional provisions kari yesterday said BJP state politics and Bharatiya BJP's highest decision-making To counter this, he revealed that seats in the state assembly polls, were violated by the BJP in the Udid not do anything ille- Janata Party (BJP) President Amit body, the party's parliamentary a message was sent across to the BJP had won 13 out of 40 seats. race for government formation, gal to form a government in Goa, Shah for coming to power in four board, which triggered a series their camp that ministerial berths But swift decision-making led to he said: "We did not do anything but also revealed some of the of the five states where assem- of developments which led to the were being allotted to others. the BJP eventually forming a gov- wrong. In the history of India, in behind-the-scenes aggressive bly elections were held, he also BJP eventually cobbling together "They had delayed. The Inde- ernment in Goa, with the support the Lok Sabha and the legisla- manoeuvering, which enabled said that the real architect of the a coalition government in the pendent MLAs did not come. I said of three MLAs each from two tive assembly elections, those the party, which was short of coalition government formation coastal state. make others ministers," he said, regional parties -- Goa Forward who have the majority are majority, to clinch power. process was Amit Shah. One of the obstacles, he said, adding that once the Independent and the Maharashtrwadi invited to form government." 10 VIEWS MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017

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]

EDITORIAL Assad must go he Trump administration is veering towards the view that Syrian President Bashar Al Assad must leave to pave the way for a political solution to the civil war. Washington’s UN Ambassador TNikki Haley made this clear during an interview Qatari-Ethiopian relations towards with CNN yesterday. “There’s not any sort of option where a political solution is going to happen with Assad at the head of the regime,” she told the “State of the Union” programme. new prospects of cooperation This is a departure from Trump’s previous policy towards Assad’s government and comes after the chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan leaders of the two countries to pre- Ethiopia enjoys many opportunities Sheikhun by Assad’s forces, which killed 87 people. QNA serve security, peace, respect for for investment in the hotel and serv- After years of calling for Assad’s removal during international law and resolve disputes ices sectors. Barack Obama’s tenure, Washington appeared to by peaceful means. Policies and strategies that stimu- be stepping back from seeking regime change in atari-Ethiopian relations will begin Addis Ababa contributes to the late foreign investors as well as the Syria in recent weeks. a new phase of cooperation and establishment of peace and security in establishment of security and peace, Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes was partly coordination based on the common East Africa, through its serious and broad manpower and the availability driven by an emotional reaction to grim pictures desire of the two friendly countries effective participation in resolving the of huge energy make Ethiopia a hub Qto establish a solid ground for disputes of neighboring countries such for foreign investors. emerging from Syria after the chemical attack. Compassion and sympathies are welcome, but stronger future prospects. The future of rela- as Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and The Ethiopian government is keen impulsiveness is not advisable in foreign policy. tions between Doha and Addis Ababa other countries as well as its impor- to expand tax-free markets and multi- What is needed is a well-thought out, consistent represents an integral model due to the tant role in supporting the issues of the plicity of work systems that enable policy that addresses all aspects of the issues. advantages that both countries enjoy for the Horn of Africa. businessmen to export their products Assad’s cruelty and atrocities against his own interests of the two countries’ people. Ethiopia’s election as a non-per- to the Middle East, Asia and America. people don’t need new proof. He stands accused of The mutual visits and the establishment manent member of the Security The cultural relations between Qatar and Ethiopia enjoy strong and massacring his own people, including women and of a joint ministerial committee as well as Council enhances its role in security the subsequent signing of cooperation and peace issues at the constant presence. In 2015, Doha children, using bombs, agreements in various fields will global level, thus hosted the Ethiopian Cultural Day, chemical weapons and strengthen the Qatari-Ethiopian relations strengthening its which included exhibitions of Ethio- his own soldiers. The Washington’s and will support the future of the ambitious regional capacity, sup- pian art, photographs of historic chemical attack last relationship between the two countries. porting and promoting Ethiopian sites registered by UNESCO, UN ambassador week was just one of has said Assad Through these various channels of the effective Qatari role and many old and valuable those attacks, and will communication between the two countries, manuscripts. cannot stay in not be the last unless the the form of cooperation will be changed to The exhibition presented the Ethi- world unites to remove power after wider levels, which in turn will strengthen The visit of Emir H H Sheikh opian civilization, geography and the suspected him before more relations at all levels. history as a model of tolerance and Syrians are killed. The Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani chemical attack The visit of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin peace between Christianity and Islam, world must share the Hamad Al Thani to the Federal Democratic to the Federal Democratic including photographs depicting the last week. It’s a responsibility for the Republic of Ethiopia will be a new impetus Republic of Ethiopia will country’s historical heritage, obelisks, current crisis in Syria. welcome shift in the Qatari-African relations, especially be a new impetus in the old mosques, and places where the in policy which Washington has sent the Republic of Ethiopia, where Emir will first Muslims emigrated in their first a powerful message to Qatari-African relations, the Trump hold talks with leaders and senior officials migration to Abyssinia. Assad with the airstrikes on means of promoting and developing especially the Republic of On the display were also the oldest administration last week, but must bilateral relations, in addition to a number Ethiopia, where Emir will skeleton on earth for the first human must stick to. move cautiously and of issues of common interest. being lived in Ethiopia about 3.5 mil- diplomatically. Its latest Several agreements and Memorandums hold talks with leaders and lion years ago. stance on Assad is of Understanding in various fields will also senior officials on means of In early April, Doha hosted a rich welcome and will give a boost to opposition forces be signed during the Emir’s visit to promoting and developing Ethiopian cultural events aimed at seeking his ouster. Ethiopia. bilateral relations, in strengthening the ties between the Last December witnessed a leap in the Qatari and Ethiopian peoples. The At the same time, there is a need to avoid addition to a number of complicating and widening the crisis by creating an level of the Qatari-Ethiopian cooperation events included theater and folkloric atmosphere of confrontation with Russia, which with the visit of H E Foreign Minister issues of common interest. performances that embody the Afri- has threated to retaliate “if red lines are crossed”. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al can dimension and highlight the “From now on we will respond with force to any Thani, during which he met with Ethiopian Ethiopian civilization, which includes aggressor or any breach of red lines from whoever Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. The as an intermediary to reduce and more than 80 ethnic groups, each with it is and America knows our ability to respond visit revealed Ethiopia’s keenness to resolve conflicts, and establishing its own language, culture, customs well,” the alliance supporting Assad said. US must encourage and attract Qatari investments security and peace in the Horn of and traditions. stick firmly to the policy that Assad must leave, and open the way for businessmen, from Africa and in conflict zones around the On the other hand, a number of without which peace is impossible in Syria. Such a different sectors, to establish joint projects world. Qatari charitable societies and organi- policy would send a clear and powerful message to between the two countries that will help in At the same time, along with its zations have contributed to the collection of relief materials and aids Russia and other allies of Assad. enhancing and activating the Ethiopian pivotal political and diplomatic role, economy as well as creating positive Ethiopia is a rapidly developing coun- for areas affected by desertification in Assad’s atrocities are born from a realization that opportunities for Qatari investors to inter- try that has many investment Ethiopia and refugee and poor areas. he will continue in power forever and once that act with foreign projects with good opportunities can be used to under- Qatari institutions also play an impor- feeling is shaken, he will think twice before launching economic and social returns. take developmental work. The tant role in increasing employment a chemical attack against his own people. The Foreign Minister’s visit to Ethiopia government is expanding cooperative opportunities and work in the health, concluded with the signing of 11 coopera- areas with neighboring countries and education and other sectors. tion agreements in various economic, other countries as well as with local Qatar and Ethiopia have long tourism, investment and infrastructure and international institutions. Addis standing relations since decades ago. QUOTE OF THE DAY sectors, supported the bilateral rapproche- Ababa is making efforts to ensure that In 1995, the establishment of diplo- ment between businessmen in the two there is a multiple comprehensive matic relations between the two countries and enhanced cooperation in development in the Horn of Africa in countries was officially announced. peace and security at both international energy, transport and other sources in In recent years, there has been a The failure related to and regional levels. On the other hand, the cooperation with neighboring coun- remarkable development in bilateral Qatari -Ethiopian Joint Technical Commit- tries of Kenya, Sudan and Djibouti. relations, which were expressed by a the recent strike and the tee will play an important role in providing According to the latest figures, large number of high-level mutual recent terrible chemical and enhancing investment opportunities in Ethiopia is the 5th major investor in visits and the signing of bilateral weapons attack in large the Republic of Ethiopia and will develop renewable energy in Africa after each agreements strong. bilateral relations in the economic and of South Africa, Morocco, Kenya and During the past five years, figures measure is a failure on development fields. Uganda. Ethiopia also has more than indicate a significant increase in the Russia›s part to achieve During the committee’s second meeting half a million solar lighting systems. number of agreements and Memo- its commitment to the in February last year, representatives from Ethiopia has many investment randa of Understanding aimed at international community. the two countries in the fields of foreign opportunities and hosts several insti- regulating and developing relations affairs, economy, energy and civil aviation tutions and diplomatic headquarters, and providing more opportunities for met to put forward visions of cooperation such as the African Union and many better investment of the potential of Rex Tillerson for the coming period. The Qatari-Ethio- other continental political and eco- the two countries for the interests of US Secretary of State pian cooperation reflects keenness of the nomic bodies and entities that makes their peoples. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 OPINION 11 What must come next in Syria

strike needs to be the opening Robert Kagan move in a comprehensive political, The Washington Post diplomatic and military strategy to rebalance the situation in Syria in America’s favour. That means reviving some of those proposals that Obama rejected over the past merican missile strikes against Syria are a four years: a no-fly zone to protect critical first step toward protecting civil- Syrian civilians, the grounding of ians from the threat of chemical weapons, the Syrian air force, and the effec- and President Donald Trump deserves tive arming and training of the credit for doing what the Obama admin- moderate opposition, all aimed at istrationA refused to do. But Thursday’s action needs an eventual political settlement to be just the opening salvo in a broader campaign that can bring the Syrian civil war, not only to protect the Syrian people from the brutal- and therefore the Assad regime, to ity of the Bashar Al Assad regime but also to reverse an end. The United States’ commit- the downward spiral of US power and influence in ment to such a course will have to the Middle East and throughout the world. A single be clear enough to deter the Rus- missile strike unfortunately cannot undo the damage sians from attempting to disrupt it. done by the Obama administration’s policies over the This in turn will require moving past six years. sufficient military assets to the Trump was not wrong to blame the dire situation region so that neither Russia nor in Syria on President Barack Obama. The world Iran will be tempted to escalate the would be a different place today if Obama had car- conflict to a crisis, and to be sure ried out his threat to attack Syria when Assad crossed that American forces will be ready the famous “red line” in the summer of 2013. The bad if they do. agreement that then-Secretary of State John F. Kerry It was precisely because Obama struck with Russia not only failed to get rid of Syria’s and his White House advisers were Smoke billows following an air strike in the southern Syrian city of Daraa, yesterday. stock of chemical weapons and allowed the Assad unwilling to go down that path that regime to drop barrel bombs and employ widespread they resisted military action of any torture against civilian men, women and children. It expanded its military presence in the eastern Medi- China felt free to act more aggressively in the South kind, regardless of the provocation. also invited a full-scale Russian intervention in the terranean. The extensive air-defense and anti-ship China Sea. But at the very least US friends and allies Let’s hope that the Trump adminis- fall of 2015, which saved the Assad regime from pos- systems Russia has deployed have nothing to do with in the Middle East and in Eastern and Central Europe tration is prepared for the next sible collapse. counterterrorism - because neither the Islamic State have questioned how serious the United States is move. If it is, then there is a real Today, thousands of Russian forces operate nor Al Qaeda has planes or ships - and everything to about countering aggression. Even in East Asia, chance of reversing the course of throughout Syria, and not chiefly against the Islamic do with threatening US and Nato assets. Obama and American allies such as Japan and South Korea were global retreat that Obama began. A State but against the civilian population and the US- Kerry spent four years panting after this partnership, left wondering whether the United States could still strong US response in Syria would backed moderate opposition. Russia has also greatly but Russia has been a partner the way the mafia is be counted on to keep its military commitments. make it clear to the likes of Putin, when it presses in on your sporting goods business. Trump, of course, greatly exacerbated these Xi Jinping, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Thanks to Obama’s policies, Russia has increasingly problems during his campaign, with all the strong and Kim Jong Un that the days of supplanted the United States as a major power bro- rhetoric aimed at allies. Now he has taken an impor- American passivity are over. It was precisely because ker in the region. Even US allies such as Turkey, tant first step in repairing the damage, but this will Obama and his White House Egypt and Israel look increasingly to Moscow as a not be the end of the story. America’s adversaries advisers were unwilling to significant regional player. are not going to be convinced by one missile strike Obama’s policies also made possible an unprece- that the United States is back in the business of pro- go down that path that they dented expansion of Iran’s power and influence. Iran jecting power to defend its interests and the world resisted military action of has at least 7,000 of its own fighters in Syria, and it order. The Russians, by suspending an agreement any kind, regardless of the leads a coalition of 20,000 foreign fighters, including with the United States to coordinate air operations provocation. Let’s hope that Iraqis, Afghans and 8,000 Lebanese Hezbollah. over Syria, are already implicitly threatening to If you add the devastating impact of massive Syr- escalate in Syria. The Iranians are likely to step up the Trump administration ian refugee flows on European democracies, their activities and could strike at Americans in Syria D-RING ROAD is prepared for the next Obama’s policies have not only allowed the deaths of and Iraq. The testing of Trump’s resolve actually POST BOX: 3488 almost a half-million Syrians but also have signifi- begins now. If the United States backs down in the move. If it is, then there is DOHA - QATAR a real chance of reversing cantly weakened America’s global position and the face of these challenges, the missile strike, though a health and coherence of the West. Future historians worthy action in itself, may end up reinforcing the [email protected] the course of global retreat will have to determine whether Vladimir Putin was world’s impression that the United States does not that Obama began. emboldened to move in Ukraine by Obama’s failure have the stomach for confrontation. to carry through on his threat in Syria, or whether Instead of being a one-time event, the missile EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 Democrat’s anti-Trump campaign riles Republicans MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505 Georgia would seem an unlikely venue for a supporters and establishment candidates who keep a DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Democratic revival. Trump won it by about 5 per- respectful and sometimes wary distance. “I’m ready to sup- John Whitesides TEL: 4455 7769 Reuters centage points in November. And its voters backed port him,” former state senator Dan Moody, who was Republican nominees in eight of the last nine presi- endorsed by US Senator David Perdue, said of Trump in an dential contests, including the last six in a row. interview. But “I’m not going to jump over a cliff with him.” LOCAL NEWS SECTION But demographic changes are brewing. Growing Grassroots Democratic groups flood the district’s tidy TEL: 4455 7743 fter the crushing electoral minority communities and transplants from other suburban neighbourhoods on the weekends, busing in volun- losses that swept Donald regions have made Atlanta’s suburbs increasingly teers from as far away as Maryland to go door to door on BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Trump into the White House competitive for Democrats. Georgia’s sixth con- Ossoff’s behalf. The Ossoff momentum worries Republicans, TEL: 4462 7535 and sealed Republican control gressional district, the location for April’s special say party officials, and outside help has arrived. A super PAC of the US Congress, the Demo- election, exemplifies changes common in booming aligned with House Republican leaders put more than $2 mil- SPORT NEWS SECTION crats’A road to recovery winds through the southern cities like Atlanta, Charlotte and Nashville. lion into ads painting Ossoff as too young and inexperienced. TEL: 4455 7745 leafy, well-heeled suburbs of north The district is white collar, educated and doing Ossoff played down the strategic value of a possible upset. Atlanta. Here, Democrats are threatening well economically, with median household incomes “The national implications here will be about how this ONLINE SECTION a stunning special election upset that could of $80,000 versus $50,000 statewide, and nearly affects the political calculus for folks in the Republican confer- TEL: 4462 7501 signal how well the party can turn Trump’s 60 percent of adults holding a college or profes- ence in the House, not about how Democrats are supposed to [email protected] low approval ratings into political gains. sional degree, more than twice the statewide run in the midterms,” he said. In a low turnout special election, And they appear to have an ally in the average. It is also increasingly diverse, and in recent getting supporters to the polls is vital, and Democrats have PUBLIC RELATIONS April 18 vote: Trump himself. years became a magnet for well-educated immi- voted early in greater numbers than Republicans so far. In the first congressional election of grants from India and other parts of Asia. “We aren’t panicking, but there is concern,” said Maggie TEL: 4455 7613 the Trump era, a wave of grassroots anti- The district was about 80 percent white at the Holliman, a member of the Republican state executive com- [email protected] Trump fervour has positioned Democrat turn of the century. But since then, the black share of mittee. Ossoff’s best chance is to win the April 18 vote, a Jon Ossoff, a 30-year-old political new- the population has grown from 10 percent to 13 per- “jungle primary” that features all 18 candidates from both ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT comer, to possibly capture a House of cent, the Hispanic share has doubled to 12.5 percent parties on the same ballot. If no one reaches 50 percent, the TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Representatives seat held by Republicans and Asian representation doubled to more than 10 top two vote getters square off on June 20. FAX: 4455 7870 for decades, one of 24 seats Democrats percent. About a fifth of the district is now foreign Republicans are confident they can win a one-on-one [email protected] need nationwide to reclaim the House. born – twice the statewide average, according to race with Ossoff, as the party unites with organisational and “The grassroots intensity here is elec- census data. Though newer immigrants may not be financial help pouring into the Republican-majority district. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT tric, and it’s because folks are concerned eligible to vote, census data indicate more than 40 “There is a chance Ossoff can win without a runoff, but TEL: 4455 7857 that what is happening in Washington percent are naturalized citizens, potentially bringing that’s his only chance. He’s benefiting from unified Demo- [email protected] doesn’t represent our values,” Ossoff said a different set of views on issues like immigration to cratic support and Republicans being highly divided,” said in an interview. “This is a chance for this the table than the voters in this district who sent Georgia-based Republican strategist Joel McElhannon. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION community to stand up and make a state- Trump adviser and former speaker of the House Polls show Ossoff hovering in the low 40s, not enough to TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 ment about what we believe.” Newt Gingrich to Congress for 10 straight terms. avoid a runoff. The leading Republican, former Secretary of FAX: 44557819 With Democrats desperate for signs of April’s special election fills the seat vacated by State Karen Handel, is well behind. Handel has been cau- hope after Hillary Clinton’s loss to Trump, Tom Price, the new secretary of health and human tious in talking about Trump. She said in an interview she [email protected] Ossoff’s underdog “Make Trump Furious” services. It gives both parties a chance to test their expected to work with him on issues such as tax reform and campaign has endeared him to national messages for election battles next year in suburban border security, but “first and foremost” she would be a con- anti-Trump activists and pushed him well districts where Democrats need to make inroads servative advocate for her district. All thoughts and views ahead of 17 rivals in polls. The documen- and where Trump’s populist economic message did By contrast Republicans Bob Gray, a local business exec- expressed in these columns tary filmmaker and former congressional not sell well in November. While Price sailed to re- utive, and Bruce LeVell, head of Trump’s national diversity aide raised a jaw-dropping $8.3 million in election with 62 percent of the vote, Trump barely coalition, pledge undivided loyalty to the White House. Gray are those of the writers, not the first quarter, his campaign said. beat Clinton in Georgia’s sixth district by one per- said he was the Republican in the race who performed the of the newspaper. “I’ve never seen the Democrats around centage point. In 2012, Republican Mitt Romney behind-the-scenes political groundwork for Trump in the here so engaged, and it’s Donald Trump beat Democratic President Barack Obama in the district. LeVell pulled out his cellphone and showed a All correspondence who got us so engaged,” said Carolyn Had- district by 23 points. Republican candidates nation- reporter text messages from Trump aides Kellyanne Conway, regarding Views and away, 77, a veteran party activist and wide will closely watch the result as they calculate Sarah Huckabee Sanders and even Trump son-in-law Jared Opinion pages should be retired software engineer from Marietta, a whether to embrace the president. Kushner to prove his insider status with the White House. city of about 60,000 people in Georgia’s The 11 Republicans in the race have split “If people are looking for someone to help Trump, I’m mailed to the central Cobb County. between those who portray themselves as Trump their guy,” he said. [email protected] 12 ASIA MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 Navies of China and India rescue ship hijacked by Somali pirates

New Delhi location of pirates, if still on arrived on the merchant ship, in the region as part of an over- AFP board," a statement from the while the Indian Naval helicop- seas deployment. After receiving a distress call on Saturday defence ministry said. ter provided air cover for the The joint action comes amid he navies of India and night, the Indian warships established contact Emboldened by the helicop- rescue operation. a recent strain in ties following China carried out a joint with the captain of the merchant vessel who ter cover and on receiving the "It has been established that the Dalai Lama's visit to the Toperation yesterday to had locked himself in a strong room along with all-clear signal that no pirates all 19 Filipino crew members are Indian border state of Arunachal rescue a merchant ship hijacked were visible on the upper decks, safe," the statement added. Pradesh, parts of which China by Somali pirates in the Gulf of the rest of the Filipino crew. some crew members gradually The bulk carrier, OS 35, was claims as its territory. Aden, the Indian defence min- emerged from the strong room. travelling from Kelang in Malay- Somali pirates began stag- istry said. They searched the ship and sia to the port city of Aden in ing attacks on ships in 2005, After receiving a distress call vessel who had locked himself undertook aerial reconnais- confirmed that the pirates had Yemen when it came under disrupting major international on Saturday night, the Indian in a strong room along with the sance of the merchant vessel... fled overnight. attack from Somali pirates on shipping routes and costing the warships established contact rest of the Filipino crew. to sanitise the upper decks of the A boarding party from the Saturday night. global economy billions of with the captain of the merchant "An Indian Navy helicopter merchant ship and ascertain the nearby Chinese Navy ship then The Indian warships were dollars.

US deploys warships Traditional cart race to Korean peninsula

Washington that Pyongyang could be less AFP Getting ready than two years away from US Pacific Command developing a nuclear warhead he US Navy said yes- ordered the Carl that could reach the continen- terday it had sent a Vinson Strike Group tal United States. carrier-led strike north as a prudent North Korea on Wednesday group to the Korean measure to maintain fired a medium-range ballistic peninsula in a show of missile into the Sea of Japan readiness and Tforce against North Korea's ahead of a US-China summit. presence in the "reckless" nuclear weapons In February, the North programme. Western Pacific: simultaneously fired four bal- The move will raise tensions Spokesman listic missiles off its east coast, in the region and comes hard on three of which fell provocatively the heels of a US missile strike Pyongyang is on a close to Japan, in what it said on Syria that was widely inter- quest to develop a was a drill for an attack on US preted as putting Pyongyang on long-range missile bases in the neighbouring Asian warning over its refusal to aban- capable of hitting the country. don its nuclear ambitions. US mainland with a Last August Pyongyang also North Korea denounced successfully test-fired a subma- nuclear warhead, and Thursday's strike as an act of rine-launched ballistic missile Participants control their bulls during a traditional cart race to mark the Sri Lanka National has so far staged five "intolerable aggression" and one 500 kilometres (300 miles) New Year, in Kaduwela, yesterday. that justified "a million times nuclear tests. towards Japan, far exceeding over" the North's push toward any previous sub-launched a credible nuclear deterrent. Originally scheduled to tests, in what the North's leader "US Pacific Command make port calls in Australia, the Kim Jong-Un hailed as the ordered the Carl Vinson Strike strike group -- which includes "greatest success." Group north as a prudent meas- the Nimitz-class aircraft super- A nuclear-capable SLBM sys- Rhino dead after poaching attack in Nepal ure to maintain readiness and carrier USS Carl Vinson -- is tem would take the North's threat presence in the Western Pacific," now headed from Singapore to to a new level, allowing deploy- Kathmandu of a rhino in the Chitwan poachers enter the area. said Commander Dave Benham, the Western Pacific Ocean. ment far beyond the Korean AP National Forest in nearly three The forest located about spokesman at US Pacific Pyongyang is on a quest to peninsula and a "second-strike" years. 160km south of Nepal's capital, Command. develop a long-range missile capability in the event of an uthorities are searching Soldiers and forest rangers Kathmandu, and bordering "The number one threat in capable of hitting the US main- attack on its army bases. for poachers who killed were scouring the forests and India is protected by the gov- the region continues to be North land with a nuclear warhead, and On Thursday and Friday, US Aa rare one-horned rhi- nearby areas for the people who ernment and guarded by armed Korea, due to its reckless, irre- has so far staged five nuclear President Donald Trump hosted noceros over the weekend in the shot the rhino. soldiers. sponsible and destabilising tests, two of them last year. his Chinese counterpart Xi Jin- forests of southern Nepal and The dead animal was dis- Nepal has been working to programme of missile tests and Expert satellite imagery ping for talks during which he cut off the horn, officials said covered on Saturday. increase the number of one- pursuit of a nuclear weapons analysis suggests it could well pressed Pyongyang's key ally to yesterday. Aryal said it was a stormy horned rhinos in Chitwan capability," he said, in an unu- be preparing for a sixth, with US help curb the North's nuclear Forest officer Nurendra night, so forest officers did not National Forest, where the pop- sually forceful statement. intelligence officials warning weapons programme. Aryal said it was the first killing hear a gunshot or spot the ulation has reached 605.

4 more bodies China probes insurance found after Java landslides regulator chief over graft Beijing Tuban Reuters Misconduct Anatolia The Central he head of China's Commission for SEARCH and rescue teams insurance regulator is Discipline have recovered four more Tbeing investigated for Inspection said bodies from landslides on suspected disciplinary viola- Xiang Junbo, head Indonesia's main island of tions, the country's top of China Insurance Java, an official from Pono- anti-graft body said yester- rogo Disaster Management day, bringing the most senior Regulatory Agency said yesterday. financial regulator to date Commission, was "The condition of the into the government's fight suspected of bodies can no longer be rec- against corruption. "serious ognized," Setyo Budiono, China's top leaders have disciplinary head of Emergency Section pledged this year to address violations". of the Agency, was quoted as financial risks and asset saying by detik.com. bubbles. Budiono said the bodies In a brief statement, the liberalisation of investment which have been recovered Central Commission for Dis- rules that provided insurers Indonesian medical staff carrying a slain terror suspect after a raid at a police hospital in after more than seven days of cipline Inspection said Xiang greater latitude to invest searching were taken to the Surabaya. Junbo, head of the China more of their assets at home nearest hospital for identifi- Insurance Regulatory Com- and overseas. cation by the DVI (Disaster mission (CIRC) and a member China's insurance assets Victim Identification) team. Six militant suspects dead in Java attack of the central bank's mone- nearly doubled over the last National Mitigation tary policy committee, was three years, reaching $2.19 Agency said a total of 28 peo- Jakarta a traffic police officer who was Among those arrested was suspected of "serious disci- trillion at the end of 2016. ple have been missing after AP approaching them when he saw Zainal Anshori, a senior figure plinary violations" - a phrase In February, Xiang the landslide, while the local their car stopped at the road- of Jemaah Anshorut Daulah, an that usually refers to graft. appeared at a press confer- agency said the figure might ix militant suspects killed side," said national police umbrella group of Indonesian It gave no further details. ence where he vowed the be up to 31. in a standoff with police spokesman Rikwanto. extremists that claims allegiance Xiang's name and position insurance regulator would Search efforts will be car- Swere planning to attack "The six refused appeals to to the IS group. has been removed from the take more punitive action to ried out until April 15. police officers in Indonesia's surrender during a standoff that Rikwanto said Anshori had CIRC's website, www.circ. punish short-term speculators Seasonal rains often cause East Java province to seek lasted several hours and were orchestrated Saturday's planned gov.cn, although news about and reduce long-term risk. flooding and landslides in revenge for the arrest of a rad- fatally shot by police". attack. him remains. Xiang said CIRC wouldn't Indonesia, which is comprised ical leader, authorities said On Friday, counterterrorism "They had acted on Anshori's As head of the insurance allow the insurance industry of a chain of 17,000 islands yesterday. police arrested three suspected order as a revenge of his arrest," regulator, Xiang oversaw to become "a rich man's club" where millions of people live "The men were cornered in militants who were allegedly said Rikwanto, citing police rapid growth of the insurance or hideout for "financial in mountainous areas or flood- a village in Tuban district on Sat- planning to attack a police sta- interrogation of other arrested industry, along with crocodiles". prone plains close to rivers. urday after attempting to shoot tion in East Java. militants. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 ASIA 13 Refugees to stay in PNG Religious festival if no US action: Australia Sydney New arrangement camp, which currently holds AFP 380 men, women and If people have been children. sylum seekers sent found not to be Only 36 refugees have taken by Australia to a refugees, then the up the option of staying in PNG, Papua New Guinea expectation is that Dutton said, with others report- camp will be reset- they will be returned edly citing safety fears as a tled there if they are home: Official reason for not wanting to settle notA offered a place in the United in the Pacific country. States, Immigration Minister Successive Australian gov- Peter Dutton said yesterday. US, both Homeland Security and ernments have sought to stem Canberra sends asylum- State Departments, looking at waves of boat migration by peo- seekers who try to enter the each individual case at the ple from war-torn countries, country to offshore processing moment," Dutton said, without using harsh policies including centres in PNG's Manus Island stating how many refugees turning back the vessels. and Nauru, blocking them from might be accepted by A resettlement agreement Catholic priests sprinkle water to bless churchgoers' palm fronds during Sunday mass, resettling in Australia. Washington. with Phnom Penh struck in 2014 marking the start of the Holy Week, inside of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help church, in The conservative govern- He said those who miss out was criticised after only a few Paranaque City, yesterday. ment has instead worked to are "staying in PNG, that's the refugees made the move. relocate those found to be ref- arrangement as it currently The US resettlement agree- ugees within PNG or to third stands". ment hit global headlines earlier countries such as the United "If people have been found this year after President Donald States and Cambodia. not to be refugees, then the Trump reportedly lambasted Five suspected militants dead in Pakistan The push to move the more expectation is that they will be Prime Minister Turnbull during than 800 refugees on Manus has returned home." a phone call and attacked it as Karachi said in a statement. The clash -- the second in sped up with the camp due to Prime Minister Malcolm a "dumb deal". Anatolia One paramilitary soldier the last 24 hours -- occurred close down after a PNG Supreme Turnbull, who is in Port Moresby Canberra has long defended was also killed and another was during a search operation in the Court ruling last year declared for talks with his PNG counter- its policy of denying asylum- ecurity forces killed five sus- injured in the clash, Pakistan's remote Dera Ghazi Khan district, that holding people there was part Peter O'Neill, would not seekers resettlement in pected militants in a clash in army said in a statement, add- situated nearly 500km from unconstitutional and illegal. comment on whether refugees Australia, saying it has pre- Snortheastern Pakistan yes- ing that the said operation was Lahore, the capital of Punjab "There are officials from the would be moved to the Nauru vented deaths at sea. terday morning, the Punjab police still underway. province.

Myanmar boat accident toll Pakistan authorities propose offshore amnesty law rises to 30 Islamabad are finalising the Foreign Asset Ordinance, Foreign Exchange be able to dodge disqualification according to the sources Internews Tax Bill, 2017 to give a general Regulation Act and Anti-Money as they would get immunity from yesterday. Yangon tax amnesty scheme. Laundering Act, sources said. the election law. During his last visit to Kara- AFP n what might be construed as This could be the fourth tax To the public, the scheme To evolve a consensus on the chi, Sharif had called for a controversial move, Paki- amnesty scheme over the last will be presented as an effort to draft bill a meeting of the stake- preparing a consensus draft of RESCUERS yesterday found Istani authorities are planning three years by the PML-N gov- bring back money stashed holders was convened on the scheme. However, this draft more bodies from a boat acci- to give protection from all types ernment. But unlike past, the abroad, but it actually aims at Sunday at the Governor House will be subject to scrutiny of dent in western Myanmar that of fiscal and election laws to authorities are now planning to saving skin of the billionaire pol- in Karachi under the chair of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. has now claimed the lives of those citizens, including those include ‘public officeholders’ iticians and business executives, Sindh Governor Mohammad Ironically, those who had at least 30 people, most of holding public offices, who among the beneficiaries. who are facing problems due to Zubair. earlier facilitated the country’s them guests returning from would declare their foreign Under the draft bill, the tightening of global fiscal laws, However, due to some dif- billionaires to park their wealth a wedding. assets under a new amnesty authorities also want to give pro- said a source. ferences among the stakeholders abroad to evade taxes and hide The boat, called "Silver scheme. tection from prosecution under The politicians who would another meeting will be held ill-gotten money are now Star" in Burmese, sank on Fri- The stakeholders including laws of Election Commission of avail the scheme and declare before presenting the final draft involved in the preparation of day evening in a river near the government and businesses Pakistan, National Accountability their hidden assets abroad would to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the scheme. Pathein, a port city west of Yangon. It was believed to be car- rying around 60 passengers when it collided with another Sydney countryside UN urges Myanmar to release vessel in the dark. Rescuers pulled 21 bod- detained Rohingya children ies from the river on Saturday and have since discovered more victims. Yangon accounts of beatings, torture "We got nine dead bod- AFP and food deprivation inside the ies, three men and six women, jails. Minors are among those today," a police officer at he UN children's agency detained. Pathein police station said. Unicef has called on Unicef's deputy executive It is unlikely there are TMyanmar's government director Justin Forsyth said he many more victims to be to release Rohingya children had given the country's de facto found. A local MP said nine detained as part of a sweeping civilian leader Aung San Suu people were missing. military campaign in Rakhine Kyi details of around a dozen Local media photos state. youngsters being held in showed frenzied scenes as More than 600 people were Buthidaung prison. rescuers worked throughout arrested in an army crackdown "There are some children the early hours of Saturday to on Rohingyas in the north of the that are detained in prison, so wheel stretchers away from restive state. The operation was those are the cases that we're the river and lay bodies launched after deadly attacks raising," he said. "Any child onshore. by militants on police posts in that's detained is an issue for us." Fatal boat accidents are October last year. "Suu Kyi and Myanmar's common in Myanmar, a An Aurizon coal train travels through the countryside in Muswellbrook, north of Sydney, Rohingya escapees in army chief both recognised country with rudimentary yesterday. Aurizon expects three of its four central Queensland coal railways will be neighbouring Bangladesh, "that there's an issue here" but transport and weakly- reopened within two weeks. where more than 70,000 have made no firm committment for enforced safety regulations. fled, gave UN investigators their release".

Dhaka upholds death Blame game begins on Pakistan electoral reform delay Islamabad Committee on Electoral Reforms speaker, the PTI’s member in the verification of voters’ identity nternews “to finalise its recommendations parliamentary committee, Dr and the right of vote to overseas sentence for extremist and lay the bill before the par- Arif Alvi, lashed out at the ECP Pakistanis. ollowing the Election Com- liament for making necessary for, what he called, and shifting He said the ECP officials had Dhaka Last month the trio wrote mission of Pakistan’s legislation and enact the Elec- the blame onto others while earlier committed that they were AFP to President Abdul Hamid Furgent call to finalise leg- tion Act 2017 as early as possible ignoring its role in the mess. ready to use the biometric ver- seeking clemency. islation on the Election Law so the ECP could start and com- He alleged that the ECP did ification system, but later termed top extremist under "But the president has 2017, the government, the oppo- plete its work in time according not seem to be interested in car- it “risky” and said the data could sentence of death has rejected all three mercy peti- sition and the ECP have taken to to the new law”. rying out electoral reform. He be hacked. Alost his last hope of tions," his press secretary shifting the onus of delay onto Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, said the committee had been He alleged that the govern- avoiding the gallows after Joynal Abedin said. one another. who heads the committee, pre- unable to meet for the past two ment and the ECP were hand in Bangladesh's president "Jail authorities would The two main opposition sented the draft Election Law months due to the ECP’s deci- glove with each other. “The rejected a mercy plea, an offi- now go ahead with the exe- parties - the Pakistan Peoples 2017 on Dec 20, last year before sion to boycott its proceedings. delay suits the government as cial said yesterday. cutions," deputy inspector Party (PPP) and the Pakistan both houses of parliament. The PTI member also alleged well,” he said, adding that his Bangladesh's highest general of prisons Touhidul Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) - put He had announced that the that the ECP had been “deliber- party would not allow the ECP court last month upheld a Islam said. Authorities have blame on the government and committee had decided to seek ately delaying” the process to hold next year’s elections 2008 death sentence on Mufti not announced the date of the ECP, whereas the ECP says feedback from all stakeholders which was evident from the fact without enacting electoral Abdul Hannan and two asso- executions. its hands are tied in the absence and that a final draft would be that it had not fulfilled any task reforms first. ciates for an attack on a Bangladesh has suffered of the required legislation. completed within 30 days. There assigned by committee on time. Shazia Marri of the PPP shrine that left three people a spate of attacks on secular The ECP wrote to the has been no progress on the Dr Alvi regretted that there agreed that the ECP had not been dead and injured British high activists, foreigners and National Assembly speaker ear- matter since. had been no progress on the use “pro-active”; however, she held commissioner at the time. minorities in recent years. lier this week asking him to Taking exception to the of Electronic Voting Machines the government responsible for direct the Parliamentary ECP’s move of writing to the (EVMs), biometric devices for the delay. 14 EUROPE MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017

Nato official Truck attacker sees calmer ties between Serbia was facing and Kosovo Cologne Reuters deportation he overwhelming vic- tory of Prime Minister TAleksandar Vucic in honour the dead and to stand Serbia’s presidential election Sweden mourns against terrorism. The first sus- on April 2 could help stabilise Thousands gathered pect, identified only as a the country, a top US and under sunny spring 39-year-old man from Nato military officer said. skies amid a sea of Uzbekistan who was arrested Navy Admiral Michelle flowers and candles hours after Friday's attack, is Howard, who heads Nato’s to honour the dead suspected of having sped a sto- Allied Joint Force Command and to stand against len beer truck several hundred in Naples, said she hoped metres (yards) down the bus- “engineered provocations” terrorism. tling pedestrian street between Kosovo and Serbia Drottninggatan in the heart of in recent months would calm A second suspect has Stockholm. down now that the election been arrested in The vehicle mowed down was over. People attend a memorial ceremony at Sergels Torg plaza in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday connection with the shoppers before slamming into “Now that we’re through close to the point where a truck drove into a department store two days before. attack. the facade of the busy Ahlens the election, perhaps the department store. national leaders will refocus The motive for the attack year. "He applied for a perma- suspicion of a terrorist crime (by 39-year-old was the driver of the on their own countries and Stockholm was not known, but the method nent residency permit in 2014. committing) murder", the same truck. "There is nothing to indicate govern. That’s my hope,” AFP resembled previous attacks The Migration Agency rejected it accusation as against the first that we've got the wrong man. On Howard, who also commands using vehicles in Nice, Berlin in June 2016 and also decided suspect. the contrary, the suspicions have US naval forces in Europe and he suspected Stock- and London, all of them claimed that he was to be expelled," Hys- No other details about the strengthened," Swedish police Africa, said in an interview holm truck attacker by the Islamic State (IS) group. ing said. person were disclosed. chief Dan Eliasson said. late on Saturday after an had shown interest in There has been no immedi- "In December 2016, he was The family of an 11-year-old Police had found a suspect event hosted by the Missile extremist groups and ate claim of responsibility for informed by the Migration Swedish girl have meanwhile device in the cab of the truck. Defense Advocacy Alliance. was facing deporta- the Stockholm attack — the third Agency that he had four weeks confirmed she was one of the "A technical examination is Howard said the region Ttion after being refused in Europe in two weeks, after a to leave the country. In February four people killed in the attack. ongoing, we can't go into what it remained an area of concern residency, Swedish police said car and knife assault outside 2017, the case was handed over The Foreign Office in London is right now... whether it's a bomb for the US military and Nato, yesterday. London's parliament and the to the police to carry out the said Swedish police had con- or a flammable device," Eliasson which still has 4,500 troops A second suspect has mean- Saint Petersburg metro order, since the person had gone firmed to them that a British man said. in Kosovo after intervening while been formally placed bombing. underground," he said. was among the dead, while the Sweden has been trying to get in 1999 to stop Serbia’s kill- under arrest in connection with The 39-year-old suspect in But police apparently never Belgian Foreign Ministry said a back on its feet after what ings of ethnic Albanian the attack that killed four peo- the Stockholm attack "showed found the man, who authorities Belgian woman had been killed. authorities have termed a terror civilians in a counter-insur- ple and injured 15 others, the interest for extremist organisa- have said was known to Sweden's The fourth victim was only attack. Thousands gathered yes- gency campaign. Stockholm district court said tions like IS," police chief Jonas intelligence service for undis- known to be a Swedish national. terday for a "Lovefest" vigil She said Vucic, the outgo- yesterday. Hysing told reporters. closed reasons. 15 people were injured, four of against terrorism and to honour ing prime minister, had run The news came as thou- The suspect had also been Swedish Prosecution Author- whom were in critical the victims at the Sergels Torg for president on a promise to sands of people gathered under due to be expelled from Swe- ity spokeswoman Karin Rosander condition. plaza near the scene of the attack, keep the country moving on sunny spring skies amid a sea den after his residency said meanwhile that the second Police had said Saturday they where a sea of flowers, candles a path toward European of flowers and candles to application was rejected last suspect was arrested "on were increasingly sure the and stuffed toys had been placed. Union accession, which also required a demonstration of economic stability. “If he’s serious, then I think that is helpful for the France decrees to shut oldest nuclear plant country,” Howard said. “As you meet all that criteria, I can only imagine that it’s Paris Flamanville on the Normandy and Swiss environmentalists for unions have also weighed in on helpful for ... establishing sta- AFP coast, "enters service," the years, as well as an enduring the question of Fessenheim, bility and security of decree said. source of friction with fearing the closure of the plant (Serbia).” he French government yes- France's nuclear plant Germany. will lead to the loss of around If Vucic makes good his terday published a decree operator EDF last month said France's minister for ecology 2,000 jobs, directly and vow to continue moving Tfor closing the country's the Flamanville reactor — a and energy, Segolene Royal, on indirectly. towards EU membership, oldest nuclear plant, fulfilling a project that has run into deep Friday had said that the decree The new European Pressu- then Serbia would remain campaign-trail pledge made by problems — will begin opera- would be implemented to meet rised Reactor (EPR) reactor, “balanced between Russian President Francois Hollande who tions in 2019. the 2012 campaign promise. being built at Flamanville influence and the rest of is now in the final weeks of The closure of the twin-reac- "The decree on #Fessenheim alongside two existing reactors, southeast Europe”, Howard office. tor plant at Fessenheim is part closure has been signed and is a novel third-generation said. The decree, gazetted in the of a plan to slash France's published this morning," Royal design touted as the world's Thousands of students Official Journal which publishes dependence on atomic energy. President Francois Hollande: tweeted yesterday. biggest and advanced nuclear and other protesters, who see government decisions, sets down Hollande, who leaves office Keeping his poll promise. "It was promised, now it's reactor. Vucic as an autocrat, rallied the conditions for closing a next month, vowed during cam- been done." But the project, along with in Belgrade last week to pro- nuclear plant at Fessenheim, a paigning in the 2012 election to since 1977, is located on a seis- The conservative opposition another EPR contract in Finland, test at his victory and what plant in eastern France on the close the facility as part of a mic fault line about 100km south has opposed the energy pro- has been plagued by delays and they see as a fraudulent elec- border with southwestern promise to reduce the share of of the French city of Strasbourg gramme, arguing that France's technical problems. tion. Although his new post Germany. nuclear in the energy mix from and about 25km southwest of the nuclear industry is a guarantor Construction of the reactor will be largely ceremonial, Fessenheim will cease oper- 75 percent to 50 percent and German city of Freiburg. of the country's energy inde- began in December 2007, with Vucic is expected to maintain ations when a new reactor, boost the share of renewables. Its closure has been a cam- pendence and a source of cheap an operational start initially his grip on power through his currently being built at Fessenheim, in operation paign target by French, German electricity. The French trade scheduled for the end of 2012. Serbian Progressive Party.

Vucic accused Twilight beckons of election Slovenia PM opposes irregularities tougher border checks Belgrade AFP Ljubljana unacceptable," he said. AFP "Slovenia and Croatia will erbian president-elect present proposals to the Euro- Aleksandar Vucic's main ewly-introduced tougher pean Commission to .. Spoll rival accused the checks on the EU's satisfactorily change this reg- former premier yesterday of Nexternal borders aimed ulation as soon as possible," he "scandalous irregularities" in at stopping suspected Islamist said. an election which handed him fighters from Iraq and Syria are From Friday the EU ordered a first-round victory earlier "unacceptable" and should be systematic checks at the exter- this month. amended, Slovenian Prime nal borders of the Schengen Pro-EU candidate Sasa Minister Miro Cerar said passport-free area under leg- Jankovic, who garnered 16 per- yesterday. islation designed to tackle cent in the April 2 polls The new checks produced "foreign fighters" returning compared to 55 percent for traffic chaos over the weekend from Iraq and Syria. Vucic, called for a partial on the Slovenia-Croatia border, Only hours after they took recount of ballots. a key bottleneck on the so- effect backed-up lines of cars Thousands of demonstra- called Balkan migrant trail shut and buses began forming at the tors, mostly students, have down last year. main border crossings between gathered daily in Belgrade and "The implementation of the Slovenia — a member of the other cities to protest Vucic's EU's directive on the border Schengen area — and non- election, but this is the first time with Croatia has caused totally member Croatia. one of his rivals has alleged poll intolerable conditions over the The chaos frustrated many irregularities. last few days," Cerar said in a holidaymakers from Austria, Jankovic's office said a statement on his Twitter Germany and Switzerland who recount showed that Vucic account. He spoke to Croatian spent hours in queues waiting People watch the sunset on the Cap Ferret, from the beach of the Arcachon Bay in had been been awarded 964 Prime Minister Andrej Plenko- to head to southern Europe for France, yesterday. more votes than were actu- vic on Saturday and both the Easter or spring holiday ally counted. "agreed that the situation is break. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 15 Russian naval activity above Cold War levels: Howard Berlin naval actions in recent years submarine deployments, and splitting and distracting the US and other allied vessels at sea. Russia denies Washington’s Reuters although the size of its navy was submarine movement in the view of the alliance,” she Ties between Moscow and claim that Moscow sought to smaller now than during the Cold Black Sea. said. the West have been strained influence the US election, and ecent Russian naval activ- War era. “They’re a global navy, I Howard’s comments came since Russia’s annexation of the views Nato’s buildup of troops ity in Europe exceeds “We’re seeing activity that understand that. But the activity amid a sharp escalation in ten- Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014 in Europe as a provocation. Rlevels seen during the Cold we didn’t even see when it was in this theatre has substantially sions between Russia and the and its support for separatists in Howard said members of War, a top US and Nato military the Soviet Union. It’s preceden- moved up in the last couple of United States after Washington eastern Ukraine. Nato had rallied to increase their officer said, voicing concern that tial activity,” Howard told years,” Howard said. launched 59 cruise missiles Nato has built up physical capabilities and send a clear sig- the distributed nature of the Reuters in an interview late on She said there was a danger against an air base in Syria in forces in Poland and the Baltic nal about the strength and deployments could end up “split- Saturday during a missile that members of the Nato alli- retaliation for a deadly toxic gas states to build up a deterrent resolve of the alliance. ting and distracting” the defence conference. ance would focus on the area of attack that killed scores of and underscore the strength of She hailed a recent agree- transatlantic alliance. Howard cited a wide range interest closest to them, while people. the alliance, but US and Euro- ment by Germany and Norway Navy Admiral Michelle of activities, including Russia’s losing sight of Russian activities Howard said the Russian pean officials are also to build new submarines Howard, who heads Nato’s Allied deployment of its Admiral in other areas. naval manoeuvres had been increasingly concerned about together as a sign of increased Joint Force Command in Naples Kuznetsov aircraft carrier to the “When ... you think about matched by increased persistent what they describe as Moscow’s cooperation and said she would and commands US naval forces Mediterranean, increased patrols what happens when they move cyber attacks by Moscow, and a use of propaganda and cyber welcome further efforts by in Europe and Africa, said Rus- in the north Atlantic and Arctic forces around, you look at the steady number of unprofessional attacks to influence Western European partners to pool sia had clearly stepped up its region, significant out-of-area alliance and they end up “fly bys” by Russian aircraft of elections. resources.

Cop slain in Metro bomber London attack gets rare honour

had travelled London AP

he body of a police officer killed in last to Turkey Tmonth's attack in Lon- don has been brought to lie in a chapel at Parliament, an Suspect's trail controlled by the Islamic State honour usually reserved for group. senior politicians. Whether Akbarzhon If Jalilov had been in Syria, Constable Keith Palmer Jalilov went on from that would expose a major gap was stabbed to death by Kha- Turkey to in Russia’s counter-terrorism lid Masood inside the gates neighbouring Syria is procedures, which rely heav- of Parliament on March 22. uncertain as facts ily on identifying anyone who Palmer's coffin, draped in a emerge about has been with militants in police flag, was brought to suspected bomber Syria and stopping them from the 13th-century crypt who had recently returning to Russia, or arrest- Chapel of St Mary Undercroft ing them. yesterday, accompanied by become more The coffin containing the body of PC Keith Palmer is unloaded from the hearse at the Palace The metro blast happened police officers and family religious. of Westminster in central London, yesterday. last Monday just as Russian members. President Vladimir Putin vis- Acquaintances say ited St Petersburg. No group has Jalilov disappeared claimed responsibility. But from the end of 2015 Islamic State has threatened French Leftist acts of violence on Russian soil until the start of this Youth held for planting bomb in Oslo in reprisal for the Kremlin’s year. military intervention in Syria in candidate support of President Bashar Al Copenhagen finding his intentions and find listing the locations of extrem- St Petersburg Assad. AP out whether others are ist attacks that have devastated shakes up race Reuters Jalilov, the suspected sui- involved," Aaling said. Europe in the last year. cide bomber, was born in 1995 17-year-old asylum- The youth was not identi- The discovery of the explo- Marseille he man Russian police and grew up in the city of Osh seeker from Russia was fied, but security service head sive Saturday night — found on AFP believe was the sui- in Kyrgyzstan, a mainly Mus- A arrested yesterday in Benedicte Bjornland said intel- the street just outside the cide bomber who lim ex-Soviet Republic in connection with an explosive ligence agencies were aware of Groenland subway station — rench Communist- killed 14 people in a Central Asia. device found near a busy sub- him. He is an asylum-seeker prompted police to evacuate backed presidential blast on the St Peters- Around 2011, he moved to way station in Norway's capital from Russia who arrived in Nor- late bars and restaurants in the Fcandidate Jean-Luc Tburg metro this week developed St Petersburg. He worked in and defused before it detonated, way with his family in 2010, Norwegian capital. Melenchon drew tens of thou- an interest in Islam and soon low-paid jobs for several years. authorities said. Bjornland said. The Oslo explosive was sands of supporters to a mass after travelled to Turkey, two But there is a gap in Jalilov’s The youth was detained on Bjornland also alleged that found less than a mile from the open-air rally yesterday, people who know him said. biography from the end of 2015 suspicion of handling explosives, the youth was part of "extreme government buildings that were underlining his surging pop- The two people said they until the start of this year. Dur- but investigators do not know if Islamism" circles in Norway. damaged in a deadly bomb ularity just two weeks from did not know for sure if the ing that period, several he planned to carry out an "It is likely that the attacks attack carried out by right-wing the unpredictable election. man, Akbarzhon Jalilov, went acquaintances said he disap- attack with the homemade in France, Germany, Great Brit- extremist Anders Breivik in 2011. Polls show far-left Melen- on from Turkey to neighbour- peared from view. device, Signe Aaling, chief pros- ain, Russia and Sweden can That bomb and a subsequent chon closing in on the ing Syria. Turkey has been He reappeared when he ecutor for Norway's PST security create a copycat effect in Nor- gun massacre at a Norwegian frontrunners, 39-year-old routinely used by radical Islam- visited Osh in February this service, said. way with people with Islamist island killed a total of 77 centrist Emmanuel Macron ists as a route into areas of Syria year. "PST is now working on sympathies," Bjornland said, people. and far-right leader Marine Le Pen ahead of the April 23 vote, adding new drama to a rollercoaster campaign. Budapest After strong perform- Canada was born in France: Trudeau ances in two televised debates, several new surveys heaves with this weekend showed him Vimy climbing to third position, AFP with 18-19 percent of voters protests saying they would vote for anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau him. Budapest said his country "was born here" as he Reuters Cled commemorations in France yes- terday for the 100th anniversary of the Battle German military ens of thousands of of Vimy Ridge. Hungarians protested in The battle, which started on April 9, 1917, scours ranks for Tcentral Budapest yes- was one of the defining moments of World terday against new legislation War I and a founding moment in Canada's extremists that could force the Central history as Canadian troops fought under European University (CEU), a Canadian command for the first time. Berlin school founded by US finan- Around 20,000 Canadians made the Reuters cier George Soros, to move journey to their country's memorial in north- out of the country. ern France to mark the centenary, turning he Germany military’s A bill passed in Parlia- the former battlefield into a sea of the red counter-intelligence ment this week by the ruling and white of their country's flag. Tagency is looking into right-wing Fidesz party of Speaking from the towering white struc- 275 suspected right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, ture, Trudeau spoke of the 3,598 Canadians extremists in its ranks, includ- a critic of liberal civil organ- — "most were men in their early twenties" ing a soldier heard saying isations funded by Soros, — who were killed fighting to take control “Heil Hitler”, the Defence targeted CEU by setting of the strategic 8km ridge. Ministry has told parliament numerous new conditions Trudeau said one of the 80,000 Cana- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with people during a in a letter seen by Reuters under which it must dians in the battle, 20-year-old William Bell, commemoration ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy yesterday. operate. had written home on April 7, 1917 to praise Ridge, at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Vimy, northern France, yesterday. About 143 of the cases The bill has led to criti- the cake his family had sent to the trenches. were reported last year and cism from hundreds of Within days, he was killed fighting at Vimy. Trudeau was joined at the memorial by "However, victory came at an unbeara- 53 this year, the Ministry leading academics worldwide "It was through their sacrifice that Can- French President Francois Hollande and Brit- bly heavy cost. This was, and remains, the wrote in its 15-page answer, as well as from the US gov- ada became an independent signatory of the ain's Prince Charles and his sons Princes single bloodiest day in Canadian military detailing incidents of soldiers ernment and the European Treaty of Versailles," Trudeau said, refer- William and Harry. history," he said. performing Nazi salutes or Union. Hungarian President ring to the most important of the treaties Charles, the heir to the throne, said the "Yet Canadians displayed a strength of uttering racist remarks Janos Ader must now sign the that brought World War I to an end. Canadians succeeded where other armies character and commitment to one another against servicemen with bill by today to make it law. "So in that way, Canada was born here." had failed in seizing the high ground at Vimy. that is still evident today... " migrant backgrounds. 16 HOME MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 AMERICAS 17 Fresh anti-Maduro protests erupt in Venezuela

Caracas one of Caracas’s districts. Accord- AFP Violence rages ing to Capriles, the building where Violence broke out he carries out his political activi- rotesters hurling rocks when protesters ties was “attacked with bombs” clashed with police fir- who had gathered shortly after the demonstration. ing tear gas yesterday in east of the city “What is the order of Maduro? To in Venezuela’s fourth changed course at kill us? If something happens, you demonstration in a know who is responsible and what opposition leader Pweek against President Nicolas must be done!” he wrote on Henrique Capriles’s Maduro and his government. Twitter. The rally was marked by request and headed Capriles was among the anger over a ruling from the left- towards the leaders behind demonstrations ist government banning opposition government against Maduro earlier this week leader Henrique Capriles from ombudsman’s that triggered clashes with police. office for 15 years. Around 4,000 office. “This thing that they just did people attended the to Capriles is the product of tyr- demonstration. government ombudsman’s anny,” said Adel Rincones, 61, Capriles narrowly lost the office. who clutched a sign that read 2013 presidential election that The district—home to many “Venezuela is wounded in the brought Maduro to power fol- government offices—is a pro- heart with hunger, misery, cor- lowing the death of his mentor Maduro bastion and the ruption, dictatorship.” Hugo Chavez—father of Vene- president’s supporters were Others at the rally held pic- zuela’s “socialist revolution.” holding a “cultural, sporting and tures of Capriles. “People are tired The government move, recreational rally” there. of so much corruption, hunger and which the 44-year-old Capriles National Guard police fired poverty,” said Vanessa Garcia, 37, announced on Friday, effectively tear gas, water cannon and rub- an optometry student. prevents him from running ber bullets to force protesters back. Protests also erupted in sev- Demonstrators against Nicolas Maduro's government seen amid a tear gas cloud during clashes against Maduro in next year’s Masked demonstrators threw eral other cities, including with riot police in Caracas, yesterday. general election. rocks and Molotov cocktails at unrest-prone San Cristobal in the Yesterday’s violence broke police, said AFP reporters on the west, where masked gunmen demonstrators dispersed. for fomenting yesterday's least 51 people were arrested out when protesters who had scene. At least two police officers reportedly set off explosions, Intelligence Services chief unrest. nationwide in Saturday’s protest gathered in the east of the city were hit by the flaming bottles. causing demonstrators to flee. In Gustavo Gonzalez said some He said Capriles was a leader clashes, 17 of whom were changed course at Capriles’s The initial tally of injuries Caracas, the violent clashes went leaders of a “fascist terrorist of this cell, but did not immedi- released, the NGO Criminal Jus- request and headed towards the stood at 17, according to mayor of on for about three hours before cell” were taken into custody ately comment on his status. At tice Forum said.

7 inmates die Seeking refuge Trump adviser tapped in Amazonas prison as Singapore envoy Palm Beach, Florida Senate confirmation. Sao Paulo, Brazil AP Flynn’s replacement, Lt Gen AP H R McMaster, has been top national security allowed to make changes to SEVEN inmates have died in adviser to President national security structure. a penitentiary in a northern ADonald Trump is the lat- McMaster immediately Brazilian state where riots left est official heading out in an expressed a desire to run a less dozens of prisoners dead ear- ongoing shuffle within the hierarchical organisation and lier this year, according to National Security Council. be more accessible to his staff. authorities. K T McFarland came into Last week, the White House Six of the prisoners died on White House as a deputy to confirmed removal of Trump’s Saturday at the Puraquequara Trump’s first national security chief strategist, Steve Bannon, prison in Manaus, the capital adviser, Michael Flynn. Flynn from the National Security of Amazonas state, the state was asked to resign in Febru- Council, reversing an earlier, prison administration said. The ary amid revelations that he controversial decision to give seventh body was found yes- misled senior administration Bannon access to the group’s terday. It was not clear when officials about his contacts with highest-level meetings. the seventh death occurred. Russian government officials. McFarland worked as a Fox The circumstances sur- McFarland’s impending News analyst before joining rounding all of the deaths are Around 300 Cubans gather in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico expecting to be allowed move was confirmed yesterday Trump’s national security team. under investigation. One of to seek refuge in the United States, yesterday. The US, on January 1, this year, removed the by a senior administration offi- She previously worked for three those killed had been decap- immigration privileges for the Cubans who now need a visa to enter the country. cial who spoke on condition of presidents — Richard Nixon, Ger- itated; another appeared to anonymity. The post requires ald Ford and Ronald Reagan. have been asphyxiated. Unlike in previous prison killings, there was no riot when the deaths occurred, accord- ing to the prison FBI reviews handling of terrorism-related tips administration, and prisoners did not resist the police who responded to the crimes. Washington massacring innocents in an the review as an effort to “err on violence or displays fresh signs of The pace of FBI’s counter- Four prisoners died at same AP Orlando, Florida, club, injuring the side of caution.” radicalisation. FBI Director James terrorism work accelerated with lockup in January, when a series people on in New York City, and The audit is a review of Comey has likened difficulty to the rise of the Islamic State of riots at Brazilian prisons left he FBI has been reviewing gunning down travellers in a Flor- records to ensure proper FBI finding not only a needle in a hay- group, which in 2014 declared more than 120 inmates dead, the handling of thousands ida airport. In each case, suspects procedures were followed. It’s stack but determining which piece the creation of its so-called including more than 50 at Tof terrorism-related tips had been determined not to war- an acknowledgment of challenge of hay may become a needle. caliphate in Syria and Iraq and another Amazonas penitentiary. and leads from the past three rant continued law enforcement the FBI has faced, particularly in Though there’s no indication has used sophisticated propa- Some of those killed had been years to make sure they were scrutiny months and sometimes recent years, in predicting which of significant flaws in how ter- ganda to lure disaffected decapitated or dismembered in properly investigated and no years before the attacks. of tens of thousands of tips the rorism inquiries are opened and Westerners to its cause. By the violence blamed on clashes obvious red flags were missed, The internal audit, which has bureau receives might materi- closed, the review is a way for summer of 2015, Comey has said, between rival gangs. The deaths it was reliably learnt. not been previously reported, alise one day into a viable threat. the FBI to “refine and adapt to the FBI was “strapped” in keep- raised serious questions about The review follows attacks by began this year and is being con- Investigations that go dormant the threat, and part of that is ing tabs on the group’s American Brazil’s prisons, which are over- people who were once on the FBI’s ducted in FBI field offices across because of a lack of evidence can always making sure you cover sympathisers and identifying crowded and understaffed. radar but who have been accused the country. A senior federal law resurface instantly when a sub- your bases,” said a law enforce- those most inclined to commit in the past 12 months of enforcement official described ject once under scrutiny commits ment official. violence.

Oregon voters may decide to Shaking a leg toss constitutional ban on duels

Salem, Oregon if a 172-year-old ban on dueling drafting by second provisional AP by public officials — as in, the legislature in 1845, almost 15 old-fashioned way of resolving years before Oregon’s state- he Oregon Legislature may fights — should be erased from hood, when squabbles were still have an unusual request for the Oregon Constitution. often resolved by duel even dec- Tvoters in the next general The constitutional ban in ades after Hamilton’s death on election that harkens back to that question is Article II, Section 9, the opposite side of the fateful summer day in 1804 when which says anyone who offers, country. a bitter rivalry between U.S. Vice accepts, knowingly participates “They decided that it would President Aaron Burr and the in a “challenge to fight a duel ... not be very civil if two members nation’s first treasury secretary, or who shall agree to go out of of the Legislature disagreed and Alexander Hamilton, was settled the State to fight a duel, shall be then shot each other on the front with a fatal gunshot. ineligible to any office of trust, steps of the provisional capitol,” Should ongoing discussions or profit.” (this is exact language Republican Senator Brian in Salem materialise, voters from the constitution) Boquist said recently during the would see a question on their The article was signed into proposal’s first committee People dance Zumba at the '22 de Agosto' square in Managua, Nicaragua, yesterday. general-election ballots asking law just 30 minutes after its hearing. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017

Cissna to head US steps pressure on Russia ahead of talks US immigration

Washington agency AFP Meeting tomorrow The US Secretary of Trump notifies Congress Palm Beach, Florida S Secretary of State State will meet with AP Rex Tillerson (pic- Russian Foreign tured) will press Minister Sergei of Syria air strikes US President Donald Trump Russia on its failure Lavrov tomorrow, intends to nominate Lee to prevent Syria’s Washington chemical weapons attack on Francis Cissna to head US Cit- just days after the Uuse of chemical weapons in AFP Syrian civilians in southern Idlib izenship and Immigration meetings this week in Moscow, United States fired Province, Syria, that occurred Services. The White House he said in interviews aired cruise missiles at a S President Donald on April 4,” Trump wrote. announced the nomination in yesterday. Syrian air base in Trump notified Con- “I directed this action in a statement yesterday. Tillerson stopped short of retaliation for the Ugress yesterday of the order to degrade the Syrian mil- The US Citizenship and accusing the Russians of com- chemical attack. US missile strikes on Syria itary’s ability to conduct further Immigration Services proc- plicity in a suspected sarin nerve relationship that Russia wishes days after the event, warning chemical weapons attacks and esses immigration and gas attack on April 4 that killed We’re asking and to have with the US.” ominously of further actions to dissuade Syrian regime from naturalisation applications. The at least 87 civilians in Syria’s calling on Bashar Al At the same time, Tillerson “as necessary.” using or proliferating chemical agency is part of Department southern Idlib province. Assad to cease the use and other top US officials made In a letter addressed to weapons, thereby promoting of Homeland Security, where “I don’t draw conclusions of of these weapons. clear that the US objective was House Speaker Paul Ryan and stability of the region and avert- Cissna currently works as complicity at all, but clearly Other than that, there limited to deterring further Senate President Orrin Hatch, ing a worsening of region’s director of immigration policy they’ve been incompetent and is no change to our chemical attacks, and not the Trump gave details on missile current humanitarian in the Office of Policy. perhaps they’ve just simply been military posture, he start of a campaign to oust Assad. strike on Shayrat military air- catastrophe.” Trump has taken a firm out-maneuvered by the Syrians,” “We’re asking and calling on field, launched in retaliation for Trump wrote he “acted in stance on immigration since said. Tillerson said in an interview Bashar Al Assad to cease the use an apparent chemical attack. vital national security and for- his inauguration, passing with ABC’s This Week of these weapons. Other than US warships in the Medi- eign policy interests of the US, executive orders with the program. chemical attacks, he said, “that that, there is no change to our terranean fired 59 Tomahawk pursuant to my constitutional intention of tightening bor- Tillerson meets with Russian is going to be clearly very dam- military posture,” he said. cruise missiles, 0040 GMT Fri- authority to conduct foreign der security and restricting Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov aging to US-Russian relations. “I’m hopeful that we can day at the airfield located near relations and as commander the arrival of travelers from tomorrow, just days after the “I do not believe that the have constructive talks with the Homs in central Syria. in chief and chief executive. certain countries and United States fired cruise mis- Russians want to have worsen- Russian government, with For- US intelligence indicated He added the US “will take refugees. siles at a Syrian air base in ing relationships with the US, but eign Minister Lavrov and have “that Syrian military forces additional action, as necessary Cissna previously served retaliation for the chemical it’s going to take a lot of discus- Russia be supportive of a proc- operating from this airfield and appropriate, to further its at the US Citizenship and attack. sion and a lot of dialogue to ess that will lead to a stable were responsible for the important national interests.” Immigration Services, in the If Syria carries out more better understand what is the Syria.” Office of the Chief Counsel.

Former gym Testing its skills NEWS BYTES employee Famed NYC bakery’s immigrant shoots 2; workers defy US President

ends life NEW YORK: Workers at a famed New York bakery who face a deadline to produce immigration papers are instead defy- Coral Gables, Florida ing the government in public — at President Donald Trump’s AP Manhattan home. The 31 employees of the Tom Cat Bakery will be fired and A FORMER gym employee could be deported if they cannot prove by April 21 that they’re opened fire inside the facility working in the country legally. yesterday, critically wound- The Department of Homeland Security set the deadline ing a manager and another for the workers to show their employment documents. person before he killed him- Many have worked on the gourmet bakery’s production self, officials said. line for much of its 30-year existence. The manager later died at Tom Cat covers a whole city block in Queens, churning a hospital after the shooting out artisanal bread 24 hours a day and delivering it around at Equinox gym, a law in the New York City area. enforcement official who was brief on the investigation said. Colombian soldier dead in rebel The official spoke on the con- dition of anonymity because The future USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) seen underway on its own power for the first time, bomb attack; three others hurt they were not authorized to in Newport News, Virginia, yesterday. The first-of-class ship — the first new US aircraft release the information. carrier design in 40 years — will spend several days conducting builder’s sea trials, a BOGOTA: Colombias army said a soldier has been killed by The shooting happened comprehensive test of many of the ship’s key systems and technologies. an explosive device attributed to a dissident wing of the Rev- about at the upscale mall, the olutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Shops at Merrick Park. Shop- The attack took place early yesterday in the southern depart- pers, diners at mall restaurants ment of Guaviare when soldiers and police were patrolling and people in workout gear ran near a highway. An army statement says three other soldiers to safety or took cover after were wounded and blames the 1st Front of the FARC. reports of gunfire. Dallas emergency siren system hacked “Five gunshots,” Ovi Two inmates charged for slaying Viera, who was washing his Dallas He said his office eventually as we could, taking into consid- hands in the men's locker AP had to shut down the system, eration all of the precautions fellow four prisoners room, told The Miami Herald. which is used to alert people to and protocols we had to take to "It was too loud for it to have allas’ emergency siren shelter indoors during severe make sure that we were not WASHINGTON: Two US inmates were charged in the mur- been a weight dropping. system was hacked over- weather. Technicians are trying compromising our 156 siren sys- ders of four fellow prisoners at a South Carolina maximum Within two seconds, people Dnight, resulting in them to determine how to bring the tem,” he said. security prison, the state’s law enforcement division said yes- just started running out." sporadically sounding for about system back online without the City spokeswoman Sana terday. The four men were found dead in a cell at the Kirkland Miami-Dade police said an hour and a half and forcing risk of it being hacked again, he Syed said investigators believe Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina on Fri- the second victim was in crit- officials to have to shut down said. In the meantime, the pub- the hack came from the Dallas day, according to the arrest warrants. ical condition at a hospital. the system, they said lic has access to other alert area. Vaz said city officials have Denver Simmons and Jacob Philip lured the other four Police have not released the yesterday. systems, including reverse 911. asked the Federal Communica- inmates into the cell, the warrants said, before attacking and names of the shooter and The person or people The sirens were activated at tions Commission for help in strangling them. victims. responsible were able to hack 11:42 p.m. on Friday. Officials determining who was behind “It appears to be an ex- into a part of the system that deactivated the entire system the hack. He said police were Man held for human trafficking employee, managerial was communicating with all 156 eary yesterday. Vaz said the not involved yet. dispute that triggered this of the city’s sirens, Rocky Vaz, sirens went through about 15 “We can’t talk a whole lot GEORGETOWN, DELAWARE: Authorities have charged a shooting,” Miami-Dade Police who heads the city’s Office of cycles of a 90-second siren about the hack itself, because Delaware man with human trafficking following an investiga- Detective Alvaro Zabaleta Emergency Management, said activation. obviously we don’t want this to tion by state and federal officials into an alleged prostitution said. at a news conference. “We shut it down as quickly happen again,” Syed said. operation in Georgetown. Officials say 55-year-old Jorge Arcinieja of Georgetown was arrested. Arcinieja is charged with human trafficking for abuse, trafficking an individual, and conspiracy. He is being held Alabama Governor faces impeachment hearings under $250,000 cash bond. Investigators said they staked out a mobile home in George- Montgomery, Alabama aide before he and his wife got details of his personal life. town and later executed after seeing several men frequent the AP divorced. Bentley has vowed to The governor’s legal team home for a short period of time before leaving. A 25-year-old stay in office despite growing has argued that the proposed woman from the Dominican Republic was found in a bedroom. labama Governor Robert calls for his resignation. He stood hearings are fundamentally Bentley (pictured) will on marble steps of the state Cap- unfair and do not give the gov- Fans say farewell to Chuck Berry Aface impeachment hear- itol on Friday and somberly ernor the adequate opportunity ings beginning today after the acknowledged making personal to respond to accusations. The ST. LOUIS: Fans lined up before dawn yesterday to pay their state Supreme Court gave law- mistakes but maintained he did Supreme Court justices asked for final respects to music legend Chuck Berry, roughly three makers the greenlight to move nothing to merit his removal briefs on the matter to be filed weeks after his death at age 90 near his hometown of St. Louis. ahead with an effort to oust the from office. by today. The Pageant, a club where Berry often performed, opened governor, who is fighting to stay Judiciary Committee quickly “I do not plan to resign. I “It’s disappointing to hear its doors yesterday morning for a four-hour public viewing, in office amid fallout from an announced plans to proceed have done nothing illegal. If the the committee will plow forward which will be followed by a private service and celebration affair with a top aide. with hearings today. people want to know if I mis- while the Supreme Court is con- for musicians family and friends. The Alabama Supreme Court Bentley, a 74-year-old der- used state resources, the answer sidering the case. We have no As fans filed past Berry’s open casket, which has his beloved reversed a short-lived victory for matologist, has been engulfed in is simply no. I have not,” Bent- idea what the committee has cherry-red Gibson ES-335 electric guitar bolted to the inside Bentley when a judge blocked a controversy since recordings ley said. He criticised unnamed planned for today or who its wit- of its lid, a musician outside played Berry standards such as impeachment proceedings. After surfaced in 2016 of him making people he said were delighting nesses will be,” Bentley lawyer Johnny B Goode, Sweet Little Sixteen and Roll Over Beethoven. the high court’s ruling, the House suggestive remarks to a female in exposing the embarrassing Ross Garber said. MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 MORNING BREAK 19

PRAYER TIMINGS Creating a surf Harry Potter play FAJR 03.59 am eyes Olivier Awards SHOROOK 05.17 am ZUHR 11.35 am MAGHRIB 05.56 pm ASR 03.05 pm ISHA 07.26 pm London "Cursed Child" include AP director John Tiffany; Noma Dumezweni, a sup- WEATHER TODAY roducers of "Harry porting actress contender Potter and the for playing the adult Her- o o PCursed Child" hope mione Granger; and 27 C 34 C the play will work its supporting actor nominee magic at British theatre's Anthony Boyle, who plays Minimum Maximum Olivier Awards, where it's Slytherin student Scorpius nominated in 11 catego- Malfoy. ries including best new Best-actress Olivier play. nominees include Glenda Jamie Parker, who Jackson for "King Lear" plays a grown-up Harry and Ruth Wilson for in the stage sequel to J K "Hedda Gabler." The Rowling's wizarding saga, movie-inspired comedy is nominated for best "Groundhog Day," which actor. He's up against Ian recently opened on McKellen for "No Man's Broadway, has eight nom- Land," Tom Hollander for inations, including best A jetski rider enjoys the weather near Brighton Pier on the south coast of England, "Travesties," and Ed Har- new musical, at Britain's yesterday. ris for "Buried Child." equivalent of Broadway's Other nominations for Tony Awards.

YouTubers gather for first European meeting

Amsterdam eight years ago and now a hot tripod or webcam from their another kid starts a channel Anaheim in 2016, organisers AFP venue amid an online own kitchens or living rooms. and wants to be famous," said it was a good debut and Hazy to misty at places at first be- revolution. Amsterdam is VidCon's Michael Gardner, chief oper- the crowd was three times comes relatively hot to hot daytime housands flocked to While such YouTube stars first foray out of the United ating officer, said. larger than the first VidCon in with some clouds. Amsterdam from around as Tyler Oakley, or Hannah States. Organisers are hoping Some 3,500 people from the US eight years ago. HIGH TIDE 04:15 - 17:00 LOW TIDE 10:45 - 22:45 TEurope this weekend to Hart may not be household it may become an annual as far as Latvia, Serbia and "Authenticity" is the key to meet their online video heroes names to most, they have built event, and are also looking Estonia trekked to Amsterdam success for new YouTubers, Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department and mingle with young fans, up a huge fan base among chil- towards the first VidCon in for the three-day event, where Gardner said. "These online eager to learn how they too dren and young adults with Melbourne, Australia, later this industry figures also mixed video stars, they're not on LATEST NEWS can become a YouTube star. their funny, often anarchic year. with creators, or video produc- script, they're being UPDATE They were taking part in videos. "The European place for ers often referred to as themselves." the first VidCon Europe, an off- Though sometimes deal- online video is a few years YouTubers, and fans. "It's like having a real good shoot of VidCon US set up in ing with serious issues, they behind the US one, but it is Although small compared friend, who talks to you every www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Anaheim, southern California, are filmed mostly with a approaching it. Every day to the 26,000 who travelled to day." 20 HOME MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017